HuntingNY-News

Abbott said in recent years the city tested the foam for phosphorus (an indicator of farm fertilizer run-off) and for surfactants (soap byproducts). Very little was found, he said. So, what is with all that foam at the northern end of Skaneateles Lake lately? A large amount of it was in the outlet near the dam in the village, and large globs dotted the northern shoreline Wednesday night. City of Syracuse Water Department and state Environmental Conservation officials today said the same thing. It's not pollution. It's naturally occurring. It happens every year around this time - particularly in response to days when temperatures drop and winds are strong and push it to one area of the waterway. This is now the shoreline appeared on the northern shore of the lake on Wednesday night near the dock where the Judge Ben Wiles tour boat is kept.David Figura | [email protected] "DEC has determined that the foam is naturally occurring," said Linda Vera, a DEC spokeswoman. "Foam is a common phenomenon in lakes and ponds. It is formed when air is mixed with organic material, and is enhanced when a surfactant or surface-active compound is also present. It most commonly occurs in the fall, when organic matter from the degradation of plants is reintroduced into the lake, although foam can be induced at any time with the introduction of detergents. Foam has also been attributed to zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) infestation, probably due to the excretion of large amounts of organic matter. Vera said a quick, but largely simplified distinction between "natural" and "unnatural" foam is in the appearance and odor. "Natural foam is white to beige in color and has no odor or only a slight earthy or fishy smell," she said. "Man-induced foaming can be white to slightly pink and has a perfume odor." She said that "large streaks of foam often occur in larger lakes, caused by water circulation patterns referred to as Langmuir streaks (or windrows). The streaks are generally parallel to the wind direction, and spread further apart with increasing wind." Rich Abbott, who works at the city's Water Department building in Skaneateles, said there was an algae bloom a couple of weeks ago and the lake's water temperature dropped. Both could have contributed to this week's foam. Abbott said in recent years the city tested the foam for phosphorus (an indicator of farm fertilizer run-off) and for surfactants (soap byproducts). "We found very little," he said. Abbot said receives about three to 10 calls a year about it, and the worst he's seen was about three years ago. "There were huge amounts of it (on the shore) behind the buildings in the village. We got a lot of calls because it was so visible," he said. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

Is it natural? I'd like to hear from readers about this. Last night my wife and I were walking our dog, Cali, in the village of Skaneateles and noticed all this white foam on the water in the outlet near the dam. I snapped the above picture and then we walked out into the pier. We noticed it in the water all along the eastern side of the pier and there was evidence of it out in the lake as far as we could see. This was shot underneath the light on shore by the Judge Ben Wiles boat.David Figura | [email protected] Walking down to the water's edge, we both grabbed gobs of the stuff and it had this slippery, soapy consistency. As we walked by the docked Judge Ben Wiles, the lake's tour boat, you could see all these globs in the water against the shore. I've never seen this before. What is it? Is it natural? What do others think? I'll make a couple of phone calls on this today and get back with a report later in the day to share what I found out. It just seemed really odd to me. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

"We were trolling with Dipsy divers," he said. A pair of Owasco Lake fishing buddies are doing well lately fishing for lake trout. Carl Petrosino, of Memphis, wrote this week: "Dave, Glad to have Owasco Lake back from the joy riders. We've been taking lakers in 80 to 100 feet in the middle past the pump house. My brother Frank (of Auburn) and I took several this past Saturday. This one pictured weighed 6.5 pounds. "We were trolling with Dipsy divers." View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

Another reader asks: Is the bridge to Leto Island on the Oswego River still closed? Dennis Nett | [email protected] Each week I get a lot of questions from readers about fish, wildlife and the outdoors in general. Sometimes I can answer the questions. Sometimes I have to do a little research or tap into one of my expert sources to get the answer. This week I have two questions. One involves hunting; the other, fishing. The first question comes from Mark Yates, of Cazenovia, who want to know about allowing hunters on private property and the issue of liability. Yates wrote: "A few years back I lost the best place I have ever deer hunted when the landowner was told by her real estate attorney that she shouldn't allow ANY hunting on her property due to liability issues. I have heard conflicting stories on what a landowner's actual liability is in NYS when allowing hunting or other outdoor activities on their land. Isn't there a law that helps protect the landowner? I can understand why someone would be concerned with getting sued, but with the exploding deer population and more and more limited access to private land, I see this only becoming more of a problem in the future. "Can you look into what the actual laws are regarding this issue?" Answer: Mark, I forwarded your email to the state Department of Conservation's public relations staff and they replied that I should look at a page on the department's website where this issue is addressed. The most applicable section is under the the issue of "Money and Liability." The following was written: Q. Is posting required to protect landowners from liability? A. No. Whether the property is posted or not, the General Obligations Law protects landowners from liability for non-paying recreationalists on their property. Because of this protection, recreational liability lawsuits against rural landowners are uncommon. Recreational activities covered include: hunting; fishing; organized gleaning (picking); canoeing; boating; trapping; hiking; cross-country skiing; tobogganing; sledding; speleological (caving) activities; horseback riding; bicycle riding; hang gliding; motorized vehicle operation for recreation; snowmobiling; non-commercial wood cutting or gathering; and dog training. This protection does not apply in cases of willful or malicious failure to guard or warn against dangers. Q. May the owner or lessee charge for hunting, fishing, or trapping on the posted property? A. Yes, but charging for access removes the liability protection granted to the landowner by the General Obligations Law. For more, see the DEC website. The second question came from Vincent F. Colucci, who wondered about the bridge to Leto Island on the Oswego River in downtown Oswego. Colucci wrote: I have read your article concerning crossing the Lock 7 bridge to Leto Island. Have there been any changes? Are anglers able to cross to fish at the dam? A: No, Vincent. The bridge is still closed. A recent DEC Fishing Hotline report for Region 7 noted that. Read the 2012 story on this issue. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

Perch fishing continues to be the talk of the Oneida Lake fishing scene. CNY FISHING REPORT Bait stores (list and map). LAKE ONTARIO Salmon continue to gather around the lake's tributaries in preparation for their spawning runs. Charter boat captains are catching fish on the lake near shore, often at night. Good baits continue to be spoons, flashers and cut-bait, and flashers and flies, along with lures that glow at night. SALMON RIVER For the past three weeks, there's been fish all the way up to the DEC hatchery in Altmar. Anglers report that there's been several good runs of chinooks recently, and many expect the coho salmon to begin running soon. OSWEGO RIVER A few more salmon entered the river recently, and with cooler weather predicted more should be making their way in. Anglers take heed: The bridge to Leto Island is closed and there are mandatory personal flotation device (PFD) zones on the river. Visit Oswego County Tourism web site for more information. ONEIDA LAKE The highlight continues to be the perch fishing. They're biting on fathead minnows and worms. Try fishing in 12 to 18 feet of water off the shoals and points. Anchor and fish vertically with your bait about a foot off the bottom. Still no reports on anglers catching walleyes from shore on stickbaits. Give it a couple of weeks. CAYUGA LAKE No new developments. Vertical jigging continues to work for lake trout with fish being found in 65 to 110 feet of water. Trolling down 70 to 80 feet over 250 to 300 foot of water with spoons or flasher and flies is also producing some lake trout. SENECA LAKE Lake trout are being taken 80 to 120 feet down over 130 to 200 feet of water on spoons and flasher and flies. The cold water zone is starting to move around so adjust baits up or down depending on where fish are being marked. Running Dipseys back 230 to 270 feet has been a good starting point, as is running copper out 300 to 400 feet. Lake trout are also being taken by jigging with plastics in 75 to 130 feet of water. OWASCO LAKE Smallmouth bass are hitting crayfish or drop-shot rigs fished in 25 to 30 feet of water. Some yellow perch are being taken on minnows and night crawlers. A few lake trout are being taken by anglers trolling spoons or flasher and flies in 90 feet of water. Vertical jigging is also generating a few lake trout at the northern end. OTISCO LAKE Bass continue to be caught on crayfish off the causeway, and also on stickbaits at the north end. Anglers casting stickbaits are catching a few tiger muskie on the north end. SKANEATELES LAKE Live bait (crayfish and night crawlers) are still working well for smallmouth bass, yellow perch and rock bass in 12 to 18 feet of water. Crayfish continue to be the best bet for bass. No word yet on the shoreline bite for rainbow trout. SANDY POND: Fishing continues to be slow, but fishing early or late in the day is still producing some largemouth bass. ST. LAWRENCE RIVER Anglers are catching lots of northern pike on Rapala Huskie Jerk lures, silver spoons or on live bait (minnows) just outside the weed beds in about 25 feet of water. Bass are being taken in 25 to 30 feet of water on crayfish. Walleye bite remains good along "the humps." A good lure to use is a Reef Runner or green Jigfish. SODUS BAY Fishing the outside weed edges continues to work for largemouth bass. Good baits have been crankbaits and plastic worms. A few northern pike are also being caught. WHITNEY POINT RESERVOIR Anglers continue to catch lots of channel catfish. Many small walleyes and panfish are also being taken. Bass anglers are also having a lot of luck fishing the shorelines by casting plastics and crankbaits. ** The DEC is looking for participants in its Angler Diary Cooperator Program - particularly those who fish Cayuga, Owasco, Skaneateles and Otisco Lakes. For more, call 1-607-753-3095, extension 213. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

Kelly's crisp and colorful writing style makes it fun and educational with prose style rich with anecdotes about friends and memories from his childhood and early fishing years. J. Michael Kelly was at Lourdes Camp on Skaneateles Lake this week, enjoying one of his favorite shoreline fishing spots. It's no surprise. He fishes there each fall. It's where he once landed a 27 ½- inch rainbow trout on a worm/marshmallow rig. This day, he failed to hook a trout, but a couple of nice perch and rock bass were on the ground next to his bucket. He was using worms as bait. Suddenly, the tip of one of his poles, resting in a holder, started twitching furiously. "I got one," he said, picking up the pole, jerking and reeling in what he initially thought was a rainbow trout or possibly a hefty yellow perch. "Ah, it's a bullhead," he said, beaching it on the shore and releasing it afterward. "Good size. They're good to eat, but I'm not much of a bullhead guy." Whether it's angling for panfish, casting for walleyes at night or landing a huge rainbow trout in a Finger Lake tributary, Kelly knows the local waters. The former outdoors writer for The Post-Standard/Herald American shares his more than 50 years of fishing experience and knowledge with readers in his new book, "Fishing the Finger Lakes." The book, pitched on the cover at as "A Complete Guide to Prime Fishing Locations in Central New York State, isn't your simple, "how to" book. It's much more. Kelly starts off painting the big picture of the Finger Lakes. He begins with Otisco Lake and works his way westward, lake by lake, finishing with Conesus Lake. Kelly breaks down each lake's fishery with the help of state Department of Environmental Conservation fishery biologists, veteran fishing guides and other long-time anglers. He explains why each fishery is the way it is - its strengths, its weaknesses. Kelly eyes a nice bullhead he caught at Lourdes Camp on Skaneateles Lake. He released the fish.Dick Blume | [email protected] Kelly's crisp and colorful writing style makes it fun and educational with prose filled with anecdotes about friends and anglers he's coming across, along and memories from his childhood and early fishing years. "People responded well to that writing style when I was working at the newspaper and I decided to keep doing it," said the 64-year-old Marcellus resident. Kelly institutional memory of the politics and the events that sculpted the local fishing scene, gained by nearly two decades as the newspaper's outdoors writer, adds to his credibility. He explains why tiger muskies were first stocked in Otisco (to deal with the proliferation of alewives in the lake), why walleye were at one time stocked, but are no longer in Owasco (the DEC decided to emphasize the lake's cold water fishery for trout and felt it couldn't back both fish), why Seneca Lake perch are so big (they have a longer survival rate because of the lake's size and the lack of ice fisherman because it never freezes over) and why the western Finger Lakes now have a one-rainbow a day limit on their tributaries (the DEC's attempt to bolster the trout fishery in those waterways). After covering all the lakes, Kelly then examines the diverse styles and techniques used to fish them, along with their tributaries. In separate chapters, he covers trolling for trout and salmon, bass fishing, shore fishing, the rainbow run up the lake's tributaries, panfishing and ice fishing. From there, he continues with an overview of the best inland trout streams in the Finger Lakes region, along with writing about other local lakes and rivers, (Tully Lake, the Tioughnioga River , Jamesville Reservoir, Cross Lake, the Cayuga-Seneca Canal, the West River, the Keuka Outlet, Cayuta Lake, along with Lamoka and Waneta lakes). Kelly has fished every one of the Finger Lakes and their tributaries, along with the other lakes, rivers and streams at one time or another. He dedicates his book to the one person who he says is the most responsible for his years of successful and enjoyable angling - his wife, Chickie. "Chickie's unfailing generosity has convinced me that an understanding and supportive spouse is a critical to a fisherman's long-term success as using the appropriate hooks, line and sinkers," he said. More: J. Michael Kelly's new book, "Fishing the Finger Lake," published by Burford Books, is available at Barnes and Noble stores, Wegmans, the Syracuse University Book Store, the Colgate University Book store and through online retailers. The book is soft-covered and selling for $16.95. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

I'm on the hunt for trail camera photos from hunters. Have a good picture you'd like to share of a deer or bear taken in August or this month? Send your photos to [email protected] The fall outdoors season is upon us. Fishing, hunting, birding, hiking -- it's a great time of year to get out. Here's what I've been working on this week: - A review of outdoor writer J. Michael Kelly's recently released book, "Fishing the Finger Lakes." We also filmed a video this week of Mike explaining the "worm/marshmallow" fishing technique that's popular among Skaneateles Lake shore fishermen. - A look at the moose population in the Adirondacks, and how the DEC recently stuck an agreement with SUNY ESF and Cornell University to help count these majestic animals as part of the first steps of the DEC getting together a wildlife management plan for them. Translation: It appears that hunting them is still aways off at this point. - A story about how beavers originally created and recently helped save the great blue heron rookery up at the Sterling Nature Center. - A story about ocal landscaper Jim Sollicito's trip to the wilds of Canada where he landed a world record-sized Arctic char on a fly rod. - Deer.motor vehicle/motorcycle accidents: There's been a couple of deer/motorcycle fatalities lately and we'll soon be getting into the rut when deer are wandering all over the place -- including many of our roadways. A lot at the impact of these types of accidents and what, if anything drivers can do to avoid them. - Lake Ontario/St. Lawrence River water level regulation. A new plan is being proposed. Very controversial and complicated. I'm trying to make sense of it all for readers. - Trail cam photos? Have a good picture you'd like to share of a deer or bear taken in August or this month? Send your photos to [email protected]. - The September Canada goose hunting season. (I'm looking for someone who's into this to take me out. Reach me at 470-6066 or at [email protected]) Also: ( I attended the joint Outdoor Writers Association of America/New York State Outdoors Writers Association fall conference this past weekend up at Lake Placid. It was a great opportunity to connect with other outdoors writers and it generated a lot great story ideas. Stay tuned.) 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

Events include an RV show at the state Fairgrounds and a guided canoe/kayak paddle for birding enthusiasts around Howland's Island in Montezuma. CNY Outdoors Calendar Recreational Vehicle Show: Friday through Sunday at the state Fairgrounds in Geddes. This show brings together RV Dealers, Campgrounds, RV Suppliers and other Camping and RV related Exhibitors in indoor and outdoor displays! Show hours are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. For more, see dec.ny.gov. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

He was hunting with his father and grandfather at the time. Ean Stevenson, 12, of Fulton, shot his first goose recently while hunting in Georgetown in Madison County with his dad, Ken Stevenson and grandfather, Roy Abbott (both of Fulton). This was Ean's first year being able to hunt and his first goose. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

<p> According to the event's website, the SOH4 Red Dress Run includes running, along with "beer, laughter, hairy legs, alternative beverages, beer, chicken barbecue, vegetarian food, contests, raffle, beer." Participants are required to wear a red dress. </p> <p>This weekend's race offerings in Central New York include several 5Ks, a half marathon, a spring triathlon and an event with a party-like atmosphere in which competitors are required to wear red dresses.<br />. <br /><strong>Saturday's races:</strong></p> <p>1). <strong>Ludden Fall Frolic 5K/Walk:</strong> Begins at 9:30 a.m. Saturday at Bishop Ludden H.S., 815 Fay Road, Syracuse. For more, see <a href="http://fallfrolic5k.webs.com">fallfrolic5k.webs.com</a>. </p> <p>2). <strong>Mexico Public Library 23rd Annual 5K Cider Run/Walk</strong>: Begins at 9 a.m. Saturday, Mexico High School athletic fields, Mexico. Register online at <a href="http://EZRaceReg.com">EZRaceReg.com</a>. For more information or registration forms, call 963-3356.</p> <p>3). <strong>St. Ann's 5K and Family Run Run:</strong> Begins at 8:30 a.m. Saturday at St. Ann's Church , Academy Street, Manlius with the one-mile fun run for children, followed by the one-mile walk. The 5K starts at 9 a.m. To download a registration, see <a href="http://saintannschurch.com">saintannschurch.com</a> or call 6872-5181.</p> <p>4)<strong>. Cortland Tri for the United Way</strong>: Begins at 9 a.m. Saturday at Dwyer Park, Little York. Includes a sprint triathlon, Try-a-Tri and a youth race for ages 7 to 14. For more, see <a href="http://cortlanduwtri.com">cortlanduwtri.com</a>.</p> <p>5).<strong> SOH4 Red Dress Run:</strong> Begins at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Holmes Pub, 321 W. Fayette St., Syracuse. Participants must wear a red dress. According the event's website, the event, a fundraise for Vera House, features running, along with "beer, laughter, hairy legs, alternative beverages, beer, chicken barbecue, vegetarian food, contests, raffle, beer." For more, see <a href="http://fleetfeetsyracuse.com">fleetfeetsyracuse.com</a>.</p> <p><strong>Sunday's races:</strong></p> <p><strong>1). Doris Connor Memorial 5K Run:</strong> Begins at 9:45 a.m. Sunday at Oneida Shores Park, Brewerton. Also features a 1 mile walk and half mile kids fun run, which begin at 9 and 9:30 a.m., respectively. For more, see <a href="http://bafound.donorpages.com/DORISCONNOR13">bafound.donorpages.com/DORISCONNOR13</a>.</p> <p>2). <strong>CNY Bread Run Half Marathon &5K</strong>: Half marathon begins at 9:30 a.m. Sunday, followed by the 5K at 9:40 at Fabius Pompey High School, Mill St., Fabius. For more, see<a href="http:// breadrunatfabiusny.or"> breadrunatfabiusny.or</a>g.</p> <p><br /><strong>Last weekend's results:</strong></p> <p>1).The Vineyard 5K: Held Friday, beginning at Lakeside Road in Geddes. For final results, see <a href="http://leonetiming.com">leonetiming.com</a>.</p> <p><br />2). <strong>Little Moe 5K Walk/Run to benefit horse rescue at the CNY SPCA:</strong> Held Saturday at Lorenzo Historic Site in Cazenovia. Results were not available. For more on the event, see <a href="http://skandaequine.com">skandaequine.com</a>.</p> <p>3). <strong>Rod Squad Relay:</strong> Held Saturday at Otisco Lake Community Center, Marietta. An 18-mile relay race around Otisco Lake. Race results were not available Tuesday. For more on the event, see </p> <p><strong>4). Baldwinsville Oktoberfest 5K Run/Walk:</strong> Held Saturday in Baldwinsville. For final results, see<a href="http:// fleetfeetsyracuse.com."> fleetfeetsyracuse.com.</a><br /> <br /><strong>Sunday's races:</strong></p> <p>1). <strong>Strathmore Parks Run 2013:</strong> Held Sunday at Onondaga Park (Strathmore Neighborhood). A 4 mile run. For overall and age group results, see <a href="http://fleetfeetsyracuse.com">fleetfeetsyracuse.com</a>..</p> <p>2). <strong>Tuff eNuff Challege:</strong> Held Sunday at Greek Peak, Mountain Resort, Virgil. Featured 5 and 10 K courses with obstacles. Race results were unavailable. For more on the event, see <a href="http://tuffenuff.greekpeak.net">tuffenuff.greekpeak.net</a>.</p> <p>3). <strong>Cortland Chiro</strong>: 9 a.m. Sunday. Course starts near entrance of SUNY Cortland. 5 K Run. For more, see <a href="http://cortlandymca.org">cortlandymca.org</a> and click on "YMCA Race Series."</p> <p>4). <strong>Breathe Deep CNY:</strong> 10 a.m. Sunday, 371 Long Branch Road, Long Branch Park, Liverpool. 5 K Run. For results, see <a href="http://leonetiming.com.">leonetiming.com.</a>.</p> <p><br /></p> View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

"We are bringing this high quality workshop as an opportunity to all private landowners to learn more from the professionals about how to gear your habitat towards the birds and animals that you want on your property," said Michael J. Patane, CEO/president of the Great Swamp Conservancy. The following is a press release: Audubon NY, the Great Swamp Conservancy, Ruffed Grouse Society and New York State Department of Environmental Conservation are hosting a workshop for landowners from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday at the Great Swamp Conservancy,8375 North Main Street in Canastota. This event will educate landowners on the wildlife, in particular birds, commonly found in mixed agricultural and forested landscapes, how to encourage wildlife to use their property, and the resources, tools and potential partners available to help create habitat on their land. The workshop will be followed by a property walk from to to 3 p.m. to tour properties where different kinds of management have resulted in various types of bird habitat. Interested individuals can attend one or both for free, but registration is required for both. Bring your own lunch "The Cowaselon Creek Watershed supports some significant tracts of grassland and shrub habitat supporting a great diversity of bird species, including Grasshopper Sparrow, Northern Harrier, and American Woodcock," said Jillian Liner, Director of Bird Conservation for Audubon New York. "Landowners in the region can play an important role in providing habitat to these species. This workshop will give participants the skills and contacts to make a big difference for birds and other wildlife on their properties." "The same shrub and young forest growth that is essential to many migratory songbirds also provides much needed habitat for popular game species such as white-tailed deer, ruffed grouse, American woodcock, and Eastern cottontail", according to Andrew Weik, Northeast Regional Biologist for the Ruffed Grouse Society. "Workshop participants will learn the techniques to improve their woodlots for these animals, as well as sources of assistance to get started in improving the habitat on their woodlots and shrubby fields." "We are bringing this high quality workshop as an opportunity to all private landowners to learn more from the professionals about how to gear your habitat towards the birds and animals that you want on your property. We are lucky to have this group of speakers. Please come it will be a short meeting and I think you will find it very informational," commented Michael J Patane, CEO/President Great Swamp Conservancy. "Since 2006, the NYSDEC Landowner Incentive Program has been partnering with landowners to conserve grassland bird habitat across the State," said Marcelo del Puerto from NYSDEC "We are working with landowners in this area and hope to increase that effort in the future." This workshop is free, but registration is required by emailing or calling Jillian Liner at ([email protected]), 607-254-2437. Registration deadline is Friday. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

Send your photos to [email protected] and include your full name, where you live and roughly where the photos were taken. I don't want to ruin your secret hunting spot, but I at least need the town the photo was shot it. I'd like to run a page of the coolest, most exciting and funniest trail camera photos of deer and bear submitted by readers. I figure it'd be a good way, if nothing else, to get you hunters out there psyched for the bow hunting season for big game, which kicks off Oct. 1 in the Southern Zone. Let the games begin!Dennis Money photo Send your photos to [email protected] and include your full name, where you live and roughly where the photos were taken. I don't want to ruin your secret hunting spot, but I at least need the town the photo was shot it. (Bottom line.. "in Cayuga County" isn't enough information). Questions? Give me a ring at 470-6066. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

Join the Montezuma Audubon Center staff for the last guided canoe/kayak paddle of the season from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday. The following is a press release: Join the Montezuma Audubon Center staff for the last guided canoe/kayak paddle of the season from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday. Bird songs will rain down from the tree canopy while we paddle the tranquil waters around Howland's Island, one of Montezuma's wildest places. You won't want to miss the warblers, vireos, sparrows, raptors, and marsh birds that continue to migrate through the area in large numbers. Bring your own canoe/kayak or rent one from us. Fee: $7.50/child without rental, $12.50/adult without rental, $25/solo kayak rental, $40/canoe rental (maximum 2 adults plus 1 child). Space is limited and registration is required. Call 315-365-3588 or email [email protected]. Meet at the Montezuma Audubon Center, 2295 State Route 89, Savannah, NY 13146, at 1 p.m. For more information about the center, check out its website at ny.audubon.org/montezuma. . View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

He caught it using a down rigger with cut bait in 135 feet of water. Submitted photo Gary Thompson, of Syracuse, holds up a nice, 22-pound chinook salmon he caught Aug. 11 while fishing on Lake Ontario. It was his birthday. He caught it using a down rigger with cut bait in 135 feet of water. Submissions for "Catch (Tropy) of the Week" and wildlife photos should be sent to [email protected]. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

It will be reopened in May before the Memorial Day weekend. The date will be announced. The following is a press release: UTICA--The New York Power Authority (NYPA) announced that the Hinckley Reservoir boat-launching ramp will be closing for the season, effective Monday (Sept. 23). NYPA will also remove the directional and warning buoys at the boat launch, by the power dam spillway and other areas in the vicinity of its Gregory B. Jarvis Hydroelectric Power Plant, a small 9,000-kilowatt facility that straddles Oneida and Herkimer counties. The reopening of the Hinckley Reservoir boat-launching ramp is planned for May 2014, before the Memorial Day holiday weekend. The date will be announced next spring. Located along the north side of the reservoir on Route 365, the boat launch was first opened to the public in 1985. NYPA built it as a recreational benefit in connection with the construction of the Jarvis plant. The launch consists of concrete planks extending 200 feet into the reservoir to permit easy access for boaters. NYPA also provides parking spaces for cars and boat trailers, and a turnaround area in the launch area. The Jarvis plant, which features two turbine-generators, began operating in 1986 and is named in honor of an astronaut from the Mohawk Valley who was killed that year aboard the space shuttle, Challenger. - View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

He caught it while trolling with a green spinner with a worm attached. Shaun P. LaVancher, of Canastota, holds up a nice northern pike he caught recently out of his canoe while fishing on an Adirondack lake out of a solo canoe. He wrote: "I caught this 33 inch, northern pike on Saturday Sept.14 in McKeever NY on Nelson Lake in the Adirondacks "The only practical access to the lake is via a .3 mile hike and a paddle of a little less than a mile on the Moose river to Nelson Lake. "The day started out cloudy but then ended up with beautiful blue skies and had the lake all to myself. While slowly trolling in my solo canoe I had a green spinner with a worm. "The northern hit this combination and I had to fight him for about 15 minutes before landing him in the canoe. Not expecting to catch this type of fish I did not have a steel leader, just monofilament." View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

Cuomo said the state is losing "tens if not hundreds of millions of dollars" because of unfair fishing limits, particularly on summer flounder, placed on commercial and recreational fisherman." Gov. Cuomo is going to bat for New York's anglers who fish for flounder and is threatening legal action if federal officials don't cut this state's anglers more slack. According to a story today on southhamptonpatch.com. "New York State officials visited Montauk on Thursday morning to send a clear message to federal officials: Change summer flounder quotas or we'll sue. Governor Andrew Cuomo said the state is losing "tens if not hundreds of millions of dollars" because of unfair fishing limits, particularly on summer flounder, placed on commercial and recreational fisherman." "We have gotten shortchanged by the federal government year after year in terms of how many fluke we can actually catch," Cuomo said, speaking to a large audience of mainly fishermen on the deck of Swallow East restaurant, overlooking the Montauk Harbor. Read the full story. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

It's too late, though, to do anything about this fall's hunting season. Assemblyman Will Barclay, R-Pulaski, today issued a press release that he is sponsoring legislation next year that will restore hunting with firearms on some 5,300 acres operated by SUNY ESF in the North Country. Hunting has been allowed on the two properties for decades SUNY ESF announced recently, however, that the practice must stop. The announcement comes in the wake of the N.Y. SAFE Act with its increased penalties passed earlier this year. However, the school's stance is actually rooted in a "flawed interpretation" the school has had for decades of the original legislation concerning the two properties and the use of firearms on school or college-owned properties. The school thought the original legislation exempted the two properties, but closer reading of the original law proved otherwise. Read the full story. The firearms ban concerns the 2,500-acre Pack Forest Demonstration Area in Warrensburg in Warren County, and the 2,800-acre Dubuar Memorial Forest adjacent to SUNY ESF's Ranger School at Wanakena near Cranberry Lake in St. Lawrence County. The property is used for education, research and demonstration purposes. Not all hunting is banned on this land. Hunting with bows and trapping will still be allowed. Barclary's release said the following: In the wake of the announcement that SUNY ESF is now banning hunting on 5,300 acres of North Country territory, Assemblyman Will Barclay (R,C,I-Pulaski) is sponsoring legislation next year to restore hunting rights on the popular site. This land has been used regularly by SUNY ESF's students, faculty, research staff, and the general public but will now be off-limits to small- and big-game hunters this fall due to firearm possession changes resulting from the NY SAFE Act and incorrect interpretation of the existing exemption rules. Barclay sees this legislation as crucial to the hunters and sportsmen in the area and to hunters who travel to the region. "This new ban on 5,300 acres of hunting land is more collateral damage from the ill-conceived, misguided SAFE Act," said Barclay. "The SUNY ESF lands have long been utilized by hunters and sportsmen, attracts tourists, keeps the deer population in check, and helps conserve the land. "That's why I'm sponsoring legislation next year to restore hunting with firearms on this land. With this ban coming to light after our legislative session ended, there is, unfortunately, nothing we can do to restore hunting in this area in time for the 2013 hunting season; I'm hopeful, however, that we can act next year to restore access to this popular and important land," said Barclay. 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 DEC environmental conservation officers from the state Department of Environmental Conservation. The cases that appear here are cases where the defendant has either pleaded guilty or found guilty after trial. This is not intended to be all-inclusive list of cases handled, but is representative of dispositions received by the Region 7 law enforcement office. Click on the link below to see the most recent cases: R7 Fine 9-12-13.pdf View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

It's being postponed until next spring, an official from the organization said. Saturday's SHOTS banquet scheduled for Saturday evening at the Rusty Rail Restaurant in Canastota has been cancelled and postponed until this spring. The SHOTS (Sportspeople Helping Others Through Sharing) banquet was to include the awarding of prizes, and the proceeds were to be used to help children and handicapped sportsmen enjoy outdoors experiences. According to a statement released today by a SHOTS official: "Last night we had a banquet meeting for SHOTS. I regret to inform you that the Director's of SHOTS decided that it would be best to postpone this years Banquet. Many of our sponsors and regular banquet attendees have been hit by burdens due to this spring and summer's weather along with other events. "For that reason, after assessing all aspects of the banquet, the Directors felt it would be best to postpone the banquet to the Spring 2014. SHOTS will continue to support projects and programs that fall within our mission statement and report on them at our spring banquet. " View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

Signups for courses in Camillus, Manlius and Owasco are this weekend. Check all the courses listed for how to pre-register. There's not much time left. Here's what I know. Am I missing any? Are certain classes full and should be eliminated from this list? Contact me at [email protected]. SAFETY COURSES Hunter: 6 to 9:30 a.m. Tuesday and 19 and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 21, Fayetteville-Manlius Rod and Gun Club, 4545 Whetstone Road, Manlius. Pre-register in person at the club between 10 a.m. and noon Saturday. Class size is limited to 50. Hunter: 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday and 8 a.m. until done Sept. 21, Lansing Rod and Gun Club, 55 Salmon Creek Road, Lansing. Pre-register in person at the Lansing town clerk's office, 29 Auburn Road, Lansing. Class size is limited to 40. Hunter: 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday and 8 a.m. until done Sept. 21, Redfield Fish and Game Club, Harvester Mills Road, Redfield. Pre-register. Call 652-7095. Trapper: 5 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday, Deerfield Fish and Game Club, 11400 Cruikshank Road. Pre-register. Call 735-1902. Trapper: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sept. 21, Camp Zerbe, Route 104, Williamstown. Pre-register. Call 343-6953. Hunter: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 21, Boonville Rod and Gun Club, 9845 Smith Road. This is a home study course. This class requires five or more hours of homework before the class sessions. Pre-register at the Boonville Town Clerk's office between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. up until Sept. 13. Hunter: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 21 and 8:30 to 3:30 p.m. Sept. 22, Eatonbrook Rod and Gun Club, 4900 Wilcox Road, West Eaton. Pre-register at the club between 6 and 8 p.m. Sept. 16. Bowhunter: 9 a.m. until done Sept. 21, Archery By George, 901 Floyd Avenue, Rome. Pre-register. Call 339-5223. Bowhunter: 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. Sept. 22, Deerfield Fish and Game Club, 11400 Cruikshank Road. Pre-register. Call 724-7864 Hunter: 6 to 9 p.m. Sept. 23, 26 and 8 a.m. to noon Sept. 28 McGraw Sportsmen's Club, 3154 Ridge Road, McGraw. Pre-register. Call 607-836-6136. Hunter: 6 to 9:30 p.m. Sept. 24, 26 and 8 a.m. until done Sept. 28, Peterboro Conservation Club, 5155 Old County Road, Canastota. Pre-register between 6 and 8 p.m. Monday (Sept. 16) at the club. Bowhunter: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 28, Pompey Rod and Gun Club, 2035 Swift Road, Pompey. Pre-register at the club between 10 a.m. and noon Sept. 21. Hunter: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 28, Camillus Sportsmen's Club, 5801 Devoe Road, Camillus. This is a home study course. This class requires five or more hours of homework before the class sessions. Pre-register in person only from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday at the Camillus Town Hall, 4600 W. Genesee St., Syracuse. Class size is limited to the first 50 in line. Doors will open at 9:30 am and course registration will begin at 10, starting with the first individual in line. Hunter: 5:30 to 9 p.m. Oct. 1, 2 and 9 a.m. to noon Oct. 6, Cayuga County Sportsmen's Club, Rockefeller Road, Owasco. Register at the club Sunday (Sept. 15). Hunter: 7:30 to 2:30 p.m. Oct. 12, Elbridge Rod and Gun Club, 6275 Laird Road, Jordan. This is a home study course. This class requires five or more hours of homework before the class sessions. Pre-register at the club between 6 and 7:30 p.m. Sept. 27. Hunter: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 19, 8 a.m. until done Oct. 20, Leatherstocking Club, State Rte. 104 (1.5 miles West of New Haven). Pre-register. Call 343-1558 between 6 and 8 p.m. For more, see the DEC website at dec.ny.gov. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

This weekend's offerings include a gun show, a ski and snowboard sale and the SHOTS banquet. CNY Outdoors Calendar Ski and Snowboard Sale: Friday, Saturday and Sunday in the Horticulture Building at the state Fairgrounds. Hours are 4 to 9 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Free admission. Gun show: Saturday and Sunday in the Center of Progress Building at the state Fairgrounds. Hosted by the New York State Arms Collectors Association, show hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. Cost is $6 per day, $5 for seniors and children under 12, with parents, free. SHOTS banquet: Doors open at 4:30 p.m. and dinner is served at 6:30 p.m. Saturday at the Rusty Rail, Route 5, Canastota. The SHOTS (Sportspeople Helping Others Through Sharing) banquet features the awarding of prizes and raises money for children and handicapped sportsmen. For more, call 716-2373 or see SHOTSinc.org. Syracuse Pistol Club open house: 6:30 p.m. Wednesday. Starts with a tour of the facility, followed up by review of membership requirements and question and answer period. The club is located at 8042 Henry Clay Blvd, Clay. For more, see syracusepistolclub.net. Recreational Vehicle Show: Sept. 20-22 at the state Fairgrounds in Geddes. This show brings together RV Dealers, Campgrounds, RV Suppliers and other Camping and RV related Exhibitors in indoor and outdoor displays! Show hours are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sept. 20, 21 and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 22. For more, see cnyrvshow.com Waterfowl identification course: 2:30 to 6 p.m. Sept. 21, Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center. This class is for both youth and parent/guardian who wish to participate in the up-coming youth hunt at the refuge. Space is limited to the first 30 participants to sign up. To register, call the refuge at 568-5987. Proof of course completion is required to hunt waterfowl on the refuge. The refuge is located at 3395 U.S. Route 20 East, Seneca Falls. Salmon River Hatchery: 9 a.m. 4 p.m. Sept. 28. The DEC hatchery, at 2133 County Route 22, Altmar, is hosting its 18th annual open house. Tours of the facility and numerous family-oriented activities will be offered. For more, call 298-5051. Honeywell Sportsmen's Days: 11 to 5 p.m. Sept. 28, 29, Carpenter's Brook Fish Hatchery, Route 321, Elbridge. Features, skeet shooting, waterfowl identification, axe/knife throwihng, turkey calling, archery, fly fishing wild game cooking demos, muzzleloading, carp fishing demos and more. See federationofsportsmen.com. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

She caught the fish on a worm, her father said. Samantha Coombs, 15, of Jamesville, hoists a big channel catfish she caught over the Labor Day weekend on a private pond in Cicero."My daughter is 5 foot, 7 inches so you can see it is pretty big," said Jeff Coombs, her father. She caught the fish on a worm, the father said. He said the length of the fish was not measured, but it was placed on his 15-pound, fish scale and it stretched the scale "to the max. "It was a monster," he said, adding it was released back into the water afterward. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

A total of 338 shooters competed in the championships this past Sunday, shooting at 50 targets each. The following was written by Rick Kenyon: The CNY Trapshooting League wrapped-up its 2013 season with the League Championship Shoot-off Sunday at the Toad Harbor Rod & Gun Club. A total of 798 shooters on 11 club teams competed over the course of a 20-week season. At the shoot-off, all teams converge at a single club for the league-wide championships, with both individual and team titles on the line. A total of 338 shooters competed Sunday, shooting at 50 targets each. A steady breeze throughout the day made the targets challenging at times, but three shooters managed to break all 50 targets in the program. Todd Lund from the Pathfinder Fish and Game Club, James Rehley from the host Toad Harbor Rod & Gun Club, and Conrad Hess of the Camillus Sportsmen's Club had to continue in a shoot-off to determine the champion. In the tie-breaker, Todd broke 25x25 to claim the Championship, James broke 24x25 to claim the Runner-up title, and Conrad won the Veteran Category title for his 23x25. Class Winners: Tim Corrente of Camillus won the Class AA title over 5 others after shooting 49x50 plus 25x25 in a shoot-off. Pete Kostyk from Toad Harbor claimed the Class A Title with 49x50, Eric Stroup of the Pompey Rod & Gun Club won the Class B title with 49x50, Class C went to Lisa Bolinger from the Three-Rivers Trap team with a 45x50 plus shoot-off, and the Class D title was claimed by Vincent Giarrusso of the DeWitt Fish & Game Club with 44x50. Category Winners: High Lady - Patty Logan from Skaneateles Rod & Gun Club with 47x50 plus shoot-off over Joanna Bishop of the South Shore Assn; High Sub Junior - Jim Kenyon of DeWitt Fish & Game Club with 46x50 plus 25x25 in shoot-off over Dave Barley of North Sportsmen and Patrick Greenfield of Skaneateles; High Junior - James Davies of Pathfinder with 48x50; High Veteran - Conrad Hess 50x50 after shoot-off for Champion; High Senior Vet - John Wallace of Pathfinder with 49x50. The 5-man team competition pits 5 of the top shooters from the North against 5 from the South, with each shooter shooting 50 targets. This year the Southern Division Team, led by Bridgeport's Sr. Veteran Joe St. Pierre, along with Rick Liberty from Three-Rivers, and Pompey shooters Cliff Haaf, Ralph Barker and Wayne Wilcox were victors with 238x250 against the North's 231x250. In a contest between Northern Division season winner Pathfinder and the Southern Division winner Pompey, Pompey came out on top 384x400 to 381x400. The High-Club at the shoot went to Toad Harbor with a 390x400. Season-wide High-Average winners were: High-Average: Ray Kubacki / South Shore 97.714% Lady - Northern Div: Joanna Bishop / South Shore 95.250% Lady - Southern Div: Cathy Barney / Bridgeport 92.706% Sub. Junior - North: J.J. Johnson / Pathfinder 85.538% Sub. Junior - South: Jim Kenyon / DeWitt F&G 89.053% Junior - North: Zachary Revoir / Toad Harbor 91.143% Junior - South: Matt Carr / Bridgeport R&G 94.363% Veteran - North: Joe Macewicz / Toad Harbor 96.75% Veteran - South: Cliff Haaf / Pompey 96.211% Sr. Vet. - North: John Wallace / Pathfinder 95.467% Sr. Vet. - South: Joe St. Pierre / Bridgeport 96.421% Most Improved Shooter awards went to Mark Cowlin of Toad Harbor in the North (+20.738%), and Jessica Bean of Skaneateles for the South (+24.756%). View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

<p> The September Canada goose hunting season. I'm looking for someone to take me out. Reach me at 470-6066 or at [email protected]) </p> <p><br />Fall starts in a little more than a week and the Central New York outdoors scene is in full swing.</p> <p>This weekend there's the gun and ski shows at the state Fairgrounds, and next weekend is the Honeywell Sportsmen's Days at Carpenter's Brook Fish Hatchery in Elbridge, along with the Salmon River fish hatchery open house in Altmar.</p> <p>Here's what I've been working on this week:</p> <p>- The Skaneateles milfoil removal project, after seven years of effort and nearly $2 million in costs, has successfully fought back the invasive species in the lake to where it's currently at the "maintenance level." I interview project head Robert Werner, who is getting recognized as "Citizen of the Year" next month by the Skaneateles Chamber of Commerce.</p> <p>- Jim Sollicito, local landscaper/greenhouse owner, tells of his recent fishing trip/adventure to the wild's of Canada where he landed a world record- sized Arctic char on his fly rod.</p> <p>- I've been savoring J. Michael Kelly's new book, "Fishing the Finger Lakes" and will come out with a review of that publication shortly.</p> <p>- Due to a flawed interpretation of a long-standing state law, and pushed by the recent NY SAFE Act, which increased penalties for possession of a firearm on school and college-owned properties, SUNY ESF announced recently that it would not allow hunting with firearms on some 5,300 acres it currently operates up in the North Country.</p> <p>- The September Canada goose hunting season. (I'm looking for someone who's into this to take me out. Reach me at 470-6066 or at [email protected])</p> <p><strong>Also:</strong></p> <p>- So, what's the deal with how the water level on Lake Ontario is regulated? A new plan addressing that issue is quite controversial.</p> <p>- <strong>Deer/motor vehicle accidents.</strong> There's been two. fatal deer/motorcycle accidents recently. What are the statistics statewide and for Central New York as far as total accidents and what percentage are fatal.</p> <p><strong>(I'm attending the joint Outdoor Writers Association of America/New York State Outdoors Writers Association fall conference this weekend up at Lake Placid. At that gathering. DEC Commissioner Joe Martens is expected to appear at a panel discussion on wildlife issues. Stay tuned.)</strong></p> <p><strong>ANYTHING ELSE READERS OF THIS REPORT WOULD LIKE TO SEE ME WRITE ABOUT? </strong><br />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 <a href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</a> or call 470-6066.</p> <p><a href="http://update.syracuse.com/adv_syracuse/newsletters/syracuse/subscribe.htm">If you want to join The Post-Standard's Outdoors Group and get this emailed directly to you, subscribe here.</a>.</p> <p><strong>FIGURA ON FACEBOOK:</strong><br />For those who are on Facebook, I also have a <a href="http://www.facebook.com/PostStandardOutdoors#!/PostStandardOutdoors#!/photo.php?fbid=3369108872206&set=a.1178365985003.2028364.1403751639&type=1&theater&notif_t=like">PS Outdoors page</a>, 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. </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p><br /></p> View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog