Pennsylvania Game Commission-Southcentral Region

06/04/2026

We are continually proud of our state game wardens and the dedication they have, not only to our agency and the Commonwealth, but also to the brotherhood of law enforcement.

Last month, the Pennsylvania Game Commission’s Honor Guard attended National Police Week celebrations in Washington, D.C. They stood alongside law enforcement officers from across the nation to remember and honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.

For those who may be unfamiliar, National Police Week serves as a powerful reminder of the courage, service and dedication displayed by officers nationwide and honors those who selflessly gave their lives in the line of duty.

A very special thanks to Sgt. Salvadore Zaffuto, Sgt. Michael College, Lt. Christopher Skipper, and Warden Philip Bietsch of the Southcentral Region and Wardens Michael Ondik and Denton Schellhammer of the Southwest Region, for representing the Game Commission in this somber, but incredibly important event.

We extend our gratitude to all law enforcement officers for their service. May their names and legacies never be forgotten.

Pennsylvania Game Commission- Southwest Region | Pennsylvania Game Commission-Southcentral Region | Pennsylvania Game Commission

06/03/2026

Access Road Alert ⚠️

Starting today, June 3 through Friday, June 5, Beaver Dams Road on State Game Lands 166 in Catharine and Frankstown Townships, Blair County will be closed from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The upgrade project includes new culvert installation, along with ditch and driving surface improvements, which is the final phase of the project.

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we finish these much-needed upgrades!

05/28/2026

It’s time to make THIS SUMMER a memorable one!

Across PA, regional offices are getting ready for their annual Junior Game Warden Camps where youth, ages 12 to 15, can spend the day learning what it’s like to be a Pennsylvania state game warden.

Campers will join wardens in light physical fitness, confidence-building exercises, and hands-on learning stations.

They’ll have the opportunity to go all-in with wildlife forensics, wildlife-capture techniques, woodland tracking, outdoor survival, and all things wild!

There will be six camps hosted across our state, in each of the regions, with varying dates throughout the summer. The Southcentral Region's Junior Game Warden Camp will be held on Saturday, June 20 at Greencastle Sportsman's Association in Greencastle.

For more info including dates, locations, and registration, visit https://bit.ly/JrGameWarden.

05/26/2026

The right development opportunity may help you find your wings! 🐦

If you are an educator looking to get a little WILD this summer, join the Game Commission and Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources for a dynamic, hands-on songbird workshop.

Date & Time: Tuesday June 9, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Location: Charles Brightbill Education Center, 4881 Fort Loudon Rd, Mercersburg, PA 17236
Fee: $10 cash or check made payable to Tuscarora Wildlife Education Project.

This educator workshop is focused on songbird biology, adaptations, research and monitoring practices, and even time outside to practice identification skills. Suitable for both formal and non-formal educators and is targeted towards grade levels 3-12.

You will receive your own copy of the Pennsylvania Songbirds Curriculum & Activity Guide as well as lessons & activities to integrate songbird lessons into your teaching, PLUS attendees will receive 6 -Act 48 hours, too!

Be sure to dress appropriately and wear sturdy shoes, as we will be indoors and outside. Bring water and a bag lunch, as it will not be provided. Light refreshments will be available in the morning.

Some binoculars will be available to borrow, but if your own, feel free to bring them!

Class availability is limited! Register by 4:00 p.m. on Monday June 5, 2026, to reserve your spot at https://bit.ly/SongbirdWorkshop or email [email protected] with any additional questions.

05/25/2026

In honor of those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country, our region office will be closed Monday in observance of Memorial Day.

We will reopen Tuesday with normal business hours. Wishing everyone a safe and meaningful holiday.

05/22/2026

Thank you, Perry County citizens for your conservation concerns and vigilance when it comes to Pennsylvania’s wildlife and public land.

Pennsylvanians are reminded, if you witness suspicious activity or wildlife crime, call the Operation Game Thief’s toll-free hotline — 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year — at 1-888-PGC-8001 or report online at http://bit.ly/PGCOGT.

05/14/2026

🔶 UPDATE 🔶

Due to concrete delivery issues, along with other unexpected delays, the project is now estimated to be complete later next week.

At this time, the road to the parking area at gate 2 will remain open. (Project area is about 100 yards beyond this gate).

We apologize for the added delays, but look forward to this being completed!

Access Road Alert ⚠️

Beginning Monday, May 18, the Tiger Valley Access Road (aka Tiger Run Rd.) on State Game Lands 104 in Londonderry Twp., Bedford County, will be CLOSED for a culvert pipe replacement project over Tiger Run.

The existing undersized pipe will be replaced by a larger “bottomless” culvert designed to better handle high water flows while also improving passage for fish and other aquatic wildlife.

Due to complexity of this project, the road is expected to remain closed to motorized travel through Friday, May 23, and possibly into the following week.

Following completion of the culvert work, intermittent closures may continue into June, as contractors finish road surface improvements that began last fall.

Thank you for your patience and understanding as these important infrastructure and habitat improvement projects are completed. Please plan accordingly and use alternate routes during the closure period.

05/04/2026

While this spring has left us shivering, it’s provided perfect tree planting conditions.

And thanks to some team efforts, State Game Lands 107 in Juniata County has some new ‘life’ on the ridgetops!

Together, the Ridge Country Ruffed Grouse Society (RGS) Chapter and Turkeys for Tomorrow, agency staff took to the hills to plant crabapple trees. These plantings will play an important role in providing future soft mast, as well as valuable cover, particularly for game birds.

Mountain ridge habitats like these are incredibly important diverse ecosystems. They offer thermal cover, a variety of food sources, and protection. Higher elevations can also help improve species resilience to diseases such as West Nile virus by providing cooler, drier conditions- critical for grouse survival.

Open ridge areas with sparse canopy allow sunlight to reach the ground to encourage herbaceous growth. This creates excellent brood-rearing habitat and diverse forage for turkey.

A big thank you to the Ridge Country RGS and Turkeys For Tomorrow who purchased and provided the trees, as well as helped getting them in the ground. Your efforts are making a lasting impact on wildlife habitat for years to come!

04/27/2026

04/27/2026

It's a black maple, it’s a red locust, it’s a...“mocust?!”

At first glance, this might look like a single tree—but it’s actually two species growing side-by-side so tightly that they’ve become intertwined over time.

What you’re seeing is a black locust and a red maple sharing the same space and competing for sunlight, water, and nutrients. As they’ve grown, their trunks have pressed together, creating the illusion of one unified tree.

This natural phenomenon is a great example of how dynamic and competitive forest ecosystems can be. Trees don’t grow in isolation. In fact, every inch of space matters, and sometimes that leads to unique and fascinating formations like this one.

Next time you’re in the woods, take a closer look around you. You never know what hidden stories are growing right in front of you!