HuntingNY-News

The main attraction for staying in Syracuse, Connors stressed, was the salt industry. What put the Irish in Syracuse? Two words: potatoes, salt. A group of Irish salt workers in Syracuse around 1870. Onondaga Historical Association Several big waves of Irish immigrants came to this area during the 1840s as a result of the devastating effects of the Potato Famine in Ireland, particularly in the country's rural areas, said Dennis Connors, curator of history for the Onondaga Historical Association. The immigrants were attracted to this area primarily because of the then-exploding salt industry around Onondaga Lake, which had taken off with the completion of the first phase of the Erie Canal in 1825 and the Oswego Canal. "The salt industry was taking off in leaps and bounds before the 1840s and the Irish immigrants found work here as a result," he said. Connors noted laborers on the initial Erie Canal were primarily the state's earlier settlers - the Scotch, English and Dutch. He noted when the canal was "massively enlarged" during the 1840s and 1850s, Irish immigrants were included in the mix and ended up settling throughout the state. The main attraction for staying in Syracuse, Connors stressed, was the salt industry. The early arrivals were mostly young, single men. They came here, worked hard, lived fairly meagerly and in time became established. Other family members followed and the city's Irish roots became established. Syracuse's Irish population back in the mid- and late-1800s was concentrated in two areas: the far north end of Syracuse (which became known as the First Ward) and on the west side in what was then part of the town of Geddes. That area, now in the city, is called Tipperary Hill. "Both were fairly close to the salt works on the lake," Connors said. Of the two areas, Tipperary Hill maintained a stronger Irish presence, due to such institutions as St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Coleman's restaurant/tavern and the Blarney Stone bar. "They reinforced the Irish nature of that neighborhood," Connors said. The Irish had an advantage over Italian and Eastern European immigrants because they spoke English. In time, they found employment as police officers and firemen, and in other areas throughout the city's business sector. They eventually became part of the city's political scene. "It appears that the first Irish-American mayor of Syracuse was Dennis McCarthy, elected in 1853 as the 6th mayor of Syracuse," Connors said. "He was not born in Ireland, but was of Irish ancestry." Connors said there were some other mayors later in the 19th century who were of Irish ancestry - the most notable being James K. McGuire, who was in office from 1896 to 1901. He was active in supporting the Irish independence movement. In regard to St. Patrick Day parades, Connors said, there's records of celebrations back in the 1800s, but "they weren't like the elaborate affairs that we have today. There were bands, people marching. Then at some point a regular St. Patrick's Day parade faded away as the Irish population got diluted," he said. The idea for a city-wide St. Patrick's parade was resurrected in 1982 by television newscaster Nancy Duffy. It has been held each year for the past 32 years. Since its inception, the parade, which begins at noon Saturday, has supported Project Children and the St. Patrick Hunger Project. This year's theme is "32 Parades for 32 Counties," a salute to the 32 counties in Ireland. For more, see the parade's website at syracusestpatricksparade.org. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

Volunteers need to be 18 or older, able to lift 50 pounds, dressed for the weather and be willing to commit for the entire day. ELBRIDGE, N.Y. -- Carpenter's Brook Fish Hatchery is once registering volunteers to help stock trout in area streams, lakes and ponds. Onondaga County waterways are scheduled to receive an estimated 70,000 trout from late March to mid May. Volunteers are needed to help stock from March 18 through May 14. Stocking excursions are scheduled from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Interested individuals can sign up by contacting the fish hatchery at 689-9367 from 8:30 a.m to 12:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Volunteers need to be 18 or older, able to lift 50 pounds, dressed for the weather and be willing to commit for the entire day. Carpenter's Brook Fish Hatchery, an Onondaga County Park, is located on Route 321 in Elbridge. For more information, call 689-9367 or see OnondagaCountyParks.com. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

A 12-year-old Louisiana boy caught a state-record blue catfish on a piece of Vienna sausage he had brought to eat as a snack. William Shakespeare 1). How did European starlings come here from Europe and become one of the most plentiful songbirds in the New World? Blame a group of 19th century Shakespearean enthusiasts who were determined to introduce to this country every bird mentioned in Shakespeare's works. A Bronx drug manufacturer, a member of the group, is specifically credited with bringing the starling here, according to scientificamerican.com. Shakespeare noted the mimicking ability of the starling while writing Henry IV, Part 1. Hotspur is contemplating driving King Henry nuts by having a starling repeat the name of Hotspur's brother-in-law Mortimer, whom Henry refuses to ransom out of prisoner status. 2). Ever been on a camping or hiking trip and run out of water? Try breaking off a branch from the nearest pine tree, peel away the bark and slowly pour lake water through the stick. Researchers at MIT say this method should trap any bacteria - and that the method is capable of producing up to four liters of drinkable water a day. http://web.mit.edu/newsoffice/2014/need-a-water-filter-peel-a-tree-branch-0226.html 3). A 12-year-old Louisiana boy caught a 114-pound blue catfish that looks to be the new state record for that species. The fish, caught on a unique bait, weighed four more pounds than he does. The boy used a piece of Vienna sausage he had brought along as a snack, according outdoorchannel.com. 4. The U.S. Geological Survey announced last week that scientists had successfully bred a captive male western gray wolf and a female western coyote. The project, according to a USGS press release, is an important step in showing whether the eastern wolf of southeastern Canada is a unique species eligible for protection under the U.S. Endangered Species Act. 5). Just because you saw a robin this past weekend doesn't mean it's a sure sign that spring is almost here. (My wife spotted one in our front yard.) Many robins now stay in Central New York year-round. You just don't see them because they avoid bird feeders and hang out in woodsy, wetland areas that are out of sight. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

<p> The announcement unveiled 50 proposed new outdoor access projects to connect hunters, anglers, bird watchers and other outdoor enthusiasts to 380,000 acres of untapped State-owned lands across the state. </p> <p></p> <p>Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today unveiled 50 proposed new outdoor access projects to connect hunters, anglers, bird watchers and other outdoor enthusiasts to 380,000 acres of untapped State-owned lands across the state.</p> <p>The new access points will allow for more than $6 million in projects for access to hunting and fishing, boat launches, and new hiking opportunities. Six projects are scheduled to take place in Central New York.<br /><strong><br />The local work and projected costs, are:</strong></p> <p><strong>1). Skaneateles Lake fishing access ($190,000): </strong>Created American Disabilities Act accessible fishing piers by rehabilitating city of Syracuse-owned docks at southwest end of lake. Install (universally accessible" canoe/kayak launch and associated parking (two cars). Develop separate six-car angler parking area. Managed by DEC through cooperative agreement.</p> <p><strong>2). Fishermen parking areas ($120,000):</strong> Develop 12 fishermen parking areas along 11 regional trout streams/rivers with existing public fishing rights.</p> <p><strong>3). Three Rivers Wildlife Management Area ($35,000)</strong>: Build accessible observation platforms, trails and parking areas for waterfowl hunting and observation blinds.</p> <p><strong>4). Deer Creek Wildlife Management Area ($90,000):</strong> Construct two ramps and docking area on an existing structure to protect sensitive areas and accessible trail and kayak launch site.</p> <p><strong>5). Cleveland Dock Fishing Access Site ($350,000):</strong> Install an accessible car-top boat launch and fix existing crib wall at a New York State Canal site.</p> <p><strong>6). Redfield Island Boat Launch- Upper Salmon River ($40,000):</strong> Develop an accessible platform for boat users.l<br /></p> View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

A SUNY Oswego student spotted it. Ed Hogan photo Ed Hogan, a SUNY Oswego student, photographed this male harlequin duck on the Oswego River near the city's post office earlier this week. According to Cornell Lab of Ornithology, these birds are more common along seacoasts and rarely seen in this area. It's essentially a sea duck. The Lab's website, allaboutbirds.org, notes, "a bird of fast-moving water, the harlequin duck breeds on fast-flowing streams and winters along rocky coastlines in the crashing surf." View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

"Anything that had hair he would buy," his son said. Weedsport,N.Y. -- The first time I met George Warren was about seven years ago at his store, The Fur Shed, on the north side of Weedsport. As I pulled into the parking lot, I couldn't help but notice two piles of salted deer hides on pallets on the back porch. There were also a couple of skinned coyote heads with some flesh still on them stuck on nails up high on the edge of the porch, rotting in the sun. "What's with the coyote heads?" I asked George, once I got inside the store. "The birds got to eat, too," he said, smiling. Warren, 76, a well-known sportsman and friend of trappers throughout Central New York, died Valentine's Day at University Hospital due to complications from an aneurism. His store, which was a gathering spot for outdoorsmen and women throughout Central New York, was one of the few remaining places in the area where you could bring raw animal fur pelts to be sold. The Fur Shed offered a wide variety of items for hunting, muzzle loading and fishing. Warren also repaired firearms and always seemed to have hard-to-find parts for guns. The biggest draw, though, was the trapping supplies and the fact that Warren bought fur from locally trapped animals. It was not uncommon to see Warren, or one of his helpers, in the back room fleshing (removing the raw meat) out a beaver or a muskrat hide and stretching it out for drying on a rack. Walking in his store was like walking back in time more than 100 years. There seemed to be a never-ending stream of characters, stories being told and all sorts of furs on the counter and hanging on the walls. I talked to his son, Mark, 51, about his father and the unique store. Warren was born in Hornell and moved to Chittenango and then to Weedsport in the early 1970s. He worked as an equipment operator at P&C Warehouse, Camden Wire and Jordan Wire. He was also a long-time member of the Weedsport Rod and Gun Club and enjoyed trap shooting. The son said his father and mother, Beatrice, opened the Fur Shed more than 45 years ago in a small garage on their property. He said his father was "really into guns, furs and fishing, and all that - particularly trapping, which he done as a kid." "He would buy them, skin them, flesh them, dry them and get them ready for sale," Mark said, noting over the years he saw every local fur imaginable brought into the shop. "Oh my God, muskrat, mink, possum, coon, beaver, deer - even otters," he said. "Anything that had hair he would buy." I asked if his father had ever received any grief from anti-fur advocates. "Nope, never happened," he said. "Anybody in the area knew him. I just don't think this was the kind of place where fur people would want to come and make a stink. It's out in the middle of the boondocks and look at him. He looked like Nanook of the North. I just think anybody wanted to give him a hard time." Mark said his father used to trap a lot himself, but for the past 20 years put most of his time into the store. "One year he trapped 386 muskrats alone," he said. He said his father, who always seemed to have a cigarette in his hand, rarely if ever visited a doctor or a dentist. "I don't know. Maybe they just scared him." Mark said his father's hero was John Wayne. He said he would watch Wayne's movies "over and over," and bought anything with his picture or name on it, including commemorative guns and knives -- even boxes of shotgun shells. He said his father loved to see youngsters get into trapping and did his best to encourage them. "I'd bring in muskrats and he'd pay me $3 to $4," he said. "He'd see a young kid with his father, and he'd pay him $8 a pelt to get him more interested." With George Warren gone, does that mean the end of the Fur Shed? No, said Mark Warren, adding he and son, Ethan, 23, have discussed the fate of the business. "We have to see how things work out, but him and I will probably open it back up," he said. The first time I met George Warren was about seven years ago at his store, The Fur Shed, on the north side of Weedsport. As I pulled into the back parking lot, I couldn't help but notice two piles of salted deer hides on pallets on the back porch, and a couple of fleshy coyote heads stuck on nails on a cross beam, rotting in the sun. "What's with the coyote heads?" I asked George, once I got inside the store. "The birds got to eat, too," he said, smiling. Warren, 76, a well-known sportsman and friend of trappers throughout Central New York, died Valentine's Day at University Hospital due to complications from an aneurysm. His store, which was a gathering spot for outdoors enthusiasts throughout Central New York, was one of the few places in the area where one could bring animal pelts to be sold. The store offered a wide variety of items for hunting, muzzleloading and fishing. Warren also repaired firearms and always seemed to have hard-to-find parts for guns. The biggest draw, though, was the trapping supplies and the fact that Warren bought fur. It was not uncommon to see Warren, or one of his helpers, in the back room fleshing (removing the raw meat) out a beaver or a muskrat hide and stretching it out for drying on a rack. Walking in his store was a trip back in time. There seemed to be a never-ending stream of characters, stories being told and all sorts of furs on the counter and hanging on the walls. I talked to his son, Mark, 51, about his father and the unique store. Warren was born in Hornell and moved to Chittenango and then to Weedsport in the early 1970s. He worked as an equipment operator at P&C Warehouse, Camden Wire and Jordan Wire. He was also a long-time member of the Weedsport Rod and Gun Club and enjoyed trap shooting. The son said his father and mother, Beatrice, opened the Fur Shed more than 45 years ago in a small garage on their property. He said his father was "really into guns, furs and fishing, and all that - particularly trapping, which he done as a kid." The garage burned down, though, and a larger barn was built for the business. "He would buy them, skin them, flesh them, dry them and get them ready for sale," Mark said, noting over the years he saw every local fur imaginable brought in. "Oh my God, muskrat, mink, possum, coon, beaver, deer - even otters," he said. "Anything that had hair he would buy." I asked if his father had ever received any grief from anti-fur advocates. "Nope, never happened," he said. "Anybody in the area knew him. I just don't think this was the kind of place where fur people would want to come and make a stink. It's out in the middle of the boondocks and look at him. He looked like Nanook of the North. I just think anybody wanted to give him a hard time." Mark said his father used to trap a lot himself, but for the past 20 years put most of his time into the store. "One year he trapped 386 muskrats alone," he said. He said his father, who always seemed to have a cigarette in his hand, rarely, if ever visited a doctor or a dentist. "I don't know why. Maybe they just scared him," he said. Mark said his father's hero was John Wayne. He said he would watch Wayne's movies "over and over," and bought anything with his picture or name on it, including commemorative guns and knives and boxes of shotgun shells. He said his father had a big heart and loved to see youngsters get into trapping. He did his best to encourage them. "I'd bring in muskrats and he'd pay me $3 to $4," he said. "He'd see a young kid with his father, and he'd pay him $8 a pelt to get him more interested." With George Warren gone, is that the end of the Fur Shed? No, said Mark Warren, adding he and son, Ethan, 23, have discussed the fate of the business. "We have to see how things work out, but him and I will probably open it back up," he said. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

The sharpshooters plan to shoot from from elevated stands or the back of vehicles. Opponents of a plan by the Long Island Farm Bureau to use federal sharpshooters to thin the deer herd on eastern Long Island are upset after a State Supreme Court judge dismissed a lawsuit to block part of the hunt, Newsday reported. . "It's a good day for Southold, a bad day for the deer," Michael Tessitore, founder of the group Hunters for Deer, which opposed the cull, told the newspaper. State Supreme Court Judge Gerard Asher dismissed the lawsuit, "which had argued that the Town of Southold had not done proper environmental review and should not be allowed to spend $25,000 on the cull. Hunters and animal rights groups joined forces to fight the plan," Newsday reported. The cull, expected to take place in a couple of weeks, seeks to take out more than 1,000 deer. The sharpshooters plan to shoot from from elevated stands or the back of vehicles. The resulting venison will be donated to the local food bank,. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

The pre-season stocking schedule, though, could possibly be delayed. Central New York's lengthy, frigid winter and string of sub-zero nights has iced over many of the area's waterways, but it hasn't bothered the trout at the Carpenter's Brook Fish Hatchery. This week, none of the trout ponds at the hatchery in Elbridge were frozen. In fact, the trout in them there are weathering things just fine, according to Eric Stanczyk, superintendent of the hatchery. Eric Stanczyk, superintendent of the Carpenter's Brook Fish Hatchery in Elbridge.David Figura | [email protected] "Believe me, they like the cold more than they do the warm water," he said. That's good news for local anglers looking forward to the April 1 statewide opening day of trout fishing season, which is a little more than three weeks away. The extended cold snap won't affect the opener which is set in stone. What may be affected, though, are fish stocking schedules. The county-run, Carpenter's Brook hatchery, handles fish stocking for streams and lakes in Onondaga County. The remainder of Central New York's waterways are covered by the state Department of Environmental Conservation. How do the Carpenter's Brook ponds and trout runs remain unfrozen? Stanczyk explained that the water in the hatchery's ponds is piped in from a nearby, spring-fed reservoir. Despite the cold air temperature, the water temperature in the hatchery ponds and runs remains around 45 degrees. An aeration system keeps the water oxygenated and constantly moving, preventing things from freezing over. "The cold weather typically slows down the metabolism of the fish," he said. They're continuing to eat, he added, but their growth rate decreases "a little." An aeration system at the Carpenter's Brook Fish Hatchery keeps the water oxygenated and constantly moving, preventing things from freezing over.David Figura | [email protected] Stanczyk said the hatchery, which makes extensive use of volunteers, is tentatively scheduled to begin stocking streams and lakes throughout Onondaga County by March 18. The game plan, Stanczyk said, is to stock more than 18,000 fish before opening day, and a total of more than 75,000 for the 2014 fishing season. The DEC likewise put some fish in prior to April 1, but most get put in afterward. Both Stanczyk and DEC Fisheries Bureau Chief Phil Hulbert noted the decision of when to stock each spring doesn't hinge on stream water temperature. What happens when all the snow and ice melts is another story. "Water level is our biggest key (in determining early season stocking)," Hulberts told New York Outdoor News recently. "We have some stream stocking guidelines, and we'd like to get some fish out there by April 1, but the decision is more flow-driven than based on water temperature." Stancyzk said the March 18 date to begin stocking trout in Onondaga County could be pushed back if the local streams are too high and muddy. He said he wouldn't want to stock trout that could end up getting swept over a stream's banks and into a culvert somewhere. "We prefer to stock streams when the water level is lower and inside their banks," he said. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

The league, which started in 1961, is one of the largest trap-shooting leagues in the country. The Central New York Trap League, one of the largest trap shooting leagues in the country, is taking its action online. Dick Masterpole, secretary/treasurer of the league, confirmed today the league has created a website, which he said should be up and running soon. The URL will be cnytrapleague.com Masterpole said the league last year had more than 800 shooters from Onondaga and Oswego counties. A total of 11 rod and gun and sportsmen's clubs were represented. This year's schedule kicks off April 15, with the last league match set for Aug. 26. Sept 7 is the league shoot-off, where team and individual championships are determined. "This league has been going on since 1961," said Masterpole, who lives in Mexico and has been affiliated with it for 34 years. The league shoots each Tuesday evening at the shooting ranges of member clubs. Each participant is allowed 25 shots each week. The shooters aim at small, circular clay targets (pigeons), which are flung at various angles away from the shooter by a machine in a small, ground-level structure in front of them., "This new website will have the league schedule, contact information for anyone interested in joining, a brief history of the league, weekly results and updated standings -- everything you'd like to know about it," he said. Mastepole said the league has a rich and colorful history. "They used to read the scores each Wednesday morning on the radio," he said. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

<p> They're part of ongoing print, television, radio and digital tourism advertisements. </p> <div class="embed-container-16x9"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/_d0HNDNF-dU" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div> <p>Governor Andrew M. Cuomo this week announced the launch of the next phase of the 2014 winter-spring tourism campaign, featuring two television advertisements that promote recreational activities and tourism attractions in Upstate New York.</p> <p>The 30-second spots highlight two great New York State assets, snowmobiling and baseball, and are part of ongoing print, television, radio and digital tourism advertisements through the I LOVE NY campaign.</p> <p>"Upstate New York has some of the best tourist attractions in the world and we are committed to promoting them as go-to destinations for our residents and visitors across the globe," said Governor Cuomo. "With places like Tug Hill Plateau and the Baseball Hall of Fame, Upstate communities offer something for everyone all year long. Tourism plays an integral role in the economy, and we will continue our work to make sure it thrives, creates jobs, and generates new economic opportunities for our state."</p> <p>The television ad featuring snowmobiling upstate is currently running, and the Baseball Hall of Fame ad featuring the legendary former NY Yankee coach Joe Torre will begin running Thursday.</p> <div class="embed-container-16x9"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/Poq2eQhAYP4" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div> <p>Both ads will run in major markets, in-state as well out-of-state, on early morning shows and cable networks. </p> <p>"With tourism ranking as the State's fifth largest employer, it is clear the industry continues to have a significant impact on the State's economic growth," said Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Kenneth Adams in a press release. "These commercials complement the great work the State has done in promoting tourism through its visible sponsorships and special events and builds on its ongoing successful advertising campaign to encourage travelers to visit and enjoy the very best of New York across the State."</p> View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

The panfish action has slowed lately on Oneida Lake's Big Bay. CNY FISHING REPORT Bait stores (list and map). SALMON RIVER Anglers fishing the deeper pools from Pineville to Altmar were still getting into steelhead. If float fishing or bottom bouncing, try egg sacs with blue, pink, white or chartreuse mesh or pink trout worms. Fly anglers have been using nymphs or egg patterns. OSWEGO RIVER The river level is up. This flow makes shore fishing difficult; with the exception of behind the hotels. Once again the cold and snow have made fishing difficult over the last week on the river, so no new information. ONEIDA LAKE Anglers on snowmobiles or ATVs are catching nice perch north of Dunham's and Frenchman's islands. Others are cashing in about couple hundred yards off Williams Beach or Chapman Park. Panfish action on Big Bay has slowed down this week. CAYUGA LAKE Lots of perch and pickerel being caught through the northern end. Try fathead minnows for the perch. Anglers are getting some nice brown trout fishing from shore at the old Milliken Power Station in Lansing using shiners. Anglers fishing from shore around Taughannock Park on the western side of the lake are also getting a few browns and Atlantic salmon. SANDY POND There is 20-plus inches of ice being reported on the pond. Perch fishing has picked up on the pond and anglers using small minnows or jigs tipped with spikes are catching them. Anglers still need to sort through numbers of small ones to get keepers though. Pike are being taken on large minnows fished under tip-ups. SENECA LAKE The cold and windy conditions have made getting a boat out difficult, but some anglers going out of Severne continue to get some perch. OWASCO LAKE Ice thickness around varies from 12 to 20 inches. Reports of nice lake trout being caught on shiners around Ensenore. Anglers are also taking some nice perch on fathead minnows, particularly at the northern end. Some nice northern pike are also being caught at the southern end on big shiners. OTISCO LAKE There is 12 to 16 inches of ice being reported on the north end. Bluegill and pumpkinseeds are still being taken on the north end, but few "keeper" size fish are being caught. SKANEATELES LAKE Reports of some nice perch being caught on fathead minnows. Anglers are also catching a few trout. SODUS BAY There is 16 to 20 inches or more of ice on the bay. Reports of some nice perch and bluegills being caught, along with a few northern pike. ST. LAWRENCE RIVER Lots of fishable ice, with some bays having ice up 36 inches thick. Popular spots continue to be Eel Bay, Lake of the Isles, Round Island , Chippewa Bay and all the nearby inland lakes. Continued reports of especially good perch fishing on Chippewa and Chaumont bays and the head of Round Island near Clayton. Anglers are also catching walleye in Mud Bay. Live bait (fathead minnows, shiners and spikes) continues to be the ticket. WHITNEY POINT RESERVOIR There is 18 to 20 inches of good ice on the reservoir. Reports of some good walleye fishing north of the island on the west side. Anglers are catching them on fathead minnows and jigs, or medium shiners on tip-ups. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

"The onset of the spring thaw will come later than last year." This year's cold, snowy winter is being felt across most of the Great Lakes, which today are 91 percent covered with ice. The exception is Lake Ontario, which is only about 43 percent frozen over. Apart from a later than expected spring than usual, lake experts aren't expecting any big problems this spring or summer with Ontario's water levels. There's always the possibility, though, of flooding due to ice jams on some of the lake's tributaries. "It's nowhere near any record-setting situation on Lake Ontario," said Keith Kompoltowicz, chief of watershed hydrology for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in Detroit. Officials representing the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Great Lakes Environmental Research Lab held a teleconference today after releasing the latest Great Lakes water level and ice data. They also gave six-month projections on how the spring thaw is expected to impact each of the Great Lakes. Kompoltowicz said Lake Ontario is currently at 244.78 feet, a measurement of the lake's surface above sea level. He said that measurement is a little more than four inches above this time last year and "very near the long-term average." He said he expects that measurement through May will be about two inches above last year's figure, but will fall about five to seven inches in June through August. This is the normal seasonal drop in the lake's water level. He noted that Lake Ontario's water level is regulated through a dam system on the St. Lawrence River. 'Weekly determinations are made on the outflow," he said. George Leshkevich, manager of the NOAA's Coast Great Lake program, said Lake Ontario normally does not have extensive ice cover. He said the record for that was back in 1979, when 86 percent of the lake was covered. He said researchers determine the percentage of ice cover on the Great Lakes using a combination of satellite and radar data. Leshkevich said the majority of Lake Ontario's ice is on the eastern shore near the St. Lawrence River where the lake's depth is shallower. He said the reason Ontario doesn't freeze over is because it has a deep lake basin with a "high heat storage capacity. That coupled with the fact that is has a relatively smaller surface area (compared to the other lakes) and as a result is less likely to lose its heat." When will the ice on Lake Ontario melt? "It depends on the spring temperatures. You might see temperatures above freezing this weekend across the southern Great Lakes region, but it's expected to get back down to colder than average temperatures by the end of the month," Kompoltowicz said. "The onset of the spring thaw will come later than last year." View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

<p> The ice fishing continues to be primo. Love those perch fillets. </p> <p></p> <p>The ice fishing continues to be primo throughout Central New York. Love those perch fillets.</p> <p>Meanwhile, here's what I'm working on this week and the next:</p> <p>- Has the winter affected operations at the Carpenter's Brook Fish Hatchery. Is there a possibility that the stocking of local trout streams will be pushed back this year?</p> <p>- What is the effect of the winter on Lake Ontario and will the lake be at high water levels once all the ice and snow melts?</p> <p>- What's in store for the former Seneca Army Depot and its nationally known white deer population?</p> <p>- A cautionary story about putting your wife's mind at ease when you go out ice fishing. (A tale from my past).</p> <p>- An update on the state's war against wild boars.</p> <p>-An update on the joint city/county deer task force.</p> <p>-Should hunters in Onondaga County be allowed to hunt deer with rifles? (Many surrounding counties allow it).</p> <p><strong>ANYTHING ELSE READERS OF THIS REPORT WOULD LIKE TO SEE ME WRITE ABOUT? </strong><br />The effectiveness of this report is two-fold. First, it lets readers know what's coming up story-wise. It also allows readers a chance to affect coverage and provide sources for upcoming stories. Bottom line: Keep in touch and give input. You could make a difference as to what appears week to week on the outdoors page! Email me at <a href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</a> or call 470-6066.</p> <p><a href="http://update.syracuse.com/adv_syracuse/newsletters/syracuse/subscribe.htm">If you want to join The Post-Standard's Outdoors Group and get this emailed directly to you, subscribe here.</a>.</p> <p><strong>FIGURA ON FACEBOOK:</strong><br />For those who are on Facebook, I also have a <a href="http://www.facebook.com/PostStandardOutdoors#!/PostStandardOutdoors#!/photo.php?fbid=3369108872206&set=a.1178365985003.2028364.1403751639&type=1&theater&notif_t=like">PS Outdoors page</a>, which I check several times daily for feedback and story ideas. I also post personal fishing and hunting and other outdoors-related photos from time to time and I ask members to do the same. When you join, please be sure and hit the "like" button. </p> View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

<p> Are mute swans really mute? </p> <p></p> <p>Readers are constantly asking me questions concerning the outdoors on subjects ranging from birding to bear hunting.</p> <p>I give an answer when I can, but often I consult with experts and do research on the matter. This week's questions involved deer shedding their antlers and mute swans.</p> <p><strong>Q: Isn't now the time when white-tailed deer throughout Central New York are shedding their antlers? Are they shedding them earlier this year because of the cold winter we've been having?</strong></p> <p><strong>A:</strong> The answer is complex. Steve Joule, regional wildlife manager at the DEC's Region 7 office in Cortland, related the following:</p> <p>"Bucks drop their antlers much the same way trees drop their leaves. The timing associated with antler casting is controlled by the animal's hormonal state, which, in turn, is tied to the amount of daylight hours (i.e. time of year and latitude).</p> <p>"In general, growth and retention of antlers is a function of the buck's level of testosterone; in the northeast, a buck's testosterone level typically peaks during the mid-autumn rut and then begins to decline after the breeding season. As the buck's testosterone drops below a certain level, it triggers physiological changes in the connection between the antlers and the attachment point on the skull, known as the pedicle. </p> <p>"While hormones are the primary determinant of antler casting, there are several other factors that can influence just when a buck will drop his antlers. A feeble state from injury or exhaustion from the rut or severe winter conditions can cause physiological changes that affect the attachment of antlers to the skull, which in extreme cases may lead to premature casting.</p> <p>"The animal's age and health entering the winter, and its nutritional intake throughout, can play a major role as well. A buck's physiological state is also affected by increased density.</p> <p>"At high densities, even if nutritional intake is not reduced, the increased social stresses can affect hormonal balance, particularly in younger, less dominant bucks.</p> <p>"In all case, though, once this complex combination of factors sufficiently weakens the connection, antlers break away with minimal force from rubbing or simply fall off like leaves on a tree.</p> <div id="asset-14421165" class="entry_widget_large entry_widget_right"><span class="adv-photo-large"><img src="/static/common/img/blank.gif" class="lazy adv-photo" data-original="http://media.syracuse.com/outdoors/photo/14421165-large.jpg" alt="2012-07-23-mjg-Swans1.JPG" /><span class="photo-data"><span class="caption">Mute swans are not mute.</span><span class="byline">Mike Greenlar | [email protected]</span></span></span> </div> <strong>Q: There's been a lot written lately about the state Department of Environmental Conservation's proposed 10-year-old plan to eliminate wild mute swans, an invasive species, in this state. The DEC is currently revising the plan and will ask for public comment on the revisions some this spring. <p>Meanwhile, one reader asked me, "Are mute swans really mute?"</strong></p> <p><strong>A: </strong>Frankly, I've never heard one. <a href="http://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/7076.html">The state Department of Environmental Conservation website</a> notes, "Mute swans, as indicated by their name, are not very vocal.</p> <p>"They will, however, grunt, snort, or hiss to communicate, especially if threatened," the DEC said.</p> <p>I checked out the allaboutbirds.org website maintained by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. <a href="http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/mute_swan/id">The website's mute swan page</a> has a recording of one sounding off.</p> View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

There will also be a fly tying table for beginners as well as open tables for visitors to tie some of your own. Opening Day for the trout fishing season is less than a month away. Ready to tie one on? The Iroquois Chapter of Trout Unlimited & Dette Trout Flies can help. They're teaming up again for their annual Fly Tying Rendezvous on March 22 at Barbagallos Restaurant in East Syracuse. The event will last from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Featured special guests this year are Kelly Galloup and Paul Weamer as well as more than 35 other well-known fly tiers. Galloup will speak on tying and fishing streamers for big trout. Weamer will talk about writing and photographing the Pocket Guides to Pennsylvania and New York. John Shaner from Hardy will cover the history of soft hackles and spiders, and Walt Gerek with give spey casting demonstrations. The event will include silent auctions and raffles throughout the day to benefit the Iroquois Chapter of TU, Project Healing Waters, Hope on the Rise and Casting for Recovery. There will also be a fly tying table for beginners as well as open tables for visitors to tie flies on their own. Several fishing-related vendors will also be present, in addition to representatives from local non-profit groups. A $10 donation is being asked at the door ($5 for active TU members) and kids under 16 free. For more, go to Iroquois Trout Unlimited website at iroquoistu.org., email [email protected] or call 699-1231. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

Those attending are encouraged to bring cameras. The Montezuma Audubon Center is hosting the WOWEE Wildlife program Saturday, which features several live animals up close. The program will last from 3 to 4 p.m. A bobcat, fox and other wild creatures will be on display. Those attending are encouraged to bring cameras. The cost is $8 for adults, $ 6 per child or $25 per family. Space is limited and registration is required. Call 365-3588 or e-mail [email protected] to register. The Montezuma Audubon Center is located at 2295 State Route 89 in Savannah. For more on its programs, see ny.audubon.org/montezuma. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

It was only her second time racing in snowshoes, her father said A 17-year-old Cazenovia teen won the junior women 5K championship at the 2104 U.S. National Snowshoe Championships held last weekend in Woodford, Vt. Jeaneatte Cudney, a senior at Cazenovia High School, won the 5K junior event in 26:03. Second and third places were earned by Upstate residents Rachael Jones, of Fairport, and Chloe Mittilo of Paul Smiths, respectively. The event was attended by many of the best snowshoe racers from the country, featuring 5 and 10K races for both men and women and in different age divisions. The races were held at the Prospect Mountain Nordic Ski Area. The event drew 385 participants representing 22 States and 9 countries from as far as Australia and Spain. It was the largest number ever to compete at the National Championship. Cudney raced Saturday. It was her second snowshoe race ever, according to her father, Ray Cudney. She's a member of the Cazenovia High School cross country and track teams, and recently signed a letter of intent to run cross country, indoor and outdoor track at LeMoyne College. Cudney, Jones, and Mittilio each earned a spot on the U.S. National Snowshoe Team, the father said. The team, made up of 16 members, are eligible to compete in the International Snowshoe Federation (ISSF) World Snowshoe Championship to be held in Europe in 2015. Other local participants included: Eric Sambolec, Ithaca, New York (17th Men's 10k) Cole Crosby, Cortland, New York (18th Men's 10k) Jeff Walker, Tully, NY (47th Men's 10k) Alan Cushman, Cicero, NY (59th Men's 10k) Tim Walczyk, Auburn, NY (134th Men's 10k) James Miner, Dryden, NY (143th Men's 10k) Rick Mazzeo, Skaneateles, NY (149th Men's 10k) Michael Davis, Norwich, NY (158th Men's 10k) Michael Capocefalo, Auburn, NY (198th Men's 10k) Kermit Cadrette, Rome, NY (203rd Men's 10k) Steve Mazza, Utica, NY (205th Men's 10k) Karen Simmonds-Brad, Auburn, NY (7th Women's 10k) Heidi Baumbach, Jamesville, NY (19th Women's 10k) Dawn Leone, Mexico, NY (66th Women's 10k) Mary Jo Kiggins, Auburn, NY (93rd Women's 10k) Chary Griffin, Cazenovia, NY (104th Women's 10k) Eric Hulbert, Mexico, NY (6th Junior 5k) Benjamin Harper, Oswego, NY (13th Junior 5k) For more on the national snowshoe championships and results, see the United States Snowshoe Association website at snowshoeracing.com. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

Participants will use the South African R-4 rifle. They will be allowed about a week to practice and get used to the firearm. Airman 1st Class Matthew Rossen is a member of the squad that left today for South Africa.Submitted photo An Air National Guard member from Fabius left for South Africa today as part of a National Guard team competing in an international marksmanship competition. Airman 1st Class Matthew Rossen is part of a 10-member squad composed of representatives from the New York Army and Air National Guard, said Eric Durr, a National Guard spokesman. They will spend half of this month in Bloemfontein, South Africa participating in the South African Army Combat Rifle Competition. The event begins Tuesday and runs through March 15. Teams from other African and North Atlantic Treaty Organization militaries have been invited to compete in the event, along with active duty and rserve component forces of the South African National Defense Force, Durr said. . The New York National Guard has a training and exchange partnership with the South African National Defense Force through the National Guard's State Partnership Program. The program pairs state National Guard's with militaries in eastern Europe and the developing world. New York and South Africa have been partnered since 2003. Air National Gyard Senior Master Sgt. Edward Stefik, a New York State Trooper in civilian life and a member of the 107th Security Forces Squadron at Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station, is the team manager. Participants in the shooting match will use the South African R-4 rifle. The weapon fires a 5.56 millimeter round similar to that fired by the American M-4. However, the American shooters will need to get used to a different sighting system and different feel of the South African rifle, Stefik said. The bullet also uses a different grain of powder which will influence the trajectory of the round, added Beach. This means the Americans will have to get used to that as well, he said. "We are going to have a week of prep time before we compete so we will get a chance to train on that style of weapon," Stefik said. This is the second time a New York National Guard Team has participated in this competition. An eight-member team finished fourth place during the 2011 competition. Guard members, along with Rossen, participating in the event are: • Army National Guard 1st Lt. Thomas Beach, Buffalo; • Army National Guard 1st Lt. Roberts Wesley, Lockport; • Army National Guard 1st Lt. Sean Lucas, Buffalo; • Army National Guard Staff Sgt. Nicholas Hare, Tonawanda; • Army National Guard Sgt. Ryan Campbell, Cheektowaga; • Air National Guard Senior Master Sgt. Edward Stefik, Lewiston; • Air National Guard Master Sgt. Jose Pena-Rojas, Mount Kisco; • Air National Guard Tech Sgt. Kevin Weatherby, Cohoes; • And Air National Guard Staff Sgt, Matthew Zimmer, Westhampton View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

Plans for a state launch have stalled. Should there be a public boat launch on Otisco Lake?Plans have stalled to put in state boat launch on Otisco Lake and other sites are being considered. Either way, a launch on the lake appears far off. At this point, Otisco Lake is the only Finger Lake without a public boat launch. Should there be one? I wrote a story about the issue today. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

Otisco is the only Finger Lake without a public boat launch, Plans to put in a state boat launch at a small county park on Otisco Lake are stalled and other sites are now being looked at, confirmed a county legislator who represents the area. "Objections were raised, the entire process has been slowed down. Other sites are being considered," said county Legislator Mike Plochocki, R-Marcellus. Got an opinion. Take our poll. Plochocki was reacting to recent minutes from the county's Fishing Advisory Committee, which noted "discussions are apparently continuing between the state Department of Evironmental Conservation, Onondaga County and the Onondaga County Water Authority about selection of a new state boat launch at Otisco Lake. "Two sites under consideration are the existing county parks site near Amber on the northeast shore, or possible construction of a launch site by the OCWA dam property at the northern end," the minutes said. Otisco Lake, which is nearly six miles long, is the only Finger Lake without a public boat launch. Visiting anglers and recreational boaters get on the water by paying $9 each time, or by buying a season pass to launch at one of the two private marinas, the Otisco Lake Marina and the Otisco Lake Campgrounds. The DEC confirmed in late 2012 that it was in preliminary discussions with Onondaga County about building a launch at Otisco Lake Park, located on the lake's northeastern shore. The three-acre park was dedicated in 2000. The land was a gift from the county from the estate of Waldemar F. and Margory G. Hirsh. DEC officials back in 2012 said if approved, the plan was to build a "modest-sized" launch for trailered, as well as car-top water craft (canoes and kayaks) and expanding parking spaces from five to as many as 16 spaces. The idea was the state would pay to build it and maintain it, but it remain owned by the county. Last year passed, though with no progress on that plan. Plochocki said some critics said a boat launch at the park would violate the restrictions put on it when it was originally donated by Hirshes, who wished that it would be "forever wild." County lawyers, however, looked into it and determined a boat launch would not violate the terms of the donation. "Some felt and still feel, though, that it would technically be violation of what the family wanted," he said. When news about a launch at Otisco Lake Park first came out, Anita Williams, president of the Otisco Lake Preservation Association, said many of her group's members were "passionately against" a launch there. She said other locations should be considered, including an area by the Causeway. She also expressed concerns about increased boat traffic, which could result in "invasive weeds coming into our small lake." A view of Otisco Lake from Otisco Lake Park. The land was donated to Onondaga County from the estate of the late Waldemar F. and Marjory G. Hirsch.Nicholas Lisi / The Post-Standard Other concerns included cost of dredging work that would be needed, and that a boat launch at the park would disrupt the turtle population at adjacent Turtle Bay, where the turtles can often be seen "sunning themselves on logs." "Professionals determined that a launch would not disrupt the turtles," Plochocki said. Plochocki said the key to a putting a launch on Otisco is finding a site that "residents are amenable to." He stressed that any site would involve extensive opportunities for public input and "and that the Otisco Lake Watershed Association would be very involved in the process. They are being continually consulted." Plockochi said the OCWA site near the dam is one of the sites that's been discussed, along with one at another undisclosed location. "I can't stress enough, though, that everything is preliminary," he said. Plochocki noted the state owns and stocks the lake and each year stocks it with brown trout and tiger muskies. "In theory, lack of a boat launch could put that in jeopardy," he said. "They could scale back or cut off stocking of the lake if no site can be found." View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

Last year more than 1,200 runners participated. The Tipperary Hill Shamock Run, a 4-mile race, is set for Saturday morning at Burnett Park in Syracuse. Race time is 10 a.m. Last year, more than 1,200 runners participated. The race will take runners past many of Tipp Hill's favorite pubs and landmarks, including the area's famous "green on top" traffic light. For further information or to register, to the race website at tipphillrun.com. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

Size doesn 't always matter in nature. 1). A Washington state girl, 11, shot a cougar that appeared to be stalking brother, according to the New York Daily News. Shelby White, 11, fired a rifle that took out an emaciated female cougar (50 pounds) that followed her 14-year-old brother into their home. "Locals speculate the animals are starving and looking closer to humans for food," the newspaper reported. 2). Porcupines have a bizarre (some might say kinky) mating ritual. It all starts with some innocent nose rubbing. "If the female accepts the nose rubbing and, after the initial nose rubbing test, the female is still keen on the male, the male will then stand on its hind legs and the female allows him to urinate all over her body," according to todayifoundout.com. 3). The White Housee and the Department of Interior have declared by executive fiat that virtually all elephant ivory in this country can no longer by sold, according a press release from kniferights.com. While the intention to save the elephants is admirable, it will make the existing ivory handled knives owned in this country essentially worthless because they can not be resold, the advocacy group said. 4). Sometimes size doesn't matter in the animal kingdom. "Even though the female Great Horned Owl is larger than her mate, the male has a larger voice box and a deeper voice. Pairs often call together, with audible differences in pitch," according to allaboutbirds.org. 5). A couple of Oregon wild elk calling champions have taken their talent to the next level. They've created a how-to app for those who want to learn and practice the basics, according to the statesmanjournal.com. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

The ice was more than two feet thick on the lake. LAKE COMO, N.Y. -- The annual Lake Como Inn ice golf tournament, which is played entirely on the lake, drew 80 hearty golfers from throughout Central New York today. The tournament featured 20 foursomes playing a captain and crew format. The holes varied in length from 30 to 90 yards. Lake Como is located in Summer Hill (southeastern Cayuga County). The ice on the lake was about two feet thick. Temperatures throughout the day remained about 25 degrees, with a slight wind. Following the tournament, cash prizes were awarded to the top finishers and the golfers enjoyed a buffet meal at the Lake Como Inn, which is on the shore of the lake. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

The comment plan on the initial plan has been extended another month. The state Department of Environmental Conservation today firmed up, and added a few more specifics to comments made earlier this week by DEC Commissioner Joe Martens about his agency's controversial 10-year management plan for wild mute swans in New York. Martens, speaking Tuesday before the Syracuse Media Group Editorial Board, noted there has been a strong public reaction to the plan that proposed getting rid of all wild mute swans in the state by 2025. He said the DEC would "likely amend" the plan as a result. The DEC's initial draft management plan said the methods used would include shooting, sterilizing and destroying the eggs of the birds. The plan did allow though, for permits to be issued to municipalities and other public entities, in addition to private individuals, provided the swans not be released into the wild. Today's announcement by the DEC noted the plan would be revised and that an additional 30-day public comment period would follow. "DEC likely will acknowledge regional differences in status, potential impacts and desired population goals by setting varying goals for different regions of the state," a press release said. In addition, DEC will consider "non-lethal means" to achieve the management plan's intended goals. The DEC's initial draft management plan said the methods used would include shooting, sterilizing and destroying the eggs of the birds. The plan did allow though, for permits to be issued to municipalities and other public entities, in addition to private individuals, provided the swans not be released into the wild. The initial public comment period closed Feb. 21. DEC received more than 1,500 comments on the plan from individuals and organizations as well as more than 16,000 form letters and 30,000 signatures on various petitions. Wildlife biologists say mute swans, an invasive species, cause a variety of problems, including aggressive behavior toward people and other birds, destruction of aquatic vegetation, degradation of water quality, displacement of native wildlife species and potential hazards to aviation. Other states, including Maryland, Michigan, Connecticut and Rhode Island have population control programs to keep the bird's numbers down. Local Audubon officials have supported the DEC's plan. But culling programs have drawn criticism from humane organizations. GooseWatch NYC posted an online petition opposing New York's mute swan reduction plan and criticizing the DEC for proposing it. In addition to a revised draft plan, DEC staff will prepare a summary of the comments received and provide a response to the many questions, concerns and ideas expressed about the initial plan, Martens said today. "We appreciate the strong response that the draft plan received, and it's clear that New Yorkers recognize the importance of a comprehensive mute swan management plan that balances the interests of a diversity of stakeholders," he said. "The revised plan will seek to balance the conflicting views about management of mute swans in New York." View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

"Its a true testament to the asset you have there in CNY," said Chris Bowes, a senior tournament director for B.A.S.S. Randy Howell, the winner of the recent Bassmaster Classic held on Lake Guntersville, Ala. gave a shout-out this week to the Oneida Lake bass fishery. The Bassmaster Classic is considered by many to be the World Series of professional bass fishing, with the winner walking away with a $300,000 check. Howell, an Elite Series angler, was crowed this year's champion on Feb. 23. Chris Bowes, a Westhill native who is a senior tournament director for B.A.S.S., the group that sponsors the Classic, said the following: "I just watched a Twitter chat where Randy Howell was asked what his favorite fishery was. Of course, he said Lake Guntersville (near his home and where he won the Classic). Another question came in a few minutes later asking 'after Guntersville' what is his favorite. "Second on his list? Oneida Lake in Syracuse, NY. "From the mouth of the champ. Pretty amazing. With all the fisheries he has been on and competed on, he said Oneida. True testament to the asset you have there in CNY." An Elite Series bass tournament, which Howell is likely to attend, is scheduled for Aug. 21-24 on Cayuga Lake. That same weekend, Gov. Andrew Cuomo has scheduled the "Governor's Challenge," an event that Cuomo and other state and local political officials, will team up with professional anglers and fish Owasco Lake. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog