Although this is one of my favorite times of the year to see wildlife on the move, it is also a time full of danger as the new youngsters explore their new environment.

June is a big month for baby wildlife to leave their hiding places and dens and nests. Anyone going outdoors can witness the youngsters showing up in many ways.

Mowing yards and fields is in full swing now and the chances of seeing fawns and bunnies and hen turkeys on the nest are great. Drive along any country lane and the chances of seeing young wildlife are going to be exceptional.

However, the edges, places that wildlife come out of cover to find food and sunshine, are often deadly to them. All one has to do is wait, it’s only a matter of time before one of those new critters meet up with highway traffic.

Unfortunately, I witnessed such an event this past week as I drove a roadway along Slippery Rock Creek.

Wildlife love to travel around creek bottoms and field edges. In fact, I especially watch out for wildlife in these areas when I travel them. To ignore the fact that this is an active time of year makes me frustrated with people who appear to be oblivious to nature’s creatures.

On this day I saw a turtle trying to cross the road from a bog area to the creek side. Turtles are not winning any races on land despite the children’s fable!

My immediate thought was to slow down and pull off the road to give him a boost and safely on his way. The plan was working and I was safely out of the traffic lanes. Then I heard the sound of an approaching vehicle about 200 yards away. It was traveling faster than necessary on a country road.

I tried to signal for the person to slow down so that this mission could be successful. Not only was the car not slowing down, but I had to witness the demise of the poor turtle. No reason for it, just a thoughtless and careless act of indifference.

You would have to live in a bubble to not know that animals of all kinds are facing extinction from actions directly caused by human actions — be it environmental, greed, indifference or over-harvest of resources.

How bold or callous we all can be to think that our needs are more important or vital than any other life on the planet. Every action we take or decision we make often effects the lives of others, including wildlife.

Take the time to notice what is going on around you in your little part of the world. If everyone took care of some small part of the world, it would be a far better place.

I better get off my soap box and get back to some other things that I wanted to write about. First off, the PA Game Commission announced that the 2020-21 hunting licenses are going on sale June 22 at all license agents and online. Visit your local shops and get your licenses and supplies and help them out.

If you go online, you will have to wait for 10 days or more to get the same materials and licenses.

Hunter Safety courses have been cancelled for the month of June due to COVID-19 issues. You can go online to get your classes started and if all works out, the classes held later in the summer and fall will be back on track. Go to the PGC website to keep track of the events as they are changing.

Do you remember the high-profile case that involved two young men with a deer that was videotaped as they abused the animal and caused a terrible uproar in Pa.?

The PGC successfully prosecuted the case and the scofflaws received significant penalties including, fines, 15 years-loss of licenses, community service and probation supervision.

Striped Bass fishing has really been picking up at Lake Arthur in the past few weeks and the Annual Slippery Rock Friends of the Library Catch and Release Tournament starts next week.

I plan on catching some recreation out at the lake “reel” soon!

Walleye have been tremendous on Lake Erie and there are both private charters and head boat opportunities for anglers who do not have their own boats.

Waterways Officer Jon Kay reminds all boaters to follow the rules of the water and to have on their life jackets for a safe day of boating.

Until we meet again, look out for wildlife and cut them a “brake”!

Jay Hewitt is an outdoors columnist for the Butler Eagle