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  1. The bird weighed 17 pounds. Mitchell Seabury, 12, of Manlius, proudly poses with his first wild turkey, which he shot on Memorial Day weekend in Pompey. His father Jeff Seabury wrote: "After two years of practicing his turkey calls, Saturday morning brought three jakes to our decoys and Mitchell was able to take one of them. You can see the joy on his face." The bird weighed 17 pounds. "I'd like to give special thanks to expert caller Pete Tantalo," the father said. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog
  2. Send me your impressions and photos to show you've visited my 15 suggested outdoors locations. I'll provide a weekly update of what readers are saying. From left, Molly Channels and Anna Kate Waters take a break while hiking at Bear Swamp.Mike Waters Last Sunday, I laid down "The Figura Challenge" and readers responded to my proposal to visit 15 prime, outdoor destinations this summer throughout Central New York.Check out the list. I've heard from many who have started, and many who intend to start. In addition, I heard from others asking me to add their favorite spots that were missing from my list. I'll be giving a weekly Figura Challenge report each Thursday on this blog. My report will include stories from readers who've visited my suggested destinations. I'm asking those who write to note the highlights, what they didn't like and suggestions for others planning to visit -- along with their photos to show they were there. Send your comments and photos to [email protected]. Among those who've taken me up on my challenge is Mike Waters, one of the newspaper's basketball writers. Over the Memorial Day weekend, Mike, his wife Robin, son Chris, daughter Anna Kate and her friend Molly Channels (all from Camillus) traveled down to Bear Swamp. "Great hike. 1 down 14 to go!" Waters wrote. A sampling of comments from others who've taken the challenge: Visited Sterling Nature Center last week, and Labrador Hollow today. -syrmatthew Two down, 13 to go. -voyager1 Other locations suggested by readers that weren't on my list: Morgan Hill State Forest Morgan Hill State Forest which has a spur from the Fingerlakes trail which you can take to Highland Forest and eventually into The North trail which will run to Crown Point and into the Adirondacks.You can hike all the way to the Dakotas from here. And a spur from Tinker's Falls to Labrador and then onto Heigberg Forest. Probably the best hiking area around here if you want to get out there and go and not come back for a while. Carpenter's Falls (This 90-foot waterfall, on Bear Swamp Creek, is located on the southwestern side of Skaneateles Lake, just north of New Hope. See more about it.) Unless you're trying to keep it secret. It's far superior to Pratts or ever Beaver Lake. -mchamlin Carpenter's Falls is definitely one of my favorite locations when I'm making a short trip. -kylerobhew1 Montezuma Heritage Park Includes over 140 acres with the historic remains of early Erie and Cayuga-Seneca Canals along the Seneca River/Barge Canal in the Town of Montezuma. It is being developed to include improved nature trails, interpretive historic sites, fishing, canoe and kayak landing, and nature viewing areas. Enjoy walking and biking along six trails now open. See the park's website. -Cheryl Longyear Montezuma Town Historian Salmon River Falls (Located in the Town of Orwell in Oswego County. See more about it.) Salmon River Falls should be on this list. -syrbass Other suggestions/miscellaneous: Be sure to check out www.cnyhiking.com to find out much more about these few places and many more places to explore! -Edmund Resseler Awesome list - have been to most - but have added a few to my "CNY Outdoors Bucket List" for this year - Thanks for sharing...Meanwhile, one reader asked about a place to take dogs to swim. Can you pass on to him (possibly) that there are a bunch of people that swim and train dogs at the Skaneateles Nature preserve (first pond in on the left before the lean to's begin) off old seneca tnpk, and also in Lysander Park off canton Street Road (the road that goes between Warners and B'ville).. Both are great places for dog and water! -syracusedad View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog
  3. He caught it on a Mepps spinner. Jack Joyner, of Williamstown, holds up a nice 18-inch brown trout he caught recently on the East Branch of the Salmon River in Redfield. His fishing buddy, Kenn Pickard, of North Syracuse, took the photo. By the way, I love the toothpick in his mouth. Maybe I should try that next time I'm fishing. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog
  4. Four shooters from different clubs shot 25 for 25 two weeks in a row. CENTRAL NEW YORK TRAP LEAGUE RESULTS (WEEK 7 -- May 28) NORTHERN DIVISION SOUTH SHORE (197) at PATHFINDER (200) TOAD HARBOR (197) at NORTH SPORTMAN (191) CENTRAL SQUARE (bye) SOUTHERN DIVISION SKANEATELES (200) at Bridgeport (200) THREE RIVERS (187) at POMPEY (198) CAMILLUS (195) at DEWITT (193) STANDINGS (Division leaders) North Division: Toad Harbor, with 10 points Southern Division: Pompey, with 11 points (Teams earn 2 points for a win; 1 point for a tie and 0 points for a loss) Shooters who shot 25 for 25 (Where 50 is noted, that means shooters shot 25 for 25 two weeks in a row) BRIDGEPORT---50--DAVE COON--25s--JOE ST. PIERRE--GEORGE LOVELESS--LEE SMITH--MATT CARR --JOE CAMPBELL--TOM CROWELL--RICK TASSONE--CHRIS CRETARO CAMILLUS--- JOHN MAJOR--JERRY DECIRCE--TIM CORRENTE DEWITT---25'S---RICK KENYON--ANTHONY SANTARO 1st----PETER CATALANO JR. NORTH SPORTMAN---50--TIM RODER--25'S--JIM LYBOLT PATHFINDER---50--TODD LUND--25'S--RICHIE STEPHENSON--BILL CHILLSON--ALEX ST. LOUIS -- TRAVIS DANN--PAUL CLARKE--JAMES DAVIES--NORM NELSON POMPEY---50--TIM WILCOX--25'S--JOE WILCOX--WAYNE WILCOX--MARK SCHMID--BRENDEN BACKUS --TODD WAY SKANEATELES---50--GARY DOBIES--25'S--TOM MAIN--JIM FELLOWS--MIKE RICHARDSON-- MARK PATTERSON--WAYNE LEAR--BOB PARKER--FRANK BOZEAT--DICK PERKENS SOUTH SHORE---25'S--DON WELLS--DOTTIE WELLS--ALEX KUBACKI--TERRY MORSE--JOE SNYDER THREE RIVERS-----NONE TOAD HARBOR----50--BILL KENT--25'S--KEITH CHESBRO--JOE SIMKO--JASON MULLIGAN--BOB GREEN Results courtesy of Dick Masterpole. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog
  5. Each Thursday, I plan to give an update on my outdoors blog -- summarizing readers' reactions, stories and photos in response to "The Figura Challenge." June (and that means opening of bass fishing season) is coming on us fast. Hope everyone had a great Memorial Day weekend. I laid out the "The Figura Challenge" in Sunday's paper -- 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. 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. If you didn't see the original story, check it out. This week's report will also contain several other places that readers have recommended. If you see your favorite spot missing from my list, send me a note to [email protected], Here's what else I'm working on this week and the next: - How a group of Canadian fishery biologists and techs are on Fish Creek this week (a tributary on Oneida Lake's eastern side) and plan to release lampricide in the water to get rid of spawning lampreys from the lake. Why the Canadians? It's a little complicated. Exact, pre-determined amounts of lampricide are added to a stream to kill the lampreys and not affect other life in the stream.John Berry | [email protected] - Results of the National Lake Trout Derby last weekend on Seneca Lake. (A Skaneateles guy took the $5,000 grand prize with his 14.01-ounce lake trout) - The free family fishing clinic being offered Saturday at Carpenter's Brook Fish Hatchery - An update on the DEC's new training class for environmental conservation officers and forest rangers taking place up the DEC's Salmon River facility. - A precede story to the opening day of bass fishing season. (June 15) - The Great Blue Heron rookie up at the Sterling Nature Center. It's something to see and should be prime for viewing in a few weeks. FInally: The deadline for the newspaper's annual Wildlife Photography contest is soon. June 5 to be exact. Get those entries in! The best photos will run on Father's Day. 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
  6. <p> Tiger muskie fishing continues to be good on Otisco Lake for those targeting them. </p> <p><strong>CNY FISHING REPORT</strong></p> <p><strong>INLAND TROUT STREAMS:</strong> Many sections of area streams and lakes have been stocked as of May 10. They include<strong> Cayuga County:</strong> North Brook, Owasco Inlet, Salmon Creek and Fall Creek; Cortland County: Otselic River; <strong>Cortland County:</strong> 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; <strong>Onondaga County: </strong>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); <strong>Oswego County:</strong> 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.</p> <p><strong>LAKE ONTARIO</strong><br />Brown trout fishing continues to be slow and fish are scattered after the variable winds we've had the last few weeks. Fishing stickbaits and small spoons in shallow near shore water during the early morning has been a good starting point. As the day gets brighter, moving to deeper water has been helping to extend the brown trout bite. Lake trout fishing has been good in 100 to 200 feet of water and a few bonus salmon are being caught in this deeper water as well. Salmon have been hitting flasher and flies, flasher and cut-bait, or spoons.</p> <p><strong>SALMON RIVER</strong><br />Fishing is really slowing down on the river, but there are still a few steelhead and brown trout being caught. Good baits are streamers, nightcrawlers,pink Powerbait trout worms and egg sacs. Smallmouth bass are being caught in the lower river.</p> <p><strong>OSWEGO RIVER</strong> <br />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. The trout bite is pretty much over in the river with the warmer weather and anglers are starting to get more catfish and freshwater drum (sheepshead).</p> <p><strong>ONEIDA LAKE </strong><br />The strong winds and rain have made fishing difficult this week. Walleye were being taken in 8 to 20 feet of water with jigs tipped with nightcrawler, blade baits and stickbaits working. Shore anglers are getting some walleye on stickbaits or jigs just before and after dark. Pickerel are being caught in good numbers on the lake. (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.)</p> <p><strong>CAYUGA LAKE</strong> <br />Anglers trolling stickbaits or spoons from 15 to 30 feet down are catching some brown trout and Atlantic salmon. 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. Perch are still being caught on the north end.</p> <p><strong>SENECA LAKE</strong><br />Brown trout and Atlantic salmon are hitting on spoons and stickbaits trolled near the surface down to 20 feet below the surface. Lake trout are hitting spoons and flasher and flies fished 60 to 150 feet down. Some perch are starting to show up in shallow water bays throughout the lake.</p> <p><strong>OWASCO LAKE</strong><br />Anglers are cashing in lately on lake and brown trout, along with northern pike, perch - even the bullheads are still biting at the southern end. Mooneyes and crayfish have been effective as bait.</p> <p><strong>OTISCO LAKE</strong><br />Tiger muskie fishing has been good for anglers targeting them. Remember tiger musky must be 36 inches to be legal on Otisco Lake. Anglers taking advantage of the catch-and-release bass season are getting smallmouth and largemouth bass. A few walleye are also being taken by anglers trolling with stickbaits or spinner rigs.</p> <p><strong>SKANEATELES LAKE</strong><br />Perch continue to be 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 reportedly catching a lot of trout and bullhead on the southern end.</p> <p><strong>SANDY POND:</strong><br />A few walleye and northern pike are being caught on the pond. Anglers are also getting some black crappie, bluegills and yellow perch.</p> <p><strong>ST. LAWRENCE RIVER</strong> <br />Northern pike fishing has picked up lately. Try casting a Rapala Husky Jerk lure and fish in about 12-20 feet of water. Perch fishing has slowed, but bullhead bite continues to be strong.</p> <p><strong>SODUS BAY</strong><br />Bluegill fishing has picked up on the bay as the bluegill spawn has started. Anglers are still catching some yellow perch in the bay. Northern pike fishing has been good with pike hitting a variety of lures with stickbaits and spoons being good bets. Anglers fishing by the bridge on the south end are still getting some bluegills, crappies, and bullheads.</p> <p><strong>WHITNEY POINT RESERVOIR</strong> <br />White crappie fishing has been very good with fish hitting a variety of baits. Most crappie are being taken near shore on minnows or small jigs, but others are being caught off shore by anglers trolling worm harnesses and crankbaits for walleye. Some walleye are being taken also, but overall walleye fishing has been slow. Bullheads are being taken by shore anglers fishing off the Kiebel Road side. The channel catfish bite has been slow so far.</p> View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog
  7. Cash awards were given for the largest fish and several places down in four categories: lake trout, brown trout , rainbow trout and landlocked salmon. A Skaneateles man walked away Monday with the $5,000 grand prize for catching the biggest fish last weekend during the National Lake Trout Derby on Seneca Lake. Jarod Hughes caught a 14.01- pound lake trout to win the event, which began at sunrise Saturday morning and concluded at noon Monday with an awards ceremony at Lakeside Park in Geneva. A total of 1,279 anglers entered the competition, said Colin Morehouse, the tournament's spokesman. Cash awards were given for the top five fish in four categories: lake trout, brown trout, rainbow trout and landlocked salmon. In addition, another 25 cash prizes were given in other categories. In total, more than $21,000 in cash and prizes were handed out, Morehouse said. Since he won the grand prize, the fish Hughes caught was not eligible for the lake trout division. That $2,000 prize went to Nicholas R. Overacker, of Millport, whose laker weighed 13.18 pounds. The largest brown trout was caught by Nicholas Furano, of Seneca Falls (12.93 pounds); the largest rainbow was landed by Matthew Cooper of Freeville (7.2 pounds) and the largest landlocked salmon was caught by William Ryan, of Auburn (8.01 pounds). All three anglers were awarded $1,000. See the event's website for complete results. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog
  8. The event is free and no fishing license is required. Fishing rods, tackle, bait and educational materials will be provided. The following is a DEC press release: The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), Onondaga County Parks and Friends of Carpenter's Brook Fish Hatchery will conduct a free Family Fishing Clinic from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at Carpenters Brook Fish Hatchery, located on County Route 321 in Elbridge, Onondaga County. This is a DEC-sponsored events (such as family fishing clinics) where participants can learn about fish identification, fishing equipment and techniques, fisheries management, angling ethics and aquatic ecology. The event is free, and no fishing license is required in order to fish during the program. Fishing rods, tackle, bait and educational materials will be provided. The event is catch and release only. Children under age 16 must be supervised. The clinic will consist of four 15-minute breakout sessions presented by DEC staff. Instruction will be offered in common fishing tackle and techniques, fish identification and biology, aquatic ecology, and fish preparation and cooking. During the second half of the session the group will split time between casting practice and fishing. There are a number of other "Free Fishing Events" held throughout New York State. Free. For more details on these events and to view a listing of other events statewide, visit the DEC's website at http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/27123.html and be sure to check back periodically to see if additional events have been added. In addition, New York State designates the last full weekend in June as Free Fishing Days. During those two days, anyone can fish New York State waters, and no fishing license is required. Since no license is required, it is the perfect time to take a friend or relative fishing. In 2013, New York State's Free Fishing Days are Saturday and Sunday, June 29 & 30. For more, call the hatchery at 689-9367. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog
  9. It was a largemouth bass. The boy used the "Top Secret" 3" BPS Sticko with a weighted, red, wacky hook and an orthodontist rubber band. Evan Grady, 2, of Baldwinsville, looks on with amazement as his father Patrick, holds up the boy's first fish, a scrappy, largemouth bass. The fish was released after this photo was taken. His father wrote: "My two year old wanted to go fishing but due to the winds yesterday we decided to leave the boat home and walk across the street to a small pond. "My wife captured on film Evan's first fish-- a scrappy largemouth bass. We used the "Top Secret" 3" BPS Sticko with a weighted, red, wacky hook and an orthodontist rubber band. "This setup is great for the kids. Big brother and sister, Ryan and Jordyn, each managed a few of their own. Ten fish in about 30 minutes." View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog
  10. There's a 3-D archery shoot Sunday at the Fayetteville-Manlius Rod and Gun Club. CNY OUTDOORS CALENDAR 3-D archery shoot: signup from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. Sunday, Fayetteville-Manlius Rod and Gun Club, Whetstone Road, Manlius. Cost is $15 for adults. Call 256-3235. Walleye fishing tournaments: 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 9, 14 Oneida Lake. Two separate tournaments hosted by the Oneida Lake Team Walleye Trail. Cost is $150 for a two-person team. For more information or to register for either tournament, see oneidawalleyes.com, "Oneida Lake Team Walleye Trail" or email [email protected]. 3-D archery shoot: Signup from 8 a.m. to 10 a .m. June 8, 9, Deerslayer Bowman's Association, 8100 State Rt. 104 W, Oswego. Cost is $15 for adults. Call 529-5995. Fishing derby: 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 15, Otisco Lake. Reg Durant Memorial Fishing Derby and Raffle. Adults, $11; youth, $5 (15 years and younger). For more, see the Otisco Lake Rod and Gun Club website at olrgc.org. SAFETY COURSES: Bow: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. June 14, Deerslayer's Bowman's Club, Route 104, Hannibal. Pre-register. Call Chris at 806-5281 between 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. 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
  11. There's two on Saturday and two on Sunday. Four races are scheduled for this weekend - two on Saturday, two on Sunday. 1). The "Munchkin Mile Kids Fun Run," a race for children, is set for 11 a.m. Saturday (10 a.m. registration) in front of the Chittenango Fire House, 417 E. Genesee St., Chittengango. The race is part of the Oz-stravaganza! Festival. Run is for children 12 and under. Cost is $10. Finisher ribbons for fall participants. For more, or to register online, see event's calendar on feetsyracuse.com calendar website. 2). "Runapalooza," set to begin at 8:45 a.m. (1 mile run run) and 9 a.m. (5K run) Saturday at the Onondaga Community College campus is a musical festival for runners. Bands will play along the 5K course. Registration can be done online on the fleetfeetsyracuse.com or on race day at the SRC Arena. Cost is $35 for the 5K; $10 for the 1 mile fun run. 3. The "AIDS 10K run/ 5K Walk" is set for 10 a.m. Sunday at Beaver Lake Nature Center, Baldwinsville. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m., race starts at 10 a.m. Runners are asked to raise or donate on race day at least $25. For further information, call 475-2430 or see aidswalkcny.com. 4). The "Save Modified Sports at West Genesee," 5k run and 1.5-mile fun run/walk is set for 9 a.m. Sunday, beginning at the West Genesee High School's main entrance. Cost is $25 (pre-registration) or $30 on race day. For more or to register online, see fleetfeetsyracuse.com. For more information on upcoming races during the coming weeks in an area stretching from Binghamton to Watertown, see the Fleet Feet events calendar. Last weekend's results There were three races last weekend -- one Saturday, one Sunday and one Monday. The "Eagle Run" was held Saturday in New Haven. The race, which began in front of the New Haven Elementary School, was an Eagle Scout project to benefit the New Haven American Legion. Final results were not available. Sunday's "Catch Me If You Can 5K" started in front of Falcon Park, home of the Auburn Doubledays, and took runners through the north side of the city. See final results at majorpalooza.com. Monday, the "22nd annual Veterans Memorial Day 5 K run was held in the village Camillus. It ended at the Erie Canal Park. For final results, see fleetfeetsyracuse.com or townofcamillus.com later this week. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog
  12. <p> It was a walleye. </p> <div id="asset-12828501" 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/12828501-large.jpg" class="adv-photo" alt="piazzafish.jpg" /><span class="photo-data"><span class="caption"></span><span class="byline"></span></span></span> </div> <p>Jimmy Piazza, 3, of Syracuse, proudly shows his first fish -- a walleye -- that he caught recently.</p> <p>His mom, Mary Piazza, wrote: "Jimmy was so excited to catch this fish with NO BAIT OR LURE!! Just a hook!</p> <p>"This was caught on the Oswego River at our summer home!"</p> View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog
  13. <p> He got him on a night crawler. </p> <div id="asset-12828460" 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/12828460-large.jpg" class="adv-photo" alt="senecacat.jpg" /><span class="photo-data"><span class="caption"></span><span class="byline"></span></span></span> </div> <p><br />Nicholas Cotter, 12, of Camillus with a 19.5- inch catfish caught in Seneca River in Baldwinsville.</p> <p>He was fishing with his father, John Cotter, at the time. He caught it on a night crawler.</p> View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog
  14. <p> The public comment period is open until June 8. </p> <p><strong>The following is a press release:</strong></p> <p>The Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge released today for public comment a Compatibility Determination for periodic haying within the refuge's grassland areas.</p> <p>The public comment period is open until June 8; a copy of the Compatibility Determination can be viewed upon request at the refuge visitor center (3395 U.S. Route 20 East, Seneca Falls, NY) or by calling the refuge office at 315/568-5987.</p> <p>The proposed haying--harvest and removal of hay from designated refuge grasslands--by private parties would be permitted through the issue of a Special Use Permit.</p> <p>Hay sources on the refuge consist of native and naturalized grasslands currently maintained to provide habitat for migratory birds. Periodic management of grasslands is essential to maintaining them in a grass-dominated state and to providing the best possible habitat for grassland dependent wildlife.</p> <p>Haying on the refuge is strictly a tool used to maintain refuge grasslands in an early successional condition and no attempt is made to improve the hay crop (e.g., fertilizing, planting additional hay species) for the permittees. </p> <p>For more information about haying on the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge, contact Refuge Biologist Linda Ziemba (<a href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</a>, 315/568-5987, extension 225).</p> <p>For more information about the refuge, in general, please call the refuge office at 315/568-5987. <br /></p> View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog
  15. That's the warmest, and often sunniest time of the summer. Many in Central New York take their vacations each summer when it makes sense for their work and family schedules. Others plan it around events or activities they enjoy. Me? As an outdoors writer and with more than two decades of family camping/fishing vacations under my belt, I've learned to look at two big factors - the weather and the bugs. We've camped in June, July and August. We've had our share of rainstorms and cold snaps. We've dealt with swarms of black flies, mosquitoes and deer flies. It comes with the territory. When's the best, most comfortable time to be outdoors in Upstate New York? Hands down, I'd say the end of July and beginning of August. I've taken time off during that time the past few years and have been rewarded with great weather and relatively bug-less weather. Dick Blume | [email protected] I chatted recently with Dave Eichorn, staff meteorologist for syracuse.com/The Post-Standard and was surprised to learn that's when he takes his vacation each year to be at his camp in the Adirondacks. "Each year, the warmest part of the year in Syracuse each year is right around the third week in July," he said. "Going into August, it starts going down around the beginning of the second week." Eichorn said that's why he takes off during "those last two weeks of July, or the early part of August. The odds are stacked in your favor." Dave Lassman |[email protected] Eichorn added that with the warm temperatures, the water temperature in local lakes and rivers is the warmest at this time of year, making for the most comfortable swimming and fishing time during the summer. Eichorn pointed out that while July is the sunniest month of the summer, it usuallty has the most total rainfall but also has the most rain. "That's because in July the rain comes in the form of thunder showers, so it dumps quite a bit for a very short period of time, and then you'll go through 3-4 days of nothing." But what about the bugs? I talked to two entomologists, asking for their recommendations about when to take my vacation. Getty images "Try January," joked Jody Gangloff-Kaufmann, an urban entomologist with Cornell Cooperative Extension. "Actually, it depends on what time of the summer you're talking about. You'll always have (blood-sucking) bugs to deal with," she said. Gangloff-Kaufmann and Kim Adams, another Cooperative Extension entomologist, noted the early, mid-spring is time for black flies and ticks, with the later continuing to be a bother all summer long. "Actually, the black flies usually come out strong on Memorial Day weekend, particularly on bright, warm sunny days," Adams said. 'And the deer and horseflies will be out in a couple of weeks, and typically get worse in July and into August. As for the mosquitoes, "It seems you always have to deal with them" Gangloff-Kaufmann said. I asked both. Knowing what they know, when they'd recommend taking off for vacation. "I usually got camping in late July and early August in the Adirondacks," Gangloff-Kaufmann said. "It's usually less buggy in the mountainous areas." Adams said she'd opt for mid-June (when the black flies are dying down and the horseflies and deer flies are just beginning), or in late August. "That's when it starts cooling down and the insects aren't as bad," she said. "Either way, it's a crap shoot." View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog
  16. A hunting trophy follows a family everywhere. View the full article
  17. The total fish take in the team event was both eye-opening and record-setting. Anglers reeled in 2,471 fish weighing a total of 38,835 pounds. Jason Edwards, of Atlanta, Ga. was named winner of the Wild Carp Week Triathlon on the Seneca River today following the conclusion of the "Big Four" competition. "I won $2,000 plus a big trophy," said tournament director Jason Bernhardt, of Wild Carp Companies. The competition began last Sunday morning and started off with 75 straight hours of fishing in a two-person team event, followed by two, day-long tournaments with individual winners. The victory was the result of points compiled from each of the three competitions. Edwards was on the second place-finishing team in the team event with James Hill, also from Atlanta. Edwards also did well in the Big Fish and Big Four competitions. The winners of the team event were New Englanders Robert Duprey and Dmitri Consolati, who caught 187 fish, weighing a total of nearly 3,000 pounds. They won $3,000 for their efforts, in addition to extra cash for finishing on top of their individual section of river. (The river was divided into six sections, with the winning team from each section getting $1,000). The total fish take in the team event was both eye-opening and record-setting. Anglers reeled in 2,471 carp, weighing a total of 38,835 pounds -- nearly 19 1/2 tons. Thursday, anglers participated in the "Big Fish" contest. Anglers were competing in hourly contests for the biggest fish, with the winner getting $350 for each time period. The biggest fish of the day was caught in the final minutes (just before 4 p.m.) by Marcin Szydlowski. It was a 31 pound, 14 ounce common carp.The biggest mirror carp of the day, 18 pounds, 2 ounces, was reeled in by Adam Moneypenny. The two fish earned those anglers $650 each. Today, Jason Long, of Batavia won the "Big Four" competition, with his four biggest carp totaling 109 pounds, He won $1,500. In addition, he landed the biggest fish of the day, 32 pounds, 11 ounces, a feat that won him an additional $4,500. Edwards finished 6th in today's competition. In total, Bernhardt said he handed out more than $25,000 in prize money to anglers this week. "Everything went well," he said. "There were no complaints, other than about the weather today," he said. For more on Wild Carp Week and updated results, see The Wild Carp Companies website. Today, the anglers are braving the wet and cold to fish in the "Big Four" competition, which ends at 4 p.m. At the conclusion of day's competition, anglers will be evaluated on a point system involving all three events. The winner of the triathlon will earn an additional $1,000. The defending champion is Pennsylvanian Scott Russell, who is fishing again this year. Tournament director Jason Bernhardt of Big Carp Companies has said more than $25,000 in cash prizes is being awarded this week to participating anglers. For more on Wild Carp Week and updated results, see The Wild Carp Companies website, the "Wild Carp Week" page on Facebook or email Bernhardt at [email protected]. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog
  18. Send photos via e-mail to [email protected] in .jpg format. Entries are still being accepted for the 6th annual Post-Standard Wildlife Photography contest. The deadline for submitting entries is June 5. The top photos will run on the Outdoors Page in The Post Standard on Father's Day, June 16. We're looking for amusing or eye-opening photos taken in Upstate New York, everything from birds to bears. No insects. Photographers can submit up to three photos, no more. Send photos via e-mail to [email protected] in .jpg format. Each photo must be sent as a separate e-mail and include the full name of the photographer, a description of what's in the photo, the date and time it was taken and a daytime phone number for questions. Photos should be high resolution files, no larger than 5 Mb. Also, in the subject field of each e-mail, include the words "Wildlife photo," your name and the number of the photo you've sent. Example: Wildlife photo, Bill Smith, 1 of 3. Last year's winner was Bob Havener, of Sherrill, who submitted an eye-opening shot (above) of three red fox kits step out of their den and cling together. Questions? Contact outdoors editor David Figura at [email protected] or call 470-6066. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog
  19. Send your impressions and photos to outdoors writer David FIgura at [email protected]. Here I'm pictured with my dog Cali at a waterfall at Fillmore Glen State Park in Moravia, one of my favorite spots.Katie Figura Central New York is an outdoors wonderland. The diversity of eye-opening and mind-clearing settings a little more than an hour's ride from Syracuse is incredible. There's picturesque waterfalls; lush, green hiking trails; multi-facted nature centers; the breath-taking scenery around the Finger Lakes; Adirondack-like woods; nationally recognized birding areas - ocean shore-like settings on Lake Ontario. There's 15 weekends, beginning with this weekend and extending through Labor Day. With that in mind, here are 15, great Central New York outdoors destinations that will reveal how generous Mother Nature has been to us. Take the Figura Challenge. Visit them all this summer. Take your family, your significant other or just check out the spots yourself. Pack a lunch or dinner. Make a morning, an afternoon or a day of it. Take pictures. Send your experiences and photos to me at [email protected]. Briefly note what you liked, what you didn't like and recommendations for others who are planning to visit there. I'll compile your impressions each week on my outdoors page on Syracuse.com. Have I left out any of your favorites? Drop me a line. Meanwhile, here's my list: 1). Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge: A mecca for bird lovers. Enough said. The refuge headquarters and visitor's center is off Route 20, west of Auburn. For more, see fws.gov/refuge/montezuma or call 568-5987. 2). Fair Haven State Park: Features high bluffs above sandy beaches and hilly woodlands. Inland, there is Sterling Pond. Fishing is excellent and very accessible. Rowboats, paddleboats and canoes are for rent. The park is located off Route 104A in Fair Haven. For more, see nysparks.com/12 or call 947-5205. 3). Sterling Nature Center: This 1,400-acre nature center located in the northeastern corner of Cayuga County in the town of Sterling on Jensvold Road boasts more than 10 miles of hiking trails and two miles of lake shore. The center is open dawn to dusk. One particular highlight is its huge great blue heron rookery (nesting area). For more, see cayugacounty.us/web/Departments/Parks/Sterling or call 947-6143. 4).Taughannock Falls: The hiking trails at this state park offer spectacular views and unique geological formations, including the 215-foot falls, which is 33 feet taller than Niagara and is the highest vertical single-drop waterfall in the Northeast. It's located on the western side of Cayuga Lake off Route 89.For more, see nysparks.com/parks/62 or call 607-387-6739. 5). Fillmore Glen State Park: This park is an oasis of cool, dense woods crowding into a long, narrow gorge. Its hiking trails offer great views and unique geological formations, including five waterfalls and a botanically rich glen. Located off Route 38 in Moravia. For more, see nysparks.com/parks/157 or call 497-0130. 6). Bear Swamp: A picturesque state reforestation area in Sempronius, in southeastern Cayuga County off Route 41A, with several vantage points overlooking Skaneateles Lake. It contains about 15 miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. Enter by the Colonial Lodge restaurant/tavern in Sempronius. (It's also a good place for a meal or drink afterward). 7). Baltimore Woods Nature Center: This outdoors gem, located off Bishop Road in Marcellus, features more than six miles of hiking trails, numerous outdoors-related programs and an interpretative center. A great place to check out woodland wildlflowers along hiking trails and also at the center's Faust Garden. A heads up: no dogs allowed. For more, see baltimorewoods.org or call 673-1350. . Beaver Lake Nature Center: The popular, county-run facility offers nine miles of hiking trails and more than 400 annual nature/outdoors-related programs. It offers a rich mix of habitats, that create the possibility of seeing more than 200 species of birds and more than 800 varieties of plants. It also features a small lake, which visitors can enjoy with rented kayaks and canoes. For more, see onondagacountyparks.com/beaver-lake-nature center or call 638-2519. 9). Labrador Hollow Unique Area: Nestled in a valley on the Onondaga/Cortland county line on Route 91 east of Tully, this area offers an Adirondack-like, forestry feel and picturesque Tinker Falls in one part -- and an expansive, bio-diverse wetland and pond made accessible by a raised boardwalk in another. The area's 1,474 acres is a favorite spot for hikers, birders, nature lovers and other outdoor sports enthusiasts. 10) Highland Forest: This county run park, which is tagged the "Adirondacks of Central New York," is located in southeastern Onondaga Couny in Fabius. It features more than 20 miles of year-old trails for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. It also overs group camping sites for youth and a huge lodge with an eye-opening view of a valley below. A self-guided nature trail is the perfect introductory hike. For more, see onondagacountyparks.com/highland-forest or call 683-5550.. 11). Pratt's Falls: Scenic trails leading to a 137-foot waterfall beacon visitors to bring a well-stocked picnic basket and a sense of adventure at this county park, located on Pratt's Falls Road in Manlius. In addition to hiking, Pratt's Falls offers an archery range. This park has been used for national, state and local orienteering events that allow participants to navigate through a marked course using only a map and compass. For more, see onondagacountyparks.com/pratt-s-falls-park or call 435-5252. 12). Chittenango Falls State Park: An eye-opening, 167-foot waterfall is the main attraction. Glacial sculpting of 400-million-year-old bedrock is responsible for this scenic feature. An interesting variety of both plants and wildlife may be found along the trails. Located off Rathbun Road in Cazenovia. For more, see nysparks.com/parks/130 or call 655-5205. 13). Green Lakes State Park: The highlights of this popular park in Fayetteville include two glacial lakes surrounded by upland forest. The lakes offer opportunities for swimming, fishing and boat rentals. Hikers, joggers and mountain bikers can take advantage of more than 10 miles of trails. Camping facilities are available. And yes, there's also an 18-hole golf course. For more, see nysparks.com/parks/172 or call 637-6111. 14). Clark Reservation State Park: This park is a geologic wonder of the last ice age and a botanist's paradise. The park's natural features include rugged cliffs and rocky outcrops, woodland meadow, a wetland and glacial plunge basin lake in which surface waters and bottom waters do not mix. Features include five hiking trails. Fishermen and birders are frequently visitors here. For more see, nysparks.com/126 or call 492-1590. 15). Selkirk Shores State Park: This state park's campsites overlook a bluff on Lake Ontario. In addition to Great Lakes swimming, visitors can expect outstanding fishing and sunsets, plus hiking and biking trails. Birders take note: It's on the direct migration route for a wide variety of bird species. It's located off Route 3 in Pulaski. For more, see nysparks.com/84 or call 298-5737. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog
  20. The anglers have been fishing all week in a competition that kicked off at 7 a.m. Sunday morning. The Wild Carp Week Triathlon wraps up today with anglers fishing in the "Big Four" competition on the Seneca River. Those who have been participating throughout the tournament have been fishing since Sunday morning, when the first event -- the 75-hour, two-person team competition. The event saw anglers fishing for 75 straight hours. Thirty teams started at 7 a.m. Sunday and finished at 10 a.m. Sunday. The winner of that event were New Englanders Robert Duprey and Dimitri Consolati, who caught 187 fish, weighing a total of nearly 3,000 pounds. They won $3,000 for their efforts, in addition to extra cash for finishing on top of their individual section of river. (The river was divided into six sections, with the winning team from each section getting $1,000). Thursday, a total of xx anglers participated in the "Big Fish" contest. Anglers were competing in hourly contests for the biggest fish, with the winner getting $350. The biggest fish of the day was caught in the final minutes (just befeore 4 p.m.) by Marcin Szydlowski. It was a 31 pound, 14 ounce common carp.The biggest mirror carp of the day, 18 pounds, 2 ounces, was reeled in by Adam Moneypenny. The two fish earned those anglers $650 each. Today, the anglers are braving the wet and cold to fish in the "Big Four" competition, which ends at 4 p.m. At the conclusion of day's competition, anglers will be evaluated on a point system involving all three events. The winner of the triathlon will earn an additional $1,000. The defending champion is Pennsylvanian Scott Russell, who is fishing again this year. Tournament director Jason Bernhardt of Big Carp Companies has said more than $25,000 in cash prizes is being awarded this week to participating anglers. For more on Wild Carp Week and updated results, see The Wild Carp Companies website, the "Wild Carp Week" page on Facebook or email Bernhardt at [email protected]. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog
  21. It was a time for lessons on seasons for specific fish, and the beauty of catch and release. Johnny and his bass. Johnny Joynt, 8, of Doylesburg, Pa., holds up a nice smallmouth bass and his sister, Greta, 5, below showes off a nice sunfish. Both were caught on the Old Chanel at the northern end of Owasco Lake. The children's grandmother Suzanne Klink, of Owasco wrote: "They fishing at the time with their grandfather John Klink, and great uncle, Tom Klink, both of Owasco, Greta and her sunfish. "Johnny caught his large bass on a worm, his sister Greta, caught her first fish ever, also with a worm, a beauty of a sunfish. "All fish were caught and released immediately. "Time for lessons on seasons for specific fish and the beauty of catch and release. The look captured in this photo speaks to little Johnn's quote: " Grandpa, one more second and it was going to bite my thumb off. " View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog
  22. 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. Thanks to the help of Capt. Matt Revenaugh, who heads the state Department of Environmental Conservation's Region 7 law enforcement team headquartered in Syracuse, I'm offering the latest in an on-going series entitled, "Keeping Watch." The idea is to give readers insight to the final disposition of tickets issued by our local DEC environmental conservation officers from the state Department of Environmental Conservation. The cases that appear here are cases where the defendant has either pleaded guilty or found guilty after trial. This is not intended to be all-inclusive list of cases handled, but is representative of dispositions received by the Region 7 law enforcement office. Click on the link below to see the most recent cases: R7 Fine 5-22-13.pdf View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog
  23. Our meteorologist, Dave Eichorn, wants to know. Our meteorologist Dave Eichorn, who's been reporting recently on this wacky weather we've been having asked me, "How do these violent rain storms that have been rumbling through here lately at night affect the wild turkey hunting the following morning?" I posted the question on my "PS Outdoors" Facebook page and got the following responses from three experienced turkey hunters: From Lee Mnich, of Minoa: "I remember a couple of years ago I roosted a nice tom and a HUGE storm with strong winds came through the night. I got in early and walked right down the middle of the field with my buddy in the dark and set up about 100 yards from the roost. Well I just put the decoys in and went to the tree and sat down and when I did I broke a limb and a bird gobbled his head off, I told my buddy that birds in the field and he said no way... I sat down and it was about 20 minutes until you get that blue glow in the sky and I decided to do a couple of yelps and the gobble was even closer in the field, I said no way... Well I was looking at the decoys and said "Hey, did you put out the full strut tom", he said "No, why". I told him look at that big white head and the turkey strutting around the hens.... LOL We both kept looking at our phones and as soon as it was 30 minutes before sunrise that bird was dead, I still remember the flame about 4' long coming out of the barrell..... LOL My only guess is the winds got so bad he flew out of the tree to ride the storm out in the field.." From Mike Joyner, of McGraw: " Huge set of variables, and the answer runs the full spectrum. an approaching storm with rumbles of lightening is about the best locator call one can have most times. They'll shut up when the storm gets close. If the storm rages early evening and stops well before dawn they seem to gobble well especially if they have consistently that season. If it lasts well into the early hours, they seem to stay on the roost late. Having been chasing them them past 21 years I have seen it go both ways. I have tagged a few nice birds within minutes of an early morning thunderstorm subsiding, and yet many times wait well over an hour for them to come off the roost in the daylight. One thing I have found is that if they had been henned up bad, they tend to get separated especially if the storm rolls in before roosting time. That changes the game in your favor in most cases." From Ryan O'Grady: Yes most definitly takes them off the roost and they scatter . Tend to be more vocal on days with high humidity rather than cooler days." 2 hours ago · Like. -- .. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog
  24. Send your recommendations to [email protected]. You don't need a boat to enjoy fishing in Central New York. I'd like to continue a series I started last summer highlighting popular shoreline fishing spots around the area. . Know a good shoreline hotspot that merits mentioning? Send your recommendations to [email protected]. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog
  25. "You can watch them even when it's dark," he said. The Cornell Lab of Ornithology has set up two neat, 24-hour cameras on nesting birds in the Ithaca area. One is on a red-tailed hawk nest. The other is keeping watch on a great blue heron nest. The red-tailed hawk nest is situated on a light tower next to an athletic field on the Cornell campus. "There's already three young hawks in the nest. They started hatching April 21," said Charles Eldermire, the lab's Bird Cams Project leader. "They'll probably fledge (leave the nest) around the first or second week of June." The adult hawks have been given names. "The nestlings are starting to peck and pull at prey that Ezra and Big Red bring to the nest," according to the website. The second camera is on a great blue heron nest, which is situated on the grounds of the lab on Sapsucker Woods Road. "Three of the five eggs hatched about a week ago. The other two have not and it's unclear at this point whether they will," he said. "Those that have hatched will fledge probably in mid-July." "You can watch them even when it's dark," he said. See the red-tailed hawk nest. See the blue heron nest. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog
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