The mighty American chestnut poised for a comeback

August 2, 2010 The loss of the American chestnut tree and what it meant to the ecology of our eastern forests is almost incomprehensible to most folks alive today. But a look back in time reveals the incredible value of this remarkable species. » Full Story

• Using minnows for summertime mountain trout
• Downsized baits for summer bass
• Taking care of your mounts
• Fishing and hunting licenses change with the times

Summertime blues

August 2, 2010 It’s August. The dog days of summer are upon the inland waters of Pennsylvania. For many fishermen, catches have slowed to a crawl. Any remaining stocked trout have long vacated the larger streams for cold-water runs deep in the forest canopy. Bass fishermen are wearing themselves out in the heat, casting for the occasional decent fish that seem to bite only at sunrise and sunset. Anglers trolling for walleyes are bringing in a few sluggish, skinny fish that are in need of a good meal. This is a rough period for many fishermen, and not a whole lot of fun. » Full Story

• Summer tactics for small-stream smallmouths
• Dabbling for crappies
• My favorite bass rods
• Sneak preview of hot baits for 2010

Potter County’s Ole Bull?State Park

August 2, 2010 Formed in 1925 as a one-half-acre picnic area, Ole Bull State Park has since expanded to 132 acres in the Kettle Creek Valley of Potter County. Its main drawing card is the remoteness of the area. In fact, the area was once known as the Black Forest because of its once dense tree cover, mountainous terrain, and wilderness habitat. » Full Story

• Tioga County’s Lake Nessmuk
• Kahle Lake in Clarion/Venango County
• Huntingdon County's State Game Lands 322
• Fishing around Philly

Proper field dressing for better tasting venison

August 2, 2010 To ensure the most flavorful tasting game, it is essential for a hunter to know how to quickly and effectively field-dress harvested game. In doing so, the animal will go from the field to the table in prime eating condition. » Full Story

• A do-it-yourself wildlife print frame
• The smell of success, Part II
• The smell of success
• Create a deer sanctuary on your land

Supreme Court issues historic Second Amendment ruling

August 2, 2010 The Supreme Court’s Second Amendment ruling in June symbolically drove the final nail in the proverbial coffin containing the anti-gun force’s argument that only militias have the right to bear arms. The Court’s majority ruling stated unequivocally that the Second Amendment right to own firearms for self-protection refers to individuals. » Full Story

• Guns, games and history
• Make sure a vintage shotgun is a prize, not a problem
• Selecting your best shotshell for spring gobblers
• Western guides recommend modest cartridges with superior accuracy for elk

A squirrelly forest story about fungus that’s among us

August 2, 2010 August is a transitional month for me. The annual trek to Yellowstone country is now another Western memory, and the summer heat normally discourages local trout angling. Looming on the horizon is the early Canada goose season, and perhaps a day or two of seeking doves. The beagle needs to be tuned up for the coming cottontail hunts even though they are still two months away, but the heat may also put a damper on that training for the protection of both the hound and the hunter. » Full Story

• World of a fish hawk is in the eyes of the beholder
• An angler’s tale of change in the natural world
• Wild turkeys have proven to be versatile birds
• An angle for a sunny day of trout fishing

The long and short of plastic worms

August 2, 2010 The shoreline had a shallow edge that extended out no more than six or seven feet. This narrow space was dotted with sparse grass. Below the edge, the bank quickly dropped away. At the center console, the boat’s sonar showed that we were in over 20 feet of water less than 20 feet from shore. » Full Story

• Soft plastics for solid summer bass action
• Turning heads for fishing around docks
• The return of the Vamp
• Jig worming by any other name

A lever-action with powerful reach

September 15, 2009 » Full Story