HuntingNY-News

DEC workers this week reached their goal of collecting 174,000 eggs from spawning fish. DEC worker Will Smith holds up a female rainbow trout after he squeezed out its eggs. David Figura | [email protected] DEC worker Ian Blackburn was splashing around in his waders down inside the Cayuga Inlet Fishway Wednesday morning, netting trapped wild female and male rainbow trout. “I’m going to give you a few more males,” Blackburn said. “The more the merrier.” Standing on grates above and taking the netted fish from Blackburn were Denise Richardson, another DEC worker and volunteer Keith Hunter, of Newfield. The threesome gathered nearly two dozen females and males in water-filled tubs on the fishway’s grated deck. The fish, from nearby Cayuga Lake, run up the Inlet this time of year to spawn and get trapped. Soon after , Ken Osika, manager at the DEC’s fish hatchery in Bath, arrived along with two seasonal hatchery workers to extract the eggs and sperm from the fish on tables. The process went quickly. It involved firmly squeezing the belly of each fish beginning with the front and working back toward the anus. The extracted eggs and sperm squirted out of the fish into big bowls on the tables. “You add a little water to activate the sperm and the eggs are fertilized almost immediately,” Osika said. He said the goal this year was to get 175,000 eggs from the spawning rainbows, fertilize them and to take them back to the hatchery. Before the eggs are loaded up, they’re soaked in iodine to sterilize them. In addition, the eggs are soaked in a vitamin B-1 solution (thiamine). The process increases their survival rate and prevents “early mortality syndrome,” which is prevalent in Cayuga Lake and elsewhere as a result of the adults feeding on alewives. The baitfish are widespread in the lake and contain a chemical that causes the syndrome. “What we used to do many years ago is take the fish back to the hatchery and put them in our raceway. And then with our warmer water, they’d ripen (faster) and we’d do our egg take over there,” he said. Osika explained precautions, such as soaking the eggs in iodine, have to be taken to prevent spreading anything from Cayuga Lake to the hatchery. “There’s so many invasive species and diseases, things like VHS (a deadly fish disease) that you have to watch out for,” he said. Back at the hatchery, he explained, the eggs will be incubated and hatched and raised. They rainbows will then be stocked this fall and the following year in tributaries of Cayuga, Skaneateles, Owasco, Seneca and Keuka lakes. The egg collection process this years started March 28 and this was their third trip to the fishway this spring, Osika said. As a result of Wednesday’s take, the hatchery reached its goal. The Cayuga Inlet Fishway was built as part of the construction of a flood control weir for the city of Ithaca spanning the Inlet back in the late 1960s, explained Hunter, who managed the facility for nearly a decade in the 1970s. Original plans did not include a way for the spawning fish to pass around the weir. The weir, which spans the Cayuga Inlet, was originally built as a flood control measure. David Figura | [email protected] Hunter said the Cornell’s Dwight Webster, a fishery biologist, came up with the plans for a Denil fishway – a horseshoe-shaped, concrete setup, complete with baffles and chambers, that diverts and traps spawning fish making their way up the Inlet. The fishway opened in 1969 and was later taken over by DEC. For decades, it’s been a relatively easy and convenient location to get rainbow eggs. The Cayuga Lake strain of wild trout has been dependable for stocking purposes. Apart for those eggs that are fertilized with sperm from wild Cayuga Lake rainbows, the DEC for several decades has had a rainbow trout hybrid program using eggs taken from Cayuga Lake’s wild rainbows. “We produce 15,000 yearling rainbows that are stocked annually into Skaneateles Lake each spring,” Osika said. “To do that, we take the eggs from about eight females and fertilize them with sperm obtained from the males at the DEC’s Randolph Fish Hatchery.” Osika noted the hybrids are adaptable to hatchery life and food, and aren’t as skittish. They’re essentially easier to raise and grow faster and get longer before getting stocked, compared to the wild rainbows. “The bigger the fish, the better the survival. They also have some wild attributes as well, so they adapt better to the lake,” he said. The biggest fish netted this year at the fishway measured 29 ½ inches, said Blackburn. It was female that weighed about 9 ½ pounds. Osika, who has been managing the Bath hatchery for moe than 20 years, said he’s seen some fish taken over the years that have weighed 12 pounds or more. Other spawning fish also making their way into the fishway this time of year, including suckers and lamprey eels. “The suckers, we take them out and allow them to continue on their way,” Blackburn said. The lampreys are taken out, counted, measured and end up at the local landfill. FINGER LAKE RAINBOW STOCKING Fall: The DEC hatchery in Bath provides 20,000 rainbow fingerlings (2-3 inches) for stocking in Salmon Creek, a tributary of Cayuga Lake; 20,000 fingerlings for the Owasco Lake Inlet and 5,000 for Cold Brook, a tributary of Keuka Lake. Spring: The hatchery provides 5,000 yearling rainbows (averaging 6 inches) for direct stocking in Owasco Lake; 15,000 hybrid rainbows for direct stocking in Skaneateles Lake, plus 5,000 regular fish; 10,000 for Catharine Creek, a tributary of Seneca Lake, and 12,500 each for the Cayuga Lake Inlet and Enfield Creek (a tributary of the Inlet), plus an additional 10,000 for Salmon Creek. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

Grants are available to improve public access to non-profit or municipal shooting ranges across the state. Application period open through May 31. The following is a DEC press release: In an effort to support recreational opportunities for sportsmen and women across the state and to promote safe and responsible use of firearms, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner (DEC) Joe Martens, in partnership with the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Saratoga County, today launched the Shooting Range Small Grants Program. This effort, which encourages the development, improvement and operations of shooting ranges, is tied to Governor Cuomo’s Open for Hunting and Fishing Initiative. Funding for 2013 includes $65,000 for matching grants at a three to one ratio to eligible non-profit or municipal shooting ranges across the state. Funding for the program is derived from a federal tax on firearms and ammunition, made available to state fish and wildlife agencies for their sportsman education activities. “Shooting ranges provide important benefits to the hunting, recreational shooting, and competitive shooting communities,” said Commissioner Martens. “Governor Cuomo supports these grants to ensure the hunting communities have access to ranges to improve and practice their shooting skills. With publicly accessible shooting ranges being in high demand, the Shooting Range Grants Program will prove to be a popular supportive program.” “Shooting ranges are a key to the future of shooting and hunting enabling new generations to learn to safely and responsibly handle firearms in a positive learning environment,” said Bill Schwerd, New York State 4-H Shooting Sports Coordinator. “We are excited about the opportunities these grants will generate across our state. Youth and adults will learn the skills needed for a lifetime of positive experiences on the field and in the range. Cornell Cooperative Extension in Saratoga County is pleased to work with DEC on this statewide initiative. Shooters of all ages learn about New York’s diverse nature environment and with an emphasis on science and technology while honing their shooting skills.” Ranges are used for developing firearms and archery familiarity and proficiency necessary for safe and ethical hunting, and to promote the careful use of firearms and archery equipment. Competitive shooting and active shooting develop skills beneficial to hunters and the law enforcement community while cultivating sportsmanship and participation in a healthy, challenging environment. DEC and the Cornell Cooperative Extension program of Saratoga County have worked closely with stakeholders to gather ideas and suggestions for this program. To be eligible to apply, applicants must demonstrate five years of successful range operation and be willing to provide a publicly-accessible place for hunters, shooters, and archers to practice and improve their skills. Proposals should include ways to introduce newcomers or keep current and past participants involved in organized shooting sports. Depending on available funds and number of applications received, projects will be selected annually through a competitive grant process, with allocations ranging from $1,000 to $15,000 To learn more about the goals and eligible projects within the program and to obtain the Program Guidelines and Application Packet, visit the Shooting Range Small Grants Program pageon the DEC website. The 2013 Shooting Range Small Grants Program application period is now open until May 31, 2013. For questions or comments regarding the program, contact Cornell Cooperative Extension’s Melissa Bailey at [email protected] or call 315-793-2515. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

The shots were taken at Green Lakes State Park. Genie Dibble Genie Dibble, of Chittenango, took these two neat photos recently of a great horned owl at Green Lakes State Park.Thanks for sharing, Genie! Cool shots! Read more about great horned owls. Genie Dibble View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

By the time I got home I picked 3 ticks off my clothing and another 5 ticks off my body that had somehow got under my shirt and onto my torso. A female deer tick. AP Peter Palumb, of Syracuse, wrote me this week, noting the following about ticks. It caught my eye because my wife pulled one off my dog Cali just last week: "I just wanted to give you an update on our previous conversation last year regarding the tick problem in Eastern Onondaga County and Western Madison County. Last evening, April 9th, I took a walk in the woods bordered by Palmer Road, Route 173, and Salt Springs Road between 5:30 and 7:30 pm By the time I got home I picked 3 ticks off my clothing and another 5 ticks off my body that had somehow got under my shirt and onto my torso. Like last year's early season hike on land next to Green Lakes State Park where I encountered 14 ticks after a 3 hour walk looking for sheds and scouting, I never sat and kept on my feet for the duration. While hunting this same area for coyotes the last week of March, I had one on me while sitting in a chair enclosed by a make shift ground blind on the edge of a cornfield. Weird thing was there was still snow on most of the ground and the temperature hovered in the mid 30s. I though this to be very strange considering the only ticks I had seen before when it was this cold had been on deer I had just harvested. I put the ticks in an old prescription bottle and labeled it where and when found and I will keep them as I find them if you come across anyone including the health department that might want them to test which ones if any are carrying Lyme Disease or one of the other 12 some diseases ticks are known to carry. I continue to believe this is a serious health risk to people like us who love and spend considerable time in the outdoors. I assume the large populations of ticks I've noticed over the last two years during the early spring were due to the relatively mild winters we have had and the increase in deer populations due to vast amounts of non hunt able acreage. Another observation, Eastern Onondaga County seems to be very high in tick population compared to Western Onondaga County. An old hunting buddy of mine lives up on Onondaga Hill and we can walk his land all day and never pick up one. Editor's note: Despite Palumb's comments, county Health Department officials say residents living throughout the county area at risk of contact with ticks. Check out this story I wrote last year on the topic. Please remind your readers to be careful and check themselves and especially their children after time spent in the outdoors. Lyme Disease is a very serious health problem and if we can help just one person avoid it we have done a service to our fellow citizens. Read more about the topic of tick prevention on you and your pets. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

Several options are available to alleviate damage and nuisance caused by resident Canada geese during the spring and summer months. The following is a DEC press release: Canada geese are a valuable natural resource and a source of recreation and enjoyment to bird watchers, hunters and others. Flocks in flight this time of year are a welcome sign of the change in seasons However, local-nesting or “resident” geese have become year-round inhabitants of parks, ball fields, waterways, farms, residential areas and golf courses, where they can cause problems and the state Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has information available on its website on how to cope with nuisance geese. Property owners can find tips to prevent or reduce problems with Canada geese on DEC’s website. Several options are available to alleviate damage and nuisance caused by resident Canada geese during the spring and summer months. DEC issued a General Depredation Permit (GDP) that allows the disturbance or removal of adult or juvenile Canada geese or their nests or eggs under certain situations and conditions without having to apply for individual state and federal permits. Geese should be chased away from an area as soon as they arrive in the spring and persistently chased until they permanently leave the area. Once geese start nesting in mid-March to mid-May, they will be less likely to leave the area. Assuring no birds are physically harmed, anyone may scare or chase geese without a special permit. If doing so within three miles of an airport, it is required that the airport manager be contacted at least 72 hours in advance so they can be on the lookout for any flocks that may be dispersed in the direction of the airport. Egg-addling To prevent successful goose nesting, “egg-addling” may be conducted in any area of New York State. Egg-addling involves the technique of treating goose eggs to prevent hatching, either by puncturing the eggs or coating them with 100 percent corn oil. After registering online, one may oil or puncture any number of nests or eggs of Canada geese from property they own/ manage or have property owner permission to perform egg-addling activities on. This technique prevents the development of the embryo inside the egg without causing geese to immediately abandon the nest or start a new nest until it is too late in the summer for them to do so. Egg-addling will not reduce the overall goose population but it can provide relief for property owners where geese may want to raise their young. Anyone living in a community where geese have become over-abundant is encouraged to participate in this activity to help slow the growth of local goose populations and reduce the need for more drastic action to alleviate conflicts. Visit DEC’s Nuisance Canada Geese page for more information about this control option and the technique of addling eggs. Government/Community Partnerships In some cases, landowners can have problems with Canada geese that are not nesting on their property. In those situations, DEC encourages local landowners, local officials and others in a community to cooperate on a community-wide plan to address the problem of overabundant Canada geese. One key is determining where the problem birds are coming from and reaching out to property owners where geese nest to get their permission to locate and addle eggs. Encouraging opportunity and access for goose hunters in the fall is another key. In addition to the options above, farmers, airport managers and managers of drinking water supplies or swimming areas are encouraged to take advantage of special federal regulations that allow them to take juvenile Canada geese before the open hunting seasons. These are special provisions established in 2007 by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) to help alleviate the growing problems with Canada geese across the country. No federal permit is required, but authorization from DEC must be obtained in advance and specific timeframes and special conditions apply. Any geese captured must be killed, not released elsewhere. DEC does not allow relocation because resident Canada geese are overabundant throughout the state, and relocation would simply redistribute or add to problems caused by geese. Wildlife Permits Special permits from DEC and USFWS are required to take Canada geese to help with problems not covered by one of these categories, such as general nuisance problems on private property. For more information about applying for an individual federal permit, review the federal regulations, or call USDA Wildlife Services (518) 477-4837. USDA Wildlife Services provides information and management programs, including capture and removal, to people experiencing problems with Canada geese or other migratory birds. They can assist with the federal permit application process. If you are authorized to take geese by an individual federal permit, DEC’s general depredation permit automatically provides the state authorization you need to proceed. New York’s “resident” Canada goose population is estimated at more than 200,000 birds statewide, despite the annual harvest of more than 50,000 geese during open hunting seasons. Many more “migrant” Canada geese pass through New York to their northern Canada breeding grounds. Access for hunters remains the most important method for managing the size of the resident and migrant goose populations. In addition, special provisions and permits for resident geese offer further opportunity to individual property owners, farmers, local governments, homeowner’s associations and others. For more information about Canada geese, or options available to help prevent or reduce problems with Canada geese, visit the Nuisance Canada Geese web page of DEC)8217;s website, or contact one of DEC’s regional wildlife offices. Specific information about permit requirements can be found on the DEC website. A list of regional offices is also available on DEC’s website . View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

With all rain yesterday and more predicted for today, I couldn't help but wonder how it's going to affect the trout fishing. I gave a call this morning to Jason DeCapio, owner of the Wayfarer Co. on Nine Mile Creek and he said "Like anything else, in moderation it can be a good thing. "But if you get too... Pedro Moreno Jr. of Granby was one of many fishermen at Nine Mile Creek on April 1. the opening day of trout fishing season. Stephen D. Cannerelli [email protected] With all rain yesterday and more predicted for today, I couldn't help but wonder how it's going to affect the trout fishing. I gave a call this morning to Jason DeCapio, owner of the Wayfarer Co. on Nine Mile Creek and he said "Like anything else, in moderation it can be a good thing. "But if you get too much -- like yesterday we had an inch of rain fall within 20 minutes it tends to muddy things up, making the fishing difficult," he said. Since opening day, many Central New York streams have been low and crystal clear -- attributes that make fishing, particularly for trout -- particularly the wild ones --, extremely difficult, DeCapio said. "With the crystal clear water, it's difficult ;to stalk them. They can see you," he said. "But with a little bit of rain and some color in the water, you can get right on top of them." Generally, he said, when the temperature of the rain is higher than the water temperature, it will turn on the fish's metabolism and they'll often go into a feeding frenzy. However, it the rain temperature is colder than the water's, "it tends to shut them down, or at least slows them down. You find that happening this time of year, but not in the summer." Another positive effect of rain, DeCapio said, is that it washes all kind of food, particularly night crawlers, into the stream, along with insects from over-hanging trees and bushes. You'll also see a lot of minnows come out from hiding from underneath rocks and other cover. It's a condition that often results in the fish gorging out on all the available food. Advice to anglers fishing in the next couple of days? DeCapio suggests checking out the upper tributaries of streams, or the upper branches of such places as Limestone and Butternut creeks. "They won't be as high and they'll clear up (and drop in water level) faster," he said. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

When the wind isn't blowing too hard and anglers can get out on Lake Ontario, they are getting some brown trout in 10-15 feet of water on stickbaits. CNY FISHING FORECAST * Reminders:Trout season began Monday (April 1). Northern pike, pickerel, tiger musky and walleye season is closed until May 4. Finger Lakes Tributary fishing is from sunrise to sunset through May 15. INLAND TROUT STREAMS: Stocked streams at this point include: Cayuga County: Fall Creek; Cortland County: Otselic River; Madison County: 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 brown trout in 10-15 feet of water on stickbaits. SALMON RIVER Water is up. Fishing is still good. The steelhead bite has been hot one day and cold the next. Fish are still being caught throughout the river, though, with occasional reports of "fresh fish" being caught, but most are "drop backs." A fresh fish is a steelhead that has recently entered the river and is still bright colored, often called a"chromer." A drop back is a fish that's already spawned. The area between Altmar and Pulaski continues to see the most pressure. Good baits are egg sacs (blue, pink or chartreuse mesh), beads, pink worms, and woolly buggers, along with night crawlers. OSWEGO RIVER With the higher water, fishing behind the hotels is a good option for shore anglers. Anglers continue to get steelhead and some nice brown trout with egg sacs working well. ONEIDA LAKE Bullhead action has started, with reports of lots of anglers along the north shore, specifically around Cleveland. Anglers fishing for panfish are finding success fishing from shore on the Seneca and Oneida rivers. Many fishing around Horseshoe Island or the Morgan Road bridge. The DEC has been busy this week collecting eggs from spawning walleye at the Constantia hatchery. This is open to the public. The hatchery is open 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily. For more, call 623-7311. CAYUGA LAKE Anglers trolling stickbaits near the surface are catching brown trout on the south end. Lake trout are being taken by anglers vertical jigging in 125 to 150 feet of water. Anglers fishing the north end are getting some yellow perch on minnows or spikes. Tributary action for spawning rainbow trout should pick up shortly, if it hasn't already. SENECA LAKE Brown trout and Atlantic salmon are hitting on salmon flies and stickbaits trolled on the surface. Lake trout are hitting spoons and flasher and flies fished 60 to 150 feet down. Anglers fishing off the pier are catching yellow perch, bluegills and a few black crappies. The panfish are hitting on fathead minnows and waxworms. Reminder: catch limit on western Finger Lakes, beginning with Seneca Lake, is one rainbow a day. OWASCO LAKE Anglers getting out in boats are catching a lot of perch, using fathead minnows. OTISCO LAKE No new fishing activity to report. SKANEATELES LAKE The DEC launch has been opened and docks are in. Some anglers are getting out to fish for perch. ST. LAWRENCE RIVER Ice is gone and anglers are getting in boats. Reports of good perch fishing around Kring's Point. Use fathead minnows and worms. SODUS BAY Anglers continue to catch crappies and bluegills off the bridge, using jigs and spikes and minnows. WHITNEY POINT RESERVOIR No new fishing activity to report. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

CNY Outdoors Calendar: Annual sportsmen's banquet: 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Spinning Wheel Restaurant, North Syracuse. Hosted by the Onondaga Federation of Sportsmen's Clubs. Cost is$17 per person with reservations; $20 at the door. For tickets, contact Ed Pugliese before April 5 by emailing him at [email protected]. Fishing program: Begins Saturday and continues on successive Saturdays until May 25 at... CNY Outdoors Calendar: Annual sportsmen's banquet: 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Spinning Wheel Restaurant, North Syracuse. Hosted by the Onondaga Federation of Sportsmen's Clubs. Cost is$17 per person with reservations; $20 at the door. For tickets, contact Ed Pugliese before April 5 by emailing him at [email protected]. Fishing program: Begins Saturday and continues on successive Saturdays until May 25 at Carpenter's Brook Fish Hatchery. Families and individuals will be able to enjoy a morning of fishing at the facility. Sessions will be held from 9:30-11:30 a.m, Cost is $5 per person with bait, rods and reels provided. Reservations are required. Call 689-9367. Annual sportsmen's banquet: 5 p.m. Saturday, The Oasis at Thunder Island in Fulton. Hosted by the Oswego Federation of Sportsmens' Clubs. Cost is $25 per person. Tickets can be purchased by contacting Eric Madura at 315-676-3486 or via email at [email protected]. Cabin Fever Shoot: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Otisco Rod and Gun Club.in Marietta. Event is similar to the club's fall Turkey Shoot, with a wide variety of shooting games available for all rifles, pistols, and shotguns.This event is open to the public. For more, call 430-6913. Syracuse Gun Show: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 20 and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 21., Center of Progress Building, state fairgrounds in Geddes. Hosted by the New York State Arms Collectors Association.. Cost is $6 per person, seniors $5 and children under 12 free. Children must be accompanied by an adult. For further information, call Sandy Klinger at 607-748-1010. Annual Sportsman’s Flea Market 9 to 2 p.m. April 27, Pompey Rod and Gun Club, Swift Road, Pompey. Adults $2; Kids free. For more, call 683-5453 or 435-7529. Friends of NRA banquet: 5:30 p.m. May 3, Traditions at the Links, 5995 North Burdick St., East Syracuse. To order tickets contact James Middleton at 315-695-3981 or by email [email protected] SAFETY COURSES: Bow: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 13, Fayetteville-Manlius Rod and Gun Club, 4545 Whetstone Road, Manlius. Pre-register in person at the club, 10 a.m. to noon April 6. Bow: 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 20, Nedrow Rod and Gun Club, Route 20 at Hogback Road, Navarino. Pre-register by calling 432-8422, extension 11. Gun: 6 to 9:30 p.m. April 23, 24, 26, Nedrow Rod and Gun Club, Route 20 at Hogback Road, Navarino. Pre-register by calling 469-1820 or 469-4784. Gun: 6 to p.m. April 25, 26, and 8:30 a.m. until completed April 27, Bridgeport Road and Gun Club, Eastwood Road and the corner of Bull Road, Cicero. Register by email, using [email protected]. Gun: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 27, Camillus Rod and Gun Club. Some of the course will be handled online. Register in person 10 a.m. to noon, April 13, Camillus Town Hall, 4600 W. Genesee St. 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

I'd like to do something about the early spring brown trout fishing on Lake Ontario. Last spring it was on fire. DEC staff strip wild rainbow trout of its eggs at the DEC-run fishway on the Cayuga Lake Inlet. David Figura | [email protected] Ok, it's spring and lots of things are starting to really ramp up on the Central New York outdoors scene. Things I've been working on this week, along with my Syracuse University Intern Sarah Taddeo, include: - the DEC's annual collection of wild rainbow trout eggs from spawning trout in the Cayuga Lake inlet. - Last fall's gizzard shad bloom in Oneida Lake..will affect the walleye fishing on opening day in a few weeks? - the annual yellow spotted lizard migration at Labrador Hollow - Spring. It's the time when birds 'do it." Intern Sarah Taddeo interviews bird expert Laura Erickson to find out interesting facts, including which birds are the early breeders, the late breeders, the most prolific breeders....and other stuff. - The new, TV mini-series "The Run," a four show series about the Salmon River that's airing on the Sportsman's Channel later this month. - Climate change (variability, is a better word), and how it's affecting ice fishing, skiing/snowboarding...along with wildlife (birds, insects and plant life). This is part of an Earth Day package we're working on for April 22. No mention of cause. Just the facts of what scientist are seeing out there. - An update on crossbow legislation. Other "stuff" I'm working on: - The early spring brown trout bite on Lake Ontario. - An update on the Governor's "gag order" on the DEC. - Commercial gill net fishing for perch on Lake Ontario There's still a few individuals who are licenced by the state to do this and I hope to get out with one of them soon. - bullhead fishing (Note to readers of this report, give me a heads up as soon as the bite starts. -- [email protected] or 470-6066) - DEC study on wild turkeys - A proposal to turn Onondaga County into a rifle county for deer hunting. 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

"I don't measure my fish, I stay away from length discussions to avoid arguments," he said. Brooks Robinson, of Tully, caught and released this nice brown trout last week on Nine Mile Creek.He wrote: "I caught this brown on Nine Mile Friday morning around 11 am. I was using my 10' 4'' weight rod and Cortland Lines 140 gn competition nymph line. "The fish was caught on a size 10 crane fly larva imitation. I tie my flies on barbless hooks which is the best hook for catch and release fisherman. "I don't measure my fish, I stay away from length discussions to avoid arguments." Editor's note: I love the color on this fish. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

"When it's both rainy and warm, there's a better chance that the salamanders will come out of their holes in droves." Tully —It happens every spring this time of year on warm, rainy nights. A country road in Tully becomes filled with salamanders, frogs and other amphibians as they migrate from a wooded hillside to their watery breeding grounds. Baltimore Woods Nature Center's Amphibian Alert excursion to observe this migration, which happened Monday, has become one of the center's most popular nature programs. Baltimore Woods Camp Director Tom Meier and Environmental Educator Becky Lynch led this year's nature tour at Labrador Hollow Unique Area off of Route 91 in Tully. Twenty five 25 people attended. Many had been to this event in previous years. The tour consisted of walking along the bank of Labrador Pond for about a mile in the dark, shining flashlights on the asphalt and looking out for amphibians waddling or jumping across the road to reach the other side. "I was hoping it would rain for this," Meier said at the start of the tour. "When it's both rainy and warm, there's a better chance that the salamanders will come out of their holes in droves." Even though the rain never came, it was still a decent amphibian turnout, Lynch said. About 50 animals were spotted along the road, ranging from tiny spring peeper frogs to giant yellow spotted salamanders to slimy newts. "We've seen this many for a couple years now," Lynch said. "It's about average...I'm still hoping we'll get a perfect night one of these years." The amphibians are driven out of hibernation under ground on warm, wet nights after the spring equinox, Lynch said. The spring peepers were out as well. Tom Meier On one side of the road are vernal pools, or small ponds that originate from a high water table, rather than an input from a stream or lake. The amphibians breed in these pools, and must cross the road to reach them in the spring.. One of the best parts for the kids is "rescuing" the salamanders -- specifically carrying them across the road so they don't get hit by cars, Lynch said. Eight-year-old Bodie Centore of Syracuse came equipped with a butterfly net and a bright flashlight. "You can find a lot of salamanders here on the road," said Centore, who went on the Amphibian Alert excursion last year. "When you go to the [vernal pools] at the end of the road, sometimes you can't see any animals, but you can hear them all making noise." Andrew Millard, 10, of Syracuse said it's sad to see dead salamanders that didn't have time to get out of the way of a passing car. "It's really gross to see them run over," Millard said. "So we pick them up now with nets and gloves so they can get across." Lynch said she enjoys hosting events for kids at Baltimore Woods. "I love introducing them to the awesomeness of nature," Lynch said. "To see the look on their faces when they discover new things is amazing and really rewarding." Baltimore Woods hosts many nature events throughout the year that are all listed on the calendar on their website. Contact Baltimore Woods at 673-1350. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

Mary Kate Hartmann starts May 6. Mary Kate Hartmann MARCELLUS -- Baltimore Woods Nature Center has announced the appointment of Mary Kate Hartmann as its new executive director. Hartmann will officially begin her new role on May 6. The center's board of directors began their earch for a new leader in 2012 when the current executive director, Patty Weisse, announced her retirement after 14 years on the job. Hartmann’s appointment was approved by the board March 26. Hartmann, who said she was "Syracuse born and bred," is a 2003 graduate of LeMoyne College with a degree in English and concentration in communications. Since graduating from college, she said she has dedicated her career to working with non-profit organizations across Central New York, and for a short time in Texas. She has held positions with the Multiple Sclerosis Society, American Heart Association and the United Way of Central New York. She is currently development director at the Landmark Theater. "I am thrilled to be joining a thriving organization that plays such a key role in providing hands-on/minds-on science education for children, both on-site in Marcellus and through the growing Nature in the City program in the Syracuse public schools," she said. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

The club has nearly 500 members, and offers indoor and outdoor ranges. The Syracuse Pistol Club will hold its annual Spring Open House, beginning at 6:30 p.m. April 24. Facility tours will start at that time. A brief overview of the club, membership requirements, and a Q &A session will be presented at 7 p.m. The club is located at 8042 Henry Clay Blvd. in the town of Clay, approximately 1 mile North of Wetzel Road. For more information, visit the club;s website. John Berry | [email protected] The SPC is a "bullseye pistol shooting club" with nearly 500 members, and offers both 12 position indoor and 50 position outdoor ranges. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

It was a nice, 14-inch brown trout she caught on a worm. Latricia Squair, of Syracuse, holds up a 14-inch brown she caught on Nine Mile Creek Sunday afternoon. She told me it was the first time she fished the stream. She added that she planned to keep it for dinner and that she caught it on a worm. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

It weighed 14 pounds and measured 33 1/2 inches. Maverick Janes, 16, of Port Byron, holds up a lunker steelhead he caught last week while fishing on the Salmon Riverl His mom, Michele Morgan, wrote: "Maverick caught this 14-pound, 33 1/2 inch steelhead fishing Thursday, April,4th on the Salmon River in Pulaski. "Maverick loves to fish. He recently learned to tie his own flies at the Bass Pro Store in Auburn. As you can see he had a nice result with his own hand tied fly. A great day for fishing, as his smile says it all!" View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

Despite being ranked at one point third in the nation in the women's open pro division, Elaine Supp did not qualify for the finals. Elaine Supp. Disappointed, but undaunted. She'll be back next year, she said. David Lassman/The Post-Standard Despite at one point being ranked third in the nation, Fayetteville snowboarder Elaine Supp did poorly in a preliminary heat and did not qualify for the finals of the 2013 USASA boardercross championships held last week at Copper Mountain in Colorado."I had a good start, but unfortunately caught an edge on the 3rd feature and crashed in my timed run," she said. This winter, Supp was named the Catskill Mountain Series 2013 regional champion and also won the gold medal in the women's boardercross event at the Empire State Games. The 30-year-old snowboarder has been competing in regional and national boardercross competitions for three years. Her sport involves speeding down a steep snow course riddled with obstacles while trying to beat three to four other racers to the finish line. The preliminaries and finals in the women's pro division were held Thursday. In an email, Supp described what happened in Colorado: "Well I came home empty handed this year," she said. "The day of the race we got on the lift about 7:30.. course inspection (slipping the course) started at 7:45 .. Since I wasn't able to make it out there for practice day (Saturday was practice day.. when everyone gets to practice and get to know the course.. Unfortunately financially I couldn't afford to spend that many days there, My event wasn't until Thurday. "So we flew out late monday night.. and drove up to the mountain Tuesday morning) course inspection would be my 1st look at the course, so it was important to get up there early.. I was able to slip the course slowly twice... then was able to take 2 practice runs at 3/4 speed... "The course was pretty nice, but it had been about 45 degrees the day before and then cold over night... so the course had frozen up and was very hard packed, making it easy to potentially catch an edge on any of the bigger features... My 1st practice run was ok.. my 2nd one was pretty solid... "Then it was time for time trials... 22 racers were on the start list, they would cut the field to 16 after trials to bracket 4 heats of 4 racers... I had a good start, but unfortunately caught an edge on the 3rd feature and crashed in my timed run... "If you miss a gate you are disqualified, so I had to climb up the feature (wasting about 15 seconds) and then try to regain my speed and continue through the course.. "I ran the rest of the course very solid ...but the time my fall cost me put me 8 seconds behind the cut... I was #17 .. so I was eliminated... soooooooo very disappointing I fell down and cried at the end of my run.. I couldn't believe I had made such a mistake.. "BUT .. that is the beauty of BoarderX ... anything can happen.. It was still a great experience to race on that course and also to get a little more comfortable with the competition.. "These girls all have coaches.. they practice on a team thoughout the year on practice courses (something we don't have out here) .. these are the same girls competing for the Olympics and other USSA tours.. "So it's very intimidating to go out and race against them.. I actually feel more confident now, having seen them race and seeing their times... "I only missed the cut by 8 seconds even after wasting at least 15 seconds with my fall.. and after only taking 2 practice runs on the course... Plus I got to do some amazing snowboarding out there... and enjoyed a little vacation away from work.. "There's always next year." View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

A first experience with a shotgun and pheasants only heightened my worry about guns and my support for gun control. View the full article

It's going on every day up at the DEC hatchery hrough next week. It's a sight worth seeing. It happens every spring and it's a sight worth seeing. State Department of Environmental Conservation staff this past week at the Oneida hatchery in the village of Constantia began collecting eggs from spawning walleye in Oneida Lake. This is the start of a process of raising walleye here, that are eventually released in the lake and is select other waterways across the state for anglers to enjoy. DEC staff sets up nets just outside the mouth of Scriba Creek, which runs alongside the hatchery, and bring the catch each day back to hatchery to strip the fish of their eggs and sperm. It's quite a process and it's open to the public. The hatchery is open 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. seven days a week. The egg/sperm collection process, which is something to see, takes place generally between 11 a.m and noon, and 1 and 3 p.m. (if there's enough ripe fish). Visitors are welcome this weekend through next week. According to the DEC website, "The hatchery was reconstructed in 1992. The rearing program is focused on walleye, and includes egg collections from Oneida Lake (200-300 million eggs/year), and stocking of millions of walleye fry and about 220,000 advanced walleye fingerlings (four to six inches). Experimental culture of rare or threatened fishes, such as round whitefish, lake sturgeon and paddlefish, also occurs here." Check it out. By the way, the walleye fishing season this year opens May 4. For further information,call the hatchery at 623-7311. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

Jim Husnay, of Minoa, wrote me the following, and sent these impressive photos of a bobcat. Husnay wrote: "Hi Dave. Another sighting of a bobcat from my friend in New Hampshire who lives near Keene. "Many people will never see one in the wild because they are so reclusive. Pretty neat pics. Thought you'd enjoy." Jim Husnay, of Minoa, wrote me the following, and sent these impressive photos of a bobcat. Husnay wrote: "Hi Dave. Another sighting of a bobcat from my friend in New Hampshire who lives near Keene. "Many people will never see one in the wild because they are so reclusive. Pretty neat pics. Thought you'd enjoy." View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

Pictures would help. I've received a few so far, but I know there's lot more out there. Send your favorite trout recipe to me at [email protected] and include your full name, where you live and daytime phone number if I have any questions. Pictures would help. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

"We will showcase the trials and tribulations of the people, businesses, and fishing guides that take part in the yearly salmon run." The following is a press release from the Oswego Tourism Department: PULASKI, NY - - With preparations completed on filming of the epic 2012 “The Run,” Team E Media is excited to announce the Sportsman Channel, reaching into 50 million homes, as the official national network for the mini-series. “The Run” will debut on the Sportsman Channel April 29 and run through the end of June 2013. “The Run” will air 3 times weekly, with the Sportsman Saturday’s fishing block being the prime showing. “The Run” is a 4-part mini-series that chronicles the annual salmon run beginning on Lake Ontario and continuing up New York’s Salmon River in Oswego County. “We will showcase the trials and tribulations of the people, businesses, and fishing guides that take part in this yearly natural phenomenon,” said Team E Media President Pat Donnelly. "Few places in North America offer trophy caliber, cold-water sports fishing opportunities like the waters in and around Oswego County, NY. When serious anglers consider the variety of species available and the fact that there have been 10 State and World records harvested here, the choice becomes easy," said David Turner, director of Community Development, Tourism and Planning for the County of Oswego. “We have enjoyed working with the producers of the show and look forward to welcoming even more visitors to the County as a result of their efforts." Cody McDougall, 13, of Fulton caught this 41-inch, chinook salmon while fishing the Salmon River. The fish weighed 34 pounds. The public can view and comment on several of the characters and locations to be included in the airing of “The Run” by logging onto facebook.com and search for “The Run” TV series or the program's website.. Donnelly said community and advertising support from local businesses and national sponsors has been tremendous. “We can’t be happier with the response from the businesses and officials in Pulaski and the surrounding area,” said Donnelly. “We (Team E Media) are committed to making ‘The un’ a success and now we know it will be because of the positive support and national coverage on the Sportsman Channel.” National companies committed to supporting this programming on the Sportsman Channel are Scout Look Weather Apps, Action Trackchair, LEEK Hunting & Mountain Preserve, Rapsody Rods, NASCAR Racing Experience and Oswego County Tourism to name a few. Inquiries regarding sponsorship opportunities should be directed to [email protected]. Local business sponsors include Sandy Pond Steak House, Lakeshore Hardwoods, Riverhouse Restaurant, Deer CreekLodge, All Season Sports, Dan’s Chicken Shack, Eddy’s Place, Salmon River International Sport Fishing Museum, Pedal and Paddle, Woody’s Tackle and General Store, End Zone Pub, Paulanjo’s Pizza, LD’s Alehouse, Dick’s Auto, Port Lodge Motel, Ponderosa Steak House, Trump’s Roofing, Mitchell’s Speedway Press, 1880 House B&B, Centerpin Talk, Great Lakes Planers and “At The Trestle Pool” Lodge. View full size Dick BlumeProfessional fishing guide Justin Winkle, center, with Chris, left, and Joe, right, Zogby on the Salmon River in Pineville. Dick Blume | [email protected] Production of “The Run was made possible through the support of the local professional guides at Lots of Limits, Salmon River Guide, Get The Net, Trophy Dream Catchers, Capt. Dan’s Sportfishing and Schoolhouse Inn and Guide Service. Team E Media, located in Weedsport, NY, is a premium production company that specializes in sportsman and motor sports television production. Team E Media shows have aired on the Outdoor Channel, Sportsman Channel, Pursuit Channel, Time Warner Sports and Speed. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

After three years, I finally knew what it felt like to shoot and kill my dinner. View the full article

I highly recommend this event. It's a great introduction for young and old to fishing. Mike Riordan is holding his 7th annual free fishing seminar Saturday at Calvary Baptist Church in Brewerton. It caters to young and old. If you want to start fishing and know little about the sport, this is great event to attend. Through the “Angler’s Legacy” project, Mike made the commitment to introduce at least one person to fishing each year. He and his wife, Wendy organized their first free fishing seminar at the Calvary Baptist Church in Brewerton in 2007. Their goal was to teach at least 50 people how to fish. Riordan expects nearly 300 people to attend Saturday. The seminar opens at 9 a.m. and continues to 3 p.m., with an hour break for lunch. The church is located at the intersection of Mud Mill Road and U.S. Route 11 in Brewerton. “The target audience is families and beginner fishermen. It is my desire to help parents and kids become familiar with the basics, so they can go to the local park, river, lake or fishing hole and have a successful time of fishing," said in a press release about the program last year.. The event includes demonstrations by the state Department of Environmental Conservation, instructional seminars, live fish, bait demonstrations, crafts and games and a spooling station to re-line fishing reels. Everyone that attends will receive a “Getting Started Beginners Guide to Freshwater Fishing” book published by the NYS DEC, as well as a tackle pack. There will be door prizes and a complete tackle box given to a family that attends the seminar. The church is the primary sponsor of the event and outside businesses and others donate prizes, pizza and snacks. Riordan gets assistance, each yearfrom some 40 volunteers to run the event. For more information call 668-9790 or visit the church's website. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

<a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/05/us/texas-deer-breeders-seek-relaxation-of-rules.html?partner=rssnyt&emc=rss"><img src="http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2013/04/05/us/05ttDeer/05ttDeer-thumbStandard.jpg" border="0" height="75" width="75" hspace="4" align="left"></a>Breeders says current oversight is constraining the multimillion-dollar industry, but environmentalists say it has overstepped its bounds by shifting toward the commercial hunting industry. View the full article

<p> The action in the catch-and-release style tournament will start at 7 a.m. Sunday morning and end 10 a.m. Wednesday. Teams are entered from throughout the country, Canada and Europe. </p> <div id="asset-12525719" 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/12525719-large.jpg" class="adv-photo" alt="2012-05-22-Carp3-EMB.JPG" /> <span class="photo-data"> <span class="caption"> Cousins Jason Long, of Batavia, and Dan Kelsey, of Attica, were last year's winners in the 50-hour Team Challenge. They're coming back this year to defend their crown.</span> <span class="byline">Ellen Blalock | [email protected]</span> </span> </span> <!-- FIXME - temporary fix with nbsp; for MT-1365 --> </div> <p>Competitive carp fishing returns next month to Central New York with the Wild Carp Week Triathlon, presented by JGB Enterprises, on the Seneca River in Baldwinsville.</p> <p>This year’s competition, set for May 18-24 and featuring $18,500 in prize money, includes several changes from last year’s contest, according to tournament director Jason Bernhardt, of Wild Carp Companies.</p> <p>“Last year’s team challenge featured 50 hours of straight fishing,” Bernhardt said. “This year, that has been increased to 75 hours.”</p> <p>The action in the catch-and-release style tournament will start at 7 a.m. Sunday morning and end 10 a.m. Wednesday. Teams are entered from throughout the country, Canada and Europe.</p> <p>He explained that one of the big complaints from anglers in previous competitions is that “lots of times with carp fishing Day 1 is slow, Day 2 you’re just starting to catch up and by Day 3 things start getting hot and the tournament is over.”</p> <p>Bernhardt said by adding the extra day of fishing, that complaint will be addressed “and hopefully we’ll get some record-breaking numbers as far as the total haul.” The winner is determined by total weight caught by a two-person team.</p> <p>The week’s schedule also includes the separate, one-day Big Carp Challenge (biggest fish) and Big Four Challenge (total weight of four biggest carp caught), on Thursday and Friday, respectively.</p> <p>Bernhardt said currently registration for the 75-hour team challenge, the Biggest Carp and Big 4 challenges, are full, with a waiting list. He said this year only 31 teams have been allowed to register as opposed to more than 40 last year.</p> <p> “I capped it at 31 teams because the pegs (designated fishing spots) were too close together,” Bernhardt said. “I’m going to get out again on the river and see if we can’t squeeze a few more pegs in.”</p> <p>Two-person teams are paying $700 to compete in the Team Challenge and individual anglers are paying $175 each to compete in the Big Carp and Big 4 challenges.</p> <p>Last year’s winner of the 50-hour team challenge -- cousins Jason Long, of Batavia, and Dan Kelsey,of Attica -- are returning to fish again this year, he said.</p> <p>Winners of the 75-hour team competition will get $3,000, with second place receiving $2,000 and third, $1,000. Winners of the Big Carp tournament will win $1,000 ($500 for the biggest mirror carp) and $2,000 for the Big Four.</p> <p>“If a team won all three competitions, they’ll walk away with $6,500,” Bernhardt said.<br />For more on Wild Carp Week, see<a href="http://www.wildcarpcompanies.com"> www.wildcarpcompanies.com</a> or email Bernhardt at <a href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</a>.</p> View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog