Dedication describes Larry and John at C & M ARCHERY at 1823 Freedom Lovi Road in Freedom. Both of these gentlemen are always concerned about their customers, making sure they have the best merchandise for sale to better your chances of being good at the sport of archery. Their bows, arrows and the necessary equipment are of the finest quality with many well-known brands to choose from. (724) 775-6622.

In any kind of weather you can practice your archery skills at AMERICAN ARCHERY, 5332 Route 8 in Gibsonia, PA. Shop around while you’re there and see a complete display of the best archery equipment at pleasing prices to fit your budget. It’s interesting just to talk to other people interested in the same sport as you to get some new ideas and information about what you might want to try. (724) 444-0066.

DEER CREEK ARCHERY has the 1998 IBO Shoot schedule ready to go. APRIL 19^TH, MAY 3^RD, JUNE 14^TH, JULY 12^TH, AUGUST 9^TH, & SEPTEMBER 20^TH. All are 30 target shoots & IBO scoring. Food and beverages are available and shoot times are 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. Where better to get your family started in this fun sport than at Deer Creek Archery. Don’t forget to check on the 1998 bow inventory too. Call Rudy for more information at (412) 253-2149.

Think spring and trout season! Stop in and see Rick, Rose and Bob at HEMLOCK ARCHERY ‘N’ TACKLE and let them help you pick out the latest in tackle and equipment. Good news for you trout fishermen - they will be open from 8 a.m. Friday the 17^th of April through 6 p.m. on the 18^th to sell you live bait. Wow! That’s 34 straight hours of service to the anglers. Don’t forget they carry a large inventory of clothing, bows and arrows. We all need to practice archery skills year round. For the latest fishing conditions and new summer hours call (814) 354-6303.

TROUT TRUCKS READYING TO RUMBLE

The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission is gearing up for its annual spring rite of passage, the stocking of trout in anticipation of the season opener April 18. The pre-season trout stockings set to begin March 1.

In all, some 2.6 million adult trout are scheduled for release in 780 streams and 110 lakes during the seven week period.

More than 931,000 brown trout, 835,000 rainbow trout and 602,000 brook trout will be stocked directly by the Commission. An estimated 250,000 trout will also be released by volunteer cooperative nurseries working in conjunction with the agency.

Detailed pre-season stocking information is available through the Commission’s web site by setting your internet browser to http://www.fish.state.pa.us and selecting "Pennsylvania Trout 1998" from the list of options.

While most trout waters across the state close on March 1 to accommodate these stockings, there is a remedy for those who may be suffering from fishing fever. There are 45 lakes and two rivers included in the Select Trout Stocked Lake Program. All trout harvested from the waters in this program are subject to Extended Trout Season rules: trout must be a minimum of seven inches in length and no more than three per day may be taken. A number of other Specially Regulated Trout Fishing Waters which are open to year-round angling also offer opportunities. Interested anglers should consult their 1998 Summary of Fishing Regulations and Laws for a list of waters open for trout fishing and the specific regulations governing these areas.