HuntingNY-News

<p> He got him on opening day </p> <div id="asset-11887109" class="entry_widget_large entry_widget_right"> <span class="adv-photo-large"> <img src="http://media.syracuse.com/outdoors/photo/thomasgroetzbuckjpg-730b88b2283911b7.jpg" class="adv-photo" alt="thomasgroetzbuck.jpg" height="426" width="320"> <span class="photo-data"> <span class="caption"></span> <span class="byline">Submitted photo</span> </span> </span> </div> Thomas Groetz, of Cazenovia, proudly poses with his 10-point buck he took opening day in Madison County.. <p>He wrote: "I shot it opening day of gun season from 120 yards away at 8:30 a.m in Nelson." </p> View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

<p> I looked over my left shoulder to see this giant chasing a doe my way. He passed at 40 yards and I pulled the trigger </p> <div id="asset-11887059" class="entry_widget_large entry_widget_right"> <span class="adv-photo-large"> <img src="http://media.syracuse.com/outdoors/photo/11887059-large.jpg" class="adv-photo" alt="tullybuck.jpg" height="508" width="380"> <span class="photo-data"> <span class="caption"></span> <span class="byline">Submitted photo</span> </span> </span> </div> </div> <strong>Scott Jevis, of Cicero, shot this nice 8-pointer opening day in Tully.</strong> <p>He wrote: "Shot this beauty with my Mossberg 500 this Saturday in Tully. I rushed to my tree after leaving work. I was settled by 2:15 p.m. Five minutes later the silence breaks with the sound of deer running through the dry November leaves.</p> <p>"I look over my left shoulder to see this giant chasing a doe my way. He passed at 40 yrds and I pulled the trigger. The G1,s and G2's form "crab claws" and the end of the main beams.</p> <p>"I've been very fortunate to bag a buck on the bow and gun opener this year. Going to be hard to top 2012!"<br /></p> View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

<p> She shot him in Marcellus. </p> <div id="asset-11887038" class="entry_widget_large entry_widget_right"> <span class="adv-photo-large"> <img src="http://media.syracuse.com/outdoors/photo/11887038-large.jpg" class="adv-photo" alt="brittanybuck_2.JPG" height="508" width="380"> <span class="photo-data"> <span class="caption"></span> <span class="byline">Submitted photo</span> </span> </span> </div> Brittany Fellows, of Marcellus, of Marcellus shot this spike horn opening day in the town of Marcellus. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

<p> He shot it in Williamstown. </p> <div id="asset-11886964" class="entry_widget_large entry_widget_right"> <span class="adv-photo-large"> <img src="http://media.syracuse.com/outdoors/photo/11886964-large.jpg" class="adv-photo" alt="peasebuck.JPG" height="506" width="380"> <span class="photo-data"> <span class="caption"></span> <span class="byline">Submitted photo</span> </span> </span> </div> Kevin Pease, of Canastota, poses with with an impressive, 9-point buck he shot in Williamstown on Nov. 3. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

<p> Dad got a 10-pointer; the boy got a 7-pointer. </p> <div id="asset-11886678" class="entry_widget_large entry_widget_right"> <span class="adv-photo-large"> <img src="http://media.syracuse.com/outdoors/photo/11886678-large.jpg" class="adv-photo" alt="lawler.JPG" height="285" width="380"> <span class="photo-data"> <span class="caption"></span> <span class="byline">Submitted photo</span> </span> </span> </div> Jeff and Zach Lawler, of Mexico, pose with their bucks that they shot opening Day Saturday. <p>Both deer were taken in New Haven. For Zach, 14, it was his first deer ever -- a 7-pointer. Dad took the 10-pointer.</p> <p>What an opening day!</p> View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

<p> He got a nice pic with his trail camera of the buck a little over a month ago. The buck was quickly nicknamed 'Hightower' because of his massive/tall G's. </p> <div id="asset-11886642" class="entry_widget_large entry_widget_right"> <span class="adv-photo-large"> <img src="http://media.syracuse.com/outdoors/photo/11886642-large.jpg" class="adv-photo" alt="jeff.JPG" height="285" width="380"> <span class="photo-data"> <span class="caption"></span> <span class="byline">Submitted photo</span> </span> </span> </div> <p><br />Jeff Skeele, poses with a nice 10-pointer he took with his muzzleloader on opening day in Fabius.</p> <p>His cousin, Chris Skeele, wrote:</p> <p>"The three other guys in our hunting club (including myself) are convinced that my cousin Jeff Skeele gets as much satisfaction out of shooting deer with his trail cameras as he does with his gun. Wow! This past Saturday he got to capitalize on the later.</p> <p>"This is a deer that we believe has been on the farm for a couple of years now. Our club has practiced QDM for the past 10 years on a combination of leased land and a dairy farm we have access to.</p> <p>"A little over a month ago Jeff captured this fall monarch on one of his many trail cameras. The buck was quickly nicknamed 'Hightower' because of his massive/tall G's. Jeff made it perfectly clear that there was only one deer he would pull the trigger on if given the opportunity.</p> <p>"That opportunity happened to be this past Saturday at about 8:00 a.m. 'Hightower' presented himself after stepping into a clearing while scent checking a couple of does. </p> <p>"Jeff delivered a 100 yard kill shot with his TC muzzleloader."</p> <div id="asset-11886651" class="entry_widget_large entry_widget_right"> <span class="adv-photo-large"> <img src="http://media.syracuse.com/outdoors/photo/11886651-large.jpg" class="adv-photo" alt="trail cam.JPG" height="508" width="380"> <span class="photo-data"> <span class="caption"></span> <span class="byline">Submitted photo</span> </span> </span> </div> View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

<p> These birds are native to Australia and is only seen in the wild in North America as an escapee from a zoological establishment or a private aviary. </p> <div id="asset-11886516" class="entry_widget_large entry_widget_right"> <span class="adv-photo-large"> <img src="http://media.syracuse.com/outdoors/photo/11886516-large.jpg" class="adv-photo" alt="Black swan 1.JPG" height="285" width="380"> <span class="photo-data"> <span class="caption"></span> <span class="byline">Submitted photo</span> </span> </span> </div> <strong>Paul Pflanz, of Syacuse sent me this picture and the following note:</strong> <p>"Here's a strange one for you! An Australian Black Swan seen Sunday, 11/11, about 4 p.m. in Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge north west of Batavia, NY.</p> <p>"It was seen from the parking / observation area of Cayuga Pond along the north side of rt 77. It is called an Australian black swan as it is native to Australia and is only seen in North America as an escapee on the lamb from a zoological establishment or a private aviary. </p> <p>"It has the black feathers, red beak with white on the tip characteristic of the breed. Swans in the northern hemisphere have white feathers and orange or black beaks. Swans in the southern hemisphere have some black feathers ranging from black wing tips and edges through completely black head and long necks to this example of completely black feathers all over. <br /> <br />"The refuge was a busy place Sunday as we saw at the same Cayuga pond: three mature bald eagles, several great Herons, some hooded mergansers, eight of the large trumpeter swans, and assorted ducks."<br /></p> View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

The new 70-foot boat — equipped with state- of-the-art and computer-controlled winches, sonar, radar and navigational devices — makes things a lot easier. Watch video The R.V. Kaho helps the U.S. Geological Survey Great Lakes Science Center's Lake Ontario Biological Station monitor the ever-changing fish populations of Lake Ontario. John Berry/The Post-Standard The RV Kaho, a new $4.25 million research vessel docked at Oswego Harbor and affiliated with the Lake Ontario Biological Station, took off Wednesday morning on a historic mission. The boat contained a 375-gallon tank holding 1,250 deepwater cisco, a once-native baitfish that the U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with state and Canadian officials, is trying to reintroduce in the lake. “We’re going to go a little northeast toward the deepest portion of the lake,” said Brian Lantry, chief of the biological field station. “These fish are adapted to vertical migration. We’re giving them a better chance of survival by getting them out and beyond shoreline predators.” The project, the first of its kind, is one of many the U.S.G.S. staff is conducting on the lake with the help of the craft. The new 70-foot boat — equipped with state- of-the-art and computer-controlled winches, sonar, radar and navigational devices — makes things a lot easier, Lantry said. It replaces the original Kaho, which was been used for than 30 years during research projects on the lake, serving state, federal and Canadian officials. The new Kaho, one of two that were recently built in Cleveland, Ohio, was paid for by the American Resources and Re-Investment Act, a stimulus initiative under the Obama administration, Lantry said. The other new identical boat, is currently docked on Lake Erie. Lantry said keeping tabs on Lake Ontario’s fishery does have substantial economic implications. “Lake Ontario’s sport fisheries are a significant economic driver in New York State, and were valued at more than $113 million in 2007,” DEC Commissioner Joe Martens said recently. As the boat headed out into the lake, Lantry gave a tour of its features. They include: ÖFive, computer-controlled winches, which radically improve the boat’s netting and sampling capabilities. The old boat, he said, was mainly a stern trawler, dragging nets from the back, with limited gill-netting capabilities. The new boat is better equipped for gill netting, has winches capable of hauling up much bigger loads and can lower and raise electronic devices – something that couldn’t have been done before. - An aluminum hull, which makes the boat lighter and faster. It displaces less water and can get into marinas, docks and other places on the lake that the older, heavier boat couldn’t. It’s also set up for hydroacoustics for sonar purposes “It was custom- built to minimize noise to the tranducers. The bubble sweeping noise is minimal (when the boat is moving),” he added. - A bridge complete with a dizzying array of electronics. They give the captain complete control of the boat and its activities. Features include two radar systems, an auto-pilot system, a satellite compass, a regular navigational compass and a computer system that ties everything together. Lantry said his staff does routine and long-terms assessments aimed at evaluating and preserving the lake’s prey fish, such as alewives, smelt and sculpins, in addition to tracking the progress of efforts to restore the lake trout population. “In between those long-term assessments, we do a lot of pointed research on problems in the system,” he said. For example, his staff is evaluating the impact of hemimysis, or “bloody red shrimp,” an invasive that was first discovered in the lake in 2006. “It sits in the middle of the food chain and is capable of taking some of the energy that was going to go to the larger fish,” he said. Next year, Lantry said, the RV Kaho will be a key player in a “huge food web study” on the lake. “Every five years, the lake gets an extensive study,” he said. “There’s a lot of resources thrown at this broad-based research that looks at everything from nutrients all the way up to the predator fish.” Capt. Terry Lewchaninprepares to pilot the research vessel Kaho out onto Lake Ontario. John Berry/The Post-Standard Wednesday morning, the center of the attention was the stocking of the deepwater cisco, which will be a long-term project. The collaborative effort between state, federal and Canadian agencies is designed to restore a once-native baitfish. It’s all about giving the big fish (salmon and trout) in Lake Ontario something else to feed on in the lake’s deep water, and in the process increasing the success rate of their spawning. Lake trout and salmon that feed primarily on alewives can experience reproductive failure due to a vitamin B deficiency, caused by the chemical thiamanase in that baitfish. Fish that feed on native species like deepwater cisco, though, are less likely to experience problems with their eggs and fry. The deepwater cisco were brought up to Oswego from the U.S.G.S. Tunison Lab in Cortland and deepwater ciso, where they had been raised from eggs obtained from Lake Michigan. As the boat came to a stop, the tank holding the baitfish was opened up and he fish were released. Back on the bridge, two different sonar screens monitored their progress. Within 5 minutes, a stream of them was visible at about 200 feet. “Look at them go,” one crew member said. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

"Although Rhodesian ridgebacks are bred to hunt lions in Africa, they will gladly hunt birds when lions are scarce." Steve Zappala, of Liverpool, sent me the following story: "A few years back, I decided to take my two Rhodesian ridgebacks, Carmen and Ry, on a pheasant hunt to Three Rivers Wildlife Management Area in the town of Lysander. "Although ridgebacks are bred to hunt lions in Africa, they will gladly hunt birds when lions are scarce. "On this particular day, we’d been hunting for a while when the dogs lit up and found a pheasant. The trouble was, instead of flushing the rooster, they caught it. Not exactly your classic bird-hunting method, I nonetheless took the bird from them, thumped it over the head, and stuffed it into my vest. "Sometime later, they did flush another rooster, which fell dead when I shot, thereby filling our two-bird limit. I even got the dogs to sit still long enough to manage a picture of them with the two pheasants. When I got home, I put the dogs in the house and opened up the door on the cap of my truck. To my amazement, there was a rooster walking around in the truck. Unsure of what to do next, I took some video and thought about the situation. This rooster had been caught by the dogs, gotten thumped upside the head and taken an unexpected “road trip” to Liverpool. So I dropped the tailgate and said, “You earned it.” The last time I saw him, he and his headache were running west down our street, probably looking for an aspirin. Have a hunting tale you’d like to share? Send it to [email protected]. Photos would help. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

The DEC hasn't had a training class for new environmental conservation officers since 2008. It’s hunting season – the time of year you want environmental conservation officers out in full force monitoring the scene, making sure poachers and other law breakers are held accountable. But what determines full force, and are there really enough officers in the woods, fields and waterways these days to do an adequate job? It’s a matter of opinion. Some local outdoorsmen I’ve talked to in recent weeks are beginning to wonder if current staffing levels – locally and statewide – are ushering in an era where the state Department of Environmental Conservation has settled into doing less with less. State Department of Environmental Conservation officials, though, insist that although they may be down in staff lately, the department’s law enforcement capabilities are up to snuff. “Despite ECO vacancies, the DEC is able to effectively carry out its mission,” said DEC spokeswoman Lori Severino. “For example, hunting-related shootings have decreased in recent years with 2011 tying the safest year on record. DEC works with 3,000 volunteers to help provide safety courses to hunters each year. In addition, ECOs played a larger role in effectively responding to Hurricane Irene, Tropic Storm Lee and Hurricane Sandy.” Let’s look at the numbers. Severino said statewide there are currently 281 officers on staff, with 48 vacancies. That means the statewide force is down 14.5 percent. Locally, in Region 7, the enforcement team, which oversees a nine-county area of 6,760 square miles, numbers 30. The staff is down 16.6 percent, lacking four environmental conservation officers and two investigators. Normally, the numbers would be replenished each year by new training classes. In 2008, the DEC spent $1.2 million to buy a closed motel complex along the Salmon River with the idea of turning that into a training school for conservation officers, among other uses. Prior to that, classes were held each year. From 2002 to 2008, the class sizes numbered from 17 to 32 students. The school runs 26 weeks, including classroom time and field training, Severino said. Realistically, Severino added, the graduating students then need a month after their training is completed to be able to work independently in the field. A class next spring, though, wouldn’t put any new officers into the field until about seven months after it started The DEC, though, hasn’t had a training class for environmental conservation officers since 2008. At this point, one is not scheduled for next spring because it’s not in the governor’s budget yet. Despite that fact, the DEC is currently accepting applications. “The DEC is proceeding with the hiring process, up to but not including making actual job offers,” Severino said. “DEC is finishing the physical testing this month and actively doing background investigations on those applicants who have already passed the physical (sits-ups, push-ups, and timed 1.5 mile run). The background check is lengthy: college transcripts, military records, reference checks, credit checks, neighbor interviews, fingerprints, criminal history, etc. Once DEC has the final approval to make job offers, medical and psychological exams will still need to be done.” Even if the DEC does get approval from the budget next spring to hold a class for officers, there’s a couple of other numbers that deserve attention. “Currently, 34 members of the DEC’s Division of Law Enforcement are eligible for 25-year regular retirement service in 2012, and additional 18 members are eligible in 2013,” Severino said. Translation: Even if a class of as many as 32 students gets trained next spring, the current staff levels could remain unchanged, or possibly even grow worse because of retirements. What about that training academy on the Salmon River? “DEC uses the building as a training facility for all DEC programs,” Severino said. “We have been running a full schedule of required in-service training for existing ECOs and rangers. DEC programs use the facility for conferences, which has saved DEC thousands in lodging, meal and facility use fees that would have normally been incurred to hold meetings at other facilities.” Severino said the DEC is running the facility for less than $100,000 a year. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

Send your deer-hunting tales and pictures to [email protected] by noon Wednesday. The joy and challenge of hunting isn’t a male-only thing. I’d like to hear how the ladies (wives, girlfriends, daughters) fared this weekend in the firearms opener for deer in the Southern Zone. I’m looking for stories that are eye-opening, lesson-learning or just plain funny. Send your tales and pictures to [email protected] by noon Wednesday. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

<p> "The buck had just freshened up a scrape in front of me and then he presented me with a 20 yard shot." </p> <p></p> <div id="asset-11873798" class="entry_widget_large entry_widget_right"> <span class="adv-photo-large"> <img src="http://media.syracuse.com/outdoors/photo/11873798-large.jpg" class="adv-photo" alt="billdesnoyers2.JPG" height="285" width="380"> <span class="photo-data"> <span class="caption">Desnoyers and the harvested deer.</span> <span class="byline">David Figura, The Post-Standard</span> </span> </span> </div> <p>Bill Desnoyers, of Sherrill, got pictures of this 6-point buck on his trail camera and later harvested it. (See pic below)</p> <p><strong>He wrote:</strong></p> <p>"I grunt- called this 6 pointer Monday morning, Nov. 12 near Oneida. <br />The buck had freshened up a scrape in front of me and then he presented me with a 20- yard shot. </p> <div id="asset-11873794" class="entry_widget_large entry_widget_right"> <span class="adv-photo-large"> <img src="http://media.syracuse.com/outdoors/photo/11873794-large.jpg" class="adv-photo" alt="billdenoyers.JPG" height="285" width="380"> <span class="photo-data"> <span class="caption">Caught on the trail camera.</span> <span class="byline">Submitted photo</span> </span> </span> </div> <p><br /></p> View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

What phase is it in with opening day for firearms hunting in the Southern Zone beginning Saturday? It's complicated. It varies area to area, and even day to day in some cases, an expert said. White-tailed deer begin the rut in a chasing phase and then go into the lockdown phase, when most of the breeding is done. NIcholas Lisi/The Post-Standard It’s a question that many deer hunters are asking before taking to the woods and fields for Saturday’s opening day of firearms season in the Southern Zone. What’s the story with the rut? The reality is that most of the year, white-tailed deer are extremely capable of detecting danger and steering clear. Their eyesight, hearing and sense of smell are extremely acute. But this time of year they have a weakness. Their natural urge to breed and defend territory during “the rut” causes them to let their guard down. Hunters can benefit or find it more difficult, depending on what phase of the breeding process the deer are in. John Rybinski, of Pompey, is a veteran deer hunter and a member of the New York Conservation Council Big Game Committee, in addition to being actively involved in the Quality Deer Management Association. He said deer in this area generally start breeding toward the end of October and usually finish toward January. “One might assume the best time to kill a deer is at the peak of the rut,” he said, noting the status of it varies from area to area, even day to day. Other factors include deer density, doe-buck ratios, air temperature and the age of the bucks in the herd. The rut has several phases, Rybinski said, beginning with the “chasing phase,” during which the deer really move around in search of does. This usually takes place during the first couple of weeks in November. “In the height of the breeding season, which generally occurs during the middle to the end of November, we call this the ‘lockdown’ phase,” he said. “This is when most of the breeding is done, and hunters see less activity because the deer generally seclude themselves during this process.” Rybinski said that during the final phase the rut wanes. It’s possible to still see some chasing, but daylight and heavy feeding activity are what hunters are looking for. The bucks need calories to rebuild their bodies and survive the winter. Bowhunters have been out hunting and observing deer since their season opened Oct. 1. “From what I’ve seen in 7F and 7M, bucks have been on their feet and chasing. I’ve seen four bucks out checking scrapes and running does,” said Jason Venditti, of Syracuse.” The last two weeks it has really picked up. I would assume there will still be pretty good movement on Saturday morning, at least until everyone starts shooting.” Bowhunter Greg Diamond, of Liverpool, said rut activity in the Finger Lakes seemed to peak early last week and was definitely suppressed the previous week by Superstorm Sandy. "By last weekend there was no activity, which tells me the breeding phase had most likely started and the bucks had does in lockdown. The warm weather didn’t help, either,” he said. Marco RoccoHood D’Aniello, of Syracuse, said Tuesday he called in a spike buck. “Past three days have been slow,” he said. “Good luck guys.” View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

Hunters who don't want to keep their venison can donate it to the needy. They can also donate hides to help veterans at the Veterans Adminstration Hospital in Syracuse. So, you’ve shot a deer. Now what? Saturday’s opener of the deer hunting season for firearms in the Southern Zone will see a host of successful hunters — hunters who should keep several things in mind after they find their downed deer. Know the law Properly fill out the tag on your hunting license at the location where the deer was shot — before you begin the gutting process. You can wait to actually attach the tag, but it must be done before the deer is put in or on a vehicle, including an ATV. Don’t even think of transporting an untagged deer in your vehicle. Conservation officers have little tolerance for that. The law also requires you to report your harvest to the state’s DECALS system, either online or by phone, within seven days. For more, see the DEC’s hunting guide or go online to dec.ny.gov/. A trophy mount? Taxidermists say the quality of the mount depends on how the hunter takes care of the deer in the field and immediately afterward. Tips include: - When gutting the deer, stop at the breastplate. - Don’t drag your deer by the neck or wrap a rope around the neck. - Very important: Don’t get the hide wet if you can avoid it. - Don’t leave your deer to hang for days. Bring the severed neck/head, with additional hide, to the taxidermist as soon as possible. Do it within 24 hours, before bacterial decay sets in. - When skinning your deer, leave the hide down to where the breastbone is, and a lot of leg skin. If you have any questions, call the taxidermist or a local butcher before you cut, so they can talk you through it. Donating venison/hides Most hunters savor the venison from the deer they call. Others give it away to appreciative family members or friends. Hunters can also donate their venison through local meat processors that cooperate with the CNY Venison Donation Coalition. The venison goes to local food pantries. See venisondonation.com. Meanwhile, Camillus Elks Club is collecting deer hides for the 11th straight year. The hides should be dropped off at the lodge, at 6117 Newport Road, Camillus. They should be brought as soon as possible because they deteriorate. The hides will be cleaned and salted by club members and then sold to a tannery. Profits will be used to buy incidentals for the veterans at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Syracuse. Call 672-3106. Interested in learning how to gut and field dress a deer? Check out this video from the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife that goes through the entire process. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

<p> The large fish tanks, valued at $10,000, have been installed inside the hatchery and are being used to raise brown trout. Funding for the tanks was provided through an Environmental Benefit Project. </p> <p><strong>The following is a DEC press release:</strong></p> <p>Three new fish rearing tanks were added at Carpenter’s Brook Fish Hatchery, located in the Town of Elbridge in Onondaga County, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation announced this week.</p> <p> The large fish tanks, valued at $10,000, have been installed inside the hatchery and are being used to raise brown trout. Funding for the tanks was provided through an Environmental Benefit Project. Through a cooperative agreement with the DEC, the Friends purchased the tanks and provided them to the hatchery.</p> <p>DEC is happy to be able to support Carpenter’s Brook in its efforts to increase the brown trout population in Central New York,” said DEC Regional Director Ken Lynch. “We have always had an excellent partnership with the County and the hatchery. It’s wonderful when an opportunity like this presents itself where both organizations and the public benefit.”</p> <p>“The addition of the these new fiberglass rearing tanks will enable Carpenter’s Brook Fish Hatchery to raise larger and better quality trout to be released in the streams of Onondaga County for all sportsmen to enjoy,” said Steve Wowelko, Vice President of the Board of Directors for the Friends. “We appreciate the opportunity to work together with the DEC to provide quality fishing opportunities in Central New York.”</p> <p>These tanks will have a positive impact on the number of fish that survive to maturity and which get released by hatchery staff into nearby Geddes Brook and other Onondaga County waters.</p> <p>These new tanks are considerably larger than tanks previously used. The bigger size tanks will allow the fish to grow larger in size before they are transferred outside. Larger fish are less likely to be killed by predators such as hawks and owls and are less likely to die from diseases or sudden temperature changes.</p> <p>Carpenter’s Brook Hatchery is owned and administered by Onondaga County. It is one of only four county-owned and administered fish hatcheries in the state. The hatchery was originally developed and operated as a joint venture between Onondaga County and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service under a Works Project Administration Grant.</p> <p>Staff and volunteers take great pride in stocking more than 100 miles of streams and 10,000 acres of impoundments. These efforts are necessary to serve the region with the state's largest per capita fish license sales and contribute significantly to local fishing-oriented retail sales of $4 million/year.</p> <p>The Friends of Carpenter’s Brook Fish Hatchery is a Not-for-Profit organization that supports the hatchery and its many programs. Since its inception in 1994, the Friends have undertaken a number of projects to enhance staff development, increase educational and recreational opportunities for hatchery visitors, and improve fish rearing capabilities. Some of their many accomplishments include the Brookside Picnic Shelter, purchase of 75 acres of land for the Hatchery, construction of the Time Out to Fish Pond, installation of a disabled access playground, and installation of a backup generator for Hatchery systems.</p> <p>The public is encouraged to visit the hatchery and the fish in their new rearing tanks. Located at 1672 Route 321, Elbridge, the hatchery is free for all visitors and open daily from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Oct. 1- April 15.</p> <p>Beginning April 16, the facility is open daily from 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. through Oct. 31.</p> View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

Anglers report that on Cayuga Lake, with the lake's low water, there is still no salmon or brown trout activity to report in the tributaries. CNY FISHING FORECAST All persons aboard a pleasure vessel (boat, canoe, kayak) less than 21 feet long, regardless of age, must wear a personal flotation device from now until May 1. Bait stores (list and map). SALMON RIVER Both the lower and upper fly fishing sections are open. Steelhead fishing has been very good throughout the river. With the colder nights we have been experiencing the fish have been lethargic in the morning and become more aggressive as temperatures rise later in the day. Some nice brown trout are also being caught as well. Good baits are egg imitating flies and plastics, and streamers such as egg sucking leeches and stonefly patterns in sizes 4-6. OSWEGO RIVER There are good numbers of steelhead in the river right now along with a few brown trout. The salmon run is over. Good baits have been egg sacs, beads, and egg imitating flies.The bridge to Leto Island is closed, and there are mandatory personal flotation device zones on the Oswego River below the Varick Dam. ONEIDA LAKE Yellow perch fishing has improved in 30 feet of water with worms and fathead minnows working. The walleye appear to have moved into deeper water, but action continues to be fairly slow. Large numbers of young gizzard shad in the lake have kept the walleye well fed and may account for the mediocre fishing. Casting black and silver or blue and silver stickbaits usually works well for walleye. Try fishing in Big Bay, off Cleveland and near buoys 113 and 115. CAYUGA LAKE With the low water, there is still no salmon or brown trout activity to report in the tributaries. SENECA LAKE Yellow perch are being caught on the south end off the pier, near the salt plant, and in the vicinity of Severne Point. Northern pike fishing has been good on the south end. Try large minnows fished under a bobber. There were very few reports from trout anglers but jigging for lake trout should be good near points. OWASCO LAKE Panfishing continues to be good around the lake. Use worms and fathead minnows. Vertical jigging with plastics in 75 to 110 feet on the north end is still producing lake trout. OTISCO LAKE No new information to report. SKANEATELES LAKE Lake trout are moving near the points now and are biting well. Smallmouth bass action has been good using jig and worm combinations. Shore fishing for rainbows has been quite slow, which is also true for landlocked salmon. The low flows in the tributaries may not be encouraging the fish to move nearshore as usually happens this time of year. SODUS BAY Yellow perch are being caught in 20 feet off points on jigs tipped with spikes. ST. LAWRENCE RIVER Nothing new to report. Muskie anglers are out there giving it their best. No reports of noteworthy catches yet. WHITNEY POINT RESERVOIR The reservoir has returned to normal levels after being drawn for maintenance. Launching boats is no longer a problem. Because of the interruption there hasn’t been much in the way of fishing reports. However, due to the time of the year, walleye fishing should be good using stickbaits such as Rapalas, and also by jigging. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

"I was hanging out with the owner, Gene Tarolli, and thought to take the picture for my downstate friends. Figured it would get their attention." Submitted photoCunningham with the "caught" buck. Insuranceman Dan Cunningham, of Onondaga Hill, write me this week about an 8-point deer he "caught" in the parking lot of his employer. "We’re off W. Genesee Street, near the Town of Camillus," he wrote. Cunningham added: I called the town of Camillus. "The Tarolli lwfirm actually owns the building. "I was hanging out with the owner, Gene Tarolli, and thought to take the picture for my downstate friends. Figured it would get their attention. Town, to their credit, picked it up within a few hours. "Don’t know what happened with the driver who hit it." View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

Hunters should be aware of several important programs and recent changes as they prepare for the 2012 regular hunting season. Among the changes: Cayuga County is now a rifle zone. The following is a DEC news release: The 2012 regular deer and bear hunting seasons open at sunrise on Saturday, Nov. 17, in New York’s Southern Zone, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Joe Martens today announced. The big game season closes at sunset on Sunday, Dec. 9. “Hunting is the most effective and efficient tool to maintain wildlife populations at levels that are compatible with our communities and natural resources,” said Commissioner Martens. “With an exceptionally mild winter and strong deer and bear populations throughout the state, hunters have good prospects for a successful season.” The Southern Zone Regular Deer Season is New York’s most popular hunting season, with participation from approximately 85 percent of New York’s 550,000 licensed deer hunters. Harvest during this season accounts for nearly 60 percent of the total statewide deer harvest. The remainder occurs in the Northern Zone, on Long Island, and during special seasons when only archery or muzzleloading firearms may be used. With an earlier start to the bow season in the Southern Zone and a special Youth Firearms Deer Hunt over Columbus Day Weekend, some deer hunters have already enjoyed a fruitful season. Likewise, black bear hunters have begun the year with harvests during bow season in the Southern Zone comparable to 2011. However, with scarce apples and little acorn or beech nut production this year, bears may den early, particularly if we get snow in November. Following the regular deer and bear seasons in the Southern Zone, late bowhunting and muzzleloading seasons will open at sunrise on Dec. 10 and close at sunset on Dec. 18. Hunters taking part in these special seasons must possess either bowhunting or muzzleloading privileges. In the Northern Zone, the regular deer and bear hunting season opened Oct. 20 and will close at sunset on Dec. 2. This zone generally includes the Adirondacks, Tug Hill Plateau, Eastern Lake Ontario Plain and the Champlain and St. Lawrence Valleys. A late archery and muzzleloading season for deer will be open in portions of the Northern Zone from Dec. 3 to Dec. 9. Hunters should be aware of several important programs and recent changes as they prepare for the 2012 regular hunting season. - New CWD Rules Prohibit Importation of Whole Deer Carcasses from Pennsylvania: With the discovery of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in a captive white-tailed deer in Pennsylvania, DEC has issued an emergency rule to restrict importation of wild deer carcasses and parts from Pennsylvania. This rule is intended to protect New York’s deer from newly identified potential sources of CWD. See “CWD Regulations for Hunters” on the DEC website for more information. - Rifles authorized for Cayuga County: New legislation now allows use of rifles for big game hunting in Cayuga County. See “Rifle, Shotgun, and Bow Areas” on the DEC website for other areas where rifles can be used. - Mandatory Antler Restrictions: Mandatory antler restrictions (bucks must have at least 3 points on one side) are now in effect in WMUs 3A, 4G, 4O, 4P, 4R, 4S, and 4W during all seasons for all hunters 17 years and older. Mandatory antler restrictions also remain in effect in WMUs 3C, 3H, 3J, and 3K. For hunters not in the mandatory AR area, consider voluntary protection of young bucks. With such a mild winter this past year, we expect over-winter fawn survival was exceptionally strong and anticipate that hunters may see more yearling (1.5 years old) bucks afield this fall. Through most of New York, hunters can take a buck of any age, but an increasing number of hunters are voluntarily choosing not to take young, small-antlered bucks. We encourage hunters who are interested in seeing and taking older, larger bucks to consider working with local hunting clubs and neighboring landowners to cooperatively and voluntarily reduce their harvest of young bucks. See the DEC website for more. - Bear Hunting Areas: Beginning in 2011, bear hunting was expanded to include portions of eastern New York from Westchester to Washington County. See the DEC website for more bear hunting areas. - Crossbows: Crossbows may be used during the regular deer and bear hunting seasons and during the late muzzleloading seasons. See the DEC website on the rules for hunting with a crossbow and to download the required Certificate of Qualification. - Junior Hunters: Junior Hunters (14 and 15 years old) can hunt deer and bear with a firearm when appropriately accompanied by an experienced adult. See the Junior Hunter Mentoring webpage for program requirements and to download the Mentored Youth Hunter Permission Form. - Harvest Reporting: Hunters are required to report their harvest of deer and bear within 7 days. Failure to report harvested deer or bear is a violation of NYS Environmental Conservation Law. Hunters may report via our online reporting system or by calling the toll-free automated reporting system at 1-866-GAME-RPT (1-866-426-3778). - Black Bear Tooth Collection: Successful bear hunters are asked to submit a tooth of their bear so DEC can age the bear and monitor bear population dynamics. See the DEC website for instructions. - Venison Donation: Hunters are encouraged to participate in the Venison Donation program . By filling your permits and donating your deer, you help accomplish the needed deer management and you can feed less fortunate families. Although safety-conscious hunters have significantly reduced the number of firearms-related injuries, studies show that individuals wearing hunter orange clothing are seven times less likely to be injured than hunters who do not wear the bright fluorescent color. Hunters are encouraged to review hunting safety tips and pay careful attention to basic firearm safety rules that can prevent hunting-related shooting incidents · Point your gun in a safe direction. · Treat every gun as if it were loaded. · Be sure of your target and beyond. · Keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot. · Remember to wear Hunter Orange. <p>Hunters interested in getting the most up-to-date information about deer and bear management in New York are invited to join an e-mail list . The latest updates on New York’s fish and wildlife can also be sent directly to those who subscribe to <a href="http://www.dec.ny.gov/about/63801.html">Field Notes View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

He shot it in LaFayette. Submitted photo Antonio Pizzuto, of LaFayette poses with a 9-point buck he shot with his bow in Lafayette on Nov. 10. Nice deer, Antonio! View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

He was fly fishing with his dad at the time. Submitted photo Matt Carlin, 13, of Dewitt, hold up a nice steelhead he caught while fly fishing with his dad recently on the Salmon River. His father, Rob Carlin, wrote: "He is a fishing fanatic, and out-fished me that day! (4 fish to 3). This was from about 10 days ago. All steelies were released unharmed, and Matt practices strict catch and release. "That is something I'm proud of!" View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

He was using a marshmallow/worm rig. This big male had a small hook with an egg sack in its belly from another angler. Submitted photoKevin Bohemier, of Baldwinsville, holds up an impressive, 25-plus inch rainbow trout he recently caught from shore at Lourdes Camp on Skaneateles Lake. He wrote: "I was fishing with Dad on Veteran's Day. I caught this beauty at about 7 a.m. on a worm/ marshmallow rig, "It's my biggest one yet. This big male had a small hook with an egg sack in its belly from another angler. "The week before, I caught 22-inch and 23-inch rainbows, both females. "I will never forget this fishing trip that I spent with my father. If his gout wasn't bothering him that day he would have been in the picture, not me." . View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

<p> I'm looking for someone who would be a good candidate for The Post-Standard's Hero of Conservation Award? Send your nomination by email to [email protected]. </p> <div id="asset-11743123" class="entry_widget_large entry_widget_right"><span class="adv-photo-large"><img height="288" width="380" src="http://media.syracuse.com/outdoors/photo/11743123-large.jpg" class="adv-photo" alt="2009-10-04-Deer2-nl.JPG" /><span class="photo-data"><span class="byline">Nick Lisi/The Post-Standard</span><span class="caption"></span></span><span class="photo-bottom-left"><!-- IE6 HACK --></span><span class="photo-bottom-right"><!-- IE6 HACK --></span></span></div> The opening day of the deer hunting season for firearms is Saturday in the Southern Zone. Steelhead fishing on the Salmon River and elsewhere is kicking into gear. Duck hunting is underway. <p>Bottom line: It's the height of the hunting season in Central New York, an area where there's more hunting and fishing licences per capita than any other place in the state..</p> <p>Here's what's on tap for this week's Outdoors pages:</p> <p><strong>FRIDAY</strong>:<br /><strong>Main story:</strong> So, what's all the fuss about "the rut" (the breeding time for deer) during the hunting season, and where is it right now for Central New York's herd? We ask bow hunters who've been out there for weeks and other sources. <em>(I could use some help on this one. If you're a bowhunter and have been out -- particularly this week -- drop me a note on your observations.)</em></p> <p><strong>Column:</strong> So, you've shot a deer.. what are your options.. taxidermist? Donate the venison? Donate the hide... or keep it your self.</p> <p><strong>SUNDAY:<br />Main story:</strong> We go out a new $4.25 million, 70-foot research boat owned by the USGS Survey office in Oswego as it stocks a baitfish (deepwater cisco) that state and federal officials are trying to reintroduce into Lake Ontario. The story is more, though, about this new boat and all its capabilities and how it's going to be used to improve the fishery on the lake.</p> <p><strong>Column:</strong> So, what's the status on the numbers of environmental conservation officers in the state.There hasn't been a class to bring in new officers into the fold since 2008... anything happening soon? Plus, hopefully an update on that wild boar that was shot by police recently by Utica Police... was it one that came from our area?</p> <p>Also, If space allows -- another "Tales from the Woods" story for a reader.</p> <p><strong>In coming weeks, I'd like to write about the following outdoors activities. If you know someone who does these activities, contact me ASAP:</strong></p> <p>-- Anyone who has arrowed or shot a wild boar this hunting season.</p> <p>-- Someone who still has a license to fish commercially for perch in Lake Ontario with gill nets.</p> <p>-- Someone who's willing to talk about the history and current situation concerning the floating duck blinds at the end of Cayuga Lake that are put out every year.</p> <p>- Someone who hunts rabbits and squirrels with the aid of falcons or hawks. (Actually, if you hunt squirrels or rabbits with a firearm I'd like to hear from you.)</p> <p>- Anyone who would make a good candidate for The Post-Standard's Heroes of Conservation Award. Questions? <a href="http://blog.syracuse.com/outdoors/2012/10/wanted_cny_heroes_of_conservat.html">See the previous story I wrote about this</a>.</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> View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

Just what are you bowhunters seeing out there this week.. particularly in regard to the rut? Send your insights and comments to me at [email protected], or call 470-6066. The rut.? What is it and why does it matter to deer hunters? I can talk to the DEC wildlife biologists, but I'd like to hear directly from the bow hunters across CNY to get some perspective on what Southern Zone gun hunters should expect to find on opening day this weekend. Send your insights and comments to me at [email protected], or call 470-6066. I'll share all the input with readers of this blog. Thanks. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

It was a 9-pointer. Submitted photoJared Jillson, 15, poses with his nice, 9-point buck he shot during the past Columbus Day weekend youth deer hunt. His uncle, Marv Jillson, wrote: "This is my nephew Jared Jillson (15) with his FIRST buck ,a fine 9 pt. (almost a 10) taken with a Remington 30.06. "Jared and his dad , Phil , woke up to a heavy rain on the first morning of the youth hunt. Jared was disappointed as his dad recommended they go back to bed as it was going to clear up that afternoon. "They arrived at their stand around 1:30 that afternoon , Jared was advised not to shoot the first buck he saw. After watching 10 or 11 does and a small six point for a couple hours , this big boy stepped out and remained about 100 yards away, Jared was able to get ‘er done from there. "Buck was taken in Madison County near Eaton." View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

<p> "I first saw her a few days prior to this picture, at that time her foot was still attached, mostly by skin. It flapped as she ran," he said. </p> <div id="asset-11859869" class="entry_widget_large entry_widget_right"><span class="adv-photo-large"><img height="285" width="380" src="http://media.syracuse.com/outdoors/photo/11859869-large.jpg" class="adv-photo" alt="three-leggeddeer.jpg" /><span class="photo-data"><span class="byline">Submitted photo</span><span class="caption"></span></span><span class="photo-bottom-left"><!-- IE6 HACK --></span><span class="photo-bottom-right"><!-- IE6 HACK --></span></span></div> <p>Last week I wrote about Sue Lado and her husband, Jason, observing a three-legged deer for the past four years by their home on the Seneca River. <a href="http://blog.syracuse.com/outdoors/2012/11/three-legged_deer.html">Read that story.</a></p> <p>Mark Feinberg, of Pompey, sent in this photo and the following note:</p> <p>"My contribution from February 2011. I first saw her a few days prior to this picture, at that time her foot was still attached, mostly by skin. It flapped as she ran. She appeared through the rest of the winter."</p> View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog