Steve D

Here is another one that goes along with that thought process and even gets a little more definitive: https://arroc.org/stop-wildlife-killing-contests-ny/ Stop Wildlife Killing Contests in New York State Wildlife killing contests are organized events where participants kill animals for a prize. These contests are legal, no special license is needed to run one, and unless a law specifies otherwise, there are no limits on the total number of animals that may be killed during killing contests. Wildlife killing contests are generally promoted as fundraisers and bonding opportunities, often conducted in a party-like atmosphere. Whoever kills the heaviest, largest, or greatest number of animals specified per contest wins. Contest prizes are usually large amounts of cash, and some have included assault weapons. Organizers and participants of killing contests try to keep a low profile to avoid negative publicity. They advertise in special magazines (ie: Varmint Hunter) or by word-of-mouth within hunting ranks. It is virtually impossible to know how many of these events occur each year, or how many animals are killed, maimed, and orphaned because of them. When unwelcome publicity arises, organizers insist they are providing a community service by eradicating the targeted wildlife before they prey on domestic animals or livestock. Yet science concludes that such events do little, if anything, to address concerns about alleged predation or forage competition problems.

https://nywolf.org/2020/01/ban-coyote-killing-contests-in-new-york-state/ Ban Coyote Killing Contests in New York State January 15, 2020 Each year thousands of animals, including coyotes, die in cruel wildlife killing competitions held in New York, where contestants compete to shoot the most or biggest animals for cash prizes. Incentivizing the killing of New York’s coyotes is wrong – it’s both cruel and scientifically unsound as a management tool. For more than 100 years, what amounts to an extermination campaign has been waged against coyotes across the United States. However, coyotes are more widespread now than ever, and have even have expanded their range to include many cities. The best available science shows coexisting with predator animals – rather than killing them – is the most effective management strategy, yet many states often do little to halt barbaric killing contests. New York can be better. Coyote killing contests have no place in the 21st century, nor do they have a place in New York.

So be it...….Maybe I need to buy a Tee Shirt but I don't believe I fall under the scope of the definition: "Opposition to hunting is espoused by people or groups who object to the practice of hunting, often seeking anti-hunting legislation and sometimes taking on acts of civil disobedience, such as hunt sabotage"

I personally do not make judgment on any kind of legal hunting without actually experiencing it. If I don't get a chance to experience it I will not make judgement one way or the other. I have participated in coyote/fox contests and enjoyed them but will not hunt in anymore. What they have evolved to is just not my cup of tea. The stakes are higher, the prizes are bigger, entry fees are higher than ever, rules are getting more stringent, and the image being presented is not to my liking. I won't bash them and wish they were all were held for the purpose of raising money for a good cause such as a fire department instead of winning a high dollar prize(s). If I don't have a use for it and can't do something constructive with it I am not going to hunt it or trap it. So many predator hunters shoot them just so they have a chance to win a big prize at the "local" contest and probably never hunt again until the next contest. I hunt because I enjoy it and wish more would feel the same way instead of hunting, trapping, varmint hunting, or fishing in hopes of getting the biggest buck, winning the contest, or the big money prizes awarded to the "winners". Like it has been mentioned ….as long as it is being done legally; that is all that matters and will have less of a chance of being scrutinized by everyone.

You better have if you are planning getting married

Not necessarily true....A hand held thermal can be used year around for a number of applications if one uses their imagination. 99% of them also have a digital clock on the inside if knowing the time is a real issue. Some of the upper end ones you can video with also.

You have my condolences. Get a Thermal instead

Locals react to Hancock Fire Department cancelling coyote hunt After intense backlash and a petition acquiring more than 20,000 signatures against the event, the Hancock Volunteer Fire Department's second Annual Coyote Hunting Tournament has been cancelled. https://wbng.com/2019/12/31/207689/ Shut down Hancock NY Fire Department’s Coyote Hunting Tournament Fundraiser https://www.change.org/p/hancock-volunteer-fire-department-shut-down-hancock-ny-fire-department-s-coyote-hunting-tournament-fundraiser

Herkimer Fur Auction Herkimer, NY Saturday, February 1, 2020 The Fulton Montgomery Fur Harvesters and the Foothills Trappers Association will host two Fur Auctions at the Herkimer VFW in Herkimer, NY. This is the first of two Doors will open at 6:00 am and the sale starts at 8:00 am.

Just one opinion but shooting at night is no different than shooting during the day. If you can shoot during the day you should be able to shoot at night. It is a little bit different but good shooting form is most important and that can be achieved in the day time. The big thing at night is being able to see your target through the scope. Turn your light on, look through the scope at a target, (or reflector) and make sure you can see your cross hairs on the target. As far as the shotgun...again my opinion; the headlamp will not work. If you have a headlamp on and looking down the barrel your head lamp will be shining to your right side if you are right handed and your left side if you are left handed. Try it and you will see what I mean. There are mounts for shotguns that a light can be mounted to.

Be careful if you buy your fishing license on line. This site is just trying to get your information: https://www.nysfishinglicense.com/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIjIL_w-ea5wIVi56zCh3qvglfEAAYASAAEgIvhfD_BwE https://www.wkrn.com/news/local-news/twra-warns-of-scam-website-advertising-tn-fishing-license/

Sure hope you can find the pieces that are left

On Eli Manning I have no thoughts and don't care to have any

Never hunted that area or know what the population is but in the north we could always find them in the juniper bushes. Junipers are common up there, the grouse love to eat the berries, and they provide excellent cover. When the snow gets deep the rabbits love to snuggle up in them to. I have never had much luck finding juniper bushes in this part of the state or know if they are in your area but if you can find them it is a good place to start.

Congratulations....Your life has changed forever

Cuomo accompanies National Guardsmen to Puerto Rico after quakes Gov. Andrew Cuomo speaks with Maria Melendez, the mayor of Ponce, Puerto Rico ALBANY — Gov. Andrew Cuomo flew to Puerto Rico Tuesday with 115 members of the National Guard, blankets, pillows and emergency kits, hoping to help the island hit hard by earthquakes over in recent weeks. Cuomo traveled with state Budget Director Robert Mujica, Gil Quiniones, the president of the New York Power Authority — the state’s electric utility — state and city officials, and representatives from nonprofits like the Red Cross.

Don't overthink predator hunting and feel you have to have all the "gadgets" to make you successful. While a cover scent might be helpful it is not a necessity. Regardless of the equipment you choose you need to know as much as you can about the critter(s) you choose to pursue. Due to the fact there are predator hunters everywhere predators are a lot more educated and wary than they have ever been. In order to be successful you need be one step ahead of the other guy with knowledge not necessarily equipment. Predators Death Grip Authentic Coyote, Bobcat, Fox and other fur bearing animals Infused 70/30 Coyote, Bobcat and Fox Urine that are infused with glands, and many natural musks and scents Long lasting and weather resilient Gland oil, Urine and Food based Freeze Proof!!! Great for Trapping! Warning: Do not spray on clothing or gear YOU WILL BE ATTACKED!!! Texas Raised Hunting Products, are not liable of any one being attacked when using our products In ways we have not approved of. With a product warning like that how can you possibly go wrong

Running long lines is a BIG commitment. I have never run one but have run a good steady line for two weeks at a time and can tell you it is a lot of work (but fun) and exhausting. I personally prefer setting just enough so I can check and maintain them on a daily bases. I have found that the most impacting factor is the weather. Without a stretch of "good" weather the work is endless and can be pretty frustrating to say the least. If nothing else it gives you an opportunity to enjoy the outdoors and gain more experience. Just try to make it fun

As compared to deer hunting. The prices like everything else are based on supply and demand. With Russia's economy being in the toilet the last few years the demand has dropped. They were the main market once "civilized" people quit wearing fur. Whether it's trapping, calling, running with dogs or whatever, it is a way to enjoy the outdoors, doesn't require an "app" and is quite rewarding for some while most find it to taxing of a hobby to stick with it and reap what befits are there.

Actually there was also one today in Balston Spa and it sounds like the results were about the same. I heard of another one in Herkimer on Feb.1st and April 11th @ the VFW in Herkimer.

Yeah I was to..$40 & up ain't bad for a coyote but they are still a lot of work. Believe or not the squirrels were fleshed, stretched, and dried like you would any other fur. First time I have seen them at an auction and was surprised they even sold. Sure seems like a hell of a lot of work for a buck and a half.

I would say they were were pretty good considering the market. They could be better as in comparison to the rest of the country but overall not bad. The one I saw go for $40.00 wasn't that good of a coyote, wasn't very big, and wasn't put up very well.

It didn't turn out to be a real big or busy auction and was over by 11:15. There were four buyers. They only had 72 lots which is pretty low. Raccoon went from .50 cents with a high of $9.00 and most were in the range of $5.00-$8.00 Coyotes went from $40.00 to a high of $70.00 Muskrats went from $3.00 to a high of $6.00 with the average being around $4.50 Grey Fox were a surprise going from $20.00-$33.00. The big disappointment was the Red fox that only went from $2.00-$7.00 with a average of about $5.00 Squirrels>>>$1.50 Another disappointment was the fact that no one there selling hides was under 50. Disappointing in the fact that the place used to be packed with all ages and it was not unusual to see fourteen-sixteen year olds bringing in fur by the armloads hoping to use their fur check to buy a new gun or more supplies. Usually the first auction and the last auction are the biggest of the year and can only hope this is not a indication of the trend.