Episode 33: Discussing Public Lands in the Keystone State 

Episode 33: Discussing Public Lands in the Keystone State 

Author: Pennsylvania Game Commission December 21, 2022 Duration: 52:39
Whether you hunt, fish, hike, or simply enjoy viewing wildlife, Pennsylvania has millions of acres of public lands for you to to take advantage of. Host Matt Morrett is joined by Division Chief of Habitat Planning and Development of the Pennsylvania Game Commission, Scott Bearer and Chief of the Forest Resource Planning and Information Division of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Seth Cassell.  Prior to State Game Lands, the Game Commission established wildlife refuges on the Bureau of Forestry Lands to protect wildlife, until non-resident and resident hunting funds paved the way for the State Game Lands System. The Game Commission and Department of Conservation and Natural Resources both have conservation at the core of their missions, however there are some differences when it comes to managing public lands. Learn how these two agencies work together for recreation, conservation and the betterment of Pennsylvania.  The Keystone State is a special place for everyone, enjoy the outdoors and all it has to offer.   Photo Caption: Gifford Pinchot (the Father of American Forestry, seated at left) and Valentine Bearer (Bureau of Forestry’s Forbes District Forester, Scott Bearer’s great-grandfather; seated at right) at the 1922 Society of American Forester’s Convention at Mont Alto, Pennsylvania.

There’s a particular feeling that comes from swapping stories with good company under an open sky, and that’s the spirit we try to capture in every episode of Call of the Outdoors. Produced by the Pennsylvania Game Commission, this podcast brings together voices who live and breathe the state’s wild places. You’ll hear from biologists, wardens, hunters, and conservationists, all sharing their deep, firsthand knowledge. Conversations range from the intricate management of local habitats and the science behind tracking species, to the timeless traditions of hunting and the simple joys of noticing nature’s details. It’s not all serious talk-expect genuine laughter and personal anecdotes that remind you of a friendly chat around a campfire. Each installment offers a specific, grounded look at a piece of Pennsylvania’s natural world, whether it’s following the journey of a black bear, understanding the role of prescribed fires, or exploring how communities get involved in protecting their local environment. Tune in for thoughtful discussions that connect you to the ongoing story of wildlife and wilderness stewardship in the Keystone State.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 50

Call of the Outdoors
Podcast Episodes
Ep.74 | Ignite the Spark: It Takes a Hunter to Make a Hunter [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:55
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 d…
Ep. 73 | Blue Marsh: A Model for Habitat Diversity [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:24
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. G…
Ep. 72 | Public Land on Mission: PA’s State Game Lands System [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:13:58
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 Mat…
Ep. 70 | Luck of the Draw: Elk Application & Hunting Updates [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:55
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…
Ep. 69 | Spring Gobbler’s Golden Era: A Conservation Comeback [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:20
Are we living in the golden era of the wild turkey? The godfather of turkey hunting thinks so. Pennsylvania native and former NWTF CEO Rob Keck joins host Matt Morrett to discuss his role in the turkey hunting boom, from…
Special Update: Changes for 2026-27 Hunting Seasons [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:39
Following the Board of Game Commissioners April meeting, Executive Director Steve Smith joins host Matt Morrett to discuss expanded Sunday hunting opportunities, updates to big game seasons and bag limits, and the expans…
Ep. 68 | Speaking Spring Gobbler: Turkey Man’s Calling Tips [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:28
Turkey hunting icon and champion caller Eddie Salter joins longtime friend Matt Morrett to share stories chasing gobblers with the greats, calling strategies for fooling toms, and wisdom from decades of tagging longbeard…
Ep. 67 | Forged by Fire: Prescribed Burns for Better Habitat [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:06
Prescribed fire is a HOT topic in Pennsylvania! Fire Program Manager Bryan Whitmore and Southcentral Assistant Regional Forester Brent McNeal join host Matt Morrett to discuss the value of prescribed fire as the ultimate…
Ep. 66 | Conservation Legislation: Tags, Tradition, and Title 34 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:10
Growing up with Yellowstone as your backyard gives you a unique appreciation for the great outdoors — just ask Senator James Malone. The minority chair of the Senate Game & Fisheries Committee joins host Matt Morrett and…