Hunter is treated for post-exposure rabies

Pennsylvania Game Commission officials announced that a Lancaster County hunter has undergone post-exposure rabies shots after harvesting and field dressing a deer Friday, Jan. 20, in Chester County that ultimately tested positive for rabies.

"The hunter contacted us about his concerns that the deer was unfit for human consumption," PGC wildlife conservation officer John Veylupek said. "The hunter said that he saw the deer standing in a creek, straining and growling and he thought there was a coyote nearby from the sounds the deer was making.

"After gathering information from the hunter, as well as samples for testing, it was determined that the deer was rabid. Because the hunter had scratches on his hands and had field dressed the deer without wearing gloves, we considered this a human exposure and urged him to contact his doctor about post-exposure rabies shots."

PGC wildlife veterinarian Dr. Walter Cottrell reiterated the agency's long-standing recommendations that hunters and trappers avoid harvesting animals that appear sick and to wear rubber or latex gloves when field dressing any mammal.

"All mammals are susceptible to rabies and can spread the virus in the right circumstances," Cottrell said. "To prevent the spread of wildlife diseases, we encourage hunters and trappers to contact the Game Commission about any animals that they encounter that may appear to be sick, and when field dressing any mammal, it is critical to wear rubber or latex gloves to prevent exposure to not just rabies, but also to other disease organisms."

For more information on rabies, visit the PGC website at www.pgc.state. pa.us.

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This year's Greater Philadelphia Outdoor Sports Show concludes today and Sunday at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center, Oaks. Show hours are: Today, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; for information and tickets, access the website at www.sportshows.com.

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Hunters may purchase a second spring gobbler tag until midnight, Friday, April 20, at any issuing agent or through the Pennsylvania Game Commission website, however, those who purchase the second spring gobbler tag through the agency's website should expect a wait of 7-10 days for shipping, depending on the volume of other online purchases.

Also, all sales of the second spring gobbler tag will cease at midnight April 20, which is the day before the one-day season for junior license holders and those participating in the Mentored Youth Hunting Program.

Hunters may purchase just one second spring gobbler license during a license year, as the season limit remains two spring gobblers, and the daily limit is one bird. Fees set by state law for the special license are $21.70 for residents and $41.70 for nonresidents, and for online orders, there are additional shipping and handling costs.

This year's spring gobbler season will run from Saturday, April 28-Thursday, May 31. Legal hunting hours for the opening day of the spring gobbler season through Saturday, May 12, is one-half hour before sunrise until noon; the remainder of the season, beginning Monday, May 14, has legal shooting hours of one-half hour before sunrise until one-half hour after sunset.

Hunters are also reminded as of Monday, Feb. 13, it is no longer required to display their license on an outer garment. They are required, however, to carry a form of identification, which can be a current or expired driver's license.

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Applications are being accepted for the 18th annual Rivers Conservation and Fly Fishing Youth Camp being held Sunday-Friday, June 17-22 at the Allenberry Resort in Boiling Springs for applicants between the ages of 14-17.

This camp has a highly structured curriculum is based on college-level classes that includes ecology, aquatic biology, geology, hydrogeology, erosion and sedimentation control, ichthyology, riparian corridor protection, watershed management and entomology. Students also participate in a hands-on stream habitat improvement project.

Fly fishing and fly tying is included with nationally known instructors to teach the students fly casting, fly tying, stream etiquette and how to "read" the water. Camp is limited to 32 selected qualified students, and cost is $350 for the entire week, including meals and accommodations.

For more information or an application brochure contact the camp at Rivers Conservation and Fly Fishing Youth Camp, Box 71, Boiling Springs 17007, or on the Web at www.riverscamp.com.

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Schuylkill County Chapter of Pheasants Forever will hold its annual banquet, Saturday, Feb. 25, beginning at 4:30 p.m., at the Community Fire Company, Landingville. For information, call Craig Morgan at 570-739-2627.

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This week's edition of "Experience The Outdoors," hosted by award-winning Pennsylvania Outdoor Writers Association member Doyle Dietz, Sunday, at 7 a.m. on 1410 WLSH and 9:30 a.m. on Magic 105.5, will feature Pennsylvania Game Commission Southeast Region director Doug Killough.

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A trap shoot will be held, Thursday, Feb. 23, beginning at 6 p.m., at Orwigsburg Gun Club, Gun Club Road, off Route 443 East, Orwigsburg. For information, e-mail jafone@comcast.net.

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Schuylkill Spurs Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation will meet, Thursday, March 1, beginning at 7:30 p.m., at 633 Hancock St., McAdoo. For information, call Kevin Titus at 570-668-5903.

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Schuylkill Spurs Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation will hold its annual banquet, Saturday, March 10, beginning at 5 p.m., at the Community Fire Company, Landingville. For information, call Jeff Post at 570-366-7783 or Mike Corbin at 570-929-1622.