HuntingNY-News

Located on the St. Lawrence River in the 1000 Islands, the Antique Boat Museum features a collection of over 300 antique and classic boats, among thousands of recreational boating artifacts. One of country music's biggest stars has donated a 29-foot, classic wooden boat to the Antique Boat Museum in Clayton. Alan Jackson, a multi-platinum recording and three-time country music Entertainer of the Year, has given the museum his 1955 Chris-Craft Semi-Enclosed. The boat's name is Flat Top. The boat has been restored to pristine condition, both inside and out.Courtesy of Antique Boat Museum "The museum is grateful for Mr. Jackson's gift of this remarkable boat, and for his continuing dedication to America's boating history," explained Emmett Smith, the musuem's curator. "Mr. Jackson has been a leader in restoring some of these classics and it is astonishing to see them appreciated by a musician who operates at the highest level of contemporary popular culture." Located on the St. Lawrence River in the 1000 Islands, the Antique Boat Museum features a collection of over 300 antique and classic boats, among thousands of recreational boating artifacts. The boat was named in reference to the flat top steel-string acoustic guitars commonly used by Jackson. It is just one of 36 of these boats built by Chris-Craft, said Michael Folsom, director of marketing and communications for the museum. The boat was used and stored on Lake Chautauqua, located in western New York, by its original owner. In 2002, Jackson purchased the boat in poor condition and transported it to Tennessee to undergo extensive restoration work. Today, Flat Top now features pristine woodwork and artistry, both interior and exterior, while retaining its original look. Folsom said. Jackson has been a long-time wooden boat enthusiast, Folsom said, and has visited the Antique Boat Museum in the past. In 2009, he attended the annual Antique Boat Show and Auction in Clayton. That year, Jackson cruised the St. Lawrence with friends aboard his yacht, Neon Rainbow, which he docked at the museum. Jackson is the voice of 35 No. 1 hit songs -- and counting, according to countrymusic.com. Top tunes include "Chattahoochee, " " It's Five O'Clock Somewhere (with Jimmy Buffett)", "Itty Bitty," "Don't Rock the Jukebox," "Remember When" and "Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning)." View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

<p> There's lots of stories. The photos in this slideshow are a good sampling of what happened out there this fall. <span class="video_icon_left_small"><a href="http://blog.syracuse.com/outdoors/2013/11/best_bucks_from_2013_bowhuntin.html">Watch video</a></span> </p> <p></p> <p>It was a great season this fall in Central New York for bowhunters. The weather cooperated and from the looks of the deer in this slideshow, so did a few bucks.</p> <p>Jesse Phillips, of Baldwinsville, said in a video interview he was doubtful when he was told by a non-hunting friend there were "big bucks" on his farm. Phillips decided to check the land out. He doesn't doubt his friend now.</p> <p> </p> <p>Another hunter. Migell Wedderburn, of Pennellville, was talking on his cell phone when a 10-point buck suddenly appeared 10 yards away. He pocketed the phone and somehow managed to get off a successful shot.</p> <p>Another hunter, Tom Lathrop, a veteran, happily shot his 10-pointer on Veterans Day in Warners.</p> <p>There's lots of stories. The photos submitted by reader in this slideshow are a good sampling of what happened out there this fall. </p> View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

"I wanted the whole world to stop following my mother's death. The hope that I had was lost in me," she said, describing her self-destructive behavior. 'I knew that the wilderness was a place that made me feel whole. So I went there. Cheryl Strayed's Wednesday evening appearance at Syracuse University to answer questions and then read passages from her bestselling book about hiking the Pacific Crest Trail was a homecoming for her - and for many of those in attendance, an inspiration. "I spent all day walking around Syracuse and having flashbacks," said Strayed, who attended Syracuse University from the fall of 1999 to 2002 and graduated with a Masters of Fine Arts in fiction writing from the university's Creative Writing program. She appeared in the Gifford Auditorium as part of the Raymond Carver Reading Series. "There's a great legacy here, of people who were here while I was and those before and after," she said, adding she named her son, Raymond, after Carver, a renowned poet and short story author who later in his career taught English at the university. Strayed's book ,"Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail (Knopf, 2012), describes her summer 1995 solo hiking trip on the Pacific Crest Trail. She traveled 1,100 miles from the Mojave Desert through California and Oregon to Washington State after her mother died at 45 of cancer, her marriage was ending and she was dabbling in heroin. "I wanted the whole world to stop following my mother's death. The hope that I had was lost in me," she said, describing her self-destructive behavior. 'I knew that the wilderness was a place that made me feel whole. So I went there." A backpacking beginner, she struggled with numerous problems and setbacks. Her pack, which she named "Monster," was too heavy. Her shoes didn't fit, she suffered painful blisters and lost most of her toenails. At one point she walked with sandals held together with duct tape. She was also dogged by lack of food, water and inclement weather. Strayed's book is being adapted into a movie, starring Reese Witherspoon, with a screenplay by Nick Hornby. She said she still hikes and backpacks with her husband and two children, and still has most of her gear from 1995 trek. Some of it is being used in the film, she said. She said both her children have acting parts in the movie and her husband is an extra. Her daughter is playing the part of Strayed when she was 7. Strayed said the most emotional, painful scene in the book describes when she and her brother had to put down her mother's ailing, aging horse and the gunshot to the head didn't initially work. "They're filming that scene today," she said. Strayed, 45, and now living in Portland, Ore., told the audience that she's been criticized for writing about how she had an abortion before the hike and how she carried a condom on the hike. She said she's received numerous letters, referring to her pre-hike promiscuity in highly uncomplimentary terms. Strayed said in the question and answer session with Mary Carr, an award-winning poet and memoirist who is the Peck Professor of Literature at the university, that no one is perfect and when you "tell people the truth, they'll love you for it." Amanda Kernahan traveled from Rochester to meet Strayed. Kernahan said her book really resonated with her. "My mom died four days after my 26th birthday," she said. "I went through a lot of the same struggles that Cheryl went through. I felt nobody understood. What healed me and healed my marriage was hiking. We started hiking in the Adirondacks and that's where I found solace." Karen Schroeder, Syracuse, said her book club had a great discussion about the book. "The self discovery. Her fearlessness. Some might say stupidity. People telling her she shouldn't, she couldn't do it - and she did it anyway, " she said. Diane Revere, of Oneida, said she was impressed by the "brutal honesty" of Strayed's account. "It made me think I might want to do it. But I won't," she said. " It's one of those things people would like to do. But would they pull the trigger?" View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

Get your nominations in ASAP for this year's "Heroes of Conservation" story. We're approaching the end of the first week of the regular deer hunting season in the Southern Zone. I've seen a lot of good pictures and heard some great stories from the woods. Keep them coming. Meanwhile, I've been trying to get some answers as to how the SAFE Act is being enforced (or not) during the current hunting season. I've been to the state Department of Environmental Conservation, the State Police and now I've back to the DEC trying to get answers. I've already filed one story and am working on another. Stay tuned. I'm also working on: - A story concerning an interesting group of guys who race remote controlled sailboats (they're about 3 feet long. four feet high). They have an annual regatta in the Inner Harbor on Thanksgiving morning (rain/snow or shine). In fact, I'm going out this afternoon with a few of the group's members to see how it's done. - A photo slideshow/video recapping the past bow hunting season for deer in Central New York. - Giving thanks. I've done it, I've heard hunters I know talk about it.. now I'd like specifics. Many hunters after shooting a deer give thanks or say a prayer. What do you do? Send your comments to [email protected]. I'd like to run a story on this for Thanksgiving Day. The deadline is noon Tuesday. - Researchers from several different agencies checking on the spawning areas of native ciscoes (a baitfish) on Lake Ontario. - How the walleye shoreline fishing on Oneida Lake continues to be good. - The 7th annual Coyote Hunting contest in Sullivan County - Rifle country.. seems like Onondaga County is pretty much an island in a sea of counties that allow rifle hunting for deer..and that an effect was made this past year to have Onondaga County join the group. An update on this.. - Visiting the Cornell Vet School Emergency Room, where all sorts of exotic and interesting animals are seen and given medical treatment. - A profile on Fran Verdoliva.. the DEC's Salmon River guy. Finally.. I'm continuing to solicit nominations for the annual "Heroes of Conservation" feature I write every year. Get those nominations in soon! 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

From Nov. 1 to May 1, all persons aboard a pleasure vessel less than 21 feet regardless of age must wear a personal flotation device while underway. CNY FISHING REPORT Bait stores (list and map). SALMON RIVER The majority of the anglers are fishing in the upper sections between the lower fly area and the wire hole. Bottom bouncing with pink and chartreuse egg sacs and bright colored egg patterns is catching steelhead. Other good baits have been Blue egg sacs, Oregon cheese glo-bugs and tangerine beads. OSWEGO RIVER Steelhead and brown trout are being caught in the river. Good baits are egg sacs, skein, egg imitating flies and plastics, and trout beads. ONEIDA LAKE The shore walleye bite is going strong with fish being caught by shore anglers casting stickbaits just before and after dark. A few anglers have been reporting luck during the day as well. Some good areas are Sylvan Beach, Lower South Bay, Lewis Point, Oneida Shores and Bridgeport. Stickbaits in blue and silver, or black and silver usually work well for these walleye. With the cooler weather this bite should continue to improve. Yellow perch are still being found in 10 to 20 feet of water with minnows, worms and small jigs working. CAYUGA LAKE Largemouth bass, northern pike and chain pickerel are being caught on spoons in the north end. Perch are also being caught on fathead minnows. SENECA LAKE Lake trout are being taken 50 to 80 feet down over 115 to 130 foot of water on spoons and flasher and flies. Yellow perch are hitting on small minnows and plastics. The northern 1/3 of the lake has been productive for perch. Brown trout are heading up major tributaries as the flows increase due to recent rain. OWASCO LAKE Yellow perch are hitting minnows and worms throughout the lake. OTISCO LAKE Walleye are being caught from shore by anglers casting stickbaits off the causeway just before and after dark. Tiger muskie and bass are hitting crankbaits fished along shore and outside weed edges. SKANEATELES LAKE Yellow perch are hitting minnows fished in 30 to 40 feet of water. Anglers have been doing well from shore for rainbow trout at Lord's Camp using marshmallow and worm rigs. SODUS BAY Yellow perch are being found in 25 to 30 feet of water and are hitting on minnows. Northern pike are hitting on spinnerbaits, spoons and minnows. The stream fishing in nearby Maxwell Creek has been good lately for steelhead and brown trout. ST. LAWRENCE RIVER It's that time of year when charter boats and other anglers are catching nice-sized muskies. WHITNEY POINT RESERVOIR Walleye bite has been good lately, with some nice-sized ones being picked up anglers fishing from boats. One measuring more than 30 inches was caught on a jig tipped with a minnow. It's a good time to fish the reservoir for bass and panfish as well. *** From Nov. 1 to May 1, all persons aboard a pleasure vessel less than 21 feet regardless of age must wear a Personal Flotation Device while underway. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

Three groups are hoping that hunters will think of them when deciding what to do this season with their deer hides and venison that they don't want. The regular deer hunting season (firearms) for the Southern Zone kicked off last weekend and hunters are contacting me and sending photos of their harvests. I've received a number of photos and heard some great stories. Keep it up. Meanwhjile, three groups are hoping that hunters will think of them when deciding what to do this season with their deer hides and venison that they don't want. DEER HIDES The Camillus Elks Club is once again collecting raw deer hides from hunters. The hides will be cleaned and salted by members of the club and then sold to a tannery. Proceeds from the hides collected will be used to buy incidentals for the disabled or sick veterans at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Syracuse. Donated hides may be dropped off at the lodge at 6117 Newport Road, Camillus. "Since the hides deteriorate rapidly, do this as soon as possible," said Bob Maraio, a Camillus club member who is in charge of the effort. Deterioration is more rapid if a plastic bag without holes is used," he said. "We recommend a cardboard box. In any case, time is of the essence. Several hides are usually discarded each year as unacceptable by the tanner." For more, call 672-3106. The Affiliated Conservation Clubs of Madison County is also collecting deer hides this year. Steve Wratten, president of the group, said the county Board of Supervisors, which helps fund the Affilated Conservation Clubs of Madison County, is cutting back on its annual contribution. As a result, the county's clubs, which sponsors a number of programs (hunter safety, scholarships for students, scholarships for summer camp programs, etc.) has decided to collect deer hides to make up for the budget shortfall. Wratten said his group covers 15 clubs and each one has a representative in charge of collecting hides from his or her immediate area. To find out where to donate, call 684-1068 or 824-2415. VENISON DONATION Many hunters savor the venison they get from harvesting a deer each year. Others give it away to family and friends. Hunters can also donate it to the Venison Donation Coalition program, which has a list of local processors that cooperate with the program. Regardless of the cut of meat, the venison is ground up into hamburger and given to the Food Bank of Central New York for distribution to local food pantries. Interesting in donating? Check out the coalition website at venisondonation.org. for a meat processor near you. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

"I was hunting with my best friend and hunting/fishing buddy, Paulene Eggers (the deer search lady)," she said. Teri Antrim, of Syracuse, poses with a 4-point buck she shot recently in Constantia. "I was hunting with my best friend and hunting/fishing buddy, Paulene Eggers (the Deer Search lady). View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

<p> It was caught in South Bay. </p> <p><br />I keep hearing the Oneida Lake early evening, night-time walleye bite is good this year. I need to get out before it gets too cold. </p> <p>Angler John Fornito sent in the above picture of his girlfriend with a nice walleye that she caught. He wrote:</p> <p>"Dave, my girlfriend Becky Soble caught this beautiful walleye last week while we were fishing South Bay in Oneida Lake.</p> <p>"The fish was 24 1/4" and weighed 5 pounds, 7 ounces. The fish bit a Flat Rap."</p> <p><br /></p> View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

I've been trying for a week to get answers. When it comes to the SAFE Act, state officials are playing it safe - particularly when it comes to discussing how it's going to be enforced. Prior to last week's opening of the big game hunting season (deer/bear) in the Southern Zone, I submitted a list of questions to the state Department of Environmental Conservation concerning how the legislation will affect hunters with firearms this fall. It hasn't been easy to get answers. A full, colorful page on this year's DEC's hunting guide (page 2) contains a colorful "Message from the Governor" about his "New York's Open for Hunting and Fishing" program. The SAFE Act is addressed in a tiny box at the bottom of page 16, noting "Gov. Cuomo's NY SAFE Act will have no impact on most hunters in New York," and that for further questions, see the SAFE Act website at www.nysafeact.com. On Nov. 12 -- four days before the start the season opener for big game -- I sent more than a half dozen questions to the DEC's public information office in Albany. By mid-day late Thursday, I was informed that it was being passed on to the New York State Police's public information office in Albany. Several phone calls resulted in assurances it was being "worked on." By late Friday, a State Police spokesman said he was "hopeful" answers to my questions would be sent by the end of the day. I called the State Police office at 5:15 p.m. and got an answering machine. As I was getting ready to leave for the day, I got a brief email at 5:34 p.m. from State Police. The email I received had two sentences, plus a note to check the SAFE Act website for the remainder of the answers. This weekend, I checked the website and the answers to three of my questions were not there. I got back in touch with the State Police public information office again Monday and gave them a deadline of 10 a.m. this morning (Tuesday). I received answers to two of my remaining questions. Left answered was the question about how state environmental conservation officers will enforce the SAFE Act this hunting season. My goal was to get all this done before the hunting season started so hunters would given a heads-up. As I described above, it hasn't worked out that way. The following is a list of my questions and the answers given: 1). If I currently own a firearm classified as an "assault weapon by the SAFE ACT, can I still hunt with it? Answer: The SAFE Act did not regulate hunters other than what weapons can be brought in from out-of-state by hunters. Hunters should always abide by federal and state laws regulating hunting. 2). Current state conservation law, which has been in effect for years prior to the SAFE ACT, stipulated that hunters could have no more than six rounds (one in the chamber, five in a clip) in a semi-automatic firearm being used for hunting. The SAFE Act limit is seven, which allows for one more round. Which rule should hunters, who are using firearms classified under the law as "assault weapons" follow? Answer: Hunters should always abide by federal and state laws regulating hunting. 3). How does the SAFE Act affect other firearms, such as shotguns or bolt action rifles that aren't classified as semi-automatics, but yet can hold more than seven rounds? Answer: "You may only load 7 rounds into the magazine," according to nysafeact.com. 4). Are .22 caliber, semi-automatic rifles that some hunters use for small game included in the 7-round limit? Answer: "You may only load 7 rounds into the magazine," according to nysafeact.com. 5). What's the story with out-of-state hunters who bring in firearms into this state that are now classified as "assault weapons." Will they be treated differently than in-state hunters when it comes to these firearms? Answer: "Non-residents are not able to register their currently owned 'assault weapons' with the State Police," according to State Police. 6). What will be the penalties (money-wise) for violation of such things as having too many rounds in your clip or in our firearm... or being an out-of-stater with an illegal weapon? Will the firearm be seized for these SAFE Act violations? Answer: Too many rounds - Class A misdemeanor, bringing in an illegal weapon - Class D Felony. 7). The provision in the SAFE Act that requires a background check for the purchase of ammunition isn't in effect yet. When does that start? Answer: There are two requirements that are legally set to go into effect on January 15, 2014. The first is the law that requires all sellers of ammunition to register with state police and the second law that requires all ammunition transfers to take place face-to-face and be facilitated by a New York State ammunition dealer. These provisions will go into effect on that date. The SAFE Act law also provides that background check and record keeping requirements imposed on all retail sellers of ammunition are scheduled to take effect 30 days after the Superintendent of the New York State Police certifies that a statewide license and record database is created for such a process and that certification has not yet been made and the system is still being developed. . Bottom line: What are environmental conservation officers being ordered to check for when they stop hunters out in the woods or fields. Will they, for example, be routinely checking firearms and their magazines to make sure they comply with the SAFE Act, in addition to checking for licenses and other routine stuff? Answer: you will have to contact DEC for their enforcement policy. Note: I have contacted the DEC's Albany press office this morning for an answer to Question 8. I will share the answer I receive with readers as soon as I get it. Stay tuned. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

Brrr.. It's quite chilly to be doing it now. One of my readers, Paul Pflanz, of Syracuse, sent me some eye-opening photos of windsurfers doing their thing on Cayuga Lake near Union Springs on Monday. Paul Pflanz I'd like to contact these folks and do a story. Anyone know who they are? Call me at 470-6006 or email me at [email protected]. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

Its antlers had a gross score of 160 1/8 inches. Jesse Phillips, of Baldwinsville, shot this 12-point buck with his bow Nov. 7 in the town of Lysander. Phillips said the deer weighed 193 pounds after being field dressed. Its antlers had a gross score of 160 1/8 inches. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

Have a tale about an arduous hike/backpacking trek you'd like to share? Did you read Cheryl Strayed's New York Times best seller, "Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail" and get inspired to put on your backpack and hit the trail harder than ever? If so, I'd like to talk to you. Strayed is appearing at Syracuse University Wednesday as part of the Raymond Carver Reading Series.She will be speaking at 5:30 p.m. in the Gifford Auditorium. A question-and-answer session will precede her reading at 3:45 to 4:30 p.m. Have a tale about an arduous hike/backpacking trek you'd like to share? Call me at 470-6066 or email me at [email protected]. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

"By the time he walked away 20 yards, I was ready and simply sent the arrow on it's merry way!" he said. Migell Wedderburn, of Pennellville, poses with a 10-point buck he shot with his bow on Nov. 14 on his property in Pennellville. He wrote: "I almost let this buck walked away because I shot him two minutes after sending a text message while sitting in my stand! "When I saw him he was no more than five yards from me! You should have seen me fumbling to put pocket my phone. "I reached for my bow, grabbed the release aid out of my pocket, and barely pinched it on the bowstring when the arrow fell off the rest! He heard it and began to tense. "By the time he walked away 20 yards, I was ready and simply sent the arrow on it's merry way!" "He fell dead 15 yards in a brush." View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

It was a 6-pointer. Erica Lisi, of Camillus, poses with her first deer -- an 8-point buck she shot late Saturday morning in Seneca County on the opening day of the deer hunting season in the Southern Zone. She was hunting with her fiancee, Josh Hickock and her father,Tony Lisi, and long-time friend, Dick Vanriper. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

<p> "This is his first deer and what a way to start off a hunting career," his father said. </p> <p><br />Joe Santoro, 14, of Lyncourt, poses with his 5-point buck he shot during the opening weekend of the deer hunting season in the Southern Zone.</p> <p>His father, Dominick Santoro, wrote: "This is his first year deer hunting.</p> <p>"Around ten after eleven, my son bagged a 5 point buck in Marcellus. This is his first deer and what a way to start off a hunting career."</p> View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

When the boy took the shot, the buck was only 13 yards away. Lou Marullo, of Auburn, (right), wrote me about the great opening day his 14-year-old grandson, Justin Marullo, also of Auburn, had this Saturday. Marullo wrote: "I bought him a 20 gauge shotgun last year and He shot the 8 pointer at 8 in the morning. We were hunting on private land along Owasco Lake. I was sitting next to him on opening morning watching a 4 point in the field in front of us. "He was with a doe and would not leave her. We watched them for about 20 minutes when I turned and saw this big boy heading right for us at 150 yards. When he got 40 yards I whispered to Justin to shoot. He said not yet!! "Then the buck caught wind of my scent bombs that I put out and he came closer. He was 13 yards in front of us when Justin finally shot. Wow!! What a morning! His first buck! "On youth weekend he shot his first deer (nice doe) in the same spot at almost the same distance away!" View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

She is an S.U. grad, and her appearance is part of the Raymond Carver Reading Series. Cheryl Strayed Cheryl Strayed, author of The New York Times bestselling memoir, "Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail," is appearing at Syracuse University Wednesday as part of the Raymond Carver Reading Series. Strayed, a Syracuse University graduate, will be speaking at 5:30 p.m. in the Gifford Auditorium. A question-and-answer session will precede her reading at 3:45 to 4:30 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. Parking is available in the university's paid lots. Strayed's memoir (Knopf 2012) describes the author's summer 1995 solo hiking trip on the Pacific Crest Trail. She traveled 1,100 miles from the Mojave Desert through California and Oregon to Washington State after her mother died at 45 of cancer, her marriage was ending and she was dabbling in drugs (heroin). She said in the book she took to the trail with "a hole in her heart," and struggled with numerous problems and setbacks. She was a back packing rookie. From the start her pack was too heavy, her shoes didn't fit and at one point she walked with sandals held to her feet with duct tape. She also grappled with lack of food and water, inclement weather (snow) and not having enough cash. Wednesday's appearance is co-sponsored by the Nonfiction Reading Series of the university's Writing Program. She attended Syracuse University from the fall of 1999 to 2002, graduating with a Masters of Fine Arts in fiction writing from the university's Creative Writing program. Her response to several submitted questions follows: A recent N.Y. Times story reported on the "Wild Effect," namely other women with problems who identify with you have reading your book and taking off on the Pacific Crest Trail or some other extreme outings. They see you as a mentor, an example, an inspiration. "I hear from both men and women who feel inspired to go hiking after reading WILD. Some of them hike on the PCT, others just get out onto any trail. I feel honored that my book inspires such a response. I don't tell those who contact me any one particular thing, but I always wish them luck and I tell them to keep going, even when it feels hard to do so. One of the joys of backpacking is that it isn't always a joy. It's hard a lot of the time, but the best things come from some sacrifice." You went into detail in your book about the use of heroin prior to your trek. Did you stay clean or backslide afterward? How are you doing now? "I haven't used heroin since before my hike on the PCT. I've never even been tempted. I thankfully wasn't a heroin addict, but rather dangerously dabbling with the drug and on my way to a bigger problem. Hiking the trail and getting my head back together was the cure I needed to stop me from using heroin and to keep me away from it. I wasn't contending with a physical addiction, so I didn't need to go through treatment. I only needed to get my footing again." Looking back, what was your darkest moment on the Pacific Crest Trail? Did you at any point feel you were going to die? "I never felt I was going to die, but I did become aware a few times of the fragility of our existence. When I ran out of water, for example, I took that situation very seriously. I knew I was in danger. Also, when I was hiking over the snow and not sure if I was anywhere near the trail I knew I could become lost and my situation could turn grave. In both instances, I was very conscious of doing everything I could to stay safe." "Wild"is being adapted into a movie, starring Reese Witherspoon, with a screenplay by Nick Hornby. How true does the movie remain to the book? What's your feelings about being portrayed by Reese Witherspoon? "The movie is going to be beautiful. We're in our last week of production right now and it's been an amazing process seeing it from beginning to end. The film has been very true to the book. I think Reese is a tremendous actress and a wonderful human being. I can't imagine anyone in the role but her. And Nick wrote a great script. The director, Jean-Marc Vallée, is like a kindred soul to me. His films take my breath away." Since you made this trip, have things changed today in regards to society's attitudes toward women in the outdoors? What are you seeing out there and is it different than when you headed off? "Women have always ventured solo into the wild, but our numbers are increasing with each passing year and I love that. I think the biggest change I've witnessed is not so much about who is out on the trails but what they carry with them. The internet and cell phones have changed the world in so many ways and they've really changed the experience we have in the wild. For one thing, you can read so much more about the PCT than ever before. People post trail journals online. They share real time information via the web. Most hikers have a cell phone in their pocket. It changes one's sense of solitude and self-reliance. I'm as addicted to my iPhone as the next person, but I'm nostalgic for the old days when we weren't all so easily reached." What kind of outdoors activities do you currently enjoy with your family. Are you still a hard-core backpacker, or have you branched into other outdoor activities? "Hiking is still my favorite outdoor activity. I hike with my family and friends. I hike alone. I've not gone backpacking as much as I'd like in recent years, since I had my children, but they're now reaching the age when my husband and I plan to start getting them out there with packs on their backs. We'd love to hike the entire PCT as a family some day." View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

He always brings a few scratch-off tickets with him for when the fish aren't biting. Bill Bohemier, of Warners, holds up a nice, 24-inch rainbow trout he landed last week while fishing from shore on Skaneateles Lake. He wrote: "I thought I would give fishing one last try before opening day of deer season. Good decision. Fishing on the east side of Skaneateles Lake I caught this nice, 24- inch male took my worm/marshmellow rig. "The last three weeks I've caught several in the 17-,18-,and 19-inch (range). Right away I knew this one was bigger. "I always take a few scratch off lottery tickets with me to keep me busy while the fish aren't biting. I had just scratched off a $25 dollar winner and said to myself, 'This is going to be my lucky day.' " View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

"He dropped on the spot. It was very exciting," she said. Cazenovia dentist Mili Irizarry poses with her 6-point buck that she shot Saturday in Madison County on the opening day of the deer hunting season in the Southern Zone. She wrote: "Hello David, hope all continues well with you and hunting. Opener day of gun I did harvest this big six pointer in afternoon. He was chasing two big does, went down in one shot at 50 yards with my Marlin .270, 130 grains. "He dropped on the spot. It was very exciting . It was a challenging bow season, but gun had brought more venison to the table." View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

<p> It measured 45 inches. </p> <p></p> <p>Bob Schotthoefer, of Solvay, hoists a 45-inch muskie he caught and released recently on the St. Lawrence River.</p> <p>He was fishing on a charter boat, Water Wolf Charters out of Clayton. Also on the trip were fishing buddies Marty Golanka and Henry Wakefield, who caught and released a 33 -incher. It was Wakefield's first muskie.</p> <p>"Both swam off strong when released," Schotthoefer said.<br /></p> View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

"None of my female friends hunt," Reeher said. "But some have gotten interested. Some on Facebook have seen my deer and say they want to go hunting with me." Amy Easterly said this fall is her second season of hunting deer with a rifle, and her first with a bow. "I've definitely seen and heard of more women out there hunting. Some of my friends are," said the 24-year-old Cazenovia resident who hunts with a .243 caliber Savage Arms rifle. She got into it because of her boyfriend and father, who both hunt. She has yet to get a deer, but is undaunted. "Hopefully, I'll get one soon," she said. Easterly's observation that more women are picking up firearms and taking to Central New York's woods and fields in search of game is reflected in state and national statistics. Nancy Canavan, of Syracuse, was happy last fall when she shot this 8-point buck in Cazenonia. The trend is also reflected in the retail market, where clothing lines for female hunters and firearms tailored to attract female buyers are showing up with more frequency in sporting goods stores. Specially cut, fitting jackets and shorter pants are being offered now under brands such as She (the Bass Pro Shops brand), Cabela's, RedHead, Mossy Oak, Under Armour and Scent-Lok. Many sport pink-colored aspects in the camouflage pattern or pink labels. Easterly, who stands 5 foot, 3 inches, has seen the new clothing lines, but notes, "One thing they need to work on is the undergarments you wear under your hunting clothes. Most of it (that I've seen) is tailored to a man's body." The numbers of female hunters in New York have grown steadily the past three years. During the 2010/2011 season, women held 38,655 of the state's 479,906 licenses issued, according to the state Department of Environmental Conservation. This past 2012/2013 season, that number rose to 42,666 licenses held by women - an increase of 4,011 female hunters or a 9 percent increase. During that time, women reported taking 15 bear, 2,418 deer and 163 turkeys, the DEC said. Mark Duda is executive director of Responsive Management, a Virginia-based firm that specializes in crunching numbers and at looking trends associated with nature resource use and outdoor recreational issues for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services and state fish and game agencies. He said nationwide, female hunters make up 8 percent of the hunting population. Duda said female participation in hunting saw a marked increase in the early 1980s and mid-1990s. "You saw an increase in programs targeting women and the outdoors and at the same time that women were becoming more independent in regard to their careers. They started exploring and doing different things," he said. The numbers of women going into hunting leveled off in the late 1990s and early 2000s, but picked up after the 2008 recession, Duda said. "You had more people out hunting for meat and women became a part of it," he said. Ken Shupe, sports supervisor at the Herb Phillipson's store at the Western Lights Shopping Center in Syracuse, said he began seeing more females in the store looking at firearms following the election of President Obama, with the wide-spread speculation and apprehension about increased gun laws and how they might affect the availability of guns. He said the market today for female hunting clothes and firearms is an "untapped" market that many companies are trying to capture. He said he's seeing more hunting couples portrayed on the outdoor hunting shows, with many of the women pushing their brands of female hunting gear on the commercials. Brenda VanValkenburg poses with her first doe in 2009. She field dressed it herself. Two weeks before, she shot her first wild turkey. .Bernadette VanValkenburg, 63, of Sherrill, said she tried hunting with her husband after she first got married, but got out of it when the kids came. She said part of the difficulty for many female hunters, or any new hunters for that matter, is having a mentor to help get them started."When the last child left home about 8 years ago, I went out because I wanted to share something with him," she said. "I now hunt pheasant, turkey, deer and geese. This will be my fifth year hunting deer." She hunts with a 20-gauge, Remington 11-87, 20-gauge shotgun. It's a youth model with a short stock. "I've been wearing an old pair of wool, German military surplus pants that my husband got me years ago," she said. "This year, I bought a pair of camo bib pants, which are youth- sized and fit fine. I also bought a 'She' hunting jacket. It's expensive, but it fits." Jen Reeher, 34, of Parish, said she started hunting five years ago when her former boyfriend brought home his first deer after several years of trying. "Suddenly, our freezer was filled with meat," she said. "It was pretty cool." Reeher, who stands 5 feet, 8 inches, has been hunting ever since. She's aware of the new line of female hunting clothes, but wears a "hand-me-down" men's hunting jacket and pants. She hunts with a .30-.30 Marlin rifle, which was made in 1936 and originally owned by her husband's grandfather. "It's short-barreled and light," she said. Last weekend, Reeher shot a massive, 8-point buck from her tree stand that weighed 226 pounds after getting field dressed. It was her first buck. She proudly added that she processed the entire deer herself, "a chore that took all weekend." "None of my female friends hunt," Reeher said. "But some have gotten interested. Some on Facebook have seen my deer and say they want to go hunting with me." View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

The mother wrote: "But the best part, is me, a mom spending time with her spouse, 3 sons and 2 hunting dogs in the outdoors. Truly, a wonderful bonding experience." Lisa Baumler, of Baldwinsville, wrote recently about a great pheasant hunting outing involving her husband and three sons at the nearby Three Rivers Game Management area. The outing included Baumler, her husband, Joe, and three sons, Morgan, Jett and Dakota. "We shot eight birds," she wrote, adding the family got a great assist from the two family dogs, Bueller and Gunter, both Munsterlanders. Joe Baumler "It has been a remarkable pheasant hunting season. The birds are wiser and incredible in sized. "Excellent eating as well, I might add," she said. "But the best part, is me, a mom spending time with her spouse, 3 sons and 2 hunting dogs in the outdoors. Truly, a wonderful bonding experience." Have a good recipe for pheasant? Send it to [email protected]. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

Send your comments to [email protected] or call 470-6066. I've done it, I've seen friends do it and now I'd like to hear from others about what they do. I'm talking about hunters who routinely give thanks or pray after they arrow or shoot a deer. What's your tradition or practice? What exactly do you say, think or pray? Send your comments to [email protected] or call 470-6066. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

<p> "There's been a total lack of communication with those who on the front lines of this, for sure," said Phil Franklin of Franklin Shooting Supplies in Locke. </p> <p></p> <p>A key aspect of the SAFE Act, Gov. Cuomo's controversial gun control law, will not go into effect on Jan. 15 as previously planned, according to State Police and several recent newspaper reports.</p> <p>The one aspect of the law that will take effect Jan. 15, though, is the requirement that all ammunition sellers register with the state, a State Police spokeswoman said.</p> <p>The state is delaying the provision requiring background checks on ammunition purchase until the State Police can develop the needed database system that would allow the checks to take place, <a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/dailypolitics/2013/10/ny-gun-laws-ammo-background-checks-not-expected-to-start-in-january">reported the New York Daily News</a>.</p> <p>Under the SAFE ACT, sellers of ammunition will be required to start keeping key information on buyers, including their names, the amount of bullets purchased, their addresses, and occupations. The national instant background check system that retailers currently use for purchases of firearms can not be used for ammunition sales.</p> <p>"There's been a total lack of communication with those who on the front lines of this, for sure," Phil Franklin of Franklin Shooting Supplies in Locke told the New York Outdoor News. </p> View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

The event is open to all levels of orienteers -- from beginners to experts. Stephen D. Cannerelli [email protected] Are you good at figuring out which way to go? Maybe you should give orienteering a try. The Central New York Orienteering Club has its annual Turkey-O, scheduled to begin at 11 a.m. Nov. 24 at Highland Forest in Fabius. Orienteering is a combination of cross-country running/quick walking and trying to find the quickest and easiest ways to reach the finish line. Competitors compete on trails and through the woods, using detailed maps and compasses. They must stop and register at "control stations" along the way. The competition is open and all levels of orienteers -- from beginners to experts. For more, see the club's website at cnyo.us.orienteering.org. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog