Controlled goose hunts will be held at Westmoreland County parks Sept. 2-25. On specified dates and specific times, some parks may be closed to other activities. No blind permits. All state Game Commission and Fish and Boat Commission regulations apply, in addition to park watercraft restrictions.
A statement from Westmoreland County Parks and Recreation cited evidence that goose control has helped to keep the parks sanitary and accessible.
“The county has participated in scheduled control programs for the past few years,” reads the statement, “and recognizes that hunting still remains the most effective and efficient way to manage the resident goose population at their lakes,”
Details at 724-830-3959. Locations and times: Twin Lakes Park, Greensburg, dawn-9 a.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays; Mammoth Park, Mt. Pleasant, dawn-9 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays; Northmoreland Park, Apollo, dawn-9 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays, no hunting Sept. 2; Chestnut Ridge Park, Acme, dawn-dusk; Bridgeport Dam Park, Mt. Pleasant, dawn-dusk..
Pine Creek improvement
Volunteers are needed 7:30 a.m. to noon Aug. 27 to help with the annual Penn’s Woods West Trout Unlimited Pine Creek stream improvement project. This year’s work, planned and supervised by the state Fish and Boat Commission, will focus on the stream section along Wildwood Road near the Best Feed Store and entrance to North Park. Donuts, coffee and lunch provided and a hand-crafted fly rod will be raffled among participants. The project is sponsored by the Allegheny County Conservation District and Allegheny County Parks. Details at 412-486-5356.
Keep out
Wild trout in Penns Creek, Mifflin County, are escaping from low, warm waters by ducking into deep, cool pools near the mouths of tributaries including Panther Run and Swift Run near Union and Centre counties. The state Fish and Boat Commission has temporarily posted those stream sections and riparian areas.
“The goal is to prevent additional stress by limiting angling pressure and the chances of others needlessly spooking them,” said State Forester Dan Devlin in a statement.
Sportsfest for kids
The Vandergrift Sportsmen’s Assoc. will sponsor the Brownells/NRA Youth Sportsfest Camp 7:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Aug. 20 on club grounds. Ages 8-15 welcome with parent or guardian. Includes guided .22, black powder and trap shooting, archery, fly tying and a trapping seminar, plus lunch. Register at http://my.register-ed.com/login/login or 727-727-3628.
Fly fishing classes
The workshop schedule is growing at International Angler in Robinson. Space limited, register at 412-788-8088.
- Aug. 24 Fly Fishing 201. Anglers who’ve completed Fly Fishing 101 take the next step out on the water. $25 advance, 5 p.m.
- Aug. 25, Aug. 27 Two-part Spey Casting Workshop. Introductory session meets 5:30 p.m. Aug. 25, includes a video on basic Spey casting and discussion. Spey Casting 201 meets 10 a.m. Aug. 27 for Spey demonstration and instruction on the water. Two-session workshop $25, includes Spey casting handout and International Angler coupon.
- Sept. 14 Fly Fishing 101. Basic lesson on fly casting and gear. Free, 5:30 p.m.
First Published: August 14, 2016, 4:00 a.m.