The Dunn family of Newton Township participated in the hunt. From left, are Phil Dunn, Jr., Phil Dunn III, and Lindsay Dunn.
From left, are Chris Cole, of Moscow, Donald Green, of Newton Township, Forrest Green, of of Nicholson, Samantha Green, of Nicholson, Eric Savage, of Wysox, Kyle Hnat, of Newton Township, and Shawn Duggan, of Newton Township.
NEWTON TOWNSHIP — Thirty-eight teams participated this year in the Newton Ransom Volunteer Fire Company Squirrel Hunt on Saturday, Jan. 21.
Hunting was allowed during the day on the property of the hunter’s ownership or lease pursuant to PA laws. The two-person groups brought up to six squirrels to weigh in at the firehouse.
Cash prizes and awards were given to first place and second place. A voucher for next year’s squirrel hunt was given to the third-place winner.
The Lunker Award was given to the person who brought in the heaviest squirrel. This award was given to a team called Kuchinski, which consists of Phil Dunn, Jr. and his wife, Lindsay, for a 1.8-pound gray squirrel. Phil and Lindsay brought their 5-year-old son Phil Dunn III for his first time.
They went hunting near the powder mill on Route 502 in Newton Township, where Lindsay’s late parents used to hang out. Phil Jr. used to come to the squirrel hunt with his father before his passing. They enjoyed the dinner provided at the fire company’s banquet hall later that evening with the rest of the hunters.
“It brings everyone together,” said Phil Jr.
“It brings back the memories with my family,” Lindsay added. “It also makes my mind escape from now that everything that happened. It reminds me of (my parents) memories here, but it also releases my broken heart of my loss to keep doing what I should be doing.”
Chris Hart, a zoning officer of Old Forge, attempted the squirrel hunt for his first time. He is a good friend of the Dunn family, who talked him into participating this year. His team was called Ronex Cowboys. He bagged six squirrels in the game lands of Montage Mountain. He is a big supporter of volunteer fire companies since he works for the one in Old Forge.
“I do it for the fun and charity,” he said.
The winning teams of the 2023 squirrel hunt were Montdale Cowboys, first place; Railroad Rats, second place; and Squirrel Busters, third place.
The squirrel hunt along with the rest of the fire company’s events continue to dedicate to community safety and service as well as honoring the legacy of all the members. It was originally hosted by the Clarks Summit VFW Post 7069 Ladies Auxiliary.
Erin DeCicco has been organizing the event since the Newton Ransom Volunteer Fire Company became the host. It was started by a friend of her and her husband as a respite during the winter months.
“I enjoy the camaraderie of the event, as well as the opportunity to raise funds needed to support the NRVFC and Abington Area Emergency Services,” she said. “Hosting would not be possible without the support and efforts of our dedicated and selfless NRVFC members.”
