I was attending a small meeting the other day and I pulled on my face mask to be in line with the COVID-19 rules in the commonwealth.

The discussion was very expansive and covered all kinds of subjects that would interest sportspersons in our community. Fresh off the press was the retirement of our long-standing Fish & Boat Commission WCO, Jon Kay, after 22 years on the Butler County waterways.

I recall his first days on the job as he was gung-ho about enforcing all of the boating and fishing laws in the county area. Over the years, he learned to find out not everything is black and white and we all need to learn life from different perspectives.

We wish him and his family well in their new endeavors and hope that we are given a solid replacement WCO in the near future.

The next thing that came up was the reports by hunters that the first applications for antlerless deer permits were being mailed out and many of the hunters received their hunting licenses. The second permit was just opened up on Aug. 3 through the mail as well and the pink envelopes were hitting the mail boxes.

Some of the hunters remarked that the opportunity to harvest venison was a higher priority for them this year. Nothing has changed in my household and the opportunity to have one deer takes care of our needs. However, some of my friends have asked about the Hunters Harvest and deer donation programs that provide venison for families that need the protein.I have two nieces and a friend who will take ground meat anytime it is available. There should be no need for any wasted food with plenty of folks wanting wild game as a supplement.Processing prices for deer have risen a great deal over the past few years to nearly $75-$100 dollars per deer. Proper handling of wild game from field to table needs to be carefully followed by hunters. This includes carefully placed shots and quick recovery and field dressing.Skinning and cooling the meat is a No. 1 priority for tasty and edible products. The donation of a processed deer to a family is a wonderful gift idea for Christmas or the New Year. A donation of cash to the programs that help to pay for processing the deer would be huge.I tell fellows all the time …it's not the money, it's the availability of the food products these days.

Everyone who wanted to apply for an Elk License should have done so as the annual Elk Tag Drawing will be held on Aug. 15. This year, there will be three distinct hunting opportunities in Pa. The first will be Archery only, the second will be the General Season and the Late Season for cow elk will be last.I have a nephew who has seen some of the wonderful bulls that we offer in Pennsylvania and he was all in for the archery drawing. If positive thinking pays off, he may be lucky enough to draw a tag this year. I recall being young and excited about the chance of both a buck & bull hunt!

What's your ideas about the minimum calibers allowed to big game being limited to 24 calibers like the .243 Winchester?The PGC voted down the proposal to set the bar at 24 caliber and still allow calibers like the 22-250 and .223 for hunting deer. The idea of better ballistics was discussed and the PGC will have dialogue with the ammunition manufacturers.Personally, my feeling is that a practiced marksman making a good shot is the most important component. How about the use of night vision equipment for coyote, fox, raccoons and such? It looks like the rules will change to allow this equipment in the 2020-21 season.The wearing of fluorescent orange in the game lands from Nov. 15 through Dec. 15 is now mandatory for all people. At least 250 square inches must be worn on the head and chest/back areas. This means hikers, bikers, photographers and fishermen must follow this law.The Harbar Acres lake in State GL-95 is one area where fishing does take place in the hunting season.

Finally, the news for Hunter Safety Classes is bleak for the old-time classroom style sessions. The new norm is to take the exam on line with the PGC. There is no charge for youth or residents, but there is a $20 charge for non-residents.Some people may have been inadvertently charged for the classes and they can get a reimbursement by contacting the PA Game Commission Headquarters.Until we meet again, wear the protective mask with the two-legged critters and get out into the fresh air for free breathing opportunities!Jay Hewitt is an outdoors columnist for the Butler Eagle