HuntingNY-News

Steelhead and brown trout fishing is beginning to pick up in the lower Salmon River. CNY FISHING FORECAST Just another reminder that the new fishing license year started Oct. 1. There are also some new regulations that have kicked in. For more, see the DEC’s 2012-13 Freshwater Fishing Guide. Bait stores (list and map). LAKE ONTARIO The lake fishing is pretty much over for the year. SALMON RIVER There are good numbers of salmon spawning throughout the river. Good baits are egg-imitating flies and plastics, and streamers such as egg-sucking leeches. Steelhead and brown trout fishing is beginning to improve in the lower river, as these fish enter to feed on the abundant salmon eggs. Good baits are egg sacs and egg imitating flies and plastics. The lower fly fishing section is closed until next Wednesday. The upper fly section is open. OSWEGO RIVER There are still good numbers of salmon throughout the river, along with a few brown trout and steelhead. Remember that the bridge to Leto Island is closed, and there are new Mandatory Personal Flotation Device Zones on the river below Varick Dam. ONEIDA LAKE Anglers fishing from shore at night continue to pick up walleye, but the large number of gizzard shad in the lake this year has had a negative effect on number being caught. Anglers are catching them on stickbaits, such as the Challenger Junior Minnow and Storm Junior ThunderStick. Lots of small perch are still being taken with fathead minnows along weed lines, and a few larger ones as well. CAYUGA LAKE Little to report. No word on the tributary fishing for brown trout or Atlantic salmon. SENECA LAKE Yellow perch are being caught on the south end off the pier and by the salt plant. Smallmouth bass are also being caught off the pier. OWASCO LAKE Panfishing has been good around the lake with worms, fathead minnows and if you can find them, spikes working well. Vertical jigging with plastics in 75 to 110 feet of water had been producing lake trout on the north end but no word if that bite was still going on. OTISCO LAKE No new fishing information. The current lake level has made launching larger boats tricky for some anglers. SKANEATELES LAKE Bass fishing has picked up again along the shore with minnows, tube jigs and drop-shot rigs working. Anglers are also beginning to get a few rainbows from shore on marshmallow and worm rigs. Yellow perch fishing is also starting to pick up on the lake. SODUS BAY Yellow perch are being caught in deep water, 25 to 30 feet on small minnows. The low water is making launching boats difficult for some. ST. LAWRENCE RIVER Nothing new to report. Many anglers have been targeting muskies lately. WHITNEY POINT RESERVOIR The crappie bite has picked up lately. Some have been reported in the 12-15 inch range. Use fathead minnows and jigs. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

I'm looking for photos of recent youth hunts for waterfowl. Send pics no later than noon Friday to [email protected]. I need the names and hometowns of everyone in the photos, plus a daytime phone number to call for further information. Jim Evans, of Baldwinsville, holds up a 18-inch walleye he caught recently on Oneida Lake while fishing from a dock in Billington's Bay, near Bridgeport Submitted photo Here's what's on tap for this week in The Post-Standard. FRIDAY: Main piece: Tis the time of year to cast from shore on Oneida Lake for walleyes. This is when they're in close to shore feeding off baitfish -- particularly gizzard shad. There's no rub this year. There seems to be a higher than normal amount of gizzard shad this year and the abundance of food has made catching walleyes more difficult than normal. Column: Update on Salmon River salmon egg collection process which began Oct. 8. A list of meat processes cooperating with the Venison Coalition, group. If you shoot a deer and don't want the meat, these places will make sure it gets donated to local food pantries. SUNDAY: Update on the duck hunting season, which on Saturday opens in the Western Zone. Wildlife biologists note there's more than enough ducks these days -- in fact more than they'd prefer. ((I'd like to hear from hunters who've been out hunting in the other zones so far this year.. what are you seeing out there? Call me no later than noon Friday at 470-6066, or email me at [email protected]. If you have any pics, please send them.. Thanks)) Column: Still mulling my options. Considering writing about SUNY ESF dinner Thursday night honoring Jody and Doreen Garrett, who manage a private preserve in Chaumont. They will receive the Feinstone Award. According to a news release: "The Garretts are true outdoor enthusiasts as they incorporate environmental conservation into their personal and professional lives." Who is this couple? In coming weeks, I'd like to write about the following outdoors activities. If you know someone who does these activities, contact me ASAP: -- Anyone who has arrowed a wild boar this hunting season. -- Someone who still has a license to fish commercially for perch in Lake Ontario with gill nets. -- 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. - Someone who hunts rabbits and squirrels with the aid of falcons or hawks. - Anyone who would make a good candidate for The Post-Standard's Heroes of Conservation Award. Questions? See the previous story I wrote about this. ANYTHING ELSE READERS OF THIS REPORT WOULD LIKE TO SEE ME WRITE ABOUT? The effectiveness of this report is two-fold. First it lets readers know what's coming up story-wise. It also allows readers a chance to affect coverage and provide sources for upcoming stories. Bottom line: Keep in touch and give input. You could make a difference as to what appears week to week on the outdoors page! Email me at [email protected] or call 470-6066. If you want to join The Post-Standard's Outdoors Group and get this emailed directly to you, subscribe here.. FIGURA ON FACEBOOK: For those who are on Facebook, I also have a PS Outdoors page, which I check several times daily for feedback and story ideas. I also post personal fishing and hunting and other outdoors-related photos from time to time and I ask members to do the same. When you join, please be sure and hit the "like" button. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

Dr. Andrew Kozlowski and his colleagues have been studying the region in an attempt to piece together its icy geological history. The following is a press release: The Montezuma Audubon Center is proud to welcome Dr. Andrew Kozlowski, associate NY State geologist, at 2 p.m. Oct. 27 for a presentation about his current research in the Montezuma Wetlands Complex and the Finger Lakes. Dr. Kozlowski and his colleagues have been studying the region in an attempt to piece together its icy geological history. An optional hike around Montezuma’s glacial features will follow the lecture. Fee: $3/child, $5/adult, $15/family, FREE for Friends of the Montezuma Wetlands Complex. Space is limited. Registration required. To register or for more information about the Montezuma Audubon Center, please call 315-365-3588 or email [email protected]. Montezuma Audubon Center is located at 2295 State Route 89 in Savannah. , View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

She and her dog, Braylee, helped recover a 4-point buck near Chittenango Falls. Submitted photo Paulene Eggers, the Deer Search lady, poses with a 4-point buck she and dog, Braylee, helped recover that was initially shot by Jeff Hurd of Camillus. Hurd shot the deer in Madison County by Chittenango Falls. He couldn't find the deer so he called the Deer Search hotline and Eggers responded. It took her and Braylee about 45 minutes to find the buck. Here's her account of the find: "On this track, I learned to NOT direct your dog away from their original course. The hunter stated to me he had a 10 yard shot thu the mid section while on the ground. "At the hit site there was the broken broadhead end of the arrow on the ground with some hair nearby in a large field of very tall goldenrod. "Braylee proceeded to plod thru the field cutting through a thick hedgerow going into another field of tall goldenrod. The hunter stated to me that the deer went that way pointing in a different direction and I replied that we could check that area after I let Braylee go her way. "Braylee went into a half circle and came to another hedgerow where I saw an arrow....I stated "there is someones arrow" and the hunter exclaimed "That's my arrow"! I looked at the arrow realizing it was the fletching half of the broken arrow. "Braylee proceeded to go downhill now and I urged her to "come check over here" and she detoured going uphill now at my request. We went around in a circle until I realized she came back to the exact same spot where we just found the fletching half of arrow, feeling foolish now; I allowed her to go the exact same way she wanted to go just ten minutes earlier. Only 15-20 yards away Braylee found the buck! "I am still learning about tracking and I certainly learned to not direct your dog away from their intended course!! The track would have been just 30 minutes if I had allowed her to just go the way she wanted to!" For more on CNY Deer Search and its hotline number, see the group's website. Read my previous story on this. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

David Lemon, the DEC's regional fisheries manager for Region 7, said there's reports of "tens of thousands" of this dead baitfish in one particular area. DEC photo David Lemon, the DEC's regional fisheries manager for Region 7, said this afternoon that there's a fish kill involving "tens of thousands" of gizzard shad on the shore of Oneida Lake in Bridgeport. He said they are extremely abundant in the lake this year. He said great numbers of young gizzard shad, measuring about 1 1/2 to 2 inches in length, have crowded into at least two marinas. In one of them, they have balled up in a partially enclosed area. Most of the dead fish are reportedly from this one particular area where they just don't seem to be finding the way out -- and as a result have depleted the oxygen content in the water, Lemon said. Gizzard shad grow up to 10 to 14 inches long as adults. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

<p> “Fall is here and deer are highly active and on the move, so wear your seatbelts, slow down and drive cautiously,” said Thruway Authority Executive Director Thomas J. Madison. </p> <div id="asset-11741610" class="entry_widget_large entry_widget_right"><span class="adv-photo-large"><img height="574" width="380" src="http://media.syracuse.com/outdoors/photo/11741610-large.jpg" class="adv-photo" alt="0813 deer.JPG" /><span class="photo-data"><span class="caption"></span></span><span class="photo-bottom-left"><!-- IE6 HACK --></span><span class="photo-bottom-right"><!-- IE6 HACK --></span></span></div> <p><strong>The following is a press release:</strong></p> <p>The New York State Thruway Authority and New York State Troop T are reminding motorists of the danger of deer season with their annual “Antler Alert.”</p> <p>Most deer-vehicle collisions occur from October through December according to the Thruway Authority and the State Police Troop T. </p> <p>“Fall is here and deer are highly active and on the move, so wear your seatbelts, slow down and drive cautiously,” said Thruway Authority Executive Director Thomas J. Madison. “Scan the roadway, keep an eye on the shoulders and remain attentive for deer on or approaching the highway. Deer are unpredictable, and by obeying the speed limit and avoiding distractions, motorists can greatly reduce the chances of a vehicle-deer accident.” </p> <p>“The safety of every motorist is our top priority,” said State Police Troop Sgt. Thomas Ferritto. “Be aware of your surroundings on the highway. Take the extra step by keeping free of distractions. Vehicle-deer accidents can cause serious injury, so it is essential that drivers be on the look-out for deer.”</p> <p>Although the Thruway Authority maintains an excellent safety record and uses deer crossing signs at locations with a higher-than- average history of vehicle-deer collisions, more than 2,200 of these incidents occurred along the Thruway in 2011. </p> <p>The Thruway Authority offers these tips for motorists:</p> <p>- Deer are more active during evening, dusk and dawn. <br />- Scan shoulders of the roadside for deer eyes reflecting light. <br />- Using high beams and sounding horn may help to repel deer, but won’t necessarily prevent a collision. <br />- Slow down when approaching deer standing at the roadside, as they may run into oncoming traffic. <br />- Always wear your seatbelt. <br />- Deer often move in groups. Where there’s one, there may be more. <br />- If you see a deer, brake firmly. The most serious vehicle-deer accidents occur when drivers veer at high speeds, and strike another vehicle or go off the road. <br />- Never swerve to avoid hitting a deer. This can confuse deer and possibly cause them to go into the roadway. <br />- If you are involved in a vehicle-deer collision, do not attempt to approach or touch the deer.</p> <p>If a vehicle-deer accident occurs, motorists should make every attempt to drive their vehicle as far off the highway as possible, park on the right shoulder, activate their four-way hazard flashers, and stay in the vehicle and wait until help arrives.</p> <p>Motorists traveling on the Thruway can report an accident by calling 911 or the Thruway Authority’s emergency number at 1-800-842-2233.</p> <p> </p> View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

You will discover just what waterfowl need to survive and how the refuge gives them what they want. Mike Greenlar/The Post-Standard The following is a press release from the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge: Explore the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge beginning at 1:30 p.m. Oct. 28 with roving naturalist, Neil Foley, to spot the ducks and geese that stop there on their journeys south. You will discover just what waterfowl need to survive and how the refuge gives them what they want. Meet our Naturalist at the Refuge’s Visitor Center, 3395 U.S. Route 20 East, Seneca Falls, NY 13148, at 1:30 PM on Sunday, October 28. Travel by foot and by caravan in your own cars, following Naturalist Foley to the day’s waterfowl hot spots! As you marvel at the beauty of the refuge’s autumn scenery, you will learn what good duck habitat is, what these birds eat, and just who is on the refuge this time of year. This program will go on rain or shine. Bring your binoculars if you have them, or borrow a pair of ours! This program has been developed for all ages. For more information, call the refuge office at 315-568-5987, or email [email protected]. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

It weighed 34 pounds. Submitted photo Cody McDougall, 13, of Fulton, holds up an impressive, 41-inch, chinook salmon he caught recently on the Salmon River. His grandmother, Florence McDougall, who sent in the photo, said the fish weighed 34 pounds. "It put up a good fight," she said. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

The Between Rivers UMP consists of 9,174 acres of forest land located in the eastern portion of Chenango County in the towns of Columbus, Guilford, New Berlin, North Norwich, Oxford and Sherburne. Hunters to mountain bikers would be affected by this plan. The following is a DEC press release: Public comments are being accepted on the draft Between Rivers Unit Management Plan (UMP) through DEC. 15, and a public meeting will be held at 7 p.m. Nov. 7 at the Unadilla Valley High School auditorium, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced today. The school is located at 4238 NYS Route 8, New Berlin, approximately four miles south of the village of New Berlin. The school and the auditorium are accessible sites. “DEC recognizes the importance of the public participating in the UMP process and is asking for comments and ideas on the draft plan,” DEC Regional Director Ken Lynch said. “Community-based forestry is a participatory approach to forest management that seeks to strengthen the relationship between local residents and nearby forest resources. The Draft Plan proposes to advance community-based forestry through public programs, increased participation in DEC’s Adopt-A-Natural Resource program and maintaining a dialogue with local governments about State Forest management.” The Between Rivers UMP consists of 9,174 acres of forest land located in the eastern portion of Chenango County in the towns of Columbus, Guilford, New Berlin, North Norwich, Oxford and Sherburne. State forests included in the Unit are South Hill, Basswood, Wiley Brook, Skinner Hill, Ambler, Lyon Brook, Whaupaunaucau, Pine Ridge and Hunts Pond. Various public use and recreational opportunities are proposed in the Draft Plan. A parking area and informational kiosks will be maintained at one location on each of the state forests in the Unit. Two new accessible trails are proposed to be developed, a 0.25 mile trail at Hunts Pond State Forest and a 0.33 mile trail at Wiley Brook State Forest. These trails will offer access to prime hunting areas on the state forests. Other suggestions in the draft plan include: an additional 0 .5 miles of snowmobile trail on Wiley Brook State Forest; establishing a non-motorized recreational trial on South Hill State Forest, contingent on maintenance through the Adopt-A-Natural Resources program; the creation of a new lean-to for Wiley Brook State Forest; and the use of mountain bikes on the Whaupaunaucau State Forest trail system. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

He replaced Capt. Woody Erickson, who retired this summer. Capt. Matt RevenaughCentral New York has a new top cop in the regional state Department of Environmental Conservation office. Capt. Matt Revenaugh, 34, took over recently as head of the DEC’s environmental conservation officers staff for Region 7. He works out of the DEC’s Syracuse office and oversees five lieutenants, an investigator, and 23 environmental conservation officers. He replaced Capt. Woody Erickson, who retired this summer. Originally from the Utica area (Whitesboro), Revenaugh graduated from SUNY ESF in 1999 with a dual major in forest resource management and environmental forest biology. He initially worked as an environmental conservation officer in Rockland, Herkimer and Jefferson counties. In 2005, he was promoted to lieutenant, supervising the officers assigned to St. Lawrence County. He was in St. Lawrence County until his promotion last month. In addition to his supervisory responsibilities, Revenaugh is also a Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) firearms instructor and police instructor, teaching a variety of topics, often through the DEC’s training center, in Pulaski. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

The money was raised from federal excise taxes on hunting equipment, such as firearms and ammunition. This is a good example of hunters seeing a return on their money, said one Michael Wasilko, regional wildlife biologist for the DEC's Region 8. “ Whether you’re a birder or a hunter, access to land where you can enjoy your passion is everything. That’s why completion earlier this month of a new, 110-foot-long wooden bridge over the Seneca River on the western side of Howland’s Island at the end of Carncross Road is a big deal. The $400,000 project will open substantially open up the state-owned, 3,500-acres in the town of Montezuma to outdoors enthusiasts of all types. “One of the things to point out is that this project was paid for with federal money that came to the state as a result of the Pittman-Robertson Act,” said Michael Wasilco, regional wildlife biologist for Region 8 of the state Department of Environmental Conservation. “The money was raised from federal excise taxes on hunting equipment, such as firearms and ammunition. This is a good example of hunters seeing a return on their money.” Previously, the only access to Howland’s Island was from a big, iron, railroad bridge on the eastern side the island that spanned the Erie Canal, along with a crossing at the end Carncross Road that was closed to the public and occasionally got flooded out. Outdoors enthusiasts of all types parked their cars along the road on either side and either walk on to the island , or used mountain bikes or horses to get access. With the new bridge, Wasilco said, individuals can drive their cars or trucks directly on to the island about three-quarters of a mile and park in a lot that fits 30 or more vehicles. From there, they will have closer access to a variety of trails that course through the island. The island is significant part of the Montezuma Wetlands Complex, which includes the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge and the Northern Montezuma Wildlife Management Area. Frank Moses, director of the Montezuma Audubon Center in Savannah, said Howland’s Island is “definitely one of the hot spots for birding in the whole Montezuma Wetlands Complex.” He explained it has a diversity of habitat such as large trees with significant canopy, wetlands, ponds and flowing water on either side. “It’s a great breeding spot for song birds — particularly cerulean warblers. The island is great for wading birds, such as egrets and bitterns. And of course, you have all the ducks and other waterfowl migrating through each year,” he said. Wasilco said the island is a magnet for local deer, squirrel and waterfowl hunters. “Previously, duck hunters have had to carry in their decoys and canoes to get to their spots,” said Sarah Fleming, a regional biologist with Ducks Unlimited. "This will provide undoubtedly provide more access for all of that.” View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

An exhibition on Theodore Roosevelt at the American Museum of Natural History will display at least five animals that he personally shot. View the full article

<p> These animals as adults are twice the size of your average domestic cat and both sexes can exceed 30 pounds in weight. The p </p> <p><strong>The following is a DEC press release:</strong></p> <p>After carefully considering more than 1,600 public comments and analyzing all information on New York’s current bobcat population, the state Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) adopted a five-year bobcat management plan to maintain and enhance bobcat populations in New York state while providing for sustainable use and public enjoyment of the animal, DEC Commissioner Joe Martens announced today.</p> <p>The final plan, which is significantly revised from the draft plan, is now available on the DEC website at: http://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/9360.html.</p> <p> <br />“The bobcat population has increased over the past several decades throughout upstate New York,” said Commissioner Martens. “DEC’s new bobcat management plan provides for the continued well-being of this unique species as well as opportunities for its use and enjoyment. I would like to thank members of the public and our stakeholder groups for taking the time to submit comments which resulted in DEC issuing a much improved management plan.”</p> <p>Observation reports and analysis of harvest data have made it clear that bobcats have increased in abundance over the past several decades throughout upstate New York, although they are rarely seen in the wild due to their secretive behavior. DEC estimates New York’s bobcat population to be approximately 5,000 animals and growing, even in areas where regulated hunting and trapping seasons have been in place since the 1970s.</p> <p>In accordance with the management plan, DEC will propose in regulations simplifying hunting and trapping season dates by establishing dates that are consistent throughout much of the state. The plan also establishes new hunting and trapping opportunities in several wildlife management units across the Southern Tier. Hunting and trapping season changes in the plan will not take effect prior to fall 2013, as a rule-making process is necessary to implement such changes.</p> <p>While hunters and trappers are the most common users of the bobcat resource, wildlife enthusiasts, nature photographers and the public also benefit from a healthy bobcat population.</p> <p>Public comments on the draft bobcat management plan were carefully reviewed by DEC, and based on the input received, DEC made extensive revisions to the plan, including:<br />· adding a more clear explanation of how DEC estimates population size, predicted harvest increases and impacts of additional harvest on population growth;<br />· clarifying that there is no intent to reduce bobcat populations anywhere in the state; <br />· reducing the emphasis on negative human-bobcat interactions because they are not a major concern or motivation for actions proposed in the plan;<br />· recognizing the public interest in restoring bobcats to Long Island and willingness to cooperate with feasibility studies.<br /> <br />The bobcat management plan and a summary of responses to public comments are available on<a href="http://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/9360.html."> the DEC's website</a>. <br /></p> View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

“Having the dog work the fields and flushing birds, it’s a rush unlike any in hunting,” one hunter said. Watch video Tom Fernandez remembers hunting pheasant for the first time several years ago in South Dakota with his girlfriend’s father. “It was on that trip that I cut my teeth on pheasant hunting and I haven’t turned around since,” he said. That trip had another memorable moment. “I also asked him if it was OK to marry his daughter,” he said. “He said yes and I asked Alison that Thanksgiving — and she accepted.” Fernandez, who today is vice president of the Central New York Chapter of Pheasants Forever, is among those planning to hunt this weekend in the pheasant season opener in the Southern and Northwestern zones. While his first exposure to the sport had a romantic angle, his continued love for pheasant hunting gravitates more toward his relationship with his dog, Purgatory, a lab/springer mix. “Having the dog work the fields and flushing birds, it’s a rush unlike any in hunting,” the Syracuse resident said. Pheasants, originally from China, must be stocked each year because so few make it through the winter as a result of declining habitat and the growing numbers of predators, such as coyotes and hawks. In most of the state, it’s the state Department of Environmental Conservation that raises and stocks the birds, with the help of volunteers at the Reynolds Game Farm, just outside of Ithaca. In Onondaga County, day-old chicks are secured from Reynolds and transported to a pheasant rearing facility at the Jamesville Correctional Facility. There, they’re raised to adulthood and stocked in the fall throughout the county by volunteers. Ed Pugliese, of Manlius, oversees the Jamesville program. He said the last of nearly 3,000 adult birds were distributed throughout the county this week — all on land open to public hunting. Chuck Thousand, 62, of Sandy Creek, plans to be out this weekend hunting birds with Adi, his 2-year-old golden retriever. “Pheasants are beautiful birds. And when you’re out there working your dog on a sunny day, with all the fall colors — there’s no greater experience,” he said. The added extra is pheasant meat is delicious. Chris Yard, of Fabius, said he either grills the meat or fries it in a pan with bacon. “There’s a thousand different ways to do it,” he said. Know the law Pheasant hunting in the Southern and Northwestern zones open Saturday morning and the season lasts until Feb. 28. The daily bag limit is two birds. Where to hunt The state Department of Environmental Conservation lists stocking locations across the state on its website, www.dec.ny.gov. There is no such list for Onondaga County. To get in touch with the local pheasant scene, join a rod and gun club that helps stock the birds, or join the Central New York Chapter of Pheasants Forever. See cny.pheasantsforever.org. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

<p>CNY FISHING FORECAST Just another reminder that the new fishing license year started Oct. 1. There are also some new regulations that have kicked in. For more, see the DEC’s 2012-13 Freshwater Fishing Guide. Bait stores (list and map). LAKE ONTARIO As more salmon make their way into the rivers, the lake fishing is pretty much over for the year....</p> <p><strong>CNY FISHING FORECAST </strong>Just another reminder that the new fishing license year started Oct. 1. There are also some new regulations that have kicked in. For more, see the DEC’s 2012-13 Freshwater Fishing Guide.</p> <p><a href="http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?hl=en&ie=UTF8&msa=0&msid=100355764367821392533.00048c1449e56444f07e7&z=7">Bait stores (list and map).</a> <br /> <br /><strong>LAKE ONTARIO</strong> <br />As more salmon make their way into the rivers, the lake fishing is pretty much over for the year.<br /> <br /><strong>SALMON RIVER</strong> <br />There are good numbers of salmon spawning throughout the river. Good baits are egg-imitating flies and plastics, and streamers such as egg-sucking leeches. The lower fly fishing section is closed until Oct. 31. The upper fly section is open.<br /> <br /><strong>OSWEGO RIVER</strong> <br />There are salmon throughout the river, along with a few brown trout and a few steelhead. Remember that the bridge to Leto Island is closed, and there are new Mandatory Personal Flotation Device Zones on the river below Varick Dam.<br /> <br /><strong>ONEIDA LAKE</strong> <br />Anglers fishing from shore at night continue to pick up walleye. Anglers are catching them on stickbaits, such as the Challenger Junior Minnow and Storm Junior ThunderStick. Lots of small perch are still being taken with fathead minnows along weed lines, and a few larger ones as well.<br /> <br /><strong>CAYUGA LAKE</strong> <br />Lake trout fishing continues to be slow on Cayuga and may be due to the fact that the lake trout are actively spawning. Fishing 80 to 110 feet down with flasher and flies was producing a few lake trout, as was vertical jigging in 80 to 100 feet of water. Bass fishing has been good on the north end with a variety of plastic baits working.<br /> <br /><strong>SENECA LAKE </strong><br />Trout and salmon fishing continues to be slow. A few lake trout are hitting Spin Doctors and flies fished 70 to 90 feet down. Yellow perch fishing remains good, with fish being caught on the south end and by the salt plant.</p> <p><strong>OWASCO LAKE</strong> <br />Vertical jigging with plastics in 75 to 110 feet of water has been producing lake trout on the north end. Bass fishing has also been good around the lake with tube jigs, drop-shot rigs and live crabs working. Lots of perch are also being taken on fathead minnows.<br /> <br /><strong>OTISCO LAKE</strong> <br />A few tiger muskie are being taken by anglers casting large spinnerbaits and crankbaits. Bass fishing has been good in the north end. The current lake level has made launching larger boats tricky for some anglers.<br /> <br /><strong>SKANEATELES LAKE</strong> <br />Bass fishing slowed down some last week, but some are still being caught along the shore with tube jigs, drop-shot rigs and spinnerbaits. Yellow perch and rock bass are also biting on the south end, with small minnows or jigs working. No reports yet of anglers catching trout from shore with marshmallow/worm rigs.<br /> <br /><strong>SODUS BAY</strong> <br />Yellow perch are being caught in deep water on small minnows. Northern pike are hitting on spoons and large spinners. Bass fishing continues to be good, with spinnerbaits and a variety of plastics working. Salmon are being taken off the pier by anglers casting spoons. The low water is making launching some boats difficult.<br /> <br /><strong>WHITNEY POINT RESERVOIR</strong> <br />The lake level has been drawn down in recent weeks. No new fishing activity to report. </p> View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

<p> It was a beautiful, but chilly morning. </p> <div id="asset-11723472" class="entry_widget_large entry_widget_right"><span class="adv-photo-large"><img height="285" width="380" src="http://media.syracuse.com/outdoors/photo/11723472-large.jpg" class="adv-photo" alt="bassfish.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>Mark Cappuccilli, left, and Mark Scanlon hold up a couple of nice smallmouth bass they reeled in recently while fishing on Otisco Lake.</p> <p>Scanlon wrote: "A beautiful, but chilly morning!! The fish hit at about the same time and we traded turns with the net. Caught with minnows.</p> <p>"The picture was taken by Tom Boise, current holder of the world record Tiger Muskie through the ice at Otisco back in Feb 2009. Tom caught a 32-inch tiger muskie on a minnow a bit later."<br /></p> View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

I'm still looking for someone to talk to about the history and current situation concerning the floating duck blinds at the end of Cayuga Lake that are put out every year. Dick Blume/The Post-StandardMongolian/Chinese Pheasants, which is a new strain of bird that's being stocked across the state this year, were raised this year at the Jamesville Correctional Facility's pheasant-raising facility. Love this Indian summer. Warm weather in the fall is a blessing in this area. Believe me, it's going to get cold soon enough. Meanwhile, here's what's on tap for this week's Outdoors pages in The Post-Standard. FRIDAY: Saturday marks the opener of the pheasant hunting season in the Southern and Northwestern zones. We talk to a handful of pheasant hunters, plus the guy who manages the pheasant rearing facility over at the Jamesville Correctional Facility, where the birds for Onondaga County are raised. Column: The DEC has announced an emergency ban on importing certain deer and elk parts from Pa. -- plus the agency is now offering free help for its foresters to private woodlot owners to prevent the spread of the emerald ash borer. SUNDAY: Thanks to federal money obtained through an excise tax on the purchase of firearms and hunting supplies, the DEC was able to build a new bridge that will significantly open up access to the 3,200-acre Howland's Island which is a hot spot for birders and hunters alike -- not to mention cross country skiers and snowshoers. Column: Region 7 has a new cop overseeing the DEC's environmental conservation officers -- 34-year-old Matt Revenaugh, a SUNY ESF grad. In coming weeks, I'd like to write about the following outdoors activities. If you know someone who does these activities, contact me ASAP: -- Fall turkey hunting with the assistance of dogs -- Someone who still has a license to fish commercially for perch in Lake Ontario with gill nets. -- 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. - Someone who hunts rabbits and squirrels with the aid of falcons or hawks. ANYTHING ELSE READERS OF THIS REPORT WOULD LIKE TO SEE ME WRITE ABOUT? The effectiveness of this report is two-fold. First it lets readers know what's coming up story-wise. It also allows readers a chance to affect coverage and provide sources for upcoming stories. Bottom line: Keep in touch and give input. You could make a difference as to what appears week to week on the outdoors page! Email me at [email protected] or call 470-6066. If you want to join The Post-Standard's Outdoors Group and get this emailed directly to you, subscribe here.. FIGURA ON FACEBOOK: For those who are on Facebook, I also have a PS Outdoors page, which I check several times daily for feedback and story ideas. I also post personal fishing and hunting and other outdoors-related photos from time to time and I ask members to do the same. When you join, please be sure and hit the "like" button. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

It was prompted by a confirmed case of chronic wasting disease in that state. It occurred at a deer farm in New Oxford. The following is a DEC press release: The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) issued an emergency rulemaking that revises the state’s Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) regulations in response to a confirmed case of CWD in Pennsylvania, DEC Commissioner Joe Martens announced today. Effective immediately, the revision prohibits importing certain parts of white-tailed deer or American elk taken in the state of Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture confirmed the first case of CWD in Pennsylvania on Oct. 11 at a deer farm in New Oxford (Adams County), PA. CWD is a contagious neurological disease affecting deer, elk and moose. It causes a characteristic spongy degeneration of the brain in infected animals resulting in emaciation, abnormal behavior, loss of bodily functions and death. In response, DEC amended its CWD regulations to prohibit importing the following parts of deer or elk taken in Pennsylvania: brain, eyes, spinal cord, tonsils, intestinal tract, spleen or retropharyngeal lymph nodes. “Hunters who take a deer or elk in Pennsylvania must now butcher the animal and remove the prohibited parts before entering New York State,” said DEC Commissioner Martens. “This action is necessary to protect New York’s populations of deer and moose. Most successful hunters already opt to butcher a deer and put the meat in a cooler before traveling back to New York.” DEC’s ongoing extensive surveillance program, initiated in 2002, first confirmed CWD in New York State in 2005 and has not discovered any additional cases of CWD since that time. DEC recently revised its surveillance plan and efforts this year will concentrate on collecting tissues at taxidermists as well as deer processors. It is not known exactly how CWD is transmitted. The infectious agent, a prion, may be passed from animal to animal through feces, urine or saliva. The minimal incubation period between infection and development of clinical disease appears to be about 16 months. The maximum incubation period is unknown, as is the point at which shedding of the CWD agent begins during the prolonged course of infection. The movement of infected material is believed to be one of primary routes of transmission. This amendment to the CWD regulations prohibits importing those parts of a deer where the disease is most likely to be found. DEC advises hunters not to consume the meat of any animal that acts abnormal and to exercise precautions when butchering animals, such as using rubber or latex gloves. Also, DEC urges hunters to dispose of deer parts that will not be consumed in a municipal landfill. Additional information about CWD can be found on DEC’s website or on the Chronic Wasting Disease Alliance's website . View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

The tree-killing bug was discovered recently in Tioga County. The following is a DEC press release: With the recent discovery of Emerald Ash Borer in Tioga County, the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) reminds landowners with 10 or more forested acres that free assistance in managing their woodlot is available from DEC. The Cooperative Forest Management Program encourages private forest landowners in New York to apply sound management practices to their forest land. Forest landowners are encouraged to use this service to identify high risk areas within their forest and to develop a management plan to help keep theses forested areas productive and healthy. “Well-managed wood lands can provide income, recreational opportunities, wildlife habitat and other values for owners. DEC supports the sustainable use of forest resources on private lands by helping private landowners become better forest stewards,” noted DEC Regional Director Ken Lynch. Forest stewardship means setting and achieving objectives for your land while at the same time maintaining its environmental integrity for future generations. Stewardship objectives may include a variety of benefits such as timber production, wildlife habitat, aesthetics, recreation and protection of soil and water. Under the Cooperative Forest Management Program a DEC service forester will visit the woodlot and accompany the landowner on a tour to outline the existing forest management opportunities. The forester will then develop a free forest stewardship plan with recommendations that reflect the landowner’s goals and objectives while incorporating good forest practices. The forest stewardship management plan will enable property owners to realize multiple benefits from their land. In addition, by having a forest stewardship plan, the landowner may be eligible to apply for EQIP forestry funding to help complete some of the recommendations in the plan. Whatever a landowner’s goals may be, DEC private land foresters are available to help clearly identify objectives, develop a plan to achieve those objectives and assist landowners in becoming a steward of their forest land. For further information on this program, or to arrange for a forester to visit your woodlot of ten acres or more, contact Matt Swayze at the DEC’s Division of Lands and Forest office in Cortland at 607-753-3095 ext. 220. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

He was fishing on Eaton Lake in the Adirondacks. " Submitted photo Milton Franson, of Liverpool, holds up a nice landlocked salmon. He wrote: "You probably don't remember me from the Sportsman Days 9/28 when I introduced myself and promised you a pic of a "nice fish" (as soon as I caught one). "Well, here HE is. A nicely colored (we thought it was a brown at first sight) male landlocked salmon, 20" caught on my antique Tonkin cane fly rod, fished from shore at Eaton Lake, Adirondacks. "I lifted the fish out of the water quickly, got foto and put fish back in water quickly. It flipped its tail after a couple minutes rest and zipped away." Nice catch, Milton and thanks for sharing! View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

The deer dressed out at about 160 pounds and was hit at 20 yards away -- a double lung shot. Submitted photo Brittany Britton, of Skaneateles, poses with a doe that she shot with a bow on Oct. 1, the opening day of the season. The deer dressed out at about 160 pounds and was hit at 20 yards away -- a double lung shot. It was her first deer. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

She was hunting with her father. Submitted photo Kallie Jaquay, of Hamilton, poses with her deer. She harvested it with a bow and arrow while hunting with her father in Madison County town of Hamilton on Oct. 8. she is the daughter of Kevin and Heather Jaquay. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

The deer was about 24 yards away before he shot his arrow. Submitted photo Adam Orlandella, of Dewitt, poses with a nice deer he shot with his bow. He wrote: "This buck was shot on the afternoon of October 13 in the town of Pompey. The deer was 24 yards away. " He was an 8-point buck with a 17 and 3/4-inch spread. He won't score very well because he doesn't have mass or much tine length so i didn't bother to score him. But he was well over 230 pounds live weight and he was a 3-year-old deer." View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

He's 88 and carries his ultra-light pole in his golf bag. Submitted photo Chet Wisniewski , of East Syracuse, proudly hold up a nice largemouth bass he caught recently while golfing. That's right, golfing! Friend, Wayne Canorro, wrote me: "Thought you might be able to publish a photo of Chet Wisniewski with a nice bass that he caught while golfing at Arrowhead Golf Course in East Syracuse. Chet usually carries his ultra light pole in his golf bag. "Chet is 88 years old and frequently walks 18 holes. He's quite a guy." I agree. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

He was hunting a freshly cut corn field on Oct. 2 when this "swamp donkey" appeared for the early bird special. Submitted photo Dave Townsend, of Cazenovia, poses with a 10-point buck he arrowed Oct. 2. His buddy, Sean Hagan, wrote me: "Dave lives in Caz and had just returned from a 10 day fishing trip in New Brunswick. He was hunting a freshly cut corn field on Oct 2nd when this swamp donkey appeared for the early bird special. "Dave sent one arrow flying into the boiler room and the dinner was served. This buck green scored in the 150s." View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog