This Saturday, May 2, will be the second big opener of the fishing season and one that many local anglers eagerly await. The season for walleye, northern pike and pickerel will open this weekend but for the overwhelming majority of local fishermen the most popular fish by a large margin is the walleye. And the consensus of most of the walleye fishermen and women is that Oneida Lake is the place that you want to be.
Generations of local anglers have grown up fishing for walleye on Oneida Lake and its tributaries. Despite some changes and periods of tough fishing, fishing on Oneida Lake is a strong local tradition. When you add the fact that walleye are one of the best tasting fish you can see why it is so popular.
Oneida Lake has a reputation as being one of the best fishing holes in New York State. But as we all know that does not mean that you can just throw any old lure in anyplace and haul in lots of fish. The sheer size, the uncertainty of weather and other variables make fishing success anything but a certainty.
To help eager anglers put the odds in their favor, we turned to Ted Dobs for advice for this weekend’s season opener. Ted is a local resident who has logged countless hours on Oneida Lake fishing for walleye and bass. In the past he has guided extensively on the lake and still puts in a lot of time figuring out the fishery.
When I asked Ted for his predictions and advice earlier this week, he said that it was the coldest spring that he can remember, even with the trend of colder spring weather in recent years. He said that it really makes things easier since it delays the spawning period and the males feed like crazy right after spawning. Catching lunkers may be more of a challenge since the larger females have probably just finished spawning and are probably resting.
The creeks and canals were loaded with walleye last week and they should still be there this weekend. Ted Dobs suggests using stickbaits like Rapala or similar lures and fishing the tributaries at night or at periods of low light like daybreak. He also says that bucktail jigs, sonars and three inch twister tail grubs work well all day long.
Ted’s personal favorites for the east end of the lake and areas like the canal or Fish Creek are a white twister tail rigged on a 3/8 ounce jig head or a ½ ounce sandpike colored (brown and white pattern) jig tipped with a chartreuse colored twister tail grub. He believes the fish should be concentrated and hungry at this time so there is no need to get fancy with lures. You just need to keep moving until you find active fish.
For those fishing the lake, Ted feels that it is always a safe bet to fish sonars. His personal favorites are silver and chartreuse in clear water. He switches to gold color on overcast days or periods of low light, and uses a firetiger pattern if the water is a bit discolored. Bucktails with live nightcrawler also work very well on the lake. When tipping your jigs with worms, anglers should always use a stinger hook and do not use more than half a worm on the jig.
The most popular color jigs have always been the black and purple but Ted reminds anglers not to discount brown, black or even the old school yellow jig that was so popular in the 1980s. He believes that color plays a factor but said that size and keeping the jig in contact with the bottom is often the deciding factor in enticing a walleye into biting.
Ted is optimistic that it should be one of the best springs ever for walleye fishing and the bite should last well into the summer. There will obviously be a lot of anglers out there this weekend so if the action does slow down when fish are pressured, try moving away from the traffic. Fish will be hungry but enough pressure will shut them down. Often you are better off by fishing in some areas that have less fish but are more willing to bite than a large school that has been harassed by anglers and reluctant to bite.
SHORT CASTS
Deer Harvest Figures: The deer harvest press release is due out shortly but earlier this week a friend gave me a sneak peak at the lengthy report. We will have a more detailed report when the full report is available but in the meantime there are a few figures worth considering.
The total number of bucks taken in 2014 was 108,604 compared to 114,716 killed in 2013. This was a decrease of 5.3 percent. The total number of deer for the state was down only 2 percent but that figure reflects the fact that a lot more DMPs were issued.
In the northern zone, there were 16,727 bucks taken compared to 90,702 in the southern zone. In region 7M there was a total of antlerless 3,631 deer taken from 19,878 permits issued, for a success rate of about 18 percent. This percentage is slightly less that previous year’s success rate.
Cicero Lions Club Walleye Derby: The Cicero-Mattydale Lions Club will hold its 37th annual walleye derby on opening weekend of the season on Oneida Lake and the lower tributaries. Dates are May 2 and 3 with fishing from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Saturday and 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Sunday. There will be over $10,000 in cash and merchandise prizes for the top 25 fish based on length. There will also be daily bonus draw tickets and tagged fish prizes.
All entries must be weighed in between the hours listed above and fish must be live. For complete rules and details, as well as weigh stations, check the website www.chittenangolions.org/Walleye_Derby. Entry fee is $10. You can register online at website or at various weigh stations around the lake until midnight on Friday.
Spider Rybaak’s book: Spider Rybaak is a well-known outdoor writer, author and fisherman who has just published his latest book – Fishing Oneida Lake. Spider has always believed in a hands-on approach whether it is fishing, teaching or writing and this newest book is no exception. Spider lives in Canastota and spent considerable time fishing his way around the entire lake and talking to local experts at various spots.
His book gives a brief overview of the lake and its fishery and then literally takes you around the lake to all of the fishing spots from bays, buoys and bridges. At each spot he gives a description, fishing species found there and his advice for being successful.
The book is organized by seasons as it covers the trips around and on the lake. Thus you know what you are likely to find at a certain pier or cove at a specific time of year and how to go about fishing there. In addition to his own personal advice, Spider is quick to bring in anecdotes or suggestions from local characters. Not only is the advice helpful, it makes for much more enjoyable reading than some of the “cookie cutter” publications that too often litter book shelves today.
Pick up Spider’s book and you will quickly see that one size does not fit all when it comes to fishing different areas or species on Oneida Lake. For a complete guide to the 67 specific locations that he has chosen, get your copy of Fishing Oneida Lake. It is available at local bookstores, tackle shops or from the publisher, Burford Books, at www.burfordbooks.com.

Just over a week from today, May 1, will be the opening of the spring turkey season. Hunters have been eagerly awaiting this day for some time. Practicing calling, patterning the shotgun and checking out our gear has been an important activity for most of us. Spotting the flocks and observing them with binoculars is one part of scouting. Another important aspect will be locating the roosting areas of the tom turkeys. Cruising the back roads or hiking the ridge trails before dawn and listening to the sounds of gobbling is the usual method of pin-pointing toms.
Avoid temptation and leave the regular calls at home. The last thing that you want to do is call in a tom with yelps, etc. and then “educate” or spook the bird. Even in their tiny brain the idea that a hen calling is a fake makes a big impression.
Once you find the roost, look for strutting areas. These are usually clearings in the woods or old pastures where toms will parade in full strut to attract and impress the hens. Consider possible locations to set up between the roost and strutting areas for calling. Especially on rainy days the turkeys like to be in the open. Woods clearings, secluded fields or log roads are common places they frequent during rainy periods. Look for signs like feathers or droppings to find evidence of turkeys or their travel routes.
Check for good calling locations as well as alternates. Look for a large tree that you can sit against and is wide enough to protect and cover your back. This is important for safety to protect you against unethical or unsafe hunters who may carelessly shoot in your direction. It also helps protect against the infernal coyote or bobcat that may come into the calls and pounce from behind when they see a movement.
Is there adequate open space ahead of you to see and shoot a turkey? You do not want to be in too thick cover because it will hinder you from pointing the gun in different directions. Remember that the birds do not usually come from the direction that you think they will.
Think about where you will place your decoy if you plan on using one. It should visible to an approaching tom and hopefully draw him into an area where you can get a shot. Take time to measure the distance of a possible shot.
Consider all the things that may cause a tom turkey to “hang up” and not come in to your call.  Are there potential obstacles like small streams, stone walls, fences, etc. between you and the route of the bird? Remember that even though the bird could easily clear these obstacles they rarely ever will. After all, you are dealing with a creature with a brain the size of a small walnut.
Consider routes that will lead you to the area in the darkness. Remember that even in the gray light of pre-dawn a turkey perched high in some hardwood tree can see a camouflaged hunter making its way across an open field. Get there in darkness and hopefully under cover of trees and brush.
Have alternate spots. Not only might the turkeys move their area but you might find some other hunter in the area when you get there on opening morning. Be safe and ethical and go somewhere else.
Check out your gear and start lining up your jackets and vests with the essentials you will need. There are always lots of little things to get ready but now is the time to start. Doing your homework now and paying attention to little details may pay big dividends later.
SHORT CASTS
Walleye and Pike Season Near: May 2 will be the opening of the walleye, pike and pickerel season, and local anglers are eagerly anticipating that weekend. Local Environmental Conservation Officers have been enforcing the ban on fishing certain tributaries before the season and have made several arrests on poachers who have caught walleye during the closed season. Next week’s column will feature advice from some of our local experts on where to go and tips on fishing.
Cicero Lions Club Walleye Derby: The Cicero-Mattydale Lions Club will hold its 37th annual walleye derby on opening weekend of the season on Oneida Lake and the lower tributaries. Dates are May 2 and 3 with fishing from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Saturday and 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Sunday. There will be over $3,500 in cash prizes for the top 25 fish based on length. There will also be daily draw tickets and tagged fish prizes.
All entries must be weighed in between the hours listed above and fish must be live. For complete rules and details, as well as weigh stations, check the website www.chittenangolions.org/Walleye_Derby or e-mail lionswalleyederby@gmail.com.
Youth Turkey Hunting Weekend: This weekend, April 25 and 26, is the Youth Turkey Hunting Weekend which allows youngsters age 12 – 15 who have a junior hunting license and a turkey permit, and have the permission of a parent or guardian, to hunt with a mentor as described below.
Youth 12 to 13 years of age must be accompanied by a parent, legal guardian or relative over 21 years of age with written permission from their parent or legal guardian. Youth 14 to 15 years of age must be accompanied by a parent, legal guardian or an adult over 18 years of age with written permission from their parent or legal guardian.
Bear Harvest: Recently the DEC released the statistics on the past bear season. A total of 1628 bears were taken, exceeding the previous season by nearly 300. In the 2013 season 1,358 bears were taken which was slightly above the five year average of 1301 for the state. These numbers reflect the increasing population of bears throughout much of New York State and the revised regulations which now hold an open season in most areas.
The Northern Zone/Adirondacks had a total of 518 bear taken compared to 2013. The last five years average was 519 and the historical average is 515. In the southern zone 1,110 bears were killed compared to 978 the previous year and the five year average of 782.
Oneida Lake Team Walleye Trail: After a successful year in 2014, the Oneida Lake Team Walleye Trail has big plans for 2015. They have announced that there will be four tournaments this year on May 17, June 28, July 26 and August 23. We will have details as the dates approach. For more information check the website at www.oneidawalleyes.com.

“Turkey Hunting Ain’t a Sport; It’s a Disease!”
-Ben Rogers Lee

The above quotation by the legendary turkey hunter and one of the first professional call makers, Ben Rogers Lee, realistically sums up the feeling that many of us who have become addicted to turkey hunting have. The sport really grows on you. There are few things that can compare to being in the woods as the first rays of light come over the eastern horizon and the forest resonates with the gobble of a big tom turkey about a hundred yards away.
There are a lot of factors that determine the difference between success and failure in turkey hunting and calling is only one of them. Nevertheless it is an important one. Spring turkey seasons opens on May 1, a mere two weeks away. Veteran turkey hunters have marked the calendars and are checking their gear.
Even though many of them are quite proficient at calling in turkeys, they will still be practicing their calls. The point is that we don’t practice to achieve perfection. We practice to achieve realism and have the confidence that we will make the proper calls easily when the time comes.
In the real world the gobblers will sound off and the receptive hens will come to the gobbler. But hunters have to change the equation and sound like an eager hen that refuses to come and finally gets the lovesick gobbler to come to the call. Often in the early season the hens are not quite ready to breed but the toms are fired up and will respond to effective calling. This is especially true with the less dominant or satellite toms.
The basic calls that a hunter will make during the spring season are the yelp, cutt, cluck, purr and occasionally the cackle. These can be made with a box call, slate and pencil or diaphragm (mouth) call. Each has its advantages. The box call is the easiest to use and has the greatest volume. Many hunters feel the slate and pencil call is most realistic. Diaphragm calls leave the hands free and can be made without movement even though they are initially harder to learn to use.
The yelp is the most common call and sounds roughly like a two syllable “yee-awk.” If you are using the slate and pencil you make a small “c” or fishhook shaped movement on the slate pot in the area between the perimeter and the center of the pot. There are different methods of holding the pencil but it should be done lightly and it will produce a sharp, realistic sound.
With a box call you need to practice to make a consistent call with the proper amount of pressure, speed and swing. Give the paddle a full swing across the edge of the box and don’t lift the paddle off the box. The motion should be easy and done consistently, although you will want to vary the calls when you are in the field.
Experts suggest making the “cutt” (a short, sharp call) by holding your hand around the call and using your thumb to hold the paddle against the rail. Then pop the paddle gently with the fingers of the other hand. To make a purr hold the call horizontally and edge the paddle gently across the side of the box, lifting it sharply at the end.
Although you want to make realistic calls, the more important thing is to know the cadence and know when to make the calls. For example while the tom is on the roost, you should make a few soft tree yelps to let him know where you are. But don’t overcall. Wait until he flies down before you start your regular yelps.
Start with a few (three or four) yelps or purrs and then gradually extend the sequence and volume. When the gobbler responds but fails to come towards your calls you might want to try a cackle or change the pace of your calling. If a gobbler does start to come in to your calls, make a few soft purrs and stop calling. He knows where the calls came from and will circle around trying to find the hen that he thinks made them.
Don’t be discouraged if your calls do not sound like the instructional video or tape of calls. My friend and mentor, the late Ward Coe used to say that some of the worst calls that he ever heard came from a real hen.
This is also a good time to check your shotgun and see where your gun shoots and how it patterns. If you are using a different gun or a different load you will want to know if your gun centers the pattern, or if it shoots high, etc. at the point of aim. This is necessary to put the greatest concentration of pellets in a small area around the head and neck area of the bird.
Different guns, brands of ammunition, and different loads shoot differently. Use a large piece of butcher paper with a 40 diameter inch circle and see how many pellets and where they are concentrated in the smaller circles at different shots. You want to have 60 pellets in a 15 inch circle to be effective at killing a turkey.
Number 5 shot is a good compromise with good density and penetration/energy at 50 yards. Many hunters like the newer Hevi Shot which gives both density and energy at 55 yards or more but it is expensive. At a cost of $35 or more for a box of five shells, practicing can get expensive in a hurry!
Practice your calls and your shooting and be ready when the season arrives.
SHORT CASTS
Learn to Speak Fly Fishing: Despite its recent resurgence in popularity, a lot of people shy away from fly fishing because they’re afraid it will be too expensive or too difficult to learn. Let’s face it. If a total beginner walks into a fly shop and asks what’s needed to get started, the reply could scare anyone away:
“You’ll want a 9 foot 5 weight rod, a matching 5 weight disc drag reel, 50 yards of Dacron backing, a weight forward floating line, matched to rod, with a 9 to 12 foot tapered leader with a 4X tippet. Try working the edges of the stream with a black wooly bugger or you could dead drift a size 12 beaded prince nymph. If the fish are feeding on dries, you might want to try a size 14 Adams.”
Holy cow! There’s no denying that’s a whole lot of information to swallow for someone who is unfamiliar with the sport. Perhaps the lingo and the seemingly limitless amount of gear on the market is partially to blame for fly fishing’s notorious reputation.
In its upcoming class, titled, “Learn the Sport of Fly Fishing,” Madison County Trout Unlimited Chapter 680 seeks to de-mystify the sport so that beginners are better equipped to start fly fishing on their own. Participants will learn the basics, including the different kinds of fly rods available and how to choose the right one for this area. They will also learn about fly fishing flies and how to tie the essential fly fishing knots. Finally, the class will cover how to cast a fly rod and where to find fish in our local waters.
“Madison County and the surrounding area have so many opportunities for fly fishing,” said TU680 President Shaun LaVancher. “We want to make it easier for more men and women try it and hopefully get involved in Trout Unlimited.”
This four-week class will be held each Wednesday in May from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Fenner Conservation Club, five miles east of Cazenovia at 3479 Cody Rd., Cazenovia, NY 13035. The cost of the class is $60. All the gear needed for the class will be provided. As an added bonus, all participants will receive a one-year membership in Trout Unlimited and a copy of the book, Fly Fishing Tactics.
The class is limited to 12 students, so those interested are encouraged to register early. To sign up, call Shaun LaVancher at 315-436-9432 or visit tu680.org.
BPS Turkey Hunting Seminars: Bass pro Shops in Utica will hold Turkey Hunting Seminars on April 18 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.  At 1:00 p.m. Lucas Diperna will host a seminar on “Spring Turkey Calling, Tips for Success. Learn how to select the right call and use it for a successful hunt. At 2:00 p.m. Mike Olsen will hold a seminar entitled “Selecting the Right Decoys. Mike will help you make the right choice in a turkey decoy and offer placement tips to bag a trophy turkey. Representatives from Hevi Shot will be available from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. to answer any questions you might have about their product.

The New York State Outdoorsmen Hall of Fame (NYSOHOF) is an organization dedicated to conservation and preserving the tradition of outdoor sports. Its main function is to induct men and women who have devoted many years to enhancing the outdoor sports or major accomplishments. In addition, the NYSOHOF periodically recognizes outstanding effort and achievement through their special awards. These are distinct from induction into the Hall of Fame but are considered prestigious recognition for some outstanding job. One such honor is the Extra Mile Award.
Conservation and law enforcement professionals do an important job in protecting the state’s resources ranging from fish and wildlife to the health of the environment. They regularly enforce the laws protecting fish and wildlife, monitor pollution and at times, they even put their lives on the line. Yet even with all of these responsibilities many of them go beyond the call of duty to help educate the public or create a new generation of ethical sportsmen and stewards of our natural resources. This “extra mile” that they often go can take many forms.
The NYSOHOF recognizes the importance of efforts such as those that the conservation and law enforcement professionals do regularly without fanfare. The NYSOHOF wants to publicly recognize these men and women and will annually select deserving candidates for the Extra Mile Award and honor them at the annual banquet. This year’s award goes to the New York Conservation Officers Association.
The New York Conservation Officers Association (NYCOA) was started in 1986 and its members include both active and retired officers. Each year this association raises money through raffles and golf tournaments to help support its members and to sponsor hunting, fishing and trapping events for our youth. They sponsor kids to DEC camp each year and award college scholarships.
This organization has donated a substantial amount of money each year to help other groups sponsor youth hunting, fishing and trapping events all across the state. In addition many of the officers help them connect with the local sportsmen’s organization in their area and often donate their personal time as well.
The NYCOA held golf tournaments to raise money for the “Hunt of a Lifetime Foundation Inc.” and have donated over $50,000 to the “Hunt of a Lifetime Foundation” from these events. Each year NYCOA supports fishing clinics for children and the disabled, women’s outdoor education clinics, youth duck, goose, turkey and pheasant hunts, and firearms safety and marksmanship classes with financial aid and mentoring.
Because of their time and effort spent beyond their required duties and for promoting worthwhile causes in the field of conservation and outdoor sports, the NYSOHOF has selected the New York Conservation Officers Association for the Extra Mile Award for 2015.
NYCOA will be honored at the Annual Banquet to be held Saturday, April 25 at the Rusty Rail in Canastota. That same evening Teri Maciag will receive the Sportsperson of the Year as reported last week. Among the regular inductees will be Dave Simmons who has been active in Madison County Friends of NRA among other organizations. Friends, family and the public are invited. Registration and social hour will begin at 4:30 p.m. with dinner served at 5:30 p.m. Reservations may be made by April 18 by calling (315) 363-3896 or (315) 829-3588.
SHORT CASTS
IFHCNY: Independent Fur Harvesters of Central New York will hold its next meeting on Sunday, April 12. Food served at 1:30 p.m. with meeting scheduled for 2 p.m. On April 18 there will be a Trapper Training Class. Call Rich Palmer at 720-5227 if you can help with this class. The Annual Spring Banquet will be April 19 at Empire Buffet in Dewitt,
Turkey Season: Spring turkey hunting season is less than a month away so many hunters are getting eager. With the milder weather and disappearance of most of the snow cover, flocks of turkey have been spotted in fields throughout the area. Remember that they are searching for available food and this may not be the spot that you will find them in when the season opens in May. When scouting remember to view them from afar with binoculars to avoid spooking them. Make sure that you leave the calls at home and avoid the temptation since you don’t need to “educate” these already wary birds. Youth hunting weekend will be April 25 and 26 when youngsters get the opportunity to hunt under the supervision of an adult family member.
Cicero Lions Club Walleye Derby: The Cicero-Mattydale Lions Club will hold its 37th annual walleye derby on opening weekend of the season on Oneida Lake and the lower tributaries. Dates are May 2 and 3 with fishing from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. on Saturday and 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Sunday. There will be over $3,500 in cash prizes for the top 25 fish based on length. There will also be daily draw tickets and tagged fish prizes.
All entries must be weighed in between the hours listed above and fish must be live. For complete rules and details, as well as weigh stations, check the website www.chittenangolions.org/Walleye_Derby or e-mail lionswalleyederby@gmail.com.
Learn the Sport of Fly Fishing: Learn about fly rods, lines, leaders, how to tie knots, how to cast and where to find fish. The cost of this four session class is only $60. Everything you need will be provided. As an added bonus all attendees will receive a one year membership in Trout Unlimited (a $35 value), plus a copy of the book Fly Fishing Tactics (a $7.50 value).
The class will be held every Wednesday in May (May 6, 13, 20, 27) from 6:00 p.m. – 8:30 pm at the Fenner conservation club, 3479 Cody Road, Cazenovia. For more information or to sign up, call Steve LaVancher at 436-9432 or visit the website at www.tu680.org.
Madison County FNRA Banquet: The Madison County Friends of NRA will hold its annual banquet on Saturday, May 16 at the Rusty Rail in Canastota. From 4:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. there will be cash bar, games and silent auctions. At 6:00 p.m. will be a buffet dinner followed by live auction. Proceeds will benefit central NY projects such as local shooting sports, youth education programs, firearms safety programs, range improvement and conservation programs in NY State.
Table reservations with bonus tickets in a variety of options are available by mail, phone or website www.friendsofnra.org. Deadline for banquet reservations is May 1. Call Ralph Meyers at 264-1087 for tickets or information.
VNSP Events: Vernon National Shooting Preserve announces that the full range course is now ready for sporting clays. The Ruffed Grouse Society Shoot will be April 18. A NYS Hunter Safety Course will be held April 18 and 19. Call 796-4587 to register or for more information.
VNSP will conduct two Novice Shooter Clinics on Saturday, May 2 and Saturday May 9. Learn the Fundamentals of Gun Safety, Introduction to gun maintenance and basics of shooting including topics like grip, stance, lining up your sights, loading and unloading your new firearm. Instruction by professional, certified instructors will cover pistol, rifle and clay pigeon shooting with your shotgun.
Register for one of the two dates. Cost is $25 for two to three hours, dependent on class size. Expect to shoot 50 rounds of ammunition (not included). Clinic size limited to 10 new learners. Preregistration required. Call 315-829-2529, leave name and date you want to attend or email Jason@vernonnational.com.
Oneida Lake Team Walleye Trail: After a successful year in 2014, the Oneida Lake Team Walleye Trail has big plans for 2015. They have announced that there will be four tournaments this year on May 17, June 28, July 26 and August 23. We will have details as the dates approach. For more information check the website at www.oneidawalleyes.com.

The New York State Outdoorsmen Hall of Fame is an organization dedicated to conservation and preserving the tradition of outdoor sports. Its main function is to induct men and women who have devoted many years to enhancing the outdoor sports or major accomplishments. In addition, the NYSOHOF periodically recognizes outstanding effort and achievement through their special awards. These are distinct from induction into the Hall of Fame but are considered prestigious recognition for some outstanding job. One such honor is being named statewide Sportsperson of the Year.
This year the NYSOHOF has named Teri Maciag of Oneida as Sportsperson of the Year for 2015. This is in recognition of the outstanding job she has done in starting and continuing the Central New York Sportsman Show and its contribution to the sportsmen and women of central New York.
For 11 years she has organized the CNY Sportsman’s Show that benefitted sportsmen and organizations throughout the central New York region. This event does benefit Holy Cross Academy with a modest fund raiser but it does not reflect the energy and time that she puts into it. And the benefit to others goes far beyond supporting a good cause.
The Show provides a great deal of recreational and educational opportunity for sportsmen and women in the central region. People regularly come from Syracuse, Rome, Camden, Morrisville and beyond to attend.  The average attendance of over 1,000 visitors is a testament to the popularity of the show. People regularly come because they know that it is a true outdoor show with a variety of interests and exhibits.
Sportsmen have the opportunity to purchase outdoor gear, learn from seminars, meet book authors for signed copies, learn of important developments and meet with a variety of conservation and sporting organizations. Seminars appeal to all audiences and include a wide variety of topics from hunting and fishing to Second Amendment Rights, crossbow regulations, cooking, photography skills and much more.
The Show gives local businesses and shops an opportunity to reach a wider audience and sell or get exposure at minimal cost. It has proven to be a great contact for both businesses and conservation and sporting organizations. Under Teri Maciag’s leadership the show charges a low rate for deserving non-profit sportsmen’s or conservation groups. The exposure and the chance to raise funds at minimal expense has been a great benefit to many groups such as Trout Unlimited, the Fish Creek Atlantic Salmon Club, Camden Rod & Gun Club, Madison County Friends of the NRA, NYS Outdoorsmen Hall of Fame and many others. Book authors of various sporting and outdoor books have the opportunity to meet people and sell their books at a special author’s section at no charge to the authors.
Each year at the CNY Sportsman’s Show there is a Central New York Sportsman of the Year award given to a person who has been a role model and contributed much to outdoor sports or conservation in Central New York. The award was the brainchild of Teri Maciag and she works hard to publicize this recognition for deserving role models.
This year this modest person has won an even greater recognition for her hard work, dedication and vision. The NYS Outdoorsmen Hall of Fame considers her worthy of this special recognition for making this show a model for sports shows that benefits so many different groups and all area sportsmen and women.
Maciag will be honored at the Annual Banquet to be held Saturday, April 25 at the Rusty Rail in Canastota. Registration and social hour will begin at 4:30 p.m. with dinner served at 5:30 p.m. Reservations may be made by April 18 by calling 363-3896. The public is invited to share in his honor for a deserving person.
SHORT CASTS
NYCOA Recognized: The NYS Hall of Fame will also recognize the NY Conservation Officers Association for its outstanding efforts with the “Extra Mile Award” at the Annual Banquet on April 25. Details will be in next week’s column.
Cicero Lions Club Walleye Derby: The Cicero-Mattydale Lions Club will hold its 37th annual walleye derby on opening weekend of the season on Oneida Lake and the lower tributaries. Dates are May 2 and 3 with fishing from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Saturday and 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Sunday. There will be over $3,500 in cash prizes for the top 25 fish based on length. There will also be daily draw tickets and tagged fish prizes.
All entries must be weighed in between the hours listed above and fish must be live. For complete rules and details, as well as weigh stations, check the website www.chittenangolions.org/Walleye_Derby or e-mail lionswalleyederby@gmail.com.
Learn the Sport of Fly Fishing: Learn about fly rods, lines, leaders, how to tie knots, how to cast and where to find fish. The cost of this four session class is only $60. Everything you need will be provided. As an added bonus all attendees will receive a one year membership in Trout Unlimited (a $35 value), plus a copy of the book Fly Fishing Tactics (a $7.50 value).
The class will be held every Wednesday in May (May 6, 13, 20, 27) from 6:00 – 8:30 pm at the Fenner conservation club, 3479 Cody Road, Cazenovia. For more information or to sign up, call Steve LaVancher at 436-9432 or visit the website at www.tu680.org.
Madison County FNRA Banquet: The Madison County Friends of NRA will hold its annual banquet on Saturday, May 16 at the Rusty Rail in Canastota. From 4:30 – 6:00 p.m. will be cash bar, games and silent auctions. At 6:00 p.m. will be a buffet dinner followed by live auction. Proceeds will benefit central New York projects such as local shooting sports, youth education programs, firearms safety programs, range improvement and conservation programs in New York State.
Table reservations with bonus tickets in a variety of options are available by mail, phone, or website www.friendsofnra.org. Deadline for banquet reservations is May 1. Call Ralph Meyers at 264-1087 for tickets or information.
VNSP Novice Shooter Clinics: Vernon National Shooting Preserve will conduct two Novice Shooter Clinics on Saturday, May 2 and Saturday May 9. Know Your Gun! Learning how to handle your new firearm. New to shooting? Come learn the Fundamentals of Gun Safety, Introduction to gun maintenance and basics of shooting including topics like grip, stance, lining up your sights, loading and unloading your new firearm. Instruction will cover pistol, rifle, and clay pigeon shooting with your shotgun.
Experience recreational shooting sports in an organized safe environment with professional, certified instructors.  Want to learn about those flying orange discs? Want to experience long range shooting with and without scopes? These clinics are designed for those beginners wanting to gain familiarity with their gun learning basic fundamentals of safety, how your firearm functions, and how to shoot it safely!
The clinics are offered two dates May 2 and May 9 – register for one of the two dates. Cost is $25 for 2 - 3 hours, dependent on class size. Expect to shoot 50 rounds of ammunition (not included). Clinic size limited to 10 new learners. Preregistration required. Call 315-829-2529, leave name and date you want to attend or email Jason@vernonnational.com. NYS Pistol Permit mandatory for the Beginner Pistol Clinic. Shotguns of all styles available for rent as needed. Please call for rental reservation. Class starts at 9:00 a.m.
Oneida Lake Team Walleye Trail: After a successful year in 2014 the Oneida Lake Team Walleye Trail has big plans for 2015. They have announced that there will be four tournaments this year on May 17, June 28, July 26, and August 23. We will have details as the dates approach. For more information check the website at www.oneidawalleyes.com.