HuntingNY-News

The contest is based on points. Hunters will be three points for every coyote they shoot, and one point for every fox. The Bob Evans Memorial Predator Calling Hunt begins at 5 tonight and ends at noon on Sunday. The coyote and fox hunting competition is being sponsored by the Independent Fur Harvesters of Central New York. The winner will receive $1,000. The contest is based on points. Hunters will be three points for every coyote they shoot, and one point for every fox. "This the fifth year we've been doing this," said Al LaFrance, president of the Independent Fur Harvesters. Last year, he said, a total 43, two-person teams participated. The entry fee is $25 a person, or $50 a two-person team. The club also donates money toward the prize money. Proceeds from the hunt will go to Advanced Strategies Adventures, a program that offers hunting and fishing opportunities for handicapped and disadvantaged hunters. "Last year we gave $1,600 to Advanced Strategies," LaFrance said. LaFrance addded there's a $100 bonus for the heaviest coyote; $200 for the second place team and a Fox Pro caller device will be given to the third place team. The weigh-ins are from noon to 2 p.m. at the Pompey Rod and Gun Club on Swift Road in Pompey. For further information, call LaFrance at 682-2050. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

<p>Gov. Andrew Cuomo's State of the State speech and supporting text handed out to reporters Wednesday contained several items of interest to outdoors enthusiasts -- ranging from his support of hunting crossbows to promising increased access to "untapped state-owned lands across New York." Cuomo said he recognizes that "sportsmen and sportswomen are the original stewards of our lands and...</p> <p><br />Gov. Andrew Cuomo's State of the State speech and supporting text handed out to reporters Wednesday contained several items of interest to outdoors enthusiasts -- ranging from his support of hunting crossbows to promising increased access to "untapped state-owned lands across New York."</p> <p>Cuomo said he recognizes that "sportsmen and sportswomen are the original stewards of our lands and drive a significant tourism industry across the state," contributing more than $9.2 million annually to the state's economy.</p> <p>The governor launched the "NY Open for Hunting and Fishing Initiative" last year by reducing the cost and complexity of fishing and hunting licenses. </p> <p><strong>His promises for the coming year include:</strong></p> <p><strong>1). Support of a law reinstating crossbows as a legal hunting instrument and authorizing the state Department of Evironmental Conservation to regulate crossbow hunting.</strong></p> <p>A two-year pilot program that only allowed crossbow use during the regular firearms and late muzzleloader seasons ended Dec. 31, 2012. The state Legislature failed to pass a follow-up crossbow bill last year. It's currently illegal to hunt with a crossbow in this state.</p> <p>"The governor will resolve a lapsed temporary fix, making New York competitive with neighboring states and provinces, enhance New York's hunting destination reputation and give clarity to the sporting businesses that have held crossbows on their shelves for one year," the supporting text from Cuomo's speech reads.</p> <p><br /><strong>2). Creation of a "N.Y.S. Adventure License." </strong></p> <p> Cuomo intends to make it easier for those who have made a lifetime commitment to hunting and fishing.</p> <p> "Lifetime license holders will now have the option of having one New York State Adventure License - a driver's license that includes icons for all of an individual's lifetime licenses," along with a boater safety certificate and the newly created State Parks Empire Pass.</p> <p><strong>3). Increased access on state lands for outdoors enthusiasts.</strong></p> <p>Cuomo proposed 50 new access points "to connect hunters, anglers, bird watchers and other outdoors enthusiasts to untapped state-owned lands across the state." These proposed projects include new boat launches, installing hunting blinds and constructing new trails and parking areas. It's not indicated from his speech or supporting text where these projects would be.</p> <p><strong>4). Clarifying the limits of liability of landowners who allow recreational activities on their properties.</strong></p> <p>"Landowners who have voluntarily opened their land for public use should not be exposed to lawsuits that result from accidents on their property." the governor said.</p> <p>"Current law leaves too much open to interpretation, which leads to preemptive closures because landowners are unsure of their liability expose. Clarifying landowners' rights and liability protections could open up vast, untapped resources for hunting, fishing and many other popular recreational pursuits."<br /></p> View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

Presenters will include Chief John Balloni of the Onondaga Sheriff's Department; Assemblyman Will Barclay, R-Pulaski, Mike Mastrogiovanni, vice president of SCOPE and a representative from the State Police. How will New York's SAFE Act impact outdoors sportsmen and others? A forum has been scheduled on that topic beginning at 3 p.m. Jan. 18 at the Oncenter, 800 South State St., in Syracuse. Presenters will include Chief John Balloni of the Onondaga Sheriff's Department; Assemblyman Will Barclay, R-Pulaski, Mike Mastrogiovanni, vice president of SCOPE and a representative from the State Police. The forum is free and open to the public. Free parking will be available in the Oncenter garage courtesy of the New York Sportsman's Show, which is taking place at the Oncenter that day.. The event is being sponsored by the Onondaga County Federation of Sportsmen's Clubs. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

The Federation is among the largest sportsmen's groups in the state, representing nearly 40 sporting clubs in with well over 5,000 members David SimmonsEllen Blalock | [email protected] David Simmons has been elected as the new president of the Onondaga Federation of Sportsmen's Clubs.Simmons is currently president of the Baldwinsville Rod and Gun Club. He will be formally installed at the Federation's Sportsmen's Banquet, set for Jan. 16 at the Spinning Wheel Restaurant in North Syracuse. He succeeds Stephen Wowelko, who has been president of the Federation for seven years. The Federation is among the largest sportsmen's groups in the state, representing nearly 40 sporting clubs with well over 5,000 members. Wowelko, of East Syracuse, has been its president since 2007. Simmons, of West Monroe, was honored by syracuse.com/The Post-Standard in its 2011 "Heroes of Conservation" feature. He was described in that feature as Central New York's unofficial ambassador for shooting sports such as trap and skeet. In addition to his involvement with the Baldwinsville Rod and Gun Club, he has been active with the National Rifle Association and the local Friends of the NRA Committee for more than a decade. He has started charity shoots that have benefited Baldwinsville Meals on Wheels, the American Cancer Society and the Gregory J. Harris Military Courtesy Room at Hancock International Airport. He has encouraged outside groups such as Pheasants Forever, Ducks Unlimited, the Ruffed Grouse Society and the Greater Ithaca Activities Club to shoot at the club. Simmons has also helped with Boy Scout rifle and shotgun merit badge classes. He is a Women in Nature committee member, and he has been a shooting instructor at the Sportsmen's Days held each fall at Carpenter's Brook. When needed, he has donated hundreds of dollars for ammunition so youngsters and women can enjoy the sport he loves. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

<p> Some nice walleyes are being caught at the western end of Oneida; Big Bay continues to produce nice batches of bluegills and sunfish. </p> <p><strong>CNY FISHING REPORT</strong></p> <p><a href="http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?hl=en&ie=UTF8&msa=0&msid=100355764367821392533.00048c1449e56444f07e7&z=7">Bait stores (list and map).</a></p> <p><strong>SALMON RIVER</strong><br />The river is still low, with lots of ice and slush. Steelhead are still being taken throughout the river, with most of the fishing pressure still taking place in the upper river (from Pineville to the Upper Fly Zone). Anglers who are bottom bouncing or float fishing with pink, blue or chartreuse egg sacs and bright-colored egg patterns are catching steelhead. Other good baits have been Oregon cheese glo-bugs, flesh flies and tangerine beads. (The Upper Fly Section closed for the season on Nov. 30. It will re-open on April 1.)</p> <p><strong>OSWEGO RIVER</strong> <br />The river is down from last week. With the snow and extreme cold temperatures fishing has been difficult, so no new information. Before the sub-zero temperatures, anglers in drift boats were getting some steelhead and a few brown trout. Good baits were egg sacs (pink, white or chartreuse mesh) and trout beads.</p> <p><strong>ONEIDA LAKE</strong> <br />Anglers are enjoying seven inches of ice on the west end. Fishing has been great, with nice-sized walleye and perch being caught. Hot spots around the lake include Chapman Park, Lewis Point, Cleveland and Taft Bay. Big Bay continues to produce lots of sunfish and bluegills. The Sylvan Beach area is good for walleye. The hot lures for the walleye and larger perch are jigging Rapalas, Kastmaster spoons, Swedish Pimple lures and Slender spoons tipped with buckeye minnows. The sunfish and bluegills are hitting smaller lures tipped with spikes or mousies.</p> <p><strong>CAYUGA LAKE </strong><br />Reports of anglers getting out on the north end. Perch and sunfish are being caught. Reports of 6 to 8 inches on the west side. </p> <p><strong>SENECA LAKE</strong><br />The cold weather has made getting out in a boat difficult so no new information.</p> <p><strong>OWASCO LAKE</strong><br />Ice is good at the southern end. Anglers were out this past weekend and with this week's chill conditions should improve. Perch and a few northern pike are being caught.</p> <p><strong>OTISCO LAKE</strong><br />Anglers are getting out, with three to six inches of ice being reported.</p> <p><strong>SKANEATELES LAKE</strong><br />No reports yet of safe ice.</p> <p><strong>SODUS BAY</strong><br />There's seven to eight inches of ice on the bay. Reports of some nice perch and bluegills being caught, along with a few northern pike.</p> <p><strong>ST. LAWRENCE RIVER</strong><br />Lots of ice -- a foot and half thick in most places. Popular spots include Eel Bay, Lake of the Isles, Chippewa Bay and all the nearby inland lakes. Reports of especially good perch fishing on Chippewa and Chaumont bays. Live bait (fathead minnows, shiners and spikes) continues to be the ticket.</p> <p><strong>WHITNEY POINT RESERVOIR</strong> <br />There's six to seven inches of ice. Reports of some nice walleye being taken on fathead minnows and dot lures.</p> View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

Today, Cuomo invited Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos, Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver and Independent Democratic Conference leader Jeff Klein to join in the competition. In his State of the State speech today, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced his second "Governor's Challenge" -- a bass fishing tournament on Owasco Lake set for Aug. 21. It will take place on a Thursday in conjunction with an Elite Series Bassmaster Tournament being held at the same time on Cayuga Lake. The Elite Series competition, featuring the top bass anglers in the country, begins that Thursday and concludes the following Sunday. Cuomo is no stranger to bass fishing. Among his favorite spots to wet his line is Lower Saranac Lake in the Adirondacks. Local and state officials will be invited to participate in the Governor's Challenge. Today, Cuomo invited Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos, Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver and Senate Independent Democratic Conference leader Jeff Klein to join in the competition. Cuomo's first Governor's Challenge was a rafting race held in the Adirondacks this past summer. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

The sportsman's group has a Facebook page dedicated to the protest. It may be a long shot. Nevertheless, opponents of the New York's controversial SAFE Act gun control law intend to make their feelings known Saturday across the state by discharging their firearms at noon. The protest, which is being called "The Shot Heard Throughout New York State" is being promoted by the Springville Field and Stream Club in Springfield in Otsego County. Some members at local rod and gun clubs say they plan to participate, in addition to other individuals opposed to the regulations. "The local clubs are all aware of it," said Fay Sorrells, a board member on the Onondaga Federation of Sportsman's Clubs and a member of the Bridgeport and Pompey rod and gun clubs. "The main to remember is to make sure all shots are made legally, and in a safe direction with the proper back stop. "You shouldn't just take a gun and shoot it in the air." The sportsman's group has a Facebook page dedicated to the protest. According to a paid ad promoting the action: "Embattled" farmers met at Concord Bridge, to confront British regulars who had marched from Boston, in the dark of night, in order to seize their firearms. "There, they fired 'The Shot Heard Round the World.' Patriots in Concord, N.Y., will fire a symbolic shot at noon, Jan. 11 to protest the first anniversary of the NYS Safe Act, passed in the dark of night. "The Springville Field and Stream Club is urging gun owners, throughout New York state, to fire their symbolic shot at noon, too. All gun owners, hunters and shooters will fire in a legal, safe manner." View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

I'll also be writing about the changing of the guard in regard to the presidency of the Onondaga Federation of Sportsmen's Clubs. It's been a cold and interesting week so far. I've been battling a cold since Friday, but I'm hoping to get out ice fishing soon. Meanwhile, here's what I'm working on this week: - Bald eagles on Onondaga Lake (birders who want to see this magnificant bird) and duck hunters who want to hunt nearby. - The "Shot Heard Throughout New York State" protest slated for this Saturday in opposition to the SAFE Act. Also, what is happening Jan. 15 with the law and how it will impact local sportsmen and women. - The Onondaga Federation of Sportsmen's Clubs has a new president (David Simmons, of Baldwinsville). I'm also planning a Q&A with Stephen Wowelko, the departing president. - An update on the new state law requiring boater safety courses. - Annual Bob Evans Coyote hunt set for this weekend. - Pompey man, 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. - 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

"We (the duck hunters) are following the law," Falkowski said. "If bird watching enthusiasts want to watch the eagles, that's all fine and dandy, but let us enjoy our sport, too." A local wildlife photographer has suggested that duck hunting on Onondaga Lake should be banned in an area where bald eagles congregate this time of year. Tom Bell, a wildlife biologist at the state Department of Environmental Conservation's Cortland office, said such a hunting ban concerning bald eagles is unprecedented in the state on public waters during the winter months or outside of their spring breeding season. He noted the hunters who frequent Onondaga Lake are allowed to be there and are doing nothing illegal. He added there have been no reports of bald eagles, which are a protected species, being shot or wounded. Mark Magistro of Oswego at left and Wayne Fidler of Mexico watch birds at the Inner Harbor late Sunday afternoon. A bald eagle would appear periodically,scaring the gulls and waterfowl.Mike Greenlar | [email protected] Syracuse dentist Greg Craybas was out on the lake's southeast shore last weekend photographing eagles at the spot where the city of Syracuse's waste treatment plant discharges water into the lake. The water from the discharge pipe is warmer than the lake water and keeps the area free of ice. Migrating ducks and geese congregate there. So do the eagles. "The bald eagles of Onondaga Lake are back," Craybas said. "I counted 14 eagles this past weekend." Craybas, who recently made news with his eye-opening photos of snowy owls at Hancock International Airport, takes great pains to get unique, close-up photographs. He said he was at the Onondaga Lake site near the discharge pipe dressed in camouflage clothing and walked away with some good photos of the birds. He noted that currently, "the outlet for the water treatment area is the only spot where there is open water. There were two young men that were duck hunting in this tight and compact area. It makes no sense to hunt in the feeding water on the lake for bald eagles," he said. "I am quite sure they would never shoot an eagle, but the noise of their shotguns and the absence of ducks in this small area will most likely push the eagles out of this incredible area to view our national symbol for all to view," he said. "If there are no ducks in the open area of the lake, then there is no food for the eagles to feed upon. "With so many lakes in the area, a little common sense would be most welcome. It is OK to hunt, but not here." Ron Falkowski, president of the Central New York Wildfowlers, pointed out the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge, which has its share of bald eagles, allows duck hunting. He also noted duck hunting is allowed in the Perch River area near Clayton, where numerous bald eagles also congregate. "We (the duck hunters) are following the law," he said. "If bird watching enthusiasts want to watch the eagles, that's all fine and dandy, but let us enjoy our sport, too." He noted most of the time during the hunting season the lake is unfrozen or only partially frozen and the eagles and the hunters are scattered more along the lake's shoreline. At this point, there is no official or designated viewing site to observe the bald eagles on Onondaga Lake. Some bird watching enthusiasts gather at the nearby Creek Walk in the lake's Inner Harbor area in hopes of seeing the birds. Craybas concedes he had to "jump a fence, walk down the railroad tracks and walk the shoreline" to get to the spot near the sewage discharge pipe. Duck hunting on Onondaga Lake has been going on for decades. Former Syracuse mayor and congressman Bill Walsh, and Bob Gerace, the former Onondaga County Parks commissioner have been among those who've taken part in the sport. Male hooded mergansers with raised crest swim in the Inner Harbor late Sunday afternoon.Mike Greenlar | [email protected] The DEC oversees duck hunting in the state and has divided up the state into several zones. Onondaga Lake is the Western Zone and the late duck hunting season for that area began Dec. 28 and ends this Sunday (Jan. 12). Duck hunters access Onondaga Lake by boat or canoe at two locations: the unofficial boat launch site near the Solvay exit off Route 690 where the Honeywell building is located, and at the Onondaga County park launch site across the lake in Liverpool. The Solvay site, which is near the state Fairgrounds, is actually on land owned by the state Department of Transportation. There's no charge to launch there. Those launching their boats at the Liverpool launch are charged $7 and leave their money in an honor box. Hunters launching there are also required to keep their firearms out of sight and unloaded as they go out and return from hunting. Craybas said after spotting the hunters near the discharge pipe he called the DEC and was told the hunters were within their rights to hunt there. Duck and goose hunting regulations differ from hunting other game in that one does not have to more than 500 feet away from a building to discharge a firearm. As long as they're shooting over open water, hunters can have a structure right at their back - or be in boat or canoe offshore. Duck hunters use shotguns and are required to use non-lead shot which falls into the water after traveling a little more than 100 yards. In recent years, duck hunters who legally set up near residential areas on the northern shore near Liverpool and Onondaga Park have prompted angry complaints from residents. As a result, the hunters, not wishing to cause problems or get negative publicity, limit their activities to the uninhabited shore on the lake's other side. Bell said Onondaga Lake is the only location where birders and duck hunters are at odds. He noted bird watching enthusiasts at the southern end of Cayuga Lake have posted comments informally online calling for the banning of duck hunting there because they claim it's impacting their annual Christmas bird count. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

Have a frostbite/hypothermia tale you'd like to share? Send it to David Figura at [email protected]. SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- With the thermometer hovering around zero today and the wind chill factor making it even colder, the danger of frostbite and hypothermia are ever-present. Dr. Jeremy Joslin, director of Upstate Medical Center's Wilderness and Expedition Medicine program, discussed the dangers of frostbite and hypothermia, and steps to take should an individual have these medical conditions. What is frostbite? It's when the water in the cells in a part of your body actually freeze and the cells die. You can have it at the skin level, or deeper in your muscles or bones. If it's only at the skin level, that's not so bad since skin cells will grow back. I wouldn't want to diminish the seriousness of frostbite to the your skin, though. That can have serious consequences. If it's down to the muscle or bone level, those cells won't grow back and you may have to have that body part amputated. How do you know you have frostbite? Pain is number one. As it advances, the pain starts and the skin turns a bright red. Once cell death occurs, you get a waxy appearance without redness. Sometimes blisters form. I've seen frostbite plenty of times here at Upstate. Frostbite doesn't just happen on Mt. Everest. It will turn black weeks or even months later. Read more about this. If you have it or suspect you have it, what should you do? Rewarm the body part. For your hands, run them under warm water. It will sting, but that's OK. A common mistake, though, is for an individual to misjudge how hot the water is. Sometimes individuals end of scalding themselves. It's best to test the water temperature with another part of your body that's not affected. If rewarming the body part doesn't help, it's best to seek medical help immediately. What is hypothermia? It's when your entire body temperature drops below normal. The average body temperature is 98.6 degrees. You go into hypothermia when your temperature drops below 95. What are the warning signs? The first warning sign is you start to shiver. Shivering is your body's way of combating the drop in temperature. The muscles created heat by shivering. If you continue to stay out in the cold, your ability to shiver decreases. You get drowsy and confused, and you start having sluggish thinking. Your coordination is impacted and you have trouble moving your body, particularly your arms and your hands. Your ability to rescue yourself becomes affected. Some people have been known to just lay down and go to sleep and end up never waking up. In some cases, the person exhibits paradoxical undressing, where they think they're burning hot and take off their clothing, which makes them even colder. If you or someone you know has hypothermia, what should you do? Once again, warm yourself. Use common sense. If you come across someone who is any colder than the mere shivering stage, it's wise to seek medical help - immediately. Your heart can have arrhythmia (irregular fast or slow beating) when you get too cold. One wonders about individuals who are outdoor sports enthusiasts, such as duck hunters, ice fishermen or snowmobilers who travel across frozen bodies of water. If someone falls in the water today, about how long would it take before hypothermia sets in? There's two phases. The first is when you first go in the water. Initially, the shock response hits you, so if you don't get your head above the water almost immediately there's a danger of your lungs filling up with water and drowning. This isn't like a shock that sets in like other kinds of shock. This is like "shock and awe." shock. The first 10 seconds are the most dangerous. Get your head above water as soon as you can and keep it above the water. If you fall through the ice, get your hands and arms out of the water and on to the top of the ice as soon as possible. Get out as soon as you can. It's not uncommon, though, for people to survive after being in the water for 45 minutes to an hour under such conditions. If you're initially getting cold or you start getting the chills, is it a good thing to drink alcohol, such as taking a shot of whisky? It makes things worse. First, it can affect your judgment and behavior. It will initially make you feel better. However, alcohol causes your blood vessels to dilate, which results in you actually losing more body heat and making your condition worse. What about a drink of a hot drink, such as coffee, tea or cocoa? When you're cold, that's the best way to reheat yourself. HAVE A FROSTBITE/HYPOTHERMIA TALE YOU'D LIKE TO SHARE? Send it David Figura at [email protected] View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

Maddie Phaneuf, of Old Forge, a five-time Section 3 Nordic ski champion, is establishing herself on the national biathlon scene. Maddie Phaneuf, of Old Forge, a five-time Section 3 Nordic ski champion, is establishing herself on the national biathlon scene. Maddie Phaneuf was a five-time Section 3 Nordic Ski champion.Submitted photo Phaneuf, who graduated from high school last year, is now training in the biathlon program at the Maine Winter Sports Center in Fort Kent, Maine. She recently made the 13-person team picked to represent this country at the World Youth and Junior Biathlon Championships set for Feb. 28 to March 8 at Presque Isle, Maine. She will complete in the Youth Women Division. She qualified for the national squad courtesy of her finish in three events (two sprints and a pursuit) at the national trials, which were held at Preque Isle Dec. 28-30. She finished second overall in points, winning the sprint event on the last day. Her parent, Joe and Janine Phaneuf, were at the national trials. Her father said she's living at the Maine Winter Sports Center with "four or five other biathlon aspirants her age, trying to move up the (biathlon) ladder. Is the Winter Olympics in her future? "She's 18 years old and four years down the road that will be one of her goals, I'm sure," her father said. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

Race officials say that "glow accessories" will be provided for all participants. This weekend's running schedule in Central New York offers one race - the Freeze Out Homelessness 5K. The race, billed as Syracuse's first "Glow-in-the-dark" 5 K, will start at 7 p.m. Friday at Onondaga Community College. Race officials say that "glow accessories" will be provided for all participants. A party is scheduled afterward, featuring food, drink and live entertainment. All proceeds will benefit Rescue Mission's efforts to end homelessness. For more, see rescuemission.donorspages.com. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

"The driver on the pickup truck was out on the ice doing donuts," said Cicero Police Chief Joseph Snell. CICERO, NY - A pickup truck went through the ice Saturday morning on Oneida Lake, off of Lakeshore Road. An excavator was brought in hours later to pull the truck out, but it also went fell through the ice. A third excavator was brought to the scene, which eventually pulled the other two vehicles out. Chainsaws were used to cut up the ice to allow the vehicles to be pulled to shore. The DEC was notified in the event of any fuel leaks or other environmental concerns. Neither driver was injured. "The driver on the pickup truck was out on the ice doing donuts," said Cicero Police Chief Joseph Snell. 'The front end went in about 150 feet off shore and the back end was still on the ice. An escavator went through about 40 feet off shore." How thick was the ice? "Apparently not thick enough," Snell said. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

The system has been shut down since Dec. 26. The state Department of Environmental Conservation's new e-licensing system for purchasing hunting, fishing and trapping licenses, and for hunters to report their harvests is now up and running. Last month, DEC Joe Martens announced a "temporary blackout period" beginning Dec. 26. Martens said the system had to be shut down as the DEC changed from its computerized licensing system to a newly developed one. "In order to transfer the most current data and transition to the new system, we need to completely shut down license sales and game harvest reporting," Martens said. See the new website. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

The fishing has been spectacular throughout "The Barrels"! Migell Wedderburn, of Pennellville, has been a frequent visitor to the Salmon River lately and above holds up one of his catches. He wrote me: "The Steelhead are biting like crazy! The fishing has been spectacular throughout "The Barrels"! "Just unbelievable..... well, on Sundays I get my portion of divine intervention at Mass (Sacred Heart in Cicero) before heading to the river. They just cannot resist the Death Ray Nymph (one of his hand-tied flies)." View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

If carried out, it would be the largest federal deer removal program in the state's history. A total of 3,000 white-tail deer on eastern Long Island are scheduled to be taken out by federal sharpshooters beginning in February, according to Newsday.com. "The cull -- backed by the Long Island Farm Bureau and key officials on the East End -- would involve agents shooting with night-vision equipment and silenced rifles, and from the backs of trucks and atop tree stands," the website reported. If carried out, it would be the largest federal deer removal program in the state's history. Officials estimate the total herd size on the island's east end and in the town of Brookhaven at 35,000. Supporters of the culling program say the growing white-tailed deer population has contributed to car accidents, Lyme disease and the destruction of crops and gardens. Opponents say the plan is misguided and the deer have become scapegoats. The subject of what to do with excessive amounts of suburban and urban deer continues to be a problem across the state. The city of Syracuse recently formed a city/county task force to deal with the problem, but there's been no updates on this panel since the fall election. Time Magazine recently did a cover story of the issue entitled "America's Pest Problem: It's Time to Cull the Herd." View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

In Port Clinton, Ohio, residents of the small, fishing-oriented community bring in the New Year by dropping a huge, Fiberglas walleye as residents count down. The following are among the more interesting, bizarre and humorous outdoors stories I've come across lately: 1). A security guard was killed by a python late last month near a luxury hotel on Indonesia's resort island of Bali, a hotel employee said. The victim, Ambar Arianto Mulyo, a 59-year-old security guard at a nearby restaurant, had offered to help capture the 15-foot-long snake. Mulyo managed to secure the snake's head and tail and put it on his shoulders, but the python wrapped itself around his body and strangled him to death. The snake escaped into nearby bushes. Read more. 2). A pair of sea duck hunters off Cape Cod were paid an unexpected visit by a seal as shown by this video on fieldandstream.com. The hunter in the video below, Jeremy Brooks, said he was concerned at first that it would bite, but it was unaggressive. Brooks thinks the seal may have climbed into the boat because there were sharks nearby. 3). It appears that firearms were in high demand this past holiday season in Florida - possibly as gifts. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement says it is on target to conduct nearly 1 million background checks this year on private firearm purchases. The projection came as the department reported a record number of reviews conducted over the Thanksgiving weekend. 4). In Port Clinton, Ohio, the folks there have an outdoorsy way to bring in the New Year. The fishing-oriented community counts down the remaining seconds as a huge artificial walleye is lowered in the town square. According to the walleyedrop.com, the first walleye was made for the drop by contemporary artist Andre Cuthel out of 120 pounds of paper, pulp, and assorted adhesives in 1996. Town officials replaced it with a 600-pound fiberglass fish that was used ever since. The celebration draws in thousands of visitors to the small town every year, which is known for its large population of perch, walleye, and other fish in waters nearby. 5). Closer to home, a rabid bobcat attacked a woman at the door of her Adirondack home early last month. The woman, Cindy Bowman, who lives in Putnam in Washington County, told The Post Star of Glen Falls that the incident occurred as she was letting her dog out. The rabid animal latched on to her face and bit and scratched her head, shoulder, arms and thigh. The animal then attacked her daughter's boyfriend , who shot and killed the animal. 6). A New York City antiques dealer who pleaded guilty to conspiracy for smuggling artifacts made from elephant ivory and rhinoceros horns from the U.S. into China and Hong Kong was sentenced recently to three years in prison, according to the Associated Press. Qiang Wang, also known as Jeffrey Wang, was sentenced in Manhattan Federal Court. Authorities said Wang faked U.S. Customs documents on packages containing the artifacts. They also seized ivory carvings from his apartment. Rhinos are an endangered species and elephant populations are shrinking because of ivory hunting. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

This year's shows will feature outdoors celebrities, the latest in gear, seminars, activities for the kids and much more. This winter and spring's outdoors sport show schedule in Central New York features outdoors celebrities, the latest in gear, seminars, activities for the kids and much more. The schedule includes: 1). New York Sportsman's Show: Set for Jan. 17-18 at the Oncenter in Syracuse. This show premiered last year and returns with a National Wild Turkey Federation-sanctioned turkey calling contest, the CNY Ice Fishing Expo and, a "Wolves of the World" exhibit, among other offerings. Hours are noon to 8 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. For more, see newyorksportsmenshow.com. Dennis Wasiewski, of Owasco, fishes with his son, John, 3, in a trout pond set up in the Center of Progress Building at the state fairgrounds Friday for the 58th annual Northeastern Sport Show in 2011. It was presented by The Friends of Carpenter's Brook Fish Hatchery.Lauren Long l [email protected] 2). New York Sportsman's Expo: Set for Jan. 24-26, at the New York State Fairgrounds in Geddes. This year's show features several celebrities, including Troy Landry of the TV show "Swamp People" and TV hunting couple Ralph and Vicki Cianciarulo. The schedule also includes a host of exhibitors, an indoor archery range, seminars 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. For more, see newyorksportsmansexpo.com. 3). Central New York Sportsman Show: Set for Feb. 7, at the Kallet Civic Center in Oneida. A big roster of exhibitors and seminars will be offered this year. Hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more, see holycrossacademy.com. 4). Big East Camping and Outdoor Show: Set for March 28-30 at the Turning Stone in Verona. Jimmy Riffle, of the TV show, "Gator Boys," once again headlines the celebrities scheduled to appear. This show features exhibits, seminars and a wide variety of activities including a big buck display and trout pond. Attendees will be able to check out the latest in boats, campers, RVs, along with hunting and fishing gear. Hours are 2 to 8 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. For more, see bigeastshows.com/. 5). Syracuse Gun Show: Set for April 19-20 in the Center of Progress Building at the state Fairgrounds in Geddes. This show, put on by the New York State Arms Collectors Association, always draws a big crowd. This year the show is celebrating its 51st anniversary. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. For more, see syracusegunshow.com. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

<p> The ice is averaging a foot and a half deep in most places on the St. Lawrence River. </p> <p><br />SYRACUSE, N.Y. - With the recent cold snap, the local waterways are shaping up nicely for this winter's ice fishing season. Here's this week's Central New York Fishing report:</p> <p><a href="http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?hl=en&ie=UTF8&msa=0&msid=100355764367821392533.00048c1449e56444f07e7&z=7">Bait stores (list and map).</a></p> <p><strong>SALMON RIVER</strong><br />The river is low, with lots of ice and slush. Steelhead are still being taken throughout the river, with most of the fishing pressure still taking place in the upper river (from Pineville to the Upper Fly Zone). Anglers who are bottom bouncing or float fishing with pink, blue or chartreuse egg sacs and bright-colored egg patterns are catching steelhead. Other good baits have been Oregon cheese glo-bugs, flesh flies and tangerine beads. (The Upper Fly Section closed for the season on Nov. 30. It will re-open on April 1.)</p> <p><strong>OSWEGO RIVER</strong> <br />Anglers in drift boats had slower action this week with the cold and snow, but some steelhead and a few brown trout are still being taken. Good baits are egg sacs (pink, white or chartreuse mesh), egg imitating flies and plastics and trout beads.<br />.<br /><strong>ONEIDA LAKE</strong> <br />Anglers are catching perch in deeper water at the east end of the lake (35 feet or less) using small lures (dots tipped with a spike or a mousie), along with Jigging Raps. Big Bay action has been steady, with bluegills, sunfish and crappie being caught. Ice is about six inches thick in most places along the lake.</p> <p><strong>CAYUGA LAKE</strong> <br />Reports of anglers of some getting out on the north end, but there's no specifics available yet about thickness or safety of the ice. </p> <p><strong>SENECA LAKE</strong><br />Anglers still getting out in boats are catching a mixed bag of Atlantic salmon, brown trout, and some lake trout. Fishing near the surface with stickbaits, spoons or streamers is working for the salmon and brown trout.</p> <p><strong>OWASCO LAKE</strong><br />Ice is questionable at the southern end. May be fishable by the weekend.</p> <p><strong>OTISCO LAKE</strong><br />Anglers are getting out, with three to six inches of ice being reported. But be careful around the Narrows at the northern end. Ice is questionable there at this point.</p> <p><strong>SKANEATELES LAKE</strong><br />No reports yet of safe ice.</p> <p><strong>SODUS BAY</strong><br />There's five to six inches of ice on the bay. Reports of some nice perch being caught, along with a few northern pike.</p> <p><strong>ST. LAWRENCE RIVER</strong><br />Lots of ice -- a foot and half thick in most places. Popular spots include Eel Bay, Lake of the Isles, Chippewa Bay and all the nearby inland lakes. Reports of especially good perch fishing on Chippewa and Chaumont bays. Live bait (fathead minnows, shiners and spikes) is the ticket at this point.</p> <p><strong>WHITNEY POINT RESERVOIR</strong> <br />There's five inches of good ice in the Dorchester Park area of the reservoir. There's also a foot of snow on top of the ice. Anglers are catching walleye and few perch and crappie. Small lures or jigs tipped with fathead minnows are working at this point.</p> View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

<p> "Chase is an excellent shot and made a perfect shot with the buck only going 70 yards." </p> <p><br />HAMILTON, PA. -- Chase Altman,11, of Pennellville, poses with his first buck that he shot Dec. 14 in Hamilton Township, McKean County, Pa.</p> <p>According to his grandfather, Carl Hettenbaugh:</p> <p>"Chase has been hunting with me in Pennsylvania for the last 3 years. Chase is an excellent shot and made a perfect shot with the buck only going 70 yards.</p> <p>"We were both elated. Pennsylvania offers a mentored youth program which allows children of any age to hunt under the supervision of an adult mentor."</p> View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

<p> He shot it in Lysander </p> <p><br />LYSANDER, N.Y. -- Stanley M. Boots, of Baldwinsville, harvested this 5-1/2 year old, 8- point buck, which weighed 220 pounds, in the Town of Lysander.</p> <p>He shot it on Nov. 20.<br /></p> View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

After the hike, participants will be served hot cocoa at the center's main building. The Montezuma Audubon Center staff has scheduled a snowshoe hike from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday at the center's grounds in Savannah. "We'll hike through snow muffled forests, across grasslands and out to the usually inaccessible Crusoe Lake to look for winter birds in the area," according to a press release. "After the hike, we'll warm up with hot cocoa in the Center." Participants should meet at the center, 2295 State Route 89. The fee is $6/child; $8/adult, includes snowshoe rental. If you bring you own shoeshoes, the cost is $4/child and $6/adult. Space is limited. Registration required. For more information, call 315-365-3588 or email [email protected]. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

"Late season trout fishing can be some of the best fishing," he said. "On cold rainy days I go looking for rainbows." James Miller caught this nice rainbow trout on the Owasco Lake inlet in Locke on Dec. 29. He caught the 22-inch fish on an orange egg sack, he said. It weighed four pounds. "Late season trout fishing can be some of the best fishing," he said. "On cold rainy days I go looking for rainbows." The season for fishing certain sections of Finger Lake tributaries ended Dec. 31. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

"Rather than do the culling with the agency's limited staff, the plan is to ask people who want to hunt the cormorants to register with the agency." The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources has had enough of cormorants. They're now seeking help from hunters in reducing the fish-eating birds numbers during a special, two-month season on two lakes in the state. In the past, hunters have not been allowed to shoot them because the birds are protected by the Federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act. The maximum penalty for shooting the birds (without special permission or a permit from the federal government) is up to six months imprisonment and a $5,000 fine. But there is a way around the shooting ban. States can apply for special permission, called a depredation order, to reduce populations. South Carolina recently succeeded in getting a depredation order, and now it's looking for people to help. "Rather than do the culling with the agency's limited staff, the plan is to ask people who want to hunt the cormorants to register with the agency. They would have to take a short instructional course and pledge to provide information on the numbers of birds killed to help with research on the impact on the species," according to thestate.com. Cormorants, which as adults can eat up to two pounds of fish a day, can put a dent in a fishery. In this state, they've created problems on Lake Ontario, the St.Lawrence River and Oneida Lake. Federal and state officials have teamed in the past to try and reduce their numbers, but budget cuts have reduced the efforts. The past four years, the DEC has coordinated a volunteer effort on Oneida Lake. However the volunteers have not been allowed to shoot the birds and have been restricted to using harassment efforts (pyrotechnics, zooming at them with boats) to try and push the birds off the lake. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

Seen a wild boar lately? Contact me at [email protected]. Here's what I'm working on this week: - The local ice fishing scene - The access situation for duck hunters on Onondaga Lake. - An update on the Wild Boar War in CNY. The DEC says they didn't receive a single report of one locally during 2013. Can that really be? If you've seen or killed one while hunting, contact me at [email protected]. - Comments from readers about their outdoors bucket lists for 2014. Send yours to [email protected]. - Extreme Outdoors winter adventures. Folks do all sort of daring and dangerous things each winter around Central New York and the Adirodacks. - Small, community ski slopes and the expensive need to have snow-making equipment to stay open. A new trend. - The special Tompkins County deer hunting season that spans the month of January. What worked, what didn't work about it last year and why. - A Q&A with Stephen Wowelko, departing president of the Onondaga Federation of Sportsmen's Clubs. 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