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I will try to remember to post it on here. Otherwise, the class will be posted on the DEC website and the South Shore Waterfowlers Association website.

Papist Thank you. I am having trouble typing with my left hand---I am recovering from carpal tunnel surgery. I will be more careful.

Curmudgeon My opinion is based upon my observations. I am now weeing much more coyote scat. I was pretty close to a coyote, never been this close. This leads me to believe that there has been an increase in coyote numbers. My woods consists of many oak trees. Not spotting grouse suggests that the brushy cover and food is missing. In fact I did not see good grouse cover at all. All this suggests a change in habitat.

Yesterday, went to Putnam County for a secone day of hunting. Two very distant gobbles was it. I set up where there were some scratchings (very sparse sign these days) but got nothing. I will try one more day. This is a dramatic change from 6-7 years ago. Also, this area used to have plenty of grouse cover. Now, nothing. I think habitat change combined with coyotes is to blame.

First, I am a certified Waterfowl ID Instructor on Long Island. Very few of us here and fewer classes. BTW, probably will give a class for SSWA on Long Island this Fall. Secondly, by far my favorite book is SUCCESSFUL WATERFOWLING by Zack Taylor. Why? His writing style, he is old school, and he hunts the salt marsh which very few talk about.

I have been showing someone what turkey hunting is about. We have scouted twice in areas that have had birds in the past. We saw very little sign, saw one hen, and today we finally went into the woods to hunt. We hunted Putnam county and were in the woods at 4:45 AM. Couldn't locate any gobblers, heard no gobbling, no birds and called it a day by 10. One scouting trip we did spot a huge coyote, 30-40 yds. away, looking at us.

Hi. I am on Long Island. I hunt ducks, pheasants, and turkey (again). I also train my retrievers and shoot trap. Glad to find this forum.