HuntingNY-News

Joe Martens, commissioner of the state Department of Environmental Conservation, conceded Sunday that his agency's press policy has problems and that he's trying to fix things. Martens, told the Adirondack Press Enterprise that he's trying to change the department's media policy so that reporters can talk to DEC employees, "especially when they're just asking for description from the field rather... Joe Martens, commissioner of the state Department of Environmental Conservation, conceded Sunday that his agency's press policy has problems and that he's trying to fix things. Martens, told the Adirondack Press Enterprise that he's trying to change the department's media policy so that reporters can talk to DEC employees, "especially when they're just asking for description from the field rather than department policy." "We've heard the complaints - from lots of outdoor writers in particular - and I'm going to do my best to improve that situation," Martens told the Adirondack Press Enterprise at Camp Santanoni in Newcomb, where for the second year in a row he participated in a ski-in open house at the restored Adirondack great camp. I've written about this problem, referring to it as the "governor's gag order" on the DEC. The policy kicked into gear big-time last fall, when DEC officials announced that members of the media could not talk directly to DEC staffers and that all contact had to be cleared in advance with the DEC's press office, no matter how trivial or mundane. More often than not, questions had to be submitted in writing to the press office. Martens told me in a recent story that the press policy is his, but other writers across the state have noted it originated with the governor's office and that it is in place in other state departments and agencies as well. Recently, a state Department of Transportation employee was forced to resign after he talked to a newspaper without getting prior approval. Read the full story. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

The following is a press release from the Finger Lake Land Trust: The Finger Lakes Land Trust announced this week it has accepted a land donation from Andrew Larkin of his 12-acre wetland property bordering the West Branch of Owego Creek in the Town of Caroline, Tompkins County. Located next to New York State Route 79 near the Tompkins –Tioga... The following is a press release from the Finger Lake Land Trust: The Finger Lakes Land Trust announced this week it has accepted a land donation from Andrew Larkin of his 12-acre wetland property bordering the West Branch of Owego Creek in the Town of Caroline, Tompkins County. Located next to New York State Route 79 near the Tompkins –Tioga County border, protection of this property secures a natural gateway into both Tompkins County and the Town of Caroline. Larkin, a resident of Upper Montclair, N.J., donated his property in memory of his father, Bud Larkin, a long-time area resident, former Ithaca Town Justice, community leader and local business owner. Mr. Larkin said, “My father lived his life with a love of nature and the desire to preserve it. He bought this land to maintain its beauty and integrity. The Finger Lakes Land Trust has provided the means to do this. Through my father's gift all can now enjoy the land we call Terreno de la familia Cuervo.” Bud Larkin’s mother’s maiden name was Cuervo. Terreno de la familia Cuervo means “the land of the Cuervo family” in English. This wetland is a priority for protection because it provides habitat for juvenile eastern brook trout in the West Branch of Owego Creek, one of the region’s premier trout streams. The West Branch of Owego Creek is well known for its trout habitat and has been designated “best for protection” by the Eastern Brook Trout Joint Venture – a collaboration of conservation agencies and non-profits seeking to protect, restore, and enhance brook trout populations throughout their historic range. Funding to cover transaction costs associated with the land donation were provided by a grant from the conservation organization Trout Unlimited (TU) through its Coldwater Land Conservancy Fund – a program established to support the protection of native trout habitat within the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Waters of Owego Creek ultimately drain to the Chesapeake Bay. Funding for this program was provided by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the U.S. Forest Service. Kevin Anderson, Land Conservation Coordinator for Trout Unlimited says, “With the Larkin project and others, the Finger Lakes Land Trust has proven to be an ideal partner. They’re using TU’s modest grant to leverage major conservation benefits, for fish and for anglers.” This latest project is the Land Trust’s third completed with support of TU’s Coldwater Land Conservancy Fund. “This is a fantastic project,” says Land Trust Executive Director Andrew Zepp. “Thanks to the commitment of the Larkin family, and the support of our funding partners, we are helping ensure the future of native populations of eastern brook trout in Owego Creek.” The property is also in the Emerald Necklace– a proposed greenbelt that will ultimately link more than 50,000 acres of existing public open space that extends in an arc around Ithaca from east to west. The Emerald Necklace is recognized as a priority project within New York State’s Open Space Plan. By prior arrangement, the Land Trust intends to donate this property to the people of the State of New York as an addition to nearby Robinson Hollow State Forest. Elsewhere in Owego Creek watershed, the Land Trust has protected an additional 244 acres at the Goetchius Wetlands Preserve and King Nature Preserve. The organization also holds conservation easements on 600 acres. Conservation easements are legal agreements that limit future development while allowing land to remain in private ownership and on the tax rolls. The Finger Lakes Land Trust is a regional non-profit conservation organization that works cooperatively with landowners and local communities to conserve those lands that are vital to the Finger Lakes and New York’s Southern Tier. To date, the Land Trust has permanently protected more than 15,000 acres through direct acquisition as well as the use of conservation easements on lands that remain in private ownership. The organization is supported by more than 1,900 individuals and families from the throughout the region. Additional information about the Land Trust and its conservation efforts may be obtained by visiting the organization’s web site or by calling its Ithaca office at (607) 275-9487. Trout Unlimited is a non-profit organization dedicated to conserving, protecting, and restoring North America’s trout and salmon fisheries and their watersheds. Additional information about TU may be found its website. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

He said his shows will feature two, male alligators, "Al" and "K-Mart," which he said are 9 and 8 1/2 feet long, respectively. Jimmy Riffle said he got his start messing with alligators when he was a young teen. “My mother got me this volunteer job at the local zoo when I was 11...and things just escalated to what it is today,” said the veteran alligator wrestler. Riffle, 27, of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., appears with partner Paul Bedard, on “Gator Boys" a TV show that premiered Jan. 8 on Animal Planet. Riffle will be at the Big East Camping/Outdoors Show at the Turning Stone Resort Casino Saturday and Sunday, doing three "alligator education and entertainment " programs each day with his brother, Andy, and friends, Tre and Richard. Riffle and Bedard have become have become “Florida's go-to guys when locals find themselves crossing paths with deadly 1,000-pound reptiles in shocking locations - like master bedrooms, swimming pools or outdoor cafés,” according to the show’s website. “The goal is for the team to capture nuisance gators with their bare hands and move them to safety before trappers, who kill and sell the animals for their skin and meat, get to them.” Riffle, who stands 5-10 and weighs 250 pounds, described his shows slated for this weekend as a “hands-on” demonstration and lecture. He said he'll use two male alligators, "Al" and "K-Mart," which he said are 9 and 8½ feet long, respectively. He answered questions about himself during a phone interview Monday. What were you doing before this show began? “I’ve been wrestling alligators for awhile. It’s been a big part of my life. I’m just taking it to the next level. I had this maintenance job with the local school board. The show came up, and now I’m doing this full-time... traveling, doing shows. Why the catch-and-release approach? I was taught by a guy who gave me a lot of hands-on instruction, and emphasized having respect for the animal. In Florida, you just can’t release them into the wild. We take them to a wildlife sanctuary or some other private facility. What’s the biggest, gnarliest gator you’ve ever handled? It was 13 feet, about 1,200 pounds. Did it by myself. Why don't you use ropes or some other tools? Ropes are good, but sometimes they can get in the way and you could trip. We do everything with our bare hands. What’s your advice to someone who wants to get involved in alligator wrestling? Stay away. No, seriously, what would you recommend? It’s not something you wake up one morning and decide it’s what you want to do. It has to be in your blood. You have to be quick on your toes and never let your guard down. You get complacent, you get hurt. Have you ever been hurt? I got bit seven times. The worst was a bite on my right hand. The alligator held on for about eight minutes. I was doing a show for a baby shower in front of about 90 people. I was working him, I misstepped and he bit my hand. How’d you get it to let go? Somebody pried it off with a crowbar. IF YOU GO: The Big East Camping/Outdoors Show runs from 2 to 8 p.m. Friday; 10 to 7 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Cost is $8; children ages 6-12, $3 and free for children under 6. For more, call 794-0695 or visit the event's website. Riffle's shows are scheduled for 11:30 a.m., 2:30 and 5:30 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. and 1 and 3 p.m. Sunday. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

"My husband and I had a lucky morning encounter with one this weekend near Wolfe Lake in Ontario, Canada," she said. Margie Manthey, of Marietta, send me these great photos of a red fox. She wrote: "My husband and I had a lucky morning encounter with a red fox this weekend near Wolfe Lake in Ontario, Canada. "This was one exceptionally beautiful, healthy animal. It was taking advantage of a sunny spot on a very cold morning, so the lighting was excellent from a photographer's angle." Margie Manthey Margie Manthey View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

Listing the African lion as endangered would actually harm conservation efforts in Tanzania. View the full article

"That day we put 6 fish on the ice, all measured more than 30 inches." Trish Oliver sent in this picture of her brother, Joshua Oliver, with his big catch.She wrote: This 36-inch northern pike was caught on the Saint Lawrence River at the beginning of March. "That day we put six fish on the ice, all measured more than 30 inches and all but the largest were released back into the river." View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

All equipment is provided. The Iroquois Chapter of Trout Unlimited is once again offering a fly fishing school at Carpenter's Brook Fish Hatchery in Elbridge. The course will be offered four evenings on April 18, 25 and May 2, 9. All equipment is provided. Cost is $50 before Tuesday (March 19) and $65 after March 19. Checks should be made payable to Iroquois Chapter Trout Unlimited and sent to Marty Ivery, Route 2763 Route 370, Cato, N.Y. 13033. The following will be covered: rod and reel setup; casting, knot tying, basic insect identification and reading streams. For more information, call Ivery at 626-6453 or 374-5776. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

They can be extremely helpful for everyone from hunters to birders. Syracuse, N.Y.— A smartphone or iPad is not something that would normally be on an outdoors enthusiast's packing list. But with the evolution of smartphone apps designed to make navigating the great outdoors online a cinch, everyone from hunters to birders are finding technology harder to resist . Take Cy Weichert, a Skaneateles businessman whose passion is outdoor sports. He and partner Bill Little, of Fayetteville, founded the hunting and fishing website ScoutLook in 2010, and have now created several helpful ScoutLook mobile apps as well. ScoutLook's apps include ScoutLook Hunting Weather, Deerlog and Fishlog; as well as free apps Mossy Oak Hunting Weather and Bassmaster Fishing Weather. "Nothing like ScoutLook existed," Weichert said. "We decided that this was so cool that we needed to spend the money to do it, even if only two people were using it." ScoutLook serves as a reference point for hunters and fishermen, where they can find information about everything from moon and weather patterns to nautical charts to hunting maps that pinpoint where the best hunting stands and fishing spots are in the area. The website has had over 1.5 million views and over 275,000 downloads of their mobile apps. Scoutlook app prices range from free to $3.99. Time Magazine featured Weichert and ScoutLook in a Feb. 25 piece called "How to Plan on Good Weather." This is the ScentCone Wind Map on the DeerLog app created by Cy Weichert and Bill Little. Photo by Ellen Blalock | [email protected] "There are a million places on the planet to get weather from," Weichert said. "But as a hunter or a fisherman, there are other things that you care about besides the weather forecast from the newspaper." Weichert said it is critical for hunters and anglers to be in the right place at the right time, and ScoutLook helps them do that by gathering useful data, including the user's own data from a previous trip, and storing it all in one place. "ScoutLook integrates everything that hunters and fishermen weather consider when planning a hunt," Weichert said. "Rather than sitting at your camp breakfast table looking at six different pieces of media, you can log on to your aerial maps [on ScoutLook], get the forecast, and save your favorite locations there." These locations can be private to one ScoutLook user, or can be shared between users, he said. Another way to save locations on ScoutLook Deerlog and Fishlog apps is to snap a photo of a fish or deer, and the app instantly pinpoints the exact location and saves all the location's weather data to the user's ScoutLook maps. "Your logs save in the app and online where you can sort by any data point to see for instance, 'How many fish do I catch on a west wind versus east, or how many bucks do I see when it’s raining versus sunny,'" Weichert said. "Everything we do here is with a mind to help folks hunt better, fish better and plan for the very best results in the field." Other outdoors-related apps follow. They are available for users of iPhones, iPads, Ipod Touch and Androids, depending on the app. Costs vary. Some are free. HUNTING MyNature Tracks: Searchable database that stores photos of tracks and scat and their corresponding animal. Also includes North American map of where animals can be found in the wild, and sound files detailing different animals' calls. (iPhone and Android) Primos Hunting Calls: Includes over 20 interactive audio calls for turkey, predators, elk, deer, waterfowl and others. (iPhone and Android) Ballistic: Calculates trajectory, windage, velocity, energy, and bullet flight time for any range you plan to shoot at, ensuring the best possible targeted shot. It takes into account temperature, humidity, barometric pressure and altitude. Has over 3,500 projectiles and factory loads, a range estimation calculator, GPS and atmosphere awareness. (iPhone and iPad) TrophyScore: Allows hunter to snap a picture of his/her target and score it based on antler and eye measurements. Records and tracks trophy harvests. (iPhone and iPod Touch) Hunting Light & Blood Tracker: Gives hunters improved visibility in all lighting conditions. A unique feature s its "blood tracking filter" which enhances the visibility of the blood trail left by wounded game so you can quickly recover the animal's whereabouts. (iPhone, iPad and Android) FISHING Orvis Fly Fishing App: Includes a guide with animated knots, fly casts, common casting mistakes, a guide to common fly patterns, and lots more to make you a fly fishing expert. Stay updated with an informative podcast, fishing news, and reports from Orvis. (iPhone, iPad and Android) Navionics 5.0: Includes features like route planning, up-to-date info on wind, tides, and currents, and downloadable charts for wherever you are. You won't find a more detailed resource for navigating out on the water. (iPhone, iPad) North American Fish Guide: Includes detailed descriptions and illustrations for over 100 of the most common freshwater fish. (Android) Fishin' Buddy Lite: (Free) Record location, time, weather, species, lure, and other information. Review past fishing trips and events to guess when and where you might be successful on future trips. (Android) Field and Stream Online: (Free) Hunting, fishing, shooting and survival information all of Field & Stream's award winning online content will be available including blogs, outdoor news stories, photo galleries, videos and how-to content. (iPhone, iPod Touch) HIKING AccuTerra HD by Neotreks: More than 5 million square miles of terrain and trail maps are included. Maps are zoomable and optimized for the iPhone. You can take and geotag photos, get real-time elevation and travel stats, and share your adventures through social media. (iPhone) iSurvival: With information pulled directly from the U.S. Army Field Manual, this app has just about all the information you need to survive in the wilderness. Covered subjects include basic survival medicine, building shelters, finding water, edible, poisonous,and medicinal plants, cold weather survival, signaling techniques, knot tying, and direction finding. (iPhone and iPad) Moon: (Free) Comprehensive GPS from user's position to the moon with info on distance to, illumination percentage, moonset and rise times, phase, and compass direction. (iPhone and iPad) GotoAID:Helps prepare hikers for emergency situations. This app has three different tabs to separate treatments for humans, cat or dogs. Furthermore, a wide range of topics are covered, including poisons, heat, cold, cuts/wounds, bites/stings, burns, and breaks/sprains. The app is created for the "non-professional responder," meaning the app takes you through exactly how to respond in an emergency step-by-step. (iPhone, iPad, IPod Touch) Point de Vue: No matter where you are in the world, this app will supply information for mountains that are within a 125-mile range of your current location. Able to download maps for any location in the world and search for summits, sorting them by elevation or distance. (iPhone, ipad, iPod Touch) CAMPING Adirondacks Come To Life: (Free) Gives info on lodging, campgrounds, dining, hiking, local attractions and water sports -- organized by region and theme. (iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch) Boy Scout Handbook: 12th edition of Boy Scout Handbook, including both modern and vintage photos and drawings. (iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch) Coleman Classic Camping Cookbook and Meal Planner: (Free) Allows users to plan camping meals by entering trip duration and location. Includes cooking methods and a cookbook of recipes that users can search by ingredient. Creates a list of ingredients for planned meals so that you never forget something at home. (iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch) Leafsnap (Free) Makes use of visual recognition software to help hikers identify tree species from photographs of their leaves. Contains high-resolution images of leaves, flowers, fruit, petiole, seeds and bark. (iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch) MyRadar Weather Map: (Free) Weather satellite map that pops up instantly and can be quickly manipulated to show weather over your location or approaching your location. Has Pitch/Zoom capability to smoothly pan around the U.S. and see what the weather is like anywhere. (iPhone and iPad) SKIING/SNOWBOARDING Find My Friends: (Free) Helps locate your group on the hill or in the ski lodge. Provided you get decent cell phone coverage on the hill, you'll be able to track their movements and time when you want to call it a day. (iPhone, ipad and iPod Touch) Ski and Snow Report: (Free) Allows user to set preferences and select all their go-to mountains. If three or more inches fall, they'll receive an alert. For easy sharing of snowfall numbers, Ski and Snow Report also integrates with Facebook and Twitter. (iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch) SnoCru: (Free) All-in-one app for snowboarding. Snow reports and a dashboard with max speed, total vertical height and distance are included. (iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch) iTrailMap 3D: Lets users see 3D maps of the mountain, track themselves as they try different trails, and upload those tracks to the web. Lets users flip from paper maps to iTrail 3D maps. (iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch) SkiTips3: Helpful for intermediate skiers who want to learn new tricks or master new maneuvers. Includes videos for learning what to expect from ski lessons and to refresh what you were taught during your lessons. (iPhone and iPad)BIRDING National Geographic Birds: Has same images as the National Geographic field guide. along with bird calls and videos. (iPhone and iPad) BirdsEye: Uses data from Cornell Lab or Ornithology's eBird project and guides you to what birds are near you, or if there's any rare birds in your area. Same goes for any other area you're interested in. (iPhone and iPod Touch) BirdLog: Allows birding enthusiasts to report their sightings to Cornell's eBird project and keeps track of when and where you've seen all your birds. Several versions available, including a world-wide one. (All Apple iOS and Android) View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

State law requires traps be checked every 24 hours in the Southern Zone. Watch video Les Wedge slipped on a pair of waders; a raincoat and water-proof, rubber gloves. He slung a wicker basket on his back containing a small shovel and an ax. He decided to leave a plastic sled in the back of his truck. “That’s for a very good day when I catch more than a couple,” he said smiling, when asked about the sled. Wedge has been trapping for 57 years. Tuesday morning he checked eight beaver traps he put out on two small streams in Cortland County. State law requires trappers to check their traps every 24 hours in the Southern Zone. “I do it for the enjoyment. It’s another excuse to be outdoors and observe nature,” Wedge said. “Secondly, it’s a kind of game with the animal. You have to be right on a particular spot to trap so that they don’t miss it. “The third thing is every morning when you check your traps, it’s like Christmas morning. What did I get today?” He also cited wildlife management reasons. Wedge, 67, is a retired regional fisheries manager for the DEC’s Region 7. “For me, it’s a way of helping out trout streams. I’ve caught 30 beaver so far this year and 28 of them have been on trout streams,” he said. Wedge explained that beaver dams warm the streams up by ponding the water, they block migration of fish to spawning areas and they tend to add unhealthy amounts of silt to a stream, messing up trout spawning habitat. There are other reasons to keep their numbers in check, he said. Their dams flood nearby crop fields and they can wreak havoc on trees. “I was at a place over in Lansing a few years back with this guy who I was mentoring and there were beavers that had flooded a whole stand of white oak, a pricy timber,” he said. “They killed just about every single tree there. They couldn’t bite the wood, but they took the bark off the trees.” Wedge takes his trapping seriously and wants others to do the same. He is a certified trapping safety course instructor. To get a license to trap, a beginner has to complete an 8-hour course, followed by a written exam. Trapper ethics, safety practices and information about the life of various animals that one can trap are among the topics covered. “It’s a highly restricted, regulated sport. I think it’s more restricted than hunting,” he said. The season this year in Central New York began Nov. 10 and ends April 7. There is no daily bag limit. Tuesday morning Wedge was checking two types of traps he had set —foot-hold and body-gripping (also called conibear) traps. With the foot-hold trap, the way Wedge sets it the beaver dies by drowning. With the body grippers, death is near instantaneous. Neither trap has parts with serrated edges. “Those are called ‘toothed traps, ’ “ he said. “Those traps haven’t been legal in this state for at least 80 years.” Wedge attracts beavers to his traps by making use of their “castor mounds,” which are small piles of mud and vegetation that beavers coat with their castor, a substance emitted from a gland in the animal’s groin area. The mounds mark their territory. “I put some beaver castor on the mound from other beavers I’ve caught and it smells like an intruder is here,” he said. “The beaver then comes back to cover up that smell and put their own back on.” Wedge said adult beavers in this state average between 35 and 50 pounds, with some 80-pounders caught each year. The biggest one he’s caught to date weighed 63 pounds. After checking his eight traps Tuesday, Wedge discovered he’d caught a two-year-old male weighing 34 pounds. He skins the beavers he catches. He dries the pelt, scrapping the meat and fat off it and nails it to a plywood board to stretch it out. He then either sells it at a local fur auction or sends it off, using an agent, to an international auction in Canada. Beaver pelts, which are much in demand in Russia and China, this year have been selling anywhere from $20 to $56, depending on the quality. Wedge said he isn’t growing rich off trapping the animal. “When you figure in replacing your waders, gloves and other equipment, along with gas, if you break even you’re doing good,” he said. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

"Never know what you’ll find when doing a pre-nesting season clean out," he said. Ed Smith, of Sherrill, came upon this screech owl recently in one of his wood duck boxes and took this interesting photo. He wrote: "Never know what you’ll find when doing a pre-nesting season clean out. In that box, he had a small carp and a field mouse. 'He was planning on staying there for awhile." View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

"I ran back to the window, zoomed in and manage to snap four photographs before he was gone," he said. Bill Reagan, of Marcellus, sent me these two photos of a coyote. He wrote: "A couple weeks ago I was in my family room when I noticed this healthy coyote trotting across my backyard about 100 feet behind my house. "I ran across the room, grabbed my camera, turned it on as I ran back to the window, zoomed in and manage to snap four photographs before he was gone." Bill Reagan View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

One meeting is set for Monday at Bass Pro Shops; the other, on Wednesday at Groton High School. Fishery biologists from the state Department of Environmental Conservation's Region 7 office in Cortland have scheduled two "State of the Eastern Finger Lakes" meetings this month. The waterways to be discussed will include Cayuga, Owasco, Skaneateles and Otisco lakes, The first meeting is set for 6:30 to 9 p.m. March 18 at the Bass Pro Shops at the Fingerlakes Mall. The second meeting will be held from 7 to 10 p.m. March 20 at Groton High School. The DEC staff will discuss the current status of the lakes and future plans to manage the fisheries on them, the Angler Diary Program and answer questions from those in attendance. For further information, call 315-426-7400 or Cortland 607-753-3095. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

Two "State of the Eastern Finger Lakes" meetings are scheduled for next week -- one at Bass Pro Shops, the other at Groton High School. CNY Outdoors Calendar: Nautical/tackle sale: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, South Shore Association, 6690 South Bay Road, Cicero. Food and beverage will be available. Cost is $1, with proceeds to be used for sending needy children to the DEC’s summer camp. For more information or to reserve a table, call 252-6439 or (607) – 756-7922. Bluebird seminar: 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Baltimore Woods, 4007 Bishop Hill Road, Marcellus. John Rogers, co-founder of the NYS Bluebird Society. Following a 50-minute slideshow there is an optional build your own bluebird box project. Next box kits are available at $8 for members; $12 for non-members. Registration is required. Call 673-1350. State of Eastern Finger Lakes meetings: 6:30 to 9 p.m. Monday at Bass Pro Shops at the Fingerlakes Mall; 7 to 10 p.m. Wednesday at Groton High School. The meetings are being hosted by the state Department of Environmental Conservation. For more information, call 426-7400 or (607) 753-3095. Fly-tying rendezvous: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 23, Barbagallos Restaurant, East Syracuse. Program is entitled, “Tie One On.” Hosted by the Iroquois Chapter of Trout Unlimited and Sparse Grey Matter. The event will feature fly-tying vendors, guest speakers and fly tiers from throughout the Northeast, covering a variety of topics. Admission is $5; children under 16 free. Proceeds will benefit Iroquois Chapter of Trout Unlimited and Project Healing Waters. For more, see iroquoistu.org. Big East Camping/Outsdoors Show: 2 to 8 p.m. March 22, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. March 23 and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 24, Event Center at the Turning Stone Resort and Casino, Verona. Cost is $8; children ages 6-12, $3 and children 5 and under free. Show your Turning Stone Diamond Card or Price Chopper Advantage Card and receive $1 off admission. For more, call 315-794-0695 or visit www.bigeastshows.com. Free fishing seminar: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 6, Calvary Baptist Church, Brewerton. For childen and adults. All sorts of seminars and hands-on learning opportunities. For more, contact Michael Riordan at [email protected], or at 668-9790 or 374-2997. Annual sportsmen's banquet: 6 to 9 p.m. April 12, 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]. Annual sportsmen's banquet: 5 p.m. April 13, 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]. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

"You would be amazed at the sound of the wings flapping at once," he said. Greg Craybas a dentist/wildlife photographer from Camillus, shot these two eye-opening shots this week of snow geese migrating through the Montezuma National Wildlife Preserve. He wrote: "In the spirit of Easter, how many snow geese are in the photos? "You would be amazed at the sound of the wings flapping at once. You better run for cover from the bombs from above!" Greg Craybas View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

Anglers are starting to get out in boats fishing for perch, crappie, and bluegills in some waterways. CNY FISHING FORECAST Bait stores (list and map). SALMON RIVER Water level is up and discolored. Lots of fish continue to be caught throughout the river. The steelhead are spawning and brown trout are coming in from the lake to eat their eggs. Anglers continue to have luck using egg sacs, trout beads, flies and pink worms. Bright-colored flies or bait works best. OSWEGO RIVER Anglers fishing behind the downtown hotels continue to catch brown trout and a few steelhead using egg sacs and white, bucktail jigs (3/8 ounce). Make sure bring to bring a long-handled net, advised one angler. ONEIDA LAKE Ice fishing scene appears to be finished, or at the very least at its tail end. CAYUGA LAKE No fishable ice. Some anglers are fishing down by the power plant in Lansing on the eastern side, catching trout from shore using large shiners as bait. SENECA LAKE The yellow perch are bluegills are hitting fathead minnows and waxworms or spikes fishing the public pier at the lake's southern end. Casting red/white spoons on the outside of the pier has been working for northern pike with fish up to 12 pounds being taken, along with some lake trout. OWASCO LAKE Anglers are fishing from boats on the north end, catching bluegills and perch. Anglers out in boats are also catching lake trout using medium-sized shiners around Ensinore. No more ice on southern end. . OTISCO LAKE The northern end was still frozen at mid-week. Lots of small bluegills and sunnies being caught, along with a few perch and crappie, plus the occasional tiger muskie on tip-ups and minnows or suckers. Just a reminder that tiger muskie have to be at least 36 inches to keep. SKANEATELES LAKE No fishable ice. SODUS BAY No fishable ice. ST. LAWRENCE RIVER Anglers continue to get out ice fishing on Eel Bay, Lake of the Isles, South Bay, Kring's Point andSouth Bay. Lots of big perch, crappie and bluegills being caught using fathead minnows and Rapala shad rap jigs. Ice was about 6-8 inches in many places. It's shallower, though, around the shorelines. WHITNEY POINT RESERVOIR No fishable ice. Some walleyes, though, are being taken from shore in the spillway. Anglers are using jigs tipped with a fathead minnow and bobbers. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

I need reader's help to find out what's going in CNY in regard to how the Safe Act has affected the sale and cost of firearms and ammunition. Les Wedge carries a beaver he trapped Tuesday in Cortland County back to his truck. Dick Blume | [email protected] An interesting week. Syracuse University Intern Sarah Taddeo put together an interesting story concerning outdoors-related apps and I spent Tuesday morning down in Cortland County walking alongside Les Wedge, retired DEC fisheries biologist as he checked his beaver traps in the chilly rain.Meanwhile, other stories I'm working on: - With parts of the new Safe Act scheduled to kick in soon, I've been assigned to find out the impact all this has had on the sale and cost of ammunition and firearms locally, along with the purchase of ammunition and firearms across state lines and on the internet. For instance, is anyone driving to Pa. to buy shotgun shells for trap shooting or types of ammunition because it's unavailable here? What's the cost difference? I need specifics. Contact me by email at [email protected] or call 470-6066. Also: - There's a special snowgoose hunting season currently underway and I'd like to do a story on that? Anybody getting out and getting any> Get in touch with me. - Opening day of trout fishing is April 1. - Commercial gill net fishing for perch. 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. - DEC study on wild turkeys - The over-abundance of gizzard shad in Oneida Lake and what that means for this spring's walleye fishing. - A proposal to turn Onondaga County into a rifle county for deer hunting. - The state's only two-year college degree in taxidermy being offered at TCCC. strong>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

Scott Manning, of Fairmount, holds up a nice largemouth bass he caught and released March 12 while fishing in the Erie Canal in Camillus. He said he hooked the fish using a jerkbait. He said it weighed 6.3 pounds. Scott Manning, of Fairmount, holds up a nice largemouth bass he caught and released March 12 while fishing in the Erie Canal in Camillus. He said he hooked the fish using a jerkbait. He said it weighed 6.3 pounds. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

It measured 28 inches and weighed 13.5 pounds, he said. Steve Saunders, of Camillus, shared this picture of a lunker walleye he caught in early October of last year. He wrote: " I was fishing with my brother Andrew and our friend Dave on his boat just a mile or so outside the Salmon River outlet from the Pine Grove boat launch in early October last year. "We were trolling on a cold, cloudy day when this large walleye hit my line. "I was using a lure called a Mooselook Wobbler. It measured 28 inches and weighed 13.5 pounds." View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

For tickets, contact Ed Pugliese before April 5 by emailing him at [email protected]. The annual banquet of the Onondaga County Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs is set for April 12 at the Spinning Wheel Restaurant on Thompson Road in North Syracuse. It will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Cost is$17 per person with reservations; $20 at the door. The "Conservationist of the Year" and "Club of the Year" will be announced at the dinner, which will feature more than 100 raffle prizes. For tickets, contact Ed Pugliese before April 5 by emailing him at [email protected]. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

Residential brush burning is prohibited from March 16 to May 14 in smaller communities. The following is a DEC press release: New Yorkers who reside in smaller communities should be aware that all residential brush burning is prohibited during the state’s historically high-fire-risk period beginning March 16 through May 14, Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Joe Martens reminded today. "Since the open burning regulation passed in 2009, there are a fewer number of fires reported in New York State this time of year,” Commissioner Martens said. “I urge everyone to be cautious with the risk of wildfires and remind all New Yorkers that the statewide ban is in effect through mid-May beginning this week.” In 2009, New York toughened restrictions on open burning to reduce harmful air pollutants and help prevent wildfires. While the regulation allows residential brush burning for most of the year in towns with a population of less than 20,000, it prohibits open burning in all communities during early spring when the bulk of New York’s wildfires typically occur. The new regulation prohibits the burning of garbage at all times and places. Several factors enable wildfires to start easily and spread quickly at this time, including the lack of green vegetation, abundance of available fuels such as dry grass and leaves, warm temperatures and wind. Open burning is the largest single cause of wildfires in New York State. Data from DEC's Division of Forest Protection show that debris burning accounted for about 36 percent of wildfires in the state between 1985 and 2009 - more than twice the next most-cited cause. In addition, from 2000 to 2009, New York's fire departments responded to an average of 2,300 wildfires each year during the period of March 14 through May 16 or about 46 percent of all wildfires for the year. Fire department data for 2010, 2011 and 2012 indicated a 35 percent reduction in wildfires during the burn ban period for those years when compared to the previous 10 years (2000-2009). In addition, 80 percent of all communities across the state had a reduction of wildfires as compared to the previous 10 years. Violators of the open burning state regulation are subject to both criminal and civil enforcement actions, with the minimum fine of $500 for a first offense. To report environmental law violations call 1-800-TIPP DEC (1-800-847-7332), or report online on DEC’s website A list of questions and answers on the new open burning regulation is also available on DEC’s website. Some towns are designated “fire towns” primarily in and around the Adirondack Park and Catskill Park. Under Environmental Conservation Law, open burning is prohibited in these municipalities at all times without a written permit from DEC. To find out whether a town is a designated “Fire Town” and/or to obtain a permit, parties should contact a DEC regional office. For a directory of the DEC Regional Offices, visit the DEC website. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

ECO Rich Wood was given the 2012 Annual Law Enforcement Achievement Award for his role in a case involving the illegal hunting and large-scale selling of venison. The following is a DEC press release: The National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) selected Environmental Conservation Officer (ECO) Rick Wood to receive its 2012 Annual Law Enforcement Achievement Award, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Joe Martens announced this week. “ECO Rick Wood is a valuable asset to DEC’s dedicated Division of Law Enforcement,” said Commissioner Martens. “Last year, Officer Wood diligently, professionally and fairly brought a successful conviction in a case where individuals chose to go outside the law using the state’s great fish and wildlife resources for their selfish personal gains.” ECO Wood was nominated for the award by his fellow Conservation Officers and selected by a committee of representatives from the NWTF and the Environmental Conservation Police. The NWTF is a member grassroots, nonprofit organization with more than 500,000 members in all 50 states, Canada, and 11 foreign countries. It supports scientific wildlife management on public, private and corporate lands as well as wild turkey hunting as a traditional North American sport. ECO Wood’s most noteworthy and substantial case dealt with the illegal hunting and commercialization of white tail deer that will have a significant impact on protecting the resource. On January 27, 2012, Officer Wood was at his residence, monitoring the Sullivan and Ulster counties’ 911 dispatch, when a call polled for any unit near Diamond Road in Ellenville for shots fired and possible deer jacking. New York City’s Department of Environmental Police (NYCDEP) responded and Officer Wood contacted them directly to advise that he was en route. NYCDEP officers apprehended the vehicle and Officer Wood arrived within minutes and found a recently killed deer in the bed of the pick-up and a loaded .22 mag rifle in the front seat. Alongside the rifle was a large envelope containing flyers that advertised the Fourth Annual Venison dinner in the Bronx with a cost of $70 per person. Officer Wood requested and received a search warrant for the subject’s weekend home and contacted another ECO for assistance. The Officers secured the residence. The next morning the search warrant was executed and 17 large bags of meat were found in two freezers in the basement totaling 320 lbs. of meat, along with the head and capes of two 8-points bucks. A total of five more deer were discovered. The residence had a large bait pile behind the house with a video camera and live feed to a monitor in the living room where the occupants could watch television and the monitor at the same time. When they observed a deer on the bait pile, it could be shot directly from the residence. On February 3, 2012, after the detailed description of the case by Officer Wood, the defendants agreed to a penalty to satisfy all charges, of $4,000 each, totaling $8,000. This case was highlighted in the 2012-2013 NYS Hunting & Trapping Guide, with a picture of the evidence and case description. ECO Wood made himself available prior to the start of his shift at the investigation at the scene including working with and having the respect of another agency, interviewing the suspects, following through with obtaining a search warrant, and successfully negotiating with the legal representation of the two defendants. He brought this important case, with its ramification of illegal commercialization of deer, to a successful conclusion. ECOs are sworn police officers involved in the enforcement of the Environmental Conservation Law in order to protect the state's natural resources and environment. They investigate complaints in order to detect and document both state and federal Environmental Conservation Law felonies, misdemeanors and violations ECOs meet with school groups, service groups, regulated community and hunter's and angler's clubs to promote compliance with environmental conservation law, which includes fish and wildlife law. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

It's being held at the Oasis at Thunder Island in Fulton. The Oswego County Federation of Sportsmen's Clubs will be holding its annual banquet on April 13 at The Oasis at Thunder Island in Fulton. Dinner tickets are available for $25/per person. For more information visit the group's website. Tickets can be purchased by contacting Eric Madura at 315-676-3486 or via email at [email protected]. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

It's set for April 13 at the Clarion Conference Cetner and Marina in Dunkirk. The following is a press release: Sackets Harbor and Dunkirk, NY – The Great Lakes Seaway Trail Blue Byway Seminar set for April 13 at the Clarion Conference Center and Marina in Dunkirk, NY, features the worlds of forensic weather forecasting, shipwrecks and underwater exploration, maritime history, and coastal recreation, including diving and paddlesports. Sponsored by the nonprofit Seaway Trail, Inc. in partnership with New York Sea Grant, this day-long event highlights the freshwater and land-based travel opportunities found only on the 518-mile Great Lakes Seaway Trail National Scenic Byway along the St. Lawrence River, Lake Ontario, Niagara River and Lake Erie in New York and Pennsylvania. Popular touring themes for the byway include maritime history, coastal recreation, lighthouses, nature, cultural heritage, architecture, agriculture, and military history, particularly of the War of 1812. Presenters at the 9:00am-4:00pm event include: · National Weather Service Forecaster Robert Hamilton speaking on historic weather conditions on Lake Ontario that influenced a diverse collection of shipwrecks · Underwater explorer Jim Kennard presenting the details of his discovery of the HMS Ontario, a 22-gun sloop of water that sank in Lake Ontario in 1780 · Diving Lake Erie Shipwrecks; speaker TBA · Historical archaeologist Dr. Douglas J. Pippin, Ph.D., of the State University of New York at Oswego, providing details on digs at Fort Haldimand on Carlton Island in the St. Lawrence River · New York Sea Grant Coastal Recreation and Tourism Specialist Dave White talking about new and future tools and apps for boaters, canoeists and kayakers based on the Great Lakes Observing System · Charter Captain Jeff Garnsey sharing stories of his grandfather who was a St. Lawrence River rumrunner during Prohibition · Erie Maritime Museum Living History Programming Coordinator and U.S. Brig Niagara volunteer Ed Bolla presenting The Battle of Lake Erie and The Building of Perry’s Fleet · Erie Maritime Museum Education Programs Coordinator Linda Bolla on The Fabric of Time: Two Iconic Flags from the War of 1812. The $50 admission includes lunch; walk-ins, as space allows, $65. Register online at www.seawaytrail.com/dive or call 315-646-1000 x203. Pre-registration is requested by April 8. This program is part of the Great Lakes Underwater Series events. The Great Lakes Seaway Trail is a 518-mile National Scenic Byway that offers unique land and water travel opportunities along Lake Erie, the Niagara River, Lake Ontario, and the St. Lawrence River. Learn more the group's website.. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

State workers relocated a nest that had been built atop a crane destined for the scrap heap. The following is a press release from the state Thruway Authority: Last spring, a pair of ospreys built a nest atop an unused crane that is stored in the New York State Canal Corporation’s maintenance yard in Lysander. Little did they know that this particular crane is inoperable and scheduled to be sold for scrap metal later this year. Despite migrating to a warmer climate for the winter months, ospreys commonly return to past nesting sites, especially those beside the Oswego River and wetlands, according to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). In anticipation of the osprey’s return, the Canal Corp. and DEC have moved the nest to a platform attached to an inoperable radio tower across the yard and installed a pointed conical device in the nest’s original location to encourage the ospreys to use the relocated nest. Newly constructed platform atop inoperable radio tower. State Thruway Authority In recent years, the Canal Corp.’s Lyons Canal Section successfully relocated a similar osprey nest from the top of the existing Cayuga Lake Range Tower to a newly constructed replacement tower. While Syracuse Division Canal employees have had experience with these types of projects, all work was conducted with guidance from DEC and by utilizing information obtained from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and New York Power Authority. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

It's scheduled for March 22-24 at Event Center at Turning Stone Resort and Casino in Verona. Alligator wrestling and more will be offered at the 22nd Big East Camping & Outdoor Sports Show, scheduled for March 22-24 at the Event Center at the Turning Stone Resort and Casino in Verona. Making his first appearance in Central New York for the first time will be Jimmy Riffle of the hit Animal Planet Show “Gator Boys.” The outdoors show will feature three alligator wrestling shows per day, and a meet and greet follow each show. Also featured will be a wide variety of outdoor sport exhibits& organizations, including: - Charters; boat and R.V. dealers. - Free seminars presented by the pros. - Labrador retriever demonstrations; - Kids casting contest with prizes. - NY State Big Buck Display; - Trout pond for fishing - Wildlife Defenders program with unique animals such as; Two-African Crested Porcupines, Capybara, Wallaby and much more. - Dale Earnhardt Jr. “National Guard” Sprint Cup Car and laser simulator sponsored by the Army National Guard. - Free seminars Ticket prices are $8 per adult; Kids 6-12, $3 and 5 and under free. Present your Price Chopper Advantage Card or Turning Stone Diamond Card and receive $1off admission for one, or visit the event's website to download a $1.00 coupon. Offers cannot be combined. For more information, including show times for Jimmy Riffle of Gator Boys, visit the event's website. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog