James W. Oswald (center)(from l to r) Carl G. Roe, Game Commission executive director; Philip Luckenbaugh, Game Commission Hunter-Trapper Education Division; Oswald; Craig Kauffman, Safari Club International; and John J. Riley, Board of Game Commissioners

James W. Oswald, of Sinking Springs, Berks County, is headed for summer school and, unlike most youngsters facing that task, he just can't wait to get started.

Oswald, 14, is the grand prize winner of the junior division (ages 12-15) of the Pennsylvania Game Commission's 2005 Youth Hunter Education Essay Contest.

As the top entry in the junior division, Oswald was awarded a scholarship to the Safari Club International's Apprentice Hunter Camp at the Indianhead Ranch in Del Rio, Texas. Safari Club International Region 25 (Pa. chapters) donated the grand prize.

First prize honors in the junior division, went to Matthew R. Martin, 15, of New Holland, Lancaster County. He will receive a .50 caliber Traditions muzzleloading rifle.

Finishing second through fourth place in the junior division were: Zachary T. Zatko, 13, Lower Burrell, Westmoreland County; Andrew M. Straw, 15, Curwensville, Clearfield County; and Jared I. Smith, 15, Rome, Bradford County.

Due to an insufficient number of entries in the senior division (ages 16-18), prizes were awarded for first through third this year.

Jeremy D. Horning, 17, Denver, Lancaster County, was the first prize winner of the senior division. He also will receive a .50 caliber Traditions muzzleloading rifle.

Finishing in second and third places in the senior division were: Ronald J. Brynarsky III, 16, Ephrata, Lancaster County; and Julie M. Vavreck, 16, Erie, Erie County.

The theme for the 2005 contest was: "How I support wildlife conservation."

Prizes in both divisions include: second place, Sightron 8x42 binoculars; third place, "Successful Hunting" KP book set; and fourth place, Buck Knives limited edition knife.

First through fourth place prizes were donated by: Traditions, Sightron, KP Books and Buck Knives, respectively.

Every contest entrant received a Game Commission "Working Together for Wildlife" embroidered patch. Winners were recognized at the January meeting of the Board of Game Commissioners in Harrisburg.

The Essay Contest is open to youngsters who are Pennsylvania residents, have successfully completed a hunter-trapper education course and possess a current hunting or furtaking license.

Watch for details for the 2006 Essay Contest on the Game Commission website.

3/3/2006