HuntingNY-News

Wayne Pacelle, president of the Humane Society of the United States, condemns the sale of hunting rights. View the full article

"Trails are being groomed to perfection with our new Ginzu groomer!," according to a press release from race organizers. It's time for competitor cross country skiers across Upstate New York to get start getting ready (if you haven't already). Registrations are now being taken for the 34th annual Winona Forest Tourathon. The popular cross country skiing event, hosted by the Winona Forest Recreation Association, is set for Feb. 22 at the CCC Camp in Mannsville. "Trails are being groomed to perfection with our new Ginzu groomer!," according to a press release from race organizers. "Conditions are awesome. It gonna be a great race." The race schedule starts at 8 a. m. with the 37.5K and 50 K races, and continues at 8:30 a.m. with the 12.5 K and 25 K races. This year's event will include a chicken barbecue put on by the Mannsville Fire Co., door prizes, raffles and entertainment. For more on the race, see the Winona Forest Recreation Association website. To register online, go to skireg.com. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

Note to those who feed deer and other wild animals during the winter. Suspected human feeding of a wild bull elk during the current cold snap caused its death, according to the Pennsylvania Game Commission. The following are among the more interesting, funny and bizarre outdoors stories I've come across lately: 1) Dolphins stold the show at a recent surfing competition in Santa Barbara, Calif., surfing right along with the human competitors. What impressed me is the number of dolphins that got into the act. 2). The Kenyans are using drones to protect wild, endangered animals from poachers, according to natureworldnews.com. The drones help park rangers observe, track and protect wildlife by delivering video and thermal imaging feeds to teams on the ground. They can not only monitor the animals, butcan detect humans who shouldn't be there. 3). Suspected human feeding of a wild bull elk during the current cold caused its death, according to the Pennsylvania Game Commission. According to pennlive.com: "Test results returned last week cited rumen acidosis as causing the death of the 6- by 7-point bull found Jan. 9 in Byrnedale, Elk County. The disorder affects wild deer and elk, as well as domestic animals such as cattle and sheep, and in wild animals often is linked to supplemental feeding by humans. Rumen acidosis is brought on by the sudden introduction of carbohydrates, usually grain and often corn, to an animal's diet. "The diets of wild deer and elk vary by their home ranges, and often change throughout the year. Their bodies adjust to accommodate those changes, but if their diets change suddenly rather than gradually, their bodies are unable to digest the newly introduced food. If they eat enough of that food, it can kill them," the press release said. Food for thought for those who feel they're helping things by feeding deer (which by the way, is illegal) and other wild animals during the winter. 4). Why do birds flock and fly together. There's a variety of reasons, according to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Check out this video taken by a couple of women on a canoe trip. I've seen this phenomenon before but nothing as awesome as this.. 5).South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks, with the help of Oglala Sioux Parks and Recreation Authority recently trapped 40 bighorn sheep from the Rocky Boy Reservation in Montana and transported them to South Dakota's Black Hills and Badlands. The interesting thing about the effort is that they used helicopters and net guns to get the job done. An amazing effort. 4). View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

<p> Proceeds from the event benefited Team Red, White and Blue, a national veterans support group. Nearly a dozen members from that group participated in the 5K race. </p> <p><br />The Empire State Snowshoe Championships went off without a hitch today at Highland Forest thanks to the snowy, cold conditions.</p> <p>"The conditions were gorgeous," said Chary Griffin, the race director. "Blue skies, powdered snow. The temperature warmed by race time and it was just under 20 degrees.</p> <p>"This race served as the New York State championships," she added.</p> <p>A total of 107 racers participated in the three events - a 5K run, a 1K fun run and a 10K race. The 5K race was a joint junior state championship (ages 7-14 and 15-19) and race for senior (ages 20 and above) competitors. The 10K was the senior state championship, said Chary Griffin, race director.</p> <p>Proceeds from the event benefitted Team Red, White and Blue, a national veterans support group. Nearly a dozen members from that group participated in the 5K race.</p> <p>Jack Hillenbrant, of Harpursville, won the junior division in the 5K race. Cloe Mattillo, of the Paul's Smith College Race Team, was the top finishing female. The top finishing senior in that race was Ed Teneyck, of Jamesville (also of Team Red, White and Blue), and the top female was Michelle McKamey, of Fort Drum.</p> <p>Cole Crosby, of Binghamton, who won last year, was the top male racer in the the 10 K race. Karen Simmonds Brady, of Skaneateles, was the top finishing female.</p> <p>Official times were not unavailable, but will be posted either later tonight or tomorrow on <a href="http://bikeloft.com">bikeloft.com</a> and the <a href="http://www.snowshoeracing.com">National Snowshoe Racing Association website</a>, Griffin said.</p> <p>The 5K for the juniors and the 10K race for the seniors served as a qualifier for the United States Snowshoe Association Nationals, set for Feb. 28 to March 22 at Prospect Mountain Ski Center in Woodford, Vt.</p> <p>Proceeds from the event benefited Team Red, White and Blue, a national veterans support group. Nearly a dozen members from that group participated in the 5K race, Griffin said.</p> <p><br /></p> View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

"The biggest thing (about the opposition) is that people don't differentiate (between swans) and are unaware of how much damage wild mute swans can cause," said Mike Schummer, a professor of zoology at SUNY Oswego. SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- Why would anyone want to kill a mute swan? The birds in Hans Christian Andersen's book, "The Ugly Ducking" are mute swans. So are the beautiful, beloved inhabitants of the Manlius village pond. But the state Department of Environmental Conservation says looks aren't everything and that this invasive species of bird causes havoc to the environment, negatively affecting native wildlife. The DEC recently issued a proposed 10-year-management plan calling for the elimination of wild populations of mute swans, while "allowing responsible ownership of these birds in captivity." The plan -- which includes shooting the wild birds, destroying their eggs and sterilization -- has ruffled the feathers of many swan lovers. "It's an issue because a lot of people have a personal connection with these birds. They've been in our community for a long time. The DEC looks like they've already made up their minds on this and the public is being left out of the decision-making process - and it's a cruel plan," said David Karopkin, director of GooseWatch NYC, which started an online petition against the DEC's plan. The plan is available on the DEC website and comments are being accepted until Feb. 21. The Onondaga Audubon board of directors will be discussing the DEC's plan at its board meeting Wednesday evening. Vice president Gerry Smith said, "I'm enthusiastically in support of the DEC's efforts to control, and even to eliminate this invasive species. In the last 25 years, they've established themselves and have become a serious pest in our part of the state, presenting a significant hazardous to our local ducks and other waterfowl." Mute swans weigh more than 25 pounds, have white plumage, an orange bill, a black face mask and a graceful curving neck. Native to Eurasia, the birds were imported in the late 1800s to grace parks and estates and have established wild populations. The DEC estimates the state's the population at 2,200, with three distinct populations on Long Island, the lower Hudson Valley and along Lake Ontario. The majority are concentrated in Long Island and Hudson Valley. A trumpeter swan. DEC estimates there are about 50 trumpeter swans in this state, mostly in the Western New York area. Like mute swans, they don't migrate.AP But they're not the only swans in New York. Native tundra and trumpeter swans, which are smaller and fewer in number, are among the birds and other creatures the DEC is working to protect with this plan. That list includes the black tern, an endangered bird that inhabits the marshes along Lake Ontario. Tundra swans at the Rosamond Gifford Zoo at Burnet Park. DEC estimates several hundred migrate from up north and winter in the state each year. Mike Greenlar | [email protected] "The biggest thing (about the opposition) is that people don't differentiate (between swans) and are unaware of how much damage wild mute swans can cause," said Mike Schummer, a professor of zoology at SUNY Oswego and scientist for Long Point Waterfowl, a non-profit group focusing on waterfowl, conservation education and wetlands in the Great Lakes Region. Wildlife biologists note mute swans don't migrate and are extremely territorial, tending to displace native bird species, at times killing their young. Studies have found they tend to take over wetlands areas, putting a substantial dent in aquatic vegetation. Adult mute swans eat on the average 40 percent of their body weight daily. "Unlike most waterfowl, mutes completely uproot submerged vegetation, targeting the tubers and root mass, which in many cases doesn't come back," said Sarah Fleming, a wildlife biologist with Ducks Unlimited. "That reduces the habitat for fish and aquatic invertebrates, in addition to reducing the amount of food available for native migrating waterfowl." Downstate, waste caused by mute swans has resulted in degraded water quality at parks, ponds, swimming areas - even creating problems in shellfish fishing areas off Long Island. Mutes can present hazards to aviation; swan/aircraft strikes have occurred at John F. Kennedy Airport, said Bryan Swift, the DEC's waterfowl specialist. The Atlantic Flyway Council, which is made up of state wildlife agencies and biologists who work together to monitor and manage waterfowl populations in the Atlantic Flyway, adopted a plan in 2003 to reduce the mute swan population. New York's population was to be reduced to 500 by 2013 under that plan. Instead, it has grown slightly, because little action was taken. "Back in the 1990s, there were 25 mute swans along Lake Ontario," said Swift. "By 2002 that number rose to 200. We've been doing some control work (shooting them, oiling the eggs) and have tried to keep a lid on them." Maryland has an aggressive control plan that reduced the population of mute swans from nearly 4,000 in 1999 to 200 in 2010. Michigan's wildlife agency aims to reduce the state's mute swan population from about 15,500 to less than 2,000 by 2030. Connecticut and Rhode Island have programs that include nest and egg treatment or removal. Ohio is also working on a control plan. A swan with cygnets at the Manlius swan pond. These swans would not be touched under the DEC's management plan. Dave Lassman |[email protected] The DEC's plan would allow the possession of swans under certain circumstances. The village of Manlius, for example, has a permit to keep swans. The management plan would continue the permitting process and prohibit the raising and selling of domestic mute swans, or releasing them into the wild. GooseWatch NYC's online petition notes: "(The DEC's) plan to utterly eliminate this majestic creature from the face of its land reflects an agency that has lost touch with its core mission as well as with the greater voices to which it must ultimately answer. Swift responded: "Our core mission is to maintain the native fish and wildlife species in ecological balance with the environment - not maintaining a species that has beauty or charisma - regardless of the impact." Give your thoughts: Comments on the draft mute swan plan may be submitted in writing through February 21, 2014 to NYSDEC Bureau of Wildlife, Swan Management Plan, 625 Broadway, Albany, NY 12233-4754 or email [email protected] and write "swan plan" in the subject box. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

<p> Visitors to the show Sunday can meet outdoors TV celebrity Troy Landry of the show "Swamp People.", </p> <p><br />SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- The New York Sportsman's Expo attracted a big crowd this afternoon at the State Fairgrounds.</p> <p>The three-day event kicked off Friday and runs until 7 p.m. today. It continues from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. </p> <p>Popular attractions today included the kids catch-and-release trout pond, the preliminaries of the dock dog jumping competition and a 3-D competitive archery shoot. The show's offerings include a host of exhibitors, displays and seminars.</p> <p>The finals of the 3-D archery and dock dog jumping contests are scheduled for Sunday, along with a duck-calling competition. In addition, visitors Sunday can meet outdoors TV celebrity Troy Landry of the show "Swamp People," along with Realtree pro staffer Tim Andrus, a well-known deer hunter.</p> <p>For more on the show, <a href="http://newyorksportsmansexpo.com">see its website.</a></p> View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

Japan swooned when Caroline Kennedy arrived as the United States’ ambassador, but she has surprised her hosts with her frankness on delicate issues, including a controversial dolphin hunt. View the full article

"I just kept on saying, 'Oh my God. Oh my God," he said. "It was the best thing I've ever seen, except when my sons were born. They were both good feelings." Tom Sheridan said when he first came to the 23-point buck he shot this fall, he couldn't believe his eyes. "I just kept on saying, 'Oh my God. Oh my God,' " he said. "It was the best thing I've ever seen -- except when my sons were born. They were both good feelings." Sheridan, of Jamesville, was recently informed his buck's antlers had been officially scored at 184 3/8 inches - making it one of the top 60 largest non-typical deer ever taken by a hunter in this state, according to the New York Big Buck Club record book. Ron Evans, one of the club's official scorers, said it was a "gross, non-typical 210 inches," but he settled on the lower score after adding in deductions under the Boone and Crockett scoring system. "This is exceptionally big for this state," he said. Sheridan said he shot the deer on Nov. 18 with his Remington 11-87 shotgun on his property in Jamesville while walking toward his tree stand. "It was high wind advisory day. I never made it to the tree stand. He couldn't smell or hear me. It was at about 4 p.m. and he was trying to find a place to bed down," he said. After he shot it, he ran back to his house to get his son to help him drag it and they put it on a four-wheeler to take it out of the woods. "This guy was a monster," Sheridan said. "He weighed 210 pounds after being gutted." Sheridan, 51, said he's been hunting for 20-plus years and his share of bucks . "But nothing like this," he said. "When I first saw its antlers in the brush, I thought it was my friends playing a game with me." View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

OK guys, you've given this Greg Craybas way more than his 15 seconds of fame, now how about writing a story about bald eagles from an unbiased, common sense point of view, without all the heart-string-tugging, national symbol saluting, The following was submitted by Doug Cole, of Phoenix, about the bald eagle/duck hunting situation on Onondaga Lake brought up by Syracuse dentist Greg Craybas that has since resulted in the city of Syracuse announcing plans to post "No Hunting" signs along shore prior to next year's duck hunting season: OK guys, you've given this Greg Craybas way more than his 15 seconds of fame, now how about writing a story about bald eagles from an unbiased, common sense point of view, without all the heart-string-tugging, National symbol saluting, Six Nation tree of peace sitting, hyperbole. The native Americans thought seeing an eagle was " the best of all good luck " because they used their feathers in their headdresses, and I doubt the eagles gave up their feathers willfully. This dentist/photographer says a plan is needed to protect these eagles. Protect them from what? No one kills eagles for meat or feathers anymore, and they didn't come to face extinction in the 60's from overharvesting or harassment by hunters. They faced extinction from ingesting toxins like DDT and mercury carried in their main food source, fish. If anyone is truly concerned about the eagles' well-being, they should keep them away from Onondaga Lake, especially at the outlet to the waste treatment facility. ( I don't think I would eat ducks that I shot from that area either and I would never hunt anything I can't eat. ) There are dozens upon dozens of places throughout this area where eagles and ospreys can be watched and photographed throughout the year. All these birds need are tall trees and a good food source. I've been watching eagles and osprey along the Oswego River for years, since the early 90's, and although I think it's wonderful their population seems to have increased in the past several years, a gathering of 10 or 12 eagles on the north shore of Onondaga Lake for a month or so each year doesn't warrant the expense to build a viewing area, unless of course, Mr. Craybas would like to fund it. Hey, maybe he can get some financial help from Bob Congel, the area in question is right next door to his mall and he's got millions of our tax dollars already. It would look like a good-will gesture on Congel's part, I'm sure he could find a way to write it off as a donation to something or other, and Mr. Craybas would have a nice, safe area to take his pictures from, without having to cross those dangerous railroad tracks. It probably won't take more than a couple hundred thousand to build, or triple that if the city, county, state and/or Mr. Congel get involved. Let's use some common sense here. #1. We taxpayers have tons of things to support with our tax dollars that are a lot more important than a viewing area for bald eagles that may or may not show up for a few weeks each year, depending on weather and other food sources. #2. If hunters were truly harassing protected wildlife, the DEC would have something to say about that. #3. If hunters were illegally discharging firearms within the city limits, the Syracuse police would have control over that. #4. If Mr. Craybas admittedly trespassed to take some pictures, the Syracuse police should pursue that act as well. So let the city keep the hunters from shooting inside the city limits, keep Mr. Craybas from having to trespass by letting him take his pictures with his big telephoto lens from the second level of the Best Buy parking garage, and let the bald eagles continue eating raw, " not safe for consumption " fish from Onondaga Lake. (and let's hope Honeywell truly is cleaning up the lake as they claim.) View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

Fierke said the ash tree-eating bugs were first reported in Onondaga County last summer, but she suspects they've been here for six to eight years when one looks at the level of infestation. Readers are constantly asking me questions about the outdoors and wildlife. Sometimes I can supply the answers myself. Other times I go to experts. This week Patty Weiss, former executive director at Baltimore Woods Nature Center in Marcellus, asked me the following: "Hi Dave. Is there any truth to the rumor that this bitter cold weather in CNY will knock back the infestation of emerald ash borers?" Answer: I called Melissa Fierke, associate professor in forest entomology at SUNY ESF, and she told me "it will kill off some, but we don't know how many. We'd have to peel back the bark of ash trees to find out." Fierke said the ash tree-eating bugs were first reported in Onondaga County last summer, but she suspects they've been here for six to eight years when one looks at the level of infestation. "There's some right now about a mile from where you're sitting in downtown Syracuse," she said. "You have infestations around Carrier Circle, within the city limits down in Meadowbrook...and there's a pretty big one on the town of Dewitt line on Townline Road." Fierke talked about the life cycle of an emerald ash borer. The adult beetles mate and lay eggs in late June, early July and then die. The eggs hatch and the larvae chew into the bark of the trees. They feed through the summer and fall and then go into a sort of hibernation underneath bark of ash trees throughout the winter. By spring, they pupate and emerge as adults. The cycle then starts again. She said the sub-zero temps will take out some of the larvae during the winter. The ones that survive are "ones that are a little more cold hardy." They'll turn into adults and produce babies that will be a little more cold hardy, too. "Then they'll start expanding (population-wise) further and further north," Fierke said, adding the ash borers, originally from Asian, are no strangers to cold environments. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

<p> It calls for authorizes the state Department of Environmental Conservation to establish regulations allowing individuals to hunt big game or small game with a crossbow. </p> <p><br /><strong>Jason Kemper, chairman of the state's Conservation Fund Advisory Board, noted the following items pertaining to the outdoors sporting community in Gov. Andrew Cuomo's executive budget that was released this week:</strong></p> <p>1). Authorizing the state Department of Environmental Conservation to establish regulations allowing individuals to hunt big game or small game with a crossbow. Also, reducing the distance from an occupied structure from 500 feet to 150 feet for discharge of a crossbow or longbow.<br />.<br />2). Authorizing the DEC to offer promotional, reduced cost licenses up to 10 days per year, and to designate up to eight free sport fishing days per year. (The goal here is to promote fishing in the state during times of low license sales, Kemper said). .</p> <p>3. Creating three- and five-year hunting, fishing and trapping licenses, and reducing the price of a seven-day fishing license. The seven-day fishing license will go from $13 to $12 for residents and $31 to $28 for non- residents. </p> <p>4 Clarifying the liability of owners, lessees and occupants whose property is used by the public for recreational activities.</p> <p>5. $6 Million for about 50 public access projects for sportsman on wildlife management areas including boat launches and parking lots.<br /> <br />6. $4 Million for DEC fish hatchery improvements.</p> <p>7). A provision for a vanity motor vehicle license plate for those who purchase a lifetime fishing or hunting license.</p> <p>"The $10 million for the public access projects and the hatchery improvements are not out of the state's conservation fund (which consists of money collected from sportsmen's licenses and fees)," Kemper said. "It's straight out of the general fund. This represents a significant investment by the governor in the hunting, fishing and trapping scene in New York State."</p> <p>Kemper said during the past four or five years, there has not been $4 million combined directed toward improving the state's fish hatcheries.</p> <p>"This is a big shot in the arm for them," he said.</p> View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

Celebrity TV hunting couple Ralph and Vicki Cianciarulo will be appearing Friday and Saturday at the New York Sportsman's Expo at the NY State Fairgrounds. Ralph and Vicki Cianciarulo Celebrity TV hunting couple Ralph and Vicki Cianciarulo will be appearing Friday and Saturday at the New York Sportsman's Expo at the State Fairgrounds. The couple, who live in Northwest, Ill., are billed as "North America's Favorite Hunting Couple." They've been hunting together since 1990 and can be seen on the "Archer's Choice" and the "The Choice" shows on the Outdoors Channel. Ralph gave the following recommendations about what's needed for a happy hunting couple: - Always make sure she has the best spot. - When mama ain't happy, ain't no one going to be happy. - Keep her warm. Women don't like the cold. - Do make her feel better when you get a bigger animal. - Keep it fun. Hunting is serious, but keep it fun. Vicki weighed in with the following"don'ts" for the female hunters. - Don't worry about makeup. The deer and the bears don't care. - Don't over-bow or over-gun yourself. Use equipment that fits you properly and that you're comfortable using. If you don't, that will take the fun out of it. - Don't be intimated. Don't think you can't do it because you're a girl. A lot of women out there think they can't do it and that's not true. - Have confidence in yourself and don't be impatient. Hunting takes time. - Don't be afraid to ask for help. I asked the two if they took turns, or had roles out in the field when it came to field dressing a deer. "We take turns. It's a tag team situation. One cuts, while the other holds the legs. We're just two hunting buddies. There's no hesitation," Ralph said. Vicki said there is one role that she relishes and that she doesn't normally allow Ralph to take part in. "I do all the cooking. He just makes a mess," she said. The three-day Sportsman's Expo starts Friday. The Cianciarulos are scheduled to be at show from on Friday and Saturday. For more, see the show's website. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

The programs are being offered from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 19 and 21. They're designed for children ages 5-12 who are interested in nature. The Montezuma Audubon Center in Savannah is offering programs for youngsters during winter break. The programs are being offered from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 19 and 21. They're designed for children ages 5-12 who are interested in nature. "Students will explore how different animals survive our cold Central New York winters, and will solve mysteries left in the snow (or mud depending on the weather). Students should be dressed for outdoor activities and should bring lunch and a snack," according to a news release from the center. Fee is $35/child per day. Hot cocoa will be provided. Call 365-3588 or e-mail [email protected] to register. Space is limited. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

Green Lakes State Park holding sled dog demo on Saturday, January 25. Roy Smith has a need for speed. The Lacona resident grew up a ski racer, slicing trails through the snow of New York's Mohawk Valley region. But while training at Lake Placid in the early '90s, he found himself in awe of athletes much faster than himself: Teams of dogs hitched to sleds, speeding down ski trails. "Now THAT'S racing," Smith recalled thinking. Smith soon hung up his skis, bought six dogs and dedicated himself to sprint mushing. More commonly known as sprint racing, the sport features teams of dogs bred to pull sleds 20 to 30 mile distances at speeds between 20 and 25 miles per hour. Smith has since raced throughout New England and Canada and was a two-time International Sled Dog Racing Association silver medalist in the sprint racing class. On Saturday, the owner of Adirondack Kennel will be bringing his dogs to Green Lakes State Park for a demonstration. Sled dog sprint racing in Alaska Unlike the thick-furred huskies often associated with sled dogs, sprint racing dogs are lanky, short-haired hybrids. Adirondack Kennel currently consists of 34 dogs whose lineage is a precise mix of Scandinavian hound, Alaskan husky, bird dog and greyhound. "They run superfast, they just fly," Smith said. "You can't keep up with the dogs. You can ski your hardest, but you won't be able to keep up." Like all great athletes, the dogs of Adirondack Kennel love the thrill of competition. Smith said that when his team sees other dogs being hooked up to sleds, they get psyched and want to be hooked up too. "The beauty of the lineage is that they want to succeed," Smith said. In addition to the Green Lakes demonstration, Adirondack Kennel will be giving rides at Borio's Restaurant in Cicero on Saturday, February 1, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., and at the Oswego County Winter Carnival in Pulaski on Sunday February 2, from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. The Details What: Sled Dog Demonstration When: Saturday, January 25, 1 p.m. Where: Green Lakes State Park, 7900 Green Lakes Road, Fayetteville, N.Y. Cost: Free View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

Hours are noon to 8 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Editor's note: The times and dates of when celebrity hunting couple Ralph and Vicki Cianciarulo will be appearing was incorrect in the original story. The correct times and dates are now listed. The New York Sportman's Expo kicks off Friday morning at the New York State Fairgrounds in Geddes. The three-day show this year features several outdoors TV celebrities, including Troy Landry of the show "Swamp People," hunting couple Ralph and Vicki Cianciarulo and Realtree pro staffer Tim Andrus, a well-known deer hunter. The show's offerings include a host of exhibitors, seminars, an indoor archery range, a duck-calling competition and a kids' trout pond. Hours are noon to 8 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. As for the outdoors celebrities, Landry will be at the Expo from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Sunday. The Cianciarulos will be there from noon to close both Friday and Saturday, and Andrus will be there the whole weekend. For more, see newyorksportsmansexpo.com. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

"Do I want duck hunting to continue on Onondaga Lake. Absolutely," he said. Syracuse dentist Greg Craybas said his concern about duck hunting at the eastern end of Onondaga Lake where bald eagles congregate during the winter months should not be misconstrued as a "broad brush against duck hunting." "I don't like things brewing and stewing," he said. "I'm a sportsman. I shoot skeet. I'm also a wildlife photographer." "I just want everyone -- the duck hunters, the bird watchers, Audubon, Honeywell, the DEC -- to sit down and discuss these eagles. What's the plan?" he said. "Are we just going to let everyone clear out the trees where they perch for a bike path? We have to a thoughtful plan to keep these eagles here and keep them coming back. They're a resource that should be preserved and protected." Comments by Craybas and others, though, resulted last week in the city of Syracuse announcing plans to place "No Hunting" signs along the shore prior to next year's duck hunting season. The city has an ordinance banning the discharge of firearms within city limits. The city's boundaries extend will into Onondaga Lake, including well beyond the area near the Metropolitan Sewage Treatment Plant discharge pipe where the eagles congregate. Craybas, who's been out recently photographing eagles on the lake, noted when the lake freezes, the area by the discharge pipe remains unfrozen and is a gathering spot for migrating ducks and geese - and the eagles that perch in the nearby trees that feed off the waterfowl and any fish they can get. He has personally seen as many as 18 at once there. He was dismayed to find hunters frequenting that area at times. There's been no reports of eagles being shot. He noted, though, that hunters were scaring the ducks and geese away. He also noted at last three areas on shore where shotgun shells littered the ground. Craybas photographed one area where he saw the shells and his photo ran with a story on the city's announcement to post the "No Hunting" signs published Sunday on syracuse.com/The Post-Standard Sunday. Several commenters on Syracuse.com accused him of planting the shells and setting up the shot to prove his point -- allegations that Craybas calls "ridiculous." He reached out this week to Ron Falkowski, president of the Central New York Wildfowlers, who frequently hunts Onondaga Lake in the winter. Craybas said he would provide Falkowski with "blown up" pictures of the shells to prove they were waterfowl loads. "All I know is what he told me over the phone," said Falkowski Tuesday, noting he was down to Long Island this week duck hunting. "I have no comment until I get back and see the pictures." As for allegations that he trespassed to get to the spot to take the pictures, Craybas noted the area at the end of the Creek Walk in the Inner Harbor is heavily posted with signs and that he came in through "another way" where there are no signs. However, he did concede he had to cross the CSX railroad tracks, which would technically be trespassing. "Am I doing something that I probably should be doing? Probably," he said. "Yeah, I'm technically entering an area (the railroad tracks) that's unsafe." However, he said in his opinion his efforts to document with pictures the spectacular wildlife scenes there is raising a public awareness, and that it's his hope that some good will come of it. "Do I want duck hunting to continue on Onondaga Lake. Absolutely," he said. "But some thought should be given about continuing it at this place when the rest of the lake freezes over." HONEYWELL RESPONDS: Victoria Ann Streitfeld, a Honeywell spokeswoman, issued the following statement Wednesday morning about the eagles on Onondaga Lake: "Eagles have begun returning to Onondaga Lake, one of Audubon's "Important Bird Areas," as a result of a healthier ecosystem in New York State. The lake, a part of that ecosystem, is supporting a growing and diverse population of fish, mammals, and birds as a result of upgrades at the County's Metro plant, the lake cleanup, and significant habitat restoration in areas surrounding the lake. We have worked with Audubon to identify which trees should be preserved along the lakeshore to enhance vegetation and habitat long-term." View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

Griffin said this week's frigid weather has caused her little concern. "I've raced in temperatures as cold as 30 below," she said. Mike Schoeneck, of Syracuse, a member of Team Red White and Blue, a veterans' advocacy group, participates in the 2013 Highland Forest Snowshoe 5K. Michelle Gabel | [email protected] The Empire State Snowshoe Championships is set for Sunday morning at Highland Forest in Fabius, according to Chary Griffin, race director. There will be a 5k, 10k and fun run format, according to Chary Griffin, race director. The junior division championship will be a 5K race and the senior championship will be a 10K, she said. "Additionally it will benefit Team Red White and Blue - A national veterans support group," Griffin said. "They will be participating as they did last year." Griffin said she has 35 competitors registered so far. She said this week's frigid weather has caused her little concern. Sunday's forecast calls for temperatures hovering around 18 degrees with possible snow showers. "A day like today in Lake Placid would be a usual day," she said. "I've raced in temperatures as cold as 30 below." She said racers are coming from throughout the state. Several will be traveling from Pennsylvania. The race schedule will start at 10 a.m. at the Highland Forest Park Skyline Lodge. A registration form can be downloaded online from the Bike Loft website at bikeloft.com, mailed in or faxed to 655-4784, or emailed to [email protected]. The entry fee is $20; race day, $25. Kids are free. Griffin added that the Highland Forest competition will also serve as a qualifier for the United States Snowshoe Association Nationals, set for Feb. 28 to March 22 at Prospect Mountain Ski Center in Woodford, Vt. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

What's in Gov. Cuomo's executive budget for the outdoors enthusiast? Who invited Mr. Freeze to Syracuse? Man, temperatures have really dropped the past couple of days. I went out on Oneida Lake today to check out the ice fishing scene. I found only two anglers out and froze my butt. Here's what I'm working on this week: - The DEC's recent proposal to decrease the mute swan population in this state -- a proposal that has drawn criticism from animal rights folks. - What's in Gov. Cuomo's executive budget for the outdoors enthusiast? - A followup interview with Greg Craybas, the Syracuse dentist who brought attention to the conflict with bald eagles and duck hunters at Onondaga Lake's eastern end. The city late last week it plans to post "No Hunting" signs within city limits along the lake prior to next year's hunting season. - This Sunday's state snowshoe championships at Highland Forest. - Hoping to snag an interview with TV hunting couple hunting Ralph and Vicki Cianciarulo, who are appearing at this weekend's New York Sportsman's Expo at the State Fairgrounds. - What's in Gov. Cuomo's executive budget for the outdoors enthusiast? - Extreme winter adventures - Lake Placid, an incubator for Winter Olympians - An update on the new state law requiring boater safety courses. - John Rybinski, of Pompey, a well-known hunter, turns over conservation easement of his 247 acres to Finger Lakes Trust, which essentially ensures his property won't be developed. - Extreme outdoor winter adventures. - An update, and implications of the statewide Wild Boar War. - Followup on the special deer hunting season in Tompkins County. Are hunters getting any more access compared to last year? - The winter Olympics? Looking for local angles. Anyone heading out to Sochi as a spectator? Send me an email at [email protected] - CNY winters and the need for making snow at ski resorts. (costs, etc.).. I've heard the little community ski clubs in particular resorts are being extremely strapped by the costs of their snow-making equipment. - 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. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

It was initially scheduled to happen this Saturday. The 2014 Almost-Annual New York State Crappie Derby on the Whitney Point Reservoir has been rescheduled by its organizers for Feb. 8. The popular ice fishing derby was originally scheduled for this Saturday. "The current ice is holding its own, but not progressing sufficiently to allow us to continue to go with the original date of Jan. 25," according to a news release from the event's organizers. The ice thickness currently averages about 9 inches in thickness, according to one area bait shop owner. The derby is a family oriented event that allows everyone to get outdoors for a mid winter break. Although it is primarily an ice fishing event, other attractions are provided for spectators. There are usually far more spectators than registered contestants. The derby has been cancelled the last two years because of lack of ice. This year's purse is expected to exceed $5,000. For more, see the event's website at crappiederby.com. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

<p> How'd it go? What special precautions did you take? </p> <p>We're interested in talking to runners throughout Central New York who braved today's sub-zero temperatures.</p> <p>How'd it go? What special precautions did you take? Is this the coldest conditions you've ever run in?</p> <p>Send your comments to [email protected].</p> View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

<p> "It was probably a combination of things," Maraio said. </p> <p><br />There was a drop in the number of donated deer hides and venison by hunters from the fall deer hunting season, according to two Central New York groups that benefit from the donations.</p> <p>The Camillus Elks Club has been accepting deer hides for the past 14 years, said Bob Maraio, a club member who is in charge of the effort. Last year, the club took in nearly 400 hides. This year, the total was 325, he said.</p> <p>"It was probably a combination of things," Maraio said. "There were most likely less hunters out and the weather (wasn't real good) this fall for hunting."</p> <p>The hides were cleaned and salted by members of the club and most have since been sold to a tannery. Maraio estimates the club will make about $2,500, which all be used to buy incidentals for the disabled or sick veterans at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Syracuse.</p> <p>The total weight of donated vension from the greater Central New York area was down about 400 pounds compared to the 2012 hunting seaon, according to Heather Hudson, direcgtor of food sourcing and nutrition for the Central New York Food Bank.</p> <p>Hudson said the CNY Food Bank received venison from hunters who used cooperating meat processors in Lowville, Oswego, Homer, East Syracuse, Kirkville and Moravia. The venison was ground up into tubes of hamburger and distributed to food pantries in the Food Bank's 11-county coverage area.</p> <p>"There's nothing left. It goes out quickly," Hudson said. "Our programs love it. Lots of them look for it as soon as the deer hunting season starts."</p> <p>The Affiliated Conservation Clubs of Madison County collecting deer hides this year for the first time.</p> <p>Club member Steve Wratten said members anticipated collecting 100 hides and ended up getting 130. Not all hides are sold yet, but Wratten figures the club will take in "around $1,000," which will used to help pay for the club's various activities.</p> <p>"It was a success. We learned a little bit. With a little more advertising, we hope to do better next year," he said.<br /></p> View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

<p> It was minus-11 degrees this morning on the lake. </p> <p><br />It was minus-11 degrees out on Big Bay on Oneida Lake this morning. The slight breeze made things even colder.</p> <p>I spotted two ice fishermen out on the ice and decided to see how they were doing. One declined to give his name, but did say he was "warm and toasty" inside his portable ice shanty, thanks to his portable heater.</p> <p>Another angler, Jamie Randall, of North Syracuse, said he'd just gotten on the ice and with his heater, lunch and a couple of drinks was prepared to stay out for hours.</p> <p>I was good for only about hour on the ice before my feet got cold. </p> View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

With this week's frigid weather, it's on a lot of people's minds. Ever suffer from frostbite? With this week's frigid weather, it's on a lot of people's minds. Among the best tips is to cover as much skin as possible when you're outside. I'd like to hear from readers about this so that others can learn from their experiences or mistakes. Learn more about frostbite and hypothermia. (And no, alcohol doesn't help matters.) Send your story to [email protected]. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

The schedule includes a host of exhibitors, seminars, an indoor archery range, a duck-calling competition and a kids' trout pond. The New York Sportman's Expo kicks off Friday morning at the New York State Fairgrounds in Geddes. The three-day show this year features several outdoors TV celebrities, including Troy Landry of the show "Swamp People," hunting couple Ralph and Vicki Cianciarulo and Realtree pro staffer Tim Andrus, a well-known deer hunter. The show's offerings include a host of exhibitors, seminars, an indoor archery range, a duck-calling competition and a kids' trout pond. Hours are noon to 8 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. As for the outdoors celebrities, Landry will be at the Expo from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Sunday. The Cianciarulos will be there from noon to close both Saturday and Sunday, and Andrus will be there the whole weekend. For more, see newyorksportsmansexpo.com. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

Following the race, a party will be held at the Cazenovia College Athletic Center (Upper Gym), on Liberty Street in Cazenovia. The highlight is a chili cook-off featuring dishes from area restaurants. This weekend's Central New York running schedule offers one race - the Chilly Chili 5K Run/Walk in Cazenovia. The event begins at 1 p.m. Sunday at Cazenovia Middle School. Following the race, a party will be held at the Cazenovia College Athletic Center (Upper Gym), on Liberty Street in Cazenovia. The highlight is a chili cook-off featuring dishes from area restaurants. For more, see chillychili.com. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog