Episode 4: “Celebrating 100 Years of Pennsylvania’s State Game Land System”

Episode 4: “Celebrating 100 Years of Pennsylvania’s State Game Land System”

Author: Pennsylvania Game Commission June 18, 2020 Duration: 1:12:04
On June 15, 2020, Pennsylvania’s State Game Lands System turned 100 years old! To celebrate, Pennsylvania Game Commission Wildlife Habitat Management Bureau Director Pete Sussenbach shared a lot of details about our game lands system, which totals more than 1.5 MILLION acres of land today, [which is more than the entire state of Delaware]! Pete explains how the forefathers of the Pennsylvania Game Commission, responsible for establishing the state game lands system in 1920, had the vision to create “many miniature Yellowstone Parks throughout the state,” including lots of public hunting land and suitable habitat for wildlife. Today, we have 308 state game lands that are managed for high-quality wildlife habitat, including forage, feed, shelter and water for ALL wildlife; game and non-game species alike. Our agency uses the best science and technology available to make this possible across the state. We remain grateful to the Pennsylvania Game Commission’s forefathers for their great vision to dedicate public land for wildlife, hunting, trapping, wildlife watching and recreation. Thank you to Pennsylvania hunting license buyers for supporting wildlife conservation in our state, including wildlife management. And thank you to the men and women who have worked to manage these special lands for the last 100 years!

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: 71

Call of the Outdoors
Podcast Episodes
Episode 40: Igniting Change: Prescribed Fire for Wildlife Habitat [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:20
Prescribed fire is nothing new — Native Americans used controlled burns to boost berry production and draw in wildlife for centuries. Chief Land Manager Dr. Scott Bearer and Land Management Supervisor Steve Ferreri join…
Episode 39: Sharp & Pointy Teeth: Black Bear Biology & Management [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:12
Did you know more than half of black bears in Pennsylvania den on top of the ground in a thicket that resembles a giant bird nest? Black Bear Program Manager Emily Carrollo joins host Matt Morrett to bust some common bea…
Episode 38: PA Game Laws & The Legislative Process [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:21
Did you know the Pennsylvania Game Commission is an independent agency tasked with managing the Commonwealth’s wildlife resource for both current and future generations? Legislative Liaison Josh Zimmerman and Executive D…
Episode 37: Behind the Scenes of Pennsylvania Game News [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:59
Pennsylvania Game News has been in print since 1929 and still boasts a circulation of 80,00 throughout the Keystone State nearly a century later! Editor Travis Lau and Senior Associate Editor Bob D’Angelo join host Matt…
Episode 36 Part 2: Healthy Forests, Healthy Deer [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:37
Did you know that taking a single doe out of the deer population can have a ripple effect into future years? Deer Biologist David Stainbrook joins host Matt Morrett to discuss the history of deer management in Pennsylvan…
Episode 36 Part 1: Healthy Forests, Healthy Deer [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:30
The average adult white-tailed deer needs five pounds of browse per day — healthy habitat is critical to a healthy deer population. Chief Forester Paul Weiss and host Matt Morrett discuss how the Game Commission manages…
Episode 35: Life-Saving Advice from State Game Wardens [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:42
Last year, Pennsylvania recorded 14 hunting-related shooting incidents, and more than 6,000 hunters were cited for serious violations that could put themselves, other hunters, and wildlife at risk. State Game Warden Mari…
Episode 33: Discussing Public Lands in the Keystone State  [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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 De…