NORTHWEST PA (EYT) – Here are the recent field reports from Pa. Game Commission workers in the Northwest Region:

Clarion County WCO Steven J. Ace reports talking with a man who has been seeing young turkeys and pheasants. Ace also noted seeing a lot of adult grouse over the past few weeks.

Clarion and Jefferson counties LMGS Jesse N. Bish reports that two Knox men were apprehended for operating a pickup on a closed road on State Game Lands 63. The men drove their truck through an open gate on a game lands road where the food and cover crew were grading and cleaning ditches.

All roads on state game lands are closed to travel unless posted otherwise, whether the gate is open or not.

Forest County WCO Frank E. Leichtenberger reports several townships allow ATVs to be driven on township roads, but he urges ATV operators to check with the townships to find out which roads are open.

Not all of the roads within the boundaries of a township are classified as “township roads” and it is the driver’s responsibility to know which are legal to drive on.

Jefferson County WCO Roger A. Hartless reports it’s becoming more and more common these days to discover electronic appliances, like televisions, dumped on game lands and on private property in remote areas. These types of devices no longer are permitted to be deposited in landfills so sanitation companies do not pick them up when they are placed out by the curb with other household trash.

Thankfully, some communities organize clean-up events that accept electronics, or the illegal dumping would be even worse.

Butler County WCO Randy W. Pilarcik reports that an abandoned car recently was found on state game lands.

The driver of the car drove past “Road Closed” and “No Motorized Vehicles” signs, then got stuck in a muddy section of the lane. Charges for driving on the closed road are pending.

Crawford County WCO Mark A. Allegro reports an individual recently pleaded guilty to multiple charges of unlawfully purchasing hunting licenses to which he was not entitled, hunting without a valid license, and unlawfully taking antlerless deer.

These charges all stem from the defendant never taking a Hunter-Trapper Education course.

Erie County WCO Darin L. Clark reports he has been busy trapping nuisance beavers. Every year, landowners look for in-season trapping help where beavers are causing problems.

If you’re looking for some places to trap, try contacting the local WCO, who probably knows some spots where need beaver removed.

Warren County WCO Eric M. McBride reports that several citations have been filed this summer for individuals who were unlawfully operating ATVs on state game lands.

Warren County WCO Eric M. McBride reports there have been several incidents of individuals taking home baby wildlife.

Citizens are reminded to not disturb or pick up wildlife.

Warren County WCO David W. Donachy reports several families of otters have been seen in the Allegheny River and Conewango Creek, near Warren.

Crawford and Erie counties LMGS Shayne A. Hoachlander reports that he recently attended a field tour at Clear Creek State Forest to look at the results of several combinations of prescribed fires and herbicide treatments in forested settings.

The tour provided a better understanding of management options and will assist with future habitat management planning and implementation.