HuntingNY-News

Meanwhile, most of the bass on Oneida appaer to be off their spawning beds. CNY FISHING REPORT INLAND TROUT STREAMS: Many sections of area streams and lakes have been stocked. They include Cayuga County: North Brook, Owasco Inlet, Salmon Creek and Fall Creek; Cortland County: Otselic River; Cortland County: Little York Lake, Merrill Creek, East Br. Tioughnioga River, West Br. Tioughnioga River, Casterline Pond and the Otselic River; Madison County: Upper Lelands Pond, Stonemill Brook, Beaver Creek, Canastota Creek, Limestone Creek, Payne Brook, Chittenango Creek, Canaseraga Creek, Chenango River, Cowaselon Creek, Old Chenango Canal, Oneida Creek, Sangerfield River, and the Otselic River; Onondaga County: Nine Mile Creek, Onondaga Creek; West Br. Onondaga Creek, Tannery Creek, Spafford Brook, Furnace Brook, Fabius Brook, Limestone Creek, West Br. Limestone Creek, Geddes Brook, Carpenters Brook, Butternut Creek, and Skaneateles Creek. (Hotline number is (315) 689-0003); Oswego County: Black Creek, North Br. Salmon River, Rice Creek, Salmon River and West Br. Fish Creek; Tompkins County: Enfield Creek, Virgil Creek, Buttermilk Creek, Salmon Creek, Fall Creek and Sixmile Creek and Cayuga Lake. LAKE ONTARIO Fishing has been slow for brown trout and very slow for Chinook salmon. Brown trout continue to be scattered over a variety of depths. If you can find some off colored water try fishing stickbaits and small spoons in the area during the early morning. As the day gets brighter, moving to deeper water has been helping to extend the brown trout bite. Lake trout fishing has been more stable with fish being found in 100 to 200 feet of water. SALMON RIVER The river is down. Fishing has really slowed down on the river, which is usual for this time of year. Anglers are picking up smallmouth bass, brown trout and rock bass. OSWEGO RIVER The river is still quite high from the rains and water releases. No report on the shoreline fishing scene. . ONEIDA LAKE Anglers are cashing in lately on the walleye, particularly those using sonar lures (blade baits). Other good bets have been black & purple bucktail jigs tipped with a night crawler and perch-colored stickbaits. As for the bass, most have finished spawning. Fishing near shore with stick worms (Senko style baits) is a good starting point and then working around inside or outside weed edges if not finding any fish in the shallows. (Just a reminder that you cannot fish for lake sturgeon, as they are on the threatened fishes list. If you accidentally hook one please do not fight it and release it quickly.) CAYUGA LAKE Fishing has been difficult with the current weather pattern. Trolling down 50 to 90 feet in 80 to 120 feet of water with spoons or flasher and flies, fished off downriggers, copper wire, or Dipsey divers is working for lake trout. Vertical jigging is also working for lake trout in 50 to 150 feet of water. Atlantic salmon are being taken on spoons fished 25 to 40 feet down. SENECA LAKE Fishing has been slow lately. Fish are being marked, but are being tight-lipped. Some brown trout and Atlantic salmon are hitting on spoons fished down 25 to 30 feet. Lake trout are hitting spoons and flasher and flies fished 60 to 150 feet down. Vertical jigging with plastics is also working in 50 to 135 feet of water. OWASCO LAKE Anglers trolling down 30 to 50 feet with spoons or flasher and flies are getting lake trout on the north end. Yellow perch are also being caught on the north end. I've heard one report of walleyes being taken after dark on stickbaits. OTISCO LAKE A few walleye are being taken by anglers trolling with stickbaits or spinner rigs during the day, and off the causeway after dark on stickbaits. Tiger muskie fishing continues to be good for anglers targeting them. Remember, the tigers must be 36 inches to be legal on Otisco Lake. Look for bass near shore and along the weed edges. A variety of baits should work this time of year from spinnerbaits, jigs, plastics to topwaters. SKANEATELES LAKE Fishing near shore with Senko worms, tube jigs, spinnerbaits or topwaters is a good starting point for the smallmouth bass. If not catching fish, move slightly deeper, and try drop-shot rigs or live bait such as minnows or crayfish. Rock bass are also being taken along the shore along with an occasional nice yellow perch. SANDY POND: A few walleye and northern pike are still being caught on the pond. Anglers are also getting bluegills and a few yellow perch. SODUS BAY Northern pike fishing continues to be good with pike hitting a variety of lures, with stickbaits and spoons being good bets. Panfish are being taken on small jigs, minnows and worms. Bass fishing has been good on bass jigs, plastics and topwaters. St. LAWRENCE RIVER A fair number of nice bass were caught during the opening weekend of the bass season, according to one bait shop owner. Many of the bass were still on their beds, he said.. Anglers were catching them in 12-14 feet of water using drop shot rigs, or live bait, such as a worm or a minnow. Pike can be found near the drop-offs or in the weeds. Nice-sized perch were being picked up in 35 to 40 feet of water "but you have to work for them," he said. . WHITNEY POINT RESERVOIR The walleye bite has been good for anglers fishing worm harnesses, jigs and crankbaits. White crappie fishing continues to be good with most of fish being found away from shore now. Smallmouth bass were hitting on crankbaits near shore. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

The Cornell Biological Field Station at Shackelton Point in Bridgeport has an open house scheduled for Tuesday evening. CNY OUTDOORS CALENDAR 3-D archery shoot: Sign up from 8 to 10 a.m. Sunday, Pompey Rod and Gun Club, 2035 Swift Road, Pompey. Cost is $15 for adults. For more, call 656-8810. Open house: Cornell Biological Field station, tours at 5:30 and 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, 900 Shackelton Point Road, Bridgeport. Learn about the history of the Field Station and its current research program. For more, call 315-633-9243 ext. 21. 3-D archery shoot: Sign up from 8 to 10 a.m. June 30, Cortland Field Archers, Route 41A, Cortland. Cost is $15 for adults. For more call, 685-7083. SAFETY COURSES: Bow: 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. July 13, North Sportsmans Club, County Route 37, West Monroe. Register in person at the club from 6 to 8.m. Jul 11. For more, email Chris Nutter at [email protected]. Bow: 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. July 24, 25 at the Nedrow Sportsman's Club, 3878 Cherry Valley Turnpike, Marietta. Pre-register. Call 432-8422, extension 11. Bow: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. July 28, Stillbrook Fish and Game, 184 CC Road, Williamstown. Pre-register by calling 963-7530 or email [email protected]. Gun: 6 to 9:30 p.m. Aug. 13, 14, 16, Nedrow Rod and Gun Club, Route 20 at Hogback Road, Navarino. Pre-register by calling 469-1820 or 469-4784. Bow: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Aug. 25, Albion Fish and Game, 2770 State Route 13, Altmar. Pre-register by calling 963-7530 or email [email protected]. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

I'm preparing an update on those who've accepted "The Figura Challenge"of visiting 15 prime outdoors locations on Central New York this summer. Send your comments and emails to [email protected] A beaver swims on the flooded wetland area that's home to the great blue heron rookery up at the Sterling Nature Center in Sterling.Mike Greenlar | [email protected] Blink, and sun come out. Blink again, and it's raining -- even hailing. I can't believe the weather we've had the past couple of weeks. I traveled up to Black Lake late last week for a few, well-deserved days of fishing. The lake level was way up and the fishing was slow. Regardless, I had a great time. How'd everyone else make out on Saturday's opener of the bass fishing season? Meanwhile, here's what I've been working on for this week: - An interview with Dietland Muller-Schwarze, a retired SUNY ESF prof and nationally recognized expert on the subject of beavers. He's written two book about them and in 2007 was given a lifetime achievement award by the U.S. Department of Agriculture for his 25 years of research on the animal. - The Canadians are back on Fish Creek (a tributary of Oneida Lake) this week putting lampricide in the water to kill the spawning sea lamprey and their larvae. - Fishing the famed, but finicky Battenkill. I recount my recent fishing experience on this well-known trout stream northeast of Albany that begins in Vermont. - A morning at the DEC's boot camp (my words) for new environmental conservation officers and forest rangers currently underway at the DEC's training facility up at Altmar. - It's bug season. Myths and facts about what attracts the blood suckers and biters (ticks, black flies, horseflies, deerflies and mosquitoes) to human hosts. - What's the right -sized or type of fishing rod to use for bass fishing. You'd be surprised and all the different sizes and types. The days of one rod fits all are long gone. - A great CNY shoreline hot spot for fishing for those who don't have a boat. Know of others? Send your ideas to [email protected] Also coming up - The marked increase of memberships at local rod and gun clubs in the wake of the SAFE Act. - A Cicero man who's dedicated to improving the population of purple martins in Central New York. - A story on the :master set" of 4,938 downloadable bird sounds released by Cornell. - A story on the unique emergency room at the Cornell vet school were wild and domestic animals are given special treatment. 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! Each Thursday on this blog through the summer, 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], Two new occasional features: 1). "Keeping Watch" a weekly or bi-weekly report from the Region 7 DEC office noting the fional dispositions of recent tickets issued by local conservation officers. Only ones where the defendant has pleaded guilty or is found guilty will be listed. 2). "Ask the Outdoors Guy" a weekly posting noting a question or questions from readers about the outdoors. If I can't provide an answer, I'll find someone who will. Send your questions 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

The money will be used to acquire 83 acres of wetlands and adjacent wetland butter that borders Fall Creek in the town of Summerhill. The following is a press release from the Finger Lakes Land Trust: Ithaca, NY: The Finger Lakes Land Trust announced today that it has been awarded a federal grant to be applied toward the acquisition of 83 acres of wetlands and adjacent upland buffer that borders Fall Creek, the largest tributary to Cayuga Lake and the source of Cornell University's drinking water supply. Located in the Town of Summerhill, Cayuga County, the property is adjacent to the Land Trust's Dorothy McIlroy Bird Sanctuary--a 198-acre natural area that is open to the public for hiking, bird watching and other forms of quiet recreation. The site is part of an Audubon-identified Important Bird Area (IBA) which encompasses 29,000 acres of wetlands, upland forest, agricultural and shrub lands and supports 125 probable nesting bird species, including 22 species of nesting warblers. The easternmost portion of this IBA hosts several hundred acres of high quality wetlands located just east of Summerhill State Forest near the headwaters of Fall Creek. These lands are recognized as a priority for protection in New York State's Open Space Plan and are known for their productive wildlife habitat, outstanding opportunities for outdoor recreation, and distinctive wetland fens that host 18 native orchid species. Fall Creek also supports trout in this area. The $49,450 grant was awarded on a competitive basis by the US Fish and Wildlife Service's Migratory Bird Conservation Commission through the North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA). The funds will be used for the purchase of the property. The Land Trust continues to raise funds for the project, which has a total budget of $140,000 to cover acquisition and management costs. The North American Wetlands Conservation Act program is the only federal grants program dedicated to the conservation of wetland habitats for migratory birds. In this funding round, the panel approved $23.7 million in grants that will restore or enhance 89,000 acres of habitat for migratory birds in the US and Canada and will leverage $28.5 million in matching funds. More information about the grants program is available at http://www.fws.gov/birdhabitat/Grants/NAWCA/Small/2013.shtm The Finger Lakes Land Trust is a membership supported not for profit land conservation organization that is dedicated to protecting those lands that define the character of the Finger Lakes region. Since it was established in 1989, the Land Trust has worked with landowners and local communities to conserve more than 15,000 acres of the region's most cherished wetlands, forests, farmland, grassland and gorges. Through a network of 30 nature preserves and conservation areas, the Land Trust hosts visitors to sites featuring undeveloped shoreline, scenic vistas, abundant wildlife, and miles of trails for hiking, bird watching and cross country skiing, The Land Trust also holds over 100 conservation easements on lands that remain in private ownership and on the tax rolls. More information, see the Land Trust's website. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

Shooter Bob Green from Toad Harbor has shot 25 for 25 three weeks in a row. CENTRAL NY TRAP LEAGUE Results of Week 10 (June 18) Northern Division South Shore (194) at Toad Harbor (199) Central Square (189) at Pathfinder (198) North Sportsman (bye) Southern Division Three Rivers (196) at Dewitt (194) Skaneateles (196) at Camillus (192) Pompey (200) at Bridgeport (195) Standings North Pathfinder 15 pts. Toad Harbor 12 pts. South Shore 8 pts. Central Square 4 pts. North Sportsman 1 pt. Standings South Pompey 17 pts. Camillus 12 pts. Three Rivers 12 pts. Skaneateles 10 pts. Bridgeport 9 pts. Dewitt 0 pts. The following shooters hit 25 out of 25 clays (Where 75 or 50 are listed, that means the shooters hit 25 for 25 three and two weeks in a row, respectively). Where "1st" is listed, that's the shooters first 25 for 25 outing. Bridgeport, Joe St. Pierre, Matt Carr, Andy Clark 1st Camillus, None Central Square, None Dewitt, Dave Burleigh, Peter Catalano Sr., Jim Kenyon 1st North Sportsman, Bye Pathfinder, Vern Cole Sr., John Fish, Norm Nelson, Bob Weldin, Bill Chillson, Jessica Wirt 1st Pompey, 50, Rob Zgardzinski,25s, Chatlie Jaworski 1st,Todd Way, Tom Bumpus, Troy Lesebvre, John Messbauer, Tim Wilcox, Joe Pistello, Preston Wiley, C.R. Haaf, Cliff Haaf, Josh Bobbett Skaneateles, 50, Steve Schreiber, 25s, Tom Main, Pat Logan, Urb Wormer South Shore, Ken Young, Joanna Bishop Three Rivers, Dave Clement, Rick Liberty, Tim Wharton, Ray Burgett Toad Harbor, 75, Bob Green, 50, Jason Mulligan, 25s, Joe Macewicz, Bobbie Pratt, Phil Maitland, Bob Howard, Jeff Keenan * Results courtesy of Dick Masterpole View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

I had the enjoyable outing last month fishing for trout on the famed, but finicky Battenkill. I was in southern Washington County in Cambridge, which is northeast of Albany, participating in the annual Spring Safari of the New York State Outdoors Writers Association. The event brought outdoors writers from throughout the state to sample the area's numerous outdoor offerings.... I had the enjoyable outing last month fishing for trout on the famed, but finicky Battenkill. I was in southern Washington County in Cambridge, which is northeast of Albany, participating in the annual Spring Safari of the New York State Outdoors Writers Association. The event brought outdoors writers from throughout the state to sample the area's numerous outdoor offerings. I went turkey hunting (I real got close, but couldn't close the deal), attended a seminar given by officials from a local Quality Deer Management Association coop, heard a talk by New York State Museum consultant Howard Romack about the reptiles, amphibians and insects that call the area home - and fished the Battenkill, guided by Adriano Manocchia, a veteran trout angler and nationally known artist. I was anxious to try my luck on the trout stream, particularly with the notoriety it has received over the past century with famous trout fisherman such as Lee Wulfe, John Atheron and Lew Oatmann having wet their lines on its waters. Oatmann devised nearly a dozen different streamers (minnow-like, baitfish imitations) for fishing the Battenkill, such as the silver darter and ghost shiner. Most, if not all of his creations are still used today, Manocchia said. The river boasts four wooden, covered bridges - one on the Vermont side and three on the New York said. The one on the Vermont side, in West Arlington, was painted by Norman Rockwell several times, Manocchia said. The picturesque waterway begins as a trickle up in hills of Vermont near Manchester and flows by the headquarters of the Orvis Corporation, located in that community. The spring-fed, river flows some 25 miles to the New York border, and then another 24 through Washington County and into the Hudson River. Manocchia, a native downstater who relocated with his wife to Cambridge 11 years ago, said the Battenkill, with all history, is not the trout stream it used to be. "I tell people if you want to have a beautiful, peaceful day on a great trout stream, come to the Battenkill," he said. "If you want to catch a ton of fish real easily, go somewhere else." The reason the stream is so challenging to anglers is multi-faceted. For starters, the Vermont side is no longer stocked, a decision made years ago to return it to a purely wild trout stream. The New York stretch, though, is stocked by the state Department of Environmental Conservation with 19,000 yearling brown trout. Its waters also hold wild brook and rainbow trout. The New York side gets pressured not only by New York anglers, but by Vermont fishermen who cross over the state line to take advantage of the stocked areas, Manocchia said. In addition, the river in recent years has established a growing reputation among canoers and kayakers, particularly on weekends, who enjoy their sport, often in the prime fishing areas. Manocchia took me to the river's "no-kill, artificial fly/lure only" area, which stretches more than four miles from the Vermont border down to the Eagleville covered bridge. That May morning was a sunny, relatively windless day with temperatures quickly climbing into the 80s. Manocchia led me to a number of stretches and holes that to my eye had trout written all over them. The water, though, was very clear. The stream has its share of good insect hatches, including Hendricksons and caddises, among others, Manocchia said. However, nothing much was hatching that day. I started off fishing with my fly rod, using weighted, wooly bugger streamers to get down deep, close to the bottom. Manocchia tried nymphs. At one point, I switched to my ultra-light spinning rod, casting a small, silver-bladed, Panther Martin lure. No luck. Fellow outdoor writer Chris Kenyon from Wolcott, who accompanied us most of the way that morning, succeeded in catching a nice, 12-inch brown in a deep hole using a Rooster Tail lure. I switched later on to casting a Panther Martin lure with my ultra-light rod.Adriano Manocchia Sue Bookhout, from Cazenovia, another association member, fished the river two mornings. The first, she caught a 12-inch brown on a tiny pheasant tail nymph (size 18 hook). The second day, she caught another fish about the same size. She used the same nymph, but that day tied another fly higher up on her line -- a large, beaded caddis -- to get her pheasant tail down deeper. Kenyon and I roomed together that weekend in a small cabin at the Battenkill Riversports and Campground in Jackson, near Cambridge. Our cabin was located right on the river on a gorgeous stretch. The camp manager said someone had caught a 23-inch brown the week before on a spinner. Undaunted, that evening I tried casting my Panther Marten lure on the river near our cabin and quickly caught two small, brown trout. Just as it got dark, I saw a big splash about 40 yards upstream. "Every once in a while you see some monster fish in there," Manocchia said. "However, they didn't get that size because they're dumb. It takes quite a bit of work to catch them." View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

Brian Hanas, of Fayetteville, shot this big tom on May 18 with the help of Mickey O'Kane, of Jamesville. O'Kane wrote: "This turkey ends a 5-year drought of unfilled turkey tags for Brian. The bird was taken in Onondaga County, and weighed 19 1/8 pounds, with a thick, 10-inch beard, and 3/4-inch spurs." Brian Hanas, of Fayetteville, shot this big tom on May 18 with the help of Mickey O'Kane, of Jamesville. O'Kane wrote: "This turkey ends a 5-year drought of unfilled turkey tags for Brian. The bird was taken in Onondaga County, and weighed 19 1/8 pounds, with a thick, 10-inch beard, and 3/4-inch spurs." View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

The winning team took home a $2,500 check. The winners were Jack Barber from Eatonton, Ga. and Nyman Derr from Richland, N.Y. A walleye fishing tournament sponsored by the Oneida Lake Team Walleye Trail on June 9 featured 45, two-person teams. The contest was held out of Oneida Shores Park in Brewerton. According to Alicia Stevens, the tournament director: "We had another very successful tournament. The weather was great and there was a lot of fish caught! We gave out some great door prizes and the goody backs were greatly appreciated. The winners were Jack Barber from Eatonton, Ga. and Nyman Derr from Richland, N.Y. The winners turned in five fish for a total weight of 13.55 pounds. They also won the big fish award with a walleye that weighed 3.55 pounds. "The next tourney is July 14, also at Oneida Shores." Here's the final results: 2013_fishing_results.xls To register, see the Oneida Lake Team Walleye Trail website. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

One weighed 4.70 pounds; the other, 4.55 pounds. Cusano with his two big smallies. Mike Cusano, of Clay, holds up two impressive smallmouth bass he caught on opening day while fishing with buddy, Burnie Haney, of xxx, on Chaumont Bay on Lake Ontario. Describing the day, Cusano wrote: "Lots of fun as always being on the water with the Big Dog. I got to enjoy some time on the back deck and just sit back and focus on the fishing (You guys who don't like being non-boaters are nutty!!) "The 4.70 -pound smallmouth came on a Lucky Craft Pointer 100 (Citrus SHad) out of 8-9 feet of water, was using a Rapsody Hot Rod -- Worminator (I know it wasn't the best rod for the presentation, but I really wasn't planning on throwing a jerbait for any substantial time -- so I left the Grim Ripper at home). I was using a 12# XPS Fluorocarbon spooled on a BPS Pro Qualifier. Key as Burnie mentioned was the pause... most of the bites would come on an extended pause after a series of hard jerks. Much to my surprise, I only lost one fish all day using a worm rod Jerkbait fishing..I just backed off a touch on the drag so as not to rip the hooks out. "The 4.55- pound smallmouth came on a drop shot rigged 4" green/brown senko, fished on a Rapsody Hot Rod Series -- Plastic Surgeon , BPS Extreme spinning Reel (20 series) with a 8 # Fireline Braid with a 8 # XPS Fluorocarbon leader. The Plastic Surgeon is an extremely versatile rod adn has been a staple for fishing with a wide range of soft plastic techniques. I used it to fish weightless wacky senkos, weightless Texas-rigged senko, spider grubs, weighted t-rigged senkos/tubes/beavers, split shot rig and a drop shot. That rod is an absolute bait-launcher and I really felt like the long casts were essential when the water was calm in the morning." View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

One of New York's most unique fish, the bowfin is the sole living survivor of a group of fishes whose fossil representatives date back to when dinosaurs roamed the earth. Karl L. Gasko, of Syracuse, holds up an impressive 29-inch bowfin caught by his son, Karl J. Gasko, on Oneida Lake, behind Castaways Restaurant. The fish was caught on a minnow. According to a chart on the website of the Bowfin Anglers Group, the approximate weight was 8.5 pounds. "One of New York's most unique fish, the bowfin is the sole living survivor of a group of fishes whose fossil representatives date back to when dinosaurs roamed the earth," according to the state Department of Environmental Conservation website. "The features of today's bowfin differ very little from their fossil ancestors dating back 65 million years, so they offer a true glimpse into New York's prehistoric past." For more on this unique fish, see the DEC website. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

See the results from last weekend's Swamp Rat Runs at Oneida Shores Park in Brewerton. Runners from the Corporate Challenge move down Onondaga Lake Parkway minutes after the start of the race in this 2011 photo.Mike Greenlar | [email protected] The Central New York running scene this week includes the annual J.P. Morgan Corporate Challenge on Tuesday, a couple of road races on Saturday and a triathlon on Sunday. 1). 2013 J.P. Morgan Corporate Challenge, the 3.5-mile team run/walk begins at 6:25 p.m. Tuesday at Onondaga Lake Park. All entries must be part of a corporate team, with each team needing to register a minimum of four employees. There is no limit to the number of employees that can be on a company team. Individual cost to enter is $32. For more, see the race website at jpmorganchasecc.com/events.php?city_id=13&page=events032012. 2). Utica Roadrunners XC Run, begins at 9 a.m. Saturday at T.R. Proctor Park, Utica. Cost is $10. Includes 1.5 mile and 5K races on the E.J. Herrmann cross country course. This is a timed cross country run run. There will be no t-shirts or awards provided. For more or to register, see the events calendar at fleetfeetsyracuse.com. 3). Chittenango Lions Club's Yellow Brick Road Run. Check-in at 7:30 a.m. Saturday. The 5-K walk begins at 8:30 a.m., followed by an 8K run at 9 a.m. Cost is $20 for pre-registration, and $25 on race day. Races start and end at the Chittenango Fire Hall For more, contact race director Steve White at [email protected] or go to chittenangolions.org and click on "fund raisers." 4). The Ironman 70.3 Syracuse is set for Sunday. The race begins at 7 a.m. at the beach at the Jamesville Beach Park, 3992 Apulia Road, Jamesville, where athletes will complete a 1.2-mile, single-loop swim. After that, competitors will ride a 56-mile bike course that winds through the Highland Forest recreational area, taking athletes through picturesque, rolling countryside of Onondaga, Madison, and Cortland counties. Athletes will finish with a 13.1-mile run, ending at the beach where they started. Cost is $275 for individual competitors; $375 for relay competitors. For more or to register, go to the event's website at ironmansyracuse.com. Last weekend's results: 1). 1). The 34th annual Swamp Rat Runs were held Saturday at Oneida Shores Park in Brewerton. The scheduled included mile run runs for girls and boys, followed by 5 K and 10 K races. For final results, see swampratrun.com. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

Each hike takes from 3 to 5 hours (or more) depending on trail length and weather conditions. The following is a press release: Onondaga Audubon has begun its series of summer field trips at Green Lakes State Park. While most Central New Yorkers know about the parks' two glacial lakes, few may be aware that the park also preserves the largest stand of old-growth forest in Central New York as well as extensive grassland habitat. In 2011, N.Y. State officials designated 1000 acres within the park as a Bird Conservation Area (BCA), devoted to sustaining wild bird populations and enhancing bird habitat. The park contains a relatively large tract of interior forest, including the old-growth stands; this area provides important breeding habitat for mature forest birds, such as Ovenbird and Wood Thrush. The grasslands provide habitat for a number of regionally declining birds, including Grasshopper Sparrow (special concern) and Northern Harrier (threatened). When the Green Lakes BCA plan is fully implemented, this area will be the largest area of preserved grassland within any state park. Finally, the park's two lakes provide stopover and foraging sites for many birds dependent upon open water, including Bald Eagle, Osprey, and water birds including ducks, herons, and grebes. We invite you to join one of Audubon's GLSP field trips to explore some of these unique avian habitats. Each hike takes from 3 to 5 hours (or more) depending on trail length and weather conditions. It is highly recommended that participants bring their own water and insect repellant. Please contact the hike leader for details on specific times and meeting places. Saturday, June 29th 
Trip Leader: Paul Richardson / 315-488-5022 Saturday, July 20th 
Trip Leader: Paul Richardson / 315-488-5022 View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

Tim Corrente, of the Camillus club, has shot 25 for 25 three weeks in a row. Central New York Trap League Results of week 9 (06/11/2013) Northern Division Central Square (183) at South Shore (200) North Sportsman (195) at Pathfinder (196) Toad Harbor (bye) Southern Division Pompey (197) at Skaneateles (195) Dewitt (192) at Bridgeport (197) Three Rivers (184) at Camillus (195) Standings North (Points, followed by total number of clays) Pathfinder 13 pts., 1380 Toad Harbor 10 pts., 1385 South Shore 8 pts., 1373 Central Square 4 pts., 1329 North Sportsman 1 pts., 1322 Standings South Pompey 15 pts., 1774 Camillus 12 pts., 1760 Three Rivers 10 pts., 1725 Bridgeport 9 pts. 1750 Skaneateles 8 pts., 1764 Dewitt 0 pts. 1684 Shooters who shot 25 out of 25. (Where 75s or 50s are noted, that means shooters shot 25 out of 25 three weeks or two weeks in a row, respectively. Where "1st" is indicated, that's the shooters first 25.y) Bridgeport, Bob Gerace 1st, Vince Valois, Mike Raimondo,Ron Falkowski, Tom Crowell Camillus, 75 Tim Corrente, 50 Bob Weigand,25's Tim Wylde,Len Kallfelz Central Square, None Dewitt, Rick Kenyon, Frank Kulas Jr. North Sportsman, Shawn Denslow,Howard Taffel,Gary Rizzo Pathfinder, 50 Jake Davies,25's Mark Cole,Joe Pietrowski,Dan Gregory Pompey,50 Mike Latocha,25's Deb Bell,Jim St. Pierre,Ralph Baker,Rob Zdardzinski Skaneateles, Rich Bobbett, Frank Bozeat,Steve Schrieber South Shore, Marc R.Young,Bill Detore,John Pawlicki,Al Gutchess,Charlie Soulier,Dottie Wells,Ray Kubacki, Tim LaFrance 1st Three Rivers, None Toad Harbor, Bye Results courtesy of Dick Masterpole. Home Ph. 963-8974 View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

"It's the moments that he spent with me outdoors and the memories he's given me through those experiences that makes me love being outdoors as much as I do," she said. Mary Kate Hartmann (Editor's note: The following email came too late to include in my wrapup that ran in Sunday's newspaper of readers' comments about how their father influenced their love for the outdoors. However, I was touched by it and decided to share it with readers.) The following was written by Mary Kate Hartmann, executive director at Baltimore Woods Nature Center: "I should start off by saying that I've never been camping. I've never even owned a tent or built a lean-to for fun. My Dad isn't that kind of outdoors man, however, even though that wasn't his thing, he's had a profound influence on my love of the outdoors. "My Dad taught me to love to play outside. Snow, wind, rain, 90 degree days, I can't remember a time growing up when he didn't take us outside to play soccer, catch, football, go sledding or for bike rides. He made being outside fun for us, something that we did together. "Time spent outdoors with my Dad resulted in me learning lessons about how practicing your sport could yield more playing time during games, that no matter how tough climbing that hill on your bike was reaching the top was always the reward and that pulling your kid up the hill in a sled because they were too tired to walk in the snow is just part of being a loving parent. "In the summer we'd go for walks as a family after dinner with the intention of going all around the neighborhood, but would usually make it 2 blocks before running into neighbors, the result of which would be us kids going off to play until the street lamps would come on while the parents sat outside on the porch visiting. Those walks are some of my favorite memories that I share with long time family friends as we remember a childhood spent outdoors rather than in front of a TV or computer screen. Now, us kids are all adults and we take our kids for walks together. Had we not taken all those walks and invested the time in visiting, would those life long friendships still be the same? "Sunsets and views. My mom likes to say that she never really stopped to watch the sun set until she met my Dad, so I can attribute my love of taking 10 minutes to watching the sun set to both of them I guess. Many times in the Summer and Fall we'd pile into the car for a little road trip after dinner and after a 20 minute ride end up finding a spot to watch the sun set with an ice cream cone. I think that might be the only time growing up that my siblings and I would sit still together for more than 5 minutes. My favorite time of day to drive is at sunset and as I've watched many gorgeous CNY sunsets on my drive home I can't help but remember all of those fun times with my family. "So while my Dad may not have taken me camping, taught me how to build a fire (outside of the fire pit in our driveway) or to fish, it's the other moments that he spent with me outdoors and the memories he's given me through those experiences that makes me love being outdoors as much as I do." Mary Kate Hartmann Executive Director Baltimore Woods Nature Center 4007 Bishop Hill Road - P.O. Box 133 Marcellus, NY 13108-0133 View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

<p> Chris Person, of Oneida, took third with his "Playful coyotes" shot. </p> <p><br />The name of the photographer who took third place in <a href="http://blog.syracuse.com/outdoors/2013/06/finalists_in_6th_annual_wildli.html">the Wildlife Photography Contest </a>was incorrect on this blog and in The Post-Standard newspaper Sunday.</p> <p>Chris Person, of Oneida, took third with his "Playful coyotes" shot. </p> <p>"There were four pups in my yard for about six week, eating berries off my mulberry tree," he said. "Nearly every day, I set up a blind from 6 to 9 a.m. and watched them play and run around.</p> <p>"I took more than 1,000 photos."</p> <p>The story incorrectly listed Robert F. Cook, of Earlville as the photographer. Cook took second place with his photo "Who goes there?," which showed a pair of Eastern screech owls peeking out of a hole near the peak of an old barn.</p> <p>Cook's photo of a coyote in the woods, "Alert Coyote," also was selected among the top 14 photos submitted in the contest.</p> <p>My apologies to Mr. Person. It was a good photo that he worked hard to get.</p> View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

<p> He caught it a jig, out on the shoals. </p> <p>Dan Kajdasz, 13, of Cicero caught this 28 1/2 inch walleye Wednesday June 12 on Oneida Lake.</p> <p>It was caught on a jig out on the shoals. He was out fishing at the time with his Dad, Grandfather, Uncle Marty and brother Chris.</p> <p> <br /></p> View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

<p> He got it on a spinner bait. </p> <p>Mark Lancette, of Camillus, caught this 43- inch tiger musky Sunday on Otisco Lake.</p> <p>He was using a spinner bait.</p> View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

Mother Nature never disappoints - particularly in Upstate New York. Mother Nature never disappoints - particularly in Upstate New York. There were a number of eye-opening entries for the 6th annual Wildlife Photography Contest. It was a tough call, but three stood out from the nearly 70 photos submitted by readers. This year's winner is "Heron sunset," a stunning photo of a great blue heron sitting on top of a tree in a swampy area at the Three Rivers Wildlife Management Area in Baldwinsville. "I was out shooting photos of cedar waxwings that evening, when suddenly I noticed the great sunset...and then the heron on top of the tree nearly 100 yards away," said Tony Carapella, of Baldwinsville. "I put on a telephoto lens, ran about 40 yards to center the bird in the sunset and was just able to snap just four photos before it flew away. "I called my wife on the way home and told her I just got the shot of the century. I was stoked." Second place this year went to Robert F. Cook, of Earlville, for his shot, "Who goes there?" Cook captured on film two Eastern screech owls peeking out of a hole on the side of a barn. "A neighbor called me and said he had these two owls in his barn," Cook said. "I just sat across the road on his front porch about 50 yards away with my long, telephoto lens and just shot away. It was just down the road from my house. It was a lucky thing. I never see owls." Cook also took third place honors with his "Playful coyotes" shot. "There were four pups in my yard for about six week, eating berries off my mulberry tree," he said. "Nearly every day, I set up a blind from 6 to 9 a.m. and watched them play and run around. I took more than 1,000 photos. " Other photos of note: 4). "Tired buck," shot by Tom Reimers of Ithaca 5). "Sitting still -- for now," shot by Laurel Butkins of Truxton 6). "Easy does it," by Lynn Cleveland of Frankfort Center, near Utica 7). "Albino squirrel," by Tom Bausterton of Rome . "Looking for lunch," by Laurel Butkins 9). "Alert coyote" by Robert F. Cook 10). "Gotcha ya!" by David Scheider of Liverpool 11). "Energetic ermine," by Lynn Cleveland 12). "You talking to me?" by Tom Baustert 13)."Big eyes," by Colby Bowman 14). "Listen up," by Clifford Hopkins Congratulations to everyone whose photo was chosen and thanks to all who entered -- David Figura . View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

"I love the outdoors, but most of all I love the man who taught me all about it." The feelings are deep and heart-felt for those whose love for the outdoors was influenced by their fathers. The following is sampling of thoughts on this topic submitted by readers in recent weeks: "My father instilled a love of nature and the outdoors in me at an early age. It started with watching birds visit our feeders. Once I was old enough, it progressed to hunting and fishing in the Adirondacks. It was the pursuit of these activities and the quality of time spent together, more than the game or fish harvested that mattered. "This fall marks my forty-second yearly trout fishing trip to a pond near Tupper Lake. My two sons will be on their twenty-first and thirteenth trips and the tradition lives on. My father passed many years ago but I never feel closer to him than on these outings. I feel comfortable knowing my sons will be sitting around the campfire recounting trips with me to their kids as I do with them. I've successfully passed to them a tradition. "My only regret was that the boys never got to go with their grandfather. Hopefully he's where he can see what has continued and feels a sense of pride. Before we head home I stand between them with an arm on their shoulders and say a prayer thankful for being together and hopeful for next year. *Don Therre, North Syracuse Bridget Strub, left, with her father, Brian Dwyer, of LiverpoolSubmitted photo "As far back as I can remember, my dad carved time out of each summer to take our family to the Adirondacks. A minimalist at heart, he found a cabin five hours away from our home that had no television, phone or bathroom in our cabin. It was there that my dad showed my brother and I the wonders of the great outdoors. "We were regularly shown how stillness offers you a ticket to an often over-looked and unseen show. Our days were filled with canoe trips across mirror-like lakes, listening to the breeze whisper through trees and watching as nature danced carelessly about us. A man of few words, I'd often catch my dad just standing and staring, just taking it all in. It was in those moments of stillness that I understood appreciation for simple beauty. It wasn't until my dad took me up a mountain, though that I realized the magnitude of nature's beauty. "As we stood at the summit and stared at panoramic expanse surrounding us my dad passed on to me the secret of appreciating the simple and love for the awe-inspiring, breathtaking beauty that is the great outdoors. Bridget Strub, of Rochester (formerly of Syracuse) "Forty years ago hunting was more of a tradition passed from father to son. It was the anticipation of opening day and Woolrich red and black plaid coats. My first deer hunt in 1969 with my father was one of my best. We saw deer but did not harvest one. My dad found the trail of a wounded deer that day and helped another hunter track it. I learned valuable skills and respect that day watching my dad unravel the sign and find the deer. "Any crisp October morning now brings back memories of my dad and the pheasant hunts we went on. The smell of frosted goldenrod and the feel of soggy boots just added to the experience. Most times back then I missed because I rushed my shots, it mattered then, but not now as I reflect back to those days. Although my dad has passed away, he still travels with me when I hunt. His guidance instilled a passion for the outdoors that only deepens each time I go afield, hunting, fishing or even just looking for puffballs." Tom Adessa, Auburn "My father taught me an appreciation for the outdoors at an early age. "As kids, my sisters and I used to fish on the St. Lawrence River with homemade fishing poles fashioned from sticks. He would take the fish off the hook of course! "My father used to take me out to the cornfields early in the morning to watch the Canadian Geese. He also taught me how to walk in the woods silently and look for signs of deer bedding down and where they scraped their antlers on tree trunks, when the males were "in the rut." There are many more examples of how he taught me and my siblings to respect and appreciate the outdoors...too many to list here." Melinda McNeil, Fayetteville "Most Saturdays in the summer my father would rent a row boat at Lemon Creek, Staten Island, and we would row out onto Princess Bay to fish for porgies and fluke. This ignited my need to fish." Bill DeForest, of Oswego Leighton and Sue Bookhout after a hunting trip for ruffed grouse. Sue is holding a grouse.Submitted "Give a girl a fish and you feed her for a day. Teach a girl to fish and you feed her for a lifetime. Teach her to shoot side-by-side shotguns, run pointing dogs on grouse, chase big game, call turkeys and shoot trap, and you set her up for a lifetime of adventure. "I am not sure if my dad realizes how much his love of the outdoors has affected my life. Not only do I have a tremendous amount of fun hunting, fishing and shooting, but the knowledge and skills that my dad passed along to me have helped me build a career and a lifestyle that I wouldn't trade for anything. "And on those days, when things just aren't going right, or during times of hardship, loss or sorrow, I can always grab my dogs and my shotgun- or my fly rod and my vest- and head for the hills. I've learned that the outdoors has a way of making things better- a way of putting things back into perspective." Sue Bookhout, of Cazenovia "Our father, Jack Plumley, instilled in my brothers (Jeremiah, John and James) and I a great love and respect for the outdoors by immersing us into the sportsman's world of the Adirondacks. I suppose this was only natural as he was descended from Adirondack guides, who honed their craft (livelihood) during the period preceding the Civil War to about 1910, when the automobile rendered the guides all but obsolete. "I cannot remember a time when we were not hunting, fishing or fur trapping. As a pre-schooler, I accompanied dad on his trap line (he mercifully left me in the truck to stay warm while he checked his traps). When we got home, we would watch him skin and stretch the fur in his woodstove-heated shop, often with his friends paying a visit to review the catch. The friendly banter (and the smell of wood and pipe smoke) are forever impressed upon my mind. "In second grade I took my brand new .22 rifle to show-and-tell, and was, as far as I knew, the envy of the entire world . I still get a chuckle when I recall my father telling a friend, in all seriousness, that he waited until we were 10 years old until we were allowed to hunt deer alone in the "big woods" with a high-powered rifle. He wanted to make sure we were "mature enough" (brother Jim took a 12-point Adirondack buck as a 12 year old boy and dad was worried that such a trophy would spoil him for future hunts). "Jack is now 84, and my brothers and I are all in our 50's. We still look forward to the fall when we can again gather in our remote camp for some healthful fun "taking our rifles for a walk." Joel Plumley and Father John (Jack) Plumley in their remote Adirondack lean-to, Fall 2007Submitted photo "Living in the woods every fall, we learned great and rare skills, few of which are useful in the modern world, although we all are pretty good cooks. More importantly, we learned life lessons that made us good and productive citizens:"Ethics: It is important to follow game laws, never take game that was not to be eaten, and be absolutely sure of your shot. "Hard work: When your only heat is from wood, shelter from cloth, and water from the stream, you either work or be damned uncomfortable. "Patience: Nature exists in a much slower time scale than modern humans, and it does not adapt to yours, you must adapt to it. "Respect: I am in awe at how animals thrive in the wilderness, and often humbled by their ability to out-smart me. "Confidence: When faced with a difficult decision, such as starting a business, I have asked myself "What's the worst that can happen". The answer has often been "You'll go broke and have to live in a wall tent with a wood stove................and you'll be just fine!". "We cannot possibly thank our father enough for such a rich and dventurous upbringing, except maybe to pass on his teachings to our children. They will undoubtedly prosper from it." Joel Plumley, of Baldwinsville " Dad is gone now but he was a significant influence in my outdoor activities. He was a game warden in Connecticut for many years and had a wealth of knowledge about the outdoors. We camped and fished the upper Connecticut River in Vermont and netted crabs off the piling of the dock in Saybrook, Connecticut. " We also enjoyed digging for clams, ice fishing in winter and trout fishing in local streams. He would take me early in the morning to tend my trap line before he went to work. He let me pick out my first hunting dog pup. Spotting a pheasant from the bus on the way home from school, he never questioned me when I told him " I saw one Dad!" Away we went no matter how tired he might have been. For my eighth birthday a BIG SURPRISE! He gave me a new 22 rifle! Because of Dad, I cannot bypass picking up a discarded bottle or can. "Wow! I get it; plus a 5 cent bonus!" " My only regret is that I was not around as much to take him out in his later years due to work and marriage here in New York. Now, in my later years as a sportsman educator I can pass on to youngsters that which was passed on to me; so they might enjoy the outdoor experiences that have meant so much to me." Moose Dibbern, of Elbridge "Enjoy it all, Moll. The beauty, sounds, and smells. Remember to set the hook! Love, Dad." My father had those sentiments inscribed on an old USCE compass he gifted to me years ago. It is one of my favorite presents. Molly Sartori and her dad. "My father is still very much alive, but our adventures in the Adirondack Mountains have become much less frequent. I've spent many happy hours in the woods with my father. Hunting for small game... (er, taking my gun for a walk in the woods just to spend some quality time with him), trout fishing, hiking, snowshoeing, canoeing, and camping. ""I'm not sure what I've enjoyed more. Learning about nature, listening to the stories of his childhood, eating that nice warm meal after a long cold day, joking and laughing during the long car rides, catching those beautiful native brook trout, seeing wildlife, or just listening to his words of wisdom. One of the most profound things he said to me is that every little thing you do, every interaction or kind deed or word, affects somebody in some way." "I love the outdoors, but most of all I love the man who taught me all about it!" Molly Sartori "I've always had a great love for the outdoors thanks to my Dad. "Some of my best memories growing up in the 1970s and 1980s were the many camping trips he would take my brother, sister and me to the Adirondacks. These weren't your average car-camping trips, these were the real deal: canoe trips that required portaging between ponds and several miles of hiking and paddling before we set up campsite. Cooking on the campfire at night we knew we were the only people for miles and miles around. We would wake up to the sounds of loons, pick blueberries for a pancake breakfast, and then head out for more adventure with plenty of GORP and "bug juice." We would go on day-hikes up into the mountains, go swimming in the lake, or try to catch some fish for that evening's dinner. Here is a photo of my father, sister, brother and me (eating a snack) on top of a mountain in the Adirondacks. 1978Submitted photo "These childhood Adirondack adventures with my father were only the beginning, they continue on to this day. We have canoed down the Oswegatchie River, explored the Five Ponds Wilderness Area, and most recently had the biggest trip of them all - to Lake Placid where I married my beautiful wife. " Jonathan Hall, of Ithaca "Like father, like son" is a familiar expression to most of us. I like to say like father, like daughter as many of my dad's interests have become mine. Dad taught me how to golf, garden and often shared with us his home movies of fishing trips with the boys. The 8 mm reels are now on video so it is easier for us to view them "He did take me to Drumlins once to golf, but the laughter that came from the clubhouse after I whiffed so many times probably prevented him from inviting me on a fishing trip. I was never a quiet child, "His favorite trips included Canadian trips with his good friend Stanley who became my sister's godfather. We always looked forward to the rainbow trout he would bring home and the amusing stories he would tell. "It is a bit difficult for him to go on fishing trips now that he is 91, but he enjoys listening to my stories about my annual Oneida Lake fishing trip. He is always the first person I call when I make the first catch.. "As a child, I could never understand why anyone would enjoy fishing-too quiet for me. Now that I am a retired adult, I find a day on the fishing boat so relaxing, and the joy I feel when I get that first legal walleye is hard to describe. Thank you , Dad, for so many things-family trips, a college education, good advice, and introducing me to two sports which have enhanced my retirement. Jean Edminster, of Fayetteville "Some of my earliest memories bring me someplace outdoors, whether it is hunting, fishing, camping, or hiking and nearly all of them involve my father in some capacity. As a child, I can remember many November nights waiting anxiously for my dad to get back from a hunting trip. "The later it got the more sure I was he would come home with evidence of a successful hunt. In the spring and summer, I looked forward to camping trips and afternoon fishing excursions but hunting season was always the highlight for both of us. "My dad accompanied me to my hunters safety course. At 12, I started tagging along with him in the woods. I almost certainly cost him a few opportunities, unable to sit still or stop asking questions long enough for the woods to settle down. At 14, I started carrying a shotgun in pursuit of small game but was just as happy to tag along. At 16, as a licensed big game hunter, he continued to teach me proper woodsmanship. He demanded responsibility, sportsmanship, and respect for the game being pursued and the land being used. " Now, as an adult, I still enjoy hunting most when I am with my dad, even if we are on opposite ends of the land. Nothing is more satisfying than sharing the success of a hunt with him and I continue to learn from him, as he does from me. I look forward to passing the same passion, knowledge, and appreciation for the outdoors to my son when he comes of age and look forward to many more years of hunting with my father." James Wright, of Onondaga Hill View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

Readers continue to take me up on The Figura Challenge. to visit 15 prime outdoors destinations this summer in Central New York. Following last Sunday's story on the great blue heron rookery up at the Sterling Nature Center, it's no surprise a couple of readers stopped in there. Paul Pflanz, of Syracuse wrote: "Nice piece in today's paper on... A great blue heron feeds its young at the great blue heron rookery at the Sterling Nature Center.Paul Pflanz Readers continue to take me up on The Figura Challenge. to visit 15 prime outdoors destinations this summer in Central New York. Following last Sunday's story on the great blue heron rookery up at the Sterling Nature Center, it's no surprise a couple of readers stopped in there. Paul Pflanz, of Syracuse wrote: "Nice piece in today's paper on the 15 spots in the Figura challenge. My wife and I have visited all but one (#9) many times and agree, they are special. Today, we took a trip to Sterling Nature Center to see how the great blue herons were getting along. Herons generally lay 3-4 eggs and these seem to be doing well with three visable youngsters in almost each nest. "We arrived in late afternoon about 4 p.m. and it was obviously feeding time. Although, with these young herons, it is probably always feeding time! The center was getting quite a bit of traffic with about a dozen people making the trek out to the heron viewing platform. Your column must be having an effect. There were also lots of birds, a beaver and a bald eagle in attendance. A fine time was had by all. Ben Volmer, of Minoa, wrote: "We set off for Sterling with little in the way of expectations. We planned to checkout the rookery and walk around the lake shore, so I brought my long lens. After about a ten minute walk from the car we came to the beaver pond and Great Blue Heron Rookery. "There were about ten people already at the viewing platform when we arrived, but everyone was quiet and respectful of the birds and the experience. We probably only stayed about 20 minutes, during which time I probably took about 50 pictures. I believe we made a quick estimate of about 30 nests, many of which are close enough for good viewing, but all of which would benefit from a set of binoculars. "We were able to see the adults hunt and feed their chicks before moving on. Once we continued on, we made to much noise to see much other wildlife, though we did hear a woodpecker on the trail to the vernal pool, and we enjoyed the view of the lake from the bluffs on the return to the car." (Thanks to David Figura of syracuse.com for the idea.) Check out his photos Chittenango Falls.Chris Murray Glenn Vatter, of Pompey wrote: "As a life-long resident of CNY, I have been to all of the 15 sites, except for Bear Swamp. I will visit there this summer. I went to Chittenango Falls last week when the water was really roaring over the falls. What a sight! We go to Pratts Falls all the time since we live right around the corner. We are indeed fortunate to have these beautiful places here in New York. At most of these places you can get a grill and a table most anytime for a picnic. Try that around any big city! View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

Up until then, only catch-and-release fishing is allowed for bass. CNY FISHING REPORT Reminder: The regular bass fishing season opens Saturday. Up until then only catch-and-release bass fishing is allowed. INLAND TROUT STREAMS: Many sections of area streams and lakes have been stocked as the beginning of this month. They include: Cayuga County: North Brook, Owasco Inlet, Salmon Creek and Fall Creek; Cortland County: Otselic River; Cortland County: Little York Lake, Merrill Creek, East Br. Tioughnioga River, West Br. Tioughnioga River, Casterline Pond and the Otselic River; Madison County: Lebanon Reservoir, Eaton Brook Reservoir, Upper Lelands Pond, Stonemill Brook, Beaver Creek, Canastota Creek, Limestone Creek, Payne Brook, Chittenango Creek, Canaseraga Creek, Chenango River, Cowaselon Creek, Old Chenango Canal, Oneida Creek, Sangerfield River, and the Otselic River; Onondaga County: Nine Mile Creek, Onondaga Creek; West Br. Onondaga Creek, Tannery Ceek, Spafford Brook, Furnace Brook, Fabius Brook, Limestone Creek, West Br. Limestone Creek, Geddes Brook, Carpenters Brook, Butternut Creek, and Skaneateles Creek. (Hotline number is (315) 689-0003); Oswego County: Light House Hill Reservoir, Black Creek, North Br. Salmon River, Rice Creek, East Br. Salmon River, Salmon River and West Branch of Fish Creek; Tompkins County: Enfield Creek, Virgil Creek, Buttermilk Creek, Salmon Creek, Fall Creek and Sixmile Creek and Cayuga Lake. LAKE ONTARIO Brown trout continue to be scattered after the variable winds we've had the last few weeks. If you can find some off colored water try fishing stickbaits and small spoons in the area during the early morning. As the day gets brighter, moving to 40 feet or deeper water has been helping to extend the brown trout bite. Lake trout fishing has been more stable with fish being found in 100 to 200 feet of water. Some salmon have been hitting flasher and flies and spoons fished 80 feet down over 150 feet of water. (A reminder, the Canadian bass fishing season opens Saturday, the same as our season. Previously, it used to be a week later). SALMON RIVER Fishing has really slowing down on the river, which is usual for this time of year. Water level is up. There are smallmouth bass and rock bass being caught in the lower river. OSWEGO RIVER Some walleye are being taken in the river on large stickbaits, jigs and nightcrawlers. Trolling after dark in the harbor with large stickbaits is producing some walleye, with some nights being good and others being very slow. Anglers are starting to get more catfish and freshwater drum (sheepshead) in the river. ONEIDA LAKE Walleye bite has picked up lately off of Shackelton Point, particularly for anglers using Sonar lures. Also, black and purple jigs with a red flash are also effective, along with Dixie spinners (worm harnesses). Bass are also biting well for catch-and-release.They appear to be off their spawning beds. CAYUGA LAKE Trolling in 80 to 160 feet of water with spoons or flasher and flies, fished off downriggers, copper wire, or Dipsey divers is working for lake trout. Vertical jigging is also working for lake trout in 50 to 150 feet of water. SENECA LAKE Lake trout are hitting spoons and flasher and flies fished 60 to 150 feet down. Vertical jigging with plastics is also working in 50 to 135 feet of water. OWASCO LAKE Anglers getting out on the north end are catching yellow perch on minnows. Anglers trolling with spoons or flasher and flies are getting some lake trout and a few brown trout. Catch-and-release bass fishing has been good lately. OTISCO LAKE Walleye fishing has picked up lately. Anglers are trolling for them in early morning and mid-day using Challenger stickbaits. Also, they're getting them at night from shore, also using stickbaits off locations such as the Causeway. Bluegill and rock bass bites are are also extremely good. Bass appear to be off their beds. SKANEATELES LAKE Perch are being caught on the north end. A few lake trout and rainbow trout are being caught by anglers fishing for the perch or bass in 15 to 25 feet of water. Smallmouth bass are being taken by anglers taking advantage of the catch and release season and good lures have been tube jigs. Anglers are also taking their share of nice-sized, rock bass, particularly at the northern end. SANDY POND: A few walleye and northern pike are being caught on the pond. Anglers are also getting some black crappie, bluegills and yellow perch. ST. LAWRENCE RIVER Water has been cold lately, but should start warming up soon. (A reminder, the Canadian bass fishing season opens Saturday, the same as New York's season. Previously, it used to be a week later). SODUS BAY Anglers fishing the deeper water are still getting some yellow perch. Bluegill fishing has picked up as the spawn has started. Northern pike fishing has been good with pike hitting a variety of lures with stickbaits and spoons being good bets. Bass fishing has also been good with bass jigs, plastics and topwaters all working. WHITNEY POINT RESERVOIR White crappie fishing continues to be good with most of fish being found away from shore now. There are still some being caught near shore, but it looks like the spawn is about over. Some real nice, 12- to 15-inch, crappies are being taken. The walleye bite is starting to improve and angles are getting them on worm harnesses. The channel catfish bite continues to be slow, but it should pick up. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

Have you accepted The Figura Challenge? I'm looking forward to hearing from readers who have. Send your comments and pictures to [email protected]. It's that time of year. Yes, bass season opens this Saturday. It's also a time each year when we pay homage to our fathers (Sunday is Father's Day) and enjoy the submissions from readers for the annual wildlife photograph contest. I'm a bit of a sentimentalist. I have to admit, reading some of the submissions from readers about how their fathers influenced their love for the outdoors brought a tear to my eye in more than one case. And what can I say about the wildlife photography contest? It's so cool to see readers capture on film the wonders of Mother Nature. Here's what's on my platter this week and next: - The Wildlife photography contest and the story summing up from readers how their fathers influenced their love for the outdoors. - This year's bass season is special for those fishing on the St. Lawrence River and Lake Ontario.. This year, the Canadian and New York bass season start on the same day. In year's past, the Canadian season always started a week later. - ECO/forest ranger boot camp... actually, it's a training class for new environmental conservation officers and forest rangers. It's taking place right now up in Pulaski and its the first class of new officers since 2008. Also coming up - The marked increase of memberships at local rod and gun clubs in the wake of the SAFE Act. - A Cicero man who's dedicated to improving the population of purple martins in Central New York. - A story on the :master set" of 4,938 downloadable bird sounds released by Cornell. - A story on the unique emergency room at the Cornell vet school were wild and domestic animals are given special treatment. 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! Each Thursday on this blog through the summer, 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], Two new occasional features: 1). "Keeping Watch" a weekly or bi-weekly report from the Region 7 DEC office noting the fional dispositions of recent tickets issued by local conservation officers. Only ones where the defendant has pleaded guilty or is found guilty will be listed. 2). "Ask the Outdoors Guy" a weekly posting noting a question or questions from readers about the outdoors. If I can't provide an answer, I'll find someone who will. Send your questions 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

Tentative season dates for ducks, geese, woodcock, snipe and rails can be found on the DEC website. Stu Gallagher The tentative schedule for many of New York's 2013-14 migratory game bird seasons is now available, allowing sportsmen and sportswomen to plan outdoor activities well in advance, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Joe Martens announced today. Tentative season dates for ducks, geese, woodcock, snipe and rails can be found on the DEC website. "New York's Open for Hunting and Fishing Initiative supports tourism opportunities to further benefit sportsmen and sportswomen throughout the state," Commissioner Martens said. "DEC announces the tentative schedule so hunters can begin making plans for statewide hunting trips and for a safe and successful season. Still, we always remind hunters to check the final dates, usually issued in late summer, before going afield." The final season dates, bag limits and other regulations for 2013-14 migratory game bird hunting seasons in New York will be posted on DEC's website and announced by a statewide news release, once they are approved by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Hunters should confirm the final season dates before going afield. The tentative season dates were developed by a team of DEC staff representing all regions of the state, taking into consideration anticipated federal regulations for the coming year and recommendations from Waterfowl Hunter Task Forces established by DEC for each zone. DEC has used a task force approach since 1997, and it has been very helpful for setting seasons where hunter preferences are diverse. For more information about the Waterfowl Hunter Task Forces, go to the DEC website. Tentative season dates for the Lake Champlain Zone were not included because they will be determined by the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Board following public meetings likely to be held in August in Whitehall, NY and Burlington, VT. DEC encourages New York waterfowl hunters who frequent the Champlain Zone to attend one of these meetings; details will be announced later this summer. Comments and suggestions about the Lake Champlain Zone may also be submitted to any DEC season-setting team member or by e-mail to [email protected]. Copies of the 2013-14 migratory game bird hunting regulations brochure will be available on the DEC website in late August and by mid-September wherever hunting licenses are sold. Governor Cuomo's NY Open for Hunting and Fishing Initiative is an effort to improve recreational activities for in-state and out-of-state sportsmen and sportswomen and to boost tourism opportunities throughout the state. This initiative includes the streamlining of hunting and fishing licensing and reducing license fees, improved access for fishing at various sites across the state, and increasing hunting opportunities in various regions. For more information about waterfowl and migratory game bird hunting in New York, visit the DEC website. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

See the results from last weekend's races, which included a triathlon. This weekend's Central New York running schedule features one event - the 34th annual Swamp Rat Runs Saturday at Oneida Shores Park in Brewerton. Registration kicks off at 7:15 a.m.; with mile fun runs set for girls and boys, at 8:30 a.m. and 8:50 a.m., respectively; followed by a 5K run at 9:10 a.m. and a 10K at 10 a.m. The event is being administered by the Cicero-North Syracuse Cross Country Team and the Syracuse Chargers Track Club. For more or to register online, see the event's website at swampratrun.com LAST WEEKEND'S RESULTS 1). "Paige's Butterfly Run," was held Saturday morning in downtown Syracuse. For final results of the 5 K run, see pbrun.org. 2). The 18th annual "Nate the Great Race," was heldSaturday morning in conjunction with the Boxing Hall of Fame Weekend in Canastota. For final results, see naterace.com 3). Green Lakes State Park in Fayetteville was the scene of the " Livestrong Green Lakes Triathlon," on Saturday. Sunday, the park was the setting for the "7@7 Altitude with Attitude, " a 7.7 race over challenging terrain, followed by the "Green Lakes 5K Livestrong at the YMCA" run, which featured a nice, flat course around the park's two lakes. For results of all three races, see the event's webpage. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

John Rogers will share his experience and insight about the plight of bluebirds. A female and a male bluebird.Dave Lassman |[email protected] The following is a press release: Join us at the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, 3395 US Route 20 East, Seneca Falls, NY at 2 p.m. July 13 for our Nature of Montezuma Lecture Series. Bluebird enthusiast, John Rogers, will share his experience and insight about the plight of bluebirds. Rogers has been involved with the conservation of Eastern Bluebirds for over 35 years. The focus of his presentation will be on the life history of the Eastern Bluebird, other birds that commonly nest in bluebird boxes, and nest box management. He will also share his passion for nature in hopes that the audience will absorb some broader and deeper messages about nature. John is an amateur Bluebird enthusiast. He has maintained an extensive trail of bluebird nest boxes in central N.Y. He co-founded the New York State Bluebird Society in 1982. Over the last 30 years, he has presented Bluebird slide programs, workshops, and field trips for hundreds of organizations in 10 states and 2 Canadian provinces. Nature of Montezuma programs run from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m. The series is co-sponsored by the Friends of the Montezuma Wetlands Complex. If you are interested in sponsoring this series, please contact Chris Lajewski at the Montezuma Audubon Center, 315/365-3588, or Andrea VanBeusichem at the Montezuma NWR, 315/568-5987, ext. 228. John RogersDennis Nett | [email protected] Fee: Free to members of the Friends of the Montezuma Wetlands Complex; $5 for adult non-members; $3 for students and seniors non-members. Your fee will help fund future programs. For more information, contact Tasha Daniels at 315/568-5987 ext. 229, [email protected]. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog