January 2009 Archives

HCP & Associates, a Tampa-based International Marketing Consulting firm, will be traveling to Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania this Super Bowl weekend for a very special dedication. HCP commissioned world-renowned wildlife sculptor, Geoffrey Smith (www.geoffreysmith.com) to create a life-size bronze sculpture of Punxsutawney Phil.

HCP Managing Partner, Eric Polins, remarked, "DENTCO, a long-time client in Michigan, manages national snow removal services for thousands of commercial business facilities across the country. Each year customers await his prediction for six more weeks of winter and the arrival of the spring season. After all of the years Phil has produced top-notch forecasts, we decided we all owe him a nice dedication."

This effort has been embraced by the official Groundhog Club's Inner Circle, a group of local dignitaries who are responsible for preserving the tradition of Groundhog Day each year and surrounding Phil during his prediction at Gobbler's Knob. Inner Circle member, Mike Johnston, noted, "Each year we get dozens of requests for participation to support Phil, but nothing we've ever done has the permanence we'll enjoy with this life-size sculpture. We've made the bronze part of this year's celebration, and feel the sculpture will be a wonderful dedication to Groundhog Day 2009."

The dedication ceremony is slated to take place in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania on Monday, February 2, 2009 at 10:00 am in Barclay Square following Phil's sunrise weather prediction. The life-size sculpture will then be on permanent display at the Weather Discovery Center, an interactive science center in the heart of Punxsutawney.

Immediately following the dedication ceremony, Stephanie Abrams, co-host of The Weather Channel's program "Abrams & Bettes" Beyond the Forecast, and Rich Kane, Warning Coordination Meteorologist (WCM) for the NOAA's National Weather Service, will be honored as the 2009 inductee for the Weather Discovery Center's National Meteorologist Hall of Fame.

In addition to the life-size sculpture, limited edition, signed and numbered miniature bronze sculptures are available for purchase. If you would like to order one or more of this one-of-a-kind Punxsutawney Phil collectible, please visit www.VotePhil.com. Plus, cast your vote on whether or not Phil will predict six more weeks of winter.

To learn more about HCP & Associates, visit www.hcpassociates.com or call 813-318-0565.

 
 
SOURCE HCP & Associates
 

The Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners today gave preliminary approval to hunting and trapping seasons and bag limits for 2009-10, including a new hunting hour table for the new license year.

The public may offer comments on all proposed 2009-10 seasons and bag limits, as well as other Board actions, between now and the Board's next meeting, April 20-21, at which time the Board will finalize seasons and bag limits for 2009-10. Also, the Board will take action on setting antlerless deer license allocations for the 22 WMUs at its April meeting. Deer harvest estimates for the 2008-09 seasons will be available in mid-March.

Following are several articles on meeting highlights.

BOARD APPROVES EXPANDED USE OF CROSSBOWS

The Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners today gave final approval to expand the lawful use of crossbows to include both the archery deer and bear seasons for the 2009-10 seasons. The Board amended the proposal by including a sunset date for the expanded crossbow use that will require a future Board to vote on the measure again before June 30, 2012.

Under the new regulation, a crossbow must have a peak drawn weight of at least 125 pounds, and a bolt must be equipped with a broadhead that has an outside diameter or width of at least 7/8 inches with at least two cutting edges on the same plane throughout the length of the cutting surface, and shall not exceed three inches in length.

Also, before giving the measure final approval, the Board adopted an amendment to prohibit the use of magnifying scopes for archery equipment and crossbows during the archery bear and deer seasons. The use of non-magnifying scopes -- such as those that provide a red dot for sighting purposes -- will continue to be legal.

The proposal given approval also would remove the lawful use of crossbows during the October muzzleloader or late flintlock muzzleloader season. Other changes made by the proposal simplify and make the language of the regulations easier to understand.

DEER SEASONS TO BE SIMILAR FOR 2009-10

The Board of Game Commissioners gave preliminary approval to a slate of deer seasons for the 2009-10 seasons that retains all of the opportunities provided in the past to address the goals of the agency's deer management plan. The only significant change was the Board's vote to extend the late flintlock season for Wildlife Management Units (WMUs) 2B, 5C and 5D to run from Dec. 26 to Jan. 23.

Hunters in WMUs 2D, 2G, 3C and 4B will again have a five-day, antlered deer only season in starting the Monday after Thanksgiving, followed immediately by seven days of concurrent, antlered and antlerless deer hunting. The proposed package retains the two-week (12-day) concurrent, antlered and antlerless season in the remaining 18 WMUs.

On Monday, the Board received a presentation by the Bureau of Wildlife Management regarding the study that has begun to evaluate the impact of split seasons in WMUs 2D, 2G, 3C and 4B on hunter success rates for future use as a new management tool. (For more information on the study, please see "News Release" #012-09 in the "News Release" section of the agency's website -- www.pgc.state.pa.us.)

Roe noted that, in 2008, the four WMUs chosen were for this split season because: WMUs 2G and 4B have ongoing deer research in them; WMU 2D is an area where antler restrictions are set at four points on one side, and is where the agency previously had deer research conducted; and WMU 3C is an area where antler restrictions are set at three points on one side, and is an area of the state where no extensive deer research has been conducted.

"Antlerless deer harvest versus number of days of opportunity, or the overall season length, will be evaluated, and we will conduct annual surveys of hunters to address other aspects of the program," Roe said. "Stakeholders may be able to provide input by sharing whether they'd like more opportunity via time, such as two weeks or more, or more people involved through perhaps more tags and shorter seasons."

The Deer Management Assistance Program (DMAP) that addresses landowner deer management objectives within Wildlife Management Units (WMUs) remains in place. Hunters with DMAP antlerless deer permits may use them during any established deer season, and will continue to be permitted to harvest antlerless deer from Nov. 30-Dec. 12 in WMUs 2D, 2G, 3C and 4B.

"DMAP provides a tool to harvest antlerless deer on specific properties to lessen deer impacts for landowners and the habitat," Roe said. Fees for DMAP permits are $10 for residents and $35 for nonresidents.

PHEASANT SEASON CHANGES TO ENHANCE WILD RECOVERY PROJECT

The Board of Game Commissioners today gave preliminary approval to a major change in pheasant hunting designed to be the first major step toward re-establishing wild pheasant populations in Pennsylvania.

Under the agency's recently approved Ring-necked Pheasant Management Plan, the Game Commission calls for restoring self-sustaining and huntable populations of wild pheasants in suitable habitats called "Wild Pheasant Recovery Areas" (WPRAs), and defined as the Pike Run, Somerset and Central Susquehanna WPRAs. The agency will facilitate the release of wild-trapped pheasants into these areas, with a goal of achieving a density of 10 hen pheasants per square mile.

To give these wild pheasants the best opportunity to establish naturally reproducing populations, the Board has banned the release of any artificially propagated pheasants -- including Game Commission raised pheasants -- within these WPRAs. Also, to limit disturbances to nesting hen pheasants, dog training of any manner will be prohibited in these WPRAs from the end of small game season in early February through July 31 each year.

"Working with major partners, such as Pheasants Forever, the University of California and local landowners, we already have a jump-start on creating WPRAs," said Carl G. Roe, Game Commission executive director. "These groups have invested in creating the necessary pheasant habitat in three areas of the state. To make the best use of the agency's resources, and with the support of these partners, we are going to identify these areas as the first WPRAs in the state.

"While we hope to identify more, the Game Commission will continue to raise and release pheasants on public lands with suitable pheasant habitat each fall. And, should we receive additional revenues, we plan to increase our pheasant production level to 250,000 birds, as noted in the Ring-necked Pheasant Management Plan."

Game Commissioner Jay Delaney made a motion, that was unanimously approved by the Board, to add the Greenwood Valley area of Columbia County to the Central Susquehanna WPRA. The Bureau of Wildlife Management was then directed to redraft boundary definitions for the Central Susquehanna WPRA for the Board's April meeting.

For the 2009-10 seasons, the WPRAs are defined as the following geographic locations:

(1) Pike Run WPRA. The portion of Washington County, WMU 2A, bounded on the east by the Monongahela River, on the north by I-70, on the west by PA Rt. 917 to Swagler Rd. to Spring Valley Rd. to PA Rt. 2015 to Lone Pine Rd. to the intersection with Tenmile Creek in West Zollarsville, and bounded on the south by Tenmile Creek.

(2) Somerset WPRA. That portion of Somerset County, WMU 2C, bounded on the western side starting at the intersection of Coleman Station Rd. and to Stutzmantown Rd. proceeding south on Coleman Station Rd. to Brotherton Rd. continuing south to Shultz Rd./Round Hill Rd. then onto Wills Church Rd. then to Archery Rd. Boundary follows Berlin Plank Rd. (US Rt. 219) into the town of Berlin where it joins the Mason Dixon Highway (US Rt. 219) proceeding south to Pine Hill Rd. then onto Goodtown Rd. to Walker School Rd. to Sawmill Rd. Boundary crosses PA Rt. 160 to intersection with PA Rt. 31. Following Roxbury Rd. north to Shanksville Rd. connecting to the northern boundary of Stutzmantown Rd. again to the intersection of Coleman Station Rd.

(3) Central Susquehanna WPRA (pending amendment for April). Portions of Management Unit 4E in Northumberland, Montour, Columbia and Lycoming counties from the West Branch of the Susquehanna River to the south and east of the intersection of PA Rts. 54 and 405 south to the intersection with PA Rt. 642 and the West Branch of the Susquehanna River in Milton. The southern boundary is defined by PA Rt. 642 east from Milton to Mausdale, then PA Rt. 642 begins the east side of the WPRA boundary north to Jerseytown and then continues to the northern boundary following Whitehall Rd. (PA Rt. 44) towards White Hall. The northern boundary consists of smaller state and township roads proceeding from the West Branch of the Susquehanna River south and east along PA Rt. 405 to PA Rt. 54 east in Northumberland County. Then proceeding north on Crawford Rd. (Rt. 507), continuing northeast on Hughes Rd. (Rt. 655), crossing under I-180, ending at Susquehanna Trail (PA Rt. 1007). Continuing south on Susquehanna Trail (PA Rt. 1007) to Schmidt Rd. (Rt. 564). Proceeding east and southeast on Schmidt Rd. (Rt. 564). Continuing northeast on Balliet Rd. (Rt. 664) and Miller Rd. (Rt. 653) to Hockley Hill Rd. (PA Rt. 1011). Proceeding south on Hockley Hill Rd. (PA Rt. 1011) and east and south on Pugmore Lane to Showers Rd. (PA Rt. 1010). Continuing east on Showers Rd. (PA Rt. 1010), crossing into Montour County, and proceeding south on Gearhart Hollow Rd. (Rt. 441), east on Hickory Rd. (PA Rt. 1008), northeast on Mingle Rd. (Rt. 433), east on Hickory Rd. (PA Rt. 1008), north on Muncy Exchange Rd. (PA Rt. 1003), northeast on Country Line Rd., crossing into Lycoming County, east and north on Ridge Rd., southeast on G Wagner Rd., crossing into Columbia County, south on Katy's Church Rd., to the border of State Game Lands 226. South along the State Game Lands 226 boundary and then east and southeast along the State Game Lands 226 boundary, then south on Ants Hill Rd. Proceeding east on Shultz Rd., south on Swartz Rd., west on Schoolhouse Rd. to Whitehall Rd. (PA Rt. 44) northwest of Jerseytown and southeast of Whitehall.

A native of Asia, pheasants were brought to North America back in the mid 1700s, but these early attempts to introduce pheasants to the continent were unsuccessful. It wasn't until 1881, in the Willamette Valley of Oregon, that pheasants first became established.

During the early 1890s, Pennsylvania citizens purchased pheasants from English gamekeepers and released them in Lehigh and Northampton counties. For several decades, many other small releases were made across the Commonwealth to establish pheasants for sport hunting.

In the early 1900s, the Game Commission set aside a special appropriation of funds to purchase and propagate game. Pheasant eggs were purchased and given to agency refuge keepers, sportsmen's organizations and private individuals interested in raising pheasants. The first stocking of pheasants by the Game Commission occurred by 1915.

Habitat loss, from urban/suburban sprawl to changes in agricultural practices, had an impact on Pennsylvania's naturally-reproducing pheasant populations. Additionally, budget constraints forced the Game Commission, in 2005, to reduce its annual pheasant stocking allocation from 200,000 to 100,000.

For more information on pheasants and the history of the agency's pheasant management plan and propagation program, visit the Game Commission's website (www.pgc.state.pa.us), select "Hunting" then click on the photograph of the pheasant.

BOARD PROPOSES ADJUSTMENTS TO EXTENDED BEAR SEASONS

The Board of Commissioners today gave preliminary approval to the traditional three-day statewide black bear season before Thanksgiving, extended bear seasons in certain portions of the state concurrent with the first week of the firearms deer season and a two-day archery season.

While most bear seasons remain the same, extended hunting opportunities were added for WMUs 5B and 5C, in the southeastern portion of the state, and will run Dec. 2-5, Wednesday through Saturday, along with the concurrent firearms deer season in these units. However, the Board removed WMU 3C, in the northeastern corner of the state, from the extended season, due to a declining bear population trend.

Pennsylvania extended modern-day bear hunting started in 2002, when bear hunters were given the opportunity to fill their tags the first week of the firearms deer season in Carbon, Monroe and Pike counties. With the advent of the state's 22 WMUs, the extended season was held in WMU 3D in 2003. In 2004, the number of WMUs open for the concurrent deer/bear season was expanded, and the Board has made adjustments to those areas that are included or closed based on population trends.

Bear licenses must be purchased prior to the opening of the firearms deer season, Nov. 30.

BOBCAT SEASON EXPANDED TO WMUS 4A AND 4E

After nine bobcat seasons, the Board of Game Commissioners gave preliminary approval to add Wildlife Management Units 4A and 4E to the list of WMUs in which bobcats can be taken by those hunters/trappers who are selected for a permit. The upcoming public drawing to award bobcat permits, which will be held in September, will continue to guarantee permits to those who have earned a certain number of preference points.

The decision to add WMUs 4A and 4E to the bobcat hunt/trap area is based on the increased number of incidental bobcat captures and bobcat sightings in this area.

Beginning in 2003, the Game Commission began awarding preference points to individuals who apply for and do not receive a bobcat harvest permit during a given year. This preference point system was designed to incrementally increase the probability of receiving a permit each year that an applicant is unsuccessful. Bobcat permits are awarded using a random computer drawing from an applicant database. The number of preference points is applied to the applicant's name prior to the drawing. Under this system, the odds of being selected increase significantly as points are accrued, but new applicants always have a chance of being selected. Applicants who are selected and receive a permit are prohibited from applying the following year and their preference points are set back to zero.

"Because the selection process is random it is possible that, under the current system, a person can maintain maximum preference points and never be selected to receive a permit," Roe said. "It is also possible -- and this has occurred numerous times -- that applicants may be selected to receive permits multiple times over the years, while others are never drawn. Some bobcat permit applicants see these situations as inequitable.

"Last year, we modified the process to provide guaranteed permits to applicants who earned the maximum number of preference points. We can provide this benefit without negating the chance of a new applicant to receive a permit or significantly reducing the odds of being drawn for an applicant with less than the maximum number preference points."

In order to receive a guaranteed permit for the 2009 drawing, an applicant will have to have applied without being drawn for the previous five consecutive years, as well as apply this year, to have the maximum number of preference points of six and receive a guaranteed permit.

Residents and nonresident furtaker license holders, as well as combination license holders, are eligible for the public drawing to award bobcat permits.

In other trapping-related action, the Board gave preliminary approval to a change in the cable restraint season to allow those eligible for the cable restraint season for foxes and coyotes to use non-target furbearers that are incidentally captured in a cable restraint during seasons in which those furbearers are legal for harvest.

HUNTERS REMINDED ABOUT PROCESS FOR SETTING WATERFOWL SEASONS

The Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners gave preliminary approval to nearly all of the 2009-10 seasons and bag limits; however, there is one group of seasons that won't be finalized until summer: waterfowl and migratory bird seasons.

In July, in concert with federal frameworks, the Game Commission will set seasons and bag limits for September resident Canada goose and webless migratory birds, such as doves, woodcock, snipe and moorhens.

In August, the Game Commission and waterfowl hunting organizations will host waterfowl organizations, individual sportsmen and the public to attend a briefing on the status of waterfowl populations and proposed preliminary federal frameworks for the 2009-10 hunting seasons.

In addition to reviewing frameworks established by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) for upcoming waterfowl and migratory bird seasons, Game Commission staff, along with conservation partners, will provide updates on current and planned research and management programs, as well as past hunting results.

Based on public comments received and gathered at the meeting, Game Commission staff will prepare and present recommended composite waterfowl and migratory bird seasons, bag limits and related criteria to the USFWS for final approval. All migratory bird hunting seasons and bag limits must conform to frameworks set by the USFWS. States select their hunting seasons within these established frameworks.

By mid-August, once the final selections are made, the Game Commission will print and distribute brochures outlining the seasons and bag limits for waterfowl and migratory bird seasons to U.S. Post Offices, where hunters may purchase their mandatory federal duck stamp. The brochure also will be posted on the Game Commission's website (www.pgc.state.pa.us) along with a news release announcing the agency's final selections by mid-August.

PROPOSED 2009-10 HUNTING SEASONS AND BAG LIMITS

SQUIRRELS, Red, Gray, Black and Fox (Combined): Special season for eligible junior hunters, with or without required license, and mentored youth -- Oct. 10-16 (6 daily, 12 in possession limit after first day).

SQUIRRELS, Red, Gray, Black and Fox (Combined): Oct. 17-Nov. 28; Dec. 14-23 and Dec. 26-Feb. 6 (6 daily, 12 possession).

RUFFED GROUSE: Oct. 17-Nov. 28, Dec. 14-23 and Dec. 26-Jan. 23 (2 daily, 4 possession).

RABBIT (Cottontail): Oct. 24-Nov. 28, Dec. 14-23 and Dec. 26-Feb. 6 (4 daily, 8 possession).

PHEASANT: Special season for eligible junior hunters, with or without required license -- Oct. 10-17 (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. There is no open season for the taking of pheasants in any Wild Pheasant Recovery Areas in any WMU.

PHEASANT: Male only in WMUs 2A, 2B, 2C, 4C, 4E, 5A and 5B -- Oct. 24-Nov. 28. Male and female may be taken in all other WMUs -- Oct. 24-Nov. 28, Dec. 14-23 and Dec. 26-Feb. 6 (2 daily, 4 in possession). There is no open season for the taking of pheasants in any Wild Pheasant Recovery Areas in any WMU.

BOBWHITE QUAIL: Oct. 24-Nov. 28 (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 3-April 4, on Friday, Saturday and Sunday only. No limit.

STARLINGS AND ENGLISH SPARROWS: No closed season, except during the 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) -- Oct. 31-Nov. 14; WMU 2B (Shotgun and bow and arrow) - Oct. 31- Nov. 21; WMUs 2C, 2D, 2E, 4A and 4B -- Oct. 31-Nov. 14; WMUs 2F, 2G, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 4C, 4D and 4E -- Oct. 31-Nov. 21; WMUs 5A and 5B -- CLOSED TO FALL TURKEY HUNTING; and WMUs 5C and 5D (Shotgun and bow and arrow) -- Oct. 31-Nov. 4 (1 bird limit, either sex).

SPRING GOBBLER (Bearded bird only): Special season for eligible junior hunters, with required license, and mentored youth -- April 24, 2010. Only 1 spring gobbler may be taken during this hunt.

SPRING GOBBLER (Bearded bird only): May 1-31, 2010. 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. 18-19. Only 1 bear may be taken during the license year.

BLACK BEAR (Statewide): Nov. 23-25. Only 1 bear may be taken during the license year.

BLACK BEAR (Portions of WMUs 3B, 4E and 2G): Nov. 30-Dec. 5. Only 1 bear may be taken during the license year. In the following portions:

The portion of WMU 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 WMU 4E, East of Rt. 42; and
The portions of WMUs 2G in Lycoming and Clinton counties and WMU 3B in Lycoming County that lies North of the West Branch of the Susquehanna River from the Rt. 405 bridge, West to the Rt. 15 at Williamsport, Route 15 to Rt. 220, North of Rt. 220 to the Mill Hall exit, North of SR 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 SR 1001, East of SR 1001 to Croak Hallow Road, South of Croak Hallow Road to Rt. 664 (at Swissdale), South of Rt. 664 to Little Plum Road (the intersection of SR1003, South of SR 1003 to SR 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, 4E, 5B and 5C): Dec. 2-5. Only 1 bear may be taken during the license year.

ELK (Antlered or Antlerless): Nov. 2-7. Only one elk may be taken during the license year. The Board gave approval to an allocation of 59 elk license for the 2009 season. Further information about allocation of antlered and antlerless licenses, as well as allocations by zone, will be announced later.

DEER, ARCHERY (Antlerless Only) WMUs 2B, 5C and 5D: Sept. 19-Oct. 2, Nov. 16-28 and Dec. 14-23. One antlerless deer with each required antlerless license.

DEER, ARCHERY (Antlered and Antlerless) Statewide, including WMUs 2B, 5C and 5D: Oct. 3-Nov. 14 and Dec. 26-Jan. 9. 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: Nov. 30-Dec. 12. One antlered deer per hunting license year. An antlerless deer with each required antlerless license.

DEER (Antlered Only) WMUs 2D, 2G, 3C and 4B: Nov. 30-Dec. 4. One antlered deer per hunting license year. (Holders of valid DMAP antlerless deer permits may harvest antlerless deer on DMAP properties during this period in WMUs 2B, 2G, 3C and 4B.)

DEER (Antlered and Antlerless) WMUs 2D, 2G, 3C and 4B: Dec. 5-12. One antlered deer per hunting license year. An antlerless deer with each required antlerless license.

DEER, ANTLERLESS (Statewide): Oct. 22-24. Junior and Senior License Holders, Disabled Person Permit (to use a vehicle) Holders, and Pennsylvania residents serving on active duty in

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. 17-24. An antlerless deer with each required antlerless license.

DEER, ANTLERED OR ANTLERLESS FLINTLOCK (Statewide): Dec. 26-Jan. 9. One antlered per hunting license year, or one antlerless deer and an additional antlerless deer with each required antlerless license.

DEER, ANTLERED OR ANTLERLESS FLINTLOCK (WMUs 2B, 5C, 5D): Dec. 26-Jan. 23. 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. 14-23 and Dec. 26-Jan. 23. 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; New Cumberland Army Depot, York County; and Fort Detrick, Raven Rock Site, Adams County. An antlerless deer with each required antlerless license.

PROPOSED 2009-10 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 and FOXES: Oct. 24-Feb. 20, 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, 4A, 4D and 4E): Oct. 24-Feb. 20. One per permit. (Bobcats may only be taken by furtakers in possession of a Bobcat Hunting-Trapping permit.)

PROPOSED 2009-10 TRAPPING SEASONS

MINK and MUSKRAT: Nov. 21-Jan. 10. Unlimited.

COYOTE, FOXES, OPOSSUM, RACCOON, SKUNKS and WEASELS: Oct. 25-Feb. 21. No limit.

COYOTE and FOXES (Statewide) Cable Restraints: Jan. 1-Feb. 21. 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, 4A, 4D and 4E): Oct. 25-Feb. 21. One per permit. (Bobcats may only be taken by furtakers in possession of a Bobcat Hunting-Trapping permit.)

PROPOSED 2009-10 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.)

No open season on other wild birds or mammals. Waterfowl and Migratory Game Bird seasons will be established in accordance with Federal Regulations this summer.

Note to Editors: If you would like to receive Game Commission news releases via e-mail, please send a note with your name, address, telephone number and the name of the organization you represent to: PGCNews@state.pa.us

    For Information Contact:
    Jerry Feaser
    717-705-6541
    PGCNEWS@state.pa.us

 
 
SOURCE Pennsylvania Game Commission
 

The Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners today gave preliminary approval to hunting and trapping seasons and bag limits for 2009-10, including a new hunting hour table for the new license year.

The public may offer comments on all proposed 2009-10 seasons and bag limits, as well as other Board actions, between now and the Board's next meeting, April 20-21, at which time the Board will finalize seasons and bag limits for 2009-10. Also, the Board will take action on setting antlerless deer license allocations for the 22 WMUs at its April meeting. Deer harvest estimates for the 2008-09 seasons will be available in mid-March.

Following are several articles on meeting highlights.

BOARD APPROVES EXPANDED USE OF CROSSBOWS

The Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners today gave final approval to expand the lawful use of crossbows to include both the archery deer and bear seasons for the 2009-10 seasons. The Board amended the proposal by including a sunset date for the expanded crossbow use that will require a future Board to vote on the measure again before June 30, 2012.

Under the new regulation, a crossbow must have a peak drawn weight of at least 125 pounds, and a bolt must be equipped with a broadhead that has an outside diameter or width of at least 7/8 inches with at least two cutting edges on the same plane throughout the length of the cutting surface, and shall not exceed three inches in length.

Also, before giving the measure final approval, the Board adopted an amendment to prohibit the use of magnifying scopes for archery equipment and crossbows during the archery bear and deer seasons. The use of non-magnifying scopes -- such as those that provide a red dot for sighting purposes -- will continue to be legal.

The proposal given approval also would remove the lawful use of crossbows during the October muzzleloader or late flintlock muzzleloader season. Other changes made by the proposal simplify and make the language of the regulations easier to understand.

DEER SEASONS TO BE SIMILAR FOR 2009-10

The Board of Game Commissioners gave preliminary approval to a slate of deer seasons for the 2009-10 seasons that retains all of the opportunities provided in the past to address the goals of the agency's deer management plan. The only significant change was the Board's vote to extend the late flintlock season for Wildlife Management Units (WMUs) 2B, 5C and 5D to run from Dec. 26 to Jan. 23.

Hunters in WMUs 2D, 2G, 3C and 4B will again have a five-day, antlered deer only season in starting the Monday after Thanksgiving, followed immediately by seven days of concurrent, antlered and antlerless deer hunting. The proposed package retains the two-week (12-day) concurrent, antlered and antlerless season in the remaining 18 WMUs.

On Monday, the Board received a presentation by the Bureau of Wildlife Management regarding the study that has begun to evaluate the impact of split seasons in WMUs 2D, 2G, 3C and 4B on hunter success rates for future use as a new management tool. (For more information on the study, please see "News Release" #012-09 in the "News Release" section of the agency's website -- www.pgc.state.pa.us.)

Roe noted that, in 2008, the four WMUs chosen were for this split season because: WMUs 2G and 4B have ongoing deer research in them; WMU 2D is an area where antler restrictions are set at four points on one side, and is where the agency previously had deer research conducted; and WMU 3C is an area where antler restrictions are set at three points on one side, and is an area of the state where no extensive deer research has been conducted.

"Antlerless deer harvest versus number of days of opportunity, or the overall season length, will be evaluated, and we will conduct annual surveys of hunters to address other aspects of the program," Roe said. "Stakeholders may be able to provide input by sharing whether they'd like more opportunity via time, such as two weeks or more, or more people involved through perhaps more tags and shorter seasons."

The Deer Management Assistance Program (DMAP) that addresses landowner deer management objectives within Wildlife Management Units (WMUs) remains in place. Hunters with DMAP antlerless deer permits may use them during any established deer season, and will continue to be permitted to harvest antlerless deer from Nov. 30-Dec. 12 in WMUs 2D, 2G, 3C and 4B.

"DMAP provides a tool to harvest antlerless deer on specific properties to lessen deer impacts for landowners and the habitat," Roe said. Fees for DMAP permits are $10 for residents and $35 for nonresidents.

PHEASANT SEASON CHANGES TO ENHANCE WILD RECOVERY PROJECT

The Board of Game Commissioners today gave preliminary approval to a major change in pheasant hunting designed to be the first major step toward re-establishing wild pheasant populations in Pennsylvania.

Under the agency's recently approved Ring-necked Pheasant Management Plan, the Game Commission calls for restoring self-sustaining and huntable populations of wild pheasants in suitable habitats called "Wild Pheasant Recovery Areas" (WPRAs), and defined as the Pike Run, Somerset and Central Susquehanna WPRAs. The agency will facilitate the release of wild-trapped pheasants into these areas, with a goal of achieving a density of 10 hen pheasants per square mile.

To give these wild pheasants the best opportunity to establish naturally reproducing populations, the Board has banned the release of any artificially propagated pheasants -- including Game Commission raised pheasants -- within these WPRAs. Also, to limit disturbances to nesting hen pheasants, dog training of any manner will be prohibited in these WPRAs from the end of small game season in early February through July 31 each year.

"Working with major partners, such as Pheasants Forever, the University of California and local landowners, we already have a jump-start on creating WPRAs," said Carl G. Roe, Game Commission executive director. "These groups have invested in creating the necessary pheasant habitat in three areas of the state. To make the best use of the agency's resources, and with the support of these partners, we are going to identify these areas as the first WPRAs in the state.

"While we hope to identify more, the Game Commission will continue to raise and release pheasants on public lands with suitable pheasant habitat each fall. And, should we receive additional revenues, we plan to increase our pheasant production level to 250,000 birds, as noted in the Ring-necked Pheasant Management Plan."

Game Commissioner Jay Delaney made a motion, that was unanimously approved by the Board, to add the Greenwood Valley area of Columbia County to the Central Susquehanna WPRA. The Bureau of Wildlife Management was then directed to redraft boundary definitions for the Central Susquehanna WPRA for the Board's April meeting.

For the 2009-10 seasons, the WPRAs are defined as the following geographic locations:

(1) Pike Run WPRA. The portion of Washington County, WMU 2A, bounded on the east by the Monongahela River, on the north by I-70, on the west by PA Rt. 917 to Swagler Rd. to Spring Valley Rd. to PA Rt. 2015 to Lone Pine Rd. to the intersection with Tenmile Creek in West Zollarsville, and bounded on the south by Tenmile Creek.

(2) Somerset WPRA. That portion of Somerset County, WMU 2C, bounded on the western side starting at the intersection of Coleman Station Rd. and to Stutzmantown Rd. proceeding south on Coleman Station Rd. to Brotherton Rd. continuing south to Shultz Rd./Round Hill Rd. then onto Wills Church Rd. then to Archery Rd. Boundary follows Berlin Plank Rd. (US Rt. 219) into the town of Berlin where it joins the Mason Dixon Highway (US Rt. 219) proceeding south to Pine Hill Rd. then onto Goodtown Rd. to Walker School Rd. to Sawmill Rd. Boundary crosses PA Rt. 160 to intersection with PA Rt. 31. Following Roxbury Rd. north to Shanksville Rd. connecting to the northern boundary of Stutzmantown Rd. again to the intersection of Coleman Station Rd.

(3) Central Susquehanna WPRA (pending amendment for April). Portions of Management Unit 4E in Northumberland, Montour, Columbia and Lycoming counties from the West Branch of the Susquehanna River to the south and east of the intersection of PA Rts. 54 and 405 south to the intersection with PA Rt. 642 and the West Branch of the Susquehanna River in Milton. The southern boundary is defined by PA Rt. 642 east from Milton to Mausdale, then PA Rt. 642 begins the east side of the WPRA boundary north to Jerseytown and then continues to the northern boundary following Whitehall Rd. (PA Rt. 44) towards White Hall. The northern boundary consists of smaller state and township roads proceeding from the West Branch of the Susquehanna River south and east along PA Rt. 405 to PA Rt. 54 east in Northumberland County. Then proceeding north on Crawford Rd. (Rt. 507), continuing northeast on Hughes Rd. (Rt. 655), crossing under I-180, ending at Susquehanna Trail (PA Rt. 1007). Continuing south on Susquehanna Trail (PA Rt. 1007) to Schmidt Rd. (Rt. 564). Proceeding east and southeast on Schmidt Rd. (Rt. 564). Continuing northeast on Balliet Rd. (Rt. 664) and Miller Rd. (Rt. 653) to Hockley Hill Rd. (PA Rt. 1011). Proceeding south on Hockley Hill Rd. (PA Rt. 1011) and east and south on Pugmore Lane to Showers Rd. (PA Rt. 1010). Continuing east on Showers Rd. (PA Rt. 1010), crossing into Montour County, and proceeding south on Gearhart Hollow Rd. (Rt. 441), east on Hickory Rd. (PA Rt. 1008), northeast on Mingle Rd. (Rt. 433), east on Hickory Rd. (PA Rt. 1008), north on Muncy Exchange Rd. (PA Rt. 1003), northeast on Country Line Rd., crossing into Lycoming County, east and north on Ridge Rd., southeast on G Wagner Rd., crossing into Columbia County, south on Katy's Church Rd., to the border of State Game Lands 226. South along the State Game Lands 226 boundary and then east and southeast along the State Game Lands 226 boundary, then south on Ants Hill Rd. Proceeding east on Shultz Rd., south on Swartz Rd., west on Schoolhouse Rd. to Whitehall Rd. (PA Rt. 44) northwest of Jerseytown and southeast of Whitehall.

A native of Asia, pheasants were brought to North America back in the mid 1700s, but these early attempts to introduce pheasants to the continent were unsuccessful. It wasn't until 1881, in the Willamette Valley of Oregon, that pheasants first became established.

During the early 1890s, Pennsylvania citizens purchased pheasants from English gamekeepers and released them in Lehigh and Northampton counties. For several decades, many other small releases were made across the Commonwealth to establish pheasants for sport hunting.

In the early 1900s, the Game Commission set aside a special appropriation of funds to purchase and propagate game. Pheasant eggs were purchased and given to agency refuge keepers, sportsmen's organizations and private individuals interested in raising pheasants. The first stocking of pheasants by the Game Commission occurred by 1915.

Habitat loss, from urban/suburban sprawl to changes in agricultural practices, had an impact on Pennsylvania's naturally-reproducing pheasant populations. Additionally, budget constraints forced the Game Commission, in 2005, to reduce its annual pheasant stocking allocation from 200,000 to 100,000.

For more information on pheasants and the history of the agency's pheasant management plan and propagation program, visit the Game Commission's website (www.pgc.state.pa.us), select "Hunting" then click on the photograph of the pheasant.

BOARD PROPOSES ADJUSTMENTS TO EXTENDED BEAR SEASONS

The Board of Commissioners today gave preliminary approval to the traditional three-day statewide black bear season before Thanksgiving, extended bear seasons in certain portions of the state concurrent with the first week of the firearms deer season and a two-day archery season.

While most bear seasons remain the same, extended hunting opportunities were added for WMUs 5B and 5C, in the southeastern portion of the state, and will run Dec. 2-5, Wednesday through Saturday, along with the concurrent firearms deer season in these units. However, the Board removed WMU 3C, in the northeastern corner of the state, from the extended season, due to a declining bear population trend.

Pennsylvania extended modern-day bear hunting started in 2002, when bear hunters were given the opportunity to fill their tags the first week of the firearms deer season in Carbon, Monroe and Pike counties. With the advent of the state's 22 WMUs, the extended season was held in WMU 3D in 2003. In 2004, the number of WMUs open for the concurrent deer/bear season was expanded, and the Board has made adjustments to those areas that are included or closed based on population trends.

Bear licenses must be purchased prior to the opening of the firearms deer season, Nov. 30.

BOBCAT SEASON EXPANDED TO WMUS 4A AND 4E

After nine bobcat seasons, the Board of Game Commissioners gave preliminary approval to add Wildlife Management Units 4A and 4E to the list of WMUs in which bobcats can be taken by those hunters/trappers who are selected for a permit. The upcoming public drawing to award bobcat permits, which will be held in September, will continue to guarantee permits to those who have earned a certain number of preference points.

The decision to add WMUs 4A and 4E to the bobcat hunt/trap area is based on the increased number of incidental bobcat captures and bobcat sightings in this area.

Beginning in 2003, the Game Commission began awarding preference points to individuals who apply for and do not receive a bobcat harvest permit during a given year. This preference point system was designed to incrementally increase the probability of receiving a permit each year that an applicant is unsuccessful. Bobcat permits are awarded using a random computer drawing from an applicant database. The number of preference points is applied to the applicant's name prior to the drawing. Under this system, the odds of being selected increase significantly as points are accrued, but new applicants always have a chance of being selected. Applicants who are selected and receive a permit are prohibited from applying the following year and their preference points are set back to zero.

"Because the selection process is random it is possible that, under the current system, a person can maintain maximum preference points and never be selected to receive a permit," Roe said. "It is also possible -- and this has occurred numerous times -- that applicants may be selected to receive permits multiple times over the years, while others are never drawn. Some bobcat permit applicants see these situations as inequitable.

"Last year, we modified the process to provide guaranteed permits to applicants who earned the maximum number of preference points. We can provide this benefit without negating the chance of a new applicant to receive a permit or significantly reducing the odds of being drawn for an applicant with less than the maximum number preference points."

In order to receive a guaranteed permit for the 2009 drawing, an applicant will have to have applied without being drawn for the previous five consecutive years, as well as apply this year, to have the maximum number of preference points of six and receive a guaranteed permit.

Residents and nonresident furtaker license holders, as well as combination license holders, are eligible for the public drawing to award bobcat permits.

In other trapping-related action, the Board gave preliminary approval to a change in the cable restraint season to allow those eligible for the cable restraint season for foxes and coyotes to use non-target furbearers that are incidentally captured in a cable restraint during seasons in which those furbearers are legal for harvest.

HUNTERS REMINDED ABOUT PROCESS FOR SETTING WATERFOWL SEASONS

The Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners gave preliminary approval to nearly all of the 2009-10 seasons and bag limits; however, there is one group of seasons that won't be finalized until summer: waterfowl and migratory bird seasons.

In July, in concert with federal frameworks, the Game Commission will set seasons and bag limits for September resident Canada goose and webless migratory birds, such as doves, woodcock, snipe and moorhens.

In August, the Game Commission and waterfowl hunting organizations will host waterfowl organizations, individual sportsmen and the public to attend a briefing on the status of waterfowl populations and proposed preliminary federal frameworks for the 2009-10 hunting seasons.

In addition to reviewing frameworks established by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) for upcoming waterfowl and migratory bird seasons, Game Commission staff, along with conservation partners, will provide updates on current and planned research and management programs, as well as past hunting results.

Based on public comments received and gathered at the meeting, Game Commission staff will prepare and present recommended composite waterfowl and migratory bird seasons, bag limits and related criteria to the USFWS for final approval. All migratory bird hunting seasons and bag limits must conform to frameworks set by the USFWS. States select their hunting seasons within these established frameworks.

By mid-August, once the final selections are made, the Game Commission will print and distribute brochures outlining the seasons and bag limits for waterfowl and migratory bird seasons to U.S. Post Offices, where hunters may purchase their mandatory federal duck stamp. The brochure also will be posted on the Game Commission's website (www.pgc.state.pa.us) along with a news release announcing the agency's final selections by mid-August.

PROPOSED 2009-10 HUNTING SEASONS AND BAG LIMITS

SQUIRRELS, Red, Gray, Black and Fox (Combined): Special season for eligible junior hunters, with or without required license, and mentored youth -- Oct. 10-16 (6 daily, 12 in possession limit after first day).

SQUIRRELS, Red, Gray, Black and Fox (Combined): Oct. 17-Nov. 28; Dec. 14-23 and Dec. 26-Feb. 6 (6 daily, 12 possession).

RUFFED GROUSE: Oct. 17-Nov. 28, Dec. 14-23 and Dec. 26-Jan. 23 (2 daily, 4 possession).

RABBIT (Cottontail): Oct. 24-Nov. 28, Dec. 14-23 and Dec. 26-Feb. 6 (4 daily, 8 possession).

PHEASANT: Special season for eligible junior hunters, with or without required license -- Oct. 10-17 (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. There is no open season for the taking of pheasants in any Wild Pheasant Recovery Areas in any WMU.

PHEASANT: Male only in WMUs 2A, 2B, 2C, 4C, 4E, 5A and 5B -- Oct. 24-Nov. 28. Male and female may be taken in all other WMUs -- Oct. 24-Nov. 28, Dec. 14-23 and Dec. 26-Feb. 6 (2 daily, 4 in possession). There is no open season for the taking of pheasants in any Wild Pheasant Recovery Areas in any WMU.

BOBWHITE QUAIL: Oct. 24-Nov. 28 (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 3-April 4, on Friday, Saturday and Sunday only. No limit.

STARLINGS AND ENGLISH SPARROWS: No closed season, except during the 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) -- Oct. 31-Nov. 14; WMU 2B (Shotgun and bow and arrow) - Oct. 31- Nov. 21; WMUs 2C, 2D, 2E, 4A and 4B -- Oct. 31-Nov. 14; WMUs 2F, 2G, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 4C, 4D and 4E -- Oct. 31-Nov. 21; WMUs 5A and 5B -- CLOSED TO FALL TURKEY HUNTING; and WMUs 5C and 5D (Shotgun and bow and arrow) -- Oct. 31-Nov. 4 (1 bird limit, either sex).

SPRING GOBBLER (Bearded bird only): Special season for eligible junior hunters, with required license, and mentored youth -- April 24, 2010. Only 1 spring gobbler may be taken during this hunt.

SPRING GOBBLER (Bearded bird only): May 1-31, 2010. 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. 18-19. Only 1 bear may be taken during the license year.

BLACK BEAR (Statewide): Nov. 23-25. Only 1 bear may be taken during the license year.

BLACK BEAR (Portions of WMUs 3B, 4E and 2G): Nov. 30-Dec. 5. Only 1 bear may be taken during the license year. In the following portions:

The portion of WMU 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 WMU 4E, East of Rt. 42; and
The portions of WMUs 2G in Lycoming and Clinton counties and WMU 3B in Lycoming County that lies North of the West Branch of the Susquehanna River from the Rt. 405 bridge, West to the Rt. 15 at Williamsport, Route 15 to Rt. 220, North of Rt. 220 to the Mill Hall exit, North of SR 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 SR 1001, East of SR 1001 to Croak Hallow Road, South of Croak Hallow Road to Rt. 664 (at Swissdale), South of Rt. 664 to Little Plum Road (the intersection of SR1003, South of SR 1003 to SR 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, 4E, 5B and 5C): Dec. 2-5. Only 1 bear may be taken during the license year.

ELK (Antlered or Antlerless): Nov. 2-7. Only one elk may be taken during the license year. The Board gave approval to an allocation of 59 elk license for the 2009 season. Further information about allocation of antlered and antlerless licenses, as well as allocations by zone, will be announced later.

DEER, ARCHERY (Antlerless Only) WMUs 2B, 5C and 5D: Sept. 19-Oct. 2, Nov. 16-28 and Dec. 14-23. One antlerless deer with each required antlerless license.

DEER, ARCHERY (Antlered and Antlerless) Statewide, including WMUs 2B, 5C and 5D: Oct. 3-Nov. 14 and Dec. 26-Jan. 9. 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: Nov. 30-Dec. 12. One antlered deer per hunting license year. An antlerless deer with each required antlerless license.

DEER (Antlered Only) WMUs 2D, 2G, 3C and 4B: Nov. 30-Dec. 4. One antlered deer per hunting license year. (Holders of valid DMAP antlerless deer permits may harvest antlerless deer on DMAP properties during this period in WMUs 2B, 2G, 3C and 4B.)

DEER (Antlered and Antlerless) WMUs 2D, 2G, 3C and 4B: Dec. 5-12. One antlered deer per hunting license year. An antlerless deer with each required antlerless license.

DEER, ANTLERLESS (Statewide): Oct. 22-24. Junior and Senior License Holders, Disabled Person Permit (to use a vehicle) Holders, and Pennsylvania residents serving on active duty in

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. 17-24. An antlerless deer with each required antlerless license.

DEER, ANTLERED OR ANTLERLESS FLINTLOCK (Statewide): Dec. 26-Jan. 9. One antlered per hunting license year, or one antlerless deer and an additional antlerless deer with each required antlerless license.

DEER, ANTLERED OR ANTLERLESS FLINTLOCK (WMUs 2B, 5C, 5D): Dec. 26-Jan. 23. 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. 14-23 and Dec. 26-Jan. 23. 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; New Cumberland Army Depot, York County; and Fort Detrick, Raven Rock Site, Adams County. An antlerless deer with each required antlerless license.

PROPOSED 2009-10 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 and FOXES: Oct. 24-Feb. 20, 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, 4A, 4D and 4E): Oct. 24-Feb. 20. One per permit. (Bobcats may only be taken by furtakers in possession of a Bobcat Hunting-Trapping permit.)

PROPOSED 2009-10 TRAPPING SEASONS

MINK and MUSKRAT: Nov. 21-Jan. 10. Unlimited.

COYOTE, FOXES, OPOSSUM, RACCOON, SKUNKS and WEASELS: Oct. 25-Feb. 21. No limit.

COYOTE and FOXES (Statewide) Cable Restraints: Jan. 1-Feb. 21. 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, 4A, 4D and 4E): Oct. 25-Feb. 21. One per permit. (Bobcats may only be taken by furtakers in possession of a Bobcat Hunting-Trapping permit.)

PROPOSED 2009-10 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.)

No open season on other wild birds or mammals. Waterfowl and Migratory Game Bird seasons will be established in accordance with Federal Regulations this summer.

Note to Editors: If you would like to receive Game Commission news releases via e-mail, please send a note with your name, address, telephone number and the name of the organization you represent to: PGCNews@state.pa.us

    For Information Contact:
    Jerry Feaser
    717-705-6541
    PGCNEWS@state.pa.us

 
 
SOURCE Pennsylvania Game Commission
 

'Steelers Nation Convention' Descends Upon Pittsburgh

The Super Bowl is not even being played in Pittsburgh, but that isn't stopping fans from across Steelers Nation to descend upon this sports mecca to watch the Pittsburgh Steelers take on the Arizona Cardinals.

VisitPittsburgh, the region's official tourism agency, estimates that Super Bowl Weekend will result in roughly $2.4 million in direct spending in the Pittsburgh region. "We can thank the Pittsburgh Steelers and Steelers Nation for a serious tourism boost to the local economy," said Joe McGrath, president and CEO of VisitPittsburgh.

Mr. McGrath noted the 20 percent increase in hotel occupancy in Pittsburgh for Super Bowl weekend in 2006 - the last time the Steelers played in a Super Bowl - compared to years when the Steelers did not play in the Super Bowl. The hotel data was obtained from Smith Travel Research, the world's leading source of historical lodging performance trends.

"We know that Steelers fans are the most devoted fans in the country," said Mr. McGrath. "I'm not at all surprised that Steelers fans want to be in Pittsburgh to watch the Big Game. Pittsburgh is the next best place besides Tampa - and some might argue that it's even a better place!"

The direct spending figure encompasses out-of-town spending, and includes hotel rooms, meals and ancillary expenses. This number is estimated using industry standards determined by Destination Marketing Association International, the world's largest association of official destination marketing organizations, along with estimations from the 2007 Pennsylvania Travel Profile, by D.K. Shifflet & Associates, Ltd.

"Having the Steelers play in the Super Bowl is the equivalent of hosting a medium-sized convention in Pittsburgh," says Mr. McGrath. "We're estimating that 2,500 people will be coming to Pittsburgh this weekend and staying at a hotel for two days - that translates into 5,000 room nights. In addition, another 2,500 people will be staying with friends or relatives. This is a fantastic opportunity that is very welcome at a typically slow time for area hoteliers, restaurants and retailers."

VisitPittsburgh is the official tourism marketing and promotion agency of the Pittsburgh region. It is dedicated to generating convention, trade show and leisure travel business for the Pittsburgh region.

 
 
SOURCE VisitPittsburgh
 

Prevent serious injuries from 'extreme' winter sports by following these safety tips

For many thrill-seekers, extreme ("x-treme") sports can be a fun way to get an adrenaline rush during those long winter months. Recently televised events such as the X Games have led to increased participation in such sports, including downhill ski racing and jumping, snowboarding, snowmobiling, snow biking, and ice climbing. As part of its commitment to injury prevention, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (http://www.aaos.org/)(AAOS) advises caution before participating in extreme winter sports (http://orthoinfo.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00062).

Extreme sports often involve risky stunts, such as trick jumps and flips at high speeds -- there can be a high chance of injury for participants.

"Kids watch extreme sporting events on television and they think flying through the air on a snowboard looks easy," says George Russell, MD, spokesperson for the AAOS. "They do not see all the practice it takes to do that -- and they don't see how often extreme athletes get injured while learning their stunts."

While it is difficult to track injuries due to extreme sports specifically:

Snowboarding is the leading cause of winter sports injuries, sending 149,388 people to hospital emergency rooms, doctors' offices, clinics and other medical settings in 2007, according to the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission.

Skiing resulted in 131,454 injuries and snowmobiling caused 34,699. (http://orthoinfo.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00321)

The Academy offers the following tips to help prevent injuries from extreme winter sports:

Cold muscles, tendons and ligaments are more susceptible to injury. Do some light exercise for at least 3 to 5 minutes, then slowly and gently stretch the muscles to be exercised, holding each stretch for at least 30 seconds.

Do not try to imitate stunts seen in televised events. The people in those events -- even the X Games, which appear to be less formal than events like the Olympics -- are professional athletes with years of training. If you have children who watch these events, make sure that they understand this.

Never participate in extreme sports alone. Many extreme sports enthusiasts have a coach or responsible party overseeing any activity. Have a partner who can assist you or go for help if you get injured.

Wear appropriate protective gear, including goggles, helmets, gloves and padding, and make sure equipment is in good working order and used properly.

Take frequent water breaks to prevent dehydration and overheating.

Avoid participating in any sport when experiencing pain or exhaustion.

For warmth and protection, wear several layers of light, loose and water- and wind-resistant clothing. Layering allows you add and remove clothing to accommodate your body's constantly changing temperature when outside or in a cold environment such as an indoor ice rink.

Wear proper footwear that provides warmth and dryness, as well as ample ankle support.

When falling, try to fall on your side or buttocks. Roll over naturally, turning your head in the direction of the roll.

Pay attention to warnings about upcoming storms and severe drops in temperature to ensure safety.

www.orthoinfo.org

About AAOS: http://www6.aaos.org/news/Pemr/releases/release_boiler.cfm?category=6&releasenum=737

 
 
SOURCE American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
 

Newly retired NFL head coach Tony Dungy will be signing copies of his new book Uncommon: Finding Your Path to Significance at the Last Licks store in New York City (245 East 93rd Street) next Wednesday, January 28.

Dungy, the first African-American head coach to win a Super Bowl, will be appearing from 6pm-7:30pm to celebrate his second book, which is being released on January 27. His first book - Quiet Strength: The Principles, Practices, and Priorities of a Winning Life - was a resounding success, reaching the top spot on the New York Times bestseller list.

"We're honored to have Last Licks be one of the first stops on Coach Dungy's book tour," said Stephen Costello, vice president of Last Licks. "Not only is he an all-time legend in his sport, he's an accomplished author and one of the true role models in sports."

Tickets are available by calling the New York City store (646) 729-5402 or visiting the Last Licks Web site (www.lastlicksicecream.com).

Last Licks, an affiliate of Steiner Sports featuring six different locations in Westchester County and Long Island, NY, is a spot for kids and families to enjoy everything sweet and sports related. Each store features a variety of ice cream flavors and treats, live video feeds of sporting events, and a multitude of signed sports memorabilia and novelties. Last Licks hosts numerous athlete appearances, birthday parties and other special events.

Steiner Sports Marketing, Inc. is a part of Omnicom Group Inc. (NYSE: OMC) www.omnicomgroup.com. Omnicom is a leading global advertising, marketing and corporate communications company. Omnicom's branded networks and numerous specialty firms provide advertising, strategic media planning and buying, direct and promotional marketing, public relations and other specialty communications services to over 5,000 clients in more than 100 countries. Steiner Sports Marketing is a full service sports and entertainment marketing and event company that leverages the power of sports and entertainment to build successful marketing programs for a diverse group of clients. Steiner currently maintains relationships with over 5,000 athletes and celebrities.

 
 
SOURCE Steiner Sports Marketing, Inc.

Like millions of Americans, Jacob's Creek, the leading Australian wine company, plans on celebrating one of the most significant American sporting events with wine while watching the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Arizona Cardinals in football's biggest game of the year. Whether feasting on pizza, nachos, or burgers while gathered around the TV, Jacob's Creek offers the ideal food and wine pairings for an unforgettable viewing experience.

Jacob's Creek suggests the following pairings that are sure to be a winning touchdown with guests:

    Pizza            Always a crowd favorite, each person's favorite pizza
                     has a varietal that will go perfectly with their
                     choice. For those looking to enjoy cheese pizza, they
                     will find that the Chardonnay perfectly complements
                     this choice. If they are interested in adding some
                     vegetables to their diet, a veggie pizza goes well
                     with Pinot Noir.

    Chips, Salsa &   If fans are looking to cool down from the spicy salsa
     Quesadillas     or a referee's call they did not agree with, they will
                     find that a bottle of Merlot offers a great cooling
                     effect.  Also, Chardonnay is a great option for
                     anything that is corn-based such as tortilla chips or
                     quesadillas.

    Sandwiches and   Whether it's a submarine sandwich or an angus beef
     Burgers         burger, a big sandwich goes well with a big wine.
                     Jacob's Creek recommends a bottle of Cabernet
                     Sauvignon for meat or perhaps Pinot Noir with
                     sandwiches with a spicy mustard dressing.

    Buffalo Wings    To off-set the spicy flavors of buffalo wings, it is
                     best to opt for the off-dry Riesling.  The white wine
                     will not only tame the heat, but it will off-set the
                     bright red color of the sauce all over fingers.

    Veggies & Dip    When enjoying the healthier alternatives to game day
                     munchies, keep in mind that crunchy treats go best
                     with a crisp white wine such as Chardonnay.  If red
                     wine is your color of choice for the day, opt for a
                     lighter and more fruity option such as Pinot Noir.

Whatever individuals opt for on game day, one thing is certain: With the Jacob's Creek Reserve collection, priced at $12.99, the options are guaranteed at a fantastic value and incredible taste.

About Jacob's Creek:

First released in 1976, Jacob's Creek has been the most popular wine brand in Australia for more than a decade, and has grown to become the leading Australian wine brand in the UK, NZ, Ireland, Scandinavia and Asia with sales in excess of 8 million cases. Jacob's Creek success can be attributed to its rich history and heritage, reflecting more than 150 years of winemaking expertise, the quality of the wine offer and the easy fruit driven wine style widely enjoyed by consumers across the world.

About Pernod Ricard USA

Pernod Ricard USA is the premium spirits and wine company in the U.S., and the largest subsidiary of Paris, France-based Pernod Ricard SA. In July, 2008, Pernod Ricard completed the acquisition of the iconic ABSOLUT(R) Vodka brand from the V&S Group, and Pernod Ricard USA is now the second-leading company in the U.S. by sales value.

In addition to ABSOLUT(R), Pernod Ricard USA's leading brands include such prestigious spirits as The Glenlivet(R) Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Chivas Regal(R) Scotch Whisky, Jameson(R) Irish Whiskey, Wild Turkey(R) Bourbon, Seagram's Extra Dry Gin(R), Beefeater(R) Gin, Plymouth(TM) Gin, Martell(R) Cognac, Malibu(R) flavored Rum, Kahlua(R) Liqueur, Hiram Walker(R) Liqueurs, Pernod(R) and Ricard(R); such superior wines as Jacob's Creek(R) and Brancott Estate(R); and such exquisite champagnes and sparkling wines as Perrier Jouet(R) Champagne, G.H. Mumm(TM) Champagne and Mumm Napa(R) sparkling wines.

The company is based in Purchase, New York, and has roughly 1,000 employees across the country.

Pernod Ricard USA urges all adults to consume its products responsibly and has an active campaign to promote responsible drinking. For more information on this, please visit: www.acceptresponsibility.org.

 
 
SOURCE Jacob's Creek

Due to the fantastic success of the Pittsburgh Steelers this season, Trello Cioccolato, the fine custom chocolates division of Lord's International in Moon Township, PA has seen an unprecedented demand for their Pittsburgh Steelers and Terrible Towel(TM) chocolate bars. The 2.5 oz. chocolate bars have proven to be great gifts for any Steelers fan who loves chocolate.

"We've been delivering boxes of the bars night and day, and we cannot keep them in stock! The more the Steelers win, the more people want Steelers goodies!" says Irene Hoelen-Trello, Owner and CEO of Lord's International/Trello Cioccolato.

Now that the Pittsburgh Steelers are Super Bowl bound once again, their sweet success is reflected in the sweet success of the Steelers and Terrible Towel(TM) chocolate bars. Go Steelers!

About Trello Cioccolato

Trello Cioccolato is the fine custom chocolates division of Lord's International. Trello Cioccolato offers the finest in chocolate candy confections, providing custom-designed chocolates and displays; the Pittsburgh Steelers and Terrible Towel(TM) Chocolate Bars; boxed chocolates conveniently packaged in 2 oz., 6 oz., 10 oz. and 1 lb. boxes; chocolate bars and pretzels; corporate logos in chocolate; over 500 specialty shapes, including wildlife, sports, wedding and more; and customized ribbons, wrappers and gift baskets.

Trello Cioccolato is a minority, woman-owned company located in Moon Township, PA, a suburb of Pittsburgh. Additional information is available at http://www.trellochocolate.com.

 
 
SOURCE Trello Cioccolato
 

Special Agent in Charge Virginia O'Brien of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Tampa Field Division and Deputy Chief Michael P. Hayes, ATF National Center for Explosives Training and Research (NCETR) today announce the graduation of thirteen law-enforcement canine teams from the ATF "National Canine Initiative Course." The week-long training was conducted by the ATF Canine Training Branch and hosted by the ATF Tampa Field Division and was held at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg. It is the first time that ATF has offered this training away from the ATF Canine Training Center in Front Royal, Virginia. The training was specifically brought to the Tampa Bay area to help local canine teams prepare for Super Bowl XLIII and is the third canine training session held in the Tampa Bay area in recent months. The National Canine Initiative Course is only available to those canine teams that have previously completed the ATF National Odor Recognition Course and upon completion of this training the canine teams are nationally certified through the U.S. Department of Justice.

These thirteen canine teams that have graduated from this course now join an elite group of only seventy-eight canine teams from around the United States to hold this prestigious certification. The training included instruction for the canine teams in relation to conducting preventative sweeps, searching crime scenes and searching post-blast scenes. The canine teams also spent many hours honing their skills and abilities in locating and identifying firearms, shell casings and explosive materials that might be found during a sweep or search. "This training has helped prepare our local canine teams for Super Bowl XLIII, and the people of Tampa should feel safe knowing that we have some of the best trained explosive detection canine teams in the country working in our community," said Virginia O'Brien, Special Agent in Charge of the ATF Tampa Field Division. The lead instructor for the course, ATF Canine Instructor Tim Dawson said "the canine teams that graduated this course worked extremely hard this week and are all highly qualified and competent in detecting explosive materials."

The canine teams that graduated from the course were from the Tampa Police Department, four teams; the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, three teams; the Lee County Sheriff's Office, three teams; the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office, two teams and the Port St. Lucie Police Department, one team.

wwwa.tf.gov

    Contact: Paul Canup
    Office 813-202-7366
    Cell 813-299-1682

 
 
SOURCE Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives
 

$50,000 grant from Dalbey Foundation buoys Boulder bike park plans

Teaching kids to ride a bike will soon get a little easier in Boulder, thanks to a $50,000 grant from the Dalbey Foundation. The grant will be used to add educational features to the bike park slated for construction at Valmont City Park later this year.

Fundraising efforts for the park have been led by volunteer and local cycling enthusiast Bobby Noyes, owner of Rocky Mounts. The Valmont Bike Park Committee, a volunteer-led committee of local advocacy organization Boulder Mountainbike Alliance, secured the grant. "Reaching out to Russ and inviting him to share in the development of this project seemed like such a natural fit," says Noyes. "He's passionate about the sport and finding ways to encourage kids to take up cycling."

Founded in 2005 by local entrepreneur and former competitive cyclist, Russ Dalbey, the Dalbey Foundation is the charitable arm of Dalbey Education, Dalbey's business headquartered in Westminster, CO.

According to Dalbey Foundation spokesperson Susannah Christy, "The opportunity to invest in Valmont Bike Park was a natural fit for the Dalbey family. The project promotes everything they care about - families and children, education, health and fitness - in this case, promoting health and fitness through cycling. We are so excited to be part of this project and the opportunity to collaborate with the city of Boulder."

"This donation benefits Valmont Bike Park by enhancing facilities to help children and families learn how to ride safely and experience the rush of singletrack biking, dirt jumping, and cyclocross racing. The Boulder Mountainbike Alliance is energized by the community's outpouring of volunteerism and financial support for the Bike Park," said Christopher "Botsy" Phillips, President of the Boulder Mountainbike Alliance.

So far over 400 members of the community have donated $115,000 in a model of cooperation between the City of Boulder and its citizens. The bike park is one of several features planned for the 200-acre Valmont City Park, located at the intersection of Valmont and Airport Roads.

Valmont City Park is a phased Parks and Recreation Department development project for this year. Phase one of the park includes the development of a multi-discipline cycling park with a vast array of trail networks and cycling elements as well as an 18-hole disc golf course.

About Valmont City Park

To learn more about Valmont City Park, contact Paul Bousquet, Marketing and Communications Manager for Boulder's Parks and Recreation Department at 303-413-7239 or visit www.bouldercolorado.gov. To donate to or volunteer for Boulder Mountainbike Alliance, please visit www.valmontbikepark.com or contact Mike Eubank at mikeeeubank@comcast.net.

About the Dalbey Foundation

The Dalbey Foundation's mission is to support efforts in the community that provide people of all ages with the tools and education to improve their lives, their emotional, physical and spiritual health, and in turn improve the overall lives of others. To find out more about The Dalbey Foundation, a 501(c)(3), visit DalbeyFoundation.org.

About Dalbey Education

Dalbey Education provides products and services focused on creating entrepreneurial success through mentor-based education and support. Headquartered in Westminster, Colorado, Dalbey Education has a team of over 275 employees and has provided educational products and support to more than 500,000 students since its inception in 1995. For more information, visit www.DalbeyEducation.com.

 
 
SOURCE Dalbey Foundation
 

Park kicks off new season with new entertainment offerings, summer fireworks and more special events than ever before!

California's Great America, Northern California's biggest and best choice for family fun and adventure, will once again push the thrill envelope in 2009 with the addition of "All Wheels Extreme," an all-new, high-flying sports stunt show that's guaranteed to get the entire family's adrenaline pumping!

Presented in the Park's Redwood Amphitheater, this 25-minute, high-energy experience will feature a talented cast of daredevils, including BMX riders, skateboarders, rollerbladers, gymnasts and more. Complete with heart-pumping music and a set that will resemble an authentic skate park, the cast will catch air and execute gravity-defying stunts utilizing half-pipes, ramps, various obstacles and trampolines. "All Wheels Extreme" speeds its way onto the scene and makes its summer debut at the Park in early June.

"For more than 30 years, California's Great America has been known for being the San Francisco Bay Area's leader in world-class family entertainment," said Bill Lentz, vice-president and general manager for California's Great America. "This year will be no exception, as we launch our all-new entertainment line-up that's sure to amaze guests of all ages!"

Plus, guests won't want to miss "The Chipper Lowell Experience," a hilarious, new show where comedy and magic collide! Featuring award-winning comedic magician Chipper Lowell, this one-man act will take to the Showtime Theater stage with a unique blend of stand-up, improv comedy and magic that's sure to have every member of the audience laughing out loud.

Look to the sky ... summer fireworks are back! Kicking off the Bay Area's biggest pyrotechnics series, California's Great America will light up the summer night sky in a blaze of a million colors and treat park goers to a world-class fireworks extravaganza select nights in August. The Park will also hold two additional fireworks displays on Sunday, May 31 and Sept. 6 in honor of the Memorial and Labor Day holidays.

After scaring the living daylights out of Northern California in 2008, a bigger, scarier and more terrifying Halloween Haunt will await brave souls in 2009 with even more haunted mazes, themed scare zones, shows and ghoulish monsters. This ultimate, in-your-face Halloween event will once again make guests question whether they're brave enough to take on the Park after dark!

In addition, California's Great America will give guests new reasons to visit throughout the season with an exciting line-up of new special events, multi-cultural celebrations and concerts.

With so much to see and do, one day at California's Great America just isn't enough! Guests looking to enjoy a full season of family fun and thrills can choose from three different season pass options. Already the best entertainment value around, all season passes include free parking at California's Great America! For more information regarding California's Great America's 2009 season pass program, call 408-988-1776 or order online via the park's website at http://www.cagreatamerica.com.

About California's Great America

California's Great America is the state's only combination theme and water park offering more than 100-acres of world-class entertainment for guests of all ages. Home to the most coasters, the most rides and the most water rides in Northern California, the Park is also the only place in the Bay Area where kids can meet and play with their favorite Nickelodeon(R) friends.

California's Great America is conveniently located just 50 miles south of San Francisco and 6 miles north of San Jose on Great America Pkwy. between highways 101 and 237 in Santa Clara, Calif.

California's Great America is owned and operated by Cedar Fair Entertainment Company, a publicly traded partnership that is listed for trading on The New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "FUN." In addition to California's Great America, Cedar Fair owns and operates ten other amusement parks, six water parks, one indoor water park resort, and five hotels. Cedar Fair also operates the Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park in Gilroy, Calif. under a management contract.

For more information, visit http://www.cagreatamerica.com or call 408-988-1776.

 
 
SOURCE California's Great America
 

Second International Tournament Featuring World's Best Set for March 2009

World Baseball Classic, Inc. has awarded Grey New York the advertising assignment in support of its premier international baseball tournament, the World Baseball Classic, featuring the best players in the world, set for March 2009.

Grey will create a new integrated advertising campaign as part of a comprehensive promotional effort for the 2009 World Baseball Classic. Tickets are on sale now at WorldBaseballClassic.com. Grey helped launch the advertising campaign for the inaugural World Baseball Classic in 2006, which went on to become one of the most successful global sporting events ever, with nearly 750,000 fans participating worldwide.

"Grey presented us with a powerful creative idea that promises to resonate with baseball fans around the globe," said Paul Archey, Senior Vice President, International Business Operations, Major League Baseball. "We look forward to working with Grey again to take the World Baseball Classic's popularity to new levels."

"We're pleased to be teaming up once again with Grey and its team of such talented people," said Gene Orza, Chief Operating Officer, Major League Baseball Players Association. "They were a major factor in the enormous success of the inaugural Classic, and I'm sure that will be the case again in the second Classic, coming in March."

Maureen Maldari, Group Executive Vice President of Grey New York and the account leader, said, "This is a tremendous vote of confidence and we are thrilled to be part of this unique event that celebrates baseball as 'the' international pastime. We are committed to leveraging the power of the icon brand the World Baseball Classic has become."

About World Baseball Classic, Inc.

World Baseball Classic, Inc. is a company created at the direction of Major League Baseball (MLB) and the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA) to operate the World Baseball Classic tournament. The tournament, which is sanctioned by the International Baseball Federation (IBAF), is supported by MLB, the MLBPA, Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB), the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO), their respective players associations and other leagues and players from around the world.

About the World Baseball Classic

The World Baseball Classic is the premier international baseball tournament, sanctioned by the International Baseball Federation, and features the best players in the world competing for their home countries and territories. In March 2006, 486 players (235 of them from MLB organizations) representing 16 teams from across the globe competed in the inaugural event. More than 740,000 fans from 48 states and 15 countries attended games (16 of which sold out) and millions more watched on TV as Team Japan was crowned the first-ever World Baseball Classic Champion. The inaugural tournament was broadcast by 48 media outlets in 10 languages to 205 countries and territories around the world. Media members representing 25 different nations attended the 39 games in seven host venues across three countries/territories. The upcoming World Baseball Classic will be played from March 5 - 23 and will again feature 16 of the greatest baseball playing nations in the world. The tournament will be held every four years thereafter, with plans in place to expand the participant field beginning in 2013.

About Grey New York

Grey New York is the flagship and largest office of Grey, the advertising network of Grey Group. Grey Group ranks among the largest global communications companies. Its parent company is WPP (NASDAQ: WPPGY). Grey Group's total offering includes G2, activation marketing; healthcare communications; media planning and buying and public relations. Grey New York's client roster includes many of the world's best known companies: Procter & Gamble, GlaxoSmithKline, BAT, Diageo, Darden Restaurants, Wyeth, Canon, 3M, Eli Lilly, Dairy Queen and ETrade.

 
 
SOURCE Grey
 

A newly renovated lodge, landscaped surroundings and high-tech breeding facilities make Pear Tree the most talked about hunting venue in Texas

The Pear Tree Game Ranch, located just north of Sweetwater, Texas recently completed a yearlong renovation cycle under new owner, Tedd Johnson. "My goal was to create a hunting experience unparalleled in the Whitetail industry," said Johnson in a recent interview. "I want my guests to feel as though they are somewhere between the Ritz and the Serengeti, and I think we've pulled it off."

Renovations were broken down into 3 main projects, all of which had a goal to provide a more authentic and secluded feeling to the ranch. The Lodge, the waterway system and the outdoor swimming pool/spa area all required detailed attention and were given strict orders in regards to adherence of code and time of completion.

The biggest project, the waterway system, took the largest toll and the longest time to complete, creating a series of dams to hold draining water in the form of 'African' style watering holes. The man made oasis now provides a unique setting for the wildlife and a scenic outpost for visitors and hunters alike. With over 3 million tons of water now flowing through the lazy river, it provides a picturesque setting for hunting, fishing and observation.

Boasting over 3,000 acres of primitive Texas wilderness, the Pear Tree is home to premium Whitetail deer and exotic species such as the Horned Oryx, Auodad Ram and Blackbuck Antelope. There are over 11 hunting packages to choose from including an array of specialty and kid friendly hunts as well.

After a recent visit to the ranch, John Mogul, President of renowned Christensen Arms commented, "I have been on several hunts and ranches in Texas and I must say your ranch is the best I have seen. If anyone is looking for a trophy whitetail buck the Pear Tree Game Ranch is the place to go."

The new renovations mean 4 Star accommodations and world-class amenities are now commonplace at the Ranch, where guests are treated to gourmet meals, Wi-Fi Internet and Satellite T.V.

About Pear Tree Game Ranch

The Pear Tree Game Ranch is a privately run gaming ranch in East, Texas. Hunt Packages are geared for both seasoned and amateur hunters alike. Private setting. Visit at peartreegameranch.com.

 
 
SOURCE The Pear Tree Game Ranch
 
 

MY Team M&M'S(R) Chocolate Candies Features NFL Team Colors and Logos In Time for the 2008 Playoffs

 Mars Direct Inc., a division of Mars Snackfood US, announced today a licensing arrangement with the National Football League to create officially licensed MY Team M&M'S(R) Brand Chocolate Candies. MY Team M&M'S(R) NFL Blends will feature customized team logos and colors for each of the 32 teams in the National Football League. The new officially licensed NFL Blends can be purchased online at mymms.com/nfl, giving football fans from coast-to-coast a fun and delicious way to show their team pride.

"As the playoffs begin, MY M&M'S NFL Blends will be the perfect snack for any game-day party and gift for all team fanatics, allowing fans to demonstrate their loyalty to their teams and share their passion with fellow devotees," said Jim Cass, vice president and general manager, Mars Direct. "From the first kickoff to the final touchdown in Tampa Bay, MY Team M&M'S Blends will make watching your favorite team that much sweeter, win or lose. And with all thirty-two teams available, you can still support your favorite, even if they're not in the playoffs."

A Winning Combination

Through a licensing arrangement between MY M&M'S(R) and the NFL, MY Team M&M'S(R) NFL Blends take playoff snacking to a whole new fan-atical level. Football fans can choose from any of the customized 32 NFL team logos and colors to make game day -- or any day -- more special. Whether it's gifting a favorite fan, adding some team spirit to your football celebrations, planning an NFL-themed party, or celebrating that big win, MY Team M&M'S(R) bring any extra level of excitement to football games from New York to Atlanta to San Diego, and everywhere in between.

Ordering MY Team M&M'S(R) NFL Blends

MY Team M&M'S(R) NFL Blends can be ordered online by visiting http://www.mymms.com/nfl or by calling 888-696-6788. They are available in special NFL-themed 7-ounce bags (minimum order: 3 bags) for $12.99 per bag, and in 5-pound bags priced at $140. Or gift your favorite football fan with a MY M&M'S(R) Old Fashioned Candy Dispenser featuring their favorite team's logo and filled with the candy blend from their favorite team, for $59.99.

About MY M&M'S(R):

MY M&M'S(R) is the personalized brand extension of M&M'S(R) Chocolate Candies, which is owned by Mars, Incorporated, one of the world's leading food manufacturers. The personalized printing option officially launched in 2005, and MY M&M'S(R) Faces launched in summer of 2008. MY M&M'S(R) are available in 22 different colors. Seventeen colors can be customized with Faces and personal messages in a variety of fonts. MY M&M'S(R) can be ordered online at http://www.mymms.com or by calling 888-696-6788. Favors are also available. Baseball fans can also support their favorite teams with MY Team M&M'S(R) MLB Blends.

About Mars Snackfood US:

Mars Snackfood US is the United States snack operations of Mars North America. With more than $7 billion in annual sales in the U.S., Mars North America includes food, snack and pet care segments, which are a symbol of excellence for quality brands. Headquartered in Mount Olive, New Jersey, Mars North America employs more than 15,000 associates in the United States, with 72 facilities nationwide. Mars Snackfood US includes some of the world's favorite brands such as, M&M'S(R) Brand, SNICKERS(R) Brand, DOVE(R) Chocolate Brand, MILKY WAY(R) Brand, 3 MUSKETEERS(R) Brand, TWIX(R) Brand, and Wrigley's SKITTLES(R) Brand, STARBURST(R) Brand, SPEARMINT(R), JUICY FRUIT(R), and ALTOIDS(R) brands, Additional popular brands in the petcare and food segments for Mars North America include UNCLE BEN'S(R) Brand, PEDIGREE(R) Brand Food for Dogs, and WHISKAS(R) Brand Food for Cats. Please visit mars.com.

(C) 2009 NFL Properties LLC. Team names/logos are trademarks of the teams indicated. All other NFL-related trademarks are trademarks of the National Football League.

 
 
SOURCE Mars Direct Inc.
 

Cross Country Ski Equipment Sees 14% Growth

While the overall retail market struggled to make it into the black after Thanksgiving, the snow sports market remained healthy with 3% growth according to SnowSports Industries America's (SIA) exclusive research. August to November snow sports sales surpassed $917 million as the overall retail market faltered in the recession's nadir.

"Retail trade sales were down 2.0 percent from October 2008 and were 8.5 percent below last year." (U.S. Census Bureau, Advance Monthly Sales for

Retail Trade and Food Services, November 2008).

SIA further reports that carryover and juniors' equipment sales continued to lead the snow sports hard goods market while sales of this season's alpine ski and snowboard equipment sagged. Cross country ski equipment is a bright spot in the hard goods category with 14% growth season over season. Apparel sales reached $400 million so far this season representing 2% growth over August through November sales in 2007. Apparel suits, anything fleece, snowboard apparel, hats and gloves flew off the shelves as winter made its presence known across the country. Accessories that anyone on the slopes may need including goggles, helmets and wax got hotter as the temperatures got colder. In fact, all accessories sales increased 7% compared to season to date sales in November 2007.

Sales of carryover gear continued to account for a significant portion of equipment sales in November. Carryover accounted for 30% of skis, 23% of snowboards, 21% of ski boots, and 23% of snowboard boots sold August to November 2008. Compare that to last season's August to November results when carryover sales accounted for just 20% of skis and 21% of snowboards sold and millions fewer dollars spent. However, sales of current year model alpine ski equipment sagged heavily with most ski categories down significantly. In fact, excluding carryover sales, current model alpine ski sales are down about 16%. Ski prices are up across the board but dollar sales of skis (including carryover) are down almost 7% despite the increase. Cross country equipment was a very bright spot in the equipment market in November with sales of nearly $9.5 million from August through November, a 14% increase over last season's August to November sales. Snowboard equipment sales were up 3% overall and were selling particularly well online, where sales have increased 25% compared to August to November sales last season.

Parents didn't slow their spending on equipment and apparel for the kids in November. Overall, junior's equipment sales increased 12%; junior ski sales were up 21% in dollars, junior snowboard sales increased 1% in dollars. Parents were not skimping on apparel for their kids either, junior apparel sales increased 7% and a surprise in the numbers was sales of junior snow suits that increased more than 40% in units and in dollars.

"I bought all the gear, clothing and lessons my daughter needed to start

skiing because she's 5 years old and I want her to have the same great experiences on the slopes that I had when I was a kid. I can wait until next

  year for new skis."  Michelle Mikesell, WISP Resort, Deep Creek, Maryland

1.          Channel                $Dollars     Units Sold   Change in   Change in
                                       Sold                     Dollars      Units
       All Stores                    $917,171,594   12,751,954      2.69 %      5.04 %
            Alpine Equipment    $155,512,947      749,349     -2.66 %     -2.95 %
            Nordic Equipment      $9,457,731      102,853     13.93 %      5.93 %
         Snowboard Equipment     $99,511,754      597,115      3.01 %      2.29 %
                     Apparel          $400,681,042    3,721,351      1.81 %      5.77 %
                 Accessories       $246,573,505    7,566,075      7.23 %      5.77 %
       Specialty Shops          $558,738,692    7,049,096      1.08 %      1.20 %
            Alpine Equipment    $122,268,312      559,973      -.06 %      0.79 %
            Nordic Equipment      $6,793,831       72,215     11.67 %      8.84 %
         Snowboard Equipment     $67,024,446      381,114      5.77 %      4.21 %
                     Apparel         $215,054,393    1,757,854     -1.94 %     -0.87 %
                 Accessories     $145,684,657    4,272,491      4.10 %      1.75 %
       Chain Stores              $156,285,816    3,065,607     -2.95 %      1.00 %
            Alpine Equipment     $13,217,702       92,870    -23.89 %    -24.30 %
            Nordic Equipment      $1,020,226       13,957     15.13 %      3.28 %
         Snowboard Equipment     $15,107,709      119,699    -21.59 %    -17.31 %
                     Apparel         $78,005,693      948,353      2.68 %      1.68 %
                 Accessories     $48,435,566    1,889,431      2.85 %      3.81 %
       Internet/Online Sales    $202,147,085    2,637,252     12.70 %     23.27 %
            Alpine Equipment     $20,026,933       96,506     -0.15 %     -2.78 %
            Nordic Equipment      $1,643,673       16,681     23.44 %     -3.19 %
         Snowboard Equipment     $17,379,599       96,302     24.46 %     31.36 %
                     Apparel    $107,620,955    1,015,144      9.48 %     24.98 %
                 Accessories     $52,453,283    1,404,153     22.24 %     23.82 % 
2.    Source:  SIA Retail Audit 2008.09 August to November Sales
3. 
   The Internet channel slowed the pace of growth in November gaining 13% in dollars and 23% in units compared to August to November 2007. Overall, consumers spent $202 million on snow sports equipment, apparel, and accessories online. Internet sales comprised 22% of all the dollars consumers spent on snow sports products in the U.S. between August 1 and November 30, 2008.

Specialty shops were responsible for $559 million of the $917 million in total sales (includes specialty shops, chain stores, and online sales) for the snow sports marketplace August through November 2008. Specialty store sales increased slightly season over season in November. Consumers still prefer to buy their equipment in specialty shops. In fact, 79% of alpine equipment, 72% of Nordic gear and 67% of all snowboard equipment was sold in specialty shops so far this season.

Chain stores' equipment sales continue to sink with total decreases of 21% in dollars and 19% in units. Alpine ski sales are down 24% and snowboard equipment sales decreased 22%. Chain stores equipment sales accounted for just 11% of all equipment sales in the U.S. snow sports marketplace from August to November. Apparel sales made up half of all chain store snow sports sales August through November 2008.

The market data presented in this report comes from the SIA Retail Audit conducted by the Leisure Trends Group. Each season, Leisure Trends gathers data between August 1 and March 31 from a representative panel of more than 1,200 snow sports retailers who provide sales data directly from their Point of Sale systems. The panel and the method for extrapolating the results out to the entire industry is based on a triennial census of snow sports retailers designed to accurately define the size and structure of the snow sports retail marketplace. Note: The August to November retail data does not include resort retail shops.

SIA partners with Leisure Trends Group to provide reliable data about the snow sports market, and about the people who work and play in the snow. The data contained in this press release is collected by Leisure Trends Group for the SIA. Note that August to November retail data does not include resort retail shops. If you need additional information, contact Kelly Davis, Director of Research at KDavis@snowsports.org or by phone at 703.506.4224.

SnowSports Industries America (SIA) is a not-for-profit trade association whereby competing on-snow product suppliers magnify their power, by working together, for the development of the on-snow sports industry. For more information, check out http://www.snowsports.org. SnowSports Industries America, 8377-B Greensboro Drive, McLean, VA 22102-3587. Phone: 703.556.9020, Fax: 703.821.8276, E-mail: SIAmail@snowsports.org

Contact: SIA media office, +1-703-556-9020, pr@snowsports.org

snowsports.org Media Center

 
 
SOURCE SnowSports Industries America
 

Publix, Procter & Gamble, and Special Olympics have partnered together for 29 years to help people with intellectual disabilities achieve their dreams. Now they're offering you two easy ways to "Be a fan" of Special Olympics.

1. Support Special Olympics while you shop at your neighborhood Publix by purchasing your favorite P&G products like Tide, Pampers, Bounty and many other well-known brands during the month of January and a portion of the proceeds will benefit Special Olympics, up to $500,000.

2. While you're at Publix between today and Jan. 22, show you're a fan of Special Olympics by purchasing your very own paper torch at the check-out register for $1, $3, or $5 to support Special Olympics and your local athletes! The torches include $6 in coupons on select Procter and Gamble products. These coupons are good above and beyond the brandSAVER(TM) coupons, so purchase a torch and you'll find out just how rewarding it is to "Be a fan"!

Special Olympics Georgia provides year-round sports training and competition to more than 22,000 children and adults with intellectual disabilities, at no cost to the athlete or their caregiver, as a means to achieve physical fitness, self-esteem and the life skills necessary to be productive, respected and contributing members of their communities. Visit http://www.SpecialOlympicsGA.org to learn more.

The Mission of Special Olympics Georgia

To provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy, and participate in the sharing of gifts, skills, and friendship with their families, other Special Olympic athletes, and the community. For more information on Special Olympics Georgia visit the website on http://www.SpecialOlympicsGA.org.

 
 
SOURCE Special Olympics Georgia
 

inning Coaches Receive a Combined $240,000 to Donate for Charity and Scholarship

Every college football coach shares a love of the game and tenacity to win, yet today four coaches share the distinct honor of this year's best display of success, integrity, and sportsmanship both on and off the field. University of Alabama Coach Nick Saban, James Madison University Coach Mickey Matthews, Pittsburg (Kan.) State University Coach Chuck Broyles, and Mount Union College Coach Larry Kehres are the 2008 Liberty Mutual Coach of the Year Award winners.

Each winning coach receives $50,000 from Liberty Mutual Insurance to support his favorite charity and $20,000 in scholarship funding for his school's alumni association. Now in its third year, the Liberty Mutual Coach of the Year charitable and scholarship donations total $680,000. The winners also will be recognized in the permanent Liberty Mutual Coach of the Year display at the College Football Hall of Fame in South Bend, Ind.

"These four coaches represent all that is great about college football," said Archie Manning, chair of the National Football Foundation and College Football Hall of Fame. "They share a collective belief that how you win is every bit as important as winning itself. They value and demonstrate respect, sportsmanship and civic involvement, and have left a positive footprint on their universities, their student-athletes, and their communities."

Coaches Saban, Matthews, Broyles and Kehres were chosen through fan votes at www.CoachoftheYear.com and ballots cast by an elite selection committee of College Football Hall of Fame players and coaches and the national media based on their on-field coaching results, sportsmanship and integrity, academic excellence of their student-athletes, and their community commitment. Fan votes accounted for 20 percent of each coach's final score while the College Football Hall of Famers and national college football media accounted for 55 percent and 25 percent, respectively.

2008 Liberty Mutual Coach of the Year Award Winners

Football Bowl Subdivision (Division I-A) - Nick Saban, University of Alabama

When Nick Saban's Crimson Tide took the Georgia Dome field in August, hopes were high to improve on last year's 7-6 season. That first-game victory over Clemson was the beginning of Alabama's resurrection in the SEC and countrywide, and led to an undefeated regular season and, ultimately, a Sugar Bowl date with Utah on January 2 in New Orleans. The 12-win campaign set the school record for the largest increase in wins from year one to year two for a Crimson Tide head coach.

Leading a team that commits, on average, 30 percent fewer penalties than its conference foes is a big reason Coach Saban enjoyed such a tremendous season on the field. And off the field, Saban is equally poised for success as a philanthropist and mentor. The Nick's Kids Fund he started when coaching at Michigan State continues to be a shining example of Saban's concern for disadvantaged children, and since arriving in Tuscaloosa the Fund has distributed more than $540,000 to 115 charities. And this past June, Saban and his wife, Terry, announced a $1 million gift to benefit Alabama's first-generation scholarship program. Community involvement extends to the players as well, with many participating in a local Life Skills program as well as helping to raise funds for Alabama libraries.

Crimson Tide student-athletes also benefit from Saban's guidance in the classroom. His published mission statement for his team reads, "[Graduating from college] is going to have the greatest impact on the quality of your life forever." And Alabama's rising Academic Progress Rate is evidence of his commitment to their education.

Football Championship Subdivision (Division I-AA) - Mickey Matthews, James Madison University

Coach Mickey Matthews's tenth campaign at the helm of the James Madison football team was marked by an undefeated Colonial Athletic Conference record (8-0) and 12-game winning streak that brought the team to the FCS semifinals before dropping to eventual national runner-up Montana. One element of coaching excellence is team discipline, an area in which the Dukes excelled this year having committed nearly 20 percent fewer penalties than the CAA average. Coach Matthews's student-athletes are equally disciplined in the classroom, continually producing strong Academic Progress Rates.

Division II - Chuck Broyles, Pittsburg State University

Pittsburg State (Kan.) Coach Chuck Broyles recently completed his 19th season as head football coach at his alma mater, guiding the Gorillas to an 11-2 overall record, a 15th appearance in the NCAA Division II national playoffs, and a eighth-place ranking in the AFCA Division II year-end poll. In the classroom, the Pitt State football squad produced two Academic All-Americans in 2008 and six in the past three years. Forty-four percent of the Gorilla football players currently maintain 3.0 GPAs or higher. Broyles' civic and charitable contributions have been far and wide-ranging; including organizing an annual YMCA Youth Football Day; coordinating team involvement in Project Franklin, a restoration project in the local community; and facilitating his team's visits to local elementary schools to read with the students.

Division III - Larry Kehres, Mount Union College

For the tenth time in 16 years, the Purple Raiders of Mount Union College sit atop Division III as national champions, capping a 15-0 season with a 31-26 victory over defending champion Wisconsin-Whitewater in the Stagg Bowl. In his 23 years as Mount Union head football coach, Larry Kehres' teams also have garnered 19 Ohio Athletic Conference titles and have posted 17 undefeated regular seasons. Coach Kehres has had his share of talented players to help produce this on-field success (six All-Americans in 2008), yet he also has help nurture classroom champions as well (five Academic All-Americans since 2006). Coach Kehres organized Mount Union's support of this year's national Coach to Cure MD project to help raise awareness and funds to fight Duchenne muscular dystrophy. He also encourages his student-athletes to participate in civic and community activities, with many players serving on the NCAA Leadership Conference.

"Nick Saban, Mickey Matthews, Chuck Broyles, and Larry Kehres embody the spirit of college football," said Greg Gordon, Liberty Mutual senior vice president, Consumer Marketing. "Their commitment to responsibility, honor, integrity and excellence -- on and off the field -- has transformed their teams and will live on in their communities thanks to their legacy of strong civic and academic support."

The 2008 Liberty Mutual Coach of the Year award recipients were selected from a group of 25 finalists: 10 coaches from the Football Bowl Subdivision (formerly Division I-A) and five coaches each from the Football Championship Subdivision (formerly Division I-AA), Division II and Division III. To qualify as a finalist, each coach had to be among the top 25 fan vote getters in his division at www.CoachoftheYear.com and then be scored by an objective model that considers, among other criteria: wins, team penalties, on-field comportment, academic achievement by the student-athletes, and civic and philanthropic commitments.

2008 Liberty Mutual Coach of the Year Selection Committee

Media voters include: Craig Bennett (USA Today), Jack Bogaczyk (Charleston Daily Mail), Tim Brando (CBS Sports, Sporting News Radio), Pat Coleman (D3football.com), Colin Cowherd (ESPN Radio), Teddy Greenstein (Chicago Tribune), Kirk Herbstreit (ESPN), Clyde Hughes (D3football.com), Keith Jackson (Hall of Fame Sportscaster, retired), Dan Jenkins (Sportswriter/National Football Foundation historian), Bill King (Rivals Sports Radio Network), Ivan Maisel (ESPN.com), Stewart Mandel (Sports Illustrated), Gordie Mann (D3football.com), Keith McMillan (D3football.com), Brandon Misener (D2football.com), Ryan Tipps (D3football.com), and Bud Withers (Seattle Times).

College Football Hall of Fame voters include: Bob Anderson, Jim Ballard, Tom Beck, Tom Brahaney, Teel Bruner, Marino Casem, Jim Christopherson, Carmen Cozza, Jeff Davis, Dan Dierdorf, Terry Donahue, Vince Dooley, Joe Dudek, LaVell Edwards, Dick Farley, Joe Fusco, Archie Griffin, Bob Griese, Roger Harring, Chad Hennings, Lou Holtz, Jim Houston, Don James, Billy Joe, Johnnie Johnson, Ron Johnson, Roy Kidd, Gordie Lockbaum, Ronnie Lott, Archie Manning (Chair, National Football Foundation), Fred Martinelli, Mark May, Darrell Mudra, Don Nehlen, Tom Osborne, Tubby Raymond, Bob Reade, Jerry Rice, James Saxton, Jeff Siemon, Jim Sochor, Patrick Stevens, Jessie Tuggle, Herschel Walker, Frosty Westering, Paul Wiggin, Reggie Williams, Richard Wood and Ron Yary.

About Liberty Mutual Group

"Helping people live safer, more secure lives" since 1912, Boston-based Liberty Mutual Group (LibertyMutualGroup.com) is a diversified global insurer and sixth-largest property and casualty insurer in the U.S. based on 2007 direct written premium. Liberty Mutual Group ranks 94th on the Fortune 500 list of largest U.S. corporations, based on 2007 revenue. The company has over 45,000 employees located in more than 900 offices throughout the world.

The eighth-largest auto and home insurer in the U.S., Liberty Mutual (LibertyMutual.com) sells full lines of coverage for automobile, homeowners, valuable possessions, personal liability, and individual life insurance. The company is an industry leader in affinity partnerships, offering car and home insurance to employees and members of more than 10,000 companies, credit unions, professional associations and alumni groups.

About the National Football Foundation & the College Football Hall of Fame

Founded in 1947 with leadership from General Douglas MacArthur, legendary Army coach Earl "Red" Blaik and immortal journalist Grantland Rice, The National Football Foundation (NFF) & College Hall of Fame, a non-profit educational organization, runs programs designed to use the power of amateur football in developing scholarship, citizenship and athletic achievement in young people. With 121 chapters and 12,000 members nationwide, NFF programs include the College Football Hall of Fame in South Bend, Ind., the NFF Hampshire Honor Society, Play It Smart, the NFF-FWAA Football Forum, the NFF Gridiron Club of New York City, and scholarships of over $1 million for college and high school scholar-athletes. The NFF presents the MacArthur Trophy, the Draddy Trophy, presented by HealthSouth, and releases the Bowl Championship Series (BCS) Standings. Learn more at www.footballfoundation.org or www.collegefootball.org.

 
 
SOURCE Liberty Mutual