HuntingNY-News

Two readers whose work involves animals offer opposing views of African trophy hunters. View the full article

Hunters aren't the problem in the Central African Republic. View the full article

This year, 3,300 pounds of venison have been donated to charities, and many are surprised that the meat came from Rock Creek Park. View the full article

In Lake Huron, 120 feet down, researchers discovered a stone structure used to capture caribou. Charcoal was found nearby, so cooking may have been involved. View the full article

The art of reserving a camping site in New York State, is precisely that, an art. My column earlier this week offering advice about finding, and securing the best camping spots in this state generated comments from several readers. The following are reactions to my column from two, veteran campers. One is from "UpstateNYphan," who said he was Ithaca; and the other is Bob Walker, a wildlife photographer from Syracuse. UpstateNYphan wrote: The art of reserving a site in New York State, is precisely that, an art. And you were right in your article that people need to do their home work. I used to work for Reserve America when they were located in Ballston Spa, NY, and I can tell you that a lot of people get mighty upset when they plan out an event, say with the grandkids, and after everything is planned, they go to reserve a specific site at a specific campground, 2 weeks before their arrival date, and it's not available, or its only available for a few days of their two week trip. Aside from making camping reservations in New York we also reserved for MA, CT, RI, NH, FL, WI, CA, KY, ID, AK, The Federal Park system which included National Parks, Army Corp of Engineers, National Forests, and The Bureau of Land Management. More often than not we were educating people about how the process works rather than reserving camp sites. And 99.9 percent of the time, if people took it upon themselves to do some research they would be better off. As far as any tips or trick to getting that prime camping spot in New York, you have to know when you are going, how long you're going to be staying, what campground you would like to camp at, and a few different sites to choose from. Reservations are taken 9 months to the day of your arrival. For example if you want to arrive on Friday June 27 2014 for a weekend stay, the earliest you can book it is Sept 27 of 2013. The longer you wait to book, the better the chance is that you will not get the site you want, or possibly even the campground you want for the dates selected. So it really helps if you have multiple sites in mind, multiple dates in mind, and multiple campgrounds in mind. Also there are MANY campsites available on a first come first served basis, which are free of charge, and often times way more private, and as ive noticed in better shape than state parks. For example, Stony's Pond in Madison County is free and on a FCFS basis, you just need to get a permit from the ranger station in Sherburne. The Moose River Plains which run from Indian Lake to Inlet up north are free, on a FCFS basis and you dont need a permit unless you have more than 10 campers, or are planning on staying more than 3 days (just like back country camping), except you can roll your car right up to your site like you can in a state park. I stayed up there in Mid-Sept with a few friends. The sites were secluded, spaced very far apart, the picnic tables and fire pits were in wonderful repair, and the outhouse was brand new. I also know of some sites up north of Tupper Lake by the Adirondack Fish Hatchery which are free, FCFS and secluded. And of course you can explore your local state forest, and basically camp anywhere you want. I prefer doing that, since you generally don't have any neighbors, there are no generators, no barking dogs save for your own, no crying children again save for your own, no traffic, and no slamming of bathroom doors at 2 o'clock in the morning. Bob Walker wrote: I read your article on camping and you made some very good suggestions. I have to admit I'm not overly happy with the state campgrounds here in New York. I guess I'm kind of spoiled with the campgrounds up in Algonquin Provincial Park in Ontario, Canada. For all the years we have had campgrounds in the Adirondack Park, little has been done to improve them. Camping on the Moose River Plains offers you more and at no charge. The trick is being able to drive the access road going in. If your tenting and you have everything in your vehicle it's not bad. But if you are hauling a trailer or motor home the road can be awful rough. The D.E.C. went through and put new picnic tables in, fireplaces and outhouses. The sad part is the public has abused some. This area needs to be patrolled more and it's rules enforced. The Indian Lake newspaper published an article I wrote with accompanying image of fires left burning when campers had left their campsite to go home. We get a good thing, then some jerks have to abuse it and we all suffer for their actions. This is where and why enforcement is needed. Back to the Adirondack Park State campgrounds you pay to camp in. First, some of the campsites are so bad they should not even allow folks to camp in them. Next, how about electrical hookups and more of them in all the campgrounds? Last, but not least, how about dumping stations? These parks have been in existence for years and not much if anything has been done to improve them. (Walker then noted his experiences at the Algonquin Provincial Park's campgrounds, which he noted as well-maintained and offer a variety of other nearby attractions, including moose-watching opportunities). Now back to our State parks. Nine months prior you can put in your reservations compared to five months up in Canada. We have made no reservations, yet this year because of health issues. This poses a problem if we want to go camping with our popup. All the good campsites will be reserved most likely. The remainder having limited electrical hookups, which I need because of my health problems. I use to like the first- come, first- served system. Sorry for the ranting, but I think campgrounds in New York State need to be addressed, along with many other issues. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

Fenced enclosures in which hounds pursue wild foxes will be phased out over 40 years, angering hunters and pen owners, but also animal rights activists who want quicker action. View the full article

The poachers' wet clothes and firearms were later recovered by police, but the two fled the area and were never captured. Hamilton, N.Y. -- DEC environmental conservation officers and other dignitaries gathered at Woodlawn Cemetery in Hamilton Wednesday to pay homage to Samuel S. Taylor, the first environmental conservation officer killed in the line of duty in New York State 100 years ago. Samuel S. Taylor(Courtesy of the DEC) Taylor, a game protector (now called an environmental conservation officer) was fatally shot with a double blast from a shotgun at age 38 on April 5, 1914 after attempting to apprehend a couple of poachers who were illegally hunting birds on the shore of the Mohawk River near Rome. Wednesday was the 100th anniversary of his funeral. "Every environmental officer who has ever put on the green uniform and has been sent out to protect this great state's vulnerable wildlife is his family," said Major Scott Florence, acting director of the state Department of Environmental Conservation's Division of Law Enforcement. The ceremony included speeches, a bag pipe rendition of "Amazing Grace," a 21-gun salute and the unveiling of a plaque set in stone honoring him that was donated by the New York State Conservation Officers Association. The plaque was placed at the Taylor family gravesite, which includes grave stones for Taylor, his mother and sister. He never married. Lt. Ric Warner, a DEC officer from Region 7, researched the incident that led to Taylor's death and tried in vain to locate any living family members to inform them about the ceremony. "I even went as far as knocking on the doors of Taylors in the Bouckville area, which is where he was from," he said. David Figura | [email protected] Warner, who researched newspaper articles on the incident, said Taylor was out that day with another game protector, John Willis from Oneida County patrolling along the Mohawk River looking for unlawful waterfowl hunters. They overhead shots and worked their way through the woods, coming across two men who were shooting songbirds. "One was shooting them with a shotgun and the other was picking them up. They were robins, which believe it not, people ate back then," he said. Taylor confronted the two men and the man with the shotgun turned and fired both barrels at him, knocking him down. Willis returned fire with this revolver and the other man (who was picking up the birds) pulled out a revolver and fired back. The poachers escaped. Willis, according to newspaper accounts, then carried the wounded Taylor about a half mile to the Oneida County Hospital, where he died of his wounds the following day. The poachers' wet clothes and firearms were later recovered by police, but the two fled the area and were never captured, Warner said. In honor of Taylor's death, the DEC created a special award and named it after him. Beginning in the 1990s, DEC recognizes environmental conservation officers, "who by a conspicuous act of valor, courage, integrity, resourcefulness and bravery in the protection of natural resource or public safety, have clearly set themselves apart in performing their duties." Several past Samuel Taylor award recipients were present at Wednesday's ceremony. Finally, in addition to the plaque, Taylor's name will be added to the fallen officer's memorial wall in Albany during the Police Officer's Remembrance Ceremony on May 6. This distinction was previously denied, but was finally approved as a result of the DEC's Division of Law Enforcement's persistent lobbying. "It's good to see Game Protector Taylor is finally getting the recognition that he deserves," said Capt. Matthew Revenaugh, who heads the DEC's Region 7 law enforcement team. "For many years, our guys weren't recognized as being members of law enforcement. It wasn't until the 1960s that we were officially police officers in New York." View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

<p> A reminder: From Nov. 1 to May 1, all persons aboard a pleasure vessel less than 21 feet regardless of age must wear a personal flotation device while underway. </p> <p><strong>CNY FISHING REPORT</strong></p> <p><a href="http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?hl=en&ie=UTF8&msa=0&msid=100355764367821392533.00048c1449e56444f07e7&z=7">Bait stores (list and map).</a></p> <p>*Reminders: From Nov. 1 to May 1, all persons aboard a pleasure vessel less than 21 feet regardless of age must wear a personal flotation device while underway.</p> <p><strong>LOCAL INLAND TROUT STREAMS</strong>: Steam flows are still up a bit and the water in many places remains chocolate-colored, but should improve by this weekend. A few sections of area streams and lakes were stocked by ther DEC last Friday. They include: <strong>Cayuga County</strong> - Fall Creek; <strong>Chenango and Cortland counties</strong> - Otselic River; <strong>Madison County</strong> - Canaseraga Creek, Chenango River, Chittenango Creek, Oneida Creek, and the Otselic River; <strong>Tompkins County </strong>- Enfield Creek, Virgil Creek, Buttermilk Creek, Salmon Creek, Fall Creek and Sixmile Creek.</p> <p><strong>Onondaga County</strong>- is stocked by Carpenter's Brook Fish Hatchery. Its stocking hotline is (315) 689-0003. As of Friday April 4, the following streams have been stocked: Pools Brook, Tannery Creek, Spafford Brook, Furnace Brook, Limestone Creek, West Br. Limestone Creek, Geddes Brook, Carpenters Brook, Butternut Creek, and Skaneateles Creek.</p> <p><strong>SALMON RIVER</strong><br />The river continues to be up, but extremely fishable. Anglers are catching steelhead using blue, white and pink egg sacs and pink bubblegum worms. Fly anglers are using stonefly imitations, egg patterns and woolly buggers.</p> <p><strong>OSWEGO RIVER</strong> <br />The river is way up, making fishing difficult. No new information.</p> <p><strong>ONEIDA LAKE</strong> <br />Ice fishing has ended. Anglers are fishing from shore on the Oneida River near Brewerton, Caudenoy Dam and at Lock 23. They're targeting panfish such as perch, sunnies, bluegills and crappie. Best baits are spikes and wax worms.</p> <p><strong>CAYUGA, OWASCO and SKANEAELES LAKES</strong> <br />Ice fishing has ended. With the cold spring, the rainbow spawning continues to be weak so far in the tributaries. Remember, Finger Lakes tributary fishing begins at sunrise.</p> <p><strong>SENECA LAKE</strong><br />Anglers fishing the south end are getting yellow perch and anglers trolling are getting a mix of trout and salmon. With the cold spring, little rainbow spawning has taken place in the tributaries so far. Many of the streams are up and colored but fishing should improve when they settle down.</p> <p><strong>OTISCO LAKE</strong><br />Ice fishing is over here. Nothing new to report.</p> <p><strong>SODUS BAY</strong><br />Ice fishing here is done. Some reports of bullheads being caught off shore south of the bay's bridge on night crawlers.</p> <p><strong>ST. LAWRENCE RIVER</strong><br />Ice fishing continues on the big river, but it won't last long. Some bays still having ice as thick as 18-20 inches, but it's mushy around shorelines. Reports of a good crappie bite around Lake of the Isles and perch fishing is picking up at Kring's Point. Live bait (fathead minnows, shiners and spikes) continues to be the ticket.</p> <p><strong>WHITNEY POINT RESERVOIR </strong><br />Ice fishing is done on the reservoir. Nothing new to report.</p> View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

<p> Ever go spring-time sucker fishing? I'm planning on doing that next week, and eat the catch for lunch that day. Should be interesting. </p> <p></p> <p>I've closed the door on ice fishing and I am patiently waiting for the local trout streams to come down and clear up. What's with all this rain?</p> <p>Maybe things will get better by this weekend. We'll see. I'd like to get out Sunday afternoon.</p> <p><strong>Meanwhile, here's what I'm working on for this week and the next:</strong></p> <p>- The deer situation in the east side of Syracuse and surrounding areas. I attended a meeting last night concerning a study done on their numbers in the eastern side of the city. Now what? I can see the battle lines being drawn already between those who want to cull them and those who want to use humane, reproductive measures (translation: sterilization). Stay tuned. This is far from over.</p> <p>- I was scheduled to attend a special memorial service at noon today in Hamilton of a DEC officer who was murdered in the line of duty way back in 1914 by disgruntled duck hunters on the Mohawk River.</p> <p>- I'm going to to this week's Syracuse Gun Show all day Saturday. Stop by and say hello. I won't bite. I'll be busy though, at least part of the day writing a story.</p> <p>- What's the deal with Lyme disease in Onondaga County (and specifically in the city of Syracuse where we have all these deer)? What about deer/ car accidents in the city?</p> <p>_ Ever go spring-time sucker fishing? I'm planning on doing that next week, and eat the catch for lunch that day. Should be interesting.</p> <p>-I'd like to go out shed hunting. I'm a rookie and need to get out with someone who really knows their stuff. Any takers? Contact me at <a href="mailto:[email protected].">[email protected].</a></p> <p>- A profile on Fran Verdoliva, the DEC's special assistant to the Salmon River who is slated to be inducted later this month into the New York State Outdoorsmen Hall of Fame.</p> <p>- Spring brown trout fishing on Lake Ontario.</p> <p>- An update on the Seneca Army Depot/white deer situation.</p> <p>- Late season steelhead fishing on the Salmon River.</p> <p>- Should hunters in Onondaga County be allowed to hunt deer with rifles? (Many surrounding counties allow it).</p> <p>- An update on the state's war against wild boars.</p> <p><strong>ANYTHING ELSE READERS OF THIS REPORT WOULD LIKE TO SEE ME WRITE ABOUT? </strong><br />The effectiveness of this report is two-fold. First, it lets readers know what's coming up story-wise. It also allows readers a chance to affect coverage and provide sources for upcoming stories. Bottom line: Keep in touch and give input. You could make a difference as to what appears week to week on the outdoors page! Email me at <a href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</a> or call 470-6066.</p> <p><a href="http://update.syracuse.com/adv_syracuse/newsletters/syracuse/subscribe.htm">If you want to join The Post-Standard's Outdoors Group and get this emailed directly to you, subscribe here.</a>.</p> <p><strong>FIGURA ON FACEBOOK:</strong><br />For those who are on Facebook, I also have a <a href="http://www.facebook.com/PostStandardOutdoors#!/PostStandardOutdoors#!/photo.php?fbid=3369108872206&set=a.1178365985003.2028364.1403751639&type=1&theater&notif_t=like">PS Outdoors page</a>, which I check several times daily for feedback and story ideas. I also post personal fishing and hunting and other outdoors-related photos from time to time and I ask members to do the same. When you join, please be sure and hit the "like" button. </p> <p><strong>FIGURA ON TWITTER</strong> Follow me <strong><a href="http://twitter.com/davidjfigura" target="_new">@davidjfigura</a>.</strong> </p> <p>On Syracuse.com: Find David Figura's Central NY Outdoors blog by going to syracuse.com, clicking on the menu on the upper left side and then clicking on "sports." You'll find his blog on the list tha</p> View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

CNY OUTDOORS CALENDAR Fly-tying competition/trout fishing film festival: Friday and Saturday, Tailwater Lodge, 52 Pulaski St., Altmar. The event begins with social time and videos in the Tailwater lounge Friday evening. Beginning at noon Saturday, spectators can watch 20 fly tyers compete. Saturday evening is a fly fishing film festival. Registration for fly tyers is $99 and includes one... CNY OUTDOORS CALENDAR Fly-tying competition/trout fishing film festival: Friday and Saturday, Tailwater Lodge, 52 Pulaski St., Altmar. The event begins with social time and videos in the Tailwater lounge Friday evening. Beginning at noon Saturday, spectators can watch 20 fly tyers compete. Saturday evening is a fly fishing film festival. Registration for fly tyers is $99 and includes one night's stay at the lodge, a grab bag of fly tying materials, admission to the film festival and access to the lodge's hospitality suite the day of the event. Admission to the fly tying contest and film festival is $15. For more, call 298-3434 or 569-7413. Syracuse Gun Show: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday; 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Center of Progress Building at the state Fairgrounds in Geddes. Hosted by the New York State Arms Collectors Association. Will feature more than 1,000 exhibits and displays from collectors and dealers across the country and Canada. Cost is $6, seniors $5 and children 12 or under free (must be accompanied by an adult). For more, see syracusegunshow.com. Sportsman's Flea Market: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 26, Pompey Rod and Gun Club, 2500 Swift Road, Pompey. Hunting, fishing, archery supplies and more. Admission is $2; children 16 and under free. For more, call 656-8810. Wildlife Festival: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 3, Montezuma Audubon Center's 8th Annual Wildlife Festival, 2295 State Route 89, Savannah. This family friendly festival will feature games, crafts, music and theatrical performances at the Children's Theater and activity areas. Also, live birds of prey and mammal presentations, guided canoe excursions, artisan vendors, a native plant sale and a garlic mustard pull contest. Cost is $4 for adult; $2 for children 5 and older and free for children 4 and younger. For more, call 365-3588 or visit ny.audubon.org/Montezuma. Fishing Heritage Day: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 17, village of South Otselic in Chenango County. The event will feature artists, crafters, antique dealers along with conservation, preservation and youth education organizations. Education programs are planned at the nearby state fish hatchery, along with fishing clinics and hatchery tours. For more, go to ovfish.org or call 653-7490. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

I want exact locations. Ideally, a homeowner, or two, or three who can direct me to the best locations. Maybe it is in their backyards. I want to see for myself. Syracuse, N.Y. -- I'd like to get out early one morning this week (or next) and check out reports of the numerous deer on the east side of Syracuse. I need exact locations. Ideally, a homeowner, or two, or three can direct me to the best locations. I'm also interested in seeing recent photographs of deer that residents have taken in that part of the city. Can you help? Contact me at [email protected] or call at 470-6066. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

He's being charged with criminally negligent homicide. COOPERSTOWN, N.Y. (AP) -- A Long Island man has been charged in the shooting death of a fellow deer hunter in upstate New York. Charles Bruce was shot Nov. 16 in the Otsego County town of Westford during a hunting trip with a group that included members of the Malverne fire department. The 52-year-old volunteer firefighter died at the scene. An indictment unsealed Tuesday charges Robert R. Gerbino with criminally negligent homicide. His attorney says Gerbino pleaded not guilty at his arraignment and was released on his own recognizance. Lawyer Bruce Maxson said he couldn't provide additional comment. Prosecutors have said Bruce was walking through the woods and the shooter was in a tree. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

<p> I'd like to hear from from readers when the hummingbirds arrive in Central New York this spring. Pictures would be appreciated. </p> <p><br />A sure sign of spring in Central New York is the arrival of ruby- throated hummingbirds.<br /> <br />Where are they?</p> <p>According to <a href="http://www.hummingbirds.net/map.html">hummingbird.net,</a> the little hummers are migrating northward, making their way up the East Coast after wintering in Mexico and Central America. As of this morning, the website's map reported the most recent sightings were in Virginia and southern Maryland.</p> <p>I'd like start a buzz among local hummingbird lovers. Keep your eyes pealed. I'd like to hear from from readers when these tiny birds first arrive in Central New York this spring.</p> <p>Pictures would be appreciated. Good luck. </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p><br /></p> View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

See some great shots submitted by readers from this winter's ice fishing season A bunch of nice perch I caught Tuesday on Owasco Lake. The ice was still 12 inches thick.David Figura | [email protected] I know it's spring. I know trout fishing season began Tuesday. Still, many Central New York waterways continue to have ice on them. I'm not recommending that anyone get out and continue to ice fish. But if you do, be EXTREMELY careful and to take all precautions. Meanwhile, this slide show contains photos sent to me by local anglers this winter. Enjoy. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

The Syracuse.com website pages were realigned this week to make things easier for readers. The syracuse.com website pages were realigned this week to make things easier for readers. CNY Outdoors, which contains my stories and posted pictures, can now be found under "Sports" instead of "Living" Upon arriving on the main page of syracuse.com, click on "MENU" on the upper left side and go down to "Sports." A selection list will appear to your right. Click on "CNY Outdoors." View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

The store has been conducting the fundraiser for the past five years. This is the most money raised to date AURELIUS, N.Y. -- The Bass Pro Shops store in the Fingerlakes Mall raised more than $5,000 in donations from customers during the month of March that will go toward the Carpenter's Brook Fish Hatchery in Elbridge. This is the fifth year the store has held the fundraiser. The money was raised at the store's checkout lines, where cashiers ask customers last month if they wanted to donate to the hatchery. A total of $5,011 was raised, the largest amount to date. "We more than doubled last year's donations," said Mark Kratz, who manages the store's fishing department. He said the fundraiser was started at the time when the Onondaga County Legislature was considering closing the hatchery. "The money will go to the Friends of the Carpenter's Brook Fish Hatchery group, which will use it for things like youth fishing programs," he said. Kratz said donations were spurred along by a friendly competition among the store's managers. During one weekend, Kratz told his fellow managers if more than $1,000 was raised he'd jump into a trout pond that was set up in the store at the time. A total of $1,500 was raised and Kratz was joined in the pond the following Monday by Bob Ryan, the store's operations manager. Last weekend, the store's cashiers vied to see who could get the most donations. The top three finishers are scheduled Friday morning to put a pie in the face of Dan Griffin, the store's general manager in training as a reward. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

<p> All birds entered must be weighed and scored at Fisher Bay Restaurant, 303 Barrett Lane, Bridgeport. </p> <p><br />Bridgeport, N.Y. -- A local group dedicated to helping out handicapped and disadvantaged hunters and anglers announced this week it was holding a spring turkey hunting contest.</p> <p>The competition, which is being run by Advanced Strategies Adventures, will be headquartered at the Fisher Bay Restaurant in Bridgeport and will be open to regular hunters and those teens you take part in the annual statewide youth hunt (April 26-27), which will be held on the weekend prior to the opening of the regular season on May 1.</p> <p>The entry fee is $20. The contest runs from May 1 to May 31. The entry fee includes a ticket to the awards banquet at the restaurant at 6 p.m. June 4.</p> <p>Prizes include heaviest bird ($100), longest beard ($100), longest spur ($100), lucky bird ($50) and youth hunter (total score, $50).</p> <p>Youth (ages 12-15), can enter a bird during the youth hunt weekend, but must be registered by April 25.</p> <p>All birds entered must be weighed and scored at Fisher Bay Restaurant, 303 Barrett Lane, Bridgeport. Call between noon and 3 p.m. at 633-2244. All birds must be field dressed and intact.</p> <p>The deadline for entering is April 30.</p> <p>For more information, contact Lloyd Weigel at 656-9050.<br /></p> View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

<p>Montezuma, N.Y. -- Paul Pflanz, of Syracuse, headed over to the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge this week with his camera. He sent these three impressive pictures of migrating snow geese and filed the following report, which he entitled, "It's snowing geese." He wrote: "Yesterday, we took the first trip of the year to Montezuma. Not much happening on the...</p> <p><br /><div id="asset-14622328" class="entry_widget_large entry_widget_right"><span class="adv-photo-large"><img src="/static/common/img/blank.gif" class="lazy adv-photo" data-original="http://media.syracuse.com/outdoors/photo/14622328-large.jpg" alt="snowgeese3.jpg" /><span class="photo-data"><span class="caption"></span><span class="byline">Paul Pflanz</span></span></span> </div></p> <p>Montezuma, N.Y. -- Paul Pflanz, of Syracuse, headed over to the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge this week with his camera. He sent these three impressive pictures of migrating snow geese and filed the following report, which he entitled, "It's snowing geese."</p> <p>He wrote: "Yesterday, we took the first trip of the year to Montezuma. Not much happening on the main refuge loop drive except an unusually large number of great blue herons (mating season).</p> <p>"But then we checked the part of the refuge south of Route 31 between the Seneca River and Route 89 near the "potato building."</p> <div id="asset-14622363" class="entry_widget_large entry_widget_right"><span class="adv-photo-large"><img src="/static/common/img/blank.gif" class="lazy adv-photo" data-original="http://media.syracuse.com/outdoors/photo/14622363-large.jpg" alt="snowgeese4good.jpg" /><span class="photo-data"><span class="caption"></span><span class="byline">Paul Pflanz</span></span></span> </div> <p>"Wow! There was a flock of several thousand snow geese.</p> <p>"While we watched, they all took flight at once. It was like a feathered blizzard. Admittedly, a telephoto lens compresses depth of field, but how do they fly without mid-air collisions?"<br /></p> View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

If you choose to get out ice fishing, take all the necessary precautions. CNY FISHING REPORT Bait stores (list and map). *Reminders: Opening day of trout fishing season was Tuesday. Also, from Nov. 1 to May 1, all person aboard a pleasure vessel less than 21 feet regardless of age must wear a personal flotation device while underway. **A word of caution: There's still ice out on may waterways. Ice conditions can change quickly this time of year with rain and warm temperatures. Use extra caution around areas of flowing water such as streams or river mouths, ditches or culverts. Tips include using a spud to check ice thickness as you venture out, fishing with a buddy and bring a rope and ice picks. LOCAL INLAND TROUT STREAMS: Steam flows still up a bit, and in many places still chocolate-colored. Carpenter's Brook Fish Hatchery staff stocked Nine Mile Creek again this week and there were reports Wednesday of people catching fish. Things should drop and clear up a bit by this weekend. If things don't improve, your best bet might be trying the smaller streams and tributaries. SALMON RIVER The river is up a little, but extremely fishable. Anglers are catching steelhead using blue, white and pink egg sacs and pink bubblegum worms. Fly anglers are using stonefly imitations, egg patterns and woolly buggers. OSWEGO RIVER The river is up. This flow makes shore fishing difficult with the exception of along the walkway, Kiddie and Birdie pools and behind the hotels. Drift boat anglers continue to do well with some nice steelhead being caught. Remember, the bridge to Leto Island is closed, and there are mandatory personal flotation device (PFD) zones on the river. ONEIDA LAKE There's still some ice fishermen getting out, but the ice is beginning to show signs of wear and tear. It's getting soft in areas, pressure areas are appearing and shorelinesare soft. If you go out, take precautions and don't fish alone. Meanwhile, panfish bite continues to be strong with lots of nice perch and sunnies being caught. Best baits are spikes and emerald shiners (buckeye shiners). Also, fish shallow. Best fising is in 8 to 10 feet of water. CAYUGA, OWASCO and SKANEAELES LAKES Anglers continue to get out of the ice, but with the rain and warm weather the shore ice will deteriorate quickly. Use extreme caution when venturing out. With the cold spring, the rainbow spawning has been weak so far in the tributaries. Remember, Finger Lakes tributary fishing begins at sunrise. SANDY POND There is still 20-plus inches of ice being reported on the pond, with it being a little slushy on the top. Anglers continue to target perch, using small minnows or jigs tipped with spikes. Anglers still need to sort through numbers of small ones to get keepers. SENECA LAKE Little has changed from last week with the continued cold temperatures and wind making getting a boat out difficult. With the cold spring, little rainbow spawning has taken place in the tributaries thus far. Remember Finger Lakes tributary fishing begins at sunrise. OTISCO LAKE A few anglers are still getting out on the ice, but with the rain and warm weather the shore ice will deteriorating quickly. Use extreme caution if venturing out. SODUS BAY Ice fishermen continue to get out and there's a lot of perch being caught.. Still about 14 to 15 inches of ice. Be careful, though, around shore. ST. LAWRENCE RIVER Still lots of fishable ice, with some bays still having ice as much 24 to 30 inches thick. Popular spots continue to be Eel Bay, Lake of the Isles, Round Island , Chippewa Bay and all the nearby inland lakes. Continued reports of especially good perch fishing. Live bait (fathead minnows, shiners and spikes) continues to be the ticket. WHITNEY POINT RESERVOIR Ice fishing is done on the reservoir. There's ice, but it's floating, soft and dangerous. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

The 5K is in Westvale. The 10K and half marathon start on the Cornell University campus. This weekend's Central New York running scene offers two races Sunday. The Paint Westvale Purple Kids' Fun Run and 5K Run/Walk is set for 10 a.m., starting at the Cherry Road School, 201 Cherry Road in Westvale. The event is a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society. For more, see the race website at paintwestvalepurple.com. The 33rd annual Skunk Cabbage Classic Half Marathon and 10 K is co-sponsored by the Finger Lakes Runners Club and the Cornell Athletic Department. The half marathon beings at 10 a.m., the 10 K at 10: 15. Both races start on Campus Road below Barton Hall on the Cornell University campus. For more, see the Finger Lakes Runners Club website at fingerlakesrunners.org. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

Call me a diehard, but I'm still holding on to the ice fishing season -- with my fingernails The trout fishing season began Tuesday, but many streams were high and chocolate-colored. They should drop and start to clear up by this weekend, provided we don't get much rain -- or heaven forbid, more snow. Call me a diehard, but I'm still holding on to the ice fishing season -- with my fingernails. I went out on Owasco Lake late Tuesday afternoon and discovered the ice was still a solid 12 inches thick in my favorite spot. Caught a nice batch of perch, but I know that won't last long. After reporting and writing about opening day of trout fishing season Tuesday, here's what I caught later that day on Owasco Lake through the ice.David Figura | [email protected] Here's what I'm working on this week: - Things are starting up again concerning the urban deer problem in the city of Syracuse and surrounding communities. There was a city/county deer task force formed last fall, but things have been quiet ever since,. A meeting is set for next week at Nottingham High School. - Apart from the pictures we took yesterday, I haven't seen any submitted photos yet from proud anglers who cashed in on opening day. Send them to [email protected]. - Every go spring-time sucker fishing? I'm planning on doing that next week, and eating the catch for lunch. Stay tuned. - The recently approved state budget includes legislation that legalizes crossbows for hunting ...but only allowing it on a portion of the archery season. What's with that? How did that happen? -An update on the Seneca Army Depot/white deer situation. - Late season steelhead fishing on the Salmon River. - Should hunters in Onondaga County be allowed to hunt deer with rifles? (Many surrounding counties allow it). - An update on the state's war against wild boars. 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. FIGURA ON TWITTER Follow me @davidjfigura. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

He added that a mountain lion is not a ghost. "It has a body. And my question is, 'Where is it?' " he said. Port Byron, N.Y. - I've spent the past few days running down a rumor that has been circulating around Cayuga County that a mountain lion was recently hit by a motor vehicle and killed near the village of Port Byron. Bottom line: I could not verify it. I originally heard the story from two readers who approached me independently at Saturday's Big East Camping and Outdoors Show at the Turning Stone Events Center in Verona. Then in church Sunday morning, another man approached me and wanted to know if I had heard anything about a mountain lion that was hit by a school bus recently near Port Byron. This week I was sent a photo of what was supposed to be the mountain lion in the back of someone's truck. I could not find out,though, who took the photo or where it was taken. Corey Rooker, transportation supervisor for the Port Byron School District, said he also heard the rumor that the animal was reportedly struck by a school bus. He said he was approached on the street this past weekend by a local resident inquiring about the veracity of the report. Rooker said he looked into it this week and was told it was not a bus driver who hit the animal. He was told that it was a pickup truck and that it happened sometime around March 22. He was unable to find out from this sources, though, who was driving that truck, or where the carcass (if there is one) is at this time. "I heard it was hit on Route 38, near Guidone farm," he said, adding he first saw the picture of the animal above "on Facebook" and that it had been shared by "a friend, of a friend of a friend." Rooker said several years ago there were reports of mountain lion sightings around Port Byron, but as time passed he just chalked it up to an "urban legend." Steve Joule, chief wildlife biologist for the DEC's Cortland Office, said there are no viable, reproducing populations of mountain lions in this state. "That's not to say someone couldn't have released one, or that it could have escaped from a (privately-owned) holding pen," he said. He added that a mountain lion is not a ghost. "It has a body. And my question is, 'Where is it?' " he said. He said that if a mountain lion was actually hit by a truck, the driver should turn it over to the DEC so it can be conclusively identified. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

Crossbows aren't legal yet. The DEC will have to work up a draft of the new regulations and a public comment period will be held. After considering the comments, the DEC will then finalize the regulations. Albany, N.Y. -- The 2014-2015 state budget approved by lawmakers Tuesday contains some items of interest to outdoors enthusiasts - including the legalization of crossbows for hunting small and big game (deer and bear). The crossbow issue has been controversial. The legislation approving the coming year's spending plan enables the state Department of Environmental Conservation to regulate their use, with the idea of allowing hunters to use them as early as this fall. The legislation authorizes crossbow hunting, except on Long Island and Westchester County, for hunters 14 years of age or older. Crossbows aren't legal yet. The DEC will have to work up a draft of the new regulations and a public comment period will be held. After considering the comments, the DEC will then finalize the regulations. At this point, it appears the idea is to allow crossbows during "portions of the archery season" and during the firearms seasons, according to a press release from the governor's office late Tuesday. It's not clear from the release, though, what "portions of the archery season" that will be. Other budget items of note for outdoors enthusiasts, according the press release, include: State fish hatcheries: $4 million dollar will be spent to to address critical infrastructure repair needs in the state's fish hatchery system. Specifically, DEC will make repairs to hatcheries, including boiler replacements at Chautauqua Hatchery in Western New York and Oneida Hatchery in the Mohawk Valley, and rearing pond (raceway) repairs at several DEC hatcheries. Building repair and improvement projects are also in the works for Caledonia Hatchery in the Finger Lakes. In addition, DEC plans to purchase 16 new fish stocking trucks with fish life support systems that are essential for the safe delivery of stocked fish. Reduced Price Fishing Licenses, Free Fishing Promotions: This includes reduced fees for seven-day fishing licenses, from $31 to $28 for non-residents and $13 to $12 for residents; an increase in the number of authorized statewide free fishing days to eight from two; and authorization for DEC to offer 10 days of promotional prices for hunting, fishing and trapping licenses. $6 Million for Access to Fishing and Other Recreational Opportunities: Includes $6 million for 50 new access projects involving 380,000 acres for fishing, hunting, hiking, canoeing, bird watching and other forms of recreational activities throughout the state. The vast majority of these new access sites will provide new or improved access to fishing opportunities, with new trails to fishing sites, fishing platforms, boat launches, improved signage, and new and improved parking. See how this will impact Central New York. Boating and Fishing Access Upgrades Underway: DEC is currently in the process of upgrading boating access facilities on Forge Pond in Suffolk County, the Mohawk River in Schenectady County, Great Sacandaga Lake in Saratoga County, and Lower Saranac Lake in Franklin County. New access projects to be completed in 2014 include a new boat launch on Round Lake in Saratoga County and installation of a fishing pier on Green Lake in Greene County. The state has invested more than $2.8 million on boat launch improvements during the past 3 years. Expanded Adventure License Offers: In addition to a commitment made by the governor in his January State of the State Address that provided free Adventure License Plates for new lifetime fishing license holders, the 2014-2015 State Budget authorizes discounted Adventure Plates to existing lifetime fishing licenses holders and access to the plates to annual license holders. Anglers, both new and existing license holders, will now be able to choose from licenses plates featuring trout, striped bass and walleye. Debut of the Lifetime Empire Passport: This offers visitors to State Parks the option of paying a one-time fee to experience all that New York State Parks has to offer throughout their lifetime. Adventure Licenses: These will be available to holders of lifetime hunting, fishing and trapping licenses, as well Parks' Lifetime Empire Passport and NY Safe Boating certificates, whereby a person can consolidate his or her paper licenses onto one document, a New York State driver's license, featuring icons including: a deer and fish for sportsmen lifetime licensees; a deer for hunting; a fish for fishing; an arrowhead for bowhunting; a bobcat paw for trapping; a powderhorn for muzzleloading; an anchor for a boating safety certificate; and a maple leaf for Lifetime Empire Passports. Streamlined online access to purchase sporting licenses, Adventures licenses and Adventure plates: Sporting licenses can now be purchased online on the DEC website at licensecenter.ny.gov/. The Adventure Licenes and Adventure plates will also be available soon from a new web portal. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

Bookmark our new home at www.syracuse.com/outdoors Central New York outdoors enthusiasts: If you have this blog bookmarked, please take note of our new location at www.syracuse.com/outdoors. Click on the link below and bookmark it as your new home for all of the great Syracuse and Central New York outdoors content from David Figura and syracuse.com. » Central NY Outdoors View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

<p> The name of the program is "With Rights Comes Responsibility: Secure Your Firearms." </p> <p>Cicero, N.Y. -- Gander Mountain's Cicero store will be among those stores in the Gander Mountain chain of stores giving away trigger locks this weekend.</p> <p>All of Gander Mountain's 133 stores in 25 states are giving the locks to customers who sign a pledge to secure their firearms. A total of 50,000 are expected to be passed out, according to a release from the outdoors specialty store chain.</p> <p>The name of the program is "With Rights Comes Responsibility: Secure Your Firearms."</p> <p>"We are committed to continuing to raise awareness that responsible firearms ownership is a necessity, not an option. It's everyone's responsibility to safeguard against firearms getting into the hands of the underage, untrained and unauthorized," said Steve Uline, executive vice president of marketing for Gander Mountain.</p> View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog