By: Ryan Bippus, Staff Writer & Hunter Klobucar, Business Manager
The first day of rifle is over but the hunting season continues. Some found success on their first outing, while other hunters live to fight another day.
Penn-Trafford students and teachers offered up their suggestions and experiences following the first day of firearms season.
The season runs statewide for deer (Antlered and Antlerless) Nov. 28 to Dec. 10 in Wildlife Management Units (WMUs) 2B, 5A, 5B, 5C and 5D.
Nov. 18 to Dec. 2 (Antlered Only) is in the remaining WMUs, and doe comes in Dec. 3 to Dec. 10 where hunters are allowed to harvest buck or doe.
Every year, many hunters bag their deer on first day. The Pennsylvania game commission projected 550,000 hunters would be in the woods on the first day.
The game commission, however, reported a 14 percent drop in deer harvests during the 2014-15 season.
However, local hunters managed to still find their deer this season.
Junior Mark Krivjanik was lucky enough to bag a doe right before sundown. At about 4:45 p.m. Krivjanik took a 60-yard shot at a small doe.
Krivjanik was hunting in the Claridge area where he also saw an eight-point buck in the morning. The deer had caught his scent and ran before he could get a shot. Krivjanik is adamant about going out again.
“Now that I got that first kill of the season out of the way, I’m feeling every confident,” said Krivjanik.
Junior Connor Armstrong had a close call with a mature buck but was unable to get a shot. Armstrong was hunting in a box blind where he saw 65 deer and had an encounter with four shooter buck but could not get a shot off.
Senior Josh Maglicco also came up empty handed. However, his day was not completely void of action. He did see 16 deer total.
“I saw 14 doe and two buck,” revealed Maglicco.
Junior Brett Ginther ventured into the woods on opening day despite having used all of his tags. Ginther spent the day in his treestand and saw numerous deer.
“I seen 15 deer, 13 doe and two buck” Ginther said.
Junior Robert Petrelli was not fortunate enough to bag a deer on first day. He did see an eight-point buck but chose to pass on the deer.
“He needed a few more inches,” said Petrelli.
Petrelli was hunting in the Plum area. He said he will “absolutely” go out again.
“There are just too many hunters in woods first day,” said Petrelli.
Despite his first day slump, Petrelli is hopeful for the remainder of the season. He has a love for the sport and thinks it will “turn out good in the end.”
Armstrong shared his philosophy for successful hunting.
“I suggest for hunters just get in the woods as much as they can and success will come with time and respect for the woods.” he said.
Physics teacher Eric Reger went out with his father in Fayette County. The duo saw seven doe but no buck. Reger said he plans to go out again with his brother and also for bear once the season comes in on Dec. 3. He, too, has a good feeling about the rest of the season and hopes for snowfall in the mountains.
Reger offered up some wisdom for fellow hunters.
“There are a lot of people in woods, so find some cover and wait for the deer to come to you.”
Petrelli had some tips for the readers as well.
“Sit still, they can see you anywhere.”
Maglicco agreed with Petrelli.
“Move little as possible. I suggest for hunters to go out in the woods when it is still dark and sit in the same spot until dark.”
Ginther has suggestions to find success during firearms season.
“Be patient and stay in your stand as long as you can. Minimize your movement and making noise,” Ginther stated. He also suggested hunting for at least four hours each time you go out if possible to maximize your chance for seeing deer.
Krivjanik too had some words to share.
“If [you are] hunting and feel like you have had no luck, do not give up. You just have to be patient. Your time will come,” spoke Krivjanik.