Newsletter of the Outdoor Writers Association Spring 2012 Pottsville plays host to POWA By Doyle Dietz

Looking back over the last year, I find myself thinking about the Bob Dylan lyrics that “lost time cannot be found” and how they relate to putting together the 2012 Pennsylvania Outdoor Writers Association Spring Conference, because neither my wife and conference co-chair Betty nor I can figure out where the time went. David McKeown Photo We began making plans for the Winners of POWA’s Excellence in Craft Awards, announced at the Spring Confer- ence in Pottsville, were (back, left to right): Mark Nale, Terry Brady and Alex Zidock; Pottsville-based conference that featured (front): Gerry Putt, Paula Piatt and Charlie Burchfield. Not pictured: Bob and Linda activities in and near Schuylkill County, Steiner, Bob Frye and Will Elliott. on the drive home from last year’s conference in Bedford, and thanks to Masters of their craft the support and cooperation of so many POWA members “Hunt Helps Make Sense of Emotions” people, we were able to provide plenty honored for excellence at published in The Derrick and The News- of activities to generate copy and oth- ers designed just to have fun. Some of annual banquet Herald on Oct. 13, 2011. Best Newspaper Feature (spon- the choices we had to make were easy, The Pennsylvania Outdoor Writers sored by Safari Club International, Pa. such as the Ramada Inn being the only Association Excellence in Craft Awards Chapters, Region 25) – Bob Frye for location with enough rooms to be the were presented during the POWA Spring “Survival of the Pheasant” published in host site, but when it came to selecting Conference banquet in Pottsville, PA on the Tribune-Review on May 15, 2011. activities for the members and spouses, Saturday, May 5. Best Magazine or Regional News- we had to make some difficult choices Board Chairman Tom Tatum distrib- paper Column (sponsored by Ultimate because of the options. uted to 10 individuals in 16 categories. Fishing Maps) – Bob Steiner for “Time Thursday’s early arrivals were treated Winners are: We Stop Making Spectacle of Outdoors to a tour of the Yuengling Brewery in Women” published in Pennsylvania Pottsville, which is America’s oldest POWA CORE AWARDS Outdoor News on Feb. 18, 2011. brewer and has been in Dick Yuengling’s Best Newspaper Column (sponsored Best magazine or Regional Newspa- family since 1829. In addition to ar- by Pennsylvania Hunters Sharing the per Feature (sponsored by Reed Exhibi- ranging this special after-hours tour, Harvest) – Linda & Bob Steiner for See CRAFT, page 3 See POTTSVILLE, page 7 Craft Improvement POWWOW Spring 2012 How to win POWA Quarterly publication of the Pennsylvania Outdoor Writers Association, Inc., a non-profit professional, educational organization. Items published in POW-WOW do not reflect the Excellence in Craft Awards opinions or endorsement of POWA. By Bob Steiner Entering contests is easy. Spend an www.paoutdoorwriters.com Craft Improvement evening or two going through your well- organized files and matching your pieces Robert “Bob” Lollo Enter! You can’t get into the race POWA Executive Director of work with the POWA core awards and P.O. Box 4423 / Harrisburg, PA 17111 without a horse. then matching them with the specialty Phone 717-564-0719 Here’s the simple formula. First, love awards. E-mail: [email protected] your craft, be it writing, photography, The rules say an article can only be POWA Officers 2012-13 art, video or radio. Love your audience entered in one core award, but may also President - RICH FALER and write, photograph or paint to their qualify in several specialty awards. We PO Box 224 heart from yours. Greenville, PA 16125 review every piece we produce in the 724-588-1910; [email protected] Read your own finished product out eligible year and list them for any award 1st V.P. - MARK NALE 2nd V.P. - VACANT loud, have someone else read it, critique they remotely fit into. Then we sit down it and then read it again. Only when it is Secretary - MARY LINKEVICH and read. Slowly but surely we pare them Treasurer - JOHN ALLEN absolutely clean, give it to your editor. down to the maximum amount we are Board Chair - FREDDIE McKNIGHT Know that any mistakes in spelling, facts, Board of Directors (term ending): allowed to enter in each category. We DON KNAUS (‘13); STEVE SORENSEN figures or punctuation will be credited have shoveled the manure out of the barn. (‘13); RON KOCH (‘14); MARY HOSMER to you. Your publication is no longer We believe that entering as many (‘14); BRAD ISLES (‘15); RALPH SCHERD- responsible now that they just cut and ER (‘15) submissions as permitted can be very Sup. Mbr. Rep. - CONNIE YINGLING, paste your stuff into their layout. If you important. Remember that these are Maryland Office of Tourism Development Parliamentarian - DENNIS SCHARADIN doubled an “at” or forgot a “not” after a human judges, selected from outside “do,” it’s all yours. PowWow Editor - BRAD ISLES POWA by the committee chairman’s POWA Legal Counsel - METTE, EVANS & We, Linda and I, have successfully appointees in each award category. We WOODSIDE, Harrisburg, Pa. entered state and national outdoor writer try to play to them without having any IN THIS ISSUE contests now for nearly four decades. idea who they might be, how they think Spring Conference Review...... 1, 7-10 Why you ask? or what they like. Craft Improvement...... 2-3 First and most importantly, winning is When applying for the “Best Newspa- President’s Message...... 4 Executive Directors Report...... 5 resume building. The more you win, the per Column,” for instance, we select one more you can put in a letter introducing Market News...... 6 article aimed at emotions and another that Treasurer’s Report...... 11 yourself to a new editor or when applying is good reporting. Win with either and Supporting Member News...... 12 for a job where your writing skills are you have a resume builder and a $150 Member News...... 13 expected to be of value to your intended Supporting Member Spotlight...... 14-15 check. In the end, enter the maximum Committees...... 15 employer. number allowed that you feel represent Second, when editors are aware of Member contributors to this issue: your best work. Doyle Dietz, Bob Steiner, Freddie McKnight, Rich them, your awards give them confidence Now comes the tough part. Find a Faler, Bob Lollo, Harvey Bauer, Todd Puleo, Don to assign you articles or other work. You Feigert, Betty Dietz, Connie Mertz, John Allen, Mark good-quality copy machine, a pair of Nale, Connie Yingling. are now in the enviable position of being scissors, several rolls of Scotch tape SEND POW WOW CONTRIBUTIONS TO their “go-to” person. Ever wonder why and a pen with heavy black ink. Cut and you see some names so often in maga- POWA Exec. Director Bob Lollo neatly tape so a judge can easily follow P.O. Box 4423, Harrisburg, PA 17111 zines? Editors know what to expect from and read the submission. Black out what Phone: 717-564-0719 these people – quality. E-mail: [email protected] the instructions tell you to and fill out the -or- Finally, winning awards gives you entry sheet. The neater the better. Brad Isles, PowWow Editor bargaining chips to use when trying Next package your submissions as P.O. Box 23, Grove City, PA 16127 to squeeze a little more money out of Phone: 724-967-2832 instructed. We put each category in a E-mail: [email protected] your editors. After all, wouldn’t you, separate envelope and mark it “his” or © Copyright 2012 by the Pennsylvania too, give the best oats to the horse that “hers” or “ours,” then bundle them with Outdoor Writers Association, Inc. wins the race? See WIN, page 3

2 PowWow - Spring 2012 Win from page 2 rubber bands as such. The envelopes are then forwarded to the awards chairman in a Priority Mail box. When the chair- man opens the box he finds mine, hers and ours and can separate them readily into categories. From the chairman to the award co- ordinators to the judges there is a lot of work in the POWA awards program. Make it easy for them. Learn to follow instructions. First Grade, 101. Brush the horse and make him look good. Now here are some tips for the pho- tography contests, as I’ve experienced them. Cute and cuddly and technically correct is hard to beat. Majestic and technically correct can win if cute and cuddly didn’t enter the race. Pretty is pretty, but not a horse to bet on. Three Contributed Photo bear cubs beats two bear cubs, if both are Bob Steiner poses with his recent POWA Excellence in Craft Awards. technically good. Off-the-wall (unusual) POWA Excellence in Craft awards are the younger and newer writers, artists, can be a winner if the judges grew up important to you. They build resumes, photographers and other eligible media in the 1960s. Technically incorrect can direct work your way and can make your persons to get serious and fill the field bring the best horse up lame. work worth more. It’s time for some of with good horses.

Craft published by the Pennsylvania Game Been His Fishing Buddy” published in from page 1 Commission, 2011 Wild Turkey Heri- Pennsylvania Outdoor News, Nov. 11, tage Print. 2011. tions) – Paula Piatt for “Bass Tourneys Youth and the Hunting/Shooting Improve Release Practices, But Debate SPECIALTY AWARDS Sports Award (sponsored by National Still Swirls” published in New York Bass Pro Shops Pass it On Award Shooting Sports Foundation) – Charlie Outdoor News. (sponsored by Bass Pro Shops) – Terry Burchfield for “Squirrel Hunting Lessons Best Published Newspaper Photo Brady for “1st Striper: A Pound for Every Invaluable” published in Tri-County (sponsored by POWA Past President’s Year She’s Been His Fishing Buddy” Sunday on Oct. 16, 2011. Fund) – Bob Steiner for “New Wings published in Pennsylvania Outdoor Young Trees Habitat Award (spon- Need Passion to Soar” published in The News, Nov. 11, 2011. sored by the Allegheny Chapter of the Derrick and The News-Herald. Pennsylvania Trappers Award Ruffed Grouse Society) – Bob Steiner for Best Published Magazine Photo (sponsored by Pa. Trappers Associa- “State Game Lands Remake – Be Patient, (sponsored by POWA Membership Fund) tion) – Bob Frye for “The Mystery of it’s All Good!” published in Pennsylvania – Bob Steiner for “Rattler” published in the Vanishing Muskrats” published in Outdoor News on October 28, 2011. Pennsylvania Magazine, May/June 2011. FUR-FISH-GAME, May 2011. Crossbow Award (sponsored by the Best Radio/TV Program Award Trout & The Coldwater Resource Pennsylvania Crossbow Federation) – (sponsored by sponsored by Susque- Award (sponsored by PA Council of Will Elliott for “Crossbow Demo Draws hanna River Trails Association) – Alex Trout Unlimited) – Mark Nale for “Hard- Interest” published in The Buffalo News/ Zidock for “Out in the Open TV Program: Working Individuals Can and Do Make Sunday on April 24, 2011. Opening Day of PA Trout Season” on a Difference” published in The Daily Wildlife Art Award (sponsored by The Blue Ridge TV13. Herald on July 12, 2011. Ned Smith Center for Nature and Art) – Best Published Art (sponsored by Youth Fishing Award (sponsored by Gerald Putt for “Meeting the Challenge” GATCO Sharpeners/Timberline Knives) Expositions, Inc.) – Terry Brady for “1st which features an elk herd in Colorado’s – Gerald Putt for “Mentored Morning” Striper: A Pound for Every Year She’s Rocky Mountain National Park.

PowWow - Spring 2012 3 of homework on wooing membership from those marketing to the internet. President's Message This is a first baby step. It should be by Rich Faler the mission of POWA to embrace our fellow communicators that find markets on websites and blogs. If we push ahead with an open mind Being a member of the Pennsylvania Pennsylvania out- and diligence, we should find as many, Outdoor Writer’s Association is quite a door communicators or more, active members through this ride! I’ve been an active member since with a community. category as we lost with the newspapers 1978 and have been able to experience Regardless of our politics on deer man- and economic downturn. I will do what the group in a number of ways. agement, Sunday hunting and stocking I can to stay on top of this as one of my My first meeting in Donegal, I met programs, POWA holds us together with main missions as this year’s POWA Nick Sisley. In reference to his freelance more than a fraternal hold. POWA mem- president. lifestyle, he said, “I know the steering bers, both active and supporting, are the My second, and equally important, wheel of my truck better than my wife!” thinkers and the heralds of our outdoor mission is to bring the rewrite and final I met Jim Bashline and by the time 1984 heritage. As professionals we need to ratification of the Constitution and By- rolled around was able to use him for a make a buck. As professionals, we also laws, and Duties Manual to a conclu- personal reference that helped land me step into the position of responsibility to sion. It is time we get this major review editorship of “The Trapper & Predator those who love and enjoy our outdoors. behind us. We are close and this should Caller.” Is the recent downsizing of member- all be finalized at the spring conference As an outdoor reader, then writer, these ship a permanent decline? No. I don’t in Oil City. were my heroes. And I got to shake their believe that for a minute. Finally, I would like to thank everyone hands! It was a heady experience. There are many hard copy publications, who has agreed to be on the board and on I shared the POWA booth with Sylvia book markets and PR jobs. We all have a committee. It takes a lot of members to Bashline the entire Harrisburg Show a shot at these and POWA membership, fill these positions. Through the years, one year. I’ve been committee chairman with their abilities, should get more than we have always found members who are several times, on the board of directors, their share of these positions. willing to donate of themselves to further vice-president, president and now presi- Equally of note, as newspaper jobs the POWA. Whenever you see someone dent again. At all times it has been an have decreased, outdoor positions on the donating precious time to do these jobs, honor to serve. Anyone serving within internet have had staggering increases. thank them. They deserve it! the group gets much more back than It is a recent phenomenon. As such, it And remember what I said early in what is invested. It is simply a good deal. is a new animal which we are just now this message? You always get more back The group has evolved. We no longer beginning to lay hands on and tame. It than you give. POWA makes us better insist on great camping at the confer- is evolving as we must. at what we do! ences. We now concentrate on a location By the with top hotel amenities. POWA now time this is has a paid executive director. Instead of in print, I a fall and a spring conference, we have will have one in the spring. sent the We have in recent years seen a decline board and in membership. Why the decline? the Mem- Newspapers cutting back on outdoor bership De- columns is the most cited reason. And, velopment it is probably the number one reason. Commit- We must not forget the economy. Many tee infor- individual members and corporate spon- mation of sors have tightened their belts. They another reevaluate every expenditure. With that outdoor assessment, POWA may take the hit and commu- lose a member. nicator’s Nothing stays the same – ever. We group that continue to evolve. I sincerely believe has already that POWA still provides professional done a lot Contributed Photo POWA President Rich Faler with a velvet-antlered buck.

4 PowWow - Spring 2012 fishing, birding, hiking, mountain biking. Executive Director's Report Contact: Christine Black by Bob Lollo, Sponsor: Bob Lollo Executive Director Pennsylvania Fly Fishing Museum Association We have 158 total members, composed process. P.O. Box 51 of eight life members, five apprentice Contact: Troy Enola, PA 17025 members and 144 active members and Dando Phone: 717-732-5050 one honorary member. The active mem- Sponsor: Doyle Dietz Fax: 717-732-2414 ber total is net of the those not renewing Email: [email protected] this year. We currently have 100 sup- Yo-Zuri America, Inc. Web: paflyfishing.com porting members on the books with 73 668 NW Enterprise Drive Services: A fly fishing museum. renewing to date. Those numbers include Port Saint Lucie, FL 34986 Contact: Fred Bohls all of our new supporting members. Phone: 772-336-2280 Sponsor: Bob Lollo Fax: 336-9775 CHANGES & CORRECTIONS Email: [email protected] NEW ACTIVE MEMBERS Ron Koch has a change in email ad- Web: www.yo-zuri.com Robert Ford dresses: [email protected] Services: Fishing lures and line. P.O. Box 30 Oil Region Alliance of Business has a Contact: George A. Large Ramsey, PA 16671 contact change to: John R. Phillips, Presi- Sponsor: Bob Lollo Clearfield County dent, email is [email protected] Phone: 814-378-5565 PA Council of Trout Unlimited has the Bucktail Outdoors.Com Work: 814-404-4650 same PO Box but change to Bellefonte 7756 Ft. Everett Road Email: [email protected] and a new contact: skutskel@coldwa- New Tripoli, PA 18066 Services: Book author terheritage.org Phone: 484-515-3558 Sponsor: Steve Sorensen Drop the street address for Environ- Email: [email protected] Metal, the rest remains the same. Web: bucktailoutdoors.com Jessica Welshans Services: Outdoor website 282 Fourth Gap Road NEW SUPPORTING MEMBERS Contact: Steve Kish Loganton, PA 17747 Pennsylvania Forest Coalition Sponsor: by Cindy Ross Phone: 570-725-2015 740 Oak Hill Work: 570-326-1551 Ext. 3119 Boiling Springs, PA 17007 Navionics, Inc. Fax: 326-0314 Email: [email protected], 6 Thatcher Lane Email: [email protected] [email protected] Wareham, MA 02571 Services: Outdoor/travel writer for the Web: paforestcoalition.org Email: [email protected] Williamsport Sun-Gazette. Services: “Good stewardship of our Web: www.navionics.com Sponsor: Bob Lollo public lands.” We inform hunters, Services: Electronic navigational anglers, hikers, etc. about our natural charts for chart plotters. NON-RENEWALS resources. Contact: Jon R. Noel Jeremy Bechtel, Allen Benas, Christian Contact: Richard Martin, coordinator Sponsor: Bob Lollo Berg, Phil Burkhouse, Betty Lou Fegely, Sponsor: Mark Nale Den Haring, Arlene Koch, H. Robert Central Pa. Convention Myers, Kirby Neubert, C. Boyd Pfeiffer, Custom Gun Finishes & Visitors Bureau Lori Richardson and Ron Tussel. 280 Wood Street 800 E. Park Avenue Cumbola, PA 17930 State College, PA 16803 Phone: 570-277-6420 Phone: 814-231-1401 Email: [email protected] Fax: 814-231-8123 Web: www.customgunfinishes.com Email: [email protected] Services: Custom finishes for Web: visitpennstate.org firearms, optics, aftermarket products, Services: Convention and visitors accessories and other items utilizing bureau; market outdoor recreation Duracoat® and water transfer printing as product and event including fly

PowWow - Spring 2012 5 highlighting the technique rather than the technical. Outdoor Photographer is Market News written and presented to accomplish two by Freddie McKnight ends: to stimulate outdoor, sporting and nature enthusiasts to enhance their rec- reational and travel enjoyment through photography, and to satisfy the needs of Outside is a monthly national maga- ries to: Jim Stenson, amateur and professional photographers zine dedicated to covering the people, Publisher/Managing sports and activities, politics, art, lit- Editor, Contemporary with a special interest in the outdoors. erature and hardware of the outdoors. Sportsman, 4362 Byron Ave., North The Drake Magazine wants its fishing Although features are usually assigned Mobile, AL 36609. Email: jim@inte- stories to be educational and entertain- to a regular stable of experienced and grateddigitalpublishing.com. ing, not instructional. Not published are proven writers, the magazine is always Trapper & Predator Caller’s edito- “how-to, where-to” pieces. Check out interested in new authors and their ideas. rial goal is to inform, educate and enter- one or two issues if you have questions. In particular, the magazine looks for tain readers with articles, photographs If you want a submission published, write articles on outdoor events, regions and and illustrations that promote trapping, it well. Think literary and tell us a story. activities; informative seasonal service predator calling and muzzleloader Write about your dog. Make us laugh. As pieces; sports and adventure travel hunting. Highest consideration will be for photography, please be creative. No pieces; profiles of engaging outdoor given to stories focused on methods “grip and grins.” The magazine is also characters; and investigative stories on and equipment used in trapping, calling looking for artwork, cartoons, illustra- environmental issues. Queries should or hunting. Payment is made within 45 tions, etc. All payments are negotiable. present a clear, original and provoca- days of publication. Amount received Departments: City Limits – stories of tive thesis, not merely a topic or idea, is based on the quality of writing and fishing in an urban environment; Rod and should reflect familiarity with the photography as a package. Holders – profiles of people that are in magazine’s content and tone. Features are depth, well-written and accurate; let us generally 1,500 to 5,000 words in length. Outdoor Photographer is a national know who they are, not just how they fish Dispatches articles (100 to 800 words) magazine published 11 times per year or hunt; Tippets – short, 200-600 word cover timely news, events, issues and for enthusiasts with a special passion short profiles. Destinations pieces (300 for nature, travel and outdoor sports. essays or opinions from the sporting to 1,000 words) include places, news and The magazine takes a fresh look at the world; anecdotes, stories that are funny. advice for adventurous travelers. Review modern photographic world by encour- Bugs – entomology, plain and simple; articles (200 to 1,500 words) examine aging photography as part of a lifestyle not patterns, but actual insects, their and evaluate outdoor gear and equip- associated with outdoor recreation. life cycle, habitat, flight times, etc. Send ment. Send queries (not manuscripts) Editorial is intended to demystify the use submissions to: The Drake Magazine, and two or three relevant clips along with of modern equipment by emphasizing 1600 Maple St., Fort Collins, CO 80521. a self-addressed stamped envelope to: practical use of the camera in the field, Email: [email protected]. Editorial Department, Outside magazine, 400 Market St., Santa Fe, New Mexico, SPONSOR 3 NEW POWA MEMBERS IN 1 YEAR ... 87501. Response time is usually six to eight weeks. AND YOUR NEXT YEAR'S DUES ARE FREE! What a deal! Help your professional outdoor media organization The Contemporary Sportsman is to grow; help someone else to benefit from membership in POWA; a quarterly online magazine devoted and help yourself to a free year of membership ... on us. to people who share a serious passion This special "1 GET 3; YOURS IS FREE" membership offer applies for fly fishing and wing shooting. Each to all POWA membership types -- active, apprentice and supporting. quarterly publication has at least three You may sponsor three in one membership category or mix categories. feature articles about fly fishing (fresh or Who can sponsor a new member? POWA active members and salt) and/or wing shooting. An average supporting members (the latter with an active member co-signer). feature article contains 2,500 to 3,000 Where to get applications? POWA individual and supporting words. Payment is made upon publica- member applications can be printed from the POWA Web site, www. tion and is from $450 to $700 for feature paoutdoorwriters.com. Information on the value and benefits of articles, based on quality not length. A membership is on the Web site, too. For more information, contact portfolio feature of an artist is included Executive Director Bob Lollo. in each issue of the magazine. Send que-

6 PowWow - Spring 2012 Pottsville from page 1

Yuengling donated all the beer for the hospitality room. A very special treat was the “Taste of Schuylkill County Buffet” at Maroon’s Sports Bar and Grill in Pottsville follow- ing the brewery tour, and a presentation by owner Jim Ditmar on the history of the 1925 champion . Making a special presentation on the history and outdoors recreational opportunities of Schuylkill County was “Porcupine Pat” McKinney of the Schuylkill Conserva- tion District, who also held a raffle for door prizes. Clearly, not enough thanks can be given to the volunteer turkey and fishing guides who made this one of the all-time productive conferences, with a record four spring gobblers being taken during David McKeown Photo the Friday activities. Guide Troy Starr, Outgoing POWA President Freddie McKnight, left, passes the gavel to incoming whose FearNot Game Calls stack up President Rich Faler during the annual banquet. favorably with any national brand, and tia. Allen Chubb of Keystone and Mike certificate which was valid at both his some family members produced gobblers Martz of Martz’s made their facilities Pottsville store and Hamburg location for POWA members Charlie Burchfield available for various trap shooting and near Cabela’s. Everyone attending the and Tom Tatum; guide Steve Behun of lunch, and each participant was supplied conference got a key – one of which the National Wild Turkey Federation with two boxes of trap loads by Jessica would unlock the chest holding a brace- Schuylkill Spurs Chapter and HuntNut. Kallam of Remington Arms. let at the Hamburg location, but it went com produced the first-ever gobbler for POWA member Mary Linkevich, who unclaimed. POWA member Mark Demko; and guide is in charge of public relations at Hawk Saturday’s breakout was held at Ron Bass, a Pennsylvania Game Com- Mountain Sanctuary, put together an im- Friedensburg Fish and Game, and club mission deputy wildlife conservation pressive program on the various activities President Gary Slutter and members officer, produced a gobbler for POWA and projects of this internationally known prepared a pig roast for lunch, which was supporting member Bob Anthon of Gatco raptor sanctuary and also provided lunch. sponsored by Reed Expositions. Nation- Sharpeners/Timberline Knives. This was open to POWA members and ally known gun dog trainer Joe DeMarkis Local anglers Terry Brown, Terry Kuz- spouses, and thanks to Betty Dietz for of Pottsville and Wayne Lehman of the ma and Craig Morgan of the Schuylkill leading the group from Pottsville to Schuylkill Conservation District pre- County Sportsmen’s Association, sup- Hawk Mountain. sented seminars which were followed plied their boats and acted as guides for Friday evening, events coordinator by a craft improvement presentation by those who chose to fish Sweet Arrow Harold Luther of the Cabela’s store in POWA member Bob Ballantyne. Lake County Park in Pine Grove. POWA Hamburg arranged for manufacture rep- With three ponds to test fishing tackle member and Schuylkill Trout Unlimited resentatives to have a display of various and kayaks provided by Jim O’Brien, the Chapter member Bruce Schneck orga- outdoors products and hosted the group manager of the Bass Pro Shops store in nized the guides for those who chose for a buffet. In addition, he also provided Harrisburg, members had the opportu- stream fishing at various locations. members with a special discount card that nity to use some of this year’s newest POWA member Dennis Scharadin was valid in the store through Sunday. products. In addition, Robin Sharpless acted as tour guide for those going to As a special treat, Pat Murphy of of Redding Reloading provided supplies Keystone Shooting Park, the nation’s Murphy’s Jewelers ran a special pro- for those who wanted to load and fire newest Olympic shotgun training facility, motion for both POWA members and some ammunition, and Chuck Matasic located at Martz’s Game Farm in Dalma- their spouses by providing a discount See POTTSVILLE, page 8

PowWow - Spring 2012 7 Pottsville from page 7

of Kodabow had several of the West Chester-based company’s newest models available for testing. A few members opted for the story opportunities that Saturday’s spouse’s tour provided, led by Cindy Ross and Betty Dietz – and they managed to over- come detours and road construction to get everyone there and back. First stop was one of the farthest western points of Schuylkill County at the award- winning Benigna Creek Vineyard and Winery. Then it was north to Ashland’s historic Mine Shaft Cafe for lunch before travelling east to the nationally known Kowalonek’s Kielbasy Shop. With the breakout and shopping activi- ties concluded, all returned to the Ramada for the annual banquet, sponsored by the National Shooting Sports Foundation. Gary Hess, one of Schuylkill County’s three commissioners, and his wife Sandy of Hess Catering of Schuylkill Haven, went the extra mile to make sure there was an abundance of home-style food for the 90 banquet attendees. Before heading home Sunday, at- tendees were treated with a presentation by Pennsylvania Game Commission Harvey Bauer Photo information specialist Joe Neville. All Above, gun dog trainer Joe DeMarkis demonstrates tricks of his trade during Sat- of which put a capper on an extended urday’s activities. Below left, Todd Puleo shows off a monster largemouth caught at weekend that left everyone wondering Friedensburg Fish and Game, and Gerry Putt, below right, paddles one of the kayaks provided by Bass Pro Shops. just where the time went.

Don Feigert Photo Todd Puleo Photo

8 PowWow - Spring 2012 Betty Dietz Photo Above, Marilyn Black, Connie Yingling, Jack Harris, Joe Faux, Terry Brady, Betty Dietz, Russ Englehart, Nancy Englehart and Karen Lollo enjoy the sights from the North Lookout at Hawk Mountain Sanctuary.

Doyle Dietz Photos Left, after years of trying without success, Bob Anthon of Gatco Sharpeners/Timberline Knives took a Pennsylvania spring gobbler during Friday’s activity day. Above, Troy Dando of Duracoat explains the procedure of applying the lifetime finish for firearms during Saturday’s breakout at Friedensburg Fish and Game.

PowWow - Spring 2012 9 Writers visit Olympic shooting park By Connie Mertz

(Editor’s note: This story originally ran in The Daily Item on May 12, 2012.)

A small group of outdoor writers learned firsthand what it’s like to shoot Olympic-style trap recently at the Key- stone Shooting Park near Dalmatia. Perhaps just as intriguing as the actual shooting was the amazing facility itself. The group was taken to an underground bunker where up to 200,000 clay targets are stored. “This isn’t like American trap,” Allen Chubb, Jr. said. “The targets for Ameri- can trap comes out of the trap house at 40 miles per hour, but Olympic targets come out going 64 mph. There are also 15 machines set in patterning at differ- ent heights.” Connie Mertz Photo Even the targets themselves are con- Allen Chubb, Jr., far right, talks to outdoor writers prior to shooting at the Keystone structed differently than American trap Shooting Park, the nation’s newest Olympic shotgun training facility. to keep them from breaking. The entire complex,” said Chubb, who is a level II tional Junior Olympic Championships in operation is all automated. It had taken coach of Olympic shotgun sports. “It’s Colorado Springs in July,” Chubb said. Chubb, who is the brainchild of the facil- the most difficult shotgun shooting the The top three shooters were brothers ity, about five years to design the range world.” Mark and Luke Bearsley, of York, and before construction began. Next month, the skeet range will be Brandi Hobbs, of Erie. Finally in May 2011, it became a completed. “When Olympic shooters come here reality. “We have three sports: trap, double- from across the country, their first word The writers then climbed the stairs to trap and skeet. Our goal is to expose kids is ‘wow,’” he said. “It’s tremendously the firing range. Chubb told the writers to different disciplines and let them pick unique, and the most active training that everything is computer automated. and choose which one suits their liking,” facility in America. It is a top-shelf, Shooters must obtain a smart card to ac- Chubb said. European-style Olympic training center. cess the range. From that point on, the Currently, Keystone Shooting Park It’s also the first fully automatic range computer does all the work. holds competitions and training camps. in the world, and it’s open every day.” “Don’t talk on the range because any “This is a national training center. The Not only is it for those who want to sound will activate the computer,” he Canadian team has been here as well as excel in Olympic style shooting, but said. those training for the World Cup and Pan anyone can become a member. Chubb Most of the outdoor writers were ex- American games,” he said. said that last year, hundreds of shooters perienced trap shooters, but that made The Junior Olympic Development came to the park. little difference in their scores. They were Camp for Olympic trapshooting, sched- “In the last two weeks, we used 14,000 only able to break a handful of targets, uled for May 26 and 27, is already sold clay targets,” he said. “Last year, we used but they got a taste of the degree of dif- out. On this particular weekend, the about 73,000. We are well on our way to ficulty in Olympic-style trap. Scholastic Clay Target Program (SCTP) 100,000 clay targets this year.” “Shooters are quite stunned at the championship was held. For more detailed information, visit level of difficulty. It is drastically more “The top three shooters go to the Na- keystoneshootingpark.com.

10 PowWow - Spring 2012 Raffled charter trip proves to be a winner By John Allen POWA Treasurer

During the most recent spring confer- ence raffle, I was fortunate enough to win a trip for six people aboard the Mary Lou Too based out of Chesapeake Beach, Md. I have been on three other guided rock- Contributed Photo POWA Treasurer John Allen, third from left, shows off his catch aboard the Mary fish (striped bass) fishing trips in the last Lou Too in Chesapeake Beach, Md. Allen won the guided striped bass fishing trip four years, all of which have ended with during the Spring Conference in Pottsville. Pictured, from left, are: Bob Bucher, Bill me going home empty handed. Allen, John Allen, Joey Bucher, Bo Bucher and Peter Richards. Even though this was a donated trip, Capt. Russ Mogel and his son, Dave, Treasurer’s Report worked harder to put us on fish than any By John Allen, POWA Treasurer / Expenditures as of March 31, 2012 other boat I have ever been on in my life. Income Accounts Budget 11-12 Actual % of Budget It is easy to see why he comes so highly Active Members 9,800 8,590 88 recommended. Supporting Members 9,500 6,100 64 Merchandise Sales 25 90 360 We fished hard for six hours, and de- Contributions 0 630 0 spite the fish not wanting to cooperate Awards Income 1,800 920 51 early on, we were rewarded with nine Craft Award Entry Fees 700 10 1 keeper (18-inch size limit) rockfish. Miscellaneous Income 0 0 0 Trophy rockfish had already moved north Spring Conference Income 3,750 998 27 Fall Conference 0 (94) 0 by the time we got down there, but the TOTAL INCOME $25,575 $17,244 67% ones we did get into (between 19 and 26 Expense Accounts Budget 11-12 Actual % of Budget inches) made for some great fights and Member Awards 2,550 0 0 even better meals afterward. Executive Dir. Stipend 9,404 3,135 33 After the fishing, Capt. Russ and Plaque Expenses 1,000 608 61 especially Dave went very much out of Pow Wow (Print/Edit) 5,800 2,395 41 their ways to help us through some car Website Expenses 350 66 19 trouble. Dave went so far as to stay with Membership Directory 1,600 0 0 Postage, General 1,000 588 59 us for over an hour after departing from Office Expenses 2,600 1,083 42 the boat to make sure that everything was Insurance 525 0 0 OK with our vehicle. Credit Card Fees 550 651 118 I have already booked another half- Travel 150 0 0 day trip with him for the trophy season Miscellaneous 46 25 54 TOTAL EXPENSES $25,575 $8,551 33% next spring. For more information about fishing Net Income 0 $805 with the Mary Lou Too visit their website Cash Accounts as of March 31, 2012: General Fund, $16,242; Youth Education at www.maryloutoocharters.com or give Fund, $7,939; Scholarship Fund, $51,537; WT Johns Scholarship Fund, $4,944; Jac- Capt. Russ a call at 301-928-3757 or toll quelin Knight CD, $13,803; Emergency Fund, $9,156; Northwest CD, $20,000; U.S. Treasury Note, $10,000. Total Cash Accounts: $133,620. free at 866-331-7329.

PowWow - Spring 2012 11 statistic is a number that he would like Supporting Member News to see drastically reduced. by Supporting Member Representative Shannon Rikard, liaison from the CONNIE YINGLING, PR Coordinator, Edgefield, SC headquarters of the National Wild Turkey Federation, let Maryland Office of Tourism Development attendees know that the big story for I’m sad today. After seven days of high- “from wild to mild.” the Pennsylvania Chapter centered on in- adrenaline excitement during an event of Another new mem- vestments in land conservation. She said, historic proportions, the tall ships, Navy ber John Noel with “…the chapter has dedicated $145,000 grey hulls, and international sailors have Navionics, demonstrated a software in 2012 to improve upland habitat.” This departed Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, and program intended as an app for iPads that impressive investment of funds not only the Navy’s crack flying team, The Blue creates routes on waterways. In addition helps the wild turkey population, but Angels, has flown the coop. to navigating, after the route is input into bear, grouse and deer as well. Office work is slowly returning to a the program, users can check how much In Pottsville with a similar message “normal” state. It’s hard to believe that fuel is burned. There are also links to was Damon Hearne with Trout Unlim- “Sailabration” – an event more than five articles on the area plus links back to a ited. He let us know that Trout Unlim- years in the planning – is now reduced publications website. ited has partnered with several other to a collection of digital images on my Long-time member Robin Sharpless conservation organizations to tackle computer and a pile of news clippings set up his booth outside of the meeting/ conservation of public lands on a national on my desk waiting to be tallied. dining hall. He gave demonstrations of level. Aside from the obvious need to Doyle and Betty Dietz may have felt the Redding-Reloading system, and after protect hunting and fishing locations the same melancholy at the conclusion repeating the process many times over, for future generations, there is “a huge of the POWA annual conference which escorted writers to another area of the economic impact; $70 billion per year they hosted in Pottsville, PA in early May. property to shoot the bullets they had comes from outdoor [pursuits] of hunting The programs they organized were var- just primed and filled with the proper and fishing.” ied; supporting members were included amount of powder. Representing one of our previous in all aspects of the event, including lo- The PA Fish and Boat Commission POWA conference sites, Marilyn Black cal tours, activities and seminars. I for touted the vital importance of wearing promoted the Oil Region Alliance and the one can’t wait to return with family to life jackets while recreating on the water. towns of Oil City, Franklin and Titusville re-visit Hawk Mountain Sanctuary and As Ryan Walt said, “Eighty percent of as prime areas for outdoor recreation. In the Yuengling Brewery. boating fatalities in Pennsylvania were addition to hunting and fishing opportuni- But, POWA supporting member’s not wearing life jackets.” This shocking Continued on next page... day to really shine always comes with Saturday afternoon’s breakout. This year the event was held on the grounds of the Friedensburg Fish and Game, a local sportsman’s club situated on acres of lovely property. Participating supporting members ranged from conservation organizations to outdoor-related products to destina- tions. Messages shared with journalists also ran the gamut. Bob Anthon represented Timberline Knives and Gatco Sharpeners. He touted the superiority of ceramics over stainless steel knives. “Ceramic blade knives don’t rust or collect bacteria, so they are great for kitchen use.” First time attendee Troy Dando with Custom Gun Finishes, introduced POWA members to a coating that, when applied, Contributed Photo makes new or used guns “impervious to Connie Yingling, POWA’s supporting member representative, poses with racks of weather.” Patterns for the finishes range Yuengling during a tour of the Pottsville brewery.

12 PowWow - Spring 2012 Frischkorn honored by Ohio Outdoor Writers Jeffrey L. Frischkorn, staff writer for in Geauga County. Special Section or Series’ third-place The News-Herald in Lake County, Ohio, Another first-place honor is the Best award went to Frischkorn for a compila- recently captured a number of the Craft Newspaper Article award. It was pre- tion of his Internet blog site, “Outdoors Improvement Awards presented annually sented to Frischkorn for his June 14, with Frischkorn.” by the Outdoor Writers of Ohio. 2011, outdoors story on how the fashion Frischkorn earned third place in the The country’s oldest state outdoors industry has co-opted the use of expen- group’s Will Harbaum Award for Best journalism group handed out the awards sive feathers that are more typically used Travel Article for his May 16, 2011, during the organization’s annual confer- by anglers tying flies for fishing. Outdoors blog piece on float fishing ence, held Thursday through Sunday in The other first-place award is the Tennessee’s Holston River with his Wilmington, Ohio. organization’s Best Internet Article for son-in-law. Frischkorn earned three first-place Frischkorn’s Sept. 9, 2011, outdoors blog Lastly, Frischkorn earned another awards, including those for both print piece on the loss of his Labrador retriever third-place award, this one for a group and electronic media; one second-place hunting companion, Jenny Lynn. of four of his print outdoors columns. In award; and three third-place awards. Frischkorn took second place in the judging this category, the group spells The first-place awards include the Best Internet Article category as well. out that four items equal one column. group’s prestigious Atzenhoefer Award This award was for his June 24, 2011, Frischkorn has been with The News- for Environmental Writing -for his March story on how the Ohio legislature has Herald for nearly 30 years and a POWA 24, 2011, story on how West Geauga allowed the practice of “fracking” – or member since 1988. He lives in Men- High School teacher Mike Sustain and hydraulic fracturing – on state-owned tor-on-the-Lake, Ohio, with his wife, a team of his students are recording via land such as parks and wildlife areas. Beverly and their two black Labrador trail cameras the activity of black bears The organization’s Best Newspaper retrievers. ...Continued from previous page POWA’ers claim M-DOWA awards ties, Marilyn declared that “hiking and Several members of the Pennsylva- on Conservation and/or the Environment biking are two of the special strengths of nia Outdoor Writers Association were for “State Faces Tipping Point” published the region, with more than 50 continuous recognized with Craft Awards recently in the Daily Local News. miles of smooth, paved trails” to traverse. by the Mason-Dixon Outdoor Writers Tim Flanigan placed second in the During this conference, my message Association. Pete Greer Memorial Award for the to those gathered centered more on Tom Tatum won the Wheeler Johnson Best Published Outdoor Photograph for our history and heritage than on our Memorial Award for Best Newspaper “Pheasant” published in the PA Game famed outdoor venues. During 2012, Article for “Life on the Water” printed Commission Calendar. Bauer was third Maryland Office of Tourism is heavily in the Daily Local News. for “Fox and Chipmunk” published in concentrating on commemorations of Harvey Bauer won the Herb Blackwell Pennsylvania Game News. the bicentennial of the start of the War Memorial Award for Best Magazine or Alex Zidock placed first in the Frank of 1812 and the sesquicentennial of the Regional Newspaper Article for “Saying Smoot Memorial Three-Year Rotating Civil War. Baltimore’s Sailabration in Goodbye” published in Pennsylvania Award: TV/Radio for “Shad Fishing mid-June and Sharpsburg’s reenactments Game News. Tatum placed second for Show” on Out in the Open. in mid-September take top billing in our “The Fisherman’s Father, Son” published Joe Byers placed second in the Bass Pro promotional activities. in Outdoor Delaware. Joe Byers placed Shops “Pass it On” Award for “Hunting In all, POWA active members had third for “There Goes the Neighborhood” Through History” published in Virginia plenty of story material available to published in Peterson’s Bowhunting. Wildlife. Harvey Bauer was third for “A them as they browsed the booths and Tatum placed third in the Talbot Den- Beginner’s Guide to Gobblers” published exhibits set up by supporting members. mead Memorial Award for Best Article in Shotgun Sports. Our investment of time and materials has already paid off; I’ve seen articles and cable TV programs made possible Send newsletter submissions to by our participation in the conference and breakout. [email protected] And that is the best way to create memories that resonate with our end Next deadline: Aug. 18, 2012 customers.

PowWow - Spring 2012 13 Supporting Member Spotlight Kodabow – Crossbows made in Pennsylvania By Mark Nale

I hunted deer with a recurve bow for 11 years – spent many hours honing my archery skills and then spent hundreds more enjoyable hours in the woods at- tempting to outsmart a white-tailed deer. I practiced and hunted with a neighbor, then my brothers and father. It was a wonderful time in my outdoor life. At some point in the late 1970s, my life became too complicated – sadly, there just was not time for archery anymore. I bought a new compound bow, but I did not really care for all of the pulleys and Gail L. Nale Photo cables. Archery hunting should be a lot Kodabow CEO Chuck Matasic shows Mark Nale how to load his new 185-pound Koda-Express model crossbow. simpler, I thought. So I begrudgingly abandoned bow- third time that I shot it. It took over a On the morning of November 18, hunting. However, I have really missed month for it to be fixed by the company.” Matasic delivered my 185-pound draw those quiet hours in the October woods “I really liked [Brand B], but the string weight Koda-Express. As he spent time and have been hoping to return to the broke the first time that I took it hunting.” in my dining room going over the bow’s sport someday. Not all of the product reviews were features, it was clear that this was a man Three years ago, the Pennsylvania bad, but I was beginning to wonder if proud of his company’s product – and Game Commission legalized crossbows I really wanted a crossbow. About that rightly so. for use by all hunters during the regular time, I came across a new entry into the “‘Koda’ is a Native American word archery deer and bear seasons. Prior to crossbow market – Kodabow. meaning ‘friend,’” Matasic said. “There the fall of 2009, crossbows were legal for The more I read, the more I liked the are a lot of little things, like our automatic use during the regular firearms season, sound of a Kodabow. The bow is as- safety and anti-dry-fire mechanism that and before that, they were only legal sembled in southeastern Pennsylvania, make this bow user-friendly and easy for hunters with qualifying disabilities. using almost all American-made parts. I to hunt with. I like to think that we do This medieval weapon intrigued me and really liked its simple recurve design – no things smarter. I wondered if there might be a crossbow pulleys or cables – just well thought-out “We wanted to make a simple, quiet, in my future. functional quality. User reviews were accurate, reliable bow – and I’ll let you be I am semi-retired now, and last fall, a outstanding, so I contacted the company the judge as to whether we were success- part-time job allowed a few extra dollars about a purchase. ful or not,” he said. “One of the reasons to flow my way. I decided that it was Much to my surprise, Chuck Matasic that our bow is so quiet is because it is time for a crossbow. As I started my himself – the Kodabow CEO – answered a split-limb recurve. There is really no Internet research, I fully expected to be my email. He made sensible sugges- other bow that is a split-limb recurve. purchasing one of the well-known cross- tions about which of the company’s five Most crossbows are fairly noisy.” bow brands. However, I was set back crossbows would be best for me. Since Matasic, a 20-year Navy veteran, by some of the bad reviews that these there are not yet any Centre County started Kodabow in 2005 with an idea seemingly popular hunting products were dealers and he has a son attending Penn and a blank sheet of paper. He and an getting from hunters: State University, Matasic even offered engineer friend went back and forth “The pulley was just glued onto the to deliver my Kodabow personally and talking about what features a good bow limbs of my [Brand A] and came off the help me sight it in. Continued on next page...

14 PowWow - Spring 2012 ...Continued from previous page should have and how to make it. With a 2012/13 POWA Committees small team, he developed what is now Committee Chairman Bd. Liaison Kodabow. The design was created and Awards...... Vacant Brad Isles refined. Patents were applied for, and the first bow rolled off of the production Awards Review...... Bob Mitchell Mark Nale line in late 2010. Constitution and Bylaws...... Jim Fitser Rich Faler The bow is easy to cock and shoot. Craft Improvement...... Ben Moyer Steve Sorensen Placing my foot in the aluminum stirrup and using the supplied cocking rope, it Duties Manual...... Bob Mitchell Rich Faler takes about 40 to 45 pounds pull in each Editorial Review...... Terry Brady Mary Hosmer arm to cock the 185-lb. Kodabow. This Ethics...... John Swinton Don Knaus was a nice feature for someone my age. “We are introducing a mechanical Finance/Budget...... John Allen Ron Koch cocking aid shortly, so when you get to Financial Auditing...... Mark Nale Mark Nale be 71, there will still be something there Historical Archives...... Ed Carlson Brad Isles for you when your muscles need a well- deserved rest,” Matasic said. Membership Audit...... Tom Tatum Rich Faler After my in-the-house lesson, we Membership Development...... Harry Guyer, Jr. Ralph Scherder headed for an open area on my property Member Screening...... Dennis Scharadin Mary Hosmer where we could shoot the Kodabow. We set up at 15 yards and I took a few shots. Nominating...... Mark Demko Don Knaus Chuck adjusted the 3-power scope and I Outdoor Education...... Kermit Henning Ron Koch shot again – zeroing in on the bull’s-eye. Past Presidents Council...... Tom Tatum Freddie McKnight After Matasic was satisfied, we then moved the target to 40 yards. Publicity...... Steve Sorensen Steve Sorensen Even with a gusting wind and using Scholarship...... John Swinton John Allen un-matched arrows, I was able to shoot Supporting Mem. Development...... Bud Cole Rich Faler what I thought was a nice group at 40 yards. “Don’t take a photo of that,” Ma- Supporting Member Rep...... Connie Yingling Freddie McKnight tasic said of my 4-inch group. “Under Supporting Member Screening...... Don Knaus Mary Hosmer more favorable conditions, you will be Technology/Website...... Brad Isles Brad Isles able to do much better than that.” As accurate as the Kodabow seems, I Ways and Means...... Ralph Scherder Ralph Scherder am sure that he is correct. Sports Shows...... Kermit Henning Ron Koch I really feel positive about my Kod- abow purchase – it is a unique product. I feel good about the fact that it is made in Pennsylvania and manufactured from POWA on the Web parts that come from the . Find the Many other brands of crossbows are Pennsylvania Outdoor Writers Association assembled in Asia or put together from on the Internet at parts largely made in Asia. www.paoutdoorwriters.com I am definitely looking forward to the fall archery season and all of the excite- ment that goes along with spending time in Penns Woods during my favorite month of the year. Between now and then, I will need to purchase broadheads, a target, and a few other essentials – then I will be set for October. on Twitter at twitter.com/P_O_W_A For more information, contact Kod- and on Facebook through the POWA homepage. abow at www.kodabow.com.

PowWow - Spring 2012 15 Repeat Champion... RMEF announces grants for PA youth programs

More than 3,000 Pennsylvania youths are being introduced to tradi- tional sporting activities and conser- vation through events and programs sponsored this year by the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. RMEF has announced $19,813 in grants for sponsorships across Penn- sylvania in 2012. Benefits are extending directly to youths in 27 counties: Armstrong, Bedford, Berks, Blair, Bucks, Butler, Cameron, Chester, Crawford, Dauphin, Delaware, Elk, Fayette, Greene, Lan- caster, Lebanon, Lehigh, Lycoming, Mercer, Montgomery, Northampton,

Doyle Dietz Photo , Schuylkill, Sullivan, Kermit Henning, right, is presented the championship trophy by Skip Klinger, Tioga, Washington and Westmoreland. Pennsylvania State Shooting Association vice president, after Henning successfully For a complete list of grants and defended his POWA trap championship over runner-up Dave Ehrig and third-place finisher Doyle Dietz during the media day activities at this year’s Pennsylvania State programs, visit: http://www.rmef.org/ Shoot at Valley Gun and Country Club in Elysburg. POWA member and shoot public NewsandMedia/NewsReleases/2012/ relations director Tom Austin organized the event. PAyouth.htm or paoutdoorwriters.com.

Pennsylvania Outdoor Writers Association, Inc. P.O. Box 4423 Harrisburg, PA 17111

www.paoutdoorwriters.com