Meetings

Next Meeting

When: Monday, July 13th, 2026

Time: 6:30 PM

Where: McKean Tavern

PF June 8th, 2026 Meeting Minutes

Attendees: Steve Dunsmore, Dave Leicht, Kevin Gathers, Mike Ashley, Steve Capela, Matt Putnam

Financial Report
The chapter currently has a balance of $14,657.00 in the bank.

Steve’s chapter credit (card that he inherited from Ed Moss) didn’t work at Sportsman’s Warehouse for a recent purchase. Chapter Treasurer, Dave Leicht, will look into the matter on Steve’s behalf.

Chapter Members voted to donate $1,000.00 to PF’s State Program, which provides legislative support and helps pay for PF’s state biologists. This is something that our chapter does on an almost annual basis to help out National.

2027 Main Gun Raffle
Although it’s early, Kevin ran across a deal on a firearm for our next gun raffle. It was too good to pass up on an end-of-year sale, so after discussions with Steve Dunsmore, the gun was purchased from Sportsman’s Warehouse.

This firearm is a Retay Gordion 12-gauge, 3”, Walnut GrayCon Cerakote Semi-Automatic Shotgun with 28” barrel. Total cost out the door including taxes, registration and background check was $860.00, which will be paid out of the chapter’s bank account.

As we have in the past, tickets will be limited to 1,000. Cost will be $10.00 or (3) for $25.00. Matt Putnam will put together flyers for this gun.

Gem City’s Youth Field Day (August 22nd / Saturday)
The chapter is planning to have our Daisy BB Gun Range on site as one of the stations to be visited. Kevin Gathers spoke with Larry Daley twice now about providing two Scouts and possibly one Dad to man the range for us and provide direction for kids using the range.

Kevin reached an agreement with Larry whereby, if they follow through on their commitment to this event, the chapter will subsequently make a $300.00 donation to BSA, as we did last year. Members discussed this issue at the meeting and voted on it as well.

At least two chapter volunteers will be needed on-site for this event. It usually runs from 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. with lunch served afterward. Help is also needed for the set-up and take-down of the inflatable range.

The chapter will prepare a handout for parents who accompany their kids to our station. It will inform them about the opportunity to get any junior hunter registered for one of our October Youth Pheasant Hunts and include instructions on how to do it. We can answer any questions they may have about the hunts.

PF Sporting Clays Fun Shoot (August 30th / Sunday)
Registration for this event will begin at 9:00 a.m.with the shoot scheduled for a 10:00 start at the Gem City Outdoorsman’s Club, 6701 Van Camp Rd., Fairview, PA 16415. Cost: $30.00/person.

We are hoping that Ed Moss will bring our trailer so we can set up for registration, food, etc.

Matt Putnam will put together flyers that can be posted at Gem City, local gun shops and sporting goods stores.

Deb Denham and Mary Farah have volunteered to man the kitchen and prepare the luncheon taking place after the shoot.

Mike Ashley has volunteered to pick up the food from GFS on the Friday or Saturday night before the event.

Ron Denham has volunteered to man the registration table.

Kevin Gathers will talk to Gem City president, Dave Karle, about having enough clip boards, pencils and score sheets available at the sporting clays house. This was an issue last year when we had (80) shooters. Kevin will also check on the availability of roasting/serving pans for the luncheon that Gem City might have available in their kitchen.

The chapter voted to have Matt Putnam purchase (4) $50.00 gift cards from Shooter’s Warehouse. Two of the gift cards will be given to the top (2) scorers. The other two gift cards will be drawn by ticket so that everyone in attendance has an opportunity to win them.

We are in need of door prizes. If you can obtain a door prize from a local business or make a donation yourself, it will be greatly appreciated. All door prizes can be given to Steve Dunsmore ahead of the event.

Ladies Day in the Outdoors (September 26th / Saturday)
This event will also take place at the Gem City Outdoorsman’s Club. Registration runs from 7:30 - 8:00 a.m. The event runs from 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. It’s open to girls/women ages 16 and older. Cost: $45.00.

Our chapter is planning to have a dog training demonstration at one of the stations. Participants can choose up to (5) stations (from a total of 12 stations) in which to spend their time during the day. This means that our chapter members must be prepared to put on a dog training demo (5) times during the day.

Dogs and handlers are needed. Please contact Steve Dunsmore (814-566-2771) if you and your dog(s) can help out.

There was discussion about providing live birds, but it was tabled until our next meeting.

We should have the chapter trailer, a pop-up, table and chairs on-site.

We should also have some sort of flyer available for the participants that provides details about our organization, mission, opportunities to join, etc.

Youth Pheasant Hunts (October 10th / Saturday & 18th / Sunday)
Our Youth Hunt Coordinator (Ryan DiDomenico) wasn’t in attendance at the meeting, so we need to speak with him about updates regarding the set-up for on-line registration, coordinating with the PA Game Commission, set-up for the event, purchase of additional birds, luncheon, dogs/handlers, etc.

Chapter members discussed and then voted on having both a Saturday and Sunday hunt on alternating weekends. This presents a challenge with birds provided by the Game Commission for the 2nd hunt, which needs to be discussed further at our next meeting.

PF Chapter 528 Veteran’s Hunt (November 11th / Wednesday)
Steve Dunsmore has locked in Chase’s Flying Frenzy for our 2nd annual Vet’s Hunt. The address is 6684 Shafer Rd., Meadville, PA 16335.

We will again accommodate 6-8 Veterans for this special day in the field. PF members are being asked to sponsor a Vet they feel is deserving of this opportunity. Last year we had (2) veterans who had never pheasant-hunted before and another veteran who required a special accommodation.

We’ll need the chapter trailer, possibly adult shotguns, ammunition for anyone who needs it, and of course, dogs and their handlers. Please note that Veteran’s Day falls on a Wednesday this year.

We agreed to again hold the luncheon at Bee’s Restaurant, located just off I-79 at the Geneva exit in Crawford County. Steve Dunsmore will make the arrangements.

We have begun the process of soliciting donations. If you’re able to make a donation or get one from a local business, please contact Steve Dunsmore (814-566-2771). Also, if you’re a member of a VFW, you can help us by soliciting a donation from them for this veteran-focused event. Donation letters can be obtained from Steve Dunsmore.
2027 Chapter Banquet

Millcreek Township will be taking possession of the Shrine Club property by the end of 2026. There will be no catering, so this club is sadly no longer available for our banquet.

Steve Dunsmore has left (2) messages for the Ambassador Hotel, but is waiting on a callback. Ed Moss will follow up with the Bayfront Convention Center on availability, costs, etc.

Two other options have come up for investigation ….. the Colony Pub and Grille along with the former Mannechor Club downtown. Steve will look into them as well.

Dog of the Month
Members voted to feature Dave Leicht and his Labs, Carly and Tillie, as DOMs.

Next meeting: Monday, July 13th.

We have a lot to prepare for in August, so please try to attend.

PF May 11th Meeting Minutes

_Attendees:_{Ron Denham, Deb Denham, Ed Moss, Mike Ashley, Steve Dunsmore, Matt Putnam, Kevin Gathers}

_{Financial Report}

_{Treasurer Dave Leicht is currently out of town, but the chapter has approximately $14,000.00 in the bank. All bills have been paid.}

_{Cost for website maintenance is currently $50.00/month.}

_{Gem City Outdoorsman’s Club ‘Youth Field Day’}

_{Mark Pendrich is the Gem City rep coordinating the day’s activities for this year’s event. Kevin will follow up on the exact date. Our chapter will again have the Daisy BB Gun Range on hand for the kids. We’ll also have handouts available for the parents/kids in attendance, notifying them about our upcoming October Youth Pheasant Hunts.}

_{Gem City’s Larry Daley informed me that he’ll have two Boy Scouts on hand to man the range and guide the kids with shooting. This helps free up PF volunteers so they can talk to the parents about our chapter and youth-oriented activities.}

_{A minimum of (2) PF volunteers are required for this event. Please let Steve Dunsmore know if you can attend.}

_{2026 Sporting Clays Fun Shoot}

_{The chapter is planning to have this event take place on Sunday, August 30th. Registration is set for 9:00 a.m. Shooting will commence at 10:00 a.m. Ed and Kevin will be attending Gem City’s May 20th monthly meeting to confirm that we can hold it there again this year.}

_{We hope to get everything set up the same as we have done in the past. Gem City usually donates the clay pigeons along with trappers to man the stations. In turn, we give the trappers $5.00 from the admission fee for every shooter. They also get a paid invite to our annual banquet.}

_{Due to an increase in operating costs, the fee to attend this years fun shoot will increase from $25.00 to $30.00 per person. This will be the first increase in the five years the event has been held.}

_{The chapter will provide a light lunch afterward (hot dogs, baked beans, bottled water, chips, etc.) along with door prizes.}

_{The chapter is asking members to solicit door prize donations for this event. We’ll also need volunteers to help man the registration table and kitchen. Please help if you can. It’s always a fun time.}

_{Matt Putnam will put together flyers and posters for the event.}

_{Gem City Divas}

_{This organization is planning a “Women in the Outdoors” event to take place on Saturday, September 26th. We held preliminary discussions about our potential involvement revolving around a bird dog field presentation; similar to what was done last year in advance of the Youth Field Hunts.}

_{A more comprehensive discussion to finalize our plans will take place at the next chapter meeting.}

_{Youth Pheasant Hunts}

_{This year’s youth hunts are scheduled for Saturday, October 10th, and Saturday, October 17th. However, the chapter is interested in possibly offering a Saturday and Sunday hunt. With so many kid activities taking place in the fall, a Sunday date might be easier on parents and kids. This will be something that requires further discussion at our next meeting. We have to coordinate our activities with the Game Commission.}

_{Ryan DiDomenico is planning to meet with former Youth Hunt Coordinator, Lee Schierer, to become familiar with the processes and paperwork required by the Game Commission. The PGC usually opens up their website to youth hunt registration on or about August 1st every year.}

_{As we have in the past, this event is slated for State Gamelands 85, located on Route 408 approximately (4) miles east of Cambridge Springs in Crawford County.}

_{Pymatuning Wildlife Learning Center}

_{This new visitors center is currently under construction with a grand opening scheduled for spring/summer 2027. It was the chapter’s initial understanding the state planned to have pollinator garden(s) on site at the Visitor Center. This is something we were interested in pursuing as a project … building those garden(s). However, it seems the state may want to have something done on nearby State Gamelands 214. That could be a deal breaker. More to come later as we pursue the Game Commission via our regional rep, Kurt Bond.}

_{2027 PF Banquet}

_{Next year’s banquet is tentatively scheduled for Saturday, March 20, 2027.}

_{While it’s still early, we need to find out if Millcreek Township plans to keep the Shriner’s catering facility open beyond the end of this year when they take over ownership of the building. If not, the it appears our only other alternatives for an event our size is the Bayfront Convention Center or Ambassador Hotel.}

_{Steve plans to contact the Shrine Club and Millcreek Township to see what he can find out regarding our use of the current facility.}

PF April 14, 2026 Meeting Notes

Attendees: Steve Dunsmore, Mary Farah, Ed Moss, Ken Tafelski, Dave Leicht, Ryan DiDomenico, Matt Putnam, Ron Denham, Deb Denham, Kevin Gathers, Steve Capela.

The first order of business is a change in day for our meetings from the 2nd Tuesday of the month to the 2nd Monday of the month. The time (6:30 p.m.) and location (McKean Tavern) remain the same. Our next chapter meeting is set for Monday, May 11th, 2026.

2026 Banquet

A short review showed that attendance from 2023 through 2026 has increased annually from 200 attendees to 268. That’s steady improvement and shows that people enjoy our annual fundraising event.

Our net income for those same years has also increased annually from $5,007.09 (Covid year) to $8,326.63 this year. This is crucially important because the banquet generates most of our working capital for the year in terms of what we can spend money on … habitat projects, youth activities, a veteran hunt, etc.

We continue to generate revenue in all fundraising venues with the exception of dinners. Costs continue to rise plus we provide dinners for Veterans, Gem City Outdoorsman Club trappers and banquet volunteers who give of their time so that we can be successful.

The annual main gun raffle got back on track in 2026. For the past two years we’ve opted not to participate in either the RV show or faux-fishing show at the Bayfront Convention Center because neither one of them is a true outdoors-themed hunting/fishing event. However, for the first time, Ed and Kevin did have a table at the FOP Gun Raffle, which proved to be a success in terms of ticket sales. As a matter of fact, our gun raffle winner this year purchased the winning ticket at the FOP event.

The chapter’s current total bank balance is $15,786.00.

Youth Field Day

I talked to Gem City Outdoorsman Club director Mark Pendzich, about this event being held on their grounds. I informed Mark that our chapter is committed to being one of the visiting stations, similar to last year. This event is scheduled for Saturday, August 22nd from 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. In reality the youth activities beginning at 8:00 a.m. and are usually completed by 12:00 Noon, followed by lunch.

I left a message for Gem City director Larry Daley to contact me. He’s involved with the Boy Scout troop at Our Lady of Peace Church and last year Larry was able to provide us with (2) parents and (2) scouts who did a wonderful job of manning our Daisy BB Gun Range as well as providing some safety tips. It also allowed us to speak with the participating kid’s parents about our Youth Pheasant Hunts, which helped to fill both of those hunts last year.

Other Chapter Business

With the retirement of Lee Schierer as our Youth Pheasant Hunt Coordinator and chapter member, we’re in need of a replacement. Ryan DiDomenico has agreed to step into this position. We’ll be giving Ryan support as he transitions into his new role. If you see Ryan, give him a hearty congratulations!

The chapter voted to donate $1000.00 toward National’s “No Child Left Indoors” equivalent. In return, we get our choice from a list of firearms. Members voted to get a GForce Filthy Pheasant 20-gauge shotgun for next year’s banquet.

Kevin will be pursuing our chapter liaison, Kurt Bond, about becoming involved in the construction of a pollinator garden in the new Visitor Center under construction at Pymatuning State Park. It will require hands-on involvement on the part of our chapter, but this is a project occurring in our area and we want to put our name on that garden.

Stay tuned.

PF March 10, 2026 Meeting Minutes

Attendees: Ron Denham, Deb Denham, Ed Moss, Steve Dunsmore, Mike Ashley, Steve Capela, Kevin Gathers, Ryan DiDomenico, Ken Tafelski, Dennis Ford

Banquet Updates

As of this date, we have approximately 240 confirmed attendees.

Banquet set-up will take place at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, March 21st. Any help is appreciated. So far, Ed Moss, Ken Tafelski, Steve Dunsmore /MaryBeth and Kevin Gathers have volunteered.

Kent Adams, PF’s Northeast Region Director of Conservation Delivery, will be the guest speaker. His discussion will center around our chapter and the upcoming change in leadership.

A Pre-Banquet Reception for core members and a guest will take place at 4:00 p.m., prior to the doors opening for the banquet.

Main Gun Raffle

Per Ed Moss, we’ve taken in about $1,500.00 on the Benelli. Ed and Kevin set up a table at the FOP Gun Raffle last Saturday at Rainbow Gardens. They were able to sell approximately 100 tickets in (6) hours, which helped to get us where we are now ….. cost of the gun, raffle tickets and posters paid for.

Ed collected additional monies and unsold tickets from members at tonight’s meeting. Unsold tickets will be available for sale at the banquet.

Financial Report

The chapter currently has $5,634.00 in the bank. Ed will be giving our treasurer, Dave Leicht, another $5,460.00 in checks. On-line sales are at about $3,000.00. Other than the venue and food, our biggest expenses, everything else has been paid for in advance of the banquet.

And Finally …..

We hope to see many PF members and guests at the banquet on March 21st. It’s sure to be a good time. Remember ….. this is our biggest fundraiser of the year and the thing that keeps our chapter viable.

This is Ed Moss’ last go-around as chapter president. He helped build our chapter into what it is today and has been doing it for well over 20 years now. This is everyone’s opportunity to give Ed a big “Thank You” for his leadership, vision and dedication. He’s not going anywhere. Ed will continue to be a part of our chapter, moving forward.

And you get to meet and welcome our incoming president, Steve Dunsmore, who is taking on the challenge of keeping PF a habitat presence in Northwest PA.

PF February 10, 2026 Meeting Minutes

PF February 10, 2026 Meeting Minutes

Attendees: Ed Moss, Steve Dunsmore, Kevin Gathers, Mike Ashley, Ron Denham, Deb Denham, Steve Capela, Matt Putnam, Dennis Ford, Ryan Domenico, Dave Gardner

Financial Report

The chapter currently has about $3,800.00 available in our bank account.

Banquet Donations

The chapter is still in need of both monetary and merchandise donations. Anything members can do to help, including gift baskets, is greatly appreciated. This is your chapter, so please do what you can to help the cause.

Ed Moss confirmed that he’s received $200.00 checks from both the Fulton Athletic Club and St. Boniface Ushers Club. He’s also seeking donations from Sportsman’s Warehouse and the Pittsburgh Pirates. Kevin Gathers is working with the Erie Otters on a donation.

On a related note, Ed Moss has renewed the chapter’s Small Games of Chance License, which is good for a year. Cost: $125.00.

Main Raffle Gun Ticket Sales

Because the chapter voted not to participate in the RV Expo this year, it’s imperative that members make a real effort to sell tickets in order to fill the ticket sale gap. If you recall, this is the 2nd year in a row that we’ve not had a true Outdoorman’s Expo at the Bayfront Convention Center, which usually accounts for about 50% of all tickets sold. In order for this raffle to be successful, we all need to step up and sell as many tickets as we can.

Banquet Registrations

As of today, Ed Moss has received (4) on-line and (4) mail-in registration forms. Let’s get the word out via phone calls, texts, posters and social media so we can have another successful banquet. Most of the funds we raise come from the banquet, which is what allows us to fund the organizations and projects we deem a part of our mission. After all, we are the Habitat People.

Ed Moss will be making an appearance on Channel 12 at 4:00 p.m. on February 23rd to inform the public about our chapter and the upcoming banquet.

We encourage all chapter members and other interested persons to attend our banquet. It’s a family-friendly event that you’re sure to enjoy!

Other Chapter News

The chapter website (nwpapf.org) is up-to-date.

The chapter received requests from both the General McLane High School Trap Team and Bay City Youth Trap Team (Waterford) for monetary donations. The chapter voted to approve a $500.00 donation to each of these youth-oriented organizations. Those funds will be handed out to them in the form of checks as well as the North East High School Trap Team at our upcoming banquet.

The organizer of the Women in The Outdoors event slated for later this year at Gem City Outdoorman’s Club has requested permission to set up a table at our banquet for handing out information and raffling off a firearm. Our chapter agreed to help out as long as the firearm is raffled off that night at our banquet. Ed Moss will follow up on their request.

Chapter members voted on Dave Gardner and Hunter as the next dog handler and dog of the month on our chapter website.

The next chapter meeting will take place on Tuesday, March 10th, 6:30 p.m. at the McKean Tavern. Please plan to attend.

PF January 13th, 2026 Meeting Minutes

Attendees

Ed Moss, Kevin Gathers, Mike Ashley, Lee Schierer, Dave Gardner, Deb Denham, Ron Denham, Dennis Ford, Steve Dunsmore, Matt Putnam, Brandon Shields, Steve Capela

2026 PF Banquet

The banquet is scheduled to take place on Saturday, March 21st at the Erie Shrine Club, with doors set to open at 5:00 p.m.

It appears this might be the last banquet at the Shrine Club. Millcreek Township is acquiring the building and property, so it’s unknown if they will offer any on-site catering services. However, we’re on for this year.

After last year’s dilemma where the club went from a two-line buffet to a one-line set-up, we are requesting they go back to a two-line buffet. This will ensure a smoother, more enjoyable dining experience.

Kevin and Ken Tafelski have volunteered to help Ed put together the banquet mailer. Our intention is to have invitations sent out by the end of this month.

Ed will take care of getting our Small Games of Chance License for the banquet. Cost will be $125.00.

Main Raffle Gun

As stated at the November meeting, we have purchased a Benelli Montefeltro 20-gauge shotgun with walnut stock, 26” barrel and set of chokes for this year’s raffle. The gun has already been paid for. Tickets were handed out at the meeting. They will cost $10.00 each or (3) for $25.00. There will only be 1,000 tickets sold.

If you’re interested in selling or buying tickets, please contact Ed Moss at 814-528-4538 or via e-mail at emoss1228@gmail.com Your support is appreciated.

Outdoor Expo

After much discussion, members decided to participate in the annual Boat and Fishing Show, but only if there’s no cost for us to participate. In year’s past, at the Outdoorsmen’s Show, we weren’t charged because our chapter is a non-profit and offers all children in attendance the opportunity to shoot at our Daisy BB Gun Range free of charge.

The show is scheduled for February 27th through March 1st (Fri.-Sat.-Sun.). Volunteers will be needed to help with set-up and take-down as well as selling tickets on the main raffle gun and answering questions about our habitat focused chapter.

Crawford County (Hartstown) Veteran’s Hunt

The hunt is scheduled for Saturday, March 14th, 2026.

Ed requested that anyone who’s interested in having themselves and their dog(s) participate in this hunt, tell him, so that he can relay the information onto Kory Slye, the hunt coordinator. The meeting place and hunt location remain the same as last year.

Our participants will be Brandon Shields, Steve Capela, Matt Putnam (tentative), Steve Dunsmore, Tim Lucas, Dennis Ford, Mike Ashley and Ryan Domenico.

Financial Report

Currently we have $4,100.00 dollars in the bank with only a couple of small banquet items outstanding. Everything else has been paid for.

The North East High School Trap Team sent us a solicitation letter and the chapter voted to again make a $500.00 donation. That donation will be handed out at the upcoming banquet. Per Matt Putnam, they will also be attending our banquet.

We also agreed to allow our high school trap teams in attendance to raffle off a firearm at the banquet. This is a win-win for both parties because it helps the schools raise more funds and gives our chapter the ability to offer more firearms at the banquet, something attendees have requested

PF November 18, 2025 Meeting Minutes

Attendance

Ed Moss, Steve Dunsmore, Kevin Gathers, Ken Tafelski, Mike Ashley, Matt Putnam, Steve Capela, Ron Denham, Deb Denham

Financial Report

Existing Balance: $7,878.85

Current Expenses: $2,539.00

Main raffle gun: $1,264.00

Veteran’s lunch: $405.00

Veteran’s Hunt: $667.00

Banquet expense: $200.00 (Ninja cooler)

Current Balance: $5,340.00

The chapter voted to add a Caldwell Clay Copter to the premium auction at the 2026 banquet. We’re currently searching for the best price.

Per Steve Dunsmore, we have acquired (2) of the (5) purses that will be used for the Ladies Purse Raffle at the 2026 banquet.

Main Banquet Gun

The firearm chosen for next year’s banquet is a Benelli Montefeltro 20-gauge shotgun with walnut stock and 26” barrel. It was purchased at Keystone Armory.

Women in the Outdoors

Ed Moss and Kevin Gathers attended a meeting at the Gem City Outdoorsman’s Club on November 19th to meet and listen to the woman who is trying to start a program in the Erie area again. She has extensive knowledge about ladies outdoors programs and has been involved with the ‘Women in the Outdoors Program’ for approximately 30 years.

She’s looking at Gem City to host such a program next year but needs a lot of help. The set-up is similar to a ‘Youth Field Day’, but targeted specifically for women. It was voted on and Gem City decided that a committee will be formed to flesh out more details so plans can begin taking shape to make this event a reality.

Our chapter has previously expressed interest in becoming involved in a program targeting women and it’s the ideal time for us to take action. We agreed to partner with Gem City to become part of this project. Chapter discussions will begin at our January 2026 meeting.

Veteran’s Hunt

The chapter’s inaugural November 11th hunt can best be described as a major success! It took place at Chase’s Flying Frenzy located south of Meadville, PA. We received a lot of positive feedback from the participants. (8) Veterans were selected for the hunt, but due to inclement weather, only (6) actually attended. PF had (10) members on site to help make everything run smoothly.

Upon registration, each Veteran was given a token military medallion and treated to coffee, donuts and cookies. Although we had planned to set up our trap machine for pre-hunt practice, the snow and inclement weather made it a moot point. They were taken out to the field in two groups of three hunters. Each hunter was assigned a handler and dog. All told, (12) pheasants were harvested. Birds were cleaned on site and each Veteran went home with a pair of birds.

An interesting side note: Two of the veterans had never hunted before, so this was their initial foray into bird hunting and both fellas took multiple birds. Another Veteran required the assistance of a golf cart and still managed to get birds. Their smiles said it all!

After the hunt, everyone traveled several minutes away to Bee’s Restaurant where the Veteran’s and PF members were treated to a buffet lunch. Veterans were presented with a gift that included a gun case, Veteran’s hat, pheasant t-shirt and other small treasures. It also included an invite to our 2026 banquet with a guest at our expense. One of the Veterans joined our chapter just days before this hunt.

While it would be nice to increase participation next year, the chapter decided that a smaller hunt created the best experience for the Veterans. We were able to focus all of our attention on those present and plan to keep it under (10) Veterans next year. Yes, we’ve started something that we intend to make an annual event. Thanks again to our volunteers for helping make this something to be proud of.

Total hunt expenses: $1,267.00.

Total chapter expenses: $447.00.

How, you ask? The Edinboro and Wesleyville VFWs along with the Erie Elks Club made generous donations that helped us defray costs. And several chapter members donated items as well.

Next meeting: January 13, 2026.

Discussions will center around the 2026 chapter banquet and possible participation in the 2026 Outdoor Expo.

We’re also keeping an eye on a potential pollinator project at the new Pymatuning Visitor’s Center, which may be completed in 2026 rather than a planned 2027 open date.

PF August 12, 2025 Chapter Meeting

Attendees: Dennis Ford, Dave Leicht, Lee Schierer, Steve Dunsmore, Steve Capela, Ron Denham, Deb Denham, Ed Moss, Kevin Gathers, Brandon Shields

Financial Report

Dave Leicht informed us the chapter currently has $11,908.61 available. He completed audits with both PNC Bank (chapter bank) and a PF representative. All outstanding bills as of today have been paid.

Gem City Youth Field Days Event (8-23-25/Saturday)

We continue to look for chapter volunteers to help out with this event. Ed has committed for the day and Kevin can work the morning (8 a.m. - Noon). We need more volunteers to provide us with coverage (8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.). Remember, this is one of the chapter’s priorities … getting and keeping kids interested in the outdoors. Let’s all do our part!

Dennis will check with Walmart to see if he can get hats for the kids.

Brandon is going to check with the Waterford HS Trap Team to see if any students are willing to man the BB Gun Range for a multi-hour shift. This will also serve as community service hours for those in need of them.

Kevin will check in with Larry Daley to see if any scouts are interested in working the BB Gun Range. Again, community service hours can apply.

If we get BB Gun Range volunteers, they will be asked to contact Ed Moss (814-528-4538) to let him know who they are and when they can donate time that day.

Sporting Clays Fun Shoot (8-24-25/Sunday)

Deb Denham has again graciously agreed to run the kitchen for us that day. As in the past, we’ll be serving hot dogs, baked beans, chips and bottled water. We’ll also need ice.

Ed, Dennis and Ron will run the registration table and sell raffle tickets for our give-a-way, a $200.00 Shooter’s Warehouse gift card. The raffle ticket will cost $2.00 each or you can purchase (3) for $5.00.

We are still in need of door prizes for this event. Can you donate?

Set-up begins at 8:00 a.m. with the event kicking off at 9:00 a.m.

Ed, Dennis and Dave Leicht will help with teardown and loading up the chapter trailer.

We also purchased a case of 12-gauge target loads for anyone in need of ammunition that day. A box will sell for $10.00.

Our regional PF Rep, Kurt Bond, is planning to join us for this event.

PF Youth Hunts (10-11-25/Saturday and 10-18-25/Saturday)

Hunt registration takes place at 7:00 a.m. with the actual hunt commencing around 8:00 a.m. A Port-a-Potty will be available on site.

As usual, volunteers are needed to man the registration table and prepare food for the event. Hot dogs, chips, cookies and bottled water will be served after the hunt.

Bird stocking will occur the night before each hunt at 6:00 p.m. That’s Friday, October 10th and Friday, October 17th. Dennis Ford, Dave Leicht and Ken Tafelski will be there with ATVs to put out the birds.

The chapter agreed to purchase one additional bird for each registered hunter from Northwest Game Farm. Steve Dunsmore will pick up and deliver those birds on the 10th and 17th. These are in addition to the two-birds-per-registered-hunter provided by the PA Game Commission.

Right now, Steve Dunsmore, Dennis Ford, Dave Leicht, Matt Putnam, Brandon Shields and Tim Lucas will have their dogs available for both youth hunts. If you’re interested in being a dog handler for the youth hunts, contact Lee Schierer (814-969-4100 or at us71na2@earthlink.net).

1st Annual PF Chapter 528 Veteran’s Hunt (11-11-25/Tuesday)

This special event is scheduled for Veteran”s Day at Chase’s Flying Frenzy, located outside of Meadville, PA.

We will take up to (8) Veterans for this inaugural hunt. Veterans will be sponsored by PF Chapter members and key on individuals who may not have hunted before and/or have some form of disability. You’ll need to obtain some background information on your sponsored Vet including which branch of the service he/she served in, when, service occupation, etc.

There is a dedicated space available for us to set up a trap machine, so any Vet who wants to get in some pre-hunt practice, can do so.

There is also a garage available for pre- and post-hunt activities. Coffee and donuts will be on site.

We’ll take two groups of four hunters at a time. Each Vet will be accompanied by a dog handler with dog.

We also need volunteers to clean and prep the birds for take-home with the Vets.

Plenty of chapter volunteers are needed to make this event a success. Please consider giving of your time for those who gave of theirs for all of us.

A catered lunch will follow the hunt at Aunt Bee’s Restaurant located a few miles from the hunt site just off the Geneva exit of I-79.

We are currently working with an estimated budget of $1500.00 - $2000.00. So far, two VFWs have stepped up and made $250.00 donations, so $500.00 is now available to help defray costs. Members are still working on additional donations.

We’ve also agreed to provide each Vet with a “Goody Bag” at the conclusion off the hunt. Ed found special hats to help commemorate the event and chapter members voted to purchase them.

2026 PF Banquet

Next year’s banquet will again take place at the Erie Shrine Club on Saturday, March 21st, 2026. Dave Leicht will write a check for $1325.00 to cover the cost of the deposit.

Members voted to purchase the PF Banquet Package for this event.

Kevin will be responsible for acquiring the main raffle gun.

Sponsorship Request

The French Creek Council is holding a Range and Target Day at the Gem City Outdoorsman’s Club on Saturday, September 20th, for scouts and youth at large. It will include (4) hours of shooting followed by lunch. The Council is seeking donations to help defray expenses.

Our chapter voted to commit to a $200.00 Bronze Sponsorship for this event. However, if scouts are willing to donate their time at our BB Gun Range on August 23rd, we’ll increase our donation to a $300.00 Silver Sponsorship. Kevin will discuss with the Council liaison, Larry Daley.