Explore every episode of the podcast Call of the Outdoors

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 expansion of the Certified Hunter Program.

Episode Highlights:

• Details on Sunday hunting dates for 2026-27
• Why migratory game birds won’t be included in Sunday hunting opportunities
• Changes coming to spring gobbler season
• Elk hunting and application process highlights
• Updates to CWD regulations
• Certified Hunter Program statewide expansion after pilot year success

Resources:

Learn more about 2026-27 seasons and other updates from the April 2026 Board of Game Commissioners meeting.

Contact the Board of Game Commissioners with your comments. 

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 longbeards.

 

Episode Highlights:

• How Eddie got his start turkey hunting and building calls at 10
• Insights from winning dozens of turkey calling contests
• Tactics for success in the turkey woods
• The truth behind common turkey hunting myths

Resources:

Learn more about turkey hunting.

Find places to hunt turkeys.

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 habitat management tool that directly benefits game species and how meticulous practices ensure safety and promote healthy native wildlife habitat.  

 

Episode Highlights: 

• Current status of the 15-year PGC fire program

• What an ideal burn day looks like

• What a burn plan is and why it’s so important

• Why prescribed fire is an effective habitat management tool 

• The difference between prescribed fire and wildfire

• Driving the future of the fire program through refinement

 

Resources: 

Learn more about the PGC prescribed fire program. 

View our online mapping system for upcoming prescribed fires. 

Sign up for prescribed fire notifications in your area.

Check out the Pennsylvania Prescribed Fire Council.  

 

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 Executive Director Steve Smith to discuss his journey from subsistence hunting in Wyoming to serving Pennsylvania’s top county for hunting licenses sold. He also shares details on a new bill that could boost hunter recruitment and how outdoorsmen can get involved with the legislative process.

 

Episode Highlights:

• Senator Malone’s background in the outdoors and how he got into politics
• Why he believes hunting is critical to conservation
• How the legislative process works with input from the public
• Details on his new initiative to promote hunting for future generations
• When and how to contact senators to make your voice heard

 

Resources:

Learn more about Senator Malone’s first-time hunter deer tag initiative.

Donate to Hunters Sharing the Harvest.

 

Proposed Change to Firearms Deer Season

At its meeting next week, the Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners will consider a proposal that could change opening day for hundreds of thousands of deer hunters. Executive Director Steve Smith joins host Matt Morrett to explain details of the potential change, how it could affect other hunting seasons, and ways to share feedback with the board.

 

Episode Highlights:

• How seasons and bag limits are set
• Details on the proposals related to firearms deer season
• Why the board is considering a change
• The other seasons this proposed change would impact
• How hunters can make their voices heard and tune in to the meeting

 

Resources:

Contact the Board of Game Commissioners with your questions, comments, or concerns. 

Hall of Fame trapper and award-winning bowhunter Tom Miranda joins host Matt Morrett to share insights from over 40 years in outdoor television and a lifetime in the woods. Learn what it takes to be a wilderness trapper, how he achieved the highest honor in conservation, and who he credits with influencing his hunting success.

 

Episode Highlights:

• What trapping taught Tom about the woods
• How he got his start in outdoor media
• Why trappers make the best bowhunters
• How he completed the archery Super Slam
• Tom’s tips for trapping and bowhunting

 

Resources:

Get started trapping.

Visit Tom Miranda’s website.

Learn more about the Pennsylvania Trappers Association Rendezvous.

Drone recovery, shortened bear seasons, tree stand snacks — we’re tackling the tough topics!

Executive Director Steve Smith joins host Matt Morrett to answer YOUR questions, straight from social media. From what to do if you find a roadkill deer to why Sundays weren’t included for spring gobbler, they explain current regulations and the latest updates. 

 

Episode Highlights:

• How changes to regulations, seasons, and bag limits are made
• What Sunday hunting opportunities will be available in the future
• Tips for legally packing a deer out of the woods
• How to get started with a career in conservation
• Details on junior and mentored hunting programs

 

Resources:

Check current seasons and bag limits.

Review regulations in the Hunting & Trapping Digest.

Follow us on social media for updates.

Contact the Game Commission.

Pennsylvania state game wardens don’t just check hunting licenses in the field — they wear many hats to protect people, wildlife, and habitats.

 

Col. Rod Danley, the new director of the Bureau of Wildlife Protection, joins host Matt Morrett to share the history of game wardens in Pennsylvania, the passion they share for wildlife, and how hunters can have a great interaction with a warden in the woods.

 

Episode Highlights:

• The role of Pennsylvania state game wardens 
• Tips for trapping coyotes and hunting the rut
• What to do if a game warden approaches you
• Why game laws are in place and common regulation questions
• Col. Danley’s vision leading law enforcement for the agency 

 

Resources:

Review the Hunting & Trapping Digest.

Find tips for safe hunting.

Learn more about Operation Game Thief.

Deer Camp Kinship: A Hunting Legacy of Giving Back

We hit the road for every hunter's favorite place — deer camp! Host Matt Morrett is joined by Dan Smoker of United Bowhunters of Pennsylvania (UBP) and Game Commissioner Bob Schwalm to discuss the powerful sense of community behind our Pennsylvania hunting heritage. From mentoring new hunters to partnering with farmers to helping feed families in need, we dive into all the ways hunting unites Pennsylvanians for a greater purpose.

 

Episode Highlights:

• Details on the UBP annual hunt event and how bowhunters can participate
• The importance of building mutually beneficial relationships between hunters and farmers
• Why mentoring children and adults is critical to the future of hunting
• How to give back via Hunters Sharing the Harvest
• The value of deer camp comradery

 

Resources:

Get involved with United Bowhunters of Pennsylvania.

Consider donating to Hunters Sharing the Harvest.

Purchase a mentored hunting permit.

Review deer hunting regulations. 

 

Conservation funding is going off with a bang! Shooting Sports Division Chief Todd Holmes and Range Management Coordinator Luke Johnson join host Matt Morrett to discuss the value of the Pittman-Robertson Act to conservation, successful shooting range improvement projects, the new features drawing people to shooting sports, and the goals the Game Commission is aiming for in the near future.

 

Episode Highlights:

· How the Pittman-Robertson Act plays a crucial role in conservation

· The Game Commission’s public shooting range diversity, design, safety, and accessibility

· Updates from the Shooting Range Improvement Program’s successful pilot year

· Partnerships with sportsmen clubs and municipalities

· Future plans for public shooting ranges

· Tips when using the range and improving your shot

 

Resources:

Find a shooting range near you

Learn more about the Shooting Range Improvement Program

Learn how the Pittman-Robertson Act benefits wildlife conservation

Buy a shooting range permit

Pennsylvania is making momentous strides in shaping the future of conservation with Act 36 of 2025, which fully repeals Pennsylvania’s prohibition on Sunday hunting and authorizes the Game Commission to regulate opportunities.   

   

Pennsylvania Game Commission’s Executive Director Steve Smith joins host Matt Morrett to commemorate the event that is going down in conservation history. They go on to discuss the behind‑the‑scenes legislative process that made this possible, provide a detailed recap of the thoughtful science-based decisions made during the Board of Game Commissioners meeting, and highlight exciting new opportunities for the 2025–26 seasons as a result of the executive order. A cumulative team effort dedicated to doing what's best for wildlife, Pennsylvania, and future generations!  

   

Episode Highlights:    

Where we started vs what we have accomplished in Pennsylvania.   

Explanation behind the legislative process that led to Act 36.   

Why the Game Commission used an executive order.   

New opportunities available for 2025-26.   

A glimpse into what hunting seasons may look like in the future.    

    

Resources:    

Watch recorded Board of Game Commissioner Meeting    

Review the approved Sunday hunting dates for the 2025-26 seasons    

For more details reference PGC Newsroom   

Follow us on social media for timely updates 

 

Tree Trailblazers: Forest Stewardship & Wildlife Strategy  

Managing over 1.5 million acres of land may seem daunting — but not for Pennsylvania Game Commission’s habitat management staff.  

 

Northwest Regional Forester Scott Wolbert, Northcentral Regional Forester Dan Heggenstaller, and Forestry Division Chief Paul Weiss join host Matt Morrett to discuss how the agency uses sustainable forestry to create diverse ecosystems for better wildlife habitat.  

 

Episode Highlights:  

• What is habitat?  

• The Game Commission’s role in forestry  

• The relationship between deer management goals and forest health  

• The role of deer exclosures and why the agency uses deer fencing  

• Tips for hunting inside deer fences  

• What hunters should look for to improve their season  

  

Resources:  

Learn more about the balance of healthy forests and healthy deer.  

Find state game lands near you. 

Learn more about habitat management in Pennsylvania.  

 

Episode 58: PA Residents Guaranteed an Antlerless License for Any WMU

 

You get an antlerless license! You get an antlerless license! Everybody gets an antlerless license!

 

Well, all residents for 21 days, anyway.

 

Executive Director Steve Smith and Deputy Executive Director Dave Gustafson join host Matt Morrett to discuss the biggest changes for the 2025-26 license year, including guaranteed antlerless licenses for residents, a shortened bear archery season, expanded DMAP opportunities, and a 10% cap on nonresident elk tags.

 

 

Episode Highlights

• How seasons and bag limits are set
• Whether guaranteed resident antlerless licenses will cause WMUs to oversell
• Why the bear archery season was shortened to one week
• The impact an extended DMAP season will have on overall harvest
• Tips for hunting state game lands
• Why hunters in some WMUs will have a higher personal limit for antlerless licenses
• Changes coming to the elk application process

 

 

Resources

Log in to HuntFishPA to update your account.

Find state game lands near you.

Learn more about changes for the 2025-26 license year.

 

 

 

If you can outsmart a longbeard here, you can probably outsmart one anywhere. Pennsylvania birds can be challenging to hunt. Grand National Champion and PA native Hunter Wallis joins host Matt Morrett to yelp about the Keystone State’s rich turkey hunting heritage, tips for calling in birds all season long, and woodsmanship skills for spring gobbler success.

Episode Highlights: Tips for taking your turkey calling to the next level How to avoid overcalling and when to be patient after a tom’s gone quiet The skills to pair with solid calling to fill tags on pressured birds Ways to switch up tactics as the season progresses The importance of boots-on-the-ground scouting

Resources:

Explore more turkey hunting tips

Review spring gobbler seasons and bag limits 

Find state game lands near you

Learn more about Nancy’s Vision Youth Turkey Hunt

 

#wildlife #conservation #nature #PennsylvaniaGameCommission #PAgameCommission #GameCommission #PGC #habitat #turkeyhunting #turkeys

It’s turkey time!  

Wildlife Technicians Rachel Pennell, Tony Musselman, and Andrew Cushman join host Matt Morrett to discuss Pennsylvania’s largest-ever wild turkey study and their boots-on-the-ground experience with birds that will shape the future of turkey management in the state.  

Episode Highlights:  

• How the turkey team uses thermal imaging and radio transmitter technologies to collect data
• Why temporary trapping and biological sampling provide valuable population info
• Anecdotal findings as the turkey team awaits final results of the study
• The truth behind common turkey myths
• The unlikely places turkeys nest
• The important role private landowners play in turkey studies
• Gobbler chronography as the future of turkey research  

Resources:  

• Learn more about wild turkey research.
• Review seasons and bag limits for spring gobbler.
• Try these turkey hunting tips. 
• Find shooting ranges and places to hunt.  

Question: what kind of bear is best? Black bear!

The Game Commission’s new Black Bear Biologist Brandon Snavely joins host Matt Morrett to provide insight into the latest black bear science, a look at a year in the life of a Pennsylvania bear, and tips for coexisting with these opportunistic omnivores.

Episode Highlights:

• The state of the black bear population in Pennsylvania
• Current studies and research projects that will help shape bear management
• What biologists learn from visiting bear dens
• The diet and lifecycle of black bears
• How to prevent human-bear conflicts

Resources:

Learn more about black bears in Pennsylvania.

Explore ways to be BearWise.

It’s about that time when white gold starts dropping in Penn’s Woods! 

Forester Chris Sabol and Recruiting Outreach Specialist Tyler Strohecker join host Matt Morrett to share their tips for finding dozens of antlers across Pennsylvania public land and how shed hunting helps them harvest bucks each fall.

Episode Highlights:

• The best time of year and conditions for shed hunting
• Where to look for deer and elk sheds 
• Tactics, technology, and gear to up your odds
• How shed hunting can help your fall hunting strategy
• Regulations on shed hunting in Pennsylvania

 Resources:

Find state game lands near you.  

Learn more about deer and elk in Pennsylvania.

Get familiar with forest habitat for wildlife.

Piling up corn for deer might seem helpful during harsh winters, but feeding wildlife is actually dangerous to animals and humans.

Deputy Executive Director Dave Gustafson and Wildlife Veterinarian Dr. Andrew Di Salvo join host Matt Morrett to explain how supplemental feeding negatively impacts wildlife, why food plots and birdfeeders are different, and how Pennsylvanians can create complex habitat in their own backyards.

Episode Highlights:

The ways supplemental feeding can harm wildlife

How feeding deer can disrupt habitat for other species

Why food plots can be beneficial for several species

Best practices for birdfeeders

Tips for helping wildlife long-term no matter where you live 

Resources:

Learn more about the dangers of feeding wildlife.

Find six things you can do for wildlife.

Explore ways to improve habitat for wildlife.

We’re nearly halfway through Pennsylvania’s deer firearms season, but hunters still have plenty of opportunities to get into the field and fill tags!

Range Management Coordinator Luke Johnson and Deputy Director of Field Operations Dave Mitchell join host Matt Morrett to discuss their changing strategy as hunting season progresses, go-to guns and gear throughout the year, and why no amount of technology can replace putting boots on the ground.

 

Episode Highlights:

• How to adjust your tactics based on hunting pressure and time of year
• Ways to up your odds for success without relying on expensive technology
• Tips for taking advantage of Pennsylvania’s unique flintlock season
• The connection between healthy habitat and big bucks
• Small game, waterfowl, and predator hunting opportunities available this winter

 

Resources:

Explore winter hunting opportunities.

Find shooting ranges and places to hunt.

Report a harvest.

Donate a deer to Hunters Sharing the Harvest.

Learn more about how deer populations affect habitat.

From finding camouflage corn culprits to taking tips from scorned lovers to catching bear poachers in the act, the life of a Pennsylvania state game warden can be rewarding, dangerous, and anything but boring.

Southcentral Region Director Seth Mesoras and Assistant Counsel Jason Raup join host Matt Morrett to discuss the demands of serving as a game warden, the intensive process of investigating poachers, and some of the most interesting cases that have resulted from Operation Game Thief (OGT).

Learn what you can do to help protect our wildlife resources and how to avoid ending up on the wrong side of an OGT tip.

Episode Highlights:

• Details of the recent Chester County poaching ring case
• How OGT helps protect Pennsylvania wildlife
• The critical role tips from the public play in uncovering cases — and the rewards up for grabs
• The investigation process and why some tips don’t result in criminal charges
• Some memorable and bizarre poaching cases in Pennsylvania
• The most common violations game wardens encounter 

Resources:

Report suspected wildlife crimes to OGT.

Get familiar with current regulations in the Hunting & Trapping Digest.

Review safe hunting tips.

Find state game lands near you.

The Drury dynasty has become synonymous with monster white-tailed deer, but did you know Mark and Terry got their start filming turkey hunting videos in the 80s?

Mark Drury joins host Matt Morrett to share insights from 35 years in hunting media, from the conditions he looks for to consistently shoot world-class bucks to his tactics for balancing the buck-doe ratio for better rut activity.

Episode Highlights:

• How Mark broke into the hunting industry and started Drury Outdoors
• Why he and his team harvest 125 does annually on their properties
• The story of the 160-inch Missouri buck he shot in early archery season
• His strategy for managing and hunting on small parcels of land
• Top tips for targeting big bucks anywhere

 

Resources:

Learn more about healthy forests and healthy deer.

Explore DMAP opportunities in Pennsylvania.

Find where to donate a deer to Hunters Sharing the Harvest.

Get the DeerCast app and subscribe to Drury Outdoors on YouTube. 

Hunters are at the forefront of wildlife conservation — the Pennsylvania Game Commission depends on hunter harvest and input for the future of hunting in the Keystone State.

 

Heading into hunting season, Executive Director Steve Smith joins host Matt Morrett to discuss key changes for this fall, tips for success in the field, and updates on hot-button issues like Sunday hunting in Pennsylvania.

 

Episode Highlights:

• Squirrel season insights and tips
• Legislative updates on the Sunday hunting issue and how to make your voice heard
• How the Game Commission invests back into wildlife, habitat, and hunters 
• The challenges of deer management and the importance of filling antlerless tags
• Early season archery tactics for hunting public land
• Bear season changes for better management and future hunting

 

Resources:

Find a shooting range near you.

Learn more about your role in healthy forests and healthy deer. 

Review safe hunting tips.

Contact the Game Commission with your feedback.

Enter the Take Someone Hunting Photo Contest.

With participation numbers trending downward nationwide, efforts to recruit, retain, and reactivate hunters are more critical than ever. Hunter-Trapper Education and Outreach Division Chief Courtney LaCivita joins host Matt Morrett to detail what the Game Commission is doing to create new hunters in the Commonwealth, and Environmental Education SpecialistBrian Collett shares his personal tips for finding places to hunt without access to private land. Episode Highlights: Resources: Access resources to get started hunting. Join the PA Wild Women Facebook Group. Find state game lands near you. Email mentoredhunting@pa.gov with questions.

Access resources to get started hunting.

Join the PA Wild Women Facebook Group.

Find state game lands near you.

Email mentoredhunting@pa.gov with questions.

Did you know Pennsylvania proudly claims an elite archery program and a 2024 NASP world champion? Shooting Sports Division Chief Todd Holmes joins host Matt Morrett to discuss how participation in Pennsylvania NASP has skyrocketed over the last decade, and competitor Madi Rhinevault shares her firsthand experience rising to the top of the life-changing program. Episode Highlights: Resources: Learn more about Pennsylvania NASP. Check out our spotlight of a top Pennsylvania team.  Explore Outdoor Insiders.

Did you know the sixth-largest non-typical bull on record was harvested in Pennsylvania? Elk Biologist Jeremy Banfield joins host Matt Morrett to discuss how the Game Commission’s reintroduction and careful management have resulted in a thriving population of world-class wapiti here in the Commonwealth. They also share a behind-the-scenes look at the elk license drawing, tips for applying, and what survival studies have taught us about this iconic species. Episode Highlights: Resources: Learn more about the history of elk in Pennsylvania. Review elk hunting seasons and zones. Apply now for an elk hunting license. Find more details on how to be ELK SMART.

Bowhunting big woods bucks isn’t just a fall hobby — it’s a year-round grind. Beau Martonik of East Meets West joins host Matt Morrett at the Total Archery Challenge in Seven Springs to discuss ways to improve your archery skills in the offseason, effective summer scouting strategies, and how to take advantage of the millions of acres of public land available to Pennsylvania hunters. Episode Highlights: Resources: Find state game lands near you. Learn more about Lyme disease and prevention. Explore East Meets West.

With nearly a million passionate hunters in Pennsylvania, the new process for purchasing antlerless licenses led to high demand and longer-than-expected wait times last year. So the Game Commission made some key changes for the upcoming license year to streamline the process and guarantee antlerless licenses for most residents. Deputy Director of Field Operations Dave Mitchell joins host Matt Morrett to share what’s new for 2024, answer the most common questions about buying antlerless licenses, and explain how funds from these licenses directly benefit wildlife habitat throughout Pennsylvania. Episode Highlights:             Resources: Learn more about antlerless deer licenses. Review the new license year...

The future is bright at the Pennsylvania Game Commission! New executive director Steve Smith joins host Matt Morrett to provide Pennsylvanians with an update on the latest changes within the agency. Learn how 30 years of public land hunting and legislative expertise ultimately led Steve to this pivotal role and gain insight into his vision for the future of wildlife conservation. Episode Highlights: Resources: Learn more about the Pennsylvania Game Commission. Check out Pennsylvania Game News.  Explore the state game lands system.  

Have you heard whispers that the Pennsylvania Game Commission is in cahoots with car insurance companies to reduce the deer herd or the agency trades our turkeys to other states in exchange for coyotes? Captain Chad Eyler and Furbearer Biologist Tom Keller join host Matt Morrett to dispel the most common myths swirling around social media and hunting camps. Episode Highlights: Resources: Explore our frequently asked questions. Find details on road-killed deer permits and contact information for region offices. Report wildlife crimes to Operation Game Thief.

Available 24/7/365, the Pennsylvania Game Commission’s Centralized Dispatch Center received nearly 210,000 calls last year, from reports of game law violations to sasquatch sightings. Each spring, as animals are born and bears come out of hibernation in search of food, the number of wildlife-related calls skyrockets. Nick Sechrist, Assistant Director of Central Dispatch Operations, joins host Matt Morrett to share what to do if you see young wildlife alone, ways to avoid close encounters with black bears, and how to let wild be wild. Episode Highlights: · How white-tailed deer use the hider strategy to protect their fawns · What...

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 host Matt Morrett to explain the value of this management tool to wildlife and their habitats throughout Pennsylvania. Learn how prescribed fire is fundamentally different from wildfire, how it ultimately benefits wild turkey nesting, creates woody browse for healthy deer populations, and uses drone technology to efficiently target pockets of land. Episode Highlights: Resources: Learn more about how the Pennsylvania Game Commission uses prescribed fire. Check out our interactive online...

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 bear myths, share her firsthand experience visiting dens, and explain what to do if you encounter a bear in the wild. She also provides insight into the Game Commission’s new black bear management plan and how proposed changes to hunting seasons would help the black bear population in Pennsylvania.

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 Director Bryan Burhans join host Matt Morrett to explain how the agency works with legislators, the way policies get made, and what it takes for issues such as Sunday hunting to come under the Game Commission’s control. Tune in for a breakdown of the legislative process and how hunters, trappers, and wildlife enthusiasts can make their voices heard on the future of conservation in the Keystone State.

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 Morrett to share details on the rich history of the magazine, the iconic artists who’ve contributed illustrations to its cover, and how the all-hunter staff chooses what will grace its pages each month. Listen to learn what’s ahead for Game News and how hunters could get their own stories printed in this uniquely Pennsylvania publication.

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 Pennsylvania and how the Game Commission sets license allocations to promote healthy deer herds and bigger bucks in the Keystone State. From the effects of CWD to harvest trends, get insight into the current status of white-tailed deer in this second installment of the two-part series.

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 habitat for white-tailed deer and hundreds of other species on state game lands throughout Pennsylvania.

Learn more about the challenges of maintaining young successional forests and how DMAP permits can help balance deer populations for the future of our forests in this first installment of a two-part series.

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 Mario Altieri and Information & Education Supervisor Aaron Morrow join host Matt Morrett to share the most common mistakes they see hunters make and their tips for staying safe in the field. From following regulations for firearms seasons to taking a few simple precautions before heading into the woods, hear firsthand advice on how hunters can legally harvest game and make it back home safely.

The Pennsylvania Game Commission doesn’t just serve hunters — the agency manages 480 species of wild birds and mammals for all 13 million residents of the Keystone State. Executive Director Bryan Burhans and Commissioner Robert Schwalm join host Matt Morrett for a behind-the-scenes look at how the Board of Commissioners works with the PGC to set regulations, seasons and bag limits according to the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation. From the science and surveys that help shape wildlife regulations to the challenges of managing these valuable resources, learn how the PGC moves forward with a mission to protect wildlife,...

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.

Just in time for the statewide regular firearms deer season opener, Dr. Gary Alt, a well-known Pennsylvania Game Commission wildlife biologist talks about his career with the agency.

Dr. Alt is a Pennsylvania native and a lifetime deer hunter. In fact, he got out of his tree stand to do this podcast interview. He hunts deer six weeks in the fall but he thinks about deer every week of the year. His greatest memories of his father, grandfather and son all include hunting whitetails.

Dr. Alt began his work with the Pennsylvania Game Commission in the late 1970’s as a bear biologist to conduct research on the bear population and continued in that role for 22 years.

He then served the agency as the whitetail deer biologist for five years, where he led efforts to balance the deer herd with habitat by increasing antlerless permits and reducing the mortality of immature bucks by instituting antler restrictions.

He shares his perspective on deer and the enormous impact they have in our society in Pennsylvania. From our forests, to agriculture, to people, there are very strong opinions on deer management, which has historically made deer management here in the Keystone State difficult.

Dr. Alt retired from the Game Commission in the early 2000s. Today’s he is still researching bears across the globe and also works with the Pennsylvania Wildlife Leadership Academy as an instructor and curriculum developer.

It’s the best time of year! Mornings are crisp and it’s beginning to feel like fall. Pennsylvania is celebrating 50 years of conservation for this year’s National Hunting and Fishing Day. Host Matt Morrett is joined by Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Game Commission Bryan Burhans and Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission Tim Schaeffer.

National Hunting and Fishing Day celebrates generations of hunters and anglers and how they contribute to our rich sporting heritage and wildlife conservation.

Pennsylvania is home to 1.6 million acres of state game lands that are open to the public and 86,000 miles of streams, second only to Alaska! The Keystone State is a special place that has something to offer everyone whether you’re hunting, fishing or just enjoy recreating outside.

Thank you to our hunters, anglers and outdoor enthusiasts for their passion and dedication to conservation. Listen now to find out how you can play a role in protecting and preserving wildlife and their habitat for current and future generations.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Daylight hours are shortening, and Pennsylvania’s first hunting seasons are finally here.

Waterfowl hunters are gearing up for early Canada goose season, which opens Thursday, Sept. 1. Waterfowl hunt zones, season dates, hours and regulations are different across the state, so hunters should review the digest before heading out to hunt.

Game Commission Assistant Legal Counsel Creigh Martson and Waterfowl Program Specialist Nate Huck joined host Matt Morrett to provide some updates and tips for hunters.

Our state’s geography, from river valleys and wetlands to large agricultural fields and farm ponds, makes it a pretty good waterfowl state. People and patience are two keys to waterfowl hunting in our state.

It’s about the people you hunt with. From your crew and those you strategize, to being respectful to the private landowners and other groups of hunters.

Practice your patience, as there are plenty of variables in waterfowl hunting, including wind, weather and the birds changing up their behavior when hunting season starts.

Tune in for other helpful tips, including when to call (and when to stop), the importance of scouting and the role decoys can play.

Good luck. Have fun. Hunt safely.

How do you define habitat? Host Matt Morrett is joined by Dave Gustafson, Bureau Director of Wildlife and Habitat Management for the Pennsylvania Game Commission who dives in on habitat 101.

Dave explains that habitat is essentially a place where wildlife has access to food, water, space, and a secure place to raise their young.

Dave’s love for the outdoors started at a young age while spending time hunting and fishing with his grandfather, leading him to become passionate about wildlife and their habitat.

The Pennsylvania Game Commission is currently in charge of over 1.5 MILLION acres of state game lands. Dave says, “it’s a humbling responsibility to think about our charge of managing wildlife and their habitat for current and future generations.”

Dave is excited about the future of the agency and the Bureau of Wildlife and Habitat Management he’s leading.

What makes a turkey talk?  Host Matt Morrett and Denny Gulvas continue to break down turkey habits, mannerisms and body language to help you develop your turkey calls and have a successful season.

In this part 2, they are joined by Michael Waddell, a well-known name in the turkey hunting industry and host of “Bone Collector,” on the Outdoor Channel.

Michael and Denny swap stories of how they mastered turkey vocalizations over the years and are ready to let you in on their best kept secrets. 

The clock is ticking down to the start of Spring Gobbler season which opens statewide on April 30, 2022.  It’s time to practice your calls and put them to the test! 

What’s better than getting tips from a Grand National Champion Turkey Caller? Getting to learn from TWO Grand National Champion Callers. In this episode, host Matt Morrett is joined once again by Denny Gulvas, World Champion Turkey Caller and mentor. Denny has spent decades learning turkey habits, body language and calls and is ready to share his secrets that will leave listeners excited for Spring Gobbler season, which opens statewide on April 30, 2022.

Pennsylvania has a rich history of archery across the state.  No one knows more about that than Todd Holmes, Shooting Sports Outreach Coordinator for the Pennsylvania Game Commission.  The tradition of archery is strong in Todd’s family.  He began shooting a bow when he was just five years old with his dad and uncles.  Today, he’s passing that same tradition on to his own sons. 

 In this episode, Todd joins Game Commission Marketing Director Matt Morrett to discuss shooting sports in Pennsylvania and the growing excitement for the National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP). 

NASP is a joint venture that partners with state education and wildlife management agencies to promote student education and participation in the lifelong sport of archery.  The NASP program which had around 100 schools participating in the program has steadily grown to over 300 schools and reaches 90,000 students each year in Pennsylvania.  

Not only has Todd helped develop the NASP program in Pennsylvania, but he has also made it a priority to create public access archery ranges on state game lands.  Listen now to learn how he is increasing opportunities for everyone looking to get out and shoot. 

For more information on the NASP program, visit www.pgc.pa.gov or www.facebook.com/PennNASP.   

From its rivers, streams, wetlands and agricultural fields, Pennsylvania offers waterfowl – and waterfowl hunters – many diverse and appealing habitats. Through careful planning and habitat management, Pennsylvania has become one of the top states in the Atlantic Flyway, with ample hunting opportunities for Canada goose, mallards and wood ducks.

In this episode, Game Commission Marketing Director Matt Morrett discusses the biology and migrations of waterfowl in Pennsylvania with Nate Huck, Waterfowl Program Specialist for the Game Commission. As the agency’s Waterfowl Biologist, Nate’s main focuses throughout the year include post-season banding, waterfowl surveys and flyway communication with other states. He emphasized the importance of analyzing the banding and survey data to estimate survival and harvest rates, because both play a crucial role in proposing annual seasons and bag limits.

Being a game warden is a job unlike any other and the Pennsylvania Game Commission’s Ross Leffler School of Conservation is actively recruiting candidates for its 35th class. Interested in applying, but wish you knew more about the process? Listen to this episode for the inside scoop from new state game wardens Hannah Robinson and Travis O’Neill. Visit www.pgc.pa.gov to apply. 

Hannah and Travis are 2021 graduates of the Ross Leffler School of Conservation’s 32nd class. Hannah has been a serving in Bucks County and Travis in Butler County since February 2021. After they graduated, host Matt Morrett spoke with the pair about their journeys to becoming game wardens in episodes 16 and 17. In this episode, they fondly recount memories from their first year in the field. 

Both game wardens agreed they felt fully ready after completing their 44-week intensive training, where they were trained to investigate crimes, interview suspects, educate the public and protect wildlife. Visit www.pgc.pa.gov to learn more about becoming a state game warden. 

Since its inception in 1991, Pennsylvania’s acclaimed Hunters Sharing the Harvest program has donated nearly TWO MILLION pounds of venison to hungry families across the state, thanks to the generosity of Pennsylvania hunters.

Hunters Sharing the Harvest is a hunter-inspired community service outreach that works through a network of approved deer processors to channel venison donations to local food banks, soup kitchens and hungry families in Pennsylvania’s urban and rural communities. 

This episode features the program’s first Executive Director John Plowman and its current Executive Director Randy Ferguson. They join host Matt Morrett to share the step-by-step process in which a hunter can donate a deer to the program at no cost to them and how it gets from the processor and back into the community. This program is a national leader and has grown into a huge success, thanks in large part to the generosity of Pennsylvania hunters.

One deer can provide as many as 200 high protein, low fat servings. Last year, in 2020, the program set a new all-time record when 190,302 pounds of venison was distributed across the Commonwealth.  Visit www.sharedeer.org or call 866-474-2141 to learn how to donate or volunteer, or to locate a processor, area coordinators and/or food banks near you.

The smell of fall is in the air. The rut is on in Pennsylvania.In this episode, Game Commission Marketing Director Matt Morrett discusses the mating season and biology of white-tailed deer with Kip Adams, the National Deer Association’s Chief Conservation Officer.  

Kip lives in Knoxville (Pennsylvania) and is a certified wildlife biologist whose love for hunting began while growing up on a dairy farm in Tioga County. He knew from an early age that he wanted to be a wildlife biologist.  

Pennsylvania has a seven-to-ten day window in early to mid-November when the whitetail rut reaches its peak. Kip’s advice to hunters: Once we hit the rut, go and stay in your stand. It can all change at any second and turn into the most explosive time of the year. Go and stay in your stand for as long as you can.  

Kip explains why education is so important in managing and understanding deer. Knowing the deer’s patterns, food sources and shelter needs for deer is crucial to determining the life cycle and mating habits for deer.   

Kip credits hunters for being very knowledgeable about deer biology, management and knowing how to enhance habitats. Hunters have always answered the call and are working toward ensuring that we have healthy deer herds for the next generation. He predicts a lot of good things for the future of white-tailed deer in Pennsylvania.