W - NWTF Pennsylvania

JAKES
| Page 11
Hunt.
Conserve.
Share.
PA State Chapter
2016 Spring Subsidy Offer
| Page 4
2016 Winter Edition
A Publication of the PA State Chapter of the NWTF
Volume 41 Number 2
P A N W T F. O R G
Fellow Members,
It really doesn’t seem like that
long ago that I was writing my first
letter for Turkey Talk. Now I find
myself writing my last as president.
I thought quite a bit about the
things that I have learned as
president and what I wanted to
pass on. The thing that has made
its mark on me the most is the
members of this organization. I
have never been associated with
anything in my life that has the
passion and the commitment, as
the members of this state do. There
are so many committed volunteers
that make so much happen in the name
of conservation it continues to amaze
me. I could fill this entire issue with
stories of what the chapters in this state
have done just this year. You need to
know that we are continuing to make a
difference. Thank you for what you’re
doing and all that you have done.
I’m sure many of you have read some
info on the request that we made to
the PGC regarding a turkey license.
It’s important for the members to
understand the benefits to this license
and the importance of your support
in someday getting a license. In many
WMU’s across the state our turkey
population is in decline. We still have
much to learn. A turkey hunting
license will identify the number of
turkey hunters in order to support
communications and safety initiatives,
improve methods to provide better
wild turkey management data, support
increased habitat management
programs, and support the future for
the wild turkeys in Pennsylvania. Our
wild turkey resource is a valuable asset
to Pennsylvania. During the past 25
years Pennsylvania Game Commission
has completed wild turkey restoration
throughout the Commonwealth. Wild
turkey management is now shifting
focus to acquiring additional wild
turkey population and turkey hunter
management data while helping
Pennsylvania remain a leading wild
in this issue
4
6
8
10
11
2016 PA Chapter Subsidy Offer
12
13
14
16
17
18
turkey research and resource management
state. We will continue to educate our
membership, the general public, our
partners and those that oppose this very
important management tool. Its value is
well worth the fight.
The state board is looking for a few good
members to serve on the board. Our next
meeting is January 10th the Sunday after
the awards banquet in State College. If
you have been thinking about a bigger
role in the NWTF please consider joining
the state board.
Thank you all for the support and
the friendship during the past two
years. I look forward to supporting
Ralph Martone our new president and
continuing to work towards our goals
in the Save the Habitat, Save the Hunt
initiative.
God Bless you all,
Sam McCartney
Turkey Hunters Care
Nittany Valley Longbeards Youth Field Day
Jerry Zimmerman Memorial JAKES Day
Turkey Hunting License Benefits Statement
PA NWTF License Plate
Save The Date!!
Hunting Heritage Banquets
The Essence of Wild Turkey Habitat:
Nesting Habitat
Whose Turkey Is It
Earl Mickel Memorial Youth Calling Contest
Arney Haden JAKES Day 2015
National Wild Turkey Federation Mission Statement:
Dedicated to the conservation of the wild turkey and preservation of our hunting heritage.
2
panwtf.org
Turkey Talk Winter 2016
p a n w t f. o r g
Winter 2016 Issue
Vo l u m e 4 1 N u m b e r 2
P E N N S Y LVA N I A
Turkey
Talk
Pennsylvania
State Officers
Chairman
Cody Chapman
Art Director/Designer
Katrina Skrapits
Questions or comments?
Email PA NWTF at:
[email protected]
Copyright 2016
The Pennsylvania Chapter
of the National Wild Turkey Federation
Pennsylvania Turkey Talk is published quarterly by the Pennsylvania Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation. Information in this publication is
provided “as is” and without warranties of any kind, whether express or implied. The Pennsylvania Chapter of the NWTF makes no guarantees as to
accuracy, currency, quality or fitness of any information presented in this publication. The Pennsylvania Chapter of the NWTF assumes no legal liability
or resposiblity for any incorrect, misleading, outdated or missing information. The views and opinions expressed in Turkey Talk are those of the writers,
who are responsible for the accuracy of content. They do not necessarily reflect the views of the Pennsylvania Chapter of the NWTF. The acceptance
of advertising by the Pennsylvania Chapter of the NWTF does not constitute an endorsement of the products or services advertised. The publisher
assumes no responsibility or liability for the publication of copy submitted by advertisers. The Pennsylvania Chapter of the NWTF reserves the right to
cancel or reject articles or advertising deemed inappropriate or unsuitable for Turkey Talk. Anyone using any information from this publication does
so at their own risk, and shall be deemed to indemnify the Pennsylvania Chapter of the NWTF. The publisher shall not be responsible or liable for any
damage or injury resulting from such use. National Wild Turkey Federation Inc. PO Box 530, Edgefield, SC 29824-0530
PA State Staff Directory
Phil Ferrare
Director of Field Operations
814-796-6983 • [email protected]
2924 Haskins Road,
Waterford, PA 16441
Ray Smith
Regional Director
Eastern PA
570-220-1535 • [email protected]
6391 Rt.654 Hwy,
Williamsport, PA 17702
Skip Motts
Regional Director
Western PA
570-619-8880 • [email protected]
176 Anglemire Drive
Stroudsburg, PA 18360
Shawn Weddle
Regional Director
South Eastern PA MD, DE, NJ
240-446-9547 • [email protected]
23715 Leathers Road,
Smithburg, MD 21783
Mitchell R. Blake
Regional Biologist
814.977.0007 • [email protected]
204 S. Stoner Ave.
Shiremanstown, PA 17011
Kristen Giger
Project Biologist
814-450-1614 • [email protected]
22046 Route 6,
Warren, PA 16365
President
Sam McCartney
155 Greens Valley Rd, Center Hall, PA 16828
814-359-2338
[email protected]
Vice President
Ralph Martone
1611 Old Butler Rd, New Castle, PA 16101
724-674-8450
[email protected]
Secretary
Dennis Wade
9833 Fillinger Rd, Cranesville, PA 16410
814-756-3669
[email protected]
Assistant Secretary
Cody Chapman
425 Saco Rd, Ulster, PA 18850
570-637-3115
[email protected]
Treasurer
Jim Panaro
224 Buck Rd, Ebensburg, PA 15931
814-344-6632
[email protected]
Chairman Of The Board
Tom Bunty
2050 Park St, Dover, PA 17315
717-309-5336
[email protected]
Executive Officer
Joe Drolet
124 Pine Bridge Ln, Lancaster, PA 17603
717-940-9310
[email protected]
Walter Bingaman
Regional Director
Northern PA
570.274.1633 • [email protected]
861 Sunbury Road,
Shamokin Dam, PA 17876
Sean Langevin
Regional Director
Northeastern PA, NY, CT
607-427-5795 • [email protected]
10 Ritchie Road
Binghamton, NY 13901
Send us your articles and high resolution photo submissions to:
tur [email protected]
For sending digital photos, follow these guidelines:
• Digital images must be 5x7 inches at 200 dpi for use in Turkey Talk.
• Always try to identify the person(s) in the photo.
• Photos taken from a cell phone are not print quality and may not be accepted.
Deadline for submitting articles for the
2016 Spring Issue of Turkey Talk is FEBRUARY 29
p a n w t f. o r g
Winter 2016 Turkey Talk
3
January 2016
Dear Pennsylvania Member:
The Pennsylvania State Chapter Board of Directors is pleased to offer its members the opportunity to
purchase Triple Threat Clover Strut & Rut Mix at a subsidized price. The Pennsylvania State Hunting
Heritage Super Fund will pay for 50 percent of the subsidized portion of your order.
Annual members are allowed 1 bag of seed at the subsidized price.
Sponsor members are allowed total of 2 bags of seed at the subsidized price.
All orders are filled on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. Quantities are limited on
subsidized seed due to the dollars allocated to the program. For shipping allow 2 to 3 weeks from the date
your order is entered in our system. Additional bags of seed may be purchased in unlimited quantities
using the non subsidized portion of the order form.
Strut and Rut Triple Threat Clover Mix is a concentrated, pre-inoculated clover mix including
Crimson, Patriot and Durana clovers. This mix will provide high quality food and cover for wild turkeys,
deer and other wildlife. This mix is adapted to most sites and will stay established for several years with
proper maintenance. Prepare the seedbed by disking or harrowing the ground. Create a smooth seedbed.
Follow the recommendations on amounts of lime and fertilizer. Broadcast seed over one acre. Cover seed
¼” deep using a drag or cultipacker to insure good seed to soil contact. Soil pH should be 6.0 to 7.0.
Normally can be planted early fall or early spring depending on location.
Every bag purchased results in the establishment of quality wild turkey brood habitat. Your efforts
support the PA State Chapter efforts to Save the Habitat. Save the Hunt. Your membership and financial
support at NWTF Hunting Heritage Banquets helps make this program possible and allows the NWTF to
address high priority habitat needs in your state. THANK YOU!
Sincerely,
Sam McCartney
Pennsylvania State Chapter President
National Wild Turkey Federation
www.panwtf.org
4
NATIONAL WILD TURKEY FEDERATION [email protected]
Turkey Talk Winter 2016
p a n w t f. o r g
Pennsylvania Subsidy Offer Spring 2016
Super Fund pays a percentage of the subsidized portion of your order
Ship to information:
Member #:
Will not ship to PO Boxes
Member type:
Please print or type
Name:
Name:
Address:
Address:
City/State/Zip:
City/State/Zip:
Day Phone #:
Day Phone #:
Email:
Add’l Phone #:
Email:
Call (800) THE-NWTF Membership Department
for changes to your mailing address.










(Print clearly, this info will NOT be shared)
Only submit one order form per member.
Member number must be in the state of subsidized offer. (Example: FL cannot participate in AL, GA cannot participate in SC, etc.)
Orders must be completed on this form and submitted to the address listed by mailing or faxing.
No orders will be taken by phone or email.
For credit card security purpose
Offer for adult members only. JAKES are ineligible to participate.
DO NOT SEND BY EMAIL.
Limited quantity – first come first served – while supplies last.
If you are not planting immediately, care should be taken for storage of seed. Limited guarantees are at the discretion of the vendor
supplying the seed.
Do not tear or cut this form – return entire form with all fields completed.
To avoid duplications, submit your order once. (fax or regular mail). Do not send multiple times.
To check on order call 800-843-6983 opt. 1 sales. Allow minimum 1 week for processing, have your member number available.
Annual members allowed:
Sponsor members allowed:
Limits:
1 bag of seed
2 bags of seed
NOTE: If you have a question concerning your membership level please call 800-843-6983 and ask for Membership.
Plants 1 acre.
See statement above for qty limitations.
Item Cost
0055765156010000
Triple Threat Clover Mix (12 lb)Crimson, Patriot & Durana
$33.00 ea
Qty
Triple Threat Clover Mix (12 lb) NON subsidy
Total Amount
x
$
NO limits on quantities of NON subsidized items below.
0055765157010000
Prices include shipping.
Prices include shipping.
$65.00 ea
x
$
Grand Total for all Items:
Return form and payment to:
To avoid duplication
ONLY submit your form once
(fax or regular mail)
Payment
Credit Card:
Signature:
Credit card
Money order
Check #
National Wild Turkey Federation
Attn: PA Seed Offer
PO Box 530
Fax: 803-637-9180
Edgefield, SC 29824
$
For credit card
security purpose
DO NOT
SEND BY EMAIL
Make payable to National Wild Turkey Federation
Exp. Date:
Date:
p a n w t f. o r g
/
Source Code: PA SS 16
Winter 2016 Turkey Talk
5
The Essence of
Wild Turkey Habitat:
Nesting Habitat
by Mitchell Blake, Regional Biologist
Wild turkey habitat in
Pennsylvania, boiled down,
contains three critical
elements: good nesting
habitat, good brood
rearing habitat, and a good
winter food source. To a
land manager or hunter,
these necessities look like
young forest, openings/
agriculture, and mature
woods/agriculture land. The
amount and arrangement of
these critical habitats on the
landscape plays a major role
in maintaining, sustaining, or
even growing a wild turkey
population in an area. That
being said, several other
habitats are needed to sustain
a turkey throughout the
year, but their abundance or
overlap with other habitat
requirement deems them
less critical. For instance,
roosting habitat is seldom
a critical component on
the Pennsylvania landscape
because over 60% of the state
is forested. If we were in the
bottomlands of Oklahoma,
roosting locations may be
a critical habitat due to
the scarcity of trees, but
in Pennsylvania, trees are
not a limiting factor. Some
habitat requirements serve
different roles at different
times of the year to wild
turkeys. One example would
be the opportunity of nesting
habitat doubling as escape
cover for young broods.
Thickets, timber harvest, and
other brushy habitat that
have been created to serve as
nesting habitat in the spring
6
Turkey Talk Winter 2016
p a n w t f. o r g
can also function as escape
cover in late spring/summer
if positioned opportunistically
on the landscape.
When thinking about
nesting habitat, three things
should come to mind:
structure, distribution, and
interspersion. Structure
is the foundation of
quality wild turkey nesting
habitat. Without structure,
nesting habitat is not really
functional. Hens are most
vulnerable to predation while
they are sitting on the nest.
Structure conceals the hen
and protects the nest from
predators. Nesting structure
can vary greatly across the
landscape and can take on
various forms at different
times during the nesting
season. Most hen’s initial
nesting attempts are going to
occur before spring greenup; the forest will still be
dormant, barren, and devoid
of any ground-level, leafy
protection. Nesting habitat at
this time can be represented
by many things such as
standing dead blackberry and
raspberry canes, slash from a
recent timber harvest, shrub
thickets, a regenerating clearcut, utility Right-of-Ways,
and old fields and pastures
that were not mowed.
Even old downed logs in a
mature forest may serve as
a nest site. Anything that
provides visual obstruction
and preferably over-head
cover will provide hens with
a nesting opportunity. Later
in the spring, nesting hens are
afforded the extra protection
from the popping, succulent
foliage, and nesting habitat
can be represented by shrub
and greenbrier thickets and
other flora that previously
didn’t provide a leafy screen.
Distribution really refers
to the size and frequency
in which nesting habitat
occurs on the landscape.
Quantifying the size or how
often nesting habitat should
occur is no easy feat. The
landscape is not uniform
and differs across the state,
making every couple hundred
acres unique. In simplicity
and vagueness, nesting
habitat should include
more acres rather than less
acres and should occur
more frequently rather than
infrequently. Some insight
into turkey nest site selection
can help deduce some
quantifiable information
from the general statement.
Turkeys prefer to nest in
close proximity to an edge
(i.e., a transition between
two habitats). Researchers
from Arkansas to Minnesota
agree that turkeys prefer to
nest at or close to an edge
and studies in Mississippi and
West Virginia have found
that a majority of hens in
their studies nested within
60 meters of an edge. With
this information and without
detailing other variables,
it is safe bet to say that
creating more nesting habitat
and having it occur more
frequently will provide more
quality nesting opportunities
and potentially a higher nest
success rate.
Interspersion is the nexus
of all wild turkey habitat
and is an important factor
in creating quality nesting
habitat. Interspersion refers
to the arrangement of
habitats on the landscape.
Wild turkeys are unique
because of the different
habitats they require in a
year’s time versus species
that require a single habitat
to complete their annual
cycle. A highly interspersed
landscape, in theory, should
provide turkeys with their
seasonal and annual habitat
needs, all within relatively
short distances. How well
habitats are interspersed
plays a very large role in
determining a wild turkey’s
home range.
In regards to nesting
habitat, interspersion is a key
component for recruitment
of turkey broods into the
population. For instance,
when nesting habitat is
adjacent to brooding habitat,
turkeys do not have far to
travel to meet their food and
cover requirements, reducing
the risk of predation. Nesting
habitat adjacent to brooding
habitat also serves as escape
cover for the hen and young
whenever predators, such
as hawks, appear. Good
interspersion of nesting and
brooding habitat is especially
critical the first two weeks
after hatching when poults
are most vulnerable to
predation.
Nesting habitat is
arguably the most critical
habitat need for wild
turkeys in Pennsylvania and
unfortunately one that is
constantly changing. It is the
foundation for population
perpetuity but unstable
on the landscape. In order
to maintain wild turkey
populations in your woods
and across the state, nesting
habitat must be consistently
maintained or created,
adequately distributed, and
advantageously positioned on
the landscape.
Next issue I’ll investigate
the importance of brood
rearing habitat but until then,
keep practicing your calling
because spring is right around
the corner!
p a n w t f. o r g
Winter 2016 Turkey Talk
7
WHOSE
TURKEY
IS IT?
Submitted by: Ralph Martone
“Wildlife and its habitat cannot speak,
so we must and will." ~ Theodore Roosevelt
8
Turkey Talk Winter 2016
p a n w t f. o r g
The concept of who owns wildlife
goes back to our founding fathers
and their rebellion against England.
We have all heard the story of
Robin Hood and his exploits roaming
Sherwood Forest taking from the
rich and giving to the poor. And
while some money was probably
involved the majority of what Robin
gave to the poor was wild game. In
Robin Hood’s time, wild game was
considered the exclusive property of
the landowners who in most cases
were the wealthy nobility.
As early settlers arrived in North
America, they saw plentiful game
and set out to build a nation where
everyone shared in ownership of
the wildlife and had the right to
hunt and fish. Those early ideals
gained momentum during the late
1800’s when once abundant wildlife
populations such as the bison,
antelope and even white-tailed deer
declined to dangerously low levels.
Based on these new concerns and a
big push from Theodore Roosevelt,
the North American Model of
Wildlife Conservation began to take
shape.
“Wildlife and its habitat cannot
speak, so we must and will,” stated
Roosevelt in gathering support for
the new tenets of conservation.
From the beginning it was the
nation’s hunters and fishermen that
called for and later demanded a new
and strong conservation model to
not just preserve wildlife but also
restore its dwindling populations
and threatened habitat.
From these efforts, the North
American Model of Wildlife
Conservation, often referred to as
the Seven Sisters of Conservation,
was born.
The first principle states that
wildlife is held in the public trust. In
other words, although an individual
may own the land on which the
wildlife lives, that landowner does
not own the wildlife. Instead, all
wildlife is owned by all citizens.
This first principle is clearly
a product of the injustices that
prompted early settlers to emigrate
from Europe in search of a life with
more freedoms.
The second tenet is the prohibition
on the commerce of dead wildlife, in
other words putting a stop to market
hunting.
When the late 1800’s saw the near
extinction of many species of wildlife,
including the bison, and the actual
extinction of others, such as the
passenger pigeon, it was clear that
market hunting was the culprit. At
the request of the nation’s sportsmen,
laws were enacted putting a stop to
the commercial exploitation of wild
game.
The third principle called for the
allocation of wildlife by law referring
to the idea that a democratic process
is required to write laws regulating
the proper use of the nation’s wildlife
resources.
The fourth gives every citizen the
right to hunt and fish. Looking back
at the history of wild game ownership
it is easy to see the importance of this
tenet to those early citizens.
The fifth principle of the North
American Model of Wildlife
Conservation forbids the frivolous
use of wildlife, stating that wildlife
may only be killed for food, furs,
self-defense or property protection.
In addition, the non-frivolous
use of wildlife includes laws
to restrict the casual killing,
wasting game,
mistreating game
and the killing
of game for
commercial
purposes.
p a n w t f. o r g
The sixth tenet states the since
wildlife movements are not restricted
by borders both within a country
and between countries that wildlife
is to be considered an international
resource. This was particularly
important for species whose annual
migrations took them across state
and international borders.
The seventh, and perhaps most
crucial principle, states that wildlife
should be managed by science rather
than opinion or speculation. In other
words, wildlife management and
policy should be based on the best
available science.
Science as the basis for wildlife
management decisions was the result
of the writings of Aldo Leopold, often
referred to as the Father of Wildlife
Management. Unfortunately, hunters
often demand wildlife, particularly
deer, be managed based on their
individual desires and not the sound
science developed by the trained
professionals.
For hunters and fishermen it is
important to remember it was those
early hunter/conservationists, led by
men like Theodore Roosevelt and
Aldo Leopold, that developed these
seven important principles. Keeping
in mind that it is only through the
application of these principles that
we have the abundance of game we
enjoy today.
Winter 2016 Turkey Talk
9
Earl Mickel Memorial
Youth Calling Contest
Submitted by: Debbie Ozark
1st row: Hailey Wasman, Owen Smargiassi, Abby Wasman
2nd row: Matthew Stone, Wade Maines, Shawn Bronson, Katie Nebzydoski, Peter Keating, Nate Godshall
On the last Saturday of the Greene-Dreher-Sterling Fair in
Newfoundland PA, the Lake Region Longbeards Chapter of the
National Wild Turkey Federation held their
14th Annual Earl Mickel Memorial Youth Turkey Calling Contest.
During his life, Earl Mickel inspired young and old alike
as a maker of turkey calls and renowned publisher.
The young participants were divided into appropriate age groups ranging from 3 years
old to 17. A variety of different types of calls were made available to the youths to
experiment with and use during the competition if they did not have their own.
The chapter welcomed all levels of ability and encouraged everyone to pick up a call
and to try their hand at talking like a turkey. After registration, each youth did their
best to imitate a turkey’s cluck, a hen yelp, a purr call and their best call. Trophies and
prizes were awarded to the top 3 winners in each of the three age groups.
10
Turkey Talk Winter 2016
p a n w t f. o r g
Arnot Sportsman's
& Arnie Haden
JAKES Day 2015
p a n w t f. o r g
Winter 2016 Turkey Talk
11
Nittany Valley Longbeards
Youth Field Day
Submitted by: Kathy Greenland
The Northampton County
Walking Purchase Chapter
Turkey
Hunters
Care
donated 31 turkeys to the Northampton
Food Bank in Northampton, PA.
Our efforts in giving back to the
community is truely rewarding.
Submitted by:
Bob Smith
The Brandywine
Thunderin' Toms,
a recently formed
NWTF chapter, made
and delivered 10
complete turkey
dinner packages
for needy families
for Thanksgiving in
Chester County, PA.
Each family received
a turkey, stuffing,
mashed potatoes,
mixed vegetables,
yams, cranberry
sauce, and a pie for
dessert.
12
Turkey Talk Winter 2016
The Jerry Zimmerman
Memorial Chapter
donated Thanksgiving turkeys to
the City Limits Assembly of God
church in Allentown, PA. Richard
Bowman, Jerry Rogers and Gary
Gray helped in the distribution of
the turkeys and other foodstuffs
to the recipients at a series
of services held on Tuesday
evening November 24th. In total,
370 families received turkeys,
potatoes, and other donated
food items that evening. Our
chapter contributed 40 of the
turkeys to the needy families.
p a n w t f. o r g
Once upon a time on a perfectly
beautiful sunny day, 170 very eager guests
arrived at the Mountain Acres Lodge for yet
another Nittany Valley Longbeards’ “Youth
Field Day.”
Many of the children are the “stay in the
house” type with their electronic devices,
you get the gist, so you can only imagine
the surprise when our opening ceremony
was an actual virtual turkey hunt. Some
of the volunteers of this event were young
people who recently turned 18 and could
no longer participate in the event. What
excitement for our committee!
The hunt started with the slamming of
truck doors then the forest waking up with
the sound of crows calling, birds singing,
turkey putts and purrs, the sounds of hearts
beating rapidly as the turkeys started to
gobble all around us and finally the “big
bang” as the balloons popped into the
microphone. GAME OVER!! Oh the smiles,
big eyes, and excitement! That is the reason,
after 19 years, that this event is more
thrilling year after year.
We introduced a new
activity this year, Paint Ball.
Talk about fun! Let’s just say
the turkey decoys definitely
need replaced for next year and all of the
children just wanted to do the relay one
more time before running off to the other
activities such as archery, shotgun, .22 rifle,
handguns, electronic dart gun, and the Jakes
Take Aim BB gun system. Oh, and of course
lunch. Everyone was famished after a full
morning of fun and games. This is a great
time for parents and children to hook up and
share before going out for more fun in the
afternoon.
At 3:00 PM, everyone came back to the
lodge for an awesome ending to a perfect
day as we did our raffle drawing. Kids won
bikes, signed skateboard decks, framed
turkey prints, Alex & Ani jewelry, Vera
Bradley wallets, etc. The most sought after
was the rifle which was donated for our
raffle. Medals were also awarded to our top
shooters for all ages and events.
Last, but not least, we bid farewell to all
as we handed them their packed full “goodie
bags.” Of course, they had to wear the new
camo ball caps home.
It was our BEST DAY EVER, both by
attendance and all around fun. Thanks
to our committee members, volunteers,
sponsors, and all who attended. Thanks to
the Women in the Outdoors, who joined in
with the Extreme Jakes for education in selfdefense and handgun training.
Our youth field day is always held the last
Saturday of July.
Be sure to save the date and bring a
friend for the free, fun-filled day. Like us on
Facebook at Nittany Valley Longbeards and
we will keep you up-to-date with what is
happening. The outdoors start here. Let’s all
make everyday a “Save the Habitat, Save the
Hunt day!!
Jerry Zimmerman
Memorial Chapter’s
14th Annual
JAKES Event
Submitted by: Bob Schwalm
The Jerry Zimmerman Memorial Chapter
held its 14th Annual JAKES/XTREME JAKES
Event at Ontelaunee Rod and Gun Club
in New Tripoli, Pennsylvania on Saturday
August 1st, 2015. Two hundred twenty-five
boys and girls showed up. JAKE members
were treated to 10 classes consisting of
canoeing, fishing, archery, turkey hunting,
trapping, trap shooting, crossbow shooting,
.22 rifle shooting, JAKES Take Aim BB
guns, and first aid. The XTREME JAKES were
treated to such activities as tree stand safety,
muzzleloading, orienteering, archery, shot
placement and anatomy, blood trailing and
following up after the shot, and first aid.
National Board of Director Scott Hill was on
hand to kick off the event and share in the
activities. Next year’s event is already being
planned to "Save the Habitat. Save the Hunt."
p a n w t f. o r g
Winter 2016 Turkey Talk
13
TURKEY HUNTING LICENSE
BENEFITS STATEMENT
PA Chapter NWTF Wild Turkey
Management Committee
The Pennsylvania
Chapter of
the National
Wild Turkey
Federation
requests
legislation to
establish a
turkey hunting
license which
will identify
the number of
turkey hunters in
order to support
communications
and safety
initiatives at the
lowest possible
cost to hunters.
14
Turkey Talk Winter 2016
December 10, 2015
PA Chapter NWTF supports the
need for a turkey hunting license.
We continue to inform our members
and all turkey hunters of the benefits
of supporting a turkey hunting
license.
How will a Turkey
Hunting License Help?
• Determine how many turkey hunters
there are in Pennsylvania, allowing
Pennsylvania Game Commission
biologists to make wild turkey
management recommendations
based on actual turkey hunter density
numbers.
• As state-wide wild turkey populations
increase better research data will
provide additional information
biologists need to make future
management decisions.
• Improved and more detailed
information on wild turkey harvest
densities will be available.
• Better Game Commission law
enforcement capabilities aimed
specifically at wild turkey violations.
• Turkey hunter safety material can
be provided directly to turkey
hunters from the Pennsylvania Game
Commission.
• Turkey hunter opinions and
satisfaction levels can be acquired
more efficiently because the Game
Commission will be able to contact
turkey hunters directly.
p a n w t f. o r g
How Will the Turkey
Hunter Benefit?
• Provide turkey hunters with
specific turkey hunting and wild
turkey biology information,
improved turkey hunting safety
and ethics material.
• Turkey hunter surveys will give
you the ability to express your
concerns and opinions about
wild turkey management in
Pennsylvania.
• Better research data and
hunting information about our
wild turkey populations could
result in expanded hunting
opportunities in the future.
Why Should Turkey
Hunters Support
a Turkey Hunting
License?
• Wild turkey populations peaked
above 400,000 in 2001; and the
last 4 year average is down to
209,000.
• With more than 258,000
estimated turkey hunter's
additional state-wide wild turkey
research needs to be completed,
obtaining better data on statewide population and harvest
densities, hunter densities, and
improved turkey hunter safety
education and informational
material needs to be developed.
Our wild turkey resource is a
valuable asset to Pennsylvania.
During the past 20 years
Pennsylvania Game Commission has
completed wild turkey restoration
throughout the Commonwealth.
Wild turkey management is
now shifting focus to acquiring
additional wild turkey population and
turkey hunter management data while
helping Pennsylvania remain a leading
wild turkey research and resource
management state.
Turkey hunting license will identify
the number of turkey hunters in order
to support communications
and safety initiatives, improve
methods to provide better wild
turkey management data, support
increased habitat management
programs, and support the future
for the wild turkeys in Pennsylvania.
Do you support the turkey hunting license? We would like to hear from our members.
For further PA Chapter NWTF information on wild turkey management look on:
www.panwtf.org
p a n w t f. o r g
Winter 2016 Turkey Talk
15
Show your passion with the
PENNSYLVANIA NWTF
License Plate!
Promoting the Pennsylvania Chapter and the
National Wild Turkey Federation with our license plates
is a great way to show your support for the wild turkey.
Send a self addressed stamped envelope with your membership number and
phone number to: Dennis Wade, 9833 Fillinger Rd., Cranesville, PA 16410.
A signed application will be returned to you. Complete the application and send it
with a check for $25.00 to PennDot. Your plate should arrive in two to three weeks.
16
Turkey Talk Winter 2016
p a n w t f. o r g
3rd Annual Energy Invitational
Spring Turkey Hunt & Industry Expo
May 12-14, 2016
Castanea Fire Company
Picnic Grounds
Castanea-Lock Haven, PA
Hunting Sponsorship and
Exhibitor Packages Available
Mark your calendars now for the
premier Energy for Wildlife Event
in Pennsylvania. This fun filled three day
event includes networking, silent auctions,
hunting and prizes all benefiting
conservation and our hunting heritage.
This event is not to be missed!
2015 Energy Invitational Stats:
 25 Turkeys Officially Harvested & Scored
 $20,000+ in Cash & Prizes including Guns & Calls
 UTV MECHRON 2200 Kioti 4 x 4 Drawing
 1st Place Turkey had two beards
 2nd Place Turkey had two spurs on right leg
 80% of net proceeds return to PA for conservation
Presented by:
The National Wild Turkey Federation and The Tri-M Group
For Additional Information Contact:
Ray Smith 570-220-1535
Rich Musser 570-651-3656
p a n w t f. o r g
Winter 2016 Turkey Talk
17
ylva
Penns
nia
age
t
i
r
e
H
g
Huntin uets
Banq
APRIL
2016
RU
H
T
Y
NUAR
JA
The NWTF is looking for
volunteers to develop new
chapters and banquet
committees.
Or join an existing
committee and expand
your network and
the good you can do for
wildlife and hunting.
Visit www.panwtf.org
or contact a regional
director near you.
Jan. 16 • Wilhelm
Nick's Place, Edinboro
Andy Tobin • [email protected]
(814) 734-1691
Jan. 16 • Shermans Valley Strutters
Millerstown Moose Lodge #925, Millerstown
Brenda Beal • [email protected]
(717) 979-0920
Jan. 23 • Muncy Creek
Muncy Valley Fire Hall, Muncy Valley
Nancy Craft • [email protected]
(570) 482-4364
Jan. 29 • Allegheny Valley
The Acme Club • Cheswick
Michael Zourelias • [email protected]
(724) 265-0903
Jan. 30 • Lower Lackawanna
Longspurs
Greenwood Fire Hall • Moosic
Edward Skoranski • [email protected]
(570) 457-8188
18
Jan. 30 • Foothill Spurs
Feb. 6 • Moshannon
Sligo Area Rec Center • Sligo
Jared Carr • [email protected]
(814) 473-8488
Veteran's of Foreign Wars Club, DuBois
Brian Stoddard • [email protected]
(814) 808-0009
Jan. 30 • Chesquehanna Spurs
Feb. 13 • Col-mont Gobblers
Rembrandt Club, St. Benedict
Jim Panaro • [email protected]
(814) 322-2294
Jan. 30 •Blue Mountain
Schaefferstown Fire Hall, Schaefferstown
John Barry • [email protected]
(717) 821-5306
Feb. 5 • Penn's Woods Spurs
Italian American Club, Export
Jason Straley • [email protected]
(412) 855-9774
Feb. 6 • Moraine
Feb. 19 • Shippensburg Strutters
Shippensburg Fish & Game, Shippensburg
Spencer Miller • 717) 249-8961
Feb. 20 • Honey Hole
Longbeards
Lobitz Hall-Safari Room, Hazleton
Kevin Titus • (570) 668-5903
Feb. 20 • Reading Ridge
Runners
American Legion Post 778, Butler
David Leopold• [email protected]
(724) 481-1981
Turkey Talk Winter 2016
Danville Elks • Danville
Matthew Swartz • [email protected]
(570) 490-2784
The Grill Fire Company, Reading
Michael Reiman • [email protected]
(484) 332-4329
p a n w t f. o r g
Feb. 20 • Central Pa
Limbhangers
Ramey Fire Co, Ramey
George Pedmo • [email protected]
(814) 339-7589
Feb. 20 • Cascade Thunderin Toms
Shenango Twp Fire Hall, New Castle
David Boston • [email protected]
(724) 968-8549
Feb. 20 • Ten Mile Valley
S. Strabane Fire Dept Social Hall, Washington
Jeffrey Mccombs • [email protected]
(412) 997-4580
Feb. 25 • Local Chapter #1
Roosevelt Hall, Norvelt
Ed Maczka • [email protected]
(724) 423-7703
Feb. 26 • Steel City Spurs
Fairview VFW, Bridgeville
Ed Planinsek • [email protected]
(412) 221-0515
Feb. 27 • Nittany Valley Longbeards
Mountain View Country Club, Boalsburg
Chuck Greenland • [email protected]
(814) 692-5231
Feb. 27 • Shenango Valley Beards & Spurs
Hickory VFW, Hermitage
James Houston • [email protected]
(724) 301-4663
Feb. 27 • Lake Marburg
Porters Community Fire Co, Spring Grove
Dave Frazier • [email protected]
(717) 225-5842
March 4 • Lakefront Gobblers
Zem Zem Shrine, Erie
Dennis Wade • [email protected]
(814) 756-3669
March 4 • Wolf Creek Longbeards
Masonic Hall, Grove City
Dean Osborne • [email protected]
(724) 458-6078
March 4 • Shade Mountain
Port Royal Community Building, Port Royal
Donald Geedey • [email protected]
(717) 436-6433
March 12 • Schuylkill Spurs Local
Landingville Fire Hall, Landingville
Jeffrey Post • [email protected]
(570) 366-7783
March 12 • Brandywine Thunderin' Toms
Wagontown Fire Company, Coatesville
Jay Montgomery • [email protected]
(610) 857-3258
March 12 • Michaux-Yellow
Breeches
Good Hope Station, Mechanicsburg
Stephanie Nelson • [email protected]
(717) 433-4385
March 12 • Delaware County
Longbeards
Ballrooms At Bethel, Boothwyn
Charles Mathues • [email protected]
(610) 874-6983
March 12 • Tuscarora Longbeards
American Legion • McConnellsburg
Daniel Akers • [email protected]
(717) 263-0939
March 12 • Warrior Trail Gobblers
March 19 • Outfitter Expo at
Cabela's
April 2 • Lykens Valley Longbeards
March 19 • Peters Creek Trail
Cross Creek Resort, Titusville
Vanessa Rockovich • [email protected]
(814) 677-6989
March 20 • Sandy Creek Strutters
April 8 • Southeast Silver Spurs
The Antler Club, Lucinda
Justin Nale • [email protected]
(814) 758-6885
Franconia Banquet And Conf. Ctr, Telford
Ray Donis • [email protected]
(215) 822-0637
March 20 • Penn State Spur
Collectors
April 9 • Arnie Hayden Memorial
March 21 • Lake Region
Longbeards
April 9 • Susquehanna
Cabela's, Hamburg
Bruce Dietrich • [email protected]
(610) 298-2424
Rostraver Central Firehall, Belle Vernon
Ralph Croushore • [email protected]
(412) 751-6984
Location TBD
Susan James • [email protected]
(814) 777-4053
Fiorelli Catering LLC
Mark Davis • [email protected]
(570) 698-7917
March 25 • Kinzua Allegheny
Longbeards
Sheffield Fire Hall, Sheffield
Joe Leichtenberger
[email protected]
(814) 968-3890
March 5 • Red Rock Local
Waynesburg Armory, Waynesburg
Amy Hostutler • [email protected]
(724) 447-2716
March 26 • Fort Chambers
March 5 • Pocono Mountains
Ace's Lounge, Johnstown
Len Beiter • [email protected]
(814) 539-2205
March 19 • Endless Mountain
Local
March 28 • Northern Counties
Full Fan
The Appletree Tarrace, Dallas
Christine Lamoreaux • [email protected]
(570) 696-2406
Stroudsmoor Country Inn, Stroudsburg
Scott Dunkelberger • (570) 656-8685
March 5 • Stony Valley
Community Center, Annville
Stephen Shireman • [email protected]
(717) 579-8115
March 5 • Terrace Mountain
Smithfield Volunteer Fire Co., Huntingdon
Dennis Horn • (814) 447-3058
March 5 • Tussey Mountain Strutters
Iron Masters Country Club, Roaring Spring
Tim Wentz • [email protected]
(814) 766-3769
March 16 • Allegheny Plateau
Sayre Elks Club, Sayre
Cody Chapman • [email protected]
(570) 637-3115
March 19 • Tamarack Turkey
Talkers
Union City Fire Hall, Union City
Brent Reynolds • [email protected]
(814) 450-4138
March 19 • Bald Eagle Longbeards
Red Eye Center, Flemington
Walter Long • [email protected]
(570) 263-0536
Fayetteville Fire Company Event Center
Fayetteville
Dennis Barnhart • (717) 263-5952
Best Western, Carbondale
Kevin Urian • (570) 282-2020
April 1 • Armenia Mountain Spurs
Troy Fire Hall, Troy
Thomas Calkins • [email protected]
(607) 425-1055
April 2 • Kinzua Valley
American Veterans Memorial Club, Jewett
Alan Reynolds • [email protected]
(814) 778-5047
Wiconisco Fire House, Wiconisco
Harold Daub • [email protected]
(717) 648-1835
April 7 • Allegheny Sultans
Tioga County Fair Grounds, Wellsboro
Timothy Payne • [email protected]
(570) 404-1833
Florian Banquet Cntr, Clearfield
Reed Johnson • [email protected]
(814) 765-7264
April 9 • Lower Bucks Longbeards
Westaby Hall, Fairless Hills
Bucky Shimp • [email protected]
(215) 493-5602
April 9 • 2nd Chance Tom's
Ambridge District Sportsmen's Club, Baden
Donald Short • [email protected]
(724) 846-0875
April 10 • Whitehorse Mountain
Bakersville Volunteer Fire Dpt, Somerset
Michelle Holt • [email protected]
(814) 233-0910
April 18 • Adams County
Longbeards
Biglerville Firehall, Biglerville
Patrick Reever • [email protected]
(717) 677-8228
April 21 • Northwest Thunderin'
Toms
Italian Civic Club, Meadville
Scott Proper • [email protected]
(814) 720-6355
April 30 • Juniata Gobblers
Breezewood Fire Hall, Breezewood
Sandra Burton • [email protected]
(814) 735-3508
March 5 • Wapiti Roost Local
The Red Fern, St. Marys
Ernie Bertolasio • [email protected]
(814) 781-1509
March 11 • Jerry Zimmerman
Memorial
Econo Lodge & Conference Ctr, AllentownBruce Dietrich • [email protected]
(610) 298-2424
March 11 • Friendship Hill Spurs
Fayette Co. Fairgrounds, Dunbar
Edward Stanish • [email protected]
(724) 437-9310
p a n w t f. o r g
19
Winter 2016 Turkey Talk
Non-Profit Org
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
Lehigh Valley, PA
PERMIT # 159
inr
ou
INVESTFUTURE
Conserve. Hunt. Share.
!
s
e
Y
I’d like to join the National Wild Turkey Federation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the conservation of the
wild turkey and the preservation of the hunting tradition.
This membership also enrolls me in my state and local
chapters.
❏ Regular Member: $35
❏ Sponsor Member: $250
❏ Women in the Outdoors: $35
Member Benefits
Join the NWTF and enjoy exclusive
membership benefits, including:
➢ Subscriptions to the NWTF’s magazines
➢ Networking opportunities with hunting and
conservation-minded people at NWTF
banquets.
➢ Exclusive merchandise opportunities
➢ Access to articles and helpful hunting and
conservation tips.
➢ Members-only message board access.
➢ Outreach programs for youth, women and
people with disabilities.
➢ Exclusive online deals.
➢ Scholarships for students.
➢ Free or discounted seed through
Project HELP and the Conservation Seed
Program. (in participating states)
➢ Discounted land enhancement
materials including tree seedlings, grass
seeds, oat hay, netting and more through
the NWTF’s regional and national habitat
programs. (in participating states)
➢ Land management advice from
certified biologists.
➢ Habitat field days and workshops.
➢ Turkey records registration.
➢ The opportunity to vote in Board of
Directors elections.
➢ NWTF decal.
❏ JAKES Member (ages 12 & under): $10
❏ Extreme JAKES Member (ages 13 - 17): $10
❏ Wheelin’ Sportsmen Member: $35
Name: (please print)________________________________
Signature:___________________________________________
Address:____________________________________________
____________________________________________________
City:________________________ State:_____ Zip:__________
Phone:______________________________________________
❏ Master Card
❏ Visa
Credit Card #:_______________________________________
Exp. Date:___________________________________________
(Make checks payable to NWTF)
Send complete application to:
Skip Motts • 176 Anglemire Dr., • Stroudsburg, PA 18360
w w w. p a n w t f. o rg