Check Out the Museum's News & Events:

Recent News:

The Wilderness Wildlife Museum has joined Facebook! Please look us up on Facebook under: Wilderness Wildlife Museum and click on "Like" keep up with the museum events and news. We would love to hear from you as well. We are always looking for suggestions and ideas for the museum.  

WWM Fish Management Program

This summer was very productive for the museum’s fish management & conservation program. Additions and improvements included:

· New 1/3 acre pond · In stream settling pond · 2 limestone filtration dams · Natural pH balancing system · Rerouted secondary supply

· Main stream supply revamp · 60 new bluegill · Controlled fish overflow · 6lbs new minnows · Controlled water overflow

Our main concentration was on the new 1/3 acre pond and the areas directly surrounding it. We began with reclamations of the land for the pond from an old dumping ground. Then work progressed to the pond excavation and revamping the fresh water main stream feed. The source for this feed is from the head waters of the Loyalhanna stream. 2 limestone dams were then implemented into this main stream supply area, which allowed for a natural in stream settling pond to form in front of each dam. These dams also provide a filtration system, while the limestone acts as a pH balancing agent.

Then 4” pipe was laid from the second in stream holding pond to the new 1/3 acre pond. This pipe was further intersected mid-way with an additional pipe fed by a smaller run off stream for the new pond intake. At the opposite end of the intake on the new pond was designed a controlled 8” overflow. This will not only control the water overflow but ultimately any overflow of smaller fish as well. All overflow feeds into additional runoff that becomes main intake for the already existing lower 1 acre pond.

To date there has been 60 new bluegill introduced to the ponds along with 6lbs of minnows. Further maintenance for correction of pH was performed on each pond by adding bails of barley straw to the base of each to breakdown slowly over the winter.

Next spring museum activities will be surely complimented with all these new additions.  

Recent Events:

WWM Supporters & Friends Return To King Salmon Camp June '10

Again this year there were an array of WWM supporters that visited Hodge’s Outfitters fish camp on the Nushagak River in Alaska. Each year the camp hosts fishing for King Salmon (Alaskan Chinook). The camp is located north east of the Bristol Bay on the land of the Choggiung Indians which are part of the Yupik tribe of Alaska. There is always a great mix of activities, people, animals, fish and fun. Fishing compiles the better part of the day off shore or drifting the river on boats. The meals provided are over and above what you would expect in the heart of the Alaskan wilderness: prime rib, stuffed turkey and salmon served every way possible...yum! The accommodations are extremely comfortable for a tented camp and include a beautiful yurt with all of the modern conveniences for a meal/recreation hall like atmosphere. Most evenings were spent congregated around the campfire exchanging stories, jokes and many laughs all while watching the moose, eagles, snow hares and many other animals frolic around us all. There is no better way to experience the Alaskan outdoors this close to nature.

WWM Kids Fish Derby June '10

On June 5th the museum hosted it's first kids fish derby. This will be an annual event now for the WWM. The fish derby was attended by boys and girls of ages 5 to 16 years The morning hosted some early fishing and heavy rain but these kids were all determined! The skies cleared and left behind some muddy conditions but nothing impeded these young fishermen and fisherwoman! The event fishing took place at the museum's newest pond. Dads, moms, friends and grandfathers alike didn't hesitate to help with the event. Thanks to all of them. The fishing was followed by a good hosing off of mud outside the museum, and a great lunch prepared by Rosalie Jioio's Little Italy for everyone! Some of the larger fish measured just above the 15" range but the largest was a 17" trout caught by 5 year old Sophia Marcelli. Much thanks goes out to Armour Mellon who was most kind to help with the stocking of the fish for the kids. Pictured at right starting top left & clockwise: Katie Horrell, Georgie Scott & Taylor Horrell proudly displaying bait. Katie Horrell playing in pond spillway. Sopia Marcelli with one of her favorite night crawlers of the day. Justin Bellas with one of his larger rainbow trout catches. Mason Nuttall fishing along side his Dad Don (Thanks to Don for all of his help with all of the kids. We made good use of his quick netting & hook release skills! Those kids kept him busy with the multiple fish they all caught).

Alberta Deer Hunt November '09

Team Keslar heads to Alberta In November 2009. Jack Keslar and Bruce Matthews of Team Keslar head to Alberta for whitetail deer season, and were nicely surprised. We made new friends both north of the border and south of the Mason Dixon Line. Richard, Diane and Joel Deslauriers of Mclennan, Alberta, Canada  took us into there home as one of the family, and it was like we were one of the family. I want to thank them one more time. Our new friends from south of the border are Stan Floyd, and Bill Stark of Orange Texas. Stan took a huge 13 point on the 5th day of the hunt, Bruce took a huge 10 point on the 6th day. I was very lucky I took a huge 9 point 15 minutes into our hunt. Remember sometimes it is the first deer you see. Bill left without a deer, because he did not see a deer to his liking. He saw a lot of deer, but none in the class he wanted. Again thank you to the Deslauriers’s and to Bill and Stan we will see you all next year!. -Jack

Saskatchewan Deer Hunt November '09

After Alberta Jack headed to Saskatchewan to Northway Outfitters around north Battleford, Saskatchewan. I made some new friends there as well. Bud and Brenda Graham were great hosts, and the accommodations were second to none. The camp was very comfortable and the food was great thanks to Buddy’s mom. I harvested a 10point beauty. There are a lot of deer in Saskatchewan. Everyone there had a great time. I liked it so much I am going to return next year. I had an incredible deer hunting season as the photos show, but don't tell it all.  -Jack

Ha lloween "Night at the Museum"

Much fun was had by all at this year's annual, "Night at the Museum." Not only did we celebrate Halloween, but we brewed up an even bigger surprise! We used the event to mask a surprise birthday party for Rosalie Keslar on her actual birthday night! The event & surprise were a GREAT success. The costumed characters and ghouls were the finishing touch (pictured below) to a spooky and gruesomely decorated museum. Thanks to all whom attended & helped to made it a very special evening.

From top of picture collage clockwise:

1. (Back) Bree Horrell & Georgie Scott (Front) Taylor & Katie Horrell, Mary & Sophia Smithnosky 

2. A spooky museum filled with costumed characters and ghouls  

3. Beth Carlson-Scott, Georgie Scott & Jack Keslar  

4. A cheering crowd as Rosalie cuts her birthday gog cake for all  

5. Museum chairman Jack Keslar with his “witchy” sister Rosalyn, “Birthday Halloween Diva” mother Rosalie and “Good Witch” sister Giovanna.  

Wyoming Mule Deer & Antelope Hunt October 2009

Team Keslar heads to Campbell County Wyoming for their latest hunt. Great success was enjoyed by all the three hunters as they each harvested a mule deer and an antelope. Pictured at right, in the orange jacket, is Dr. Bruce Matthews with his 15.5 in. long antelope and his 5x5 mule deer. Also pictured are Dr. Dennis Marcelli with his 4x3 mule deer next to Jack Keslar's 5x4 mule deer. The hospitality extended to them by their hosts, Bill and Cindy Mankin, was greatly appreciated. 

Kansas Hunt December 2008

Team Keslar goes to central Kansas for a turkey and white-tailed deer hunting trip. Dr. Bruce Matthews & Jack Keslar (pictured with his deer on right) both take big & beautiful 8 point white-tailed deer from their Kansas Hunt Adventure of December 2008.

Yamagiwa Family Weekend Outing 

2 day shooting outing with the Yamagiwa family. The family members were shooting novices that ranged in age from 16-94 years. First day consisted of full fire arm instruction and clays shooting. 2nd day consisted of full field shooting instruction and outfitting for a guided live bird hunt. Fun was had by all.

 Alaskan Grizzly Hunt 2008 

Team Keslar took 6 hunters to western Alaska for a combo hunt. The hunters were Monte Mcfadden, Dr. Dennis Marcelli, Armour Mellon, Don & Dave Francois and myself, Jack Keslar. Read about the last Alaskan Grizzly Hunt in Jack's Blog

 Boy Scout Troop 133

Boy Scout Troop 133 visited the museum over Fort Ligonier Days. They participated in a program on conservation and stewardship to earn a badge. 

Night at The Museum 2008 

Fun was had by all at the annual "Night at the Museum," 9-27-08. Proceeds benefited museum education. Guests enjoyed a big game & fish menu while viewing museum dvds and pictured journals of past hunts and activities.  

Look, First Fish Dad!!!

Congratulations to Sophia Marcelli (age 3) on her first fish caught at the Wilderness Wildlife Museum in May 2008.