February 14th, 2012 Conditions: The winter storm this past weekend was actually a bit out of the ordinary from the unseasonably mild winter Erie has enjoyed. Mother Nature was kind with only 6 to 8" of snow although the winds and drifting were heavy at times. By Monday, temps started to climb melting away most of the white stuff adding some flow and much needed color to the low and clear conditions we have had. Forecasts are calling for day time temps above the freezing mark and end very well could put us back to spring like conditions. Although some ice was starting to form around the area including the Bay, it is likely to be short lived. The mild conditions have affected the usual fishing patterns around the area. Crappie fishing has been fair to good in and around the "stink hole" and along the Bay front at Presque Isle. Very unusual for this time of year is seeing suckers starting to invade the tribs, not in big numbers, but enough to demonstrate the effect of weather on fish migration. Anglers have been picking up perch along the south side of the Bay as well as off the North and South piers. If there is to be and ice season on the Bay, it may be short lived if at all. For those waiting the ice, be optimistic, Erie's weather can change rapidly. Northwest Pennsylvania Region Annual Deputy Meeting: This past weekend Deputy Waterways Conservation Officers from the Northwest Region met in Meadville for their annual meeting with Bureau of Law Enforcement Officials from Harrisburg as well as local Regional Management.. These meetings are held for each region of the Commonwealth and supplement many training meetings throughout the year. This is an opportunity for area DWCOs to meet as a large group and share experiences and training. Agenda items included regulation updates both new and pending, comprehensive training schedules for the year, outstanding service recognition and awards, refresher training as well as continuing education in police and law enforcement skills. Specific presentations included new and pending regulation changes as well as stocking challenges for this year. Training for both DWCO's and WCO's is a never ending process throughout the year to keep officers on top of the latest law enforcement polices, tactics, regulations, and required annual certifications. All Deputies are recertified annually in CPR and every two years in First Aid. Training throughout 2012 is scheduled to include tactical shooting skills development in addition to required sidearm qualifications. Refresher instruction also often includes use of force techniques, self defense, and OC (pepper spray) training. Regulation and law are also included as part of regular refresher training and is ongoing throughout the year. A number of Deputies were recognized for their many years of dedicated service and outstanding commitment to the Commission and its mission. Erie Outdoor Sport and Travel Expo: The 28th annual Erie Outdoor Sport and Travel Expo will be held March 2n through March 4th at the Erie Bay front Convention Center along the Erie bay front just west of Dobbins landing. Hours are Noon to 8:00 PM on Friday, 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM Saturday and 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Sunday. With 28 years under its belt, this expo has developed into the definitive cabin fever event for area hunters and anglers. The expo is a fabulous mix of the latest in hunting and fishing information and gear blended with exhibits by local clubs, bait shops and sport and travel stores and outfitters from around the globe. Great buys, informative demonstrations, and noted guest speaker clinics round out the expo. Area PFBC officers and representatives from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission as always, will be on hand throughout the weekend to answer questions and listen to your comments. See you there..... Only a Few Tickets Remaining: The Elk Valley Sportsmen's club will host its highly popular annual reverser raffle on February 18th, 2012 at the St. Johns Social Hall in Girard, PA. Tickets are $60.00 per couple. This exciting annual event offers a great dinner, most all legal beverages, great music and dancing, and a variety of games of chance and raffles, all for one inclusive price. Tickets for this event are available now by calling Bruce at 814-572-2780 Local Weather: Wednesday Night: Rain and snow showers likely, mainly after 2am. Cloudy, with a low around 34. South wind between 13 and 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. Little or no snow accumulation expected. Thursday: Rain. High near 42. Breezy, with a southeast wind 17 to 24 mph becoming southwest. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible. Thursday Night: A chance of rain and snow showers before midnight, then a chance of snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 31. Breezy, with a west wind between 17 and 22 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible. Friday: A chance of snow showers. Partly sunny and breezy, with a high near 36. Chance of precipitation is 30%. Friday Night: A chance of snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 27. Chance of precipitation is 40%. Saturday: A chance of snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 35. Chance of precipitation is 30%. Saturday Night: A chance of snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 24. Chance of precipitation is 30%. Sunday: Mostly cloudy, with a high near 30. Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 22. Washington's Birthday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 33. Monday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 27. Tuesday: A chance of rain and snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 39. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
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