HuntingNY-News

New York's squirrel hunting season begins Sunday. Joe Wilson has a passion for squirrels. He loves to hunt and eat them, and is on a mission to convince others to join him. The 40-year-old, Bentonville, Ark. resident is president of Squirrels Unlimited. The group, according to its website is "Dedicated to the recognition and promotion of the squirrel as one of mankind's greatest gifts." Joe WilsonSubmitted photo New York State's small game hunting season opens Sunday, which includes hunting for squirrels. Wilson said his 1,200-member group's emphasis is to keep, and rejuvenate among young and old alike the long-standing heritage in this country of hunting squirrels and other small game. Wilson said he travels a lot, speaking about the joys and benefits of squirrel hunting at outdoor sports shows, on radio shows and other events. "For me, like many others, it started off hunting in the backyard and fields around my house, shooting small game when I was young," he said in a phone interview this week. "Now as an adult, I've taken out many youngsters and taught them to hunt. The rewards are great. They'll forget the video game they played yesterday. But their memories of being outdoors will last a lifetime." In addition to promoting small game hunting, Wilson wants to keep alive the idea that squirrel meat is good-tasting meat. As part of his group's $30 fee, members get "a lot of squirrel swag," Wilson said, including a t-shirt and bumper sticker that says, "Squirrel. It's What's For Supper." On Sept. 7, Wilson's group is hosting the World Championship Squirrel Cook-off in Bentonville. Entrants from seven different states are expected. The event has been featured on the Travel Channel . Wilson also said he was interviewed recently on the Dr. Oz Show about eating wild squirrel meat. How old were you when you shot your first squirrel? I was six. After I harvested it, I was determined to clean it myself. I did it before my Dad came home and cooked it up. I didn't do the best job of getting it ready. It still had small patches of hair on it, but I ate it. Talk about the history of eating squirrel in this country. It dates back when this country was first settled by colonists. It's been served at the White House. During the recession, the only protein on a lot of tables was squirrel meat. It kept a lot of people fed during hard times. What's the current state of squirrels in this country? Well, they're not endangered, such as bald eagles or alligators. Squirrels are endangered in some small areas. But in most places they're found in great numbers in all sorts of terrain -- deserts, valleys, mountains and in city parks. For the majority of this country, the squirrel population is at an all-time high and squirrel hunters are at an all-time low. For those who've never tasted the meat, how would you describe it? What's the best part? It doesn't taste like chicken. Depending on the time of the year the squirrel is harvested, it will have either a mild game taste to a strong game taste. A lot depends on what they've been eating. Compared to other animals, it comes the closest to rabbit meat. What recipe won your squirrel cook-off last year? Talk about some of the other recipes entered. Brandon and Blaine Espes of Rogers, Ark. won with squirrel sliders - ground squirrel meat made into hamburgers. It beat out such dishes as squirrel tamales, squirrel tacos, traditional dishes such as fried squirrel and gravy and gumbo - even squirrel pizza. If you can cook it with any other meat, you can cook it with squirrel. It's 100 percent organic and all natural. What did the winner get? A check for $500, courtesy of Mepps, the company that makes the fishing lures. Mepps buys squirrel tales and uses them to make Mepps spinners. Why is a good thing to start a young, or novice hunter off with squirrel hunting? It's cheap and easy. All you need is a firearm and a box of 22-caliber bullets or shotgun shells. When you start off with small game hunting, it's a great opportunity to teach and fine tune the youngster on the basics of hunter safety, conservation practices and the circle of life. Squirrel hunting teaches beginners how to make clean, ethical shots -- not just focusing on the side of a deer, but on the head of a squirrel. Also, it teaches them there's more to hunting, than just hunting big game. There's other small game such as rabbits, quail and pheasants, and they're a lot of fun to hunt. I've heard of 8 or 9 year old boys going out and shooting a (trophy) 185-class buck. What do they have to look forward to in life after that? Dating a super model? What's your definition of a trophy squirrel. Is there such a thing? For some, it's getting an oddball squirrel, such as one that's albino or black. For the majority of squirrel hunters, it's just getting out in the woods and getting your limit. That's a trophy day. Read more about Squirrel Unlimited on the group's website at squirrelsunlimited.com. Read more about the World Champion Squirrel Cook-off at squirrelcookoff.com. KNOW THE LAW: The New York State squirrel hunting season for gray, black and fox squirrels kicks off Sunday and lasts until Feb. 28. Hunters are required to have taken a hunter safety course and possess a small game hunting license when afield. Those hunting before Oct. 1 must have a 2012-2013 license. The daily bag limit of gray squirrels is six. There's no limit on the number of red squirrel that can be taken. For more, see the DEC website. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

"The fish was so heavy that I could not lift it out of the water for the photo but just temporarily, even on my knees," he said. Andy Sanders, a retired SUNY ESF professor, landed a trophy-sized chinook salmon this week while fishing The Douglaston Run on the lower part of the Salmon River this week. It was one of 14 fish he caught. Sanders wrote: "A half day on the water, despite adverse river reports and the heat today, was, well, amazing for me at the DSR stretch of the Salmon River..landing this 41 inch king was a battle I will never, ever forget...in the end, could not believe I landed it. "I deliberately fought it out at the last in swift, shallow ,rock-filled water as the fish went down stream...to keep the fish in current and healthy, even as I worked it near the weedy bank, so a quick photo and release...and it shot off! "Caught on a #6 wet fly, in the mouth...AND imagine, I had hooked this same fish 30 minutes earlier, and it broke off..because it had my same kind of fly, unique, on edge of its lip! I pushed it upstream, head first, as I waited for Roy to bring my camera and slowly pushed the fish into slightly shallower water approximately 10 feet upstream...did not want a repeat of last year with a hook embedded in my finger...and then as I tried to hold onto the fish waiting for the camera to arrive, the other fly and tippet tore out. I" could not retrieve it nor even my fly rod for the photo because of the weight of the fish and its I darn near lost the fish then that I was holding onto by the tail with my new nethand....I no longer use a net on the river. This fish was so heavy that I could not lift it out of the water for the photo but just momentarily, even on my knees. "Hooked 14 today, 5-6 legal, last fish that I lost was incredible, too...saw it grab the same kind of fly, and then it shot off, up stream, around beind me in a big arc, then downstream in only 6 inches of shallow water for 40 about yards.....with the top half of the upper body exposed the whole time! Then farther down,and back into deeper water, taking me into my backing until the tippet popped!" View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

To turn in 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 8-28-13.pdf View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

Researchers from Cornell University and the U.S. Geological Survey have captured two wild juvenile sturgeon in two different locations. One of the locations was on Oneida Lake. The following is a press release from the DEC: New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Joe Martens today announced another milestone in the state's lake sturgeon restoration efforts. Researchers from Cornell University and the U.S. Geological Survey have captured two wild juvenile sturgeon in two different locations. "This is a truly significant event," said Commissioner Martens. "DEC staff and partners in this effort have been eagerly awaiting this news ever since egg-bearing female sturgeon were first detected in stocked locations one year ago. It is a great example of how, with good science and great partnerships, we can restore a species that nearly disappeared from our state." On June 12, a researcher at the U.S. Geological Survey's Tunison Laboratory of Aquatic Sciences captured a young sturgeon in the Oswegatchie River near the outlet of Black Lake. The 2 ½-pound, 25-inch fish was determined to be five years old. This fish is the only small wild sturgeon caught here for over 30 years and it may have originated from remnant wild fish in the system or from adult fish stocked into the Oswegatchie system over 20 years ago. Jim Johnson, director of the Tunison Laboratory of Aquatic Sciences, said, "U.S. Geological Survey staff fulfills its scientific mission by partnering with states in restoration work like this. We are thrilled to be reporting this milestone." On July 30, a second young sturgeon was captured in Oneida Lake by researchers at Cornell University's Shackleton Point Biological Field Station. That sturgeon, determined to be two years old was just over 19 inches long and weighed one pound. The capture of this fish indicates successful reproduction by fish stocked as six to ten-inch fingerlings. More than 8,000 lake turgeon were stocked into Oneida Lake between 1995 and 2004. Biologists at the field station predicted that Lake Sturgeon would begin to appear in their walleye sampling nets once the sturgeon were about two years old. Lars Rudstam, Director of Cornell University's Shackleton Point Biological Field Station, said "Our staff has worked closely with DEC to monitor the health and growth of the sturgeon population in Oneida Lake. We are proud to be able to move into this new phase of study with DEC." Lake sturgeon are the largest fish native to the Great Lakes and can grow up to seven feet in length and may weigh more than 300 pounds. Once abundant throughout the Great Lakes, St. Lawrence River and Lake Champlain, overfishing and the impacts of dams and dredging nearly drove them to local extinction by the turn of the 20th century. Sturgeon harvesting, primarily for caviar, peaked in 1885 when tens of thousands of sturgeon were taken from Lake Erie. The commercial fishery for lake sturgeon was closed in 1976 and it was listed as a New York State threatened species in 1983. Scientists estimate that lake sturgeon populations in the Great Lakes area are at about one percent of their pre-1850 numbers. DEC has been actively working with federal, tribal and university partners to protect and restore lake sturgeon throughout New York. DEC has raised and released more than 65,000 juvenile lake sturgeon since 1995. In 2012 and 2013, DEC received assistance from the US Flsh and Wildlife Service's Genoa National Fish Hatchery in raising sturgeon for release in tributaries to the St. Lawrence River. In addition to stocked fish, some natural recovery has been observed across the Great Lakes, the Niagara River and the St. Lawrence River. In 2009, lake sturgeon began using spawning beds created by the New York Power Authority near Iroquois Dam in St. Lawrence County. "While we are pleased with the increasing numbers of lake sturgeon reported by scientist and anglers across New York, I want to remind everyone that these fish are listed as a threatened species in New York and fishing for them is prohibited," said Martens. "Lake sturgeon take a very long time to mature and reproduce. We ask our anglers to continue their role as environmental stewards and avoid targeting these fish." There are simple steps anglers can take to prevent harm to this fish. First, avoid catching one staying away from locations where they gather for late spring spawning. Avoid bottom fishing with worms in areas where sturgeon are found. If one does hook a sturgeon, it must be released unharmed immediately. Avoid bringing it into a boat or out of water if possible and minimize its time out of water. If it must be removed from the water, support its body horizontally; never hold it vertically or by head, gills or tail. The hook may be removed with pliers. If a sturgeon is tagged, it is important to note the tag number and call the contact number on the tag or call DEC at 518-402-8924. For more information on lake sturgeon, visit DEC's website. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

Pompey's Jeff Bell and Todd Way have hit 25 out of 25 clays for three weeks in a row. CENTRAL NEW YORK TRAP LEAGUE (Results from Week 20 (Aug. 27) NORTHERN DIVISION SOUTH SHORE (192) AT TOAD HARBOR (200) CENTRAL SQUARE (185) AT PATHFINDER (200) NORTH SPORTSMEN (bye) SOUTHERN DIVISION THREE RIVERS (196) AT DEWITT (193) SKANEATELES (195) AT CAMILLUS (195) POMPEY (200) AT BRIDGEPORT (198) SHOOTERS WHO HIT 25 OUT OF 25 CLAYS (Where 75's and 50's are noted, that means the shooter hit 25 out of 25 three and two weeks in a row) BRIDGEPORT- JOE CAMPBELL- DAVE COON- DAVE PORTER- GEORGE HART-LEE SMITH- MATT CARR CAMILLUS- JOHN DUGAN - MARK DONEBURGH- CHRIS POLLICHEMI CENTRAL SQUARE - NONE DEWITT- 50'S - RICK KENYON- 25'S - GEORGE PANARISI NORTH SPORTSMAN- BYE PATHFINDER- 50'S- NORM NELSON - TIM NOTTELL - STEVE MACEWEN- JOHN FISH- MARK COLE- 25'S - PAUL CLARK - J.J.JOHNSON- PAUL ANDERSON- DAN GREGORY- DAVE KILMARTIN-KEEGAN WALLACE 1st POMPEY- 75'S- JEFF BELL-TODD WAY-25'S- JOHN BENSON- TYLERMARCY- TONY DENISON- JUSTIN LESKUS- JACK WALDRON- MIKE LATOCHA- BRENDEN BACKUS- TOM MCDERMOTT- TIM WILCOX- JOE PISTELLO- MIKE MCKALLIP SKANEATELES- LINDA WEINERTH- TOM MAIN- RICH BOBBETT SOUTH SHORE - NONE THREE RIVERS - BILL TAMBS- RICK LIBERTY- FRED KIEFER SR. -JOE CAPLES TOAD HARBOR - 50'S - MARK COWLIN SR. - 25'S - STEVE NICHOLS 1st - GEORGE BACKUS - DON SADUE - DAN BURNHAM - KEITH CHESBRO- RICK KISSELSTEIN - JOHN BACH 1st - DAVE McCREA- JOE MACEWICZ - NELSON PRATT- JAROD GIBBS- MATT PALMISANO Results courtesy of Dick Masterpole View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

<p> Seminars are being held to teach fly fishing and "outdoor self protection." </p> <p>There's still openings for women wanting to participate in two-upcoming 'Women in Nature' programs in Onondaga County.</p> <p>The programs are:</p> <p>1) <strong><strong>Women's Fly Fishing Seminar</strong></strong>: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 14, 15, at the Carpenter's Brook Fish Hatchery, Elbridge. Sponsored by the Iroquois Chapter of Trout Unlimited. Instruction from beginner to advanced stages of fly fishing including tips and tactics and hands-on practice with small stream and creek -style fishing. Learn fly-tying basics, stream entomology, equipment set-up, casting with traditional fly rods and reels and more! $50. Class size is limited. Pre-registration is required. For more information & to register contact Vicky Lane at <a href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</a> or call 558-2464<br /> <br />2) <strong>Women's Outdoor Self Protection Workshop</strong>: 6 to 8:30 p.m. Sept. 19, Camillus Sportsmen's Club, Devoe Road, Camillus. Outdoor, Hands-on presentation covers the importance of self-awareness and teaches easy-to-learn personal self-defense skills. Rain date: Sept. 26. Space is limited. For more, email <a href="mailto:[email protected].">[email protected].</a><br /> <br />-- </p> View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

There's already been some runs of chinooks up the Salmon River. Some have also made their way into the Oswego River. CNY FISHING REPORT Bait stores (list and map). LAKE ONTARIO Salmon are being caught 90 to 135 feet down over 100 to 150 feet of water. Salmon are starting to stage around river mouths like the Oswego and Salmon rivers. Good baits continue to be spoons, flashers and cut-bait, and flashers and flies. White colored lures have been productive. Anglers are getting baits down with variety of methods such as wire and Dipsey divers (about 300 to340 feet back), copper (500 feet) and downriggers. SALMON RIVER There are a few salmon being reported in the lower river. This early salmon fishing is extremely "hit or miss", so try various spots. After several impressive early runs recently things have slowed a little this week. OSWEGO RIVER Smallmouth bass are biting crankbaits, minnows, crayfish and spinnerbaits. Catfish and sheepshead (freshwater drum) are hitting on crayfish or night crawlers. There have been a few early salmon reported in the river. ONEIDA LAKE The algal bloom is slowly winding down. Some walleye are still being taken in 25 to 30 feet of water on black & purple bucktail jigs tipped with night crawler and blade baits. Some big yellow perch are also being taken mixed in with the walleye. Slowing down and fishing small minnows has been working once perch are found. Keep an eye out for birds diving, as bass chase small gizzard shad to the surface birds will often be seen feeding in the area. Casting topwaters or lipless crankbaits can work well for these schooling bass. CAYUGA LAKE Weed mats and fleas have become less of a nuisance over the last week. If still having problems with fleas, try using flea flicker line or going to a heavier pound test line (25-30#) helps some with the fleas, as does using a trolling method where your line is running more horizontal than vertical. For example: using wire and Dipsey diver instead of a downrigger. Vertical jigging is also an option instead of trolling if fleas become to aggravating Little has changed again from last week, trolling down 70 to 100 feet over 80 to 120 feet of water with spoons or flasher and flies, fished off downriggers, copper wire, or Dipsey divers is still working for lake trout. Vertical jigging is also working for lake trout in 85 to 115 feet of water. Bass and panfish are still being caught on the north end in 10 to 15 feet of water. SENECA LAKE Weed mats and fleas have become less of a nuisance. Lake trout are being taken 80-120 feet down over 130-200 feet of water on spoons and flasher and flies. Running Dipseys back 230-270 feet has been a good starting point, as is running copper out 300 feet. Brown trout and Atlantic salmon are being caught 50-70 feet down on spoons or flasher and flies. OWASCO LAKE Over all fishing has been slow, but a few lake trout are being taken by anglers trolling spoons or flasher and flies in 90 feet of water. Vertical jigging is also producing a few lake trout. OTISCO LAKE Fishing has been slow on Otisco. Trolling early or late in the day is producing a few walleye, tiger musky and an occasional brown trout. Fishing down 25 to 30 feet with crankbaits, stickbaits or worm harnesses for the walleye, stickbaits or spoons for brown trout, and stickbaits for tiger muskie. SKANEATELES LAKE Things are similar to last week with trout and salmon feeding on small yellow perch. Fishing small spoons or stickbaits down 40 to 60 feet over 60 to 120 foot of water has been working for lake trout and an occasional rainbow trout. Fishing has been better early in the morning for the trout and salmon. Smallmouth bass are still being taken on tube jigs, stick worms (Senko style baits), and drop-shot rigs in 15 to 45 feet of water. Live bait (crayfish and night crawlers) is also working for smallmouth bass, yellow perch and rock bass in 15 to 25 feet of water. SANDY POND: Fishing continues to be slow on the pond, but fishing early or late in the day is still producing some largemouth bass. ST. LAWRENCE RIVER Bass continue to be caught in deeper water, getting as deep as 35 to 40 feet. Northern pike bite continues to be strong, with many being caught on the edge of weed lines, anywhere from 8 to 20 feet. Try a Rapala Huskie Jerk lure. Many successful bass anglers are using live crayfish. Walleyes are being caught in the early morning or evening. A popular lure has been the Jigfish. SODUS BAY Fishing the outside weed edges has been working for largemouth. Good baits have been crankbaits and plastic worms. A few northern pike are also being caught. WHITNEY POINT RESERVOIR Anglers are getting walleye, crappie, smallmouth bass, bluegills and catfish. For the walleye try drifting or anchoring with night crawlers, or trolling/casting crankbaits or worm harnesses. Smallmouth bass continue to hit on crankbaits but some are also being caught on night crawlers. Night crawlers have also been working well for bluegills, crappie and catfish. ** 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

I'll be at the state fair from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday at the Syracuse Media tent (syracuse.com/The Post-Standard) meeting with readers. See you there! This summer has just raced by. I can't believe this weekend is Labor Day weekend, which marks the beginning of the small game hunting seasons and the September goose hunting season. Here's what I've been working on this week: - The past few weeks, there was a surge of anglers fishing the Salmon River, following several consecutive days of chinook salmon runs up the river. - The DEC announced several significant changes in the September goose hunting season, including that hunters can now take up to 15 birds a day. - Squirrel hunting 101. This should be interesting. I got in touch with the president of Squirrels Unlimited from Arkansas, a group that also has a squirrel recipe contest/fair each September. - An update on the algae bloom on Oneida Lake. What's the prognosis for fishing and swimming in the lake this coming weekend? - I've been doing several articles on the New York State Fair. I'll be at the Syracuse Media Group's (syracuse.com/The Post-Standard) tent from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday to meet with readers. - Finishing up the Figura Challenge, in which I challenged readers to visit 15 different outdoor destinations this summer. It's not too late to visit some and send my pictures and your impressions. Send them to [email protected]. - The upcoming Muck Race, over at the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge. It's a competitive birding event. Stay tuned. - The on -going controversy concerning regulation of the water level on Lake Ontario. 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

Preliminary estimates indicate the number of Americans diagnosed with this disease each year is around 300,000 -- and that's a conservative figure. The following is a news release: Preliminary estimates released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicate that the number of Americans diagnosed with Lyme disease each year is around 300,000. The preliminary estimates were presented Sunday night in Boston at the 2013 International Conference on Lyme Borreliosis and Other Tick-Borne Diseases. This early estimate is based on findings from three ongoing CDC studies that use different methods, but all aim to define the approximate number of people diagnosed with Lyme disease each year. The first project analyzes medical claims information for approximately 22 million insured people annually for six years, the second project is based on a survey of clinical laboratories and the third project analyzes self-reported Lyme disease cases from a survey of the general public. ((Editor's note: Last year, it was reported that Onondaga County in recent years has seen a steep rise in Lyme disease cases. The county Health Department noted that in 2008 there were 14 cases reported. In 2011, that number rose to 127. More recent figures have not been released at this time.)) Each year, more than 30,000 cases of Lyme disease are reported to CDC, making it the most commonly reported tick-borne illness in the United States. The new estimate suggests that the total number of people diagnosed with Lyme disease is roughly 10 times higher than the yearly reported number. This new estimate supports studies published in the 1990s indicating that the true number of cases is between 3- and 12-fold higher than the number of reported cases. "We know that routine surveillance only gives us part of the picture, and that the true number of illnesses is much greater," said Paul Mead, M.D., M.P.H, chief of epidemiology and surveillance for CDC's Lyme disease program. "This new preliminary estimate confirms that Lyme disease is a tremendous public health problem in the United States, and clearly highlights the urgent need for prevention." CDC continues to analyze the data in the three studies to refine the estimates and better understand the overall burden of Lyme disease in the United States and will publish finalized estimates when the studies are complete. Efforts are also underway at CDC and by other researchers to identify novel methods to kill ticks and prevent illness in people. "We know people can prevent tick bites through steps like using repellents and tick checks. Although these measures are effective, they aren't fail-proof and people don't always use them," said Lyle R. Petersen, M.D., M.P.H, director of CDC's Division of Vector-Borne Diseases. "We need to move to a broader approach to tick reduction, involving entire communities, to combat this public health problem." This community approach would involve homeowners trying to kill ticks in their own yards, and communities addressing a variety of issues. These issues include rodents that carry the Lyme disease bacteria, deer that play a key role in the ticks' lifecycle, suburban planning, and the interaction between deer, rodents, ticks, and humans. All must be addressed to effectively fight Lyme disease. Most Lyme disease cases reported to CDC through national surveillance are concentrated heavily in the Northeast and upper Midwest, with 96 percent of cases in 13 states. Lyme disease is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi and is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected blacklegged ticks. Typical symptoms include fever, headache, fatigue, and a characteristic skin rash called erythema migrans. If left untreated, infection can spread to joints, the heart, and the nervous system. CDC recommends people take steps to help prevent Lyme disease and other tickborne diseases: Wear repellent Check for ticks daily Shower soon after being outdoors Call your doctor if you get a fever or rash For more information on Lyme disease, visit the CDC website. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

There's always early runs of Salmon up the Salmon River in late August, but this year was unique because several of them occurred on consecutive days. The best, though, is still yet to come, said a DEC expert. The past two weeks, anglers having been lining sections of the Salmon River to take advantage of some huge, early runs of chinook (king) salmon. "It was incredible. It was the first time in eight years that I've caught seven salmon before Labor Day - and that's after hooking and losing many more," said Steve Bednarz, of Whitesboro. Jim Smith, of Syracuse, said he usually doesn't fish the Salmon River until after Labor Day weekend. "I've been up here the past two weeks. Things seem to be about three weeks ahead of time," he said. "There's fish already some up by the hatchery. Last week ,there were quite a few guys at the village pool (in downtown Pulaski)." Has the annual fall salmon run, which each fall draws tens of thousands of anglers from throughout the state and beyond, started early this year? One state Department of Environmental Conservation expert doesn't think so. Fran Verdoliva, the DEC's special assistant to the Salmon River, said there's fish in the river, but it's still too early to get excited. There's still more fish to come - a lot more, he said. "Every year there's early runs in August," said Verdoliva. "Some come early. Some come when they should. Others come late. The difference this year is that during the past few weeks there were several consecutive days of large runs." He said things appear to have slowed down this week. Usually, the salmon run peaks around the Columbus Day weekend. Asked about whether it'd be worth anglers' time to fish the river over Labor Day weekend, Verdoliva responded: "Would it be worth driving six hours from New Jersey to give it a try? Probably not," he said. "But if you're from say Mexico or Syracuse, I'd say go ahead. There's fish in the river right now. You may or not be able to catch them. But that's why they call it fishing, not catching." Verdoliva said the river is still relatively warm, with temperatures ranging from 60 to 70 degrees. Ideally, it should be about 55 degrees or colder. Bednarz pointed out the warm temperatures have a negative side effect on the fish. Those fish that are caught or break loose following an lengthy battle often are weakened and die. He said the best way to prevent, or at least minimize that, is a quick catch and release. Thanks to the internet, the word about the early spawning runs of salmon on the river traveled fast. It's what drew Mike Fessel, of Jamesville, and Nick Caughel, of Silver Creek, to Altmar, just below the fly fishing only area on the river, Tuesday morning. "I read about the runs on several websites and the DEC's Fishing Hotline," Fessel said. "I'm off this week from work. We drove 3 ½ hours to get here. This is the first time I've tried it." Mike French, of Rochester, was also on the river Tuesday morning. He said he was having a slow day. He said he had two fish on and lost them both. He was using salmon roe (eggs) as bait. "I caught three fish last week. The roe is from one I caught. It weighed about 20 pounds," he said. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

The three top spots in the Youth Male Class (ages 16-18) where all from this area. Several young, Central New York archers recently distinguished themselves in the recent International Bowhunting Organization (IBO) World Championships in Seven Springs, Pa. The three top spots in the Youth Male Class (ages 16-18) where all from this area. Jack Ficcara, of Hamilton, took first with a score of 515, with 28 x's (bull's-eyes); Glen Bordwell, of Tully, took second with a score of 510, with 19 x's and Louis Price, of Phelps, took third, with a score of 509, with 21 x's. Katie Bordwell, of Tully, tied for second in the Youth Female Class (ages 13-18) and lost the tie by x's and took third place over all. Her score was 518, with 22 x's. The winner of her division was Madison Rutkowski, of Boyertown, Pa. Her score was 520, with 28 x's. The championships were held Aug. 8-11. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

It was 57 inches long and weighed 60 pounds. Stu Reeves, of Baldwinsville, holds up a huge mahi-mahi (common dolphinfish) he caught in May fishing off the coast of Cancun, Mexico. The fish was 57 inches long, had a 26-inch girth and weighed 60 pounds. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

They landed 25 fish with the average fish being a bit better than 2 ½ lbs. Veteran bass angler Mike Cusano, of Clay, sent me this photo and following story: "Took a long-time college friend of mine, Andy Hunter and his son, Will Hunter from Camillus, out for a quick,4-hour trip to Onondaga Lake. "Weather was perfect and both anglers landed a half dozen bass each. "Andy's bass was a really nice fish and was the largest he has ever caught. Fish came on BPS Stik-O worms fished weightless around isolated weed clumps. Will did a fantastic job casting and putting the bait in the higher percentage strike zones. "For the outing we landed approximately 25 largemouth with the average fish being a bit better than 2 ½ lbs. Our best five bass would have been a solid 16 to 17 pound bag. "The smiles tell the story!" View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

The 5K races are different kinds of competition. One is over an obstacle course. In another, competitors will be sprayed with different colors. In the third, runners will face a challenging cross country course at a local park. Runners have their choice of a wide variety of races this Labor Day weekend. On Saturday, three different types of 5K races are scheduled. In addition, there's the Labor Day Race Weekend in Skaneateles, which features a sprint triathlon on Saturday and other individual events (swimming, biking and running) on Sunday. 1). Ultimate Towner. Starts at 9 a.m. Saturday at Long Branch Park, Liverpool. This 4-mile race features 25 obstacles. For more, see ultimatetowner.com./#. 2). The Color Vibe 5K. Starts at 9 a.m.Saturday to Onondaga Community College. In this race, competitors will be "tagged" with colorful mists along the route. For more, see thecolorvibe.com/syracuse.php. 3). Van Buren Park Alpine Challenge Cross Country Race. Starts at 11 a.m. Saturday at Van Buren Park in Baldwinsville. Race organizers say the course through Van Buren Park will be extremely challenging. For more, see friendsofvbpark.com. 4). Labor Day Race Weekend in Skaneateles. Races Saturday and Sunday. The SkinnyMan sprint triathlon starts at 7:30 a.m. Saturday. Sunday's schedule includes the Escape from the Judge at 8 a.m., the Coon Hill Grind at noon and a 5K road race at 4 p.m. Also, competitors can challenge themselves to the "I'm All That" two-day event. For more, see skanraces.com. Last weekend's races: 1). Turning Stone Races. Three events were held, beginning with a 5K Saturday evening, along with a 10K and a half marathon Sunday morning. For final results of Saturday's and Sunday's races, see fleetfeetsyracuse.com. 2). Marcellus Rotary "Run for the Woods." The 4K and 5-mile races were held Saturday morning at Marcellus Park. For final results, see fleetfeetsyracuse.com. 3). Loop around the Lake. Two races, a 5k and a 15K run, were held Saturday morning, beginning at the Fulton War Memorial in Fulton. For final results, see fleetfeetsyracuse.com. 4). Inner Harbor 5K. Held Sunday morning, beginning at the Inner Harbor area in Syracuse. For final results, see fleetfeetsyracuse.com. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

Higher bag limits and other special measures will be allowed this year because local-nesting (a.k.a. "resident") Canada goose populations remain too high in many areas. Hunters can now take up to 15 birds a day. New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Joe Martens today announced several significant changes to September Canada goose hunting seasons throughout the state. The season dates are similar to past years, but higher bag limits and other special measures will be allowed this year because local-nesting (a.k.a. "resident") Canada goose populations remain too high in many areas. "When DEC established the September goose hunting season in the early 1990s, New York's resident Canada goose population was estimated to be around 130,000 birds, but today we have more than 200,000 birds," Martens said in a press release. "New York waterfowl hunters annually take more than 50,000 Canada geese during the September season, and we hope the changes adopted this year will enable hunters to take even more to help reduce the population." The season for the greater Central New York area begins this Sunday. Among the changes: 1). During most of the September goose hunting seasons, hunters will be allowed to take up to 15 Canada geese per day. The previous limit was eight per day. 2) Shooting hours will be extended to one-half hour after sunset instead of the usual closing at sunset; 3) Hunters will be allowed to use electronic calling devices to help entice geese within shooting range (typically 50 yards or less); 4) Hunters will be allowed to use shotguns capable of holding more than three shells at a time, but no more than seven. The opening and closing dates for the upcoming September Canada goose season are set for specific goose hunting areas, as follows: - Lake Champlain: Sept.3 - 25 - Central and Eastern Long Island: Sept. 3 - 30 - Western Long Island: closed - The rest of New York State: Sept. 1 - Sept. 25 See the DEC for more on September Canada goose hunting and the regulation changes. License Requirements To participate in the September Canada goose hunting season, hunters must: 1) Have a 2012-13 (last year's) hunting license, with small game hunting privileges, as these licenses remain valid through September 30, 2013 2) Be registered for 2013-14 in New York's Migratory Bird Harvest Information Program (HIP). HIP registrations expire on June 30 annually, so all hunters must register now to hunt during September. To register in HIP, call toll-free 1-888-427-5447 (1-888-4 ASK HIP) or visit the New York's Migratory Bird Harvest Information Program website. Hunters age 16 years or older must also have a new (2013-14) federal duck stamp to hunt during the September goose season. Federal duck stamps cost $15 and are available at most post offices and some sporting goods stores. They are also available by calling toll-free 1-800-852-4897 or you can visit the Duck Stamp website. Stamps must be signed across the face by the hunter before they become valid, but they do not have to be attached to the hunting license. For more information: New York's 2013-2014 Waterfowl Hunting Seasons and Regulations brochure, with all the waterfowl season dates and bag limits, will be available on the DEC website in late August, and a limited supply of paper copies will be distributed in September to all license-issuing agents and DEC regional offices. For more information about waterfowl hunting in New York, including public hunting areas around the state, visit the DEC's website or contact any DEC wildlife office. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

She caught it on a night crawler and didn't use a net to land it. Hope Dobbelaere, 9, of Bluffton, S.C., hoists a 16-inch largemouth bass she caught recently on a night crawler while fishing on the pond in the Labrador Hollow Unique Area. She is spending the summer with her grandparents, who live in Manlius. Her mom was proud of her since she was able to land it all by herself without a net. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

All the photos were taken in a nearby field, she said. Margie Manthey, of Marietta, sent me these neat photos of deer she recently photographed in a nearby field during the early evening. Margie Manthey Margie Manthey Margie Manthey View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

<p> Contact me at 470-6006 or by email at [email protected]. </p> <p>The squirrel hunting season kicks off this Sunday. I'm planning on doing a "Squirrel Hunting 101" story.</p> <p>I need to talk to a squirrel hunting expert, and I'm looking for readers to submit tasty squirrel recipes.</p> <p>Contact me at 470-6006 or by email at [email protected].<br /></p> View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

<p> It was one of two that landed in a tree near her lakefront property. </p> <p><br />Linda Molloy sent in this nice photo of a bald eagle.</p> <p>"It's one of a pair that landed in a cottonwood tree on our lakefront on Deruyter Reservoir around 11 a.m. on Aug. 17," she said.</p> <p>Submissions for "Catch (Trophy) of the Week" and wildlife photos should be sent to <a href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</a>.</p> View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

<p>Two young cousins from Camillus, who were out fishing with their fathers, had a great day on Henderson Bay on Lake Ontario. In the first photo, Madison Gilbert, 10, holds up a 22-inch smallmouth bass she caught while fishing with a crayfish and drifting. Her father, Larry Gilbert Jr., is also pictured. In the second photo, Zach Channels, 4,...</p> <div id="asset-13304242" class="entry_widget_large entry_widget_right"><span class="adv-photo-large"><img src="/static/common/img/blank.gif" class="lazy" data-original="http://media.syracuse.com/outdoors/photo/13304242-large.jpg" class="adv-photo" alt="2013-8-26-cousinsbass1.jpg" /><span class="photo-data"><span class="caption"></span><span class="byline"></span></span></span> </div> <p>Two young cousins from Camillus, who were out fishing with their fathers, had a great day on Henderson Bay on Lake Ontario.</p> <p>In the first photo, Madison Gilbert, 10, holds up a 22-inch smallmouth bass she caught while fishing with a crayfish and drifting. Her father, Larry Gilbert Jr., is also pictured.</p> <div id="asset-13304245" class="entry_widget_large entry_widget_right"><span class="adv-photo-large"><img src="/static/common/img/blank.gif" class="lazy" data-original="http://media.syracuse.com/outdoors/photo/13304245-large.jpg" class="adv-photo" alt="2013-8-21-zackbassgood.jpg" /><span class="photo-data"><span class="caption"></span><span class="byline"></span></span></span> </div> <p>In the second photo, Zach Channels, 4, holds a 20-inch smallie that he landed. His father, Chris Channels, is holding up the fish. The fish was also caught on a crayfish.</p> <p>Larry Gilbert wrote: "On the whole that day, our group boated 6 smallies with the smallest being 16 inches right up to the nice 22 incher. Let me tell you the were delicious! "</p> <p> </p> View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

A surprising number of new members are females, club officials said. Gov. Andrew Cuomo's controversial SAFE Act that passed at the beginning of this year has had one favorable side effect on local rod and gun clubs across Central New York. Memberships are up and the demographics of many of the new shooters may surprise some. They're women. "Absolutely," said Dave Simmons, president of the Baldwinsville Rod and Gun Club. "We're seeing it across the board, with more females participating in our shotgun sports --skeet, trap shooting and sporting clays. And we're also seeing more women on the rifle and pistol ranges." Simmons said the club held a hunter education club recently and the turnout of females eager to hunt was impressive. "Some 30 to 40 percent of our attendees were women," he said. Trap shooting score keeper Mike Raimondo of East Syracuse talks with Frank Kulas sr., and his kids, 18 year old Frank Jr., and 14 year old Kristie after their shoot at the Dewitt Rod and Gun Club. The Kulas are from Kirkville, Gary Walts | [email protected] Bill Parfitt, president of the Camillus Sportsmen's Club, said his club has maxed out at 800 members, and has a waiting list of more than 100. "We could have 2,000 members if we wanted," he said. "We took 10 new applications just last weekend." Parfitt said membership at his club started to rise before the Safe Act, which gave New York the toughest gun control laws in the nation. He said prior to the start of President Barack Obama's presidency, the club's membership was hovering at a little more than 500. Once Obama got in office, he said, memberships started to rise as fear increased that the president would institute new gun control restrictions. The SAFE Act has added fuel to the fire, he added. "The biggest proportion of these new members are women with hand guns," Parfitt said, adding that currently some 20 percent of his club's members are female. Many of the club's new members are signing up under family memberships, meaning both husband and wife are members. The increased demand from pistol-packing members of his club, he added, has resulted in the club deciding to do some "range development. "We're increasing the size of our outdoor pistol range," he said. "It's pretty old. We're improving it and adding some shooting stations." Stephen Wowelko, president of the Onondaga County Federation of Sportsmen's Clubs, said members of the federation discussed the trend of increased membership at a recent meeting. "Everyone I've talked to is seeing it. Many clubs have maxed out and have a waiting list," he said. "A lot of people have purchased firearms and now they want to learn how to safely use them. I don't know if you can associate the rise in memberships (directly with the SAFE Act), but I would say it's based on that, along with stuff coming out of Washington." The Safe Act, coupled with the push nationally for more gun control, created a huge, unprecedented surge in the purchase of firearms and ammunition locally and elsewhere across the country this year - sometimes by individuals who have little or no experience with what they're buying. In addition, although the requirement under the Safe Act for background checks for purchases of ammo doesn't kick in until the beginning of next year, customers continue to strip local stores of many ammunition supplies - specifically boxes of .22 rimfire bullets and up. "Frankly, use of our rifle and pistol range is down," Simmons said. "I think people would come out and shoot more if they could find the ammunition." So where are all these new gun owners going to learn how to shoot safely and properly? The rod and gun clubs, with their ranges, are a logical choice. Shooting ranges, though, require expensive insurance policies to keep open. These clubs demand responsible firearm handling from members, knowing that one accident could shut them down. New members are schooled on safe firearm practices and range officers are constantly on the alert for irresponsible or dangerous behavior. Ron Rosen, president of the Elbridge Rod and Gun Club, said he often takes a personal hand in orienting new members. They must have an existing member sponsor them before membership is granted. Range officials and club members are quick to point out problems. Repeated warnings will result in loss of membership - or in more drastic cases, a call to police. "And they're not hesitant to come," he said. Kurt Brown, president of the Syracuse Pistol Club, said last year his club's membership was around 400. Now, the club has 540 members. To join, members must have passed a pistol shooting safety course, possess a pistol permit and be members of the National Rifle Association, he said. "People are looking for a place to shoot and we cater to pistol shooting," he said. "We're seeing an increase across the board -- particularly among females and older people, who have concerns about their personal safety. "Many have the feeling that if they don't apply for a pistol permit now, the opportunity will disappear and they'll never have one," he said. Rosen said at his club, as with many, membership spikes each year just before hunting season as hunters are looking for a safe place to sight in their guns. This year, he said, club officials expect membership to climb to an all-time high of 1,000 members. "Any more than that, it might be a problem," he said. "We'll discuss that (as a board) when we get there." See a listing of local rod and gun clubs. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

<p> Another reader wanted to know about whether there were any joint hunter/bowhunter safety courses offered locally this fall. Finally, more on the guy who swore he heard wolves howling in the Adirondacks. </p> <p><br />Each week I get phone calls and emails from readers asking questions about the outdoors. </p> <p>Some questions I can answer. With others, I have to consult with an outside expert. A recent sampling of those questions are below:</p> <p><strong>Q: I've lived in a neighborhood for 5 years. I have a small wooded area bordering my backyard, and never saw anything but rabbits. One day while I was on vacation and home (it was about 11 a.m.), I saw a neighborhood cat I've seen for years laying back by the woods. I turned for a minute and heard a weird, shreaking noise. When I looked out the window the cat was gone, but a large, very skinny, very brown animal was pacing back and forth in my yard.</p> <p> I remember thinking his tongue was too big for its mouth and it was full of saliva. It did not look like a wolf in any way or form. Was this a coyote? Do they move on? Do I have to worry about my cat and keep it inside my house? I called the town and the DEC with no help or information from either. I'm so freaked out. I'm afraid to go out there.</strong></p> <p><em>- Marilyn Mooney, of VanBuren</em></p> <p>A: Don't be afraid Marilyn. You're right. There's no wolves lurking around your neighborhood. Based on your description, it was most likely a coyote and it's probably more scared of you than you are of it. The only other local animals that I know that could take out a domestic cat would be a fox or a bobcat. My advice: If you're uncomfortable with wildlife in your backyard, take precautions. Don't give animals an incentive to be there. Don't put any cat food or anything like that outside. Keep your garbage cans sealed. Don't have a bird feeder. In addition to birds, birdfeeders draw a variety of animals that coyotes can feed on. Finally, I'd recommend keeping your cat indoors. I say that not only for your cat's safety, but for the fact that <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/30/science/that-cuddly-kitty-of-yours-is-a-killer.html?_r=0">many domestic cats feed on songbirds and other small wild animals such as rabbits</a> There's been lots written on that. The reality of the outdoors is that for some animals to live, others have to die. The coyote is just doing what it has to do to stay alive. One more thing. If the animal seems to have lost its fear of humans, is stumbling around and acting erratically (a sign of rabies) or is acting aggressively toward you, that's the time that something should be done.</p> <p><strong>Q: My 13 year old son and I would like to attend a hunter safety training and if possible a combination bow/gun course. I see there were some in the spring, but I only see hunter safety courses or without bow in September. Are you aware of any opportunities for us in Central NY this fall? If not, we will likely do hunter safety together and try to get the bow hunting next spring. </strong></p> <p><em>- Gordon Stevens, of Cazenovia</em></p> <p><br />A: There were a couple of summer camp programs that offered an opportunity for youngsters to take both courses, but nothing that I know of this fall. Check out today's Outdoors Calendar for local safety courses. For more information, frequently check the DEC website at dec.ny.gov. But don't wait. These courses fill up fast.</p> <p><strong>Editor's note: <a href="http://blog.syracuse.com/outdoors/2013/08/ask_the_outdoors_guy_is_there.html">A reader recently asked if there were an wolves in this state.</a> He was convinced he heard some howling while camping in the Wilmington area of the Adirondacks. I responded, after contacting the DEC, that wolves, once native, are not in New York at this time. That response generated two responses from readers.</strong></p> <p>"A man wrote about being near Wilmington, NY and hearing what sounded like wolves. We thought they were coyotes as well, but at the times we would hear them were odd (during the day). Then were told that they are the sled dogs raised by people in the area. Just an FYI for you (and him)."</p> <p><em>- Kelleen Abt, of Syracuse</em></p> <p><br />"Dave, what the folks camping in Wilmington heard were wolves. There are two named Cree and Zebee. They reside in a wildlife refuge in Wilmington."</p> <p><em>- Jeff Carmen, of Manlius</em></p> View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

This class is for both youth and parent/guardian who wish to participate in the up-coming youth hunt at the refuge. A New York State Waterfowl Identification Course for youth is scheduled at the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center from 2:30 to 6 p.m. Sept. 21. 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; you must sign up in advance by calling the Refuge at 315/568-5987. Proof of course completion is required to hunt waterfowl on the refuge. The 2013 Youth Waterfowl Season for New York's Western Zone is tentatively scheduled for Oct. 12, 13. The Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge will participate by hosting a Youth Hunt that Saturday at the refuge's Tschache Pool. To register for the youth hunt at the Montezuma NWR, you must call the refuge's Hunter Check Station, 315/568-4136, on Thursday, October 3, between 8:30 and 9:00 AM, to make your reservation. Reservations are taken on a first-come, first-served basis (there are 20 spots available; two hunters per spot). Hunt regulations, dates and conditions will be available from the refuge upon request beginning in late-September by calling the refuge office at 315-568-5987. The refuge is located at 3395 U.S. Route 20 East, Seneca Falls. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

They all require participants to pre-register and attendance of every class is mandatory. Here's the latest on local, DEC-certified, sportsmen safety courses: Bowhunter: 4:30 to 10 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, Wildwood Sports Center, Fikes Rd., Memphis. Pre-register. Call 689-1066. Hunter: 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Canastota Conservation Club, 8324 Warners Rd., Canastota. Pre-register in person at the club from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday. Class size is limited to 25 students. Hunter: 6 to 10 p.m. Sept. 10, 12 and 8 a.m. to noon Sept. 14, Camden Rod and Gun Club, 2655 Moran Post Rd. Pre-register in person at the club on Mondays between 6 to 8 p.m. or call 245-3907. Hunter: 6 to 10 p.m. Sept. 10, 8 a.m. until done Sept. 15, Vernon National Shooting Preserve, 3291 Burns Road, Vernon Center. Pre-register in person at the preserve at 7 p.m. Sept. 8. Hunter: 6 to 9:30 a.m. Sept. 17, 19 and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 21, Fayetteville-Manlius Rod and Gun Club, 4545 Whetstone Rd., Manlius. Pre-register in person at the club between 10 a.m. and noon Sept. 14. Class size is limited to 50 students. Hunter: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 28, Camillus Sportsmens Club, 5801 Devoe Road, Camillus Pre-register in person only from 10 to 11 a.m. Sept. 14 at the Camillus Town Hall, 4600 West Genesee Street, Syracuse! Class size is limited to the first 50 individuals in line. Doors will open at 9:30 am and course registration will begin at 10, starting with the first individual in line. Trapper: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 7, Mad River Club, County Rte. 15, Lacona. Pre-register! Call 387-6559. Hunter: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 7, 8 a.m. to done, Sept. 8, Leatherstocking Club, State Rte. 104 (1.5 miles West of New Haven). Pre-register. Call 343-1558 between 6 and 8 p.m. Bowhunter: 8 to 4:30 p.m. Sept. 8, Wildwood Sports Center, Fikes Rd., Memphis. Pre-register. Call 689-1066. Hunter: 6 to 9 p.m. Sept. 17, 19 and 8 a.m. until done Sept. 21, Lansing Rod and Gun Club, 55 Salmon Creek Rd., Lansing. Pre-register in person at the Lansing Town Hall Town Clerk's office, 29 Auburn Rd., Lansing. Class size is limited to 40 students. Hunter: 6 to 9 p.m. Sept. 18, 19 and 8 a.m. to done Sept. 21, Redfield Fish and Game Club, Harvester Mills Rd., Redfield. Pre-register. Call 652-7095. Trapper: 5 to 9 p.m. Sept. 18, 19, Deerfield Fish and Game Club, 11400 Cruikshank Rd. Pre-register. Call 735-1902. Hunter: 6 to 9 p.m. Sept. 20, 8 a.m. until done Sept. 21, Leatherstocking Club, State Rte. 104 (1.5 miles West of New Haven). Pre-register. Call 343-1558 between 6 and 8 p.m. Hunter: 6 to 9 p.m. Sept. 17, 19 and 8 a.m. until done Sept. 21, Lansing Rod and Gun Club, 55 Salmon Creek Rd., Lansing. Pre-register in person at the Lansing Town Hall Town Clerk's office, 29 Auburn Rd., Lansing. Class size is limited to 40 students. Bowhunter: 8 to 5 p.m. Sept. 28, Pompey Rod and Gun Club, 2035 Swift Rd., Pompey. Pre-register in person at the club house between 10 a.m. and noon Sept. 21. Class size is limited to 40 students. Hunter: 6 to 9 p.m. Oct. 4, Leatherstocking Club, State Rte. 104 (1.5 miles West of New Haven). Pre-register! Call 343-1558 between 6 and 8 p.m. Trapper: 7:30 to 4:30 p.m. Oct. 12, Pompey Rd & Gun Club, 2035 Swift Road, Pompey. Call 682-2050. Class size is limited to 50 students. Dress for the weather. Food will be available or bring a lunch. 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 formation about these classes. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

Follow outdoors writer David Figura on Facebook on PS Outdoors. This summer is just flying by. Can't believe the state fair starts Thursday. Stories I'm working on this week - We visit the state fair with the eye of an outdoorsman. I'm writing about the DEC's aquarium building with the five fish tanks full of local wild fish, along with other things the DEC is showing this year at the fair. - Is fall coming early this year? I've seen Canada geese migrating overhead, heard reports of salmon already in the Oswego and Salmon rivers. I've heard the water temperature of Lake Ontario is cooling earlier than usual this summer. What's everyone else think about this? Are you seeing any signs out there? Call me at 470-6066 or email me at [email protected]. - A look at how the SAFE Act and other factors have contributed to increased memberships in local rod and gun clubs. - An update on the algae bloom situation on the lake. What caused it to be so bad this year, and what's been the impact on fishing? - Getting in shape for hunting. Now's the time to start. Other stuff: - The law of the lake. There's a wide variety of law enforcement agencies represented on Oneida Lake -- with Onondaga County having the biggest presence, even though the lake is not in the county. What's with that? - Followup to the "urban deer" problem in Syracuse and the surrounding communities. - The squirrel hunting season kicks off Sept 1. Hoping to write a Squirrel Hunting 101 type story. Anybody out there a veteran squirrel hunter who'd like to help a bigger get started. Call me at 470-6066 or email [email protected]. - The CNY triathlon culture. Triathlons, and the people who do them, are a big thing and more and more people are getting into them. - An update on the Cornell Ornithology lab and its most recent compilation of recordings of more than 4,000 bird calls from across the world. - Which fishing rod do you use for bass fishing? The choices today are numerous and ever-growing. - The Cornell Vet School emergency room, and all the strange cases of domestic and wild animals that it deals with on a daily basis. THE FIGURA CHALLENGE I laid out the "The Figura Challenge" over the Memorial Day weekend -- challenging readers to to check out 15 Central New York outdoors destinations during the summer. Several readers have already taken me up on it and I'm getting comments and pictures. It's not too late to get started! I'll give an update on reactions, stories and photos submitted by readers about their travels to these destinations. Send your impressions and photos of the places you visit on the list to [email protected], 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