tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55901167320404795582024-02-18T17:57:06.388-08:00Oneida OutdoorsAn online space for outdoorsmen from CNY and beyond. Tell us about the one you caught or the one that got away.Dispatch Sports Staffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00268146221877936233noreply@blogger.comBlogger127125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5590116732040479558.post-59592235248452476232015-11-11T08:36:00.001-08:002015-11-11T08:36:34.121-08:00Cold, wet weather demands proper gun careAt this time of the year we are more likely to be out hunting in nasty weather. It’s prime hunting time and the weather is typically cold and rainy or snowy. We are usually clad in gear that keeps us fairly warm and dry but our guns are exposed to the elements.<br />If we are out hunting in cold and wet weather it is natural that when we get home we want to change into warm, dry clothing and take care of our gear later. But don’t put off giving your gun basic care.<br />Never put away a damp, or even cold, gun into a carrying case and leave it in the closet. Moisture will cause rust which will destroy the bluing and even pit the metal. At the very least, make sure the gun is room temperature and dry it before putting it in the case. Guns are prone to corrosion and rust in storage as well as in the field.<br />Your gun is more likely to be damaged from abuse and neglect than overuse. Care for it properly when you are finished and be sure that it is stored correctly. Guns that have been fired should be cleaned prior to storage. This involves cleaning the bore and the action with cleaner and lubricant.<br />My personal choices for gun care products are Shooter’s Choice by Venco. Many years ago I was at an outdoor show gathering of sportsmen and there was a demonstration of gun cleaning. A shotgun had been fired several times and then cleaned with a popular brand of cleaner until it appeared to be clean. Then it was cleaned again with Shooter’s Choice and we were amazed at the fouling that was removed. Needless to say this made a believer out of me and I have used these products ever since.<br />A lot of people know that the gun should be cleaned but put the chore off and manage to forget about it. Fouling will quickly cause pitting that will eat away at the smooth inside bore of your shotgun or the rifling grooves of your rifle. It may not be obvious but there will be a smooth residue of burnt powder, copper and lead inside of your barrel.<br />Whenever possible, clean the gun by pushing from receiver end to muzzle to minimize the possibility of residue getting into the action. On double barrel shotguns etc., just open the breech. For bolt action guns, just remove the bolt. On many shotguns such as pumps you can remove the barrel for cleaning.<br />Insert the patch soaked in solvent like MC 7 Bore Cleaner and push from the receiver end towards the muzzle whenever possible, to force solvent out the muzzle. Remove the brush or patch before making the next pass. Wipe the rod after each pass to remove gritty residue. Once the inside of the bore is thoroughly saturated, use the brush to remove dirt and residue in a straight motion.<br />Keep using fresh patches to remove all residues until the patches pass through and emerge clean. When the barrel is clean and dry, lubricate it using gun oil or Shooter’s Choice FP 10 on a clean patch. Then use spray lubricant such as Rust Prevent on the inside of the barrel and all metal parts.<br />For shotguns one of the handiest ways is to use a 5/8ths inch thick wooden dowel to push the patch through. Use the same procedure of pushing solvent through, then removing it with clean patches. If you use the wooden dowel, you can use an absorbent paper towel folded and rolled to bore filling diameter as a cleaning patch.<br />Use a rest to hold the firearm steady while working a cleaning rod through it. The rest should be padded to protect the gun’s finish and it should be designed so that the muzzle is lower than the receiver, which allows solvent to drain out through the muzzle.<br />The action should be cleaned using an old toothbrush and cleaner then sprayed with a de-greaser such as Quick Scrub III. Give it a coating of the FP 10 lubricant to reduce friction and wear as well as protecting it from rust and corrosion. The action and all the metal should be sprayed with a water-displacing lubricant such as Rust Prevent. Spray it again an hour later and wipe it down before storing.<br />For the complete line of Shooter’s Choice products like MC 7 Bore Cleaner, FP 10 lubricant, and Rust Prevent, and their uses see the website www.shooterschoice.com. You can also use it to find distributors. There is a complete four-step guide to gun cleaning that you can download or print for easy reference.<br />If rust has formed on the surface of the finish or in some hard to reach spots like the sights, etc., put a few drops of solvent on a toothbrush or use an old hard rubber typewriter eraser to remove the rust.<br />Do not leave paper towels, rags, etc. stuffed in the muzzle of the gun while storing. It can be dangerous if you forget it is there. At the very least it will probably attract and keep moisture which will eventually cause rust.<br />So whether for greater accuracy, protecting your investment or just rewarding a faithful friend, take good care of your guns, including a thorough cleaning.<br />SHORT CASTS<br />Fishing Report: Although the majority of sportsmen have been big game hunting the past few weeks there has been some exciting “big game fishing” in the Salmon River. Last week there were a lot of big brown trout, steelhead and even some late run king salmon in the Salmon River. Most of the fish, and consequently most of the fishermen, were found in the upper portion of the river between Pineville and Altmar.<br />According to Jim Button of Salmon River Sports Shop the fish were being taken on beads, egg sacks and power bait worms. Lighter colors of egg sacks were working best. Whitakers Sports Shop said that a variety of flies, including estaz eggs and Wooly Buggers, were working well for fly fishermen.<br />During the mild weather over the weekend the steelhead trout were resting in the deep pools but feeding on the edges of the fast water. The best bite occurred during the warmer afternoons. Fish the bait or flies along the edges of the fast water or just out of the strongest current. Use just enough weight to give the bait a natural presentation.<br />Joe’s Jerky: With deer hunting seasons well under way, many local residents have a fresh supply of venison in their freezer. Several people have asked me about having products made from their venison such as jerky, summer sausage and other products. One of the best places for this type of processing is Joe’s Jerky in Sherrill. Joe Robinson is a veteran meat cutter who makes a variety of great products.<br />I have had summer sausage and Italian sausage made from venison and they are excellent. He makes either hot or sweet sausage by mixing the venison with pork butt and I can highly recommend all his products. Call 367-0237 for more information.<br />Joe also has excellent regular cuts of meat such as beef and pork for sale. He makes seven flavors of beef jerky that he sells at his store on State St. in Sherrill and all are tasty and high quality. His store is a local outlet for several Pride of New York items such as local maple syrup, cheeses, sauces and seasonings such as Iron Skillet Seasonings.<br />YPOD: One small but handy device that I recently acquired is the YPOD. This is a small “Y” shaped device to rest the fore-end of your rifle in while shooting from a tree stand. It can also be used to support your gun on a bench while sighting in your gun.<br />Most ladder style tree stands have a safety rail in front of the seat but naturally it is designed for the bowhunter. Rifle hunters who want to rest their hand or forearm on the rail for stability have to hunch over to line up the sights or use the scope. The YPOD fits on the shooting rail and easily screws up to the desired height to provide the hunter with a more comfortable position.<br />It also comes in handy on the shooting range where a hunter can set it on the table, adjust the height, and rest the front stock in the “Y” for stability so you can accurately tell where the gun is shooting. It is light, adjustable, durable and fits into a cargo pocket while traveling. Check out www.liveoaktek.com.Leo Maloneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03681680448214089241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5590116732040479558.post-49193620549196704132015-10-28T15:08:00.001-07:002015-10-28T15:08:53.146-07:00Northern Zone deer season opens with mixed resultsSunrise was bright and beautiful on Saturday morning, the opening day of the Northern Zone Deer Season. The day turned out to be a good day for weather, although the results in many areas were definitely not as high as the expectations. Sunday was a different story as a steady rain, often accompanied by high winds made it unpleasant or downright miserable to be afield.<br />Generally the number of deer taken was not very high. Some hunters had success and there were some impressive bucks taken according to reports from various areas. This is not really surprising because statistics show that opening weekend success is about the same as other weekends in the Northern Zone. The number of deer shot in the north is usually evenly spread out through the entire season.<br />Sunday it was predictable that numbers would be down since the wet nasty weather made for tough hunting and a lot of hunters called it quits by mid day. Of course the deer do not have that option and some hunters found success by sticking it out. Bob Hamner told me that one of his hunting party was successful in bagging a nice 9-point buck early Sunday afternoon.<br />Most of the deer that I’ve heard about were taken on deer drives. This is also predictable since Sunday was a miserable day to sit on watch and the deer were not moving on their own. Of course in the Northern Zone it is not a popular method to sit on watch because the deer are primarily nocturnal or on the move mainly in hours around dawn and dusk. And when you consider that in the north country a “deer run” can be one half-mile wide, you see that your odds are not great.<br />Some people hear the term “deer drives” and think it is unsportsmanlike or that deer do not have a chance. They may visualize the huge numbers of hunters over large areas that characterized Adirondack hunting a century ago. Today the number of participants is much smaller and the tactics have changed.<br />First of all you have to realize that it is difficult to drive cattle where you want them to go, much less deer. The term is more accurately called pushing or bumping where some hunters still hunt through a likely area and other hunters are posted at likely escape routes. But wind, vision and a deer’s particular preference will determine where they go. The hope is that deer will move in a careful fashion near where other hunters are posted, or quietly try to sneak back past the drivers.<br />Hunters with patience, a knowledge of local deer habits, and lots of time can be successful sitting on watch in the north woods. Scouting and trail cameras help narrow the odds by giving hunters a good idea of the best spots to watch. Keep in mind that deer are not always going to follow the same routes as they may do in the southern tier in areas of less cover.<br />My buddy Tom VanPelt uses his trail cameras to find out what bucks may frequent an area and what their common routes may be. Tom was laughing that his trail cam shows that the best time to see a big buck is about midnight until 2 a.m. Although he did see some pictures of nice bucks near Big Moose his camera also recorded the travels of several big bear and a moose.<br />Whatever your favorite methods are, remember that it is a long season and there are many good hunting days ahead. But don’t waste any good days watching TV when you could be out hunting. You are not going to get a buck while sitting in your living room and the season will slip by before you know it.<br />SHORT CASTS <br />Bear Facts: Ken Cronn spent the opening weekend of the muzzleloader season hunting the area around Long Lake with some of his friends. They did not see many deer but on the Saturday opener Ken spotted a bear running through the woods. He took aim and fired and when the smoke had cleared he saw that he had hit the bear but it took off running. On the advice of one of his friends, they waited for a while before trying to find the bear. The trail became increasingly difficult to follow but with the aid of friends they were able to find the bear about a quarter of a mile away. The bear had to be bought across the lake by boat. Ken is planning on having a wall rug made from his first bear.<br />Close But: Bowhunters are the most serious of deer hunters. They pay great attention to the wind, go to great lengths to keep scent free, and place themselves in position for a close shot with their bow. Often they will see a good number of deer but they will be out of range or the shot will be blocked by branches, etc.<br />Such was the case for Terry Yardley earlier this week. Terry told me that he was hunting a spot other than his regular ones so he was positioned on the ground rather than in a tree stand. He was excited, yet frustrated because he had 16 deer parade past him yet was unable to get a shot! <br />Some of the deer were moving too rapidly to get a good shot while others passed or paused in areas where he could not get a clear shot at a vital area. One buck passed within three yards of him but he was unable to get in position for a shot! As he waited for the buck to pass by and get a shot, another buck appeared and spotted him, and Terry was unable to get a shot at either one.<br />Bowhunters have lots of these stories, but usually not as close or as many as Terry had in one day.<br />Deer–Car Collisions: This is the time of year when deer hunting gets underway with the opening of bowhunting in the southern zone and regular firearms in the northern zone. But it is also the time when deer are in the news in another less popular way – deer-car collisions.<br />There are close to 57,000 deer-car collisions in New York State annually and the majority of them occur in October and November. Not only is this a significant economic loss in automobile damage, it is a serious threat to human injury or even fatalities. Those of us who live in Central New York are aware of this threat. However there are ways we can minimize this threat.<br />Most deer travel in groups so when you see one, be alert for others that may follow. Many times the first one may be aware of you while it crosses the road, but the others rush to catch up and are more likely to dash heedlessly into the path of your car. If it appears that you are going to hit a deer, resist the urge to swerve. That could turn a potential property damage accident into a possible fatal rollover.<br />Whenever possible drive with your lights on high beam. Be especially alert in areas where deer are frequently seen. Certainly you should not be texting or some other asinine activity when you need to devote full attention to your driving.Leo Maloneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03681680448214089241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5590116732040479558.post-39465654592642685272015-10-21T17:08:00.001-07:002015-10-21T17:08:04.884-07:00High hopes for Northern Zone openerThe gray light of dawn starts to illuminate the shadows of the northern forests and creatures start to stir. A deer hunter waits at his chosen spot, hoping to spot a deer moving in the early morning light. This will be the scene all across the northern zone as hunters clad in orange or red and black plaid jackets will be afield for the northern zone deer season opener. For many it is the anticipation of a yearly drama, much like the feeling we experienced as kids on Christmas morning.<br />The weather forecast for this weekend seems good, unlike last weekend. Cool clear weather will be a welcome change and make for a pleasant weekend in the woods or fields instead of the rain and chill that characterized the week of muzzleloading season.<br />Calendars have been marked for weeks. Hours of scouting resulting in plans have been made and revised. On Saturday thousands of hunters will be afield at daybreak eagerly watching for America’s number one big game animal – the whitetail deer.<br />The traditional Northern Zone deer season opener is still a magic moment even though it has lost some of the significance since the advent of the popular bow hunting and muzzleloading seasons. It is still a big event for those who enjoy hunting the big woods and carrying on tradition.<br />For those who hunt the northern zone there is a special feeling that can’t be described or easily put into words. Of course there is the eagerness and hope that we will be successful in bagging a deer, but it is the special feeling of being in the woods, the challenge of trying to outwit one of nature’s noblest animals and a feeling that we have several weeks of fun and adventure ahead of us.<br />Opening day in the Northern Zone is more of a time of excitement and anticipation than it is a time of increased success. Unlike the southern zone where over 40 percent of the bucks taken are shot on opening day, success throughout the northern zone is evenly spaced throughout the season. Thus the odds this weekend are no better, but the excitement is greater. Nevertheless there never will be more deer in the woods than there will be this weekend.<br />Despite the fact that northern woods have less deer per square mile, bigger territory and lower success rate it is a special time for many of us. The challenge of hunting these wily animals, the excitement and the chance for a big buck keeps many hunters going. The tradition of deer camps or testing your skill and woodsmanship in the big woods is a magnet for many people regardless of success ratio.<br />These are big woods and deer will use their many keen senses to avoid hunters. Just because you don’t see deer or fresh sign does not mean that there are no deer around. A deer will have a range of one square mile or more and they may be in the high country now. Deer may have also changed their habits or areas due to hunter activity.<br />You feel like you are hunting because you typically have lots of area to try your favorite tactics. If the deer are not in the location you anticipate you often have the room and ability to move elsewhere. You are not hemmed into a small patch, hoping that deer pass through, as in many areas of the southern zone. A part of the appeal of northern zone is hunting is the ability to look into a patch of woods and not see out the other side!<br />Sitting on watch may be more productive in certain locations this weekend because there will be more hunters than normal in some areas and they may move deer around. Normally early morning or just before sunset are the periods when deer are on the move. Keep in mind that most big bucks are nocturnal by nature. <br />Since there are fewer hunters these days and consequently smaller groups of hunters, many opt for having some hunters sitting a likely spots while one or two others still hunt towards them. The key is to move slowly and have the watchers at likely escape routes or funnels. Consider wind direction when placing watchers or planning the route of the hunters on the move. When moved, deer will normally quickly cover about 200 yards then veer left or right and often circle back behind the hunter.<br />Of course safety should be a concern in any method we use. Be sure of your target and beyond. Always treat every gun as if it is loaded, and be certain to keep it under control. Unload your gun while climbing tree stands, stone walls, etc. Wear orange or red for your own safety. Remember that blaze orange is most visible, especially in periods of low light.<br />Good luck to everyone. Remember that any buck is a trophy, regardless of size. And even if you don’t have any action on opening weekend keep in mind that it is a long season for a reason. Enjoy the experience because the season will be over before you know it.<br />SHORT CASTS<br />Woman Rescued by Drift Boat Guide: Many people read about the dramatic rescue of a woman angler from the Oswego River a week ago, but in case you missed it the story is worth re-telling. A female angler fell into the Oswego River in downtown Oswego and was being swept downstream. She was on the verge of being pulled by the strong current into the river’s deep, dangerous section behind the Brookfield powerhouse. <br />Guide Chris Mulpagano, a former local resident, who operates a charter service on the Oswego and Salmon Rivers was fishing with some clients and saw her being swept downstream. Chris maneuvered his drift boat into position and they grabbed the woman with the net. They were able to pull her over to shallow water near the wall where she was able to stand up.<br />The woman was extremely grateful to say the least. Other anglers saw and videotaped the incident. Later Chris and his clients were rewarded with a pretty good day of salmon fishing.<br />Deer Hides Wanted: The bow season has been open for three weeks and the northern zone rifle season opens next Saturday so there should be an increasing number of deer harvested. For the deer hunters who have been successful and are wondering what to do with the hide, Jim Ward of Oneida Trap Supply is again buying hides. Call Jim at 363-2913 for information and hours.Leo Maloneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03681680448214089241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5590116732040479558.post-4250609767375782712015-10-14T12:31:00.001-07:002015-10-14T12:31:44.432-07:00Muzzleloader season opens Saturday<br />Saturday is the opening of the special muzzleloader season in the northern zone. This is a special one-week season for the privilege of those purchasing the muzzleloader tag in addition to their regular hunting season. It allows those hunters to take an additional deer of either sex in most management units.<br />An increasing number of northern zone hunters are enthusiastically taking advantage of this opportunity. However, this year’s opener may pose problems for hunters keeping their powder dry. The weather forecast earlier in the week calls for a cold and rainy weekend. Obviously this does cause problems for muzzleloaders in keeping the black powder or pyrodex pellets dry under those conditions.<br />The blackpowder seasons in New York are an outgrowth of the popularity of shooting primitive, muzzleloading firearms such as flintlock or percussion cap rifles that fire a single bullet propelled with black powder. During the bicentennial celebration in 1976, Bill Lloyd of Newport organized a group from Herkimer County to re-enact the march of the Tryon County Militia to relieve the siege of Fort Stanwix and the ensuing Battle of Oriskany. <br />This event led to the formation of the New York State Muzzleloaders Association. This organization and others successfully lobbied for the extra season privilege of those holding the muzzleloader tag. In the southern zone, this season is held at the close of the regular firearms season in December.<br />There are several reasons for the attraction and popularity of the muzzleloading season. One big reason is the opportunity and enjoyment of being out deer hunting while the weather is usually milder and the deer are relatively undisturbed. It provides a good opportunity to hunt by traditional methods such as still hunting. <br />There is also the challenge of bagging a whitetail with only one shot which places a premium on getting close and accuracy of shooting. It gives hunters an extra week to pursue their sport, and of course a chance at possibly taking an extra deer.<br />Originally, most of the shooting was done with reproductions of percussion cap rifles which were similar to weapons of the Civil War era. Today most hunters use the in-line muzzleloaders which use shotgun 209 primers and superficially resemble modern rifles. However they are still propelled by black powder or pyrodex pellets and shoot a single lead ball or bullet. They must be loaded from the muzzle and powder and ammunition tamped into place by a ramrod.<br />These rifles are very accurate, although the range is considerably less than most modern rifles. There is still the premium placed on one single, accurate shot. As improvements are made in equipment and more people discover the fun and challenge of muzzleloader hunting, an increasing number of hunters are taking up the sport. Recent deer take reports by the DEC show a significant number of deer taken by muzzleloaders.<br />In making plans with my hunting partners earlier in the week, there was the usual excitement and anticipation. Some were also encouraged that there might be some snow for the Saturday opener. Now all we have to do is meet the challenge of keeping our powder dry.<br />SHORT CASTS<br />Joe’s Jerky: With deer hunting season is swinging into high gear with archery season and the opening of the northern zone muzzleloader season this weekend, we should see an increase in the number of deer harvested. Several people have asked me about having products made from their venison such as jerky, summer sausage and other products. One of the best places for this type of processing is Joe’s Jerky in Sherrill. Joe Robinson is a veteran meat cutter who makes a variety of great products. <br />I have had summer sausage and Italian sausage made from venison and they are excellent. He makes either hot or sweet sausage by mixing the venison with pork butt and I can highly recommend all his products. Call 367-0237 for more information.<br />The name and the inspiration for the store come from his daughter Jodie, due the popularity of the jerky Joe has made for commercial customers as well as sending it overseas to the troops. He makes seven flavors of beef jerky that he sells at his store on State St. in Sherrill and all are tasty and high quality. They also have a nice program of sending jerky to the troops overseas that customers can assist with. <br />Incidentally if you haven’t gotten your deer yet or are looking for a change from wild game he also has excellent regular cuts of meat such as beef and pork for sale. His store is a local outlet for several Pride of New York items such as local maple syrup, cheeses, sauces and seasonings.<br />One of my personal favorites is the line of Iron Skillet Seasonings. These are packets of great rubs and seasonings for all types of game and fish ranging from fish to venison, turkey and other items. Check the line of Iron Skillet Seasonings and other items at Joe’s Jerky. Support local business and a good cause at the same time.<br />Salmon Report: The long anticipated salmon run on the Lake Ontario tributaries still has not occurred as of early this week. Last week’s rain was expected to trigger a run of salmon up the lake but relatively few entered the Salmon River or other streams. Last weekend there were a decent number of fish that entered the lower Salmon River but most stayed down in the estuary or the area of the Douglaston Run.<br />Fishing pressure in the upper river was heavy with lots of anglers but relatively few fish last weekend. Still, some anglers were having success. Dr. John Costello and his sons John and Patrick, along with his grandchildren went fishing and caught six good sized kings. They chartered two boats guided by Chris Mulpagano and his son Nick and enjoyed the experience as well as having more success than most anglers.<br />Earlier this week I checked with Whitakers Sport Shop in Pulaski who reported the same situation. There were plenty of anglers but relatively few were enjoying success. This was mainly due to the low number of fish in the upper areas of the river. Those that were catching fish had luck fly fishing with Wooly Buggers, Comets and estaz egg flies.<br />There were many theories on why the run has been disappointing, including water temperature or low water levels. Indications are that there are still a lot of fish staging off the mouth of the Salmon River as well as other streams like the Oswego River. Whenever the run does start, either because of water conditions or the biological clock of the fish, it will probably result in some wild fishing.<br />Mike Kelly’s Latest Book: “Trout Streams of Central New York” by J. Michael Kelly, a former outdoor columnist, will be released next week. Like his earlier books and award-winning columns, This book is based on Kelly’s actual experience and extensive fishing skill. I was fortunate to have an advance copy and believe that all serious trout fishermen should have this on their bookshelf.<br />Section One covers the area from Central New York to Rochester and the Southern Tier by sections and describes over 100 trout streams and rivers. Each stream has the location, a rating for fishing quality, the best times to fish it, and descriptions of access. There are descriptions of the water, fish found there, and lots of tips and techniques. <br />This is not one of those “dictionary” type fishing guides where an author simply compiles a listing of advice from DEC personnel or local tackle shop owners. It is an up-to-date guide based on Kelly’s experience. Nor is it a dry listing of statistics and lures. It is written in an informative, interesting style that illustrates why Kelly won so many awards for his writing.<br />Section Two contains nine chapters of special tactics ranging from bait fishing and fly fishing to ethics. There are illustrations on popular flies, a chart of fly hatches, and changes in the fisheries. The book is generously supplied with photos and maps.<br />The book will be available Oct. 23 at book stores, online book retailers, and tackle shops, as well as from the publisher Burford Books at www.burfordbooks.com.Leo Maloneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03681680448214089241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5590116732040479558.post-9930243805370705832015-09-23T17:20:00.001-07:002015-09-23T17:20:53.625-07:00Salmon fishing offers fun, excitementSunlight filters through the gold and red leaves bordering the river as an angler casts repeatedly to the deep water along the far shore. Suddenly there is an eruption of water as a huge fish leaps clear of the water and starts a powerful run downstream. The reel screams as the salmon peels a hundred yards of line in a single run while the angler desperately tries to slow the mighty fish before it breaks clear.<br />Welcome to the sport of salmon fishing. Scenes like this will soon be common for another few weeks along the Salmon River, the Oswego River, smaller tributaries, and streams all along the Lake Ontario shoreline. It is world class fishing right in our backyard and once you have experienced it, it is difficult to forget about it.<br />Veteran anglers are eager for the run to start in earnest but so far only a few salmon are entering the river. Warm temperatures and low water levels have delayed the spawning run so far. Usually a cold rain will trigger the movement of salmon from the areas of the lake in front of the tributaries to head up river.<br />However, once their biological clock indicates that the time for spawning has come, the fish will head upriver regardless of water levels or temperatures. So the best bet is to have your gear ready and check with reliable sources like Jim Dence’s All Seasons Sports Shop in Pulaski for conditions on the salmon run.<br />Once the run starts in earnest you can bet that anglers from all over the area will be heading for the Salmon River or other tributaries of Lake Ontario. The bigger holes like the Sportsman’s Hole or Trestle Pool and areas near the bridges will see lots of anglers lining the banks. Be courteous and pull your line or get out of the way when some other angler yells “fish on” and starts running along the bank trying to keep up with the fish on the end of his line.<br />The best way to avoid crowds is to fish in the middle of the week and fish early or late in the day. The first and last hours of the day are the best time to fish anyway since that is when the salmon are moving upstream. Be prepared to walk a bit to get away from the crowds. Stop at the hatchery in Altmar or at All Seasons Sports Shop on Route 13 in Pulaski to get a map of the river with convenient access points.<br />Although salmon do not feed when they enter the tributaries to spawn, they can be coaxed into striking out of aggression or instinct. Large flies such as Wooly Buggers, estaz egg patterns, or Comets, single hook lures or egg sacks are all common ways of taking salmon in the river. Salmon tend to hit egg sacks or artificial eggs and flies that imitate eggs. The theory is that they want to remove any competition to their own spawn.<br />Chinook salmon tend to travel in deep water and stay near the river bottom as they migrate upstream. Thus your bait, fly or lure should pass just off the bottom since the fish do not move up in the water column to strike. Concentrate on the heads or tails of pools, deep runs along the banks or behind the boulders, etc. that break the current. You want your bait or lure to move naturally just over the bottom. Add or subtract split shot to a dropper line to keep your lure at proper depth. <br />While battling salmon is definitely not a job for ultralight tackle, neither do you want the 50-pound test line and broomstick rods that some bass fishermen tend to use. Long rods help you fight the fish and also aid in keeping line off the water, preventing drag on your bait in the presentation. Most fly fishermen prefer 9-foot rods for 8- or 9-weight line. Spin fishermen commonly use a medium action 8- or 9-foot rod. Both call for quality reels with good drags and lots of capacity. The main line should be 12-pound test with a four-foot leader of six-pound test. Some anglers opt for heavier line but the key is to let the rod do the work and tire the fish.<br />If you have never fished for salmon in the streams you might want to consider hiring a guide to show you how as well as where. Former local resident Chris Mulpagano (387-2623) is one of the best and uses his driftboat to cover lots of river. His son Nicholas (897-0737) is following in the family footsteps and is also an experienced guide. Jay Peck (585-233-0436) is also one of the best and is familiar with many streams along the lake. <br />If you don’t have all the tackle you can check for anything you need, including Korkers for wading the slippery Salmon River bottom, at All Seasons Sports on Route 13 in Pulaski. Owner Jim Dence is a local resident who is familiar with conditions on the river and can outfit you with the proper equipment as well as advice. Call 315-298-6433 for more information.<br />You do not need to spend $5,000 or more for a fishing trip in Alaska to experience the great excitement and fun of salmon fishing. You can do it right in our own backyard. But beware: once you catch salmon fever it is hard to get rid of it.<br />SHORT CASTS<br />IFHCNY: The Independent Fur harvesters of Central New York are selling tickets on a bear hunt for the club’s biggest fundraiser. Call 750-5227 to reserve yours. The Club will be attending the Carpenter’s Brook Sportsmans Days on September 26 and 27. They will also have a Trapper Training Class on October 3 at the Pompey Rod & Gun Club.<br />Turkey Season: Because of declining numbers of turkeys the past few years, the DEC has shortened the fall turkey season to two weeks in both zones. Northern Zone season is October 1–14 and the Southern Zone season is October 17–30. Bag limit has been reduced to one bird. One note of encouragement is that many people have been seeing decent sized groups or flocks of young birds despite the cold wet weather last spring. Perhaps the turkeys in this part of the state are hardier and tougher, just like the people who live here.<br />Deer Management Permits: The DEC reminded hunters to apply for deer management permits (DMPs) this week, ahead of the October 1 deadline. Unfortunately many of the licensing agencies cannot handle the changes to a new computerized system and have given up selling licenses or other transactions.<br />DEC’s computerized licensing system allows hunters to immediately learn the outcome of their permit application. The likelihood that a hunter will be selected for a permit is largely based on the number of deer management permits to be issued in a Wildlife Management Area and the number of hunters that historically apply. Leo Maloneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03681680448214089241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5590116732040479558.post-58676823679302991762015-09-09T17:15:00.001-07:002015-09-09T17:15:42.210-07:00Be a stand-up marksmanHunting season really isn’t that far away. It will be here before we know it and many sportsmen will be thinking that they should have practiced their shooting more. Ideally we should shoot a lot and practice our marksmanship most of the year. Realistically most of us do not. A few others go out for a day or two just before the season, fire a few rounds, and say “close enough.” Probably the majority of hunters do a little plinking during the summer and then get serious about practicing during September and October.<br />The first thing you have to do is sight in your gun. Have a bench rest or other steady area to eliminate gun movement. Fire enough rounds of the ammunition you will be hunting with to make sure that the gun will hit where you aim it. Make any adjustments to the telescopic or open sights that you need to.<br />Next you face the reality that you won’t be having a bench rest out in the woods while you are hunting. Practice shooting from different positions, especially the ones that you will be using most while hunting. Shooting from a prone position is the steadiest but the one we are less likely to use unless we are stalking game at long distances out west.<br />Sitting and resting the gun on your knee is much steadier but we are not likely to use that except while sitting on watch for deer or possibly calling in predators. Today most of us still shoot offhand from a standing position, while sitting on a stump or from a tree stand.<br />The least steady, but most commonly used shot is the standing or offhand shot. The reason for this is that we are often standing while waiting for deer, walking, still-hunting or stalking. Deer, coyote or squirrels are not going to stand there and watch us while we sit down, get comfortable and draw a bead on them.<br />Pat Salerno, the noted Adirondack deer hunter, stresses that he usually carries his gun at “port arms” or held in front of his chest to be ready for a quick but steady shot when he sees a deer. He may only have a few seconds and having the gun ready will give him time to properly mount the gun and take a careful aim.<br />Many of us may think that because we have the gun sighted in, it will be alright. There is, however, a lot more to it. Our form, getting the proper sight picture and steadying the gun all are important factors. Holding the gun steady is an overlooked factor, especially as we “add a few years” our muscles aren’t what they used to be and our aim is not as steady.<br />If you have any doubt, give yourself this test. Crank up the power on your rifle scope, use your telephoto lens on the camera at high power or just use a high power binocular and try to hold it steady on some distant object. A lot of people will see the object bounce around in their lens or even disappear from view. Imagine that you are now firing your gun during this small movement and you will see how your bullet can miss completely.<br />Some time ago David Petzal of Field & Stream had an article that said shooting while standing is by far the most difficult of all the positions. It requires exponentially more practice than any other simply to be competent, never mind good. He emphasized that it is still absolutely necessary to master unless you enjoy papering the walls of your home with unpunched licenses. <br />According to Petzal, the secret to shooting offhand is to accept that no one can hold a rifle steady while standing. So don’t try to eliminate muzzle movement; instead, control it. Develop the finesse to make the end of the barrel move in a circle and to make that circle smaller and smaller as you aim. Then, the instant the crosshairs are on any part of the bull’s-eye, pull the trigger. Crude as this approach may seem, a great many of your shots will land in the center of the bull anyway. <br />You must be able to shoot fast because bucks won’t stand around waiting for you. An aimed offhand shot should take you no more than five seconds, and three is better. The longer you wait, the more things will go wrong.<br />Start practicing by using a .22 rimfire that is as close to your centerfire rifle as possible. Get a package of 100 NRA A-17 paper targets, each of which has 11 black bull’s-eyes about the size of a silver dollar. <br />Set your scope at 4X and start from 20 feet. Shoot strings of five rounds per bull; a hit anywhere in the black counts. Your initial efforts are likely to be very bad <br />As you improve, move back to 25 yards. Once you are shooting mostly fours and fives, switch to your centerfire rifle and shoot from 100 yards at a 50-yard pistol target with an 8-inch bull’s-eye. Shoot no more than 20 rounds per session, and try to get all of them in the black. Very few shooters can do this; if you can get 18 or 19 into the 10-ring, you’ve done very well.<br />Practicing offhand is logistically easier, cheaper, and more valuable to real hunters than practicing at long range will ever be. Second, shooting is a sport of muscle memory, repetition and concentration, so shoot lots. <br />Of course, if the opportunity presents you should also use a handy tree or something similar, to brace your forward hand against. Just remember not to rest the barrel of the rifle on the tree or post, etc. You can also drop to a kneeling position, if possible, which takes but a moment and steadies the shot considerably.<br />SHORT CASTS<br />Ladies & Youth Day VNSP: Ladies of all ages and boys and girls ages 12–16 are invited to a day of adventure, fun and learning skills provided free thanks to grants by the local Friends of NRA. The day will be Saturday, Sept. 19, 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Vernon National Shooting Preserve on Burns Road, Vernon Center. Activities include a pheasant hunt with guides, personal instruction in shotgun skills with certified instructors, and shooting trap and sporting clays.<br />Meals include a light breakfast, lunch, snacks and beverages throughout the day. Participants need to bring a shotgun. Ammunition (12 and 20 gauge) will be provided. A Hunter Safety Course certificate is required for all youths shooting and for ladies to hunt pheasants. The event is limited to 50 participants. Reserve your spot early by calling Ralph Meyer (264-1087) or Lynne Pletl (527-4016).Leo Maloneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03681680448214089241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5590116732040479558.post-8125668444214974782015-09-02T16:37:00.003-07:002015-09-02T16:37:31.212-07:00Striking facts about lightningMany years ago, Tom Van Pelt and I were fishing for bullheads after dark in the remote southeast bay of Big Moose Lake. Bullheads were biting and we ignored the distant rumble of thunder and flashes of lightning on the northern horizon. A few minutes later the rain came down in buckets and the sky lit up like a July 4 fireworks display. Thunder echoed off the nearby mountains and it seemed like one continuous explosion. <br />Sitting in that aluminum boat with only a 2 ½ hp motor and the lightning cracking all around us, I was sure that we were going to be “toast” at any minute. But miraculously we escaped and the storm rapidly moved on. We escaped being a statistic that day but we have had a healthy respect for thunderstorms ever since.<br />Actuaries and statisticians will tell you that an average of 51 people per year are killed by lightning in the United States. They point out that many other common occurrences are more likely to kill you. That may be true but why tempt fate and become one of the unlucky ones?<br />Millions of lightning strikes bombard the USA every year. Although cloud to ground strikes are only about 25 percent of the total strikes, a typical lightning storm produces three or more strikes to earth per minute.<br />An average of 20,000 people in the world are hit by lightning each year. The amazing thing is that 90 percent of the people hit by lightning survive. They were evidently not in the main path of the electrical charge. Survivors often suffer severe injury to their internal organs and central nervous system. <br />Fishermen or boaters are the group in the USA that is far more likely to be hit by lightning than any other. Not only are they vulnerable by being a boat with fishing rods, antennae, etc. out in the middle of a body of water, they are often caught in a storm. Many fishermen will venture too far out on a large lake in search of fish and be unable to safely return to land before the fast moving storm hits. We also know some fishermen who stubbornly refuse to quit fishing and hope that the storm will pass around them.<br />Lightning is caused by an electrical build up of negative charges, usually on the bottom of a fast moving cloud. This negative charge travels to another positively charged area in another cloud or the ground. This huge spark of electricity follows the path of least resistance so tall buildings, trees, or the highest object in any area are likely to provide that route.<br />We all know that standing under a tall tree or being in a boat out in the middle of the lake are things that you want to avoid. You should also avoid unsafe buildings, carports, pavilions, tents or golf shelters. The electrical charge can also pass near or even through you in those areas.<br />Cars or enclosed shelters are the safest place to be during an electrical storm. Stay away from electrical wires, phone lines, water pipes and open doors or windows. If you are caught out in the open you should crouch low but do not kneel, sit or lie on the ground. <br />Despite the old saying, lightning does strike twice in the same place. Contrary to popular opinion you can be struck by lightning miles ahead of the storm. Lightning can strike 10 miles outward so if you can see it or hear the thunder you are already in danger.<br />This doesn’t mean that you should spend all season in your house with the windows shut and the air conditioning on! It does mean that you should be aware of conditions and storm warnings and not venture out too far from shore in your boat on those days. Wherever you are you can keep an eye and an ear tuned for storms approaching and seek safe shelter in a timely manner. With precautions and common sense (and luck) you can avoid being a statistic.<br />SHORT CASTS<br />IFHCNY: The Independent Fur harvesters of Central New York held its August meeting with lengthy discussion of the club’s future. Members are urged to sell tickets on the bear hunt because this is the club’s biggest fundraiser. They will be attending the Carpenter’s Brook Sportsmans Days on Sept. 26 and 27. They will also have a Trapper Training Class on Oct. 3 at the Pompey Rod and Gun Club. The next meeting will be Thursday, Sept. 10 with food served at 5:30 p.m. and meeting at 6.<br />Youth Goose Hunt: The Oneida County Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs and ECOs are again teaming up to offer a special youth goose hunt to youngsters who may not otherwise have the opportunity to go goose hunting. Youngsters must have completed their hunter safety course beforehand. <br />There will be a meeting with parents, ECOs and hunter mentors; target practice and other preparation for the next day’s hunt. This year’s hunt will take place on the weekend of Sept. 19 and 20. Youngsters will have the opportunity to learn the skills necessary for goose hunting and then actually experience it with the guidance of an ECO or hunter mentor in the field.<br />The program is open to youths ages 12–17. A small game license and an HIP number is necessary for all youngsters. Youths ages 16-17 will also need a federal wildfowl stamp. Interested participants should contact Scott Faulkner (225-0192), ECO Steve Lakeman (734-0648) or ECO Ric Grisolini (240-6966) for an application for this program. Space in the program is limited so be sure to register early.<br />Ladies and Youth Day VNSP: Ladies of all ages and youths ages 12–16 (boys and girls) are invited to a day of adventure, fun and learning skills provided free thanks to grants by the local Friends of NRA. The day will be Saturday, Sept. 19, from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Vernon National Shooting Preserve on Burns Road, Vernon Center. Activities include a pheasant hunt with guides, personal instruction in shotgun skills with certified instructors and shooting trap and sporting clays.<br />Meals include a light breakfast, lunch and snacks and beverages throughout the day. Participants need to bring a shotgun. Ammunition (12 and 20 gauge) will be provided. A Hunter Safety Course certificate is required for all youth shooting and for ladies to hunt pheasants. The event is limited to 50 participants. Reserve your spot early by calling Ralph Meyer (264-1087) or Lynne Pletl (527-4016).<br />DEC Pilot Project To Improve Public Input On Deer Populations: There will be an increased opportunity for public input in deer management decision-making under a pilot project launched by the state DEC. This new project will incorporate modern technology and gather input directly from a broader cross-section of New Yorkers.<br />DEC is initiating this pilot effort in Central New York and has selected a 1,325-square-mile group of three WMUs (7H, 8J and 8S). The pilot project will include embarking on a broad-scale education effort this fall to develop public understanding of the process, share results of the survey and convey information to the public regarding deer impacts, management issues and challenges in general.<br />Solicitation of input will be more far-reaching and representative than collecting opinions on a limited one-on-one basis. DEC biologists will base final objectives for deer population change on whether the public recommendation is compatible with existing levels of deer impacts on forests. Results of the process will be shared with the public, serving as an audit on the pilot system, and providing feedback for improving the process before expanding it to other WMU aggregates in the future. <br />The original process involved the selection of a relatively small group of citizens, usually 8 to 12 individuals, each representing a particular stake in the deer population level in a WMU. Members included farmers, hunters, motorists, foresters, landowners and others having an interest in the size of a unit’s deer herd. The group, as a whole then debated the merits of the various positions and settled on one collective recommendation to the DEC on which direction the local deer population should go and by how much. Leo Maloneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03681680448214089241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5590116732040479558.post-6749732601315180862015-08-26T17:07:00.002-07:002015-08-26T17:07:15.550-07:00Fishing by the light of the moonFishing is always a mystery as to what lurks in the watery depths and how you are going to catch it. The element of darkness adds another level of mystery, anticipation and excitement. Frequently that excitement is punctuated by a lunker fish that makes this extra effort worthwhile.<br />Muskellunge are always a fish of mystery and challenge. Their huge size, the relativity scarcity of these fish and their unpredictable nature make them a prized challenge for anglers. Although most people put their hopes of catching one on trolling the icy days of late autumn, some anglers like my friend Mike Seymour regularly catch bragging-sized muskies all summer long.<br />Mike generally fishes the area of the St. Lawrence River near Ogdensburg where he guides for various species. Even when he is not guiding, Mike and his son Luke regularly fish for muskies and catch 10 to 15 each summer. The key is that he fishes for these behemoths after dark by trolling the areas that he knows hold muskies. <br />Naturally this calls for an intimate knowledge of the river and its structure as well as the techniques of fishing for muskies. If you want the excitement of catching a muskie without fishing during the icy gales of November, then fishing at night is your best bet. For more information contact Mike Seymour at (315) 379-0235.<br />Many bass fishermen target bass after dark because the cool summer night air is a welcome relief from the day’s heat. During the daylight hours their favorite spot is often buzzing with boaters. Any bass in the area were hiding in deep water or in dense cover with no thought of feeding.<br />Fishing after dark means there is less boating activity to disturb bass. The water temperatures cools a few degrees and they no longer have to stay in deep water or heavy cover to avoid the bright sunlight. The bass not only feel more secure after dark but the items on their menu like frogs, crayfish and small bullheads are also more active.<br />My friend Gary Lee is an Adirondack angler who loves to fish at night for bass with top-water lures. Many of his best fishing adventures are at night during the summer season. Bill Batdorf and Blaine Cook are two local anglers who are adept at night fishing for bass. Although they may have their own preferences for different methods or favorite spots, they all agree that night fishing for bass is a magical time and some of the biggest fish are taken at night.<br />Shallow areas adjoining deep water or those that have heavy cover are the best bet for night fishing. Areas of clear water and weeds are usually better than areas of dark or murky water for fishing at night. A key factor is that bass won’t have to move far from their daytime hideouts to their feeding areas.<br />Fishing after dark calls for being familiar with the water and knowing that the area is free of stumps, shoals or other hazards. You should also know the depths, structure and other areas where the bass are likely to be so you can quietly approach them using landmarks as guides. It is a good idea to be out on the water in prime areas before sunset to orient yourself and get your gear ready. <br />Often the fishing will be good in the last hour or two before sunset. You will probably find that the period right after sunset is slow fishing. It usually takes an hour for the fish to acclimate their eyes to the darkness before they are ready to feed again.<br />Fishing after dark calls for extra caution. In addition to PFDs and lights, you should be sure to include a jacket and insect repellent. Make sure you have long-nosed pliers because trying to lip-lock a bass in the dark is an invitation to disaster. Check the shoreline or other landmarks and carry a compass because even familiar waters will appear strange after dark. <br />Bill Batdorf favors top water lures like Jitterbugs. He suggests darker colors for darkest nights, since bass see the lure on the surface as a silhouette. Other top water lures include Chug Bugs or various poppers. Bill usually employs a steady retrieve because that gives bass a chance to zero in on the movement. If that doesn’t work, you can vary the speed of your retrieve.<br />Although most bass anglers like lures that create noise such as top water chuggers, lures with “propellers” or spinner baits, other bass lures will also catch fish at night. Some anglers who are skillful with plastic worms use these at night as well. Remember that key considerations are getting the lure through and out of the weeds and cover, and the ease of unhooking bass afterwards.<br />There are countless ponds or lakes, large and small, that are suitable for night bass fishing. You are actually better off trying some of the smaller ponds since it is easier to familiarize yourself with the cover, etc. <br />Brown trout are another species that lends itself to night fishing. Browns are warier than brook or rainbow trout and often spend the daylight hours in deep water or heavy cover during the summer days. Night anglers often catch some lunker browns that most people would not believe inhabited those streams.<br />Again it is imperative to know the stream you are fishing. Be familiar with the depths, the current and the bottom structure. Know the area so you can almost cast to the areas from memory since you will not be able to see much in the dark. Although the big browns are often cruising the pools, you may still find them close to their normal hideouts.<br />Have a light handy, but be careful not to shine it on the water or you will put down the big browns who should be out feeding. Typically these monsters will be cruising the pools or feeding in the riffles at the head of pools.<br />Nightcrawlers, salted minnows or big streamer flies and Wooly Buggers are my baits or lures of choice. Some other anglers, however, are successful using smaller streamers or flies, as well as Phoebes, Mepps spinners or small spoons.<br />In the next few weeks the water temperatures will remain warmer and days will still be bright and sunny. Thus it is still a good time to be fishing at night. Give it a try and you may be surprised at what goes slurp in the dark of the night. <br />SHORT CASTS<br />Larry Chandler: Sportsmen and the Central New York community lost a good friend last week when Larry Chandler passed away. Most people knew Larry as a pleasant and warm personality who practically always had a smile on his face. His easy going nature belied his hard work, dedication and sense of responsibility to his community and sportsmen’s issues.<br />One of Larry’s greatest loves was the Boy Scouts of America and he spent countless hours serving and leading in many capacities. He was also a long time instructor for Hunter Safety and put in many days teaching youngsters the safe and ethical practices of hunting. He also served as Hunting Safety Coordinator for the Oneida County area.<br />Larry aided the causes of many sporting organizations and projects including the Vernon Rod & Gun Club, Oneida County Federation of Sportsmen, youth turkey and goose hunts and the New York State Outdoorsmen Hall of Fame. Larry was an inductee of the New York State Outdoorsmen Hall of Fame as befitting someone who contributed so much to the preservation of outdoor sports and conservation.<br />Our organizations and area are much richer because of his efforts. Larry Chandler will be missed as a sportsman, a member of the community and a friend. <br />BPS Women’s Workshop: Bass Pro Shops in North Utica will continue its Fall Classic education series this weekend with a women’s workshop. The Women’s Hunting Workshop will be held on August 29 at 3 p.m. The workshop is free and first 25 women to attend will receive a free tumbler.Leo Maloneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03681680448214089241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5590116732040479558.post-83912237716453644702015-08-12T15:55:00.001-07:002015-08-12T15:55:58.232-07:00Catch and release: Use care and common senseThe famous fly fisherman and star of the TV show “American Sportsman” Lee Wulff popularized the saying that a great game fish was too valuable to only catch once. Lee Wulff’s fishing adventures often stressed catch and release and demonstrated how to properly do it. But Wulff was not rigid or dogmatic about the idea. He would say that it was also proper to keep a few fish to eat. Moderation and common sense should be the angler’s guidelines.<br />In a recent column we discussed the idea that catch and release often a good thing, especially in areas of high fishing pressure or for species that are naturally propagated instead of raised in a hatchery. That column focused more on the methods of safe handling and care for fish so they can be released successfully.<br />One thing worth repeating is that it is usually better to release the fish while it is still in the water whenever possible. This is especially true when dealing with large fish like northern pike. Mike Seymour is a guide on the St. Lawrence River who guides clients for muskies, bass and pike. Often his clients will hook a nice-sized pike and bring it alongside the boat. The angler smiles and asks Captain Mike Seymour how much he thinks it weighs. Mike nods and says “well right now it is a 10 pounder. But if we bring it into the boat it will weigh 7 pounds.” The angler grins and says OK, while Mike deftly uses his pliers to unhook the pike and watch it swim away.<br />As a guide and a sportsman, Mike Seymour quietly stresses the importance of the practice of catch and release. Throughout the season Mike or his son regularly catch big muskies and quickly photograph and release them. This has been an ethic stressed for many years by most muskie fisherman. These elusive and mysterious fish have increased in both size and number in the St. Lawrence in recent years due to this common practice. <br />Two things, however, must be kept in mind when fishing: It does not do any good to release the fish if you are careless and do not handle the fish carefully. Secondly, this is a guideline and should not be a dogmatic, black and white issue either way. <br />It is more important to practice this where the fish population is pressured, numbers are limited and much of the population comes from natural propagation. Save the River, a conservation-based organization on the St. Lawrence River, is stressing limiting the number of smallmouth bass that you keep while fishing. Numbers of smallmouth bass have declined sharply in recent years due to several factors, mainly the presence of the predatory round gobies which raid the nests.<br />But if there are large numbers, or many of that species come from hatchery stock, that is a different situation. You should not feel guilty or be ostracized if you keep some fish for the frying pan. As long as you do it – like most things – in moderation the resource will not be harmed.<br />Very few people believe in catch and release for walleye. One factor is that walleye are good tasting and that is the reason people fish for them. It certainly is not the excitement of fighting them. Walleye are also stocked by the DEC so the majority of the population comes from this stock.<br />Of course king and Coho salmon are going to die after spawning so there is no reason to feel guilty. Some people release them so they can continue fishing and others may have the chance to catch the same fish. But the great taste of salmon and the numbers of stocked fish means most will naturally end up on the grill.<br />When releasing fish with care you should minimize the time out of the water. Using barbless hooks and using pliers makes it easier to release a fish. Wet your hands to minimize removing protective slime when you have to handle fish. Take some quick photos and carefully put it back in the water, or put it in the live well to be photographed later.<br />If you do have to net a large fish like a muskie to unhook it, place a wet towel over its eyes to keep it from thrashing about the boat. Do not lift it vertically since this unnatural position can put great stress on its organs. <br />Grabbing a bass by the lower lip can immobilize it, but do not try to force it into a horizontal position using this grip. If you need to take a horizontal photo, use your other hand to support the fish underneath. Pike can be immobilized by firmly gripping the fish over the gill plates or using a “spreader.” Never grab any fish through the gills.<br />Lifting a trout up under its belly seems to temporarily relax or immobilize them. Again a quick photo, or even one in the shallow water will provide memories or proof of your catch to your friends.<br />When I was a youngster I practiced a lot of catch and release even before it was popular. Part of the reason was that I wanted to insure lots of fish to catch later and part of the reason was that I was too lazy to clean many fish. We always had a rule to keep any big brown trout. Part of it was the desire to show off a trophy, and part of it was the fact that big browns are cannibals and clean out a pool by eating all the small trout. Today some fishing clubs or leases have similar rules.<br />Keep in mind that you are fishing to enjoy the experience and if you catch some fish the experience is even more rewarding. If you are going to keep some fish for the grill, just consider the circumstances and do it in moderation. <br />SHORT CASTS<br />Shorter Fall Turkey Hunting Seasons: The NYS DEC has adopted new regulations to shorten fall turkey hunting seasons in New York State due to a declining turkey population across the state. The new fall seasons are two weeks long with a statewide season bag limit of one bird of either sex. Season dates vary regionally with the season in the Northern Zone running October 1–14 and the Southern Zone running October 17–30.<br />The new fall hunting season structure is based on the results of research conducted by DEC. Based on those studies, DEC concluded that the best way to enhance turkey populations while maintaining some fall hunting opportunity was to offer a two-week season in all areas of the state.<br />Youth Goose Hunt: The Oneida County Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs and ECOs are again teaming up to offer a special youth goose hunt to youngsters who may not otherwise have the opportunity to go goose hunting. Youngsters must have completed their hunter safety course beforehand. <br />There will be a meeting with parents, ECOs and hunter mentors; target practice and other preparation for the next day’s hunt. This year’s hunt will take place on the weekend of Sept. 19 and 20. Youngsters will have the opportunity to learn the skills necessary for goose hunting and then actually experience it with the guidance of an ECO or hunter mentor in the field.<br />The program is open to youths ages 12–17. A small game license and an HIP number are necessary for all youngsters. Youths ages 16-17 will also need a federal wildfowl stamp. Interested participants should contact Scott Faulkner (225-0192), ECO Steve Lakeman (734-0648) or ECO Ric Grisolini (240-6966) for an application for this program. Space in the program is limited so be sure to register immediately.<br />Special Opportunity To Visit Restricted Refuges: The public will have a special opportunity to visit restricted portions of three Wildlife Management Areas (WMA) in Jefferson and St. Lawrence counties starting Saturday, Aug. 15 and continuing through Sunday, Aug. 30. Opening these refuge wetland areas to the public for a limited period gives visitors a chance to connect with nature through hiking, canoeing and bird watching, with minimal impacts on wildlife.” <br />During the 16-day period, Perch River WMA in Jefferson County and Upper and Lower Lakes and Wilson Hill WMAs in St. Lawrence County, including their wetland restricted areas, will be open to visitors each day from sunrise to sunset, except for Perch Lake, which opens at noon. For most of the year, these wetlands are off limits to the public to provide feeding and resting areas for migratory waterfowl. <br />The restricted wetland areas are also used by a number of New York State’s endangered, threatened and rare species including bald eagles, black terns and northern harriers (marsh hawks), among others. By late August, the nesting and brooding season is mostly complete and the fall migration period has not yet begun, enabling DEC to allow public access. <br />For additional information, bird lists and maps, contact DECs Regional Wildlife Office at 315-785-2263 or visit the DEC web page at http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/8282.html.<br />DEC Seeks Participants For Summer Turkey Survey: The DEC has encouraged New Yorkers to participate in a survey for wild turkeys throughout the month of August. Participants can record observations of turkeys while exploring the forests and fields around their home or driving. <br />Weather, predation and habitat conditions during the breeding and brood-rearing seasons can all significantly impact nest success, hen survival and poult survival. This index allows DEC to gauge reproductive success and predict fall harvest potential.<br />During the month of August, survey participants record the sex and age composition of all flocks of wild turkeys observed during normal travel. Those that would like to participate can download a Summer Wild Turkey Sighting Survey form from the DEC website: http://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/48732.html. Detailed instructions can be found with the data sheet. Survey cards can also be obtained by contacting your regional DEC office, by calling (518) 402-8886, or by e-mailing wildlife@dec.ny.gov (type “Turkey Survey” in the subject line).Leo Maloneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03681680448214089241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5590116732040479558.post-36990469606746981952015-08-05T11:47:00.001-07:002015-08-05T11:47:01.270-07:00Coyotes are here to stay<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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In Aztec lore, the coyote was known as “God’s Dog” because of its mysterious ways and intelligence. The Navajo believed that the coyote would be the last creature on earth because of its cleverness and ability to adapt to changing conditions.<br />Some people have other names or labels for the coyote, many of which cannot be printed in a family publication. Coyotes do create a lot of strong feelings and many people despise them while others like them. Of course we know that some people like to stick their hands into snake infested waters and blindly “noodle” for catfish, some like to hunt wild boar and kill them by stabbing them with a big knife and some other people even like to drink warm beer.<br />Personally I hate coyotes. There, I’ve said it and gotten that out of the way. My personal reasons will be evident later. <br />Coyotes are often referred to as “coy-dogs” or “brush wolves.” The coy-dog label came about when they first appeared in the 1960s in significant numbers and people attributed their larger size to the possibility of interbreeding with dogs. Although they can, and have sometimes in the past, that is very rare today. They usually have different breeding cycles and coyotes certainly have no problem finding mates these days. They are much more likely to kill the dogs rather than mate with them.<br />The term brush wolf comes from their larger size than the western coyotes. This is actually due to interbreeding with wolves as they migrated east. Scientists have determined that the genetic makeup of the eastern coyote contains genetic similarity with the red wolf and this has created a distinct subspecies with larger size and some distinct behavior patterns.<br />Eastern coyotes usually weigh about 30–40 pounds but many larger males have been taken. Their big bushy tail makes them seem even larger. When some people see this large member of the canid family in the fields or their backyard they often wonder if they are seeing a timber wolf. Timber wolves are considerably larger, usually weighing 90–100 pounds, have shorter rounded ears and a blunter muzzle.<br />Coyotes usually live in pairs rather than packs as wolves do. However, the young of the year and other unmated females may form packs for hunting in fall and winter. Coyotes make a variety of calls and their howls and other sounds can often be heard on a late summer or autumn night.<br />The female coyote gives birth to the pups in spring and typically has three to five pups, although they sometimes give birth to as many as 10 or 12. The young are raised in a den, hollow log or under a ledge and stay in that area for three or four months until they are old enough to travel and hunt with the adults.<br />Coyotes eat a wide variety of things ranging from fruits to large mammals. Because they are predatory in nature, most of their diet consists of mice, small rodents, woodchucks, rabbits, beaver, birds, turkey and deer. One farmer told me how coyotes in the area would hear his tractor mowing hay and after he had made about three or four passes around the field the female and the pups would appear and spend an hour pouncing on the now vulnerable field mice in the freshly mown hay.<br />Coyotes are also a major predator on turkey and wildlife biologists know that they take a toll on hen turkeys while they are nesting. I have had coyotes come in to the sound of my calling or the tom turkey gobbling and mess up several of my hunts. <br />Once I had a coyote sneak in towards my decoys while I was calling and when it saw my movement in the shadows, it turned and bounded straight for me. I grabbed my shotgun and yelled but before I could get off a shot, the coyote realized its mistake and spun and dodged behind some trees as it sped away.<br />Another time I was goose hunting and heard something on the opposite side of a stonewall. As I rose up to take a look I came face-to-face with a coyote at a distance of three feet. That time we both jumped back in total surprise. Some hunters have not been so lucky and have been pounced on from behind and bitten while turkey hunting. The coyotes usually got away when they realized their mistake but the hunters had to undergo the shots for rabies vaccine.<br />Coyotes take a fairly heavy toll of fawns. One ESF study confirmed this but their conclusion was that the effect was minimal “since most predation occurs in spring.” Duh! That is when fawns are born! That is like saying most injuries from snowball fights occur in winter.<br />In some areas coyotes kill a substantial number of adult deer in winter. This is usually in areas of deep snow like the Adirondacks. Deer cannot travel fast in the deep snow and the packs of coyotes travel on top of the snow and soon surround and pull down the deer.<br />Coyotes also make a habit of attacking beagles while they are hunting rabbits. The sound of a baying hound brings the coyotes in to attack and kill the beagle. Some dismiss this as the instinctive behavior of coyotes to not tolerate other canids during the period when they have young. However, this practice of coyotes is year-around, not just when they have young (which is after rabbit hunting season).<br />This year I have had three friends call me about coyotes in their backyard asking if it was a coyote or wolf and ask if it were dangerous. Yes, they are coyotes. No, they are not normally dangerous to humans (unless they mistake you for the game while you are hunting). Seeing them in broad daylight in your yard does not mean that they are rabid, although you should never take chances. It does mean that they have been accustomed to humans and are becoming bolder.<br />Since coyotes are well-entrenched in suburban, or even urban areas, they have quickly learned that cats and small dogs are easier prey than rabbits or woodchucks which can escape into their dens. In some areas where the coyotes are particularly bold, people have armed themselves with stout walking sticks or even cattle prods when out walking their small lap dogs.<br />Coyotes are definitely intelligent and adaptable. Most of the time we do not see them although we will see the signs in our neighborhoods if we are observant enough. The danger, especially to small pets or possibly small children, comes when coyotes become habituated to humans and become especially bold.<br />During the open season (usually October 1 through March 31) coyotes can be trapped or hunted. Hunting is usually done with hounds or by calling them in with calls of a dying rabbit or other prey.<br />It takes intensive hunting to significantly reduce coyote numbers in a given area. But you can reduce the actual number slightly and make the survivors more cautious and wary of humans. Coyotes are here to stay so the best we can do is to learn how to live with them and possibly take advantage of the sport they may offer.<br />Youth Goose Hunt <br />The Oneida County Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs and ECOs are again teaming up to offer a special youth goose hunt to youngsters who may not otherwise have the opportunity to go goose hunting. Youngsters must have completed their hunter safety course beforehand. <br />There will be a meeting with parents, ECOs and hunter mentors; target practice and other preparation for the next day’s hunt. This year’s hunt will take place on the weekend of September 19 and 20. Youngsters will have the opportunity to learn the skills necessary for goose hunting and then actually experience it with the guidance of an ECO or hunter mentor in the field.<br />The program is open to youths ages 12–17. A small game license and an HIP number is necessary for all youngsters. Youths ages 16-17 will also need a federal wildfowl stamp. Interested participants should contact Scott Faulkner (225-0192), ECO Steve Lakeman (734-0648) or ECO Ric Grisolini (240-6966) for an application for this program. Space in the program is limited so be sure to register early.<br />
<br />Leo Maloneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03681680448214089241noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5590116732040479558.post-5954348988995864592015-07-22T12:08:00.001-07:002015-07-22T12:08:29.986-07:00Enjoying summer despite the weather<br /><i>“Hello muddah, hello faddah.<br />Here I am at Camp Granada.<br />Camp is very entertaining.<br />And they say we’ll have some fun if it stops raining!”</i><br /><br />A lot of us of a certain age remember the words of that pop song by Allan Sherman from many summers ago. It certainly rang true during June and even a lot of the first half of July. Rain put a damper on a lot of activities (pun intended) from camping to boating, or even backyard barbecues. Trout fishing on streams is usually good during a rain but sometimes the heavy rains caused very high water conditions. In any case, fishing in a stream or from a boat during a thunderstorm is not recommended.<br />My wife and I had a good time camping near Old Forge for two weeks. We managed to dodge most of the rainstorms and had some good kayaking trips on Stillwater, the Moose River, Big Moose Lake and “Black Bear Lake” among others. Of course one of the reasons that we like Old Forge is that we have a list of things to do in the event of nasty weather.<br />One of those things is to visit View (the Arts Center) where they have some excellent exhibits. Currently the theme is “For the Birds” with some outstanding exhibits of mixed media on birds, wildlife paintings of Ed Williams, the Natural Side of Things by David Kiehm as well as the outstanding photo exhibits by Sue Kiesel and Melissa Groo. Put it on your list of things to do, rain or shine.<br />It was sort of like Old Home Day at the campground with many Sherrill or other area residents enjoying the Adirondacks as well. The Tiffin clan from Sherrill had a family camping reunion as did the Balch families. Others that we spent time with included Ed and Maxine Kimball, Joe Robinson and Sandy and Chuck Boryss. Pete and Carol Dwyer and all their children and grandchildren were reunited for a week in Inlet. We were fortunate to be invited to join again and spent a fun evening discussing new events and old times.<br />Fishing was fair but spotty. One day I could do well on bass and the next time I would have to work to take a few small ones. Most of the bass were scattered but found in relative shallow water since the waters were still cooler than normal for this time of year. Sinking worms and wobbling spoons usually provided the most action.<br />My friends Al Beans and Mike Seymour have reported that fishing is still only fair on the St. Lawrence River. At both the Thousand Islands and downriver near Ogdensburg the bass fishing has been slow although the pike were a bit more predictable.<br />Hopefully the weather will improve and people can enjoy more summer activities without keeping an eye on the weather every minute. Whether it’s camping, sailing, paddling, fishing, hiking or waterskiing, get out and enjoy you. Schedule a vacation, a get-away weekend or even an afternoon at the beach. Don’t put it off any longer. Summer is already half over!<br />Adirondack Railroad Future<br />Earlier this month while I was away on vacation the DEC and DOT released the state’s plans for the Adirondack Railroad. We have covered this issue previously and reported that the state was going to release its revised Unit Management Plan (UMP) for the railroad. The UMP as presented appears to be a compromise but in reality the sportsmen and average tourists were thrown under the bus (train engine?).<br />Apparently giving in to the moneyed interests and the organized media campaign of those who want to tear up the railroad, the state announced that it will tear up the tracks from Tupper Lake to Lake Placid and replace it with a deluxe hiking and biking trail at a cost of over $11 million dollars.<br />It plans to keep and rehabilitate the tracks from Big Moose to Tupper Lake. It would also create a new snowmobile trail connecting to Beaver River and create a hut-to-hut cross country ski trail along the tracks in this remote section.<br />There are several problems with this plan. The economic viability of the railroad will depend on tourists going to Lake Placid. No offense meant to the good people living there, but Tupper Lake is not a destination that is going to attract many people! The economic stability and regular runs through this Wilderness Area will affect the sportsmen who want to use this drop-off service for camping, fishing, paddling and hunting.<br />Meanwhile we will have a multi-million dollar trail for locals to walk their dogs or jog on before or after work. Serious hikers want to climb the high peaks or remote areas, not a railroad bed. And there is no provision for maintenance of such a trail. The state is strapped to maintain the simple hiking trails they have now.<br />My opinions have been stated before and are well known. If you need more specific information, check the website www.adirondackoutdoorsmagazine.com for an article on potential for sportsmen in the Spring (March) 2015 issue or an editorial in the Fall (September) 2014 issue. If you care about this as a tourist, sportsmen, or just for the economic health of the communities like Utica, Old Forge, etc. then take the time to write by the deadline of July 27.<br />Comments may be mailed to either John Schmid, NYSDEC, 625 Broadway, Albany, NY 12233 or Dawn Klemm, NYSDOT Region 2, Utica State Office Building, 207 Genesee St., Utica, NY 13501 or e-mailed to adirondackpark@dec.ny.gov. Don’t put this off. You can bet that the “Meanie-Greenie” environmental extremists are already at work deluging these offices with letters advocating tearing up the entire track.<br />Kayaking 101<br />Kayaks continue to grow in popularity at a record pace. More people are buying new or used ones and joining in the fun. We have discussed the attractions of kayaking and considerations in choosing a kayak previously.<br />Of course it is a good idea to get advice from a experienced kayaker or expert or even take a course in kayaking. But if you are renting one, borrowing a friends, or have just bought one, there are a few things to consider. These basic things include getting in and out, as well as paddling. None are on a level of running whitewater rapids, but nonetheless there are some things to keep in mind.<br />Don’t plan on getting into or out of a kayak without at least getting your feet wet. You definitely cannot step into one from a dock like you would getting onto a bass boat or party barge. Kayaks have very little initial stability (i.e. they tend to tip until you are seated) but have excellent secondary stability – that is once you are seated they are really very stable.<br />First the kayak should be floating in water. Ideally this is ankle deep water over a solid sandy or gravel bottom. Some people simply straddle the kayak, grip each side, and plop themselves backward into the seat. It’s not graceful, but it works. An easier way is to stand beside it, grip both sides, and step one foot squarely in the center. While maintaining your hold, lean over the kayak and let yourself down into the seat.<br />There is absolutely no graceful way to exit a kayak but at least you can remain dry. Float the kayak into the shallow water or even partially on a sandy beach. Reach slightly forward and grip both sides of the cockpit. Swing one foot over the side into the shallow water and when you have solid footing, pull yourself up with your arms. Maintaining a hold for balance, step out with the other foot. <br />Some people that I know (but won’t mention any names!) prefer the “beached whale” method. Essentially they paddle up at an angle onto the shore and simply flop over sideways and crawl out. This has the added bonus of providing entertainment for the others in the group or any bystanders.<br />Paddles should not be used like canoe paddles. Don’t dig deeply into the water as if you were paddling a war canoe. Keep your paddle fairly level with the water surface and think of it as reaching out ahead of you and pulling yourself through the water. Anything else is a waste of your energy.<br />Some people like their paddle blades even, while others prefer to “feather” them or offset the blades at angles of 30 to 45 degrees. Definitely do NOT use them to pole or push off from land! The fiberglass or carbon fiber blades are not meant to be used as some old wooden stick.Leo Maloneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03681680448214089241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5590116732040479558.post-56875507730723636862015-07-17T13:32:00.000-07:002015-07-17T13:32:01.295-07:00Enjoy Lake Ontario fishing aboard family friendly charters<br />A southwest breeze ripples the water and provides cooling relief from the warm summer sun. A charter boat trolls in the predetermined course searching the blue-green waters for a variety of gamefish. Overhead the gulls circle and search for bait fish as if they were miniature para-sailers. The only sounds are the raucous call of the gulls, the creak of the downrigger cables, and the animated conversation of the passengers as they anticipate fishing action.<br />Suddenly there is the excited call of “fish on!” and one of the passengers grabs the rod from its holder while others await orders from the captain as to what they should do next. After a battle with a powerful fish, the quarry is brought to the boat, netted and brought aboard to the excited calls of congratulations and admiration for the fish.<br />Welcome to the world of Lake Ontario fishing. World class fishing for bass, trout and salmon exists a mere hour or two away. And if you don’t have a big sea-worthy boat equipped for Lake Ontario fishing, there are many professional charters that can give you the experience and excitement. One such locally owned charter is “Family Style Fishing Charters” that operates out of Fair Haven, just west of Oswego.<br />I was reminded of this great fishing adventure recently as I read the fishing reports sent weekly from my friends Bill Hilts of Niagara County or Mike Waterhouse of Orleans County. Recently the Lake Ontario anglers have been taking a variety of trout and salmon in the top 50 feet of the water column over depths of 150–200 feet. Spoons have been the top lure but a variety of techniques including downriggers, dipsy divers, planer boards or lead line have all produced fish.<br />There are a lot of skilled charter captains on Lake Ontario who will help you catch fish and show you a good time. I have fished with many of them from Henderson Harbor to the Niagara River. There are also skilled local residents who maintain their boats and operate charters on Lake Ontario. <br />One such charter is “Family Style Fishing Charters” operated by the Lucason family from Camden. They run their new Baha 277 GLE fishing boat out of Fair Haven and can easily access the areas that fish are found at different times of the season. The boat is well equipped with the latest electronics and fishing gear such as downriggers for catching everything from brown trout to Chinook salmon.<br />Captain Phil Lucason has always had a passion for fishing and wanted to share it with others. His family shares this same enthusiasm and is involved in the charters, thus one reason for the name. The boat is named Morgan-E after his two daughters Morgan and Elizabeth, who often act as first mates. I can personally attest that they are very nice young ladies and extremely enthusiastic and knowledgeable anglers.<br />Another key part of the concept of “family style” charters comes from Captain Phil’s approach. His calm, friendly approach makes fishermen and women of all ages and skill levels feel welcome. Anglers can help out as much or as little as they want. <br />Some charter captains do not want their clients to set the hook, or net the fish, etc. because their main goal is to put as many fish in the box (cooler) as possible and they don’t want to take a chance on someone losing a fish at the boat. By contrast, the Lucasons believe that fishing should be a learning and fun-filled experience. So for whatever role you feel comfortable with, Captain Phil will instruct and guide you and let you enjoy the whole experience.<br />The Morgan-E is large enough to accommodate four people comfortably but can handle up to six people, especially families with children. Deep gunnels keep you inside the boat safely and the stand-up head is convenient.<br />Even the pricing is family friendly with reasonable rates. There are a variety of trip lengths ranging from four-hour evening trips to the standard six or eight hour trips, and the custom 10 hours of fishing with several options, including a split outing.<br />If you are looking for a good time for the entire group and a great fishing experience for the entire family, think about Lake Ontario this summer. Whether you are novices, or serious experienced anglers you should seriously consider Family Style Fishing Charters. Call Captain Phil Lucason at 315-709-9958 or goodtrolling@aol.com. Check the website at www.familystylefishingcharters.com. World class fishing is practically at your doorstep.<br />SHORT CASTS<br />Staycations: With many families today the issue of both spouses getting the same vacation time is a big problem. Even if they do manage to get time for a family vacation there is still a lot of summer that cries out to be enjoyed. <br />For day trips consider the many state parks like Verona Beach, Delta Lake, Chittenango Falls or Green Lakes. Hiking trails the beach, and swimming offer a day’s fun for the youngsters. Check out the sandy beach at Sylvan Beach and enjoy the beautiful sunset.<br />Toss in the canoe or boat at small area waters like Lebanon Reservoir, Eatonbrook Reservoir, Lelands Pond or Stony Pond. Fishing and paddling can also be enjoyed at places like Prospect Pond or Redfield Reservoir.<br />Enjoy a family outing in nature at locations like Great Swamp Conservancy near Canastota or the Rome Fish Hatchery. A little further away but still an easy day trip are locations like Highland Forest, Beaver Lake Nature Center, Salmon River Falls and Montezuma Wildlife Refuge.<br />If you are taking the kids fishing make sure it is some place where they have a chance for action and success as well as be secure. Consider the aforementioned ponds or the deep water docks and fishing access for Oneida Lake at Cleveland or some small stream like Oriskany Creek.<br />There are lots of places for a parent to take the kids or even whole families enjoy an afternoon together. The important thing is to get out and take advantage of the resources in Central New York instead of sitting around home and spending your time in wishful thinking.<br />Fishing Line Hazards: Regular readers of this column know that discarded fishing line is one of my pet peeves. It is hazardous to wildlife, dangerous for humans and harmful to boats. Break-offs and tangles are going to happen but there is a lot we can do to minimize this. Certainly avoiding fishing in places like launch sites and picking up discarded line are easy things that everyone can do.<br />DEC reports that approximately 12 eagles or their chicks die every year because of being entangled in line, often with a fish attached. Countless other wildlife perishes because of the tangles of monofilament left in or around the waters.<br />Many of these snags are caused by using sinkers in combination with bobbers. In most cases you might need one or the other, not both. When snags do occur you can usually break the line at the knot by the hook, the weakest part of the line. You don’t want to pull on the line since monofilament can cut into your skin. But simply wrapping your hand with a fishing towel, or in the case of stronger monofilament just wrap it around your body by taking a couple turns and stepping back will break the line close to the snag. This way you will not leave a long length of monofilament to entangle wildlife or canoeists who might be wading in the area.<br />Golden Park Program: If you are a NYS resident 62 or older on any weekday (except holidays) you can obtain free vehicle access to state parks and arboreteums. Simply present your current valid NYS Driver’s License. This policy applies both to Office of Parks and Recreation and DEC facilities.<br />Chef’s Choice Knife Sharpener: With the arrival of summer we will be using our knives a lot more. Whether it is fish fillet knives or knives for our backyard steak cookout, we want them to be sharp. A great aid for the outdoorsman or homeowner is the Chef’s Choice Diamond Hone Knife Sharpener 445. It is a professional manual sharpener for all types of knives that uses diamond abrasives to give incredibly sharp, long-lasting edges. There are two stages or slots for sharpening and then honing the edge. It is easy to use with either right or left hand and slip-resistant rubber feet to hold fast to the work surface. You won’t have any more excuses for dull knives at your home. www.chefschoice.comLeo Maloneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03681680448214089241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5590116732040479558.post-278426373856922762015-07-08T11:48:00.001-07:002015-07-08T11:48:58.932-07:00Adirondacks provide great experiences a short distance away<br />The evening sun casts a soft glow on the waters of an Adirondack Lake marked only by the rising of fish, a couple of canoes of fishermen and families of ducks swimming along the shore. The smell of a campfire mingles with the scent of pine and balsam while the silence is broken by the plaintive call of the loon. Sitting by the lakeshore and watching a deer or an osprey, it is easy to forget about the outside world and the daily pressures and chores.<br />You can find this scene many places in the central Adirondacks. But the nice thing about this area is that it also offers much more and while you enjoy the solitude of the wild the services, fine restaurants, other accommodations or any of the other attractions can be just a few miles away.<br />Although fishing for brook trout in small streams or ponds and pursuing rainbow or lake trout in the larger lakes gets attention, the fishing for bass in lakes and ponds is often overlooked. A great thing is that you can hike or paddle to remote fishing areas that you will have virtually to yourself. Or if you prefer you can rent a boat or launch your own on the Fulton Chain of Lakes to fish for lake trout, landlocked salmon, northern pike, tiger muskie, largemouth and smallmouth bass.<br />Paddling opportunities abound from the Moose River to smaller bodies of water like Moss Lake. Pick up your free booklet “Adirondack Waterways” at either Old Forge or Inlet Visitor Centers. One of our favorite places is Limekiln Lake which is becoming a pilgrimage for fans of Mitch Lee’s writings just as “Black Bear Lake” is for fans of Ann LaBastille or Walden Pond for disciples of Henry David Thoreau.<br />There are countless miles of hiking trails that range from short and easy to longer and more challenging day hikes. Bald Mountain, Rocky Point and Black Bear Mountain are easy to moderate hikes that offer great views. But there are many miles of interesting trails such as Bubb and Sis Lakes or trails in the Moose River Plains.<br />The Moose River Plains is a unique area with dirt roads giving access to campsites, hiking trails, fishing in ponds or streams and viewing wildlife. Stop in at the Inlet Information Office for a map and some expert advice from Mitch Lee. Maybe you will get lucky and see a moose.<br />The Old Forge–Inlet area offers all the usual outdoor and water sports like boating or swimming, etc. in a beautiful setting. But there are many rainy day activities, including the “View” Arts Center in Old Forge which is continually changing its excellent exhibits. Other activities range from the concerts by the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra in Inlet, Arts in the Park festival at Inlet, horseback riding, seaplane rides, golf at Inlet or Thendara or the Adirondack Scenic Railroad. Space does not permit listing all the things to do or places to go, so check on the tourism centers in Inlet (www.inletny.com) 1-866-GO INLET or Old Forge (www.oldforgeny.com) 369-6983.<br />Looking for the longest water ride in the central Adirondacks? It’s the Moose River. For leisurely, gentle flowing and scenic paddling you cannot beat the North Branch or the Middle Branch just below Old Forge. A trip from North St. Bridge gives you an eight-mile trip back to Old Forge in about four hours. Add two hours to your trip by starting at Rondaxe Lake. Rent canoes or kayaks from Tickners on Riverside Drive or arrange their shuttle service for your own vessels.<br />You can go down the Middle Branch to Lock & Dam in about an hour’s leisurely paddle. Or take the River and Rail where you paddle down the Middle Branch for four hours and you and canoe or kayak ride the train back to Old Forge. This is a fabulous adventure that operates Thursday through Sunday. Contact Tickners Moose River Outfitters (369-6286) for reservations or more information. They don’t just rent you a boat; they help plan your adventure. Trust me – they are the best.<br />If you are looking to get off the beaten path or try something new this summer contact Scott Locorini of Adirondack Exposure. From day trips to longer adventures you can choose from rafting, kayaking or canoeing, hiking, woodcraft skills and fishing. Check out his line of canoes and kayaks, accessories and fishing gear at his headquarters near Okara Lake two miles south of Old Forge. Call 369-6699 for more information.<br />Accommodations range from motels, bed and breakfast inns, rental cottages or campgrounds. State campgrounds at Nicks Lake, Eighth Lake and Limekiln Lake offer nice facilities or you can opt for primitive camping at Moss Lake or the Moose River Plains as well as other locations. Check the web sites mentioned above for complete listings.<br />In the meantime be sure to include the central Adirondacks in your summer plans. Whether it’s a vacation, get-away weekend or several day trips, take advantage of this great area at our doorstep. As they say the good roads make it easy to get there; the mountains make it hard to leave.<br />SHORT CASTS<br />Dylan Clute’s big catch: Dylan Clute shares his family’s love of fishing and is already an accomplished fisherman but even he got a surprise on a family outing to North Carolina. The family was staying at the Outer Banks and fishing off Oceanic Pier when Dylan realized that he had a big fish on. He was using shrimp bait and weighted to get to the bottom when the big fish hit and started taking his line. Dylan tried to reel but could not budge the fish. He held on for 45 minutes and was getting pretty tired when he could finally get the fish close to the pier where his family could net it for him. To his, and everyone’s, surprise he had hooked a huge stingray. They weighed it in the net and it topped out at 52 pounds! The monster was carefully unhooked and released but it is an experience that Dylan will probably never forget.<br />Adirondack Railroad UMP: The state recently announced that it was opening the Unit Management Plan that they had previously adopted for the Adirondack Railroad. To the surprise of no one but the disappointment of many, the state plans a so-called “compromise.” It plans to keep and rehabilitate the tracks from Old Forge to Tupper Lake. But bowing to the supposed popular sentiment and money of certain influential people, they intend to tear up the railroad tracks from Tupper Lake to Lake Placid and replace it with a multi-million hiking trail. Tourists wishing to travel to lake Placid and the viability of the railroad are disregarded but the locals will have a deluxe trail to bicycle, jog or walk their dogs on. Comments will be accepted by email at NYStravelcorridor@dot.ny.gov.<br />Decoy and Wildlife Art Show: The 47th annual Decoy/Wildlife Art and Sporting Collectibles Show Sale will be held in Clayton on July 17 and 18. The event will be held at the Cerow Recreation Park Arena on Route 12 in Clayton from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. on both days. There will be many carved decoys, paintings, others carvings and art for display and auctions. Friday will kick off the event with a traditional shore dinner served from 4–8 p.m. For additional information contact the Thousand Islands Museum at 315-686-5794 or see www.timuseum.org.<br />Free Guided Adirondack Hikes: The Town of Long Lake is offering free guided hiking trips throughout the summer based from Long Lake. Participants will be taken by shuttlebus from Long Lake to the various trailheads. The hikes will be led by NYS certified and experienced guides Spencer Morrissey and Joan Collins who always provide excellent trips and interesting facts along the way. Register now since these popular trips will fill up fast. The dates, itineraries and descriptions of the distance, and other information. can be found on the website: mylonglake.com.Leo Maloneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03681680448214089241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5590116732040479558.post-57702554338403487772015-07-01T10:30:00.002-07:002015-07-01T10:30:49.411-07:00New products for summer<br />
With the summer season getting into high gear this holiday weekend, people will be spending more time outdoors. Whether it is our backyards, weekend fishing trips, camping or other vacation activities, most people will be enjoying the outdoors whenever weather and time permit. New technology or improvements in gadgets make the summer more enjoyable.<br />
Although I am definitely not a ”techie,” I do appreciate the new products that make our outdoor experience easier or more enjoyable. If you are still using the same old gear from your first outing, you might want to consider an upgrade.<br />
Thermacell Camp Lantern: Thermacell is introducing the new durable, water-resistant Repellent Camp Lantern that provides bright light and repels mosquitoes. With a heavy-duty rubberized base, 50 hours of light at its highest setting and the ability to keep mosquitoes, black flies and no-see-ums at bay, this lantern makes camping more enjoyable. The repellent creates a 15 foot x 15 foot zone of protection. Each butane cartridge lasts 12 hours.<br />
This versatile lantern has a weighted bottom so it can’t easily be tipped, as well as a contoured bail for easy transport and storage. The base is accented with black rubber that protects the lantern if dropped or knocked over. A battery life indicator changes color showing remaining power. The lantern produces 300 lumens of light and operates on D cell batteries. With three light settings and SOS for emergency situations, the lantern globe can be detached to increase the intensity of the light for maximum brightness. The base hook also allows the lantern to be suspended in a tent or campsite from above for hands-free base camp operations.<br />
The Thermacell Repellent Camp Lantern functions as both a lantern and highly effective mosquito repellent simultaneously or separately. It is available at most sporting or outdoor retailers. For more information visit Thermacell.com.<br />
Costa sunglasses: With the coming of summer weather women who love the water are planning an escape to the beach, lake or river. Costa’s new sunglass styles, Boga and La Mar, offer a stylish look while Polarized lenses protect the eyes and the lens have exceptional clarity. Boga features a large, round-eye fit, with a stylish nylon frame design. They include Costa’s hypoallergenic rubberized no-slip nose pads and temple tips, and durable built-in optical spring hinges to provide a “forget-they’re-on” fit.<br />
Both can be customized in a full array of Costa’s patented color enhancing polarized 580P(tm) lenses and frames. Costa’s 580 lens technology selectively filters out harsh yellow and harmful ultraviolet blue light. Filtering yellow light enhances reds, blues and greens and produces better contrast and definition while reducing glare and eye fatigue. Absorbing high-energy blue light cuts haze, producing greater visual clarity and sharpness. For more information visit costadelmar.com.<br />
Stetson No Fly Zone Hats: Outdoorsmen know the importance of wearing head gear to protect from the sun’s harmful rays. There is also the added benefit of shielding the eyes and being able to see better. Stetson, the maker of some well-known hat brands, now has an added benefit to some of their specialty head gear. Their Stetson No fly Zone hat also keeps insect pests away in addition to the above benefits. It is EPA registered and environmentally friendly and contains permethrin fabric to repel insects such as mosquitoes. They come in many styles suitable for both men and women. The Khaki color and cool mesh provides protection in the hot summer sun. Visit Stetson.com for more information.<br />
Secur Products 4 in 1 Light & Powerbank: Secur Products has been known for making innovative, useful and quality devices. I have several and have been very satisfied. One of the newest ones is the SP-1100, a 4 in 1 light and power bank. This has a built –in battery that is charged from your computer USB port. It can then be used to charge your mobile phone, iPad or similar device. With our reliance on electronics these days it is extremely convenient for campers, hunters, fishermen, hiker and others who are active in the outdoors. The light functions in various modes around the campsite or outdoor activities. It can serve as a flashlight, extends to serve as a lantern, or can be used as a flashing red emergency light. It is compact, powerful and dependable. For more information, visit Securproducts.com.<br />
Crusta Smart Phone Case: Smart phones have become an integral part of life, even in the outdoors. The problem is that our outdoor activity subjects these phones to a lot of abuse like being dropped from tree stands, kicked around in boats and assorted dirt and grime. One of the newer and best cases for your smart phone is the Crusta which is made of tempered glass and offers four functional layers of protection. The tempered glass is unbreakable if dropped up to six feet and the screen protector shields your phone from mud, dirt, spills, dust and all the hazards of being outdoors. It has built in touch sensitivity and is stylish with 32 color combinations to choose from. Visit amzer.com/crusta for more information.<br />
Dakota Silicone Sport Digital Watch: When we are involved in outdoor sports we often need a watch but typical activities are hard on most watches. Dakota watches provide convenient, dependable and stylish watches at an affordable price. One of their latest is the Silicone Sport Digital Watch. It is available in a variety of colors and has comfortable silicone straps. It is simple, stylish and functional and comes with the guarantee that includes the first battery free. It is water-resistant to a depth of 330 feet and tough enough to withstand the impact that hikers, climbers and fishermen typically inflict on it. More information can be found on Dakotawatch.com.<br />
Hillsound Freestyle 6 Crampons: Slipping and falling on ice, slippery banks, or treacherous river bottoms can be a serious concern for outdoor sports. Although we often think of crampons or similar devices when the Salmon River they can be helpful for other streams with strong currents like Fish Creek. Hillsound’s Freestyle6 crampons provides protection with convenient use at an affordable price. These easy on – easy off crampons fit over your boots or waders and offer secure footage on steep muddy banks, slick and slippery rocks in both still or moving water. They also give you extra protection against ice in winter conditions. Don’t worry about scratching the bottom of the boat or transporting invasive species on your felt wader soles because these are easy to pull off. Visit Hillsound.com for more information.<br />
SHORT CASTS<br />
T.I. Fishing Report: The cold winter and spring definitely set the fishing back on the St. Lawrence River because of cold water. We just returned from two weeks in the Thousand Islands and the bass fishing was about two weeks behind what it normally is there according to my friend Al Benas who is a long time guide and charter captain.<br />
On the season opener, I fished with my friend Mike Seymour who is also a guide on the river. Water temperature was 58 to 60 degrees and bass had just spawned. We caught some male bass guarding the beds but we did not want to leave the beds unguarded from the depredations of gobies and others so we switched to deeper water trying to catch some females who had finished spawning. Most of them were uncooperative but we did manage to catch a few. Shortly the males will leave the nests and the females will be hungry so fishing should improve.<br />
Local Fishing Report: After returning from our Thousand Islands vacation I had a chance to check with a few people on local fishing. Some bass fishermen on Oneida Lake had fair luck but found that the smallmouths were a bit deeper than they expected. Jigs and tubes or curly tails produced a number of bass although the action was not as fast as they expected. Others who were fishing the weedy shallows of Oneida Lake for largemouth were disappointed and had trouble locating bass although they picked up some nice walleye in the process.<br />
Jim Clute had been fishing for walleye in the shallow water and did well using X-Raps. However Jim did say that a few feet shallower or deeper produced no fish. You had to have a consistent drift and target that particular depth that day. Some anglers fishing deep water had very little luck in finding fish or getting them to bite very readily.<br />
Gerald Fuller reported that his friend was fishing near bottom and accidentally caught a sturgeon that was over 50 inches long. The big fish put up a strong fight and was quickly released when it was brought to the boat. Remember that sturgeon are protected and you should not even remove them from the water, and especially should not hold them vertically.<br />
<br />Leo Maloneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03681680448214089241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5590116732040479558.post-68597148261711703542015-06-24T10:08:00.002-07:002015-06-24T10:08:18.495-07:00Lyme Disease is a threat to outdoorsmen<br />
There is a serious threat lurking in our outdoors. It is about the size of a sesame seed and it is more serious than all the perceived threats of wild critters, severe weather or well-known diseases like rabies. It is the deer tick and the potential of Lyme Disease.<br />
With the arrival of summer weather, most people are taking advantage of the great outdoor opportunities we have in upstate New York. Unfortunately this year many sources have reported an increase in the number of deer ticks and the incidences of Lyme Disease<br />
Although deer are known to carry the deer tick, you do not have to come into contact with deer to be exposed to deer ticks. They are everywhere. There is a potential threat of contracting Lyme Disease in your own back yard as well as in the forest.<br />
Several people in the area have been diagnosed with Lyme Disease. Other friends of mine had their dogs contract Lyme Disease. Not long ago, my cat which was on a leash attached to the back deck steps had a tick attached. Incidentally, cats do not get Lyme Disease while dogs and humans do.<br />
Most of us are aware of the seriousness of Lyme Disease. I have done several columns discussing it and means of preventing it in past years. In recent years, I have had family and their pets which have contracted Lyme Disease, as well as some friends who have had it.<br />
As some local veterinarians and DEC personnel said to me a couple years ago, we need to be concerned about our pets as well. Carefully check your dog for ticks, remove them and have your dog treated when it developed the first signs of the disease.<br />
Lyme Disease is an infection that can produce skin, arthritic, cardiac and neurological disorders. It is caused by bacterium which is spread by the bite of the deer tick. These are tiny parasitic insects that are about the size of a sesame seed and are difficult to detect. They can be found in almost any outdoor location with vegetation, as well as on animals.<br />
Only deer ticks carry Lyme Disease but other types of ticks can also carry serious diseases. Remember that they crawl up. They do not fly or jump onto you so you have to come into contact with them to be “attacked’ and bitten.<br />
Ticks live in shady, moist areas at ground level. They especially frequent piles of old leaves or stone walls. But they also cling to tall grass, brush and shrubs up to a height of 24 inches and get on animals and humans by direct contact.<br />
When you think you may have been exposed to ticks, you should check carefully for the small black insects. Carefully remove them with tweezers and take the tick in a container to your physician for evaluation. Do not smother the tick with Vaseline or apply heat since this might cause the tick to regurgitate infectious fluids. For most tick borne diseases you have 24 hours to find and remove the tick before it transmits any infection.<br />
The best approach is prevention. When hiking try to stay in the middle of the trail. Wear long pants with bottoms tucked into socks or gaiters to prevent ticks from climbing up your legs. Light colored clothing will help you spot the ticks easier. Spraying your clothing with permethrin is effective but it must be done before you put it on. It is nasty stuff and you should avoid getting it on your skin. There are also items of clothing with build-in tick repellent available. See www.insectshield.com as an example of what is available.<br />
Use an insect repellent on any exposed skin. Traditionally this has meant something with DEET, which can also cause problems through prolonged or excessive use. Some people are sensitive or even allergic to DEET so this must be used carefully. There are other repellents which use natural ingredients and do not contain DEET which are effective.<br />
Some vets have suggested that we use Bug Guard on dogs as well as ourselves. The vet pointed out that not only was it effective in repelling ticks and black flies but it was safe to use on dogs since none of the ingredients would harm the dog if it licked itself, as dogs are prone to do.<br />
The symptoms and severity of Lyme Disease vary widely in people. Usually, but not always, there is a bulls-eye rash. Fever, headache, fatigue, stiff neck and joint pain are other early warnings. Pets may exhibit a sudden onset of lameness in one or more of the animal’s legs.<br />
As always check with your physician if there is any question. To find out more about Lyme Disease contact the New York State Department of Health toll free at 1-800-458-1158, Madison County Health Department or contact the American Lyme Disease Foundation, Mill Pond Offices, 293 Route 100, Somers, NY 10589 or call 1-800-876-LYME.<br />
Lyme Disease is here in Central New York. Ticks are everywhere, including the shady or brushy areas in your own backyard. Understanding the problem and taking precautions are the best way to protect yourself, your family and pets from this serious threat.<br />
Short Casts<br />
Free Fishing Days: The weekend of June 27 – 28 is designated as Free Fishing Weekend in NYS. Anyone can fish the state’s waters without a license, giving everyone the opportunity to sample the fishing and introduce or renew the experience of the fun of fishing. It is the perfect time to introduce a friend or relative to the sport.<br />
Inlet Bass Derby: The Town of Inlet will hold a Bass Derby on Sunday, June 28. Contestants will fish the waters of the Fulton Chain from Fifth Lake to Old Forge Pond for eight hours. Boats will depart after a livewell inspection from the Inlet town dock in numerical order of their registration. Winning will be based on total weight of five legal bass. Only two anglers per boat are permitted and only artificial baits can be used.<br />
Each boat must have some form of livewell and no contestant is allowed to pre-fish the waters after Wednesday, June 25. The public is invited to watch activities from the town beach. Reservations will be accepted by mail until June 20. More information is available at: raquette58@gmail.com<br />
Spey Nation Returns: Spey Nation offers the unique opportunity for enthusiasts and manufacturers of two handed rods to gather in a streamside setting on June 27 in Pineville from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Location is the Pineville Boat Launch on the Salmon River. Admission, lunch, etc. are free.<br />
Spey Nation features a full BBQ, raffles, “On the water” demonstrations and interaction with some of the experts. Mixing styles, knowledge, and backgrounds, Great Lakes anglers finally have the opportunity to learn traditional Spey, Scandinavian and Skagit techniques from the experts, try specialized equipment on the water and talk with other fishermen in an atmosphere dedicated exclusively to two-handed casting while enjoying a burger and a brew.<br />
Once again, the proceeds of raffles will be donated to the Fish Creek Atlantic Salmon Club, a grass roots organization dedicated to re-establishing native fish stocks to Fish Creek in upstate New York with the primary focus on restoring runs of native Atlantic Salmon to Fish Creek. You can learn more about their efforts and follow their successes at www.fishcreeksalmon.org.<br />
<br />Leo Maloneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03681680448214089241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5590116732040479558.post-15709790552076709792015-06-17T13:02:00.002-07:002015-06-17T13:02:51.588-07:00Anglers eagerly await bass season openerSome of my friends used to say that the third Saturday in June should be declared a holiday. That is the opener of the bass season and many anglers have had it marked on their calendar for months. Saturday, June 20, marks the opener of bass season and from the St. Lawrence River to the Hudson River anglers will be out in force after either smallmouth or largemouth bass. It has lost some of the drama since many areas of the state now allow catch and release fishing for bass before the season opens. However the counties on the eastern end of Lake Ontario, the St. Lawrence River and some of the Adirondacks do not allow any bass fishing until the season opener to protect spawning bass or those fish guarding the nests.<br />Locally, Oneida Lake is one of the top spots for smallmouth bass and with the changing ecology and weed growth the largemouth population has also become a major attraction for anglers. Ted Dobs is one of the local anglers who regularly has had success fishing for bass on Oneida Lake for many years.<br />Ted often suggests dragging green pumpkin tube jigs over rockpiles since the smallmouth are often in deeper areas adjacent to the shallow spawning areas. If they are chasing schools of baitfish your best bet might be using a drop shot rig. He recommends six-pound fluorocarbon line, size 1 drop shot hook in black nickel finish, and one-quarter ounce weight depending on wind, etc. Use any fluorocarbon knot and run the tag end back through the hook. Ted recommends using Berkley Gulp minnows in three inch size in smelt, emerald shiner or black shad patterns for your drop shot rig.<br />You might also try drifting the rocky drop-offs or deeper points with live shiners. Don’t buy crayfish since they won’t be a significant part of the bass menu until July. Bass are feeding on minnows at this time of year.<br />Those anglers who prefer smaller waters have no shortage in Central New York. Some of the popular waters in the area include DeRuyter Reservoir, Cazenovia Lake, Eatonbrook Reservoir, Redfield Reservoir, Lake Delta, Canadarago Lake or Whitney Point Reservoir. Those who prefer stream or river fishing should consider lower Chenango River, Mohawk River, lower Fish Creek, Oswego River, Black River or the estuary of the Salmon River.<br />One of the most popular spots for bass fishermen will be the St. Lawrence River. Even though the shallow weedy bays provide good fishing for largemouths, it is the smallmouth bass that will attract the most attention. Anglers come from all over the state and even other states for the great fishing that the St. Lawrence has to offer.<br />Normally by opening weekend the bass will have spawned but still be in shallow water. However this year with the cold winter and cold spring, the waters of the St. Lawrence River and eastern Lake Ontario are still in the upper 50 degree range so bass in these areas will not have spawned yet.<br />My friend and fishing partner Mike Seymour, who regularly guides on the St. Lawrence River, said that bass will likely be in their pre-spawn mode. This means that large females are more likely to be caught so he strongly encourages catch and release during the next few weeks to allow the bass to spawn. Bass will probably be near their traditional spawning habitat but will be found in somewhat deeper water than in years with a more normal water temperature.<br />Inland lakes even in the north country should have more normal water temperatures so bass should be in a spawning mode with the males guarding the nests. Heavy rains last weekend caused turbulent conditions but if there isn’t a lot more rain, the conditions should improve by this weekend.<br />The St. Lawrence offers great fishing but can be confusing or intimidating finding good spots in all that water. For information on guiding services contact Al Benas (686-3030), Myrle Bauer (686-2122) or Mike Seymour (379-0235).<br />In the Adirondacks the water is colder and in most waters the bass will have not yet spawned. You probably will do well to search for them in areas adjacent to the shallow spawning areas. Water levels were low from the abnormally dry spring, but recent rains have caused lake levels to rise to near normal levels.<br />Some of the top Adirondack bass waters include the Fulton Chain with largemouths in First and Second Lakes, and smallmouths in Third, Fourth, Seventh and Eighth Lake. Indian Lake, Long Lake, Tupper and Saranac Chain all provide excellent smallmouth fishing. Largemouths are found in Lows Lake, Durant, Abanakee, Oseetah Lakes and Raquette and Simon Ponds. Blue Mountain Lake and its connecting lakes of Eagle and Utowanah have both smallmouth and largemouth.<br />Those anglers targeting largemouth bass will typically fish the shallow waters, especially the edges of weed cover. Plastic worms, spinner baits, jigs or crankbaits worked along cover usually produces action.<br />Wherever you fish, my advice would be to start in the northwest corner of the lake because that is where bass usually spawn. Work the shallow areas and gradually fish deeper until you find fish. You might start looking for aggressive fish with spinners or small crankbaits but if the action is slow try a slower approach with jigs and curly tails or plastic worms. Plastic lizards often work well because bass hate them as nest raiders.<br />If you are fishing big waters you might want to drift and cover more territory while casting or using live minnows. In small ponds look for areas where two types of cover converge (e.g. weeds and tree tops). If the grass or weed growth is significant try Senko worms rigged wacky style.<br />But even if the fish don’t cooperate this weekend, remember that it is a long season and we have more places to go than we can possible fish in one season.<br />SHORT CASTS<br />Inlet Bass Derby: The Town of Inlet will hold a Bass Derby on Sunday, June 28. Contestants will fish the waters of the Fulton Chain from Fifth Lake to Old Forge Pond for eight hours. Boats will depart after a livewell inspection from the Inlet town dock in numerical order of their registration. Winning will be based on total weight of five legal bass. Only two anglers per boat are permitted and only artificial baits can be used.<br />Each boat must have some form of livewell and no contestant is allowed to pre-fish the waters after Wednesday, June 25. The public is invited to watch activities from the town beach. Reservations will be accepted by mail until June 20. For more information, email: raquette58@gmail.com<br />Free Fishing Days: The weekend of June 27–28 is designated as Free Fishing Weekend in New York State. Anyone can fish the state’s waters without a license, giving everyone the opportunity to sample the fishing and introduce, or renew the experience, of the fun of fishing. It is the perfect time to introduce a friend or relative to the sport.<br />Golden Park Program: If you are a NYS resident 62 or older, on any weekday (except holidays) you can obtain free vehicle access to state parks and arboreteums. Simply present your current valid NYS Driver’s License. This policy applies both to Office of Parks and Recreation and DEC facilities.<br />Free Guided Adirondack Hikes: The Town of Long Lake is offering free guided hiking trips throughout the summer based from Long Lake. Participants will be taken by shuttlebus from Long Lake to the various trailheads. The hikes will be led by NYS certified and experienced guides Spencer Morrissey and Joan Collins who always provide excellent trips and interesting facts along the way. Register now since these popular trips will fill up fast. The dates, itineraries, and descriptions of the distance, etc. can be found on the website: mylonglake.com. There is also a general list of what to wear and what to bring. Here is a chance to have some great adventures of varying distances and different points of interest.Leo Maloneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03681680448214089241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5590116732040479558.post-6844308631243866772015-06-10T11:04:00.002-07:002015-06-10T11:04:48.808-07:00A gem in the wilds of Quebec<br />
A gentle breeze stirred the surface of the small lake as a loon swam alongside our small boat. The only sounds were the croaking of the heron along the shore or the subtle hum of our electric trolling motor. As we moved slowly along the deeper shoreline the steady tapping of our line indicated the Lake Clear Wobblers were vibrating as they should. Soon the sharp bend of the rod tip and a steady fight at the end of our line indicated that yet another brook trout had struck our offering.<br />
My long-time friend and fishing partner, Mike Seymour, and I were enjoying great action fishing for brook trout deep in the wilds of Quebec. Although we were equipped to fish with other methods, including fly rod with sinking tip line and Wooly Buggers or Hornberg flies, casting spinners and other small lures or fishing worms with small Colorado spinner blades, we spent much of the time using the Lake Clear Wobblers since the action was so fast and we were having so much fun.<br />
This was the scene for several days recently as we fished the small deep lakes at Bryson Lake Lodge situated in “the bush” of Quebec north of Fort Coulonge. In addition to fishing for brook trout we fished the big lake (Bryson Lake) for lake trout, walleye and northern pike while enjoying the scenery and attractions of Domaine du Lac Bryson. The 140 square mile property offers exclusive hunting and fishing territory to guests. In addition to the main lake which is over 15 miles long with many bays and coves, there are numerous ponds and lakes offering brook trout or pike fishing.<br />
Even though it is remote and a considerable drive over a gravel road to reach it, the Bryson Lake Lodge property offers all the conveniences that you could want. Despite the image one might have of fishing camps or resorts deep in the woods of Quebec, these accommodations are well-built, modern and attractive. There are 15 cottages or chalets that hold families or groups of varying sizes. All except for the cottages located at the far end of the lake offer propane cooking and heat, running water, hot showers and electricity powered by generator during the day or battery at night.<br />
The “shelter” is a new motel style unit with 10 housekeeping units, a large screened in porch and a lounge with a hot tub. The centerpiece is a recreation hall at the lodge with TV, internet, foosball, shuffleboard and many other games in addition to tables and comfortable chairs. There is a store for some supplies and fishing tackle although you have to bring your own food.<br />
A large fleet of boats with motors give you easy access to the big waters of Lake Bryson. Smaller boats are cached at the nearby lakes for anglers who want to pursue brook trout or pike. You can either row or rent electric motors for plying these waters. Rentals of fish finders, fishing rods and reels are available as well as canoes, paddleboats, etc.<br />
At the time we were there, the lake trout were transitioning from the shallows to the deeper water and our fish finder located many on the bottom. Denis LeBrun, the owner, said that actually catching them in summer is easier since they are concentrated in deeper holes. However one evening while we were fishing with Denis, we caught some smaller ones in relatively shallow water. Thanks to active management such as suggested minimum size of 21 inches and hauling in pebble sized rock for the spawning areas, the number and size of lake trout has increased in recent years.<br />
The walleye typically spend the daylight hours in deeper water and move into shallow areas at dusk or under the cover of darkness to feed. Our best luck came on worm and spinner harnesses trolled slowly behind a bottom bouncer rig. We did catch some on jigs or Mepps spinners during daylight along the deeper areas adjacent to flats.<br />
We were a little surprised to find that the larger pike were in deeper water than we expected. Other anglers were catching them by trolling. Using the expert advice from Denis, we went to a nearby bay where we were able to catch enough pike to complete the “Bryson Lake Grand Slam” (brook trout, lake trout, walleye and pike).<br />
Because they have the exclusive hunting and fishing rights, Denis is able to negotiate with Quebec Department of Natural Resources (DNR) on a management program of limits and season as well as make improvements in the property. At considerable expense he has made the habitat improvements to spawning areas for lake trout, walleye and brook trout. Even though the regular limit is 10 brook trout, they have a quota of 5 trout per small lake to avoid overfishing.<br />
To insure the quality experience of fishing in solitude you will be assigned a specific small lake as your exclusive fishing spot for that particular morning, etc. They are all great fishing spots but this is a way to rotate fishing pressure as well as give you the freedom and unique experience of having that area all to yourself.<br />
The third component of a “Trifecta of Great Fishing Experience” is the people who run it. In addition to the great fishing opportunities, and excellent accommodations, Denis and Laurel LeBrun are super people. They are the most pleasant and accommodating people that you could ask for. They have owned and operated Domaine du Lac Bryson for 23 years after leaving their jobs with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. A lot of labor and money went into building a top-notch facility but their efforts also extend to making sure that your stay is exceptional.<br />
Denis had been coming there since he was a youngster with his father but the original facility had been neglected and run down. He uses his experience with the fishing to put people into the right spots and using the right techniques to catch fish. They go out of their way to attend to every detail and personally make sure that your entire family enjoys their stay.<br />
As we were preparing to leave, the first of the bear hunters were arriving. With trail cameras and baited sites throughout the property there is nearly a 100 percent success rate. Nearly everyone sees bears but some pass up the bruins in anticipation of a bigger or special one. Moose hunting in the fall is also very successful and about half of the permit holders get a moose. The quota is set by Quebec DNR and Denis has separate sectors assigned that increase success as well as spread the harvest. A modern building with block and tackle, freezer, and walk-in cooler handles the big game.<br />
Other attractions include canoeing, hiking, wildlife watching and small game hunting. Check the website www.lacbryson.com to see the facilities and more information. Better yet, call 819-683-1790 for information and start making plans to have your own great experience in the big woods of Quebec.<br />
SHORT CASTS<br />
Vernon Rod and Gun Kids Fishing Derby: The Vernon Rod and Gun club will hold a Kids Fishing Derby on June 12, from 6 – 8 p.m. Ages are from 1 – 15. Rain date will be June 19. It will be held at the Vernon Rod and Gun Club property on Stuhlman Road, across from Vernon Downs entrance. There will be hot dogs and drinks available for the kids. Prizes will be given out to all kids.<br />
Inlet Bass Derby: The Town of Inlet will hold a Bass Derby on Sunday, June 28. Contestants will fish the waters of the Fulton Chain from Fifth Lake to Old Forge Pond for eight hours. Boats will depart after a livewell inspection from the Inlet town dock in numerical order of their registration. Winning will be based on total weight of five legal bass. Only two anglers per boat are permitted and only artificial baits can be used.<br />
Each boat must have some form of livewell and no contestant is allowed to pre-fish the waters after Wednesday, June 25. The public is invited to watch activities from the town beach. Reservations will be accepted by mail until June 20. More information is available at: raquette58@gmail.com.<br />
<br />Leo Maloneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03681680448214089241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5590116732040479558.post-3897610095267434312015-06-03T07:32:00.003-07:002015-06-03T07:32:25.295-07:00Danger lurks in the outdoors<br />
There is danger lurking in the outdoor woods throughout New York State. No, it is not bears, coyotes or venomous snakes. Nor is it cougars, wolves or even bigfoot. It is not the danger of zombies, aliens or a terrorist plot by ISIS. This danger is real and the culprits are insects!<br />
Black flies, mosquitoes and punkies form the “axis of evil” among biting insects and they are most active in May and June. Not only can they spoil your outdoor fun, they can also cause some serious health problems.<br />
Black flies! Most of us are familiar with the evil black flies that frequent Tug Hill, the Adirondacks and most areas of central New York where there is clear, cool water. The black fly season is in high gear so be prepared if you go afield.<br />
Black flies are vicious biting insects that attack in swarms and with their sharp mouths they leave nasty bites. Their saliva also contains an anti-coagulant that many people are allergic to. Although they hatch in clear water, the breeze may blow them a great distance from the water and they can be found anywhere there is foliage for cover especially during daylight hours. They are a serious threat to hikers, fishermen and turkey hunters, or anyone who ventures to the woods unprotected.<br />
Although we associate black flies with the Adirondacks or Tug Hill Plateau, they grow anywhere there is cold, clear water. Thus with the reforestation and cooler streams and the elimination of most pollution, the black flies are a problem in many areas of central New York. Many Adirondack townships treat streams with bti, a natural bacteria that attacks black fly larvae while not harming “good insects” like caddis flies, etc. However not all townships use this treatment and frequent heavy rains can wash out the scheduled applications of bti.<br />
No-see-ums or punkies are very tiny biting flies which also are found near still water. They occur in swarms but aren’t as persistent as black flies. They are most active from dusk to dawn. They often penetrate under or through most netting or mesh covering.<br />
The recent spell of dry weather may have cut down on some wet spots but there is always still water somewhere for breeding mosquitoes. They are born in stagnant water but travel long distances in search of prey. They are most active during periods of low light.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
Female mosquitoes are persistent and swarms of them can make your life miserable. There is also the danger of spreading disease like West Nile Virus, EEE and other diseases through the mosquito bites.<br />
However there are methods to protect yourself from these disgusting little critters including special clothing or repellents. For example L.L.Bean makes a line of clothing called “Buzz Off.” It is a cotton poplin fabric with natural odorless repellent bonded to the fabric. I have used the shorts shirts, and hats and they really work.<br />
There are other brands like Insect Shield that utilize mesh, lightweight clothing and natural repellents. They even have mosquito and tick repellent apparel for dogs. Of course many washings will remove the repellent and diminish the usefulness.<br />
Common repellents contain DEET which is effective but may cause an allergic reaction in some people. If a rash occurs, wash off the remaining repellent. Another problem is perspiration causing some of the repellent with DEET to get into your eyes. If you doubt that DEET is nasty stuff, see what it does to varnish on your canoe paddle or the material of your fly line, etc.<br />
One product that has proven effective for both people and animals such as short haired dogs is Bug Guard. It does not contain DEET but relies on natural repellents and is specially developed to repel black flies, mosquitoes and ticks. I have also used it extensively and can testify that it works well. It lasts for about eight hours, although perspiration and rain will remove it.<br />
My friend, the late Scott Sampson had a German Short Haired Pointer that was constantly being bitten by black flies, etc. due to its fine, short hair. A veterinarian recommended Avon Bug Guard since it is safe to put on animals even if they lick themselves. It also serves to repel deer ticks. Note that we are talking about a specific insect repellent, not the bath oil produced by the same company.<br />
Movement, carbon dioxide, perspiration and perfumes all serve as attractions for these disgusting insects. You can’t avoid moving or breathing but you can avoid perfumes, colognes, etc. and you can try to cut down on perspiration. The color blue also attracts these insects so avoid blue colored clothing.<br />
In addition to the biting insects described, there is the growing problem of deer ticks which spread Lyme Disease. Ticks are found in areas of wet leaves, tall grass and brush. They can attach themselves directly to you from these areas. To avoid a problem you should wear long pants and tuck them in your socks or wear gaiters.<br />
Spray your pants legs with permithrin or DEET. Use repellent such as Bug Guard on exposed skin. Check for ticks after being outside in areas described above. Remove any ticks with a tweezers.<br />
So even though insects are a problem, you can still enjoy the outdoors with a little precaution. Besides if you stay inside watching all those re-runs of “reality shows” on TV, you will probably suffer from brain damage.<br />
SHORT CASTS<br />
Kids Fishing Derby & Clinic: The Annual Kids Fishing Derby in New Hartford will be June 6 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission is free. The event is sponsored by the DEC and Mohawk Valley Chapter of Trout Unlimited. Soda, hamburgers and hot dogs will be provided by the Sauquoit Creek Fish and Game Club. The event will be at New Hartford Athletic Park on Oneida Street in Washington Mills.<br />
First Shots: Learn the skills of shooting clay targets from a certified NSCA instructor at Vernon National Shooting Preserve. Firearms safety, education and responsibility will also be covered in the classroom and live events. For information or registration contact Caryn Foote at 723-8563 or e-mail cmf727@yahoo.com.<br />
Great New Website: A “must see” website for both experienced outdoors people and those who wish to get started or learn a new skill is www.getstartedoutdoors.com. It is operated by Sue Bookhout of Cazenovia, a skilled hunter, angler and target shooter. She is a website designer so the website is attractive and easily navigable. In addition to her own skills, Sue is a member of the Ruffed Grouse Society, Trout Unlimited and several other organizations so she is in touch with current news and developments.<br />
The website focuses on outdoors events in central New York and other information. There is lots of information useful to those who want to learn or improve their skills such as fly fishing clinics, shooting events, Lake Ontario fishing trips for women only and much more. Check it out soon.<br />
Shoot and Gobble: The Madison County Federation of sportsmen will hold a “Shoot & Gobble” Event at Vernon National Shooting Preserve on June 14. It features 50 rounds of sporting clays and a dinner to follow. Contact Tim Evans at 247-0285 for more information.<br />
Reminder: With warm weather and the start of bass season not too far away, many anglers are getting eager. Although many areas of the state, including Oneida Lake, now permit catch and release fishing for bass prior to the season, there are some areas that do not. For those that may be starting their vacation soon and planning on wetting a line, remember that Jefferson, St. Lawrence, Hamilton, and Franklin Counties do NOT allow fishing for bass prior to the season opener. This year that date is June 20.<br />
<br />Leo Maloneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03681680448214089241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5590116732040479558.post-71544747062462974292015-05-20T10:25:00.002-07:002015-05-20T10:25:20.041-07:00Outdoor writers explore 1000 Islands’ many attractions<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.6520004272461px; margin-bottom: 11.326px;">
In the predawn darkness a dozen camouflaged men and women carrying weapons and packs marched down the streets of Clayton to the village docks. Shortly after 4 a.m. they boarded a large boat and headed off through the black night across the St. Lawrence River. This was not some counter-terrorist group on a training mission nor a detachment of homeland security forces out to thwart a penetration of our northern border. Instead it was a group of serious turkey hunters heading off to Grindstone Island to hunt turkey on that big mysterious island of legend and folklore.</div>
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The occasion was the New York State Outdoor Writers’ Association annual conference in the 1000 Islands from May 7 – 10, and a group of us took advantage of a generous offer by Harry Slate of Grindstone Island Hunting Service. Grindstone is a big island with no bridge or public access. It once had many farms, a village, etc. but today has nine year-round residents, a few farms and summer homes along the shoreline. The hunt was interesting but turkeys there are as wary as anywhere and only Dan Ladd bagged one.</div>
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Headquarters for the conference was the new 1000 Islands harbor Hotel on the riverfront in Clayton. This four story beautiful hotel evokes memories of the gilded age when guests travelled by train and steamboat to spend time in the glorious 1000 Island region. Modern luxury combined with fantastic service and attention to detail makes this a premier destination for a get-away weekend or a longer stay. All the amenities and attractions of this new four diamond class hotel deserve a separate article that will be forthcoming soon. Check out the hotel at www.1000islandsharborhotel.com.</div>
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Writers and guests got to enjoy many of the attractions of the area. For me and some of the other writers many of the attractions were familiar but the fact that we never get tired of them speaks volumes for the quality of the experiences. Some people enjoyed the beautiful weather and had an exciting experience while white water rafting on the Black River with Whitewater Challengers Rafting Company. Most enjoyed a pleasant afternoon boat tour around Wellesley Island on the area’s newest boat tour company, Clayton Island Tours.</div>
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Fishing is naturally a big attraction of this area and many of us spent a morning or two aboard fishing charters such as Myrle Bauer’s Net Results Charters, Rich Clarke’s Signman Charters and Keith Dasno’s Gotta Have It Charters. Now you might think that with such a formidable array of anglers, the pike would not stand a chance. But nature has a way of evening the odds and the unusually cold water temperatures had delayed spawning. The pike were difficult to locate and reluctant to bite when we did find them. The few that were caught reminded us that better days lay not too far ahead.</div>
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Thanks to Doreen and Jody Garrett, owners of Lucky Star Ranch licensed hunting preserve, some hunters were able to hunt turkey on the 2,000 acre estate while others fished there. After hosting all the writers for lunch, Doreen and Jody who own Otis Technology explained their quality deer management program and their involvement in the Wounded Warrior program.</div>
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Other prominent attractions included the tour of Boldt Castle, a traditional guide’s shore dinner and tours of the Antique Boat Museum and tours and tastings at the areas two excellent wineries – Coyote Moon and Thousand Islands Winery. A stroll along the picturesque streets of Clayton reveals the well-kept and unique stores. My personal favorites that I visit every time include the River Rat Cheese store and Michael Ringer’s St. Lawrence Gallery art store.</div>
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If you haven’t spent much time in the 1000 Islands-Clayton area you are missing out on a lot. Even if you have, the old and new attractions beckon you to return. Whether it is a time for relaxation amidst the splendor of the islands or an action-filled trip, you can find all of these and more in the islands. For complete information check the Clayton Chamber of Commerce at 1000islands-clayton.com or 800-252-9806 and the 1000 Islands International Tourism Council at Visit1000ISLANDS.com or 800-847-5263.</div>
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SHORT CASTS</div>
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Second Shift Gobblers: As the spring turkey season enters its final week many hunters are frustrated in not hearing many birds gobble on the roost or are weary of getting up in the middle of the night. One tactic that is often effective in late season is “hunting the second shift.” At this time many hens are nesting and lonesome toms are on the prowl looking for hens, especially by mid morning.</div>
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You might consider taking advantage of the situation by sleeping a little longer and going out in mid morning. Give a variety of soft clucks or yelps every half hour and maybe one of those lonesome toms will come to your call. Just be warned that they will often sneak in silently so stay alert.</div>
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New Hartford Kids Fishing Derby: The DEC and Mohawk Valley Chapter of Trout Unlimited combine to offer the annual New Hartford Kids fishing Derby on June 6. It will be held at New Hartford Athletic Park in Washington Mills. Hours are 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. and there will be prizes, fly tying and casting. Refreshments will be provided by the Saquoit Fish & Game Club.</div>
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DEC Alerts Hikers of Muddy Trail Conditions in the High Peaks: Memorial Day Weekend usually sees lots of people hiking in the Adirondacks but hikers should temporarily avoid high elevation trails in the Adirondacks. NYS DEC is urging hikers to be cautious and postpone hikes on trails above 3,000 feet until mid-June.</div>
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DEC is asking hikers to avoid high elevation trails in the Dix, Giant and High Peaks Wilderness Areas in the northern Adirondacks because of muddy conditions and the potential damage hiking can cause to vegetation and soft ground.</div>
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Hikers are advised to only use trails at lower elevations during the spring mud season to avoid damaging natural resources and to promote safety. Lower trails usually dry soon after snowmelt and are on less erosive soils than the higher peaks. DEC asks hikers to avoid the following trails:</div>
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High Peaks Wilderness Area - all trails above 3,000 feet where wet, muddy, snow conditions still prevail, specifically: Algonquin, Colden, Feldspar, Gothics, Indian Pass, Lake Arnold Cross-Over, Marcy, Marcy Dam - Avalanche - Lake Colden which is extremely wet, Phelps Trail above John Brook Lodge, Range Trail, Skylight, Wright and all “trail-less” peaks.</div>
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Dix Mountain Wilderness Area - all trails above Elk Lake and Round Pond. Giant Mountain Wilderness Area - all trails above Giant’s Washbowl, “the Cobbles,” and Owls Head. DEC suggests alternative trails for hiking, subject to weather conditions. DEC’s website contains additional information on trail conditions in the Adirondacks at www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/7865.html or contact the Forest Rangers at (518) 897-1300.</div>
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BoatUS Safety Reminders: With the Memorial Day weekend kicking off he unofficial start to summer, there will be an increasing amount of boating activity. The BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water has four reminders for boating safety:</div>
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Keep your life jackets handy. This means readily accessible within arms reach, not still in it’s plastic bag or behind compartment doors buried under junk. Better yet, wear it.</div>
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Instruct your passengers on where to sit and how to move about the boat safely. This applies to all boats, but the smallest ones can have biggest problems: swamping, large wakes and overloading can turn your day into one you’d rather forget.</div>
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See that all passengers are briefed on where emergency equipment is kept and how to use it. Don’t forget to show how to use the VHF radio, and what everyone needs to do in case someone falls overboard (designate a spotter).</div>
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Share your float plan with someone ashore to let them know where you’re headed and expected to return. The simple act of telling someone has been demonstrated to greatly reduce a rescuer’s response time. For more information on boating safety or to take a no cost online boating safety course, go to BoatUS.org.</div>
<br />Leo Maloneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03681680448214089241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5590116732040479558.post-88395301503680750352015-05-13T15:40:00.002-07:002015-05-13T15:40:13.856-07:00Mid-season turkey tips<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.6520004272461px; margin-bottom: 11.326px;">
The Spring Turkey Season is approximately half over and after a slow start for many hunters, the action has picked up a bit. A lot more hunters have gotten birds, although many of the ones that have talked to me have said that they have bagged jakes or two year old birds. Most of the mature toms have flocks of hens with them now.</div>
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This can present an extra challenge. Some of the veteran hunters have resorted to making some sharp cackling or cutting calls to raise the curiosity or the ire of some territorial hens and draw the flock closer. Knowing where the flock likes to travel to their strutting ground can be helpful. If the hunter gets close to their route it is easier to call the tom a little ways from the flock to within gun range.</div>
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With the emergence of leaves on the trees last weekend, most areas are now in full foliage. Remember that with all the foliage on the trees, the sounds of the gobbles may be muffled. That big tom that sounds like he did a couple weeks ago will actually be much closer. This can present an extra challenge since he can often spot you from the treetops and remain on the roost instead of flying down. Or if he can look down and not see a decoy in the area that the calling sounds are coming from, he will be suspicious and not come to that area.</div>
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It also gets light earlier than it did a two weeks ago so allow extra time or pick a sheltered route to your destination so the wary tom will not make out your shadowy figure in the pre-dawn light. If he does, you can bet that he will not be coming down in that area or responding to your call.</div>
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Last weekend I had the opportunity to hunt on Grindstone Island on the St. Lawrence River and that was a unique experience. Only my friend Dan Ladd bagged a turkey but it was interesting and saw birds.</div>
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Monday morning Dan called me to tell me the good news that he had gotten his second tom. Dan was using a new, innovative set of decoys from Bass Pro Shops called the Crazy Jake and Mating Hen. Not only are they realistic looking but they are animated and operated by remote control. The idea is that they will provoke a jealous tom into action when he sees the younger jake with the hen.</div>
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I had seen them previously and was impressed with the looks and action. Dan proved to me that they really work. Early in the morning he was calling and a big tom responded. However it came to the top of a ridge and hung up there. It fanned, strutted and called while it expected the hen to come to him. Since the tom would not come any closer, Dan then activated the jake decoy and pivoted it so that it faced the big tom up on the ridge. Then the turned the jake away from the tom and towards the hen.</div>
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That was all it took to infuriate the big tom and it started down the ridge towards the decoys. Dan bagged it at a distance of 30 yards. The bird weighed 21 pounds and had a 9 ½ inch beard.</div>
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Youth Turkey Hunt: The Federated Sportsmen Club’s of Oneida County, Region 6 ECOs, National Wild Turkey Federation, Oneida County Sherriff’s Department and New York State Outdoorsmen Hall of Fame teamed up to hold its fifth annual youth turkey hunt. A total of 25 youth participated in the hunt.</div>
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Safety day was held April 11 at the Cassety Hollow Rod and Gun Club where youth and their parents attended. A safety and regulations presentation was given by ECO Ric Grisolini. Tim Furner from Gander Mountain and the NWTF demonstrated the setup of turkey decoys and calling techniques. The youngsters patterned their shotguns under the instruction of ECO Mike Dangler, a certified Firearms instructor.</div>
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Seven turkeys were harvested on April 25, the first morning of the hunt. Sam and Logan Campbell were teamed up for that hunt. As luck would have it two nice toms came into their decoys. Once both birds were in range they scored a double. Both birds weighted over 24 pounds and had beard lengths of 9 ½ and 8 ½ inches with ¾ inch spurs. This hunt was videotaped so the two brothers will always have that memory of hunting together. All the youth saw turkeys that morning but most hung just outside their range. The largest turkey harvested that day was 25 pounds with double beards of 9 ¼ inches and 5 ¾ inches and 1 5/8 inch spurs</div>
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On the second morning of the youth hunt ECO’s and mentors took out thirteen youngsters. They harvested three birds and there were a couple misses. The largest bird that day was 21 pounds with an 8 ½” inch beard and spurs of 1” inches long. The youth all had a great time and received lunch after the hunt.</div>
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A big thank you goes to the following groups or organizations for their donations for this year’s hunt: New York Conservation Officer Association, National Wild Turkey Federation, Gander Mountain, Mountain Hollow Game Calls and Mr. Steve Heerkens. Another big thank you goes to the Environmental Conservation Officers, Oneida County Sherriff’s and local sportsmen and women mentors who took the time to take a youth hunting. Thanks also go to the cooks for the event, Brian Day and Larry Chandler, and to the Cassety Hollow Club for the use of their club and to all their members that brought food for the two days of hunting.</div>
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Vernon Rod and Gun Club Chicken Barbeque: The Vernon Rod and Gun club will hold a chicken barbeque on Saturday, May 16, rain or shine. The event will be from noon until all are meals are gone. You can eat in or take out service is available. Menu includes half a roast barbequed chicken, coleslaw, salt potatoes, roll and dessert. Support youth and community activities and enjoy a delicious meal.</div>
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Paddlefest: This year’s Paddlefest will be held in Old Forge the weekend of May 15 – 17, beginning at noon on Friday, May 15. A change from previous events is that all the sales and booths will be at the Paddlefest store complex just south of Old Forge. Kayaks, canoes and Stand Up Paddleboards will be at the Old Forge Waterfront for test paddling. A shuttle service will be provided. There will be free seminars and clinics and classes in kayaking for a modest fee. There is also a catch and release pike fishing contest with a fishing kayak as the top prize. Details and online registration are available at the website mountainmanoutdoors.com.</div>
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Friends of NRA Banquet: The Madison County Friends of NRA Banquet will be held Saturday, May 16 at the Rusty Rail in Canastota. In addition to dinner, there will be games, silent auctions, raffles and live auctions. Funds raised go to support local programs such as shooting ranges, women and youth programs.</div>
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BPS Go Outdoors Event: Bass Pro Shops Go Outdoors Event will be held weekends of May 16 - 17 and May 23 - 24 at the store in north Utica. The weekend of May 16 and 17 will feature free kids’ activities including kids crafts, free fun photo downloads, Boy Scout demonstrations and Adventure Scavenger Hunt. The weekend of May 23 and 24 will have free family activities including cooking demos and sampling, and how to lessons on capable kayaking, where to go for local family outings, campfire cooking and planning for camping with kids. Check the website basspro.com for dates and times of each event.</div>
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St. Lawrence Pike Fishing: Pike fishing was very slow last weekend on the St. Lawerence River. Earlier I had reported that water temperature there was approaching 47 degrees. However last weekend the temperature was lower, instead of higher, than the week before. We found pike in depths just off the spawning areas but most of them just ignored our variety of lures. It will take warmer water to increase the activity and signal the start of spawning.</div>
Leo Maloneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03681680448214089241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5590116732040479558.post-16501314734314334882015-05-06T17:13:00.001-07:002015-05-06T17:13:10.156-07:00Deer harvest numbers down slightly<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.6520004272461px; margin-bottom: 11.326px;">
The NYS DEC recently released its report on the deer harvest for the 2014 season. According to the figure, the total number of deer killed was 238,672 a decrease of 2 percent from the previous year’s total of 243,567. However it was a little bit above the five year average of 233,556.</div>
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The number of bucks taken was 108,604 which showed a drop of 5.3 percent from the 2014 total of 114,716. The five year average of bucks killed is 110,546. This is probably a more accurate reflection of the season since the total number includes does and young male and female deer taken on Deer Management Permits. The total number of permits issued in 2014 was up 3.3 percent from the previous year.</div>
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A lot of people were curious or waiting for the report on deer killed since so many hunters had complained about seeing much less deer. This is a legitimate concern but we must remember that there can be several factors influencing this. Seeing less deer does not necessarily mean that there are less deer in an area.</div>
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Secondly these totals may not reflect a trend or situation in our area or any specific area. These are totals for the state and that can take in a lot of highs and lows. Even within some of the Wildlife Management Units or individual townships there can be a big discrepancy in numbers. Whether we are talking about deer numbers, climate change or personal incomes, remember the old adage – “many a person has drowned in a stream that averaged two feet deep.”</div>
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For some of the more popular areas for areas hunters, these are the totals. WMU 6K north of Oneida Lake had 2,671 bucks taken and a total number of 5,232 deer killed. WMU 7M, the large area of Madison County surrounding Route 20, had 4,532 bucks taken and a total of 9,199 deer killed. WMU 7J, which runs west from Oneida along northern Madison County, had 3,197 bucks taken out of a total deer harvest of 8,381.</div>
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Even in Madison County the totals showed significant variation. The town of Brookfield had 315 bucks killed while Hamilton had 176 bucks killed and Georgetown had 148. The town of Lincoln harvested 80 bucks in contrast to Eaton’s 237. There are lots of factors influencing these totals including size of the county, the amount of public access, habitat, etc. in addition to deer populations or densities.</div>
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It is no surprise that Southern Zone totals far surpassed the northern zone totals. A bigger area with better habitat for deer that supports greater deer densities combined with easier hunting conditions yields the majority of deer harvest every year. Last season there was a total of 206,106 deer taken in the Southern Zone compared to 29,075 deer in the Northern Zone.</div>
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What did come as a surprise to me was the large percentage of bucks taken by bowhunters and muzzleloader hunters in each zone. In the Northern Zone there was a total of 16,727 bucks harvested. Approximately 22 percent of these were killed by either bow (893) or muzzleloader (2,961). In the Southern Zone there was a total of 90,702 bucks killed and of that number 22,584 were killed by bowhunters and 3,050 taken by muzzleloader in the post season hunt.</div>
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Statewide statistics show that 158,954 deer were taken by gun, 47,842 by bow, 24,420 by muzzleloader and 5,535 by crossbow. Statistics show that taking a doe on a DMP is far from a certain thing. In WMU 7M only 19 percent of DMP holders successfully took a doe. Other units showed similar results.</div>
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At some time in the future we will try to glean through the 25 pages of the reports for comparison of local units and areas harvest figures in 2014 to past years. We will try to add some local sportsmen’s observations and opinions on reasons for any changes.</div>
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SHORT CASTS</div>
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Walleye Opener: Good weather marked the opening of the walleye and pike season on Oneida Lake last weekend. Eager anglers were out in force and some nice fish were taken. Fishing in the creeks and canals was slower than expected causing some discussion and varying opinions among anglers. But fishing in the shallow areas of the lake was very good and those anglers who moved and found the active fish were rewarded with some nice fish on their stringers.</div>
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Vernon Rod and Gun Club Chicken Barbeque: The Vernon Rod and Gun club will hold a chicken barbeque on Saturday, May 16, rain or shine. The event will be from noon until all are meals are gone. You can eat in or take out service is available. Menu includes half a roast barbequed chicken, coleslaw, salt potatoes, roll and dessert. Support youth and community activities and enjoy a delicious meal.</div>
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Turkey season opens: Turkey season opened last weekend to great weather and high expectations. But a lot of hunters ended up frustrated when they saw few birds and heard even fewer gobbling. The woods were fairly silent and there was not a lot of action among the hunters that I talked to.</div>
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Most hunters had trouble finding mature gobblers and of course bringing them into gun range is even more difficult. Some hunters did take jakes which were fairly sizable for year old birds. From a personal viewpoint my seasons started off with excitement as I worked a gobbler along a ridgetop at sunrise. However he ended up flying down over the ridge to join some hens on posted property so the rest of my morning was spent watching deer or a few hens that came into check out my decoys.</div>
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Preliminary reports from the Oneida County Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs Youth Hunt from April 25 - 26 indicate that it was a great success. A lot of the youngsters got birds, and some of them were trophy size. All had a great time and learned a lot from the ECOs and other mentors who spent time taking the youngsters out on their special hunts. We will have the complete report soon. In the meantime, congratulations and thanks to all who were involved in this worthwhile cause.</div>
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Billy Alexander’s Jigs: Many area residents are aware that Bill Alexander of Sylvan Beach is a very successful fisherman. He is also a very successful fisherman in competitive bass tournaments. Sine 1981 when he started fishing competitively he has either won or finished in the top three in several Bassmaster tournaments.</div>
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But what many do not realize is that part of the secret to Bill’s success is the fact that he designs and makes his own jigs. Bill understands bass habitat, their feeding habits and other behavior and fine-tunes his lures to take advantage of this. He also believes in using quality components, whether there is money on the line, or just fishing for fun.</div>
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Bill also sells his successful line of jigs with a variety of styles. Check his web site www.billysmtolures.com. The web site gives background, illustration and even tips for using the various types. Of course the name comes from “Made To Order” since all of the lures are individually poured, painted and tied with hair or other material. He has a lot of them, especially the more popular ones, in stock. But otherwise you may have to wait a little bit for customized jigs during the bass fishing season!</div>
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Check out the site for useful information and to see the amazing variety available. Support a local person. And at the same time your fishing success may increase.</div>
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St. Lawrence River Pike Season Opens: Earlier this week I was in touch with some of my friends who are guides up on the St. Lawrence River. Up there they are excited about the opening of pike season. Opening weekend was nothing special because the water was still cold. However this week the water temperature is 47 degrees and should be getting warmer.</div>
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This is approaching the temperature where pike start to spawn so they should be moving into the shallow water and staging off the mouths of bays and shallow creeks. They are looking forward to this weekend and the next two weeks when the action should be good. The suggestions for those who want the excitement of northern pike fishing include using artificial lures such as stickbaits, crankbaits, jigs or spinnerbaits.</div>
Leo Maloneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03681680448214089241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5590116732040479558.post-16450602098915133452015-04-29T11:49:00.002-07:002015-04-29T11:49:23.911-07:00Local anglers eagerly await walleye opener<br />
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.<br />
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.<br />
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. <br />
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.<br />
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.<br />
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.<br />
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.<br />
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.<br />
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.<br />
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.<br />
SHORT CASTS<br />
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.<br />
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.<br />
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.<br />
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.<br />
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.<br />
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.<br />
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.<br />
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.<br />
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.Leo Maloneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03681680448214089241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5590116732040479558.post-8719194738292169392015-04-22T11:18:00.002-07:002015-04-22T11:18:08.971-07:00 Turkey season opens next week<br />
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.<br />
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.<br />
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.<br />
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.<br />
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.<br />
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.<br />
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.<br />
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.<br />
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.<br />
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.<br />
SHORT CASTS<br />
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.<br />
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.<br />
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.<br />
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.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
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.<br />
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.<br />
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.<br />
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.Leo Maloneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03681680448214089241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5590116732040479558.post-2427189443176383742015-04-15T11:04:00.000-07:002015-04-15T11:04:04.052-07:00Fine tune your calling for turkey season<br />
“Turkey Hunting Ain’t a Sport; It’s a Disease!”<br />
-Ben Rogers Lee<br />
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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.<br />
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.<br />
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.<br />
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.<br />
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.<br />
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.<br />
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.<br />
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.<br />
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.<br />
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.<br />
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.<br />
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.<br />
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.<br />
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!<br />
Practice your calls and your shooting and be ready when the season arrives.<br />
SHORT CASTS<br />
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:<br />
“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.”<br />
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.<br />
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.<br />
“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.”<br />
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.<br />
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.<br />
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.Leo Maloneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03681680448214089241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5590116732040479558.post-76292264161869642082015-04-08T12:21:00.000-07:002015-04-08T12:21:02.936-07:00New York Conservation Officers Association to be honored<br />
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.<br />
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.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
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.<br />
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.<br />
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.<br />
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.<br />
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.<br />
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.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
SHORT CASTS<br />
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,<br />
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.<br />
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.<br />
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.<br />
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).<br />
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.<br />
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.<br />
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.<br />
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.<br />
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.<br />
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.<br />
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.Leo Maloneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03681680448214089241noreply@blogger.com0