HuntingNY-News

It's been awfully quiet out there on the Central New York ice fishing scene. The weather has been cold for a couple of weeks now, perfect weather for thick ice on local waterways. Yet, it's been awfully quiet out there on the Central New York competitive ice fishing scene. I know about the NYS Crappie Derby at the Whitney Point Reservoir this Saturday, but nothing else for this weekend or the following few. I need some help. If you know of an ice fishing derby that's been scheduled, email the information (including contact person and phone number) to [email protected]. See you on the ice. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

We urge all snowmobilers to check in with their local clubs for trail updates, to make sure trails are open and safe to ride," he said. Snowmobilers across the area are anticipating a big snow storm Wednesday and looking forward to having fresh snow on their trails. "After a cold spell with little snow in some places, early-season conditions may be present and riders should exercise an abundance of caution, as some trails could have hidden debris or ice under the new snow, " said Dominic Jacangelo, executive director of the New York State Snowmobile Association. "We also urge all snowmobilers to check in with their local clubs for trail updates, to make sure trails are open and safe to ride," he said. Jacangelo noted the sport of snowmobiling contributes $868 million annually to the New York State economy, which "is why owners of restaurants, hotels, convenience stores, gas stations and snowmobile dealers will be just as excited about this coming snow as riders are." View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

The Central New York Sportsman Show is being held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at the Kallet Civil Center in downtown Oneida. The show, sponsored by Holy Cross Academy in Oneida, will feature more than 45 outdoor businesses and clubs from throughout Central New York. Highlights this year include: -Coyote trapper Mark Zagger who will give a presentation... The Central New York Sportsman Show is being held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at the Kallet Civil Center in downtown Oneida. The show, sponsored by Holy Cross Academy in Oneida, will feature more than 45 outdoor businesses and clubs from throughout Central New York. Highlights this year include: -Coyote trapper Mark Zagger who will give a presentation on his sport. -Well-known mountain hunters Pat and Tony Salerno. -Internationally known wildlife photographer Eric Dresser. -Expert seminars and demonstrations on hunting, fishing and other outdoor topics. -The Utica Zoo's live presentation of wild animals across the state. -Free measuring of deer, caribou, elk and moose antlers by a representative from the N.Y.S. Big Buck Club. A prize will be awarded to the largest unscored buck entry. -The show's Outdoors Wall of Fame will feature outdoor photos of local sportsmen and women with their proud catches and their hunting trophy animals. -The winner of the CNY Sportsman of the Year Award. Admission is $6, 12 years and under free. To see a complete schedule or for more information, check out holycrossacademy.com View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

The governor noted New York has almost 1.9 million licensed fishermen and about 823,000 hunters. Gov. Andrew Cuomo's plan to streamline hunting, fishing and trapping licenses, which in many cases reduces the fees, took effect Feb. 1. Cuomo initially announced the changes in early 2013 as part of his 2013-2014 executive budget. He said they were part of his "New York Open for Hunting and Fishing" program. "The proposal simplifies the license structure to foster recruitment and retention of resident and non-resident hunters, anglers and trappers," Cuomo said when the plan was first announced. The changes, the governor said, recognized the substanial economic impact that hunting and fishing and tourism in general has on the state's economy Previously, a fishing license was only valid from the date of purchase through the end of the season (Sept. 31), and anglers who bought a license in mid season did not get a full year's worth of use. Under the new plan, anglers will get a full year of fishing no matter when they purchase the license. Hunters now pay $22 to get a combined big game/small game license. The new plan also changes when hunting licenses can be purchased. Previously, they were valid from Oct. 1 through Sept. 30, forcing hunters who wanted to hunt in September (for small game, early Canada goose) to buy yet another license for the following bowhunting and regular firearms seasons for deer. Now, hunting licenses are valid from Sept. 1 to Aug. 31 and both small and large gaming hunting are covered under one license. NEW LICENSE COSTS Resident (Previous, followed by current) Annual Fishing License ($29 to $25) Annual Hunting License($29 to $22) Annual Bow Hunting Privilege ($21 to $15) Annual Muzzleloading ($21 to $15) Out-of-State Residents (Previous, followed by current) Annual Fishing License ($70 to $50) Annual Hunting (Big-Game) License ($140 to $100) Annual Bow Hunting Privilege ($140 to $30) Annual Muzzleloading ($140 to $30) One-day Turkey ($50 to $20) One-day Fishing ($15 to $10) OTHER CHANGES: 1). Reduces by 11 the number of licenses available while maintaining all current hunting and fishing privileges and opportunities 2). Creates a non-resident license structure which is the same as the resident license structure 3). Changes the dates when trapping licenses can be purchased from Oct. 1 to Sept. 30, to Sept. 1 to Aug. 31. The annual trapping license fee was also reduced from $21 to $20. (The non-resident fee was reduced from $310 to $275.) For more, see the DEC website at dec.ny.gov and search for "2014 Sporting License Changes.". When he announced the plan, Cuomo noted New York has almost 1.9 million licensed fishermen and about 823,000 hunters. He cited one study that noted the state was second in the nation in total angler spending on fishing-related items and sixth in non-resident angler spending. "This spending generated an estimated $108 million in state and local taxes," he said. Cuomo added that in 2011, New York was fourth in the nation in spending by hunters and generated an estimated $290 million in state and local taxes -- "and New York ranks third in the nation in total number of resident hunters." View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

Maybe Russia wasn't prepared to host the Winter Olympics, but they're figuring it out. A 2013 graduate of Syracuse University who is pursuing a master's in Information Management, Brittany Legasey is currently working as a volunteer press assistant for the International Olympics Committee at the XXII Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia. By Brittany Legasey | Contributing writer SOCHI, RUSSIA -- It may be surprising to hear that the most difficult thing for an American living in Sochi, Russia for work at the Winter Olympics is the anticipation. Not anticipation in the traditional sense of the word, but anticipation flooded with uncertainty. After more than two weeks in Russia, it seems to me that this type of anticipation is typical here. No one is completely sure what's going on, but it's not a problem. The general sense is that collectively we will figure things out. It seems like I'm always waiting for something. Everyone else is too. Whether it is for the bus, for the internet to be fixed at Olympic Village, for traffic to clear or for the long line to move ahead so that I can check in at the cafeteria and eat. To accomplish anything in Russia one must wait for an insurmountable amount of time. At first this was extremely frustrating. I was still operating on the western expectations of efficiency and customer service. But after a couple of weeks, it no longer troubles me. But finally, things seem to be progressing. I moved into Olympic Village on the coast last week, met my roommates and manager, and quickly became friends with all of them. I've even grown close to my roommate Natalya, who is what they call a 'Silver Volunteer' in her late forties or early fifties. Natalya speaks English 'nemnoska' or very little, but it's okay because I speak Russian nemnoska. Linguistically we are evenly matched. I feel so fortunate to have her, because she has both encouraged and inspired me to speak Russian more often, as it's the only way that I can communicate with her and the majority of the other volunteers here. Luckily for me, my two other roommates and my manager are all quite proficient in English. I started work at the check-in desk at the main hotel of Endurance Olympic Village. This is where my segment of the press operations department operates from. We are in charge of facilitating and monitoring press coverage for this entire complex - which hosts the biathlon and cross-country skiing venues and houses the athletes who will compete there. My work is surprisingly more rewarding than I expected. My three colleagues would be as lost without me, be it I am the only native English speaker among us, as I would be without them. We strike a nice balance and have been able to bridge the language barrier nicely despite the difficulties. Endurance Village is about two hours, three buses and a gondola ride up a mountain away from where I live at Olympic Village on the coast, which means that I need to wake up very early to make it to work by 9 a.m. But the views of the mountain make the travel and early wake-up-time worth it. Maybe Russia wasn't prepared to host the Winter Olympics, but they're figuring it out. Russia's Olympic experiment and the anticipation that surrounds the event are demonstrative of the Russian will. It strives towards an international ideal despite domestic inabilities to achieve that ideal. The sacrifices made by individuals are sunk costs on behalf of a greater good. And in this case, since the greater good is international understanding, cooperation, and celebration, I'm okay with the sacrifices I've made here - even all of the anticipation. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

The purse is currently over $13,000 and still growing. After being cancelled the past two years because of lack of ice, the annual New York State Crappie Derby on the Whitney Point Reservoir is on for this Saturday, the derby's spokesman confirmed today. "The Whitney Point Sportsmen's Association has been advised that the Broome County Department of Parks and Recreation has evaluated the ice conditions at Whitney Point Lake, along with this week's forecast and deemed that conditions are favorable for safe ice," said David Hughes, the derby's coordinator. The popular derby was originally scheduled for Jan. 25, but was rescheduled for this Saturday because of concern over the thickness of the ice. New York State offers anglers two types of crappie -- and white and black. The crappie in the Whitney Point Reservoir in Broome County are predominately white crappie. "If our judges come across a black crappie, chances are it didn't come from our lake and the judges will reject it," Hughes said. The purse is currently over $13,000 in cash, merchandise and gift certificates "and growing,"Hughes said. Registration is $2 for those over 12 years of age. Persons registered will have opportunities to win prizes in many fishing categories and also door prizes. "People don't even have to catch a fish to win a door prize. They'll be offered every hour," he said. "We'll also go around looking for kids who are cold and tired or bored...and we'll look for a reason to give them a prize." Also this year, free public skating will be available courtesy of the Whitney Point Rotary. The rink will be created just offshore near the North Pavilion. Bring your skates. Free loaner skates will be provided as available. Displays on the ice will include: - The National Weather Service (including a Real Time Weather Station providing instantaneous weather information such as temperature, wind velocity and wind chill). - EMTs will be available with a sheltered area. - The Ross Park Zoo will have an exhibit of species appropriate to the weather. - The Finch Hollow Nature Center will be on-hand with displays and to answer questions. - The Broome County Underwater Dive Team will be present to demonstrate their skills. - The Amigo Search & Rescue K9 dog training organization will be on hand with some of their K9 charges. Free parking is available at Dorchester Park and parking is also available on Kiebel Road on the West side of the lake. The derby hours will be from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. At 3 p.m., prizes will be awarded for the biggest crappie of the day (1st, 2nd and 3rd) and the biggest fish of a number of fish species. Prizes will also be awarded every 15 minutes for the largest crappie caught during that time period. This is being done to encourage a steady flow of fish to the judges throughout the day, Hughes said. For more information or to register, see crappiederby.com or call Hughes at (607) 692-3263. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

Walkers, runners, joggers, and rollers (baby strollers and wheelchairs) are all welcome. This weekend's Central New York running schedule again offers one race - Cupid's Chase 5K Run at Onondaga Lake Park in Liverpool. Proceeds from Saturday's run will benefit Community Options, a national nonprofit organization that develops housing and employment support for people with developmental disabilities. Registration starts at 8 a.m. The race begins at 10. Walkers, runners, joggers, and rollers (baby strollers and wheelchairs) are all welcome. For more or to register, see comop.org/cupidschase. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

South Carolina Audubon Society officials aren't happy. A special hunting season for cormorants began on Super Bowl Sunday on Marion and Moultrie lakes in South Carolina. These are the same fish-eating birds that locally have caused concerns and resulted in preventative measures on Oneida Lake and Lake Ontario -- mostly harassing and moving them around. The DEC shoots some each year for research purposes (so their stomachs can be checked to see what they're eating), but regular hunting of these birds is banned in this state. A total of 800 hunters qualified for the South Carolina hunt, following special training to make sure they were shooting at the right birds. The state Legislature has been been pushing for this hunt, insisting the fish-eating birds are causing big problems on the waterways, according to postcourier.com. Adult cormorants eat up to two pounds of fish a day. Audubon Society officials in that state aren't happy with the hunt. During the 1990s, cormorants nearly devastated the Oneida Lake fishery. A federally funded effort to harass the birds turned the tide, but that funding was cut in 2010. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

Drones are being used for all sorts of things these days. Could they be used to deliver beer to thirsty ice fisherman? The following are among the more interesting, funny and bizarre outdoors stories I've come across (or thought about) lately: 1). "Love Stinks," is a tune made popular by the J. Geils Band. It also reflects a phenomenon that's starting outdoors across our area this month. February is mating time for skunks. "The females are coming into estrus and every male skunk within four city blocks wants to stop by and offer his services," said Al LaFrance, of Pompey, who runs Al's Critter Solutions. 2). The deep freeze we've been going through lately raises a lot of questions when it comes to wildlife and their survival. For example, birds during the winter get their water from sources like dripping icicles, puddles or unfrozen waterways. But what if anything is frozen solid? The eat snow, according to an article posted on ezinearticles.com. 3). Anna Faris, who stars on the CBS sitcom, "Mom" said on national TV recently that her family's Thanksgiving meal included squirrel meat. Appearing on Jimmy Kimmel Love, Faris mentioned that her husband, actor Chris Pratt, shot the squirrels. Faris told Kimmel that Pratt and her brother regularly "harvest squirrel for the holidays." 4). With things getting progressively warmer in the Arctic Circle, scientists are noticing all sorts of changes in wildlife behavior. For example, polar bears, are mixing up things in their diet. When seals aren't readily available to eat, the bears look for alternative nutrition - including snow goose eggs, according to nationalgeographic.com. 5). Drones are being used for all sorts of things these days. Could they be used to deliver beer to thirsty ice fisherman? Check out this commercial below for Lakemaid Beer. Hey, it's possible. A commercial raises the possibility. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

The race was followed by raffles for a 40-inch, big screen TV provided by TopStitch Custom Printing and a leather recliner from Dunk and Bright Furniture The Super Couch Potato 5K Run drew a crowd of runners today, thanks in part to the Super Bowl-oriented prizes. The race took off at 11 a.m. in front of the Onondaga Lake Yacht Club at the county park in Liverpool. The event was put on by the Syracuse Runners Club. Margaret Hartmann, president of the runners club, noted no trophies, medals or ribbons were given. "We handed out boxes of potato chips for the winners in each age group," she said. The race was followed by raffles for a 40-inch, big screen TV provided by TopStitch Custom Printing and a leather recliner from Dunk and Bright Furniture. Winners had to be present to win. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

"If my grandfather knew what happened to his farm, he would be rolling over in his grave," he said. John Rybinski said he'll never forget what happened to grandfather's 258-acre farm in Cazenovia. "If my grandfather knew, he would be rolling over in his grave," he said. "I grew up on that farm. I hunted, fished and learned to trap there. "When my grandfather passed away my mother and father inherited it. My parents divorced and the land was sub-divided and sold. Now it's all houses. What I loved is gone." Late last year, Rybinski, 50, took steps to make sure a similar scenario didn't occur on his watch. He donated the conservation easement to his 248 acres in Pompey to the Finger Lakes Land Trust, an Ithaca-based group. He retained ownership of the property, but its use is legally restricted - and it'll stay that way after he dies. The conservation easement divides his land up into three zones. One small zone allows him to have his house and any other building he'd like to have there. The second zone requires that the land be kept as forest, but allows him to log and sell the wood, gather firewood and take other measures to ensure its health and longevity. The third zone is restricted to agricultural uses. The 25-year-old Finger Lakes Land Trust protects more than 16,000 acres throughout the greater Finger Lakes area from development. "We own 30 conservation areas that are open to the public, and have more than 100 conservation easements on land that remains in private ownership." said Andy Zepp, executive director. "We also have land that we protect in partnership with other governmental conservation agencies and non-profits. "We try to achieve win-win situations and to meet individual landowner's goals. The result is the protection of the most significant open space we have," he said. Rybinski said he initially considered participating in the U.S. Department of Agriculture program that gives payments to landowners to keep their land undeveloped and open to agriculture. However, the line of farmers waiting to get into the program is long, he said, and he doubted that he'd qualify. His decision to go with the Finger Lakes Trust wasn't free. He had to pay for the appraiser and surveying work, in addition to making a sizeable donation to the trust. Rybinski estimates he has spent close to $20,000. Zepp noted that Rybinski's costs may be recouped in time with state and federal tax breaks - some that will be passed on in perpetuity to future owners. "Part of our costs include annual payments we make for special insurance that pays if we have to go to court to enforce the easement," Zepp said. "We also put money in a trust to make sure our organization stays around and that someone is standing behind that document (signed by Rybinski)." Zepp said costs incurred by property owners who turn over conservation easements to the trust vary, depending on an individual's ability to pay. Sometimes, he said, the landowner is unable to pay and the trust has sought financial help elsewhere, including government grants. Rybinski has no regrets. He said he looks around Pompey and sees farms being carved up for housing developments, which results in all sort of negative impacts on the land. He notes the fishing on nearby Limestone Creek "is nothing compared to when I was a kid. The water quality has changed. It's all part of the equation. "A lot of farmers out there are teetering, there's not enough land out there to support their business and they're getting out of it," he said. "There's nothing in Pompey to prevent this community from turning into another Dewitt. Maybe not in my lifetime, or my kids' lifetime, but eventually it will all be chopped up." Rybinski said he's determined to preserve his land's aesthetic value, its value to fish and wildlife, its value for agriculture. He encourages others to do the same. He said his land is posted. However, he does along friends and neighbors "on a controlled basis" to fish his pond, hunt and trap, walk their dogs, snowmobile, ride their horses and do some bird watching. "I have 25 to 50 bluebirds around my house. There's also grouse, deer. You allow it to be developed, it'll all be gone," he said. MORE ON THIS: -For more information on Finger Lakes Land Trust website at fllt.org. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

Some might call them a bit crazy. They're confident, though, in what they do and embrace the challenge. This past week's cold snap with its sub-zero temperatures and bone-chilling wind factor sent most folks indoors. But there are many who embrace Upstate New York's cold weather and look forward to getting outside this time of year. Among them, a contingent of hearty, adventuresome individuals who engage in extreme recreational activities -- activities that would test the mettle and comfort level of most. Some might call them a bit crazy. They're confident, though, in what they do and embrace the challenge. Lawyer said ice can be unpredictable.Submitted photo ICE CLIMBING: Who does it? Jim Lawyer, of Pompey. What's involved? "I climb various ice flows varying in height from 50 feet to 500 feet. I look for difficulty, not height. I usually climb in the Adirondacks and near the Salmon River Falls, but occasionally in other areas, like New Hampshire, Vermont, Wyoming and Montana." Scariest moment? "I avoid being scared. It's best when everything is safe and predictable. That said, ice is a changing, unpredictable medium and scary situations arise all the time." Want to try it? Lawyer said ice climbing requires a lot of technical expertise, physical conditioning and expensive equipment. He said the best bet for the beginner is to "hire a guide. There's some in the Keene Valley/Lake Placid area of the Adirondacks. They'll supply all the equipment." He also noted many local colleges have outdoor clubs that do it and can help direct the beginner to the right places. For more, see Adirondackrock.com and click on "goodies." Aurelien Bouche-Pillon catches a wave on Lake Ontario in Sodus Bay.Submitted photo OPEN WATER SURFING ON LAKE ONTARIO Who does it? Aurelien Bouche-Pillon, of Rochester What's involved? "The best time to go out is during a winter storm. I've been out when it's sleeting, snowing, the wind blowing up to 50 mph. That's when the waves are the biggest. I wear a wetsuit, booties, gloves, a hood and smear Vaseline all over my face to keep out the cold." Scariest moment? "I once got a leg cramp. I was alone, about 500 to 600 feet from shore. I couldn't stand up on my board. That was very uncomfortable, painful. Sometimes when you dive underneath a big wave, you can feel a piece of ice going over you." Want to try it? Bouche-Pillon stressed this type of surfing is extremely dangerous. "It requires a high degree of physical and mental skills, along with knowledge of the lake and its weather patterns," he said. ""The biggest danger is hypothermia." He advised starting off in warmer weather (the summer/early fall). For more, see surfontario.ca and the book "Surfing on the Great Lakes" by P.L. Strazz. David "Buzz" Buzzelli, of Baldwinsville, doing some backwoods skiing down an avalanche shoot in the High Peaks of the Adirondacks.Submitted photo SKIING ADIRONDACK AVALANCHE SHOOTS Who does it? David "Buzz" Buzzelli, of Baldwinsville. What's involved? "We hike (ski) into areas as far as 8 to 10 miles. We get to the slide area and ascend on our skis, switching back and forth, kind of like cross country skiing. Sometimes we get as many as 10 to 12 runs in." Scariest moment? I've never been in, or covered by a landslide, but there's always that risk. Sometimes you can actually hear a slope starting to give. Sometimes you just look at a slope and decide to bail. I do it mostly because I want to get away from the crowded slopes." Want to try it? Buzzelli said this type of skiing requires "an expert level." He said beginners should hire a guide and recommended going to Keene/Keene Valley area in the Adirondacks. He recommended the guide services, cloudsplitterguides.com and rockandriver.com. He said the sport can be done with traditional alpine skis and boots or telemarking equipment. For more, read the book, "The Adirondack Slide Guide," by Drew Hass. Mike Kearney, of Pulaski, gets some air while snowkiting with friends on the frozen Oneida Lake, near Sylvan Beach.Peter Chen | [email protected] SNOWKITINGWho does it? Michael Kearney, of Pulaski What's involved? "It's an adrenaline buzz. You use a snowboard and you're attached to a kite by a harness and ropes. I often get up to speeds of 30 mph or more. It's really something when you get "lofted" (pulled into the air by the kite). " Scariest moment? "I've never gone through the ice, but in my early years I got strung up in a tree on a bad launch and got a mild concussion. Another time I got caught in a serious snow quall on Oneida Lake, was completely lost and needed to pull out a GPS to find out where I was. " Want to try this? Equipment-wise, one needs a pair of skis or a snowboard, a harness to attach the kite, the kite bar, lines - and of course, the kite. Good snowboarding or skiing skills help, but they're not crucial, said Jason Gordon, of Rochester, an experienced snowkiting enthusiast. For more, see rochesterwindsports.com. Patti Pastella doesn't mind camping in sub-zero temperatures.to Nature's Wilde Photography EXTREME WINTER CAMPING Who does it? Patti Pastella, of Tully What's involved? "We put on 40-pound backpacks or load up a sled and go about 5 to 6 miles into the Adirondack woods. We either use snowshoes or put MICROspikes or crampons on our boots. We set up camp and go climb a high peak, come back and spend the night. If you're not moving, you're bundled up in your clothes or in your sleeping bag. We bring little cook stoves, heated with white gas. No camp fires. The coldest I've been out is minus-20 degrees. " Scariest moment? "We were doing Algonquin (a High Peak) once and the winds were blowing an estimated 60 to 70 mph. At times you just couldn't stand up." Want to try it? Pastella said a good starting point is to join the Onondaga Chapter of the Adirondack Mountain Club or the Rochester Winter Mountaineering Society and connect with like-minded campers. The Adirondack Mountain Club offers winter mountaining/camping classes. See winterschool.org. "Essential equipment includes proper winter clothing, winter boots rated to minus -20 degrees, snowshoes, crampons, a good backpack stove, a good tent and a minus -20 sleeping bag," she said. The Mandana boat launch on the western side of Skaneateles Lake is a popular spot for winter scuba divers.Submitted photo WINTER SCUBA DIVING Who does it? Nick Wilson, of Syracuse What's involved?: "There's a group of us who dive year-round. We often go in Skaneateles Lake. For the past 23 years, we've held a "Frozen Fin Dive" there on New Year's Day. This year 30 attended. The temperature was in the single digits, the wind chill was below zero." Scariest moment? "None yet. You're taught if something happens - your mask falls off, your regulator starts to leak - how to control the situation so you don't panic. The only part of your body that's exposed is your lips and cheeks. You get a little of that ice cream headache feeling when you first go in, but you kind of get used to it." Want to try it? "Wilson recommended starting with taking a regular scuba diving course. There's a number of shops and programs throughout Central New York that offer them. For winter diving, he advised getting additional training and getting "dry suit certified." Also, "make sure you have the proper gear for cold water diving, including special regulators, a dry suit, glove, booties and hood." He said the Mandana boat launch site on Skaneateles Lake is a popular spot with many local divers during the winter." View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

The Village and Town of East Hampton are withdrawing from the federal program after facing boisterous opposition and lawsuits. View the full article

The biggest change, Vegvari said, will be that the top-finishing team will be decided by the total weight of the team's 10 biggest fish. Tamas Vegvari said he's been carp fishing since he was five and competed professionally in his native Hungary before coming to this country in 2001. He confirmed today that he is taking over this spring's annual carp fishing tournament on the Seneca River in Baldwinsville, with plans to increase the prize money offered and a major rule change. He said the competition will involve 75 hours of straight fishing and be held May 21-24. Vegvari, 40, of Solvay, said specifics are still being worked out. He said he plans a total cash payout to competitors of more than $40,000. He said he's considering paying the winning two-person team as much as $13,000 to $15,000. Ivelin Petrov, of Yonkers, with his 27-pound carp caught on the Seneca River during last year's Wild Carp Challenge.Mike Greenlar | [email protected] "That's based on 40 teams entering," he said, adding he also plans payouts to teams that big the biggest common carp, biggest mirror carp and for other categories that will be announced. He said all the specifics, including the exact prize money and information on how to register for the catch-and -release tournament, will be on a Facebook page that will set up by the end of next week. Last year's tournament, The Wild Carp Triathlon, was run by Wild Carp Companies, a Baldwinsville-based group. Jason Bernhardt, last year's tournament director, said he bowed out this year because of the financial toll it took on him. Competitors in last year's Wild Carp Triathlon event paid $700 (per two-person team) to compete in the team 75-hour team competition, followed by $175 each to compete in the one-day Big Carp Challenge and Big 4 (four biggest fish) Challenge. New Englanders Robert Duprey and Dmitri Consolati, who caught 187 fish weighing nearly 3,000 pounds, won last year's team competition. They won $3,000 for their efforts. More than $25,000 was paid out to competitors in different categories. "I'm not running this (year's) tournament, just helping Tamas to put out the word about it because I love tournament fishing in B-ville - and am looking forward to finally being able to compete in one," Bernhardt wrote on Facebook. This year's event will only feature the team competition. The biggest change, Vegvari said, will be that the top-finishing team will be decided by the total weight of the team's 10 biggest fish. In the past six tournaments, the winning team was decided by total weight of fish caught. Vegvari said his decision to change the rules will increase the chances that any team could win, as opposed to just a few when the fish get biting on one stretch or another. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

The cases that appear here are cases where the defendant has either pleaded guilty or found guilty after trial. Thanks to the help of Capt. Matt Revenaugh, who heads the state Department of Environmental Conservation's Region 7 law enforcement team headquartered in Syracuse, I'm offering the latest in an on-going series entitled, "Keeping Watch." The idea is to give readers insight to the final disposition of tickets issued by our local DEC environmental conservation officers from the state Department of Environmental Conservation. The cases that appear here are cases where the defendant has either pleaded guilty or found guilty after trial. This is not intended to be all-inclusive list of cases handled, but is representative of dispositions received by the Region 7 law enforcement office. Click on the link below to see the most recent cases: R7 Fine 1-29-14.pdf View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

Four-wheeling is big business. The lawmakers pointed to recent statistics that showed, in New York's Tug Hill Region alone, the sport helps support 701 local jobs, and is responsible for $11.3 million in wages. Republican state Sen. Patty Ritchie from St. Lawrence County is leading a bipartisan group of more than a dozen state lawmakers calling on Gov. Andrew Cuomo to join in supporting the use of side-by-side recreational vehicles, or "UTVs." The vehicles, which look like an over-sized golf cart on steroids, have four-wheel drive. They are becoming increasingly popular with outdoorsmen - particularly elderly couples and families. They're built for two passengers (sometimes four) to ride side by side, as opposed to small ATVs that accommodate one rider. Ritchie, R-Oswegatchie, said New York is "losing out on thousands of dollars of state revenue through registration fees, and taxes from the retail sale of UTVs, as well as countless tourism jobs." The problem, she said is "out-dated" weight limits concerning the vehicles. Sarah Compo, who is director of communications for Ritchie, said UTVs did not exist when the current law governing all-terrain vehicles was put in place in 1997. At that time, the maximum sized vehicle that could be registered maxed out at 1,000 pounds. The law essentially banned the use of UTVs on public lands and trails. However, they could be owned and driven on private property. Ritchie and other lawmakers asking Cuomo to increase the maximum weight allowed to 1,500 pounds, which would encompass the larger UTVs.. ATVS, which have handlebars for steering and an open saddle, weigh about 600 pounds and up. UTVs, which have a steering wheel, weigh 1,100 pounds or more. Nick Pudney, a salesman for Sport-Mann Suzuki Honda in North Syracuse, said early on there were concerns about UTVs and reports of their tendency to roll-over on uneven terrain. Since then, he said, manufacturers have made a number of modifications to the vehicles. "They now have such safety features as a roll cage, doors, seat belts, netting to make sure passengers don't fall out, fully automatic transmissions and safety brakes," Pudney said. He said they can reach speeds of up to 45 mph, while some ATVs can approach 70 mph. "They're very useful. Two people can ride side by side. Some have small, pickup-truck like beds. Some have trail hitches," he said. Pudney said ATVs cost anywhere from $6,000 to $10,000. UTVs start at about $10,900 and go up from there. Ritchie and others want Cuomo to change the law concerning UTVs, allowing them to be registered and be used on public lands. They want him to do that by amending his executive budget. Ritchie's letter is signed by Senator Ritchie (R-Heuvelton), Senator Joe Griffo (R-Oneida County) and Assemblyman Bill Magee (D-Madison County), who are sponsors of legislation to allow UTV use. Both of those bills have passed the Senate in prior years. The letter also is signed by Senator Bill Larkin (R-Orange County), George Maziarz (R-Niagara County), Michael Ranzenhofer (R-Erie County) and Jim Seward (R-Otsego County); as well as Assembly Members Will Barclay (R-Pulaski), Ken Blankenbush (R-Black River), Anthony Brindisi (D-Utica), Clifford Crouch (R-Chenango County), Aileen Gunther (D-Orange County), Steve Hawley (R-Genesee County) and Claudia Tenney (R-Oneida County). Four-wheeling is big business. The lawmakers pointed to recent statistics that showed, in New York's Tug Hill Region alone, the sport helps support 701 local jobs, and is responsible for $11.3 million in wages, and nearly $3 million in local sales, occupancy and other tax revenues. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

Treatment included giving the bird pain medication and fluids sub-cutaneously. This snowy owl was apparently hit by a bus in downtown Washington late last month. It was taken by police to the National Zoo, where it was treated, according to washingtonpost.com. The owl suffered a head injury and survived. Treatment included giving the bird pain medication and fluids sub-cutaneously. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

Actually, it's because of the large numbers of gizzard shad - a baitfish found in Onondaga Lake that reaches lengths of 10 to 14 inches as an adult. The eye-opening number of bald eagles gathering at the south end of Onondaga Lake has attracted a lot of attention in recent weeks. The majestic birds, sometimes more than two dozen at a time, sit in trees overlooking an area of open water that doesn't freeze over because of warm water being discharged into the lake by a pipe from the nearby Metropolitan Sewage Treatment plant. The open water attracts other migrating waterfowl, including ducks and geese that feed on aquatic vegetation and other small aquatic creatures. During the late hunting season each year, the area attracts duck hunters - and more recently wildlife photographers. But why are the eagles there in the first place? Is it because of the ducks and the geese? Do they depend on eating these migrating waterfowl to survive? Actually, it's because of the large numbers of gizzard shad - a baitfish found in Onondaga Lake that reaches lengths of 10 to 14 inches as an adult. David Lemon, regional fisheries manager for the state Department of Environmental Conservation's Cortland office, noted Onondaga Lake has large numbers of gizzard shad. He said Onondaga Lake, Oneida Lake and other local waterways are in "the northernmost extent of the fish's range." Each winter, he said, the species experiences a large die-off, particularly the younger, more fragile fish. Onondaga Lake's gizzard shad are attracted to the warm, open water around the sewage discharge pipe because they're trying to survive. Matt Frackelton, of Baldwinsville, a duck hunter and environmental scientist who frequents Onondaga Lake, said he often hunts the lake's south end. He said when the lake's water turns cold he's notices huge, thick schools "from the top of the surface to the bottom" of gizzard shad in the water around the discharge pipe area He said whenever he drives his 14-foot duck hunting boat through that area during the cold months, "I actually hit them with the boat and my motor." He added that he doesn't hunt by the sewage discharge pipe. Frackelton said he's noticed the eagles frequently feeding on the gizzard shad. But what about the ducks and geese? "Eagles are opportunistic feeders. They will go after a duck that's hurt, or sick or that's been shot by a hunter and not retrieved fast enough," he said. "It's much easier for them to catch the shad, which are schooled up and stressed from the low temperature than it is to catch a healthy duck that can fly and dive to escape." Frackelton's observation make perfect sense, said Lemon and Randy Jackson, senior research associate, and associate director at Cornell's Biological Field Station on Oneida Lake in Bridgeport. "I've seen a lot of eagles on Oneida Lake," Jackson said. "Anytime I've seen one, the bird has had a fish in its mouth." Lemon said he saw bald eagles gather around a water discharge pipe during the cold months of a utility company on the Susquehanna River near Johnson City, and also at a location on the lower Susquehanna in Maryland. "Same thing. The warm water attracted the gizzard shad. I saw the eagles feeding on them left and right," he said. Frackelton and others wonder if the gizzard shad are picking up excessive amounts of mercury and other contaminants from the lake - and thus poisoning the unsuspecting eagles that feed on them. Gordon Patterson, a SUNY ESF professor whose expertise includes environmental and aquatic toxicology, said that's unikely, particularly with mercury. He said gizzard shad feed lower in the food chain with a diet that consists primarily of small aquatic invertebrates known as zooplankton. "Consequently, they are less susceptible to the food web effects that tend to increase mercury bioaccumulation up the food web," he said. "Gizzard shad also tend to grow quite quickly, which can help dilute the extent of mercury accumulated in their tissues." View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

One is outdoors; the other is indoors. Local runners looking for a workout on Super Bowl Sunday before the big game have their choice of two running events -- one outdoors and one indoors. The Syracuse Track Club's 4th annual Super Couch Potato 5K Run is set for 11 a.m. at Onondaga Lake Park. The race will be followed by raffles for a big screen TV provided by TopStitch Custom Printing and a recliner from Dunk and Bright Furniture. "Event will be held regardless of weather," according the race website. For more, see syracusetrackclub.org. If running in the cold weather is not your thing, there's the Felder SRC Track Meet, a free, open competition at the Onondaga Community College Area. Registration is from 2 to 2:25 p.m. , with the events beginning at 2:30 p.m. The track meet schedule includes a 55-meter dash, 55-meter hurdles, a mile run, 400 meter run, high and triple jumps and shotput competition. For more, call 491-8328 or email [email protected]. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

The frigid temperatures have made fishing difficult on the Salmon River, with slush ice forming on the river and shelf ice along the shore. CNY FISHING REPORT Bait stores (list and map). SALMON RIVER The river is down from last week. The frigid temperatures have made fishing difficult, with slush ice forming on the river and shelf ice along the shore. Anglers braving the cold are still getting a few steelhead in the deeper pools in the upper river between Pineville and Altmar. OSWEGO RIVER The frigid cold has also made fishing very difficult on the river. Nothing new to report. ONEIDA LAKE The entire lake is frozen over, reports of ice averaging 18 inches in most places. Anglers on snowmobiles or ATVs are catching nice perch north of Dunham's and Frenchman's islands. Big Bay continues to hot for bluegills, crappie and sunfish. Anglers are really cashing in on the walleyes, especially around Chapman Park. CAYUGA LAKE Reports of some anglers still getting out on the north end. Ice thickness, though, is "iffy." Perch and sunfish are being caught. SENECA LAKE Some brown trout and Atlantic salmon are being taken trolling stickbaits or streamers near the surface. No word on the perch bite. OWASCO LAKE Entire lake is frozen. Reports of pike and perch, and some lakers,being taken at both ends. The perch have been impressive, some measuring 15 to 16 inches long. Ice thickness is four to six inches. OTISCO LAKE Entire lake is frozen over. Reports of some nice perch taken in the lake's center. Northern end continues to be a hot spot for bluegills and the occasional tiger muskie. SKANEATELES LAKE Both ends have fishable ice. Reports are sketchy at this point. A few anglers are catching perch. SODUS BAY There's 10 inches or more of ice on the bay. Reports of some nice perch and bluegills being caught, along with a few northern pike. ST. LAWRENCE RIVER Lots of fishable, averaging 12 to 18 inches thick or more in places. Popular spots include Eel Bay, Lake of the Isles, Round Island , Chippewa Bay and all the nearby inland lakes. Continued reports of especially good perch fishing on Chippewa and Chaumont bays. Live bait (fathead minnows, shiners and spikes) continues to be the ticket. WHITNEY POINT RESERVOIR There's 11 to 12 inches of good ice on the reservoir. Reports of some nice walleye being taken north of the islands on fathead minnows and dot lures, and tip-ups with medium-sized shiners. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

I'll be writing about how a local man's father (he was a 17-year-old Boy Scout at the time) got to carry the placard at the head of the United States procession during the opening ceremonies procession back in 1932. Hope everyone who gets this newsletter has a working furnance this week. Man, it's cold out there. Tried ice fishing out in the open a few days ago on Skaneateles Lake and got a chill that lasted for several hours. The wind chill was brutal. Meanwhile, here's what I'm working on this week: So, what is the real reason bald eagles congregate this time of year at the eastern end of Onondaga Lake near the sewage treatment plant discharge pipe? (Hint: it's not to feed on the migrating ducks). John Rybinski, of Pompey, a local hunter, has donated the conservation rights for 247 aces of his property to the Finger Lakes Trust. What does that mean? The Olympics is coming soon. I'm working on these stories: - How Lake Placid is an incubator for Olympic competitors in the sliding sports (skeleton, luge, bobsled) and that there's a strong Central New York connection to the program. -How a local man's father (he was a 17-year-old Boy Scout at the time) got to carry the placard for the United States in the opening ceremonies procession in Lake Placid back in 1932. -Insights from an SU grad who's over at Sochi right now as a volunteer for the IOC. Extreme winter adventures (it's amazing what some people do for fun out in the cold. For example, one dude actually surfs on Lake Ontario through the winter) - An update on the new state law requiring boater safety courses. - An update, and implications of the statewide Wild Boar War. - Update on joint city/county deer task force... ANYTHING ELSE READERS OF THIS REPORT WOULD LIKE TO SEE ME WRITE ABOUT? The effectiveness of this report is two-fold. First, it lets readers know what's coming up story-wise. It also allows readers a chance to affect coverage and provide sources for upcoming stories. Bottom line: Keep in touch and give input. You could make a difference as to what appears week to week on the outdoors page! Email me at [email protected] or call 470-6066. If you want to join The Post-Standard's Outdoors Group and get this emailed directly to you, subscribe here.. FIGURA ON FACEBOOK: For those who are on Facebook, I also have a PS Outdoors page, which I check several times daily for feedback and story ideas. I also post personal fishing and hunting and other outdoors-related photos from time to time and I ask members to do the same. When you join, please be sure and hit the "like" button. 2011-01-27-nl-Eagles38.JPG View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

Tom and Susan Korzeniewski, of Liverpool, headed out Tuesday to Australia to compete the 20th annual Hobie 16 World Championships. The two are members of Hobie Cat Sailing Fleet 204, which is headquartered at Lower South Bay on Oneida Lake. A Hobie Cat is a twin-hull sailboat with fabric connecting the hulls. It was invented by Hobie Alter of... Tom and Susan Korzeniewski, of Liverpool, headed out Tuesday to Australia to compete the 20th annual Hobie 16 World Championships. The two are members of Hobie Cat Sailing Fleet 204, which is headquartered at Lower South Bay on Oneida Lake. A Hobie Cat is a twin-hull sailboat with fabric connecting the hulls. It was invented by Hobie Alter of Dana Point, Calif. The lightweight, fast, catamaran-type boats come in various hull sizes: 12, 14, 16, 18 and 20 feet. The Australian competition, which is being held at Huskisson Beach on Jervis Bay (about 139 kilometers south of Sidney), kicks off Saturday. The Korzeniewskis will be competing in both the masters (45 and over) and grand masters (55 and over) divisions with their 16-foot vessel. The masters competition starts Saturday and concludes with the finals Tuesday. The grand masters competion begins the following day and concludes Feb. 7. For the Korzeniewskis, Hobie Cat sailing is a family affair. Susan, Tom, and their daughter Erika compete throughout the year at local, regional and national level competitions. Their local Hobie Cat sailing club, Fleet 204, is considered one of the most competitive in the country. Each year, the club hosts the Madcatter Hobie Cat competition on Oneida Lake, which is held the weekend before Memorial Day and draws sailors from across the country. This year's event is set for May 16-18. For more on the world championships, see hobieworlds.com. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

This year's event featured guest speaker was Hank Weldon ,who is the BASS Youth, High School and College Director. Brad Brodnicki, of Amherst, NY BASS Chapter Federation Boating Angler of the Year.Submitted photo The following are excerpts from a New York BASS Chapter Federation press release: AUBURN, N.Y. The New York BASS Chapter Federation held its annual awards banquet earlier this month at the Springside Inn in Auburn This year's event featured speaker was Hank Weldon ,who is the BASS Youth, High School and College Director. He spoke on his life growing up inside the BASS family as the son of tournament director Trip Weldon. He is currently responsible for helping state organizations reach their full potential in developing programs for young people as anglers. Chuck Rowlee, the outgoing President, announced this year's award winners. The Boating Angler of the Year award went to Brad Brodnicki. Farris DeRoma was named non-boating Angler of the Year. Both were presented them with plaques, rain gear, rods and reels. Following this presentation, the 2014 New York Divisional Team was announced and presented with plaques.The team consists of Brodicki and DeRoma, Ken Golub, Todd Covert, Brian Kelly, Joe Valerio, Chris Killoren, Randy Lamanche, Don Staszczyk, Chris Obrien, Peter Knight and Tim Creighton. The other angling awards included Boater Lunker of the Year winner (Mike Schmitt) and Non-Boater Lunker of the Year winner (Eric McDonald). Most Improved Boater was a tie with Brian Eisch and Scott Fairchild, and Most Improved Non-Boater was Peter Knight. The Northern New York Bassmasters received the outstanding club award for their participation in the Elite event, plus many educational seminars and supporting an active youth club. Salt City Bassmasters and Good Old Boys Bassmasters shared in the Conservation Club of the Year award for their ongoing efforts with invasives control and water chestnut pulls Paul Hudson received the individual Conservation Award for his efforts with fishcare and in maintaining the fishcare boat. Ted Bart was the Outstanding Committee Chairperson for 2013. Finally, a special Citizenship award was presented to Scott Bliss who in late October while fishing on Cayuga Lake, came upon a capsized canoe with two people in the water. Scott was able to rescue both individuals and return them safely to shore, saving their lives. Also, George Yund was presented the Sportsmanship Award for his involvement in team building with the two junior anglers at the Eastern Divisional Championship. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

It had 140 class antlers. "Mathew Morse, of Fabius, poses with his wife, Meghan, and son Marcus with a trophy, 140 class, 8-point buck taken in Tully in November. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

Poachers target snow leopards because their luxurious pelts can be sold to middlemen and ultimately fetch thousands of dollars in big cities such as Moscow and Beijing. The following is a press release from SUNY ESF: When the 2014 Winter Olympics kick off next month in the Russian city of Sochi, attention will focus on thousands of elite athletes, scores of broadcasters and three cuddly animal mascots, including the appealing -- but endangered -- snow leopard. But the snow leopard, with its distinctive markings and secretive behavior, has never lived near Sochi, which is in southern Russia, on the Black Sea at the western edge of the Caucasus Mountains. The snow leopard's native range is more than 3,000 miles away, in the remote, mountainous Altai Region of Siberia. And there, the population of native snow leopards has nearly been extirpated by poaching. Recent success in conservation efforts, however, gives scientists reason to be hopeful that the elusive creatures might rebound. "It's just fantastic that the snow leopard is being featured as the mascot of the Sochi Olympics. The creature does need all the attention it can get. It is extremely endangered throughout its range," said Dr. James P. Gibbs, a conservation biologist at the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry in Syracuse, N.Y., who has been involved in snow leopard research and conservation efforts in Russia for the last five years. Despite the predator's dwindling numbers, collaborative efforts by conservation biologists from the United States and Russia have made some progress. Gibbs works closely with Sergei Spitsyn of the Russian Protected Areas system, Mikhail Paltsyn of WWF-Russia and Jennifer Caster of The Altai Project. "Five years ago, I would have said it's hopeless but now we're finding ways to control poaching and provide economic opportunities for desperately poor local herders as alternatives to poaching," said Gibbs. Poachers target snow leopards because their luxurious pelts can be sold to middlemen and ultimately fetch thousands of dollars in big cities such as Moscow and Beijing. While traditional anti-poaching methods such as patrols and snare removal are still in use, part of the solution to the poaching problem, Gibbs said, is creating economic development opportunities for poor herders so they have options other than poaching. "If we can create opportunities for local women to sell their handicrafts, they won't have to rely on their husbands' poaching to pay school and medical fees for their children," he said. Other solutions, he said, can be simple: a $20 piece of chain-link fencing to cover the ventilation hole in the enclosed corrals where herders keep their sheep at night will keep snow leopards out and avoid lots of conflict. One snow leopard, driven out of higher elevations by a lack of prey because of overhunting, can leap into a corral and destroy a family's livestock in one night. "That essentially can devastate a family's entire wealth, which might amount to only about $500. It's gone in a night," Gibbs said. That means local people often view snow leopards as pests. That perception can be counteracted by ecotourism that focuses on science and brings international visitors -- and money -- into the region. When local people see that foreigners have traveled a great distance to see the local fauna, Gibbs said, "they see that their backyard and the creatures in it must be fairly special." In turn, the government can come to see the international significance of animals such as snow leopards. "We have to find a way to make snow leopards worth more alive than dead to local people. We all want them; they're wonderful creatures but we don't bear the cost of living with them, so finding a way for local people to live with them without paying the costs is the challenge." View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog