Here are some happenings that occurred and some highlights that I reported in 2022:  

January: Pennsylvania’s 2021 bear take report was announced, 3,612 were taken. This amounts to one of the 10 best of bear seasons. Pennsylvania’s best bear season was in 2019 when a record harvest of 4,653 bears were taken.

It was reported that deer processors are dwindling throughout the country. With expanded and longer deer seasons, hunters are now taking more deer than usual and are running out of places to get their deer processed.

The Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs of Sullivan County held their annual Youth Ice Fishing Contest on the Ten Mile River Boy Scouts Crystal Lake. They had a nice turnout with over 100 children attending.

February: It was reported that the NRA’s Great American Outdoor Show will be held on February 4-9 at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg, PA. This is the world’s largest outdoor show.

The Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs held their annual statewide coyote contest on February 4-6. 394 hunters were entered, and they brought in 66 coyotes. Unfortunately, hunter participation was the lowest in 14 years since the contest was in existence. John VanEtten, President of the Sportsmen’s Federation, said the low attendance was due to the pandemic virus.

March: NY DEC announced the 2021 statewide bear take, 1,346 were taken. Comparing New York’s and neighboring Pennsylvania’s bear take, total take in NY 1,346 and total take in PA 3,612. That’s 2,266 more bear than NY, taken in a single year. With both states having similar bear habitat, many believe it is better bear management in PA and it could very well be the reason.

April - The NY DEC stated that 2021 was the safest hunting year on record for hunters, with reduced numbers in hunting-related shooting and tree stand incidents. 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture tested 481 deer in Michigan, New York and Pennsylvania and found COVID-19 antibodies in 33% of the samples. The study also stated that based on the available information, the risk of deer and other animals spreading the virus to people is very low. 

Spring turkey season opens in New York on May 1 and ends on May 31. In Pennsylvania it opens on April 30 and ends on May 31.

May: The National Shooting Sports Foundation released a report stating that the total economic impact of the firearm and ammunition sales in the U.S. increased from $19.1 billion in 2008 to $20.52 billion in 2021, a 269 percent increase. People are buying guns & ammo like never before.

June: Reported that Ray Scott, the founder of the Bass Anglers Sportsman Society (B.A.S.S.), passed away at age 88.

July: Reported that the state of Pennsylvania has spent an average of $2.5 million per year on their efforts to combat Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) that is killing deer. In the last five years, PA has spent $10.3 million on CWD efforts. The sad part is they still don’t have a solution. Their efforts only amounted to trying to stop the spreading of the disease.

August: A U.S. government agency is changing the rules for importing any earthworms and minnows into the U.S. All importers of earthworms and minnows are now required to obtain a permit and to comply with the new rearing and shipping requirements. U.S. anglers planning to fish in other countries should find out ahead of going, to see if bait will be available.

September: The governor of New York signed a new law stating that no guns will be allowed in any worship houses in the state of New York. The NY State Jewish Gun Club of Rockland, NY is suing the state of New York stating the Second Amendment states each individual has the right and responsibility to defend themselves and their families.

October: The Bass Anglers Sportsman Society announced what they consider the best bass fishing waters in the country. The St. Lawrence River in New York is ranked as the number one bass fishery.   

November: Reminded all that the New York firearms deer season in the Southern Zone opens on November 19 and ends on December 11. Deer firearms season in Pennsylvania opens on November 26 and ends on December 10.   

December: The NY DEC decided to keep the Holiday Deer Hunt (December 26-Jan 1) in place and not to give ‘county-politicians’ the authority to make decisions about managing wildlife and leave the NY game biologists with their expertise knowledge, to manage wildlife.