HuntingNY-News

One shooter, Al Reich of Camillus, has recorded 25 out of 25 three weeks in a row. CENTRAL NEW YORK TRAP LEAGUE RESULTS OF WEEK 4 - May 7 (* A win earns a team two points; a tie, one) NORTHERN DIVISION SOUTH SHORE (196) at CENTRAL SQUARE (196) TOAD HARBOR (bye) PATHFINDER (197) at NORTH SPORTMAN (192) SOUTHERN DIVISION SKANEATELES (200) at POMPEY (200) CAMILLUS (196) at THREE RIVERS (194) BRIDGEPORT (198) at DEWITT (192) STANDINGS (points earned, followed by score totals to date) NORTH DIVISION PATHFINDER 5 591 TOAD HARBOOR 4 592 SOUTH SHORE 4 586 CENTRAL SQUARE 3 586 NORTH SPORTMAN 0 556 SOUTH DIVISION BRIDGEPORT 6 769 POMPEY 5 786 SKANEATELES 5 781 CAMILLUS 4 776 THREE RIVERS 4 766 DEWITT 0 734 The following is a list of shooters who hit 25 out of 25 clays. If a 75 or 50 is noted, it's because the person has recorded three or two straight weeks,respectively, of 25s. BRIDGEPORT—50’S—VINCE VOLAIS—LEE SMITH—25’S—DAVE COON—KYLE CARDINELL—MATT CARR - GORDON ANYON CAMILLUS—75’S—AL REICH—50’S—BOB KARKER—25’S—JACK GUTCHESS—BOB MILTON CENTRAL SQUARE—KURT BROWN—TODD MOOT—CHUCK PARKER—DAN FRIGON JR.—RICK MUTTER DEWITT—PETER CATALANO SR.—RICK KENYON—CAROL FLOOD NORTH SPORTMAN—GARY RIZZO—HENRY GASS PATHFINDER—50’S—TIM NOTTELL—25’S—GEORGE DAVIES—JOHN WALLACE—JAMES DAVIES— TODD LUND POMPEY—50’S –STEVE RANDALL—JOHN BENSON—WAYNE WILCOX—25’S—TIM WILCOX— STAN BAXTER—JACK WALDRON—JOHN MESSBAUER—FRANK MILLS SKANEATELES—BILL MAIN—PAT LOGAN—CHARLES FAES—JEREMY CONNORS—RICH BOBBETT— FRANK BOZEAT—MARK PATTERSON—DAVE BARRON SOUTH SHORE—CHRIS COOGAN—JOANNA BISHOP—JIM PROCTOR—RAY KUBACKI THREE RIVERS—75’S—BILL TAMBS—25’S—FRAN LIGHTENFIELD TOAD HARBOR---BYE ** Results courtesy of Dick Masterpole. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

It's a great time of year to fish from shore on Oneida Lake. CNY FISHING REPORT INLAND TROUT STREAMS: Locally tocked streams include: Cayuga County: North Brook, Owasco Inlet, Salmon Creek and Fall Creek; Cortland County: Otselic River; Cortland County: Little York Lake, Merrill Creek, East Br. Tioughnioga River, West Br. Tioughnioga River, Casterline Pond and the Otselic River; Madison County: Upper Lelands Pond, Stonemill Brook, Beaver Creek, Canastota Creek, Limestone Creek, Payne Brook, Chittenango Creek, Canaseraga Creek, Chenango River, Cowaselon Creek, Old Chenango Canal, Oneida Creek, Sangerfield River, and the Otselic River; Onondaga County: Nine Mile Creek, Onondaga Creek; West Br. Onondaga Creek, Tannery Creek, Spafford Brook, Furnace Brook, Fabius Brook, Limestone Creek, West Br. Limestone Creek, Geddes Brook, Carpenters Brook, Butternut Creek, and Skaneateles Creek. (Hotline number is (315) 689-0003) Tompkins County: Enfield Creek, Virgil Creek, Buttermilk Creek, Salmon Creek, Fall Creek and Sixmile Creek. . LAKE ONTARIO When the wind isn't blowing too hard and anglers can get out, they are getting some nice brown trout and lake trout on stickbaits and small spoons. Natural colors like black and silver, blue and silver and goby imitating have been working well. Look for the warmest water or flumes of off colored water coming out from tributaries and bays. This warmer off colored water often gets moved around depending on wind direction. SALMON RIVER There are reports of drop-backs being caught. A drop-back is a steelhead that has finished spawning and is on its way back to the lake. These fish are often very aggressive (hungry) after the rigors of spawning and are more willing to bite. Anglers were also fishing the smaller Salmon River tributaries like Trout or Orwell Brooks, or heading to smaller streams like Grout Brook, and North and South Sandy Creeks. Good baits this time of year are egg sacs, beads, pink worms, night crawlers and streamers. OSWEGO RIVER Some big walleyes were reported last weekend during the walleye opener. Anglers have been successful on bucktail jigs, crankbaits, cleos, stickbaits, and worms. ONEIDA LAKE Walleye fishing was lackluster opening weekend, but should improve once the water starts to warm up. Still a lot of fish in the lake’s tributaries. Fishing seems to be the best right now at the east end, with anglers catching walleye with black and purple jigs tipped with worms and sonar lures (gold, silver and perch-colored seem to work best) in about 15 feet of water. Bullhead and crappie bit is still on. Good time of year to fish the lake from shore. CAYUGA LAKE Anglers trolling stickbaits or spoons from the surface down to about 15 feet are still catching brown trout and Atlantic salmon. Look for the warmest off colored water, such as around tributaries mouths. Be careful as that also means more debris floating around. Good colors when in the turbid water have been fire tiger and chartreuse. Lake trout are being taken by anglers vertical jigging in 125 to 150 feet of water. Trolling with spoons or flasher and flies, fished off downriggers or Dipsey divers is also working for lake trout. Anglers fishing the north end are getting yellow perch on minnows or spikes. A lot of small perch are still being caught for every "good" one. SENECA LAKE 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. OWASCO LAKE Anglers getting out on boats at the north end are continuing to catch yellow perch and some bullhead are being taken on the south end. . Brown trout are also being caught. OTISCO LAKE Some anglers are doing well with catch-and-release bass fishing, catching both large and smallmouth. In addition, there’s been some good crappie action enjoyed by anglers fishing toward the northern end. SKANEATELES LAKE The DEC launch ramp is open and the docks are in. Anglers are still catching some yellow perch on the north and south ends. Perch are being found in 15 to 25 feet. A few lake trout are also being taken. SANDY POND: Anglers are getting some black crappie, bluegills and yellow perch. Small minnows, worms and spikes are good bait choices. Bullheads and crappie are being taken along the shoreline on minnows. ST. LAWRENCE RIVER Lots of bullhead action lately in Eel Bay. Nice-sized perch being taken in 30-40 feet of water. Northern pike bite is currently slow, but should pick when the water warms up. SODUS BAY Yellow perch fishing continues to be slow with anglers sorting through a lot of small perch to get some larger fish. Anglers fishing by the bridge are getting some bluegills, crappies and bullheads. WHITNEY POINT RESERVOIR Bullheads are being taken by shore anglers fishing off the Kiebel Road side. Channel catfish are also being caught on the north end. No reports yet on the walleye fishing. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

What a great week we've just had weatherwise. Just last Thursday afternoon, I was given the OK by my doctor to start getting out more following my sinus surgery. I didn't hesitate. I've since gone out perch fishing twice, trout fishing once, turkey hunting once and just last night I kayaked and fished on Skaneateles Lake until dusk. Doesn't... A llama. Ready for a hike?Stephen D. Cannerelli [email protected] What a great week we've just had weatherwise. Just last Thursday afternoon, I was given the OK by my doctor to start getting out more following my sinus surgery. I didn't hesitate. I've since gone out perch fishing twice, trout fishing once, turkey hunting once and just last night I kayaked and fished on Skaneateles Lake until dusk. Doesn't get much better than that. Anyway, here's what I've been working on this week: - Profile on Beth Bush, a senior at Fabius-Pompey High School who's headed Friday to Louisville, Ky. to partcipate in the national championships for the National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP). Good luck Beth! - Two new 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 dfigura@syracuse. - A profile on a Tully couple who open their land to hikers, who at a cost, can hike with llamas. It's different Other upcoming stuff: - The Fleet 204 Hobie Cat Mad Catter Regatta set for Oneida Lake - The Wild Carp Challenge on the Seneca River. - A new series a "HIke or Kayak/Canoe trip of the Week" sort of thing. - Profiles on 3-4 local trout streams - Continuing last year's series "Shoreline Hot Spots," noting good areas to fish from shore on local lakes and rivers if you don't have a boat. - The great blue heron rookery up at the Sterling Nature Center. - Local Adirondack Mountain Club members who bust their butts sprucing up local hiking trails this time of year.. 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

This is not an all-inclusive list. The cases that appear here are cases where the defendant; has either pleaded guilty or found guilty after trial. Thanks to the help of Capt. Matt Revenaugh, who heads the DEC's Region 7 law enforcement team, I'm starting a regular series on this blog entitled, "Keeping Watch." I'm hoping each week, or every other week (depending on the flow of tickets) to give readers insight to the final disposition of tickets issued by our local conservation officers. 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 5-8-13.pdf View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

For winning the state title, she received a plaque, a trophy for display at her school, a Genesis bow, a Morrell target and a dozen arrows at the recent New York Bowhunters annual banquet in Canandaigua. Beth Bush is aiming to do well this weekend at the National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) championships in Louisville, Ky. The 18-year-old Fabius-Pompey High School senior last month beat out 509 girls from 19 participating schools from across the state that participate in the program. The program, sponsored by the state Department of Environmental Conservation, incorporates archery into a school district’ elementary (grades 4-6), middle school (graqdes 7- and high school gym curriculums. In addition, there’s intramural programs after school where students can sharpen their competitive shooting skills. “My volleyball coach also does the archery in schools program,” Bush said. “One day he asked me if I wanted to come after school and shoot a few arrows. Turns out, I was number one female in the state.” Bush and others at the school participated in what Wilcox described as a “virtual tournament” involving all the participating schools. Each student, shooting at their own school, fired 15 arrows at a target 10 meters away, and 15 at a target 30 meters away at the school. Bush, one of two females participating at Fabius Pompey, scored an impressive 271 out of a possible 300. When her score was sent in, it turned out she was the top girl in the state. The top male shooter in the state in the program was Derrick Daniels, who attends Bainbridge-Guilford High School in Chenango County. He scored 279. Wilcox noted there’s a tradition of good shooters from his school in the program, noting Fabius-Pompey has produced five state champions in the past and last year sent four kids to the nationals. Bush is the only one going this year. Bush said her love for archery didn’t come from the school’s archery program, but from a desire to hunt deer with a bow with her uncles and cousins. Two years ago, she said, she just decided she wanted to do it and spent $2,000 to buy a Hoyt compound bow. She paid for it with money that she earned from working on nearby chicken farm. Bush says the secret of his success is practice. She often shoots arrows in her yard at Pompey.Michelle Gabel | [email protected] Determined to get good at archery, Bush became a member of the Pompey Rod and Gun Club and began participating in up to two bow shooting leagues a week. Fellow club members, she said, are supportive of her trip to the nationals. A 50-50 raffle and a 3-D archery shoot have been held, with the proceeds going to help pay her expenses to Kentucky. For winning the state title, Bush received a plaque, a trophy for display at her school, a Genesis bow, a Morrell target and a dozen arrows at the recent New York Bowhunters annual banquet in Canandaigua. Bush said she has no special technique or formula for success in archery. “I just practice, pretty much,” she said. “It’s all about focusing. I just think about what I got to do and pretty much do it.” As for hunting, Bush said she’s failed to get a deer during the past two falls, but takes pride in the fact that “I’ve got my dad back into it.” Apart from distinguishing herself at this weekend’s nationals, she has one more goal for this spring. “I’m going out turkey hunting to see if I can get one with a bow,” she said. For more: See the National Archery in The Schools Program website. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

<p> It includes a 50-yard dash in stiletto heels, and a 5 K walk/run. It's been held at Long Branch in Liverpool. </p> <p><br /><strong>CNY RUNNING SCENE</strong><br />There is one running race scheduled this weekend in Central New York. It’s <a href="http://www.syracuse.com/news/index.ssf/2013/04/second_annual_socci_stiletto_s.html">the Socci Stiletto Stampede</a>, scheduled for Saturday at Long Branch, Liverpool. Register online or the day of the race beginning at 8 a.m. The 50-yard stiletto dash is set for 9 a.m.; the 5K/run walk at 9:30 a.m.</p> <p>The race benefits the Katie M. Socci Memorial Scholarship Fund and Vera House. Socci was an Auburn nurse who was murdered by her boyfriend in 2011.</p> <p>For those into a change of pace, there's the "Fly by Night Duathlon," scheduled for 6 p.m. Saturday at the race track at Watkins Glen International. The event features a run-bike-run-bike-run competition. Compete as a solo or as a team of two. </p> <p>For more information on these events, to sign up online or to see other races in an area stretching from Binghamton to Watertown, <a href="http://www.fleetfeetsyracuse.com">see the Fleet Feet events calendar on the Syracuse store’s website </a>at fleetfeetsyracuse.com.</p> <p><strong>LAST WEEKEND'S RACES:</strong> To see complete results from Sunday’s Mountain Goat 5K and 10 K races, <a href="http://www.fleetfeetsyracuse.com">see the Fleet Feet website.</a></p> View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

"It was her first turkey ever harvested and she was beyond excited when it was strutting across the field to our decoys," her father said. Dakota Wright, 12, of Mattydale, shot this jake on May 6 while hunting with her father, Brian, in the town of Pompey. "It was her first turkey ever harvested and she was beyond excited when it was strutting across the field to our decoys," her father said. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

<p> This hamlet in northwestern Chenango County has a long history related to the sport of fishing. The event features a full day of family-friendly activities in the community and at the nearby DEC hatchery. </p> <p><strong>The following is a press release:</strong></p> <p>The Otselic Valley Fishing & Heritage Association (OVF&HA) is proud to announce that on Saturday, May 18 from 9am to 4pm, the rural community of South Otselic will host its fifth annual Fishing Heritage Day.</p> <p>Home to one of New York State’s twelve fish hatcheries, and the former B. F. Gladding Fishing Line Co., the scenic Otselic River flows through this northwestern Chenango County hamlet and its neighboring communities, farms and woodlands. The nonprofit OVF&HA plans the Fishing Heritage Day event throughout the year.</p> <p>The hamlet has a long history related to the sport of fishing. It has been home to the South Otselic Fish Cultural Center for 80 years, where Tiger Muskie and Walleye are now raised, and then released into the state's rivers and lakes. The former B. F. Gladding Company, established in 1816, employed some 200 people during its heyday, and become the largest, and eventually, the oldest fishing line manufacturer in the world. The angling community considered Gladding's to be one of the highest quality lines available, and earned South Otselic the reputation as “the fishing line capital of the world“. </p> <p>OVF&HA Board Chairman Carl Johnson noted that “This year's Fishing Heritage Day will continue the annual celebration of South Otselic’s historical past as home to a major fishing line industry, and a state fish hatchery, while recognizing the Otselic River as an important natural resource. Once again, we are fortunate to receive major assistance from the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the Chenango Valley and Dave Brandt Chapters of Trout Unlimited (TU). Special thanks also go to our many sponsors from throughout the river valley, as well as our corporate sponsors, Gladding Braided Products, LLC and NBT Bank. As in past years' events, we are looking forward to hosting an enjoyable, educational and memorable tradition for local, as well as visiting families who attend“, added Reverend Johnson.</p> <p>Beginning Friday evening, the Georgetown Fire Department will once again host a fish dinner at their fire hall beginning at 5 pm, with the proceeds to benefit the Department. Beginning Saturday morning the South Otselic Fish Cultural Station will open with their aquarium display, along with other organizational exhibits and information. Tours will be conducted of the hatchery’s operation and history at 10 am and 2 pm. The popular fishing clinics will be conducted at one of the ponds across the highway, conducted jointly by DEC staff and TU volunteers, while several new fishing programs for youth will be conducted by special guest Mike Riordan from Central Square, NY. Instruction will again be offered by Gary Romanic for those interested in learning the art of fly casting. </p> <p>At the Town Park, art, crafts and antiques will be offered for sale, while exhibits offering information from local non-profit organizations will be available. New this year, thanks to a grant from the New York State Council on the Arts, will be four, one-hour performances by the nationally known bluegrass quartet, Remington Ryde, starting at 10:30 am. The grant also funded a new walking tour brochure of South Otselic, featuring many of the historic houses within the National Historic District. Copies of the new brochure, written and illustrated by local artist Michael Sheridan, will be available at the entrance to the Town Park. Across the street at the First Baptist Church, a special program entitled Trunks and Travel . . . a 19th Century Journey, will occur at 1 pm, bringing to life travel and fashion during the Victorian period of the 1890's. </p> <p>Nearby, Gladding Braided Products, LLC will again host a special rope braiding demonstration, using one of their vintage braiding machines, and offer a selection of their manufactured rope products. </p> <p>A 2-minute stroll down Maple Street, the Otselic Valley Grange will be hosting its barbecue luncheon at the Grange Hall beginning at 11 am. At the same time in the upstairs room, there will be a special showing of the one-hour film, A North Woods Elegy: Incident at Big Moose Lake, depicting the story of local resident Grace Brown's untimely death in the Adirondacks in 1906. The Grange is also the sponsor of the annual Garage Sale Day, simultaneously taking place throughout the community. </p> <p>Admission to all activities is free, and free parking is available throughout the hamlet. A free day-long bus shuttle will again be provided by the OVCS to transport visitors between the Town Park and the fish hatchery, where there will also be free horse drawn wagon rides. </p> <p>Whether or not fishing or local history is a primary interest, everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend the fifth annual Fishing Heritage Day, rain or shine, and spend an enjoyable day with family and friends in the historic community of South Otselic, part of the scenic Otselic River valley.</p> <p>For more information, including a schedule of all activities, <a href="http://www.ovfish.org">visit the Otselic Valley Fishing & Heritage Association's website</a>.<br /></p> View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

I'm looking for the time when there's the most sun, the least precipitation and warmest weather. (Bugs are also a concern.) I'm an avid fisherman and camper and I'm always grappling with when to take my summer vacation each year. I'm putting this question out to readers of this blog. During the months of June, July and August, when is the best two-week spread to take a break from work? I'd like to hear from others about when they take their time off, and what's been their experiences -- good and bad. I'm interested in things that any outdoor enthusiast pays attention to, whether you golf, hike, kayak, fish, cycle -- or whatever. I'm looking for the time when there's the most sun, the least precipitation and warmest weather. (Bugs are also a concern.) My experiences over the years camping with my wife and kids have led me to believe the best time is either around the end of July or beginning of August. We seem to have the best weather during that time. Am I off-base? I'd like to hear from readers on this. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

Hikers are more likely to slip and injure themselves on steep, wet and muddy trails. They can also cause erosion problems and damage vegetation. The following is a DEC press release: With the start of a new season of outdoor hiking and recreation, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) urges hikers to be cautious and postpone hikes on trails above 3,000 feet until early June when muddy trail conditions are expected to improve. Trails and vegetation in the higher elevations are most vulnerable at this time of year when melting snow saturates thin soils found on the steep slopes of the mountains and much of the vegetation growing in high elevations is surviving on the edge of existence. Hikers can cause severe erosion of trails and significant damage to vegetation. DEC urges hikers to avoid hiking on high elevation trails during mud season. Specifically, all trails above 3,000 feet in the Dix, Giant and High Peaks Wildernesses but also any high elevation trails on steep slopes throughout the Adirondacks. Hikers are also more likely to slip and injure themselves on steep, wet and muddy trails. On the lower elevation trails, snows melt sooner, soils are thicker and dry more quickly, slopes are not as steep and vegetation is less sensitive to damage from hikers. Even lower elevation muddy trails are less susceptible to erosion. Hikers are encouraged to wear waterproof footwear and gaiters and to hike through, not around wet and muddy portions of trail to avoid widening the trails or creating “herd paths” around those areas. DEC asks hikers to avoid the following trails: • High Peaks Wilderness Area - all trails above 3,000 feet; where wet, muddy, snow conditions still prevail, specifically: Algonquin, Colden, Feldspar, Gothics, Indian Pass, Lake Arnold Cross-Over, Marcy, Marcy Dam - Avalanche - Lake Colden which is extremely wet, Phelps Trail above John Brook Lodge, Range Trail, Skylight, Wright and all “trail-less” peaks. • Dix Mountain Wilderness Area - all trails above Elk Lake and Round Pond • Giant Mountain Wilderness Area - all trails above Giant's Washbowl, “the Cobbles,” and Owls Head. DEC suggests the following alternative trails for hiking, subject to weather conditions: • Debar Mt. Wild Forest: o Azure Mountain • Giant Mt. Wilderness: o Giant’s Washbowl o Roaring Brook Falls • High Peaks Wilderness: o Ampersand Mountain o Cascade Mountain o Porter Mountain from Cascade Mountain (avoid all other approaches) o Big Slide o The Brothers • Hurricane Mountain Wilderness o The Crows • McKenzie Mt. Wilderness: o Baker Mountain o Haystack Mountain • Pharaoh Lake Wilderness Area: o Pharaoh Mountain • Saranac Lakes Wild Forest: o Panther Mountain o Scarface Mountain Hikers who wait for drier conditions will protect natural resources and trails. Also, the trails will be in better condition later in the season, making for a safer and more enjoyable hike. DEC’s website contains additional information on trail conditions in the Adirondacks or contact the DEC Forest Rangers at (518) 897-1300. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

He caught the fish 15 minutes into the competition from shore on Scriba Creek. He earned $1,000 for his catch. Joe Collins holds up his 26-incher the morning after he caught his prize winning fish. Joe Collins, of Olcott, is one lucky angler.His 26-inch walleye won this past weekend's 35th Annual Cicero-Mattydale Lions Club Walleye Derby on Oneida Lake. The two-day tourney, which each year marks the opening o the walleye fishing season, saw nearly 2,000 anglers competing. Thomas won $1,000 for the catch. The interesting (and lucky) part about it is he caught his fish a mere 15 minutes or so into the competition. He hooked it fishing from shore during the dead of night on Scriba Creek, he said, just above the DEC hatchery in Constantia. Check out the top 25 finishers. Listen to Thomas tell his story...and what he plans to do with his prize money. (Hint: His wife is getting a cut). Joe Collins with his trophy. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

Nearly 2,000 anglers entered the two-day tourney and some $7,000 in cash and prizes was handed out. The following are the top 25 finishers in this weekend's 35th annual Cicero-Mattydale Lions Club Walleye Derby held on Oneida Lake. The competition gave out some $7,000 in cash and prizes for anglers, and the awards ceremony was held Sunday afternoon at Gander Mountain's Cicero store. The winner was Joseph Thomas, of Olcott, whose 26 incher weighed 5 lbs, 3 oz. and had a 12 3/8 inch girth, He caught the fish in Scriba Creek 15 minutes after the opening of the season, using a white, Berkeley Powerbait Shad. The competition was decided on length of the fish. In the event of a tie on length, officials also looked at weight and girth. Here's the top finishers, all who got cash prizes. Thomas won $1,000 for his fish Top 25 1) Joe Thomas, 26" 2). Carmen Cicero, 25 1/2" 3). Frank Brady, 25 3/8" 4). Dave Merritt, 25 1/4" 5). Dan Griffin, 25 " 6). John Snyder III, 24 1/2" 7). John Barden, 25 3/4" . Michael Gallaro, 23 5/8" 9). Greg Tesch, 23 1/2" 10). Mark Grenga, 23 3/8" 11). Matthew Salisbury, 23 1/4" 12). Scott Robins, 23 1/8" 13). Carl Smith, 23" 14). Paul Piccolo, 22 3/4" 15). Clyde Albertson Jr. 22 1/2" 16). Frank Squadrito, 22 1/2" 17). Charles Cliff, 22 1/4" 18). Augustus Kampnich, 22 1/4" 19). Robert Giarrosso, 22 1/4" 20). Nick Galotti, 22 1/4" 21). Casey Coughlin, 22 1/4" 22). Benjamin, Kalesa, 22 1/4" 23). Hubert Cunningham III, 22 1/4" 24). Gregory Cheek, 22 1/4" 25). Daniel Davis, 22 1/8" View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

<p> "Caught drifting the old reliable night crawler," he said. </p> <p><br />Dave Smith, hoists two lunker walleyes he caught on the opening day Saturday of the walleye fishing season while fishing on the Oswego River.</p> <p>One measured 28.5 inches, the other, 29 inches-- weighing 8.5 and 9.2 lbs, respectively.</p> <p>"Caught drifting the old reliable night crawler," he said.</p> View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

<p> "I work midnights and saw tons of turkeys in the field while driving home. There was no time for sleep...," he said. </p> <div id="asset-12692447" 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/12692447-large.jpg" class="adv-photo" alt="Turkey 1.jpg" /><span class="photo-data"><span class="caption"></span><span class="byline"></span></span></span> </div> <p>Matt Kadlubowski, of Phoenix, downed this impressive gobbler in Lysander recently.</p> <p>He wrote: "Shot this Tom this morning about 7:30 am in Lysander. I work midnights and saw tons of turkeys in the field while driving home.</p> <p>"There was no time for sleep so I headed right out. Once got to my spot I had him down in 10 minutes. Called him away from the hen he was with."</p> View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

<p> "These gentlemen (the instructors) deserve thanks and gratitude not only from the hunting community but also the public at large," he said. </p> <p><strong>I received the following message last week from Hayes H. Wanamaker, M.D., who recently took a hunter safety course. Wanamaker wrote:</strong></p> <p>"Dave,<br />"I recently took the hunter education course at the Camillus Sportsmen's club. This was the new version with the online home study component and one day hands on course. I am relatively new to firearms and was advised that this would be a great introduction to guns and safety as well as hunting.</p> <p>"The course was taught by Ted Gacek, Mike Arnold and several other instructors. I cannot emphasize how well this course was taught. It was no nonsense, and the concept of gun safety was first and foremost throughout. </p> <p>"The instructors are all volunteers, donating their time to make sure that everyone who is eligible for a hunting license has a clear understanding of the responsibilities which accompany the privilege of hunting.</p> <p>"They made it very clear that they would not pass anyone who did not meet the expected standards. The class included a number of women and children as well as the expected adult males.</p> <p>"All in all, it was a very well-conceived course taught by experienced hunters dedicated to insuring that the principles of gun safety, conservation and hunting etiquette were understood thoroughly by all who attended.</p> <p>"These gentlemen deserve thanks and gratitude not only from the hunting community but also the public at large.</p> View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

<p> He won $1,000 for his fish -- a 26-incher that weighed 5 pounds. </p> <p>Joseph Thomas, of Olcott, was the winner this past weekend of the Cicero-Mattydale Lions Club Walleye Derby on Oneida Lake, according to Carol Frey, tournament director.</p> <p>Thomas won the $1,000 first prize by turning in a 26-inch walleye that he caught on a Berkeley Powerbait Shad on Scriba Creek.</p> <p>Tournament officials did have a picture of Thomas, but I've been told he has a picture. I plan to interview him later this morning and hopefully I'll be able to secure the photo and hopefully can post it before noon today.</p> <p>I also expect to list the top 25 anglers as well. The tournament had a total of 1,923 entrants this year. Stay tuned!<br /></p> View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

<p> "We use green 1/16 oz jg head with a green, slider tail with no bait. They destroy it," he said. </p> <p>Ralph Marzullo holds up an impressive yellow perch he caught recently on Skaneateles Lake.</p> <p>He wrote: Hello David, I had the privilege to fish with a good friend who fishes Skaneateles Lake consistently.</p> <p>"I caught this 15 1/8" perch on April 2."</p> <p>I asked him what he caught it on. He responded: "We use green 1/16 oz jg head with a green, slider tail with no bait. They destroy it.</p> <p>"The key is keeping it on the bottom which is hard to do in a deep Lake as Skany is."</p> View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

The derby started at 12:01 a.m. this morning. . Final awards ceremony is 3 p.m. Sunday at the Gander Mountain Store in Cicero. There's more than $7,000 in cash and prizes being offered. The 35th annual Cicero-Mattydale Lions Club Walleye Derby on Oneida Lake kicked off early this morning, coinciding with the opening of the walleye fishing season. Nearly 2,000 anglers are expected to compete. The derby started at 12:01 a.m. this morning. . Final awards ceremony is 3 p.m. Sunday at the Gander Mountain store in Cicero. More than $7,000 in cash and prizes. First place gets $1,000, with cash prizes all the way down to the top 25 places. There's also three specially tagged fish in the lake. The lucky anglers who manage to hook them could earn $1,000, $500 and $250, respectively, depending on the fish. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

Send pictures and your stories to [email protected]. Good luck out there. Are you out there today on Oneida Lake or some other local waterway fishing for walleyes? Send me a report about how you're doing.. and pictures to back it up. Include your full name, where you live, pictures of you holding a fish (or two, or three), tell where you caught it and what you used as bait or a lure. Send pictures and your report to [email protected]. Good luck out there. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

The 68th annual meeting of the Oneida Lake Association was held Monday night. Fish-cormorants remain a concern on Oneida Lake. The themes discussed at this year’s annual spring meeting of the Oneida Lake Association Monday included the need for increased volunteerism and awareness concerning the lake and its fishery.The meeting, held at the Cicero-North Syracuse High School Auditorium, featured the usual update on lake and fishery issues from state Department of Environmental Conservation, Cornell Biological Field Station and U.S. Department of Agriculture officials. The experts said the lake’s fishery (walleye, bass, pike and various panfish) remains healthy. Walleye are still the primary species sought by anglers (an estimated 60-70 percent), with bass being the second most popular target (30 percent), according to Randy Jackson, associate director of the Cornell Biological Field Station. Thanks to the annual stocking of walleye in Oneida from the DEC hatchery in Constantia, the lake has “more than enough fish” to support all the angling pressure it gets, Jackson said. He noted Oneida’s perch population is down a little, but otherwise stable. He said Oneida’s bass population (particularly the smallmouth) has tripled in numbers since the 1970s and 1980s, thanks to warmer water temperatures and clearer water resulting from zebra mussels. Some of the speakers made references to tight budgets or budget cutbacks, followed up by requests for help by lake users – activities ranging from pulling out invasive plant species such as water chestnuts, reporting poachers and other lawbreakers to the DEC or donating boats and gas for the cormorant harassment program. “This is the time to work together and be creative,” said Martin Lowney, state director for the U.S. Agriculture Department’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service-Wildlife Services – the agency that previously oversaw the cormorant harassment program on Oneida before it was cut out of the federal budget in 2010. David Lemon, regional fisheries manager for DEC's Region 7, was named "Conservationist of the Year" by the Oneida Lake Association for his work in organizing a volunteer team to deal with cormorants on the lake.Patricia Cerro-Reehil The past couple of years, David Lemon, regional fisheries biologist at the DEC’s Region 7 office in Cortland office, has worked closely with DEC staff from Region 6 and a cadre of volunteers to count and harass the cormorants on the lake during September. September is the time many of the migrants are passing through the area. Lemon reported that volunteers are again needed this fall, and that time on the lake may be extended into late August and possibly later In the fall. For his efforts with the program, Lemon was recognized by the Association this year with its “Conservationist of the Year” Award. Capt. Matt Revenaugh, who heads the Region 7 environmental conservation officer staff, said due to budget cutbacks and retirements, “we’re spread thin and we rely on sportsmen to be our extra eyes and ears on the water.” He emphasized those seeing poachers or any lawbreakers should call the DEC as soon as possible. He recommended using the Poacher Tip Hotline (1-800-TIPP-DEC) or the DEC’s regional number (315-426-7431). Individual conservation officers can also be called, he noted. Their cell phone numbers are listed in the DEC hunting and fishing guides. Jackson while discussing the lake’s fishery, spoke about the Oneida’s biggest fish – sturgeon. One netted by Cornell staff last year weighed 93 pounds. He said anglers need to keep in mind, though, that they’re a “threatened species” in this state, and that’s it’s illegal for anglers to target or possess them. This 93-pound sturgeon was netted last spring by staff at the Cornell Biological Field Station.Cornell University Jackson said sturgeon, once a native of these waters, were reintroduced into the lake by the DEC in 1995. He said females are finally maturing to the point where they’re beginning to spawn in the lake’s tributaries , such as Fish Creek. “Females spawn every four years. If you see a big female in one of these tributaries surrounded by splashing males, leave it along,” he said, noting that hooking it might result in stressing the fish so much it won’t spawn that year. For more on the Oneida Lake Association, see its website. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

The top photos will appear in The Post-Standard on Father's Day. Entries are now 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

This is what makes WIN wonderful. It offers a variety of outdoors activities, from shotgun shooting to nature journaling, and therefore brings together women who are different in many ways but all appreciative of the outdoors. Chris Dougherty, left , a wilderness survival expert, gives Kate Collins, The Post-Standard's entertainment manager, a lesson in starting a fire using primitive tools at the Women in Nature Outdoors Skills program at the Otisco Rod and Gun ClubDavid Figura Where there is smoke, there is fire. Eventually. But first, you may have to kneel on the ground with a fit young man as he yells "faster, harder, harder, faster." Under glaring daylight. In front of several dozen other women. As they capture it all on iPhones. This is what happened to me last Saturday while participating in the Women in Nature (WIN) Outdoor Skills Workshop. But let's not start with flames and begin instead with Intro to Firearms, my first class on Saturday. When I registered for WIN in March, I wanted to overcome my fear of guns. Since to conquer fear is to confront it, I signed up for the class thinking I'd shoot a gun. But soon, I realized there's nothing wrong with fear, so I was relieved when I walked in and was informed that we wouldn't be handling firearms, much less shooting them. But my time wasn't wasted in Intro to Firearms, as I learned the difference between a rifle and a shotgun. And while the instructor's parting words were "buying a .22 is a great place to start," I'm now certain that I will not be purchasing any firearms. Ever. Next, over to Otisco Lake for Birding Basics. The ornithologist leading the session was impressive, able to distinguish a single call from the ambient noise surrounding us: other birds, passing cars, and fellow participants, some whom lacked the ability to keep silent for more than six seconds. Surprisingly, I wasn't among them; I was enthralled by the birds' singing and calling, which I learned are two different things. As we followed the bird sounds, we spied robins and grackles, swallows building a nest, a wood duck, and a kingfisher diving towards unlucky prey. I could have continued birding all day, but soon it was time for lunch. Following a meal of 'wild game and fish,' there were demonstrations throughout the grounds. This where I encountered a ruggedly handsome Adirondack survivalist who could start a fire with nothing but twigs, twine, and nose grease, which is plentiful after a few days sans proper showering in the wilderness. Yet after several attempts at combustion, his lumberjack-like arms began to tire and he sheepishly asked for assistance. I volunteered. On my knees and facing him, I grabbed one end of the twine-strung twig. "Go slow 'til we get the rhythm," he instructed. I obliged. Grey smoke rose and his tone changed. "Faster, harder," he commanded, "harder, faster." I tried to keep up, but soon dropped my end of the twig. We tried a several more times but our rhythm was flawed and there were no sparks. The women recording the comically perverse scene on their iPhones were unsettling, so I left him alone to ignite his own flame, which at long last he did. Finally, my last class of the day: Campfire Cooking. Just as there's different ways of camping - backpacking (my way) versus car camping (not my way) - there's different ways of campfire cooking also. This way involved pineapple cake mix, a tube of crescent rolls, and jars of chocolate sauce and maraschino cherries; impractical provisions for backpacking. But like Intro to Firearms, I gained useful knowledge in this class as well, the proper care of cast iron cookware. Not that I'm planning to toss my cast iron skillet into my backpack for my next adventure. In reflecting upon WIN, my most valuable lesson was garnered not from the classes or from trying to spark a flame with the Firestarter of the Adirondacks, but while in the lunch line. Standing next to me was another nature-loving woman, but not an organic-food-aisle, chai-tea-drinking, Subaru Forester-driving, nature-lover like myself. This woman wore camouflage and owned a crossbow. She wasn't afraid of guns. This is what makes WIN wonderful. Free of cost and open to all women, it offers a variety of outdoors activities, from shotgun shooting to nature journaling, and therefore brings together women who are different in many ways but all appreciative of the outdoors. It gives all women the opportunity to try anything that them gets them outside. And maybe next time, we women can start our own fire. Kate Collins is Entertainment Manager for syracuse.com | The Post-Standard View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

Hunt’s Pond State Forest offers numerous recreational opportunities including 50-acre Hunts Pond, a warm water fishery with largemouth bass, yellow perch, brown bullhead, chain pickerel and rock bass. The following is a press release: Twelve designated campsites at Hunt’s Pond State Forest are now available for public use, the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation announced today. Campers must obtain a permit from the DEC’s Sherburne office, 2715 State Route 80, Sherburne, New York, in order to use the primitive campsites. The permits are free and may be obtained between the hours of 7 a.m. and 3 p.m “This is a wonderful opportunity for people to take advantage of Hunt’s Pond State Forest, which offers numerous recreational opportunities including 50-acre Hunts Pond, a warm water fishery with largemouth bass, yellow perch, brown bullhead, chain pickerel and rock bass,” DEC Regional Director Ken Lynch said Hunts Pond State Forest is located in the town of New Berlin, Chenango County, and is accessed from Hunt’s Pond Road. The forest is 1,383 acres and includes the former Hunts Pond State Park, which DEC acquired several years ago from the New York State Department of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP). In prior years, OPRHP managed the campsites; this is the first year that DEC has provided camping at the forest since acquiring the land. Camping is permitted through Sept. 30, and the maximum length of stay on any one site or combination of sites is 14 nights. Fires are allowed only in fire pits provided by DEC. Only dead and downed wood may be used for campfires. No burning of scrap wood from construction or demolition is allowed. A potable source of water is not available at Hunt’s Pond. All rubbish must be carried out by campers. No more than two vehicles are allowed per campsite, and no more than eight people are allowed per campsite. A free boat launch for canoes, kayaks and boats with electric motors only is another feature of Hunts Pond. Remember not to move or transport firewood more than 50 miles. You could be spreading pests and diseases that kill forests. A firewood regulation is in place to protect forests and to prevent the spread of invasive pests and diseases. A self-issued Certificate for Transport and Possession of New York-Sourced Untreated Firewood for Personal Use form must be completed and carried with you if you plan on bringing firewood to your camp. Tickets can be issued if the proper paperwork is not completed to clarify the origin of your firewood. General information on Hunts Pond State Forest, including a map, and directions to the forest can be found on the DEC website. A pamphlet showing the campsites and describing the rules for camping at Hunts’ Pond is available on this page as well. For further information, contact DEC’s Sherburne office at 607-674-4036. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

A nature walk is set for May 11 at the Cora Kampfe Dickinson Conservation Area near the southeastern shore of Skaneateles Lake. The following is a press release: Finger Lakes Land Trust kicks off its "Talks and Treks" series with a nature walk on May 11 at the Cora Kampfe Dickinson Conservation Area near the southeastern shore of Skaneateles Lake. Talks and Treks is a series of guided walks led by volunteer naturalists to our region’s natural areas that help educate youth and adults about the natural and cultural history of the Finger Lakes. The events are free and open to the public. The walk begins at 10 a.m. Peter Harrity, Lime Hollow Nature Center Associate Director will lead us on an exploration of the upland side of this preserve, above Staghorn Cliffs on Skaneateles Lake.This event is free and open to the public and will go rain or shine. Migrating birds, frogs, salamanders and spring wildflowers should be in abundance! An access trail to the preserve passes through a variety of habitats including woodlands and wet areas so wear sturdy shoes and bring binoculars if you have them. Since parking at the site is limited, we will be meeting at the scenic overlook on State Route 41 at the Onondaga/Cortland County Line. Space is limited on this trip, to reserve a spot call 607-275-9487 or email [email protected]. For more information visit the Finger Lakes Land Trust website or call 607-275-9487. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

Note: In an effort to prevent the spread of invasive insect species, such as the Emerald Ash Borer and the Asian Long-horned Beetle, state regulations prohibit moving firewood that has not been heat treated more than 50 miles. The following is a press release: The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation is accepting bids from homeowners to cut firewood on state forests in Chenango and Madison counties. Due to the increased demand for firewood, sales will only be offered through a sealed bid auction and not by lottery. Unlike past years, there is no need to sign up in advance to participate in the bid process. All firewood for sale is standing, live trees located off-road and will require a chainsaw, tractor and cart or a 4-wheel drive truck for cutting, access and hauling. The trees available for cutting are marked by DEC foresters. This is done to ensure that the only wood removed is done for conservation and habitat reasons. Removal of marked trees improves forest health and the growing stock of understory trees and vegetation. Bid applications are available for firewood in state forests in the following towns: Afton, Brookfield, Coventry, DeRuyter, Georgetown, German, Guilford, Lebanon, McDonough, Nelson, New Berlin, North Norwich, Otselic, Oxford, Pharsalia, Pitcher, Plymouth, Smithville, Smyrna. Bid sheets are available on DEC’s website or from DEC’s Sherburne office (Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.) and will be accepted until 2 pm on May 17, 2013. Maps depicting the location of each lot also available online. Minimum bids for each lot are listed on the bid sheet. Persons may bid on as many firewood lots as they wish; however, any person or group who is the high bidder on multiple lots will only be awarded one lot for firewood cutting purposes. Cutting and removal of firewood may begin as soon as a contract is executed, typically the end of May. After a homeowner is notified that they are the high bidder, they need to execute the contract and make payment by June 3 or the lot is offered to the next highest bidder. All firewood must be cut and removed by September 16, 2013. In an effort to prevent the spread of invasive insect species, such as the Emerald Ash Borer and the Asian Long-horned Beetle, state regulations prohibit moving firewood that has not been heat treated more than 50 miles. ersons completing bid sheets under this program may transport cut trees no more than 50 miles from where the wood is felled. They also must complete a “Self-Issued Certificate for Transport” form and carry it with them when transporting the wood. For more information on firewood movement restrictions visit DEC’s website or call 1-866-640-0652 or e-mail [email protected]. Any person operating a chainsaw for any purpose while cutting firewood is required to wear Personal Protective Equipment including at least the following: hard hat, eye protection, hearing protection and cut-resistant chaps or pants. Chainsaws must be equipped with properly functioning safety devices including a chain brake. One should not apply if you do not have access to this equipment. Other firewood sales rules are available when one applies for a bid sheet as well as on DEC’s website. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog