This week we are bringing you everything outdoors. We have lots of great stuff about hunting, fishing, safety, and generally enjoying all that Pennsylvania offers outside.
I…don’t have a lot to contribute to the conversation because I’m not exactly outdoorsy.
Don’t get me wrong, I do enjoy a nice hike every now and again, but for the most part, I’m more of a stay-on-the-couch-and-read-with-a-glass-of-wine kinda girl.
But luckily for me, Webb Weekly has a bunch of people who are far more well-versed than me to give you the lowdown on all things outdoors. Ken Hunter and Jon Pries both have multiple stories for you. Even our graphic artist Wes Sones has an article to offer too!
And speaking of Wes, can we just take a second to appreciate his digital artwork on the cover?! He did an amazing job creating the artwork. I don’t know that he did it with the intention of it being on the cover, but fortunately, we persuaded him to let me use it!
While I am not particularly fond of the outdoors, that doesn’t mean I don’t appreciate those that are. I think hunting, fishing, and enjoying the outdoors are important parts of Pennsylvania life. I think Game Commission Executive Director Bryan Burhans said it well recently, “The forests, fields, rivers and lakes, the wildlife and fish that call them home, and the hundreds of thousands of hunters and anglers who take every opportunity to enjoy Penn’s Woods are among the things that make Pennsylvania so special.”
A Proclamation from Governor Tom Wolf recognizing Hunting and Fishing Day in Pennsylvania stated, “Hunting and fishing continue to be an integral component of the cultural fabric of communities throughout the state, and over recent years have offered a growing number of participants an opportunity to connect with nature on a personal level while simultaneously providing food security, a sense of self-sufficiency, and both mental and physical health benefits.”
“With 86,000 miles of water to enjoy, Pennsylvania is truly a fishing paradise that can be enjoyed during every season of the year,” said Tim Schaeffer, PFBC Executive Director. “While seasoned anglers and boaters already know that there is something for everyone, the future of our sport depends on getting new people involved to share our outdoor traditions and our passion for conservation. So, next time you plan to cast a line on your favorite wild or stocked trout stream, venture out onto our beautiful rivers and lakes for big bass, catfish, or walleye; test your skill with steelhead or muskies; or go ice fishing on a frozen lake for panfish in winter — take a friend. There’s plenty of room for everyone.”
While you probably won’t find me out on the nearest creek with a fly rod (though Ken Hunter keeps threatening to take me ice fishing), I encourage everyone interested to head out and enjoy the area outside — and yes! Take a friend! Just don’t expect me to be that friend…
