Free day to fish, where PGC will make more public hunting lands, stocking blue catfish

Happy Independence Day. Today’s one of the days we can truly appreciate being an American and someone who enjoys the outdoors.

After enjoying a hot dog and a slice of apple pie for lunch, you can take someone who hasn’t fished before fishing. Today until midnight, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat commission has waived its license requirements. Yes, it’s a fish for free day.

If you don’t have fishing gear, the PFBC provides a fishing tackle loaner program at dozens of locations across Pennsylvania, including many state parks. A map of fishing tackle loaner sites is available online.

If you are enjoying adult beverages on the water, know that it’s just as illegal to drive a boat while under the influence as it is an automobile.

Waterways conservation officers are focusing extra efforts on boat safety today through Sunday as part of Operation Dry Water . It’s a nationally coordinated effort between law enforcement agencies, to conduct enhanced Boating Under the Influence (BUI) enforcement. You may notice an increase in the number of officers on the water and at recreational boating checkpoints. Stay safe and make sure you have a sober person steering your watercraft.

Last year across Pennsylvania, the PFBC reported eight individuals died in boating accidents. Alcohol or drugs were determined to be a contributing factor in at least three of the cases.

I also have a few stories for you to read this week that are linked below.

• Now is also a good time to invest in your Pennsylvania hunting license. Licenses, including antlerless deer licenses, have been on sale since June 24. I spoke to the Pennsylvania Game Commission and a county treasurer for their insights on how the sales have been so far and when you can purchase additional tags.
• Speaking of American freedoms, the Game Commission is looking to provide more public lands for everyone to enjoy. I have a story about where the PGC plans to purchase property in more than a dozen places across the commonwealth.
• Did you ever see a blue catfish? The PFBC has been stocking these colorful fish over the past two years and I spoke to the people involved about what anglers can expect with these massive fish.
• The last story I have is a reminder to consider applying for the elk tag lottery. Hunters have until July 11 to get a chance at one of 144 elk licenses that will be awarded this summer. The lottery is a great way to raise money for wildlife conservation.

Have a good holiday weekend.

Brian Whipkey is the outdoors columnist for USA TODAY Network sites in Pennsylvania. Contact him with questions about the outdoors or story ideas at bwhipkey@gannett.com or 814-444-5928. Follow him on Facebook @whipkeyoutdoors .

This article originally appeared on The Daily American: Free day to fish, where PGC will make more public hunting lands, stocking blue catfish