HuntingNY-News

Assemblyman Brian Kolb, R- Canandaigua, is the chief sponsor of the bill (A9638). Hunters in Cayuga County may be able to hunt big game (deer and bear) with a rifle as early as this fall under proposed legislation introduced this year.Assemblyman Brian Kolb, R-Canandaigua, is the chief sponsor of a bill (A9638) that would make Cayuga among those counties where rifles could be used by hunters during the regular firearms season, in addition to shotguns.Rifles are allowed for hunting in the entire Northern Zone of the state, along with various counties in the Southern Tier, the western part of the state and downstate. Central New York counties where rifles are allowed are Oswego, Oneida, Madison, Cortland and Chenango.Critics of rifles say they’re unsafe and should not be allowed near populated areas, noting that bullets travel a lot farther and faster than slugs from a shotgun — in some cases more than a mile. Defenders of rifles, though, say they’re safe if used properly, and in counties where their use has been recently allowed there have been no increase in hunting-related problems or accidents.In a memo attached to the bill, Kolb wrote: “Given the rural nature of Cayuga County and the safety record of hunters in the counties where rifle hunting has been permitted, it would be reasonable to now permit rifle hunters in Cayuga County the same opportunities.”The Cayuga County bill currently sits in the Assembly’s environmental conservation committee. The Senate companion bill is S6801. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

He did it with a bow. He recently got back the mount from the taxidermist. Submitted photoAntonio Paduano poses with this four-bearded turkey shot on opening day of the spring 2011 season.He shot it with his bow in Onondaga County.Below is a picture of the mounted bird he recently got back from the taxidermist.Submitted photo View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

The Tioughnioga River was a little high and muddy that day, but I scored big, landing a 23-inch walleye on a black Mr. Twister tipped with a night crawler.The The water was a little high and muddy that day, but the action on Factory Brook was great.Last weekend, I got to fish and hunt in Cortland County during the annual “Spring Safari” of the New York Outdoors Writers Association. I wasn’t disappointed and plan to return — soon.Friday morning, I fished Factory Brook near Homer and caught four trout (two browns and two brookies). The same morning, J. Michael Kelly, my predecessor on the outdoors beat for this newspaper, caught and released a 22-inch wild brown trout in the same stream.That afternoon, I teamed with another writer and fished Tully Lake for about 90 minutes from a canoe that was loaned to us by Jim Dempsey, director of the Cortland County Convention and Visitor's Bureau. We caught a host of panfish (including a 13-inch perch) and four small pickerel. We had a ball with our ultra-light spinning outfits, using worms as bait.The following morning I traveled to nearby McGraw and hunted wild turkey. I had three jakes come within 50 yards, but held up shooting because I wasn’t comfortable with the distance. The guide, Mike Joyner, was a little bit behind me, calling in the birds. Joyner told me afterward that while I was concentrating on the jakes, two hens came within 10 yards of me on my left side. I never saw them, but, of course, could not have taken a shot at them anyway.Half of a shed. An impressive 5 points. Makes one wonder what that deer looks like -- and about him being there next fall.On a side note, Paul Walling , one of the other turkey guides who was calling for another nearby writer, found and gave me half of 5-point shed (shed deer antler) he found where we were hunting. We saw deer sign all around and I can't help but feel that area would be a great place to return to this fall for deer hunting.Following lunch, I went with Kelly and his buddy, city Police Lt. John “Kid” Corbett, down to Blodgett Mills, where we fished a couple of hours near a bridge that spanned the Tioughnioga River. The river was high and muddy but I scored big, landing a 23-inch walleye on a black Mr. Twister tipped with a night crawler.My wife, Laura, and I enjoyed eating that fish (along with the Tully lake perch and few other panfish) for dinner Monday evening. For more on Cortland County’s outdoor offerings, see the county's tourism Web site and click on "Outdoor Adventure."A great finish to a great weekend -- a 23-inch Tioughnioga River walleye. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

These photos were taken in the marsh from the observation deck at the refuge's main visitors center. Paul Pflanz photoPaul Pflanz visited the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge May 9 and came came back with these interesting photos of a great egret.He wrote: "It was seen about 2:30 pm in the marsh west of the main visitors center."(When I shot these photos, it) was about 150 yards out from the observation deck of the center."It was happily prancing around looking for lunch. Then it flew away."Paul Pflanz photoPaul Pflanz photo View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

Fewer birds? Maybe. Different behaviors? Somewhat. APTurkeys get more cautious when leaves come out on trees because that limits how far they can see. Hunters across the state and beyond have been complaining about turkey hunting being tough this spring. They say they’re not seeing as many as in the past and the birds aren’t responding as well to calls.Is that true? Could the past mild winter have had an impact?Yes and no, according to interviews with two wildlife biologists and two turkey hunting guides. The season in this state opened May 1 and closes May 31. Only one male bird may be taken per day and the limit is two per season.Local bird numbers are down a little. Turkey populations hinge on the success of each spring’s breeding. The past several years have seen a high mortality rate among poults (baby turkeys) because of wet and cold weather, experts said.The cold can cause hypothermia, and the wetness accentuates their scent, making them more detectable to predators such as coyotes and foxes.“Everyone is talking about (not seeing as many birds) in New York ... and also, from Michigan to Iowa,” said Bill Porter, a former SUNY ESF professor and current Boone and Crockett professor of wildlife conservation at Michigan State.“You have to look at the weather in May each year. It’s been a couple of years since we’ve had a really dry May,” he said.But Porter and others said there are still a lot of birds out there.“We hear this every year (about there not being enough turkeys),” said Lance Clark, a senior wildlife biologist at the state Department of Environmental Conservation’s Cortland office. “It’s a mixed bag. Some hunters aren’t (bagging birds), while others have had no problems.”But where are they?Clark and the turkey guides said the mild winter has resulted in slightly different behavior from the birds. During the cold, snowy months in the past, large flocks of turkeys, as many as 100 or more, could be seen in open fields across Central New York, feeding on everything from left-over corn to undigested food in cow manure.“This winter, they didn’t have to come out in the fields to feed,” Clark said. “They stayed in the woods where they found food and there was more (protection) from predators.”With the arrival of spring and the longer days, the bird’s breeding instincts have kicked in, Clark said. However, what’s happening this year is that the turkeys broke up into smaller flocks earlier than usual, and rather than feeding in open fields — where hunters are used to seeing them — they’re staying in the woods more often than not.Mike Joyner, of McGraw, a turkey hunting guide and author, said the change in behavior calls for a change in hunting style, with a greater reliance on scouting for roost areas and turkey signs, such as scat, scratch marks on the ground and feathers under trees where they roost each night.Is there anything to the complaint that birds are responding less to calls?Joyner said at times that appears to be happening locally, but he’s heard reports from other guides up north — in Jefferson and St. Lawrence counties — that it’s business as usual.Wayne Masters, of Tully, a licensed outdoors guide specializing in spring turkey hunting, has been hunting turkey for more than 40 years. Each season, he said, there’s “a lull” in the turkey gobbling due to the leafing out of trees, particularly maples. He said it usually happens around the middle of the season, but it happened earlier this year.“It drives hunters crazy. All of a sudden the gobbling stops,” he said. “Wild turkeys are paranoid about what they can see and what they can’t see. When the trees leaf out, they become way more cautious. Typically, it takes them about 10 days to adjust.”He predicts a strong second half of the season. His advice?“If you want to kill a turkey, just go. They’re out there,” he said. “Find a place where they roost, go there in the early morning, sit down, be patient and don’t drive yourself crazy because you don’t hear a lot of gobbling.”He recommended one more thing: “Be the first hen to call in the morning and call sparingly.” View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

So far the numbers of raptors counted at Derby Hill this year exceeds 42,000, according to Niles Brown, a board member of the local Audubon chapter, which owns the land. The Onondaga Audubon Society is holding a “family fun” bird festival from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday at Derby Hill. This premier bird-watching spot for the spring migration of raptors — eagles, hawks, ospreys, turkey vultures, etc. — is on the shore of Lake Ontario between Oswego and Mexico on Sage Creek Road.Saturday’s free event will feature “hawk talks” about how to identify the hawks in flight. There will also be live birds for participants to see up close.Other offerings will include food, along with birding and nature walks on the grounds. There will also be a silent auction and raffles. Proceeds will go toward paying for a “hawk counter” who has been at Derby Hill since mid-February.So far the numbers of raptors counted at Derby Hill this year exceeds 42,000, according to Niles Brown, a board member of the local Audubon chapter, which owns the land. For more about Derby Hill or the local chapter, go to the chapter's Web site. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

Honored were Bill Girvan, of Yorksville, and Mike Cusano, of Clay. Two local groups, the Oneida Lake Association and the Onondaga Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs, announced their “Conservationist of the Year” awards at their recent annual meetings.- The Oneida Lake Association honored Bill Girvan, of Yorksville.Girvan’s resume includes being co-chair of the New York State Conservation Council’s Fish Committee, a member of the Oneida Lake Association’s board of directors since 2000, current Fish Committee chair and past president of the Oneida County Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs, certified instructor and past regional specialist for the Sportfishing and Aquatic Resource Educational Program for New York State and founder of CNY Youth Fishing Educators (a non-profit that teaches kids to fish). He’s also a member of the NYS Outdoors Hall of Fame’s inaugural class of inductees in 1983.- The federation honored Mike Cusano, of Clay, who was inducted into the Outdoors Hall of Fame this spring.Cusano sits on numerous boards of sportsmen’s organizations and was the spark behind the “Take a Soldier Fishing” program and the water chestnut eradication program on the Oneida River. Cusano, past president of the NY B.A.S.S. Chapter Federation, has also been instrumental in working to obtain additional access for fishermen through the statewide, year-round catch-and-release bass fishing regulation. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

Trout streams across the area have perked up due to the rain we’ve been having lately. CNY FISHING FORECAST A reminder that walleye, northern pike, pickerel and tiger muskie seasons opened last Saturday (May 5) Bait stores (list and map).INLAND TROUT STREAMS Streams across the area have perked up due to the rain we’ve been having lately. Most area streams have been stocked. To find out how many fish are stocked in your favorite Onondaga County stream, call 689-0003. To hear the DEC’s weekly fishing report, which includes a list of what streams have been stocked in Region 7, call 607-753-1551. LAKE ONTARIO Up and down the coast the good brown trout fishing continues, with anglers cashing in at anywhere from 7 to 20 feet of water using stickbaits. Salmon are being caught anywhere from 60 to 200 feet, using mainly spoons. SALMON RIVER Reports of smallmouth bass coming in from the lake to spawn, along with a few “drop-back” steelhead in the lower river. For the steelhead use egg sacs, trout beads and night crawlers. OSWEGO RIVER Trout, sheepshead and rock bass are active throughout the river. One angler caught a nice 31-inch walleye on opening day. ONEIDA LAKE Walleye fishing has been good since the seasoner opener. The fish are scattered throughout the lake, with walleyes being taken in anywhere from 3 to 20 feet. In a boat, the preferred depth is about 15 feet of water, using black and purple (and brown) colored jigs, tipped with a night crawler. Offshore nighttime activity with stickbaits is also working. Try a Challenger minnow or the Storm Thunderstick Jr. CROSS LAKE/SENECA RIVER No reports of walleye being caught opening weekend on the lake. Some anglers were out fishing last weekend for northern pike using shiners and suckers, and ended catching a lot of sheepshead and catfish. Lots of panfish were caught , too, including perch and crappie by anglers using fathead minnows. Pike fishing on the Seneca River, though, has been “awesome,” according to one report, for anglers fishing with big minnows (shiners). CAYUGA LAKE Perch fishing continues to be “hot,” particularly around Frontenac Island. Anglers trolling are getting lake trout, brown trout and Atlantic salmon. Lake trout are coming on flasher and fly rigs fished 100 to 125 feet down over 130 to 175 feet of water. Fishing stickbaits on the surface over 15 to 25 feet of water is working for the brown trout and salmon on the south end of the lake. Lake trout jigging is very good with fish ranging from around 50 feet out to 150 feet of water. SENECA LAKE Yellow perch are still in shallow but the bight has been slow. Atlantic salmon are still being caught near the surface by trolling stickbaits. A few brown trout have been mixed in with the salmon catch. Lake trout fishing has been good for anglers trolling flasher/flies or spoons with downriggers. Right now lakers are near bottom over a wide variety of depths ranging from 40 to 120 feet. OWASCO LAKE Anglers are catching a lot of pike (on large suckers and shiners) and perch (on fathead minnows). Also, bullheads are continuing to bite on night crawlers and crayfish at the southern end. OTISCO LAKE Walleye fishing has been slow, but there was a recent report of a couple, nice-sized walleye being taken off the Causeway at night using stickbaits. SKANEATELES LAKE Anglers getting out in boats are still catching some yellow perch in the north end of the lake on small minnows, but the perch are deeper, so look in the 20- to 30-foot range. Lake trout are hitting near bottom in 40 to 50 feet of water. SODUS BAY Anglers are continuing to catch rock bass around the docks, using jigs and spikes. Pike fishing is slow. SANDY POND Black crappies are still hitting around docks. Some bullhead are also being taken. ST. LAWRENCE RIVER Bullhead bite continues to be strong on Eel Bay, with perch fishing good at the bay’s mouth. Northern pike are being caught nearly in every bay, particularly in depths of 5 to 15 feet. A good choice is a bucktail jig tipped with a leech. WHITNEY POINT RESERVOIR Lots of walleyes being caught in the reservoir by trolling with night crawler harnesses, while others are drifting with jigs tipped with night crawlers. Anglers fishing from the shore have been cashing in with night crawlers as well. Report of 24 inch, walleye being caught in the Otselic River. Crappie bite continues, but they’re running small. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

It's extremely important that anglers fishing these waters are aware of the presence of spawning sturgeon and take all measures to avoid catching them. The following is a DEC press release:Anglers should be aware of spawning lake sturgeon in tributaries of the Great Lakes, the St. Lawrence River, Finger Lakes and Oneida Lake, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today advised.“The return of lake sturgeon to spawn in New York state’s tributaries reflects well on efforts by DEC and our partners to restore this valuable native species,” said DEC Commissioner Joe Martens. “These fish have been part of New York’s natural landscape for thousands of years and through sound management they will remain here for future generations to enjoy. It’s extremely important that anglers fishing these waters are aware of the presence of spawning sturgeon and take all measures to avoid catching them.”Last season, DEC staff received numerous reports of lake sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens) caught by anglers around the state. Lake sturgeon are listed as a threatened species in New York; therefore, there is no open season for the fish and possession is prohibited. Anglers who unintentionally hook one should follow these practices to ensure the fish is returned to the water unharmed:Avoid bringing the fish into the boat if possible. - Use pliers to remove the hook; sturgeon are almost always hooked in the mouth. - Always support the fish horizontally. Do not hold sturgeon in a vertical position by their head, gills or tails, even for taking pictures. - Never touch their eyes or gills. - Minimize their time out of the water. - Anglers are much more likely to encounter sturgeon in May and June when the fish gather to spawn on clean gravel, cobble shoals and in stream rapids.Lake sturgeon populations are recovering as a result of protection and stocking efforts by DEC and partners. Since 1994, lake sturgeon have been periodically stocked by DEC into Black Lake, Cayuga Lake, the Genesee River, Oneida Lake, the Oswegatchie River, Raquette River, St. Lawrence River, and St. Regis River. Lake sturgeon are often tagged as part of ongoing studies conducted by state or federal agencies and their partners. If a tagged sturgeon is found, it’s important to follow the reporting instructions on the tag or contact a regional DEC office for assistance. Lake sturgeon are an ancient fish that first appeared during the Upper Cretaceous period 136 million years ago when dinosaurs still walked the earth. Lake sturgeon are one of three species of sturgeon native to New York, the others being shortnose sturgeon and Atlantic sturgeon. Lake sturgeon are native to the Mississippi River Basin, Great Lakes Basin and Hudson Bay region of North America. They are the largest fish native to the Great Lakes, growing up to seven or more feet in length and weighing up to 300 pounds. Male sturgeon live as long as 55 years and females live as long as 80 to 150 years.Lake sturgeon were once abundant in New York, but commercial fishing, dam building and habitat loss decimated populations. Today they can still be found in Lake Erie, Niagara River, Lake Ontario, St. Lawrence River, Genesee River, Grasse River, Oswegatchie River, Black Lake, Lake Champlain, Cayuga Lake, Oneida Lake, Oneida River, Seneca River, Oswego River and Cayuga Canal.For further information visit the link on the DEC website.: View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

He shot it with his bow. Submitted photoAntonio Paduano poses with this four-bearded turkey shot on opening day of the spring season.He shot it with his bow in Onondaga County. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

yI pluck a bird, and save the wing feathers to give to schools to make quills, like Ben Franklin did. He wanted the turket to be the national bird. If he did, we would be eating eagles, not turkeys." Submitted photoJoe Leogrande, of Auburn, bagged this 20-pound, gobbler, with its 10-inch beard and 1 - inch spurs.He wrote" "Three gobblers the same size came in quiet to attack my intruder jake decoy that was on top on another decoy (to simulate) mating. The decoys were Bubba Jake, a smaller Jake and 4 hens."This bird was taken at 8:30 a.m. May 4 on a farm in Skaneateles with a 12-gauge shotgun, using 3-inch Federal shells at 25 yards."He added in a later email:" I also have photos of the food in the crop of in the bird (chest area) , as well as photos of the food all ground up in the gizzard. The gizzard grinds the corn and grasses as a muscle, and the small gravel birds eat ,helps pulverize the corn and stuff into a fine digestible meal. There must be cup of corn in the crop, plus seeds, and dandelions, and tiny grass seeds, and 1/4 cup of ground stuff in the gizzard."I eat the gizzard, heart, and liver -- plus the bird!! Delicious! "" I can send you photos of the gizzard, and full crop if you want. I have a photo of the head decapitated also, plus defeathered still on the bird, and a plucked whole bird."I pluck a bird, and save the wing feathers to give to schools to make quills, like Ben Franklin did. He wanted the turket to be the national bird. If he did, we would be eating eagles not turkeys."Editor's note: Joe, thanks for the offer, but I'll pass on these other photos. Nice bird, though. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

The competition featured 100 teams and the two-some went home with $4,850 for their finish.They caught the second biggest fish on Day 1, weighing 9.85 pounds Submitted photoWilliam Greczyn and Karl Elsner. William Greczyn, of Tully, and Karl Elsner, of West Monroe, placed third during a Cabela's Masters Walleye Circuit tournament on the Detroit River held April 14. The competition featured 100 teams and the two-some went home with $4,850 for their finish. Their 5-fish, first day-total was 38.40 pounds; their second day total was 31.18 -- for a total weight of 69.58 pounds. They caught the second biggest fish on Day 1, weighing 9.85 pounds. This was their first tournament together as partners. Submitted photoKarl holds up some nice walleyes from Day 1. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

This year's Fishing Heritage Day will continue the annual celebration of South Otselic’s historical past as home to a major fishing line industry, and the State fish hatchery, while recognizing the Otselic River as an important natural resource. The following is a press release from the Otselic Valley Fishing and Heritage Association: The Otselic Valley Fishing & Heritage Association (OVF&HA) is proud to announce that on Saturday, May 19 from 9am to 4pm, the small rural community of South Otselic will host the fourth annual Fishing Heritage Day. Home to one of New York State’s twelve fish hatcheries, and the former B. F. Gladding Co., the scenic Otselic River flows through this northwestern Chenango County hamlet and its surrounding communities, farms and woodlands. The nonprofit OVF&HA has been planning the Fishing Heritage Day in South Otselic over the course of the past year. The hamlet has a long history related to the sport of fishing. It has been home to the South Otselic Fish Cultural Center for 80 years, where Tiger Muskie and Walleye are now raised and then released into New York State rivers and lakes. The former B. F. Gladding Company, was first established in 1816 within two miles of South Otselic, before moving three years later into the hamlet, adjacent to the river. Gladding employed some 200 people during its heyday, and grew to become the largest, and eventually, the oldest fishing line manufacturer in the world. The angling community considered Gladding's to be one of the highest quality lines available, and earned South Otselic the reputation as “the fishing line capital of the world." Building upon the past three years, OVF&HA Board Chairman Carl Johnson noted that “This year's Fishing Heritage Day will continue the annual celebration of South Otselic’s historical past as home to a major fishing line industry, and the State fish hatchery, while recognizing the Otselic River as an important natural resource. Once again, we are fortunate to receive major assistance from the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the Chenango Valley and Oneonta Chapters of Trout Unlimited (TU). Special thanks also go to our many sponsors from throughout the river valley, as well as our corporate sponsors at Gladding Braided Products, LLC and NBT Bank. As in past years' events, we are looking forward to hosting an enjoyable, educational and memorable tradition for local as well as visiting families who attend“, added Reverend Johnson. To kick things off on Friday evening, before the Saturday event, the Georgetown Fire Department will host a fish dinner at their fire hall beginning at 5 pm with the proceeds to benefit the Department. Beginning Saturday morning at 9 am the South Otselic Fish Cultural Station will open with an aquarium display, along with several exhibits and information featured, including The Finger Lakes Trail, The Sierra Club, Friends of Rogers Environmental Education Center and the Federation of Fly Fishermen, among others. Tours will be conducted of the state fish hatchery’s operation and history at 10 am and 2 pm. The popular fishing clinics will be held once again at one of the ponds across the highway, conducted jointly by DEC staff and TU volunteers, to offer beginning anglers an opportunity to catch fish while learning about proper techniques, tackle, species of fish, and casting. Fishing equipment and bait will be provided for those wishing to participate in these free trout fishing clinics. The Chenango County Sheriff's Department will also be on hand to show off their K-9 unit and to conduct their free child safety ID program. Nearby at the Town Park, artisans, crafters and others will exhibit and sell their created work. Peter Thompson, author of Freshwater Game Fish of North America: An Illustrated Guide, will sell signed copies of his book, while Albert Daher, Jr. will demonstrate fly tying. The fourth new U.S. Postal stamp cancellation will make its debut and be available for sale, and Binghamton's Ross Park Zoo Mobile will exhibit live animals in front of the Town Hall. For a complete list of vendors, visit the event's website Local musicians will perform, compliments of a grant received from the New York State Council on the Arts and administered by the Chenango County Council of the Arts, with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the NYS Legislature. Guitarist Tom Rasely of McDonough will begin at 10 am, and in the afternoon, a group of area musicians, known as “Out of the Woodwork”, will perform. Nearby, Gladding Braided Products, Inc. will again host a special rope braiding demonstration, and offer a selection of their manufactured rope products for sale. In addition to the Fishing Heritage event, many community residents will participate in the Otselic Valley Grange's annual community garage sale day. The Grange will also offer their special beef barbecue luncheon, starting at 11am at the Grange Hall, just a short walk from the Town Park. Other food sales by nonprofit organizations will be available in the Town Park, as well as at The Daily Grind and the South Otselic Store. Prize drawings for sport fishing items will be held for participants at the fishing clinic pond following the morning and afternoon sessions. Special prize drawings for new members joining the Otselic Valley Fishing & Heritage Association, will also be held toward the end of the day in the Town Park. Admission to all activities is free, and free parking is available at the hatchery, at the Baptist Church, Gladding, at the Otselic Valley Central School and elsewhere throughout the hamlet. A free day-long bus shuttle will again be provided by the Otselic Valley Central School to transport visitors between the Town Park and the fish hatchery. Whether or not fishing is the primary interest, all are welcome and encouraged to attend the fourth annual Fishing Heritage Day, rain or shine, if for no other reason than to spend an enjoyable day with family and friends in the historic community of South Otselic, part of the scenic Otselic River valley. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

Snowmobiling has been a growing activity during the last decade with significant economic impact for New York State . The following is a press release from the New York Snowmobile Association: PINE BUSH, NY – An economic assessment undertaken by the SUNY Potsdam Institute for Applied Research shows that the sport of snowmobiling delivers an economic impact of more than $860 million to New York State annually. The New York State Snowmobile Association (NYSSA) revealed the findings of the assessment to more than 600 NYSSA members who attended the 2012 Educational Forum and Annual Meeting in Lake Placid. The results of this assessment are designed to analyze what the sport of snowmobiling means to New York State’s businesses and municipalities. In comparison, a 2011 study done by the Iowa State University Department of Economics determined that snowmobiling has a $123 million economic impact in the state of Iowa. "Our previous 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, SUNY Potsdam Results of this economic assessment show that on average, a New York State snowmobiler spends more than $3,000 individually every year for snowmobile related activities. This figure does not include the $45 registration fee required for each sled every year. “We tasked the SUNY Potsdam Institute for Applied Research with this economic assessment to accurately determine the current contribution of the snowmobile industry. 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.” Survey results broke down how much money snowmobilers spent on sleds, travel, insurance, maintenance, gasoline, clothing, service and repairs during the 2010 – 2011 season. Distributed online and via mail, 5,916 surveys were completed. In comparison, the prior survey in 2003 returned 1,350 results. “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 10,500 miles of trails across New York State, there are a variety of restaurants, convenient stores, gas pumps and snowmobile dealers that rely on our sport as a source of revenue, as evident by our study.” Additional work is being undertaken by the Institute regarding the sport involving snowmobile dealers and businesses that depend on snowmobilers for a portion of their revenue stream during certain times of the year. Complete results of the study will be released later this year. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

"Rabies is a terrible, stinking disease and a dreadful fate for any creature cursed with it… your warning was appropriate and very important," one reader said. </strong> Submitted photo This story has generated a good response. Here's what I wrote originally: Dick Capella sent me these two photos and this story this morning about a fox he got surprisingly close to. Sounds strange and I wonder about the possibility of rabies or something like that. Here's Dick's story: "When I drove into my driveway today (May 7th) I found this fox sleeping next to the house. I called my wife to see the animal which, in time, woke up walked up to us and checked us out. "Both my wife and I were astonished at its lack of fear of us and for the next three hours were treated to a most rare event. The fox wandered around outside the house, tried to get into the greenhouse and for a time came into my garage as I was repairing a mower, stretched out two or three feet away and watched what I was doing. " A friend drove in and when he stepped from his car the fox walked over and stood between him and my wife and me. (Friend Mike didn't test the fox's intentions and retreated to the car until the fox wandered back into the garage) There was never any aggression or fear on the part of the fox---absolutely none. "In time, the fox crossed the road and we thought we had seen the last of it----but it returned a while later and spent another thirty minutes near me. It finally left for good but I heard it softly barking across the road for some time. "What an experience---I've never enjoyed such a "close encounter" such as that---What a delight to observe a beautiful animal at such a close distance." Editor's note: Just a word of caution. Animals acting strangely should be viewed with extreme caution and never handled. Submitted photos Dick followed up with this message: I'm out on Onondaga Hill--Makyes Rd. about 2 miles from the village of South Onondaga. We've had red and grey foxes on and around my property since we moved here almost 30 years ago. There was a den with 5 grey fox kits about 200 yards from my house a couple of years ago and last year I found a den with five red fox kits on my neighbor's property. The fox families have always tolerated me pretty well and I don't bother them at all--- The fox I had visit me yesterday was unusually friendly, I will admit. I DID call Onon County health dep't, but the lady thought that rabies wasn't a problem since the fox was mostly curious and not at all aggressive at any time. Having a fox stretched out and watching me repair a lawnmower from a distance of a few feet for half an hour is definitely an unusual event. An adventure which my wife and I (and, of course, friend Mike) are not likely to forget. The following are comments from Linda Salter of Georgetown about the situation: : Dear Mr. Figura, I had a strong reaction to the story on your newsletter about the "friendly" fox. A few years ago, I was attacked and bitten by a similar "cross" or grey fox at home. I had seen it in the daytime trotting along the edge of the woods, but it had not seen me. It charged at me as I was coming around the corner of the house from the garden…. despite a number of successful kicks trying to keep it from getting to me, it nailed my shin. At that point, I somehow grabbed it bu the scruff and tail and got on it with my knees and began to try to kill it (without damaging the head, of course) because it had to be tested for rabies, and I didn't want it to attack anyone or anything else. We have gentle older neighbors; it could have been awful. It seemed to take forever but I was able to strangle it and break its back…. it just wouldn't leave its poor sick body…. when it stopped struggling, I carried it to the back door and hung it from baling twine around the neck so it couldn't come to and get away (no chances, here!) while I tried to clean up before going in the house to call for advice on how to proceed (we have house cats)… Anyway, when I called 911 they knew just what to do (I had no idea about reporting, or how to get the body tested)… a Madison County sheriff's deputy was there inside of 10 minutes (with his latex gloves!) and bagged the fox to take to the Health Department up in Wampsville. It was sent to Albany the next day ( I think troopers drove it) and tested positive for rabies…they called me with the news and directions for treatment. "I had gone to the ER right after the deputy left and had a series of both rabies immune globulin shots around the bite (thank god it wan't on my face!) and the first of five rabies shots. "The others were around a week apart, and I had to drive to Oneida to get them…. nothing as bad as they used to be, more like a tetanus shot (in the arm)…. and there is no alternative but a terrible death. "Nevertheless, that poor, beautiful fox had a cruel and killer disease, and wasn't to blame. I apologized to the fox, and thanked the universe for sending it to me for the help it needed… another person, a child perhaps, would not have been able to stop it and free it from what surely must be a kind of hell. "A few days later, we had a very sick raccoon wobbling around the property with bite marks; we were able to shoot it and bury it (safely) with advice from our local DEC officer. It may well have been part of the disease chain that the fox was in……. "The beautiful fox in the photos is probably sick. Not at the furious stage of rabies yet, or maybe it has distemper… but it shows in the eyes… I hope that it receives the help it needs, too. "Rabies is a terrible, stinking disease and a dreadful fate for any creature cursed with it… your warning was appropriate and very important." View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

I'm looking for someone who fishes on Oneida Lake the old-fashion way, pulling copper wire by hand for walleyes. Have an interesting story idea? Call Outdoors Editor David Figura at 470-6066 or email me at [email protected]. Hope everyone's spring is going great. Here's a rundown of what's on tap on this week's Outdoors pages in The Post-Standard: FRIDAY: MAIN STORY: Got your turkey yet? I've heard from a number of hunters that it's tough out there this spring. What's the story? I talk to DEC and some local turkey hunting experts about what they're seeing and advice on what to do when your gobbler is "henned up" or "hung up." (Turkey hunters know what I'm talking about...and you will too after Friday's story). Column: Last weekend's Cicero/Mattydale Lions Club Walleye Derby on Oneida Lake, Touch on a number of topics including my hunting/fishing excursion into Cortland County and the Oneida Lake Association's "Conservationist of the Year".. among other things. SUNDAY: MAIN PIECE: I talked about doing this last week, but decided to hold it and do it this week instead. The issue of crossbows is a long-standing, emotional issue among hunters-- between those who favor and those who oppose them. DEC has come out in favor of them during all seasons, and for all game for which regular bows are allowed. Meanwhile, the long-standing discussion between hunters on this topic has been marked by acrimony and insulting language -- and it doesn't seem to be getting any better. On top of all that, the final decision for this controversy rests with downstate state lawmakers who either don't care or understand...and react to whichever side sends in the most letters, or make the most calls for their position. COLUMN: Carp fishing enthusiasts get ready.. next weekend is the 2nd annual Wild Carp Derby.. big money for the serious anglers, celebrity carp fishing tournament (which I'll be fishing in again) and more. A precede to the whole week. 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. -Folks I'd like to get in contact with for future stories/columns: - Female outdoor adventures -- particularly ones that involves an annual get-away of some sort. - Someone who fishes on Oneida Lake the old-fashion way, pulling copper wire for walleyes. - Individuals who has, continues to successfully hunt wild boar in the Cortland County/Onondaga county area. 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

"When I drove into my driveway today (May 7th) I found this fox sleeping next to the house. I called my wife to see the animal which, in time, woke up walked up to us and checked us out," he said. </strong> Submitted photo Dick Capella sent me these two photos and this story this morning about a fox he got surprisingly close to. Sounds strange and I wonder about the possibility of rabies or something like that. Here's Dick's story: "When I drove into my driveway today (May 7th) I found this fox sleeping next to the house. I called my wife to see the animal which, in time, woke up walked up to us and checked us out. "Both my wife and I were astonished at its lack of fear of us and for the next three hours were treated to a most rare event. The fox wandered around outside the house, tried to get into the greenhouse and for a time came into my garage as I was repairing a mower, stretched out two or three feet away and watched what I was doing. " A friend drove in and when he stepped from his car the fox walked over and stood between him and my wife and me. (Friend Mike didn't test the fox's intentions and retreated to the car until the fox wandered back into the garage) There was never any aggression or fear on the part of the fox---absolutely none. "In time, the fox crossed the road and we thought we had seen the last of it----but it returned a while later and spent another thirty minutes near me. It finally left for good but I heard it softly barking across the road for some time. "What an experience---I've never enjoyed such a "close encounter" such as that---What a delight to observe a beautiful animal at such a close distance." <strong>Editor's note: Just a word of caution. Animals acting strangely should be viewed and handled with caution. Hope you like the pictures Submitted photos View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

"Michael shot first and then I shot the other turkey, as it stood there wondering what just happened to his buddy. The distance of both shots was approximately 20 yards," he said. Submitted photo Jim Burdic sent me this photo and the following story. " In the photo, Michael Parish is on the left, and myself (Jim Burdic) is on the right. We both live in Fulton and the turkeys were harvested in the town of Volney on May 2. "Yes, we both shot the turkeys with bows and this was Michael's first with a bow. "Michael is hearing impaired, therefore I do the calling for him. We were hunting from a ground blind and both turkeys came in together right up to our decoys. "Michael shot first and then I shot the other turkey, as it stood there wondering what just happened to his buddy. The distance of both shots was approximately 20 yards. "I have been faithfully and successively hunting spring turkeys with a bow since 2004." View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

The winner, Daniel VanMeter, was from North Syracuse. His fish measured 23 3/4 inches. See the top 25 finishers. Submitted photoDaniel Van Meter and his winning walleye, for which he received a check for $1,000. Nearly 1,900 anglers flocked to Oneida Lake this weekend for the annual Cicero-Mattydale Lions Club Walleye Derby. This year's winner for the largest fish was Daniel Van Meter, of North Syracuse. His fish measured 24 3/4 inches and weighed 5.4 pounds. He received $1,000 for this efforts. He caught it Saturday on a jig. The competition was close as a spread of two inches and sleight weight differences separated the first 25 places. At Sunday's awards tournament, an excited Van Meter hugged the trophy. He said he had been fishing for 30 years and his personal goal for years was to win this tournament --- and he finally did. Money goes back into the community, according to Rob Goffredo, a member of the Lions Club. A recent example, he said, of a donation made by the club was the purchase of an I-pad for Matthew Leyva, a disabled soldier who lost his lower extremities and one arm and is currently being rehabilitated in Texas. No tagged fish were caught for extra prize money. However, the bite was strong throughout the competition. "There was a lot of good fish in the 18 to 20- inch range. Ought to be a good bite all summer," he said. The following are the top 25 finishers. Information their entry's length, weight, girth and the amount of prize money won. 1. DANIEL VAN METER, NORTH SYRACUSE NY, 24 3/4", 5LB 4OZ , 13" , $1,000 2). JAMES NOWODOWSKI, HASTINGS NY, 24 3/4", 4LB 10OZ, 12 1/4" $750 3). JOE SAVERINO, CANASTOTA NY, 24 1/2", 5LB 15OZ , 13 1/2", $450 4). DALE HUGHES, PHOENIX NY, 23 3/4", 5LB 8OZ, 11" , $375 5). RICK HILLENBRAND, HASTINGS NY, 23 1/2", 4LB 4OZ, 12", $275 6). ROBERT PRCOURT III, SOLVAY NY, 23 1/2", 4 lb. 1 oz, 12 ", $225 7). FRANCIS CLEMENT, BREWERTON NY, 23 1/2" 3LB 5OZ, 11", $175 . JAMES DEAN, BALDWINSVILLE NY, 23 1/4", 4LB 2OZ, 11 1/2" , $150 9). MARK PISTELLO. CHITTENANGO NY, 23 1/4, 4LB 0OZ, 12 1/4" $125 10). GENE HARDTER , LIVERPOOL NY, 23 1/8", 4LB 6OZ, 13", $100 11). CHRIS KOSHINSKI, BINGHAMPTON NY, 23 1/8", 4LB 1OZ, 12 1/2", $75 12). MICHAEL LAFLAIR, CENTRAL SQUARE NY, 23", 4LB 4OZ, 12 1/2" , $75 13). TED DODBS, VERONA NY, 22 7/8", 4LB 3OZ, 12 1/2", $75 14). DAVE FARABEE, CICERO NY, 22 7/8", 3LB 7 OZ, 10 1/2" $75 15). JEFF MACLEAN, MCGRAW NY, 22 7/8", 3LB 3OZ, 11", $75 16). ROBERT SCHOEN, WHITESBORO NY, 22 3/4", 3LB 13OZ, 11 1/2", $50 17). JOHN CARROLL, LIVERPOOL NY, 22 3/4", 3LB 7OZ, 10 1/2", $50 18). BYRON PITCHER, HALLSTEAD PA, 22 5/8", 3LB 12OZ, 12", $50 19). STEVE ROSA, CENTRAL SQUARE NY, 22 1/2", 4LB 4 OZ, 11", $50 20). JOHN JOYCE, BREWERTON NY, 22 1/2", 4LB 2OZ, 11 1/12", $50 21). NICK SOKOLOWSK, CENTRAL SQUARE NY, 22 1/2", 3LB 9OZ", 11", $50 22). JOHN MOTHERSELL, SYRACUSE NY, 22 1/2", 3LB 8OZ, 11 1/2", $50 23). ZAK ZUPAN, CANASTOTA NY, 22 1/2", 3LB 8OZ, 10 1/2", $50 24). HILARY GERNSA, EAST SYRACUSE NY, 22 1/4", 3LB 10OZ, 10 inches, $50 25). SCOTT MILLER, MATTYDALE NY, 22 1/4", 3LB 8OZ, 11", $50 View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

The bill amends section 11-0907 of the environmental conservation law to add Cortland County to the list of counties taking part in the experimental crossbow season that expires Dec. 31. If approved, it would allow use a crossbow during the regular firearms season to hunt deer and bear this fall. The following is a press release from Sen. James L. Seward's office: Cortland County sportsmen and women will be allowed to use a crossbow while hunting deer or bear during the regular big game season under legislation (S.6705) passed by the senate, Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I–Oneonta) said today. “Cortland County was inadvertently left out when legislation permitting the use of a crossbow for big game hunting received approval in 2011. This legislation rectifies the situation,” said Senator Seward. “Local sportsmen and women, along with the Cortland County Legislature, support the change and I am pleased to facilitate the request.” The bill amends section 11-0907 of the environmental conservation law to add Cortland County to the list of counties taking part in the experimental crossbow season that expires December 31, 2012. If crossbow authorization is extended the bill would expire January 1, 2014. “Cortland County hunters were added to the list of those eligible to use rifles for big-game hunting in 2011 and experienced a safe and productive season. Allowing the use of crossbows will allow Cortland County to keep step with other counties while providing new opportunities for a variety of hunters including seniors and the disabled,” Seward concluded. The bill has been sent to the assembly where Assemblywoman Barbara Lifton is the prime sponsor. (Editor's note: Currently, Cortland County stands alone in its ban on crossbows during the regular firearms season, during which big game hunters (deer/bear) hunters are allowed to use them elsewhere. The use of crossbows is only allowed in Cortland County during the muzzleloading season, which comes afterward.) View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

Last year, Justin Slater and two other junior sharpshooters won the junior, three-person team competition at the Grand American in Sparta, Ill. Stephen Canerelli/The Post-StandardJustin Slater Justin Slater is one teen who aims to better and better. That was confirmed this week after I talked with Leslie Slater, the mother of the teenage, trap-shooting phenomenon. I wrote about him last summer and called to see how he was doing. Justin is currently a senior at Phelps-Clinton High School in Ontario County. He had a great shooting season last year and barring any unexpected problems appears on track to have another one, his mother said. The young shooter, who competes locally for the Skaneateles Rod and Gun Club, led the 726-member, CNY Trap League last summer with a shooting percentage of 97.4. Even more impressive were Justin’s performances during three weekends last year when he logged three instances of 200 consecutive hits. His marksmanship resulted in championships at the Keystone Open in Elysburg, Pa.; the Empire Grand at Bridgeport, N.Y. and the Great Lakes Open in Mason, Mich. Those performances earned him a spot on the cover of the July issue of Trap & Field Magazine, the national publication of the Amateur Trapshooting Association. The proud mom said at the end of last year her son was recognized with All-American Junior status by the American Trap Shooting Association. He was selected as this year’s New York State junior captain. Last year, he and junior shooters Christopher Vendel, of Ontario, and Shane Rodas, of Framington, won the junior, three-person team competition at the Grand American in Sparta, Illinois. At the Sparta competition, Justin, who wears custom-made, earplugs while shooting so he can listen to his favorite bands (Bon Jovi and AC/DC), hit 996 out of 1,000 single targets, his mom said. This fall, he’ll be attending Bethel University in McKenzie, Tenn., where he plans to study criminal justice/environmental studies. He was given a $10,000 grant to shoot for the college’s trap-shooting team, the mother said. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

Outdoor guides in this state are licensed through the state Department of Environmental Conservation. Activities include camping, fishing, hunting, hiking, boats and canoes, guiding for white water rafting or canoeing and rock and ice climbing. Peter Chen/The Post-StandardCraig Tryon By Melissa Siegel Contributing writer In the early 1990s, Craig Tryon took a couple in their 50s on a canoeing trip in Lows Lake/Bogs River in the Adirondack Mountains. Tryon, a state-licensed, outdoors guide, took the two to the same spot for three consecutive years. The following year, he took a different group to that same location. Once there, he discovered the first couple canoeing in the lake, this time without a guide. “That’s really rewarding to have them be able to get the knowledge, and feel comfortable in the woods with all the things that are there,” the Marietta resident said. It’s experiences like these that make guiding worthwhile for Tryon, who has been a guide since 1985 and is also a past president and current treasurer of the New York State Outdoors Guides Association. He’s done that in addition to a full-time job in the state office of Parks, Recreation, and Historical Preservation, where he worked for 38 years before retiring. Guides are licensed to help clients enjoy and stay safe during their outdoor trips or activities. Tryon has owned and operated his own guiding business — Adirondack Wilderness Experiences Guide Service — since 1986. He can be reached by emailing [email protected] . Outdoor guides in this state are licensed through the state Department of Environmental Conservation. Activities include camping, fishing, hunting, hiking, boats and canoes, guiding for white water rafting or canoeing and rock and ice climbing. “I’m certified in all these, with the exception of the white water stuff and rock and ice climbing,” he said. Tryon, 63, grew up hunting and fishing with his father and grandfather. He decided in seventh grade that he wanted to be a forest ranger after reading a book about Cache Lake. But after getting his associate’s degree in Recreation Land Management from SUNY Cobleskill he took a job as a park manager in Saratoga. After that, he worked as a park foreman for Old Erie Canal State Park and eventually became Central Region Supervisor of Park Operations. He retired in 2006. Apart from guiding, Tryon was also one of the founding members of the Friends of the Carpenter’s Brook Fish Hatchery, and served as its first president for several years. He is no longer involved with the group. Today, Tyron continues to be associated with the state Guides Association, which has about 140 members out of the estimated 3,000 licensed guides throughout the state. He attends five sports shows a year telling others about what it takes to be a guide and also teaches courses in water safety, CPR, First Aid, and wilderness first aid. Tryon said during the summer he does about three or four guiding trips, and during the spring he usually does two or three. In the winter, he gets fewer requests to guide. When he goes out, it’s usually on a snowshoe outing. “A lot of people like to cross-country ski,” he said. “Cross-country skiing is much faster, you’re going through the area much quicker, and you’re not really able to slow down and look around and see what’s around you. Where if you’re snowshoeing, you can take that time, and you can look and see what’s around you.” Tryon also brings his love of nature to a new generation as the assistant scout master of Boy Scout Troop 52 in Elbridge. Two of his grandsons are in the troop. He said he loves the fact that youngsters are so full of wonder and preconceptions about the outdoors. “It’s just rewarding to know, especially the young kids, that they’re just starting out, they’re so full of wonder of what it’s like, and they don’t really know what to expect,” Tryon said. He particularly likes it when they get outdoors on a trip and they say, “Wow, he was right.” This often happens on his traditional guiding trips as well. Tryon remembers one time a he took a father and son from New York City to climb a mountain near Long Pond in the Adirondacks. On the way down, they decided to bushwhack, avoiding the trail completely. The young man did not believe they would end up right back where they started. Using a map and compass, they did. Tryon also enjoys catering to the older clients. He sees them as an example that people do not have to stop being active once they hit their 50s or 60s. “As I get later in life, I can do the same things that I did when I was 40,” he said. “You just do them a little slower.” Want to be an outdoors guide? To become a certified, licensed “outdoors guide” by the state Department of Environmental Conservation there are classes one must take, in addition to passing a written exam. Required classes include basic water safety, First Aid and CPR. There’s also a physical form that must be signed by a physician. To help prepare for the guides exam, the New York Guides Association offers a course, “Guide and Outdoor Leader Education.” For more on the course and what takes to be an outdoors guide in a wide assortment of outdoor activities, see the Guides Association Web site . View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

The biggest fish of the tournament was caught Saturday on a jig. It was a close tourney as two inches and sleight weight differences separated the first 25 places Nearly 1,900 anglers flocked to Oneida Lake this weekend for the annual Cicero-Mattydale Lions Club Walleye Derby. This year's winner for the largest fish was Daniel Van Meter, of North Syracyse. His fish measured 24 3/4 inches and weighed 5.4 pounds. He received $1,000 for this efforts. He caught it Saturday on a jig. The competition was close as a spread of two inches and sleight weight differences separated the first 25 places. At Sunday's awards tournament, an excited Van Meter hugged the trophy. He said he had been fishing for 30 years and his personal goal for years was to win this tournament --- and he finally did. The tournament kicked off at midnight Friday evening and the final weigh in ceremony and awards presentation was at the Gander Mountain parking lot at 3 p.m. Sunday afternoon. ((Editor's note: Official results and photos will be posted as soon as they are received later this afternoon.)) View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

He caught it while "bottom-bouncing" a night crawler. Submitted photo Dave Smith, of Oswego, said the opening day of walleye season was tough on the Oswego River with windy conditions and high water flow. But he hung with it and was glad he did. "I landed this 31 inch, 10-pound beauty while bottom bouncing a night crawler." View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

He caught it while fishing off the wall at Sylvan Beach. Submitted photo Sgt. Brian Shapiro, a Fort Drum soldier recently home from a tour in Afghanistan, caught at released this large sturgeon recently while fishing on Oneida Lake. He caught it off the wall at Sylvan Beach. It was about 4 feet long and weighed nearly 50 pounds. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog