HuntingNY-News

The buck dressed out at 167 pounds on scales. Submitted photo Jerry Grigonis, of Fulton, took this 8-point buck with recurve bow on Nov. 5 in Madison Co. Grigonis wrote: "It came in to scrape at 11:05 a.m. The buck dressed out at 167 pounds on scales." . View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

Narrated by Olympic Gold Medalist Jonny Moseley, "Like There’s No Tomorrow" follows more than a dozen professional skiers and snowboarders to exotic locations on five continents. Submitted photo The following is a press release: Snow season must be right around corner, as Warren Miller Entertainment is set to screen its latest winter sports film, "Like There’s No Tomorrow," in Syracuse this November. The 62nd annual installment of the iconic ski & snowboard film series is set for a limited, high-definition release on Nov. 23 at the Landmark Theatre. Filmgoers can catch the one-night-only showing on Wednesday, Nov. 23 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $18. Warren Miller movies attract a cult-like following of winter sports enthusiasts everywhere, as the annual film series marks the start of the snow-sport season. This year’s film will be screened in more than 240 cities on its U.S. tour. Narrated by Olympic Gold Medalist Jonny Moseley,Like There’s No Tomorrow" follows more than a dozen professional skiers and snowboarders to exotic locations on five continents. Watch as world-class athletes hit the slopes of some of the world’s most inspiring snowy landscapes; from the striking Himalayas in Gulmarg, India to the southern hemisphere’s highest peak in Portillo, Chile to the rugged terrain of New Hampshire’s Mount Washington. Tickets are on sale now at The Ski Company, Ticketmaster.com, and the Landmark Theatre Box Office. Family 4 pack and group rates are available by calling 800-523-7117. Warren Miller ticketholders will receive a free lift ticket at participating mountain resorts and a discount at the Ski Company and Snow Ski & Board. Check out www.warrenmiller.com for film’s trailer, tour information, videos, photos and more. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

He had no idea of the size, nor that it was an eight-point until he tracked it a mere 12 yards away. Submitted photo This large buck, which dressed out at 183 lbs., was killed by Tom Scibetta, 74, of Pompey on family-owned property. His daughter, Sandra Skeval, wrote: "He spotted him as the deer stood exactly where he needed to amongst some brush with about a one foot square area open in which to shoot. He had no idea of the size, nor that it was an eight-point until he tracked it a mere 12 yards away. "His knees literally buckled when he saw the largest deer he had killed in over 50 years of bow hunting lying shot through both lungs and the heart!" View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

This week I'm tentatively writing about the opening of the deer hunting season in the Southern Zone this Saturday (suggestions from experts on getting ready) and bow/buck tales from the archery season, which closes Friday. Peter Chen/The Post-StandardBrent Teft, of Camillus, sights in the scope on his Savage .270 Winchester rifle Saturday at Camillus Sportsmen's Club's public sight-in weekend. Bill Parfitt, of Camillus, the club's president, said the event allows none club members to use their range and get their guns ready for the upcoming hunting season. Hope everyone is enjoying CNY's reasonably mild fall. All I know is I’ve gotten a slew of photos submitted by readers in recent days of deer taken with a bow. On top of that, the firearms season for deer in the Southern Zone kicks off this Saturday, which I will address on Friday’s Outdoors page. ( I satisfied my domestic responsibilities by finishing the painting of our kitchen ceiling this past weekend and I'm itching to get out opening day to try my luck with my father's old Ithaca Deerslayer.) Before I get into what’s planned for this Friday and Sunday’s pages, I’d like to emphasize that I still need help from readers on several fronts. I’m looking for help on the following: - A new bow hunter (12-13 years old) who has taken his or her first deer this season. State law recently lowered the minimum for bow hunters from 14 to 12. I haven’t heard yet of a single 12-13 year-old who’s cashed in yet in CNY. - Heroes of Conservation: I’ve received four nominations already for this honor, which I will write about in a feature next month. Deadline is Dec. 12 for nominations. Questions? Call me at 470-6066 - Outdoors-related tattoos: I have four readers so far who’ve submitted photos of themselves and their tattoos. I need more to make a story. No ladies yet. C'mon I know they’re out there. - Canada goose hunters. I’ve been out twice with friends up in the Rome area, yet I haven’t heard from anyone doing it locally. Any suggested sources? - Persons with an outdoors passion that would make a good profile. I’m always open to these kind of pieces and I often get my best ideas from readers. Any suggestions? Thanks for the idea: It was a reader who suggested last Sunday’s piece on adults “passing on” their passion to youngsters. Keep these ideas coming. Much appreciated. TENTATIVELY COMING THIS WEEK (unless something else bumps them out at the last minute) FRIDAY: Main piece: Are you ready for the big day? I talk to gun and ammunition, tree stand, clothing and other experts to get a last-minute checklist for hunters going out Saturday for opening day of deer hunting season. Column: I talk about how I sighted in my gun Saturday at the Camillus Sportsmens Club and a big 8-point buck walked right in front of everyone at the range. SUNDAY Main piece: Bow/buck tales. A sampling of some of the best pictures and stories that have come across my desk this bow hunting season (which ends Friday). Column: I write about the reaction and reasons behind the cancellation of the CNY Sportsmen’s Show, which won’t be occurring this January, ending a 59 year stretch – among other things. ANYTHING ELSE READERS OF THIS REPORT WOULD LIKE TO SEE ME WRITE ABOUT? The effectiveness of this report is two-fold. First it lets readers know what's coming up story-wise. It also allows readers a chance to affect coverage and provide sources for upcoming stories. Keep in touch and give input. You could make a difference as to what appears week to week on the outdoors page! Email me at [email protected] or call 470-6066. If you want to join The Post-Standard's Outdoors Group and get this emailed directly to you, subscribe here. Members of this group can respond to me directly by hitting reply after reading the email. FIGURA ON FACEBOOK: For those who are on Facebook, I also have a PS Outdoors page there, 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

Opening day of bow season fell on my 62nd birthday this year. Myself and two sons hunted the day in celebration of my birthday. Submitted photoGerry Zemo poses with his first deer -- a nice buck. His father, Bill Zema wrote: "Opening day of bow season fell on my 62nd birthday this year. Myself and two sons hunted the day in celebration of my birthday. I recently found a new spot to hunt and had put in too much time scouting the area over the spring and summer. We set up a couple elevated blinds, one of them in a great spot, hopefully. My youngest son, Gerry used that blind and the rest is history. He harvested a 3-1/2 year old buck dressed at 170 pounds. His first deer! "Dave, we live in auburn. Deer was taken in Aurelius. Wish we had ATV. I'm getting too old to be dragging deer." View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

The buck was 13 points and grossed 142 inches. Field dressed weighed 185 pounds. Submitted photo Hunter Dave Edwards harvested this monster buck in Fabius. His daughter, Christina, wrote: "I'm writing in for my Dad, Dave Edwards. He was out bow hunting in Fabius on Oct. 29 in the morning when he spotted a pretty nice buck almost directly under his stand. "He drew back and let er rip. The buck ran about 20 yards and dropped. The buck was 13 points and grossed 142 inches. Field dressed weighed 185 pounds. "He said it was his lucky day!" I'll say. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

Brad Cupernall recently harvested his first bow buck. The deer was taken on the family's property in Palermo. Submitted photo Brad Cupernall recently harvested his first bow buck. The deer was taken on the family's property in Palermo. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

At first I thought the deer had snow sticking to its coat until he came closer and I realized that they were spots, not snow. David Kelley, of Ava, poses with a piebald deer he shot in Oneida County. According to Kelley: "The deer was taken Nov. 12 in the town of Western using a .30 06 rifle. "There was a fresh snow the night before, and at first I thought the deer had snow sticking to its coat until he came closer and I realized that they were spots not snow . "He appeared to be working a scrape line on the ridge I was hunting." View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

Do you have any idea what may have happened to him?" Tom Kolcheski photoTom Kolceski, of Geddes, took these pictures recently of a buck with a deformed antler. He wrote: "I have taken many pictures of deer in and around my yard in the Town of Geddes, but took one recently that truly amazed me. "Attached you will find a few shot of a buck that have one severely deformed antler. If you enlarge the image and look closely at the antlers you'll see what I mean. Do you have any idea what may have happened to him?" "I also included a shot of a doe and her yearling." Editor's note: Not sure, Tom. He might have broken it off, of it might just be an act of nature. Does anyone else have an opinion on this, or has seen something similar out there? Tom Kolceski photo Tom Kolceski photo View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

It was a perfect heart shot. He ran about 50 yards and dropped. Submitted photo Rick Burt, of Cortland County, arrowed this nice 8-pointer on Nov. 13. He wrote: "I first seen this buck it was opening morning at day break. He came into 25 yards but I didn't have a clear shot through a hedge row. I hunted him every Friday , Saturday and Sunday of bow season. I had dreams about him ! I was obsessed. The last Sunday ( 11-13-11 ) of bow season, I went into the woods before sunrise and waited once again, and patience paid off ! "He came in and gave me a clear 30 yrd shot. A PERFECT heart shot ! He ran about 50 yards and dropped. I was so excited , I had just shot my first deer with a bow and the biggest deer of my life. He weighed in at 190 pounds and measured 17 1/2" spread , 8 points. "He was taken between Homer and Little York in Cortland County." View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

It was his first bow kill. Submitted photo Ryan Malinowski, 20 of Union Springs, harvested this 3-point buck on Saturday Nov. 19 while hunting in Cayuga County. It was his first bow kill. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

It field dressed out at 185 pounds and was estimated to be about 3 1/2 to 4 years old. Submitted photo Bill Lawrence, of Cicero, arrowed this nice, 10-point buck Nov. 5. It field dressed out at 185 pounds and was estimated to be about 3 1/2 to 4 years old. Lawrence wrote: "I shot it with my Hoyt Maxxis 31 bow." View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

"Tracking a big buck on a cold moonlit night, and eventually finding him is a great thrill, and an unforgettable experience," he said. Submitted photo Tom McDaries, of Port Byron poses with his huge buck that he shot with his bow in the town of Conquest. It weighed 210 pounds after being field dressed, he said. McDaries wrote: " I watched the big buck enter the cornfield several different times, always a little beyond my shooting distance. Each time I'd see him, the next time I would try to reposition myself in the brush for better advantage. "I prefer to hunt on the ground, hunting from a tree stand always seemed like cheating. On November 10th I picked a spot in some heavy briar bushes and with the leafy man outfit I was very well concealed. There was a full moon and I knew the deer would be active. "The buck entered the far end of the field and walked directly to me. The arrow found its mark, and the buck bounded off. I've learned from experience that patience is very important. I decided to return home, which is not far from the cornfield, and wait until 8 pm to begin the tracking process "I recruited the help of a friend Dwain Close who outperforms any blood hound. At 8pm under a full moon we began the search. In a short time Dwain spotted him and decided we should wait longer. "We returned home and agreed to resume the search at midnight. The moon was still very bright and after a short time we found the buck near a small stream. he dressed out at 210 lbs. "I am convinced that "constancy to purpose is the secret to success". Bow hunting is a great sport and any deer taken with a bow and arrow is a trophy. "Tracking a big buck on a cold moonlit night, and eventually finding him is a great thrill, and an unforgettable experience . View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

"The warm temps that day almost kept me in camp and out of the tree stand, but luckily for me I went anyway," he said. Submitted photo Dave Brooks, of Cicero, shot this impressive 10 pointer on Tuesday afternoon, Nov. 18 in Cortland County.. "The warm temps that day almost kept me in camp and out of the tree stand, but luckily for me I went anyway," he said. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

The buck in the photo ran by chasing a doe, and was dropped with one shot." Submitted photo Robbie Haines, of Town of Onondaga, poses with his nice buck. His neighbor, Bill Lucas, wrote: "My neighbor, Robbie Haines, on Bussey Road in the Town of Onondaga, is an avid hunter and works as a lineman. He spends a lot of time scouting, prepping, and planning for deer season. "This year, his hunt was disrupted by the massive storm that hit the Northeast at the end of October. He was called to Connecticut to restore power in the worst hit areas. While he was there, he would text his twin brother, James, multiple times a day asking where was he hunting, what did he see, why doesn't he try...., etc. "James bagged a nice doe early in the season, and would still go out to give his brother daily reports. "Well, Robbie's work was finally finished yesterday morning. He raced back to Syracuse, grabbed his hunting gear, and was in his tree stand behind his house at 2:30. At 3:15, the buck in the photo ran by chasing a doe, and was dropped with one shot." View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

Finally, the buck stepped into the opening. In my head, I must have said, "Shoot!" three times before I saw the arrow fly. Submitted photoTim Bahia and his buck. Tim Bahia poses with a nice 9-point buck he got recently -- his first deer with a bow. Tim Oakleaf, of Fayetteville wrote: "For several years now our archery club has offered instruction to inner city kids and home schooling families. Tim Bahia had decided to try shooting a bow and decided he liked it. Last year he progressed to where he was assisting with the instruction. He also decided he would like to try bow hunting. "Yesterday, Nov. 12, at 5:30 am we headed out together to my two-person tree stand. "My old, over-grown apple orchard had been hunted hard for a week already and the local deer population had quit using the funnel. On the way in we saw all kinds of tracks in the fields and meadows, but nothing fresh entering the orchard. I told Tim if we saw anything odds were good it would be an interloper and not a member of the local deer population. "We got up into my stand by about 6:30 am. At 7:15 am we were still settling in, with me pointing out the shooting lanes and twigs to be avoided, when I caught a shadow through the brush out in the meadow. Then I saw saplings moving as a buck rubbed them with his antlers. But we had yet to lay our eyes on the deer. "It seemed to take forever to decide whether to enter the apple orchard or go around through the swamp and into the meadow on the other side. I had us both standing with bows ready when suddenly his head appeared at 40 yards through the thick scrub bordering the orchard. " He slowly meandered into the orchard. Not knowing how long he would take to enter a shooting lane, and having instructed Tim to take the first good shooting opportunity he was offered, I instructed Tim to draw his bow. "Just at that moment the buck stopped. There were too many branches for a shot. Tim never started shaking, though I thought he might have to let down the bow before too long. He never did. He simply swung through to the first shooting lane and waited. He held his drawn bow for what must have been 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 minutes at least, though it seemed much longer than that! "Finally, the buck stepped into the opening. In my head, I must have said, "Shoot!" three times before I saw the arrow fly. "The results are in the picture. Not bad for the first time ever bow hunting, and less than 30 minutes after sun up. Nine points and 150 pounds field dressed. He got one or both lungs and the liver. The buck went about 80 yards. "The light covering of snow made for easy tracking. He is having it mounted. After 14 years of hunting I am still hoping to get one this nice some day!" View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

<p> There usually was someone who took the time, who had the patience to pass on their specific love of hunting, fishing, trapping, hiking, camping. It's about passing it on. </p> <p>For many, passion for the outdoors started with another person.</p> <p>It’s a father, a mother, a grandfather, a spouse, a friend — someone who took the time, who had the patience to pass on their specific love of hunting, fishing, trapping, hiking, camping. It’s about passing it on.</p> <p>In recent weeks, readers have sent in photos and short accounts of youngsters who’ve shot their first deer, caught a big salmon or walleye, shot their first duck or goose. In each case, there’s someone who got them started, who provided the spark.</p> <p>Several examples follow:</p> <div id="asset-10245759" class="entry_widget_large entry_widget_right"><span class="adv-photo-large"><img height="285" width="380" src="http://media.syracuse.com/outdoors/photo/10245759-large.jpg" class="adv-photo" alt="trio.JPG" /><span class="photo-data"><span class="byline">Submitted photo</span><span class="caption">Three generations of Robert F. Neufangs.</span></span><span class="photo-bottom-left"><!-- IE6 HACK --></span><span class="photo-bottom-right"><!-- IE6 HACK --></span></span></div> <p><strong>That first buck</strong><br />Robert F. Neufang Jr., of Fabius, send in a photo of his 15-year-old son, Robert F. Neufang, III, with his first buck.</p> <p>“What really makes his truly special is that he was hunting with his father and grandfather ( Robert F. Neufang, Sr),” the father wrote. “The photograph is of three generations of Robert F. Neufangs.”</p> <p>“Additionally, the buck he shot was enormous — a perfectly symmetrical 8 point that field dressed at 195 pounds. The deer was taken at our camp in northern Lewis County on Nov. 6. We went so far as to use baby wipes to clean up the blood on the mouth and body to make the photograph as presentable as possible. I am having this mounted for him and should be able to give it to him on his 16th birthday next April.”</p> <p>The father added his dad is a “hunting and fishing fanatic” and that love has just been passed down two generations.</p> <p>“My dad was almost in tears and my son was so excited. I hadn’t even field dressed it yet and my son was texting and sending photos to his friends, “ he said.</p> <p>Neufang said he bought his son a lifetime sportsmen’s license when he was 2. When he was 14, he gave him a Remington 700 rifle with a Nikon scope, which the boy used to shoot the 8 pointer.</p> <p>“I didn’t know if he’d get into it, but it’s been money well spend,” the father said.</p> <div id="asset-10245767" class="entry_widget_large entry_widget_right"><span class="adv-photo-large"><img height="640" width="374" src="http://media.syracuse.com/outdoors/photo/duckjpg-b5b0169df9e90490.jpg" class="adv-photo" alt="duck.JPG" /><span class="photo-data"><span class="byline">Submitted photo</span><span class="caption">James P. Fliedner and Anthony Palumbo</span></span><span class="photo-bottom-left"><!-- IE6 HACK --></span><span class="photo-bottom-right"><!-- IE6 HACK --></span></span></div> <p><strong>Water fowl hunting</strong><br />Jim Palumbo, of Liverpool, talked about a close family friend, James P. Fliedner, formerly of Chenango County and currently living downstate, who took the time when he was younger to get him and his brother involved in hunting waterfowl (ducks, geese).</p> <p>“He was dating my older sister. He was a neighborhood kid. He never married my sister, but we became best of friends,” Palumbo said. Today, Fliedner comes up frequently to a family farm in Pitcher and has taken the time to take out not only Palumbo, but his son, Anthony, goose and duck hunting. Fliedner loves to do, Palumbo said, because he “is loaded with all the gear” needed to hunt waterfowl.</p> <p>Palumbo sent in a picture of Fliedner and his son, Anthony, holding a recent harvest of wood ducks from a Nov. 6 outing in Cincinnatus, N.Y.</p> <p>“Anthony took two drakes. Both were perfect, overhead shots,” the proud father said. “At the age of 14, Anthony has really taken to the sport of waterfowl hunting and maintains a great respect for the outdoors.”</p> <p>Fliedner has also taken the boy turkey hunting the past two years, and next weekend will be taking him deer hunting for the first (along with the dad) on his property.</p> <p>“Thanks to friends like James Fliedner, who goes out of his way to provide youth with such great experiences and understanding of the outdoors, Anthony will also be able to some day pass on the American heritage of waterfowl hunting to future generations.”</p> <div id="asset-10245764" class="entry_widget_large entry_widget_right"><span class="adv-photo-large"><img height="296" width="380" src="http://media.syracuse.com/outdoors/photo/10245764-large.jpg" class="adv-photo" alt="walley2.JPG" /><span class="photo-data"><span class="byline">Submitted photo</span><span class="caption">Dante Piraino</span></span><span class="photo-bottom-left"><!-- IE6 HACK --></span><span class="photo-bottom-right"><!-- IE6 HACK --></span></span></div> <p><strong>A memorable walleye</strong></p> <p>In the photo, Dante Piraino, 14, of Baldwinsville, proudly holds up a 26-inch walleye he caught back in August on the St. Lawrence River using a worm harness.</p> <p>His father, Mark, wrote, “He was fishing with his grandfather, Gene Conte. Gene and Dante have logged many hours over the years fishing on the St. Lawrence.”</p> <p>Conte, a snowbird who splits his time each year between Florida and the St. Lawrence River near Massena, said it was his father who passed on his love of fishing to him at an early age.</p> <p>Over the years, Conte has passed it on — taking his daughters fishing, along with neighbors and friends. Most recently, he’s focused on his four grandchildren.</p> <p>The grandfather talked with pride about how young Dante has graduated from his Snoopy pole to a 5-foot Ugly stick pole with a Shakespeare reel.</p> <p>“I’m trying to teach him how to fillet a fish. That will be the next step,” he said.</p> <div id="asset-10245768" class="entry_widget_large entry_widget_right"><span class="adv-photo-large"><img height="484" width="380" src="http://media.syracuse.com/outdoors/photo/10245768-large.jpg" class="adv-photo" alt="salmon2221.JPG" /><span class="photo-data"><span class="byline">Submitted photo</span><span class="caption">Matthew Miller</span></span><span class="photo-bottom-left"><!-- IE6 HACK --></span><span class="photo-bottom-right"><!-- IE6 HACK --></span></span></div> <p><strong>A whopper chinook</strong><br />In a photo sent in by his mother, Matthew Miller, 14, from Brewerton, struggles to hold up a 37-inch, 22 pound chinook salmon he caught Oct. 11 at Trestle Pool on the Salmon River.</p> <p>“The fish was landed after a 10 minute fight. It was caught using an artificial egg,” said the mom, Jeanann Miller, who credits her husband with infecting her son with the fishing bug.</p> <p>The father, David Miller, has been taking Matthew out fishing since he was 3 or 4, she said.</p> <p>“He taken him to ponds, they’ve gone to Oneida, little rivers around,” she said. “They’ve been going to the Salmon River for the past three falls. This is the first time Matthew has caught a salmon. He was so excited to finally catch one, we’re having it mounted.”<br /> </p> <br /><br />View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

<p> It's been the state's longest running outdoor sports show. This would have been its 59th year. </p> <p>Each winter, it’s been the perfect cure for Central New York outdoors enthusiasts suffering from cabin fever with its numerous fishing, hunting, trapping and wildlife-oriented displays and vendors.</p> <p>Not this year. The Northeastern Sports Show, originally set for Jan. 27-29 at the state fairgrounds, has been cancelled.</p> <p>“This difficult decision was reached following a thorough review of current market conditions and rising costs associated with conducting a quality event,” according to the Web site for the Hamilton-based, CKH Productions, which runs the show.</p> <p>The three-day event billed itself as the state’s longest running outdoor sports show. This would have been its 59th year.<br /> <br /></p> <br /><br />View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

<p>By Don Therre Contributing writer Every fall since 1992 I’ve gone on a deer hunting trip to the Cranberry Lake area of the Adirondacks. I’m dropped off about eight miles down the lake by a marina owner who operates a shuttle service. I stay in a tent by myself. For four days, there are thousands of acres of state...</p> <div id="asset-10245783" class="entry_widget_small entry_widget_right"><span class="adv-photo-small"><img height="224" width="155" src="http://media.syracuse.com/outdoors/photo/10245783-small.jpg" class="adv-photo" alt="DONPAPER.JPG" /><span class="photo-data"><span class="byline">Submitted photo</span><span class="caption"></span></span><span class="photo-bottom-left"><!-- IE6 HACK --></span><span class="photo-bottom-right"><!-- IE6 HACK --></span></span></div> <p><strong>By Don Therre <br />Contributing writer </strong></p> <p>Every fall since 1992 I’ve gone on a deer hunting trip to the Cranberry Lake area of the Adirondacks.</p> <p>I’m dropped off about eight miles down the lake by a marina owner who operates a shuttle service. I stay in a tent by myself. For four days, there are thousands of acres of state land and a variety of wildlife to enjoy.</p> <p>Now, I know what you’re thinking: This guy is crazy. My wife would agree.</p> <p>This is not for everyone. There is no cell phone service.</p> <p>It’s also not about getting a deer every year. In fact, I harvested one the second year I went and haven’t got one since. It’s about the experience and the memories I bring back with me. When the trip is over I start thinking about the next one.</p> <p>In the Southern Zone, I can get a deer almost every year. There are more deer per square mile and a lot less area for them to be in. Unfortunately, there are many more hunters. Some places, there seems to be a hunter coming by every few minutes. That’s not hunting to me. I would rather stay home.</p> <p>I read stories in hunting magazines about hunting in wilderness areas and it intrigued me. Was I a good enough woodsman? I had hunted the Adirondacks before with my father but it was out of a camp on a private hunting club. Was I tough enough to hunt rugged terrain in mid- to late-November and enjoy it?</p> <p>I chose an area where a guide had a camp in the early 1900s. I spent two years researching the spot with topographic maps and reading books about the area. I particularly studied the topo map, looking for funnels, ridges, and other features that could influence the deer movement.</p> <p>The first year, there was a full moon and a little snow on the ground. I sat in a spot where the deer had eaten ferns the night before. As the moon rose above the hill, I spotted deer moving about 400 hundred yards away. They slowly made their way toward me until they were 20 yards away broadside – all does.</p> <p>It didn’t matter, I was hooked.</p> <p>The next year was a sad one. My father, who was my hunting and fishing partner until having a stroke a few years earlier, passed away in July. I debated whether to go that fall. I knew my father would want me to, so I did.</p> <p>The second day, I hunted the morning and didn’t see anything. After lunch, I headed up a ravine and came to one of those spots that I knew right away was going to be good. A tree had fallen over a very large rock in the ravine. The crotch of the tree made a perfect seat and you could cover a large area.</p> <p>I got in the tree and settled in. The weather was very cold and snow started to fall, perfect for deer movement. About 4 p.m., I spotted a deer about 200 yards away heading slowly uphill toward me. It was a buck and he closed to within 90 yards and then stopped.</p> <p>One shot with my rifle and I had my first Adirondack buck, a five-pointer.</p> <p>After a 1 ½ mile-drag and three and a half hours in the dark, I made it back to the tent. I was tired and sore, but it was worth it.</p> <p>Having filled my tag, the next morning I planned on doing some photography. About 40 yards from my tent I discovered that overnight a buck had come by and made a huge scrape and then headed up the hill. I’m sure it smelled where I had dragged my buck and thought it was an intruder.</p> <p>I would’ve loved to have seen how big that deer was.</p> <p>If you want to try this, do some research. You can contact the local state Department of Environmental Conservation and they can be very helpful. The Internet has many resources available for information.</p> <p>Be prepared, take safety precautions (emergency locators are available) and you’ll make memories too — even if you don’t get a deer. </p> <p><strong>- Don Therre lives in North Syracuse. </strong> <br /></p> <br /><br />View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

Benton Schlater, of Baldwinsville, had a successful day Wednesday, hunting at Three Rivers Wildlife Management Area in the town of Lysander with Nestor, his 9 ½ year old small Munsterlander Pointer. “Two perfect points and two roosters in the bag. Nestor was not so happy to be done for the day and was still raring to go after two... Submitted photo Benton Schlater, of Baldwinsville, had a successful day Wednesday, hunting at Three Rivers Wildlife Management Area in the town of Lysander with Nestor, his 9 ½ year old small Munsterlander Pointer. “Two perfect points and two roosters in the bag. Nestor was not so happy to be done for the day and was still raring to go after two hours of running,” Schlater said. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

The bow hunting season for the Southern Zone closes next Friday. Did you get a deer that you’re proud of? We’d like to hear about it. Send your stories and photos to Outdoors Editor David Figura at [email protected] by noon Wednesday. The best will be included in a wrapup on Friday’s Outdoors page in The Post-Standard. I'm particularly interested in... The bow hunting season for the Southern Zone closes next Friday. Did you get a deer that you’re proud of? We’d like to hear about it. Send your stories and photos to Outdoors Editor David Figura at [email protected] by noon Wednesday. The best will be included in a wrapup on Friday’s Outdoors page in The Post-Standard. I'm particularly interested in hearing about deer taken by the area’s newest hunters — those ages 12 to 13, who’ve been allowed to bow hunt for the first time this year as a result of a new state law. Questions? Call 470-6066. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

The trip was organized by Project Healing Waters (PHW) volunteer Jim Goodness in conjunction with Fort Drum's chapter of Project Healing Waters. Army Captain Robert Burke coordinated the group of participants which included active-duty servicemen and veterans from Fort Drum's Warrior Transition Unit. Jessica Burt photoProject Healing Waters (PHW) volunteer and fishing guide Rob Snowhite guides Sergeant First Class Bob Simonovich in a drift boat along the Salmon River as other PHW participants work their lines. Simonovich landed a salmon. The following is a press release from the Oswego County Tourism Office: Nearly a dozen soldiers and veterans from across New York State and Pennsylvania recently participated in a two-day guided drift boat fishing trip on the Salmon River. The trip was organized by Project Healing Waters (PHW) volunteer Jim Goodness in conjunction with Fort Drum’s chapter of Project Healing Waters. Army Captain Robert Burke coordinated the group of participants which included active-duty servicemen and veterans from Fort Drum’s Warrior Transition Unit. “These events are so much more than fishing trips,” said Goodness. “They are a way for us to show our respect for these guys who have sacrificed for our country. This is important for all of us.” Project Healing Waters is a national organization that began in 2004 when retired Navy Captain Ed Nicholson met other wounded soldiers and took them fishing. There are now more than 45 programs throughout the U.S. that provide fly-fishing, fly-casting and fly-tying instruction to wounded servicemen and women. The Fort Drum chapter of Project Healing Waters began in 2009 and continues today with Captain Burke coordinating local volunteers to instruct fly-tying and fly-casting lessons for soldiers and veterans. He said, “In addition to fishing events, we have fly-tying classes on Wednesdays throughout the year and fly-casting lessons in the spring and summer months. The ongoing training not only helps soldiers prepare for the fishing trips, but in their daily lives as well.” Burke continued, “Re-learning the fine motor skills associated with these tasks and learning to overcome obstacles associated with their disabilities are only a part of the overall rehabilitation of these soldiers. The biggest reward for them is the socialization with other veterans and the realization that a more normal life is possible.” This was the first Project Healing Waters event and Salmon River trip for Sergeant First Class Bob Simonovich of Fort Drum. He landed a salmon and thanked the “awesome guides.” Military veteran John Tinti has participated in three Project Healing Waters events on the Salmon River and agreed that, “the guides were fantastic! They fished a different part in the river than we had in the past and I caught two salmon.” Volunteer John Kuss from Hell’s Anglers Guide Service in Altmar said, “This is my first Project Healing Waters event and it definitely won’t be my last. The vets on my boat were very happy to be out enjoying a great day for fishing.” The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation opened the doors of their training academy in Pulaski to host the group during their stay. Many other organizations and individuals worked together to host meals and offer fishing services. “We are grateful to the representatives of Project Healing Waters, including the veterans and soldiers who came from the Fort Drum chapter,” Goodness said. “We would also like to thank the drift boat guides who volunteered their time, equipment and expertise. Their smiles and laughter made the event even more special.” Local fishing guides who volunteered their time and experience for the event include John Kuss, Hell’s Anglers Guide Service; Eric Geary, S.W.A.T. Guide Service; Ed Martin, Expert Guide Service; and many independent guides such as Brad Darby, Mike Mogg, Paul (“Smitty”) Smith, Mike Deyo, and Rob Snowhite. “I would also like to thank Joe Vivenzio of River Run Troutfitters for his help and support. He was the guide coordinator and really started the ball rolling for the event. Within three hours, he had ten drift boats lined up to participate,” said Goodness. “We are also grateful to the NYS DEC training academy for their accommodations, the VFW Post #7289 in Pulaski for the terrific dinner, Cub Scout Pack #829 for their great service and the American Legion Post #358 of Pulaski for their financial support in covering expenses. Additional thanks to Helen Kuss for her tireless effort in coordinating a delicious barbeque and those who made the meal possible.” They include Larry and Patti Stewart, Becky Falsbury, Renee Smith, Amanda Wait, Sandy McCullagh, Alan Manwaring of Big Hometown Corner Store and Denise Powers who made a beautiful cake. Many thanks to the Altmar Volunteer Fire Department who hosted the barbeque and their representatives Bill and Corey Holcomb, Wayne Dealing and Phil Bortz. Finally, special thanks to Erv and Paul Hilderbrand and Brian Conway for filming, taking great pictures and their tremendous support.” Fishing guide Rob Snowhite volunteers for the Washington, D.C. chapter of Project Healing Waters at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. “I’ve been guiding for 10 years and this is my first time rowing a drift boat.,” he said. “The Salmon River is an amazing resource with the best fishing outside of Alaska! It brightens the soldier’s day to get them out of their rooms once a week to learn casting and go on trips. All the supplies for the event were donated. People have been known to walk by our booth at trade shows and donate a $500 rod and reel to PHW.” Project Healing Waters is a not-for-profit organization that is completely dependent on volunteers and donations. The group offers many fishing events, classes and outings throughout the year, for which they rely on donated lodging, meals, equipment, locations, services and monies. For more information, to make a donation, or to volunteer with Project Healing Waters, contact Captain Rob Burke, program leader for the Fort Drum chapter at [email protected] or Dan Morgan, co-program leader for the Syracuse chapter at [email protected]. For details about the organization, visit the program’s Web site at www.projecthealingwaters.org. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

"We want to maintain the safety and integrity of the trail and ensure an enjoyable experience for all users and adjoining landowners," said Legislator James M. Oldenburg, District 14, chairman of the Oswego County Legislature's Infrastructure and Facilities Committee. Kelly Jordal photoThe trail entrance of the Oswego County Recreational Trail on county Route 6 in the town of Volney.The following is a press release from the Oswego County Tourism Office: The Oswego County Recreational Trail is open to the public with a new set of rules for users and law enforcement agencies. “We want to maintain the safety and integrity of the trail and ensure an enjoyable experience for all users and adjoining landowners,” said Legislator James M. Oldenburg, District 14, chairman of the Oswego County Legislature’s Infrastructure and Facilities Committee. “We have identified vehicles that are allowed to use the trail and clarified prohibited trail activities. This will provide a positive experience for neighbors and visitors and aid the efforts of law enforcement.” Vehicles that are allowed to use the trail include snowmobiles, snowmobile trail groomers, Oswego County Highway Department vehicles, and authorized emergency vehicles. ATVs are permitted to use only the eastern-most section of the trail between Toad Harbor Road and the Oswego-Oneida county line. Each of these vehicles will be referred to as “Authorized Vehicles” on all trail signage. The new rules of the Oswego County Recreational Trail include: • No use of firearms • No overnight camping • No open fires • No alcohol or illegal drugs • No feeding or disturbing the wildlife • No cutting or removing vegetation Trail users are also reminded that all New York State snowmobile rules and regulations apply to this trail. Riders should not enter private property adjacent to the trail unless it is clearly marked as an official snowmobile trail. Oldenburg added, “This is a process and it will take time to educate both users and law enforcement personnel about the new rules. We will do this through trail signage and printed materials.” The Oswego County Recreational Trail is approximately 25 miles in length. It runs between county Route 6 in the town of Volney, through the towns of Schroeppel, Hastings, West Monroe and Constantia, to the Oswego-Oneida county line. The Oswego County Legislature’s Infrastructure and Facilities Committee oversees the Highway Department. In addition to Legislator Oldenburg, the committee includes Vice-Chairwoman Barbara Brown, District 8; and Legislators Daniel Chalifoux, District 19; Mark Fruce, District 24; Linda Lockwood, District 11; Milferd Potter, District 2; and Amy Tresidder, District 16. For more information about the Oswego County Recreation Trail, contact the Oswego County Tourism Office at 315-349-8322 or visit the tourism office's Web site . View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

Like any kind of hunting, there's no certainty in coon hunting. Sometimes it's fast and furious right out of the box. Other nights it's long and drawn out. Watch video Jim Commentucci/The Post-StandardDake Esposito poses for a photo at his home in Fabius with Max and Lucy, two of his bluetick coonhounds. The bright, full moon lit up the woods and fields Wednesday in Pompey. The leafless, hardwood trees made for eerie, and sometimes beautiful silhouettes against the nighttime sky. It would have been a perfect night to hunt raccoons, if not for the wind. “Nights like this in the moonlight, they should stick out like dark lumps on the top of the trees,” said Dake Esposito, as he let Max and Lucy, his two excited bluetick coonhounds, out of their cage in the back of his pickup truck. “With the wind being as strong as it is, it’s difficult to hear the dogs, but we’re going to be hunting them into the wind. Hopefully, if they pick up a track we can hear them.” WILFREDO LEE photo Esposito, 32, is one of an decreasing number of raccoon hunters in Central New York. His enthusiasm sometimes takes him into the early morning hours as his trained dogs pursue coons on farmlands where he grew up. The dogs tree the coons, enabling Esposito to shoot them out of the trees. Years ago, raccoon pelts were in demand, fetching as much as $50 each. Raccoon meat was also coveted by certain ethnic groups, according to Lance Clark, a wildlife biologist for the state Department of Environmental Conservation’s Cortland office. Today, raccoon pelts aren’t worth as much and few want the meat. Esposito, who hunts with a single-shot, bolt-action .22-caliber rifle, has been hunting them for more than a decade and doesn’t eat what he shoots. He noted that raccoons are a species with a high incidence of rabies and other parasites and that he wears rubber gloves when he skins them. Esposito keeps the unfleshed raccoon pelts, rolls them up and freezes them. Last December, he sold nearly 30 to buyers at the annual raw fur auction at the Pompey Rod and Gun Club, getting an average of $13 each. He said his fascination with raccoon hunting began with his love for coonhounds. “When I was a kid, I read the book, ‘Where the Red Fern Grows,’” he said. “I’ve always wanted to have hounds.” The popular children’s novel by Wilson Rawls is about a boy who buys and trains two redbone coonhound hunting dogs. Esposito’s love for coonhounds carried into adulthood, when he and his wife, Nicole, moved to Fabius and bought three bluetick coonhounds. “Before we had our two kids, it was me, my wife and our three dogs — Max, Lucy and Harley — all sleeping in a double bed. It was something,” he said. “Max would crawl between the two of us, put his head on the pillow and he was right under the blankets. The other two were at our feet. I couldn’t tell most of the time if it was the dog next to me snoring or my wife. It was definitely comical.” Wednesday night, Esposito was out for the sixth time this fall. He said he has shot four raccoons so far. “Like any kind of hunting, there’s no certainty. Sometimes it’s fast and furious right out of the box. Other nights it’s long and drawn out,” he said. This night, it was the latter. Raccoons mostly sleep during the day in nests in trees, abandoned burrows or brush piles. At night, they venture out in search of food. Their diet is diverse and includes fruit, berries, grain, eggs, poultry, vegetables, nuts, mollusks, fish, insects, rodents, carrion — even pet food and garbage. On Wednesday, Esposito was hunting in two patches of mostly hardwood trees, bordered by fields of cut corn. He had a headlamp on and also carried a high-powered flashlight to help him spot raccoons once the dogs tree them. The wind made it difficult to hear the dogs. Both had radios collars on. Esposito carried a fold-up, antenna-like tracking device attached to a handle to keep track of the direction they traveled. “Over there,” he said, walking briskly through the moonlit forest. Max and Lucy were frantically barking at the base of a hemlock tree that stretched some 60 feet upward to the nighttime sky. As the dogs barked, Esposito shined his flashlight from various angles, hoping to see a raccoon in the needle-laden branches. At one point, he grabbed a stick and started whacking it against the tree. “Sometimes this will get its attention,” he said. “Shine your flashlight up and look for a pair of yellow eyes.” The wind kept blowing, moving the tree’s branches back and forth. Nothing. Eventually, he put Max and Lucy on a leash and began walking away to try another nearby stretch of hardwoods. The night ended without spotting a coon. “I’m 90 percent certain there was a raccoon up there in the hemlock, but you just couldn’t see him,” Esposito said. “Sometimes they’ll get on the very top of the tree, just like an angel at the top of a Christmas tree. At times, I’ve actually climbed up the tree myself and shot them. “That’s when I was younger — before I was married and had kids. Now I have to be responsible.” Hunting raccoon The minimum age to hunt raccoon is 12. Hunters must possess either a junior or small-game license. They can be hunted in most portions of the state from Oct. 25 to Feb. 25. There are no bag limits. They may be hunted during the day or night. For more, see the state Department of Environmental Conservation’s hunting guide. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog

One can hear about volunteering at the Montezuma Audubon Center, attend a Ruff Grouse Society banquet or visit a local rod and gun club to sight-in your gun or participate in a turkey shoot. The following is a wrapup of outdoors-related events as of today across Central New York: - Volunteer recruitment luncheons, noon to 1:30 p.m. today and Dec. 2, Montezuma Audubon Center, 2295 State Route 89, Savannah. Center staff talk about the history of the center and current volunteer opportunities. Lunch will be provided. RSVP by Nov. 30 for the second luncheon. Call 365-3588 or email [email protected]. - Ruffed Grouse Society banquet, cocktails and raffles at 6 p.m., dinner at 7 today, Westcrest Golf Course, Route 173 and Cheese Factory Road, Manlius. Cost is $50. Call 697-3377. - Firearms “sight-in” sessions, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Camillus Sportsmen’s Club, DeVoe Road, Camillus. All you need is your gun and ammo. The club supplies everything else for a small fee. For more, call 672-8331 or 963-8974. - Annual turkey shoot, 9 a.m.to 3 p.m. Sunday, Otisco Lake Rod and Gun Club, Route 174, Marietta. A variety of shooting games for any caliber rifle, handgun or gauge shotgun. Turkey and cash prizes. For more, email [email protected]. Safety course - Handgun, 12:30 to 4 p.m. Nov. 19, Cicero Twin Rinks, 5575 Meltzer Road, Cicero. Pre-register. Call 487-4145. View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog