HuntingNY-News

The interesting part about last year’s tournament is the Canadian Waters were put off limits due to border issues; however, those issues have since been resolved and anglers can simply phone Canadian Customs on the morning of the event to announce they’ll fish Canadian waters. The following is a press release: Calcium, NY -- The NY BASS Chapter Federation (NYBCF) will fish the St. Lawrence River on Sunday (July 22)with anglers competing for their portion of the $20,000 in prize money. The first place boater wins a guaranteed $2,500 and the first place non-boater earns $1,500 in their respective division. The morning launch and afternoon weigh-in will be held at the Massena Intake located on Route 131. This event is the number two stop on the NYBCF 2012 tournament trail and many anglers are excited to get back on the big river. Last year marked the NYBCF’s first time launching that far north on the river and every angler in attendance caught fish and several fish five limits in excess of 16 lbs were brought to the scales with the big bass prize money going to a smallmouth weighing 5.52 lbs. caught by Joe Tefft of Washington County Bassmasters. The interesting part about last year’s tournament is the Canadian Waters were put off limits due to border issues; however, those issues have since been resolved and anglers can simply phone Canadian Customs on the morning of the event to announce they’ll fish Canadian waters. With the expanded angling opportunities and buzz going into this event we caught up with last year’s winner and defending champion Steve Pickard of Port City Bassmasters to get his take on it all and here’s what he had to say. Q: With this warmer spring how do you think it will affect the bass fishing this time around? Pickard: Honestly, I don’t think this year’s higher than normal temps will have a huge impact on the fish in the River. There’s such a good flow of water in that section of the river that the fish should still be holding in their normal areas. Q: What’s your projected weight for the winner and weight needed to cash a check? Pickard: I’d say the winner will need 19 lbs. or better in order to take top honors at this tournament. A lot of the anglers gained valuable information during last year’s tournament and that will help them put together a better game plan going into practice this year. Keep in mind that the playing field has also grown in size with the Canadian waters being open. This should also play in increasing the weights from last year. As far as cashing a check, I’d put the cut weight at around 14 lbs. Q: Any predictions on the big bass weight? Pickard: I believe last year it was around 5 1/2 lbs. and I think it will take another one of those to take Big Bass honors, but don’t be surprised if a 6 pounder comes to the scales this year though. Q: What techniques do think will be the most productive? Pickard: I think fishing a drop shot in about 30-40 ft. off one of the Islands proves to be a very productive technique in catching a heavy stringer. However, there is an aggressive current running through that part of the river, so shallow water smallmouth could be productive as well. Q: Who are the top five anglers you’d pick to win the event? Pickard: This is a tough question since we have so many great anglers in our federation, but to throw some names out there that could be in the winner’s circle……. I would say that Chris Flint, Gary Menchen, Kerry Rice, Joe Matt, and Ken Bracy definitely have as good a chance as anyone to win this event. For additional information media can contact NYBCF Public Relations Officer, Burnie Haney at 315.408.7622 or [email protected] View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

His son also landed a nice brown trout. Submitted photo Russell Mitchell, of Grand Ledge, MI, was visiting his daughter Cathy Crotty, of Mexico, recently and decided to go out a Lake Ontario fishing charter. He ended up catching this nice, 20- pound chinook salmon. Russell, his son Mike, and daughter Cathy and son-in-law Patrick, all went out on the charter. In addition to catching the salmon, they also limited out on brown trout. They used Cold Steel guide services. Mike (see picture below) caught the brown trout of the day. Submitted photo View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

He was fishing with his uncle at the time. Submitted photo Jake Longden, 10, of Kirkville, holds up a 19-inch walleye he caught recently on Oneida Lake. He was fishing with his uncle, Joe Caruso of East Syracuse. He caught the fish on a worm. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

The paddlers will leave Wednesday from Ithaca at the south end of Cayuga Lake, enter the Erie Canal on the Seneca River at the north end of Cayuga Lake, and enter the Oswego River Canal at Three Rivers. They plan to paddle approximately 20 miles per day before arriving Sunday at Wright’s Landing in Oswego The following is a press release: Five Central New York paddlers, including former Oswego County Planning Director Ed Marx, will travel water routes from Ithaca to Oswego July 18 through 22 to demonstrate the potential for developing a water trail that links the Finger Lakes with Lake Ontario. In addition to Marx, who is now Commissioner of Planning for Tompkins County, the group includes Andrew Zepp, Executive Director of the Finger Lakes Land Trust; Chris Olney, Director of Stewardship of the Finger Lakes Land Trust; Geoff Milz, Senior Planner for Cayuga County; and Sue Poelvoorde, Senior Natural Resources Planner for New York State Parks. The paddlers will leave Wednesday from Ithaca at the south end of Cayuga Lake, enter the Erie Canal on the Seneca River at the north end of Cayuga Lake, and enter the Oswego River Canal at Three Rivers. They plan to paddle approximately 20 miles per day before arriving at Wright’s Landing in Oswego around 3 p.m. Sunday afternoon. Local paddlers are welcome to join the group as they travel the Oswego River Canal. The group expects to pass Indian Point Landing Park in Fulton at approximately 10 a.m. Sunday and pass through Minetto around noon. “We are very fortunate to have a wealth of water resources for recreational use in Oswego County and the surrounding Central New York region,” said David Turner, Oswego County Director of Community Development, Tourism and Planning. “It’s only natural that we look at the potential of a designated water trail to connect the Finger Lakes with Lake Ontario.” Last summer the Oswego County Tourism Office worked in partnership with Cayuga, Onondaga, Seneca and Wayne counties to produce “On the Water,” a detailed map and guide that contains information on boating services, restaurants, attractions and accommodations on waterways in the Central New York. Copies are available by contacting the Oswego County Tourism Office, 46 E. Bridge St., Oswego, at 315-349-8322, or on its Web site. There are several opportunities for the public to meet the group along the way: Tusday from 4 to 7 p.m. at Celebrate the Lake, Ithaca Farmer’s Market; Wednesday at Wells College Dock in Aurora, estimated arrival at 6 p.m.; Friday at Paper Mill Island in Baldwinsville, estimated arrival at 6 p.m.; and Sunday at Wright’s Landing in Oswego Harbor, estimated arrival at 3 p.m. For additional information, contact the Finger Lakes Land Trust at 607-275-9487. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

It was his first time fishing for walleye. Submitted photo Josh Leavery, 11, of Brewerton, holds up a nice, 23-inch walleye he caught recently on Oneida Lake. The youngster and his dad, Scott Leavery, were taken out by chapter boat Capt. Mike Domachowske. "Both anglers caught their limit on Oneida Lake, with a bonus of plenty of white perch," Domachowske said. . View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

.People fishing from shore catch bullhead, carp, catfish, gar, sheepshead — and occasionally some bass and northern pike Stephen Cannerelli/The Post-StandardDick Worski ,of Savannah, fishes for bullheads along the Seneca River at the Route 5 and 20 bridge near the Montezuma National Wildlife Reserve. His girlfriend, Pat Tallcot, of Auburn, enjoys taking her dogs Muffin and Sparky on fishing trips. It’s one of those spots where you always seem to see someone fishing. It’s the state pull-off just over the bridge spanning the Seneca River on Route 5 and 20, right on the Cayuga and Seneca county border. Actually, the pull-off is on the southwestern side of the road in Seneca County. There’s a parking lot, along with a boat launch. There’s no charge. There’s also no bathroom facilities. Dick Worski, of Savannah, often fishes at the site. He said he’s caught a lot of nice bullheads from shore in the 10- to 14-inch range. “It’s a good place to relax,” he said. “It’s also a good launch. It’s big enough to get a party boat in there.” Brad Smith, of Montezuma, a fishing sales associate at the Bass Pro Shops store in the Fingerlakes Mall just up the road, said he and his uncle often launch their boat at the site. “People fishing from shore catch bullhead, carp, catfish, gar, sheepshead — and occasionally some bass and northern pike,” Smith said. “I once caught a 22-inch brown trout. My uncle says they’re in there, but I wouldn’t cross my fingers over catching a brown.” Smith said springtime is the best time to fish there from shore. “That’s when fish are most active and aggressive,” he said. “By mid-summer, things slow down. The warm temperature makes the fish lethargic.” If you go down this time of year, Smith recommends bringing plenty of bug spray. “From late spring to winter, the mosquitoes are nasty,” he said, and laughed. He said the spot has no shortage of fish. “You can stand on shore and look out into the river and you’ll see fish jumping all day,” he said. “The problem is getting them to hit.” View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

DEC spokeswoman Lori Severino told me Friday: "We do not know whether the youth hunt will occur or not." This 10 point buck was taken with a rifle by Al Figueroa last fall on his property near Fulton. Changes to the rules concerning deer and bear hunting in this state were released this past week by the state Department of Environmental Conservation. The changes, which take effect this fall, implement certain aspects of the state’s Five-Year Deer Management Plan. The announcement includes plans for a youth firearms hunt (ages 14-15) for deer during the three-day Columbus Day weekend. The hunters would have to be accompanied by a licensed adult hunter. However, pending legislation may kill the hunt. Among the other changes announced: - Adding a couple of weeks on the front of the regular bowhunting season in the Southern Zone, with opening day this fall falling on Oct. 1. Last fall, it opened Oct. 15 and lasted until Nov. 18. - Expanding mandatory antler restrictions, which would essentially make it legal only to shoot bucks with a minimum of three points on one side of their antlers. Shooting younger bucks would not be allowed. This would take effect in DEC wildlife management units (WMUs) 3A, 4G, 4O, 4P, 4R, 4S and 4W. These areas are all downstate in the Catskills (Sullivan and Ulster counties). - Allowing Deer Management Permits (doe tags) to be used during all deer hunting seasons in the Northern Zone. - Establishing a “Deer Management Focus Area” in central Tompkins County to intensify use of hunting to assist communities in the Ithaca area with the burden of large deer populations. - The focus area program is established to reduce total deer populations within the focus area by providing more time and more tags to hunters who can gain access to huntable land. DEC plans to evaluate this new approach over the next several years and, depending on the results, will consider designation of other locations as deer management focus areas,” the release said. - Adjusting the state’s bear hunting seasons so they occur at the same time as the deer hunting seasons. Crossbows and youth hunts As I mentioned, the youth firearms hunt during the Columbus Day weekend, set in both the Northern and Southern zones, is part of the DEC’s plan. This would put youngsters in the woods with firearms during the bow-hunting season. It may never see the light of day. An unsigned bill that’s on Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s desk would extend the current crossbow hunting regulations for two more years. The existing regulations, which allow the use of crossbows only in the regular firearms and late muzzleloading seasons (and not the regular archery season) are scheduled to expire on Dec. 31. Contained within the pending bill is a provision that essentially does away with the DEC’s youth firearms hunt. The provision reads: “The only junior hunter days for big game hunting the Department of Environmental Conservation may authorize during archery seasons are junior archery days.” DEC spokeswoman Lori Severino told me Friday: “We do not know whether the youth hunt will occur or not. We’ve adopted this regulation. However, it can be superseded by state law.” Stay tuned on this one. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

<p> It was taken during a drift trip with his wife down the Unadilla River. </p> <div id="asset-11301012" class="entry_widget_large entry_widget_right"><span class="adv-photo-large"><img height="285" width="380" src="http://media.syracuse.com/outdoors/photo/11301012-large.jpg" class="adv-photo" alt="heron.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>Brian Kovalchik, of West Monroe, snapped this photo´graph of an immature green heron during a recent float trip with his wife on the Unadilla River.</p> <p> For more on these birds, <a href="http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/green_heron/id">see the Cornell Lab of Ornithology Web site</a>.</p> View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

Spey Nation V is set from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Pineville Boat Launch in Pineville. There’s no cost to attend. A group dedicated to promoting the use of two-handed, long-casting spey rods has scheduled a special event Saturday on the banks of the Salmon River. Spey Nation V is set from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Pineville Boat Launch in Pineville. There’s no cost to attend. The event will feature 15 spey rod manufacturers, nine spey line brands and more than 30 other companies display their wares. In addition, there will be raffles, “on the water demonstrations,” and interaction with “some of the biggest names in two-handed casting from the east and west coasts,” according to a press release. Oak Orchard Flyshop is also offering a free barbecue. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

In addition to good catches of coho salmon and brown trout, anglers are catching lake trout in areas you normally wouldn’t expect to catch them, in regard to water depth and location. Submitted photoMichael Juskow, of Cicero, caught this feisty, 28-pound, chinook salmon on Lake Ontario while fishing recently out of Fair Haven on his son's boat. The 43-inch fish hit a white Echip with a white fly on a dipsy diver in 120 feet of water, he said. He said on the initial hit the salmon took out nearly 500 feet of line and that it took nearly a half hour to land. I’ve said this before, but it’s worth repeating. The fishing this year on Lake Ontario has been off the charts. The recently released preliminary results from the spring Lake Ontario Fishing Boat Survey conducted by the state Department of Environmental Conservation confirms what charter boat captains keep telling me. The “catch rate” for trout and salmon (5.3 fish per boat trip) between the period of April 15 and May 31 of this year was “the highest observed in the 28-year data series,” according to the survey. The total harvest rate, which is the number of fish actually kept, was 2.4 fish per boat trip — also the highest observed, the report said. The list of the three most commonly caught species this spring was led by brown trout, followed by chinook salmon and lake trout, said Jana Lantry, an aquatic biologist with the DEC. "Every year, brown trout are relatively common in angler harvests in the springtime,” she said. “This spring, though, the April catches of chinook salmon were great. That’s unusual. We don’t know why. It could be the warm water temperature. It also appears that there’s two very good age classes of chinook salmon (2 and 3 years old) in the lake this year and that could be playing a part.” Lantry said the good lake trout catch could be getting influenced by the different strains that have been stocked in recent years, thanks to a cooperative effort by the DEC and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. ’’The anglers are catching them (the lakers) in areas you normally wouldn’t expect to catch them, in regard to water depth and location,” she said. The survey involves DEC staff in boats interviewing anglers as they come off the lake. They cover an area stretching from Fort Niagara to Henderson Harbor, which is about some 200 miles of the New York state shoreline, Lantry said. “It’s just been fabulous fishing so far this year,” she said. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

The reality, though, is that it is mid-July and streams normally drop and get warmer this time of year. Dick Blume/The Post-StandardSkip Adams, who is the Episcopal bishop of Central New York, trout fishes in Skaneateles Creek earlier this year. Many local, in-land trout streams – particularly the smaller ones -- are taking it on the chin lately due to the lack of rain. “We haven’t had a reports of trout mortality yet, but this continued hot weather without much rain is setting things up,” said David Lemon, the regional fisheries manager from the state Department of Environmental Conservation’s Cortland office. Trout need cool water to survive, he said. He said as the water level in the inland streams drop and the temperatures continue to go up, fish tend to concentrate in the deep holes -- particularly spots that are spring-fed and shaded. A further decrease in the water level would make them more vulnerable to predators, such as herons and raccoons – and anglers. Lemon said when it’s this warm anglers should keep in mind that a caught fish is in most cases a dead fish, because of the stress of the hooking and fight put on them. If you’re not going to keep the fish, he said, “be careful and keep them in the water as you unhook them. The reality, though, is that it is mid-July and streams normally drop and get warmer this time of year. Nine Mile Creek, for example is among those streams able to withstand this type of weather, primarily because of its large amount of cool water from springs constantly pouring into it, Lemon said. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

Water fleas are bothering anglers who troll on Owasco, Cayuga and Seneca lakes. CNY FISHING FORECAST Bait stores (list and map). CAYUGA LAKE There are continued reports of water fleas. They can make trolling frustrating, so be prepared with flea-flicker line. Lake trout are being caught on spoons and Spin Doctors and flies fished 50 to 200 feet down over 50 to 250 feet of water. Vertical jigging has also been good for lake trout in 75 to 95 feet of water. Bass fishing continues to be good at both the north and south ends. CROSS LAKE/SENECA RIVER With all the warm weather, fishing has been slow on the lake lately. No reports from the river. INLAND TROUT STREAMS Streams are low – very low — and clear. We need rain. To find out how many trout (and what kind) are stocked in your favorite Onondaga County stream, call 689-0003. To hear the DEC’s weekly fishing report, which includes a list of streams that have been stocked in Region 7, call 607-753-1551. LAKE ONTARIO Chinook salmon fishing continues to be good with fish being found in 150 to 300 feet of water. Fishing down 90 to 150 feet with spoons, flashers & flies, or flashers and cut-bait are all working for the salmon. Good colors have been whites and greens. ONEIDA LAKE Walleye anglers continue to do well, but the fish have moved to deeper water with the warm weather. Good baits continue to be bucktail jigs tipped with a minnow or nightcrawler, spinner-and-worm rigs, Dixie spinners and worms and other blade baits. Bass and pickerel fishing also continues to be very good in most of the lake. OSWEGO RIVER Sheepshead, white perch, catfish and rock bass are active throughout the river with crayfish or worms working. OTISCO LAKE Smallmouth bass fishing continues to be good with a variety of plastics working. OWASCO LAKE Water fleas are making trolling difficult on the lake. Try using flea flicker line or vertical jigging instead if trolling becomes too frustrating. A few lake trout are being taken in 80 to 150 foot of water on spoons. With the warm weather, other fish are going deep. A few bass and perch being taken. SALMON RIVER Other than the water that was released last weekend for the kayak enthusiasts, the river has been low and slow. Some reports of smallmouth bass being caught, along with an occasional skamania steelhead or Atlantic salmon. SANDY POND Largemouth bass fishing has been good early in the morning and in the evening. SENECA LAKE Water fleas are becoming nuisance when trolling on the lake. Try flea flicker lines or vertical jigging instead if fleas become too bad. Anglers are catching northern pike on minnows, stickbaits and spoons in the Watkins Glen area. Lake trout are hitting Spin Dr.'s and Flies fished 125 feet down over 400 feet of water. Atlantic salmon are being taken 50 feet down in the middle of the lake. Some largemouth bass are being taken in the canal area on topwaters like buzzbaits and Zara spooks. SKANEATELES LAKE Lake trout are hitting spoons in 60 feet of water. Bass fishing along the shore continues to be very good from 5 to 20 feet of water with tube jigs and topwater lures working. SODUS BAY Anglers are picking largemouth bass around the docks and weedlines. Good lures have been spinnerbaits, topwaters and a variety of plastics. Another good bet is a live crayfish under a bobber. ST. LAWRENCE RIVER Anglers are having success catching smallmouth bass on live crayfish. Northern pike are being picked up on shiners and walleye are getting caught on perch-colored, jigfish. WHITNEY POINT RESERVOIR Smallmouth bass fishing has been good along the shoreline with crankbaits working well. Trolling with worm harness and nightcrawlers has been producing lots of walleye action. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

New law allows for more New Yorkers to be introduced to fishing. The state's sport fishing industry currently generates an estimated $1.8 billion in economic activity annually, supporting nearly 17,000 jobs. David Lassman/The Post-StandardWilford Adams of Syracuse fishes in the Onondaga Lake outlet from under the Thruway bridge in this 2010 photo. The Longbranch Road bridge is in the distance. The following a press release from Gov. Andrew Cuomo's office: Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today signed legislation to expand free fishing clinics in New York State, allowing more New Yorkers to experience fishing for the first time by increasing the number of free clinics that can be held throughout the state. "Summer in New York is a fantastic time for families and individuals to take advantage of the numerous outdoor opportunities offered in each of our state’s beautiful regions," Governor Cuomo said. "This new law will allow more New Yorkers to take advantage of free fishing clinics, so our young people and other outdoor enthusiasts can get learn to fish without having to purchase a license. Fishing is both a fun, outdoor activity, and an economic generator for communities across the state. I thank the bill sponsors for their leadership in helping this bill become law." The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) conducts fishing clinics to help introduce individuals and families to recreational angling. Participants are not required to have a fishing license in order to attend these clinics. Under previous law, only four free sport fishing clinics could be held annually in each of DEC's nine regions and DEC employees were required to provide at least part of the instruction at the events. The law signed today by the Governor permits DEC to hold more clinics, and also allows other entities to conduct fishing clinics with DEC authorization. By allowing additional free sport fishing clinics, the law is designed to promote participation in recreational angling across New York State. Many local sporting federations and recreational groups run similar fishing clinics and enabling these groups to administer free clinics with DEC guidelines will benefit all New Yorkers who may be interested in fishing and enjoying the outdoors. State Senator Catharine Young, said, "This idea came from the grassroots support of DEC and the Dansville Fish and Game Club, so local students could learn to fish. Because of their efforts, and Governor Cuomo's support, countless people statewide will be introduced to the joy of fishing, connect with nature, and spend quality family time together. It shows how citizens who have a good idea can make a difference." Assembly Member Bob Sweeney, Chair of the Assembly Committee on Environmental Conservation, said, "As a recreational fisher myself, I am delighted that Governor Cuomo has signed into law my legislation to permit additional free recreational fishing clinics. Fishing is a time-honored activity which can either be relaxing or exhilarating and sometimes both. Fishing allows people to connect with nature, enjoy the natural beauty, and with a little luck, bring home lunch or dinner. Additional fishing clinics will introduce more New Yorkers to the sport." DEC Commissioner Joe Martens said, "DEC’s free fishing clinics introduce people of all ages to a great outdoor sport. By increasing the number of these popular events, even more New Yorkers and visitors will be able to enjoy their first-time fishing experience on the state’s abundant waterways. I thank Governor Cuomo for signing this new law." New York's sport fishing industry generates an estimated $1.8 billion in economic activity annually, supporting nearly 17,000 jobs. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

New rules Include longer bow seasons, mandatory antler restrictions in more areas and other deer hunting changes. The changes won't take affect this fall. They'll be in place for the 2012-2013 season. Submitted photoMartin Hale, of Cato, poses with a 12-point deer he shot last fall near Victory. The buck's antlers had a 21-inch inside spread, and the deer dressed out at 185 pounds, he said. The antlers were green scored at 177 2/8. It was shot with a scoped Remington 1187 shotgun at 110 yards. The following is a DEC press release: The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has adopted rules affecting deer and bear hunting in New York, to implement certain aspects of the state's Five-Year Deer Management Plan, Commissioner Joe Martens announced today. “With these changes, DEC has started implementing several strategies of the recently adopted Management Plan for White-tailed Deer,” Commissioner Martens said. “Though the management plan addresses much more than deer hunting, these changes emphasize the value of hunting as a tradition for New Yorkers and as the primary tool for deer management.” The changes won't take affect this fall. They'll be in place for the 2012-2013 season. The adopted changes include: - Beginning bowhunting season and the regular season for the Southern Zone in Westchester County (bowhunting only) on October 1 and establishing a late bowhunting season concurrent with the late muzzleloader season in the Northern Zone. These changes will increase opportunities by several weeks for most New York bowhunters. - Adjusting the Northern Zone season dates by opening the Northern Zone regular season for 44 days, beginning on the 2nd Saturday after Columbus Day. This is a slight change from the original proposal to begin the regular season on the 4th Saturday in October. Some hunters were concerned that the original proposal would extend the season too late into December. The adopted season structure results in fewer years when the regular season will extend later than it has in the past. - Allowing Deer Management Permits (DMPs, “doe tags”) to be used in all seasons in the Northern Zone. This change will simplify regulations and increase hunter opportunity and choice. No management impact is expected since DEC determines the total number of DMPs issued in each area of the state based on current deer population conditions and hunting activity. - Expanding mandatory antler restrictions (3 points on one side minimum) into Wildlife Management Units (WMUs) 3A, 4G, 4O, 4P, 4R, 4S, and 4W, as called for in the Deer Management Plan. DEC is working to develop a systematic and objective process to guide future decisions regarding antler restrictions or other buck harvest strategies to best satisfy the desires of New York deer hunters and stakeholders. - Opening all of Suffolk County for the special January firearms season, subject to local discharge ordinances. This change will simplify options for hunters, should local municipalities change ordinances to allow discharge of bows or firearms. - Establishing a Deer Management Focus Area in central Tompkins County to intensify use of hunting to assist communities in the Ithaca area with the burden of overabundant deer populations. The focus area program is established to reduce total deer populations within the focus area by providing more time and more tags to hunters who can gain access to huntable land. DEC plans to evaluate this new approach over the next several years and, depending on the results, will consider designation of other locations as deer management focus areas. More information about the focus area program, including registration forms will be available on the DEC website in September. - Adjusting bear hunting seasons to remain concurrent with deer seasons. DEC believes retaining a consistent season structure for big game hunting is currently preferable, though future bear management may necessitate deviation from this approach. - The full text of the adopted regulations is available on the DEC Web site. To understand DEC’s rationale for the adopted season changes, and to review DEC’s assessment of public comments on this rulemaking, also see the Web site. Also, the 2012 deer hunting seasons can be found on the DEC Web site and additional information about mandatory antler restrictions DEC’s Deer Management Plan The DEC's deer management plan was the foundation for these regulation changes, and over the coming year, DEC will be initiating other aspects of the plan to address ecological impacts of deer and continue improving deer management capacity for the benefit of all New Yorkers. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

I'm still on the hunt for cute shots of kids with fish caught on their toddler poles Hope everyone is enjoying the warm weather and keeping cool. Here's what's on tap for this week: FRIDAY Main piece: We travel to a small island on Oneida Lake, which is a nesting ground for common terns. Cornell researchers have been studying the birds on this island for more than 30 years. Frankly, going on the island and banding the baby chicks while the mad parents were hovering overhead and dive bombing us.. it was like something out of Alfred Hitchcock's "The Birds." We have a good video to go along with the story. Column: I write about a recent DEC report about the fishing on Lake Ontario so far this year. SUNDAY: Main piece: We continue the series, Shoreline Hot Spots. This week we profile the state pulloff, just off Route 5&20 on the Seneca River. Birding news: We talk to a local wildlife photographer who successfully tracked and photographed a bird that's rarely if every seen in these parts. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

She caught it using a little panfish pole, she said. Submitted photo A proud Elaine Supp holds up a nice fish she caught this week on Oneida Lake. She wrote: "I caught this 36 inch northern pike on Oneida Lake yesterday.. on a little pan fish pole & 10-pound test line....lol. "Kyle Kearney helped me get him in the boat. He was too big for the net and didn't fit in the live well..." ~Elaine Supp View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

He caught it on a white, spinnerbait. Submitted photo Bruce Dew, of Manlius, caught this impressive 29-inch walleye on the DeRuyter Reservoir. He wrote: " I did not have a scale. I believe it was over 8 lbs. Caught on a white spinner bait. I released it to grow some more…" View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

He caught it on a home-made spinnerbait. Submitted photo Marty Freedmon, of Queens, traveled up to the St. Lawrence River the week of July 1-7 and ended up catching and releasing this monster muskie. He caught it fishing out of a private boat, using a home-made spinnerbait. The fish was 55 inches long and estimated to weigh more than 40 pounds. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

It measured 30 inches. Submitted photo Amy "Carr" Sandgarten, of Skaneateles, holds up a nice, 30-inch northern pike she caught. Her husband, Jonathan, wrote: "Recently on a family trip to 14 Island Lake in Canada, about an hour past the border, fishing was the main activity for sure. We all had the burning desire to catch the biggest and best fish. "Going into the last day, all the guys were fighting for that top spot each of us with a pike or walleye in the 22- to 25-inch range. Amy bested us all with a 30-inch pike that put up quite a struggle." Submitted photo View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

lyThey're the type of swan probably featured in "The Ugly Duckling," by Hans Christian Andersen. Submitted photo David J. Holihan shot this photograph of a family of swans Monday afternoon on the Seneca River in Liverpool. I showed the picture to Laura Erickson, ""The Bird Lady," and former science editor of the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology. Erickson said they were mute swans, which were introduced into this country from Europe in the late 1800s.. "They compete against our native trumpeter swans," she said. "They're probably the species that figures in "The Ugly Ducking." Hans Christian Andersen was Danish, and the swans in most illustrated versions of his story are mute swans." View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

Loaner Shakespeare rods and reels will be available for the day. A free kids fishing class is being offered from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 22 at Lake Neahtahwantha. The event is sponsored by Spider Rybaak and McGrath & Associates Carp Angling Services. For more call (315) 882-1549. Participants should park at Bullhead Point (where the pier reaches out into the lake), off NY Route 3, the west side of Fulton. If you don’t have fishing equipment, no sweat…Loaner Shakespeare rods and reels will be available for the day. Free bait and tackle, donated by Shakespeare, Berkley Marukyu Baits of Japan, Alvey, Mustad, Cortland Line Co. and flies by McGrath & Associates. will be available. Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult. A New York State fishing license is required for students 16 and over. Fly-fishing lessons will also be offered. The event is sponsored by Spider Rybaak and McGrath & Associates Carp Angling Services. For more call (315) 882-1549. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

It was their first their first time out this year with their new "adult" fishing gear. Submitted photoDaniel with his lunker bass. Two brothers from Onondaga Hill -- Daniel Barclay, 9, and Jacob Barclay, 11 -- recently when out out fishing on Oneida Lake. Young Daniel caught a big, 18-inch, smallmouth bass on a Rapala lure and his first walleye. His older brother caught two walleyes on Dixie spinners, including this 17-incher (pictured). According to their father: "First time out on Onieda Lake this year with their new 'adult' spinning tackle." Submitted photoJacob with his 17-inch walleye. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

It's his biggest fish to date, said his father. Submitted photo Patrick Quinn, 8, holds up a nice, 14-inch bass he caught recently while fishing at the Camillus Eric Canal Aqueduct. It's his biggest fish to date, said his dad, Kevin Quinn. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

He was fishing with his grandfather at the time. Submitted photo Nicholas Nolan, 8, of North Syracuse, holds up a nice, 19-inch smallmouth bass he caught recently on Oneida Lake while fishing with his grandfather. His father, Jason Nolan, wrote: It was caught in 20 feet of water. They also caught their limit of walleye the same day. Fishing is my son's absolute favorite activity." View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

Some guys are building them with stairways, decks, shingled roofs, commercial windows, insulation, propane heaters, carpeting, lounge chairs, tables and even occasionally generators. According to the Associated Press: Hunters are building elaborate platforms in Minnesota trees so that they can watch for deer in comfort. Typical deer stands consist of a few boards nailed into a tree to allow hunters to see above the brush. But St. Louis County Land Commissioner Bob Krepps tells The Duluth News Tribune he’s seeing stands with stairways, decks, shingled roofs, commercial windows, insulation, propane heaters, carpeting, lounge chairs, tables and even occasionally generators. “We’re getting over-built. We’re seeing mansions out there — basically hunting shacks on stilts," he said. Read the full story. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog