CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE

Summertime does seem to be a rather slow time for the hunters of Pennsylvania as well as for the USP. It seems to be a time for kickin’ back and thinking about the past good times and planning for the upcoming seasons. As fall and winter approach, activities afield, and issues afield, both seem to get back into motion. But, by no means does “slow” mean stopped.

2009-2010 hunting licenses are now on sale. The application process for antlerless tags has been moved up a month to mid-July. Please don’t ask why… we don’t really know why. And, the USP has started the sign-up process for our 3rd Annual Coyote Hunt which will cover the 2009-2010 hunting license year. There are plenty of great prizes for both the successful and the unsuccessful hunters. We even have a mid-December Early Bird Drawing. And, best of all the Coyote Hunt is priced right at just $10 per tag, or $25 for a combination annual membership and one (1) Coyote Hunt Tag. At just $10 per tag we do look forward to significant participation from our members and their friends. Have you signed-up yet?

Late June was the time for the annual USP Raffle at the Cross Fork Snake Hunt. In early July, we’ll be drawing the winners for the 2009 Coyote Hunt. During the weekend of July 25th and 26th the USP will be at the Black Forest Chili Cook-off on Route 44 north of Lock Haven near the town of Haneyville, PA. And, in early August, the USP will have a display and 3 Gun Drawing at the Fayette County Fair. In September, we’ll display at the Buffalo Valley Sportsmen’s Youth Field Day. Then, on the weekend of October 3rd and 4th we will have our Fall 2009 Meetings at the Ramada Inn (Formerly the Holiday Inn) in Milesburg, PA. The Board Meeting (Board Members only) will be on Saturday and the Membership Meeting will be on Sunday. So, if you are looking for a chance to spread the word about the USP, to help get folks involved in the ongoing USP fund raising activities, or to just get together with other USP members, there are ample upcoming opportunities.

Please make every effort to attend the Fall 2009 Membership Meeting. This meeting provides a great opportunity for you to voice your concerns to the officers, directors, and members of the USP, and to see and hear what has been happening since our USP Spring Meeting. The ongoing lawsuit addressing deer management should be sufficiently underway to allow for presentation of an informative update to the membership. Many members have inquired about the lawsuit progress to date. Other than stating that things are moving along in an acceptable manner, and that the USP remains optimistic regarding our participation to date, there is not too much that can be released without the risk of jeopardizing our accomplishments to date. Additionally, in October, we will be able to provide some insight on the upcoming Deer Audit, Wildlife Management Institute, etc.

Regarding the lawsuit, I can tell you quite honestly that such an undertaking does not continue without a substantial price-tag of effort, resources, and finances. In order to maintain our position, progress, and to maintain a financially sound organization, you will notice an increase in USP fund raising activity. Your participation in these fund raising efforts is critical to our success. In addition to purchasing raffle tickets or other fund raising items, please consider patronizing the USP Store on our website and to also consider providing a donation to the USP Legal Defense Fund.

On another front, we’ve all been witnessing the up’s-and-downs of the Marcellus Shale initiative. The sensitivity of economics, regulation, and environmental action has all affected this activity over the recent past. At our October USP Membership Meeting we look forward to providing a summary of the Marcellus Shale activity based upon the diligent following of this activity by Directors Dr. N. Charles Bolgiano and Dr. Dennis Wydra.

By the time of our October Membership Meeting we do hope to have information to report regarding the filling of the existing commissioner vacancies on both the PGC and PFBC. To date there has been very little information put in the public domain by the PGC and PFBC regarding the selection of new commissioners. We’ll be doing our best to determine the status of the upcoming appointments.

Please make every effort to attend our Fall 2009 Membership Meeting. The input and feedback from our membership is very important if we expect to stay on the present course of continued improvement within the USP. If you have a concern or a topic that you consider to be in need of coverage at the Membership Meeting, please communicate it to Steve Mohr or me in advance of the meeting date.

Enjoy your summer, be safe.

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