Thomas Burrell

After 25 years as a Conservation Officer and lifetime of hunting and fishing I am now devoting my time to exploring the outdoors and helping others do so through my writings.

Whether you need a blog, printer article, or product reviews let me help you connect you, your customers and the wonders of fin, fur, or feather!

sungazette.com •

Ways to keep your catch of the day from fishing fresh

Spring is here, meaning hunting season has turned into fishing season. Rods are ready, hooks are sharpened and the grill is prepped. I need some fresh fish to have a perfect meal near the fire pit. Although many anglers plan the same fresh fish dinner, many will never experience it.

Most will fill their creel, not because they do not catch fish, but because their catch never survives the trip home.

Catching your limit is just the start of having the perfect fish dinner. Before preparing your c...
timesobserver.com •

PFDs — Which is a good fit for you?

A PFD, or Personal Flotation Device (aka life jacket), is the single-most important piece of safety equipment you can have when something goes wrong on the water. Unlike when driving your car, having an emergency with your boat means there is a good chance you will end up in the water. Even if you are a good swimmer, being in the water during low temperatures or while injured can make survival without a PFD nearly impossible.

Despite their importance and the legal requirements in place, many bo...
timesobserver.com •

How to avoid unwanted trouble this trout season

The first Saturday in April signals the opening of trout season and the unofficial start of fishing in general. As trout season progresses, warmer temperatures will result in a growing number of species becoming active, and anglers will soon be filling creels with bass, crappie, and catfish. Unfortunately, some anglers will also go home with something else: a citation from the Fish & Boat Commission.

A small number of those cited by Waterways Conservation Officers are poachers. These individual...
Gettysburg Connection •

Favorite Adams County Trout Waters - Gettysburg Connection

Streams have been stocked, and anglers anxiously await the trout season’s first day on Saturday. Many local anglers will head over the hill to Cumberland County to try their hand on renowned waters like Yellow Breeches or Green Spring. But there are equally impressive waters right here in Adams County.


Adams County is home to over 1300 miles of flowing water, many of which are stocked by the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission in anticipation of trout season. No matter where you live in the c...
sungazette.com •

Does color really matter when it comes to fishing lures?

Growing up, fishing lines, like the channels on TV, came in very few colors. Most were clear. Others were tinted with sublime blue or green hues but were also primarily clear. There were no reds, browns, yellows, or camouflage.

It was a fishing line, not clothing. Now fishing line comes in almost any color of the spectrum.

You can even get a multi-colored line, changing colors every foot. So the question is does color matter?

The quick answer is no, at least not to the fish.

If your setup in...
timesobserver.com •

Aluminum vs. fiberglass boat: which one is the best?

Aluminum vs Fiberglass: Which One is Best?

There are topics that are best left undiscussed unless you are ready to handle the fallout: politics at the family dinner, religion at the office, and, for boaters, aluminum vs. fiberglass. Every boater has a preference, and each truly believes their choice is the best and the only option. If you are new to boating and trying to decide which is best for you, it is important to look at BOTH sides of the equation before deciding.

Buying a boat is a big...
sungazette.com •

Making your kayak a fishing machine this year

As the weather warms, more paddlers will be hitting the water and some of them will be starting their first adventure as kayak anglers. Undoubtedly having a kayak can be a game-changer for anglers.

But few kayaks, even those designed specifically for fishing, include all the accessories you will need or want. Let’s take a look at what you should consider adding and which of these should be done first.

As mentioned, very few kayaks come equipped with everything that’s needed. Some will come clo...
timesobserver.com •

Finding trout after opening day

Opening day of Trout Season is quickly approaching, and with it will come one of the busiest days Pennsylvania streams will see all year. But catching trout does not have to mean standing shoulder to shoulder casting into the same pool as a dozen other anglers. There are still plenty of trout to be caught after opening day if you can find them.

During all my years of stocking trout, it never ceased to amaze me how many anglers would only fish on opening day. They would put everything they had i...
RIFLE BASIX •

How To Tell If It Is Time To Replace Your Rifle’s Trigger - RIFLE BASIX

Your rifle’s trigger is akin to its nervous system, sending the signal from your finger to its firing pin that it is time to shoot. Just like your nervous system, the trigger is a key component to your rifle’s safe and reliable performance. But sometimes, there is a problem, and that signal is not translated properly—and the trigger needs to be replaced. We are going to take a few moments to examine how to determine when that time has come.
There are two parts to making accurate, perfectly timed...
lewistownsentinel.com •

Angler’s paradise: Fishing the ‘Narrows’

The stretch of the Juniata River between Lewistown and Port Royal, also known as “the Narrows,” is one of my favorite sections to fish. When traveling between Harrisburg and State College, one of my favorite pastimes was stopping and checking out the various pools holding bass, panfish and catfish that inhabit the river. There is always something waiting to take my lure or bait.

Prior to the highway’s construction, I would routinely delay my travels, stopping at various pull-offs, parking lots...
timesobserver.com •

Why fishing rods break, how to prevent it

How many fishing rods have you had over the years? How many of those fishing rods were lost due to breaking? For some, it was more than they care to remember. Others can’t remember the last time it happened. You may be surprised to find out why this happens or doesn’t happen to anglers.

Big fish.

Of course, the first reason people think of when it comes to a broken rod is a big fish. Regardless of what may have happened, this is the reason that will be given as the story is recounted around th...
sungazette.com •

Non-native vs. invasive: how each impacts our environment

I follow a lot of different publications and social media regarding the outdoors, especially here in the Keystone State. One of the benefits of the Internet is the ability to access so much information quickly, all from the comfort of your living room.

Whether it is a hunting forum from the northcentral or an article about fishing in the Delaware, they are right there at my fingertips. Unfortunately, this also allows for the spread of misinformation, and after enough shares or likes, this misin...
Outdoorsman Time •

Best Coolers for Your Outdoor Adventure in 2021 - Outdoorsman Time

When it comes time to upgrade your cooler to something that will actually keep your ice, well, ice, for more than a few hours, you’ll find that a good cooler is actually a pretty big investment. While Yeti is often known to be the best when it comes to coolers, our research has found that there are some comparable and even better brands at all different price points.

 
This guide will cover the best names in coolers and ice chests so you can find the best model for you. We’ll cover premium cool...
sungazette.com •

European mounts can be displayed in endless different ways

European mounts have been around since the first hunters kept the skull of a wooly mammoth to show their clan, but recent years have seen a resurgence.

More and more hunters are choosing to forgo the traditional shoulder mounts in favor of simple skulls and antlers. But, as simple as they appear, European mounts involve more than clean bone on a wooden plaque.

When I was growing up, European mounts, or Western mounts as they are known, were not art or home decor. They were nailed to barn doors...
timesobserver.com •

Is bird flu a threat to waterfowl?

After the mixed, and often emotional responses, surrounding COVID-19, it is understandable that the warning about the Bird Flu being the next pandemic is being met with some skepticism. But regardless of where you fall in the debate, if you are a waterfowl hunter, there is some cause for concern. How dangerous is the Bird Flu, and how much risk does it present to waterfowl?

Highly pathogenic avian influence, also known as HPAI or the avian bird flu, is a highly contagious disease affecting many...
Gettysburg Connection •

50 Years of Flintlock: A Keystone Tradition kept alive - Gettysburg Connection

In late December 1974, 2,064 hunters prowled the woods and fields of 37 Pennsylvania State Game Lands in search of their quarry, the whitetail deer. Over the next three days, these hunters would tag 65 deer, only four bucks. In terms of the impact on the overall season, this was a drop in the bucket, as hunters would bag 125,891, including 54,963 bucks, during the entire season. But those three days were about more than numbers; they were about tradition—old and new.


Over the years, there hav...
sungazette.com •

Safety on the ice is more than important for fishing

As a lifelong angler I have had the opportunity to fish in many places and climates, catching fish along the Eastern seaboard and throughout South America. Each offered unique challenges and some dangers as well.

As a visitor, I was often taken aback by the casual approach locals took to these dangers, whether wading in shark-infested areas or clinging precariously to a quickly disappearing jetty. But then I realized that it happens everywhere and with every threat.

Locals become complacent an...
sungazette.com •

Safety is important when using various tree stands

If you are heading out for opening day, there is a good chance that you will be hunting from an elevated position in a tree stand. Although the most common stands are commercially produced ladder, climbing or hook-on stands, plenty of hunters still use homemade designs.

No matter how you get off the ground, doing so adds an element of risk to your hunt.

There are several reasons why hunting from a stand is one of the most popular methods among whitetail hunters. The elevated position provides...
sungazette.com •

Safety is important when using various tree stands

If you are heading out for opening day, there is a good chance that you will be hunting from an elevated position in a tree stand. Although the most common stands are commercially produced ladder, climbing or hook-on stands, plenty of hunters still use homemade designs.

No matter how you get off the ground, doing so adds an element of risk to your hunt.

There are several reasons why hunting from a stand is one of the most popular methods among whitetail hunters. The elevated position provides...
RIFLE BASIX •

Managing Rifle Trigger Overtravel - RIFLE BASIX

How many of you have an otherwise perfect rifle sitting in the back of the safe or on the local gun shop’s consignment rack, all because of a lousy trigger? If the problem is triggered over travel, you are not alone. More than one near-perfect design has flopped because the amount of overtravel was too much or too little and could not be easily adjusted.
Unfortunately, many shooters do not understand overtravel or how to address it. Let us take a few minutes to remove the curtain and reveal all...
timesobserver.com •

Low water puts the damper on steelhead

By November, anglers should be flocking to Erie tributaries, casting & drifting until the lines are drawn tight. They should be knee-deep in steelhead. But this year paints a different picture. The trout are there; they are just offshore waiting. The anglers are also waiting for the trout to make their way upstream. But there is one big problem: water is needed.

The streams are experiencing a historic low flow, something not usually seen this late in the season. Although steelhead are still pre...
timesobserver.com •

PFBC holds quarterly commission meeting

On Oct. 21, the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission held its quarterly meeting at the Harrisburg headquarters. For those who are unfamiliar with how the commission is organized, the day-to-day operations are overseen by the executive director. A Board of Commissioners — volunteers appointed by the governor and approved by the senate — select the executive director and, through quarterly meetings, set commission regulations, approve grants, real estate transfers, and similar actions as prescribed...
timesobserver.com •

Build a better deer trap

The first cold nights have arrived, and the days have shortened. If you are a deer hunter, this means only one thing — the rut is right around the corner. The rut, the holy grail of the deer hunting season, is when deer activity will peak and when many hunters believe their odds of harvesting a big buck are most likely. It’s a thrilling time, filled with anticipation and the promise of a successful hunt. However, there is one problem that many hunters overlook — the deer move more than at any ti...
timesobserver.com •

Trail camera tips

The right trail camera can be the difference between spending your season waiting for a shot that is never coming or waiting for the perfect shot you know is moments away. Although trail cameras are not the only tool needed to achieve success, they have changed the face of hunting. Like any tool, their level of success depends more on knowing how to use them correctly than on how much they cost. Try some of these tips next season and see if you need help to make the most of your trail camera.

S...
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sungazette.com •

A look at how Fisherman’s Paradise became well known

If you are a fly angler there is little doubt you have heard of Fisherman’s Paradise of Spring Creek, located between Bellefonte and State College. Anglers from all around are familiar with what consider a primer fly fishing area.

But why is this section of stream so popular? How did it rise from an isolated area accessible only by trail become somewhere anglers and nature lovers travel from across the map to visit.

It’s all by design.

Sure, Spring Creek is spring fed making it perfect for tr...
timesobserver.com •

How to survive buck fever

Your vision will not focus, you start to shake, or maybe you find it hard to catch your breath.

No, it’s not about the flu or the beginning of COVID-19, but it’s an equally deadly illness, at least when it comes to hunting.

You have buck fever.

There is no pill you can take, not a shot that will keep it at bay. So, how do you battle one of the biggest killers of successful hunting seasons?

One of my favorite parts of hunting is the rush — the adrenaline rush felt when a big buck comes into s...
timesobserver.com •

A late shot at walleye and perch

Area anglers are not loving the unseasonable weather Erie has been experiencing this fall. Although many residents may find the higher-than-normal temperatures and dry weather a welcome break from freezing temperatures and snow expected this time of year, it has anglers worried. Low water levels have been especially troublesome due to their negative impact on the steelhead run. But, as they say, every cloud has a silver lining. When it comes to area fishing, that silver lining is an unexpected l...
timesobserver.com •

An abundance of hunting opportunities

During my time as a conservation officer, there was one single complaint I heard more often and louder than any other — there is no place to hunt. I continue to hear this as I travel and meet more outdoorsmen at shows, clubs, and even in the field. But is it true? How can a state as large as Pennsylvania not have enough land for everyone to enjoy such a time-honored tradition?

This statement is not true. It could not be further from the truth. Pennsylvania consists of approximately 28.8 million...
timesobserver.com •

Catching the best trophy pictures

Fishing the majestic waters of southwest Florida is about more than catching fish. Yes, that may be what you do during your charter, but what you are really after are the memories.

One of the best ways to capture memories for years to come is by catching your fish twice: once by hook and line, and once with your camera. Here are some tips to help you take pictures worthy of the adventure you are capturing.

1. Let the fish steal the day — I know the crew has been wonderful. The southwest Florid...

How To Fly Fish Lake Wanaka

Although many of these anglers ply their trade in the backwaters, Lake Wanaka also offers excellent opportunities—if you know when, where, and how to fish it.Lake Wanaka is home to three main species of sport fish. Brown trout, rainbow trout, and landlocked Chinook salmon (also known as Quinnat salmon). Each of these species is self-sustaining and, due to an abundance of bait fish in the area, reach world-class sizes.The lake itself is approximately 69.5 square miles (180 square kilometers) and...
timesobserver.com •

Making the most of your PA elk hunt

When I was growing up, Elk was not associated with Pennsylvania. I remember seeing an exhibit at the State Museum and not believing they had ever roamed the Keystone State. Of course, they had, but they were early victims of hungry colonists. However, thanks to the Pa Game Commission’s reintroduction effort, the state enjoys a thriving population and one that can sustain a limited hunting season. Let’s take a minute to discuss making the most of a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

GETTING A LICEN...
Gettysburg Connection •

Fishing at Marburg Lake - Gettysburg Connection

Marburg Lake, nestled in the scenic Codorus State Park approximately 30 minutes east of Gettysburg in York County, is a popular destination for anglers seeking a diverse and rewarding fishing experience. The lake, covering 1,275 acres, is known for its variety of fish species, beautiful surroundings, and ample recreational opportunities. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a novice, Marburg Lake offers something for everyone. This article explores the various aspects of fishing at Marburg Lake,...
timesobserver.com •

Fishing while on vaction: exploring new waters

Summer is officially here; for many, that means vacation with the family. Over the years, my family and I have traveled to various vacation destinations, but they have all shared a common bond. No matter where we go, I always have a fishing rod in tow and look for an opportunity to check out the local waters.

I always had a rod close by, and I started while serving in the military. As you can imagine, I had the opportunity to travel to exciting places I would never have visited otherwise. This...
timesobserver.com •

So you think you caught a record fish

By now, many of you have heard about the latest state-record fish, a white perch, caught in the Delaware River that weighed a whopping 2 pounds, 1 ounce. This is a fantastic accomplishment and one that any angler should be proud of, and every time it happens, other anglers start thinking, “What would I do if I caught a state record?” Although the question is more in line with whether they would enjoy local hero status, let me tell you what you need to do to ensure that record fish is accepted as...
timesobserver.com •

Should you buy a boat or a kayak?

No doubt, having the ability to leave the shore behind opens a whole new world of angling opportunities. You are no longer constrained by how far you can cast, whether wading is possible or forced to target only those species calling the shallows their home. But what is the best means of getting off the beach? Should you invest in a traditional boat or opt for a fishing kayak? Let’s look at both and see which option is best for you and your fishing style.

ACCESS TO NEW LOCATIONS

The most signi...
timesobserver.com •

Could Sunday hunting become a reality in 2024?

Sunday hunting has been a hot-button topic for as long as most hunters can remember. I bet hunters started arguing about the pros and cons as soon as the first ban occurred over 100 years ago. Despite many attempts to change the law that prohibits widespread Sunday hunting, the efforts have largely fallen short. Could 2024 be the year that all changes?

Since the 19th century, Pennsylvania Game Laws have prohibited Sunday hunting (with exceptions for crows, foxes and coyotes) throughout the stat...
timesobserver.com •

Learning to camp and canoe

There are few things as relaxing as spending your days connecting with nature, and it is extra special when you can do so by canoe.

Drifting quietly down a scenic stream or floating motionless on a mountain lake as a flock of geese glides in. There is nothing in the world like it.

But most people need to limit their canoeing adventures to short-day trips. To truly experience canoeing at its best, combine it with camping. Imagine drifting down the same scenic stream for days and days, spending...
timesobserver.com •

Choosing the correct lure for trout

April is almost upon us, meaning Trout Season is approaching.

With the warmer, longer days we have been experiencing lately, it is hard not to think about fishing. Some time is spent cleaning gear and restocking lures, but selecting the correct lure is more challenging than a non-angler may think. There are hundreds to choose from, and each claims to be the best.

Choosing the correct lure can make or break any fishing trip, and before reviewing a list of my favorites for trout, let’s go over s...
timesobserver.com •

Commission wants to know more about stocking

When you mention “stocking,” most Pennsylvania anglers immediately consider Commission trout stocking. Visions of a white fish truck followed by a caravan of private cars come to mind. But what you may need to learn is plenty of sportsmen’s clubs, nonprofit derby organizers and even private individuals stock thousands of fish each season. The Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission wants to know precisely who these people are and what they are doing.

For a long time, Pennsylvania has been in the mi...
timesobserver.com •

Where to fish?

The longer, sunnier days have many anglers itching to go fishing. The problem is that many streams are closed for stocking as the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission prepares for the opening day of trout season. But this doesn’t mean you have to watch reruns of your favorite fishing show, wishing it was you on the water.

It is a common misconception that you cannot fish during the preseason stocking period. Yes, stocked trout streams are closed to fishing of any kind. But there are plenty of ot...
RIFLE BASIX •

The Effects of Bullet Drop on Long-Range Shooting | RIFLE BASIX

What shooter has not dreamed of hitting a far-off, record-breaking shot? For most it will remain a dream. This dream can become reality, but there are some imperative things you need to learn. regarding bullet drop on long-range shooting.
Before discussing long-range shooting, we need to determine what that means. To some shooters, long-range may be anything over a couple hundred yards. A U.S. Marine, who regularly qualified at 500 yards, would have a different interpretation. In other words, it...
RIFLE BASIX •

Benefits of Aftermarket Triggers | RIFLE BASIX

Gun owners love to customize their firearms. Thanks to the almost endless supply of aftermarket parts, the sky is the limit. However, one of the most common upgrades is the trigger. Whether due to fit, performance, or looks, triggers are often one of the first upgrades to a new firearm. But is it worth the investment? What are the benefits of an aftermarket trigger?
One of the biggest advances in firearms was the ability to produce products in mass. Production times were reduced, costs were redu...
RIFLE BASIX •

What is Trigger Discipline? - RIFLE BASIX

Firearm training involves a lot of terminology, and it can be hard to remember which to prioritize. Trigger discipline is one of the terms you must remember and practice every time you pick up a firearm. But what is trigger discipline?
Trigger discipline is a term you will hear repeatedly while practicing in the industry. It does not matter what type of training you take, the firearm involved, or the instructor – every reputable firearms training program will stress the importance of trigger dis...
RIFLE BASIX •

How to Improve Rifle Shooting Accuracy - RIFLE BASIX

Whether you are a hunter, competitive shooter, or plinking cans with your family, the reason you got into shooting is the same – it is fun. But when a shooter experiences an accuracy issue, the fun part of shooting is diminished, and the desire to continue is lost. Let’s look at how to keep shooting fun by showing you how to improve rifle shooting accuracy.
Regardless of why you are shooting a rifle, the key to success is accuracy. But what is accuracy? Is it the ability to hit your target? No,...
Catfish Now •

Catfishing at Santee Cooper

Channel, blue, white and flathead catfish can be caught in Lake Moultrie and Lake Marion in the Santee Cooper lake system.
 
by Thomas J. Burrell
If you’re a catfish angler looking for a new adventure, the Santee Cooper lake system in South Carolina must be at the top of your list. Not only is the area known for its picturesque scenery and family-friendly atmosphere, but it is also one of the best catfish fisheries available.
Let’s look at why the Santee Lake system should be your next destinati...
RIFLE BASIX •

How to Measure Rifle Trigger Pull Weight - RIFLE BASIX

There was a time when the designer and manufacturer determined the trigger pull on a rifle. Most field guns were set with high, almost always over 5-pound, trigger pulls to avoid accidents. Custom guns were usually set much lower, at 4oz ounces to 5 pounds, to allow better accuracy. Any shooter can have a higher or lower trigger-pull thanks to adjustable triggers, depending on their individual shooting style. This only leaves one question “How do you measure the trigger-pull weight?”
Trigger pul...
RIFLE BASIX •

What are the Best Hunting Rifles for Long Range? - RIFLE BASIX

There are three different types of long-range shooting: target, hunting, and tactical. Although some basic requirements and considerations are shared across the board, each has specific requirements.
Target rifles are typically heavier than other types of long-range rifles. The added weight, a longer barrel, and more complex stocks allow for the highest level of precision. They are perfect for hitting sub-MOA x-ring groups off the bench but are generally too unwieldy for field use. Target rifles...
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