BOATING

BOATING
Advisory in Ohio
A watercraft advisory is in effect for southern and eastern Ohio this weekend as remnants of Hurricane Ivan are forecast to produce potentially heavy rainfall across much of those regions, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. Rains may cause flooding on some inland lakes, streams and rivers.
The advisory includes central Ohio and will remain in effect until potentially high water conditions return to near normal or normal levels.
Recreational boaters are advised to stay off any rivers or streams that may be near or above flood stage should heavy rainfall occur over the next five days. Some inland lakes may experience temporary closure of boat launch ramps. Higher lake levels also may produce navigational hazards such as floating debris.
FISHING
Fall trout stocking
The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission will stock 156 bodies of water in 61 counties across the state as part of the 2004 Fall Trout Stocking Program. The Commission will release 118,200 legal-size trout to provide anglers with expanded fishing opportunities during the autumn months.
The stockings will be held during the weeks of Sept. 27 and conclude the week of Oct. 25. A total of 97,000 rainbow trout, 12,870 brown trout and 8,330 brook trout round out the allotment.
A complete list of waters included in the PFBC's Fall Stocking Program, can be found on the Commission's web site at www.fish.state.pa.us
HUNTING
Season of change
When bowhunters head out for the start of Pennsylvania's six-week archery deer season on Oct. 2, they will face changes that modify the archery safety zone and fluorescent orange requirements.
Hunters in many areas will likely find that whitetail movements have changed since last fall, when a poor acorn crop plagued many areas of the Commonwealth.
The change in the safety zone law, sponsored by Rep. Timothy J. Solobay (D-Washington) and signed into law by Gov. Edward G. Rendell on June 23, opens areas throughout the state that bowhunters previously weren't permitted to hunt by establishing a statewide safety zone for archers of 50 yards.
In 1996, the General Assembly established a 50-yard safety zone for bowhunters in the state's six Special Regulations Area counties - Allegheny, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia. Firearms hunting safety zone remains 150 yards.