Outdoors-related clubs and organizations can submit items to be considered for publication in “Outdoors Briefs” by emailing to outdoors@republicanherald.com.
Tests confirm tumor on single bass
The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission said that two independent laboratory tests have confirmed a malignant, or cancerous, tumor on a single smallmouth bass caught in the middle Susquehanna River by an angler late last year and provided to the PFBC. Cancerous growths and tumors on fish are extremely rare in Pennsylvania and throughout the United State, but they do occur.
This is the only documented case of this type of tumor found on smallmouth bass in Pennsylvania and was confirmed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Aquatic Animal Health Laboratory at Michigan State University. PFBC executive director John Arway said that although the finding represents only one individual fish, it provides additional evidence that the health of the fish in the river is being compromised.
Float helps Children’s Miracle Network
Paddlers can help set a world record by participating in the 2015 River Day Kayak/Canoe River Float on Sunday, June 14. The float will launch at 1 p.m. from Bloomsburg Town Park and paddle approximately 10 miles to Riverside. Organizers hope to put more than 1,600 boats on the Susquehanna River for the event that benefits Children’s Miracle Network at Geisinger.
Funds raised by this event will help to provide pediatric equipment, programs and services at Janet Weis Children’s Hospital and throughout Geisinger Health System.
For information, call (570) 271-6188 or visit www.geisinger.org/cmn. To register online, go to www.events.geisinger.org.
Online ‘Trophy Room’ accepting photos
Successful spring gobbler hunters and anglers may submit their digital photos to the online “Trophy Room” of the Republican-Herald and News-Item, which reserves the right to refuse publication of a photo if deemed to be in poor taste. Photos should be tight shots that focus on the animal and the hunter, with the sporting arm used if desired. Mentored youth hunters may be photographed with their mentee, including the name of the hunter and mentee if applicable, size and/or weight information, sporting arm used, date and county taken. Photos can be downloaded at
republicanherald.com/trophyroom.
Sch. River Sojourn topic of radio show
Laura Catalano of the Schuylkill River Heritage Areas will discuss the Schuylkill River Sojourn as today’s guest of Republican-Herald/News-Item outdoors editor Doyle Dietz on “Experience The Outdoors,” winner of the Pennsylvania Outdoor Writers Association award for best outdoors radio program, 7-7:30 a.m. on WLSH 1410-AM, 9:30-10 a.m. on WMGH, Magic 105.5-FM, and on the Web at www.wmgh.com by clicking the “Experience The Outdoors” link.
Daily events
3D simulated hunting course, dawn to dusk through Saturday, Oct. 17, Bear’s Head Archery, 148 Lofty Road, Delano, off Exit 134 of I-81; closed for trap second and fourth Sundays, 1-5 p.m.; for information, call the club at (570) 467-0331.
Today’s events
Fish-for-Free Day, Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission requires no license for anglers ages 16 and older to fish state waters. Muzzleloader shoot, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., no fee for juniors 16 and younger, Blue Ridge Rifles Muzzleloader Club, Coon Club Road off Route 183, south of Summit Station. Archaeological dig, 2-3 p.m., Sweet Arrow Lake County Park, Pine Grove.
This week’s events
• Tuesday: Schuylkill County Trout Unlimited meeting, 7 p.m., Amvets, 13th and Seneca streets, Pottsville; for information, contact Tony Mione at (717) 979-0235 or email tonymione@outlook.com.
• Thursday: Trap, 6-9 p.m., Orwigsburg Gun Club, Gun Club Road, off Route 443 East, Orwigsburg; for information, email grammyminch@gmail.com. Schuylkill County Sportsmen’s Association meeting, 7 p.m., Locust Valley Fish and Game; for information, contact Dennis Scharadin at (570) 739-2085.
• Friday: Warblers by Water, 7-9:30 a.m., Hawk Mountain Sanctuary visitor center, Kempton; for information, call (610) 756-6961 or access the website at www.hawkmountain.org.
— Compiled by Doyle Dietz