The weather this week has been brutal, or even dangerously cold. Certainly unnecessary outdoor activities were curtailed. Fortunately there will be a return to more normal seasonal temperatures this weekend just in time for the opening of the New York Sportsman’s Expo at the State Fairgrounds.
This is the third year of the Expo, not to be confused with the old Northeast Sports Show, which used to be held in the Center of Progress Building. The Expo is run by Wight-Ox Productions which stepped in when the Northeast Show folded. The Expo is a first class operation and a pure outdoor show.
When they opened in 2012 they resised the temptation to sell booth space to insurance companies, replacement windows, kitchen gadgets, etc.that plaque many so-called outdoor shows. Biting the bullet paid off in 2013 with a large number of vendors and exhibits and a big crowd of visitors. The reputation has grown rapidly and the Exhibition Hall is filled for this year with a waiting list of vendors and exhibits.
There will be a wide variety of vendors and outfitters. Guides and lodges from all over will be represented for those interested in booking a trip. Vendors include a wide range of sporting goods, usually offering show specials. Tourism agencies from various parts of New York and the Northeast will help you plan your summer or fall outings. Sporting and conservation organizations including Deer Search, Advanced Strategies, Independent Fur Harvesters of CNY and CNY Wildfowlers, and more will be represented.
There will be a wide range of seminars by experts in the field. Special guests will include TV personalities and various experts. Check the web site www.newyorksportsmansexpo.com for more information.
The show will run Friday, January 24 through Sunday, January 26. Show hours are Friday noon to 9 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. until 7 p.m. and Sunday 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.
SHORT CASTS
Bouf’s Bait & Tackle: One of the area’s newest bait and tackle shops is open and ready to serve sportsmen. Dave Malbouf, owner of “Bouf’s Bait & Tackle Shop” in Sylvan Beach is open 7 days a week from 5 a.m. until 5 p.m.
He is located at Sylvan Beach just south of the Barge Canal Bridge on the west side of Rte. 13. When I spoke to Dave earlier this week he said that in the summer he will be open until 9 p.m. Right now he is selling live bait as well as the popular lures to serve ice fishermen. He is also a prime source of information for ice fishing conditions.
Sportsman of the year Nominations: The Central New York Sportsmans Show is again seeking nominations for the CNY Sportsman of the Year. The person selected will be announced at the conclusion of the CNY Sportsman Show in Oneida on February 8. The person selected will be honored will be featured in various media and awarded prizes of merchandise and gift certificates.
Nominations may be sent by February 1, 2014 to Teri Maciag at Holy Cross Academy. For questions or more information call Holy Cross Academy at 363-1669.
The person nominated should be a well-rounded person who has given much back to the environment, the sporting community or the enhancement of the various sports. The award is not based on catching the most fish, shooting the biggest deer, etc. but on people who have done much to enable others to do it. This man or woman should be distinguished not by taking the grandkids fishing (which they should anyway) but by volunteer efforts that benefitted many others.
Past recipients of this award have set the bar high, but we know that there are many other deserving individuals out there. Take a few minutes and nominate them to be recognized for their efforts.
Save the date for the bigger and better CNY Sportsman’s Show on Saturday, February 8 at the Kallet Civic Center.
Staying Warm in Winter: Temperatures in New York this week were considerably colder than in Fairbanks, Alaska! This not only made it unpleasant to be outside, it was even dangerous if you weren’t prepared.
One of the considerations when the temperature gets this cold is always the danger of frostbite. Exposed flesh can suffer frostbite, or at least frostnip, when the temperature drops this low. Even other extremities such as hands and feet are in danger because the body constricts it circulation when it gets this cold so make sure they are warm as well as covered.
The old saying “if your hands and feet are cold, put on your hat” is still as valid as ever. Up to one half of the body’s heat can be lost through the top of the head so wearing a hat is important in winter. Since the bodily extremities like hands and feet are the first to feel the cold (due to body constricting blood vessels to conserve the heat) they need to be protected.
Wearing good gloves or mittens and footgear is vital in winter. The newer synthetics like thinsulate gloves also come in gore-tex or similar breathable fabrics that allow moisture to escape. Mittens are even warmer than gloves. Inserting hand or foot warmers can be helpful in frigid weather.
Footgear is vital since it not only keeps you comfortable, but prevents serious problems like frostbite. Make sure your boots have felt liners or synthetic insulation. Wearing too many socks can be dangerous because that can restrict the circulation and cause heat loss.
Dressing warm means starting with clothing that provides warmth and wicks away moisture from the body since damp clothing will rob the body of heat. Synthetics such as Under Armor fits snugly for warmth yet keep you dry even if you are engaged in strenuous physical activity. Adding layers of wool, fleece or insulated garments will help preserve the temperature of the core of your body.
Coffee isn’t really goof for winter warm ups, although it may feel good going down. Caffeine constricts the blood vessels making it more difficult for your body to keep the circulation going. It also is a diuretic, which may leave you thirsty and slightly dehydrated also having a negative effect on circulation. You should drink lots of water, since dehydration and lower blood volume will impair your body’s ability to circulate blood and heat.
SHOT Show: Last week I had the opportunity to attend the annual SHOT Show in Las Vegas. The Shooting, Hunting, Outdoor Sports Trade Show featured over 1600 exhibits. It involved a lot of walking, carefully selecting the exhibits you wanted to see, and trying to keep the overwhelming amount of information straight. In the coming weeks we will share some of the new and different products with you.
Bear Management Plan: The DEC released a draft management plan for black bears and will be accepting public comments through January 31, 2014.
The draft Black Bear Management Plan for New York State, 2014-2024 is available on the DEC website at www.dec.ny.gov/animals/7215.html. Black bears are a very popular wildlife species among the general public, but can cause problems when the bears become too abundant or are acting boldly in populated areas.
The plan includes proposals to expand bear hunting opportunities in many wildlife management units, especially in the Catskills and western Hudson Valley where in recent years human-bear conflicts have become more common and pose a serious threat to human safety and property.
Comments on the draft bear plan may be submitted in writing through January 31, 2014 to: NYSDEC Bureau of Wildlife, Bear Management Plan, 625 Broadway, Albany, NY 12233-4754 or by e-mail to fwwildlf@gw.dec.state.ny.us (please type “Bear Plan” in the subject line).