Syracuse.com - Duck hunter amazed at finding a turtle this time of year on Onondaga Lake

[HuntingNY-News]

Usually this time of year, turtles are hibernating. They bury themselves underwater in the mud.

Submitted photo

Matt Frackelton, of Baldwinsville, was out duck hunting with his buddies last week on Onondaga Lake when a painted turtle popped its head out of the water next to his boat.

“It was one of those warm days, around 40 degrees,” he said.

Usually this time of year, turtles are hibernating. They bury themselves underwater in the mud.

Not this guy. Frackelton grabbed it, one of his buddies snapped a quick picture and then it was released unharmed.

“It appeared lethargic because of the cold water, but there it was moving around. I’ve never seen one this time of year,” he said. “We saw two that day, and another the following day.”

By the way, Frackelton is pretty hard core when it comes to waterfowl hunting. Monday, he got out with his dad, John Frackelton, for “the last 18 minutes of the season.

“I got out of work at 3:45 p.m. and still had my dress clothes on under my camo,” he said. His comments were accompanied by a picture he sent me of his father kneeling next to five downed Canada geese.

Submitted photo

View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog