I’m going to open this week with a public service message for anyone not registered to vote. The last day to register to vote in the upcoming November 5th election is October 21st. If you have any questions about registering to vote, simply Google “register to vote in Pennsylvania” or call 1-877-VOTESPA, which is 1-877-868-3772.

I think it’s important to note that you vote in the county you reside in. If you have any additional questions or would like to do it in person, contact your local voter registration office.

If you’re planning to vote by mail-in ballot, the county office must complete it by 5:00 p.m. on October 29th. Your voter ballot must be returned by 8:00 p.m. on Election Night, November 5th. A little suggestion: I would have my completed ballot mailed two weeks prior to the election, which, if this is your intention, you need to get moving to register as soon as possible.

Now, to the great outdoors that we are blessed with in the beautiful area we call home. If you missed it on our cover, our annual Fall Hunting, Fishing, and Outdoor Guide begins on page 42. This always falls just prior to the beginning of the Pennsylvania deer season. I always look forward to this as it begins our annual Webb Weekly Uncle Ron’s Monster Buck Contest. This will be the 17th year of the event. And wow, have I gotten to see a lot of amazing antlers over the years!

A quick overview of the contest: it’s named in remembrance of my Uncle Ron Maietta, who was an avid outdoorsman and hunter. I loved talking with him, sharing hunting and fishing stories, and much more.

It’s also named for long-time Webb Weekly family member Ron Mingle. Even though Ron retired a few years back, he still oversees the contest, which I greatly appreciate as it is no easy job. One thing my uncle Ron and Ron Mingle have in common is battling multiple sclerosis. My Uncle Ron fought through it for many years and always seemed to find a way to still get out and enjoy his passion. Ron Mingle has dealt with the disease within his family as his wife Steph has battled it for several years and is doing well. The Mingle family has done a great job bringing awareness to MS to support their beloved family member.

I am proud of the fact that a donation is made on behalf of every hunter who takes the time to enter the contest to help fight the battle against MS.

If you are lucky enough to harvest an early-season buck, it can be registered at Poust Taxidermy outside of Jersey Shore and Sauers Trading in South Williamsport. Remember, a trophy is in the hands of a holder, and any buck is eligible to be registered, which gets you entered into our random rifle drawing courtesy of Sauers Trading. Thank you to the father/son duo of Jon and Don for taking care of this each year. Another thanks goes to Dana Poust, who has been with us since the contest began and is our official scorer. Along with sidekick Sam, the Taxidermy lady, they do amazing work and provide the top prize to the winner.

The good folks at Stoltzfus Butcher Shop provide our second through fourth prizes, a $100 gift certificate for venison processing. They do a very tasty job of turning your harvest into great finished products. I will have much more on Uncle Ron’s Monster Buck Contest as the season gets rolling. More details can be found on page 42.

While we’re talking outdoors, I want to share a picture of an American bald eagle enjoying a little venison. It was sent to me by long-time Webb family friend Mr. David Miele. He was lucky and skilled enough to get this real-life picture of nature at work, or maybe I should say lunch. I view bald eagles often in the Warrensville, Montoursville, and Loyalsock areas. As I have stated before, they can become quite a distraction while you’re driving, so please keep your eyes on the road.

A bald eagle is an amazing hunter but will also scavenge. I think it’s safe to say they will eat anything to their tasting and don’t really care how they come about it. Obviously, they don’t even mind using a double yellow line as a table setting.

Please keep an eye out not just for bald eagles but all wildlife as you travel the highways and byways.

Let’s all be safe out there.

God Bless America.