HuntingNY-News

It's a great, family-oriented event. Admission and parking are free. Cooper's hawkSteve Kolbe The following is a press release: Onondaga Audubon invites the public to Derby Hill Bird Observatory on the eastern shore of Lake Ontario in Oswego County on Saturday, May 11, for its annual Bird Festival. Live hawks, bird walks, nature activities, and kids' face painting have been scheduled throughout the day. Westy's Birds of Prey show will exhibit and talk about the fascinating world of raptors. A silent auction will offer bird and non-bird items, and there will be vendors with wildlife photography, native plants, artwork, and hand-crafted jewelry for sale. In addition, the popular Chomppers Smokin’ Barbeque will be on hand with their tantalizing fare. And, of course, the star performers--eagles, hawks, vultures, and other wild birds--will be gracing the skies overhead. For a complete schdule of events and directions of Derby Hill , visit the Onondaga Audubon website. Admission and parking are free. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

The bird weighed 18 pounds and had a 10-inch beard. The bird weighed 18 pounds and had a 10-inch beard. Joe Luchansky, of Lakeland, poses with a nice wild turkey he shot opening day.The bird weighed 18 pounds, had 1-inch spurs and a 10-inch beard. He shot it on private land in Peru. Submissions for "Catch (Trophy) of the Week"and wildlife photos should be sent to [email protected]. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

"At 6:30 a.m., he stepped out into the field with my decoy at about 12 yards," he said. Katrina Grady Patrick Grady, of Baldwinsville, got this bird opening day in Cayuga County. He wrote: "Heard him on the roost at 5:30. He flew down and walked away. A hen came in and did not like my decoy and walked off. "Little after 6:00 I heard a gobble and started to call. Brought him closer but he must have walked through the woods behind me. "Next thing I know he is another 100 yards on the other side of me. I got more aggressive with some calls and he came sneaking in. "At 6:30 he stepped out into the field with my decoy at about 12 yards. Probably just a nice 2 year old, about 20 lbs, 9 inch beard, and ½” spurs." View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

"Both girls are also long time hip-hop, ballet, tap and jazz dancers," said the proud dad. Meghan McCarthy, 12, of Plainville and her sister, Katherine, 14 both shot shot turkeys during the recent Youth Wild Turkey Hunt weekend. Their father, John McCarthy wrote: This was Meghan's first time turkey hunting during the youth season. I was with her in the woods, but due to a shoulder injury enlisted the help of our family friend Rory Thorpe. "With Rory's help calling in the jake, Meghan was able to take her first bird bright and early that Saturday morning. Meghan is a 6th grader at Cato-Meridian Middle School who also enjoys going deer hunting with her dad, riding four wheelers, going out on the boat in summer, snowmobiling in the winter. Meghan's sister Katherine who was hunting with family friend Lance Godfrey, was successful in bagging her third turkey in as many opening days for youth season. Katherine is an 8th grader also at Cato-Meridian Middle School. She also enjoys hunting with her dad and was able to bow and shotgun hunt with him for the first time this past season. She is an avid reader, loves school, and enjoys just about anything that has to do with the outdoors. "Both girls are also long time hip-hop, ballet, tap and jazz dancers," cocluded McCarthy, who described himself as the "proud dad of his turkey hunting girls." View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

Nominations are needed from league members for the positions of president and vice president for the Northern Division. CNY TRAP LEAGUE RESULTS NORTHERN DIVISION CENTRAL SQUARE (188) at NORTH SPORTMEN (184) TOAD HARBOR (195) at PATHFINDER (199) SOUTH SHORE (bye) SOUTHERN DIVISION POMPEY (199) at DEWITT (186) CAMILLUS (193) at BRIDGEPORT (198) THREE RIVERS (193) at SKANEATELES (192) DIVISION STANDINGS (Standings are determined by two factors: total points scored in a match and the accumulationg of points awarded by winning (2 points) or tying (1 point) points won by taking a match (2 points) (NORTH) TOAD HARBOR 592 (4 points) PATHFINDER 394 (3 points) SOUTH SHORE 390 (3 points) CENTRAL SQUARE 372 (2 points) NORTH SPORTSMAN 564 (0 points) (SOUTH) POMPEY 586 (4 points) SKANEATELES 581 (4 points) THREE RIVERS 572 (4 points) BRIDGEPORT 571 (4 points) CAMILLUS 580 (2 points) DEWITT 542 (0 points) Shooters who hit 25 out of 25 April 30 (Those who hit 25 last week and again this week are recognized as hitting 50) POMPEY—JIM ST. PIERRE—JOHN BENSON—JEFF BELL—JEFF CAIN—WAYNE WILCOX—STEVE RANDALL—JOE BOBBETT THREE RIVERS—50-BILL TAMBS—25’S—WES WOOLRIDGE—JOE CAPLES NORTH SPORTSMAN—50—KYLE JONES TOAD HARBOR—BILL KENT—TED FIRNSTEIN—DON SADUE—CORRECTION LAST WEEK—50’S CRAIG & KEITH CHESBRO CENTRAL SQUARE—NONE SKANEATELES—NONE PATHFINDER—DALLAS SUMMER—BILL—CHILLSON—DAN GREGORY—BOB WELDIN—TRAVIS DANN— JAKE DAVIES—TIM NOTTELL CAMILLUS—50’S—AL REICH—25’S—BOB KARKER DEWITT—MARTY DIAMOND BRIDGEPORT—VINCE VOLAIS—GEORGE HART—JOE CAMPBELL—LEE SMITH—CHRIS CRETARO— RICK TASSONE **Results courtesy of Dick Masterpole. Masterpole said nominations are needed from league members for the positions of president and vice president for the Northern Division. Contact him at 963-8974 or 481-5326. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

<p> You can't go wrong with a bucktail jig tipped with a worm, he said. He also said there's a strong possibility of good bite fishing from shore at night for those anglers casting stickbaits. </p> <p>Capt. Tony Buffa, who’s been guiding on Oneida Lake for several decades, expects a typical opening day for walleye anglers Saturday, noting that “we’ve just gone through a typical Central New York winter.</p> <p>“In addition, the spawning of the walleye this year in the lake’s tributaries was more on schedule and concentrated, as opposed to waves like last year,” he said.</p> <p>Buffa added, though, that it’s been a colder than normal April that most likely resulted in many fish remaining in tributaries longer. They won’t be spread around the lake as much as they were last year at this time. “I would spend my efforts this weekend on areas around the lake (where tributaries empty in), such as Chittenango Creek, Maple Bay, and the mouths of Scriba and Fish creeks,” he said.</p> <p>His bait of choice? Buffa said you can’t go wrong with a bucktail jig tipped with a worm. Colors that work well include black and blue, brown and white and perch patterns.</p> <p>He said some anglers will be trolling and most likely will be productive in 8-15 feet of water using Rapalas, Smithwicks and Junior Thundersticks.</p> <p>He gave hope for boat-less anglers, noting that a lot of walleye will still be feeding along the shore at night and will susceptible to anglers casting stickbaits. “You can expect a full week of night-time shoreline casting activity this year,” he said, adding “a little wind will go a long way in helping the bite.” </p> View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

Bullhead fishing action continues along the shore of Oneida Lake and on other waterways. CNY FISHING REPORT Bait stores (list and map). * Reminders: Walleye, northern pike, pickerel, musky and tiger musky fishing seasons open on Saturday. Finger Lakes Tributary fishing is from sunrise to sunset through May 15. 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 in 5 to 25 feet of water 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 The water is still up a bit and the fishing continues to be good. Steelhead are still being found throughout the river. Good baits are egg sacs, beads, pink worms, night crawlers and streamers. OSWEGO RIVER High water level continues to make shore fishing extremely difficult. No new fishing information to report. Before the high water, anglers were getting steelhead and some nice brown trout with egg sacs working well. ONEIDA LAKE Shore anglers are starting to catch bullheads around the lake. Anglers getting out in boats are catching some black crappie and bullheads in Big Bay. Black crappie should also be beginning to bite in Toad Harbor. Minnows orsmall plastics are always good choices there. 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, or below the surface with lead core. Lake trout are hitting spoons and flasher and flies fished 60 to 150 feet down. 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. OTISCO LAKE No new fishing activity to report. SKANEATELES LAKE Nothing new to report. The DEC launch ramp is open and the dock are in. Anglers getting out in boats are catching some yellow perch on the north end. A few lake trout are also being taken by the perch anglers. SANDY POND: Things have been slow on the pond but a few anglers are getting some black crappie, bluegills and yellow perch. Small minnows, worms and spikes are good bait choices. No word on bullheads yet, but it shouldn't be too long. ST. LAWRENCE RIVER Water is still pretty cold on the river. Northerns and walleyes should be in shallows for this weekend’s opener. Bullhead, perch and crappie bite has been mixed, sometimes it on, sometimes its off. Ever-changing weather seems to have affected the fishery. 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 The reservoir has cleared up from the recent rain events and fishing is improving. Some stable warm weather should really help the bite. Bullheads are being taken by shore anglers fishing off the Kiebel Road side. Channel catfish are also being caught on the north end. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

<p> What else would you like to see me write about this time of year? Send your suggestions to [email protected]. </p> <p>Do you believe this fantastic weather? Wow, it really is spring!</p> <p>Here's what I'm writing about (with the help of my Syracuse University Intern Sarah Taddeo) this week:</p> <p>- Bullhead fishing on Oneida Lake<br />- The walleye season opener Saturday and the annual Cicero-Mattydale Lions Club Walleye Derby on Oneida Lake<br />- the DEC's recent deer harvest report from last fall's hunting season<br />- Kate Collins, CNY entertainment manager, writes about her experiece at last weekend's Women in Nature Outdoor Skills seminar at the Otisco Rod and Gun Club.<br />- Highlights from the Oneida Lake Association meeting this week</p> <p><strong>Also:</strong></p> <p>- So, based on data from Meteorologist Dave Eichorn..just when is the best time (as far as warm temperatures and lack of rain) to take an outdoors summer vacation in Central New York? (<em>You might be surprised)</em></p> <p>- The early spring brown trout bite on Lake Ontario.</p> <p>- An update on the Governor's "gag order" on the DEC.</p> <p>- Commercial gill net fishing for perch on Lake Ontario There's still a few individuals who are licensed by the state to do this and I hope to get out with one of them soon.</p> <p>- A couple in Tully who allows hikes on their property with (I'm not making this up) alpacas.</p> <p>- The great blue heron rookery up at the Sterling Nature Center.</p> <p>- Volunteers who spruce up local hiking trails this time of year..</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></p> <p></p> <p><br /></p> View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

Sometimes you get a lot of action, sometimes you don't. Brewerton— James Daher says bullhead fishing, or "bullheading," teaches an angler two things—patience and social skills. In addition, success can result in a tasty meal. "Advanced technology has become the standard of fishing nowadays, but really it comes down to a hook, line, sinker, and waiting," said Daher, who works at Mickey's Bait and Tackle in North Syracuse. "The test of patience is part of being outdoors, and it gives you an opportunity to socialize and enjoy the nature around you." I went out with Daher Sunday evening on the shore of Muskrat Bay on Oneida Lake. We fished well into the darkness, but had no luck. Nevertheless, I got a feel for this kind of fishing. Bullhead fishing started on Oneida Lake a couple weeks ago, when weeds hadn't had a chance to grow along banks, but the water was still cold, Daher said. Anglers have been out nearly every night since. James Daher said the best times he's had bullheading have been when he's been camping with friends. Bullheads average 8 to 12 inches. They can be caught year-round from land or boats on local waterways. However, spring evenings are the best time to fish for them from shore. Rising water temperatures and warm rains result in them gathering in the shallows and feeding aggressively. Bullheads can be caught year-round and there is no daily catch or size limit. They're bottom feeders. Anglers often use night crawlers as bait. Other popular baits include minnows, crayfish, chicken livers and dough balls. There were at least two other groups of anglers on the bank when we arrived Sunday. "Bank fisherman" prepare up to three rods, which they prop up along the shoreline, he said. Bullhead begin feeding at dusk and into the night on leeches, crayfish and minnows that are 20 yards or closer to the shore. They're a kin to catfish, with a large, flat head and barbels (whiskers) that they use to feel and locate food. They also have sharp spines on their pectoral (front) and dorsal (top) fins, so care must be taken in handling them. "Some of the best times I've had bullheading were when I was out camping with friends," Daher said. "Camaraderie is part of the sport of fishing." Joe Jacobs, of Syracuse, came up to the lake with a friend to try his luck at bullheading. "We're here to catch everything though...kind of whatever we find," Jacobs said. He'd been fishing at Oneida Lake since he was a boy—"it's always been fun to get out here on a nice spring night, hang out with friends, and catch some fish. It's peaceful," he said. Daher set up two rods with light sinkers and suspended hooks with night crawlers as bait. After two hours, we had gotten at least five nibbles or bites, but none of the fish were very committed. "At this point in the spring, you will usually get a lot of action," Daher said. "But sometimes the fish are stubborn." Daher said that because bullheading doesn't work like bass fishing, which has become an exact science of expensive boats and sonar technology, it's an opportunity for anglers to revert back to traditional fishing ways. When you do catch bullhead, they become somewhat of a delicacy at restaurants around the area, like William's Restaurant in East Syracuse, Daher said. "It's definitely a different taste," he said. "It's a rich, soft meat that is best when deep fried." They're also very and cook yourself, he said. Bullheading used to be huge in the 1980s, and though its popularity has waned since then, it has always been "a cult of sorts," Daher said. "Young people would party on the beach and fish for bullhead to celebrate spring," he said. "I'd like to see that trend come back, for cultural reasons and community building more than anything." Bull fishing takes, and teaches patience.Sarah Taddeo | The Post-Standard More on bullheads There's three species of bullheads that are native to New York -- brown, yellow and black bullheads. Brown bullheads are the most plentiful, according to the DEC. Anglers say the best time to catch and eat bullheads is that their meat is mild and sweet this time of year. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

It's on Oneida Lake. The cost to enter is $10. Biggest fish gets $1,000. The 35th annual Cicero-Mattydale Lions Club Walleye Derby kicks off at 12:01 Saturday morning. The popular derby marks the opening of the walleye fishing season, along with the seasons for northern pike, muskellunge, tiger muskies and pickerel. Last year ,more than 1,900 anglers participated. More than $7,000 in cash is being offered for this year's contest. The angler with the biggest fish (length-wise) will earn $1,000. After that, the top 24 fish will be awarded a total of $3,500. In addition, staff at the state Department of Environmental Conservation’s Oneida fish hatchery in Constantia have released three specially tagged fish into the lake. A lucky angler who catches one of them during the tournament stands to earn $1,000, $500 or $250, depending on the fish caught. “All the tags says is ‘Fishtagger.com’ and a serial number,” said Carol Frey, the tournament director. “If anyone catches any of them after the tournament ends, the club will give them $100, $50 and $25, respectively, right up until Labor Day.” The cost to enter is $10. Tickets are available at 23 businesses around and near the lake. Frey said anglers can sign up until midnight Friday at Gander Mountain and Marion Manor in Canastota. This year’s tournament will feature seven weigh stations around the lake. It will end with an awards ceremony and raffles at 3 p.m. Sunday in the parking lot of the Gander Mountain store in Cicero. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

HIghlights for this weekend include the Cicero-Mattydale Lions Club Walleye Derby on Oneida Lake, and a family friendly wildlife festival at the Montezuma Audubon Center in Savannah. CNY OUTDOORS CALENDAR Friends of NRA banquet: 5:30 p.m. Friday, Traditions at the Links, 5995 North Burdick St., East Syracuse. Hosted by CNY Friends of the NRA. To order tickets contact James Middleton at 315-695-3981 or by email [email protected]. Walleye fishing derby: Annual Cicero-Mattydale Lions Club Walleye Derby on Oneida Lake. Begins at 12:01 a.m. Saturday and ends with award ceremony at 3 p.m. Sunday in the parking lot at the Gander Mountain store in Cicero. More than $7,000 in cash and prizes. The cost to enter is $10. Tickets are available at 23 businesses around and near the lake. Frey said anglers can sign up until midnight Friday at Gander Mountain and Marion Manor in Canastota. For more, call 699-3187. Wildlife Festival: The Montezuma Audubon Center’s 7th Annual Wildlife Festival in Savannah, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. Day full of family-oriented activities. Cost is $3/adult, $1/school-aged child, free for children 4 and younger. For more information, call 315- 365-3588 or see ny.audubon.org/Montezuma. Youth Trout Fishing Derby: 7 to 11 a.m. May 11, Altmar Hotel Pavilion. Sponsored by Stillbrook Fish and Game Club. Barbecue from noon to 3 p.m. Cost is $2 for the derby, $10 for the barbecue. All proceeds go to Steven Esposito Memorial Scholarship Fund. Two age classes: 2 to 9 for pond fishing; 10 to 18 for river fishing. For more, call 298-6945 or email [email protected]. Sycamore Hills Garden Tour/art show: from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 12 (Mother’s Day), 2130 Old Seneca Turnpike, Marcellus. Fundraiser for Baltimore Woods Nature Center. Tickets are $5 through this Saturday, $10 afterward. Children under 8 free. Free parking. A special preview art reception is sto for 4 to 6 p.m. May 11 for Baltimore Woods members with garden tour tickets and participating artists. For more, call 673-1350 or see www.sycamorehills.com. Friends of NRA banquet: 4:3o p.m May 18, Rusty Rail Restaurant, Route 5, Canastota. Sponsored by Madison County Friends of the NRA. For more, call or email Denise at 247 5140 or at [email protected]. SAFETY COURSES: Gun: 6 to 9:30 p.m. May 21, 23, and 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Fayetteville Manlius Rod and Gun Club, 4545 Whetstone Road, Manlius. Register in person at the club from 10 a.m. to noon May 18. Gun: 6 to 9:30 p.m. Aug. 13, 14, 16, Nedrow Rod and Gun Club, Route 20 at Hogback Road, Navarino. Pre-register by calling 469-1820 or 469-4784. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

It's being held at Sycamore Hills Gardens. With 500,000 flowering bulbs, 700 varieties of trees, thousands of perennials, a bell garden, and ponds filled with colorful Japanese Koi fish, visitors can linger all day in this lovely natural setting. The following is a press release :Marcellus --- Sycamore Hill Gardens in Marcellus will open its gates to the public on May 12 (Mother's Day) as a benefit for Baltimore Woods Nature Center. The gardens are located at 2130 Old Seneca Turnpike, Marcellus. From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., individuals and families are invited to bring a picnic lunch and enjoy a leisurely stroll through 30 acres of themed gardens. . With 500,000 flowering bulbs, 700 varieties of trees, thousands of perennials, a bell garden, and ponds filled with colorful Japanese Koi fish, visitors can linger all day in this lovely natural setting. A giant maze comprised of 2,200 Emerald Green Arborvitaes beckons visitors to wend their way to its core and discover what’s hidden within. New this year and a fantastic sight to behold is George Hanford ‘s spectacular, gigantic green dragon. A living sculpture comprised of 38 Pendulous Blue Spruce, it was planted to resemble a life-sized dragon complete with rock toes. An exhibit and sale of fine art is also scheduled at this time in the greenhouse. On display will be work by talented area artists in a variety of media including watercolor, pastel, photography, jewelry, fiber art and scarfs. Participating artists include Chris Baker, Nancy Bales, Karen Burns, Barbara Delmonico, Polly Ann Henry, Kate Humiston, Rachel Harms, Jason Cooper King, Deborah Laun, Kim McGraw, Jill Newton and Thérèse Verley Strodel. A special preview Art Reception will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. May 11 at Sycamore Hill Gardens is open to members of Baltimore Woods with garden tour tickets and to all of the participating artists. The reception will feature appetizers by Stephen Landon, Farm-To-Table Chef and Baltimore Woods Board Member. Young Adult Fantasy writer, Summer Hanford, will be available Sunday to sign copies of her book, Gift of the Aluien. Plank Road Magazine and Byrne Dairy are sponsors of this event, and Byrne Dairy will provide free beverages at the garden tour. Advance tickets are $5 through this Saturday (May 4). Purchase tickets at The Woods, or visit the Baltimore Woods website for a list of ticket locations and online reservations. After this Saturday, tickets are $10 at all sale locations and at the gate. Admission is free for children under eight years old, and parking is free. The event will take place rain or shine. The gardens are handicapped accessible. Guests are asked to leave their pets at home. Call 315-673-1350 for more information. For a glimpse of the gardens and for directions, go to the Sycamore Hills Garden website www.sycamorehillgardens.com. Baltimore Woods Nature Center is located at 4007 Bishop Hill Road, Marcellus, NY 13108. Hours: Interpretive Center is open M-F 9am-4pm, Saturday 10am-4pm, closed Sundays. The hiking trails and parking are free and open every day from dawn to dusk. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

The fish was almost as big as the boy. Listen to him tell the story! Jake Gerardi, 12, of Fayetteville, had a memorable spring break earlier this month. He and his family traveled to the Bahamian Island of Eleuthera, where one day they went out deep sea fishing. During that excursion, the boy said he hooked and landed tthis 53-inch, 60-pound kingfish. It put up quite a battle that lasted more than 20 minutes. The boy said his father, Joe Gerardi, (pictured above) helped with the reeling when he got tired. Also on the boat were Sal Durso, Joey Gerardi, 14, and Sam Durso, 11. Listen to the boy's fish story below. By the way, the young angler weighs just under 80 pounds. » Download audio View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

<p> The gobbler weighed 22 pounds. </p> <div id="asset-12658016" 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/youthturkey7jpg-9820202d959234e5.jpg" class="adv-photo" alt="youthturkey7.jpg" /><span class="photo-data"><span class="caption"></span><span class="byline"></span></span></span> </div> <p>Matt Shoemaker, 14, of Marietta, poses with his first wild turkey, which he shot during the Youth Wild Turkey Youth Hunt weekend. He shot the bird April 28 in Skaneateles.</p> <p>The bird weighed 22 pounds, had 3/4-inch spurs and a 9-inch beard. He was hunting with family friends Joel Brown and Jesse Carr.</p> View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

<p> The seminar, which was to be held at the Carpenter's Brook Fish Hatchery, has been rescheduled for Sept. 14-15. </p> <p>Due to lack of registration, a weekend seminar to introduce women to fly fishing that was scheduled for May 11-12 at the Carpenter's Brook Fish Hatchery has been cancelled.</p> <p>The seminar has been rescheduled for Sept. 14-15, according to VIcky Lane, who was to lead the seminar.</p> <p>Lane felt that conflicts with Mother's Day Festivities and other spring time events provided too much competition for potential participants time, and that early fall just after back to school might be a better time when more ladies could get away to enjoy the program. </p> <p> All donated flies and prizes that had been provided will be held for distribution to participants at the fall program.</p> <p>For more, call Lane at 558-2464, or email her at [email protected].<br /></p> View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

<p> He shot it a 5 yds when the tom came into check out the decoys. It had a 9 1/2 inch beard and 1 1/8 inch spurs. </p> <p>Matthew Rancier, 12, poses with his dad , Daniel Rancier, and Matthew's first wild turkey, which he shot during the recent Youth Wild Turkey Hunt weekend.</p> <p>According to the proud dad: " Matthew shot this nice turkey on Sunday 4-21-13 during the youth turkey hunt. He shot it a 5 yds when the tom came into check out the decoys. <br />It had a 9 1/2 inch beard and 1 1/8 inch spurs.</p> <p>"We live in Cicero and shot it near where we live. He is only 12 years old and shot this one on Sunday. Sat we went out and had an exciting day where we say lots of birds, but he was so excited he missed a different Tom at 15 yards.</p> <p>"Sunday he was much more calm and killed him with one shot. The Tom came in very quite (no gobbling) circled our decoys all fanned out and stopped facing us at 5 yards when my son shot. Quite a hunt!"</p> View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

<p> He was there on spring break with his family. </p> <p><br /><div id="asset-12657829" 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/12657829-large.jpg" class="adv-photo" alt="dock3.jpg" /><span class="photo-data"><span class="caption"></span><span class="byline"></span></span></span> </div></p> <p>Keenan Smith, of Baldwinsville, had a great time fishing off his Aunt Lee's dock while on spring break with his family in Florida.</p> <p>His father wrote: "Keenan caught several catfish from the dock while visiting his aunt on spring break. Others in our family caught lady fish, grouper, and crabs. The shot where he is holding up three fingers is the third large catfish he caught that day. </p> <p>"During our trip, he used Panther Martin spinners, jigs with and without squid for bait, and crank bait lures. He and his sister have been improving their casting skills bass fishing on the rivers in Baldwinsville over the last few years.</p> <p>Keenan is 8 years old. His sister, Ella is 10 and proved to be quite the caster this year. They have graduated to spinning reels on this trip.</p> <div id="asset-12657824" 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/12657824-large.jpg" class="adv-photo" alt="dock2.jpg" /><span class="photo-data"><span class="caption"></span><span class="byline"></span></span></span> </div> <p>Their Aunt Lee lives on Marco Island, Florida. Both she and her late husband, Walt were avid fishers. They often took trips to the keys for several days on their large boat and a small flat boat into the Everglades regularly.</p> <p>" When her brother Bob, Keenan's grandfather, was along, Walt would be braver about getting into tight spots, since he would be able to push the boat off of sandbars!</p> <p>"Now she loves having all her grand kids, nieces and nephews to her place to cut their teeth fishing from her dock.</p> <p>"I left out other fish caught, here's a complete list for this trip: lady fish, catfish, sheepshead, spotted sea trout, jacks, red snapper, crabs. We also saw a large ray launch itself fully out of the water and saw a tarpon."</p> <div id="asset-12657821" 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/12657821-large.jpg" class="adv-photo" alt="dock1.jpg" /><span class="photo-data"><span class="caption"></span><span class="byline"></span></span></span> </div> <p><br /></p> View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

A variety of fish for ponds will be available for sale, including rainbow trout, largemouth bass, minnows, channel catfish and minnows. The following is a press release: The Cayuga County Soil and Water Conservation District is holding a fish stocking sale this spring. A variety of fish for ponds will be available for sale, including rainbow trout, largemouth bass, minnows, channel catfish and minnows. Grass carp will also be available, but the buyer must have a DEC permit in order to purchase them. The conservation district will be taking orders through May 15. The pickup date is 11:30 a.m. May 20 at the Cayuga County Soil and Water Conservation District office parking lot, located off County House Road in Sennett. For more, go to the district's website or call 252-4171. The office hours are 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Friday. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

She was hunting with her dad at the time. For Kyle Emily Burns, 15, of Dryden, the third time was the charm. She shot this jake during the Youth Wild Turkey Hunt weekend recently. "This is her 3rd youth season bird, but first jake," wrote her father. "She hunted hard in heavy wind and sleet on Saturday with no success, to be rewarded with an awesome hunt on Sunday morning." The bird was shot in Spafford, the proud father said. It was where he grew up, he added. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

The talk will focus on Crossley's years of "growing up in the wild British bird scene, his travels around the world and his living today in Cape May, N.J." Richard Crossley, a well-known, author, photographer and co-founder of "Pledge to Fledge," is speaking tonight at new Gateway Center on the SUNY ESF campus in Syracuse. The talk will focus on Crossley's years of "growing up in the wild British bird scene, his travels around the world and his living today in Cape May, N.J." The talk begins at 7 p.m., a reception, during which attendees can chat with him beforehand, is set for 6 p.m. Event is free, but parking in the nearby Irving Parking Garage is not. The event is being sponsored by the SUNY ESF Wildlife Society, the Guy Baldassarre Birding Club and the Department of Environmental and Forest Biology. The Pledge to Fledge program is intent on encouraging birding across the world. According to the group's website: "P2F is an international grassroots campaign to introduce friends and acquaintances to the vibrant pursuit and observation of wild bird species. It is a terrific opportunity to share your love for birding with others, and to help people discover the allure of birds while connecting with the natural world around them. "P2F is designed to help birders effectively recruit their non-birding friends, nurture them toward becoming a casual birder, and then, ideally, into a citizen concerned about bird conservation and the environment. YOU have the capacity to enhance the lives of birds and people alike – simply by sharing your enthusiasm for birds!" For more about tonight's event at SUNY ESF, call 814-880-5667 or email [email protected]. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

Race officials are expecting 3,900 runners to compete.. Syracuse—An expected 3,900 runners—a record number—will descend on downtown Syracuse Sunday morning for the 35th annual Mountain Goat Run and other races. In the addition to the marquis 10-mile, Mountain Goat Run, the morning's schedule will include several kids runs and a 3K race. Ed Griffin, president of the Mountain Goat Run Foundation, answered questions today about this year's event. How do registrations this year compare to past years? "Our registration goes up about 10-15 percent every year. This will be the largest race yet—We had 3,450 last year." Has the recent tragedy at the Boston Marathon affected registration for the Mountain Goat events in any way? "When it happened we got an immediate bump in registration. Runners are defiant types of people. Weather, injuries, people tell them they can't do things. They fight back. Of course it wasn't a positive event, but it has had a positive effect on the people signing up for this race." Did any runners signed up for the Mountain Goat Run compete in the Boston Marathon? "There are hundreds of people who will be here Sunday who ran in this year's Boston Marathon." Can runners still register? Runners can register until race day, although entry fees will go up starting Thursday. The current entry fee for the 10- mile run is $50, and will go up to $60 on Thursday. When do the races begin on Sunday? "The kids races start at 9:15 a.m., the 3K kicks off at 9:40 a.m. and the Mountain Goat Run starts at 10:20 a.m." Where is the starting line, and what are the races' paths through the city? "The races begin and end on North Salina Street, near Clinton Square. What makes the Mountain Goat Run so popular is that it goes through all sections of the city, and a lot of it is on an incline. It goes through about 110 city intersections." What is the security situation for the race? "This is a big enough event where we need something called a "rolling close", where the Syracuse Police Department will completely close a street for 20 minutes prior to the first wave of runners, keep it closed until the last runner goes by, and then open it back up again. We'll have around 60 police officers on duty during the race." Who is eligible to run in these races? "The 10- mile is open to any age, although it's not designed for smaller children. High schoolers who are running cross country and are used to running long distances will compete, and our oldest participant this year is around 80 years old." How far do runners travel to compete in these races? "Most participants are from Upstate New York, but about 20 percent of them are from out of state. We get a lot of people from Canada and all over the U.S. Last year we had over 30 states represented in the race." What do the winners get? "The top five runners in the 10- mile men's and women's categories get cash prizes, with the men's and women's first place winners getting $1,500 each. Also, there will be "time bonus" medals awarded in the 10- mile race, for runners who run under a specific time— for instance, male runners who finish under 70 minutes will win gold medals." What kind of preparation is involved? "We hold a number of training runs through Syracuse leading up to the race. We've held them for six weekends now. About a thousand people turned up for those, and police monitor the streets while these are going on. We have some of the largest training runs of any major U.S. race." Are last year's winners competing this year? "With these lead athletes, you don't get their itinerary until a couple of days before the race—it depends on how they feel physically and the schedule of their other events. But we know some of the top local runners will be there, like Fred Joslyn, who finished second last year. Maegan Krifchin of Dewitt, last year's female winner [and a former Syracuse University runner], may run this year, but we won't know until later this week." Any other noteworthy runners who are planning on running Sunday? "Jerry Smith, who has been in charge of traffic plans for this race for as long as I can remember and who designs the course, is running the race for the first time in probably years on Sunday. He's around 70 years old, and he's a running coach. The rumor is he might be running with one of his proteges, Jerry Lawson, who is a seven- time winner of the Mountain Goat Run. We call him the "King of the Mountain Goat," and it's said that Jerry and Jerry will be out there together on Sunday." Are you planning on running this year? "I ran a couple years ago, but this year I'm not, just because there's going to be so much to do on race day." For more information on the Mountain Goat events, visit the event website. or call View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

The doors and exhibits open at 6 p.m.; the meeting starts at 7. The 68th annual spring meeting of the Oneida Lake Association is set for tonight at the Cicero- North Syracuse High School auditorium. The doors and exhibits open at 6 p.m.; the meeting starts at 7. The association has some 3,000 members. The theme for this year's meeting is Law Enforcement on Oneida Lake..."If and when you see, call DEC." Guest speakers include: - Bill Evans, manager of the DEC-run Oneida Fish Cultural Station, who will give an update on this year's walleye run and egg take. - Dr. Randy Jackson, senior research associate at the Cornell Field Station on Oneida Lake, who will give an update on the lake's walleye and yellow perch populations and comment on the progress of lake sturgeon and round gobies in Oneida Lake. - Martin Lowney, state director for USDA/APHIS/WS, who will give an update on the status of cormorant control for Oneida Lake as per the Federal Budget. He will also address other hazing programs throughout the US and Canada. - Dave Lemon, Fish Manager NYSDEC Region 7, who will address the volunteer cormorant hazing program for Oneida Lake as well as sea lamprey treatment scheduled for 2013. The Verona Beach Lighthouse Association and The Oneida Lake “Lake Sturgeon” project will both have displays in the lobby. SPECIAL PRIZESA Capt. Ray Brown fishing charter for three anglers will be drawn for any child 16 years or younger in attendance. Details to follow at the meeting. Also, a raffle will be held during which two GPS units will be drawn and given away: one for attendees, and the other for the membership at large. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

The adult buck take (about 98,570) increased 6 percent and the antlerless take (110,900) increased 5 percent from 2011. Submitted photo The following is a DEC press release:The 2012 deer harvest results are now available. Hunters took approximately 243,000 deer (124,000 antlerless deer and 119,000 adult bucks) during the 2012-13 hunting seasons, about 6 percent more than were taken the previous year. Increases were most pronounced in the Northern Zone where total take (30,840) increased 15 percent from 2011. In the Southern Zone, the adult buck take (about 98,570) increased 6 percent and the antlerless take (110,900) increased 5 percent from 2011. (Editor's note: The photo is of Joe McDonald, who shot this 10-buck opening day in the town of Cicero.) The 2012 harvest reflects deer populations that are greater than desired levels in many parts of New York. Increased take of antlerless deer will be necessary in 2013. See the DEC website for a summary table of the 2012 deer harvest by zoneand tag tupe, or see the comprehensive report of the harvest. There is a a full report available on the DEC website of the 2012 Youth Deer Hunt. See a photo gallery of successful hunts during the Youth Hunt. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

It weighed 22 pounds. Jordan Gunnip, 14, and his father, Jim Gunnip, both of Elbridge, pose with a turkey the boy shot during the recent Youth Wild Turkey Hunt weekend. The gobbler is the boy's first. It had a 10-inch beard and weighed 22 pounds, the father said. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

He caught it on a worm. Nick Cotter, 12, of Camillus, shows off a nice,14-inch smallmouth bass he caught and released Saturday while fishing on the Seneca River. He caught it on a night crawler. He was fishing with his father, John Cotter, at the time. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog