HuntingNY-News

The Oswego County Highway Department has installed new signs to assist users of the Oswego County Recreational Trail. The signs are posted at various points along the 26-mile trail and indicate location, dining and lodging facilities, gas stations and rules of use. Outdoor enthusiasts are invited to visit the Oswego County Recreational Trail throughout the year. Kelly Jordal, Oswego County Tourism Office The following is a press release from the Oswego County Tourism Department: The Oswego County Highway Department has installed new signs to assist users of the Oswego County Recreational Trail. The signs are posted at various points along the 26-mile trail and indicate location, dining and lodging facilities, gas stations and rules of use. “The Oswego County Recreation Trail is open to the public and many residents have already begun exploring this scenic area,” said Legislator James M. Oldenburg, District 14, chairman of the Oswego County Legislature’s Infrastructure and Facilities Committee. “These signs will help new visitors find their way and guide returning users toward smaller side trails, ensuring an enjoyable experience for all.” The trail was created on an abandoned railroad bed and stretches from the town of Volney, through the towns of Schroeppel, Hastings, West Monroe and Constantia, to the Oswego-Oneida county line. There is limited parking available at trailheads on county Route 6 in the town of Volney; on Toad Harbor Road, just off state Route 49 near Three Mile Bay in West Monroe; and on North Street in the village of Cleveland. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy year-round activities along the trail, such as hiking, biking, horseback riding, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and limited ATV use. ATVs are only permitted to use the eastern-most section of the trail between Toad Harbor Road and the Oswego-Oneida county line. Snowmobiles, snowmobile trail groomers, Oswego County Highway Department vehicles, and authorized emergency vehicles are listed as “Authorized Vehicles” along the entire trail. Other rules of the Oswego County Recreational Trail include: No use of firearms  No overnight camping  No open fires  No alcohol or illegal drugs  No feeding or disturbing the wildlife  No cutting or removing vegetation All trail users are reminded that this is a carry-in, carry-out natural area and to respect and observe the rights of property owners along the route. All New York State snowmobile rules and regulations apply to the trail and riders should not enter private property adjacent to the trail unless it is clearly marked as an official snowmobile trail. The Oswego County Legislature’s Infrastructure and Facilities Committee oversees the Highway Department. In addition to Legislator Oldenburg, the committee includes Vice Chairman Kevin Gardner, District 13; and Legislators Daniel Chalifoux, District 19; David Holst, District 4; Linda Lockwood, District 11; John J. Martino, District 6; and Jacob Mulcahey, District 15. For more information about the Oswego County Recreation Trail, contact the Oswego County Tourism Office at 315-349-8322 or visit its Web site. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

The project recognizes the work of the late Guy Baldassarre, a Distinguished Teaching Professor at the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry for 25 years. He specialized in ornithology and wildlife management. Guy Baldassarre Dick Blume/The Post-Standard The following is a press release from SUNY ESF: SYRACUSE, NY – A special wetland restoration project is being planned as a lasting tribute to the late Guy Baldassarre, a Distinguished Teaching Professor at the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry for 25 years, where he specialized in ornithology and wildlife management. The project will protect and restore habitat for wildlife and marsh birds, and provide excellent opportunities for pubic enjoyment of wildlife at a site within the 50,000-acre Montezuma Wetlands Complex located near Seneca Falls, NY. It was a favorite place for Baldassarre and his students to visit. Baldassarre was an internationally respected waterfowl biologist, wetland ecologist and researcher. He authored “Waterfowl Ecology and Management” the premier text book on this topic and a forthcoming edition of “Ducks, Geese and Swans of North America.” He received the Wetlands Conservation Achievement Award from Ducks Unlimited. To help sponsor this project, contributions in Baldassarre’s name can be sent to: Friends of Montezuma Wetlands Complex c/o Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge 3395 US Route 20 Seneca Falls, N.Y. 13148 Or, visit the Friends’ website . View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

Send your recipes to [email protected]. I have the venison and a house-full of people coming this weekend. Now all I need is a good recipe. Can anyone help? Send your recipes to [email protected]. Thanks. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

"I think deer are beautiful and an affirmation of life," Ross Getman said.. Ross Getman photo Ross Getman, of Syracuse, wrote the following about his photo of three deer: "Today these three deer were visiting the backyard of my neighbor and mother-in-law Patricia Waelder in the Valley -- as they do every day. "They commonly would come before dawn. During the summer they would eat Mr. Dorsey's plants across the street. "I'm told that Ivory Snow hung from the trees would discourage them from hanging around. "But I think deer are beautiful and an affirmation of life. "So while I wish everyone safe driving and fruitful gardening, I think it is one of the many wonderful things about living in Central New York." Margie Manthey photo Margie Manthey, of Marietta, wrote: "I would venture to guess that you don't get tired of wildlife photographs -- even if they're more Whitetail pic's! "This beautiful doe was bedded down with a few other ladies under some oak trees this afternoon. Although wary, they must have been feeling lazy and didn't bother getting up. "This was the only shot I took, and I moved along to avoid disturbing them." View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

<p> "Unfortunately, this hunt is a bit of a farce unless you own private land in the zone or had previously applied for a permit from Cornell," he said. </p> <p><strong>The following email was sent to me by Jim McDougal, of Hastings, in response to <a href="http://blog.syracuse.com/outdoors/2013/01/column_6.html">my column Sunday about the DEC's Deer Management Focus Area in Central Tompkins County,</a> which was set up this fall to put a dent in the over-population of deer in that area. To date, some 3,500 hunters have taken out the required permits to hunt in the area.</strong></p> <p>"David, I just read your column (as I do every Sunday). This deer management focus area (DMFA) was very intriguing to me as I would love to extend my deer season.</p> <p>"Unfortunately, this hunt is a bit of a farce unless you own private land in the zone or had previously applied for a permit from Cornell. My hunting partner and I scouted the 2 state parks that are in the DMFA (Treman and Buttermilk falls) and with snow on it did not take long to determine that while there were deer there an overpopulation condition did not really exist.</p> <p>"Also, most hunters think that the whole park is included in the hunt but less than half of each park is permitted for hunting and there are no boundary markers to guide hunters. </p> <p>"We also toured the villages of Lansing and Cayuga Heights and there was an obvious over population of deer in those communities. Even if you could obtain permission from a land owner in those areas hunting is not permitted by town law.</p> <p>"The one exception we found was in a piece of property in Lansing that is controlled by the town. Individuals can call one of 2 Cornell professors who run the hunt there, I believe there are 20 acres but it is tightly controlled. You are escorted to the parking area and to a stand which has been previously set up.</p> <p>"The stands could be as close as 30 feet from houses and you may not be able to follow up your deer after shooting as not all property owners are supportive of the program. As a sportsman this was not an acceptable situation for me. </p> <p>"I just thought you'd like some background on this "opportunity" as I would predict that most hunters going down there will leave somewhat disappointed."</p> <p><strong>Editor's note: This is one hunter's opinion. I'd like to hear from others who've hunted in the area this past fall during the bowhunting, regular firearms and late muzzleloading seasons.. in addition to the special January hunt. </strong></p> View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

Those with the proper permits can take two antlerless deer a day -- each day -- of the season. Imagine a special deer hunting season during which you could harvest two deer each day, every day. Such seasons are in place for antlerless deer at a special location nearby, and one is actually continuing this month. In fact, it’s not too late to sign up and participate. The state Department of Environmental Conservation last fall set up a Deer Management Focus Area in Central Tompkins County to “intensify the use of hunting to assist communities in the greater Ithaca area with the burden of over-abundant deer populations. “The Tompkins County DMFA is the first such program in New York State,” said Steve Joule, DEC regional wildlife biologist. The area is roughly 60,000 square acres and encompasses the city of Ithaca, the villages of Cayuga Heights and Lansing, the entire town of Ithaca and portions of the towns of Lansing, Dryden, Caroline, Danby, Newfield, Enfield and Ulysses. “The program allows hunters with a valid state hunting license and landowner permission who register with the program to take two antlerless deer per day during the bowhunting, regular and late muzzle-loading seasons,” Joule said. “The special late season, which started Jan. 12 and runs through Jan. 31, also allows properly licensed and registered hunters to take two antlerless deer per day in the area with any lawful hunting implement.” Antlerless deer are deer defined as does or bucks with antlers less than 3 inches long. The use of rifles (Tompkins County does not allow them to hunt big game) and crossbows (the law allowing their use expired Dec. 31 and has not yet been renewed) in the area are banned. Joule stressed: “The establishment of this area does not change the legal requirement that hunters must still comply with all state trespassing laws, as well as applicable local ordinances governing the discharge of firearms. Several municipalities (that fall within the area) restrict the use of firearms. Joule added that Cornell University owns about 4,500 acres that fall into the zone. The university-owned land falls within the university’s core campus and plantation natural areas. Hunting on the Cornell land is tightly controlled, he said, noting that hunters on that property need a special Cornell permit, in addition to their regular hunting license. The deadline for applying to hunt there was Oct. 15. The village of Cayuga Heights, which has numerous deer, is among those municipalities in the area that restricts the use of firearms and hunting. The village in November postponed its planned culling operation, Joule said, and began an expanded research program to help determine “the efficacy of fertility control of free-ranging white-tailed deer as a means of controlling population growth.” A total of 137 deer were sterilized in the village between Dec. 1 through Dec. 15. Deer tend to wander, though, and the possibility of hunters outside of the village shooting a sterilized deer exists. Joule said deer that were initially captured using a tranquilizer or treated with any chemical agent “may contain compounds that render the flesh unfit for human consumption until enough time has elapsed for the chemicals to be completely metabolized and excreted by the animal.” As a result, all the sterilized deer have a tag “permanently and conspicuously” attached to their ears. It’s not illegal to shoot one. But if a hunter does, the tag has a phone number on it and the hunter should call the number on the tag and ask for guidance about whether the meat is edible. Joule said he was unaware of any anti-hunting protests associated with the program and added that no-trespassing complaints within the zone have been reported to the DEC. As of this past week, a total of 3,500 hunters have applied for and received special permits to hunt within the area, Joule said. Those who wish to participate in the program can register online on the DEC website at no cost. There are no quotas or limits established for number of participants. Hunters can “register right up to the close of the special season (Jan. 31),” Joule said. Joule said there are no figures available yet for the number of deer that have been harvested so far. “The plan is to evaluate the program over the next three to five years,” he said. For more information or to download a permit application, see the DEC website. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

"My hope is that rational heads prevail," said one sportsman. Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s signature last week to sweeping gun control legislation that bans assault weapons and tacks on new restrictions on firearms and ammunition has sparked widespread and emotional discussion in the ranks of local outdoors sportsmen and women. The new regulations, which now rank as the toughest in the country, have been greeted with applause by gun control advocates with many having an “it’s about time” reaction. Conversations with several competitive trap and pistol shooters this week, along with many who attended Thursday night’s annual presidents meeting of the 5,400-member, Onondaga Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs, revealed a wide range of questions, concerns and feelings about the law— raising issues apart from the usual Second Amendment Rights argument and what, under the law, actually constitutes an assault weapon. While many at Thursday’s gathering expressed total disgust for the law, a few – including two attending state lawmakers who voted for it – voiced their support. Catherine Barney, of Cicero, who shoots trap competitively on the state and national level, is an National Rifle Association firearms instructor, educator and trap shooting coach. She said in a phone interview Thursday morning that she’s been getting “a flood” of emails and phone calls about it. She said many gun owners fear police will begin seizing illegal firearms, or checking for illegal storage practices by entering the homes of law-abiding, tax-paying citizens. “Gun owners are being made out to be citizens of a lesser America. We have a big fear of this,” she said, adding the trend to register more and more firearms raise red flags. “There are people out there who have inherited firearms from their fathers, their grandparents. They’re like grandma’s wedding silverware set. They hold them in great regard. Do you really think these people are going down to the Onondaga County Courthouse and say, ‘Hey, look what I got?’ They’re not. “And have you been out lately and tried to buy a firearm or ammunition? This is like prohibition, and we know what happened to that.” Robert Spitzer, head of the political science department at SUNY Cortland and nationally recognized expert on national and international gun control legislation, said there’s a steady drumbeat of “background noise” and fear-mongering being conducted by the NRA and others. He noted the 70-80 page law is complex and that many aspects have to be fine-tuned. He said there’s “no notion that I’ve seen that anybody is coming door to door for you and your assault weapon. “That wouldn’t make sense. It’ll probably be more like if you get pulled over for running a red light and the officer notices you’re not wearing a seat belt, you’ll get ticketed for both,” he said. Spitzer said in his opinion the law will likely withstand legal challenges. “The changes are consistent with pre-existing powers of state government to regulate things it regulates,” he said. Tom Adessa, of Auburn, a hunter who shoots pistols competitively, said the new law is part of a bigger picture. “How does Gov. Cuomo plan to offset the lack of revenue due to lower ammo sales, lower firearms sales and sales of equipment, clothing, accessories, lower booking rates with hunting guides, lower attendance at shooting ranges, less sales tax collect, less state income tax paid because of lower revenue and less tax paid to The Pittman Robertson Fund?” he said. “Some people just won’t be bothered with all the ‘red tape,’ which we all know is just a poorly disguised tactic called attrition.” Lance Robson, of Sennett, is state chairman of the state Fish and Wildlife Board. He stressed his opinions were his own and then proceeded to criticize the “cowardly” and “deceitful” way the law was ironed out quickly behind closed doors by Cuomo and Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver and Senate majority leader Dean Skelos. They avoided the normal process that bills go through the legislature by calling it “an emergency,” ensuring there was no real debate about it, he said. George Wede, of Syracuse, the state’s oldest, active hunter safety instructor, said the increased gun registration regulations – particularly the requirement that handguns be re-registered every five years – is simply another tax in disguise. Many interviewed criticized the law’s provision that allows assault weapon owners up to a year to sell their firearms or illegal ammunition clips out of state. “These firearms are being called instruments of death. Yet, we’re going to be selling these things to others in another state. I don’t get it,” said Stephen Wowelko, president of the Onondaga Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs. Fayetteville resident Les Monostory, of the Central New York Chapter of the Izaak Walton League, said he agreed with the ban on assault weapons, but “other than that wants to see hunters still being able to hunt and get the equipment they need. “As far as the NRA’s stance on arming teachers — that’s ridiculous,” he said. State lawmakers in attendance at Thursday night’s meeting were Sen. David Valesky, D- Oneida, and Assemblyman Al Stirpe, D-North Syracuse, who voted for the bill. Both Valesky and Stirpe said they initially opposed, but changed their minds in the final stretch. “We saw an opportunity to do some good things and felt we wouldn’t get that opportunity again,” Stirpe said, alluding to opposition by the state Senate with its Republican majority to gun control laws. Valesky noted this had nothing to do with restricting hunting, or a hunter’s right to be in the field, but banning high capacity, military-style rifles that have been “the weapon of choice” for far too many tragedies. He said there several provisions in the bill he just couldn’t oppose, including a mandatory life imprisonment for killing a first responder to a fire, increasing the penalties for illegal handguns, keeping firearms out of hands of the mentally ill and increasing state aid to improve school security. Assemblyman Will Barclay, R-Pulaski, who voted no on the law also attended Thursday’s meeting and received the biggest applause. He noted state Sen. Kathleen Marchione, R-Halfmoon, near Saratoga Springs, has started an online petition to overturn it. Carmen Davoli, of Fayetteville, president of the Central New York Pheasants Forever Chapter, said “you have radical opinions on either side of this issue. “My hope is that rational heads prevail,” he said. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

Last year 110 win participated in this free event. It's being held this year at the Otisco Lake Rod and Gun Club. The following is a press release: Announcing the 2013 Onondaga County Federation of Sportsmen's Clubs - Women In Nature (WIN) Workshop, to be hosted this year on April 27 at the Otisco Lake Rod and Gun Club. WIN’s Mission is to: 1) Encourage women to enjoy the great outdoors through our annual Outdoor Skills Workshop as well as shooting, hunting, and fishing seminars and recreational outings. 2) Promote membership in the local conservation organizations that are members of the Onondaga County Federation of Sportsmen's Clubs. The WIN Outdoor Skills Workshop is an annual all-day workshop designed to give women a taste of many outdoor activities through its introductory classes in a comfortable and enjoyable atmosphere. If you know a woman that is interested in participating in this workshop, please forward this email to them. There is no cost to the participant for this program. This is a limited program (100 women) and we expect all of the registration slots to be filled by the end of next week. More information and a registration packet can be found on our Federation web site under "Women In Nature." View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

It weighed 135 pounds. Submitted photo Hunter Joe Kiselica, of Baldwinsville, shot this mountain lion on Jan. 13 in Salina, Utah. Kiselica said it weighed 135 pounds. "I took it with a 30/30 rifle," he said. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

They shot two cottontails each. Owen with the rabbits. Submitted photos Owen Dziados,17, and hunting buddy, Jordan Berti, 18, both Cicero shot four cottontail rabbits -- two each -- during a recent outing in Sennett. The teens kicked out the rabbits by themselves with no dogs. Jordan with the rabbits. Submitted photo Submitted photo View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

After dinner, guests will enjoy horse-drawn sleigh rides, a colorful bouquet of flowers and a bon fire, and/or guests may opt to remain at the lodge and dance the night away to live music. Highland Forest is once again offering its popular “Valentine’s in the Forest” dinner. The event is being held from 7 to 11 p.m. Feb. 2-3; 9-10 and 16-17, in addition to Valentine’s Day (Feb. 14). According to the Onondaga County park's’s website, “Celebrate love at this popular annual event which features a delicious buffet dinner and live entertainment in the Skyline Lodge. Each evening begins with a cheese & vegetable platter and live entertainment followed by a candle-lit dinner which features carved roast prime rib of beef, oven roasted chicken, and riggies with vodka sauce. “After dinner, guests will enjoy horse-drawn sleigh rides, a colorful bouquet of flowers and a bon fire, and/or guests may opt to remain at the lodge and dance the night away to live music.” Proceeds support the volunteers of the Highland Nordic Ski Patrol. Reservations required. Call 683-5550. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

Highland Forest,off Route 80 in Fabius, is the readers' favorite. It provides mostly groomed and marked trails, free maps and ski rentals. Add to that a nice lodge, with a warm fire and a great view. Highland Forest in Fabius ranks as the top local destination to cross country ski in the area. John Berry/The Post-Standard Did Santa leave you a pair of cross country skis? Eager to try them out? Don’t be discouraged by the recent warm weather. This is Central New York and snow will come soon enough. Here’s a list of favorite ross country ski spots submitted by readers: Highland Forest,off Route 80 in Fabius, is the readers’ favorite. It provides mostly groomed and marked trails, free maps and ski rentals. Add to that a nice lodge, with a warm fire and a great view. Admission is $1 per person; $10 for annual pass. For more see the Onondaga County parks website or call 683-5550. The Osceola Tug Hill Cross Country Ski Center,in Camden is a resort for all skill levels. Located in the Tug Hill, there always seems to be snow here. Adults pay $17; seniors, $12; juniors to age 15, $9 for weekend access to the 25 miles of groomed trails. Rentals are also available. For more, see the center's website or call 599-7377. Bear Swamp State Forest,off Route 41A in Sempronius, offers 13 miles of ungroomed ski trails. Snowmobiles that traveling through, though, pack down the main trails. Free. Be sure and stop afterward at the Colonial Lodge, a restaurant/bar at its entrance, for a drink, a snack or a meal. The lodge also has trail maps. State parks popular with skiers include Green Lakes in Fayetteville, Verona Beach, Fair Haven Beach in Sterling and Selkirk Shores in Pulaski. For those skiing at Green Lakes, check out the nearby Four Seasons Golf and Ski Center, across the street at 8012 East Genesee Street, Fayetteville. They rent skis you can take into the park. Call 637-9023. Winona State Forest,main trailhead is in Boylston, in northeastern Oswego County. It’s off of Exit 37 on Route 81N, past Pulaski. Free. Trails are often groomed by the Winona Forest Recreation Association. For more information, see the association's website. Stoney Pond State Forest,in Erieville, east of Cazenovia, offers lots of connecting trails that are ungroomed. From State Route 20 in the hamlet of Nelson, head south on the Eireville Road for approximately 2 miles. Turn left onto Old State Road, heading east. In approximately 2.5 miles, head south on Jones Road to the state forest. For a map of the forest, see the DEC website. Great Bear Springs Recreational Area,is located between Fulton and Phoenix New York on Route 57 and features nine miles of trails shared by skiers and snowshoers. Free. For more, including a trail map, see the area's website. Beaver Lake Nature Center,This county-owned facility in Baldwinsville offers five miles of trails and ski rentals. $3 per car admission fee. Call 638-2519 or see the county park's website. Sometimes, the best place to go cross country skiing is right in your backyard. “I live on Lawrence Road in Marcellus and I am fortunate to be able to step out my front door and hop on the OCWA waterline trail next to my house,” wrote Chris DeBottis. “What makes it nice is the trail is groomed by the local snowmobile club and it follows Nine Mile Creek.” View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

He's been clipping and saving them since 1984! It’s nice to know your work is appreciated — and closely followed. I discovered one such reader when I talked to Ron Leski, of Camillus, at last weekend’s NY Sportsman’s Outdoors Show at the SRC Center at Onondaga Community College. Leski started clipping and collecting the weekly fishing report from The Post-Standard, beginning in 1984, and has continued the practice ever since. He has the reports organized in chronological order in folders at this house, he said. “I have used them to make up summaries, such as one about Seneca Lake, which tells me where the best fishing is during any particular time of year, what bait or lure to use, what species of fish are biting and time of day,” he said. Leski, 74, a former member of the Salt Bass City Bassmasters Club, said his favorite type of fishing is bass fishing. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

Some were taken near his dad's house in Manlius Center; others were taken near Green Lakes State Park. Lew Troast Jr. photo Lew Troast Jr., of Manlius, snapped these interesting shots of deer recently. The photographs of two deer together were taken near his father's house (Lew Troast Sr.) in Manlius Center. The photographs of the single deeer were taken near Green Lakes State Park. Lew Troast Jr. photo Lew Troast Jr. photo Lew Troast Jr. photo View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

A word of caution: If you do decide to venture out, remember ice thickness can vary greatly, even on the same water. Use extreme caution and good judgment. CNY FISHING FORECAST Bait stores (list and map). SALMON RIVER The steelhead bite continues to be slow for most anglers. Slush ice has been less of a problem this week with the warmer temperatures. Good baits are egg sacs (blue, pink, white or chartreuse mesh), trout beads, pink worms and stonefly patterns. OSWEGO RIVER Fishing has been more difficult with the higher water, but some steelhead and brown trout are still being caught. The higher water makes access difficult in some areas for shore anglers, but drift boat anglers typically do better with the higher water. Good baits continue to be egg sacs, beads, and egg imitating flies. Remember the bridge to Leto Island is closed, and there are Mandatory Personal Flotation Device (PFD) zones on the Oswego River below the Varick Dam. ONEIDA LAKE Most of the fishable ice melted this past week. Cold temperatues could bring the ice back by next week. No promises for this weekend. SENECA LAKE Yellow perch and black crappie are being caught from the pier on fathead minnows, wax worms and spikes. After catching a few fish on one type of bait, if action slows down, switch types. This has been working to keep the bite active. Brown trout and Atlantic salmon are hitting on stickbaits fished around the salt plant. Lake trout are also hitting around the salt plant on egg sacs and small minnows. Fishing there after dark is also working for the lake trout. CAYUGA LAKE, OWASCO LAKE, CAZENOVIA LAKE, OTISCO LAKE, SODUS BAY, SKANEATELES LAKE, WHITNEY POINT RESERVOIR No fishable ice at mid-week. No promises for this weekend. ST. LAWRENCE RIVER There’s fishable ice (3-5 inches) on Lake of the Isles, Chippewa Bay and Goose Bay. Anglers are fishing for northern pike and perch. A word of caution: If you do decide to venture out, remember ice thickness can vary greatly, even on the same water. Use extreme caution and good judgment. Some safety measures to follow are: use a spud and check ice thickness as you venture out, fish with a buddy and bring a rope and ice-picks. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

Have a question? Send it to [email protected]. Staff writer Teri Weaver is doing a great job taking questions and providing answers as quickly as she can get them. See her story and the questions asked by readers so far. To contact Teri with a question, send it to [email protected]. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

Looking to do a story on rabbit hunting. Anyone having any luck out there? Cross country skiers at the Osceola Cross Country ski area. Dick Blume/The Post-Standard It's a been a crazy week. The snow has melted and now it's turning cold again. The governor quickly signed off on some strict gun control measures. Here's what's on tap for this week in The Post-Standard: FRIDAY: Main piece: I'm optimistic. I feel there will be more snow -- and soon. Enough to cross country ski. I polled readers recently on their favorite places and I compiled a list. Column: Came across a guy last weekend who has saved this newspaper's fishing reports since 1984; the Whitney Point crappie derby is postponed...and it's time to sign up for 'Valentine's in the Forest' the annual fundraiser at Highland Forest. SUNDAY Main piece: The governor's new control measures have created quite a stir. I talk to experts and locals to give a pro/con approach to each of the key points. Column: The DEC has instituted a special deer hunting season in parts of Tompkins County this month -- a season that allows hunters to kill up to two antler-less deer a day, every day. READER HELP REQUESTED: - I'd like to talk to a snowmobile trail groomer who's seen wild boar while on the job. Can anyone steer me in the right direction? I've heard this for several years now and I'd like to see if for myself. - Looking to speak to some experienced winter campers. - Would like to interview an expert and try my hand at building an igloo.. and spending the night in one. Can anybody help me with this? - Burning snowmobile Issues or suggestions about someone I should write a profile story on from the CNY snowmobile scene. - Looking to do a story on rabbit hunting. Anyone having any luck out there? strong>ANYTHING ELSE READERS OF THIS REPORT WOULD LIKE TO SEE ME WRITE ABOUT? </strong> 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

Live owls will be on display and afterward those who attend will go out on the center's grounds in search for the endangered short-eared owl. Short-eared owls have been seen this winter hunting over Montezuma’s grasslands and wetlands at sunset and sunrise. Dave Spier photo The following is a news release: The Montezuma Audubon Center is proud to welcome Jean Soprano and her owls from the Kindred Kingdoms Wildlife Rehabilitation Center on Saturday January 26 at 3 PM for a presentation about the adaptations that make owls successful hunters of the night. Participants will get a chance to see several native owls, such as the snowy owl, barred owl, great-horned owl and screech owl, up close. Then, join the Montezuma Audubon Center staff for a short walk around Montezuma’s grasslands to search for the endangered short-eared owl. Fee: $5/child, $7.50/adult, $20/family. Space is limited. Registration required. To register or for more information about the Montezuma Audubon Center, please call 315-365-3588 or email [email protected]. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

e photos and mounts will be displayed during the 2013 CNY Sportsman Show, set for Feb. 2. The following is a press release: The 2013 CNY Sportsman Show is requesting outdoor photos of sportsmen to post on the show’s Outdoor Wall of Fame, along with trophy deer and other mounts. Photos and mounts will be displayed during the show, which will be held on Saturday, Feb. 2 at the Kallet Civic Center, 159 Main Street in Oneida. Photos should consist of sportsmen displaying their trophies, or enjoying hunting, fishing, boating, or any other outdoor sport. Pictures can be emailed to [email protected], or mailed to Holy Cross Academy at 4020 Barrington Road Oneida, NY 13421. A short caption should be included. Deadline for submissions is Jan. 23. The show will feature businesses and clubs from the central New York area representing archery, gun shops, charter fishing trips, wildlife artwork, hunting and fishing equipment and other outdoor related categories. Other attractions include seminars, mount display, wildlife artist Deb Brosen, and Dan the Snake Man. This year’s show is sponsored by Laucello Real Estate, Planet Fitness–Oneida, Tri-Valley Family Practice, Vanderhoof Custom Cabinets, Child Health Associates, and Nye Automotive. For more information call 363-1669, or visit holycrossacademy.com View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

"Any who are upset by the (column) are precisely the ones that need the message," said one reader. My column this past Sunday about picking up your dog's poops (or at least getting them off to the side) on outdoor trails continues to draw comments. The following is a sampling of emails I've received and Facebook postings since the column ran. The following comments were emailed to me: "Thank you for the much needed piece on being a responsible dog owner. Any who are upset by the article are precisely the ones that need the message. As a dog owner, I feel a responsibility to my 8-year old Golden Retriever to try to provide him with some exercise every day. Since we live in a development this most often means a walk on suburban streets on a leash. I always carry a bag with me and pick up after him, but I am amazed at how many dog owners just leave the droppings where they fall. With the recent snow melt, the number of owners that must think that dog waste dissolves in the snow is truly alarming. "I am always looking for places where a person can let a dog run off the leash, but due to the irresponsible dog owners, they seem harder to find all the time. Thanks for a well written and timely article." Dave Fitch Clay "It was interesting to see your article about people not picking up after their dogs. I had taken our Labrador retriever to the conservation area on Saturday after going to the transfer station and couldn’t believe the mess. We walk him there all the time and have never seen it so bad. "I guess we are lucky; labs like their privacy so he usually does his business off the trails and in the woods, but I always bring a plastic bag to clean up after him if necessary. I was thinking of posting another sign at the entrance, but unfortunately, the irresponsible pet owners will just ignore it. Not to be prejudice, but it “appears” the biggest offenders are people with small dogs! "Keep up the good work; your variation in types of articles is refreshing. I am an avid hunter, but it is great to read non-hunting/fishing articles on a regular basis." Charlie Wallace "I was about to send a letter to the paper after taking a walk at Onondaga Lake Park today. I saw your letter first. Thanks for writing on behalf of those of us that think the dog debris has gotten out of hand. In the first mile of our walk we spotted a dozen plastic bags of dog deposits along with many other piles of poop along the walking path. There was actually a bag hanging in a tree! "Please feel free to share my disgust. I imagine you will hear from many more residents who wish all dog owners would clean up after their pet(s). " Karen Witter "I just needed to add my two cents. i own two labs that i walk religiously through my Eastwood neighborhood. never do i leave the house without a supply of bags to clean up after my girls. now that the snow has melted the sidewalks are virtual landmines of dog waste. just disgusting. if you are going to own a dog then you MUST be a responsible dog owner. those that are not give us that are a very bad name that is hard to ger rid of as we all get lumped into the category of the lazy. i for one am sick and tired of it. i don't let my labs waste accumulate in my yard let alone leave it where it definitely does not belong." Mark Orr The following comments were on Facebook, and my outdoors page on Facebook PS Outdoors: "Ugh. We noticed this on the Green Lakes trails yesterday, too. The snow melted to reveal huge gross messes." -- Michelle Breidenbach I own two dogs and I think it's only fair to pick it up in public places and on public trails. It only takes a minute. This is par for the course in Colorado, but they also provide dog poo bags at almost every park. - Sue Bookhout "In Seattle you would be chased down by a mob if people observed you not cleaning up after your dog. I always bring a bag when I run with my roommate's dog and oddly enough I get this weird sense of pride picking up for her. I will admit, I almost look forward to it....I think because it wasn't necessarily carried out in CNY and now I am finally pressured to fulfill my civic doodie! - Katie Figura (Editor's note: Katie is my daughter) We have a small dog, and that means small "treats" and we NEVER leave the house without 2-3 pick up baggies. Why would I ever think I am a responsible dog owner and not pick up behind her? That is just common sense....or so I thought! - Denise Comeaux This happens on the road on school property where I run, too. Right in the middle of the road! Come on people! - Amber Smith Just be sure you're looking at dog poop. Canada geese spread an amazing amount of big droppings near open water, especially where there's some grass available. They wouldn't be in the woods, though. - Peter Zicari WHAT DO OTHERS THINK ABOUT THIS? View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

I hope this video and its song, "Ice Fish Baby," will bring a smile to your face. I know the warm weather has put a stop to much of the ice fishing this week in Central New York. I hope this video that I pulled off YouTube and its song, "Ice Fish Baby," will bring a smile to your face. It did mine. Enjoy. Meanwhile, think positive. More ice is on the way! View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

The special hunt, taking place in a "Deer Management Focus Area" in Central Tompkins County, began this past Saturday and extends through Jan. 31. The limit is two, antlerless deer per day! I'm looking to talk to any hunters who are participating in the special, antler-less deer hunt that began this past Saturday (Jan. 12) and extends through Jan. 31. The DEC this year established a "Deer Management Focus Area" in central Tompkins County to intensify use of the hunting to assist communities in the Ithaca area with the burden of over-abundant deer populations. Those who have the proper permit can take antlerless deer only during the special season (limit 2 per day). They may use any hunting instrument lawful during any other deer hunting season in that area. Rifles, though, are not allowed. If you're a hunter and taking advantage of this special season I'd like to talk to you. Call me at 315-470-6066 or email me at [email protected]. I'd also like to see pictures of any deer you've harvested. Send them to [email protected]. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

The boy caught the fish in October in Brantingham Lake in the Adirondacks. Submitted photo Joey Andaloro, 10, of Syracuse, poses with his father, Joe, as they jointly hold the boys nice, 16 1/2 inch rainbow trout. The boy caught the fish in October in Brantingham Lake in the Adirondacks at the camp of their friend, Scott Dupuy. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

One was a 15-pointer. Gage Parkhurst, 15, of Granby (left), poses with an impressive, 8-point buck with an inside spread of 20-inches, that he shot in opening day Nov. 17 in Granby. His proud father, Gary, is pictured in the center. Friend Chris Serow, also of Granby, (right), poses with his 15-point buck he shot Nov. 20 in the same area. Both deer were taken within about a half mile of each other, Serow. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

Despite having only one leg and having recently underwent cancer treatments, he's determined to finish all seven races in the coming week. Perez has battled with cancer four times. John Berry/The Post-Standard ¦Quitting just doesn’t seem to be in Augusto “Goose” Perez’s vocabulary. The 40-year-old East Syracuse resident has battled cancer four times, recovering from yet another operation and six weeks of chemotherapy that ended Jan. 4. Nevertheless, Perez, who had his left leg amputated in 2003, is scheduled to begin a series of seven races today at the International Paralympic Committee Adaptive Biathlon and Nordic World Cup in Cable, Wisc. His goal is to qualify for the U.S. Paralympic Nordic ski team, a quest that began a year ago. He’s been training ever since. He readily admits the cancer treatment has affected his training and conditioning, but he’s determined to give it his best. “I don’t have the burning talent, just the work ethic. I’ll be competing in all seven events,” he said, prior to a 15 -kilometer, cross country ski workout Wednesday at Winona Forest in Jefferson County. Perez, who played soccer at LeMoyne College, sees competitive sports and working out as the best way to deal with the pain and frustration of his illness. He was diagnosed in 2000 with soft tissue sarcoma at the age of 28, just as he and his wife, Brenda, were celebrating their first wedding anniversary. The rare form of cancer affects muscles, tissues, nerves and tendons which connect organs to his body. Despite what initially appeared to be a successful treatment, the cancer came roaring back. In 2003, his doctor broke the news that he’d have to take Perez’s left leg off. His response? “I asked him how long I’d be in the hospital and he told me four days. I told him to take me on Tuesday because I have a graduation party I have to go to on Saturday,” Perez said, who added that he did indeed attend the party. Perez working out Wednesday at Winona Forest. John Berry/The Post-Standard And the leg? “I had it cremated. It’s in my basement,” he said. “I was attached to it for a little while.” Perez, who at the time of the amputation was working at ARISE where he taught life skills to developmentally disabled children, was determined to move on and not let it affect his life. He eventually became passionate about wheelchair curling and gained a spot of the U.S. Paralympic Team for the 2006 Torino games. He later decided he wanted a more physical challenged and took adaptive outrigger canoeing, winning the 200-meter sprint world championship in 2009. More than a year ago, he met some competitors on the Nordic ski team and decided he wanted to give that sport a try. “I was just turning 40 and I decided if I didn’t try this right now – learning how to ski, how to shoot – that I’d never do it,” he said. “So I quit the other sports and after three months of abusing myself in training, I made the development team.” However, the development team provides little or no stipends for its athletes. Perez does have a coach, though, who sends him workouts and monitors his progress. Otherwise, his travel, equipment and other expenses are out-of-pocket. During the summer he has a custom-made mountain board on wheels that he trains in. He uses it, along with a hand-powered cycle, to compete in road races, including this year’s Empire State Marathon. During the winter, he works out in the snow on a custom-made “sit ski.” It includes a soft, comfortable, plastic seat mounted on a special metal frame, which all rests on a pair of cross country skis. Going up hills on cross country skis that are attached in two places and don’t lift off the ground can present problems, Perez conceded before Wednesday’s workout at Winona. “It can be rough. I just shorten my poling and increase the rate,” he said. He also has a Garmin attached to the metal frame that helps him in his training. “It helps me track my speed and distance, my cardio, how many calories I’m burning, my elevation – everything I need to know,” he said. When healthy, Perez said he tries to train upwards of 27 hours a week – occasionally doing eye-opening workouts such as pull-ups with one of his 50-pound daughters hanging from his waist. Perez and his wife have two children – 8 ½ year old twins, Ainoa and Iker. “He’s a real inspiration for his children,” she said. “He tries to show that no matter what happens, he always has to try, no matter how hard it is. He keeps trying.” Perez’s cancer and his training- related expenses, though, has undoubtedly caused a severe financial strain on the family. At this point, neither he or his wife are working – mainly because the cancer and the time involved in Perez’s care and taking care of the children, his wife said. In 2011, Perez and his wife were charged with fraud in Onondaga County because they didn’t list $23,500 Perez received from the U.S. Olympic Committee on a Medicaid application. Perez got the money while working as a speaker and making appearances at training sessions and competitions. The Perez household received $19,873.91 in benefits it was not entitled to, officials said. Perez paid a settlement, he told the Watertown Daily TImes. Undaunted, Perez remains determined to live life to the fullest. Carolyn K. Rees, president of the Winona Forest Recreational Association said Perez offers an “inspiring message.” Jamie Wilson, ski chairman for Winona Forest, said Perez has been coming up to train at Winona several times a week since the snow first fell before Christmas. “We’ve been maintaining the trails for him, packing them down, setting up tracks for him to ski. We support him,” he said. Perez made no predictions or promises about how he’ll do during this week’s competitions – except for one. “I’m going to finish every race,” he said. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog