HuntingNY-News

The coyote/fox hunt contest carries a top prize of $1,000. Pompey, N.Y. -- The Bob Evans Memorial Predator Calling Hunt is set for Jan. 11-13, based out of the Pompey Rod and Gun Club. The competition carries a top prize of $1,000. The contest is being conducted by the Independent Fur Harvesters on New York. The hunting begins at 5 p.m. Jan. 11 and all entries must be weighed by 2 p.m. Jan. 13. Hunters will be awarded three points for each coyote and one point for each fox. The hunter who turns in the biggest coyote will win an additional $100. The entry fee is $25 per person; $50 per two-person team. For more, call Al LaFrance at 682-2050. “There will also be plenty of door prizes,” LaFrance said. . David Figura can be reached at [email protected], by calling 470-6066, through Facebook at PS Outdoors and on Twitter at PSOutdoors. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

I’d like to compile a list of the top spots to cross country ski in the area. Did Santa bring you a pair of cross country skis this Christmas? Unsure where to try them out? I’d like to compile a list of the top spots to cross country ski in Central New York. I’m looking for readers to help me out. Send your favorite spots to [email protected] by noon Wednesday. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

"It's a great way to explore the winter wonderland,"said Chris Lajewski, education manager at the Montezuma Audubon Center in Savannah. Snowshoeing is a great way to explore the winter wonderland of Central New York. Mike Greenlar/The Post-Standard Syracuse, N.Y. -- So, you’d like to try snowshoeing? “It’s a great way to explore the winter wonderland,” said Chris Lajewski, education manager at the Montezuma Audubon Center in Savannah. “It’s also a great way to get out and get some exercise with your family and friends, particularly after the holidays.” Here’s five local places where you can rent them: - Highland Forest: This Adirondack-like, county park in Fabius rents snowshoes for $3 the first hour, and $2 for each hour afterward. The park is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week. It offers snowshoe enthusiasts five separate trails, with loops of 1 mile, 2 miles, 3.6 miles, 7.75 miles and 9 miles. The park also has a $1 admission fee for person 21 years and older. Call 683-5550 or check out onondagacountyparks.com/highland-forest. - Beaver Lake Nature Center: This county-owned facility in Baldwinsville offers five miles of trails, and same rental fees as Highland Forest. There’s also a $3 per car admission fee. It’s open from 7:30 to 5 p.m. seven days a week. There’s also extended hours for snowshoeing during periods of a full moon. Snowshoers can stay out on the trails until 9 p.m. on Jan. 25-27 and Feb. 22-24, according to Heidi Kortright, the nature center’s director. Call 638-2519 or check out onondagacountyparks.com/beaver-lake-nature-center. - Montezuma Audubon Center: The Audubon Center, located Route 89 in Savannah, has 30 pairs of snowshoes to rent. It charges $5 for adults and $3 for children per day. There’s two miles of designated trails and visitors can also explore the center’s 200 acres. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Call 365-3580 or see ny.audubon.org/montezuma. The Beaver Lake Nature Center features moonlight walks. Snowshoers can stay out on the trails until 9 p.m. on Jan. 25-27 and Feb. 22-24, during two periods of full moons. Mike Greenlar/The Post-Standard - Baltimore Woods Nature Center: Located off Bishop Hill Road in Marcellus, this nature center offers visitors six miles of picturesque trails. Cost to rent snowshoes is $5 per day, and free if you’re a member of the nature center. Hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. Call 673-1350 or check out baltimorewoods.org. - Four Seasons Golf and Ski Center: This golf and ski center in Fayetteville off Route 5, doesn’t offer groomed snowshoe trails but does rent them and allows persons to take them off premises. Rental fees are $17 for pair for one day; $30 for the weekend and $70 for the week. Hours are 10 to 5 p.m. daily, and until 9 p.m. Thursday and Friday nights. Many renters take them over to nearby Green Lakes State Park. Call 637-9023 or see fourseasonsgolfandski.com. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

A new crossbow bill, A00283, has been recently submitted by Assemblyman Sean Ryan, D-Buffalo, and would give the DEC authority to regulate where, when and how they should be used. Syracuse, N.Y. -- If you don’t succeed, keep trying. That’s the philosophy of crossbow hunting advocates who want to see use of this hunting instrument continued and regulated by the state Department of Environmental Conservation. A late session veto by Gov. Andrew Cuomo killed a crossbow bill authored by Assemblyman Robert Sweeney, D-Lindenhurst. Sweeney’s bill would have continued crossbow regulations that expired Dec. 31 for another two years. The Sweeney bill, supported by New York Bowhunters, a bow-hunting advocacy group, would have again only allowed use of crossbows to hunt big game (deer and bear) during the regular firearms and late muzzleloading seasons – not during the regular bowhunting season. It would have also eliminated the Columbus Day weekend youth firearms hunt for deer, which occurred this past fall for the first time. As it stands now, the use of crossbows to hunt game is not allowed at all and the Columbus Day weekend youth firearms hunt, which occurs during the regular bow hunting season, is still a go. A new crossbow bill, A00283, has been recently submitted by Assemblyman Sean Ryan, D-Buffalo, and would give the DEC authority to regulate where, when and how they should be used. A similar companion bill will be submitted soon by Sen. Patrick Gallivan, R-Elma, in the state Senate, according to aide from his office. Meanwhile, Sweeney will not be submitting another crossbow bill this year, said Denise Kretz, his chief of staff. “I’m not happy we don’t have anything,” said Rick McDermott, of Pulaski, president of the 740-member, New York Crossbow Coalition. “I’m also not going to support undermining the DEC’s authority.” The state Department of Environmental Conservation has not taken a position on the issue. “The DEC does not comment on legislation,” said Lisa King, a DEC spokesperson. Gordon Batcheller, the DEC’s wildlife bureau chief, attended a town meeting in Brewerton last spring hosted by the New York Crossbow Coalition in Brewerton. He said the DEC’s position “comes down to getting people outdoors. “If we don’t have people out there hunting, bird watching, looking for snakes and reptiles, fishing ... we will not have a future generation of dedicated conservationists,” he said. The DEC’s hands are tied, though, until legislation is passed giving them the power to set the regulations. David Figura can be reached a [email protected], by calling 470-6066, through Facebook at PS Outdoors and on Twitter at PSOutdoors. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

There's good numbers of fish (steelhead and browns) in the Salmon River, but sub-zero weather at night and resulting slush have made fishing difficult. CNY FISHING FORECAST Bait stores (list and map). SALMON RIVER There’s good numbers of fish (steelhead and browns) in the river, but sub-zero weather at night and resulting slush have made fishing difficult. OSWEGO RIVER Fishing has been more difficult with the higher water and snow, but some steelhead and brown trout are still being caught. The higher water makes access difficult in some areas. Drift boat anglers typically do better with the higher water. Good baits continue to be egg sacs, beads, and egg imitating flies. The bridge to Leto Island is closed, and there are new Mandatory Personal Flotation Device (PFD) zones on the Oswego River below the Varick Dam. ONEIDA LAKE No fishable ice yet. Some have ventured out on Big Bay this week – and fallen through, according to one bait shop owner. CAYUGA LAKE No fishable ice yet. SENECA LAKE Anglers have been catching crappies and perch off the Watkins Glen pier using fathead minnows and spikes. OWASCO LAKE No fishable ice yet. OTISCO LAKE Some ice, but questionable. SKANEATELES LAKE No fishable ice at this point. CAZENOVIA LAKE Some anglers getting out, but no reports on thickness of ice. SODUS BAY Bay is iced over, but no reports on how thick at this point. May be fishable by the weekend. ST. LAWRENCE RIVER There’s fishable ice on Eel Bay, Lake of the Isles, Chippewa Bay and Goose Bay. They all have at least 5 inches, according to one bait shop owner. Anglers are catching perch and northern pike. WHITNEY POINT RESERVOIR Some ice, but it’s questionable at this point. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

The new regulations will ease the process for hatchery-raised largemouth bass to be sold for food in New York state by allowing those who purchase fish from a licensed hatchery, such as fish markets, to resell the fish in New York. Small mouth bass, though, may not be sold for food purposes. The following is a DEC press release: Regulations for hatchery-reared smallmouth bass and largemouth bass (collectively, black bass), were adopted, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Joe Martens announced today. The new regulations will ease the process for hatchery-raised largemouth bass to be sold for food in New York state by allowing those who purchase fish from a licensed hatchery, such as fish markets, to resell the fish in New York. Under current regulations, only licensed hatchery operators can sell black bass in the state. Hatchery-reared smallmouth bass and largemouth bass may still be sold for stocking purposes, as presently provided for, but smallmouth bass may not be sold for food purposes. “The regulations will make it easier for aquaculturists and fish markets within and outside the state to sell hatchery-reared largemouth bass for food, while continuing to protect wild bass populations that are the foundation of our popular and economically important bass fisheries,” said DEC Commissioner Martens. “New York provides excellent fishing opportunities for largemouth bass and smallmouth bass. DEC recognized the need to include measures in the regulations to safeguard the state's black bass sport fishery.” DEC worked with representatives of the aquaculture industry and the New York Farm Bureau to establish procedures requiring adequate record keeping to ensure that black bass being sold commercially originate from licensed aquaculture operations and not from wild sources. Aquaculturists were supportive of the regulations which do not provide for the sale of smallmouth bass for food purposes, a measure that was the subject of a number of comments DEC received from bass fishing enthusiasts. “This proposal is the victory New York's black bass hatcheries have been fishing for,” said Dean Norton, president of the New York Farm Bureau. “On behalf of our members, I would like to thank Commissioner Martens and DEC for moving forward with this balanced initiative that helps farmers, while still protecting wild fish populations. Opening up the New York state market for New York fish growers is an important step in helping these businesses grow and support new farm jobs. This is also a win for consumers because it allows our fish farmers to meet a strong and growing demand for black bass in New York, and not be forced to export their products to Pennsylvania and Massachusetts, simply to stay in business.” The adopted regulations address sale of bass for human consumption including labeling largemouth bass containers used for transportation, retaining purchase and sale records by distributors, and requiring that largemouth bass being sold live in retail markets must be killed before being transferred to retail customers. Largemouth and smallmouth bass being sold for stocking into waters within the state must come from sources that have been inspected for, and found free of, harmful fish pathogens - a requirement that has been in effect since 2006. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

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. Just got back from 1 1/2 weeks off on vacation. Before I left, there was really no snow to speak of. We're now in thick of winter. Go figure. Here's what's on tap for the coming week on The Post-Standard's outdoors pages: FRIDAY Main piece: So, you want to try snowshoeing? Where can you go to rent them and walk about? Column: An update on the crossbow situation. Two new bills were recently introduced -- and possibly some other unrelated items. SUNDAY Main piece: With all these cold nights, what's the update on the ice fishing scene? What lakes traditionally freeze over first in our coverage area? (Need some help on this... Has anybody been out lately???) Column: Still mulling options, may address proposal being discussed by local sportsmen's clubs to make Onondaga a rifle county during deer hunting season, give a sampling from readers' outdoors bucket list for 2013 -- or write something related to the snowmobiling season...stay tuned.<p><strong>READER HELP REQUESTED: View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

It was a great end to an incredible deer hunting season, he said. Submitted photo David Cromp, of North Syracuse, shot this 8-point buck at the tail end of this year's hunting season. He wrote: "I would like to send in this picture of my perfectly symmetrical 8 point buck I shot Sunday December 9th in Weedsport on the last day of shotgun season. "It was about 2:30 in the afternoon when my friend Tad pushed out a thicket towards the direction of my treestand when this beautiful 8-point buck came busting out. It was a great end to an incredible deer hunting season!" View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

What’s on your outdoors bucket list for 2013? Send your items, along with your full name and where you live by noon Wednesday, to [email protected]. I’ve been preparing my outdoors bucket list for 2013. Among things I hope to accomplish in the outdoors this coming year: - Drive up to the Osceola Tug Hill Ski Center with my wife to cross-country ski and make a day of it, including dinner at a nice restaurant afterward. - Contact the Syracuse Biathlon Club and arrange for an outing to give that sport at least one try. - Buy a two-person ice shanty and propane heater so I can ice fish comfortably. - Get serious about fly-tying this winter. - Call in and shoot a turkey all by myself during the spring turkey hunting season. - Use my kayak and fly rod to fish on Skaneateles Lake during the annual brown drake hatch. - Get the lights on my 14-foot aluminum boat up to snuff so I can legally fish at night. Also, get a good depth/fishfinder. - Join, or at least be a substitute, in a trap-shooting league at a local rod and gun club. - Participate in the 24-hour Montezuma Muckrace (a bird-counting competition) at the Montezuma Montezuma Wetlands Complex. - Buy and put to good use a trail camera (or two) for deer hunting. What’s on your outdoors bucket list for 2013? Send your items, along with your full name and where you live by noon Wednesday, to [email protected]. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

The breeding pair which have been photographed countless times have a new nest that looks to be some 500 yards away from the old nest. Montezuma, N.Y. -- The pair of nesting bald eagles at Mudlock Lock at the northern end of Cayuga Lake that in recent years have provided birders and wildlife photographers from across the state with an easy and close view of their lives and young, have apparently decided they need more privacy. Greg Craybas, of Camillus, a dentist and veteran wildlife photographer, visited the area recently and noted the breeding pair has a new nest that looks to be more than 500 yards away from the old nest. The old nest was located on the top of a utility tower, near the dam. “The new nest is not visible from the viewing location of the previous nest,” Craybas said. “The breeding pair frequently perches on several trees on the point at the head of the lake. The nest is beyond the point tucked back from view. Perhaps the eagles were not comfortable with all of the attention the other nest had.” David Figura can be reached at [email protected], by calling 470-6066, through Facebook at PS Outdoors and on Twitter at PSOutdoors. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

Reports from around the state also indicated an increase in the opening week deer harvest compared to last year. Steve Joule, wildlife manager for the state Department of Environmental Conservation’s Region 7, recently gave a preliminary report to the Region 7 Conservation League concerning this fall’s deer hunting. The Region 7 Conservation League consists of representatives from eight of the nine Region 7 county federations of sportsmen’s associations (Tioga is defunct). The league meets every other month at DEC headquarters in Cortland to discuss issues of concern, especially in Region 7, according to Fred Neff, who chairs the board. Joule’s report noted: “The state’s first Youth Deer Hunt proved successful as 692 deer were harvested statewide (414 males and 278 females) during the three-day Columbus Day weekend. Through this special opportunity, junior hunters (ages 14 and 15) with a big-game hunting license were allowed to take one deer of either sex with a firearm when properly accompanied by a licensed and experienced adult. The highest reported take (35) was in Wildlife Management Unit 7M, which includes parts of Broome, Chenango, Cortland, Delaware, Madison, Oneida, Onondaga and Otsego counties. No safety violations or injuries were reported, he added. As for the first week of the Southern Zone regular firearms season, Joule told the board he didn’t have the raw data used to calculate the harvest, only the percentages. “Reports from around the state indicated an increase in the opening week deer harvest compared to last year. Reported deer take during the Southern Zone opening weekend was 9 percent higher than in 2011 and through the first four days of the season (Saturday through Tuesday). View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

Send your outdoors bucklet list items to me at [email protected]. Include your full name, where you live and a daytime phone number in case I have any questions. What's on your outdoors bucket list for 2013? Are you planning to get into cross country skiing for the first time? What about finally taking that fishing/hunting trip to Alaska you've dreamed and talked about all these years? What about joining a local rod and gun club and getting into trap shooting? Or how about finally starting your plan to scale all of the 46 high peaks in the Adirondacks? I'd like to hear what you have planned (or at least dream about doing). Send your outdoors bucklet list items to me at [email protected] and I'll give publish a sampling of them in an upcoming feature or column on the Outdoors page of The Post-Standard (in addition to a complete wrapup on this blog. Include your full name, where you live and daytime phone number in case I have any questions. And one more thing -- Happy New Year!! View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

<p> Here's recipes for venison piedmontese, venison cordon bleu, venison spare ribs, apple-stuffed venison tender/or back loin (with raisin sauce), mushroom-stuffed deer chops </p> <p>I continue to get delicious recipes for venison from readers of this blog. Here's a few worth trying:</p> <p><strong>VENISON PIEDMONTESE</strong></p> <p>Top/bottom round or back strap venison steak <br />2 large Vidalia Onions<br />8 oz of cubed prosciutto <br />1 box of chicken broth<br />Butter<br />Olive Oil<br />1 Pint of heavy cream<br />Corn starch<br />Paprika<br />Cayenne Pepper<br />Salt<br />Rice</p> <p>On a plate mix 1 cup of flour, ¼ teaspoon of paprika and ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Take Venison steak and cut into ½ in thick steaks and pound to ¼ inch thick. Flour the steaks and place in pan with olive oil and flash fry! venison. This will keep it tender after placing in the sauce. Set the venison aside on a plate.</p> <p>Dice two Vidalia onions into 1/8” cubes. In the same pan add ½ to ¾ stick of butter and 2 table spoons of olive oil. Add onion and cubed prosciutto and cook till onions start to turn clear but not caramelized. Then add ¾ box of chicken stock and bring to a boil then add 1 pint of heavy cream. </p> <p>In a small lidded container add cold water and corn starch to thicken the gravy. Turn heat down to simmer and add cayenne pepper, salt and paprika to desired taste then add Venison back to pan.</p> <p>Cook 2 cups of rice. </p> <p>Place rice on a dish and cover with Venison Piedmontese</p> <p>From Brian Holtz II</p> <p><br /><strong>VENISON CORDON BLEU</strong></p> <p>Top/ bottom round Venison Steak<br />Italian bread crumbs<br />Provolone cheese<br />Ham<br />Cooking Oil</p> <p>Heat up a pan or deep fryer with Vegetable oil </p> <p>Take venison flank steak and cut into ½ inch slices and pound out thin.</p> <p>In a bowl add 2 eggs, milk and mix. On a plate add Italian bread crumbs. <br />Take sliced venison put a piece of cheese and ham in center and roll it up, then<br />roll the venison in bread crumbs and place on a plate.</p> <p>Add 6-8 pieces of venison to oil and cook till golden brown.</p> <p>From David Trepasso, of Fulton</p> <p><strong>VENISON SPARE RIBS</strong></p> <p>Ingredients:<br />3-4# VENISON SPARERIBS CUT AT 2 RIBS EACH<br />1-2 LARGE ONION<br />2-3 CLOVES OF GARLIC(SLICED)<br />BLACK PEPPER<br />2 TBS,FESITA SEASONINGS<br />BARB. SAUCE (FAVORIE KIND) <br /> </p> <p>PLACE SPARE RIBS IN LARGE POT ----OR SLOW COOKER WITH GARLIC, ONIONS BLACK PEPPER,AND FESITA SEASONS (THE SEASONIND IS OPT.) COOK UNTIL MEAT IS TENDER AND ABOUT TO FALL OFF BONES,DRAIN WELL BRUSH ON BARB,SAUCE AND PUT UNDER BROILER, OR ON GRILL TILL RIBS ARE DONE</p> <p>From David Trepasso, of Fulton</p> <p><strong>APPLE-STUFFED VENISON TENDER/ OR BACK LOIN (With raisin sauce) </strong><br /> OVEN TEMP.425*</p> <p><br />Ingredients: <br />1 VENISON, TENDER/ OR BACK LOIN( TRIM ALL VISIBLE FAT OFF IT)<br />2 MED ORANGES<br />1 MED. APPLE,CORED AND CHOPPED<br />2 TBSP FINELY CHOPPED ONION<br />2/3 CUP FINE FLAVORED BREAD CRUMBS</p> <p><br />SAUCE<br />1 CUP UNSWEETENED APPLE JUICE<br />1 TBSP CORN STARCH<br />1/4 TSP GROUND CINNAMON<br />1/4 CUP RAISINS</p> <p><br />PREPARATION INSTR.<br />FOR THE STUFFED BACK LOIN<br />PREHEAT OVEN TO 425*.<br />CUT A POCKET IN THE SIDE OF THE BACK LOIN,BY CUTTING A LENGTHWISE SLIT FROM ONE SIDE TO ALMOST THE OTHER SIDE, STOPPING ABOUT A 1/2 INCH FROM EACH END,SET ASIDE THE BACK LOIN<br />FINELY SHRED THE PEEL FROM THE ORANGES AND SET ASIDE,<br />THEN SQUEEZE 3 TBSP OF JUICE FROM THE ORANGES,<br />IN A MED. BOWL COMBINE THE ORANGE JUICE AND APPLES,SET APPLE MIXTURE ASIDE,SPRAY AN UNHEATED SMALL SKILLET WITH NO-STICK SPRAY,THEN ADD THE ONIONS, COOK AND STIR OVER MED. HEAT UNTIL TENDER,ADD BREAD CRUMBS TO THE APPLE MIXTURE, TOSS UNTIL COMBINED,SPOON THE BREAD MIXTURE INTO THE POCKET OF THE BACK LOIN,SECURELY CLOSE THE POCKET WITH WOODEN TOOTHPICKS,PLACE THE MEAT ON A RACK IN A SHALLOW ROASTING PAN,INSERT A MEAT THERMOMETER INTO THE MEATPORTION ONLY,<br />BAKE FOR 25-30 MIN. OR UNTIL THERMOMETER READS 160*</p> <p><br />TO MAKE THE SAUCE<br />IN A SMALL SAUCE PAN,USE A WIRE WISK TO STIR TOGETHER 2 TBSP.OF APPLE JUICE,AND THE CORN STARCH, THEN STIR IN REMAINING APPLE JUICE,COOK UNTIL BOILING,STIR IN THE RESERVED ORANGE PEEL AND CINNAMON, ADD RAISINS AND COOK FOR 5 MIN. STIRRING OCCASIONALY<br />TO SERVE, SLICE THE MEATINTO YOUR SIZE PORTIONS AND SPOON THE SAUCE OVER THE SLICES<br />ENJOY!!</p> <p>From David Trepasso, of Fulton</p> <p><br /><strong>MUSHROOM STUFFED DEER SHOPS</strong><br /> (Oven Temp, 450 degrees)</p> <p>Ingredients: <br />2 env. (3 oz. each) seasoned coating mix for pork, such as shake and bake<br />2/3 cup chopped fesh parsley<br />2 tsp. mustard powder<br />2tsp. dried thyme<br />11/2 tsp. coarse-ground pepper<br />1 tbs. olive oil<br />1 pkg. (12oz) sliced mushrooms<br />1/8 tsp salt<br />6 deer rib chops about 11/2" thick, about 3#</p> <p>pre heat oven to 450*, coat cookie sheet with cooking spray, in bowl combine coating mix, parsley,mustard,thyme and pepper, set aside, in skillet heatolive oil over med.-high heat add mushrooms; cook until softened and golden,(about 5 min) remove from heat, sprinkle with salt, stir in1/2 cup reserved crumb mixture,set aside. using knife cut a pocket in the deer chops,by slicing meat horizontally as close to the bone as poss.rinse chops,shake as dry as poss. and coat withsome of remaing reservered crum mixture, place on pan; stuff with some of the mushroom mixture, repeat with reat of chops,bake 10 min. turn chops; bake until no longer pink in center; 5-7 min.</p> <p>From David Trepasso, of Fulton</p> <p>See more venison recipes.</p> View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

Winter is an opportune time to take advantage of all that the Adirondack Park has to offer, however, the season can also present troublesome -- even perilous -- conditions to the unprepared. The following is a DEC press release: Visitors to the backcountry of the Adirondack Mountains should be prepared for snow, ice and cold, and use proper equipment, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation advised today. Winter is an opportune time to take advantage of all that the Adirondack Park has to offer, however, the season can also present troublesome -- even perilous -- conditions to the unprepared. A foot or more of snow has accumulated throughout the Adirondacks. Visitors to the Eastern High Peaks are required to use snowshoes or cross-country skis for safety. It is strongly recommend that visitors to other parts of the Adirondacks do the same. The use of snowshoes or skis prevents falls, avoids injuries and eases travel on snow. “Post-holing,” traveling through deep snow and leaving deep foot prints, takes much more energy and ruins trails for other users. Ice crampons should be carried for use on icy mountaintops and other exposed areas. In addition, backcountry visitors should follow these safety guidelines: Dress properly with layers of wool and fleece (NOT COTTON!) clothing: a wool or fleece hat, gloves or mittens, wind/rain resistant outer wear and winter boots; arry a day pack complete with: plenty of food and water, extra clothing, a map and compass, a first-aid kit, a flashlight/headlamp, ensolite pads, a stove and extra fuel and a bivy sack or space blankets. On sunny days bring sunglasses and sun block. If hiking on icy, open mountain summits, carry an ice axe; Drink plenty of water -- dehydration can lead to hypothermia; Eat plenty of food to maintain energy levels and warmth; Check weather before entering the woods -- if the weather is poor, postpone the trip. The mountains will always be there; Be aware of weather conditions at all times -- if weather worsens, leave the backcountry; and Contact the DEC at (518) 897-1200 to obtain trail conditions in the area you plan to visit. Traveling through snow takes more energy and time than hiking the same distance. Plan trips accordingly. Waters have only recently begun freezing over and should not be considered safe to access. Ice that holds snow may not hold the weight of a person. Avalanches can occur in any situation where snow, slope and weather conditions combine to create the proper conditions. Visitors planning to climb or ski in areas with steep, bare slopes should be aware of avalanche conditions. Before going out, put new batteries in transceivers and be sure they are working properly. Check weather forecasts and pay attention to red flags such as more than a foot of snow in a 24-hour period, any amount of snow that falls at a rate of more than an inch per hour and high winds. Additional snow can stress existing snowpack. Winds can transport greater amounts of snow to leeward slopes and potentially create wind slabs. Skiers and others planning to travel in avalanche prone terrain should learn to recognize the dangers signs of avalanche. Dig pits and make decisions based on your observations. Just because a slope has been skied, doesn’t mean that it can’t slide. Practice safe travel techniques, have a rescue plan and know how to self rescue. Bring your shovel, probe, have a pack with adequate equipment to handle whatever conditions you may encounter and have a good first-aid kit. Always inform someone where you plan to go and when you expect to return. Skiers and snowshoers are reminded that the Avalanche Pass Slide is closed to public recreation of any type during the winter. More information on avalanche danger and safety precautions is available on the DEC website. Adirondack Trail Information can be found on the DEC website. The web pages provide general information and seasonal conditions, specific notices on closures and other situations involving trails, roads, foot bridges, etc. and links to rules and regulations, hiker and camper safety, low impact recreation, weather and more. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

What are the basics of building a snowfort or an igloo -- particularly if you find yourself stranded in some desolate area? I'd like to talk to a winter survival expert on this for a story -- and possibly stay overnight in one. I'd like to take this opportunity to give thanks to all the readers of this blog and my outdoors newsletter whose story suggestions, compliments and criticism helped mold my outdoors coverage this past year. I couldn't have done it without you guys. Here's wishing you all a safe, happy and healthy holiday season and upcoming year. This coming Sunday, my column will outline my Outdoors bucket list for 2013. I'd like to hear from readers about what they're planning for the coming year. Send your items to [email protected] and put "Outdoors Bucket List" in the subject line of your email. Other stories/sources I could use a little help with in coming weeks include: - Early ice fishing season spots.. Year in and out.. what bodies of water freeze over first in CNY? - Winter camping enthusiasts. I'd like to meet several die-hards and learn the ropes. - Building a snowfort/igloo -- particularly if you find yourself stranded in some desolate area? What are the basics? I'd like to talk to a winter survival expert on this for a story -- and possibly stay over night in one. - What are the popular ice fishing lures/ plastics used by CNY ice anglers. I'd like to list the top 10 or so., - Winter-time orienteering or geocaching.. I'd like to talk to folks who are into this. - Competitive snowboarding.. anybody know someone who does this? - Cross country skiing basics for the beginner. - Rabbit hunting. Anyone locally having luck with his lately? I'd like to go out and give it a try myself. 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

Photos Hunting, fishing or simply taking in the wonders of nature are gifts for those who explore Central New York. Photo Essay » "Images 2012: Outdoors" Videos » Common Tern Nesting Grounds: An uncommon adventure. » Coyote Hunting with Jeff Brown: Jeff Brown and his friend, Vince Fusco, (the guy with mustache and beard) went coyote hunting Monday... View full size Two shore birds lock beaks during a fight in a pool along Wildlife Drive at Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge. These shore birds are of the Greater Yellowlegs breed and nest in upper Canada and southern Alaska May through August. The bird migration through the refuge will start to peak in about three to four weeks. Mike Greenlar, The Post-Standard Photos Hunting, fishing or simply taking in the wonders of nature are gifts for those who explore Central New York. Photo Essay » "Images 2012: Outdoors" Videos » Common Tern Nesting Grounds: An uncommon adventure. » Coyote Hunting with Jeff Brown: Jeff Brown and his friend, Vince Fusco, (the guy with mustache and beard) went coyote hunting Monday morning in rural land just outside of Cazenovia. They used a radio-controlled predator call device (which imitates a wounded animal such as a rabbit) and set themselves set themselves up off to the side, waiting for the coyotes to show. They dress up in mostly white camo to blend in with the snow. They tried three different locations. No coyotes were taken Monday, but the two have shot some nice-sized ones in recent outings. » Empire Buffalo: Empire Buffalo is a 90-acre farm east of Chittenango which is home to a breeding herd of 22 buffalo. It was started a couple of years ago by Joe Lazarsky and Aileen Randolph. » DEC Checking Spawning Rainbow Trout: Ian Blackburn, a senior fish and wildlife tech with the DEC, talks about the department’s effort in catching, examining and measuring rainbow trout stopped at the Cayuga Inlet Fishway, in Ithaca. The fish are then released so they can migrate up the Cayuga inlet to spawn or to be caught by fishermen during trout season. Also in the video are Jeff Robins, a senior aquatic biologist with the DEC, and Keith Hunter, of Newfield, a volunteer. More Images 2012 » Sunday: News » Monday: Sports » Tuesday: Life » Coming Thursday: People » Coming Friday: Festivals » Coming Saturday: City Scenes View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

Chad Norton, George Wede, Tom Lenweaver, Michael Riordan and John Cecil are this year's selections. When it comes to the outdoors, Central New York has its share of heroes. There are those who give countless volunteer hours and often money out of their own pockets to maintain, or to restore the area’s woods, fields and waterways for all to enjoy. Their work benefits the area’s diverse fish and wildlife populations. In addition, we have our share of individuals who freely pass on their knowledge and skills so that others may enjoy Mother Nature as much as they do. The idea is that by increasing the numbers of those who love, appreciate and use the outdoors, there will be an increased will to preserve it. The newspaper is again honoring such individuals with its annual feature, The Post-Standard’s “Heroes of Conservation.” This year’s winners include a wildlife artist, a nature center trail guide, a fishing seminar guru, a hunting safety instructor and a fishing program/wildlife area manager. This year’s honorees were nominated by readers. The Hunter Safety Guy Hero of Conservation George Wede. Ellen M. Blalock / The Post-Standard George Wede, 85, of Syracuse, has been teaching others to hunt safe and ethically for more than six decades. “Our records indicate that he began in 1949 with 63 years of instruction,” said Lori Severino, a DEC spokeswoman. “This appears to be the longest stretch we have for a hunter safety instructor.” Wede is a life-time member of the Pompey Rod and Gun Club, Camillus Rod and Gun Club, South Shore Association of Oneida Lake and Pathfinder Rod and Gun Club, in addition to being a member of the North American Hunting Club and the NRA. He is also an NRA pistol instructor. Wede was inducted into the N.Y.S. Outdoorsman Hall of Fame in 1993. He is an active board member/director and past president of the Onondaga County Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs. He still shoots trap and skeet in several local leagues, in addition to taking a moose hunting trip each year up to Newfoundland — a trip he started making more than 30 years ago. He also hunts deer and rabbit. “The outdoors is my life,” he said. The Wildlife Artist Hero of Conservation Tom Lenweaver David Lassman / The Post-Standard Tom Lenweaver’s eye-catching work has been featured on the covers of The Post-Standard’s “Fishing Guide” and the New York State Freshwater Fishing Regulations manual. He also has donated his paintings of ducks, pheasants and other birds to help raise thousands of dollars over the years to benefit such groups as the Central New York Wild Fowlers, Ducks Unlimited, Pheasants Unlimited and the Great Swamp Conservancy in Lenox, the Onondaga County Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs, the New York State Outdoorsmen Hall of Fame and the Friends of the Carpenter’s Brook Fish Hatchery. “Tom even spent time at a Woman in Nature event teaching the participants how to paint nature,” said Stephen Wolwelko, president of the Onondaga Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs. Lenweaver, 67, of Syracuse, said he’s following in the steps of a deceased friend and well-known wildlife artist Lou DePaolis, who likewise used to donate his work for the benefit of local sportsmen’s groups. He dedicates his work, which can be seen on his website, birdart.com, to his parents. “They took me hunting, fishing and introduced me to all the wonder of the outdoors,” he said. The Fishing Seminar Guy Hero of Conservation Michael Riordan David Lassman / The Post-Standard Michael Riordan’s annual fishing seminar the Saturday before opening day of trout season each spring is a sight to behold. The day-long event is held at the Calvary Baptist Church in Brewerton and attracts 300-350 children and adults. This coming spring will be the seventh year he’s held it. The 51-year-old Central Square man’s motivation is a commitment to the Angler’s Legacy Project, which asks anglers to commit to introducing at least one person to fishing each year. It was Riordan’s father who got him started and he’s made it his mission to share his lifetime of fishing memories and knowledge with others. The free, day-long event has 40-plus volunteers who help out, along with a host of donated fishing tackle and equipment from local stores. The schedule includes demonstrations on how to identify certain types of fish, selecting the right equipment, selecting the right bait or lure, casting a fishing pole and how to actually catch fish. There’s also door prizes. “It’s my desire to help parents and kids become familiar with the basics so they can go to the local park, river, lake or fishing hole and have a successful time of fishing,” he said. The Trail Guide Hero of Conservation John Cecil Frank Ordo&ntildeez / The Post-Standard John Cecil loves to show pictures and tell children ahead of time what they’re going to encounter during his guided nature walks at Beaver Lake Nature Center in Baldwinsville — with one caveat. “It’s nature. You never know what you’ll see,” he said. Cecil, 79, of Baldwinsville, is a retired, college geology professor who for the past 10 years has been donating his time, knowledge and skills at Beaver Lake. His goal is to get those who go on his walks in touch with the beauty and awe of nature. “Did you know there’s three carnivorous plants here?” he said, noting the grounds and its waters have three insect-eating pitcher plants, sundews and bladderworts. He also delights in pointing out the numerous song birds, waterfowl and occasional deer, raccoon and other animals that inhabit the grounds. In addition to the tours, Cecil has self-published two books showing the various wildlife and plants at the nature center. All proceeds from their sale goes back to the center. Cecil has also donated money and his talents to help refurbish the nature center’s Arboretum trail and gives slideshow presentations before various groups about Beaver Lake. His talk is entitled, “Beaver Lake Safari.” The Webster Pond Guy Hero of Conservation Chad Norton Ellen M. Blalock / The Post-Standard Chad Norton is all about maintaining and improving Webster Pond’s reputation as "nature’s best-kept secret." Norton, 26, of Syracuse, is vice president of the Anglers Association of Onondaga, a non-profit group based at the pond courtesy of a long-term lease with the city of Syracuse. The 95-acre pond/nature sanctuary, with fish and wildlife as the main attraction, is located off Valley Drive. Norton, was born with cerebral palsy and works from his wheelchair, oversees the pond’s various activities, including the junior and adult fishing programs, student field trips, arts and craft shows, band concerts and visits by various groups. He created a Webster Pond website, websterpond.org, after taking a computer course at ITT Technical Institute in Liverpool. It took him a year to complete it as he only has the use of one of his 10 fingers — the pointer finger on his right hand. Other accomplishments include bringing volunteers together to make a rehab-area on the pond for injured ducks and geese, the annual stocking of trout in the pond and a fund-raiser involving the purchase of bricks dedicated to deceased loved ones that are put in a garden near the pond. "His dedication is unmatched in time and effort put forth," said James Mullen, a friend. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

Ultimately, the county Legislature will have to vote on it. Onondaga County and the DEC are considering using Otisco Lake Park for a new public boat launch. The small county park is on the east side of Otisco Lake. Stephen D. Cannerelli Long-time Otisco Lake angler Jack Morrison called the newspaper this week, saying he’d heard that a proposal to convert Otisco Lake Park into a public boat launch was a “done deal.” Not really. What’s happened in recent months is that the state Department of Environmental Conservation approached the Onondaga County Parks Department about using a portion of the tiny county park on the northeastern side of the lake in Marietta for a public launch. If approved, it would include a “modest-sized” launch for trailered, as well as for car-top water craft (kayaks and canoes), one DEC official said. Early discussions mentioned expanding the parking at the park from five to as many as 16 spaces. Currently, some anglers or recreational boaters with canoes and kayaks park and carry in their craft. There’s no specific launch site. “There is a high demand for public access to the lake and this site is one of several that have been considered over the years,” said Stephanie Harrington, a DEC spokesperson. “If this site were selected, the county would maintain ownership and the DEC would construct and maintain the launch.” Currently, Otisco Lake, which is nearly six miles long, is the only Finger Lake without a public launch. Visiting anglers and recreational boaters get on the water by paying $9 each time, or by buying a season pass to launch at one of the two private marinas, the Otisco Lake Marina and the Otisco Lake Campgrounds. Otisco Lake Park was dedicated in 2000. “The three-acre site includes shoreline commemorative benches, majestic evergreens, and hundreds of feet of great fishing access,” according to the county parks website. The land was a gift to the county from the estate of the late Waldemar F. and Marjory G. Hirsch. “This park is a haven for walkers, dog owners, kayakers and on-shore fishermen,” said Lynne Smith, a 60-year-summer resident of Amber Beach. Anita Williams, president of the Otisco Lake Preservation Association, said many of her group’s members are “passionately against” changing the situation at Otisco Lake Park. She said there are other locations should be considered, including an area by the Causeway. She expressed concern about increased boat traffic, which could result in “invasive weeds coming into our small lake.” The membership of the Otisco Lake Rod and Gun Club is split on the Otisco Lake Park issue, according to Vince Legnetto, vice president of the Otisco Lake Preservation Association. “The public has a right to have a public boat launch on Otisco Lake,” Legnetto said. He and Williams, though, both noted the low water in the adjacent Turtle Bay, where the launch could empty into. “It would cost a million dollars to dredge that,” he said. Legnetto, who lives in Marietta, noted the park gets heavy use during the summer. With only five parking spaces, many kayakers, canoeists and others park on the side of the road near the park and carry their boats over, or alongside the road, creating a safety hazard. “I’d favor increasing the parking lot size, but keeping the car-top boat situation,” he said. “The larger, trailered boats could continue using the two private marinas to launch.” Matt Millea, a deputy county executive said the proposal is still in the talking stages. He promised that when a final decision is made to move ahead, a public hearing will be held. Ultimately, he added, the county Legislature will have to vote on it. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

Those days of gracious, low-key outdoors TV show hosts are long gone. Tom Adessa By Tom Adessa Contributing writer As a teenager, I always looked forward to Sunday afternoons when I’d watch Curt Gowdy and his TV show, “The American Sportsman.” Gowdy had a distinct, soft-spoken demeanor and the destinations of his hunts were in various parts of the world. In the late 1980s myself and my oldest son, Chris, often watched the “The Fishin’ Hole,” featuring angler Jerry McKinnis. McKinnis fished on Owasco Lake once and we met him at a local restaurant. Although he was famous, he was gracious and spoke with my son like he knew him for years. Some 25 years later, my son still fondly remembers that run-in with McKinnis. Unfortunately, those days and those types of gracious, low-key outdoors TV show hosts are long gone. Now it’s hype, product marketing and “in your face” reality TV. When hunting shows really started taking off in the 1990s, viewers began seeing screen disclaimer warnings that impact shots would be shown. Just a few short years later, we got to see the shots over and over in slow motion, dissected and diagramed as if we were being shown a blueprint. Today, viewers keep getting told if they don’t have the most devastating broad head on their arrows, or the fastest ammo on the market for their firearms ... well, they’re just not doing things right. How about the comments after a successful shot? They range from “I smoked him “ to “I pounded him.” Fist-pumping techniques are as varied as they are numerous. Add to that, various face contortions and yells. One hunter on a show the other day blubbered like a baby following his shot. I turned it off after that one. Some of the hunters raise both fists overhead and dance like they are trying out for the next Rocky movie. Cmon guys, really? While channel surfing the other day, I came across one show, “Buck Commander,” where the host and his guest spent 80 percent of the show talking inside a huge hunting lodge. Both sported black face paint, reminiscent of rocker Gene Simmons and Kiss. There wasn’t too much hunting on that show, but you did hear about the latest, and greatest gear that you’ll need if you want to “hammer” a buck. I have yet to figure out how a label on my camo jacket will get me a big buck. Maybe I should turn it inside out so the deer can see it? My hunting jacket, by the way, is 25 years old. During one show, “Fear No Evil,” the host, Chris Brackett, has a favorite phrase, “booyah,” which he repeats over and over. After the 10th time, it’s lost whatever little meaning it had. A moderately, successful host and subtle methodology seem to have gone out the window, having succumbed to the scores of the other reality TV shows television being aired lately. Some of the show formats and the host comments even make NRA-poster child/rock star Ted Nugent look tame. Tom Adessa lives in Auburn. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

The juvenile lake herring that will be stocked this week originated from eggs collected by DEC staff in Chaumont Bay during November and December 2011. The following is a DEC press release: Lake herring will be stocked into Irondequoit Bay on Lake Ontario today, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and partner agencies announced today. Until the mid 1950s, Lake Ontario was home to a diverse group of whitefish that included as many as seven species that occupied varying depths of the lake. Only three species are known to remain, the lake whitefish, round whitefish and lake herring. The abundance and distribution of these species in the lake is now greatly reduced. DEC recently announced the first re-introduction of the bloater, a deep water form of whitefish, into Lake Ontario. Lake herring occupy and spawn in shallower water relative to the bloater, and spawn earlier in winter. "We recognize the economic and ecological importance of Lake Ontarios fisheries," said DEC Commissioner Joe Martens. "Re-establishing spawning populations of lake herring in Lake Ontario will diversify the native prey fish community and add stability to the lake’s ecosystem." Re-establishing self-sustaining populations of native whitefishes in Lake Ontario is the focus of cooperative efforts between DEC, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (OMNR), and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), and the Great Lakes Fishery Commission, with supporting research conducted by The Nature Conservancy. Trout and salmon that feed primarily on invasive alewife can experience reproductive failure due to a vitamin B deficiency. Predators that feed on native species like lake herring and bloater are less likely to experience reproductive failure. Michael Morencie, Director of the Fish and Wildlife Services Branch of the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, said, Ontario has a strong commitment to restoring native species in Lake Ontario. This stocking event represents another pivotal benchmark in our efforts to restore native species diversity in the lake. Lake herring were once an important prey fish in Lake Ontario, and supported important commercial fisheries that collapsed in the early 1950s largely due to over-harvest. In New York waters of Lake Ontario, lake herring historically spawned in Irondequoit Bay, Sodus Bay, the Sandy Pond, and Chaumont Bay. Ongoing research has documented current lake herring spawning only in Chaumont Bay. The juvenile lake herring that will be stocked this week originated from eggs collected by DEC staff in Chaumont Bay during November and December 2011. Lake herring eggs were hatched and juveniles reared at the USGS Tunison Laboratory of Aquatic Sciences in Cortland, NY. Irondequoit Bay is adjacent to the Rochester Area of Concern (AOC), and is the focus of international efforts to restore habitats and human uses impacted by historic chemical contamination. Russ Strach, Director of the USGS Great Lakes Science Center, said, “We’re proud to be a partner in restoring lake herring spawning populations in Lake Ontario. It is fitting that we have selected Irondequoit Bay as our first stocking site, as we hope to re-establish a self-sustaining lake herring population associated with the Rochester AOC.” View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

Don't forget: All persons aboard a pleasure vessel (boat, canoe, kayak) less than 21 feet long must wear a personal flotation device from now until May 1. CNY FISHING FORECAST All persons aboard a pleasure vessel (boat, canoe, kayak) less than 21 feet long must wear a personal flotation device from now until May 1. Bait stores (list and map). SALMON RIVER The steelhead bite has slowed. Fish are still being caught throughout river, but anglers have had to work harder for them. Good baits are egg sacs (blue and chartreuse mesh), egg-imitating flies and plastics, trout beads and streamers such as egg-sucking leeches and stonefly patterns in sizes 4-6. If not catching fish, keep covering water looking for active fish. As the water cools down the deeper pools (like the School House and Trestle) are good spots to try. OSWEGO RIVER Fishing has slowed, but there are steelhead and brown trout still being caught. Drift boat anglers have been doing better with the higher water. Good baits continue to be egg sacs, beads, and egg-imitating flies. The bridge to Leto Island is closed, and there are mandatory personal flotation device zones below the Varick Dam. ONEIDA LAKE Shoreline fishing for walleyes continues to be slow, but will continue until the ice forms. Few perch anglers have been out lately. Nothing new to report. CAYUGA LAKE Yellow perch continue to be taken on the north end of the lake on fathead minnows. Landlocked salmon are being caught from the surface down to about 80 feet on spoons and stickbaits (minnow-imitating plugs). SENECA LAKE Anglers are cashing in on the perch action at the lake’s southern end off the pier. Successful anglers are using fathead minnows and oak leaf grubs, alternating back and forth. Lots of nice perch, some in the 15- to 17-inch range, are being taken. Anglers are also still catching northern pike on the southeast corner of the lake at Clute Park, casting Little Cleos, Mepps and Rooster Tails. OWASCO LAKE Yellow perch fishing continues to be good, with fathead minnows working well. OTISCO LAKE No new fishing activity to report. The low water level has made launching larger boats tricky. SKANEATELES LAKE Shore fishing for rainbows continues to be slow. A few are being caught with worm-marshmallow rigs, but overall it continues to be slow. Yellow perch are still being caught on fathead minnows. SODUS BAY Yellow perch fishing continues to be good. They are being taken in 25 to 35 feet. Jigs tipped with spikes or small minnows are working. WHITNEY POINT RESERVOIR Panfishing has been very good on the reservoir, with crappies and yellow perch being taken along the old river channel on small jigs or spoons tipped with spikes. Some bluegills are also being taken, mixed in with the crappie. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

<p> What's on your outdoors bucket list for 2013? I give my list in an upcoming column and I'd like to hear from readers about theirs. </p> <div id="asset-12015504" class="entry_widget_large entry_widget_right"> <span class="adv-photo-large"> <img src="http://media.syracuse.com/outdoors/photo/12015504-large.jpg" class="adv-photo" alt="2012-12-19-otiscolakepark3.JPG" height="252" width="380"> <span class="photo-data"> <span class="caption">Onondaga County and the DEC are considering using Otisco Lake Park for a new public boat launch. The small county park is on the east side of Otisco Lake. </span> <span class="byline">Stephen D. Cannerelli</span> </span> </span> <!-- FIXME - temporary fix with nbsp; for MT-1365 --> </div> <p>It's been a busy week. Here's what's in store for this week's Outdoors pages in The Post-Standard.</p> <p><strong>Friday:<br />Main piece:</strong> Rumor has it a new public boat launch for Otisco Lake at Otisco Lake Park in Marietta is a "done deal." Not exactly, say county and DEC officials.</p> <p><strong>Column:</strong> Guest columnist Tom Adessa talks about his concerns about the new breed of hunting shows on the television lately.</p> <p><strong>SUNDAY:</strong><br />Main piece: The Post-Standard's annual Heroes of Conservation nominations. Five folks made the grade this year. All selections were based on reader nominations.</p> <p><strong>READER HELP REQUESTED:</strong<br />What's on your outdoors bucket list for 2013? I give my list in an upcoming column and I'd like to hear from readers about theirs.</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><br /> </p> <p></p> <p> </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p><br />.<br /></p> View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

What's surprising is the number of women and non-hunters who love this show.... In this May 9, 2012 photo, from left, Willie Robertson, Korie Robertson, Phil Robertson, Miss Kay Robertson and Si Robertson pose at the A&E Networks 2012 Upfront at Lincoln Center in New York. The Robertsons star in the A&E reality series "Duck Dynasty." AP The reaction I received this week on this blog concerning the A&E television show "Duck Dynasty' was overwhelming. How could I be the newspaper's Outdoors Editor and not tune in? After reading all the comments, I am now determined to see the show. I'm captivated by the ZZ Top look of the guys. What surprised me, judging from the reaction to my original post, is the large number of women that are hooked on this show Among them, Lauren LeFleur, who wrote: "Duck Dynasty" is about so much more than duck calls, people in the South, or even what a crazy redneck might do if given the opportunity. I think the initial allure is the humor in the show...you will laugh so hard watching it the first time or two. But what keeps me going back time after time is the underlying values of the show. It's about a strong, tight-knit family who has built itself on hard work, lots of love, but most importantly a belief in God. "Our country is saturated with bad news, a fascination with darkness, violence, disrespect, self-centeredness. The Robertsons are none of this. Each episode provides LOTS of fun and laughter, heart-warming moments, and a homespun moral wrapped up at the end. It's also a show you can watch with your entire family and not worry your children will have nightmares or repeat foul language." Kimi Lefff-Boutwell wrote: "This is one of the most loving and respectful families ever. They live off the land even though they have enough money not too. I wish we could live like they do. They are a lot of fun to watch. I wish my family was as functional as theirs. My father died in a duck hunting accident. They have also made it ok again for me to watch and enjoy. At one time I loved hunting with my dad. They have made me "happy happy". They are a great family that I wish I was a part of. Lisa Benedict wrote: "I'm a big time city girl and I don't like hunting but I overlook all that because the show is just funny, funny, funny. It's just a great combination of the people and the editing of the show. Heh, Jack...I've actually been able to convert my son into watching and that's saying something. Heh, one last thing, I feel the love on the show between the family members and they can make fun out of anything.... View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

Many crossbow advocates would like to see new legislation allowing use of crossbows during the bowhunting season, and that would hand the regulatory authority over their use to the state Department of Environmental Conservation. A state legislative bill that would have extended the current regulations concerning hunting with a crossbow, while adding a few extra provisions, was left unsigned by Gov. Andrew Cuomo Monday. Current regulations, which limit their use to hunting for big game (deer/bear) during the regular firearms and muzzleloading seasons, expire on Dec. 31. The vetoed bill, A10583, submitted by Assemblyman Robert Sweeney, D-Suffolk County and endorsed by the New York Bowhunter group, would have extended the current regulations for two years – in addition to doing away with the special, DEC-endorsed youth firearms hunt during the Columbus Day weekend, which took place for the first time this fall. The main issue boils down to this: Crossbow hunters want to hunt during bowhunting season, which precedes the firearms season. Bowhunters say they’re not against crossbows — they just don’t want to share the woods with them during that time. Many crossbow advocates, such as Rick McDermott of the N.Y. Crossbow Coalition, would like to see new legislation allowing use of crossbows during the bowhunting season, and that would hand the regulatory authority over their use to the state Department of Environmental Conservation. Stay tuned. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

It's really about a quirky bayou family that makes duck calls and decoys than about the birds themselves. It's now the top-rated series in A&E history. A fellow reporter in the sports department at The Post-Standard keeps bugging me about seeing this show. Says I'd love it. An X-ray tech I met during a doctor's appointment a couple of weeks ago, said the same. "You just got to see it," both said. What's the big attraction? I'd like to hear from Duck Dynasty fans before I tune in. Meanwhile, the New York Times wrote recently: "What have programmers at the television networks been thinking, putting on all those shows about cops, doctors and lawyers? America’s fascination has clearly turned in another direction: ducks. The A&E series “Duck Dynasty” has become a raging hit. ...Really more about a quirky bayou family that makes duck calls and decoys than about the birds themselves, “Duck Dynasty” is now the top-rated series in A&E history. Read the full story. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog