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Lehigh valley outdoors

By Nick Hromiak

CWD disease discovered in a Carbon County buck

2/16/2025

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Just when the number of CWD disease cases in deer seemed to quiet down, a recent case of a buck infected with it was discovered in nearby Packer Township, Carbon County. 

According to the Pennsylvania Game Commission, this was the first CWD case detected in Carbon County that is more than 10 miles from any other confirmed positive deer. The buck was found dead by a landowner and it was severely emaciated. 

The PGC explains that as always-fatal neurological disease is caused by a misfolded protein called a prion, and is a serious threat to deer and elk. It’s classified as a transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE) and is similar to scraple in sheep, mad cow disease in cattle can Creutzfeldt-Jacob disease in humans. CWD spreads, says the agency through direct animal-animal contact, as well as indirectly through prion-contaminated environments. CWD-infected deer shed prions through saliva, urine and feces, and infested carcasses contribute to environmental contamination. The concerning part is that once in soil, CWD prions remain infectious for decades. Therefore, feeding deer is strongly discouraged and is illegal within existing DMA areas. 

As for humans, there is no evidence of CWD affecting them or other species under natural conditions. Of course, much is still unknown about CWD, therefore the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends not eating the meat of a CWD-positive deer. If CWD should spread with lots more cases discovered, it could put a damper on deer hunting in the state, a sport that has made Pennsylvania one of the top three in the country as far as deer numbers and rack size, the latter thanks to Gary Alt’s points per antler regulation he recommended and the agency instituted several years ago. 

The PGC will host an informational meeting to answer any questions from the public on Thursday, Feb. 27, from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.at Penn State Hazelton Graham Building Room 115, Parking Lot F. For more information, contact the PGC’s CWD Hotline at 833-INFOCWD, or email them at [email protected] or visit www.arcg.is/1G4TLr. 

PRE-SEASON TROUT STOCKING BEGIN

The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission will start their initial pre-season trout stocking this month. They are as follows however not all portions of each creek will be stocked on dates listed:

*Feb 19, the upper portion of the Little Lehigh from Spring Creek to Wild Cherry Lane
*Feb. 25, Kistler, Ontelaunee and Switzer creeks; *Feb. 26, Jordan Creek; *Feb. 29, Little Lehigh; *Mar. 4, Jordan Creek; *Mar. 5, Cedar and Coplay creeks; Mar. 6, Monocacy Creek; Mar. 7, Laurel Run, Little Lehigh, Swabia creeks; Mar. 13, Jordan Creek; Mar. 21, Leaser Lake, Trout Creek; Mar. 26, Lehigh Canal.
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More trout stockings will be forthcoming. 





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Pennsylvania's black bears should be denned-up with females giving birth to cubs

2/2/2025

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You’ve probably read or seen on TV about the Carbon county man that recently got attacked by a black bear. That’s an extremely rare occurrence but could have been prompted by rabies that it was subsequently tested for after it was shot by a neighbor. Another speculation is that it could have become humanized by residents feeding it either through bird feeders or uncovered garbage cans and it smelled food. This is also rare because black bears normally hibernate and den-up at this time of year. 

According to the Pennsylvania Game Commission, black bears in poor condition den for shorter periods than those in better shape. And on warm, winter days, they may emerge to look for food. 
Winter dens for male bears can be in a hollow tree, or log, an excavation resembling a large groundhog hole, beneath the root of a fallen tree, in a nest on top of the ground that would resemble a large bird nest, under a rock crevice and on occasion, beneath the deck of a residential home. Male bears den alone as do pregnant females who give birth to cubs there.  

Females typically prefer a more sheltered location such as a cave or deep rock crevice. Several years ago, I had the pleasure of accompanying renowned  PGC Bear Biologist Gary Alt, who held that position at that time, to check on a bear den site. Alt located the denned sow bear through a radio collar he had placed on her some time before. The sow was denned in a deep rock outcropping. After Alt used a jab stick to tranquilize it in the den, he and his assistant pulled the sow out to weigh it, take measurements and milk samples as it had cubs in the den. Interestingly and in subsequent testing, Alt said the sow’s milk had the consistency of sour cream, and it was rich in fats and protein. 

While it was a tight fit and I was a lot thinner back then, Alt allowed me to crawl into the den to photograph the two cubs that were in there. The pair had their eyes open and it sounded like they were bawling as their mom was gone. Cubs generally weigh 6-12 ounces and are 6-9 inches long. 

While the mother was outside the den, Alt removed the two cubs to weight and measure them. Then placed them back in. And before he and partner pushed and pulled the sow back in, Alt rubbed Vicks ointment on the sow’s nose so it wouldn’t readily detect human or an unknown scent on them. 

Females generally raise one litter every two years and the litters can range from 1-5 with three being the most common in Pennsylvania. Cubs will nurse in the den and will leave the den when they are three months old. They’ll typically den with their mothers for the first winter, then disband the following summer. 

While in their dens, be it males or females, the adults become dormant and lapse into and out of a deep sleep. Their body temperature is reduced as is their heart rate. They do not urinate or defecate while dormant. But as in the case of the Carbon County bear, it came out of wherever it was denned and attacked the pedestrian. 

Bears are extremely interesting animals and Alt documented his study results that he shared with game agencies in other states to benefit their black bear programs.  
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NRA's Great American Outdoor Show returns to Harrisburg Feb. 1-9

1/26/2025

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It’s billed as the World’s Largest Outdoor Show, and it is.

Kicking off Feb. 1-9, the Great American Outdoor Show returns again to the Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg. Known locally as the “Harrisburg Show” among local sportsmen, this huge show comprises everything from the latest in firearms, fishing gear, hunting equipment, archery gear, new trucks, boats, ATVs, snowmobiles, campers and more for showgoers to see. It takes an entire day, or two, to see everything on display from outfitters, taxidermists, free seminars and the annual Great Country Concert featuring Riley Green, an award-winning country singer. 

This year’s show will have over a thousand exhibitors showing their latest firearms and gear plus over three-hundred outfitters displaying a gamut of outdoor gear and equipment. That plus, over 200 seminars with a chance to win firearms from NRA’s Wall of Guns display. 

Dog lovers will enjoy watching the DockDogs Competition, where sportsmen bring their hunting dogs to propel off a dock and into a swimming pool in attempt to retrieve a decoy. Whatever dog has the best time to retrieve the decoy gets an award. 

There will be several competitions such as 3D Bowhunting Challenger shoots, Elk Calling Championships, a kids casting contest. 

For avid bass anglers, bass fishing pros will give proven fishing techniques and demonstrations by the trailer-long Hawg Tank that contains live bass.

Kids aren’t left out as the show has a Kids Trout pond that allows kids to fish for a trout within a pool. There’s also the Eddie Eagle Kids Zone with games, face painting and lots more. For teens, there’s the Rock-Climbing Wall to try. 

For bowhunters considering a new bow, an onsite archery shooting range at the Archery Pavilion will allow you to try before you buy. There will be the latest tree stands and hunting blinds to check out.  

Woman aren’t left out as there will be daily Wild game Cooking classes and demonstrations. Offered for all is an Airsoft Shooting Experience to try. 

In the Big Arena, a PA Lumberjack Competition takes place where contestants will compete in several categories. It’s a show for all as these men chop, cut and climb for top lumberjack. 

Available is a free mobile app for the shows’ floorplan, seminar schedules, dates/times, with the capability to select a specific exhibitor section to visit.  

To avoid standing in line to enter the show, merely go to the The Great American Outdoor site where tickets can be purchased online. Ticket prices are Adults ($15); 2 Day, ($25); children 6-12 ($9); Seniors 65 plus ($13); Groups 10 minimum ($13) and children under five are free with a paid adult. 

Show hours are as follows:

Saturday, Feb, 1, 9 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sunday, Feb 2, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Monday, Feb. 3, through Friday, Feb. 7, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Saturday, Feb. 8, 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Sunday, Feb. 2, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
The Farm Show Complex is located at Cameron Street, Harrisburg, PA 17110.

​The best advice for showgoers, wear comfortable walking shoes. There’s a lot to see and do. 




  

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Montana Decoy offers tips and techniques for winter coyote hunting

1/18/2025

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With all the big game hunting seasons now over, sportsmen still have another excuse to hunt during these winter months. Coyotes are a challenge and they have one of the longest hunting seasons. They’re also more active now since they’re in their breeding period between January and March making them a bit easier to hunt.  

While many veteran coyote hunters hunt during the night with night vision optics, daytime pursuits are still on the table as the “yotes” as they’re called, move in early mornings or late afternoons and rest in the middle of the day. And like most mammals, their fur is often the thickest in winter which for the hunter, can fetch better pelt prices. 

The folks at Montana Decoy say you can still call and decoy a yote in during the day provided you follow some rules. Keep in mind that these predators have the eyesight of a turkey, a nose of a deer and intelligence of a domestic dog. As such, they can be challenging to hunt. 

Since coyotes enjoy a variety of food, they love rabbits, rodents and will feed on birds, insects and carrion when those main sources may now be tough to find along with competition from other coyotes. So to get their interest, Montana says to use a decoy or two along with calling. 

Montana suggests using one of their foldable coyote decoys and perhaps their Miss Hoptober standing up rabbit decoy. The latter could trigger an easy meal. The sitting coyote decoy along with a lone howl call (electronic or manual) can trigger a yotes territorial instinct and desire to defend its turf. 

An electronic call is convenient as it comes with preprogrammed sounds such a dying rabbit, howling calls and others. The yote will come in because it’s hearing a lot of commotion. But if it doesn’t see anything, it’s a red flag and it’ll take off. 
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When setting an electronic call along with decoys, set it away from your hiding place. Eighty percent of your coyotes will come in within the first 5-10 minutes if they’re in the area. If nothing appears in 30-40 minutes, Montana said to jump to another spot and set up there.
 
If you’re new to coyote hunting, it’s best to set up with the wind in your face and not in thick vegetation when yotes can make a stealthy approach. Instead, set your decoy and call close to cover but far enough so they must expose themselves. Hide the electronic call if you use one, in hard-to-see places like gullies and thick grass so the predator has to get close to see the source. And above all don’t skylight yourself on a hill or ridge but try to stakeout from an elevated position.

As for calling, coyotes are vocal animals and can be very territorial. A lone howl, says Montana, is a way for alerting other coyotes of its whereabouts. It can also be used to search for a hunting partner or to establish its territory. Their calls can be heard from over mile away.
A lone howl can be very effective at drawing in snooping coyotes and can commonly trigger other coyotes to begin to howl in response – a key in locating potential targets. 

A yip-howl is a coyotes way to promote community and can also be a rallying cry to warn away potential intruders. 

Barks are a sign of agitation, mostly at other coyotes that invade their territory. Barks are commonly heard when another coyote is getting too close to a kill or another animal is threatening it. 

Coyotes are no longer the big woods predators they once were. A Whitehall Township blog post has residents hearing coyote howls in the Stiles, Egypt, Ruchsville area. It should also be a reminder for pet owners to not let your dogs and cats out alone as the coyote will attack and kill your pets. 
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Montana Decoy hopes these few tips will help the novice coyote hunter and perhaps the veteran sportsmen looking to improve their odds of scoring on a yote. There are more coyotes around local areas than you would think. 

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Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission is hiring Waterways Conservation Officers

1/12/2025

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If you’re looking for a job or career change and enjoy the outdoors, the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission (PFBC) may have a career position you may be interested in pursuing. 

The PFBC is recruiting for their 27th Waterways Conservation Officer trainee class. To get started, the State Civil Service Commission will begin accepting applications now through Feb. 3, 2025. If you qualify, the class of trainees will undergo a comprehensive training program at various sites in the Commonwealth, including the PFBC, H.R. Stackhouse School of Fishery Conservation and Watercraft Safety in Bellefonte, Center County. 

Trainees will study law enforcement principles and practices, fish and boat laws, watercraft safety, environmental protection and other related content. 

The new class of trainees are expected to report for training later this year and graduate in the summer of 2026. 

According to the PFBC, Waterways Conservation Officers (often referred to a fish wardens as game protectors are referred to as game wardens), are law enforcement professionals who have a passion for the outdoors and work to protect, conserve and enhance Pennsylvania’ aquatic resources. 

WCOs are specifically trained in all aspects of fisheries conservation (they also conduct trout stockings), watercraft safety and they work to preserve fishing and boating opportunities on Pennsylvania’s 86,000 miles of rivers, streams and lakes. They work outdoors and have unmatched appreciation for the hundreds of native species of fish, reptiles and amphibians in Pennsylvania. 

Applications will only be accepted online. To view the announcement and apply, visit the Pennsylvania employment website at www.employment.pa.gov. 

Applicants must meet the following basic criteria: 
*Pennsylvania residency
*Possess a valid driver’s license
*Be at least 21 years of age
*High school graduate or GED
*Pass a criminal history background check

Upon submitting an application, applicants will be required to take the SCSC exam no later than March 5, 2025. For more information check the “WCO Recruitment” page on the PFBC website (Fishandboat.com). 

ICE FISHING REPORT

According to Chris from Chris’s Bait & Tackle in Mertztown, Ontelaunee Reservoir in upper Berks County has 4-6 inches of ice with some open water in the main lake, He heard nothing about Leaser Lake but he has customers doing well at Promised Land Upper Lake that has a reported 6-7 inches, while Shohola Lake has ice but no depth reports from there. He’s been selling mostly minnows to the ice fishermen. 

Additional reports have Tobyhanna Lake with 4-5 inches, Brady’s Lake had three inches of black ice 50 yards out from shore, Belmont Lake had 5 inches, Prompton Lake had 5 plus, Stillwater Lake had 6 plus and White Oak had 5 inches. 

Friends of Leaser Lake members recently posted that lake is no fully frozen but member Brad Neikam reported safe ice from dam to the north launch .

Also received late report that Minsi Lake in Northampton County had 5 inches and anglers were on it. 
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Weather reports indicate cold weather should prevail for most of this week so hard water fishing should be good. 




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Buck Knives are used by most big game hunters to field dress their animal

12/29/2024

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If you were lucky to fill a buck or doe tag, or both, this past deer hunting season, there’s a good chance you field-dressed the deer using a Buck knife. If so, here’s some interesting information from Buck if your curious about the age of your knife. 

First off, Buck Knives has been global leader in the manufacturer of knives and has been since it started in business in 1902. And a question often received at company headquarters in Post Falls, Idaho, is “how old is my Buck knife. An easy way to determine the answer is by going to http://www.buckknives.com/about/behind-the-blade/how-old-is-my-knife/” There you’ll find a chart with 39 symbols which indicate date of manufacturing, and on the knife’s blade you’ll find one of the symbols on the pivot point where the knife blade opens from the handle. On the company’s website there are also details about the dots that could be discovered on a knife’s blade. Those many dots, and on which side of the blade the dots are placed, could help determine when the iconic 110 Folding Hunter and 112 Ranger knives were manufactured. There are also numerous details about the knives with the company’s trademarked anvil stamped into a blade to detail more manufacturing information. These symbols have been applied to blades since 1986.

Still have questions? Customers can inquire via email at [email protected] to obtain more details about a knife. When contacting the company historian via email, Buck asks to provide a few photos of the knife (and photos of the box if you still have it), as an aide in determining the knife’s age. Some models, says Buck, had little to no material changes for several years so a date range of production can possibly be made. 

If you have the iconic 110 Folding Hunter, there’s a website that’s loaded with precise information about all the different versions and variations – and the age ranges. Visit www.historyofthe110.com.

Buck also reminds Buck owners that their knives are covered under the company’s industry-leading Forever Warranty. Added details on the warranty, along with more than 200 knife models the company sells, can be found at www.buckknives.com. Or call, 800-735-2825.

ICE FISHING REPORT

So far, local ice fishing is thin. Chris from Chris’s Bait and Tackle in Mertztown said he received reports of 2-3 inches of ice at certain places around Ontelaunee Reservoir that was mostly void of water until the  recent rains that brought the lake up five feet. He added that Minsi Lake had some ice and Leaser Lake had only skim ice around the edges. Most anglers, he said, are going up to the Pocono’s especially Promised Land Lake that had 5 inches. 

Other reports emanate from Francis Slocum that had 3-4 inches, 4 inches at Lake Minisink in Pike County, Belmont Lake had 5-6 inches as did Stillwater Lake and lastly, Shohola Lake had decent ice. 

SNOW GEESE
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On Saturday there were a flock of snow geese on the cut cornfield on Schantz Road across from the new Parkland Elementary School. There was also huge flock seen putting down on the quarry behind Weis Market on MacArthur Road. So they’re back. 
While driving on a rural road on the outskirts of Topton, I saw some hunters with corn stalk blinds set mid-field with a bunch of decoys set out. There was also a mildly dense fog over the field. 


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The post Christmas deer hunting season gets underway Dec. 26 in Pa.

12/21/2024

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If you struck out during the recent archery and firearms deer hunting season, and have unfilled tags for either or both, you get another opportunity when the season reopens the day after Christmas. 

For antlerless deer the extended regular firearms season in WMUs 2B, 5C and 5D runs Dec. 26-Jan. 25 and in WMU 4A, 4D and 5A Jan. 2 – Jan. 20, 2025. 

If hunting with a flintlock, you may take an antlered or antlerless deer in WMUs 2B, 5C and 5D from Dec. 26-Jan. 20, 2025. In WMUs 1A, 1B, 2A, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F, 2G, 2H, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, 4E, 5A and 5B from Dec. 26-Jan. 20, 2025. 

You may hunt antlered and antlerless deer with a bow or crossbow in 2B, 5C and 5D from Dec. 26-Jan. 25, 2025. Statewide, the season runs Dec. 26-Jan. 20, 2025. 

Of course, you’re only allowed an antlerless deer with a required antlerless license. 

Deer hunting in this late season is tough. For starters, deer have been spooked, chased, shot at and harvested, leaving the crop somewhat thin, especially for bucks. This also goes for deer’s food sources as cornfields and soybean fields have been harvested leaving only spilled pieces of corn, beans and waste grain for deer to scratch up. 

During this late season and since these once abundant food sources are gone, the National Deer Association (NDA) suggests looking for red oak acorns as deer’s favorite white oak acorns are gone. NDA says that unlike white oak acorns, red oak acorns don’t germinate until the following spring, and  their higher tannin levels keep them from rotting as quickly as white oak acorns. 

The other food source is winter wheat or rye that many farmers have planted that also attract snow geese that can wipe out a small field when they arrive from the north country. 

NDA adds that if you examine a harvested late season deer’s stomach, you’ll likely find that their ingested browse will contain woody vegetation and buds at this time of year. 

Added to this, and with shorter days, deer will remain bedded until dusk or night, and always after legal hunting hours. Then they’ll venture out to a food source and feed there for 12 hours then walk back to bed down. 

NDA says that there’s also the late rut at the tail end of December when a doe comes into heat and a time when some fawns are bred. But don’t count on this as the action will never be like it was during the early, primary rut. 

One point about the late flintlock season, it’s been thought that greater range inline muzzleloaders have should be allowed as it’s tough getting close to a deer at this time of year which is the typical range of a flintlock. Good point for the PGC to consider during their upcoming board meeting. 
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The Canada goose hunting season's third of four segments kicks off Dec. 16 and runs until Jan. 18.

12/14/2024

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With most area corn and soybean fields now harvested, they’re prime feeding fields for geese and ducks. And recently, large flocks have been putting down in the harvested corn fields in the area of Mechanicsville and Ringer roads in Whitehall Township. Further north, the corn fields near Leaser Lake are enticing geese from the lake and small farm ponds nearby. 

So far, hunting pressure seems to be low to non-existent despite having four hunting segments. 

The third of the four seasons for them gets underway Dec. 16 and and runs until Jan. 18. It’s followed by the final segment from Jan. 31-Feb. 22.
 
According to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, who monitors Canada geese populations, they estimate the number of Canada geese in the U.S. is around 3.2 million with a North American population of over 4.3 million. The population has increased dramatically during the past several decades. Resident Canada goose population exceeds one million in the Atlantic Flyway and 1.6 million in the Mississippi Flyway. Populations in these two flyways has increased an average of one and five percent per year respectively over the last 10 years. The population of resident Canada geese in the Central Flyway is close to one million birds. 

Why have they grown so much you may ask? 

Their increase has been attributed to Canada geese that live in mild climates with stable breeding habitat conditions. They’ve adapted to living in habitats found in suburban and urban developments and they fly short distances to winter compared with other Canada goose populations, said the USFWS. This along with high annual production and survival, the absence of predators and waterfowl hunting in urban areas, also increases survival rates. Given these characteristics, most resident Canada goose populations are continuing to increase in both rural and urban areas. 

This also brings up the problems they create such as denuding grassy areas like parks, pastures, golf courses, lawns and other areas where grass is kept short and where there are ponds, lakes and other bodies of water nearby. 

Goose droppings are also a health concern and have often contributed to temporary closure of public beaches plus degraded water quality. It’s easy to find these areas locally such as the parking lots at Leaser Lake, the walkways at Lake Muhlenberg in Allentown. They’ll also do their duty on high school football and soccer fields where players have to practice and play their games and of course, golf courses. . 

To hunt geese takes an investment in decoys to lure them down near you plus the time needed to scout fields they’ve been hitting to feed. 

As for ducks, their numbers are much lower. They too have a lengthy season as the North Zone season runs Nov. 19-Jan. 11. In the South Zone it’s Nov. 19-Jan. 18. 

FREE FLY-TYING COURSE OFFERED
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Hokendauqua Trout Unlimited organization is offering a fly-tying course beginning Jan. 4. It will run for eight consecutive Saturdays at Northampton Middle School. All materials and tools will be provided. The course is free and open to the public. For more information and to register contact Dale Ott at 610-7598 or check the organizations website at Fly Tying Course/Hokendauqua Chapter #535. 






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Since local fresh water fishing is non-existent, the striper bite is still on at the Jersey shore

12/9/2024

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PictureChunky stripers are still on the bite along the Jersey coast. Contributed photo

While we’re still in hunting seasons, and freshwater fishing is virtually tough because of low water conditions, and ice fishing is still not available locally, the only viable fishing action is occurring at the Jersey shore. 

As reported by On the Water Magazine, striper fishing at the shore remains red hot despite the freezing temperatures. Boats are having no trouble getting limits and bonus fish while surfcasters continue to pick bass all along the coast. Same goes for bluefin tuna. Blackfishing has improved at the inlets and on the wrecks, reefs and rock piles. More keepers and limits have been reported including a 17-pound tog caught last week on the Sea Owl charter. 

Capt. Phil Sciortino at the Tackle Box in Hazlet, said stripers are still the story with an epic bite going on right now in the ocean with Diamond jigs being the hot lures. He also checked in very big bluefish. Anglers are picking fish off the beaches of Sandy Hook with big hickory shad in the mix. Sciortino added that big bluefin tuna are around as well with NLBN straight tails accounting for some fish. Blackfishing is on the upswing with good reports coming from the Rattlesnake and 17 Fathom. 

Mike Pinto at Giglio’s Bait & Tackle in Sea Bright, reported that bass are on the beach in Long Branch and there’s loads of bass in the area. Peanut and adult bunker are keeping them around. 

Mike Gleason at TAK Waterman in Long Branch, reported striper fishing is still going strong with bass being caught off the beach there. If fishing from a boat, you can’t miss them. They’re hitting sand eels and peanut bunker plus adult bunker, all along the coast. There’s also plenty of bluefin tuna as he and friends boated a 70-incher last week and had another pull a hook. Stripers are a bit out of casting range in Ocean Grove, but they were taking sand eels. Blind casting is hooking fish on Avas and on sand eels. 

Tim Rizzuto at Fisherman’s Den in Belmar, said some anglers are picking off some winter flounder in Shark River. As for stripers on the beach, it’s a matter of being at the right place at the right time. Boats, however, are having no trouble finding bass offshore. 

Rick Hebert at Tackle World in Rochelle Park, said there are plenty of stripers around and blackfishing is getting better. He fished aboard the Hyper Striper out of the Highlands last week and the crew got their limit of bass, plus they landed more than 25 keeper tog. 

ICE FISHING 

With below freezing temperatures last week, this week’s warm-up won’t help ice fishing conditions. The only reports posted are from some small lakes and ponds in the Pocono’s, but better conditions are being reported in New York state, if you don’t mind the drive. 

Locally, the prime ice fishing spot has traditionally been Ontelaunee Reservoir in upper Berks County. But because of the drought we experienced, much of the lake is void of water. Anglers have posted photos of Ontelaunee showing large tracts of rocky lake bottom. 
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As for Leaser Lake, it seems to take a long time for it to produce safe ice for ice fishing. It will take extended weeks of sub-freezing temperatures to freeze Leaser. We’ll keep you posted. 




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With cold temperatures, local ski resorts are now able to start making snow for the upcoming season

12/2/2024

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​With night temperatures forecasted to be in 20s this week, it’s the ideal weather for ski areas to begin their snowmaking operations. 
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Foremost of the most popular ones are Camelback in the Pocono’s, who are planning on opening Friday, December 13. And for the upcoming season, Camelback Resort is in partnership with local Blue Mount Resort in Palmerton in offering unlimited skiing and lift access at both resorts through their value-packed Peak-to-Peak Poconos Pass. With this, passholders will get exclusive perks and discounts at both destinations with no blackout dates or restrictions. 
New for Camelbacks 2024-25 season are new Adult, Senior and Youth Classes for teaching ski lessons to all age groups by introducing new adult, senior and youth classes at its Ski & Ride Academy. For adults 18 and over with a skill level of advanced beginner and up, two-hour group lessons are available which will allow participants to build or refine skills in a group with similar abilities. These customized classes will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. during January and February 2025. 

Special two-hour Senior Clinics are offered on Wednesdays in January and February. For younger skiers, an After-School Program for ages 9 to 18 provide one-hour lessons over three consecutive weeks. The Ski & Ride Academy also offers extended private lessons, including options for children, family and friends, as well as a mid-week, half day program. 

For those who prefer snow tubing, Camelback features one of the largest snow tubing parks in the country, according to Marguarite Clark, Camelback Public Relations Manager. The resort offers over 40 snow tubing lanes for daytime and nighttime tubing. The lighted lanes are serviced by two magic carpet lifts.

Camelback offers 14 lifts serving 19 trails for skiers and boarders and new this season is the Black Bear 6. Introduced in 2022 as a high-speed, six-person enclosed lift, it replaced the smaller Sullivan Express and Sunflower Express lifts built in 2022. 

Also new on Black Bear 6 is a digital screen that displays a trail map, lift updates and other updated ski information. 

Snow lovers are offered Amazon’s Just Walk Out technology that allows guests an easy shopping opportunity at the resort’s Big Pocono On The Go spot, that provides a collection of grab-and-go purchase possibilities. Camelback is the first ski resort in the country to offer Just Walk Out technology by utilizing only a credit card, the Amazon app or Camelback app at the entry gate.

At Blue Mountain Resort, they plan to open for skiing and snowboarding Friday, Dec. 6 and for tubing, Saturday Dec. 7. 

New at the Blue for this season is enhanced snowmaking technology and a new snow groomer. 
For the opener, visitors will be treated to early and quick snowmaking thanks to 132 new type stick snow guns and six fan guns across the entire mountain. This gives the Blue a 17.5 percent increase in snowmaking for opening day, as compared to last year. This investment included updated automated software to make snowmaking more efficient and better timing control. 

Expanded trails for this season include Come Around, Lower Lazy, Falls and Lower Sidewinder. Additionally, a new 2024 Prinoth Bison X Cat snow groomer will be operational. 
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As of press time, Bear Creek Resort in Macungie did not respond to several inquiries regarding their 2024-25 season. 




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    Author

    Nick Hromiak has been an outdoors and automotive  writer for over 30 years. He's been published in numerous national and state-wide outdoor magazines and newspapers. 

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