HuntingNY-News

It's that time of year when charter boats and other anglers are catching nice-sized muskies. A 56-incher was landed recently off Whiskey Island. CNY FISHING REPORT Bait stores (list and map). SALMON RIVER There should be fish throughout the river, but 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 still happening with fish being caught by shore anglers casting stickbaits just before and after dark. 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 10-20 feet of water with minnows, worms and small jigs working. The Lewis Point cooperative ice fishing access site is now available for use. Please respect the landowner's wishes and follow the arrows directing you to the lake. Failure to do so and the resulting property damage could cause the loss of this popular site. CAYUGA LAKE Largemouth bass, northern pike and chain pickerel are being caught on spoons in the north end. The recent and forecasted rain should bring the browns and landlocked salmon into the tributaries. Anglers targeting those species tend to be tight-lipped and we don't hear much from them. 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. A few brown trout should be heading up major tributaries as the flows increase due to recent rain. OWASCO LAKE Yellow perch are hitting minnows and worms on the north end of the lake. In addition, some nice lake trout continue to be caught by vertical jigging or trolling. 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 The DEC removed the docks this week from its boat launch off Route 41A. How long the launch stays open after that will be weather dependent. If the weather stays "nice," it will remain open. Yellow perch are hitting minnows fished in 30-40 foot 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. ST. LAWRENCE RIVER It's that time of year when charter boats and other anglers are catching nice-sized muskies. A 56-incher was landed recently off Whiskey Island WHITNEY POINT RESERVOIR Walleye, yellow perch and smallmouth bass are hitting on crankbaits fished in 5-10 foot of water. Some large yellow perch are being taken. Good colors for crankbaits have been crayfish or perchy. *** 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

He caught it on a red and gold Cleo lure. Tom Weinman, of Manlius, hoists a 37-inch northern pike he caught Nov. 6 in the Erie Canal. He caught it on a red and gold Cleo lure. "I had 15-pound test, braided line and that saved the day," he added. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

"I am here to tell you that hunting means something different to everyone. For me it's the quality time spent, the stories told, the things we learn and teach the hard work, the patience, practice, but most of all the adventure and memories made during it," the father said. Mia following her first successful goose hunt after getting her hunting license. Editor's note: Marc Bresadola, of Camillus, wrote the following emotional story about a recent Canada goose hunt with his daughter, Mia, 12, pictured above. He included in his story memories of a 2008 outing with Mia, and her twin sister, Bianca, who is no longer alive. : "I read your article a few months ago about a 12-year-old boy and his goose hunt. I also remember the mixed reviews it received especially from the woman in NYC. I wrote a quick story of my recent goose hunt and what it meant to me. It might give people a different perspective on some of the other uses of hunting as a learning tool. I am also enclosing a picture from 2008. Bresadola's story follows: "My daughter Mia Bresadola turned 12 this year and after months of harassing me to sign her up; she was able to complete her hunter safety course. I took Mia to get her junior hunting license this fall and she was very excited to finally be able to participate in hunting adventures. I was asked to join a couple of friends on a goose hunt this past weekend and Mia was to come along and participate in her first goose hunt. "But this is not where this story begins; this particular story began 4 years ago on September 6th 2008. "On that day back in September I took Mia, her identical twin Sister Bianca, and my father (Grandpa Moose as they called him) on an evening goose hunt. The evening was to be a time spent together, to teach, to learn, to tell stories, but most of all to make memories of a new adventure. "Oh yeah, there was also a goose hunt. As the evening went on we were fortunate enough to have a flock of five birds commit to our decoy spread. " I remember saying "don't look up keep your head down, and don't move" just as my father and once told me. Just before they hit the water grandpa moose was able to take two birds. Mia and Bianca after going goose hunting with their dad and grandfather in 2008. "The girls were excited as they got to watch their dog, Koda, do what dad had spent countless hours of teaching the dog to do. "Fetch em' up" as our chocolate Lab jumped in the water and swam back with our geese. "I still remember the smiles on their faces, the excitement we shared, and the beautiful sunset as we left. I couldn't help but think it was time well spent, they learned something, and they took something from the adventure and now have a lasting memory. It was a hunting adventure that was way more than just the harvest of two geese. "We fast forward to this past Saturday November 9th and Mia's first goose hunt in Canastota. Mia and I met up with my friends Keith and Chris LaFrance who have never met Mia before. I enjoy a proud moment when Keith tells me "you got a real worker there" as Mia is hustling out decoys into the field and setting up layout blinds. "But that was just the beginning of the adventure, as the hunt began and the first pair of geese set into our spread I enjoy another proud moment when Mia remains still with her head down not looking up, and waiting patiently. "We let Mia shoot at the birds first and she is able to harvest one of them while I took the other as it was past her shooting zone. She was just as excited as she was back in 2008 and this time her smile was bigger, she wasn't missing her front teeth this time. What really tied it all together were the words she spoke, "I did what you said and kept my head down and didn't move". "But the clincher was "I think Bianca sent those geese to us because remember the last time we went with you, we got two geese". (Bianca passed away in December of 2008) but the memory that was made back in September five years ago will always be with us. Mia remembered it like it was yesterday as well as I did. "I also couldn't help but think maybe that was Bianca's way of telling me that she also remembered that day back in September and that she will be with us on all of our hunting adventures. "I am here to tell you that hunting means something different to everyone. For me it's the quality time spent, the stories told, the things we learn and teach the hard work, the patience, practice, but most of all the adventure and memories made during it. "Oh yeah, then comes the actual hunt." View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

"When I first walked up to him, I couldn't believe how big he was," he said. Tom Lathrop, an Air National Guard combat veteran, was out of Veterans Day and arrowed this impressive 10-point buck on his property in Warners. It weighed 196 pounds after being field dressed. He wrote: "I got him after two weeks straight sitting in my favorite tree stand on my property in Warners . (I'm on vacation). "The rut did him in as he was hot on a doe's trail. She was running all over woods trying to shake him and ran close by my stand (20 yards). He trotted by, I stopped him with a grunt and took the shot. "All this happened in seconds. He took off out of sight. I waited 1.5 hours (I NEVER get down early, bad things happen) and found him 200 yards away, down for good. "My fiance help me drag him to where I could get my four-wheeler involved. It was a great way to spend Veteran's Day! I'm an Air National Guard Combat Veteran, multiple tours of duty-Saudi Arabia 1991 (Desert Storm), Iraq 2006-2007 (Iraqi Freedom) along with several more." Lathrop added, "When I first walked up to him, I couldn't believe how big he was. Good thing I wasn't looking at his rack as he approached." View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

His grandson got on the blood trail and tracked it down for him. Bob Dillabough Jr., of Clay, (left) poses with a 12-point buck he shot with his bow Nov. 9 on his brother's land in Clay. Dillabough said the deer weighed 178 pounds after being field dressed. He was accompanied by his grandson, Jordon Cunningham, (also pictured). He said it was the boy's first time in the woods. "He got on the blood trail and tracked it down for me," Dillabough said. "He's 15 years old and wants to hunt now. Spending time with Jordon was priceless." View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

<p> With the exception of Onondaga County, it seems Central New York in recent years has turned into rifle country. </p> <p>I'm working on a story noting the marked increase of use of rifles (as opposed to shotguns) by deer hunters in the Southern Zone.</p> <p>With the exception of Onondaga County, it seems Central New York in recent years has turned into rifle country.</p> <p>Are you taking to the woods or fields on Central New York with a rifle for the first time this season?. I'd like to talk to you. I can be reached at [email protected] or by calling 470-6066.</p> <p>Whatever you're using this season, be safe and good luck.</p> View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

The Southern Zone Regular Season is New York's most popular hunting season, with participation from about 85 percent of New York's 550,000 licensed hunters. Harvest during this season accounts for nearly 60 percent of the total statewide deer harvest and 30-60 percent of the statewide bear harvest. The following is a DEC press release: The 2013 regular deer and bear hunting seasons for firearms open at sunrise Saturday in New York's Southern Zone. These big game seasons close at sunset on Sunday, December 8. "New York's deer and bear populations are great resources for the state, and hunting is an important part of New York's outdoor heritage," said DEC Commissioner Joe Martens. The Southern Zone Regular Season is New York's most popular hunting season, with participation from about 85 percent of New York's 550,000 licensed hunters. Harvest during this season accounts for nearly 60 percent of the total statewide deer harvest and 30-60 percent of the statewide bear harvest With the Oct. 1 start to the bow season in the Southern Zone and a special Youth Firearms Deer Hunt over Columbus Day Weekend, many big game hunters have already enjoyed fruitful hunts. Following the regular deer and bear seasons in the Southern Zone, late bowhunting and muzzleloading seasons will open at sunrise on December 9 and close at sunset on Dec. 17. Hunters taking part in these special seasons must possess either bowhunting or muzzleloading privileges. In the Northern Zone, the regular deer and bear hunting season opened Oct. 26 and will close at sunset on Dec. 8. This zone generally includes the Adirondacks, Tug Hill Plateau, Eastern Lake Ontario Plain and the Champlain and St. Lawrence Valleys. A late archery and muzzleloading season for deer will be open in portions of the Northern Zone from Dec. 9 to Dec. 15. • Rifles authorized for Ontario and Wayne counties: New legislation allows the use of rifles for big game hunting in Ontario and Wayne counties, until October 1, 2015. See "Rifle, Shotgun, and Bow Areas" and for other areas where rifles can be used. • Crossbows: Crossbows are no longer a legal implement for big game hunting in New York. • Help Protect New York Deer from Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD): To keep potentially infectious material out of New York, hunters are prohibited from bringing whole deer carcasses and some carcass parts into New York from any state or province with CWD, now including Pennsylvania. Find the details for CWD Regulations for Hunters and read more about how to prevent the spread of CWD. • Deer Management Focus Area in Tompkins County: This program will continue to assist communities in the Ithaca area with the burden of overabundant deer populations. For more or to register, see the DEC website. • Reducing Harvest of Young Bucks: Mandatory antler restrictions (bucks must have at least 3 points on one side) are in effect in WMUs 3A, 3C, 3H, 3J, 3K, 4G, 4O, 4P, 4R, 4S, and 4W during all seasons for all hunters 17 years and older. Many hunters in other areas are voluntarily choosing not to take young, small-antlered bucks, thereby allowing most of these bucks to live another year, get a bit bigger and grow slightly larger antlers. Through the personal choice of thousands of hunters, we've seen a shift in the annual buck harvest to include an increasing number and percentage of older bucks. For more information see "Voluntary Antler Restrictions". • Junior Hunters: Junior Hunters (14 and 15 years old) can hunt deer and bear with a firearm when appropriately accompanied by an experienced adult. See the "Junior Hunter Mentoring" webpage for program requirements and to download the Mentored Youth Hunter Permission Form. • Harvest Reporting: All successful hunters are required to report their harvest of deer and bear within 7 days. Failure to report harvested deer or bear is a violation of NYS Environmental Conservation Law. Hunters may report via DEC's online game harvest reporting system or by calling the toll-free automated reporting system at 1-866-GAME-RPT (1-866-426-3778). • Black Bear Tooth Collection: Successful bear hunters are asked to submit a tooth of their bear so DEC can age the bear and monitor bear population dynamics. See the DEC website for instructions. • Venison Donation: Hunters are encouraged to participate in the Venison Donation program . By obtaining permits and donating ones deer, hunters help accomplish the needed deer management and can feed less fortunate families. Although safety-conscious hunters have significantly reduced the number of firearms-related injuries, studies show that individuals wearing hunter orange clothing are seven times less likely to be injured than hunters who do not wear the bright fluorescent color. Hunters are encouraged to review hunting safety tips and pay careful attention to basic firearm safety rules that can prevent hunting related shooting incidents including: • Point your gun in a safe direction. • Treat every gun as if it were loaded. • Be sure of your target and beyond. • Keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot. • Remember to wear Hunter Orange. For specific descriptions of regulations and open areas, hunters should refer to the 2013-14 Hunting and Trapping Regulations Guide available on DEC's website. Hunters are urged to review all regulations and safety tips contained in the guide. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

Runners/walkers are encouraged to wear a holiday-themed costume and to tie jingle bells to their shoelaces. Becca Flynn, Oswego, running in the 5K run of the 16th annual Jingle Bell Run for Arthritis at Onondaga Lake Park in 2004. Gary Walts | [email protected] There's one run on this weekend's local running calendar - a holiday-themed, 5K race at Onondaga Community College The Jingle Bell/Walk Run for Arthritis is schedule at begin at 10 a.m. Sunday in front of the college's SRC Arena and Events Center. Runners/walkers are encouraged to wear a holiday-themed costume and to tie jingle bells to their shoelaces. Registration begins at 8 a.m. For more, see syracuseraces.com or email [email protected]. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

He was hunting with his Uncle Matt Kucharski and cousin Emilee Cary from a ground blind Nicholas Cary, 12, poses with his first bow buck -- a 9 pointer that dressed out at 170 pounds. His father, Mitch Cary, wrote: "Nicholas was bow hunting in Skaneateles with his Uncle Matt Kucharski and cousin Emilee Cary from a ground blind." Congrats, Nicholas. Nice deer. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

"They have fallen in love with salmon fishing," their mother said. Heather Gass, of West Monroe, wrote me that her two daughters, Samantha, 15, and Lyndsey, 14, have been a ball this fall fishing on the Salmon River. Samantha with a nice steelhead. She wrote: They have been hammering the salmon since September in the Salmon River, Pulaski. "They have fallen in love with salmon fishing, especially Samantha. This is their second year of salmon fishing." View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

"I expect I'll never get another deer this size, but the memory of Saturday's hunt is part of me now and I will always treasure it," she said. Jen Baker Reeher, of Parish, was hunting recently on her land and shot this impressive, 8-point buck. She wrote: "I've got a nice deer story and pictures that my friends said I should share with you. "This is my fifth year hunting, but I had never gotten a buck before. Saturday morning I was hunting on my land up in Parish (Oswego County). I dragged myself out of bed late, and wound up spooking a doe when I came into my stand a half hour before sunrise. So I was kind of mad at myself for that. "At around 7:30 , I heard something squishing around in the swamp behind me. I was peering through the hemlock branches trying to see, and I caught a glimpse of big antlers. But I had to get him to come into the open! I did a loud grunt on the grunt call, and he stopped and came to the edge of the trees, but it wasn't far enough. So I grunted again, and I heard him start walking back into the swamp...but then he turned and came back, looking all around, and stepped into the clearing where I could see him for the first time. He was the most enormous deer I had ever seen. "He took a step, quartering away at 45 yards, and I took a single shot with my Marlin lever action 30-30. He fell down but then got up and ran away in slow motion. I felt that it was a good shot, but now I couldn't see him anymore and regretted not taking a second shot at the back of his shoulders or neck as he ran away. "I waited in my stand for twenty minutes and called my husband. When he arrived we started looking. There was no blood trail, even in the spot where I was sure the buck has first fallen. I started slowly up the trail where the buck had run, and 50 yards further on I saw the big antlers sticking up. Other than that he was hard to see, because he was laying on his belly and no white was showing. The only blood trail was within 10 feet of where he finally fell. "We discovered that my shot had taken out the top half of his heart, and broken the shoulder on the other side. There wasn't an exit wound. He was a tough old deer to get up and keep running after that! "He's an eight point with very thick antlers, and weighed in at 226 field dressed (including tenderloins and what was left of the heart). (I have funny video of me trying to drag him -- thank goodness for my wonderful husband!). "I feel very fortunate and blessed to have had the chance to take a deer like this, especially as my first buck. I expect I'll never get another deer this size, but the memory of Saturday's hunt is part of me now and I will always treasure it." Editor's note: Baker Reeher's property in Parish is in the Northern Zone, where the regular deer hunting season for firearms began Oct. 26. The Southern Zone opener is this Saturday. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

A deer with an arrow through its head that had been seen wandering in a neighborhood in New Jersey has been sent back into the wild without the arrow, and with no major injuries. Remember that deer seen wandering through New Jersey backyards last week with the arrow through its head? Staff from the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife managed to tranquilize the deer Saturday and biologists removed the arrow. The deer was caught in the backyard of Susan Darrah's Rockaway Township home, where it was first spotted and photographed. Biologists said the arrow did no major damage and the deer's prognosis is excellent. They gave the animal a shot of antibiotics as well as putting some topical antibiotics on the wound, and when the deer could stand, it took a nap in a nearby pasture before wandering off into the woods. "Everybody loves a happy ending," Darrah told The Star-Ledger. She hopes the deer will survive bow-hunting season, which is currently underway. Click here to read the full story. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

The deer hunting season in the Southern Zone opens next Saturday. Now's the time to see if your gun is shooting accurately. (SEE VIDEO) Watch video There was steady traffic this morning at the Camillus Sportsmen's Club as hunters arrived to sight in their shotguns and rifles in preparation for next Saturday's opening of the firearms season for deer in the Southern Zone. The club has been holding the event for years and it's open to the public. "The traffic has been pretty steady. We had about 50 before noon," said Dick Masterpole, adding about a half dozen of those who signed up were women. Club member Howard Dowlen, who was assisting shooters, said he's seeing more rifles this year than ever. "At least half (of those guns sighted in today) were rifles," he said. I brought my two guns, my father's 12-gauge Ithaca Deerslayer and my Remington 20 gauge. The Remington was shooting a little high and after I figured that out I lowered my aim and put three in a group near the bull's-eye. The 12-gauge, which has a scope and is usually dead-on accurate, was a different story. I took five shoots and couldn't hit the target. Frustrated, I kept thinking it was operator error. I bought another box of shells and let Masterpole shoot it. He missed the target completely the first time (way off to the upper left like I was shooting), adjusted the sight and then shot about six inches above the target, but lined up with the bull's-eye. Once again, he adjusted the sight. He shot again and adjusted it again. By the fifth shot, he hit about 2 inches below dead center. Those running the sight-in session said they're seeing more rifles than ever this year.David Figura | [email protected] "Dead deer," he said, handing me my gun back. Being out of shells, I left but plan to return Sunday at make sure I can replicate Masterpole's final shot myself. It was a real lesson learned. I don't know what happened to it, but I had no idea that the gun's scope was off so much. The sight-in session lasts today until 4 p.m. at the club and continues Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The club is located at 5801 Devoe Road, Camillus. Cost is $3 for the first gun and $1 for each additional firearm. For more, call 672-8331. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

This feature honors those unselfish individuals who give untold volunteer hours and often money out of their own pockets to maintain or restore Central New York's woods, fields and waterways so we all can enjoy them. Many readers of this blog have one thing in common -- a love and appreciation for the outdoors. Some go the extra mile in helping in giving Mother Nature a helping hand. It's for that reason "Heroes of Conservation" was established six years ago. See last year's heroes. This syracuse.com l The Post Standard feature honors those unselfish individuals who give untold volunteer hours and often money out of their own pockets to maintain or restore Central New York's woods, fields and waterways so we all can enjoy them. It also honors those who volunteer their time to pass on the positive practices and traditions of outdoor activities ranging from birding to bear hunting. For these individuals, it's not enough to just enjoy these activities themselves. They want to mentor, to pass on their passion to others. Do you know a hero of conservation? To nominate someone, email or mail a nomination statement to me of no more than 300 words outlining the person's accomplishments. The deadline for nominations is 5 p.m. Dec. 10. A story will run in late December highlighting the top candidates. Questions? Call 470-6066. Nominations can be emailed to me at [email protected] or by snail mail to 220 South Warren St., Syracuse, N.Y. 13202. Include a daytime phone number in case I have questions about the nomination. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

"Veterans from our program and volunteers will be demonstrating fly tying and casting and sharing the mission of the group," said Dan Morgan, of Cazenovia, who is the national social media manager for Project Healing Waters. Project Healing Waters, dedicated to the physical and emotional rehabilitation of disabled, active military and disabled veterans by getting them involved in fly fishing, will have a booth this Saturday at the CNY Veteran's Parade and Expo at the State Fairgrounds in Geddes. "Veterans from our program and volunteers will be demonstrating fly tying and casting and sharing the mission of the group," said Dan Morgan, of Cazenovia, who is the national social media manager for Project Healing Waters. "There will be volunteers from the Iroquois Chapter of Trout Unlimited, as well as the Madison County chapter," he added, nothing they're be there from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Center of Progress Building. For more on the group, see its website at projecthealingwaters.org. To reach Morgan, email him at [email protected]. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

The inside antler spread was 18 inches. Sam Scozzafava, of Syracuse, harvested this impressive, 8- point buck Nov. 3 in the Town of Onondaga. The inside antler spread was 18 inches. He donated the deer to Venison Donation Coalition, which helps feed the hungry in Central New York. Have a deer you'd like to donate? Check out the Venison Donation Coalition website. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

See a poacher? call 1-800-TIPP DEC. Thanks to the help of Capt. Matt Revenaugh, who heads the state Department of Environmental Conservation's Region 7 law enforcement team headquartered in Syracuse, I'm offering the latest in an on-going series entitled, "Keeping Watch." The idea is to give readers insight to the final disposition of tickets issued by our local environmental conservation officers from the state Department of Environmental Conservation. The cases that appear here are cases where the defendant has either pleaded guilty or found guilty after trial. This is not intended to be all-inclusive list of cases handled, but is representative of dispositions received by the Region 7 law enforcement office. Click on the link below to see the most recent cases: R7 Fine 11-6-13.pdf View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

"I have hit probably 4-6 deer over the years in my vehicle , and once hit two with the fire departments rescue truck at the same time on the way to a call ( not so good for the deer)," said one reader. Nearly a dozen readers responded recently when I asked to hear from folks who've hit deer more than once with their cars or vehicles. Their stories follow: "I live in Borodino and commute to Ithaca every day to work. In the last three years I have hit 3 deer; all on Route 41 between Spafford and Homer. I call the section of Route 41 between Spafford and the Cortland County line "the death zone" because I have hit two of the three deer on that stretch. Not only that I see a lot of deer carnage caused by other vehicles there. I consider myself a careful driver and am always wary of deer. What bothers me is that Route 41 is notorious for tailgaters who I swear do so to use me as a sort of "wedge" to avoid hitting deer themselves. They don't seem to understand that if I whack a deer I'm likely to get rear-ended as well. I don't need the stress of worrying about hitting deer AND worrying about tailgaters. "I joke that my body shop dedicated their new paint booth in my name. As a matter of fact it's sort of a standing joke among my family and the guys from deer camp. My wise guy brother actually gave me one of those deer crossing road signs for Christmas, which now hangs on my back shed." Scott A. Goodrich, of Borodino "I have hit and killed three deer in the last 15 years; two with the same car. My second deer mishap happened close to home when I was only going about 35-40 mph, but it flipped in the air, and went through the windshield of a car coming in the opposite direction. The dead animal wound up in the passenger seat; thank God the driver was alone in the car. He was really shook up, and didn't even know what hit him or how it happened. He was completed covered in the deer's blood and guts. My first one happened when I was carpooling in my van. We had a new rider that day, and he wondered if all of our trips to work would contain this much excitement. The deer ran into the front passenger door, the on my oldest daughter had just whacked in my driveway, so it got fixed, thank you Mr. Deer." Jim Pskowski "I am the wife of a man that has hit 7 ( not a misprint there) deer. He was even given a T-shirt that said he gets more deer with his truck than with his gun. He didn't laugh much because it usually cost us money in the end. Kathy Neuman, of Elbridge "I hit two deer at one time on the way home from work. Another time, I drove all the way to Myrtle Beach and back within 5 miles of my house and totaled my wife's new car. "I hit 3 with my Jeep Grand Cherokee. "I hit 1 with my Chevy S10 Pick-up. "I hit 1 with my Chevy Silverado. " hit 1 with my wife's Chevy Malibu. "This past spring I swerved and missed one...and it head-butted a huge dent in my passenger side door. "A few weeks later, I would have hit this one on the attachment, but I pulled off the side of the road and placed it into the woods. Deer population in the Ithaca area is nuts." Rick Pawlewicz Hannibal Varsity X-C/Indoor Track/Girls Outdoor Track and Field coach, DMK Middle School, Hannibal Central School District "I've hit too many deer to count. I can remember at least two in a pickup. I hit one on my bike and didn't go down. I've also hit many while working, picking up milk from farms and delivering to processing plants in the middle of the night and early in the morning." Chris McKane, of Locke "I have hit 12 deer in CNY, most of them near Marcellus/Skaneateles so far in my driving career. I have been driving for 35 years." Terry Kotlarz, of Skaneateles "We moved to our house on East Lake Rd in Skaneateles in July 2003. Since then I have hit five deer, all on East Lake Rd. The most recent was last winter. The kicker was it was at the exact same spot where I hit my first deer in 2005. With all that practice you would think I would have learned how to miss them." Sal Strods, of Skaneateles "Over the years I have hit 4 deer and one cow. All but one deer occurred at night. Lucky for me the cow was a glancing blow while the deer were all head on with one buck launched over the truck. It was close to Christmas so maybe that was one of Santa's? I was never hurt (always wear my seat belt) but my vehicles have suffered a lot of damaged. One week I managed to hit two deer and take out both headlights. Couldn't hit on the same side! Most of the time the deer were badly damaged but I salvaged what I could of the meat, a small compensation for the damaged to the vehicles. I was driving over 30,000 miles/year while working." Bill Johnson, of Skaneateles " I hit nine deer by the time I was 24 years old. I lived at the time near Highland Forest, outside of Fabius. No I did not hit a herd of them with names like Rudolph, Donner or Blitzen. "My car was the one you spotted in a parking lot without a front grill or missing hood ornament , at the time. My Dad, Jim Conway was an avid deer hunter. He would say at the start of hunting season, "Please give the hunters a chance to get a deer, if we don't, then we will ride with you for a day and you can get one for us." He would get the dreaded phone call," Dad I had a car accident, I hit a deer." He said if I hit in the double digits then I would have to learn how to gut them, myself. "Besides calling my Dad the other person I hated to call was my insurance company. They actually tried to get Deer Collision Insurance for me. I usually had a witness, my cousin Minnie was with me one time. The State Troopers used to come to the scene to take a statement, but usually it was good old Dad who came to rescue me. I was also an equal opportunity deer hitter too. My brother once told me, "you get more points if it's a buck." I tried everything to NOT hit them too. I had deer whistles on my car, swerve, slam on the brakes, swear....BAM and I hit another one. "Hello Dad?" I am not bragging by any means, it was always an accident. I used to think they hid in the ditches waiting for me. Since then, I have nicked a few but my car and the deer have survived....so they do not count. Patti Conway Ondocin, an RN at Upstate Hospital "I have hit probably 4-6 deer over the years in my vehicle , and once hit two with the fire departments rescue truck at the same time on the way to a call ( not so good for the deer)." Tony LaRock View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

Do not rely on devices such as deer whistles, deer fences and reflectors to deter deer. These devices have not been proven to reduce deer-vehicle collisions. Dave Lassman |[email protected] The Insurance Information Institute gives the following information and advice on defensive driving tips to avoid hitting a deer. The exploding deer population has led to a continuing increase in deer-car collisions and this trend will only increase as the deer population grows and urban habitats continue to encroach upon rural environments. - Be especially attentive from sunset to midnight and during the hours shortly before and after sunrise. These are the highest risk times for deer-vehicle collisions. - Drive with caution when moving through deer-crossing zones, in areas known to have a large deer population and in areas where roads divide agricultural fields from forestland. Deer seldom run alone. If you see one deer, others may be nearby. - When driving at night, use high beam headlights when there is no oncoming traffic. The high beams will better illuminate the eyes of deer on or near the roadway. - Slow down and blow your horn with one long blast to frighten the deer away. - Brake firmly when you notice a deer in or near your path, but stay in your lane. Many serious crashes occur when drivers swerve to avoid a deer and hit another vehicle or lose control of their cars. (Brian Underwood, a wildlife biologist for U.S. Geological Survey who teaches at SUNY ESF, adds: "The standard advice that Triple AAA and others give is to take your foot off the accelerator, brake slightly, put both hands on the steering wheel -- and hit the deer," Underwood said.) - Always wear your seat belt. Most people injured in car/deer crashes were not wearing their seat belt. - Do not rely on devices such as deer whistles, deer fences and reflectors to deter deer. These devices have not been proven to reduce deer-vehicle collisions. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

It's a dangerous time of year on many Central New York roads for deer and humans alike as the deer are constantly moving about because it's their breeding season. Experts note about half of all deer/motor vehicle collisions each year occur between the months of October and December. Randy Tompkins recently stood on his front porch, shaking his head as he looked out upon the front yard of his home on Route 321 in Elbridge at the dead, young buck on the grass. "Must have been hit by a truck or something," he said. "I checked the road. There was no broken plastic or glass or skid marks. The person just kept going." "There's just a lot of deer around here lately," he added. It's a dangerous time of year on many Central New York roads for deer and humans alike as the deer are constantly moving about because it's their breeding season. Experts note about half of all deer/motor vehicle collisions each year occur between the months of October and December. There are steps drivers can take to keep such accidents to a minimum, such as being careful when driving around dusk and dawn, watching your speed and keeping your high beams on whenever possible. However, with the steadily rising populations in many areas, deer/motor vehicle accidents are just a fact of life here. Chris McKane, of Locke, who drives a truck that picks up milk and delivers it to processing plants in the middle of the night, says he's lost track of how many deer he's hit during the past decade. "At least 10," he said, noting there wasn't much he could have done in each case. "People who say they could have been avoided don't know how unpredictable deer can be," he said. "They'll be walking on the shoulder of the road, and then suddenly turn and decide they want to cross the road. I've given up on swerving. I'm not about to swerve a 100,000-pound truck to avoid a 200-pound deer." Read more stories of Central New York drivers who've hit deer multiple times. The Insurance Information Institute notes that the average cost per insurance claim for deer collision damage is $2,800, with costs varying depending on the type of vehicle and the seriousness of the damage. If one considers auto claims that involve bodily injury, the average rises to $10,000. Brian Underwood, a wildlife biologist with U.S. Geology Survey who teaches at SUNY ESF, has done extensive research on deer behavior and deer/motor vehicle accidents. "The rut (the breeding season) increases deer activity and movement this time of year by 2 ÃÂý times," he said. He said the bucks, filled with hormones, are moving about, trying to impregnate as many does as possible. "The females are only receptive during a 24-hour period (when they're ovulating) and they do that every 23 days," he said. "Apart from that, they won't stand for a buck trying to breed with them. What happens is the males end up harassing the does. Those does that aren't interested are running away - and being followed by the bucks. It's a real free-for-all." Another factor is that both males and females are eating as much as possible and bulking up, adding fat to help get them through the winter. That translates again into movement, often across roads. They're moving daily from dense areas where they bed to areas such as cornfields and fields of other plants where they eat, Underwood said. Some point to deer hunters, noting that they're a major reason deer are scampering about so much. Not so, Underwood said. "Hunters are not going to displace a buck or doe from its home range," he said. "And if they do, they often button-hook right around and come back." The New York Times reported that during a 10-year span from 2001-11, collisions with animals resulted in 2,083 human fatal crashes nationwide. A recent report by State Farm Insurance Company, which covers about 20 percent of the state's insured drivers, noted a 12 percent increase in deer/motor vehicle insurance claims across the state from their clients the past five years. In 2011, the latest figures available, there were 35,159 deer/ motor vehicle accidents in New York State, with four fatalities and 1,311 injuries to drivers, according to Carol Breen, a spokeswoman with the state Department of Transportation. The numbers are based on accident reports from police she said. Most likely, the actual numbers are higher than what's being reported because many collisions go unreported - either because the collision involved a truck or some large vehicle that didn't stop; or because the damage to the vehicle was minimal and the driver was able to drive away or lacked sufficient coverage to make an insurance claim. In Onondaga County, the numbers have remained fairly steady the past five years, according to the DOT. In 2011, there were 1,111 accidents, with 38 injuries. Breen said there has not been a fatality directly related to a deer/motor vehicle accident in Onondaga County since the state started keeping such statistics in 1987. This year, though, there have been two local fatalities - both in Madison County and both involving motorcyclists. Cyle Chesebro, 49, of West Edmeston, was killed Aug. 11 in the town of Brookfield when a deer hit by an oncoming car was flung up in the air and caused Chesebro to crash as he was riding in the opposite lane. On Sept. 4, Daniel Gorman, 60, of Oriskany Falls, was driving on State Route 20 in the town of Eaton when his cycle collided with a deer that was crossing the road. Sarah Nystrom, a master's student at SUNY ESF, under Underwood's supervision, visited 562 deer/motor vehicle accidents in Onondaga County during 2005-2006, measuring habitat and other features on both sides of the road, along with recording the time of day and time of year when the accidents occurred. Her research showed that no areas were immune to such accidents (except for heavily populated urban areas), but that clusters occurred in three distinct parts of the county. Those areas were: the Howlett Hill Road corridor in Marcellus, the Route 92-Oran Delphi Road area in Manlius and Route 48 and Lamson Road in Lysander. Nystrolm also determined that certain natural and man-made features on both sides of the road seemed to figure in, such as when there's heavy vegetation or forests near one of both sides. Underwood said accidents in those three areas weren't all caused by the same factors, but that all were "high traffic volume areas" through good deer habitat. Underwood noted additional research has raised additional questions. "We've put some GPS radio collars on some deer. Some cross the road all the time. Some never do, even though their home range is right next to it," he said. "It's very interesting stuff. We have a lot to learn." View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

"The Run" examines the impact of the annual salmon run as thousands of anglers converge on the village of Pulaski each fall to take advantage of it. Anglers converge every fall on the Salmon River to take advantage of the fall chinook and coho salmon run.Veronica Wilson The new TV mini-series titled "The Run," which aired for the first time this summer on the Sportsman Channel and is currently filming for a second season, is now up for four Sportsman Choice Awards.The 2013 Sportsman Choice Awards are voted by the viewers and run through Dec. 1. The categories include best fishing show, best educational/instructional show, best host (local cast), and best new series. "The Run" examines the impact of the annual salmon run as thousands of anglers converge on the village of Pulaski each fall to take advantage of it. The producers, E Team Media, spent months in Pulaski last summer and fall filming and interviewing businesses, residents and visitors, and capturing the transformation of the village during this annual phenomenon. Pat Donnelly, producer of the series, has been busy overseeing the filming of the show's second season. "We added Oswego into the mix, both the lake and the river. There will also be more steelhead fishing so we can show angling in all the weather elements," he said. The first season of "The Run" began July 4 and reached more than 50 million homes this summer, airing nationally on the Sportsman Channel as well as locally and throughout New York on the Time Warner Sports Channel, according to the Oswego Department of Tourism. The 2013 Sportsman Choice Awards are open to votes until Dec. 1. To vote, log onto the Sportsman Channel Facebook page. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

"Rudolf (the Red-Nosed Reindeer) will even get up on the fish tank and do a fishing demo," according to a press release from the store. Santa Claus seems to be getting an early start on Christmas this year and is scheduled to arrive at 5 p.m. Saturday at Bass Pro Shops in a bass boat. According a press release from Bass Pro Shops, "He will come in on his Nitro Z9 Bass Boat towed by the Bass Pro Shops Toyota Tundra truck driven by Rudolf the Red Nose Reindeer." Activities are scheduled at the store from 5 until 9 p.m., including photos with Santa. Also, "Rudolf will even get up on the fish tank and do a fishing demo," according to the press release. St. Nick is slated to be at the store weekends until Christmas on weekdays from 3 to 8 p.m., from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturdays and noon to 5 p.m. Sundays. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

The current survey was set to 2,000 anglers, with 50 percent of those receiving cards being from Cayuga County. The survey targeted a 15-mile radius around the lake and has also been sent out to anglers in Seneca, Cortland, Onondaga and Tompkins counties. My wife, Laura, who rarely fishes except when we go on vacation camping or occasionally on your small boat during the summer, got a note card in the mail from the state Department of Environmental Conservation this week. "This is for you," she said, handing it to me as we sat in the kitchen and sipped our coffee this morning. The card announced a survey the DEC is conducting, with the help of Cornell University, about its stocking and management practices on Owasco Lake. It noted my wife's name was "randomly selected from a list of people who live within the zip codes that surround the lake and have state fishing licenses. "The purpose of his survey is to learn about your fishing experiences on Owasco Lake, as well as your opinions on fishing stocking practices in (the lake)," it read. I'd encourage anyone who receives one of these cards to check out the link to the DEC website to complete itm (you need your ID number listed on the note card), or to call the DEC office at 607-753-3095, extension 213 to get a paper version of it mailed to you. The DEC depends on surveys like this, plus information obtained from its Angler Diary Program and periodic gill net surveys to learn about what's happening in a lake's fishery and how anglers are doing. There has been a long-standing controversary on Owasco about whether the lake should be managed as a cold water fishery (where trout/salmon are given preference) or a warm water fishery (where walleyes are added to the mix). This survey is an opportunity for anglers and others who care about the lake to make their feelings known. The survey was announced earlier this year by DEC officials at a "State of the Eastern Fingerlakes" meeting held in a meeting room at Bass Pro Shops at the Finger Lakes Mall. At that meeting, it was noted that during the 1980s, the lake's brown and rainbow trout population and angler catches on Owasco Lake were noteworthy, according to angler reports. But during the 1990s, the catch rates of these two trout species began to slide. Meanwhile, Owasco's lake trout population grew steadily and a walleye stocking effort led by the Owasco Lake Association began in 1996. "The stocking of walleye were not solely responsible for the drop in brown and rainbow trout," said Dan Bishop, regional natural resources supervisor, but he added that it appeared they were a substantial contributing factor. The DEC, which picked up the stocking of the fish in 2001, discontinued walleye stocking in 2006. In addition, the DEC cut back on the stocking of lake trout in Owasco. Should the DEC resume walleye stocking or should its emphasis continue to be on improving the lake's trout and salmon fishery? Currently, the DEC's emphasis is on the trout and landlocked salmon, and no change is planned, Bishop said the meeting. The current survey was set to 2,000 anglers, with 50 percent of those receiving cards being from Cayuga County. The survey targeted zip codes with a 15-mile radius around the lake and has also been sent out to anglers in Seneca, Cortland, Onondaga and Tompkins counties. It also includes all Owasco Lake Angler Diary cooperators (58) and respondents who participated in the 2007 Statewide Fisheries Angler Survey who fished Owasco Lake and indicated they would be willing to participate in future angler questionnaires (40). The DEC notes that "roughly another dozen anglers from this pool were not used because they were going to be asked to participate in a separate DEC angler questionnaire that Cornell University was coordinating." I plan to help my wife complete the survey to help the cause. As for as this blog, I'll keep my opinions to myself on this one. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

"I have never seen this large quantity of fruit that I've seen this year on the apples, walnuts, hickories, maple and ashes," said Donald J. Leopold, chairman of the Department of Environmental and Forest Biology at SUNY ESF Some point to the warm spring with its lack of no frosts or cold snaps in its latter part that enabled flowers, such as these apple blossoms, to stay alive. Experts say its more complicated than that.Dennis Nett | [email protected] Mother Nature has more than provided for humans and wild animals alike this fall in Central New York with unprecedented amounts of apples, nuts and various berries. The evidence is everywhere from residential yards, to farms, to the woods. Local apple orchard owners see it with their bountiful harvests. This week, one grower, Abbott Farms in Baldwinsville, announced it has sold more apples than ever before but it still has a lot left over. Wednesday, the business allowed volunteers to pick their extra apples for free for use at local food pantries and charitable organizations. Homeowners see it with the large amounts of crabapples on their trees and berries on the shrubs in their yards. Hunters and hikers are noticing larger, wild blue berries than normal and plentiful amounts of nuts coating the ground in the woods. "I have never seen this large quantity of fruit that I've seen this year on the apples, walnuts, hickories, maple and ashes," said Donald J. Leopold, chairman of the Department of Environmental and Forest Biology at SUNY ESF. "And I've seen this extraordinary production, not only in upstate NY, but everywhere I've been in the Northeast and recently in Tennessee. "Interestingly, it's an off year for the oaks (acorns)." Biologists refer to fruits, berries and nuts as "mast." Soft mast are the fruits and berries. Hard mast are the nuts. The reason for this year's mast explosion appears to be a combination of weather, last year's poor growing season, cycles unique to each plant, and other ecological factors that scientists are still researching. One simple answer is the huge mast crop was caused by this year's warm spring that was highlighted by a lack of late spring frost or cold snaps. The result was a bumper crop of fruit, berry and nut-generating flowers on plants, shrubs and trees. "That ... and the bees," said Brian Underwood, a wildlife biologist for the U.S. Geological Survey who teaches at SUNY ESF. "The warm temperatures woke up the bees and they got busy pollinating all those flowers." Bernd Blossey, an associate professor in the Department of Natural Resources at Cornell University's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, said part of the answer also lies with 2012's cold spring that killed a lot of flowers and buds, particularly those on apple trees. Local apple growers described last year as the worst crop since 1945, reporting losses of some 70 percent of their crop. Despite it being an 'off year' for acorns, squirrels have more than enough to eat this fall.Dick Blume | [email protected] The apple trees responded, Blossey said, by building up extra reserves to fruit this year. Prompted by the favorable spring, the result was mass fruiting. As for the nut-bearing trees, there's an ecological reason behind it. "It's called predator satiation," Bloosey said. "The bumper crop overwhelms those animals that feed on the plants' fruit, producing more than they can handle - thus ensuring that some of the fruit (that contains seeds) produces new plants." Scientists have been studying this phenomenon and there's no consensus yet about exactly why, or when this happens. The fact that most everything else is going gangbusters, but it's an off year for acorns has Blossey baffled. "We have some oaks on campus and usually the ground underneath them is carpeted with acorns. There's very few this year," he said. Blossey also said it's interesting how a good mast year is not limited to a single plant or tree, but manifests itself widely in the same species in a forest or a region - or sometimes, not. Some researchers have suggested a chemical signal hypothesis, speculating that possibly trees are giving off some sort of chemical cue or signal to each other that results in an abundance of fruit or nuts. Jim Sollecito, owner of Sollecito Landscaping Nursery in Onondaga Hill, said the abundance of apples on his land in Baldwinsville has kept the deer well-fed. He said there's three times as many apples as a normal year and when he walks through the woods "it smells like cider." Sollecito offered another reason for the numerous apples. He said each year there's a natural thinning process that takes place during the early summer when a number of immature apples fall from the trees. He called it "the June drop." He said that didn't happen this year because of all the rain that fell that month. "All those apples stayed on the trees and now they're ripening," he said. Stacy McNulty, director of the Adirondack Ecological Center in Newcomb, which is a SUNY ESF field station, said "We're definitely seeing the same thing up here," when asked about the mast explosion. She said she's seeing great amounts of beech nuts on the ground. "There's lots of food for deer and turkey. The blue jays are very happy right now," she said, adding. "Personally, I've never seen wild blueberries as large as the ones we're seeing this year." A bear and its cub. The abundance of food in the Adirondacks should result in the birth of more bear cubs this spring, McNulty said.AP/National Park Service McNulty said there's all kinds of spin-offs for the wildlife, noting she and others are expecting an "uptick" in the mice population in the Adirondacks - along with an increase in the numbers of one of the Adirondack Park's larger residents. Female black bears need to achieve a certain health and energy state before they'll reproduce, she said. The abundant food (nuts, berries) should take care of that. "We're expecting an increase in the numbers of black bear cubs this spring," she said. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

There's also been reports of some nice walleyes being taken from shore on Otisco Lake. CNY FISHING REPORT Bait stores (list and map). SALMON RIVER The river is up. More steel heard and brown trout are being caught in the lower river, but these fish are working their way into the upper river as well. Good baits have been large nymphs, blue egg sacs, egg- imitating flies and leeches. OSWEGO RIVER The river is down from last week. More steelhead and brown trout are being caught in the river, along with the remaining Chinook salmon. Good baits are egg sacs, skein, egg-imitating flies and plastics, and trout beads. The bridge to Leto Island remains closed and there are mandatory personal flotation device (PFD) zones on the river. ONEIDA LAKE The shore walleye bite continues to improve, and fish are being caught by shore anglers casting stickbaits just before and after dark. 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 Yellow perch continue to be caught in the north end on small minnows. Largemouth bass and northern pike and chain pickerel are also being caught at the north end. No word on any brown trout or Atlantic salmon activity in the tributaries. SENECA LAKE Lake trout are being taken 50 to 80 feet down over 115 to 130 feet 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. A few brown trout should be heading up major tributaries as the flows increase due to recent rain. OWASCO LAKE Yellow perch are hitting minnows and worms on the north end of the lake. In addition, some nice lake trout are also being caught by vertical jigging or trolling. OTISCO LAKE Isolated reports of some big walleyes being taken from shore, but no location was given. One popular spot is the causeway, where anglers cast stickbaits just before and after dark. Tiger muskie and bass continue to hit crankbaits fished along shore and outside weed edges. SKANEATELES LAKE The DEC was scheduled to remove the docks this week from its boat launch off Route 41A. How long the launch stays open after that will be weather dependent. If the weather stays "nice," it will remain open. Meanwhile, yellow perch are hitting minnows fished in 30 to 40 feet of water, and some nice sized perch are being taken. A few rainbow trout are starting to hit for anglers fishing from shore with 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. WHITNEY POINT RESERVOIR Walleye, yellow perch and smallmouth bass are hitting on crankbaits fished in 5 to 10 feet of water. Some large yellow perch are being taken. Good colors for crankbaits have been crayfish- or perch-colored. *** Reminder: 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