HuntingNY-News

He caught him on a whole night crawler on 6-pound test line. Submitted photo Joe Selover, of Marcellus, hoists a nice-sized carp he caught recently while fishing Nine Mile Creek. It measured 22 inches, he said, and he caught him on a whole night crawler on 6-pound test line. "I have been fishing Nine Mile since I was 12," he said. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

Friday was the kind of morning that try trout fishermen’s souls. Like every other stream in Central New York lately, Skaneateles Creek was way down and clear – the kind of water in which skittish trout can easily see and hear an angler coming. The Rev. Gladstone Bailey “Skip” Adams, on a rare morning off for him, invited me... Dick Blume/The Post-StandardEpiscopal Bishop Skip Adams on Skaneateles Creek Friday. Friday was the kind of morning that try trout fishermen’s souls. Like every other stream in Central New York lately, Skaneateles Creek was way down and clear – the kind of water in which skittish trout can easily see and hear an angler coming. The Rev. Gladstone Bailey “Skip” Adams, on a rare morning off for him, invited me to fish the stream, which flows out of the northern end of Skaneateles Lake. Adams, 59, is the Episcopal bishop for the Central New York diocese. The Otisco resident oversees 93 churches in an area that stretches from Binghamton in the south to the St. Lawrence River in the north, and east from the Utica/Rome area to just before Geneva in the west. Before getting elected bishop in 2001, he was the pastor at St. James Episcopal Church in Skaneateles. He said he still considers Skaneateles Creek as his “home waters” in the area. It’s the place where he caught his biggest stream trout ever – a 23 ½ inch brown on a nymph. As expected, the fishing Friday was slow, but the conversation and warm, sunny weather more than made up for it. “I love to fly fish and I occasionally work it into my sermons,” he said. “I’m always telling others to get out and try it. When they tell me they haven’t been out fishing lately, I tell them they have to repent. Unfortunately, I don’t always follow my own advice.” This comes from a guy whose office at work has a fly fishing calendar and artificial flies on his desk, whose office at home includes a huge painting of a stream and a trout coming out of the water to take a fly — and who appeared in a recent issue of Fly Fish Journal, dressed in his bishop garb with a short, accompanying story that noted he’s “known to cast a fly in the center aisle of a cathedral where there’s plenty of room for some mid-winter practice.” “And that’s true,” he said, laughing. We started fishing Friday just after 8 a.m. After more than four hours on two different stretches of the stream, we had caught and released only two small trout and a couple of chubs. I left, but Adams decided to keep at it. He had faith — and his calendar was clear until 4 p.m. Shortly before 2, Adams called my cell phone. He had just gotten off the water. He said he had double-backed to one spot we had hit earlier. “I saw a nice one rise in that pool. I let things calm down a bit and then I cast a parachute Adams (an artificial dry fly). I caught a nice, wild brown – just a touch over 15 inches,” he said. “It had big spots, a gorgeous yellow belly. It was beautiful.” The following are excerpts of our conversations between casts that morning. So, how’d you get your nickname? I’m Gladstone Bailey Adams III. There is no fourth. I had two sons, but I didn’t go that route. Mom gave it to me when I was a kid. My dad had a nickname, my grandfather had a nickname. With a name like that you have to have a nickname. Since my mom knows me as Skip, that’s how God knows me. How’s you get into fly fishing? I grew up in Baltimore and grew up reservoir fishing, mostly for bass, bluegills and pumpkins seeds. I still have my old Mitchell 300 spinning outfit. I didn’t get into fly fishing until I was fresh out of the seminary in 1980 and assigned to a parish in Maryland. There was an Orvis shop there and I’d often go in there and salivate over the stuff I couldn’t afford. Eventually, I saved my pennies and bought a whole outfit — rod, reel, line, everything — for $92. The rod was Fiberglas. I still have it. Who taught you to fly fish? I mostly taught myself. It wasn’t that “River Runs Through It” stuff that got me going. I was doing it before all that. After the Maryland parish, I was assigned to a parish in New Hampshire, where I really honed my skills. When you came to the Skaneateles Church in 1994, you must have a happy camper with all the fishing around here. It’s funny, I can remember my first year people were constantly apologizing about the weather,. I’d always say, “You don’t have to apologize – trout live here!” In addition, word got around somehow that I was into fly fishing and trout. Each spring, fishermen would call me right at church asking me what was happening with the annual brown drake hatch on the lake (an annual insect hatch that makes the fish actively feed on the lake’s surface). Some of those calls came from as far away as Pennsylvania. Seriously, why is fly fishing such a passion for you? Thoreau once said most people go fishing all their lives and it’s not fish they’re after. That’s the way it is for me. It’s about staying connected to the universe. Everything reflects the glory of God. When I’m in that environment, I’m close to God. My heart sings when I’m in those places where fish and water are.” View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

The two like to target big brown trout and aren’t afraid to travel to catch them. DeCapio said they look for “out of the way... forgotten” bodies of water. Submitted photoEric with his lunker. Persistence pays off. Eric Stanczyk of Baldwinsville, found that out during a April 9 trout fishing expedition with his fishing buddy, Jake DeCapio, of Marcellus, when he landed a huge brown trout. Stanczyk works at the Carpenter’s Brook Fish Hatchery and DeCapio owns the nearby Wayfarer Co., a fishing supply store on Nine Mile Creek. The two like to target big brown trout and aren’t afraid to travel to catch them. DeCapio said they look for “out of the way... forgotten” bodies of water. On a recent day trip, they drove a total of 250 miles and fished four waterways and walked “12 hours straight,” DeCapio said. They caught a few small ones and one big one— Stancyzk’s 23-incher, a male that he caught and released on the upper Genesee River. He used a large Panther Martin lure. That day they also fished the Cohocton River, Naples Creek and an unnamed tributary of the Genesee River, Stanczyk said. “I caught that fish at about 2 p.m. in the afternoon,” he said. “I didn’t think it was big as it was, until it came up and swirled. And there was a fish bigger than him following close behind.” Stanczyk said he and DeCapio left to go fishing that day at 6:30 a.m. and got back home at about 11 p.m. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

New York's resident Canada goose population is estimated at more than 200,000 birds statewide, despite the annual harvest of more than 50,000 geese during open hunting seasons. Dick Blume/The Post-StandardCanada geese along Onondaga Park in Liverpool. The following is a DEC press release: Canada geese are a valuable natural resource and a source of recreation and enjoyment to bird watchers, hunters and others. Flocks in flight this time of year are a welcome sign of the change in seasons. However, local-nesting or “resident” geese have become year-round inhabitants of parks, ball fields, waterways, farms, residential areas and golf courses, where they can cause problems. Information is available on the DEC website to help property owners prevent or reduce problems with Canada geese. Several options are available to alleviate damage and nuisance caused by resident Canada geese during the spring and summer months. DEC issued a General Depredation Permit (GDP) that allows the disturbance or removal of adult or juvenile Canada geese or their nests or eggs under certain situations and conditions without having to apply for individual state and federal permits. Geese should be chased away from an area as soon as they arrive in the spring and persistently chased until they permanently leave the area. Once geese start nesting in mid-March to mid-May, they will be less likely to leave the area. Assuring no birds are physically harmed, anyone may scare or chase geese without a special permit. If doing so within three miles of an airport, it is required that the airport manager be contacted at least 72 hours in advance so they can be on the lookout for any flocks that may be dispersed in the direction of the airport. To prevent successful goose nesting, “egg-addling” may be conducted in any area of New York State. Egg-addling involves the technique of treating goose eggs to prevent hatching, either by puncturing the eggs or coating them with 100 percent corn oil. This technique prevents the development of the embryo inside the egg without causing geese to immediately abandon the nest or start a new nest until it is too late in the summer for them to do so. Egg-addling will not reduce the overall goose population but it can provide relief for property owners where geese may want to raise their young. Anyone living in a community where geese have become over-abundant is encouraged to participate in this activity to help slow the growth of local goose populations and reduce the need for more drastic action to alleviate conflicts. After registering on-line at https://epermits.fws.gov/eRCGR/, one may oil or puncture any number of nests or eggs of Canada geese from property they own, manage or have property owner permission to perform egg-addling activities on. Visit DEC’s Nuisance Canada Geese page for more information about this control option and the technique of addling eggs:. In many cases, landowners will have problems with Canada geese that are not nesting on their property. In those situations, DEC encourages local landowners, local officials and others in a community to cooperate on a community-wide plan to address the problem of overabundant Canada geese. One key is determining where the problem birds are coming from and reaching out to property owners where geese nest to get their permission to locate and addle eggs. Encouraging opportunity and access for goose hunters in the fall is another key. In addition to the options above, farmers, airport managers and managers of drinking water supplies or swimming areas are encouraged to take advantage of special federal regulations that allow them to take juvenile Canada geese before the open hunting seasons. These are special provisions established in 2007 by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) to help alleviate the growing problems with Canada geese across the country. No federal permit is required, but authorization from DEC must be obtained in advance and specific timeframes and special conditions apply. Any geese captured must be killed, not released elsewhere. DEC does not allow relocation because resident Canada geese are overabundant throughout the state, and relocation would simply redistribute or add to problems caused by geese. Special permits from DEC and USFWS are required to take Canada geese to help with problems not covered by one of these categories, such as general nuisance problems on private property. For more information about applying for an individual federal permit, review the federal regulations at the USFWS Web site or call USDA Wildlife Services (518) 477-4837. USDA Wildlife Services provides information and management programs, including capture and removal, to people experiencing problems with Canada geese or other migratory birds. They can assist with the federal permit application process. If you are authorized to take geese by an individual federal permit, DEC’s general depredation permit automatically provides the state authorization you need to proceed. New York’s “resident” Canada goose population is estimated at more than 200,000 birds statewide, despite the annual harvest of more than 50,000 geese during open hunting seasons. Access for hunters remains the most important method for managing the size of the resident goose population. In addition, special provisions and permits for resident geese offer further opportunity to individual property owners, farmers, local governments, homeowner’s associations and others. For more information about Canada geese, or options available to help prevent or reduce problems with Canada geese, please visit the Nuisance Canada Geese web page or contact one of DEC’s regional wildlife offices. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

A cork bulletin board hangs on the wall in the small fish house on the property, pinned with photos of people young and old who have visited Spring Ponds. Many were photographed after their very first catch, grinning and holding up their prized trout. Michelle Gabel/The Post-StandardSusan Hullar, who runs Spring Ponds Fishery, feeds trout at her family's property in the village of Fayetteville. By Hannah Doolin Contributing writer With pink lipstick, hoop earrings, and silver bracelets that jingle as she walks, Susan Hullar may not look like your typical angler. But once she nets a 15-inch trout, grabs it by the gills, and holds it up for you to see, you’ll have no doubt that she knows what she’s doing. Each morning around 8 a.m., Hullar pulls on her black, rubber boots and walks down a gradual slope from her Fayetteville home to feed about 25,000 rainbow trout in five ponds at Spring Ponds Fishery on Highbridge Street in Fayetteville. When she arrives, orange bucket in hand, the fish dart in her direction, eager for their first meal of the day. “They’re just like my pets,” said Hullar, 52. Spring Ponds Fishery, in business for 39 years, is a private, pay-to-fish operation. Open mostly on weekends, and occasionally by appointment during the weekdays, individuals, families and groups can fish for rainbow trout that grow up to 26 inches long in the blue-green, spring water-fed, ponds. No fishing license necessary. Anglers can keep the fish they catch, paying $5 a pound. They can bring their own fishing pole or rent them. Hullar’s father, Jacob Hullar, built the ponds on land that was initially marshlands full of cattails. She said she learned how to swim and fish in the ponds. Today, she lives in her childhood home, just up the hill, with her two sons. She took over the fishery from her father in 2008. The ponds opened for business this spring on April 1 and will remain open “from now until the snow flies,” Hullar said. A pavilion and grill sit alongside the ponds, providing a shady resting spot and gathering place for picnics or card games. The fishery grounds attract several types of birds, including green heron, osprey, bald eagles, turkey vultures, ducks, and geese that nest in the same spot every year. Michelle Gabel/The Post-StandardA trout, like those that can be caught at Spring Ponds Fishery, under the grasp of Susan Hullar. “I just want people to come and appreciate the wildlife,” she said. Every year, Hullar buys rainbow trout eggs from the state of Washington and raises them on a small hatchery near the ponds. When the fingerlings grow six to eight inches long, they’re moved to outdoor tanks on the property and then into the ponds. There are no chemicals added to the pond water, nor is there a filtration system. In addition to taking care of the trout, Hullar enjoys teaching youngsters how to fish. She shows beginners how to work their fishing rods and gives them safety tips, such as looking behind themselves before they cast. Hullar, known by her young visitors as “Miss Sue, the fish lady,” says that watching a child hook and land his or her first fish is the best part of her job. “I get to see it over and over and I never get tired of it,” she said. A cork bulletin board hangs on the wall in the small fish house on the property, pinned with photos of people young and old who have visited Spring Ponds. Many were photographed after their very first catch, grinning and holding up their prized trout. Spring Ponds hosts several veteran and youth groups and also puts on birthday parties for children. While cleaning the fish, Hullar teaches short lessons for the kids about the trout’s anatomy, showing them the organs and removing the heart to demonstrate CPR. “They absolutely love it,” she said. “Especially the girls, because they see me doing it.” Hullar was the only member of her family interested in taking over the fishery when her father retired. One of her two sisters, Nanette, runs the nearby Hullar’s Restaurant, where Spring Pond trout can sometimes be found on the menu. Although she serves this dish, Nanette Hullar can’t stand to see the trout being cleaned, according to Susan. “She wants nothing to do with it,” she said. “I’m the tomboy in the family.” Having raised the trout from eggs, Hullar said she feels too guilty to eat them. But she quells this feeling by considering their relatively long life span in the ponds. “I know that they’ve had a good, healthy life here,” she said. For Hullar, cleaning the fish comes with the territory. “It’s hell on a manicure, though,” she said. Spring Ponds Fishery Location: 5186 Highbridge St., Fayetteville Phone</strong>: 637-6311 Hours:</strong> 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays; during the week by appointment. Cost: Admission is $2. Bring your own equipment, or rent a fishing pole for an additional $2. Take home your catch for $5 per pound. Have your trout cleaned for an extra 50 cents per fish. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

The group is hosting a town hall meeting at 6 p.m. April 27 at the Crossroads Auction House, Route 37 in Central Square. The group is intent on seeing crossbows in all seasons and areas where “archery equipment” is permitted. The state’s hunting regulations allowing the use of crossbows to hunt big game (deer and bear) during the regular firearms season in the fall expires at the end of this year. Crossbow advocates and opponents alike are already posturing for what’s to follow. The New York Bowhunters has made it clear they oppose allowing the use of crossbows during the regular bowhunting season, and remain committed to that stance. Meanwhile, a new grassroots group has emerged, New York Crossbow Coalition, which is intent on seeing crossbows in all seasons and areas where “archery equipment” is permitted. Currently, the DEC considers the crossbow “a firearm.” However, the Archery Trade Association, which represents the manufacturers of archery equipment, consider crossbows “archery equipment,” as does the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, noted Rick McDermott, of Pulaski. McDermott is the founder and president of the New York Crossbow Coalition. McDermott said the group is hosting a town hall meeting at 6 p.m. April 27 at the Crossroads Auction House, Route 37 in Central Square. “Members of the sporting community, state legislators and DEC staff have been invited,” he said. For further information, call 882-1540 or go to the group's Web site.. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

I’ll be there sitting at a table to meet with readers from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. Stop by and say hello. The state’s largest gun show is being held this weekend in the Center of Progress Building at the New York State Fairgrounds. The event, put on by the New York State Arms Collectors Association, has a wide variety of offerings for anyone interested in firearms and related equipment. More than 1,000 tables will be filled by exhibitors and venders, according to Sandy Ackerman Klinger, the show’s manager. Tickets cost $6, with children under 12 (who must be accompanied by an adult) free. Seniors pay $5. The show runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. I’ll be there sitting at a table to meet with readers from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. Stop by and say hello. Don't worry, I won't bite. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

The most encouraging observations came from surveys of the five hibernation caves in the greater Albany area where the disease was first discovered. years. This year's surveys saw substantial increases in little brown bats at three out of five of these caves. Ryan von Linden photoThis Oct. 2008 file photo provided by the New York Department of Environmental Conservation shows a little brown bat suffering from white-nose syndrome, with the signature frosting of fungus on its nose, found in a New York cave. The following is a DEC press release: The results of the winter survey of hibernating bats in New York are now available, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced today. This survey was a cooperative effort among state wildlife officials, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and numerous volunteers to monitor the effects of white-nose disease, a fungal infection that has devastated regional bat populations since it was first documented in New York in 2006. The most encouraging observations came from surveys of the five hibernation caves in the greater Albany area where the disease was first discovered. Previous reports have suggested that little brown bat counts at these sites seem to be stabilizing in recent years. This year’s surveys saw substantial increases in little brown bats at three out of five of these caves. The largest and best documented of these sites saw an increase from 1,496 little brown bats in 2011 to 2,402 this year. It is premature to conclude that population recovery is underway for this species, however, because of the small number of hibernation sites that have experienced increases and the fact that alternate explanations are plausible. Bats are highly social animals and observed increases could be the result of consolidation of individuals from other hibernation sites, for example. “While we remain cautiously optimistic of encouraging trends for some species seen more recently, it will likely take several years before we fully know how to interpret this,” said Kathleen Moser, DEC’s Assistant Commissioner of Natural Resources. “DEC is assisting in national bat research and with those seeking solutions to the effects of the white nose disease. As a preventative measure we can take now, we encourage the public who enter caves recreationally, to refrain from entering hibernation sites while bats are there.” Based on this year’s survey, total observed declines in population attributed to the disease for tri-colored bats have been revised upward. Prior to the arrival of white-nose disease in 2007, a total of 2,285 tri-colored bats were counted at 37 representative hibernation sites in the state. Since that time, a total of 112 bats were observed during surveys of those same sites, suggesting a statewide decline of 95 percent for the species. Northern long-eared bats have also been affected with a 98 percent observed decline (18 individuals observed in 36 sites compared to a pre-disease total of 911 bats at the same sites). Although neither bat was considered a threatened species prior to the arrival of white-nose disease, both species are now extremely rare in New York. No surveys were performed this year for the federal and state endangered Indiana bat. Previous surveys indicate that losses for this species have totaled 71 percent statewide (15,650 individuals remaining, down from a high of 54,689). The population status of Indiana bats in New York will be reassessed in 2013. Records of small-footed bats, a rare species even prior to the disease, show only a relatively small decline of 13 percent. This species is difficult to count due to its secretive habits when hibernating, but focused survey efforts this season have bolstered previous observations that the impact of the disease is far less severe for small-footed’s than for most other hibernating bats. Prior to the arrival of white-nose disease, the little brown bat was the most common bat species in New York State and has been observed hibernating in more than 100 caves and mines here. Statewide losses for the species attributed to white-nose disease remain at approximately 90 percent. For more information on white nose syndrome in New York, visit the DEC website . View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

Streams across the area continue to be clear and low. CNY FISHING FORECAST A reminder that walleye, northern pike, pickerel and tiger muskie season closed on March 15. Also, all persons aboard pleasure vessels less than 21 feet long, regardless of age, must wear a personal flotation device until May 1. Bait stores (list and map). INLAND TROUT STREAMS Streams across the area continue to be clear and low. We need some rain. 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 Brown trout are being taken along the lake shore flat-lining (trolling lure behind the boat without any weight) with stickbaits and spoons; if you can find some off colored water, fish around it. Good starting depths have been the 5 to 25 foot range. In the clear water areas, fishing with planer boards may help with getting the brown trout to hit. SALMON RIVER The river continues to be down, still flowing at about 285 cubic feet per second at midweek. Anglers continue to catch steelhead and occasional the brown trout. Try the deeper pools. Use egg sacs, trout beads and night crawlers. OSWEGO RIVER The river is down, and fishing hasn’t been good lately. Anglers continue to catch a lot of nice brown trout, though, in the harbor and the occasional chinook and coho salmon as well. ONEIDA LAKE Anglers continue to cash in on perch and bullhead, along with other panfish, particularly around the marinas. Some are also getting out on the Oneida River, catching bullhead and panfish. CAYUGA LAKE The lake is still low. There are reports of some good perch fishing on the northern end if you can get on. Anglers trolling are getting lake trout, brown trout and Atlantic salmon. Lake trout are coming on spoons or flasher and fly rigs fished 100-115 feet down over 130-150 feet. Green has been a good color. Fishing stickbaits on the surface over 15-25 feet of water is working for the brown trout and salmon. Fishing on the south end of the lake has picked up for Atlantic salmon and brown trout. SENECA LAKE Lake trout are being taken near bottom in 70 feet of water. Atlantic salmon and brown trout are hitting stickbaits fished near the surface. Yellow perch and black crappie fishing has been good off the pier with fish hitting minnows. OWASCO LAKE Lots of perch being taken on the lake by anglers using fathead minnows. The Inlet has also been stocked all the way to Groton with trout. Lots of action, there, too. Also, bullheads are being by the mouth of the Inlet by anglers using worms and crayfish. Also, reports of smelt runs. OTISCO LAKE Yellow perch are being taken on small minnows off the causeway. Black crappies continue to be taken in the shallows on small minnows. SKANEATELES LAKE Anglers getting out in boats are still catching some yellow perch in the north end of the lake. The bite continues to be on-and-off. If you’re not catching fish, keep searching. Lake trout are hitting near bottom in 40-50 feet of water. SODUS BAY Anglers getting out in boats are catching yellow perch in shallow water on small minnows. Fishing around the bridge is producing black crappie and a few bullheads. SANDY POND Black crappies are hitting around docks, and perch are being taken in the north pond. Some bullhead are also being taken on the pond. ST. LAWRENCE RIVER The perch bite has been good in Eel Bay and Krings Point. Try fishing anywhere from 5 to 20 feet of water, using fathead minnows. The bullhead bite has picked up lately, particularly in the early morning and late evening. WHITNEY POINT RESERVOIR A reminder that all angling is prohibited on the Otselic River from the mouth (where it enters the Tioughnioga River) to the Whitney Point Reservoir Dam, until opening of walleye season. Bullhead fishing slowed down with the cold weather but should pick back with the warm temperatures forecasted. Try fishing for bullheads after dark on the north end of the reservoir and also off Keibel Road. Crappies are also being taken in the reservoir along shore. The spillway area is closed until the walleye opener. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

If Europe's economic downfall is on the horizon, it may take a massive monetary bailout from the Chinese to keep the euro afloat. View the full article

"This past Thursday I was driving by Nine Mile just past the railroad underpass when I noticed a splashing in the water just south of the tunnel...," he wrote. Joe Brin photo Joe Brin, a local bird watching and trout fishing enthusiast, sent me these two photos and wrote the following: "This past Thursday I was driving by Nine Mile just past the railroad underpass when I noticed a splashing in the water just south of the tunnel. Expecting a duck my wife and I were surprised to see an osprey lifting a trout from the water. "He eventually landed right there alongside the creek in a tree and devoured the trout. There were even two less fortunate fishermen right there who witnessed the whole thing also. I wasn't fast enough to get him in the act of capturing the trout but did get some pics of him in the tree." Joe Brin photo View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

After more than three years of outreach and education efforts about the risks of moving firewood and the state’s regulation, DEC is increasing its enforcement efforts to prevent the movement of untreated firewood into and around New York. The following is a DEC press release: The discovery of the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) has been confirmed by the USDA Animal Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) in Dutchess County directly across the Hudson River from the large infestation found two years ago in the City of Kingston and its vicinity, the New York State Department of Environment Conservation announced today. This marks the first discovery of EAB east of the Hudson River. “Because of the threat Emerald Ash Borer poses to New York’s ash trees, DEC is committed to our Slow Ash Mortality initiative designed to monitor and decelerate the spread of this damaging pest,” said DEC Commissioner Martens. “This new discovery confirms that DEC’s early detection tactics for the insect are working and enables us to respond quickly before EAB is firmly established in Dutchess County.” The EAB is a small but destructive beetle that infests and kills North American ash tree species, including green, white, black, and blue ash. DEC adopted a strategy, Slow Ash Mortality (SLAM), to slow the spread of EAB within the state and its devastating economic and environmental impacts. SLAM encompasses a variety of approaches to address EAB infestations including removing infested trees, defining and monitoring infestation boundaries more precisely and researching insecticides and organisms that kill pests. This latest detection of EAB is the first on the east side of the Hudson River. On March 8, several larvae of the invasive insect were discovered in “detection trees” by DEC and the US Forest Service staff. Last summer, DEC staff created numerous detection trees across the state in areas that are high risk to new EAB introductions. These trees were created by girdling, or stripping away a section of the bark around the trunks of ash trees. Girdling eventually kills the trees, but before they die, the trees produce extra chemical volatiles which attract emerald ash borer females to lay their eggs in the bark. The detection trees are cut down and sampled, where the bark is peeled to look for signs of EAB larvae over the following winter when the bugs are not active. Approximately 28 ash trees were girdled last spring in Dutchess County because of its proximity to the known EAB infestation. As part of SLAM, DEC and the U.S. Forest Service conducted further surveillance of the area last week to determine the extent of the new infestation, collecting samples from 75 ash trees and conducting visual inspections around the area looking for additional signs of possible EAB attack. In addition, approximately 110 additional ash trees were girdled at the sampling locations to attract any EAB present in the area from flying farther away to other ash trees. The girdled trees will be felled and peeled this fall after the conclusion of the flight season to evaluate their effectiveness. The survey included sample points beginning from each of the three infested trap trees outward for approximately three miles. No additional EAB larvae were observed in the trees that were sampled. Damage from EAB is caused by the larvae, which feed in tunnels just below the ash tree's bark. The tunnels disrupt water and nutrient transport, causing branches and eventually the entire tree to die. Adult beetles leave distinctive D-shaped exit holes in the outer bark of the branches and the trunk. Other signs of infestation include tree canopy dieback, yellowing and extensive sprouting from the roots and trunk. Infested trees may also exhibit woodpecker damage from larvae extraction. The first detection of EAB in New York was in the town of Randolph, Cattaraugus County, in June 2009. Since then, infestations were later discovered in five more counties in Western New York and four in the Hudson Valley. Nineteen counties in NY are under state and federal EAB quarantines. Since it was first discovered in Michigan in 2002, EAB has been responsible for the destruction of 70 million trees in the United States. New York has more than 900 million ash trees, representing about seven percent of all trees in the state, and all are at risk from EAB. Communities face particular risks as ash is a common street and park tree, and green ash, in particular, has been widely planted as an ornamental tree in yards. Recent research papers have reported that the potential costs to municipalities from EAB could exceed $12 billion over the next 10 years. Efforts like DEC’s SLAM initiative can significantly delay the loss of ash trees and the subsequent costs to communities for their removal and replacement. In 2008, New York adopted regulations that ban untreated firewood from entering the state and restricts intrastate movement of untreated firewood to no more than a 50-mile radius from its source. This was done as a precaution against the introduction and spread of EAB and other invasive species because of the documented risk of transmission by moving firewood. After more than three years of outreach and education efforts about the risks of moving firewood and the state’s regulation, DEC is increasing its enforcement efforts to prevent the movement of untreated firewood into and around New York. DEC urges residents to watch for signs of infestation in ash trees. To learn more about Emerald Ash Borer and the firewood regulations, or to report suspected EAB damage, call DEC's emerald ash borer hotline at 1-866-640-0652 or submit an EAB report on the DEC Web site. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

Have a suggestion for a story or feature on the Outdoors page of The Post-Standard? Contact Outdoors editor David Figura at [email protected] or call 470-6066. Outdoors editor David Figura is outside somewhere, gathering information for these upcoming stories: » Friday: Fishing at Hullars. Dave profiles Hullars Fish Pond in Fayetteville, a complex of five pay-to-fish ponds and, if you're lucky walk away with a mess of trout -- at $5 a pound. » Also on Friday he's giving you the details on this weekend's youth hunt for wild turkey. » On Sunday, we'll have a feature about a local religious leader who is a fisher of fish -- and loves to tell his stories from the pulpit. » Also on Sunday, Dave writes about the amazing run of brown trout now taking place on Lake Ontario. It's worth you while to pay a visit. ANYTHING ELSE READERS OF THIS REPORT WOULD LIKE TO SEE? 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: - Individuals who have, and continue to successfully hunt wild boar in the Cortland County/Onondaga county area. - Individuals with outdoor passions who would make an interesting feature story. - Someone who's saving big bucks by reloading their own ammunition. 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

Turkey hunting remains a very popular activity with more than 100,000 turkey hunters taking to the field each spring, according to the DEC. The following is a DEC press release: The 2012 spring turkey season opens May 1 in all of upstate New York lying north of the Bronx-Westchester County boundary and the annual Youth Turkey Hunting Weekend is set for this Saturday and Sunday. The youth turkey hunt is open in all of upstate New York and Suffolk County. "Turkey hunting remains a very popular activity with more than 100,000 turkey hunters taking to the field each spring,” said DEC Commissioner Joe Martens said. “Since 2004, we have also offered a special opportunity for junior hunters. The Youth Turkey Hunt is an excellent chance for young hunters to spend time afield with experienced adult hunters to learn about conservation first-hand, gaining the necessary knowledge and skills to become safe and responsible members of New York’s hunting community.” Submitted photoAlex Monahan, 12, of Oswego, with his first turkey. He shot it up in Henderson on an outing with his grandfather. Important Details for the Youth Turkey Hunt: - Eligible hunters are 12-15 years of age and must hold a junior hunting license and a turkey permit. - Youth 12-13 years of age must be accompanied by a parent, legal guardian or adult over 21 years of age with written permission from their parent or legal guardian. Youth 14-15 years of age must be accompanied by a parent, legal guardian or adult over 18 years of age with written permission from their parent or legal guardian. The accompanying adult must have a current hunting license and turkey permit. The adult may assist the youth hunter, including calling, but may not carry a firearm or bow, or kill or attempt to kill a wild turkey during the youth hunt. - Shooting hours are from one-half hour before sunrise to noon each day. - The youth turkey hunt is open in all of upstate New York, north of the Bronx-Westchester County boundary, and Suffolk County. - The bag limit for the youth weekend is one bearded bird. This bird becomes part of the youth's regular spring season bag limit of two bearded birds. A second bird may be taken only in upstate New York, north of the Bronx-Westchester County boundary, beginning May 1. All other wild turkey hunting regulations are in effect. Other Important Details for the Spring Turkey Season, May 1-31, 2012: - Hunting is permitted in most areas of the state, except for New York City and Long Island. - Hunters must have a turkey hunting permit in addition to their small game hunting or sportsman license. - Shooting hours are from one-half hour before sunrise to noon each day. - Hunters may take two bearded turkeys during the spring season, but only one bird per day. - Hunters may not use rifles or handguns firing a bullet. Hunters may hunt with a shotgun or handgun loaded with shot sizes no larger than No. 2 or smaller than No. 8, or with a bow and arrow. - Successful hunters must fill out the tag which comes with their turkey permit and immediately attach it to any turkey harvested. - Successful hunters must report their harvest within seven days of taking a bird. Call 1-866-426-3778 (1-866 GAMERPT) or report harvest online on the DEC Web site. For more information about turkey hunting in New York, see the 2011-12 Hunting and Trapping Regulations Guide or visit the “Turkey Hunting” pages of the DEC website . New York has an extremely safety-conscious generation of hunters, largely due to the annual efforts of more than 3,000 dedicated volunteer Sportsman Education instructors. Even one incident is too many, so be sure to follow the cardinal rules of hunting safety: (1) assume every gun is loaded; (2) control the muzzle; (3) keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot; (4) be absolutely sure of your target and what may be beyond it; and (5) don’t stalk! Set-up with your back against a large tree and call birds to you. To find a sportsman education class in your area, go to the DEC Web site or call 1-888-HUNT-ED2 (1-888-486-8332). Results from 2011: An analysis of the 2011 spring turkey take, including a county-by-county breakdown, can be found on the DEC Web si Take figures for the 2011 fall turkey season and county-by-county breakdown can also be found on the Web site. Participation Opportunities: DEC Seeks Turkey Hunters for Ruffed Grouse Drumming Survey - Turkey hunters in pursuit of that wary gobbler in the spring are ideally suited for monitoring ruffed grouse during the breeding season. The characteristic sound of a drumming male grouse is as much a part of the spring woods as yelping hens and gobbling toms. Turkey hunters can record the number of grouse they hear drumming while afield to help DEC track the distribution and abundance of this game bird. To get a survey form, go to the DEC Web site or call (518) 402-8886. To participate in DEC’s Summer Wild Turkey Sighting Survey or other wildlife surveys visit the “Citizen Science” page of the DEC Web site. Do you have photos from a spring turkey hunt you would like to share? DEC has created a Hunting and Trapping Photo Gallery for junior hunters ages 12-15, young trappers under age 16 and hunters who have harvested their first big or small game animal. If you are the parent or legal guardian of a junior hunter, or if you are an adult who would like to share your first successful hunt, visit the photo gallery on the DEC website. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

"It was certainly the highlight of the afternoon," the father said. Submitted photo Aevyln Wallace, 5, of Canastota, holds up a monster largemouth bass she and her father, Matt, Wallace, landed on a recent trip to Canada. Her father wrote: Hey Dave,just wanted to share a photo from this weekend. We went up to Charleston lake, Ontario to open our cottage for the season. " When we were done with all the chores we had enough time to try and find some panfish. After catching a bunch of bluegills and sunnies our bait was unexpectedly taken by this monster largemouth. " My 5 year old daughter and I shared in the fight and she insisted on holding the fish for the picture. It measured 18 inches. , I didn't have a scale on me but guessing it was in the 4-pound range. The fish was quickly released because in Ontario bass is closed right now and there is not a catch and release season. " Sometimes you just can't help what takes the bait though. It was certainly the highlight of the afternoon." View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

<a href="http://travel.nytimes.com/2012/04/17/world/europe/king-of-spain-has-hip-surgery-after-hunting-trip.html?partner=rssnyt&emc=rss"><img src="http://www.nytimes.com/images/2012/04/17/world/carlos-image/carlos-image-thumbStandard.jpg" border="0" height="75" width="75" hspace="4" align="left"></a>King Juan Carlos, who was injured during a vacation to Botswana, has been called upon by some politicians to release details on his trip’s financing. View the full article

He caught it on a worm. Submitted Nico Garlic, of Constantia, caught and released this smallmouth bass recently on Oneida Lake at Big Bay. He caught it using a worm with his Batman fishing pole. Editor's note: This fish was hooked accidentally. It is illegal to target bass on Oneida Lake until the opening day of walleye season, which is May 5. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

"AND OH WAS HE PROUD!!! If you could have heard the excitement in his voice, it was touching," his mother said. Submitted photoJaydon and his 25-inch bowfin. Lisa Conway sent in this photo of her son, Jaydon, 5, and his huge bowfin that he caught on Oneida Lake. She wrote: "If there is one thing my son absolutely loves to do, it’s fish. He thinks about it every waking moment and cannot wait until his Daddy (my husband, Josh), will take him out to his Grandfather’s marina (Aero Marina in Brewerton). "This weekend we went out a few times, but only caught some blue gill and crappie. However, last night, just the two of them went out for hours. They were doing great, hitting more crappie and some blue gill, when all of a sudden Jaydon has a fish on that was an awful lot to handle. "Josh stood next to him as Jaydon brought it in. As he was bringing it closer, Jaydon thought it was a pickerel, Josh thought maybe a large walleye, but as it came up, Josh noticed it was neither and ran to grab a net. "It was approximately 25 inches in length, we are unsure of the weight, AND OH WAS HE PROUD!!! If you could have heard the excitement in his voice, it was touching." Editor's note: I can understand why. Nice fish, Jaydon. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

"Even though she is 5 months pregnant, we still find time to go out and fish together," her father said. Submitted photoJaime and her 13-inch trout.Dennis Armani sent me this photo of his daughter, Jaime, and her 13-inch trout she caught on Nine Mile Creek. He wrote: "She was using worms. She caught five and I caught one and all were released. "Even though she is 5 months pregnant, we still find time to go out and fish together. Jaime is a teacher at Solvay Elementary. It was a great day!" View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

"We took kings on spoons and flat-lined Rapalas off planer boards. It was great to see these fish hitting surface lures and jumping out of the water," the husband said. Submitted photoSue Juskow with a nice king. Sue Juskow, went out fishing recently with her husband, Michael, on Lake Ontario out of Fair Haven. Michael wrote: " We fished from 8-15 feet of water and landed some nice browns between 2-5 lbs. We did a wide turn and hit 20 feet of water and were into King Salmon. "We took kings on spoons and flat lined Rapalas off planer boards. It was great to see these fish hitting surface lures and jumping out of the water. "There is nothing like king fishing on ultra light tackle with 10-lb test. Every boat around us was into the salmon. This is nearly unheard of for us on the East end of the lake in April. "The kings were anywhere from 15 pounds to over 20. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

Two proposed bills introduced this year in the state Assembly and Senate would require the DEC to “develop an educational program for grades nine through 12 regarding types of fish that can be caught, game sought and other information necessary for implementing an educational program.” Should instruction about hunting and fishing be part of the curriculum at public schools? Two proposed bills introduced this year in the state Assembly and Senate would require the state Department of Environmental Conservation to “develop an educational program for grades nine through 12 regarding types of fish that can be caught, game sought and other information necessary for implementing an educational program.” Should public schools offer instruction on hunting, fishing and trapping? The proposed legislation, which is supported by the New York State Conservation Council, would not require school districts to use the curriculum, but it would give them the option of using it in high school physical education courses. The Assembly bill, A4345, was sponsored by Assemblyman Will Barclay, R-Pulaski. The Senate version, sponsored by Sen. John Bonacic, R-Mt. Hope, is S4933. Supporters point out hunting, fishing and trapping activities contribute more than $1.8 billion to our state’s economy annually. The proposed curriculum would include information on: - Various hunting and fishing seasons; - Species that can be sought; - The necessary materials for obtaining hunting and fishing licenses; - Oudoor opportunities for recreational and exercise purposes; - The history and benefits of hunting and fishing in this state’s development. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

King Juan Carlos, who was injured during a vacation to Botswana, has been called upon by some politicians to release details on his trip’s financing. View the full article

"As soon as we rounded the break wall in the Oswego Harbor the down rigger rod fired and the reel started screaming. We had a fish on that was headed for Canada!" the father said. Submitted photoMia with the 21-pound king. Mark Bresadola, of Camillus, called me this afternoon today with a great fishing story. The pictures he sent of the fish caught in the Oswego Harbor this morning proved it. Mark said: "I kept telling my daughter Mia Bresadola (10 years old, Camillus) that I would take her fishing one day while school was out this week. She attends Stonehedge elementary. "Well, the weather finally cooperated and we got out this morning from 8:30-11:00 a.m. As soon as we rounded the break wall in the Oswego Harbor the down rigger rod fired and the reel started screaming. We had a fish on that was headed for Canada! "I only brought the lighter brown trout tackle and was a little worried about the 8lb test line holding up. Mia grabbed the rod and fought the fish for 20 minutes and couldn't do any more. I took the rod and did battle for another 15 minutes, it was a father daughter team effort. "After getting it to the boat I gave Mia the rod and I grabbed the net. (Of course it was the smaller brown trout net, which the fish barely fit into) After the 35 minute battle we had a 21-lb king salmon on board! "We also ended up with our limit of browns, but only kept a 3,5, and 8 lb-er. The salmon was caught on a Warrior Gobie Pattern spoon off a downrigger just 4 feet down." Submitted photoA good day's catch! View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

"Looked to be a young one," said Paul Pflanz. Paul Pflanz photoPaul Pflanz took this photos recently of an osprey on Onondaga Creek. He wrote: "This osprey was hungrily devouring a fish on a limb over Onondaga Creek (east bank) about 50 yds south of the Hiawatha Blvd. bridge. "We have been walking the new extension of the creekwalk frequently since it's opening but had not yet seen an Osprey. Looked to be a young one." Paul Pflanz photo View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

Times have changed and the massive smelt runs in tributaries around Owasco, Cayuga and Seneca lakes are things of the past. The strong, healthy trout and salmon populations in those lakes have decimated these tasty bait fish. David Figura/The Post-StandardDennis Rhoads and his son, Andrew, look for smelt to net on Salmon Creek, which flows into Cayuga Lake. Dennis Rhoads fondly remembers the times each spring when the small stream near his grandmother’s place on Owasco Lake used to be black with spawning rainbow smelt. “My parents, my grandparents ... we went smelting Fridays and Saturdays after work,” the 50-year-old Summerhill resident said. “That’s what you did. It was a family outing.” Times have changed and the massive smelt runs in tributaries around Owasco, Cayuga and Seneca lakes are things of the past. The strong, healthy trout and salmon populations in those lakes have decimated these tasty bait fish. “It’s never going to be what it once was,” said David Lemon, regional fisheries director at the DEC’s Cortland office. Regardless, when Rhoads, 50, heard reports of smelt runs this spring on Cayuga Lake he decided to introduce his 13-year-old son, Andrew, to the activity. He took him out to the mouth of Salmon Creek where it empties into the lake through Myers Park in Lansing. He said he’s also heard reports of smelt getting caught in tributaries around Cayuga Lake this year at Taughannock, Cortland Point and on the stream near the Cargill salt mine. David Figura/The Post-StandardSmelt average 4 to 6 inches. “They’ll try to go up anywhere where water is flowing into the lake,” he said. “In the old days, you’d hear if they were running. Today, there’s not enough guys out to tip you off by word of mouth.” The past couple of years, though, both Lemon and Rhoads have heard reports of decent spring smelt runs on Owasco Lake, particularly around Indian Cove. However, most of the good spots around the lake lack public access. In addition, those who take advantage are pretty tight-lipped about when and where the runs are. Dip netting for smelt isn’t complicated. Required gear includes hip boots or waders (depending on the depth of the stream), a lightweight, long-handled dip net (it’s usually made out of aluminum, with a mesh net) and a lantern or good flashlight. The light is required because these fish, which average 4-6 inches long, usually run up streams at night. The usual approach is to start wading downstream and slowly work your way upstream so you approach the fish from behind. Some smelt netters simply stand in one place and net them as they swim by. Regardless, it’s a good idea to work with others, wait your turn and don’t be a hog on the stream. Just like on a golf course, there’s such a thing as stream etiquette, Rhoads said. The trick is to quickly net them, then put them in a small bucket or other container. Rhoads said he and Andrew have been out nine times this season. On their worst night, they caught one smelt; on their best, 80. “One thing about smelting. A couple of nights of it and you’ll get tired,” Rhoads said, adding that he and his son usually go out from about 8:30 p.m. to after 1 a.m. “It’s hard work. Not like the old days where you had to be careful not to kill them by stepping on them in the stream,” Rhoads said. The reward is a delicious meal. Most smelt enthusiasts prepare them by gutting them and then cutting off the head and tail and fins. Rhoads said he uses scissors for the latter chores. “You put them in a batter. I use New Hope Mills pancake mix. Then you deep-fry them. The bones just disintegrate,” he said. David Figura/The Post-StandardGetting even this many smelt is hard work these days, Rhoads said. Know the law A fishing license is required to fish/dip net for rainbow smelt. The smelt season for Owasco and Cayuga lakes started March 1 and ends May 21. Fishing/netting is allowed from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m., and the daily limit is eight quarts per person. For regulations on other waterways, see the DEC fishing handbook or check out the DEC Web site. Where to find them Rainbow smelt populations are on the decline in the Finger Lakes. DEC aquatic biologists say they can be found in small numbers in Owasco, Cayuga, Seneca, Canandaigua, Canadice, Hemlock, Keuka and Seneca lakes. They’re not in Skaneateles or Otisco lakes. Other locations where anglers catch smelt include certain Adirondack lakes and the western part of Lake Ontario, Lake Erie and the Niagara River. In many cases, they’re caught with dip nets in tributaries during spring spawning runs. Anglers also catch them through the ice in winter. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog