HuntingNY-News

The event is open to hunters ages 12 to 15 who hold a 2010-2011 state hunting license. The Gene Blumer Memorial Youth Pheasant hunt is set for Saturday and Sunday at a location off Blumer Road in Palermo. The event, open to hunters ages 12 to 15 who hold a 2010-2011 state hunting license, is being sponsored by the Conservation Alliance of New York, and co-sponsored by the Oswego County Federation of Sportsmen's CLubs, the Onondaga County Federation of Sportsmen's Clubs and the Salmon River Strutters Chapter, National Wild Turkey Federation. Hunters 12 to 13 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian; ages 14 to 15 by a parent, legal guardian or responsible adult of at least 21 years of age. Hunts are scheduled for 8 a.m. to noon both days. Youngsters may sign up for either hunt. There's a free lunch for pre-registered youth hunters. For more, contact Rick McDermott, at 882-1540 or email [email protected]. You can also the Conservation Alliance web site. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

It's that time of year. Many salmon are being taken in 12 to 60 feet of water on Lake Ontario. CNY FISHING FORECAST Bait stores (list and map). LAKE ONTARIO Salmon are starting to stage around the mouth of tributaries. Many are being taken in 12 to 60 feet of water. Good baits continue to be cut bait, large spoons and J-plugs. Good colors have been green, chrome, white, glow green ladder back and gold. SALMON RIVER The river flow has remained steady (at a low flow rate) and salmon continue to make their way upstream. There’s fish throughout the river. OWEGO RIVER River level has gone up a little. A few salmon in the river, but not many. ONEIDA LAKE Perch bite continues to be good, particularly in front of Cleveland. A lot of small perch are being caught in Big Bay. Anglers are getting them in the weedbeds in 10 to 20 feet of water, using small crayfish, a little piece of worm on a hook or tipping a small spinner with a piece of a worm or fathead minnow. Walleye bite is slowly picking up, particularly out by Sylvan Beach and Lewis Point. Evening bass bite is still strong. Try a topwater lure or spinnerbait. CAYUGA LAKE Lake trout, Atlantic salmon and brown trout are still hitting for anglers trolling with spoons or flashers and flies off downriggers, Dipsey divers, lead core and copper. Fishing 70 to 90 feet down with riggers and running Dipseys back 200 to 300 feet, and running copper at 350 to 400 feet have been working. Good colors have been white, green, purple and blue. Vertical jigging with plastics continues to be good from 75 to 95 feet of water. Some nice brown trout are also being taken by anglers vertical jigging for lake trout. Lots of bass being taken on crayfish. SENECA LAKE Weed mats are once again making trolling difficult on some areas of the lake. Location has been changing depending on wind direction. Lake trout are still being taken on spoons and flashers & flies fished down 100 feet over 150 feet of water. Trolling very slowly, 1 mph, with blue and silver colored baits has continued to work well. Vertical jigging with chartreuse plastics continues to be good for lake trout in 95 to 120 feet of water. Smallmouth bass and yellow perch are hitting on crayfish and minnows fished off the pier. Anglers fishing large minnows under bobbers or large crankbaits are catching some northern pike. OWASCO LAKE A lot of bass being caught on live crayfish throughout the lake in 15 to 20 feet of water throughout the lake. A few yellow perch are also being caught on small minnows. OTISCO LAKE Nothing new to report, apart from lots of panfish being taken. SKANEATELES LAKE Smallmouth bass and rock bass are hitting along the shore out to about 40 feet of water for anglers fishing with tube baits, super flukes, drop-shot rigs and crayfish. Yellow perch fishing is starting to pick up and they are being taken on small minnows or crayfish. SODUS BAY Largemouth bass fishing has been decent with fish hitting Senko style baits and a few pike are being taken on large spoons. Perch fishing has been slow but should pick up soon. SANDY POND No new fishing activity to report. ST. LAWRENCE RIVER Lots of bass being taken in about 20 feet of water on live crayfish and bass minnows. Northern pike, same thing, in slightly deeper water near the weedbeds using crankbaits, spoons and larger shiners. Walleyes are being taken by trolling during the day in 40-50 feet using deep diver lures. Just before dark, anglers are still fishing, using bucktail jigs with night crawlers. WHITNEY POINT RESERVOIR Reservoir is down from last week, should be good for fishing this weekend. Spillway fishing below the lake is still pretty good for walleye and smallmouth bass. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

New offerings this year include predator-calling demonstrations, fire starting and survival and a taxidermy display and demonstrations of mounting wildlife. Len Morgesse (left) from New York Bowhunters instructs Jake Farrell (age of Camillus in the use of a genesis bow which is a type of adjustable bow at the 2009 Sportsmen's Days at Carpenter's Brook. David Lassman The annual Honeywell Sportsmen's Days scheduled for this weekend at the Carpenter’s Brook Fish Hatchery, Route 321, Elbridge, is expected to draw more than 6,000 persons. The two-day event was created as a tribute to National Hunting and Fishing Day, which is on Saturday. The local event is one of the largest celebrations of National Hunting and Fishing Day in the state. It will be open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Admission is $5 per car. I plan to be there from noon to 3 p.m. Sunday to meet with readers. Outdoor activities suitable for all ages include: skeet shooting (shotgun), waterfowl identification/calling,turkey and goose calling, archery, free turkey call building clinic for kids, BB guns, fly fishing, jig tying, canoeing, muzzle loading, and trout fishing. There will be demonstrations by woodsmen, local wildlife artists and authors, retriever and pointer dog demonstrations. Conservation Officers, Forest Rangers and Eddie Eagle will make appearances. Free prize drawings every hour with a grand prize of a fishing charter for four on Lake Ontario. NEW OFfERINGS THIS YEAR INCLUDE: • Wild Game/Fish Cooking demonstrations by professional chefs and Hall of Fame Sportsmen • Chainsaw artists carving wildlife figures • Predator (coyote) Calling Demonstrations • Primitive Pursuits – tanning animal skins using natural materials • Fire starting and survival • Birds of Prey and Retriever Dog demonstrations • Taxidermy display and demonstrations of mounting wildlife For more information, call the hatchery at 689-9367. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

A credit card processing company that business contract with for the service has a unique approach to drumming up business. This just in from the moosedroppings.com Web site, which highlights "news of the odd" when it comes to the outdoors: "MerchantService.com, a credit card processing company that businesses contract with for the service, (has a unique approach to drumming up business). A quick trip around its website shows a pro American, pro gun, pro individual rights (philosophy) that offers gun vouchers as rewards for businesses that open accounts with them." Read more Visit the company's Web site, which includes the song, "I Got Rights." View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

The tournament is taking place Sept. 24-30 on the St. Lawrence River from Ogdensburg to Massena. The following is a press release from the Akwesasne Mohawk Casino: The Akwesasne Mohawk Casino is hosting the Carp Angling World Championship’s awards ceremony on September 30. Several hundred of the world’s most talented carp anglers will cap-off their five-day endurance contest with a celebration at the casino honoring the winners of the competition. Carp Tournament Series and the St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce are sponsoring the competition, which will take place beforehand beginning Sept. 24-30 on the St. Lawrence River corridor from Ogdensburg to Massena. It is only the second time in history that the competitive, world-class professional-level carp fishing event has be held in North America. Competitions of this caliber are rarely held outside Europe, and the last time such an elite tournament came to the United States was 2005. Anglers representing Canada, the Channel Islands, Greece, the Czech Republic, England, Hungary, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, South Africa, the Ukraine and the United States will participate in the international contest. “The world’s best carp anglers are traveling from across the globe to the North Country to participate in the Carp Angling World Championship, and it is befitting that the Akwesasne Mohawk Casino open its doors to welcome these competitors from such far reaching places," said Public Relations Manager Benjamin Herne. “We’ll do everything possible to show the participants, their families, volunteers and spectators a relaxing and fun alternative to complement the grueling competitive side of this event. We’re confident they’ll enjoy the 1,600-plus Vegas-style slots, gaming tables and restaurants.” “We’re delighted to accept the invitation of the Akwesasne Mohawk Casino as our partner and venue for our awards ceremonies, and we’re grateful for their hospitality. We look forward to having a great time at the casino and awards ceremonies,” said tournament director David Moore. America’s “Bass Boss” Ray Scott – perhaps the most noted name in competitive fishing – will emcee the awards ceremonies at the casino. The BASS founder has a keen interest in catch-and-release competitive fishing and sees many similarities in both the foundation and philosophies between carp and bass anglers’. The casino will recognize Scott at a VIP reception prior to the awards ceremonies. Organizers encourage both fans and the curious to come out to watch the skill of these world-class competitors along the St. Lawrence River. The event headquarters are at the arena in Waddington NY. Maps, leader board standings and schedule of events are located on-line. Opening and closing ceremonies are open to the public. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

The fish was released after it was weighed. Submitted photoJosh Blesh, of North Syracuse, recently caught this 12-pound, tiger muskie while fishing with his dad on Onondaga Lake. After it was weighed, Blesh released the fish. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

Not making this up. It really happened out in Arizona. A swarm of killer bees recently created all sorts of havoc at an Arizona farm. Among the victims was a 1,000-pound hog. Jeez.....It's real life stories like this that are behind the reason I could never get myself to watch that stupid "Swarm" movie. (The fictional flick took place in Texas). Read the whole story. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

The photo was shot near Phoenix. Submitted photoJeff Newvine got this interesting shot recently on his trail camera of two bucks locking antlers. The photo was shot near Phoenix. It's that time of year! Deer hunting season isn't that far off! Does anybody else have some interesting, funny or impressive trail cam photos they'd like to share? Send them to me at [email protected]. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

In presidential politics, there?s too much fuss over folksy. View the full article

Thomas Rawinski, of the U. Forest Service, said botanists are usually the first people to see the impacts. The average person looks at a forest and the trees and just doesn’t see what’s going on. David Lassman/The Post-StandardThomas Rawinski, a botanist with the U.S. Forest Service, measures a sapling at the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge. Sarah Schoenberg, of the U.S. Forest Services, helps record the data. Thomas Rawinski said botanists are generally not fond of white-tailed deer. “Especially large numbers of them,” he said. “That’s because botanists are usually the first people to see the impacts. The average person looks at a forest and the trees and just doesn’t see what’s going on.” What’s going on, said Rawinski, a botanist with the U.S. Forest Service’s Forest Health Protection Program, is that in many areas of New York and the Northeast “the deer are eating themselves out of house and home. “In many cases, the regeneration of trees and other plants are severely compromised or even eliminated,” he said. He cited a report released last year by the Nature Conservancy in which forests were randomly sampled across this state, using data supplied by the U.S. Forest Service. “One third of those sites did not have sufficient regeneration, and reports strongly implicated deer browse as the main cause,” he said. Rawinski, who was in the area last week following up on work he started last year at the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge in Savannah, is working closely with U.S. Fish and Wildlife staff there. He’s also partnered with the state Department of Environmental Conservation at the northern end of the Montezuma area, and at Beaver Meadows State Forest in Chenango County. At the latter location, DEC foresters have determined that browsing by deer is negatively impacting the 5,800-acre forest “beyond what traditional hunting and forest management can address.” Last year, the DEC issued a special Deer Management Assistance Program permit, which essentially gave the foresters there 110 location-specific, antlerless-deer tags to hand out to hunters in attempt to knock down the deer population during the regular hunting season. The program is continuing this year. Rawinski talked this week about what he does and why the average person should care. Someone might say there’s enough forest for all the animals. Why not just let Mother Nature take care of her own. White-tailed deer evolved as a very prolific herbivore. In the forest, they evolved with a whole host of natural predators. We humans have altered that ecosystem by removing most of the major predators. We humans have manipulated the habitat to the liking of deer. Many experts agree that we have more deer in eastern America than in pre-colonial times. People have different reasons for wanting to control the size of a local deer herd — agricultural, Lyme disease or to reduce deer-car accidents. Mine is ecological. Just what are you doing at Montezuma and other locales to study this? Here (at Montezuma and elsewhere), I’ve set up 10-square-meter areas and 100-square-meter areas. We measure all the tree saplings in the bigger plots and we count and measure the height of everything in the smaller plots. The idea is come back each year to measure and count everything again to see if there’s any changes. You talk about forest disintegration and forests not being able to regenerate. So what? One has to look at a forest as a whole, as a thriving organism. A 40-year-old tree falls and nothing springs up to replace it. You have places like Letchworth State Park. It’s a real horror show over there, where studies clearly show what used to grow there and all the bio-diversity that we’ve lost because of deer It’s not just the plants that are affected. These effects cascade throughout the ecosystem. Think about the pollinators, all the native bees, butterflies, skippers, the low-nesting birds — they have no habitat. I’m not just talking about such things out of thin air. There are places across the state you can go and see for yourself. Why have you been called to the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge? Too many deer here? There is a controlled hunting program here, but the deer are hard to count. They’re very mobile animals. What we’re seeing quite often is that due to limitations of access, hunters aren’t getting into deep swamplands. Bottom line, there isn’t enough hunting to reduce the deer population to a level that allows the new trees to grow in certain parts of the refuge. Be more specific. There doesn’t seem to be an impact on the overall forest health, but in certain localized areas we’re seeing certain impacts that we’re closely monitoring. For example, where Eastern red cedar grows on the refuge, the deer are suppressing (the new saplings). Just north of here in the (state-owned) Montezuma Wildlife Management Area, we started monitoring trilium (a flowering plant) and we’ve seen their numbers greatly reduced. The DEC has also taken steps to protect an endangered tree species (Kentucky coffee tree) by trimming out the competing trees and putting fences around the young Kentucky coffee trees. You can’t do that, though, for everything. You mentioned the browse line. What’s that? That’s the area of the forest from the ground up to about 5 to 6 feet — the area that deer feed on. You can look out into a forest in some areas I’ve been to and see nothing growing in that zone, thanks to deer. Is there a correlation between what deer are feeding on and the spread of invasive plants? There are some invasives deer eat, and a disproportionate number that they don’t eat. They don’t like Japanese stilt grass, which is starting to invade this part of the world, and they don’t eat barberry because it’s so spiny. They also won’t touch garlic mustard. As the desirable plants are trimmed out of our forests, it opens up the opportunities for the invasives to move in. Your view of hunters? Many view hunters as the heroes in all this — particularly bowhunters near suburban areas. Things like hiring sharpshooters to reduce deer herds are expensive. White-tailed deer hunting is extremely popular, it costs the community nothing and provides a low-carbon footprint meat for people. Will there ever be a consensus on what we as humans should do to manage deer? We all have our own opinion and we all own the resource. It’s a very challenging question. I see it as a matter of conservation, of looking at the land (and all its components) as a super organism that we want to keep healthy. As we look around, is the super organism thriving — or are deer causing havoc to disturb that health? I would say in a variety of areas they are. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

The Bass Pro Shops Bassmasters Northern Open tournament is set for Thursday, Friday and Saturday on Oneida Lake. The contest is a pro-am format, with anglers being teamed on each boat with co-anglers. The tournament promises about $250,000 in cash and merchandise for prizes. Big-time bass fishing is coming this weekend to Oneida Lake, and a number of local fishermen are participating. The Bass Pro Shops Bassmasters Northern Open tournament is set for Thursday, Friday and Saturday on Oneida Lake. The contest is a pro-am format, with anglers being teamed on each boat with co-anglers. The entry fee is $1,250 for anglers and $350 for co-anglers. The tournament will feature more than 140 boats and 20 elite pros, including Michael Iaconelli, Boyd Duckett, Dave Wolak, Peter Thliveros and Ish Monroe. The roster lists 143 anglers from 33 states. Twenty-eight are from New York — many from Central New York. The tournament promises about $250,000 in cash and merchandise for prizes, depending on the final participation numbers. The winner of the angler division will get a Triton/Mercury boat-and-motor package. The top finishing co-angler will receive a Skeeter/Yamaha boat-and-motor package. Randy LaManche, of Manlius, said this is the highest level of bass fishing he’s ever entered. “Number one, because of the cost of the entry fee,” he said. “I chose to give this one a try because it’s local and I’ll save on travel expenses. Plus, I’m familiar with the lake.” LaManche said he’s honored to be in the competition with elite-level anglers. "iI want to see how I stack up,” he said. “I’m excited. Actually, I’m a fan and will probably try and get some autographs when I’m out there at the weigh-ins. Hey, I’m not ashamed.” The competitors will take off each day at 6:30 a.m. at Oneida Shores Park in Brewerton, with weigh-ins set for 2:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday at Oneida Shores. The final day weigh-in will be at 3:30 p.m. at the Bass Pro Shops store at the Fingerlakes Mall. Most, if not all, competitors will be practicing before the competition, said Christopher Bowes, senior tournament manager for B.A.S.S. He said there are three official practice days (Monday through Wednesday), but there are no limits because many of the anglers “are already there.” Bowes said the tournament is an “AAA event,” which is a qualifying league for the Elite Series. The Oneida Lake competition is the third in the Northern Open Series. Previous tournaments were held in Richmond, Va., and Sandusky, Ohio. The points leader after the three-part series qualifies for the 2010 Bassmaster Classic in Shreveport in February, with its $500,000 first prize. Dereck Bigford, of Cicero, is also eager to try his luck against the pros. “I’ve fished the Northern Open before as a boater back in 2003,” he said. “It was a $1,100 entry back then and my wife was a nervous wreck about me spending that much on a bass tournament. I placed 50th and got my entry fee back.” I asked if his wife was nervous this time around. “She’s kind of used to it by now,” he said. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

The team competed recently at the World Fly Fishing championships in Bolzano, Italy. It was the team's best finish ever. Loren Williams, 41, of Westvale, is back after competing Aug. 28-Sept. 3 as a member of Fly Fishing Team U.S.A. at the World Fly Fishing championships in Bolzano, Italy. We finished fifth — the best ever as team,” he said. “I fished well and caught a lot of fish, but a lot of them were too small and that affected my placement.” Competitive fly fishing tests angling skills under stringent rules. Anglers are placed at set locations on a waterway based on a random draw and compete against each other to see who can catch the most fish (7 inches and up count) in five three-hour sessions. “It’s salmon season now, so I’m up on the Salmon River every day guiding,” Williams said. “Those days when I’m not, or I get a cancellation, I’m continuing to train on Chittenango Creek, West Canada or on Nine Mile.” View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

The recently released 8-tournament schedule for the series has a tournment here on Aug. 23-26 to finish out the 2012 season. The tournament will feature many of the top anglers across the country, with the winner walking away with a $100,000 check. Michael Greenlar/The Post-StandardChad Griffin hoists the winner's trophy following hte 2009 tournament on Oneida Lake, which he won and took home $100,000.Following a two-year break from Central New York, the prestigious Bassmaster Elite Series competition will return next summer to Oneida Lake. The recently released 8-tournament schedule for the series has a tournment here on Aug. 23-26 to finish out the 2012 season. The tournament will feature many of the top anglers across the country, with the winner walking away with a $100,000 check. In addition, the Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Angler of the Year Award, which also carries a $100,000 prize, will also be announced. The news is big news for the local fishing scene and economy, which hasn’t seen an Elite Series competition since 2009 when Chad Griffin, a Bassmaster Elite Series rookie from Cresson, Texas, out-fished a solid slate of seasoned pros to win. B.A.S.S. has held tournaments seven times on Oneida Lake since 2003, including three Elite Series tournaments. They were won by Tommy Biffle (2006), Dean Rojas (2008) and Griffin (2009). This coming week, B.A.S.S. is hosting the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Northern Open at Oneida Lake, featuring more than 140 boats and 20 Elite pros. Many local amateurs are also participating in the competition, which promises to offer more than $250,000 in cash prizes and merchandise to top finishing fishermen. That tourney kicks off Thursday morning at Oneida Shores Park in Brewerton and ends Saturday afternoon, with the final weigh-in at the Bass Pro Shops store at the Fingerlakes Mall. The entry fee is $1,250 for anglers and $350 for co-anglers on the boat. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

Trails that are not closed are not necessarily in good condition and may have heavy erosion and cobble, bridges washed out, blowdown and flooding. Therefore, hikers must pay close attention as many trails may not look like they had before recent storms. The following is a DEC press release: The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) continues to review and update state trail and campground closures in the Adirondack and Catskill regions. While some state trails continue to be impassable or inaccessible due to the impacts from Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee, most trails are now open. In the interest of public safety, DEC will continue to assess conditions to determine if new closures are necessary as well as when remaining trails and campgrounds can be reopened. Catskill Area Campgrounds The following Catskill public campgrounds have been reopened and are expected to stay open through Columbus Day weekend: - Keneth Wilson Campground, Town of Woodstock, Ulster County - Little Pond Campground, Town of Andes, Delaware County - Mongaup Pond Campground, Town of Rockland, Sullivan County - North-South Lake Campground, Town of Hunter, Greene County A list of open and operational DEC campgrounds is continuously being updated on the DEC’s website The public should be aware that many state and local roads may be inaccessible to travel and access to campground areas could be limited. Those planning to visit the Adirondack or Catskill regions this weekend should call ahead or check for road closure information at the Department of Transportation's webpage . Catskill area trailhead parking lots The following trailhead parking lots will remain closed, primarily due to local road closures: - Batavia Kill Trail Head, Big Hollow Rd, Town of Windham, Greene Co - Biscuit Brook Trailhead, Claryville, Town of Denning, Ulster County - Colgate Lake Trailhead, Town of Jewett, Greene County - Giant Ledge Trailhead, Oliverea, Town of Shandaken, Ulster County - Lost Clove Trailhead, Big Indian, Town of Shandaken, Ulster County - Kenape Brook (Ashokan High Point), West Shokan, T/ Olive, Ulster Co - McKenely Hollow Trailhead, Oliverea, Town of Shandaken, Ulster County - Rider Hollow Trailhead, Town of Hardenburgh, Ulster County - Seager Trailhead, Town of Hardenburgh, Ulster County - Slide Mountain Trailhead, Oliverea, Town of Shandaken, Ulster County - Spruceton Trailheads, Town of Lexington, Greene County - - Catskill area trails Recent trails assessments indicate that most trails closed earlier this month can be reopened. Wind damage was relatively minor, and while uses should expect to encounter some blowdown on most trails, no trails will need to remain closed due to wind damage. Heavy rain and subsequent flooding impacted many roads throughout the region, and to a lesser extent some trails. However, the following trails remain closed to do erosion and/or the loss of a critical bridge: - Ashokan High Point Trail, Town of Olive, Ulster County - Colgate Lake Trail, Town of Jewett, Greene County - Kaaterskill Falls Trail, Route 23A, T/Hunter, Greene County - Lost Clove Trail, Town of Shandaken, Ulster County - Oliverea-Mapledale Trail, Town of Shandaken, Ulster County - o Seager-Big Indian, Town of Hardenburgh, Ulster County Trails that are not closed still may have bridges washed out and water levels in most rivers and brooks are at spring-high water levels. Crossings may be impassable at this time. These trails may also have blowdown, eroded sections or flooded areas. Pay close attention as many trails have been rerouted to avoid heavily damaged sections and eroded drainages can be mistaken for trails. The ability to navigate with a map and compass is important. Adirondacks: The Eastern High Peaks Wilderness is open to public recreation however, the following trails remain closed: - All trails out of the Adirondack Mountain Reserve (Ausable Club). - The Deer Brook Trail from Route 73 to Rooster Comb. - The Southside Trail from the Garden Trailhead to John's Brook Outpost. - The Orebed Trail from John's Brook Valley to the Range Trail (between Saddleback and Gothics). - The Cold Brook Trail between Lake Colden and Indian Pass. The Elk Lake Trail between the Elk Lake Trailhead and Panther Gorge. Trails that are not closed are not necessarily in good condition and may have heavy erosion and cobble, bridges washed out, blowdown and flooding. Therefore, hikers must pay close attention as many trails may not look like they had before the storm. Many trails have been rerouted to avoid heavily damaged sections and eroded drainages can be mistaken for trails. The ability to navigate with a map and compass is important. Both newly developed and previous low water crossings may not be passable due to high water conditions. The bridge on the road to the Garden Trailhead is restricted to 6000 pounds. The Town of Keene will be operating a shuttle bus from the Marcy Field parking area to the corner of Market Street and Adirondack Road (approximately 1.25 miles away from the Garden Trailhead) on Saturdays and Sundays. Dix Mountain Wilderness is open to public recreation. The main Adirondack Mountain Reserve Trailhead at the Ausable Club is open as are both trails that lead to the summit of Nippletop (The Henry Goddard Leach Trail and the Gill Brook/Elk Pass Trail). However, trails to the Colvin Range (Mt. Colvin, Blake Peak and Pinnacle) remain closed. The Giant Mountain Wilderness is open to public recreation. The Roaring Brook Falls Trailhead is open for use. Current details regarding conditions of open trails and the closures may be found on the High Peaks Trail Information web page Hikers and campers in both the Catskill and Adirondack areas could still encounter flooding, bridge wash outs, trail wash outs and blowdown. Hikers are advised to plan accordingly and be prepared to turn back when conditions warrant. The ability to navigate with a map and compass is important. Hikers should be able to navigate by map and compass. Emergency crews and staff continue to clear and repair trails. The list of closed trails and conditions for open trails are available on DEC’s Adirondack Trail Information web page (www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/7865.html). Information on closures and conditions of Catskill Preserve trails can be found on the DEC website. This information will be updated as trails are assessed and reopened. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

.Boyd Duckett, Bassmaster Classic Champion and Bassmaster Elite Series professional fisherman will be conducting free seminars from 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday The following is a press release from Bass Pro Shops: Boyd Duckett, Bassmaster Classic Champion and Bassmaster Elite Series professional fisherman will be conducting free seminars from 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday (Sept. 17). Boyd will be doing seminars on Smallmouth Bass fishing at the fish tank. He will also be signing autographs, answering questions and hanging out in the fishing department throughout the two hours. Boyd is sponsored by Pure Fishing, and also started his own rod company last year, Duckett Fishing. This year he announced he is starting a new made for TV Bass fishing tournament trail called Major League Fishing, which features 24 of the world’s best anglers. This seminar will kick off a week of practice for many of the top anglers in the country on Oneida Lake. The Bassmaster Northern Open takes place Sept. 22, 23 and 24 on Oneida Lake. The first two days weigh in will take place at Oneida Shores. The last day of the weight in will take place at Bass Pro Shops in Auburn. The top 12 anglers and co-anglers fish the last day, then drive to Bass Pro Shops for the weigh in on the big Bassmaster stage. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

There's a contingent of folks out there who eat raccoon, woodchuck, squirrel, muskrat, beaver, turtle, bullfrogs and possum. Gloria Wright/The Post-StandardA raccoon family.The vast majority of Central New York hunters eat what they shoot. As the hunting season unfolds this fall, freezers across the area fill up with fresh venison, pheasant, duck, goose and rabbit. There’s a smaller contingent, however, that enjoys Mother Nature’s “B menu” — dining on raccoon, woodchuck, squirrel, muskrat, turtle, bullfrogs and possum. This past week, readers shared their experiences, recipes and thoughts on eating those animals. Raccoon stroganoff Lauren Binns, of King Ferry, said that last year, when her boyfriend was skinning a raccoon and preparing to tan the hide, she decided she wanted to try the meat. “We chopped it up into one-inch cubes and put it in the crock-pot, adding a quarter cup of honey, a cup of chicken broth, two tablespoons of soy sauce and a little white wine. We then put the crock-pot on low for five to six hours,” she said. In a separate pan, Binns mixed two cans of cream-of-mushroom soup and a cup of sour cream. “We added that to the meat and made a raccoon stroganoff,” she said, serving it over egg noodles. “We had some friends over that night and didn’t tell them what it was. One of them said it tasted better than venison, which she likes. It was only afterward that I said, ‘Remember that raccoon we said we got?’” Binns said she also has a good recipe for woodchuck. “It’s better to get them earlier in the season (early summer) when they don’t have as much fat on them,” she said. “The younger and smaller ones taste best.” Binns said she prefers boiling the meat on the bone for four to five hours, adding some beef bullion cubes. “The meat flakes off nicely,” she said. “I then cover it in barbecue sauce, put it on a roll and eat it like pulled pork.” Carol Keeler photoA muskrat.Muskrat at grandma’s Mike Joyner, of Cortland, remembers when he was a little boy he’d go to see his grandparents in Alexandria Bay on weekends and have a plate of muskrat for dinner. “My grandmother would spend a good part of the day parboiling and then roasting the meat,” he said. “She would cook it much like you would a neck or shoulder roast of beef. The meat was tender and delicious. If you ever had black duck, it is similar to that except sweeter, and less greasy.” “It’s been over 35 years since I’ve had that dish, and I can remember the taste and smells to this day,” he said. Michael O'Kane photoA snapping turtle. Turtle soup The best turtle soup recipe is in the Fanny Farmer Cook Book, said Ed Sobus, of Auburn. “It uses dried mustard and comes out the best soup you will ever have in your life,” he said. “If you follow the directions in there, I almost guarantee you can’t eat just one bowl.” Sobus said when he was younger he used to go to small nearby creeks, catch the snapping turtles and put them in a burlap bag. “Use care not to get them too close to your body when you are carrying them,” he said. Juniper ImagesThe hind legs of bullfrogs, if prepared right, taste like high-quality chicken.Original frog recipe Shaun Cummings, of Cortland, said he’s originally from Oregon, where bullfrogs are larger and more numerous. “Last summer, I saw a few big frogs while fishing and decided to give it a try,” he said. Having no idea about recipes, Cummings created his own. “After removing the legs and pulling the skin off with pliers, I minced fresh garlic and let it simmer in a pan with a bit of margarine for a couple minutes,” he said. “I dipped the legs in fish fry batter and fried them. It tasted like the best fried chicken I’ve ever had.” Emergency dish James Richardson, of Weedsport, said his grandfather, father and uncles on his father’s side were all outdoorsmen. He said all the children in his family “learned to eat what was available and not waste a kill.” Richardson said that philosophy came into play when he graduated from Skaneateles Central School. “On my graduation day in 1968, I had a party like most graduating seniors did,” he said. “My father featured barbecued chicken, and it must have been good because he ran out. Unknown to most, but not all, he had thawed some raccoon for just such emergencies. “They turned out great because everyone said how great the chicken was afterward — and every bit of it was gone.” Possum tale John Litteer said he grew up in Schuyler County in the village of Weston, where he hunted, fished and trapped every chance he got. “My dad made a comment that he would like to try possum. Soon after, I caught one in a trap,” he said. Litteer said his mom got out her roaster and proceeded to roast the possum, along with carrots, potatoes and onions. “It came out of the oven looking beautiful. At that point, my sister sitting at the table made the comment, ‘It looks like a skinned cat.’” That was the end of the meal, said Litteer, who now lives in Liverpool. “As I recall, we had bread and milk for supper. I am now 81 and never tried possum again.” View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

These new tools and warnings supplement the already existing system of warnings, which included signage and a Fishermen’s Alert System, among other features. The following is a news release from Brookfield Renewable Power: Brookfield Renewable Power announces that it has implemented enhanced safety tools and warnings for anglers who recreate on or near the company’s Varick Hydropower Dam on the Oswego River. These new tools and warnings supplement the already existing system of warnings, which included signage and a Fishermen’s Alert System, among other features. “Brookfield appreciates the importance of fishing to the Oswego community. The fact remains that fishing below the Varick Dam and Powerhouse is naturally hazardous and it is critical that anglers and other water recreation enthusiasts exercise caution,” said Jeff Auser, Brookfield’s Chief Dam Safety Officer. “Brookfield has developed a reference map for anglers which indicates in red the areas of greater hazard. Wading inside these danger zones is now restricted, as is access to project structures, such as the Varick Dam.” The public is advised to stay away from other dangerous areas such as intake and water conveyance structures, gates, powerhouses and substations. In addition, everyone is advised to obey all warning signs, sirens, buoys, booms, barriers, lights and fences. Hazards in restricted areas are very dangerous and are more likely to result in permanent injury or death. Brookfield has also installed other new safety tools that can be used by anglers, including red and yellow “Danger” and “Caution” warning lights to indicate water flow changes nearby the Varick Dam and Powerhouse. New lettered 911 river markers are now provided on both sides of the river from the Varick Dam to its confluence with Lake Ontario to aid and assist rescue personnel when responding to an emergency. Rescue throw bags and rings are stationed at key points on the river. Rescue stations and ladders have been added to key points within the river to also aid with exit. Brookfield offers these other important safety tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable fishing experience on the Oswego River nearby the Varick Hydropower Dam: - Whether wading or boating, always wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device. Neoprene waders also will aid in fishing safely. - Stay alert for changes in water levels. Hydroelectric power production, upriver canal operations and natural flow variations may cause unexpected swift currents and changes in water levels below the Varick Dam and Powerhouse. - Pay attention to depth markers installed in the river to help monitor river conditions around you. - Never fish alone. - If you see a rise in water levels, exit the river immediately. Also, if spillage over the dam increases, if the alarm siren sounds, or the red warning light is lit, exit the river immediately. - Never try crossing the river when water rises. Move to the closest shoreline to exit. - Wade with caution. Wear a wader belt, keep drawstrings tight and avoid situations where waders or boots could flood. If you trip or fall, don’t panic! Keep your feet up and float with the current to calmer water. - Wear polarized sunglasses to spot hazards (and fish!). - Wear anti-slip soles, spikes or other effective “grippers” or “corkers” when wading. Also, carry a wading stick for better footing. Brookfield Renewable Power, in collaboration with the City of Oswego Fire Department, the Oswego County Department of Community Development, Tourism and Planning, and The Palladium-Times newspaper is part of the Wear It! Oswego campaign. The Wear It! Oswego program raises public awareness about responsible and safe recreation on or near water. In addition, the Wear It! Oswego program highlights the importance of wearing life jackets and the options that are available when it comes to comfortable and lightweight personal flotation devices. Take the time to learn about daily river conditions before recreating. If you are familiar with the river, review USGS Streamflow information or ask someone with local knowledge. Take the time to learn about daily river conditions before recreating. If you are unfamiliar with the river, ask someone with local knowledge. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

My bait store sources are telling me their customers are catching bass all over on live crayfish -- particularly in the Finger Lakes. CNY FISHING FORECAST Bait stores (list and map). LAKE ONTARIO Salmon are starting to stage around the mouth of tributaries. Many are still being taken in 60 to 100 feet of water. Good baits continue to be flashers and flies, cut bait, large spoons and J-plugs. Good colors have been green, chrome, white, glow green ladder back and gold. SALMON RIVER The river flow has remained steady (at a low flow rate) and some salmon continue to make their way upstream. It’s at a slow trickle at this point. OWEGO RIVER River level has been down a bit since last week. A few salmon in the river, but not many. ONEIDA LAKE Perch bite continues to be good, particularly in front of Cleveland. A lot of small perch are being caught in Big Bay. Anglers are getting them in the weedbeds in 10 to 20 feet of water, using small crayfish, a little piece of worm on a hook or tipping a small spinner with a piece of a worm or fathead minnow. Walleye bite is still slow but will probably change with cooler temperatures. Those being caught are being taken in deeper water or early in the morning. Evening bass bite is still strong. Try a topwater lure or spinnerbait. CAYUGA LAKE Lake trout, Atlantic salmon and brown trout are still hitting for angles trolling with spoons or flashers and flies off downriggers, Dipsey divers, lead core and copper. Fishing 70 to 90 feet down with riggers and running Dipseys back 200 to 300 feet, and running copper at 350 to 400 feet have been working. Good colors have been white, green, purple and blue. Vertical jigging with plastics continues to be good from 75 to 95 feet of water. Some nice brown trout are also being taken by anglers vertical jigging for lake trout. Lots of bass being taken on crayfish. SENECA LAKE Lake trout are being taken on spoons, and flashers and flies fished down 100 feet over 150 feet of water. Trolling very slowly, 1 mph with blue and silver colored baits, has been working well. Vertical jigging with chartreuse plastics has also been good for lake trout in 65 to 95 feet of water. Anglers trolling very close to bottom are also catching some large brown trout. Smallmouth bass and yellow perch are hitting on crayfish and minnows fished off the pier. Anglers fishing large minnows under bobbers are catching some northern pike around Sampson. OWASCO LAKE A few lake trout are being taken by anglers vertical jigging with plastics or spoons in 75 to 95 feet of water. Yellow perch are being caught on small minnows around the lake, and a lot of smallmouth bass on crayfish. OTISCO LAKE A few nice walleye, and a bonus tiger muskie, have been taken by anglers trolling 25 to 30 feet down over 45 to 60 feet of water. SKANEATELES LAKE Trolling 45 feet down with perch-colored spoons is producing lake trout and Atlantic salmon. Lake trout are also hitting 90 feet down over 140 feet of water. Smallmouth bass and some nice-sized rock bass are hitting along the shore out to about 40 feet of water for anglers fishing with tube baits, super flukes, drop-shot rigs and crayfish. Perch fishing is starting to pick up, and they are being taken on small minnows or crayfis. SODUS BAY Largemouth bass are still hitting Senko-style baits, and a few pike are being taken on large spoons . SANDY POND Largemouth bass are still being taken by anglers using a variety of Texas-rigged plastic baits and topwater baits. ST. LAWRENCE RIVER Walleye and smallmouth bass bite continue to be good this week, as well as northern pike. Walleye bite has been good lately. No reports of muskie being caught lately. Perch have been spotty. WHITNEY POINT RESERVOIR Reservoir is flooded. Few if any anglers out this week. Spillway fishing below the lake is pretty good, though, for walleye and smallmouth bass. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

Why not let the state Department of Environmental Conservation sign off on all laws regarding fishing and hunting? Talk about a slippery slope — again. I mentioned in a column last week that there are new deer-antler restrictions for hunters in several downstate counties. In Delaware, Sullivan and Ulster counties, hunters are now prohibited from killing spikehorn deer. Deer must have at least one antler with three points. Without taking sides on the issue, I wrote that the bigger issue was the way it all came about. Essentially, it was the result of politicians micro-managing the hunting and wildlife scene. The state Department of Environmental Conservation and its wildlife biologists, who normally come up with such regulations, lobbied against the new law. They said it was an end run around the DEC’s regulatory process and undermined its authority. I also wrote recently about how new legislation governing hunting with rifles in Cortland ended up banning hunting with crossbows in that county during the regular firearms season — the only place in the state where that’s the case. Once again, the DEC did not sign off on this. This week, a reader, Jeff Barkley, wrote to me about yet another crossbow-related problem. “I’m really upset about the new laws regarding crossbows in the DEC hunting regulation book this fall (page 12 ),” he said. “After talking about it for a year, crossbows finally became legal this year. I feel they should be allowed in any season. My complaint is now they have put a maximum draw weight of 200 pounds on them. Most top-of the-line crossbows are 200- to 250-pound draw weights. “A large number of us bought crossbows last spring and began practicing throughout the summer. Now out of nowhere comes this max draw-weight limit making our crossbows not legal to use!” The bill was sponsored by State Sen. David J. Valesky, D-Oneida, and Assemblywoman Francine DelMonte, D-Lewiston. I talked this week with Chuck Dentes, a DEC wildlife biologist from Albany, who wrote the DEC hunting guide regulations for crossbows. He said his department’s hands are tied. “That’s the way it came down from the state legislators,” Dentes said. “The only thing in the law that we could manipulate was hunter training. As far as the size of the crossbow, the physical characteristics — the legislators made that happen.” Isn’t the DEC responsible for managing wildlife and hunting in this state? If that’s so, why not just let the DEC do its job? Three poles allowed State lawmakers aren’t stopping with hunting. Freshwater anglers in this state are now allowed to use three rods per person, the result of legislation recently signed into law by Gov. Andrew Cuomo. The old limit was two poles. The rationale behind the change is economic. If an angler can use three rods, either from land or from a boat, it will increase his or her chance of success. Charter boat captains on Lake Ontario and other big waterways were particularly supportive of this change. “Catching a fish enhances angler satisfaction more than any other factor and is the prime determinant in deciding whether or not to make return visits to the fisheries of New York,” according to the “justification” section within the law, which was sponsored by Assemblywoman Addie Russell, D-Theresa, and Sen. Thomas W. Libous, R-Binghamton. “Return visits to the fishery are a boon to the local economies. Return trips mean more money spent locally for fuel, food, lodging, launches, parking, and rentals,” the wording in the law added. Will this change affect the health and quality of the state’s fishery? Supporters of the change say it will not, noting “exploitation is constrained by creel limits that would still be in effect.” I asked David Lemon, fisheries manager for the DEC’s Region 7, if his department had a hand in the law change and whether he agreed that it would have no impact on the state’s fishery. “That law didn’t come from us,” he said. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

Kelly landed the huge fish using two night crawlers on a big hook underneath a lit bobber just before dawn. John Corbett photoMike Kelly is persistent. He caught Mr. Big earlier this summer on Nine Mile Creek. Tuesday, he landed Mr. Bigger on the same stream. I wrote on this blog last month about how Kelly, the retired Post-Standard outdoors writer who lives in Marcellus, landed an impressive 42 3/4-inch tiger muskie on Nine Mile. Kelly got a lot of attention and accolades for the fish, but he told me privately that there was even a bigger one in there and that he was intent on catching it. For the past month, he's been fishing the stream, trying a variety of techniques, lures and bait. Tuesday, he finally succeeded. He landed this 44-inch tiger using two night crawlers on a big hook underneath a lit bobber just before dawn. It had a 17 1/2 inch girth and weighed about 20 pounds. "I was using an 18-inch wire leader ... and caught it on my fifth or sixth cast," he said. And by the way, Kelly wanted me to tell readers that he kept the fish. He said this fish and other tigers like it feed on the trout in his beloved Nine Mile. He said it's currently in his freezer and he had some of its sweet-tasting meat for lunch the day he caught it. Hear Mike talk about about his catch. 091411_muskie.mp3" />091411_muskie.mp3" quality="high" bgcolor="#ffffff" width="170" height="25" name="AudioPlayer" align="middle" allowScriptAccess="sameDomain" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" /> John Corbett photo View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

I'll be checking on it daily to get your comments and story ideas, in addition to responding to your input. View full sizeOutdoors Editor David Figura with his nearly 16-inch smallmouth bass caught in the Delaware River.More than a year ago, I created an outdoors page on Facebook that I called Post-Standard outdoors group. That page will soon be eliminated. I have created another page to take its place, PS Outdoors, which I have already started filing outdoors news updates and comments on a daily basis. I'll also be checking on it daily to get your comments and story ideas, in addition to responding to your input. If you want to receive my updates on Facebook, please become a member. Also, be sure you hit the "like" button when you do. Thanks. PS OutdoorsPromote Your Page Too View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

He was missing for for five days. as colleagues combed the dense woods of a 13,000-acre state park looking for him. I don't make this stuff up. The following is from the Reuters.com Web site: (Reuters) - A Tennessee lawman who got lost while squirrel hunting survived his five-day ordeal on worms and muddy water as colleagues combed the dense woods of a 13,000-acre state park looking for him. "I would like to start by thanking the good Lord above, without him I would not have made it out alive," Bill Lawrence said in a statement issued by the Tipton County Sheriff's Office, where he works as a corrections officer. ....He started out with "a shotgun, 15 shells, two bottles of water, a flashlight, a full can of Deep Woods off, a squirrel call and a can of dip." Read the full story. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

I'd like hear from folks who've eaten possum, raccoon, turtle, woodchucks -- even crow. If I get enough, I plan to assemble a story with everyone's responses. I put the word out recently and I got more than a half dozen responses from folks who've eaten squirrels, bullfrogs - even muskrats. I'd like hear from readers who've dined on possum, raccoon, turtle, woodchucks -- even crow. I know you're out there. If I get enough, I plan to writea story with everyone's responses. (The few I've received so far are both interesting and funny). Deadline: please get your stories and recipes to me by noon this Wednesday. Thanks. Send your stories and recipes to me at [email protected] or call me at 470-6066. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

His dad, Howard Stevens Jr. wrote that upon hooking it, his son said, "It's stuck and now it's trying to pull me in." Submitted photoDouglas Stevens, 6, of Pennville, proudly hoists a huge largemouth bass in caught on the Oneida River. He caught the fish on a 6-inch trout-colored swimbait intended for pike. His dad, Howard Stevens Jr. wrote that upon hooking it, his son said, "It's stuck and now it's trying to pull me in." The boy fought the fish for about 10 minutes with the help of his father. It measured 20 1/4 inches, the father said. It was caught near Horseshoe Island. "We had to pull over into shore for him to hold the fish before its release," the father said. "Afterward, the released bass swam off unharmed to fight another day." View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

He was here on vacation, visiting his sister and her husband in Cicero. Submitted photoJames Brown, of Orange, Ca., holds up a 23-pound chinook salmon caught on Lake Ontario recently fishing with his son, David, on a charter boat (High Adventure Sportfishing ). Brown's sister, Stephanie Strandell, lives in Cicero. He was here on vacation. What I like about this is that I used to live in Buena Park, Ca. (a short distance away) from Orange, when I was working for the The Orange County Register newspaper years ago. Believe me, Southern California seems like a different world compared to Upstate New York. I'm sure this guy had a great time with his son catching this nice fish. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog