I know I'm a glutton for punishment, but I've decided to try another moose hunt in Canada. This time I'm driving with Beaver Boy and six other guys to the northern part of Quebec for a camp hunt.

In these hunts, you have to have a hunting partner and you both work together to harvest one moose between you. I want to be prepared with a moose call for some "moose-in-rut" calling out of a boat or in some forest clear-cut, but I'm having a hard time finding one.

Fortunately, my trip isn't until November, so I have some time to take care of that problem, and, as expected, my wife's not too keen about me wanting to practice a love sick cow moose call every night!

Licenses for sale

One thing that I know for sure is that the new 2007-08 hunting licenses went on sale. I always look forward to the new hunting year and all the promise it holds for an exciting outdoor adventure.

The adult resident license is still a bargain at $20, and the best deal of the day is the $9 youth-junior combo license for hunters ages 12 to 16

Safety courses

Hunter safety education classes are in full swing and are being offered throughout the county. Here are the dates and locations of a few of them:

n June 28, North Butler Hunting and Fishing Club

• July 9, the Butler City Hunting and Fishing Club

• July 12, Happy Hunters Sportsman's Club,

• July 13, Cranberry Twp. Municipal Building

• July 27, Boyers Sportsmen's Association at Epiphany Hall.

Prospective hunters must attend the entire class and pass the final exam to receive an H-T-E card.

There is no fee and the only requirement is that you be 11 years of age or older.

Stay legal

The Pennsylvania hunting season officially starts July 1 and ends June 30 each year. That means groundhog hunters need to be aware that your old hunting license expires very soon.

Varmint hunters always are the first hunters afield for the new season, and they and can't wait until Thanksgiving weekend to buy a deer license!

You fellows know what I mean: every year on that weekend, the lines in outdoor sport shops are a mile long for licenses. Licenses can be bought on line as well, and it's an easy process.

In years past, I would never trust a computer to apply for my license needs. However, last year when Beaver Boy and I applied for the bobcat permit drawing, he used regular mail and I used the computer and we both pulled a permit.

Now I am a believer and just completed my application for the 2007 Elk License Drawing. The application is randomly drawn for 40 licenses for the November 2007 season and 10 licenses for the September 2008 season.

There is a $10 non-refundable fee just to be in the drawing. Selected Pennsylvania residents are entitled to buy an elk license for $25; non-residents, $250. Applicants also can build up preference points for future drawings if they apply each year, giving them a greater chance to be drawn.

It bears scrutiny

Bears are on the move and Butler County residents should take precautions to avoid man-bear conflicts.

Even a 200 -pound bear is a powerful wild animal and could cause property damage or injure pets and humans. A sow bear with cubs is not a happy bear when she feels threatened or especially if she thinks her cubs are in danger.

Although they are normally shy creatures, bears can become used to handouts and will look for easy meals.

Keep garbage and pet food in a closed location and don't feed a bear — it's illegal.

Jay E. Hewitt is an outdoors columnist for the Butler Eagle.