The emerging color of the red maples along the Moose River and the lakes, hints of orange on the sugar maples on hillsides, the flight of loons from lake to lake as they prepare for migration south and the heavy morning mist on the lakes were all signs of the arrival of autumn. Although the weather was generally mild, the signs of fall were everywhere in the Central Adirondacks the past two weeks we were there. Here at home, the signs are also obvious so get ready for autumn.
Although we may miss the warm days of summer and all the normal activities, we should also remember that autumn is a special time with lots of fun and interesting activities on tap. It is a great time to be outdoors and we should take full advantage of it before it is gone.
There are the familiar opportunities of improved fishing for many species as the water cools, as well as small game hunting and deer hunting. Hiking, boating and canoeing all compete for our time in the pleasant days of autumn. Special events add to the appeal of this great season.
This fall, find time to do something different even though it can be difficult to fit in along with kid’s sports, backyard tasks, etc. Take a hike to appreciate autumn splendor and the changing rhythms of nature. Fish for salmon, whether Chinooks in the Lake Ontario tributaries or for landlocked Atlantic salmon in the Adirondack lakes.
Go to a harvest supper or harvest festival to support your local church, fire department, or rod and gun club. Go to a local "turkey shoot" to have some friendly competition and support a good cause. Go paddling and enjoy the local waters in a different light without boat traffic. Visit a wildlife refuge and appreciate the numbers and variety of birds and other creatures on the move.
Autumn in upstate New York is a time to appreciate, not dread. Take advantage of the outdoors every chance you get. The problem is that it is fleeting like colored leaves.

SHORT CASTS

YOUTH GOOSE HUNT: The Oneida County Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs and DEC Environmental Conservation Officers (ECOs) are teaming up to offer a special goose hunt for youth. Following the successful youth turkey hunt in May 2011, the Federation and ECOs are following a similar plan to introduce youngsters who may not otherwise have the opportunity to goose hunting.
The dates are September 24 and 25. Saturday will be the meeting with parents and ECOs, target practice and other preparation. The actual hunt will be the following day. Youngsters will have the opportunity to learn skills necessary for goose hunting and then actually experience it with the guidance of an ECO in the field.
The program is open to youth age 12–15. A small game license is necessary, but youngsters do not need a federal wildfowl stamp since they are not yet 16. Space in the program is limited so be sure to register early. Interested participants should contact Scott Faulkner at 315-829-3588.
HUNTER SAFETY: There will be a Hunter Safety Class at the Vernon Rod and Gun Club on October 1 from 8:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. and October 2 from 12:30 until finished. You must attend both sessions and register in person with Ron Finen at Eastern Crown Products at the intersection of Young and Peterboro Roads.
SIGHT-IN DAY: Oneida Rifle Club is providing a great service for area hunters and shooters. On September 24 everyone is invited to come to the Oneida Rifle Club to sight-in their guns for the upcoming hunting season. Please bring your gun or guns with the proper ammunition. Club members will be on hand and will assist as much or as little as needed. The club will furnish free targets and a safe 25 yd, 50 yd and 100 meter range.
The Oneida Rifle Club is located at 5020 Randel Rd., Oneida, NY 13421. For directions go to www.oneidarifleclub.com or email oneidarifleclub@hotmail.com (best way) or call 363-0249 on or before Sept. 22.
Mark your calendar for September 24 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. This is a free service to the hunters and shooters of central NY. Marksmanship is important for success and safety and sighting in your gun is an important part of being a good shot. Take advantage of this great service by the Oneida Rifle Club.
GSC FALL FESTIVAL: The Great Swamp Conservancy on North Main St. in Canastota will hold its annual Fall Festival on Saturday. In addition to educational exhibits and activities to celebrate the fall migration of waterfowl and other birds, there will be vendors, displays and a chance to tour the facilities and learn about the programs. Be sure to see the newly arrived bobwhite quail chicks and find out about the restoration program.
ONE SQUARE MILE OF HOPE: Remember that September 24 is the day for the One Square Mile of Hope that Inlet plans on breaking the Guinness World Record for a "raft" of canoes and kayaks. The main purpose is to raise money for the Susan G. Komen For the Cure which funds research on breast cancer. Be part of the fun and record and raise money for a great cause. Following the “raft” at noon there will be music, food, displays, raffles, etc. in Arrowhead Park. See the web site OneSquareMileofHope.org for details and registration.
YOUTH WATERFOWL HUNTING WEEKEND: DEC has recently obtained an additional opportunity for Youth Waterfowl Hunting in Oneida County. Verona Beach State Park Wildlife Management Cooperative Area will be open for the Youth Waterfowl hunting days September 17 and 18.
All hunters, youth and adult, will be required to get the special hunting permit for the State Park, either through the DEC office in Utica or the State Park Office on Route 13 in Verona Beach. Hunters with permanent Verona Beach State Park hunting permits can use them. Please note where hunting is allowed on the State Park and be courteous to other park users. The Verona Beach State Park special hunting permits can be used as normal beginning October 1.
Youth Days are additional days for Junior Hunters only. Young hunters, 12-to-15 years of age, possessing a 2010-11 junior hunting license may hunt waterfowl on two special days in each zone. Young hunters must be accompanied by a licensed (including current HIP registration and duck stamp) adult hunter, but the adult may not shoot any birds
DMU PERMITS: Don’t forget to apply for your Deer Management Permit by October 1. You can check the odds of getting one for specific WMUs on the DEC website. These permits are drawn by lottery and allow the holder to take an antlerless deer in specific units to help keep the deer herd at desired levels.
FISHING REPORT: Salmon fishermen are hoping for cooler, rainy weather as the runs have been very slow so far. In Oswego they report a few fish moving up the Oswego River to the dam while in the Salmon River there are fish in all the larger pools such as Papermill, Sportsmens and Trestle. Estaz flies, Wooly Buggers and egg sacks have been working. Out on the lake, salmon are holding in 40–70 feet of water awaiting the spawning run. Spoons, cut bait and flashers and flies are still taking fish.
Word on Oneida Lake walleye has been sketchy, but some say that fish are being taken in 40 feet of water. Reportedly, the stickbaits like Jr. Thundersticks in blue and silver or perch color have worked well.