HuntingNY-News

He harvested it in Granby. Submitted photo Matt Kadlubowski, 29, of Phoenix, took this button buck with his bow Thursday. He said he was hunting in Granby with his Hoyt bow. The shot was 22 yards, he said, and the buck dropped "within 50 yards." View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

From deer to bears, from wild turkeys to ruffed grouse, from rabbits to coyotes -- and more. Take your pick. There's a lot to hunt out there this month. Submitted photoSteve Alkins, of Jamesville, poses with his first wild turkey, which he shot last year. October marks phase two of hunting season in Central New York, and there’s no shortage of animals that can be hunted. Seasons that have already started or begin later this month, are: Deer: The bowhunting season began Monday and extends until Nov. 16. For the first time this year, there’s a special youth firearms hunt during the Columbus Day weekend, which begins at sunrise Saturday and ends at sunset Monday. Licensed junior hunters, ages 14-15, will be able to hunt for deer with a shotgun or rifle, depending on the area, but must be accompanied by an unarmed, licensed adult mentor. Turkey: The fall turkey season also began Monday and extends until Nov. 16. The daily and season bag limit is two birds of either sex, and they can be taken on the same day. Bear: The bowhunting season for bear in certain designated parts of the DEC’s Region 7 started Monday and extends until Nov. 16. The season bag limit is one animal. Hunters may not shoot a cub or a bear from a group of bears, and they cannot take a bear from its den. Local areas that can hunted include portions of Madison and Cortland counties, along with a sliver of southern Onondaga County in Fabius and Tully. Ruffed grouse/woodcock: The ruffed grouse/woodcock season started Monday and extends until Feb. 28. The daily bag limit is four birds. Hunters may also shoot woodcock (no more than three a day) from now until Nov. 14, but they must be registered with the Harvest Information Program. To do that, call 888-427-5447 or go to NY-HIP.com. Cottontail rabbit: This season also kicked in Monday. The Northern Zone season extends until March 17; the Southern Zone season ends Feb. 28. The daily bag limit is six. Fur-bearers: The season for coyotes opened Monday and extends until March 31. In certain parts of the Tug Hill region, bobcats can also be hunted from Oct. 25 to Dec. 10. Weasel, opossum, skunk, raccoon and fox can be hunted from Oct. 25 to Feb. 15. There are no bag limits for these animals, and they can be hunted day or night. Pheasant: The Northern Zone season began Monday, but the Southern and Northwestern zones won’t start until Oct. 20. The season lasts until Feb. 28. The youth hunt weekend (ages 12-15) is Oct. 13-14. The daily bag limit is two birds. Waterfowl: Several waterfowl hunting seasons have either started or get under way later this month, including snow and Canada goose, ducks, mergansers, brant and coot. For a rundown on the specific seasons, license requirements, hunting zones and bag limits, see the DEC website or the DEC’s 2012-13 hunting guide. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

The fishing on the Salmon River has been hot the past couple of weeks with the annual spawning run of chinook and coho salmon. Things will heat up even more this weekend with the second annual Salmon River Fishing Derby, which runs today through Sunday. The derby is being run in conjunction with the annual Salmon River Festival in... Submitted photo The fishing on the Salmon River has been hot the past couple of weeks with the annual spawning run of chinook and coho salmon. Things will heat up even more this weekend with the second annual Salmon River Fishing Derby, which runs today through Sunday. The derby is being run in conjunction with the annual Salmon River Festival in Pulaski. Proceeds will benefit the Salmon River International Sport Fishing Museum, on Route 11. The derby entry fee is $25. This year’s tournament is once again promising a “100 percent payout,” with the total amount of prize money handed out hinging on the number of anglers entered. Money raised from raffles and T-shirt sales will be given to the sport fishing museum. Last year, 75 anglers signed up. The grand-prize winner was Kenneth Green, of Altmar, who took home $2,100 for his 31.9- pound chinook salmon. Daily cash prizes were also awarded for first-, second-, and third-place catches of coho salmon, and raffle winners took home donated prizes such as a bicycle, a fishing pole, a grill and a handmade rocking chair. Registration and a weigh-in station will be at the Ringgold Firemen’s Dunbar Field at the end of Lewis Street, just off Route 11 in Pulaski. Anglers can sign up from 6 to 8 a.m. today, and 6 to 11 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. The tournament starts at 9 a.m. today and ends at 2 p.m. Sunday. The weigh-in station at Dunbar Field will be open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. today and Saturday, and 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday. The 13th annual Salmon River Festival is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at South Park, also on Route 11. The festival features games and activities for children, crafts, food and live music. Admission is free. The sport fishing museum, which features antique and vintage fishing items from around the world, will be open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. all three days of the derby. Fred Betts, curator of the museum, has invited collectors to display their antique lures and reels and talk about the history of their collections. For more on the derby, call 298- 9990 or visit the museum's website and click on “Derby.” View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

Those who attend will be able to “see, buy and wear” the latest from Arctic Cat, Polaris, Ski-Doo and Yamaha. The latest snowmobiling sleds, ATVs, accessories and clothing will be featured, along with open and enclosed trailers, information on resorts and lodges, destination information and more. David Lassman/The Post-Standard The 19th Annual Big East Powersports Show is set for Friday through Sunday at the Oncenter Convention Center. Those who attend will be able to “see, buy and wear” the latest from Arctic Cat, Polaris, Ski-Doo and Yamaha. The latest snowmobiling sleds, ATVs, accessories and clothing will be featured, along with open and enclosed trailers, information on resorts and lodges, destination information and more. Admission is $10 for adults, $4 for children 6-12 and free admission for children under 5. The show runs 5 to 10 p.m. today, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. A new feature at this year’s show will be ice-fishing exhibits from Clam and Thorne Bros. For more information, visit the Big East Powersports website or call 800-848-6247. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

<p> Water level at Whitney Point Reservoir remains low, making it difficult for larger motor boats to launch. Try fishing from a kayak, canoe or jon boat. </p> <p><strong>CNY FISHING FORECAST </strong><br />Just a reminder that the new fishing license year started Oct. 1. There’s also some new regulations that 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> </p> <p><strong>LAKE ONTARIO</strong> <br />As more salmon make their way into the rivers the lake fishing is beginning to wind down. There are still salmon being taken in the lake at the mouths of rivers, but getting out with the strong winds we've had lately has been difficult.<br /> <br /><strong>SALMON RIVER</strong> <br />The second Annual Salmon River Fishing Derby starts today and continues through Sunday. Meanwhile, salmon and coho are throughout the river. . Steelhead are also starting to come in. The lower fly 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. Remember the bridge to Leto Island is closed, and there are new Mandatory Personal Flotation Device (PFD) zones on the river below the Varick Dam.<br /> <br /><strong>ONEIDA LAKE</strong> <br />Walleye fishing from shore at night has perked up recently. Anglers are catching them on stickbaits, such as the Challenger Junior Minnow and Storm Junior ThunderStick. Lots of small perch being taken with fathead minnows, along weed lines, and few larger ones as well.<br /> <br /><strong>CAYUGA LAKE</strong> <br />Trout and salmon fishing continues to be slow on Cayuga. 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 has picked up recently, with fish being caught on the south end, and by the salt plant.</p> <p><strong>OWASCO LAKE</strong> <br />Reports of “lots of perch and bass” being caught on crayfish and fathead minnows.</p> <p><strong>OTISCO LAKE</strong> <br />A few tiger musky 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 tricky for some.<br /><strong><br />SKANEATELES LAKE</strong> <br />Bass fishing continues to be be good along the shore with tube jigs, drop-shot rigs and spinnerbaits – along with live crayfish. Yellow perch and rock bass are also biting on the south end with small minnows or jigs working.<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. As mentioned above, salmon are also being taken off the pier by anglers casting spoons. The low water is making launching boats difficult for some.</p> <p><strong>ST. LAWRENCE RIVER</strong> <br />Water is low. Bass and pike still hitting pretty good, and perch bite has picked up a little recently. Muskie fishing season is just getting started. Could use some cooler temperatures.</p> <p><strong>WHITNEY POINT RESERVOIR</strong> <br />The reservoir level continues to be drawn down to allow the Army Corps of Engineers to do needed work. It’s hard for anglers to get larger boats in and out. Fishing from a kayak, canoe or a jon boat is the way to go. </p> View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

The Conservationist article presents a positive spin on the DEC's efforts, but offers no estimate of the numbers of the animals, no mention of the dollars spent or specific areas that have been targeted (or are currently being targeted) for eradication efforts. The recent issue of The Conservationist covered the issue of feral swine in this state. In the article, written by Eileen Stegmann, it notes efforts by the state Department of Environmental Conservation to get rid of wild boars in an undisclosed area. It presents a positive spin on the DEC's efforts, with no estimate of the numbers of the animals, no mention of dollars spent or specific areas that have been targeted (or are currently being targeted) for eradication efforts. . The article mentions the Cortland area in one sentence, but offers little more about our area, in regard to estimates of numbers or the past history of efforts. The reality is the USDA, a federal agency, has led the charge this year locally, with little, if anything being done by the DEC. Stegmann wrote: "Despite battling this group of pigs in northern New York for a while, Ed says that upstate N.Y. is relatively lucky. At present, there are only a few established groups. Across the state, near Cortland, however, the USDA has been battling a number of pockets of feral swine since the first known group was discovered there about a decade ago. (Editor's note: That's all she wrote about our area.) "Currently, these destructive animals have been documented in at least 38 counties, with breeding confirmed in six. And that's just the ones we know about­­-the numbers are always changing. "The more I learn about feral swine, the more I realize just how important and difficult a task it is for DEC to control them. And just when biologists think they've gotten the problem under control, another group of pigs crops up. It's the ultimate game of cat and mouse; in this case, its hard to tell who's winning." See the whole article and some neat photos, though once again, it doesn't tell where and when these photos were taken. I'd like to know. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

I'm looking for photos of youngsters and their first deer from this weekend's first-ever, Youth Firearms Hunt. Email me photos, pertinent information and day-time phone number if I have further questions. Submitted photoSteve Alkins, of Jamesville, poses with his first wild turkey, which he shot last year. Fall -- particularly this time of year - is prime time to hunt. If you haven't already, you should get out and sight in your gun and get your gear ready. Here's what's coming up this week on my Outdoors pages. FRIDAY: Main piece: October marks Phase II of the fall hunting season. Boy, is it ever busy. Hunters have their choice of five different seasons this month (bowhunting for deer, turkey, ruffed grouse, rabbitt, pheasant) -- along with the first-ever, youth firearms hunt for deer set for this weekend. Column: I write about my mixed feelings concerning bass fishing tournaments after I encountered one (actually two) going on while I was trying to fish Skaneateles Lake this past weekend with my nephew. SUNDAY Main piece: Whether you're a birder or a hunter, the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge has it all this time of year. Thousands and thousands of migrating birds, plus there's waterfowl and deer hunting permitted. Column: Bits and pieces from the past week, including a reminder for deer hunters to turn in their hides to the Camillus Elks Club, which uses the money raised to help folks at the local Veterans Hospital. In coming weeks, I'd like to write about the following outdoors activities. If you know someone who does these activities, contact me ASAP: Mike Greenlar/The Post-StandardCanada geese at the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge. - Parents/kids going out for this upcoming weekend's special youth firearms hunt for deer during the Columbus Day weekend. (Send me pictures by Wednesday of next week. I'd like to use one of more for the Oct. 12 Outdoors page) -- Fall turkey hunting with the assistance of dogs -- Someone who successfully hunts with a traditional long bow for deer -- 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 is among the small group of people that have a license to commercially net perch on Lake Ontario. 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

The average annual household expenditure for a snowmobiling season is $3,561, and an additional $3,200 for sled expenses that include purchase price and towing.. David Lassman/The Post-Standard The following is a press release: SYRACUSE, NY – Earlier this year, the New York State Snowmobile Association (NYSSA) tasked the SUNY Potsdam Institute for Applied Research to undertake an economic assessment of snowmobiling on the New York State economy. Based on the nearly 6,000 responses, the assessment determined that snowmobiling delivers an economic impact of $868 million annually. The average annual household expenditure for a snowmobiling season is $3,561 and an additional $3,200 for sled expenses that include purchase price and towing. “This follow-up to the New York State 1998 study shows that, even after adjusting for cost of living and other factors, snowmobiling has been a growing activity during the last decade with significant economic impact for New York State,“ said Dr. J. Patrick Turbett, Director of SUNY Potsdam Institute for Applied Research. Snowmobiling’s economic impact will be on display this weekend at the 19th Annual Big East Powersports Show at the Oncenter Convention Center in Syracuse. Attendees will be able to purchase clothing, accessories, and trailers, while enjoying a first look at 2013 sleds from dealers like Arctic Cat, Polaris, Ski-Doo and Yamaha. NYSSA will have a booth at the Big East Powersports Show and will feature a special promotion to promote snowmobile clubs’ membership campaigns. “The goal of our study was to accurately assess our current contribution. By collaborating with the SUNY Potsdam Institute for Applied Research we ensured that the findings would withstand peer review,” said Dominic Jacangelo, Executive Director of NYSSA. “In addition to financial numbers, this survey informed NYSSA of our current demographics and how snowmobilers feel about our sport in New York State. These results are critical in ensuring snowmobiling interests have a voice on the federal, state and local levels.” Broken down by region, snowmobiling has an economic impact of $245 million in the Adirondacks, $165 million in the Tug Hill and $163 million in Central New York. The study showed that snowmobilers spend an average of 22 days on the trails each season, with 8.5 days being spent in another region of the state from where they reside. “Our Economic Impact Survey really brings into perspective how difficult this past winter was,” said Gary Broderick, President of NYSSA. “With lower than average snowfalls across the state, snowmobilers were not able to spend the amount of time on their sleds as usual and that directly leads to less money spent as well. Along our 10,000 miles of trails across New York State, there are a variety of restaurants, convenience stores, gas pumps and snowmobile dealers that rely on our sport as a source of revenue, as evident by our study and we all hope that the upcoming brings more snow for snowmobilers to other winter sport enthusiasts to enjoy.” In comparison, the state of New Hampshire recently released a similar study, valuing the annual economic impact of snowmobiling in their state at $586 million. Plymouth State University Institute of Studies who prepared this study for the state of New Hampshire, used a multiplier of 2.88 to determine their economic impact. If New York used this same multiplier, the annual economic impact would be $1.2 billion. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

Among the ranks of these hunters is Mark Zuckerbert, the billionaire founder of Facebook who has pledged to consume for one year, only meat he had hunted or slaughtered himself. I wanted to share this interesting story that recently appeared in the New York Times. The story begins: "Who is the most famous hunter in America? If you’re over 30, the first names that come to mind are probably Sarah Palin, Ted Nugent or Dick Cheney. If you’re under 30, the answer is easier. The most famous hunter in America is Mark Zuckerberg, the billionaire founder of Facebook. l "In May 2011 Mr. Zuckerberg made a pledge to consume, for one year, only meat he had hunted or slaughtered himself. He got a hunting license and shot a bison. “My personal challenge,” he explained, is “being thankful for the food I have to eat,” the Times reported. "If four new books are any indication, Mr. Zuckerberg is the decidedly nonmacho, non-pickup-driving embodiment of a new breed of American hunter," the newspaper said. Read the full story. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

Four young memoirists, including Steven Rinella, author of “Meat Eater,” have largely taken to hunting, they say, for ethical reasons. View the full article

<p> DEC staff will be at the check station from approximately 8:45 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. only. </p> <p>The following is a DEC press release:</p> <p>Beginning today (Oct. 1), new changes will be in effect for hunters using the Cayuga-Tompkins/King Ferry Cooperative, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced. </p> <p>DEC staff will be at the check station from approximately 8:45 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. only.</p> <p>On days when staff leave before all hunters have checked out, a log book will be provided for hunters to sign out of the properties. Every hunter, regardless of whether they have taken game, must sign out. Pheasant stocking will occur in the early morning hours and small game hunters will not be allowed onto the properties until 9:00 a.m.</p> <p>“The assistance and cooperation of local landowners has been the key to the success of the Cayuga-Tompkins Cooperative,” noted DEC Region 7 Director Ken Lynch. “By opening up their lands to hunting these property owners assist DEC in meeting its wildlife management goals and provide large tracts of land on for local sportsmen and sportswomen to hunt. Cooperative landowners who are farmers see fewer deer eating their crops; thus, the program is a win-win for all involved.</p> <p>As in past years, those wishing to hunt must complete a registration form and sign a rules and concepts form. <a href="http://www.dec.gov/outdoor/71870">These forms are available on line </a>. The registration form is in fillable format and can be completed and e-mailed, sent via US mail to the DEC’s Wildlife Office in Cortland, or hand delivered to the King Ferry Check Station, enabling those who are proactive to have first chance at their hunting location of choice.</p> <p>Pre-registered big game and waterfowl hunters will continue to be allowed to report directly to their reserved area before sunrise. Non-registered hunters are required to report to the check station after 9:00 a.m. to register prior to hunting.</p> <p>DEC reminds hunters that all areas in the Cooperative are private lands that are restricted to the public unless a valid permit is obtained by DEC prior to hunting. Hunting permits for the Cooperative are administered on a daily basis and are obtained through reservation, by phone only, on the day prior to your hunt or through “stand-by” after 9:00 a.m. on the day of your hunt.</p> <p>All hunting activities must cease by sunset and all parties must check out no later than one hour after sunset. There is a 500-foot no firing zone located around all buildings and other structures, and tree stands must be carried in and removed daily.</p> <p>Hunters are responsible for reading and understanding the complete list of rules for the Cooperative which are outlined in the Co-op brochure that is available at the Co-op or <a href="http:/www.dec.gov/outdoor/71870">on the DEC’s website </a>.</p> <p>Questions about hunting on the Cooperative can be directed to DEC’s Cortland Wildlife office at 607-753-3095. After October 1 questions can be directed to the Cooperative at 315-364-7777. <br /></p> View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

<p> He is a captain in the New York City Fire Department. </p> <p><strong>The following is a press release:</strong> </p> <p>New York Bowhunters Inc (NYB) announces that Richard Kirschner has been named president of the organization. Outgoing president, Martin Seeley has relocated to North Carolina with his family due to a career change.</p> <p>Kirschner has been a member of NYB for 20 years, having served as a County Representative, Region Representative, Board of Director and Vice President as well as serving on several committees; Membership, Communications, Camo to Camo (Wounded Warrior).</p> <p>He has bowhunted for over thirty years, not only in New York but throughout many western states and Canada for a wide variety of big (and small) game. In addition to his vast bowhunting experience, Mr. Kirschner has an extensive background in target archery as well. A national certified archery instructor, Mr. Kirschner has coached a collegiate archery team and continues to instruct archery at the recreation level. He holds a degree in Sport’s Management and was selected to act as the archery coordinator for the World Police & Fire Games. </p> <p>Professionally, Mr. Kirschner holds the rank of Captain in the New York City Fire Department. He lives in Westchester County with his wife, Debra. His grown children Melanie (an RN in a NICU) and Andrew (US Navy) have hunted with Mr. Kirschner since they were kids. “A youth hunt to us was simply me leaving my bow or firearm at home and making the hunt about them. It obviously worked as hunting continues to be a big part of our family life. I do believe in increasing opportunities for youth hunters and am proud that NYB has been a leader in its support of many programs which have succeeded in getting thousands of younger hunters into the woods.”</p> <p>Regarding his philosophy of his new role as president of NYB, “I believe in promoting and preserving bowhunting. According to surveys conducted by the National Bowhunting Education Foundation, the primary reason new bowhunters enter the sport is for the increased challenge it provides and I will continue to represent that common view shared amongst the bowhunting community. I am proud to have helped NYB grow to be such a large and influential statewide hunting organization and I look forward to our continued expansion. I will bring the same commitment, passion and work ethic in representing the bowhunters of NY that I have done as a firefighter for the last 30 years.” </p> <p><a href="http://www.newyorkbowhunters.com">For more information about New York Bowhunters Inc. visit the group's website</a> or call 585 905-0961. <br /></p> View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

<p> They were fishing at Compactor's Pool. </p> <div id="asset-11642614" class="entry_widget_large entry_widget_right"><span class="adv-photo-large"><img height="285" width="380" src="http://media.syracuse.com/outdoors/photo/11642614-large.jpg" class="adv-photo" alt="salmonbrother.JPG" /><span class="photo-data"><span class="byline">Submitted photo</span><span class="caption">Nathan with his big fish.</span></span><span class="photo-bottom-left"><!-- IE6 HACK --></span><span class="photo-bottom-right"><!-- IE6 HACK --></span></span></div> <p>Earlville brothers Nathan Mizrahi, 11, and Connor Walsh, 15, both had a great day of fishing recently on the Salmon River, near Pulaski.</p> <p>Both fish were caught in Compactor's Pool.</p> <div id="asset-11642619" class="entry_widget_large entry_widget_right"><span class="adv-photo-large"><img height="285" width="380" src="http://media.syracuse.com/outdoors/photo/11642619-large.jpg" class="adv-photo" alt="salmonbrother2.JPG" /><span class="photo-data"><span class="byline">Submitted photo</span><span class="caption">Connor holds up his big guy.</span></span><span class="photo-bottom-left"><!-- IE6 HACK --></span><span class="photo-bottom-right"><!-- IE6 HACK --></span></span></div> View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

<p> We caught these fish in 32 feet of water trolling w/ yellow and green spinners and worm harnesses. </p> <div id="asset-11642603" class="entry_widget_large entry_widget_right"><span class="adv-photo-large"><img height="285" width="380" src="http://media.syracuse.com/outdoors/photo/11642603-large.jpg" class="adv-photo" alt="carlydimonfish.JPG" /><span class="photo-data"><span class="byline">Submitted photo</span><span class="caption">Carly with the day's catch.</span></span><span class="photo-bottom-left"><!-- IE6 HACK --></span><span class="photo-bottom-right"><!-- IE6 HACK --></span></span></div> <p>Carly Dimon, 3, of Manlius, poses with a catch from a great, late summer day of fishing on Onieda Lake, off Messenger Shoal, with her grandfather, Ron Dimon.</p> <p>The grandfather wrote: "We caught these fish in 32 feet of water trolling w/ yellow and green spinners and worm harnesses.</p> <p>"We caught a 34-inch channel catfish, a 22-inch walleye, a 19-inchwalleye, a 13-inch perch and 12- inch perch."</p> View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

Bow season in the Southern Zone opens Monday. John Berry/The Post-StandardPatrick Grady says he's a "scent-free Nazi" when he's bow hunting. Craig Giancola remembers the days when bowhunters had all sorts of home-made methods to make themselves “scent-free” to hunt deer. “I’d wash myself and my hair with baking soda. I used to wash my clothes in it as well, and hang them out to air dry and then put them in plastic bag afterward,” the Lafayette resident said. “And before I went out, I’d splash baking soda on parts of my body that perspired — even on my face. I used to look like Casper the Friendly Ghost.” Today, there’s all kinds of clothing, soaps and shampoos, deodorant, scent elimination sprays, toothpaste — and even special gum to chew on to take away, or reduce any odor that a deer might latch on to. Those who hunt, particularly those who’ve been “busted” by a deer while on the ground or in a treestand when the wind blows the wrong way, know how important it is to attend to their smell. “A buddy of mine once said, ‘Just image a deer as one big giant nose walking through the woods with four legs.’ Ever since then, that’s the way I look at it,” said Randy LaManche, of Marcellus. Hunters who use bows and firearms both know about the importance of watching their smell, and for that reason often position themselves upwind of deer. The reason bowhunters pay particular attention to it is that they need to get a lot closer to a deer to make a good, fatal shot. No one wants to hit a deer, causing a non-fatal wound. Brian Underwood, a research wildlife biologist with the U.S. Geological Survey, said deer “have a highly acute” sense of smell. “It’s there number one defense mechanism. For deer, it’s nose, ears and eyes, in that order,” he said. Patrick Grady, of Baldwinsville, says he’s been a “scent-free Nazi” while bowhunting for the past five years. John Berry/The Post-StandardGrady said he often eats an apple on the way to his tree stand to reduce the smell of his breath. “You need to get them (the deer) pretty close,” he said. “I don’t have thousands of acres to hunt and I’m in the same tree stand all season. Once you compromise your spot, the deer will be thinking, ‘Look at you hunter. Hmm. He’s up there again — and stay clear.” Grady said wears rubber boots and sprays them down with scent removal spray and only wears them while hunting. He washes his hunting clothes with a special, odorless detergent. He throws them in the drier and uses special drier sheets that leave a “fresh earth” (dirt) smell in is clothes. He stores his gear in a in closed, plastic container and only gets it out to hunt. The day of the hunt, Grady continued, he washes himself with odorless soap, wiping himself down with a towel that’s also been washed with special detergent. He also uses special, anti-bacterial deordorant (an anti-perspirant) and a ordor-less toothpaste. “And when I drive to where I’m hunting, I wear minimal clothes — and carry a bottle of mouthwash in the truck,” he said. Once he gets to his hunting spot, he takes the plastic bin out and starts dressing near his vehicle, spraying himself down after each layer of clothes. Walking out to his tree stand, he added, he takes extra caution to not perspire and often eats an apple as an extra guard against bad breath. Once in his tree stand, he said he rarely, if ever, urinates. “I usually skip coffee in the morning,” he said. “I joke that I’ll probably die of dehydration before I shoot a big buck.” LaManche is Grady’s hunting buddy and his anti-scent hunting protocol is just as extreme. While drying his hunting clothes after a wash, LaManche said he throws in pantyhouse stuffed with leaves and pine needles to give his clothes “that natural smell.” Fay Sorrells, of Bridgeport, has been bow hunting for 40 years and is a firm believer in the need to reduce any odors on himself, or on his clothes that might tip off a deer . “As a bowhunter, you try to cut their senses down (to your presence) – essentially try to become invisable,” he said. “Frankly, I stop using any scented soaps or deordorants about a month before the season begins.” Giancola said before he started his “scent-free” approach to bow hunting, deer would be “blowing me ... some 100 yards away. They’d snort, spin and whirl away.” Not today, he said. “Now I can get them within my circle of death, which is about 25 yards away,” he said. All the hunters interviewed said they’ve encountered skeptics. Jeff Boardwell, who owns the Legends of Fall archery supply shop in Tully, says the scent-less approach has been fruitful, as he’s arrowed “lot of nice deer over the years.” He remembers one fall when he and two buddies were hunting out in Illinois. Each day they washed their clothes in special detergent and hung everything out to air dry outside of their cabin. “One of the other hunters thought we were over the top and joked that our cabin looked like a yard sale,” he said. “But guess what? We go three nice bucks and nobody else got anything.” LaManche conceded deer hunters have numerous approaches. “You have some guys who buy into this ‘scent-free’ thing 100 percent, some are in the middle — and some who smoke cigarettes and eat their lunch in their tree stand and think that’s just fine,” he said. “It all comes down to what kind of hunter you want to be.” Season opener: Monday marks the opening of the bow hunting season for deer in the Southern Zone. The season lasts until Nov. 16. The Northern Zone opener was Thursday and that season lasts until Oct. 19. Anti-scent products: Chain stores like Bass Pro Pro Shops and Gander Mountain carry a wide variety of clothing and scent reduction detergents, soaps, shampoos, toothpastes and gum. A recent newcomer to the scene is Bridgeport resident Mike Paduano’s line of products called “Slay Odor Neutralizer.” He sells head to toe body wash and shampoo; concentrated, odor-removing laundry soap and a special field spray. For more on Paduano’s products, see his company's website. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

She even has her own Facebook page, which has more than 2,300 followers. Bella I recently was made aware that Bella, the white-tailed deer I wrote about two years ago that walked the streets of Pulaski with impunity, is still alive. In fact, she has her own Facebook page. I clicked on “Bella Deer” this week and found Bella has more than 2,300 followers and has posted (with the help of her human friends) a total of 288 pictures. Her “likes” include the television show “Animal Planet,” the game of tag, and the sport of surfing. She favors walking as an activity. According to her profile, Bella lists her birthday as June 8, and her page was started to “defeat the rumors about my death.” The page also notes: “I have found I have quite a few good friends in Pulaski and Port Ontario who help me get by, spend time with me and help out with my Captain Crunch addiction.” “I haven’t seen hide nor hair of her in a year,” said Assemblyman Will Barclay last week. The state lawmaker told me in 2010 that Bella used to walk through his backyard. According to her Facebook page, she is still out and about — and being treated royally. She’s at least four years old. County legislator Shawn Doyle, another Pulaski resident, wrote on Bella’s page this past Monday: “Yesterday as I pulled out of driveway on Lake Street, I saw Allison Tighe jogging as usual ... but with Bella deer running right behind her! Guess Bella’s trying to drop a few pounds ... she’s getting all the doughnuts now from fishermen.” It’s no secret in the village that Bella owes her life to a local farmer who took her in when she was a fawn and kept her safe in his barn, Doyle told me back in 2010. The farmer fed the young deer human meals such as bacon and eggs and let her sleep in a dog house, he added. Ever since, Bella has been wandering the streets of the village and the banks of the nearby Salmon River. For the record, it’s illegal to feed or try to domesticate a wild deer, according to the state Department of Environmental Conservation. Typically, a deer like Bella that gets too comfortable with humans would be killed by the DEC because of concerns about human safety, the nuisance factor and the potential spread of diseases into the area’s wild herd. The problem is that Bella is not in a natural environment, interacting just with other wild deer. Her interactions with livestock and domesticated pets makes her vulnerable to diseases that could be harmful to other wild deer. That’s the same reason that a zoo or deer farm probably would not consider her a desirable addition. “It’s always a bad idea to try and domesticate wildlife,” said Lance Clark, senior wildlife biologist at the DEC’s Cortland office. Just last week, for example, DEC staff shot a 6-point buck in Tioga County that “someone had been feeding and babying for quite awhile.” The deer, with the rut coming on soon, was starting to act aggressive, and DEC staff felt it could easily hurt someone. Bella, though, continues to be in everyone’s good graces. Early on, Doyle said, someone put a red collar on her to protect her during hunting season. Today, she mainly hangs around the village, where hunting is prohibited. “She’s doing really well,” Doyle said. “She’s gotten more skittish the past year, but is living well and looking good.” View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

Jay M. Matteson, of the town of Lorraine in Jefferson County, is at it again. The tech-savvy hunter is up in his tree stand with his BlackBerry, text-messaging and updating his Facebook page, “Tree Stand Chronicles” while he’s hunting. The bow hunting season for the Northern Zone began Wednesday, and Matteson is intent on keeping his followers updated on what... Jay M. Matteson, of the town of Lorraine in Jefferson County, is at it again. The tech-savvy hunter is up in his tree stand with his BlackBerry, text-messaging and updating his Facebook page, “Tree Stand Chronicles” while he’s hunting. The bow hunting season for the Northern Zone began Wednesday, and Matteson is intent on keeping his followers updated on what he’s seeing and doing. Among his recent posts: “OK, had to stop my last post because a red squirrel literally ran up the tree, sat on my back pack and then ran across my legs! I guess my camo works!” And just before the season started: “Haven’t had a chance to post the video yet. It’s not really clear anyway. BUT, remember the video of the little bear cub trying to steal my trail cam I posted a few weeks ago? Well, I saw mama!!! She’s a big girl. Hmmm, maybe I’ll take up just afternoon hunting.” To follow Matteson on Facebook, type in “Tree Stand Chronicles by Jay M. Matteson.” View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

They were on TK Charters, out of Oswego. Submitted photo James Buff and David Locastro, of Marcellus, with their children Lilly Locastro, Carolyn Buff, and Benny Locastro pose after a successful outing on Lake Ontario. David Locastro wrote: " We caught 14 king salmon on Aug. 20 aboard TK Charters out of Oswego." View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

<p> Play it safe. Follow the rules or face getting a ticket. </p> <div id="asset-11626146" class="entry_widget_large entry_widget_right"><span class="adv-photo-large"><img height="248" width="380" src="http://media.syracuse.com/outdoors/photo/11626146-large.jpg" class="adv-photo" alt="2012-09018-gw-salmon014.JPG" /><span class="photo-data"><span class="byline">Gary Walts/The Post-Standard</span><span class="caption">A fish hooked on somebody else's line leaps out of the water in front of Kevin McCarthy, of Baldwinsville, on the Salmon River in Pulaski.</span></span><span class="photo-bottom-left"><!-- IE6 HACK --></span><span class="photo-bottom-right"><!-- IE6 HACK --></span></span></div> <p><br />Fishing was so good along the Salmon River late last week that one fishing guide called it “just ridiculous.” Anglers have also been lining up along the Oswego River this week to get a crack at the large numbers of spawning chinook or coho salmon there.</p> <p>With all the fish and fishermen (and women) in the water, it’s no surprise that state Department of Environmental Conservation officers will once again be out patrolling these two waterways.</p> <p>Last year, officers wrote 578 tickets and warned 249 other anglers about their actions. That was 150 more tickets than the year before. Among the factors was an increased presence of officers during night hours. Fishing is prohibited from one-half hour after sunset until one-half hour before sunrise.</p> <p>“We’ll definitely have officers out there from pre-dawn to well after dark,” said Lt. Jim Reitmeier. “We ask, with all the crowded conditions, that anglers be respectful of each other.”</p> <p>If last year’s tickets are any indication, anglers who don’t want to be fined should particularly avoid the following:</p> <p>- <strong>Snatching or blind snatching.</strong> According to the DEC fishing guide, “snatching means taking fish not attracted by bait or artificial lure with hooks, gangs or similar devices whether the hooks are baited or not. Snagging, lifting and single-hook snagging are all types of ‘snatching.’”</p> <p>Officers look for anglers making repeated or exaggerated jerking motions with their fishing rods.</p> <p>- <strong>Distance between hook/lure and weight added to line/leader exceeds four feet.</strong> This illegal rig results in a whipping action of the baited hook in the water. Depending on the water flow and length of the leader, anglers end up foul-hooking more fish by doing this.</p> <p>- <strong>Failure to immediately return or possession of foul-hooked fish</strong>. If a fish is hooked anywhere but in the mouth, it must be returned to the water immediately. Don’t try keeping it.</p> <p>- <strong>Trespassing</strong>. Twenty tickets were issued last year for anglers who trespassed on the private Douglaston Salmon Run, on state-owned land near the state hatchery on Beaver Dam Brook and on other posted, privately owned stretches along the river. Obey the posted signs.</p> <p>- <strong>No fishing license.</strong> Anglers are required to have a current fishing license on their person when fishing. Leaving it in the vehicle or back at the motel room doesn’t cut it. Expect a ticket if you can’t produce a license on demand.</p> <p>For more information concerning regulations for fishing Lake Ontario’s tributaries this time of year, see the DEC fishing regulations guide. Violations can cost an angler up to $250, along with surcharges.</p> <p><strong>See a poacher? </strong><br />If you suspect someone is violating the state’s fish and wildlife laws, call 911 or the DEC’s 24-hour dispatch at 877-457-5680. <br /></p> View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

<p> Camillus boy eager to use goldfish he won at the State Fair as bait. </p> <div id="asset-11626110" class="entry_widget_large entry_widget_right"><span class="adv-photo-large"><img height="320" width="240" src="http://media.syracuse.com/outdoors/photo/sunnyjpg-ea6447e40ddfc753.jpg" class="adv-photo" alt="sunny.jpg" /><span class="photo-data"><span class="byline">Submitted photo</span><span class="caption">Henry proudly shows a sunfish he caught.</span></span><span class="photo-bottom-left"><!-- IE6 HACK --></span><span class="photo-bottom-right"><!-- IE6 HACK --></span></span></div> <p>I’m just a sucker for fishing stories involving kids — particularly ones that get me laughing.</p> <p>I asked readers recently to send in their best fishing stories from this past summer. The best one came from Brian Steitz, of Warners, and it involved his son.</p> <p>The father wrote:</p> <p>“My 5-year-old son, Henry, has really caught the fishing bug this summer. He begs to go fishing almost every day. And once he starts fishing, he does not want to stop. He can go for hours.</p> <p>“Last week we stopped at the dock at the Erie Canal park in Warners near our house. The normal allotment of small sunfish were taking our worms when all of a sudden a large pike appeared from the weeds. That got Henry going.</p> <p>“He tried everything to catch that pike, from worms to lures, but with no success.</p> <p>“A few days later he went to the State Fair. At the fair, he won a couple of goldfish on the midway. He brought them home and put them in his fish tank. .¤.¤.</p> <p>“The fish died a few days later. Unannounced to his mother and me, Henry got a net and removed the fish from the tank. When my wife and I got home from work we found the dried-up goldfish on a table in our garage.</p> <p>“Needless to say, my wife screamed. When confronted, Henry said he was saving the goldfish for bait for the pike from the canal. He was sure the pike would go for it!”</p> <p>For the story, I’m giving Henry (his dad can use it, too) “The Strike, Tournament Edition,” which is the newest edition of Bass Pro Shops Wii fishing game.</p> <p>My hope is that it keeps the boy exciting about fishing during the upcoming winter months. He also won’t have to rely on any dried-up goldfish to reel in a big one.</p> View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

<p> The bridge to the island was closed to all traffic on Aug. 17, 2011, because of concerns over its condition, DOT officials said. The bridge’s pedestrian walkway was also declared “off limits” because of holes in the bridge deck. </p> <p>Leto Island, a popular Oswego River fishing spot during the fall salmon run on the river’s eastern side, is again closed this year.</p> <p>“The sole bridge to the island remains closed (by order of the state Department of Transportation), and walkers are not allowed to cross it,” said David Lemon, regional fisheries manager at the DEC’s Cortland office.</p> <p>The bridge to the island was closed to all traffic on Aug. 17, 2011, because of concerns over its condition, DOT officials said. The bridge’s pedestrian walkway was also declared “off limits” because of holes in the bridge deck.</p> <p>Lemon said some anglers last year managed to get access to the island by walking across the top of the gates of the lock at the island, but he added that the state Canal Corporation has banned that this year because of safety concerns.</p> <p>Lemon said the DEC and DOT are continuing to discuss the matter of allowing anglers to cross the bridge.</p> <p>“We want to see Leto Island opened to fish. So far, we haven’t gotten there,” he said.<br /></p> View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

Oneida Lake anglers are focusing on perch, but it hasn’t been easy. They’ve been jigging with fathead minnows and jigs tipped with spikes or a piece of worm. No reports yet on any anglers having luck at night from shore fishing for walleyes with stickbaits. CNY FISHING FORECAST Bait stores (list and map). LAKE ONTARIO Salmon are still staging around river mouths, and the fishing activity has been in 60 feet of water. The lake fishing is slowing down, though, as more salmon make their way into the rivers. Flashers and flies and spoons are working, with white and green being good colors. SALMON RIVER The river remains low, but the fishing pressure is high as salmon and coho are now throughout the river. Reminder: The lower fly section is closed until Oct. 31. The upper fly section is open. OSWEGO RIVER There are salmon in the river, along with a few brown trout. The salmon activity has been better early and late in the day. Anglers should take note of the new mandatory personal flotation device zones on the river below the Varick Dam. Access to Leto Island is once again off limits. ONEIDA LAKE Anglers are focusing on perch, but it hasn’t been easy. They’ve been jigging with fathead minnows and jigs tipped with spikes or a piece of worm. No reports yet on any anglers having luck at night from shore fishing for walleyes with stickbaits. That should start soon. CAYUGA LAKE Fishing continues to be slow. Anglers are marking trout and salmon and a lot of bait but having little luck getting strikes. Fishing 80 to 110 feet down with flasher and flies continues to producing a few lake trout, along with vertical jigging in 80 to 100 feet of water. Bass fishing on the northern end remains a good bet. Try live crayfish or tube jigs, plastic stick worms and drop-shot rigs. Pumpkin green and watermelon are good colors for plastics. SENECA LAKE A few lake trout are hitting Spin Doctors and flies fished 70 to 90 feet down. Yellow perch fishing has been good off the pier in Watkins Glen with small minnows working. Perch are also being caught by the salt plant. OWASCO LAKE Vertical jigging with plastics in 75 to 100 feet of water has been producing lake trout on the north end. Bass fishing has also been good around the lake with tube jigs and drop-shot rigs working. OTISCO LAKE A few anglers are starting to try their luck at night, fishing from shore for walleyes with stickbaits. Apart from that, there’s no new fishing activity to report. SKANEATELES LAKE Bass fishing has been good 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. SODUS BAY Northern pike are hitting on spoons and large spinners. Bass fishing continues to be good with spinnerbaits and a variety of plastics working. A few walleye are also being taken around the islands. ST. LAWRENCE RIVER Smallmouth bass are hitting on night crawlers. Perch are being caught on fathead minnows, fished as deep as 90 feet. WHITNEY POINT RESERVOIR The reservoir level is being drawn down to allow the Army Corps of Engineers to do needed work. The reservoir will be taken down as much as three inches a day during the next three weeks. It will make it hard for anglers to get their boats in and out. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

The DMFA encompasses 60,000 acres of land in and around the city of Ithaca, and includes the city and town of Ithaca, the villages of Cayuga Heights and Lansing and parts of the towns of Danby, Caroline, Dryden, Lansing, Enfield, Newfield and Ulysses. The following is a DEC press release: A new population management tool called a Deer Management Focus Area (DMFA) has been established in Tompkins County to allow hunters with a valid New York state hunting license and valid DMFA registration to shoot two antlerless deer per day during the bow hunting, regular and late muzzle loader seasons, the state Department of Environmental Conservation announced today. In addition, a special season running from Jan. 12, 2013 through Jan. 31, 2013 has also been created during which hunters with a valid DMFA permit may also take two antlerless deer per day in the DMFA with any lawful hunting implement. Hunters must still comply with all state trespassing laws, as well as all applicable local ordinances governing the discharge of firearms. "This program was established to better manage the deer population in an area with extremely high deer densities and limited hunting-related management tools,” said DEC Commissioner Joe Martens. The DMFA encompasses 60,000 acres of land in and around the city of Ithaca, NY and includes the city and town of Ithaca, the villages of Cayuga Heights and Lansing and parts of the towns of Danby, Caroline, Dryden, Lansing, Enfield, Newfield and Ulysses. A general map of the area and a legal description of the area are available online. Any person who has a big game license may register with the DMFA program and obtain a free DMFA permit via the DEC’s website. The DEC will issue carcass tags with the permit. Both the DMFA permit and carcass tags must be carried while hunting in the DMFA and are valid only within the DMFA. Hunters must submit a hunting activity log and report all deer harvested in the DMFA no later than seven days following the close of the DMFA season. The procedures for reporting a harvested deer are described on the DMFA permit. Lands available for hunting within the DMFA include Buttermilk Falls State Park and Robert H. Treman State Park (bow hunting only). Cornell Campus opens some of its lands for hunting through the Cornell Campus Lands Deer Management Program, and Cornell Plantations has a deer management program . In addition, hunters with legal access to private lands may also hunt in the DMFA following the regulations noted above. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

I'm looking for parents/kids who plan to participate in the upcoming Columbus Day firearms youth hunt. Email me at [email protected] or at 470-6066. Gary Walts/The Post-StandardDan Turner, Truxton, with a fish on the line in the Salmon River, near Pulaski.Fall is here. Central New York is exploding with a wide variety of outdoors activities -- from leaf peeping, to salmon fishing, to the upcoming bow hunting season for deer. Here's what's on tap this week on the Outdoors pages of The Post-Standard. FRIDAY: Main piece: It's combat fishing time on the Salmon and Oswego rivers as the annual fall spawning run of the chinooks and cohos are underway. The DEC's environmental conservation officers will be out as usual. I offer suggestions on "what not to do" if you want to avoid a ticket while fishing. Column: The winner of the "Best Fishing Story of the Summer" is announced (Hint: it's about a 5-year-old boy from Warners)... plus an update on Leto Island, a popular fishing hot spot on the Oswego River during the fall. (Once again, it's closed for fishing). SUNDAY Main piece: The bowhunting season this year begins Oct. 1. We talk to bowhunters about the steps they;ve taken in the past and plan to take this year to remain "scent-free" so as not to attract the attention of deer. Interesting stuff. Column: Whatever happened to Bela, the tame deer that used to roam the streets of Pulaski and the Salmon River. She still around? Plus a pitch to readers to start thinking about who warrants consideration for this year's "Conservation Heroes" recognition from The Post-Standard. In coming weeks, I'd like to write about the following outdoors activities. If you know someone who does these activities, contact me ASAP: - Parents/kids going out for this year's special youth firearms hunt for deer during the Columbus Day weekend. -- Fall turkey hunting with the assistance of dogs -- Someone who successfully hunts with a traditional long bow for deer -- 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 is among the small group of people that have a license to commercially net perch on Lake Ontario. - Suggestions on what kind of dogs are the best for upland bird hunting. 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 had significant injuries to both of its hind legs and its condition was deteriorating. The state Department of Environmental Conservation today killed a moose that had dlingered in the same spot of the Ausable River (in the Wilmington Notch area), drawing much public attention. DEC spokesman Dave Winchell said, according to a story in the Adirondack Daily Enterprise, "that his agency assessed the moose today and determined it had significant injuries to both of its hind legs and that its condition was deteriorating." Read the full story and see picture. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog