ADDITIONAL STATE FOREST ROADS OPEN

[WhiteFeather]

Got this one from the federation

From: PA Federation of Sportsmen's Clubs [mailtofsc@pa.net]
Sent: Friday, October 10, 2008 12:37 PM
To: PFSC
Subject: State forest roads open for hunting

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIOct. 1, 2008 Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
Commonwealth News Bureau
Room 308, Main Capitol
Harrisburg, PA 17120
CONTACT: Terry Brady
(717) 772-9101


ADDITIONAL STATE FOREST ROADS OPEN

FOR START OF DEER HUNTING SEASONS



HARRISBURG -- Deer hunters heading into Pennsylvania’s state forests Saturday for the start of archery season will find additional roads open in 17 of the 20 state forest districts, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Michael DiBerardinis announced today.

“A total of 415 miles of newly opened forest roads will be available to archery hunters when they take to the woods in search of deer on opening day,” DiBerardinis said. “By opening normally locked gates, the Bureau of Forestry hopes to improve accessibility while promoting hunting in often remote areas where hunting pressure is needed to benefit forest regeneration.”

During archery season, which closes Nov. 15, and the state’s other deer hunting seasons running into January 2009, hunters will find more than 3,030 miles of roadway open in state forestlands.

“Hunters seeking whitetail deer in our state forest will find more than 90 percent of all state forestland is now within one-half mile of an open road,” DiBerardinis said. “We view the archers and other deer hunters as invaluable partners in wildlife management and forest stewardship.”

The DCNR secretary reminded hunters many state parks, especially those in the 10-county Pennsylvania Wilds region, offer inexpensive camping and access to top-quality hunting in nearby state parks and forestland. Wilderness camping, offering hunters a chance to sample hunting far off the beaten path, also is offered in state forests across the state.

“Some of our state parks in the north central area of the state have seen the same parties of hunters camping for years, and our state forest sites hold an unique allure for those who really enjoy ‘roughing it,’” DiBerardinis said.

In addition, many of these campsites are close to state park and forestlands enrolled in the Deer Management Assistance Program (DMAP), permitting hunters to take one antlerless deer or more when properly licensed. All forest districts within the Pennsylvania Game Commission’s Wildlife Management Unit 2G — where antlerless deer licenses quickly sold out — still have DMAP permits available. Hunters are advised to check with state forests district headquarters or state park offices about availability.

DiBerardinis noted the opening of some state forest roads will be determined by local weather and road conditions. He suggested hunters contact district offices in advance for the most up-to-date information.

Some roads only will be opened for the second week of the traditional rifle season because they cannot withstand the expected heavy traffic of the first week. Two- or three-month long openings will be in effect only where there is minimal threat of damage or deterioration to road surfaces or forest surroundings.

Road openings are planned in the following state forest districts and counties:

· Michaux: Franklin, Cumberland and Adams counties;

· Buchanan: Bedford, Blair, Fulton and Franklin counties;

· Tuscarora: Huntingdon, Franklin, Cumberland, Perry, Juniata and Mifflin counties;

· Forbes: Fayette, Westmoreland and Somerset counties;

· Rothrock: Huntingdon, Mifflin, Blair and Centre counties;

· Gallitzin: Somerset County;

· Bald Eagle: Centre, Mifflin, Snyder, Clinton, Union and Lycoming counties;

· Clear Creek: Venango and Jefferson counties;

· Moshannon: Clearfield, Centre, Clinton, Cameron and Elk counties;

· Sproul: Clinton and Centre counties;

· Tiadaghton: Western Lycoming, Clinton, Union, Tioga and Potter counties;

· Elk: McKean, Cameron, Potter and Elk counties;

· Susquehannock: Potter and Clinton counties;

· Tioga: Tioga County;

· William Penn: Berks County;

· Delaware: Monroe and Pike counties;

· Loyalsock: Sullivan, Bradford and eastern Lycoming counties.



A complete listing of open roads, effective dates and district office telephone numbers can be obtained at www.dcnr.state.pa.us (select “Forestry”), or by telephoning the district offices. Camping opportunities and details can be found on the “Forestry” and “State Park” pages.

###



Christina Novak
Press Secretary
Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
(717) 772-9101

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[Dredly]

really makes you wonder why they are close the rest of the year? Its our land (public) so why aren't we allowed to use the roads that we payed for to put on our land?

[P89]

You can use them anytime on horseback, mountain bike, hiking, etc...the only difference is now you can drive your vehicle way back in.

Glad to see Clear Creek open...I'm heading there next weekend.

[Dredly]

You can use them anytime on horseback, mountain bike, hiking, etc...the only difference is now you can drive your vehicle way back in.

Glad to see Clear Creek open...I'm heading there next weekend.

haha just thought of something... Be sure you take a map, a lot of the roads are 1 lane and people aren't going to look for a pull off, especially if they leave em open for rifle season.