Upcoming Events

Friday, March 6; Annual Waterfowl Briefing; Venango County; 1p.
     Representatives of waterfowl organizations, interested hunters and the public are invited to attend a briefing on the status of Atlantic Flyway waterfowl populations and proposed federal frameworks for the 2020-21 waterfowl hunting seasons. The briefing will begin at 1 p.m., at the Game Commission Northwest Region Office, 1509 Pittsburgh Road, Franklin, PA 16323. In addition to reviewing frameworks established by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) for upcoming waterfowl and migratory bird seasons, Game Commission staff will provide updates on current and planned research and management programs, as well as past hunting results. 
     Public comments will be accepted at the meeting; by sending a letter to: Pennsylvania Game Commission, Bureau of Wildlife Management, 2001 Elmerton Avenue, Harrisburg, PA 17110-9797; or via email through WaterfowlComments@pa.gov. Based on public comments and results of previous hunter surveys, Game Commission staff will prepare and present recommended waterfowl and migratory bird seasons, bag limits and related criteria to the USFWS for final approval.
     All migratory bird-hunting seasons and bag limits must conform to frameworks set by the USFWS. States select their hunting seasons within these established frameworks. All selections will appear in the 2020-21 Pennsylvania Hunting & Trapping Digest.

Sat., March 14; WILD About Turkeys Educator Workshop; Elk County; 9a-4p
Teachers, earn 6.5 Act 48 hours while learning about one of Pennsylvania's most intriguing species at this WILD About Turkeys Educator Workshop. Open to formal and non-formal educators working with students in grades 6-12, this engaging workshop will explore the natural history and habitat needs of the Eastern Wild Turkey, historical and current management strategies, and research techniques including a demonstration of trapping and banding methods. The agenda will include both indoor and outdoor activities. Participants should dress comfortably and be prepared for any weather. Snacks and drinks are provided. Lunch is not provided, please bring your own lunch. This free workshop is March 14^th. Pre-registration is required by March 6th. Space is limited to 30 participants. For more information and to register, call the Elk Country Visitor Center at 814-787-5173. 

Wed., March 18; Art of Turkey Calling; Northumberland County; 6p
Join us for this event at SteelStacks in Bethlehem. The evening includes presentations by world champion caller Matt Morrett of the Pennsylvania Game Commission, Christian Berg and Jessica DeLorenzo of Petersen's Bowhunting, live auction featuring an African Safari, steelhead and turkey hunting excursions and more. Tickets, are on sale now at steelstacks.org for only $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Proceeds benefit the nonprofit ArtsQuest's free Step Outdoors festival for kids and the local chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation. Ticket link: https://www.steelstacks.org/event/9736/the-art-of-turkey-calling/. Facebook Event Page:
https://www.facebook.com/events/1008470572859426/

Mon., April 6 and Tues., April 7, 2020 Board Meeting

The April 2020 meeting will be held at the Game Commission's headquarters, 2001 Elmerton Ave., just off the Progress Avenue exit off Interstate 81 in Harrisburg, Dauphin County. Details will be released closer to the meeting date. Public comment – limited to five minutes – will be accepted at this meeting on a first-to-register, first-to-speak basis. Following the conclusion of public comment, the board will take up its regular agenda, then will discuss new business. Those unable to attend the meeting can watch much of it from home. The meeting is scheduled to be live-streamed beginning with staff reports on Monday. In addition, the full board meeting on Tuesday is to be live-streamed, immediately following public comment. The livestream can be viewed on the agency's YouTube channelOpens In A New Window.

The agenda for the January meeting will be available here roughly two weeks before the meeting.

Thursday, April 9; WILD About Falcons EducatorWorkshop; Lebanon County; 9a-3p.
Teachers, non-formal educators, homeschoolers, and youth group and scout leaders are invited to attend a free peregrine falcon educator's workshop, “WILD About Falcons,” at Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area in Kleinfeltersville. The workshop is sponsored by the Department of Environmental Protection and Pennsylvania Game Commission, in cooperation with ZOOAMERICA North American Wildlife Park and the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Participants will explore the successful peregrine falcon reintroduction in Pennsylvania, their natural history, highlighting their numerous adaptations, and endangered species concepts. Participants will also enjoy the opportunity to observe a live falcon and time in the field honing raptor identification skills. The workshop will be led by several peregrine falcon experts, including Art McMorris, peregrine falcon coordinator for the Game Commission. Participating teachers are eligible for 5.5 Act 48 credit hours. Registration is required. To register, contact the Environmental Education and Information Center at (717) 705-3767 or ra-eplearningcenter@pa.gov by April 3, 2020. Space is limited, registrations will be accepted on a first-come, first-service basis

Aug. 7-9; Art Show at Middle Creek’s Visitors Center; Lancaster County
Friday, August 7: 1-6p; Saturday, August 8: 9a-6p; Sunday, August 9: 10a-4p. Learn about Middle Creek.

Sunday, Sept. 27; National Hunting and Fishing Day at Middle Creek; Lancaster County; 11a-5p
Learn about Middle Creek.

HUNTER-TRAPPER EDUCATION CLASSES; January - November
This six-hour training is required by law for all first-time hunters and trappers before they can buy a license. You must pass a certification exam at the end of the class to complete this training. Check the class calendar to find a course near you. An online course is An online course is available at any time for those who are at least 16 years old.

FIELD DAYS; Spring & Summer
Field Days introduce participants to outdoor sports such as archery, trapping, and hunting through closely supervised hands-on activities. An adult must accompany all youth participants and can accompany more than one youth. Please ensure that your child meets the age requirements of the Field Day that you are registering for, as each event is different. If you are interested in hosting a Field Day, please contact recruitakid@pa.gov.