Call of the Outdoors

Every time you go into Penn’s Woods, you take home more than a harvest. So pay it forward and take someone hunting this fall.   Game Commissioner Bob Schwalm and R3 Program Coordinator Evan Mock join host Matt Morrett to discuss the responsibility hunters have to conservation by getting the next generation outdoors through mentorship.      Episode Highlights:  How mentorship builds hunters, creates lasting relationships, and strengthens the future of conservation   The opportunities Pennsylvania offers, from adult and youth permits to special events and seasons How to break down barriers for new hunters The importance of keeping mentees involved in every aspect of the hunt Ways to keep it fun, simple, and pressure-free   Why every harvest is worth celebrating and every “mistake” is a lesson learned Why it’s still a success, even if a mentee doesn’t become a hunter    Resources:   Attend Hunter-Trapper Education or become an instructor. Get your mentored hunting permit.   Sign up for upcoming mentored hunt events. Be on the lookout for upcoming Learn to Hunt programs. Bring archery to your school with NASP.     

State Game Lands (SGL) 280 — known as Blue Marsh — isn’t just a haven for hunters. Its diverse habitat helps build a diverse food chain, making it a destination for birding, photography, hiking, dog training, and more. Game Lands Maintenance Supervisor Mark Weiss and Land Management Group Supervisor Kevin Clouser join host Matt Morrett to discuss how management plans steer habitat strategies for each SGL, good hunting conditions are prioritized, and all species benefit from diversity.   Episode Highlights: How staff work together to create comprehensive management plans for SGL The unique history and makeup of SGL 280 Why creating habitat diversity helps all wildlife The biggest challenges in managing SGL How Blue Marsh’s healthy ecosystem fosters wildlife studies   Resources: Learn more about habitat management on SGL. Visit the Game Commission’s mapping center to explore SGL.

Did you know Pennsylvania is home to enough state game lands (SGL) that each hunter could have two acres to themselves? Public Lands Section Chief Curtis Noll and Land Management Group Supervisor Rodney Mee join host Matt Morrett to highlight 106 years of the SGL system, the habitat projects that make these lands primed for wildlife, and how we can all keep the 1.5 million acres of SGL wild.   Episode Highlights: History of Pennsylvania’s SGL system Differences between SGL, state forests, and state parks How the Game Commission manages wildlife habitat on SGL Breakdown of the SGL road system Updated regulations and signage on SGL   Resources: Visit the Game Commission’s mapping center to explore SGL near you. Review the latest SGL regulations.

Executive Director Steve Smith joins host Matt Morrett to discuss the 2026-27 license year, including guaranteed antlerless licenses for residents, expanded Sunday hunting, turkey season updates, elk applications, and more opportunities than ever to get out in Penn’s Woods.     Episode Highlights:   2026 hunting licenses go on sale June 22, and residents are guaranteed antlerless licenses More Sunday hunting opportunities  Spring gobbler wrap-up and turkey season future Elk application reminder and new changes  Do your part and take someone new into Penn’s Woods  Balancing opportunities with sustainability    Resources:  Log in to your HuntFishPA account. Learn more about antlerless license sales. Find state game lands and public shooting ranges near you. Apply now for an elk license. Become a mentor today!   

Applying for the hunt of a lifetime just got easier.   Elk Biologist Jeremy Banfield joins host Matt Morrett to provide an update on the Pennsylvania elk herd, explain all the changes to elk hunting for 2026-27, and share tips for getting a glimpse at bugling bulls in elk country.   Episode Highlights: Overview of the current status of PA’s elk population How the simplified elk application process will work Details on updated elk hunt zones and seasons Tips for safe elk viewing   Resources: Review changes to the elk application and seasons for 2026-27.  Learn how to be ELK SMART. Apply to hunt PA elk at huntfish.pa.gov.