Water Rat

There’s an interesting article on the front page of the New York Outdoor News ( feb.5) edition. Looks like Cuomo did something good for a change. If passed , it would take effect immediately. The NYSDEC will be the ones making the crossbow regulations. No more limits on draw weights or width requirements. Also full inclusion and lowering the hunting age to 12 .

Keeping human traffic down is a big plus. I usually don’t start trapping until all the deer seasons are closed. The less people walking around the better but there always seems to be people out there. No matter how hard you try , you will leave scent at your set after you leave. To combat that , sometimes I will use my binoculars to see my sets rather than walking up to them. I only did this when I target canines. For the last few years I’ve only targeted bobcats which eliminates the need to be overly cautious about being scent free.

I called NYSDEC Region 3 this morning and spoke to an officer in the law enforcement division. I asked him about the legality of using drones and cell cameras instead of physically checking your traps once every 24 hours. He basically said that it was up to the officers discretion. He pointed out that drones and cell cameras weren't as reliable than being there. He also stated that drones would probably be okay when trapping in wide open fields but not so much in wooded areas. Another thing he stated that I didn't think of is what happens when your using drags on your traps ? The drones and cell cameras will show an empty trap when in fact the animal ran off and got tangled up somewhere. He also mentioned that it was more educational to inspect your traps daily. I then asked him if anything will be mentioned in this years syllabus about their use and he told me that it he would be bring it up at the internal monthly meetings the DEC holds. To each their own but I enjoy inspecting my sets daily and won't bother with drones or cell cameras. In closing , I wouldn't drive and walk that much either for a single trap but I would for a dozen or more. Good luck next year.

The reason why I don’t believe this will be applicable is due to the fact that cell cameras and drones could be prone to technical problems . That’s not an issue when you physically inspect your sets. Besides , you can learn a lot about what sign was left at your set whether you make a catch or not. I’m not sure you would see that via cell cameras and drones. I’d imagine it would be pretty expensive to have a cell cameras at every set you make. I would be interested to hear from the DEC about it. Maybe I’ll make a call tomorrow.

You gave him a good life Cynthia. R. I.P. Max.

Congrats on your certificate but I highly doubt that you would be able to use a cell camera or drone to check your traps. A simple phone call to the DEC will answer your question one way or the other. Condolences to your Chiefs but glad your daughter will be okay. Kinda puts everything in perspective.

I suppose so , but when you can't cover you hold. Plain and simple.

Awe......sorry to hear this. We're pulling for you Max.

By the way , I wish I could have heard the heated exchange between Brady and Mathieu in the first half. LOL

It would have been a bigger blowout if the Chiefs didn't stop them on the goal line. Nobody is blaming the officiating for a change , I guess it's because they held the Chiefs high scoring offense to only 3 field goals. As a life long Cowboy fan , I enjoy watching Brady stack up his Super Bowl Championships. Sometimes people don't realize they're witnessing history. You'll never see another player with 7 rings or be in 10 Super Bowls. I feel fortunate to have seen the G.O.A.T. in my lifetime.......along with Gretzky , Jordan and Ali (imo).

Coyote