HuntingNY-News

Woo Daves and his son, Chris Daves, will lead the seminars. Bass Pro Shops is offering two free bass fishing seminars from top-level pros Friday evening as part of its Spring Fishing Classic sale weekend. At 7 p.m., Chris Daves, Professional Anglers Association champion, will be giving a seminar on "finesse fishing." At 8 p.m. Bassmaster Classic Champion Woo Daves (Chris's father) will talk about "plastic worm fishing." Both talks will be given in front of the store's fish tank. For further information, call 258-2700. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

<p> Highlights include lowering the resident annual fishing license from $29 to $25 and the hunting license from $29 to $22. It would do away with the trapping and small games licenses, folding those into the hunting license. </p> <p>The local state Department of Environmental Conservation has scheduled two informational meetings – one tonight, another on Tuesday – to review and answer questions about Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s proposal to simplify the state’s outdoors license fee schedule and lower some of the license fees.</p> <p>The first meeting is set for 6:30 p.m. Thursday in the Martha Eddy Room in the Art and Horticulture building at the state fairgrounds in Geddes. The second session will be held beginning at 6:30 p.m. at the DEC’s Cortland office, 1285 Fisher Ave. in Cortland.</p> <p>Cuomo’s proposal, <a href="http://www.syracuse.com/news/index.ssf/2013/02/cuomos_ny_open_for_fishing_and.html">part of his "NY Open for Fishing and Hunting" effort,</a> is multi-faceted.</p> <p>Highlights include lowering the resident annual fishing license from $29 to $25 and the hunting license from $29 to $22. It would do away with the trapping and small games licenses, folding those into the hunting license.</p> <p>Also, a fishing license would last a year from when it was purchased, as opposed to only being good to the end of the season on Sept. 30.</p> <p>For further information, call (315) 426-7403.</p> <p><br /></p> View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

<p> DEC Dispatch in Ray Brook was contacted by State Police seeking Forest Ranger response to a plane crash in a wooded area near the Lake Placid Airport. Temperatures were in the single digits and fell to sub-zero overnight. </p> <p><strong>The following is a press release from the governor's office:</strong></p> <p>Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today recognized the nine Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Forest Rangers and the dispatcher involved in the rescue of three men whose plane crashed in the Adirondack Mountains last week. Governor Cuomo commended the men and woman for their heroic efforts to save the lives of the survivors in sub-zero temperatures.</p> <p>“The actions of these Forest Rangers exemplify the unwavering dedication and tireless commitment of the men and women charged with keeping New Yorkers and those who visit our state safe,” Governor Cuomo said. “These Forest Rangers saved lives and should be commended for their bravery and service to New York State.”</p> <p>Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Joe Martens said, “Last week’s rescue of three plane crash survivors is just the latest example of how vital our Forest Rangers are when a crisis strikes. They are specially trained and they are special men and women. I’m very proud of the heroism and dedication of our Forest Rangers.”</p> <p>The Forest Rangers, all based out of DEC’s Region 5 office in Ray Brook, recognized by Governor Cuomo are:</p> <p>· Forest Ranger Lt. Charles Platt, nearly 20 years as a Forest Ranger<br />· Forest Ranger Kevin Burns, 14 years of service as a Forest Ranger<br />· Forest Ranger Peter Evans, 14 years of service as a Forest Ranger<br />· Forest Ranger James Giglinto, 17 years of service as a Forest Ranger<br />· Forest Ranger Thomas Gliddi, 16 years of service as a Forest Ranger<br />· Forest Ranger Chris Kostoss, 14 years of service as a Forest Ranger<br />· Forest Ranger Joseph LaPierre, 14 years of service as a Forest Ranger <br />· Forest Ranger David Russell, 8 years of service as a Forest Ranger<br />· Forest Ranger Scott VanLaer, 16 years of service as a Forest Ranger<br />· Dispatcher Alicia Bodmer, 16 years as a Dispatcher</p> <p><br /><strong>Information on the rescue follows: </strong></p> <p>At 6:32 p.m. DEC Dispatch in Ray Brook was contacted by State Police seeking Forest Ranger response to a plane crash in a wooded area near the Lake Placid Airport. Temperatures were in the single digits and fell to sub-zero overnight.</p> <p>Essex County 911 was in contact with the three male occupants of the airplane all of Westfield, NJ who indicated they were in good condition. They provided coordinates of the crash site which were relayed to DEC Dispatch. When the coordinates were plotted on a map the site of the plane crash was near the summit of Nye Mountain, a trail-less High Peak just west of the Adirondack Loj. </p> <p>Two DEC Forest Rangers initially responded to the Mount Jo Trailhead on the Adirondack Loj road and headed to the crash site on snowshoes and carrying cold weather gear for the crash victims. A second team of four Forest Rangers started a short while later carrying equipment for evacuating the three men.</p> <p>A helicopter from the State Police Aviation Unit was also dispatched from the Lake Clear Airport but at 7:35 pm advised that they were unable to reach the crash site due to weather and darkness.</p> <p>A Forest Ranger was in direct phone contact with the men at the crash site. They reported they had erected a tarp as a temporary shelter and put on extra clothing to attempt to stay warm.</p> <p>At 10:50 pm Forest Rangers concluded that Nye Mountain location was not the correct location. At about this same time the first two Forest Rangers had hiked three miles to the crash site and confirmed there was no airplane present. Ranger determined the original coordinates were provided in atypical format. Plotting the coordinates in the standard format, Rangers determined the crash site was actually just west of Lake Placid near Big Burn Mountain.</p> <p>The second group of forest rangers was redirected from Nye Mountain to Big Burn Mountain where they were joined by a another ranger. The Forest Rangers were able to reach the crash site by snowmobile via the Jack Rabbit Trail and bushwhacking on snowshoes the last half mile. The crash site was one mile from the road.</p> <p>The three men were located by the Forest Rangers at 1:55 a.m. The men were evacuated by snowmobile to the Whiteface Inn Road Trailhead where they were evaluated by the Lake Placid Rescue Squad. It was determined the men were fine and they declined any further medical treatment or transport.<br /></p> View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

Anglers are still getting out on places like Oneida Lake and Otisco Lake. CNY FISHING FORECAST Bait stores (list and map). SALMON RIVER The river level has dropped a little, but the water is discolored. The bite continues to be good for steelhead, particularly in the upper river above Pineville. Good baits continue to be egg sacs (blue, pink, white or chartreuse mesh) and trout beads OSWEGO RIVER The river has dropped a bit. Brown trout bite continues to be good, particularly better behind the motels downtown. Anglers are also using a variety of lures/baits including white bucktails, white jigs and egg sacs, along with plastic baits such as Sassy Shads (3 to 4 inches). SANDY POND With warm weather and rain this week, ice was 4-5 inches but questionable in spots. ONEIDA LAKE The lake’s ice fishing hotspots continue to be off Chapman Park (way out, almost a mile) with anglers catching jumbo perch in 40 foot of water using 3/8- to ½-ounce jigging spoons, tipped with buckeye minnows. Others are catching perch and walleye off Lewis Point and Jewell. The safest ice continues to be at the eastern end of the lake. Big Bay, though, is generating some sunfish and bluegill. Ice is slick, stay on the beaten path. SENECA LAKE A lot of perch continue to be caught off the public pier in Watkins Glen. Anglers are using perch minnows, wax worms, maggots and large shiners. They’re also getting a few landlock salmon from boats and from shore. Anglers on the shore are casting spoons, and those in boards are using streamers. Pike are also being caught on Red Devil spoons and large shiners. SKANEATELES LAKE No fishable ice. CAYUGA LAKE Anglers are still going, but ice is getting thin – 3 inches at best. CAZENOVIA LAKE Fish only at the north end only. Lots of perch, sunfish and a few crappie being caught. OWASCO LAKE Ice at southern end is questionable, only about 3 inches at best at mid-week. OTISCO LAKE Still fishable at the northern end by the dam and other parts of the lake. Lake is still frozen over. Perch and tiger muskies continue to be caught. SODUS BAY One bait store owner said there’s still fishable ice, 6-10 inches. Lots of perch being caught of varying sizes, along with a few northerns and walleyes. SANDY POND Ice fishing has been good lately. Ice is 6-8 inches. Lots of pike and perch being caught, along with some crappie. ST. LAWRENCE RIVER Anglers catching lots of nice-sized perch the past few days. Hot spots include Lake of the Isles and Eel Bay. WHITNEY POINT RESERVOIR Rain has produced “sloppy conditions” on the reservoir. Still about 8-9 inches of ice, though. Fishing has slowed, but anglers are still catching crappie and perch at the northern end. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

<p> Two hunter safety courses are scheduled already -- one in March, the other in April. </p> <p><strong>CNY BEST OUTDOORS BETS:</strong></p> <p><strong>CNY RV and Camping Show</strong>, noon to 9 p.m. Thursday; 10 a.m.to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, statefairgrounds, Geddes. Cost is $10, children 15 and under free. For more, <a href="http://www.cnyrvshow.com">see the event's website</a>. .</p> <p><strong>Wildlife Habitat Workshop:</strong> 6 to 9 p.m. March 7, Montezuma Audubon Center. Presented by Pheasants Forever. Free. Learn about managing wildlife on private property, food plots, native warm season grass establishment, state and federal cost share/incentive programs for landowners. Call 570-490-0199 or email <a href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</a>.</p> <p><strong>Sportsman’s Trader’s Day:</strong> 9 a.m.to 3 p.m. March 9, Buy, sell and trade all outdoor items. Admission is $2, children 12 and under are free. The public is welcome. Otisco Rod and Gun Club, Rte 174, Marietta. Call 430-6913.</p> <p><strong>Outdoors Sports Sale</strong>: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 9, Dryden Fire Station, Dryden. Hosted by Crown City Bassmasters. Buy/sell/trade. Free. Vendors should contact Jeff at 607-659-7654.</p> <p><strong>Wild Turkey Federation Banquet</strong>, 5 p.m. March 9, Cortland County Music Park, 1824 Route 13, Cortland. Hosted by the Cortland Area Limbhangers. Call (607) 842-6260.</p> <p><strong>Public hearing: </strong> 6:30 to 9 p.m. March 11, Harnett Elementary School gymnasium, Academy Street, Truxton. DEC is seeking public comment on two draft unit management plans for Hill and Hollow and Taylor Valley. The Hill and Hollow UMP (7,346 acres) consist of Morgan Hill State Forest, Kettlebail State Forest and Labrador Hollow Unique Area. The Taylor Valley UMP (10,267 acres) includes: Taylor Valley State Forest, Hoxie Gorge State Forest, Baker School House State Forest, Donahue Woods State Forest, Gee Brook State Forest and Papish Pond Multiple-Use Area. Copies of the plans are on <a href="http://www.dec.ny.gov">the DEC website</a>. For more, call (607)753-3095, ext. 217.</p> <p><strong>Bluebird seminar:</strong> 2 to 4 p.m. March 16, 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.</p> <p><strong>Big East Camping/Outsdoors Show:</strong> 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 <a href="http://www.bigeastshows.com">the event's website</a>.</p> <p><strong>SAFETY COURSES</strong>:<br /><strong>Hunter safety course:</strong> 6 to 9 p.m. March 12, 15 and 8 a.m. until finished March 16, at the Chittenango Rod and Gun Club, Lakeport Rd., Chittenango. Registration is 6 to 8 p.m. March 6 at the Great Swamp Conservancy, 8375 N Main St, Canastota.</p> <p><strong>Hunter safety course:</strong> 6 to 9 p.m. April 16, 18 at Bicknell Hall, Room 203 at SUNY Morrisville; 8 a.m. to finish Peterboro Conservation Club. Preregister in person from 6 to 8 p.m. at Bicknell Hall, Room 203. For more, call 684-6237 or email <a href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</a>.</p> View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

<p> ** I'll be at the CNY RV-Camping show from 1 to 4 p.m. Friday afternoon at The Post-Standard table in the Exhibit Center building. Stop by and say hi! </p> <div id="asset-12343859" 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/12343859-large.jpg" class="adv-photo" alt="0303 kite5.JPG" /> <span class="photo-data"> <span class="caption">Pat Coyne of Westvale is using a power kite with a sled he designed to glide over the ice on Onondaga Lake. Pat said speeds can approach 50 miles an hour.</span> <span class="byline">David Lassman I [email protected]</span> </span> </span> <!-- FIXME - temporary fix with nbsp; for MT-1365 --> </div> The winter is flying by. It seems like every day brings changes in the weather. <p>Things are also changing at The Post-Standard. It's an exciting time. </p> <p>Several readers have emailed or called me lately, noting my outdoors blog no longer appears under the "sports" category on syracuse.com. That's been changed.</p> <p>My column now appears under the "Living" category. You can either go there, or put <a href="http://www.syracuse.com/outdoors/">my URL</a> (syracuse.com/outdoors) under your favorites and get to it that way. </p> <p><br /><strong>Here's what Outdoors Intern Sarah Taddeo and myself are writing about this week:</strong></p> <p>- A DEC study concerning fishers. Research is looking at just how many of the dark, large members of the weasal family are out there.</p> <p>- A biathlon fundraiser Saturday up at Osceola -- which features an offering to novices who want to try the unique winter-time Olympic event that features cross country skiing and target shooting with a rifle.</p> <p>- A local man gives "power kiting" lessons on the ice on Onondaga Lake recently. (story by Intern Sarah Taddeo).</p> <p>- I'm going to Albany on the bus Thursday with local sportsmen and women who are protesting the governor's new gun laws. (I'm not the main reporter on the story, though. That's Teri Weaver.) </p> <p>- If time allows, I'll attend an informational meeting Thursday night at the state fairgrounds concerning Gov. Cuomo's new proposal to simplify the state's outdoors sports licensing system, along with lowering several fees.</p> <p><br />** I'll be at the CNY RV-Camping show from 1 to 4 p.m. Friday afternoon at The Post-Standard table in the Exhibit Center building. Stop by and say hi!</p> <p><strong>Stories next week and beyond:</strong><br />- Apps used by outdoors enthusiasts (everyone from birders to bear hunters). Have any that work for you? Send me at note at [email protected].</p> <p>- DEC study on wild turkeys</p> <p>- Five thing you probably didn't know about screech owls.</p> <p><strong>NEED SOME HELP:</strong>- I'd like to compile a list of where readers are spotting bald eagles days. Send you information to [email protected].</p> <p>- Snow geese hunting. Anybody having any luck at this? I'd like to do a story.</p> <p>strong>ANYTHING ELSE READERS OF THIS REPORT WOULD LIKE TO SEE ME WRITE ABOUT? </strong><br />The effectiveness of this report is two-fold. First, it lets readers know what's coming up story-wise. It also allows readers a chance to affect coverage and provide sources for upcoming stories. Bottom line: Keep in touch and give input. You could make a difference as to what appears week to week on the outdoors page! Email me at <a href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</a> or call 470-6066.</p> <p><a href="http://update.syracuse.com/adv_syracuse/newsletters/syracuse/subscribe.htm">If you want to join The Post-Standard's Outdoors Group and get this emailed directly to you, subscribe here.</a>.</p> <p><strong>FIGURA ON FACEBOOK:</strong><br />For those who are on Facebook, I also have a <a href="http://www.facebook.com/PostStandardOutdoors#!/PostStandardOutdoors#!/photo.php?fbid=3369108872206&set=a.1178365985003.2028364.1403751639&type=1&theater&notif_t=like">PS Outdoors page</a>, which I check several times daily for feedback and story ideas. I also post personal fishing and hunting and other outdoors-related photos from time to time and I ask members to do the same. When you join, please be sure and hit the "like" button. </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p> </p> View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

It can now be found under the "Living" category on the syracuse.com home page. Several readers have contacted me lately noting that my Outdoors Blog on Syracuse.com is no listed under the "Sports" category of syracuse.com. It’s been changed. The blog, which features a wide variety of outdoors stories and photos, along with outdoors-related videos and more, can now be found under the "Living" category on the syracuse.com home page. It can also be found be typing in the blog's URL (www.syracuse.com/outdoors). View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

The state Department of Environmental Conservation is teaming up with Cornell University in a large-scale study across areas of Central and Western New York to find out more about this large, dark-haired member of the weasel family. A fisher is attracted to the DEC's setup (featuring a beaver carcass) in Chenango County. DEC photo Just how many fishers are out there? The state Department of Environmental Conservation is teaming up with Cornell University in a large-scale study across areas of Central and Western New York to find out more about this large, dark-haired member of the weasel family. The past month, DEC staffers from the Region 7’s office, based in Cortland, put out 19 trail cameras at different locations in parts of Broome, Chenango, Tioga and Tompkins counties. The three-person, team is led by Lance Clark, the region’s senior wildlife biologist. He said they try to check the cameras three times a week. “We’re going to be doing this for about two more months,” Clark said, the cameras are being moved around every several weeks. He explaining the animals are drawn in front of the cameras by attaching a flat piece of wood to a tree with a chunk of beaver carcass on it. The meat is surrounded by wire brushes that capture some of the animal’s hair, which can later be used for DNA analysis to help determine just how many fishers visited the location. All the information will help the DEC draw up a new statewide management plan for the animal. Another fisher is photographed in Chenango County. DEC photo In addition to the fishers, the setup has drawn a number of animals in front of the cameras, including raccoons, possums and coyotes, Clark said. Fishers are built low to the ground, with short legs, short ears and furry tail. They vary in color from dark brown to nearly black. The males weigh on the average between 7 and 13 pounds, and the females between 3 and 7 pounds. The males can get as long as 47 inches; the females, 37 inches. One fisher caught on camera in Broome County, appeared to weigh in the 20- pound range, which is big for a fisher. Clark jokingly tagged it “Arnold Schwarzenegger.” Fishers are described as being a “dietary generalist,” eating a wide variety of small- to medium-sized mammals and birds, and a variety of hard and soft mast such as beechnuts, acorns, apples and berries. Another fisher, tagged jokingly by DEC staff as "Arnold Schwarzenegger" because of its large size, feasts on the beaver carcass at this setup in Broome County. DEC photo “However, they have been considered a specialist in that they are the only known North American mammal that succeeds in killing and consuming porcupines,” according to the DEC website. “They will consume the entire animal, leaving nothing but a quilled hide and a few of the larger bones.” In recent years, anecdotal evidence, bowhunter and hunters logs, points to these animals having a growing presence in Central New York. Their pelts are prized by trappers, drawing prices at raw local fur auctions of $60 to $70 or more, according to Al LaFrance, president of the Independent Fur Harvesters Association. Currently, trappers cannot trap fishers in any DEC wildlife management units in Region 7. Data from this study will help in the development of a comprehensive fisher management plan by the DEC – possibly changing that situation some day. In addition to this survey, DEC is interested in receiving fisher observations from others. Seen a fisher lately? Report your fisher sightings to fwwildlife@g w.dec.state.ny.us, and include the following information: date of observation, town, county, nearest intersection or address of observation, description of animal, photos (if any), and your name and contact information. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

The Brandreth Park Association had sued Phil Brown of Saranac Lake after he wrote an article in the Adirondack Explorer newspaper in 2009 about canoeing from Lake Lila to Little Tupper Lake. Phil Brown Courtesy of Phil Brown ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — A state supreme court judge says a canoeist had the right to paddle down an Adirondack stream crossing private land, and has ordered the landowner to stop posting signs denying paddlers access to the waterway.The Brandreth Park Association had sued Phil Brown of Saranac Lake after he wrote an article in the Adirondack Explorer newspaper in 2009 about canoeing from Lake Lila to Little Tupper Lake. Brown used the Mud Pond waterway across Brandreth land, despite the landowner's no-trespassing sign and cable across the stream. The state Department of Environmental Conservation sided with Brown in the case, saying the stream is navigable and thus paddlers have the legal right to use it. The trial-level judge agreed Tuesday. The stream is in a wilderness canoe-camping area 115 miles northwest of Albany. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

They used small buckeye minnows for bait. Jpseph Mule poses with crappie he and dad caught. Submitted photos Joe Mule, of Clay, and his 11-year-old son, Joseph, got into the crappie recently on Cazenovia Lake. They caught them through the ice on Feb. 20 and Feb. 22. They used small buckeye minnows for bait. The pictures below show the catches from both days. I counted 16 in the first photo and more than 25 in the second. Nice haul! Submitted photo Submitted photo View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

This year's show features seven dealers and more than 600 campers, plus select pre-owned models; parts and accessories, RV charter services, RV service centers, campgrounds and destinations and various activities for the kids. An overall photograph of RVs on display at last year's show inside the Center of Progress Building. Mike Greenlar The 43rd annual CNY RV and Camping Show kicks off at noon Thursday at the state fairgrounds in Geddes. This year’s show features seven 7 dealers and more than 600 campers, plus select pre-owned models; parts and accessories, RV charter services, RV service centers, campgrounds and destinations and various activities for the kids. The four-day show will take place in three buildings: the Center of Progress Building, Horticulture Building and Exhibition Center. There’s free parking and free shuttles between buildings. Show days and hours are: noon to 9 p.m. Thursday; 10 a.m.to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday Cost is $10; children 15 and under free. Activities for children include a free "Kid's Camping Meal.” (hotdog, chips and a drink). For more, go to the event's website. There's a coupon there that will save you $2 off the cost of admission. I’ll be at the show from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday at a table in the Exhibition Center. Stop by and say hello. RV show manager Jim Kring rests in a Softub hot tub at last year's show inside the Exhibit Center building, one of three buildings housing the CNY RV and Camping Show. Mike Greenlar I The Post-Standard View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

Week one focuses on hunter education, week two on bow education and week three on waterfowl identification. Also, orienteering, canoeing, tracking game and more. The following is a DEC press release: Kids ages 12 to 15 are invited to the summertime Youth Sportsman Camp at Montezuma Audubon Center in Savannah, NY. In three weeks of hands-on learning and outdoor field experience from July 15 through Aug. 1, campers can receive a hunter safety, bow safety or waterfowl identification certificate. Campers may participate in one, two or all three weeks of camp, each held Monday through Thursday from 9 AM to 4 PM. Week one focuses on hunter education, week two on bow education and week three on waterfowl identification Each week includes engaging classroom instruction and field lessons in orienteering, canoeing, tracking game and more. Campers also will participate in habitat conservation projects for game and non-game species. The cost is $100 for one week of camp, $190 for two weeks or $270 for all three weeks. For more information and to register, call 315-365-3588, or e-mail [email protected]. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

"They are the biggest perch I have ever seen, with one almost 13," said James Daher. Michael Redell with his two big guys. Submitted photo James Daher, co-owner of Mickey's Bait and Tackle, in North Syracuse, sent me these impressive pictures over the weekend. Daher wrote: "A long time customer of ours caught these perch on Oneida today. They are the biggest perch I have ever seen, with one almost 13. "The angler's name is Michael Redell, of North Syracuse. I know that he truly caught them from Oneida because he came into the shop to get the bait for them this morning and said he was going to fish there." Submitted photo View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

For anglers uncertain about fishing a tournament, or if you're new to tournament fishing, the NYTBF offers open team events that serve as a great introduction. The following is a press release: New York The Bass Federation (NYTBF) announces the 2013 tournament schedule that spans the state offering anglers the opportunity to fish in multiple, one day, eight hour draw tournaments with boaters and co-anglers sharing a boat, but each competing within their respective divisions. For anglers uncertain about fishing a draw tournament with an unknown angler or if you’re new to tournament fishing the NYTBF offers open team events that serve as a great introduction to other anglers that support the trail. Event Dates - The schedule begins along New York’s the eastern boundary waters on June 9th at Lake Champlain launching out of Point Au Roche. - On June 23rd the trail moves south to majestic Lake George launching out of Mossy Point. - From there, activities move to the northern sector with open team events on the mighty St. Lawrence Seaway launching out of French Creek Marina in Clayton NY on June 29th and 30th. - July kicks off with the tournament trail headings south to fish Oneida Lake on the 21st launching out of Oneida Shores State Park. - The group then heads east into the Adirondack Park for a college team event and youth event on Schroon Lake scheduled for August 10th & 11th. The last points event of the season is scheduled for the Mohawk River launching out of Schoharie Crossing on September 29th. After that event the 2013 tournament points are tallied and the Angler of the Year (AOY) (for boater and co-angler divisions) will be crowned. - October 13th & 14th finds the trail back on Lake Champlain launching out of Port Henry, NY for the end of season annual State Team Qualifier (STQ). This tournament is a two day combined weight event; each angler is allowed to weigh-in five fish per day and the heaviest 10 fish limit wins the event with the top 10 anglers qualifying for the NYTBF 2014 Eastern Divisional Team. To close out the 2013 year the NYTBF holds one final tournament called the Early Bird, this the first official points tournament for the 2014 AOY points race. It’s scheduled for Oct 27th with the exact location to be announced. Trail Format Boaters and Non-boaters are randomly paired for eight hours of fishing with the boater maintaining control of the boat the entire day. Each angler competes against only their respective division, the boater entry fee is $90 and co-angler $50 (with mandatory $30 due to the boater), payback is 75%. Anglers must be active members of the NYTBF and signed up for each event a minimum of six (6) days in advance. Contingency prizes are available to qualifying anglers based on field size. All anglers are awarded points based on place of finish, 1st = 100, 2nd = 97, 3rd = 94 and so on, all anglers that fail to weigh-in a fish will share the last place points. Anglers who amass a minimum of 150 points qualify to fish the end of season Sate Team Qualifier. Contingency Program and Participant Prizes The NYTBF tournament trail provides anglers contingency program opportunities with Cabela’s Angler Cash, Ranger Cup Points and Evinrude State Champions Bonus. In addition at each event participants are entered for a free random drawing and two lucky anglers will receive a Temple Fork Outfitters (TFO) rod. Sponsors Berkley, Chevy, Evinrude E-TEC, Humminbird, Ranger boats, Solar Bat Sunglasses, FLW Outdoors, Lowrance, Minnkota, Temple Fork Outfitter (TFO) rods, Cabela’s Angler Cash, The BASS University. Keitech and STORMMR For additional information on the NYTBF tournaments contact President Ben Wright at 518.593.5681 or [email protected] or go to the Federation website. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

One reader saw 29 along the Oswego River. Late last week, I got the following from reader Mike Goldych: "Today, at approxinately 1:30 to 1:45 p.m. we saw 29 bald eagles on the west bank of Oswego River, from Oswego high dam south to Minetto." Wow, that's a lot of bald eagles! Where else are readers seeing them? Please share. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

"This gimmick under the guise of simplicity would only serve to disenfranchise NYS trappers and our trapping heritage into Irrelevance," he said. Robert Jordan, of Woodville, sent me the following this week following stories about Gov. Andrew Cuomo's proposal to simplify the number of outdoors sporting licenses, in addition to lowering the costs of several of them. Among the proposals, lower the hunting license fee from $29 to $22, and include in that cost the trapping license. As a a result, there would no longer be a separate trapping license. Jordan wrote: "I'd like to Make a Comment on Cuomo's Proposal to Eliminate and Disenfranchise NYS's 15,000 to 20,000 Licensed Trappers. "Folding the State's Licensed Trappers Privledges into an expanded Hunting License for simplicity's sake is a bad Idea, "This Gimmick under the Guise of simplicity would only serve to Disenfranchise NYS Trappers and Our Trapping Heritage into Irrelevance. "There's the old saying: "Out Of Sight" Out of Mind" "If we're no longer recognized as a Legitimate, Stand Alone Stakeholder or User Group of Licensed Participants with Our State's Furbearer Resources with Our Own Unique Needs, Issues, and Resource Goals in Relation to Our Sport, We will be Unable to effectively influence The Direction in which Our Sporting Heritage is headed, and hence the future of Trapping in the Empire State. "When we Are Lobbying Our State Legislature to Protect Trapper's Rights, Seasons, Methods, Etc. we can point to Our Clearly Defined User Group of 15,000 to 20,000 LICENSED Tax-paying Stakeholder Citizens whose Outdoor Heritage will Benefit from Positive Legislation regarding Trapping. "BY the same Token, When We are Fighting to Defeat Proposed Anti-Trapping Legislation which will Negatively Effect Our Trapping Heritage, It is imperative that we are Recognised as a Separate, Distinct, Defined Outdoor User Group. "Failure to Maintain the Staus Quo For NYS Trappers as a Department Of Environmental Conservation Recognised Distinct Licensed Natural Resource User Group will Diminish Our Staus and ability to act as Guardians Of Our Furbearer Resource and will ultimately lead to the elimination of Our Sport in New York State. "I think this proposal to eliminate our trapping license stinks." View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

Ten outdoor films were shown to a packed audience in the Grant Auditorium at Syracuse University Tuesday. If skiing hundreds of miles across Antarctica with your best friend is on your bucket list, the BANFF Mountain Film Festival World Tour is the place to get inspired. The BANFF Mountain Film Festival World Tour screened 10 of its best outdoor film entries for a packed audience in the Grant Auditorium at Syracuse University Tuesday. The student-run Syracuse University Outing Club brought the tour to Syracuse for the third year in a row. Tickets were $10 for students and $12 for the general public. "Crossing the Ice", a film following two best friends who trek from the coast of Antarctica to the South Pole and back, won the Grand Prize for outdoor filmmaking at the BANFF Mountain Film Festival--one of the largest film festivals in the world--held in Banff, Alta., Canada, last October. Now, it is being shown around the world in 40 different countries on seven continents, including Antarctica, as part of the World Tour. Charla Tomlinson, a native Banff, Alta., resident and a veteran "road warrior", or BANFF representative who brings the films to cities around the nation, said she wanted the job because of the enthusiasm of the BANFF filmmakers and festival administrators. "I don't do any of this crazy stuff [in the films]," Tomlinson said. "But their passion for creating these experiences for people to be part of is what inspired me to be a part of this." BANFF accepts over 300 outdoor film entries every year, with subjects ranging from skiing to rock climbing to kayaking. A board of six judges award films in 14 categories, with the winners and about 15 other films going on the tour. "BANFF is considered the Oscars of mountain or adventure films," Tomlinson said. This year, highlight films included a five-minute film called "Industrial Revolutions" that followed UK extreme biker Danny MacAskill as he jumped and spun atop train tracks, concrete walls and boxcars. This film won a Special Jury Mention. "Reel Rock 7: Wide Boyz", the Best Mountain Short Film winner, is about English rock climbers who take on the American sport of crack climbing, or scaling a rock face by wedging one's body into rock crevices. Sandy Roe of North Syracuse has been attending BANFF screenings around the Syracuse area for five years. BANFF has held screenings in Hamilton and Ithaca in the past. "I don't know what films they're playing tonight, but it doesn't matter because they're usually really good," Roe said. SU Sophomore Jen Bundy experienced BANFF for the first time last night. "This inspires me to want to see the world, travel the world and actually live in the world," Bundy said. "So many people are so plugged in, but life is so much more than what's on your ipad." Bundy's favorite film of the night was "The Gimp Monkeys"--a 23 minute film about three amputees who climbed El Capitan, a 3,000 foot monolith in Yosemite National Park. SUNY-ESF Senior and president of the SU Outing Club Allison Burhans said this event was worth hosting at SU because it brings people together to celebrate the human experience. "Most people aren't going to go climb Everest," Burhans said. "But there are root similarities between the people in the films and the people watching. Everyone can relate to these films in one way or another." View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

The boy and his father, Dennis Rhoads, also caught 50 perch that day Submitted photo Andrew Rhoads, 14, of Summerhill, holds up a nice, 18-inch landlocked salmon he caught Monday through the ice on Owasco Lake using a jigging pole in about four feet of water. The boy and his father, Dennis Rhoads, also caught 50 perch that day. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

The angler said it measured 51 inches. After the photo was taken it was released unharmed, he said. Submitted photo Daniel Aguilar, of Pulaski, holds a monster northern pike he caught through the ice while fishing for perch Feb. 11 near the Henderson Harbor Boat Launch (town of Henderson Harbor). "I was using a 16-inch HT fishing rod and micro reel spooled with 4-pound test line - the lure was a minnow pattern 1.5" slab spoon with a glow-in-the-dark back, tipped with a single perch eye, jigged just of the bottom in 10' of water. "It took 20 minutes to land (with the assistance of several local fishermen). It measured 51 inches (unknown weight) and was released unharmed." View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

It measured 28 inches and weighed 27 pounds, his father said. Submitted photo Kyle Hook, 10, holds a monster catfish he caught Feb. 10 on Oneida Lake while fishing with his father. The 28-inch, 27-pound lunker was caught fishing through the ice. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

The tournament director said he walked a total of four miles around Sodus Bay Monday and everywhere he went he found at least five inches of black ice. "There's no doubt. This tournament is going on," he said. A large, two-day, ice fishing tournament this weekend on Sodus Bay will be giving away more than $25,000 in cash and prizes. The contest is part of the NYS Ice Pro-AM Tournament Series, said Tim Thomas, who is its president and chief executive officer. "We are holding the largest ice fishing event ever held on Sodus Bay," he said. This weekend's competition will consist of two divisions: The Pro-Am Division and the Open Division. Cost to compete in the Pro-Am division is $90 per two-person team. Individuals can enter for the same cost. The competition is based on a point system. "It's a a two-day event. Each day, each team will bring in their largest northern pike, largest walleye and largest six perch and or panfish. Ten points will be awarded for the pike, ten points for the walleye and one point for each of the small species. One point per pound for the entire group of fish," Thomas said. The team with the highest two-day point total wins, Thomas said. Prizes will be paid for the top five teams. "If we get more than 20 teams, it'll be the top 10," he said. "Right now, the Pro-Am winning team will get a $2,000 package, consisting of $1,800 in gear and at least $200 in cash. The cash prize could increase, depending on the number of teams entered," Thomas said. The entry fee for the open division is $40 per angler. Thomas said prizes will be awarded to the top 10 anglers in four categories: largest northern pike, largest walleye, largest perch and largest panfish. Currently, the winner in each category will receive a $600 package, consisting of $500 in gear, and $100 in cash. In addition to the prizes in each division, Thomas said, the tournament will be giving away at least one Polaris Sportsman 500 ATV, along with 65 door prizes with an average retail value of $100 per prize. Anglers can register from noon to 9 p.m. Friday, 3 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 3 a.m. to noon Sunday at the Sodus Point Fire Hall, 8364 Bay Street, Sodus Point. Weigh-ins each day will take place at the public parking lot at Sodus Point, and at the southern end of the bay in front of the Bay Bridge Sport Shop. The awards ceremony is set for 6 p.m. Sunday at the public parking lot at Sodus Point. The rules for the Sodus Bay competition are available on the series website. Questions? Call Thomas at 585-330-0494 or email him at [email protected]. The NYS Ice Pro-AM Tournament Seriest series initially featured three competitions on Chautauqua Lake, Sodus Bay and Tupper Lake. The first tournament, scheduled for last weekend on Chautauqua, was cancelled due to unsafe ice, Thomas said. The Tupper Lake contest is set for March 8-10. Thomas said he walked a total of four miles around Sodus Bay Monday and every where he went he found at least five inches of black ice. "There's no doubt. This tournament is going on. Lack of ice isn't going to limit us this time," he said. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

<p> The photos were taken in Montezuma. </p> <p><span id="asset-12292128" title="slideshow" class="id:12292128 basename:cold_winter_morning_along_the_seneca_river blog_id:4456 align:right"><img src="http://media.syracuse.com/post-standard/photo/2013/02/12292144-large.jpg" height="237" width="380" border="1" class="slideshow-preview entry_widget_right" alt="Gallery preview" /></span></p> <p>Staff Photographer Stephen Cannerelli snapped this series of pictures this morning, showing the cold wintry scene along the Seneca River.</p> <p>The photos were taken in Montezuma.</p> View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

<p> The biggest fish on the Otisco Lake derby was a tiger muskie more than 41 inches long. </p> <p>Three different ice fishing derbies were schedule this past weekend in Central New York -- two on Oneida Lake, the another on Otisco lake.</p> <p>One of the Oneida Lake competitions, sponsored by the American Legion Post 858 in Cleveland, was cancelled due to concern about the ice. </p> <div id="asset-12292916" 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/12292916-large.jpg" class="adv-photo" alt="Oneidatourney.jpg" /> <span class="photo-data"> Tournament winners Kevin Snyder, left, and partner Jeff Shade, right, pose with their plaques and Korker boots they won. Tournament director Jeff Snyder, is holding their $400 check.</span> <span class="byline">Submitted photo</span> </span> </span> <!-- FIXME - temporary fix with nbsp; for MT-1365 --> </div> <strong>ONEIDA LAKE:</strong> <p>- There was a small turnout of 10 teams this weekend for the two-day, two-person tournament sponsored by the Northeast Ice Fishing Circuit on Oneida Lake. Results were determined by total weight of 12 panfish (a mixed bag of perch, crappies or blue gills.)</p> <p>Results: <br />- 1st place, Kevin Snyder and Jeff Shade , 11.08 lbs. They won $400, plus a pair of Korkers boots.</p> <p>- 2nd place, Rick Ryan and Chad Beale, 10.30 lbs They won $240, plus Striker Ice Rod case holders.</p> <p>- 3rd place, Alex Scheg and Bill Cadamore, 8.62 lbs. They won $160, plus HT Enterprise Light.</p> <p>The big fish winners were Rick Ryan and Chad Beale, 1.44 pounds. The fish was a crappie. They won $200.</p> <p>The tournament was based at Big Bay Marina and each time paid a $100 entry fee, with an optional big fish fee.</p> <p>The tournament series moves on next to Khale Lake, N.Y. this Sunday (Feb. 24) and then off to Bomoseen, Vt. on March 3. <a href="http://www.northeasticefishingcircuit.com">For more, see the tournament's website.</a><br /> <br /><strong>OTISCO LAKE</strong><br />More than 90 anglers competed Saturday and Sunday in the The Moondance Restaurant's annual fishing derby, according to tournament director Jeffrey Simmons.</p> <p>The entry fee was $20, plus $5 for the big fish.</p> <p>Simmons said the derby was broken down into two separate days of competition. The top three finishers in each category were paid on each of the days. FIrst place was $100, second was $60 and third place was $40. There were live weigh-ins on the ice each day so that all tiger muskies caught were released afterward. </p> <p><strong>Saturday results:</strong><br />- Biggest tiger muskie: Caught by Kevin Keller. It measured 39 5/8 inches and weighed 17 pounds, 13 ounces. </p> <p>- Biggest trout : Caught by Tom Barber. It measured 24 1/4 inches and weighed 7 pounds. </p> <div id="asset-12293212" 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/12293212-large.jpg" class="adv-photo" alt="Biggesttrout.jpg" /> <span class="photo-data"> <span class="caption">Tom Barber's brown trout, which measured 24 1/4 inches.</span> <span class="byline">Submitted photo</span> </span> </span> <!-- FIXME - temporary fix with nbsp; for MT-1365 --> </div> <p><br />- Heaviest bucket of panfish: Ed Wjcik turned in a bucket of 50 bluegills, weighing 15 pounds.</p> <p><br /><strong>Sunday's results:</strong><br />- Biggest tiger muskie: Caught by Brian Kopala. It measure 41 5/8 inches and weighed pounds, 6 ounces.</p> <p>- No trout were caught.</p> <p>- Biggest panfish: Caught by Bill Kocher. It was a perch, measuring 11 1/2 inches and weighing 12 ounces.</p> <p>- Heaviest bucket of panfish. Won by Tim Miner. His bucket of bluegills weighed 13 pounds, 1 ounce.<br /></p> View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

<p> The most long-lived birds are sea dwellers, but that mourning dove at your bird feeder may live more than 30 years. </p> <p>What's the lifespan of a bird?</p> <p>It depends on the bird's size and habitat. </p> <p>" Near the low end for local birds, house wrens and hummingbirds can live nine years. Bluebirds, some warbler species, orioles and downy woodpeckers can live 10 to 11 years. Crows can live 14, house sparrows, 15, and mourning doves are near the top of the back-yard list at 31 years," according a story written by Jim Williams in the Minneapolis Star Tribune.</p> <p>In general, the most long-lived birds are sea dwellers, Williams said.</p> <p><a href="http://www.startribune.com/lifestyle/homegarden/188893571.html?refer=y">Read the full story.</a> Interesting stuff.</p> View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

It will be open for snowmobiling in the winter, and mountain biking and hiking in the summer. The following is a DEC press release: A 12.8-mile multiple use trail connecting the communities of Inlet and Raquette Lake through the Moose River Plains Wild Forest in Hamilton County is now open for public use, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Joe Martens announced today. The trail will provide four seasons of recreational opportunities for the public to snowmobile, hike and bike in Hamilton County. The trail connects the community of Raquette Lake in the Town of Long Lake to the towns of Indian Lake and Inlet. The new trail is joined with the current Moose River Plains Wild Forest trail system which is the center of a trail system that connects to Newcomb in Essex County and Old Forge in Herkimer County. DEC crews from Regions 5 and Region 6, with assistance from the Student Conservation Association Adirondack Program, the towns of Long Lake, Inlet and Indian Lake, the New York State Snowmobile Association and local volunteers worked tirelessly over the past six months on the project. "The construction of this important multiple-use trail could not have been accomplished without the many organizations and municipalities we work with in partnership as stewards of the public lands in the Adirondack Park,” Martens said. A map of the trail may be viewed and downloaded on the DEC website. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog