The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) is looking for individuals interested in a career as a Waterways Conservation Officer (WCO).

WCOs perform specialized work in fish conservation and watercraft safety under the jurisdiction of the Commission, blending law enforcement and public relations duties [PFBC Brochure - What is a WCO? ]. Typical duties include patrolling by foot, car and boat to detect violations of fishing and boating laws; apprehending violators; issuing warnings and or citations; serving warrants; presenting evidence at hearings and court proceedings; investigating water pollution incidents; investigating boating accidents; and stocking fish. Appearing in public to conduct classes or provide information to groups are also highlights of the WCOs duties. WCOs work demanding schedules including holidays and weekends, to perform their vital public safety and conservation duties. Additional information about a career as a WCO is available on the Commission’s Careers page.

All WCOs begin their career as a WCO Trainee. Before candidates are assigned the highly independent duties of Waterways Conservation Officer, they must complete an extensive 52-week specialized training program beginning with approximately 20 weeks of instruction in law enforcement principles and practices that meet the standards of the Municipal Police Training Act. An additional 32-week period follows with 20 weeks of classroom training by the Commission at the H. R. Stackhouse School of Fisheries Conservation and Watercraft Safety in Centre County, Pennsylvania and 12 weeks of supervised field training. The program is conducted under close supervision, according to stringent rules. Those who successfully complete the training program will be promoted to a Waterways Conservation Officer position.

Applications for WCO Trainee positions will be accepted between August 13, 2008 and October 1, 2008. All written testing must be completed with the Civil Service Commission by November 22, 2008.

Applicants must be at least 21 years of age at date of hire and possess a current valid Pennsylvania driver’s license. Applicants must be residents of Pennsylvania, of good moral fiber and be able to perform the essential functions of the job. Successful candidates must pass written, oral, and physical evaluations.

During the application period, application forms and further information on the application process can be obtained from the State Civil Service Commission website at www.scsc.state.pa.us. Information may also be obtained from State Civil Service Commission offices in Harrisburg at 717-783-3058 (Text Telephone: 717-772-2685), Philadelphia at 215-560-2253 (Text Telephone: 215-560-4367), or Pittsburgh at 412-565-7666 (Text Telephone: 412-565-2484.) Information may also be obtained by contacting the PFBC’s Human Resource Office at 717-705-7820 or by visiting the website at www.fish.state.pa.us.

The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission is the sole state agency, charged by law, to manage the fisheries and to regulate fishing and pleasure boating in the Commonwealth. The Commission also has a vital, mandated interest in the enhancement and preservation of the state’s aquatic environment. These responsibilities have been in place for nearly 140 years, growing steadily in scope, complexity and the number of people served. The Commission’s mission is to conserve, protect and enhance the Commonwealth’s aquatic resources and provide fishing and boating opportunities.

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Pennsylvania’s Looking for Officer

The big McCain event in Dayton will be countered by one in Pennsylvania. Ladies and gentlemen, we have hardcore battleground state battling going on! Ring the bell. Barack Obama campaign sources told CNN’s Gloria Borger and Jessica Yellin that Obama and his running mate, Joe Biden, will have their first post-convention joint [...]

SQUIRRELS, Red, Gray, Black and Fox (Combined): Special season for eligible junior hunters, with or without required license – Oct. 11-17 (6 daily, 12 in possession limit after first day).

SQUIRRELS, Red, Gray, Black and Fox (Combined): Fall Season – Oct. 18-Nov. 29; Late Seasons – Dec. 15-23 and Dec. 26-Feb. 7 (6 daily, 12 in possession limit after first day).

RUFFED GROUSE: Oct. 18–Nov. 29, Dec. 15-23 and Dec. 26-Jan. 24 (2 daily, 4 possession).

RABBIT (Cottontail): Oct. 25-Nov. 29, Dec. 15-23 and Dec. 26-Feb. 7 (4 daily, 8 possession).

PHEASANT: Special season for eligible junior hunters, with or without required license – Oct. 11-18 (2 daily, 4 in possession). Male pheasants only in WMUs 2A, 2B, 2C, 4C, 4E, 5A and 5B. Male and female pheasants may be taken in all other WMUs.

PHEASANT: Male only in WMUs 2A, 2B, 2C, 4C, 4E, 5A and 5B – Oct. 25-Nov. 29. Male and female may be taken in all other WMUs – Oct. 25-Nov. 29, Dec. 15-23 and Dec. 26-Feb. 7 (2 daily, 4 in possession).

BOBWHITE QUAIL: Oct. 25-Nov. 29 (4 daily, 8 possession). (Closed in WMUs 4A, 4B, 5A, 5B, 5C and 5D.)

HARES (SNOWSHOE RABBITS) OR VARYING HARES: Dec. 26–Jan. 1 (1 daily, 2 possession).

WOODCHUCKS (GROUNDHOGS): No closed season, except: Sundays; during the antlered and antlerless deer seasons; and until noon daily during the spring gobbler turkey season.

CROWS: July 4-April 5, on Friday, Saturday and Sunday only. No limit.

STARLINGS AND ENGLISH SPARROWS: No closed season, except during the regular firearms antlered and antlerless deer seasons and until noon daily during the spring gobbler turkey season. No limit.

WILD TURKEY (Male or Female): Wildlife Management Units 1A, 1B and 2A (Shotgun and bow and arrow) – Nov. 1-15; WMU 2B (Shotgun and bow and arrow) – Nov. 1-22; WMUs 2C, 2E, 2F, 4A and 4B– Nov. 1-15; WMUs 2D, 2G, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 4C, 4D and 4E – Nov. 1-22; WMUs 5A and 5B – CLOSED TO FALL TURKEY HUNTING; and WMUs 5C and 5D (Shotgun and bow and arrow) – Nov. 1-7. (1 bird limit, either sex).

SPRING GOBBLER (Bearded bird only): Special season for eligible junior hunters, with required license – April 18, 2009. Only 1 spring gobbler may be taken during this hunt.

SPRING GOBBLER (Bearded bird only): April 25-May 25, 2009. Daily limit 1, season limit 2. (Second spring gobbler may only be taken by persons who possess a valid special wild turkey license.)

BLACK BEAR (WMUs 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F, 2G, 3A, 4A, 4B and 4D) Bow and Arrow only: Nov. 19-20. Only 1 bear may be taken during the license year.

BLACK BEAR (Statewide): Nov. 24-26. Only 1 bear may be taken during the license year.

BLACK BEAR (WMU 3C and Portions of WMUs 3B, 4E and 2G): Dec. 1-6. Only 1 bear may be taken during the license year. All of WMU 3C. Also, in that portion of 3B, East of Rt. 14 from Troy to Canton, East of Rt. 154 from Canton to Rt. 220 at Laporte and East of Rt. 42 from Laporte to Rt. 118 and that portion of 4E, East of Rt. 42. Also, in that portions of WMUs 2G in Lycoming and Clinton counties, and 3B in Lycoming County, that lie North of the West Branch of the Susquehanna River from the Rt. 405 Bridge, West to Rt. 15 at Williamsport, Rt. 15 to Rt. 220, and North of Rt. 220 to the Mill Hall exit, North of S.R. 2015 to Rt. 150; East of Rt. 150 to Lusk Run Road and South of Lusk Run Road to Rt. 120, Rt. 120 to Veterans Street Bridge to S.R. 1001; East of S.R. 1001 to Croak Hollow Road, South of Croak Hollow Road to Rt. 664 (at Swissdale), South of Rt. 664 to Little Plum Road (the intersection of S.R. 1003), South of S.R. 1003 to S.R. 1006, South of S.R. 1006 to Sulphur Run Road, South of Sulphur Run Road to Rt. 44, East of Rt. 44 to Rt. 973, South of Rt. 973 to Rt. 87, West of Rt. 87 to Rt. 864, south of Rt. 864 to Rt. 220 and West of Rt. 220 to Rt. 405 and West of Rt. 405 to the West Branch of the Susquehanna River.

BLACK BEAR (WMUs 4C, 4D and 4E): Dec. 3-6. Only 1 bear may be taken during the license year.

BLACK BEAR (Rockview State Correctional Institution): Dec. 1-6. Only 1 bear may be taken during the license year. Prior approval must be obtained from prison to hunt.

ELK (Antlered or Antlerless): Nov. 3-8. Only one elk may be taken during the license year.

ELK (Antlered or Antlerless): Sept. 1-27, 2008. Only one elk may be taken during the license year.

DEER, ARCHERY (Antlerless Only) WMUs 2B, 5C and 5D: Sept. 20-Oct. 3, Nov. 17-29 and Dec. 15-23. One antlerless deer with each required antlerless license.

DEER, ARCHERY (Antlered and Antlerless) Statewide, including WMUs 2B, 5C and 5D: Oct. 4-Nov. 15 and Dec. 26-Jan. 10. One antlered deer per hunting license year. One antlerless deer with each required antlerless license.

DEER (Antlered and Antlerless) WMUs 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, 2C, 2E, 2F, 3A, 3B, 3D, 4A, 4C, 4D, 4E, 5A, 5B, 5C and 5D: Dec. 1-13. One antlered deer per hunting license year. An antlerless deer with each required antlerless license.

DEER (Antlered Only) WMUs 2D, 2G, 3C and 4B: Dec. 1-5. One antlered deer per hunting license year.

DEER (Antlered and Antlerless) WMUs 2D, 2G, 3C and 4B: Dec. 6-13. One antlered deer per hunting license year. An antlerless deer with each required antlerless license.

DEER, ANTLERLESS (Statewide): Oct. 23-25. Junior and Senior License Holders, Disabled Person Permit (to use a vehicle) Holders, and Pennsylvania residents serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Services or in the U.S. Coast Guard only, with required antlerless license. Also included are persons who have reached or will reach their 65th birthday in the year of the application for a license and hold a valid adult license, or qualify for license and fee exemptions under section 2706. One antlerless deer with each required antlerless license.

DEER, ANTLERLESS MUZZLELOADER (Statewide): Oct. 18-25. An antlerless deer with each required antlerless license.

DEER, ANTLERED OR ANTLERLESS FLINTLOCK (Statewide): Dec. 26-Jan. 10. One antlered per hunting license year, or one antlerless deer and an additional antlerless deer with each required antlerless license.

DEER, Antlerless (WMUs 2B, 5C and 5D): Dec. 15-23 and Dec. 26-Jan. 24. An antlerless deer with each required antlerless license.

DEER, ANTLERLESS (Military Bases): Hunting permitted on days established by the U.S. Department of the Army at Letterkenny Army Depot, Franklin County; and New Cumberland Army Depot, York County. An antlerless deer with each required antlerless license.

ADOPTED 2008-09 FURBEARER HUNTING SEASONS

COYOTES: No closed season. Unlimited. Outside of any deer or bear season, coyotes may be taken with a hunting license or a furtaker license, and without wearing orange. During any archery deer season, coyotes may be taken while lawfully hunting deer or with a furtaker license. During the regular firearms deer and any bear seasons, coyotes may be taken while lawfully hunting deer or bear, or with a furtaker license while wearing 250 square inches of fluorescent orange. During the spring gobbler season, may be taken by those with a valid tag and meet fluorescent orange and shot size requirements.

RACCOON & FOXES: Oct. 25–Feb. 21, unlimited.

OPOSSUM, SKUNKS & WEASELS: No closed season, except Sundays and prior to noon during the spring gobbler season. No limits.

BOBCAT (WMUs 2A, 2C, 2E, 2F, 2G, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D and 4D): Oct. 25-Feb. 21. One per permit. (Bobcats may only be taken by furtakers in possession of a Bobcat Hunting-Trapping permit.)

ADOPTED 2008-09 TRAPPING SEASONS

MINK & MUSKRAT: Nov. 22–Jan. 11. Unlimited.

COYOTE, FOXES, OPOSSUM, RACCOON, SKUNKS, WEASELS: Oct. 26–Feb. 22. No limit.

COYOTE & FOXES (Statewide) Cable Restraints: Jan. 1-Feb. 22. No limit. Participants must pass cable restraint certification course.

BEAVER (Statewide): Dec. 26–March 31 (Limits vary depending on WMU).

BOBCAT (WMUs 2A, 2C, 2E, 2F, 2G, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D and 4D): Oct. 26-Feb. 22. One per permit. (Bobcats may only be taken by furtakers in possession of a Bobcat Hunting-Trapping permit.)

ADOPTED 2008-09 FALCONRY SEASONS

SQUIRRELS (combined), QUAIL, RUFFED GROUSE, COTTONTAIL RABBITS, SNOWSHOE OR VARYING HARE, RINGNECK PHEASANT (Male or Female combined): Sept. 1-March 31. Daily and Field Possession limits vary. (Migratory game bird seasons and bag limits for falconers will be set in accordance with federal regulations in August.)

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PA Hunting Season Calendar

Check out the Beaver County River Regatta this weekend for boats, boats and more boats. Held in Bridgewater, just at rte 18 and the rive, it’s just a few miles past Brady Run Park, So I’m Sure you’re familiar with the area.

Events include a children’s fishing derby, anything that floats contest and Duck Derby for the little ones, and an Antique boat parade, drag races and ski shows for the big ones.

Click on any of the links above to check it out.

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Beaver County River Regatta: Aug. 15th to 17th

Fishing Hot Spots Topo Maps for Pennsylvania All Fishing Hot Spots Maps are produced using the latest computer drafting and imaging technology for optimum accuracy and clarity. Each detailed map provides depth contours, boat ramps, structure, navigational aids and lake info such as gamefish abundance, forage base, water clarity, weedline depth and bottom composition. Maps also contain expanded GPS waypoints and an easy-to-use latitude and longitude grid. In addition, productive fishing spots are marked and numbered on L-series maps (feature not included on A-series maps). Descriptions are provided for these specific areas, offering suggestions on how to fish them and when they are most productive. Each Fishing Hot Spots map is printed in full color on tear-resistant, waterproof paper. Map size is 24″ x 36″ and folds down to a convenient 4″ x 9″ size. Lake Arthur Lake Arthur is widely considered to be Pennsylvania’s No. 1 largemouth bass water with a good number of 3 to 5-pounders available. Lake Arthur is also known for its musky, crappie and hybrid striped bass. Glendale Lake Glendale Lake supports a quality crappie population with the average being 9”. Anglers will also find good opportunities for largemouth bass, walleye and musky. Lake Marburg Lake Marburg?s consistent population of largemouth bass attracts lots of attention. Quality numbers of perch, bluegill, crappie and walleye are found here too. Shenango River Lake Shenango Lake is one of Pennsylvania’s premier channel catfish lakes, with some getting to 40”. Crappie are by far the most popular species here, and the typical fish runs 10” to 12”, with plenty of 14” to 16” slabs available. Shenango’s largemouth bass numbers are also good. Lake Wallenpaupack Lake Wallenpaupack has an abundance of smallmouth bass over 3 lbs., but striped bass and hybrid stripers are the most popular gamefish. Walleye over 12 lbs. will occasionally turn up as well. Lake Wilhelm Lake Wilhelm is an outstanding warm water fishery supporting quality largemouth bass, black crappie and bluegill populations. Here bass maintain one of the densest and most stable populations in the state. Good numbers of catfish and musky are also available. Pymatuning Lake Located on the border between Pennsylvania and Ohio, Pymatuning Lake is well-known primarily for the outstanding walleye and crappie possibilities. Good numbers of largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and musky are overlooked. Raystown Lake Considered one of the best fisheries in the country, Raystown Lake offers a host of fishing opportunities. Widely noted for its outstanding striped bass, the lake contains numerous other species including largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, white crappie, black crappie and catfish. Rainwear > Zip-In Liners" />

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PA Fishing Topo Maps: Find the Hot Spots at Lake Arthur

First off, from now til Sunday at the Union Township park in New Castle, visit Balloon Quest to support the Union Township FireFighters. Over 20 hot air balloons, carnival rides, Medical Helicopter Demos, Food and games are all going to be there, and the weather is nice. I can’t wait to see the photos.

Then After you get your fill of the balloons, head on over to McConnells Mill state park. Kayak the rapids, Climb the public rock area ( One of the few in our area) and hike Hell’s Hollow trail to beat the summer heat in this little known gem.

Finally, get to Moraine State Park and have a barbecue on the beach with all the other families, do a little windsurfing, and try the Bike trails if you like a little more action.

All this is within 30 miles of you this weekend!

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Weekend: 422 in PA