Brian Whipkey

1 day ago | goerie.com | Brian Whipkey

A Pennsylvania angler caught a 30.5-inch, 11-pound rainbow trout in Lehigh County's Trout Creek. The fish was caught using an artificial salmon egg created by the angler and his brother. Trout Creek is stocked with large trout by a local sportsmen's club, including fish up to 30 inches long. The club hosts a kids fishing contest to encourage youth participation in the sport.

1 day ago | goerie.com | Brian Whipkey

Brian WhipkeyPennsylvania Outdoors ColumnistThe Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission is considering limiting fishing hours on a section of Walnut Creek. The proposal comes after complaints from landowners about anglers fishing at night, trespassing, and shining lights into houses. Local fishing organizations initially proposed limiting hours on all tributaries except for designated 24-hour fishing areas, but the current proposal only affects Walnut Creek.

1 week ago | goerie.com | Brian Whipkey

The Pennsylvania Trappers Association and the Pennsylvania Federation of Sportsmen and Conservationists are pursuing legislation to allow mentored youth trapping. Currently, youth must be 12 to obtain a trapping license, unlike mentored youth hunting which allows younger participants. The proposed change would allow mentored youth to trap bobcats, otters, and fishers, requiring a legislative fix rather than a regulatory one.

1 week ago | goerie.com | Brian Whipkey

Pennsylvania Game Commission had a successful year trapping and banding turkeys due to favorable snowy conditions. Spring gobbler hunters may find older, quieter turkeys this year due to above-average recruitment two years ago. The upcoming cicada hatch is expected to further benefit the turkey population by providing abundant food. Snow on the ground this winter helped the Pennsylvania Game Commission monitor more turkeys, and spring gobbler hunters may be finding older, quieter birds this spring.

1 week ago | goerie.com | Brian Whipkey

The Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners approved the purchase of five properties and a land swap with the DCNR. The land swap involves Glen Onoko Falls, a popular hiking area closed due to dangerous conditions. The Game Commission aims to acquire land better suited for wildlife management and hunting. The transactions require legislative approval to be finalized.