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conservation chatter corner

with ron schroder

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YOUR IN ON THE OUTDOORS FOR WESTERN NEW YORK
www.huntfishnyoutdoors.com

2-17-12

Welcome to this week’s Conservation Chatter Corner – little bits of happenings concerning our outdoors and you, the sportspeople who enjoy being part of that outdoors.

Proposed Changes To Freshwater Sport Fishing Regulations: Changes to the current freshwater fishing regulations designed to enhance fishing opportunities and protect the state's freshwater fisheries were announced by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). DEC will accept public comments on the proposals through April 2, 2012.

The proposed regulation changes are the result of careful assessment of the status of existing fish populations and the desires of anglers for enhanced fishing opportunities. Several of the changes being considered are to remove special regulations that are no longer warranted. In order to receive input early in the process, changes under consideration for this proposal were available on DEC’s website earlier this year for comment. This feedback, in addition to comments received from angling interest groups, provided essential input to the development of the regulation changes that are now being formally proposed. Below are highlights of the proposed changes affecting western and central New York.

Draft regulation changes that pertain to walleye:

· Prohibit fishing in the following stream sections from March 16 until the first Saturday in May (opening day for walleye) to protect spawning walleye: Little Sandy Creek (Oswego County) from the intersection of the channelized area next to Koster Drive downstream of the State Route 3 bridge to the lower boundary of the public fishing rights section located upstream of the State Route 3 bridge.

· Remove special walleye regulations (18-inch minimum size and three per day) and apply the statewide regulation (15-inch minimum size and five per day) for Lime Lake (Cattaraugus County) and Bear and Findley lakes (Chautauqua County) because these populations no longer require the added protection provided by the special regulation.

· Change the walleye daily limit for Lake Erie and the Upper Niagara River to six per day to harmonize limits with bordering jurisdictions.

Draft regulation changes that pertain to black bass:

· Eliminate the special black bass closed season for Oneida Lake and implement statewide regulations to create additional fishing opportunities and expand statewide consistency, as continuance of this special closed season is not warranted.

· Apply statewide black bass regulations for Allen Lake (Allegany County) and Cassadaga Lake (Chautauqua County) as recent surveys have shown stable bass populations in these waters.

Draft regulations that pertain to trout and salmon:

· Change minimum length for salmonids in the Upper Niagara River to “any size” because the current 12-inch minimum length is no longer necessary and this will also eliminate the need for special tributary regulations.

· Implement a 12-inch minimum size for brown trout in Otisco Lake (Onondaga County) to increase the opportunity to return more brown trout to the creel.

· Reduce the limit of rainbow trout from five to one in the western Finger Lakes and three to one in the tributaries to provide further protection for this species. Western Finger Lakes include Seneca, Keuka, Canandaigua, Canadice, and Hemlock Lakes.

· Remove the restriction of no more than three lake trout as part of the five trout limit in the western Finger Lakes to foster harvest opportunities and reduce competition with other trout species and impacts on the forage base.

· Eliminate trout catch and release section for Ischua Creek (Cattaraugus County) in the village of Franklinville to enhance angling opportunities by allowing beginner and young anglers to use the section of stream and keep fish.

· Change the minimum size limit for rainbow trout in Skaneateles Lake (Onondaga, Cayuga and Cortland counties) and Owasco Lake (Cayuga County) from nine inches to 15 inches. This would create consistency with the other Finger Lakes as most of these lakes have environmental conditions that support excellent growth of trout and would provide angling opportunities for large fish.

· Add the tributaries of Beaverdam Brook (Oswego County) from their mouths to the upstream boundary of the Salmon River Hatchery property to the current Beaverdam Brook fishing closure (which also currently prohibits fishing within 100 yards of any DEC fish collection device). This addition of the tributaries would make oversight and enforcement of this area more effective in safeguarding fish returning to the hatchery.

Draft regulations that pertain to pickerel, muskellunge and tiger muskellunge:

· Implement a 40-inch size limit for muskellunge and tiger muskellunge in the Chenango, Tioughnioga, Tioga and Susquehanna rivers (Chenango, Cortland, Broome and Tioga counties) and a 36-inch size limit at Otisco Lake (Onondaga County) to increase the trophy potential of these species in these waters.

Draft regulations that pertain to ice fishing and baitfish:

· Allow ice fishing on stocked trout lakes in Allegany, Niagara, Wyoming, Chautauqua, Erie and Cattaraugus counties unless otherwise stated. These lakes are managed for put and take trout fishing and they contain warm water fish species that should be available to anglers during the winter months through the ice.

· Include Cayuta Lake (Schuyler County) as a designated water from which baitfish may be taken as the commercial harvest of alewife should have no negative effect on the alewife population or the lake’s ecology.

Draft regulations that pertain to gear and angling methods:

· More clearly specify that attempting to take fish by snagging is prohibited.

· Permit the use of multiple hooks with multiple points on Lake Erie tributaries to provide additional angling opportunities.

· For the Salmon River (Oswego County) allow a bead chain to be attached to floating lures. The distance between a floating lure and hook point may not exceed three-and-a-half inches when a bead chain configuration is used. This was determined to be an effective angling method and was not considered an attractive snagging device.

· For the Salmon River (Oswego County) implement a “no weight” restriction (i.e., only floating line and unweighted leaders and flies allowed) from May 1 – 15 for the Lower Fly Area and from May 1 – August 31 for the Upper Fly Area to provide further protection to vulnerable fish.

DEC is proposing additional regulation changes to remove special regulations that are no longer relevant, to provide more clarity in the current regulations and to make minor adjustments to current language. The full text of the draft regulation as well as instructions for submitting comments can be found on DEC’s website at: www.dec.ny.gov/regulations/propregulations.html.

Comments on the proposals can be sent via e-mail to fishregs@gw.dec.state.ny.us, or mailed to Shaun Keeler, New York State DEC, Bureau of Fisheries, 625 Broadway, Albany, NY 12233-4753. Hard copies of the full text can be requested from Shaun Keeler at the same addresses listed above. Final regulations, following full review of public comments, will take effect October 1, 2012.

ANNUAL TREE AND SHRUB SEEDLING SALE AND GIVEAWAY: More than 50 species of trees and shrubs are now available to schools and public and private landowners at the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation's (DEC) Saratoga Tree Nursery, DEC announced. The Saratoga Tree Nursery provides trees for erosion control, wildlife habitat, reforestation and other uses. The program provides low-cost, native planting materials from New York sources to encourage landowners to enhance the state's environment for future generations. The Saratoga Tree Nursery also offers a few non-native species which can enhance wildlife plantings and/or assist with stream bank stabilization. For instance, toringo crabapple provides a winter food source for wild turkey, grouse and deer and streamco willow is used in many stabilization projects.

The minimum order is 25 for conifers, hardwoods and wildlife shrubs and 50 for container stock. Mixed species packets of 30-100 wildlife shrubs are also available for homeowners to attract wildlife. The Saratoga Tree Nursery sells primarily bare-root stock, but a few species are available as containerized stock (grown in a greenhouse). Landowners can get planting advice from their nearest DEC forestry office or private forestry consultant. The 2012 Tree and Shrub brochure can be found on the DEC's website http://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/9395.html or by calling the Saratoga Tree Nursery at (518) 581-1439.

To order seedlings by phone, call the Saratoga Tree Nursery on weekdays between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. at (518) 587-1120. Mail orders are also accepted and can be sent to the NYS DEC Saratoga Tree Nursery, 2369 Route 50, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Orders may be placed through mid-May. Seedlings are shipped from mid-April to mid -May.

Schools across New York can receive free seedlings for spring planting through the DEC School Seedling Program which provides 50 tree seedlings or a mixed packet of 30 wildlife shrubs to any public or private school that would like to participate. The seedlings can be planted on school grounds or other community spaces. Teachers and students are encouraged to plan the project ahead of time by discussing the value trees contribute to the environment and to determine the objectives of tree planting. To participate in DEC's School Seedling Program, schools should download an application from http://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/9393.html, contact the Saratoga Tree Nursery at (518) 581-1439 or contact the nearest DEC regional forestry office to request a "School Seedlings" brochure. The brochure contains all the information necessary to place an order. Applications must be received at the nursery by April 15, 2012.

Rockefeller Unit Forest Management Plan Meetings: DEC’s Region 7 (covering central New York) will hold an Open House on Thursday, February 23, to discuss future management of state forest lands within the Rockefeller Unit. State forests in the Unit are Beaver Dam, Grigg’s Gulf, Michigan Hill and Turkey Hill State Forests. The Rockefeller Unit consists of 5,785 acres of state lands within Broome, Cortland and Tioga counties and includes lands in the towns of Lisle, Harford, LaPeer and Richford. The purpose of the meeting is to provide information about the Unit, discuss its history, ecology and current uses, such as forest product sales and recreational use, and to exchange ideas about long-term forest management. DEC is seeking the public’s input in helping establish a long-range vision and goals for management of these lands.

The open house will be held in DEC’s Cortland office building, which is located at 1285 Fisher Avenue. There will be three open house sessions: 10:00 am to noon, 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm and 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. If the Cortland School District is closed (day and/or evening activities) for adverse weather conditions (check local TV and radio stations), the meeting will be held Thursday, March 1, 2012. The meetings will allow the public to interact with DEC staff and view displays in an informal setting. There will not be a formal presentation or group question and answer period. Rather instead there will be displays, which people can view at their leisure, and staff will be available to have a dialogue with members of the public. The public is encouraged to raise questions, share comments about use and management of the unit and learn more about the unit management planning process. Public input gathered at the open house, along with input received by mail and email, data collected during forest inventories, and other sources of data and information will be used to develop the Rockefeller Unit Management Plan (UMP). The UMP will guide management actions for the Unit to help achieve the goals of providing healthy, sustainable and biologically diverse forest ecosystems. For additional information about the open house contact Henry C. Dedrick Jr. at (607) 753-3095 or email: hcdedric@gw.dec.state.ny.us.

Oswego County Publishes New Fishing and Hunting Guide: Oswego County’s diverse world-class fishing and excellent hunting opportunities are highlighted in the new Fishing and Hunting Guide released by the Oswego County Department of Community Development, Tourism and Planning. The 35-page guide contains detailed information on fishing eastern Lake Ontario waters, the Oswego and Salmon rivers, Sandy Pond, Oneida Lake, the Oneida River and Lake Neahtahwanta, with a directory of charter captains, river guides, tackle shops, and marinas. Special sections focus on fly-fishing the Salmon River, ice fishing, and public hunting areas. One hundred thousand copies will be distributed at sportsman shows, hotels, motels, campgrounds, tourist information centers, chambers of commerce, and attractions in New York and surrounding states.

For a copy, call 1-800-248-4FUN or e-mail tourism@oswegocounty.com. The new publication, along with year-round fishing conditions and visitor information, is posted on www.visitoswegocounty.com

This Week’s Events:

17 - National Wild Turkey Federation – Niagara Falls Thundering Toms Chapter Dinner at The Como Restaurant, 2220 Pine Avenue, Niagara Falls, NY (For more information contact James Mackenzie 716-297-2810)

18 - National Wild Turkey Federation – Lakeshore Longbeards Chapter Dinner at The Kosciuszko Club 252 Nevins Rd Dunkirk, NY (For more information contact James Mackenzie 716-297-2810)

18 - National Wild Turkey Federation – Catharine Valley Long Spurs Chapter Dinner at the Watkins Glen Community Center, Route 414, Watkins Glen, NY (For more information contact Ed Baker 607-739-7575 efb4@cornell.edu)

18 – Roger Tobey Steelhead Contest sponsored by the Niagara River Anglers Association. (Starting at Sunrise) Cost is $20 per person, but you must be a member of the NRAA if you’d like to participate. In addition, an optional $5 brown trout purse is also being collected for the biggest brown trout caught for the day. While most of the fishing will undoubtedly be in the lower river, contestants will also be able to fish in Lake Ontario, as well as Lake O. tributaries. (Check the NRAA website for details)

18 - Interlaken Sportsman Club, Banquet at the Club, Tunison Road (1/2 mile south of Route 96A), Interlaken, NY. (5:00 pm) (For information call Kathy Irwin, 607-582-7411)

18 – Snowbirds at the Reinstein Woods Environmental Education Center, 93 Honorine Drive, Depew, NY (Town of Cheektowaga) (10:30 am) Learn tips for watching birds in winter, and take part in the Great Backyard Bird Count. For adults and kids age 8 and up. (Registration required; call 716-683-5959 www.dec.ny.gov/education/1837.html)

18 – Great Backyard Bird Count Volunteer Event at the Montezuma Audubon Center, 2295 State Route 89, Savannah, NY (9:00 am-1:00 pm) Each year, tens of thousands of people throughout the U.S. and Canada take part in the Great Backyard Bird Count. Volunteers of all ages and all levels of bird watching experience are welcome to help with this citizen science project to count birds around the Montezuma Wetlands Complex. Lunch and hot cocoa provided. (Fee: FREE!) (For more information and to register Contact Chris Lajewski 315-365-3588 clajewski@audubon.org)

18 - Great Backyard Birds at the Montezuma Audubon Center, 2295 State Route 89, Savannah, NY

(1:00-2:30 pm) Birds can warm up our hearts even on the coldest, darkest winter day. Join our naturalist to learn how to identify your common backyard birds while snowshoeing through the forest and grasslands. Then, warm up with a cup of hot cocoa! (Fee including snowshoe rental: $5/child, $7.50/adult, $20/family; Fee without rental: $3/child, $5/adult, $15/family) (For more information and to register Contact Chris Lajewski 315-365-3588 clajewski@audubon.org)

18-19 - Cattaraugus County Sportsman's Show , at the Seneca Allegany Casino & Hotel, 777 Seneca Allegany Boulevard, Salamanca, NY (Sat. 9:00 am - 4:00 pm/Sun. 9:00 am - 3:00 pm) (For information call Jim Buck 716-569-6810 or Bruce Johnston 716-542-9929 or email: nfcshows@aol.com)

19 - Genesee Valley Trappers Association Fur Auction at the Clubhouse, 4462 County Road 32 (3 miles east of Honeoye, south of 20A), Honeoye, NY (6:30 am fur checkin/10:00 am auction) ($10.00 charge for non-members) (For information call Tom Miller 585-229-4759)

20 - Naturalist Badge Day at the Montezuma Audubon Center, 2295 State Route 89, Savannah, NY

(1:00-3:00 pm) Webelos scouts will complete the requirements for this badge by identifying and studying local birds and their habitats, discussing bird flyways and bird conservation. Interactive games and activities will be incorporated into the program. (Fee: $7/scout.) (For more information and to register Contact Chris Lajewski 315-365-3588 clajewski@audubon.org)

22 - Where Have All the Insects Gone? at the Sterling Nature Center, Jensvold Road, Sterling, NY (1:00 pm) Have you ever wondered what happens to all the insects in winter? Join Naturalist Jim D'Angelo for this unique program on wintering insects. There will be an inside presentation on the strategies insects use to survive the long, cold central New York winters, followed by a walk to seek out some of the wintering insects. The program is free and open to the public. (For information, questions, or reservations call 315-947-6143 or email snc@co.cayuga.ny.us)

22 - The State of the Lake Ontario Meeting (Oswego County) at the Oswego County BOCES, 179 County Route 64, Mexico, NY (7:00 – 9:30 pm) The meeting is co-hosted by the Eastern Lake Ontario Salmon and Trout Association. Biologists from DEC, the U.S. Geological Survey, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources will make presentations, including updates on trout and salmon fisheries, forage fish populations, lake trout restoration efforts, warm water fish populations, and sea lamprey control. There will also be an update on the status of Lake Ontario Sportfishing Restoration Program projects that are funded by a natural resources damage settlement. Following the presentations, the public can ask questions and interact with the presenters. Information summaries for a host of Lake Ontario fisheries assessment programs will be posted at: http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/27068.html prior to the public meetings. Previous annual reports can also be found at this site. (For information, contact Dan Bishop in the DEC Cortland office at 607-753-3095)

23 - Open House on Four State Forests to Create Rockefeller Unit Management Plan at DEC’s Cortland Office, 1285 Fisher Avenue, Cortland, NY. (10:00 am – Noon, 2:00 – 4:00 pm and 6:00 – 8:00 pm) State forests in the Unit are Beaver Dam, Grigg’s Gulf, Michigan Hill and Turkey Hill State Forests. The Rockefeller Unit consists of 5,785 acres of state lands within Broome, Cortland and Tioga counties and includes lands in the towns of Lisle, Harford, LaPeer and Richford. The purpose of the meeting is to provide information about the Unit, discuss its history, ecology and current uses, such as forest product sales and recreational use, and to exchange ideas about long-term forest management. DEC is seeking the public’s input in helping establish a long-range vision and goals for management of these lands. (If the Cortland School District is closed, the meeting will be held March 1, 2012.) (For additional information about the open house contact Henry C. Dedrick Jr. at 607-753-3095 or email: hcdedric@gw.dec.state.ny.us.)

23 - Outdoor Adventure Club: Winter Adaptation Walk at the Reinstein Woods Environmental Education Center, 93 Honorine Drive, Depew, NY (Town of Cheektowaga) (10:00 am) Search for animals that are adapted to brave our harsh winters. For kids age 10 and up. (Cost: Snowshoe rental: $4/person; $2/Friends of Reinstein members.) (Registration required; call 716-683-5959 www.dec.ny.gov/education/1837.html)

24 - National Wild Turkey Federation – Cohocton Valley Chapter Dinner at The Friends of Howard Building,

Hopkins Road, Hornell, NY (For more information contact Jim McGlynn 607-776-6263)

24 – Early Gun & Military Auction at Hessney Auction Center, 2741 Route 14N, Geneva, NY (10:00 am) Pre-1900 guns, shotguns, rifles, handguns, over 150 civil war letters, pre-1900 military guns & memorabilia, swords, knives, bayonets, books, photos, paper, Military Includes Spanish-American War, Indian Wars, Civil War, War of 1812 (For more information call 315-789-9349 or 585-734-6082 or go to www.hessney.com)

24-26 – Spring Fishing Classic at Bass Pro Shops, Friday: 6pm Advanced Small and Large Mouth Bass Tactics; 7pm Local Fishing Tips & Techniques; 8pm Side Image Sonar: How to use it Effectively to Catch Fish. Saturday: 1pm Trolling- Using the Correct Gear and Setups and Reaching Desired Depths; 2pm Pre-Spawn and Post-Spawn Bass; 3pm Fish Finder Basics; 4pm Crankbait Fishing; 5pm Spinnerbait Basics. Sunday:1pm The Tackle & Tactics of Power Fishing vs. Finesse Fishing; 2pm Local Fishing Tips & Techniques; 3pm Side Image Sonar: How to Use it Effectively to Catch Fish; 4pm Fish Finder Basics. (For information contact: James King, Store Manager 315-258-2700)

24-3/11 – 2012 Spring Fishing Classic at at Bass Pro Shops, 1579 Clark Street Road, Auburn, NY. Special events: 2/24-26 – Fishing seminars by local pros and conservation groups; 3/2-4 - BASSMaster University Weekend with National Pros and seminars and 3/9-11 - Bass Pro Shops Next Generation™ Weekend. (For more information: Contact James King at (315) 258-2700 or go to www.basspro.com/classic)

25 - Nature of Montezuma Lecture: Get the Dirt on Montezuma at the Montezuma Audubon Center, 2295 State Route 89, Savannah, NY (1:00-3:30 pm) Dr. Andrew Kozlowski, Associate NY State Geologist, talks about his current research in the Montezuma Wetlands Complex. Dr. Kozlowski and his colleagues have been studying Montezuma in an attempt to piece together its geological history. What’s the scoop? Come find out! An optional snowshoe around Montezuma’s glacial features will follow the lecture. (Fee for lecture only: $3/child, $5/adult, $15/family. Fee including snowshoeing: $5/child, $7.50/adult, $20/family.) (For more information and to register Contact Chris Lajewski 315-365-3588 clajewski@audubon.org)

25 - Start of Hunting Season – Part 2 - for Snow Geese in the Northeast Zone (>4/15/12)

25 - Start of Canada Goose Hunting Season – Part 3 – in the South Area (>3/10/12)

25 - National Wild Turkey Federation – Cohocton Valley Chapter Dinner at the Central Steuben Masonic Com. Center, Steuben County Fairgrounds, Bath, NY (For more information contact Jim McGlynn 607-776-6263)

25 - Learn to Snowshoe for Kids at the Reinstein Woods Environmental Education Center, 93 Honorine Drive, Depew, NY (Town of Cheektowaga) (10:30 am) Kids age 5 to 8 can try out snowshoes on a guided walk. (Cost: Snowshoe rental: $4/person; $2/Friends of Reinstein members.) (Registration required; call 716-683-5959 www.dec.ny.gov/education/1837.html)

25 - LOTSA Salmon School Part 2 - Advanced Class presented by Bob Cinelli and Vince Pierloni at Niagara County Cornell Cooperative Extension Center, 4487 Lake Ave. (Route 78, two miles north of Lockport), Lockport, NY (9:00 am) This presentation will feature advanced techniques, building on the foundation laid in last years School and will include a segment from Captain's Tom Burke and Andy Bliss from Cold Steel Sportfishing, detailing techniques for fishing for deep kings. (Cost: $70.00 which includes Lunch and a Goodie Bag full of vaulable tackle.) (For information and register for class go to www.lotsa.org)

25-26 - Niagara Frontier Collectors Springville Gun Show at the Springville Vol. Fire Dept. 405 West Main Street (SR 39), Springville, N.Y. (Sat. 9:00 am - 4:00 pm/Sun. 9:00 am - 3:00 pm) (For information call Jim Buck 716-569-6810 or Bruce Johnston 716-542-9929 or email: nfcshows@aol.com)

26 – 2012 Lake Ontario Fishing Expo and Flea Market sponsored by the Lake Ontario Trout and Salmon Association at Niagara County Cornell Cooperative Extension Center, 4487 Lake Ave. (Route 78, two miles north of Lockport), Lockport, NY (8:30 am – 3:00 pm/Seminars at 10:30 AM and 1:00 PM) Charter Captains, Tackle Manufacturers, Tackle Shops etc., looking to sell both new and used tackle and equipment at show special prices, as well as just talking. A Kids Fishing Class will be conducted as part of the LOTSA Salmon Spectacular Weekend from 1:00 - 2:30 pm. (Admission is a $5.00 per adult attendee as a donation to Pen Rearing.) (For information and register for class go to www.lotsa.org)

26 – Pistol Permit Class at the Jamestown Rifle Club, 2882 Busti-Stillwater Road, (Route 380), Jamestown, NY. (1:00 – 5:00 pm) Class for those interested in receiving their New York State Pistol permits. (Cost: $40.00 per person) (For information or pre-register contact Pat Hayes at 716-484-9301)

Until our next meeting in the Corner, have a great time in the outdoors. This is Ron Schroder for – “Your In on The Outdoors for Western New York.”

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2 – 10 - 12

Welcome to this week’s Conservation Chatter Corner – little bits of happenings concerning our outdoors and you, the sportspeople who enjoy being part of that outdoors.

Deer Plan Status: From NYSDEC Big Game Biologist Jeremy Hurst

As many of you are aware, our recently adopted deer management plan (www.dec.ny.gov/animals/7211.html#DeerPlan) indicates our intended direction for the next 5 years of deer management and deer hunting. The plan included a number of strategies that would affect deer hunting seasons and increase hunter opportunity. We have recently been getting a lot of questions from hunters about deer season dates for 2012 and whether the changes outlined in the deer plan are now final. So let me clarify the process and where we stand.

First, the deer plan did not propose any changes to the Southern Zone Regular season, which will begin on November 17, 2012.

Otherwise, for many of the hunting related strategies of the deer plan to be implemented (for example, begin the Southern Zone bow season on October 1, establish a youth hunt for deer, allow DMPs to be used during the Northern Zone bow and muzzleloader seasons, and establish mandatory antler restrictions in seven additional WMUs in the Catskills), we must amend our regulations through the formal rulemaking process. The process is outlined on the NYS Dept. of State's website (www.dos.ny.gov/info/rulediagram.html) and essentially involves publishing the proposed regulations in the State Register , a 45-day public comment period, DEC review and assessment of the comment and DEC determination whether the proposed rules require modification or can be adopted. We are in the early internal stages of this process now and hope to proceed so that adopted regulations may be in place by late spring, well ahead of the 2012 hunting seasons.
That said, please be aware that several recommendations of the deer plan require amendment of laws, not regulations. These issues are described in Appendix 5 of the deer plan and include: establishing a uniform minimum age of 12 years for all hunters, expanded use of crossbows, reduction of the setback distance for discharge of vertical bows and crossbows, increased penalties for deer hunting violations, and other statutory issues. Statutory changes (changes to laws) must be enacted by the New York State Legislature and signed by the Governor. DEC does not have authority to change laws.

Additionally, in the final deer plan we committed to implementing a special youth deer hunt without identifying the specific dates when the youth hunt might occur. Rather we committed to continue working with stakeholders to select an appropriate time for the youth hunt. To that end, we decided to ask those most directly affected by this initiative, namely junior hunters and the adults that would mentor them, about their opinions on the timing of a youth deer hunt. We conducted a mail survey in which we presented junior hunters with five options for a youth hunt, including: a weekend in early September, a weekend in late September, the 1st full weekend in October, the 3-day Columbus Day weekend, or the 1st two-three weeks of October including weekends. Notable findings:

90% of respondents indicated that they would likely participate in a youth deer hunt;

Season options in October were preferred over options in September;

Columbus Day weekend received the greatest overall preference.

Check out www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/74971.html to see the full results of the survey.
I'll let you all know when we formally propose the regulation changes, sometime in March, and the details will be posted on our website (www.dec.ny.gov/regulations/propregulations.html).

Also, we are now in the end stages of compiling and reviewing deer and bear harvest data from the 2011-12 seasons; deer hunting just concluded last week on Long Island. I expect we'll have final harvest numbers available by the end of the month, ahead of schedule compared to the past few years.

Senecas Get Money for Walleye: Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar today announced more than $7 million in grants will go to 42 Native American projects in 16 states to fund a wide range of conservation projects nationwide.

The grants have enabled tribes to develop increased management capacity, improve and enhance relationships with partners including State agencies, address cultural and environmental priorities, and heighten interest of tribal students in fisheries, wildlife and related fields of study. Some grants have been awarded to enhance recovery efforts for threatened and endangered species.

The grants are provided exclusively to Federally-recognized Indian tribal governments and are made possible under the Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 2002 through the State and Tribal Wildlife Grant program.

During the current grant cycle, tribes submitted a total of 137 proposals that were scored by panels in each Service Region using uniform ranking criteria. A national scoring panel recommended 42 proposals for funding.

Two projects in New York received grants: the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe received $193,191 for their Akwesasne Wildlife Management Plan and the Seneca Nation received $199,762 for their

Walleye Conservation Program.

Great Lakes Restoration Initiative: If you are a concerned citizen who spends time near the shore around the Great Lakes, join the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative. Thousands of birds have died from disease in recent years, and scientists want to keep an eye on the health of birds in these areas. All you have to do is share your observations about injured or dead birds or algal blooms by recording them in the Wildlife Health Event Reporter.

To learn more about being a citizen scientist and about additional opportunities to get involved, read the December 2011 issue of Conservationist magazine. DEC's website also has a list of citizen science programs. (From DEC’s Outdoor Discovery – February 8, 2012)

Ice Fishing Safety: (From The U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance On Target 2/9/12)

When sub-freezing temperatures swept across much of North America recently, it seems that many die-hard anglers suddenly thought about one topic—ice fishing.

In states like Minnesota, Caterpillar road graders have been deployed to open roads across frozen lakes. New “housing developments” line those roads, with those homes being ice fishing houses. This type of winter sport fishing is a popular American pastime in many regions. All that is needed is water, cold temperatures and fish. Unfortunately the sport also has a dark side—the dangers of unsafe ice. “There’s no such thing as 100% safe ice,” reports Minnesota’s Department of Natural Resources (MNDNR).

Snow, flowing water, and many other factors keep ice from freezing uniformly. The ice covering the water could be a foot thick in one place and only a few inches thick a few feet away.

To protect yourself and others, here are few guidelines to remember when ice fishing:

All ice should be at least four inches thick before you think about trekking out on foot to fish;

Constantly check the ice thickness when moving around a body of frozen water;

Ice should be more than 12 inches thick before you drive a vehicle out onto it. If you do drive out in a vehicle, the safety guidelines are to move your vehicle every two hours while on the river or lake. If you do plunge through the ice, the MNDNR recommends the following guidelines to increase your survival rate:

Keep your clothing on;

Turn back to the direction where you came from, placing your extended arms and hands on the ice’s upper surface, and then kicking as if you were swimming to propel your body back onto the ice;

When back on the ice, continue to lie flat and roll away from the thin area before standing and heading to safety and warmth;

Your safety can also be increased if you carry ice claws. More details on ice claws and many other ice fishing safety tips can be found at: http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/safety/ice.

HSUS Serving Beefy Burgers? (From The U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance On Target 2/9/12)

In an odd twist of trying to gain control of America’s stomachs, the Humane Society of the U.S. has purchased stock in the Hardee’s and Carl’s Jr. restaurant chains. It appears the country’s leading animal rights organizations purchased the shares to leverage and promote its animal welfare agenda…and again try to force its agenda unto all Americans.

According to a story on the HSUS website, they purchased stock in Apollo Global (Hardee’s parent company) with the hope of forcing CKE Restaurants, operator of the Hardee’s and Carl’s Jr. restaurant chains, to meet HSUS animal treatment standards in its supply chain. There are more than 3,000 Hardee’s and Carl, Jr. restaurants across America.

HSUS intends to stop Hardees from purchasing eggs from caged hens and pork from systems that confine breeding pigs to gestation crates.

No word on whether Wayne Pacelle will star in a Hardee’s commercial anytime soon though.

Coyotes Gone Bad:

Boston Suburbanites Besiged by Coyotes - In the Boston suburbs, where coyote sightings and attacks on pets are on the upswing, residents are urging town officials to take steps to control the population. Last month in Haverhill, a coyote bit a 9-year-old girl, and last week in Wellesley, coyotes attacked two dogs in separate events, killing one just outside its owner’s house. Boston Globe.

Bold Boulder Coyotes Shot After Jogger Bitten - Open Space rangers in Boulder, Colo. killed two aggreesive coyotes on Sunday after one jogger was bitten and anonther animal showed no fear of humans. "Historically, coyotes were shot at," said Jennifer Churchill, a spokeswoman for Colorado Parks and Wildlife. "Now people don't scare them off, and we're creating really nice habitat for them through irrigation. We're making them too comfortable." Boulder Daily Camera.

This Week’s Events:

10-19 - Bass Pro Shops FREE Boat Show at Bass Pro Shops, 1579 Clark Street Road, Auburn, NY. Free boating and fishing seminars available both weekends. Topics include “Do-It-Yourself Service” Saturdays at 1pm, “Local Fishing Tips” Saturdays at 2pm and “Using the Latest Electronics” Saturdays at 3pm. Sundays at 1pm learn about “Towing Your Boat”, “Organizing your Boat to Fish” at 2pm and get “Local Fishing Tips” at 3pm. (For information contact: James King, Store Manager 315-258-2700)

11 - National Wild Turkey Federation – Niagara Frontier Chapter Dinner at Fluvanna Fire Department, Route 430, Jamestown, NY (For more information contact Ed Sanderson 716-665-5471 hgfds@earthlink.net)

11 - Erie County Trappers Assoc. Raw Fur Auction at S&S Taxidermy & Archery Pro Shop, 455 South Cascade Drive, Springville, NY. (Check in 8:00 -10:00 am) (For more info call Patti Wattengel 716-337-2556)

11 - Six-Legged Snowshoe Walk at the Reinstein Woods Environmental Education Center, 93 Honorine Drive, Depew, NY (Town of Cheektowaga) (10:30 am) Come and search for hidden insects on this guided snowshoe walk. (Cost: Snowshoe rental: $4/person; $2/Friends of Reinstein members.) (Registration required; call 716-683-5959 www.dec.ny.gov/education/1837.html)

11 - Green Fire – Aldo Leopold and a Land Ethic for our Time at the Waterman Conservation Education Center, 403 Hilton Road, Apalachin, NY. (7:00 pm) Aldo Leopold is considered the father of the national wilderness system, wildlife management and the science of ecological restoration. His classic book, A Sand County Almanac, still inspires us to see the natural world as a community to which we belong. This documentary, Green Fire, explores Leopold’s personal journey of observation and understanding. It is the first feature documentary about Aldo Leopold’s life and contemporary legacy. It features commentary from conservation leaders including scientists, ranchers, scholars and three of Aldo Leopold’s children. Curt Meine, Leopold’s biographer, serves as the on-camera guide, making connections between Leopold’s ideas and their expression in the conservation movement today. (For information call the Center at 625-2221)

11-12 – Niagara Frontier Collectors Clarence Gun Show at the Events Building, 11177 Main Street, Clarence, NY (Sat 9:00 am – 4:00 pm/Sun 9:00 am – 3:00pm) (For Info call Jim Buck 716-569-6810 or Bruce Johnston 716-542-9929

11/12 - The Hindsdale Fire Department Gun Show will (Sat - 9:00 am–4:00 pm/Sun 9:00 am-3:00 pm) (Admission: $4.00/Kids under 12-years free) (For information call K. Martin at 716-417-9932 or S. Myszka at 716-307- 2161)

11/12 - Winter Carnival & Ice Fishing Tournament headquartered at the Sandy Pond Steakhouse, 45 Wig Wam Drive, Pulaski, NY. Derby: Sandy Pond during daylight hours. ($10 entry fee for tournament, $5 for 12 and under) Carnival schedule: Saturday - Ice Fishing Tournament: Weigh in 1-4pm; Dog Sled Rides: 10am – 3pm ($5 a ride);Family Ice Skating on the Pond: all day (free event, bring your own skates);Chillin’ Chili Cook Off: 11am (free event);Polar Bear Plunge: Register from 9am – 12:30pm, plunge begins at 1pm; Free Perch Fry: 3pm – 5pm; Live Entertainment; Snowmobile Lighted Night Parade: Line-up begins at 5pm, parade begins at 5:30pm; Raffles & Prizes. Sunday - Ice Fishing Tournament: Weigh in 1-3pm; Dog Sled Rides: 11am – 2pm ($5 a ride); Family Ice Skating on the Pond: all day (free event, bring your own skates); Cross-Country Ski Tour: Register from 9-10:30am, begins at 11am (free event, bring your own skis), Snowshoe Beach Walk: Sunday at 1pm (free event, bring your own snowshoes); Free Perch Fry: 3pm – 5pm; Raffles and Prizes (For information and register contact 315-298-9990)

15 - End of Hunting & Trapping Seasons for Weasel, Opossum, Raccoon & Fox

15 - End of Trapping Season fot Skunk

15 - End of Trapping Seasons for Mink and Muskrat

18 - National Wild Turkey Federation – Lakeshore Longbeards Chapter Dinner at The Kosciuszko Club 252 Nevins Rd Dunkirk, NY (For more information contact James Mackenzie 716-297-2810)

18 – Roger Tobey Steelhead Contest sponsored by the Niagara River Anglers Association. Check the NRAA website for details.

18 - Interlaken Sportsman Club, Banquet at the Club, Tunison Road (1/2 mile south of Route 96A), Interlaken, NY. (5:00 pm) (For information call Kathy Irwin, 607-582-7411)

18 - Great Backyard Birds at the Montezuma Audubon Center, 2295 State Route 89, Savannah, NY

Until our next meeting in the Corner, have a great time in the outdoors. This is Ron Schroder for – “Your In on The Outdoors for Western New York.”

Your Comments Here: (Use our Contact Page)

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2 – 3 - 12

Welcome to this week’s Conservation Chatter Corner – little bits of happenings concerning our outdoors and you, the sportspeople who enjoy being part of that outdoors.

Draft Bobcat Management Plan: DEC invites the public to comment on the proposed plan for guiding management of New York State's bobcat populations through the next five years. The draft plan describes three primary goals: maintain viable population levels and monitor trends in bobcat distribution and abundance; provide for sustainable harvest and enjoyment of bobcat by the public; and minimize negative bobcat-human interactions. Visit DEC's website to find the draft bobcat plan and comment submission information. Comments will be accepted through February 16, 2012.

New Staff Hired for New York State Fish Hatcheries: Eleven new employees, including ten fish culturists and one biologist, have been hired to work in New York State's fish hatcheries. Filling vacancies left by retirements in 2011, the fish culturists will work at DEC's hatcheries across the state, assisting in all aspects of growing and stocking fish. The new biologist will work with the fish health unit at the Rome hatchery, assisting in surveillance and treatment of fish diseases. Bringing hatcheries back to required staffing levels is a worthwhile investment. Anglers spend an estimated $530 million annually on fishing in New York State, due in large part to the approximately 900,000 pounds of hatchery-raised fish produced each year. Other information on New York State's fish hatcheries is available on DEC's website.

Western New York Small Streams Surveys: DEC Fisheries technicians completed the second year of surveying small streams for wild trout populations across western New York State. As part of the Eastern Brook Trout Joint Venture Project, the primary focus of this survey is to locate undocumented wild brook trout populations or other wild trout species in streams that have never been assessed before. Furthermore, based on these assessments, water classifications will be upgraded to provide legal protection for trout species wherever wild trout populations are found. Additionally, streams will be prioritized for future habitat restoration and perhaps brook trout reintroduction efforts. After two seasons, the entire upper Genesee watershed (286 surveys), most of the Erie-Niagara watershed (419 surveys) and a portion of the Allegheny watershed (222 surveys) have been surveyed. Of all the streams assessed, 86% were never surveyed before. Wild brook trout were found in 90 streams, wild brown trout in 120 streams and wild rainbow trout in 21 streams. Of the streams containing wild trout, 90% need upgraded water classifications to offer maximum protection. Wild brook trout in these streams face threats, such as competition with brown and rainbow trout, elevated water temperatures and poor land-use practices that should be addressed. Furthermore, artificial barriers (mainly road culverts) that create potential impassable areas to trout and other fish were identified on 158 streams. On the positive side, several surprisingly large specimens of both wild brook and brown trout were found. Fisheries staff will continue to survey streams in western New York through 2012. (Bureau Of Fisheries - Scott Cornett - 716-372-0645)

Aquatic Habitat Restoration in Upper Niagara River: The Niagara River is classified as a Great Lakes Area of Concern (AOC) due to several beneficial-use impairments, including loss of fish and wildlife habitat. Structural aquatic habitat is needed in this area, as much of the aquatic ecosystem has been lost due to dredging of navigation channels and development of near-shore areas. Fortunately, creating structural aquatic habitat to provide shelter and cover for fish can be done through the design and strategic placement of large rocks and pieces of wood that help break up river currents. In 2008, the New York Power Authority (NYPA) constructed four fish-attraction structures to meet obligations established in the Niagara Power Project federal re-licensing agreement. This project is the largest New York State hydropower system that harnesses the energy of moving water to create electricity. Furthermore, in 2011, DEC’s Region 9 was awarded $210,000 from the Niagara Habitat Enhancement Restoration Fund, established by NYPA for addressing ecosystem impacts due, in part, to Niagara Power Project operations. This new funding source will aid in constructing five more fish-attraction structures at popular sportfishing sites along the Niagara River, which are expected to be complete in fall 2012. (Bureau Of Fisheries - Tim Depriest - 716-851-7010)

New To Me Website: A contact came to us requesting cross linking. In checking out the site I was impressed with the wide variety of information provided. Backwoods Bound (http://www.backwoodsbound.com ) - Hunting, Fishing, Wild Game Recipes, After The Shot Trophy Plaques, Trophy Photos, Outdoor Photos, Fun Facts, Free Newsletter, Guide Listings and More! Need a recipe, they have most covered from alligator to turtle.

Watch Out For Deer: Officials at Red Lion Area Junior High School in central Pennsylvania say an eighth-grade student and a startled deer collided and fell to the floor when the animal rushed through the school's main entrance at dismissal Wednesday. School principal Kevin Peters and a teacher subsequently trapped the whitetail doe in a foyer and released it later. The boy was not hurt. Wilkes-Barre Times-Leader.

This Week’s Events:

3-5 – 2nd Annual Winter Cam Archery Classic at the Monroe County Fair & Expo Center, Henrietta, NY. The event features a 21-target 3D course with known distances and a 10-target pop-up course. (Information and registration at www.wintercamclassic.com)

4 - National Wild Turkey Federation – Broome County Longbeards Chapter Dinner at Brothers II Restaurant, 2901 Watson Boulevard, Endwell, NY (For more information contact James Gilbert 607-774-4349)

4 - NRA Junior Sectional – Junior Metric Position Smallbore Rifle Sectional in Jamestown, NY (Contact: Jennifer Canfield, 507 Palmer Street, Jamestown , NY 14701 jcanfield1452@msn.com)

4 - NRA Junior Sectional - Junior Intl Air Rifle Sectional in Jamestown, NY (Contact: Jennifer Canfield, 507 Palmer Street, Jamestown , NY 14701 jcanfield1452@msn.com)

4 - Educator Workshop: Project Learning Tree Environmental Experiences for Early Childhood at the Reinstein Woods Environmental Education Center, 93 Honorine Drive, Depew, NY (Town of Cheektowaga)

(9:00 am to noon) This curriculum helps early childhood educators engage young children in outdoor exploration. Attendees receive a curriculum guide and music CD that incorporate investigations of nature with art, literature, math, music and movement. For educators of students age 3 to 6. (Registration required; call 716-683-5959 www.dec.ny.gov/education/1837.html)

4 - National Wild Turkey Federation – Niagara Frontier Chapter Dinner at Lucarelli's Banquet Center,

1830 Abbott Road, Lackawana, NY (For more information contact Albert Gai 716-937-3271)

4 - Sandy Pond Perch, Ice Fishing Team Derby headquartered at the Sandy Pond Steakhouse, 45 Wig Wam Drive, Pulaski, NY. (7:00 am – 3:00 pm) This event is held by the Eastern PA Deaf Bass Anglers. (Cost: $40/team) (For more information call 315/593-1457 or email bigbuck326@aol.com)

4 - Winter Water Birds of Eastern Lake Ontario - at the Sterling Nature Center, Jensvold Road, Sterling, NY (1:00 pm) Do you know that many birds thrive on Lake Ontario throughout the winter months even on those cold and windy days when we do not want to venture outside? Join WRVO manager and amateur birder Mike Ameigh for a fascinating look at these hearty birds. Mike will share with you his knowledge and insight into their lives on the lake and surrounding waterways. The program is free and open to the public. (For information, questions, or reservations call 315-947-6143 or email snc@co.cayuga.ny.us)

4 - Rod & Gun Auction at Hessney Auction Center, 2741 Route 14N, Geneva, NY (9:15 am) Shotguns, rifles, handguns, military, decoys, knives, mounts, fishing, ammo and swords. (For more information call 315-789-9349 or 585-734-6082 or go to www.hessney.com)

4-12 - The Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show - 57th Edition at the State Farm Show Complex, Harrisburg, PA. This year’s show will feature the latest and greatest in hunting and fishing equipment and techniques presented by more than 1,200 exhibitors including: more gun manufacturers than ever, a fully loaded fishing and boat hall, two full archery halls, and hundreds of guides and outfitters from across the USA and around the world. A wide range of celebrity guests and seminar speakers will meet fans and provide expert advice and instruction throughout the show including: Ralph & Vicki Cianciarulo, Lee & Tiffany Lakosky, Hank Parker, Fred Eichler, Jimmy Houston and many more. Family entertainment will include Raptors Up Close, Chris Bracket Archery Trick Shooting, Kids Trout Pond, and a NEW Kids Day on Saturday, February 11, featuring an entire day of fun activities for kids. (For more information and ticket prices go to EasternSportShow.com/tix)

5 - Alexander Charity Gun Show at the Alexander Fireman's Rec. Hall Route 98. 10708 Alexander Road. (1 mi. south of rte 20) (Thruway Exit 48) Alexander, N.Y. Public Hours: Sun. (8:00 am – 3:00 pm) 102 Tables (For information call Jim Buck 716-569-6810 or Bruce Johnston 716-542-9929 or email: nfcshows@aol.com)

9 - Animal Detectives (with live animals) at the Seneca Meadows Education Center, 1786 Salcman Road, Waterloo, NY (6:30 pm – 8:00 pm) Have you ever found an animal bone or skeleton and wondered what kind of animal it was? Learn how to uncover the mysteries, then meet the live versions of these amazing animals with Wowee Wildlife! (Cost: $5.00/person) (For information or to register call 315-539-5624)

9 - Beautiful Bluebirds Class at the Pfeiffer Nature Center, Portville, NY (6:00 – 8:00 pm) Joe Leo will share his knowledge about bluebirds and show how to make a simple bluebird house. (Cost: General Public $25/ PNC Members $20) (For information and to register call 716-933-0187, email naturalist@PfeifferNatureCenter.org or go to www.PfeifferNatureCenter.org)

Until our next meeting in the Corner, have a great time in the outdoors. This is Ron Schroder for – “Your In on The Outdoors for Western New York.”

Your Comments Here: (Use our Contact Page)

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1-27-12

Welcome to this week’s Conservation Chatter Corner – little bits of happenings concerning our outdoors and you, the sportspeople who enjoy being part of that outdoors.

Letter from Conservation Fund Advisory Board:

January 19, 2012

Thomas Congdon

Assistant Secretary for Energy and Environment

Executive Chamber

Albany, NY 12224

RE: Impacts to the NYS Conservation Fund

Dear Mr. Congdon,

The Conservation Fund Advisory Board (CFAB) was pleased to see language placed in the Governor’s proposed budget that appears to protect the Conservation Fund from being swept and not jeopardize the estimated $20 million in federal aid New York annually receives to assist with the fish and wildlife program in NYSDEC. As I stated in my conversations with yourself and Mr. Rosenthal, I urge you to get confirmation in writing from the United States Fish and Wildlife Service that the proposed budget language addresses the concerns raised and the federal aid is not in jeopardy of being lost so that we can pass this information on to the sporting community.

At the January 19th meeting of the CFAB, there was also considerable discussion of the Governor’s budget proposal to shift 65 Environmental Conservation Officers from the General Fund to the Conservation Fund. The Board was also notified at their December meeting that 20 ECO’s were moved on to the Conservation Fund.

As I have previously stated in my correspondence and conversations with the Governor’s Office, the CFAB fully understands that a portion of the costs associated with the ECO’s should be paid by the Conservation Fund. However, the board agreed that it is absolutely unacceptable that this administration continues to offload ECO’s onto the Conservation Fund without being able to fill the numerous vacancies that exist within DEC’s Division of Fish, Wildlife, and Marine Resources (DFWMR). The CFAB receives monthly updates on staffing levels within the DFWMR and the number of employees on the Conservation Fund. Please review the information pulled from the Filled Position report when the license fee increase went into effect (8/2009) and the report from December 2011. It is clearly evident from the current staffing levels in the DFWMR that the level of service provided to sportsmen through their license fees has significantly decreased despite a significant license fee increase.

8-2009 Filled Position Report 12-2011 Filled Position Report

412 Total Staff in DFWMR 349 Total Staff in DFWMR

189 DFWMR staff on CF Main Account 228 DFWMR Staff on CF Main Account

203 Total DEC Staff on CF 259 Total DEC Staff on CF

The members of the CFAB re-emphasize the point that hunting, fishing and trapping community in New York State is the only interest group that funds the management of the resources that are important to them. Hunting, fishing and trapping license sales (1.5 million per year) generate approximately $47 million dollars per year and leverage millions more in federal aid as a direct result of the license sale revenue. In addition, hunting, fishing and trapping generates an estimated $2 billion to the state economy on a yearly basis, supporting thousands of jobs across New York.

It is evident from the information CFAB has received that the money collected from the sporting community is not being used in the manner it was intended to when the license fee increase was initiated. The CFAB will continue discussions on recommending a significant license fee decrease to spur participation in hunting, fishing, and trapping and foster the economic benefits derived from increased recreation activity. During Governor Cuomo’s press conference (Aug. 2011) on the repeal of the Recreational Marine Fishing License, he made the point that the license fees were unfair and caused a negative impact to the local economy. Reduced Conservation Fund allocations have resulted in reduced fish and wildlife program delivery and a significant balance in the Conservation Fund. There is no need to carry this large balance with the current staffing levels in the Division of Fish, Wildlife, and Marine Resources so reduced revenues and reduced fees seem to be completely in order and are consistent with Governor Cuomo's messages.

The CFAB looks forward to working with the administration to resolve this issue.

Sincerely,

Jason Kemper

Chairman, NYS Conservation Fund Advisory Board

Cc: Senate Environmental Conservation Committee

Assembly Environmental Conservation Committee

New York State Conservation Council

Conservation Alliance of New York

New York State Outdoor Writers Association

Lend a Hand in Monitoring New York's Frogs and Toads: Amphibian populations are declining worldwide and scientists need your help to determine exactly where and why this is happening. The North American Amphibian Monitoring Program (NAAMP) is a citizen science-based effort to collect more information on local frogs and toads. New York's NAAMP program is active in the Hudson River Valley and is holding trainings for prospective volunteers this February. To learn more and get involved, visit the Frog and Toad Monitoring page on DEC's website. (NYSDEC Fieldnotes 1/13/12)

Celebrating 75 Years of Wildlife and Sportfish Restoration: In 2012, we celebrate better hunting, trapping, fishing, boating and wildlife-related recreation thanks to 75 years of the federal aid in Wildlife and Sportfish Restoration (WSFR) program. WSFR provides a reliable source of funds for the recovery of fish and wildlife populations through excise taxes placed on purchases of firearms, ammunition, archery equipment, fishing gear, boats and boating equipment. In New York State, funding from WSFR supports programs that:

*Protect and restore wildlife through regulation and management of habitat and acquisition of natural areas

*Monitor the status of fish and wildlife populations

*Provide hunter safety education courses

*Improve wildlife and fisheries management through research

*Educate the public about water resources

Applications For 2012 Summer Camp Program Now Being Accepted: The DEC will be accepting applications for its 2012 Summer Camp Program starting January 28. The summer camp program offers week-long adventures in conservation education for children ages 11-17. DEC operates four residential camps for youth ages 11-13: Camp Colby in Saranac Lake, Franklin County; Camp DeBruce in Livingston Manor, Sullivan County; Camp Rushford in Caneadea, Allegany County and Pack Forest in Warrensburg, Warren County. Pack Forest and Camp Rushford also feature Teenage Ecology Week, an environmental studies program for 14-17-year-old campers.

Campers learn about environmental stewardship through hands-on experience in the outdoors. They participate in a wide variety of activities including fishing, bird watching, fly-tying, archery, canoeing, hiking, camping, orienteering and hunter safety education. Campers also learn about fields, forests, streams and ponds through fun, first-hand experiences in these habitats. DEC counselors teach youth conservation techniques used by natural resource professionals, such as measuring trees and estimating wildlife populations.

Changes for the 2012 camp season:

Youth camp attendees now range from age 11 to 13.

Teenage Ecology Week attendees now range from age 14 to 17 and will be offered at Pack Forest from weeks 1 through 5 and at Camp Rushford during week 5.

All four camps will run for seven weeks, beginning July 1.

Children who have attended camp in the past may register for any of the weeks within their age range.

Campers may attend for more than one week. The fee for the total number of weeks must be included with the application (Note: campers may not stay at camp on Saturday night, so parents should make alternate arrangements if two consecutive weeks are selected).

DEC is also encouraging sporting clubs, civic groups and environmental organizations to sponsor a child for a week at camp. Those groups who sponsor six paid campers will receive one free scholarship when all applications are sent together.

Information and applications for the 2012 Summer Camp Program are now available on DEC’s website. Applications from both sponsors and parents can be postmarked starting January 28, 2012. The cost for camp remains at $350 a week, a great value for parents.

For complete information, including when applications will be accepted, visit DEC’s website at www.dec.ny.gov/education/29.html or call 518-402-8014 or contact DEC in writing at DEC Camps, 2nd Floor, 625 Broadway, Albany, New York 12233-4500.

From The Internet – Top Ten Reasons Why Men Prefer Guns Over Women!
#10 - You can trade an old 44 for a new 22.
#9 - You can keep one gun at home and have another for when you're on the road.
#8 - If you admire a friend's gun and tell him so, he will probably let you try it out a few times.

#7 - Your primary gun doesn't mind if you keep another gun for a backup.
#6 - Your gun will stay with you even if you run out of ammo.
#5 - A gun doesn't take up a lot of closet space.
#4 - Guns function normally every day of the month.
#3 - A gun doesn't ask, "Do these new grips make me look fat?"
#2 - A gun doesn't mind if you go to sleep after you use it.
#1 - You can buy a silencer for a gun!

This Week’s Events:

27-29 - New York Sportsman’s Expo in the Horticulture Building at the New York State Fairgrounds, Syracuse, NY (27th - Noon to 9:00 pm/28th – 9:00 am to 7:00 pm/29th – 9:00 am to 5:00 pm) The Expo is back with new promoters. (Admission: $9 ages 13 and up, $4 for children 6 - 12 and under 6 no charge. Seniors are $7 and Military/Fire and Police are $6 with ID) (For more information contact: Patti Cartwright, 585-469-3881

pcartwright@coralproductions.com)

27-29 - Foxpro's New York State Predator Hunt. (For more info call Andrew Lewand, 585-223-5324)

28 - National Wild Turkey Federation – Lakeshore Longbeards Chapter Dinner at the Kosciuszko Club, 252 Nevins Road, Dunkirk, NY (For more information contact Scott Dibble 716-595-3897)

28 - Geology Merit Badge Day at the Montezuma Audubon Center, 2295 State Route 89, Savannah, NY (1:00-3:00 pm) Boy scouts will complete indoor and outdoor activities for the geology merit badge. Local geological formations will be used to discuss geological history of the Finger Lakes region, surface and sedimentary processes, mineral resources, and career opportunities. (Fee: $7/scout) (For more information and to register Contact Chris Lajewski 315-365-3588 clajewski@audubon.org)

28 - Winter Wonderland in the Woods at Reinstein Woods Environmental Education Center, 93 Honorine Drive (off of Como Park Boulevard), Cheektowaga, NY (1:00 – 4:00 pm) Adults can try out snowshoes and cross-country skis for free in a demonstration area (weather permitting). Snowshoe rentals will also be available for those desiring a longer snowshoe experience. Visitors can discover how animals survive winter on a guided “Winter Wildlife” hike, or they can express their artistic side in the snow sculpting area. The S.P.C.A. Wildlife Department will be presenting informative talks on wild bird rehabilitation throughout the day. (For information call 716-683-5959 or go to www.dec.ny.gov/education/1837.html)

28/29 - Third Annual Greater Olean Area Outdoor and Recreation Sports Show at the Daniel Carter Events Center, 2383 West Five Mile Road, Allegany, NY. (Sat. 10:00 am – 5:00 pm/Sun. 10:00 am – 4:00 pm) Among the exhibitors will be hunting outfitters and guides, including Roger Raglin, a well-known host on nearly 70 full-length hunting videos and DVDs. (Admission is $3 for adults, $2 for students and seniors, free for youngsters12 and under) (For more information contact 716-372-4433, email events@oleanny.com)

28-29 - Niagara Frontier Collectors Canandaigua Gun Show at the Steamboat Landing Ballroom, 205 Lakeshore Drive, Canandaigua, NY (Sat 9:00 am – 4:00 pm/Sun 9:00 am – 3:00pm) (For Info call Jim Buck 716-569-6810 or Bruce Johnston 716-542-9929)

29 - Start of Hunting Season – Part 3 - for Snow Geese in the Western Zone (>4/15/12)

29 – Pistol Permit Class at the Jamestown Rifle Club, 2882 Busti-Stillwater Road, (Route 380), Jamestown, NY. (1:00 – 5:00 pm) Class for those interested in receiving their New York State Pistol permits. (Cost: $40.00 per person) (For information or pre-register contact Pat Hayes at 716-484-9301)

31 - Snowshoeing 101 at the Reinstein Woods Environmental Education Center, 93 Honorine Drive, Depew, NY (Town of Cheektowaga) (6:00 pm) Learn to use snowshoes and take a guided walk. (Cost: Snowshoe rental: $4/person; $2/Friends of Reinstein members.) (Registration required; call 716-683-5959 www.dec.ny.gov/education/1837.html)

FEBRUARY 2012

1 - Snowshoe at the MAC at the Montezuma Audubon Center, 2295 State Route 89, Savannah, NY

(10:00-11:30 am) The white, winter carpet of fresh fallen snow captures the story of our hardy mammalian friends. Join our naturalist for a snowshoe through the forest and grassland to explore the lives of coyotes, foxes, mice, and more! Then, warm up inside with a cup of hot cocoa. (Fee including snowshoe rental: $5/child, $7.50/adult, $20/family; Fee without rental: $3/child, $5/adult, $15/family) (For more information and to register Contact Chris Lajewski 315-365-3588 clajewski@audubon.org)

4 - NRA Junior Sectional – Junior Metric Position Smallbore Rifle Sectional in Jamestown, NY (Contact: Jennifer Canfield, 507 Palmer Street, Jamestown , NY 14701 jcanfield1452@msn.com)

4 - NRA Junior Sectional - Junior Intl Air Rifle Sectional in Jamestown, NY (Contact: Jennifer Canfield, 507 Palmer Street, Jamestown , NY 14701 jcanfield1452@msn.com)

4 - National Wild Turkey Federation – Niagara Frontier Chapter Dinner at Lucarelli's Banquet Center,

1830 Abbott Road, Lackawana, NY (For more information contact Albert Gai 716-937-3271)

Until our next meeting in the Corner, have a great time in the outdoors. This is Ron Schroder for – “Your In on The Outdoors for Western New York.”

Your Comments Here: (Use our Contact Page)

********************************************************************************************

1-20-12

Welcome to this week’s Conservation Chatter Corner – little bits of happenings concerning our outdoors and you, the sportspeople who enjoy being part of that outdoors.

2011 Ties Safest Hunting Year: Based on the number of hunting-related shooting incidents, the 2011 hunting seasons tied 2009 for the safest year of hunting, on record, in New York. There were 26 personal injury hunting-related shooting incidents, including four fatalities. All four of the fatalities occurred during the deer season, one of which was self-inflicted.

There were two self inflicted injuries, a record low number, indicating that today’s hunters are demonstrating safe gun handling skills. The fact that 24 of the incidents involved two or more people stresses the importance of identifying your target and what lies beyond. Remember, once the trigger is pulled you cannot bring the bullet back.

The number of hunters is declining, but the hunting incident rate (incidents per 100,000 hunters) is falling much faster. Since the 1960s, the number of hunters has declined about 20%, while the incident rate has declined over 70%. The past 5-year-average is 5.3 incidents per 100,000 hunters, compared to 19 per 100,000 in the 1960s.

NY has an extremely safety-conscious generation of hunters, thanks largely to over 60 years of dedicated efforts of more than 3,000 volunteer Sportsman Education Instructors.

Hunting is safer than ever, but we cannot become complacent, as every hunting related shooting incident is preventable.

This report includes only incidents involving firearms. It does not include all incidents and fatalities related to hunting. On occasion there may be incidents involving tree stand use or other hunter health related mishaps.

2011 Central/Western NY Hunting Incident Descriptions:

Small Game & Nongame

8/18 - Steuben. While attempting to take nuisance deer, the shooter placed a loaded a rifle in a motor vehicle. When exiting the vehicle, the shooter discharged one round into the left leg of the victim.

12/20 - Seneca. A father and two sons were raccoon hunting. The shooter was attempting to reload his rifle when it discharged. The round struck the victim, his son, in the neck.

12/23 - Wyoming. While hunting coyotes, the shooter discharged one round that struck his friend in the pelvis. The victim was in a tree approximately 6 feet off of the ground over the shooter.

Deer Hunting

11/19 - Tompkins. The shooter discharged one round at a running deer, striking the victim, his friend, in the upper left thigh.

11/19 - Orleans. Self-inflicted - Victim was resting while dragging a deer with his hunting partner. One round was discharged from the victim’s shotgun, hitting him in the head causing fatal injuries. – FATAL

11/27 - Tioga. A group of nine hunters were hunting deer. The shooter discharged one round at a running deer. The round struck a small branch 19 feet from the victim. The victim was struck by bullet fragments in the abdomen.

12/3 - Wayne. The victim was struck in the face by wood splinters when a round from a hunting companion struck a tree next to his face.

12/3 - Chautauqua. The victim was struck in the chest by one round while field dressing a deer. - FATAL

12/11 - Niagara. Six hunters were conducting a deer drive. The shooter discharged one round at a deer. The round missed and struck a small branch, then struck the victim in the back.

12/11 - Onondaga. The shooter discharged one round at a deer. The round passed through the deer, striking the victim, his friend, in the upper right leg.

Applications For Pheasant Release Program due by March 15: The application period is now open for the DEC’s cooperative Day-Old Pheasant Chick Program. The program enhances opportunities for pheasant hunting in New York State through a partnership between DEC and the sporting community, 4-H youths and landowners interested in rearing and releasing pheasants.

The Day-Old Pheasant Chick Program began in the early 1900s. In the early days of the program, pheasant eggs and chicks were distributed to farmers and rural youths via 4-H clubs. Today, day-old chicks are available at no cost to participants who are able to provide a brooding facility and covered outdoor rearing pen, and have identified an adequate release site. Approved applicants will receive the day-old chicks in April, May or June. No chicks obtained through the Day-Old Pheasant Chick Program are permitted to be released on private shooting preserves. All release sites must be approved in advance by DEC and must be open to the public for pheasant hunting. The program is funded through the State Conservation Fund from license fees paid by hunters, trappers and anglers.

Participants must monitor the health of the birds daily to ensure there is adequate feed and water for the rapidly growing chicks. The pheasants may be released when they are eight weeks old and no later than Dec. 1. Individuals interested in these programs should contact their nearest DEC regional office (please refer to offices listed below) for applications and additional information.

In 2011, DEC distributed 46,496 day-old pheasant chicks to qualified applicants.

Applications must be filed with a DEC regional wildlife manager by March 15, 2011.

DEC Region 7 - Broome, Cayuga, Chenango, Cortland, Madison, Onondaga, Oswego, Tioga and Tompkins counties:

1285 Fisher Ave. Cortland, NY 13045

(607) 753-3095 x 247

DEC Region 8 - Chemung, Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Orleans, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, Wayne and Yates counties:

6274 East Avon-Lima Rd.

Avon, NY 14414

(585) 226-5380

DEC Region 9 - Allegany, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, Erie, Niagara and Wyoming counties:

182 East Union, Suite 3

Allegany, NY 14706-1328

(716) 372-0645

Changes for the 2012 camp season:

Youth camp attendees now range from age 11 to 13.

Teenage Ecology Week attendees now range from age 14 to 17 and will be offered at Pack Forest from weeks 1 through 5 and at Camp Rushford during week 5.

All four camps will run for seven weeks, beginning July 1.

Children who have attended camp in the past may register for any of the weeks within their age range.

From The Internet – We are Doomed: (The Washington Post)

The Arctic ocean is warming up, icebergs are growing scarcer and in some places the seals are finding the water too hot, according to a report to the Commerce Department yesterday from Consulafft, at Bergen, Norway. Reports from fishermen, seal hunters and explorers all point to a radical change in climate conditions and hitherto unheard-of temperatures in the Arctic zone. Exploration expeditions report that scarcely any ice has been met as far north as 81 degrees, 29 minutes.

Soundings to a depth of 3,100 meters showed the gulf stream still very warm. Great masses of ice have been replaced by moraines of earth and stones, the report continued, while at many points well known glaciers have entirely disappeared.
Very few seals and no white fish are found in the eastern Arctic, while vast shoals of herring and smelts, which have never before ventured so far north, are being encountered in the old seal fishing grounds.

Within a few years it is predicted that due to the ice melt the sea will rise and make most coastal cities uninhabitable.............

Oops! Never mind. This report was dated November 2, 1922, as reported by the Associated Press and published in the Washington Post -- 89 years ago!

This Week’s Events:

21 - National Wild Turkey Federation – Wyoming County Chapter Dinner at the Alexander Recreation Hall, 10708 Route 98, Attica, NY (For more information contact Scott Nichols 585-786-0760)

21 - Owl Prowl at the Montezuma Audubon Center, 2295 State Route 89, Savannah, NY (2:30-4:30 pm)

Owls are among the silent hunters of the night. Live owls will be on display during an indoor presentation on local owl habitats by animal rehabilitator Ron Walker. Then, join the MAC staff to search for the threatened short-eared owl in the grasslands around Montezuma. (Fee: $5/child, $7.50/adult, $20/family) (For more information and to register Contact Chris Lajewski 315-365-3588 clajewski@audubon.org)

21 - Getting Squirrelly at the Reinstein Woods Environmental Education Center, 93 Honorine Drive, Depew, NY (Town of Cheektowaga) (10:30 am) Celebrate Squirrel Appreciation Day with fun activities and crafts. For kids age 5 to 8. Materials fee: $2.00 per child; Friends of Reinstein members $1.00 per child. (Registration required; call 716-683-5959 www.dec.ny.gov/education/1837.html)

21-22 - Niagara Frontier Collectors Caledonia Gun Show at the J.W. Jones Fire Hall, 354 Liechester Street (Route 36), Caledonia, NY (Sat. 9:00 am - 4:00 pm/Sun. 9:00 am - 3:00 pm) (Cost: $5.00) (For information call Jim Buck 716-569-6810 or Bruce Johnston 716-542-9929 or email: nfcshows@aol.com)

21/22 - Chautauqua County Sportsmans' Gun Show at the Westfield VFD Exempts Building, 75 Bourne Street, Westfield, NY. (For information call 716-569-6810.

25 – Start of "Fly Tying 101," a complete fly fishing course at the J.T. Waugh School, Angola, NY. (8 Wednesday evenings – 6:30-9:00 pm) Ray Marks, an accredited fly fishing/fly tying instructor will be presenting. All equipment is provided for casting and fly-tying instruction. (Cost: $60.00 tuition, plus a $10 lab fee payable at the first class.) (For information contact Marks at 716-549-1977)

25 - Snowshoe at Onondaga Lake Onondaga Lake is an Important Bird Area for wintering waterfowl and bald eagles. Snowshoe along the scenic western shore of Onondaga Lake that meanders through two miles of wind-sheltered woodlands. Afterwards, warm up with a cup of hot cocoa. Call for directions to the meeting location. (Fee including snowshoe rental: $5/child, $7.50/adult, $20/family; Fee without rental: $3/child, $5/adult, $15/family) (For more information and to register Contact Chris Lajewski 315-365-3588 clajewski@audubon.org)

pcartwright@coralproductions.com)

27-29 - Foxpro's New York State Predator Hunt. (For more info call Andrew Lewand, 585-223-5324)

28 - National Wild Turkey Federation – Lakeshore Longbeards Chapter Dinner at the Kosciuszko Club, 252 Nevins Road, Dunkirk, NY (For more information contact Scott Dibble 716-595-3897)

29 - Start of Hunting Season – Part 3 - for Snow Geese in the Western Zone (>4/15/12)

Until our next meeting in the Corner, have a great time in the outdoors. This is Ron Schroder for – “Your In on The Outdoors for Western New York.”

Your Comments Here: (Use our Contact Page)

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1-13-12

Welcome to this week’s Conservation Chatter Corner – little bits of happenings concerning our outdoors and you, the sportspeople who enjoy being part of that outdoors.

The Dirty Dozen: (Compliments of the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance/ www.ussportsmen.org
1/9/12) As 2012 begins, it’s important to take note of groups that are working against your opportunities to hunt, trap, fish and enjoy the outdoors. To that effect, here is what we call The Dirty Dozen:

1) Humane Society of the United States or HSUS—needs no commentary or introduction to hunters and trappers everywhere, but has been in the news and advertisements recently for sharing only one percent with animal shelters of the $187,515,301.00 the group raked in during 2010. Details are at http://www.ussportsmen.org/page.aspx?pid=2954.

2) People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals or PETA—outrageous, radical and out of touch with mainstream America on issues related to pets, food, hunting, trapping, fishing and many other topics. PETA also promotes a vegan lifestyle and has many programs to turn children against farming, hunting, trapping, fishing and other mainstream lifestyles. This group paid legal fees for a convicted animal rights terrorist.

3) Center for Biological Diversity—the CBD makes a living suing mainly the federal government, and then recouping those fees and more. CBD strives to expand the Endangered Species Act to include hundreds of animals and plants. The group has also been involved in some seemingly tangential activities such as passing out condoms in a campaign about controlling the human population.

4) Defenders of Wildlife—works to save and increase the number of wolves, prairie dogs, and other nuisance species roaming America. But there is no doubt Defenders' main focus is their misguided effort to protect and restore wolves throughout the Lower 48 States and in Alaska. They do this without regard to the havoc caused by uncontrolled wolf populations to other wildlife such as moose, elk and mule deer. According the group’s IRS 990, Defenders’ of Wildlife collected more than $29 million in revenue in 2010, spending more than $1.5 million on more fund raising during that period.

5) American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals— ASPCA thinks hunting and trapping are cruel and should be outlawed everywhere, beginning with wildlife refuges. It advances its anti-hunting agenda by lobbying legislators, government officials and policy makers to obtain support for anti-sportsmen legislation. The ASPCA encourages grassroots activists to take part in letter writing campaigns to legislators and encourages boycotts of products tested on animals.

6) Sierra Club—Sierra Club and many of its chapters oppose access by roads to vast tracts of public lands and the group also opposes many scientific wildlife management practices. The Sierra Club’s Legal Defense Fund has frequently sued the federal government over those issues, then sought reimbursement for its legal expenses. Many of its chapters have actively opposed hunting. For example, a New Jersey Sierra Club chapter has been a leader in opposing that state’s bear hunts. The Sierra Club Grand Canyon chapter worked to end all hunting in Arizona when Proposition 109 was being considered. The Sierra Club in California opposed bear hunting with hounds. Yes, actions speak louder than words - the Sierra Club and many of its chapters are anti-hunting.

7) Friends of Animals— is opposed to deer, goose, wolf and other types of hunting according to its website information. The group has formed protests against deer management hunts in the Northeast and also formed a protest in Montana opposing wolf hunting.

8) Wild Earth Guardians—is opposed to trapping and worked to end trapping on all public lands in New Mexico, according to the group’s website. WEG also actively opposes wolf and mountain lion hunting.

9) Animal Welfare Institute—sued to stop trapping in Maine because of the Canada lynx. The AWI reports that it wants to “end the torture inflicted on furbearing animals by steel jaw leghold traps and wire snares.” The group’s website also reports that it “…wants to end cruel and irresponsible hunting and trapping, capture and killing for profit …” The group, active since 1951, produces “Trapped Animal” and “Cull of the Wild” brochures filled with sensational mistruths to present its opposition to trapping and the fur industry.

10) Animal Legal Defense Fund—opposes hunting and trapping and notes that “animals are entitled to basic legal rights in our society.” In other words, they believe a squirrel should be able to sue you for hunting it. This group’s IRS 2010 Form 990 reports revenue of more than $5 million – all to take away your outdoor heritage.

11) In Defense of Animals—worldwide organization founded in 1983 that would like to see all hunting banned. It also strongly opposes trapping and other forms of animal use based on the opinion that these acts are unduly exploiting animals.

12) International Fund for Animal Welfare—an international organization that has done considerable work to ban hunting with hounds and seal hunting. It boasts of approximately two million members worldwide, and believes “all animals and humans are linked in fate.” It first gained notoriety when it campaigned to ban Canada seal hunts.

Keep the Dirty Dozen in mind when talking to other sportsmen and friends and family this year. To help the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance in its efforts to protect hunting, fishing, and trapping, consider a donation by visiting www.ussportsmen.org/donate.

DEC Seeks Information About Sick Or Dead Deer: The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is asking the public to report any instances of deer appearing sick or acting abnormally. DEC is only investigating deer that appear to have died from unknown causes and not those that were killed by a vehicle, the agency announced recently. Anyone who sees a white-tailed deer acting abnormally or who finds a dead deer that was not struck by a vehicle is asked to report the animal to the nearest DEC regional office or to an Environmental Conservation Officer or Forest Ranger.

Recently, DEC indentified an uncommon bacterial disease in a deer from Warren County. This bacterial disease does not affect humans. However, DEC is seeking additional information to determine the prevalence of this disease in the deer herd and is responding to reports of deer that are acting abnormally. Deer with this bacterial disease may have a swollen head, neck or brisket. They also may exhibit excessive drooling, nasal discharge or respiratory distress. To aid in this investigation, DEC would also like to examine any deer that are found dead from unknown causes.

People should not handle or eat any deer that appears sick or acts abnormally. Sightings of sick, dying or dead deer should be reported to the nearest DEC regional office or an Environmental Conservation Officer or Forest Ranger. To locate your nearest DEC office, see: www.dec.ny.gov/about/50230.html.

Wind Energy and Big Game: For the first time in Wyoming, researchers are studying the effect of the turbines at wind farms on wintering antelope and elk. "We want to know, did they lose some habitat? Do they still go there or do they avoid it?" said Jeff Beck, researcher and assistant professor of wildlife habitat restoration ecology at the University of Wyoming. Casper Star-Tribune.

New for New York? Have you ever yearned to toss out high-tech equipment and go back to the basics of hunting using primal skills? A Missouri hunter did just that and made history on Nov. 12 using an ancient hunting tool. It wasn't a handmade bow. The weapon he chose dates back 400,000 years, long before bows were ever created. His hunting aid was an atlatl — the Stone Age answer to long range weaponry.

Atlatls brought down woolly mammoths, giant sloths and all the mega fauna of the Ice Age when early man upgraded from using spears after discovering that atlatls enabled the user to throw projectiles up to 150 yards at speeds of almost 100 miles per hour.

The atlatl consists of a throwing "hook," a 4- to 6-foot long, spear-tipped, projectile, and a hand-held socket. This device was used until the invention of the bow, which gave slightly greater range and better accuracy.

Luke Boenker, from Maryland Heights, Mo., is a long-time bow and gun hunter but decided to test himself by using primitive weapons. He fashioned his own atlatl and practiced for three months before taking it on a deer hunt.

On Nov. 12, he became the first officially recognized Missouri hunter to bag a four-point whitetail buck with such a device since Missouri included atlatls as a legal deer hunting method in 2010.

No, he didn't get a privileged number of days where he was afield when modern weaponry was not. Missouri atlatl deer hunters are allowed to use them only during all firearms deer seasons (except muzzleloader season).

On opening day of Missouri's 2011 firearms deer season, Boenker hunted from a tree stand and made modern history when he bagged his buck at 15 yards.

However, he wasn't the only Missourian to do so. Scott Rorebeck of Trenton took a deer on Nov. 13, effectively missing making history by only a few hours.

While some states do allow spears as legal hunting tools atlatls aren't generally included. Perhaps it seems too odd creating a modern hunting license for an Ice Age tool.

Animal Detectives: Just because you don't see animals in your neighborhood doesn't mean they aren't there. Become an animal detective, and look for the clues that animals leave behind. Hike in the woods (kids should be with an adult), or explore your own backyard to see how many different animal signs you can identify:
Deer: Deer tracks are heart-shaped. The pointed end of the track points to where the deer was going. Deer trails are narrow paths which usually connect to where a deer eats and sleeps. Deer beds are flattened areas in meadows or woodland clearings. Another common spot is under an apple tree. You can find buck rubs on areas of a tree about one to two feet off the ground where a buck has rubbed the bark off with its antlers.
Raccoons: Look for overturned garbage and paw prints like tiny human hands to determine whether a raccoon has been stealing a meal. If so, raccoon-proof your garbage can with a strong bungee cord stretched over the top and attached to the handles on each side.
Skunk: While your nose will be able to tell whether a skunk is nearby, so will your eyes with a quick look at your yard. Skunks dig holes in the lawn with their sharp claws in search of grubs and insects.
Squirrels: A pile of pine cones that have been stripped clean is a sure sign that a squirrel has been dining in your yard. Squirrels, mice and chipmunks love to hide in log piles.

(From DEC Discovery – 1/11/12)

The Bad Guys Corner:

Facebook Post leads to Arrest in Tompkins County ECO Osman Eisenberg received a phone call from a concerned hunter that a certain individual had posted on his Facebook page,: “Three Long Beards, 1 shot, Damn I’m good”. The caller did not have any other information regard-ing the matter. ECO Eisenberg told the caller that he would look into the mat-ter but without any other info it would be hard to make a case. ECO Eisenberg checked with some local contacts and was able to find out some of the Face-book poster’s friends. ECO Eisenberg was familiar with a name that was given to him so he went and interviewed the individual who as it turns out was with the hunter when he shot three turkeys with one shot. This individual also provided the name of a third person who was also present. ECO Eisenberg was able to secure written statements from the two individuals who were with the hunter at the time of the shooting. They stated that the hunter had seen the tur-keys crossing the road, made a u-turn, drove back towards the turkeys, loaded his shotgun and shot the birds from the driver’s side window of the car while still in the roadway. In fact the hunter had not even come to a complete stop before discharging his shotgun. Armed with this information ECO Eisenberg contacted the hunter and asked him if he knew why the Conservation Officer wanted to talk to him. He replied he did not, when asked how many turkeys he had shot this season he defiantly stated none. ECO Eisenberg explained what he knew and the hunter gave up and told the ECO the story. ECO Eisenberg issued the hunter tickets for possessing a loaded firearm in a motor vehicle, discharging a firearm from a public highway, taking over the limit of turkeys, failing to tag turkeys, failing to report turkeys, taking wild life with the aid of a motor vehicle and taking wild life from a public highway. The case is pending in Danby Justice Court.

Deer Jacking Arrests in Allegany County On opening day, November 20th, ECO Mark Wojtkowiak received a call from Independence Po-lice regarding a deer that was taken by gun and light on the previous night. The complainant had observed occupants of a pickup truck spotlighting his property around 8:00 PM on November 19 then heard a shot ring out. The complainant then attempted to confront the subjects, at which time he engaged in a vehicle pursuit with them, chasing them into Genesee, Pennsylvania. When the three finally stopped, they explained to the landowner that they were hunting coyotes. The complainant decided to call the Independence Police on November 20th, when he found where someone had dragged a deer from the location where the spotlighters had been. The investigat-ing Officers only had a partial plate; however, the vehicle involved had a very unique custom paint job.

Confident that the vehicle would eventually be located, ECO Wojtkowiak collected blood and hair evidence and took several photographs of the crime scene. Later that day ECO Wojtkowiak observed the truck parked in an adjoining township. While two possible suspects and the regis-tered owner all denied any involvement, ECO Wojtkowiak was able to locate one strand of what appeared to be deer belly hair in the bed of the truck. He also located a small cluster of hairs in the driveway in front of the truck. The Officer collected samples from both the truck and drive-way and explained to the group how the forensics and subsequent charges would work. Before leaving, the main suspect asked the Officer for a business card. Within 30 minutes, that subject contacted ECO Wojtkowiak and invited him back to the residence to talk. At this time, ECO Wojtkowiak obtained confessions from two of the three involved, recovered the gun, the light, and the illegal deer. The third subject turned himself in the next day.

All three were charged by ECO Wojtkowiak for possessing a loaded gun in a motor vehicle, pos-sessing a gun while using a light, discharging a firearm over a public highway, taking/killing a deer by gun and light, taking/killing deer while in or on a motor vehicle, and taking/killing deer from a public highway. All 18 ECL charges are misdemeanors and all three men are subject to having their hunting licenses revoked. Independence Police charged two of the men for riding in the bed of a truck for more than 5 miles and trespass, all violations. All charges are pending in Independence Town Court.

CIT Response in Broome County ECO Andy McCormick received a phone call from the Broome County 911 Dispatch requesting assistance with a yearling buck which had wandered into a building at BAE Systems in Johnson City. ECO McCormick contacted Lt. Ric Warner and ECO Eric Templeton for assistance. Lt. Warner was the first to arrive on the scene and after a quick assessment of the situation decided that a C.I.T (Chemical Immobilization Team) response was needed. ECOs McCormick and Templeton arrived shortly thereafter. The three C.I.T members prepared the dart projector and drugs then proceeded into the unlit building where ECO McCormick administered the dose by firing one shot to the neck of the deer. The deer was removed from the building shortly thereafter once the drugs took their full effect.

Hunter Takes Too Many Deer In Erie County ECO Chuck Wilson received a complaint in the town of Alden that began as a dispute over a deer. The Officer met the complainants, a man and woman, and learned that the woman had initially shot a large mature buck. After waiting an hour, they had begun to track it, ultimately pushing it to a nearby hunter who shot and killed it. The hunter that fatally shot the deer advised the two tracking it that “The person that drops it takes it”. The unknown hunter, described as in his mid 40s to 50s, quickly walked off without gutting or tagging the deer. The complainants walked back to the roadway and spoke to the property owner, learning that the person that shot the deer may have already taken a nice buck on opening day. ECO Wilson patrolled the surrounding area and located a man matching the description standing in his driveway. The man ex-plained that his father, who was in his late 70s, had just shot an impressive buck. Upon further questioning, the father eventually admit-ted that he didn’t shoot the trophy buck. He said that his son had called him and requested that he bring over his tags. The 77-year-old dad gave some advice to his son who was struggling with the facts, “You gotta tell the truth, he knows everything.” Officer Wilson ob-tained signed statements and issued tickets for taking an illegal deer, taking over the limit of antlered deer, improper tagging and unlawful lending of deer tags. Both father and son were given an upcoming return date to the town of Alden Court.

This Week’s Events:

14 - Raw Fur Auction at the Hinsdale Fire Hall in Hinsdale N.Y. (Fur in – 7:30 am/Auction Start – 10:00 am) All legal fur can be sold. (For more information, call 716-492-0432 or 716-763-3416)

14 – Youth NRA Basic Rifle Instruction at Genesee Conservation League, 1570 Old Penfield Road, Penfield, NY (9:30 – 11:30 am) This is the first of 10 classes – 1/21, 1/28, 2/11, 2/18, 2/25, 3/10, 3/17, 3/24 (make-up), 2/5 and 3/24. Completion earns an NRA Basic Rifle Safety Certificate. (Cost $35.00) (For more information call 586-546-1290 or 585-218-9828 or go to www.GCLRochester.com)

14 – National Wild Turkey Federation New York State Awards Dinner at the Holiday Inn, 2468 Route 414, Waterloo, NY (For more information contact Larry Becker 585-493-2721 lgbecker@dishmail.net)

14 - Learn to Snowshoe for Adults at the Reinstein Woods Environmental Education Center, 93 Honorine Drive, Depew, NY (Town of Cheektowaga) (10:30 am) Adults can learn the basics of snowshoeing. (Cost: Snowshoe rental: $4/person; $2/Friends of Reinstein members.) (Registration required; call 716-683-5959 www.dec.ny.gov/education/1837.html)

14-15 - Niagara Frontier Collectors Akron Gun Show at the Akron Fire Hall, 1 Main St. Akron, NY (Sat. 9:00 am - 4:00 pm/Sun. 9:00 am - 3:00 pm) Free raffle ticket w/ paid admission. (For information call Jim Buck 716-569-6810 or Bruce Johnston 716-542-9929 or email: nfcshows@aol.com)

15 – 17th Annual Winterfest at Mendon Ponds Park, Mendon, NY (11:00 am – 4:00 pm) The event offers a chance to experience outdoor activities such as snow shoeing, cross-country skiing, dog sledding and ice fishing. (For information call 585-753-7275 or go to mendonpondswinterfest.org)

15 - Genesee Valley Trappers Association Fur Auction at the Clubhouse, 4462 County Road 32 (3 miles east of Honeoye, south of 20A), Honeoye, NY (6:30 am fur checkin/10:00 am auction) ($10.00 charge for non-members) (For information call Tom Miller 585-229-4759)

15 - NRA Approved - Indoor 1800 Conventional Pistol Match in Liverpool, NY (Contact: Mark Phelps, 192 Sundown Road , Fulton , NY 13069 mark2960@gmail.com)

16 - Registration Deadline for 1/21 - January Shoot 'N Hoot (For Ladies Only) at the North Forest Rod & Gun Club, 6257 Old Niagara Road, Lockport, NY (3:00 – 8:00 pm) Learn gun safety, how to shoot , how to clean your guns etc.. Ammo supplied. Bring a friend but space is limited. Includes a full course dinner!This is being billed as a "PJamboree" if you would like to stay overnight for some added fun. (Cost: $25.00 entry fee/12 to 17 year olds $20.00) (For info and to register call Colleen Gaskill at 439-1464 or email at cghummingbird7@gmail.com)

17 - Snowshoeing 101 at the Reinstein Woods Environmental Education Center, 93 Honorine Drive, Depew, NY (Town of Cheektowaga) (6:00 pm) Learn to use snowshoes and take a guided walk. (Cost: Snowshoe rental: $4/person; $2/Friends of Reinstein members.) (Registration required; call 716-683-5959 www.dec.ny.gov/education/1837.html)

18 - Cayuga Lake Birding Van Tour starting at the Montezuma Audubon Center, 2295 State Route 89, Savannah, NY (9:00 am-12:00 pm) Cayuga Lake is an Important Bird Area because of the large number of waterfowl during winter and migration seasons. Hop in our van for an excursion to the northern part of the lake where around 30 species of ducks, geese and swans can be seen. Participants are encouraged to bring their camera and binoculars. (Fee: $7.50/child; $10/adult, $30/family; $5/person if you drive yourself.) (For more information and to register Contact Chris Lajewski 315-365-3588 clajewski@audubon.org)

21 - National Wild Turkey Federation – Wyoming County Chapter Dinner at the Alexander Recreation Hall, 10708 Route 98, Attica, NY (For more information contact Scott Nichols 585-786-0760)

21 - Owl Prowl at the Montezuma Audubon Center, 2295 State Route 89, Savannah, NY (2:30-4:30 pm)

21/22 - Chautauqua County Sportsmans' Gun Show at the Westfield VFD Exempts Building, 75 Bourne Street, Westfield, NY. (For information call 716-569-6810

Until our next meeting in the Corner, have a great time in the outdoors. This is Ron Schroder for – “Your In on The Outdoors for Western New York.”

Your Comments Here: (Use our Contact Page)

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1-6-12

Welcome to this week’s Conservation Chatter Corner – little bits of happenings concerning our outdoors and you, the sportspeople who enjoy being part of that outdoors.

Winter Wildlife Caution: Here we are starting a new year and weather wise it’s starting off a bit strange. Depending on where you are you have lots of snow or only an inch or two. Regardless of what conditions you have more snow will come. Winter is a great time of the year to be outdoors if you know how to dress for it. If you are a wildlife enthusiast, it’s especially nice because you can track animals fair distances and get a feel for their lives. The only precautions for people going out on snowshoes, cross country skies or snowmobiles - think about where you are traveling. This is a stressful time of the year for deer and other wildlife. If you travel thru wildlife concentration areas or try to approach animals for a closer look, you cause them to use stored body energy reserves. This can prove fatal to the animal if this winter is a hard one. In addition, the trails you leave, especially from snowmobiles, make perfect travel ways for dogs and other predators. Concentrated travel in old weed fields, also impacts on wildlife by knocking down seed plants providing food for winter birds. When you go out - think about what you are doing, stay out of heavy wildlife use areas and observe from a distance.

Dogs: Dog owners, who allow their pets to roam the country side, should be aware that they could be subject to a fine for violation of state law, prohibiting dogs from running free on lands inhabited by deer and also, in many areas, local leash laws and dog quarantine laws. If we get additional snow and crusting on top of that, it will make compliance with these laws very important. Dogs can run on the crust. The deer’s sharp hooves break through. The result, not a pretty site, as domestic dogs pull apart a deer piece by piece.

New Ice Fishing Regulations: With the onset of winter, the thoughts of many anglers often turn to ice fishing and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) reminds ice anglers about a recent change to the Environmental Conservation Law. In waters where ice fishing is permitted, anglers will be allowed to use up to three lines and five tip-ups except as noted in special regulations for specific waters. Previously, ice anglers could only use two lines with five tip-ups.

The use of fish for bait is very popular when ice fishing, and bait fish may be used in most but not all waters that are open to ice fishing. See DEC’s website for a list of special regulations by county to find out where bait fish can and cannot be used: www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/71546.html).

Anglers are also reminded to take these important steps when ice fishing: Follow the bait fish regulations to prevent the spread of harmful fish diseases and invasive species. Use only certified disease-free bait fish purchased at a local tackle store or use only personally collected bait fish for use in the same waterbody in which they were caught. Check for sufficient ice thickness before venturing onto the ice.

A minimum of three to four inches of solid ice is usually safe for anglers on foot. However, ice thickness varies on every body of water and anglers should be particularly wary of areas of moving water and around boat docks/houses where “bubblers” may be installed to reduce ice buildup. DEC cautions that the presence of snowmobile tracks or footprints on the ice should not be taken as evidence of safe ice conditions. Individuals are strongly encouraged to check ice conditions for themselves and avoid situations that appear to present even a remote risk.

For more information on ice fishing, ice safety, and places to ice fish, please visit: http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/7733.html. New York’s freshwater fishing regulations can be found at www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/7917.html.

One Big Beaver: Bryan Lockman, 18, of Apalachin, NY (Tioga County) recently caught a big beaver. Checking his traps he saw a beaver tail floating above one of his traps. Wadding out to the trap and beaver was the easy part; bringing the animal ashore was another matter. On only his second day of beaver trapping Bryan had caught a 70 pound beaver, twice as big as the 35 pound beaver he caught the day before. That’s one nice start to beaver trapping.

Help Keep an Eye on Turkey Populations: Start recording your observations of turkey flocks as soon as the New Year strikes by participating in our annual winter wild turkey flock survey. The information you record can help DEC monitor the status and health of wild turkeys across the state. Just print a turkey-sighting form, record the number of turkeys you see in a flock from January through March, and send in your results to the address noted on the form at the end the survey period. Visit the Winter Wild Turkey Flock Survey webpage to get your form and to view results from years past. In 2011, more than 640 reports were received, resulting in 10,200 birds counted in 49 of the 62 counties in New York State. Thanks so much for your help and continued involvement!

Did You Know...? A year-round New York State resident, the black-capped chickadee embraces winter with special behavior, such as different eating habits. In frigid temperatures, the chickadee consumes up to 60 percent of its body weight in high-calorie foods. This helps to keep its metabolism operating and its body temperature warm. To ensure it does not run out of food, the chickadee also stashes assorted seeds and berries in hundreds of crevices found in tree bark. A month later, the chickadee returns to these locations for a convenient meal. (From DEC Field Notes - Issue 68: December 30, 2011. To subscribe go to http://lists.dec.state.ny.us/mailman/listinfo/fieldnotes)

This Week’s Events:

6 - Empire State Arms Collectors Association Gun Show at the Monroe County Fair and Expo Center, Rochester (Henrietta), NY (For more Information contact Karen Lusk. ESACA, PO Box 253, Avon, NY 14414 585-226-6221)

6-8 - Bob Evans Predator Calling Hunt headquartered at the Pompey Rod and Gun Club, Swift Road, Pompey, NY (For more information call Al LaFrance, 315-682-2050)

7 - Erie County Trappers Assoc. Fur Handling Seminar at the Collins Conservation Club, Conger Road, Collins, NY (9:00 am – 1:00 pm) (For more information call Patti Wattengel, 716-337-2556)

8 - Tioga County Trappers Assoc. Fur Sale at the Tioga County Sportsmen's Club, Carmichael Hill Road, Owego, (9:00 a.m.-noon) (For more information call Bob, 607-687-2196)

8 – The Western New York Environmental Federation Meeting at Hoak's Restrauant, S4100 Lakeshore Road, Hamburg, New York (1:00 pm) Public welcome. Meeting will include: NYSDEC Reports; Conservation Fund Report; Fish & Wildlife Management Report; Deer Search Report; NYSCC Report; and County Reports. No matter who you are if you have a concern with hunting, fishing, trapping or a conservation issue we would like to hear from you. (Contact: Dan Tone, President at 716-655-0975)

9 – End of Hunting Seasons - Part 2 - for Ducks, Coots, Mergansers and Sea Ducks in the Western Zone

9 – End Hunting Season – Part 2 - for Snow Geese in the Western Zone

9 – End of Canada Goose Hunting Seasons – Part 2 – in the West Central Area and South Area

14 - Raw Fur Auction at the Hinsdale Fire Hall in Hinsdale N.Y. (Fur in – 7:30 am/Auction Start – 10:00 am) All legal fur can be sold. (For more information, call 716-492-0432 or 716-763-3416)

14 – Youth NRA Basic Rifle Instruction at Genesee Conservation League, 1570 Old Penfield Road, Penfield, NY (9:30 – 11:30 am) This is the first of 10 classes – 1/21, 1/28, 2/11, 2/18, 2/25, 3/10, 3/17, 3/24 (make-up), 2/5 and 3/24. Completion earns an NRA Basic Rifle Safety Certificate. (Cost $35.00) (For more information call 586-546-1290 or 585-218-9828 or go to www.GCLRochester.com)

14 – National Wild Turkey Federation New York State Awards Dinner at the Holiday Inn, 2468 Route 414, Waterloo, NY (For more information contact Larry Becker 585-493-2721 lgbecker@dishmail.net)

14 - Learn to Snowshoe for Adults at the Reinstein Woods Environmental Education Center, 93 Honorine Drive, Depew, NY (Town of Cheektowaga) (10:30 am) Adults can learn the basics of snowshoeing. (Cost: Snowshoe rental: $4/person; $2/Friends of Reinstein members.) (Registration required; call 716-683-5959 www.dec.ny.gov/education/1837.html)

14-15 - Niagara Frontier Collectors Akron Gun Show at the Akron Fire Hall, 1 Main St. Akron, NY (Sat. 9:00 am - 4:00 pm/Sun. 9:00 am - 3:00 pm) Free raffle ticket w/ paid admission. (For information call Jim Buck 716-569-6810 or Bruce Johnston 716-542-9929 or email: nfcshows@aol.com)

15 – 17th Annual Winterfest at Mendon Ponds Park, Mendon, NY (11:00 am – 4:00 pm) The event offers a chance to experience outdoor activities such as snow shoeing, cross-country skiing, dog sledding and ice fishing. (For information call 585-753-7275 or go to mendonpondswinterfest.org)

15 - Genesee Valley Trappers Association Fur Auction at the Clubhouse, 4462 County Road 32 (3 miles east of Honeoye, south of 20A), Honeoye, NY (6:30 am fur checkin/10:00 am auction) ($10.00 charge for non-members) (For information call Tom Miller 585-229-4759)

15 - NRA Approved - Indoor 1800 Conventional Pistol Match in Liverpool, NY (Contact: Mark Phelps, 192 Sundown Road , Fulton , NY 13069 mark2960@gmail.com)

Until our next meeting in the Corner, have a great time in the outdoors. This is Ron Schroder for – “Your In on The Outdoors for Western New York.”

Your Comments Here: (Use our Contact Page)

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12-30-11

Welcome to this week’s Conservation Chatter Corner – little bits of happenings concerning our outdoors and you, the sportspeople who enjoy being part of that outdoors.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!: Now, it’s a new year and time to think about resolutions. Hopefully you will make one to be a better sportsperson. This should not only include improving hunting, trapping and/or fishing skills, but more importantly behaving better, helping to create a finer image of your Sport. You might also, consider helping a young person get started - someone who might not have an adult around to teach them about the outdoors. If you do have this desire but no youngster to teach contact your DEC Regional Office and ask about being a mentor hunter or trapper. If fishing is your specialty check with your county 4-H office and ask about working with a club or two, or maybe starting a fishing club. If you want a more formal program check into becoming a certified sportsmen education instructor with DEC’s hunting, archery, trapping and/or waterfowl identification programs.

Freshwater Fishing: New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s (DEC) Bureau of Fisheries is offering a new, full color map/brochure free of charge for individuals who fish in the freshwaters of New York, the agency announced today. The I FISH NY Guide to Freshwater Fishing in New York State provides information on over 320 NY lakes and ponds and 112 river and streams. The large 36” x 37.5” map folds into a convenient 3.875” x 9” size. One side provides a map of New York state identifying locations of fishing waters recommended by DEC regional staff. The other side provides tables with details on each water, including the fish species present, the type of access provided and who owns it, whether or not it is open to ice fishing, the availability of fishing piers, marinas or local campsites and any permits or other restrictions that apply. Guidance on how to buy a fishing license, register a boat or make a camping reservation in New York is also included, along with information for anglers desiring to fish the Great Lakes for wild trout, wilderness brook trout or black bass. Anglers will also find important phone numbers and e-mail addresses for various contacts, along with a quick response (QR) code providing a smartphone link to the current New York Freshwater Fishing Regulations Guide. Color identification photos and descriptions of popular sportfish in New York are also provided. To receive a map in the mail, e-mail a request to DEC at: fwfish@gw.dec.state.ny.us. Requests by e-mail should include the name and complete address of the recipient, as well as NY Fishing Map in the subject line.

434K Lake Trout Destroyed: (MONTPELIER, Vt.) The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is disposing of 434,000 lake trout from a Bethel fish hatchery because of fears that stocking them in the Great Lakes could spread the invasive algae known as "rock snot."

Officials tried to find alternative locations where the 4-inch fingerlings could be stocked into waters already contaminated with the algae, known more formally as didymo, including lakes in Vermont and New Hampshire, but none could be found.

The decision to destroy the fish was made by the Fish and Wildlife Service's Northeast regional director, Wendi Weber, who determined they could not be safely stocked in lakes Erie and Ontario -- where they were supposed to be released -- without posing a risk that didymo could be transported to those bodies of water.

Didymo is believed to be transported by anglers moving from one body of water to another. It poses no threat to humans but can overwhelm cold water lakes and streams, threatening aquatic insect and fish populations by smothering food sources.

The hatchery is located on the banks of the White River, which is known to contain didymo, and was inundated by contaminated river water during flooding in August caused by Tropical Storm Irene.

Once the lake trout have been removed from the hatchery, the tanks will be scrubbed and disinfected to be sure no threat of didymo remains. The water in the hatchery's tanks comes from wells.

The fish originally were raised to be stocked in lakes Ontario and Erie next year. While the fish will be missed, over time their absence isn't expected to hold back the stocking programs for the Great Lakes. In 2011, the Fish and Wildlife Service stocked more than 4 million lake trout in the Great Lakes.

(By Wilson Ring BusinessWeek 12/22/11)

Snowy Owls: Reports of snowy owl sightings are spreading across the nation's northern tier this winter, with large numbers spotted around the Great Lakes as well as the East and West coasts. The sudden increase—or irruption—is generally attributed to a drop lemming number in the owls' native Arctic habitat. Snowy Owls are perhaps the most eagerly anticipated of the birds that spend the winter here. Sometimes they turn up in good numbers; sometimes they don’t.

Tom McDonald, local Snowy Owl expert, noted in a recent report that there was a bumper crop of young Snowies on the tundra this summer, due to an abundance of lemmings, suggests this could be a very good winter to see them here.

They feed primarily on lemmings, and will raise as many as a dozen young per nest when the rodents are abundant. Most years at least a few Snowy Owls move south into our region to spend the winter. However, numbers can vary dramatically from one winter to the next. Some of the best influxes occur when lemmings are abundant on the breeding grounds, prompting Snowy Owls and other Arctic predators to raise maximum numbers of young. That in turn depletes the lemming population by late summer and fall, hence the need for many of those surplus Snowys to move south in winter in search of food.

(http://blogs.democratandchronicle.com/birds/?p=2733) (http://blogs.democratandchronicle.com/birds/?p=2888)

Roadside Memorials For Cows?: Last summer a gruesome accident occurred near Hazel Crest, Ill. A truck driver lost control and his rig carrying 36 cows partially tipped over on an overpass along Interstate Highway 80, sending some of the animals plunging about 25 feet onto Interstate Highway 294. The death toll totaled 16 head of cattle, including one badly injured animal that police shot to end its suffering.

An animal-rights group now wants the Illinois Department of Transportation to erect an official roadside memorial sign. It would serve as a tribute to the victims, according to People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, which also seeks installation of a second memorial to six cows killed in traffic after they were thrown from a truck that overturned near Cambridge, Ill.
"Cows are intelligent, sensitive animals that feel pain the same way we do," said Tracy Patton, a campaigner for PETA.
A state law passed in 2007 allows the family members of victims killed in drunken-driving accidents to request that IDOT install memorial signs along Illinois highways. It's called "Tina's Law" to honor Tina Ball, a road construction worker and mother of seven who was killed by a drunk driver while she was working on Interstate Highway 57 on Sept. 15, 2003.
The state law governing the memorial markers says that the signs can be requested only by a "qualified relative of a deceased victim."
(Jon Hilkevitch's Getting Around, Chicago Tribune, December 26, 2011)

Protesters Are The Uneducated Ones: (Letter to the editor of the Newton Herald – 12/26/2011)

Editor:

In response to Janet Redyke's letter demeaning hunters, I'm afraid that Ms. Redyke is showing her ignorance in matters regarding nature.

First, she pompously states that "bunnies, dogs, children and ponies should never be out in that yard unsupervised." To suggest that all livestock be monitored 24/7 is beyond absurd. It should also be noted that, 30 years ago, this was not "bear country." My friends and I rode our horses all over the trails in Sussex and Warren counties, and never once encountered a bear, or knew anyone that did. With loss of habitat and no natural enemies, bears are now seen nearly everywhere. I have friends whose chicken coops were raided by bears, friends who have lost pets, etc. — and these incidents were never reported. Bears have been responsible for a great deal more harm than the statistics will reveal. Without a reduction in numbers, as well as the instillation of a healthy fear of people, the problems will only increase.

It is difficult to take seriously those protesters who hail from areas where bears are never seen (the majority of the hunt protesters came from areas that have never seen a bear). While I don't condone giving the finger, or other such expressions, they were probably reacting to the catcalls from the protesters, such as "murderers," etc.

To the Jessica Ciccarelli's and Janet Redyke's, I hold a college degree, in addition to some other certifications, yet I also drive a pickup truck and have no problem with hunting. I suggest to you that you take your heads out of the sand and understand some real truths — bears will blast through electric fence with no problem, bears are opportunistic and will kill what is easy to kill (such as the little baby in its carriage in Port Jervis a few years ago), and, aside from man, they have no natural enemies to curb their numbers.

They are beautiful animals, and I also enjoy seeing them, however, I have no intention of sitting by while the bear activists (most of whom don't even live in bear country) resist logic and lobby for the cessation of any form of control (other than bear-proof garbage cans, which are a good idea, but won't go far in reducing their numbers). We should not have to be prisoners in our homes. Our children should be able to play freely without fear, and our pets and livestock should be safe.

No one is suggesting that bears now be eradicated from our county, only that the numbers be reduced. I have never hunted bears, yet I resent the name calling and mean insinuations of many of the "bear people." It is time for them to stop gleaning their information from Disney movies and learn more about nature from experts, such as some of the fine people at the Division of Fish and Wildlife. In other words, time to get at least as much education as the hunters before blindly following the anti-hunt rhetoric.

Marilyn Schwartz Sparta

This Week’s Events:

31 – End of Hunting Season for Snow Geese in the Northeast Zone

31 - Close of Fishing Season for Trout in the Finger Lakes Tributaries

31 - Winter Birds and Bird Feeders at the Sterling Nature Center, Jensvold Road, Sterling, NY (1:00 pm) New Year’s Eve is for the birds!!! One of the most popular winter wildlife activities in the US is watching and feeding birds at a feeding station. This program will help you identify the birds at your feeder and show you ways to create simple feeders. Participants will create a peanut butter and seed feeder to take home. A short winter bird walk will follow the indoor program.(For further information call 315-947-6143 or email snc@co.cayuga.ny.us)

31 - Winter Wildlife Snowshoe Walk at the Reinstein Woods Environmental Education Center, 93 Honorine Drive, Depew, NY (Town of Cheektowaga) (10:30 am) Look for signs of who is out and about in the woods in winter. (Cost: Snowshoe rental: $4/person; $2/Friends of Reinstein members.) (Registration required; call 716-683-5959 www.dec.ny.gov/education/1837.html)

JANUARY 2012

1 - Happy New Year!!!!

6 - Empire State Arms Collectors Association Gun Show at the Monroe County Fair and Expo Center, Rochester (Henrietta), NY (For more Information contact Karen Lusk. ESACA, PO Box 253, Avon, NY 14414 585-226-6221)

6-8 - Bob Evans Predator Calling Hunt headquartered at the Pompey Rod and Gun Club, Swift Road, Pompey, NY (For more information call Al LaFrance, 315-682-2050)

7 - Erie County Trappers Assoc. Fur Handling Seminar at the Collins Conservation Club, Conger Road, Collins, NY (9:00 am – 1:00 pm) (For more information call Patti Wattengel, 716-337-2556)

8 - Tioga County Trappers Assoc. Fur Sale at the Tioga County Sportsmen's Club, Carmichael Hill Road, Owego, (9:00 a.m.-noon) (For more information call Bob, 607-687-2196)

8 – The Western New York Environmental Federation Meeting at Hoak's Restrauant, S4100 Lakeshore Road, Hamburg, New York (1:00 pm) Public welcome. Meeting will include: NYSDEC Reports; Conservation Fund Report; Fish & Wildlife Management Report; Deer Search Report; NYSCC Report; and County Reports. No matter who you are if you have a concern with hunting, fishing, trapping or a conservation issue we would like to hear from you. (Contact: Dan Tone, President at 716-655-0975)

Until our next meeting in the Corner, have a great time in the outdoors. This is Ron Schroder for – “Your In on The Outdoors for Western New York.”

Your Comments Here: (Use our Contact Page)

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12-23-11

Welcome to this week’s Conservation Chatter Corner – little bits of happenings concerning our outdoors and you, the sportspeople who enjoy being part of that outdoors.

OPERATION S.A.N.T.A. : Reviving a study dropped by the New Your State Department of Environmental Conservation in 2003, because of personnel cuts, Hunt Fish NY Outdoors will take on Operation Santa. Formerly Wildlife biologist across the world made attempts to gather more information on flying deer seen about this time each year. Now after many years of no success, Hunt Fish NY Outdoors is enlisting your aid, especially that of you younger people, who tend to stay awake later on the key observation night, December 24th. People are being urged to focus their video cameras and camcorders on the rooftops of the world, especially those with chimneys. The few reliable reports gathered by the DEC indicate the deer are under the control of a chubby fellow with a white beard and dressed in a red suit. File checks, even with our new computer links, have failed to produce any permits issued for possession of flying deer. The reason for the alert is a worry that the flying phenomenon may spread. Unverified reports gathered in past years include: hunters talking about deer flying by them; a guy outside a local tavern reporting flying elephants; some kids saying they saw a cow jump over the moon and a guy telling police that his grandmother got run over by some reindeer -- in this case it's believed Grandma was the one flying high. Who knows what might happen should elephants and cows really start flying.

Anyone sighting these flying creatures are urged to note: location, time, number, direction of travel, size of antlers and other special observations such as nose color, and send them to: Operation SANTA (Study of Animal Night Translocation Aerodynamics), at Hunt Fish NY Outdoors. Use our speedy contact form.

2011 Deer and Bear Harvest Updates: DEC’s preliminary harvest estimates based on reported deer and bear harvest for the 2011 hunting season are as follows:

Deer - The 2011 hunting year started out low compared to last year, with 5% less harvest in mid-November and 20% less harvest in the opening week of the Southern Zone regular season. However, harvest picked up during Thanksgiving week, boosting results to align more closely with results of the 2010 harvest at this time of year.

Bear - The 2011 season is quite different from last year, with preliminary harvests down in the Northern Zone but at record levels in the Southern Zone. This year, new regulations opened bear hunting in eastern New York, ranging from Westchester County to Washington County. Hunters in the new hunting areas have taken more than 40 bears so far. Still, even without these additional bears, the preliminary take in the southeastern New York region may become one of the top harvests ever recorded. In central and western New York, harvest is topping around 300 bears, which has already shattered the previous record of 189 bears taken in 2008.

Final reports on harvest of bear and deer will be released in early 2012.

Home School Nature Series at the Montezuma Audubon Center - Citizen Science: The Montezuma Audubon Center is pleased to announce the Winter-Spring Home School Nature Series that will focus on citizen science. Each day, thousands of observant citizens report bird, reptile, amphibian, and flower sightings to scientists who then use that information to make informed decisions about land management and conservation projects. The Home Schoolers will help in this effort by participating in several citizen science projects throughout the winter and spring. Designed for home-schooled children ages 6-12, our two-hour programs provide fun, hands-on and minds-on opportunities to learn about and experience our natural world. Choose from one of the three sessions each month.

January 26 10AM – noon, January 27 10AM-noon, and January 27 1PM-3PM: eBird. A real-time, online checklist program, eBird has revolutionized the way that the birding community reports and accesses information about birds. Children will play interactive games that will help them hone their bird identification skills and learn how to use binoculars. Then, they will conduct a bird survey and add the information to the eBird program.

February 16 10AM – noon, February 17 10AM – noon, and February 17 1PM-3PM: Great Backyard Bird Count. The Great Backyard Bird Count takes place over four days in February each year. It's very easy! Children will explore the habitat, life history, distribution and appearance of common backyard birds. Then, they will survey the birds around the Montezuma Audubon Center and report what they saw.

March 29 10AM – noon, March 30 10AM – noon, and March 30 1PM-3PM: FrogWatch USA. FrogWatch USA is a citizen science program that allows individuals and families to learn about the wetlands in their communities and help conserve amphibians by reporting the calls of local frogs and toads. Children will learn about the significance of the Montezuma Wetlands Complex by playing interactive games and activities. Then, they will investigate Montezuma’s wetlands for our slippery, slimy friends that are beginning to wake up after a long winters nap.

April 26 10AM – noon , April 27 10AM – noon, and April 27 1PM-3PM: Project BudBurst. Project Budburst involves a network of people across the United States who monitor plants as the seasons change. This national field campaign is designed to engage the public in the collection of important ecological data based on the timing of leafing, flowering, and fruiting of plants. Children will learn how to identify plant parts through direct observation techniques and document the condition of our native plants.

Fee: $7/child/session; $25/child/entire series, $20/entire series for each additional child. Space is limited and registration is required. To register or for more information about the Center or its programs please call 315-365-3588 or e-mail montezuma@audubon.org . (Montezuma Audubon Center, 2295 State Route 89, Savannah, NY 13146)

Region 8 & 9 Bad Boys:

Region 9: Lieutenant Frank Lauricella recently issued a mid-season summary of hunting-related enforcement actions that have occurred during the first two weeks of the regular deer season – from November 19 to December 2. Region 9 covers six counties: Erie, Niagara, Wyoming, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus and Allegany. Since the start of regular season, Environmental Conservation Officers in Region 9 have reported a total of 209 enforcement actions against 138 defendants.

Following is a full summary of enforcement actions throughout all Region 9 counties that occurred during the first portion of the regular season.

Offender Name ---- Residence --- Offense

Erie County

Devin Mentley - Aurora, NY - Hunting in a closed area

Raymond Preischel - Lawtons, NY - Discharging a firearm within 500 feet of an occupied dwelling -

Robert Dentice - Dayton, NY - Possession of a loaded firearm in a motor vehicle

Ronald Arkright - Elma, NY - Hunting big game over bait

David Marshall - Wales, NY - 5 counts of allowing dogs to run on lands inhabited by deer -

Randy P. Lippert - Alden, NY - Possessing a shotgun while being a convicted felon/Illegally taking a buck

T.N. Hockwater, Jr. -Depew, NY - Possessing a loaded firearm in a motor vehicle

David L. Pacer - Akron, NY - Failure to immediately and properly fill out a buck tag

Mark S. Kwasniewski - Blasdell, NY - Failure to immediately and properly fill out a buck tag/Failure to carry license and tags while deer hunting

James R. Mikac - Lackawanna, NY - Take a 10 point buck in a closed area/Take a doe deer in a closed area

Jason W. Wojick - Chaffee, NY -Setting a salt lick on lands inhabited by deer

Steven M. Wiedemann - Arcade, NY - Possessing unsigned duck stamp

William M. George - Buffalo, NY - Illegal transportation of wild deer

Wayne T. Smith, Jr. - Springville, NY -Failure to follow mandatory tagging

Gregory A. Urban - Buffalo, NY - Possessing another’s tags afield

Brett J. Brewster - East Aurora, NY - Possessing slugs afield without having a valid license

Scott L. Pfiel - Alden, NY - Hunting in wrong DMU/Illegally taking a deer

Kurt P. Wojda - Irving, NY - Unlawful sale of DMP

Jozef C. Igielinski - Hamburg, NY - Possessing a loaded firearm in a motor vehicle/Possessing slugs afield without a license

Donald W. Dayton - Depew, NY - Possessing a rifle afield in a shotgun county

Richard C. Saber - Bowmansville, NY - Hunting in a closed area

William D. Tate, Jr. - Lancaster, NY - Illegally sell/buy or offer DMP for sale

James Belscher - West Valley, NY - Failure to properly tag a deer

Joseph W. Vigneron -Orchard Park, NY - Untagged deer

Brandon C. Block - Buffalo, NY - Failure to possess tags and license while big game hunting

Marc E. Ellis - Buffalo, NY - Possessing slugs afield without license/Untagged deer

Ronald D. Lantz - Alden, NY - Improperly tagged white deer/Taking wild deer in excess of bag

limits-over limit antlered deer

Charles E. Adamski - Buffalo, NY - Untagged deer/Taking wild deer other than during

the hours permitted/Possessing a loaded firearm in a motor vehicle

Scott L. Pfeil - Alden, NY - Hunting antlered deer outside WMU specified/Illegal deer

Jonathan Gajkowski - Lancaster, NY - Possessing a loaded firearm on a motor vehicle

Adam J. Olesky - Lancaster, NY - Possessing a loaded firearm on a motor vehicle

Joshua M. Randle - Orchard Park, NY - Take antlered deer in the closed area/Untagged deer/Illegal deer

Kevin L. Albrecht - Clarence, NY - Failure to tag deer as required

Jamie E. Bradfield - Darien, NY - Failure to fill out carcass tag completely

William E. Hockwater -Akron, NY - Improper use of a DMP tag on an antlered deer

Edward F. Herbst - Akron, NY - Improper use of a Muzzleloader tag in Regular season

Mark D. Slawinski - Amherst, NY - Failure to fill in carcass tag completely

Paul Baier, Jr. - Akron, NY - Hunting after legal hours

William D. Lantz - Alden, NY - Lending antlered deer tag

Steven J. Adamski - Buffalo, NY - Taking deer by means other than is allowed/-Possessing a loaded firearm in a motor vehicle

Thomas J. Jendrowski - Alden, NY - Hunting after legal hours

Cattaraugus County

Martin D. Cooper, Jr. - Salamanca, NY - Using a spotlight within 500 feet of a dwelling/Possessing a loaded firearm while using a spotlight/Illegally taking a deer

Gary R. Bruce - Delevan, NY - 2 counts of allowing dogs to run on lands inhabited by deer

Eric Salem – Franklinville, NY - Hunting big game after sunset

Christopher Capito -- Shooting within 500 feet of a dwelling

William M. Sticht -- Possessing a loaded firearm in a motor vehicle/Failure to tag deer as required/Unlawful operation of an ATV on highway

Michael D. Strohauer -- Shooting within 500 feet of a dwelling/Hunting during closed hours/Illegally taking deer

Ryan K. Randles -- Trespass

William L. Mascho --Trespass

Lee J. Hubbard - Portville, NY - Hunting without a license

Jeffrey S. Prescott - Portville, NY - Failure to immediately fill out carcass tag

Eric L. Fellows - Bradford, PA - Unlawfully possessing protected wildlife/Failure to immediately fill out carcass tag

Paul R. Arsenault - Allegany, NY - Hunting during closed hours

Boris Micov – Orchard Park, NY - Trepass

Niagara County

Sierra L. Pike Ransomville, NY - Possessing a loaded firearm in a motor vehicle

Matthew J. Scott - Niagara Falls, NY - Possessing a loaded firearm in a motor vehicle

Lawrence H. Toni - Amherst, NY - 3 counts of failure to immediately and properly fill out DMP tag

Daniel T. Gullos - Lockport, NY - Possessing a loaded firearm in a motor vehicle

Mark E. Prosser - Lockport, NY - Possessing a loaded firearm in a motor vehicle

Jeremy J. Prohaska - Lockport, NY - Failure to immediately and properly fill out DMP tag

Nicholas J. Pusateri - Newfane, NY - Hunting after legal hours/-Afield with no tags or license

Carol Burch - Lockport, NY - Failure to tag deer as required

Eric Ridgeway - Lockport, NY - Failure to tag deer as required

Stephen C. Harrington - Gasport, NY -Possessing a loaded firearm in a motor vehicle

Allegany County

Jeffery Every - Fillmore, NY - Possessing a loaded firearm in a motor vehicle/Failure to sign over DMP correctly

Jesse Roboski - Belfast, NY - Failure to sign over DMP correctly/Failure to tag deer as required

Ian Long - Wellsville, NY - Illegally taking an antlerless deer

Nathan Smith – North Tonawanda, NY -Operating an ATV on state land

Shawn Smith – North Tonawanda, NY -Operating an ATV on state land

David W. Mack - Brockport, NY - Failure to immediately fill out carcass tag required

Brenda L. Klein - Fillmore, NY - Taking/killing an antlerless deer in wrong WMU

Lowell J. Preston - Friendship, NY -Discharging a firearm over a public roadway/Taking/killing a deer on or from a public roadway

Paul M. Golish - Wellsville, NY - Taking/killing a deer by means not permitted – by gun and light/Discharging a firearm over a public highway/Taking/killing a deer while in or on a motor vehicle/Taking/killing a deer from a public highway/Possessing a long gun while using a jacklight/Possessing a loaded firearm on a motor vehicle

Jessie H. Outman, Jr. - Wellsville, NY - Taking/killing a deer by means not permitted – by gun and light/Discharging a firearm over a public highway/-Taking/killing a deer while in or on a motor vehicle/Taking/killing a deer from a public highway/-Possessing a long gun while using a jacklight/Possessing a loaded firearm on a motor vehicle

Ernest G. Davenport - Belmont, NY - Taking/killing a deer by means not permitted – by gun and light/Discharging a firearm over a public highway/Taking/killing a deer while in or on a motor vehicle/Taking/killing a deer from a public highway/Possessing a long gun while using a jacklight/Possessing a loaded firearm on a motor vehicle

Chautauqua County

Richard Strawcutter - Panama, NY - Failing to fill out deer tag immediately upon taking

John K. Makela - Kincardine, Ontario - Possessing a loaded firearm on a motor vehicle

Wallace R. Werth - Lockport, NY - Placing a salt block on lands inhabited by deer

Robert W. Burgess - Ripley, NY - Hunting big game without a big game license

Thelma D. Pierce - Jamestown, NY - Hunting without a license/Illegal deer

Nathan Bowers – Berkeley Lane, WV - Hunting without a license/-Illegal deer

Louie Habig - Westfield, NY – Failure to properly tag deer as required

Robert W. Burgess - Ripley, NY - Illegal deer/Hunting without a license

William D. Squire - Randolph, NY - Discharge a firearm across a roadway

Gregory A. Kanouff - Lakewood, NY - Failure to properly tag deer as required

Thomas E. Neiswonger -- DMP not signed over

Edward J. Swierk - Forestville, NY - Failure to properly tag deer as required/Illegal deer/-Hunting in DMU other than that specified on permit

Duane R. Congdon - Dunkirk, NY - Failure to carry DMP tags while hunting/Failure to properly tag deer as required

Earl D. Congdon - Forestville, NY - Failure to report deer as required/Lending a regular season deer tag to another

Ian M. Moore - Fredonia, NY - Taking of deer with 00 buckshot/Illegal deer

James A. Congdon - Dunkirk, NY -Lending a regular season deer tag to another

Travis S. Pangborn - Mayville, NY -Failure to tag deer as required

Aaron A. Troyer - Sherman, NY - Failure to tag a deer taken in a DMU

Harvey J. Detweiler – South Dayton, NY - Discharge a firearm within 500 feet of a

dwelling

Bryce C. Stahlman - Salamanca, NY - Illegally take deer/Use artificial light on lands within 500 feet

of residence/Use of spotlight while in possession of unsecured firearm

Brian T. Reidy - Frewsburg, NY - Failure to tag deer as required

Gerry Quickel - Weedville, PA - Possess license/tag of another

Patricia E. Johnson - Frewsburg, NY - Failure to fill out a DMP tag

Thomas G. Caruso - Jamestown, NY - Failure to carry license and tags while hunting

Anthony J. Whippo - Frewsburg, NY - Take doe deer without a DMP

David J. Bailey - Tonawanda, NY - Use of spotlight while in possession of unsecured firearm

Edward J. Swierk - Forestville, NY - Failure to mentor youth hunter

Wyoming County

Evan A. Countryman - Castile, NY - Failure to tag a deer as required

Allen B. Hawks - Wyoming, NY - Failure to tag a deer as required

Roger D. Fronczak – Silver Springs, NY -Failure to tag a deer as required

Meggan Petti - Penfield, NY -Failure to carry proper tags

Scott P. Petti, Jr. - Penfield, NY - Illegal killing of antlered deer/Failure to tag a deer as required

Daryl S. Mays - Batavia, NY - Illegally killing an antlerless deer/Failure to tag a deer as required

Rocky D. Gringer - Batavia, NY -Possessing a loaded firearm on a motor vehicle

Richard Simpson - Perry, NY - Failure to tag a deer as required

Donald R. Washburn, Jr. - Lakeville, NY - Attempting to take a deer with the aid of motor vehicle/Accepting the buck tag of another person/Illegal attempt to kill an antlered deer/Possessing a loaded firearm on a motor vehicle

Darryl J. Allen - Perry, NY - Illegal lending of an antlered deer carcass tag/ Hunting without a valid license

Christopher Schaeffer - Ontario, NY - Hunting deer without a valid license

James Backus - Piffard, NY - Hunting deer with a semi-automatic rifle capable of more than 6 rounds/Illegal taking of an antlerless deer

Richard G. Covell, Jr. - Perry, NY - Failure to properly complete a deer carcass tag

James J. Pierce - Bliss, NY - Hunting deer during closed hours

Jacob H. Biniszkiewicz – East Amherst, NY -Illegal attempt to take an antlerless deer

Jacob E. Seipel - Attica, NY - Failing to carry carcass tags while hunting deer

Gregory S. Slocum - Perry, NY - Possessing a loaded firearm on a motor vehicle

James R. Reid - Warsaw, NY - Improper transfer of DMP

Matthew Reid – Warsaw, NY - Improperly accepting the DMP of another

John L. White - Tonawanda, NY - Failure to carry carcass tags while hunting deer

Christopher J. Solly - Orangeville, NY - Illegal possession and transportation of an

antlered deer

Cyril R. Barnhart – Schroon Lake, NY - Failure to tag a deer as required

Mathew J. Sphar North Java, NY - Trespass

Quinn Pritchard - Perry, NY - Hunting without a valid license

William Pritchard - Castile, NY - Hunting without a valid license

John L. Phillips – Silver Springs, NY - Possessing a loaded firearm on a motor vehicle

Brandon S. Price - North Java, NY -Failure to carry deer tags while hunting/Bow hunting with a person while in possession of a firearm/Failure to tag deer as required

Robert W. Price - North Java, NY - Possession of a firearm while accompany a bow hunter/Lending a deer tag to another/Illegal transportation of a deer

David Michaiek - Attica, NY - Possessing a loaded firearm in a motor vehicle

Matthew J. Vogel - Attica, NY - Failure to tag a deer as required/Possessing a loaded firearm in a motor vehicle

Thomas M. Dzielski - Kenmore, NY - Possessing a loaded firearm in a motor vehicle

William W. Clark - Ticonderoga, NY - Failure to carry tags while hunting

Clarence Havens – West Varysburg, NY - Possessing a loaded firearm in a motor vehicle

Guy J. Bontrager - Varysburg, NY - Illegal possession of an untagged deer

Michael R. Gehring - Varysburg, NY - Possessing a loaded firearm in a motor vehicle/Hunting with the aid of a motor vehicle

Justin D. Dicenso - Palm City, FL - Failure to carry tags while hunting

Region 8:

“The vast majority of hunters pursue and take game legally,” said Major Gerould. “We work closely with the sporting community to educate individuals on safe and legal hunting practices to try and stop them from illegally taking game to the detriment of wildlife populations and the legal efforts of honest hunters.”

ECOs are out in full force, patrolling, staking out, and observing the lands on which people take deer. They are in uniform and undercover; they are in vehicles and on foot; they are checking licenses and watching over deer decoys.

Livingston County

Jason E. Heinrich - Hilton, NY - Discharging a firearm from a public highway (he shot at a decoy deer while standing on a public roadway). He faces fines of $200-$1,000 and up to 90 days in jail.

Philip J. Johnston - Brushton, Franklin County, NY - Having a loaded firearm in a motor vehicle, and discharging a firearm from a public highway (decoy deer from inside a pickup truck) He faces fines of $400-$2,000 and up to 180 days in jail.

Jason Cline - Nunda, NY - Taking an antlerless deer without a permit. He faces fines of $250-$2,000 and up to one year in jail.

Victoria M. Powell - Avon, NY and Joseph Powell - Leroy,NY - Hunting deer over bait. Each faces fines of up to $250 and up to 15 days in jail.

David J. Olin - Perry, NY - Possessing deer slugs afield while not in possession of a big game license/failure to carry carcass tags while hunting. He faces fines of up to $500 and up to 30 days in jail.

Cody R. Cullinan - Rochester, NY - 2 counts of failing to properly tag deer. He faces fines of up to $500 and up to 30 days in jail.

Michael J. Mcardle - Rochester, NY - Possession of untagged venison. He faces fines of up to $250 and up to 15 days in jail.

David Rudney - Lakeville, NY - unlawful possession of protected wildlife - a 9 point buck head in the bed of his pickup truck. He faces fines of up to $250 and up to 15 days in jail.

Nicola Andrijenko - Sandstone, Virginia - Violations related to the illegal purchase by a non-resident of resident hunting licenses. Since 2004, Andrijenko had illegally purchased resident licenses while living out of state, saving $1866. Included in this arrest were 3 counts of making a false statement, hunting without a valid license and possession of slugs afield without a license. He settled and paid a penalty of $2,800.

Michael Crafts – Middleport, NY - Possession of an unsecured firearm in a motor vehicle while spotlighting. He faces up to $1,000 in fines and up to 90 days in jail.

Robert Chamberlain - West Sparta, NY - Taking three deer with a firearm during bow season. He faces up to $6000 in fines and up to one year in jail.

William Rogers – Rochester, NY - Illegally taking a deer/failure to tag a deer/trespassing on posted land. He faces up to $2,500 in fines and up to one year in jail.

Ryan Cummings – Rochester, NY - illegally taking an antlerless deer without a permit. He faces up to $2,000 in fines and up to 90 days in jail.

Peter Prine – Middleport, NY - and Steve Johnson – Gasport, NY - Operating a spotlight in a motor vehicle with an unsecured firearm. They both face up to $1,000 in fines and/or 90 days in jail.

Matthew Hallett – Rochester, NY - Possessing a rifle afield during the open season for deer in a shotgun only area. He faces up to $1,000 fine and/or 90 days in jail.

Vernon Finch – Pavilion, NY - Shooting within 500 feet of a dwelling without permission. He faces up to $1,000 in fines and/or up to 90 days in jail.

Bernard Jurs – Caledonia, NY - Trespass for the purpose of hunting. He faces up to $250 in fines and/or 15 days in jail.

Mark Elliott – LeRoy, NY - Taking over the limit of antlered deer/taking over the limit of antlerless deer (2 counts)/possession of another’s DMP tag un-consigned (3 counts)/possession of another’s antlered deer carcass tag/failure to report deer harvest within 7 days. He faces up to $7,250 in fines and/or up to 1 year in jail.

Clyde Martin – Lima, NY - Discharging a firearm from a public highway/taking deer after legal sunset/trespass for the purpose of hunting. He faces up to $1,500 in fines and/or up to 120 days in jail.

William Lamb – Avon, NY - Discharging a bow across a public highway. He faces up to $250 in fines and up to 15 days in jail.

Michael Franklin – Caledonia, NY - Possession of a loaded firearm in a motor vehicle. He faces up to $1,000 in fines and up to 90 days in jail.

Eddy Hugh – Atlanta, NY - Illegally taking an antlerless deer without a permit. He faces up to $2,000 in fines and up to 90 days in jail.

Jason Pilkenton – Sparta, NY - Possession of a loaded firearm in a motor vehicle. He faces up to $1,000 in fines and up to 90 days in jail.

Monroe County

Jacob Johnson - Pembroke, NY - Trespass on posted property/failure to display back tag while hunting big game/failure to present hunting license on demand to landowner. He faces fines of up to $750.00 and up to 15 days in jail

James R. Sharp - Rochester, NY - Trespassing on posted land. faces fines of up to $250.00 and up to 15 days in jail.

Chris Shap - Rochester, NY - Failure to report deer take within seven days. He faces a fine of up to $250.00 and up to 15 days in jail.

Thomas LaMonte - Rochester, NY - Using a bow/ muzzleloader special season tag during the regular firearms deer season. He faces a fine of up to $250.00 and up to 15 days in jail.

Brandon Conner - Rochester, NY - Using a regular season antlered only tag on an antlerless deer. He faces a fine of up to $250.00 and up to 15 days in jail.

Jon Vaccarelli - Hamlin, NY - Failure to properly tag an antlerless deer as required by law. He faces a fine of up to $250.00 and up to 15 days in jail.

Reynaldo Acevedo - Rochester, NY - Improper tagging of a male deer. He faces a fine up to $ 250.00 dollars and up to 15 days in jail.

William Rogers - Rochester, NY - Possession of a loaded gun in a motor vehicle. He faces up to $1000.00 dollar fine and up to one year in jail.

Steven Lamphron – Chili, NY - Possessing a loaded firearm on a motor vehicle (ATV). He faces up to $1000.00 in fines and/or 3 months in jail.

Ontario County

Louis Thomas - Canandaigua, NY - Feeding deer/hunting over a pre-established bait pile. He faces a fine up to $250 and up to 15 days in jail.

Thomas Adams - Livonia, NY - Failure to immediately fill out a deer tag. He faces a fine of up to $250 and up to 15 days in jail.

Richard Laky - Palmyra, NY - Allowing a dog to run at large on lands inhabited by deer. He faces a fine of $200.

Andrew Wheeler – Geneva, NY - Bow hunting deer unlicensed over several dates in November. He faces up to $1,000 in fines and up to 15 days in jail.

Richard Bucenec - Perinton, NY - Hunting deer over bait. He faces a fine up to $250 and up to 15 days in jail.

Roderick Davis - Rochester, NY - Hunting deer over bait. He faces a fine up to $250 and up to 15 days in jail.

Joshua Sinack - Phelps, NY - Possessing the license and tags of another person. He faces a fine up to $250 and up to 15 days of jail.

Robert Lewis - Rochester, NY - Possessing a loaded firearm on an ATV. He faces a fine up to $1,000 and up to 3 months in jail.

Thomas Post - Myrtle Beach, SC - Hunting big game without a non-resident big game license. He faces a fine up to $250 and up to 15 days in jail.

Joseph Sanford – Bath, NY - Possessing a loaded firearm on an ATV. He faces a fine up to $1,000 and up to 3 months in jail.

Jack Moyer – Rochester, NY - Possessing a loaded firearm on an ATV. He faces a fine up to $1,000 and up to 3 months in jail.

Thomas Chison - Clifton Springs, NY - Lending his regular season tag to another hunter. He faces a fine up to $250 and up to 15 days in jail.

Charles Drover - Clifton Springs, NY - Taking over the limit of big game (whitetail buck)/possessing the regular season carcass tag of another. He faces fines up to $2,250 and up to 3 months and 15 days in jail.

Eric Burdick – Rochester, NY - Failure to immediately fill out his carcass tag as required. He faces a fine up to $250 and up to 15 days in jail.

Robert Bade – Marion, NY - Failure to immediately fill out his carcass tag as required. He faces a fine up to $250 and up to 15 days in jail.

Gregory Bell – Webster, NY - Failure to immediately fill out his carcass tag as required. He faces a fine up to $250 and up to 15 days in jail.

Gabriel Costanzo – Canadice, NY - Taking wild deer with a .20 gauge shotgun during bow season. He faces up to $2,000 in fines and up to one year in jail.

Jordan Stoddard – Canadice, NY - Illegal taking of deer during the closed season (night)/possessing a loaded firearm in a motor vehicle/shooting from the public highway. He faces up to $4000 in fines and one year in jail.

Raymond Patterson – Naples, ny - Killing a wild deer except as permitted by the fish and wildlife law/trespass on posted lands of another/allowing a 15 year-old hunting with a firearm in a tree stand. He faces up to $2,250 in fines and one year in jail.

Jesse Lee – Naples, NY - illegally taking an antlered deer/shooting across the public highway/killing a deer except as permitted by the fish and wildlife law before sunrise. He faces up to $3,250 in fines and one year in jail.

John Mayer – Palmyra, NY - illegally killing a wild deer except as permitted by the fish and wildlife law, two counts/hunting big game past legal hours, two counts/failing to fill out carcass tags immediately, two counts. He faces up to $6,000 in fines and one year in jail.

Orleans County

Christopher Albone – Medina, NY - Possession of an unsecured firearm (bow) in a motor vehicle while spotlighting, a violation. He faces a fine up to $275 and up to 15 days in jail.

William Grathouse III – Clarendon, NY - Hunting wild deer with a crossbow during the early archery season. He faces a fine up to $1000 and up to 90 days in jail.

Bruce Prentice – Batavia, NY - Possession of a loaded firearm in a motor vehicle. He faces a fine up to $1000 and up to 90 days in jail.

Schuyler County

Donald Jackson - Fairview, PA - Failure to tag deer as required. He faces up to $250 in fines and up to fifteen days in jail.

Gingerlyn Mosher - Trumansburg, NY - Allowing dogs to run afield on lands inhabited by deer. She faces up to $250 in fines and fifteen days in jail.

Leroy Washington - Trumansburg, NY and James Richar - Dryden, NY - Hunting during closed hours and Richar was also charged with hunting without a big game hunting license. Washington will face up to $250 in fines and fifteen days in jail and Richar will face up to $500 in fines and thirty days in jail.

John Hart - Syracuse, NY - Failure to tag deer as required. He faces up to $250 in fines and fifteen days in jail.

Seneca County

Jacob M. Goodson - Mexico, NY - Hunting big game during closed hours. He faces a fine up to $250 and 15 days in jail.

Derek K.Sheldon - Bergen, NY - Possession of a loaded firearm in a motor vehicle. He faces a fine of $1,000.00 plus up to one year in jail.

Dale F. Friends – Trumansburg, NY - Failure to tag a deer/taking over the limit of deer. He faces fines of up to $2,000 and up to one year in jail.

Clifford D. Yaw – Trumansburg, NY - Lending a license to another. He faces a fine of up to $250 and up to 15 days in jail.

Wilmer Fox - Waterloo, NY - Taking a deer after sunset/failing to immediately tag the deer. He faces fines up to $1,250 and up to one year in jail.

Daryl Stonecipher – Phoenix, NY - Possessing the bow/muzzleloader deer tag of another while hunting at the Montezuma Wildlife Refuge. He faces fines up to $250 and up to 15 days in jail.

Steuben County

Ralph R. Valentine - Rome, NY - Failure to immediately fill out and attach a big game carcass tag. He faces a fine of up to $250 and or 15 days in jail.

Robert T. Jenkins - Niagara Falls, NY - Failing to immediately fill out a big game carcass tag. He faces a fine of up $250 and up to 15 days in jail.

Robert A. Clark - Newark, DE - Unlawfully killing an antlerless deer. He paid a civil penalty of $252.50.

John J. Speciale - Campbell, NY - Possessing an improperly tagged doe deer. He faces a fine of up to $250 and up to15 days in jail.

Willis J. Robert - Clark, N.J. - Possessing an improperly tagged antlerless deer/Making a false statement while applying for a hunting license. He faces a fines up to $450 and 3 1/21months in jail.

Joseph R. Christensen - Bath, NY - Failing to immediately fill out a big game carcass tag. He faces a fine up to $250 and up to 15 days in jail.

William Winters - Lockport, NY - Possessing an improperly tagged deer. He faces a fine of up to $250 and up to 15 days in jail.

Charles R. Arlin Jr. - Gansvodrt, NY - Possessing an untagged doe deer. He faces a fine of up to $250 and up to 15 days in jail.

Michael A. Ainsworth - Rexville, NY - Possessing a loaded firearm in a motor vehicle. He faces up to $1000 in fines and up to one year in jail.

Wayne County

Terrance W. Sampson - Savannah, NY - Possessing a loaded firearm in a motor vehicle. He faces a fine of up to $1,000 and up to one year in jail.

Matthew H. Goldman - Ruther Glen, VA - Hunting while impaired by drugs/violating the penal law on state land. He paid a total of $400 in fines and a $150 surcharge.

James P. Beyrau - Lyons, NY - Hunting deer with the aid of a pre-established bait pile/aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in the second degree. He faces up to $250 in fines and up to 30 days in jail, for the hunting infraction and $500-$1,000 and 7-180 days in jail for the driving violation.

Kevin C. Foster - Malone, NY - Taking big game except as permitted by the fish and wildlife law/taking big game during the closed season/failing to tag deer as required by DEC. He faces up to $2,250 in fines and up to one year in jail.

Jeffrey D. Dubuque - Champlain, NY - Failing to tag deer as required by DEC. He faces up to $250 fine and up to 15 days in jail.

Jeremy F. Kendt - Rose, NY - Hunting big game without a license/criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree. He faces up to $1,250 in fines and up to one year in jail.

Roy M. Wilferth and Michael Pryce – Sodus, NY - Hunting deer without a license/hunting deer after legal hours. They each face up to $500 in fines and up to 30 days in jail.

Yates County

Michael Frechette - Middlesex, NY - Failing to tag deer as required/taking a deer in the wrong deer management unit. He faces up to a $500.00 fine and up to 30 days in jail.

Andrew C. Catalone - Fulton, NY - Trespassing while hunting/Possessing improperly consigned deer management tags. He faces fines up to $500 and up to 30 days in jail.

Christopher Updike - Branchport, NY - Failing to fill out deer tag as required (2 counts)/Failing to document deer management permit received from other. He faces up to $750 in fines and up to 45 days in jail.

Gene P. Kring - Redwood, NY - Failing to tag deer as required. He faces up to a $250 fine and up to 15 days in jail.

Gregory Gawinski - Cicero, NY - Failing to carry tags while big game hunting. He faces up to a $250 fine and up to 15 days in jail.

Scott Johnson - Palmyra, NY - Bow hunting big game without a valid New York State bow license. He faces a fine up to $250 and 15 days jail.

Jonathan Rice - Auburn, NY - Possession of a loaded firearm in a motor vehicle/Hunting big game without valid license privilege. He faces up to $1,250 in fines and up to 105 days in jail.

Jesse Lee - Naples, NY - Failure to carry carcass tags. He faces up to $250 in fines and up to 15 days in jail.

Trace Mathieu - Watertown, NY - Possession of an improperly consigned deer management permit. He faces up to $250 in fines and up to 15 days in jail.

Theodore Pittinaro - Fairport, NY - Failure to tag deer as required. He faces up to $250 in fines and up to 15 days in jail.

Andrew Dunn – Marion, NY - Failure to tag deer as required. He faces up to $250 in fines and up to 15 days in jail.

Dennis Calkins – Canandaigua, NY - Failure to carry carcass tags. He faces up to $250 in fines and up to 15 days in jail.

Until our next meeting in the Corner, have a great time in the outdoors. This is Ron Schroder for – “Your In on The Outdoors for Western New York.”

Your Comments Here: (Use our Contact Page)

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12-16-11

Welcome to this week’s Conservation Chatter Corner – little bits of happenings concerning our outdoors and you, the sportspeople who enjoy being part of that outdoors.

Buffalo Evening News Favors Anti-Hunting?: At the recent monthly meeting of WNY SCI it was brought to the attention of those present that the Buffalo Evening News has responded to a letter from an obvious anti-hunting individual by curtailing the featuring of trophy hunting photographs in future editions.

I have attached a copy of the letter for your review.

Apparently, they have also shortened Will Elliot's column covering hunting and fishing as well.

Just this one letter caused us to lose an important voice in support of our traditions. We need to send emails and letters to the editor of the News to let her know that we are opposed to this change and that there are a great many more of us than there are anti-hunters. Several members of our organization have cancelled or plan to cancel their subscriptions in protest.

Please write a letter or email to Margaret Sullivan to let her know how you feel about this policy position.

Her email address is: editor@buffnews.com

Thanks for your help and support!

Gerry Reese
716-570-827

(Buffalo Evening News letter to the Editor)

Photo of trophy bear sends wrong message

I fully understand the need to control the wild animal population.

But to put a photo of a hunter holding his prized bear kill by the ears is

Something puzzling and not worthy of print in the Buffalo News or any other

publication.

I can’t help but think that this type of activity is a leading cause of

Many of the problems in society today. A photo like that depicts everything

Bad. Seems to me that society in general is trying to escape the mindless

Actions of what this photo is telling. Okay, I get it, they want a stuffed

reminder of that memorable moment that means so much to them.

I think a beautiful photo of that living black bear in its natural

Environment would be more acceptable to most people and every bit as

Memorable.

Mark Neupert

Tonawanda

Buffalo Evening News Reply:

                            Dear Reader,
                                          Thank you for your correspondence. I’d like to clarify some possible                              misconceptions. The News has not changed the length of Will Elliot’s column,                              and it remains committed to publishing a full page of outdoors news and features                              every Sunday. This is a rarity for metro newspapers, but we know that there is                              significant interest on the part of our readers.
                                          As for “trophy” pictures, there is no ban on them. We have encouraged                             the use of other photographs of hunters and their programs and activities, without                             stating that we will never use “trophy” photos.
                                          We appreciate your continued readership of The News.
                            Best wishes,
                            Margaret Sullivan

PA Backtag No More: With today's signing of House Bill 735 by Gov. Tom Corbett, the long-standing requirement for Pennsylvania hunters and trappers to display their licenses on an outer garment has been repealed, becoming effective in 60 days. As a result, only two states, New York and Wisconsin, still require hunters to wear "back tags" while afield.( PA Game Commission )

Dogs Strike Again: Another hunter has been shot when his dog accidentally triggered a firearm, though an incident in Florida this weekend was more serious than the recent peppering of a Utah duck hunter's buttocks (12-2-11). Billy E. Brown, 78, of Wesley Chapel, Fl., underwent surgery Saturday morning and was in critical but stable condition after his bulldog, Eli, bumped a loaded .308 rifle and caused it to fire, striking Brown in the leg. ( St. Petersburg Times )

30 Point Buck is a Doe: Richard Lomas, a resident of West Salem, Ill., was hunting along the Little Wabash River, near Mount Erie, Ill., when he bagged what he believed was a trophy buck — a 30 pointer. When he dropped the carcass off at a local meat processing plant, he made a surprising discovery — it was a doe, not a buck. According to a local wildlife biologist, antlers on does are quite uncommon — perhaps one in 4,500 will have a rack. Finding one that is a 30 pointer is even more unusual.

Lomas says he has been offered thousands of dollars for the atypical mount from outdoor outfitters like Bass Pro and Cabela's. He hasn't made up his mind yet on what to do with the strange doe. (http://www.courierpress.com/news/2011/dec/10/no-headline---ev_weird_deer/)

Outdoor Tips: Winter in New York offers a lot of opportunities to get outside and explore your area in a new way. Knowing where you are going and how to get there is an important part of heading out into an unknown area. But you also have to be prepared to deal with health issues that can occur when enjoying the outdoors, especially in winter. Sporting goods stores carry reference guides to first aid that will fit easily in your backpack. Dehydration—Dehydration occurs when you don't replace the fluid that your body loses through participating in outdoor activities or exercise. Make sure to drink water before you start an activity and continue to drink it at intervals while active. Hypothermia— Hypothermia occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can produce it. Hypothermia isn't just a concern in the winter. A cool, breezy spring or summer day can be more dangerous than a calm, dry winter day because wind and moisture draw heat away from the body quickly. Dress in layers, and wear a hat to avoid this life-threatening condition. Layered Clothing—In cool weather, your clothing provides insulation to keep you from losing body heat. Sweating can be dangerous when the temperature drops, so you must layer your clothing. The first layer of clothing should be able to "wick" away moisture. Cotton isn't a good choice because it traps the moisture close to your skin and makes you chilly. Polypropylene is a better choice for the first layer. The second layer can be a blend of cotton and synthetic fabric. Finally, a layer of wool provides warmth even when wet. Add a waterproof/windproof jacket if the weather calls for it. Wear two pairs of socks-poly liners covered by wool socks. (From DEC Outdoor Discovery December 14, 2011)

Christmas Ideas: Christmas gift ideas, how about a lifetime license for hunting, fishing and/or trapping or a subscription to the DEC magazine, the Conservationist. The nice part about the magazine you don’t have to worry about next year – just renew.

Another Idea: How about the DU Story? Relive 75 years of conservation, passionate volunteers, art, guns and more with "The Ducks Unlimited Story." If you think you know everything about Ducks Unlimited, you're in for a surprise. Hot off the presses this week, DU's 75th anniversary book, offers a fresh look at DU's proud history and conservation legacy.

"The Ducks Unlimited Story" is available now on the DU website for your donation of just $39.95 (plus $7.05 for shipping & handling). And if you'd like to order the book as a gift, make sure to place your order by Dec. 15 to ensure Christmas delivery!

Fur Sales: On December 17th and 18th are fur auctions at local trappers’ clubs. The first, on Saturday is held by the Independent Fur Harvesters of CNY at the Pompey Rod & Gun Club, Swift Road, Pompey, NY. (8:00 am) For more info call Rich Palmer, 315-720-5227. On Sunday it’s the Genesee Valley Trappers Association Fur Auction at their Clubhouse, 4462 County Road 32 (3 miles east of Honeoye, south of 20A), Honeoye, NY (6:30 am fur checkin/10:00 am auction) ($10.00 charge for non-members) For information call Tom Miller 585-229-4759.

This Week’s Events:

17 - Independent Fur Harvesters of CNY, Fur Sale at the Pompey Rod & Gun Club, Swift Road, Pompey, NY. (8:00 am) (For more info call Rich Palmer, 315-720-5227)

17 - Footprints in the Snow at the Reinstein Woods Environmental Education Center, 93 Honorine Drive, Depew, NY (Town of Cheektowaga) (10:00 am) See what stories animal tracks can tell us on this guided walk. (Registration required; call 716-683-5959 www.dec.ny.gov/education/1837.html)

18 - Genesee Valley Trappers Association Fur Auction at the Clubhouse, 4462 County Road 32 (3 miles east of Honeoye, south of 20A), Honeoye, NY (6:30 am fur checkin/10:00 am auction) ($10.00 charge for non-members) (For information call Tom Miller 585-229-4759)

18 – NRA Approved - Indoor 1800 Conventional Pistol Match in Liverpool, NY (Contact: Mark Phelps, 192 Sundown Road , Fulton , NY 13069 mark2960@gmail.com)

20 - Close of Southern Zone Deer Bowhunting Late Season

20 - Close of Southern Zone Bear (southern portion of Western New York) Bowhunting Season

20– Close of Southern Zone Muzzleloading Deer Season

20 - Close of Southern Zone Muzzleloading Bear (southern portion of Western New York) Season

Until our next meeting in the Corner, have a great time in the outdoors. This is Ron Schroder for – “Your In on The Outdoors for Western New York.”

Your Comments Here: (Use our Contact Page)

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12-9-11

Welcome to this week’s Conservation Chatter Corner – little bits of happenings concerning our outdoors and you, the sportspeople who enjoy being part of that outdoors.

DU Tip for Late Season: Late-season waterfowl hunting for ducks and Canada geese in central New York can be downright fantastic, says Mike Bard, a member of the Avery Pro-Staff.
The challenge for many hunters, Bard says, is that the birds using the last stretches of open water found among the Finger Lakes along Lake Ontario or the St. Lawrence River and are in no rush to leave for food.
"Once the temps get cold, the birds are smart enough to wait until the sun gets up and loosens up the frozen ground," says Bard. "This makes it easier for them to find and get at the waist grains left behind. We just expect to have to wait, possibly into the afternoon, before the birds show up to feed."
Corn, in particular, is the food of choice for late season mallards and honkers in his area, says Bard, and scouting trips usually take him to those fields that have little or no snow cover to impede a hungry duck or goose.
Late-season birds are also prone to spending longer periods of time in the field, he says, and he'll often see them packed tightly together and even on the ground sleeping or resting.
"At this point, I like to mix shell decoys into the spread to mimic what I'm seeing the real birds do on the ground," says Bard.

Hunting Is Safer Than Golf: Don't let anyone tell you otherwise: Hunting with firearms is safe; in fact, hunting with firearms is one of the safest recreational activities in America.

With hunting season in full swing across the country, the National Shooting Sports Foundation, the trade association for the firearms industry, has compiled data that shows hunting ranks third in safety when compared to 28 other recreational pursuits, ranging from baseball to wrestling. Hunting with firearms has an injury rate of 0.05 percent, which equates to about 1 injury per 2,000 participants, a safety level bettered only by camping (.01 percent) and billiards (.02 percent). For comparison, golf has an injury rate of 0.16 percent (1 injury per 622 participants), while tackle football topped the list of activities with an injury rate of 5.27 percent (1 injury per 19 participants).

"Many people have the misconception that hunting is unsafe, but the data tells a different story," said Jim Curcuruto, NSSF's director of industry research and analysis. "Comprehensive hunter education classes that emphasize the basic rules of firearm safety and a culture of hunters helping fellow hunters practice safe firearms handling in the field are responsible for this good record."

To put hunting's safety standing into perspective, compared to hunting a person is . . .

11 times more likely to be injured playing volleyball

19 times more likely to be injured snowboarding

25 times more likely to be injured cheerleading or bicycle riding

34 times more likely to be injured playing soccer or skateboarding

105 more times likely to be injured playing tackle football.

The number of hunters who went afield last year is estimated at 16.3 million. Of that total, approximately 8,122 sustained injuries, or 50 per 100,000 participants. The vast majority of hunting accidents--more than 6,600--were tree stand-related.

Dumb and Dumber: Two men from Maine—one wearing a cap with an insignia reading: "Registered Maine Poacher"—were cited last month after being stopped by Michigan state conservation officer Jeremy Payne in central Michigan's Isabella County. The two were found to have illegally obtained resident Michigan hunting licenses and killed deer without a proper permit.

PETA Attacks Cartoon Character: Recently PETA issued a holiday press release attacking the iconic Nintendo mascot Mario for wearing a Tanooki ( a raccoon like dog) suit. In his latest adventure, the Nintendo’s Super Mario can forgo his standard iconic cop suit and increase his powers by dressing to appear more like a raccoon. The games are scheduled to be on store shelves in time to become Christmas presents for kids, and this has PETA growling.

"Tanooki may be just a "suit" in Mario games, but by wearing the skin of an animal, Mario is sending the message that it's OK to wear fur," PETA snarls.

The raccoon-like suit has actually been a hidden part of the Mario wardrobe since 1988, but apparently it just came to the attention of someone over at the PETA headquarters. And the animal rights group complains that Mario teaches kids a bad lesson about fur and animal cruelty issues.

Actually, Mario teaches kids to be creative and to improve their reasoning and computer skills. Go Mario!

(The U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance On Target 12/8/11 http://www.ussportsmen.org/page.aspx?pid=2950&erid=10559899&trid=c4ff4c0f-51e3-4043-9a03-d24efc8f0316)

Or how about the DU Story? Relive 75 years of conservation, passionate volunteers, art, guns and more with "The Ducks Unlimited Story." If you think you know everything about Ducks Unlimited, you're in for a surprise. Hot off the presses this week, DU's 75th anniversary book, offers a fresh look at DU's proud history and conservation legacy.

Fur Sales: Coming up on December 17th and 18th are fur auctions at local trappers’ clubs. The first, on Saturday is held by the Independent Fur Harvesters of CNY at the Pompey Rod & Gun Club, Swift Road, Pompey, NY. (8:00 am) For more info call Rich Palmer, 315-720-5227. On Sunday it’s the Genesee Valley Trappers Association Fur Auctionat their Clubhouse, 4462 County Road 32 (3 miles east of Honeoye, south of 20A), Honeoye, NY (6:30 am fur checkin/10:00 am auction) ($10.00 charge for non-members) For information call Tom Miller 585-229-4759.

This Week’s Events:

10 – End of Canada Goose Hunting Seasons in South Area

10 – End of Hunting Seasons – Part 2 - for Ducks, Coots, Mergansers and Sea Ducks in the Northeast Zone

10 – End Hunting Season for Snow Geese in the Western Zone

10 – First Ice Expo at Gander Mountain, 5864 Carmenica Drive, Cicero, NY (9:00 am – 4:00 pm) Free Seminars with ice fishing’s top pros. 21 product exhibitors on site. Prizes awarded hourly! (For more info call 315-698-1100)

10 - Rod & Gun Auction at Hessney Auction Center, 2741 route 14N, Geneva, NY (9:15 am) Shotguns, rifles, handguns, military, decoys, knives, mounts, fishing, ammo and swords. (For more information call 315-789-9349 or 585-734-6082 or go to www.hessney.com )

10 – Nature of Montezuma Lecture - The Role of the Montezuma Wetlands Complex in the Atlantic Flyway at the Montezuma Audubon Center, 2295 State Route 89, Savannah, NY (1:00 pm) The Montezuma Wetlands Complex holds a unique position in the Atlantic Waterfowl Flyway, and has been recognized in several state, national and international planning documents for its significance to waterfowl and many other species of birds. Our speaker, Dave Odell, has served on international committees tasked with writing those plans. He will share his knowledge about the Montezuma Wetlands Complex and the very important role it plays in the lives of birds both locally and in the western hemisphere. Space is limited. Registration is required. (Fee: $3/child, $5/adult, $15/family, FREE for Friends of the Montezuma Wetlands Complex.) (To register or for more information call 315-365-3588 or e-mail montezuma@audubon.org)

10 - Full Moon Walk at the Reinstein Woods Environmental Education Center, 93 Honorine Drive, Depew, NY (Town of Cheektowaga) (6:00 pm) Search for nocturnal wildlife by the light of the moon on a guided walk. (Registration required; call 716-683-5959 www.dec.ny.gov/education/1837.html)

10-11 – Cheektowaga Gun Show at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 2735 Union Road, Cheektowaga, NY (Sat 9:00 am – 4:00 pm/Sun 9:00 am – 3:00pm) (For Info call Jim Buck 716-569-6810 or Bruce Johnston 716-542-9929)

11 - Close of Southern Zone Regular Deer Hunting Season

11– Close of Southern Zone Bear Regular (southern portion of Western New York)

12 - Start of Southern Zone Late Deer Bowhunting Season (>12/20)

12 - Start of Southern Zone Bear (southern portion of Western New York) Bowhunting Season (>12/20)

12 – End of Canada Goose Hunting Season – Part 2 – in the East Central Area (>12/12)

15 - NRA Special - Go-idpa in Jamestown, NY (Contact: Leonard Fertall, 176 Big Tree Road, Jamestown , NY 14701 lfertall@geneseeoutfitters.com)

17 - Independent Fur Harvesters of CNY, Fur Sale at the Pompey Rod & Gun Club, Swift Road, Pompey, NY. (8:00 am) (For more info call Rich Palmer, 315-720-5227)

18 – NRA Approved - Indoor 1800 Conventional Pistol Match in Liverpool, NY (Contact: Mark Phelps, 192 Sundown Road , Fulton , NY 13069 mark2960@gmail.com)

Until our next meeting in the Corner, have a great time in the outdoors. This is Ron Schroder for – “Your In on The Outdoors for Western New York.”

Your Comments Here: (Use our Contact Page)

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12-2-11

Welcome to this week’s Conservation Chatter Corner – little bits of happenings concerning our outdoors and you, the sportspeople who enjoy being part of that outdoors.

Life Preservers Required: From Nov. 1 to May 1, individuals in a boats 21-feet long and smaller are required by law to wear a life preserver. It’s a safeguard for falling into the cold water this time of year and the deadly onset of hypothermia, which can come on a person in minutes. This past week, a duck hunter fell from a kayak while retrieving a downed duck at Sandy Creek and drowned. He did not have a life jacket on and his body was retrieved in about in six feet of water.

Deer Season: Only minimal snow so far across western New York, not enough to be an aid to hunters. The deer are much easier to spot against a white background but without the snow, hunters will need more skill to be successful and will, also, have to be more alert for other hunters. Hunter safety and ethics must be stressed at this time of the season. Some hunters, without deer, may feel desperate for venison, but reason must prevail. You still must be sure of your target, no shot at sounds in the brush and no long shots at deer - that you might hit. Thus far it’s been a fairly safe season, but only you can insure it stays that way.

Going along with safety, a follow up to a tip about blending with the background. Some felt that meant color-wise as well as breaking up body outline. By all means do not shed your blaze orange to blend with the color of the trees and brush. A deer’s color vision is not like ours. Blaze orange is a dull color for them. A large block of a single color stands out but when broken up by trees, brush and/or camo patterns, it does not spook the deer. Excessive movement and noise are what scare deer the most.

One regulation, which many hunters might not be aware of, allows a hunter with filled tags to go out and assist others to take deer. That hunter cannot carry hunting implements or ammunition but can assist in drives and other activities involved in the hunt.

For many hunters deer season will end at sunset next Sunday, December 11th. If you are an archer, the post season hunt gives you an extra nine days, until December 20th. An archery stamp is required and depending on the tags you have left, a deer of either sex can be taken. For muzzleloader enthusiasts, there is also an additional nine day season, ending at sunset, December 20th. A muzzle loader stamp is required and again a deer of either sex may be taken, if you have the appropriate tags still unfilled. The legal firearm is a rifle or handgun (including smoothbore muzzleloaders) capable of being loaded only through the muzzle, having a minimum bore of 44 caliber and shooting a single projectile. Double-barreled muzzle loaders and percussion cap revolvers are prohibited during the special season. Scopes can be used.

Safety Message From Jud: Last Sunday a friend and I were shooting sporting clays. This is what happened to his little 20 ga. Chamberlain double. No obstruction, very light target loads, no
possible way to double charge the load, AND it is chambered for 3 inch. My friend has shot
thousands of rounds out of it. I believe that a stress crack had developed next to the rib and it just let go. He, as were all of us, was wearing eye protection so he didn't have any injuries. Be careful out there – you never know.

Headed For NY? The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has confirmed a radio-collared mountain lion was photographed by a property owner's trail camera in northern Houghton County on Nov. 13. "This is the third time this animal has been captured on trail cameras in the Upper Peninsula," said DNR cougar expert Adam Bump. "The Wisconsin DNR earlier verified two trail camera pictures of this cat as it passed through Wisconsin on its way to the UP."

Man’s Best Friend? Box Elder County (Utah) Sheriff’s Deputy Kevin Potter reports a duck hunter at the Bear River Bird Refuge received non life-threatening injuries Sunday when his dog accidentally triggered a loaded shotgun, peppering his behind as he placed decoys in the water. "The dog got excited, was jumping around inside the boat and then it jumped on the gun. It went off, shooting the (hunter) in the buttocks," Potter said.

This Week’s Events:

3 - Track and Scat Walk at the Reinstein Woods Environmental Education Center, 93 Honorine Drive, Depew, NY (Town of Cheektowaga) (2:00 pm) Investigate trails for animal tracks and scat on this guided walk in the woods. (Registration required; call 716-683-5959 www.dec.ny.gov/education/1837.html)

3-4 - Niagara Frontier Collectors Springville Gun Show at the Springville Vol. Fire Dept. 405 West Main Street (SR 39), Springville, N.Y. (Sat. 9:00 am - 4:00 pm/Sun. 9:00 am - 3:00 pm) (For information call Jim Buck 716-569-6810 or Bruce Johnston 716-542-9929 or email: nfcshows@aol.com)

4 - Close of Northern Zone Regular Deer & Bear Hunting Seasons

4 - NRA Special - Go-idpa in Jamestown, NY (Contact: Leonard Fertall, 176 Big Tree Road,

Jamestown , NY 14701 lfertall@geneseeoutfitters.com)

5 – End of Hunting Seasons for Ducks, Coots, Mergansers and Sea Ducks in the Western Zone

5 – End of Canada Goose Hunting Seasons in Northeast Area

7 - Niagara's 2012 International Ice Fishing Show at the Parkway Convention Centre, 327 Ontario Street, St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada. (5:00 – 9:00 pm) Drawings throughout the evening, with special drawings for young anglers. (For advanced registration details, call Joe Montgomery at (905) 356-0303)

10 – End of Canada Goose Hunting Seasons in South Area

10 – End of Hunting Seasons – Part 2 - for Ducks, Coots, Mergansers and Sea Ducks in the Northeast Zone

10 – End Hunting Season for Snow Geese in the Western Zone

11 - Close of Southern Zone Regular Deer Hunting Season

11– Close of Southern Zone Bear Regular (southern portion of Western New York)

Until our next meeting in the Corner, have a great time in the outdoors. This is Ron Schroder for – “Your In on The Outdoors for Western New York.”

Your Comments Here: (Use our Contact Page)

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11-25-11

Welcome to this week’s Conservation Chatter Corner – little bits of happenings concerning our outdoors and you, the sportspeople who enjoy being part of that outdoors.

Deer Season Report: If you have a quiet day or two do not call “rut over”. We expect to see rut related behavior for at least another week or two. After that it will be back to the old food sources again. Don’t be afraid to hunt hard and hunt often this upcoming week. If you have plenty of food and plenty of cover the deer will be there for you. If they have all headed out make a note to set a better table than your neighbor next year. (Taken from NorthCountry Deer Report - Week 6 – 2011. To read the full report go to www. NorthCountryWhitetails.com)

Be Safety Conscious: The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) advises hunters to use safety precautions when enjoying the sport this hunting season which runs until December 4 for the Northern zone and December 11 for the Southern zone.

Studies show that individuals wearing hunter orange clothing are seven times less likely to be injured than hunters who do not wear the bright fluorescent color. Over the past 10 years, 15 New York state big game hunters have been mistaken for deer or bear and killed - none wore hunter orange.

Hunters are encouraged to review hunting safety tips and pay careful attention to basic firearm safety rules that can prevent hunting-related shooting incidents:

Point your gun in a safe direction.
Treat every gun as if it were loaded.
Be sure of your target and beyond.
Keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot.

Remember to wear hunter orange. Hunting accidents generally have been on the decline, continuing a 50-year trend of increasing safety. Reports indicate that 2008 and 2009 were statistically the two safest years in the history of hunting in New York state. Although the 2010 report showed a minor increase in hunting related shooting incidents from the previous two years, the total incidents reported in 2010 were still well below the average of 66 incidents per year from the 1990s, and 137 incidents per year during the 1960s. Big game hunting incidents continue to be very low compared to previous decades, despite the increase in rifle zones and the passage of the youth mentoring law in 2008.

The number of hunters is declining, but the hunting incident rate (incidents per 100,000 hunters) is falling much faster than the number of hunters. During the 1960s, the incident rate was 19 incidents per 100,000 hunters. Since 2000, the incident rate is one-third of that, averaging 6.4 incidents per 100,000 hunters.

To put hunter safety into perspective, hunting is considerably safer than such common activities as swimming, riding a bike or driving a car.

Venison Donation: Deer hunting season is a wonderful time of year. Some will even say the best time of year. Solitude in your treestand, surrounded by Mother Nature. As every hunter will attest, there is nothing like it.
While many of us are fortunate to bag a deer and have meat in our freezer for the year, many New Yorkers are going hungry. A large portion of those hungry are children.. Here’s where you come in.

Since 1999, the Venison Donation Coalition has been highly successful in its goal to feed the hungry throughout New York State. They have processed over 827 thousand pounds of highly nutritious venison or the equivalent of 3,308,568 meals served! This year they anticipating breaking 4 million meals served to those in need!

Now they need your help to continue to grow this program. Donate your deer to one of the Venison Donation Coalition’s Participating Processors and you will have helped many of the less fortunate.

If you can also make a financial donation to the program, that’s even better! One dollar will feed four people. Financial donations are appreciated and tax deductible. For every dollar that is donated to the Venison Donation Coalition, $.95 is used towards processing the venison. Donations can be made at your Town Clerk’s office or anywhere hunting and fishing licenses are sold. Just inform the D.E.C.A.L.S. licensing agent that you wish to make a donation to support the Venison Donation Program. All donations through D.E.C.A.L.S. are deposited directly into the Venison Donation Fund. Donations can also be accepted through their secure website, www.venisondonation.org or send a check payable to: Venison Donation Coalition, Inc., 415 West Morris Street, Bath, NY 14810.

Please help to keep the Venison Donation Coalition successful in your neighborhood. Donate today! One dollar goes a long way to help curb hunger throughout New York State.

The Venison Donation Coalition, Inc. is a non-profit organization that coordinates and funds the efforts of venison processing to feed the hungry throughout New York State. For more information, please call 1-866-862-3337.

Onondaga Lake Watershed Community Forum: An Onondaga Lake Watershed Community Forum will be held on Tuesday, November 29, 2011, from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Rosamond Gifford Zoo in Syracuse. The forum is a collaboration of the Onondaga Lake Partnership, Onondaga Lake Natural Resource Damage Assessment and Restoration Trustee Council (the Trustees), the Onondaga Environmental Institute, and the Onondaga Lake Community Participation Working Group. The forum will feature presentations from key governmental agencies followed by roundtable discussions about the current cleanup progress and future of Onondaga Lake. Confirmed speakers include Environmental Protection Agency Region 2 Director Judith Enck, Onondaga County Executive Joanne Mahoney, Syracuse Mayor Stephanie Miner, Onondaga Nation Tadodaho Sidney Hill and New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Region 7 Director Ken Lynch.

An open house will be conducted from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. for the public to view exhibits depicting the lake remediation and the Natural Resource Damage process. Experts will be available to talk informally about their work, and questions and comments are encouraged.

At 6 p.m. there will be brief presentations by government officials who will discuss various themes regarding the lake. After these presentations, the community will be encouraged to participate in roundtable discussions that will focus on the projects to reconnect with Onondaga Lake, the progress on the cleanup of Onondaga Lake and upland properties, green infrastructure and stormwater management and the Onondaga Lake Natural Resource Damage Assessment and Restoration process (NRDA). NRDA is a separate legal process to assess injury and damages to natural resources such as land, air, surface water, groundwater and biota.

The community is encouraged to offer ideas for future opportunities for Onondaga Lake and to provide suggestions on how community involvement and understanding can be further developed. The community forum is free and open to the public. Anyone with an interest in Onondaga Lake is encouraged to attend.

Rosamond Gifford Zoo is served by a Centro bus line. The bus drops patrons off at South Wilber Avenue, at the bottom of the hill from the zoo. A special bus shuttle will take participants from South Wilber Avenue directly to the door of the zoo. Return service form the door of the Zoo to South Wilber Avenue is also available.

For further information about the event, contact Diane Carlton, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Regional Public Affairs and Education Officer, at 315-426-7403 or reg7info@gw.dec.state.ny.us.

This Week’s Events:

25 - Start Of Trapping Seasons for Mink and Muskrat (>2/15/11)

25 - Turkey Stroll at the Reinstein Woods Environmental Education Center, 93 Honorine Drive, Depew, NY (Town of Cheektowaga) (10:30 am) Join a guided nature walk to look for wild turkeys and the clues they leave behind. (Registration required; call 716-683-5959 www.dec.ny.gov/education/1837.html)

26 - Start of Canada Goose Hunting Season – Part 2 – in the East Central Area (>12/12)

26 - Leaf Hunt at the Reinstein Woods Environmental Education Center, 93 Honorine Drive, Depew, NY (Town of Cheektowaga) (10:00 am) Explore the forest as you search for leaves from different trees. (Registration required; call 716-683-5959 www.dec.ny.gov/education/1837.html)

29 - Winter Field Guide Series - Tracking Wildlife Location at the Beaver Lake Nature Center 8477 East Mud Lake Road, Baldwinsville, NY (1:30 - 3:30 pm) Session offers adults the chance to study specific subjects of Central New York's natural world. Registration is limited to 15 per session. (Cost: $5.00) Registration Required! (For information and preregister call 315-638-2519 or email blnc@ongov.net)

29 - Onondaga Lake Watershed Community Forum at the Rosamond Gifford Zoo in Syracuse. (5:00 – 8:30 pm) The forum will feature presentations from key governmental agencies followed by roundtable discussions about the current cleanup progress and future of Onondaga Lake. Confirmed speakers include Environmental Protection Agency Region 2 Director Judith Enck, Onondaga County Executive Joanne Mahoney, Syracuse Mayor Stephanie Miner, Onondaga Nation Tadodaho Sidney Hill and New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Region 7 Director Ken Lynch. For further information about the event, contact Diane Carlton, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Regional Public Affairs and Education Officer, at 315-426-7403 or reg7info@gw.dec.state.ny.us.

30 - End of Statewide Fishing Season for Black Bass and Muskellunge

DECEMBER 2011

1 - Black Bass catch and release / artificial lures only season opens (>6/15/12)

1 – Start of Catch and Release (Artificial Lures Only) Season for Black Bass in Otselic River, Tioughnioga River, East Branch Tioughnioga River and West Branch Tioughnioga River (Cortland County), Chemung River and Tributaries Upstream of Route 17 West of Corning (Steuben County), Allen Lake (Allegany County), and Cassadaga Lake (Chautauqua County) (>6/15/12)

4 - Close of Northern Zone Regular Deer & Bear Hunting Seasons

Until our next meeting in the Corner, have a great time in the outdoors. This is Ron Schroder for – “Your In on The Outdoors for Western New York.”

What are your thoughts? (Click Here)

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11-18-11

Welcome to this week’s Conservation Chatter Corner – little bits of happenings concerning our outdoors and you, the sportspeople who enjoy being part of that outdoors.

Leftover Deer Management Permits: Leftover Deer Management Permits (DMPs) ("doe permits") for the 2011-2012 hunting season are still available as of today, November 18 for the following Wildlife Management Units (WMUs) ): 1C, 3S, 8A, 8G, 8H, and 9A. These leftover DMPs are offered on a first-come, first-serve basis. Interested hunters can apply for one by visiting most town clerks and sporting good stores where hunting licenses are sold.

Start of Regular Deer & Bear Season: Saturday - the day many hunters wait for all year long - the opening of gun hunting for deer in New York’s southern zone. If you go out, there are many things to consider but safety must top the list. Be sure of your target before you shoot, and for your own safety, wear some blaze orange so you can be seen by other hunters. It’s been proven you’re sixteen times less likely to be the victim of a visibility-related mishap, and twenty-three times less likely to be killed in such an incident. If you’re a tree stand user - use a safety belt. And although shooting related incidents have decreased, falls from tree stands are on the rise resulting in crippling injuries and deaths. With half a million deer hunters in the state it is a very safe activity, but even one accident is one too many.

A check list of what you should take with you, starts with your license, deer tags and back tag, and make sure you have the right tags - the bow/muzzle tags are only usable during those special seasons, not during the regular season. Many mix-ups were noted during the early archery season. Next on the list is your firearm and proper ammunition. You may laugh but it has happened. Other items to include: a pen, knife, rubber gloves, string, rope, plastic bags for the heart and liver and some rags - preferably not white - to clean up with.

The preferred method of hunting on the first day will be to sit and wait for a deer to pass. Later in the season driving and/or stalking the deer will be more common.

If you are successful, dress your deer quickly - especially if the day turns warm. Don’t use water to wash out the carcase as this will promote bacterial growth, spoiling the quality of your venison. Also, remember to tag your deer in accordance with regulations, or it may cost you up to $250 and/or up to 15 days in jail. The tag does not have to be put on the deer until it is dragged out but it does have to be filled out completely, immediately on reducing the deer to your possession. In addition to the writing, which should be done in ink, not pencil, remember to cut the date notch.

Wildlife personnel will staff check stations across the state and if you pass one, stop and let your deer be examined.

Once home, get your deer butchered. Don’t hang it long, especially if the weather is warm.

Deer & Bear Check Station Schedule – Region 9: One deer check station in will operate in Western New York this year, which will be located on Route 16, northbound, about one mile south of the Town of Holland, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Region 9 announced today. The check station will operate Saturday, Nov. 19 from noon until 8 p.m., and Sunday, Nov. 20 from noon until 7 p.m..

Hunters are encouraged to bring their deer to the check station where DEC staff will determine deer age and collect other important biological and harvest information. With black bear season opening the same day as deer season this year, staff will check harvested bears as well. Participation is voluntary but appreciated, and helps DEC gather valuable data necessary for assessing the status of the area’s big game population. Technicians from NYS Department of Health will also be present at the check station to examine deer for ticks and collect samples to test for Lyme disease.

In cooperation with NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, deer checking will also occur in Allegany State Park on opening day, Saturday, Nov. 19.

Region 7 will check deer throughout the season at the Cayuga-Tompkins Cooperative Hunting Area (King Ferry) on Route 90 two miles north of King Ferry. The station is open every day from 10 A.M. until just after dark. DEC staff will continue to check deer at freezer lockers and meat cutters. Deer checking is an integral part of New York’s deer management program. The harvest and biological data collected is essential to monitoring the number and health of New York’s deer herds.

Region 8 will operate a check station at the DEC Avon office, 6274 East Avon – Lima Road, Avon, NY Through most of the regular season.

Deer Season Report: The rut may be on but all bets will be off as the weekend approaches and the gun hunters take to the woods en mass. From this weekend on (at least for a week or two) hunting pressure will dominate deer behavior. If you have a hunting property with minimal hunting pressure your deer will return to normal in a few days following the gun opener and your population will no doubt grow as pressured deer seek sanctuary on your property. If your property gets hit hard your deer sightings will go down and probably stay down.

We were also very concerned with fawn recruitment due to our increase in coyote sightings and explosion in bear sightings (someone sees a bear almost every time out). Our recruitment rate seems to be somewhere around .84. (102 does divided into 86 fawns +.84). This is just about dead on with the national average which has a range of from .5 to 1.2 fawns per doe (depending on state). We are pleasantly surprised by this number (remember only a small % of the 1.5 year old does in most areas of NY are bred as fawns). We also observed numerous sets of twins which suggests to us that the coyotes are not making a big impact on our fawn crop.

(Taken from NorthCountry Deer Report - Week 5 – 2011. To read the full report go to www. NorthCountryWhitetails.com)

Wild Pigs: DEC encourages hunters to pursue feral swine. Feral swine are known to inhabit northern Cortland, and southwestern Onondaga counties, southeastern Cayuga, northeastern Tompkins and Tioga counties. These aggressive invasive species cause serious agriculture and environmental damage and can degrade water quality and threaten human health. Hunters with small game hunting license may shoot and keep feral swine at any time and in any number during the year. If hunters are in an area that prohibits the use of rifles during big game seasons, rifles cannot be used to shoot feral swine during any open deer season (including archery seasons).

Tree Stand Safety: Hunting deer from trees first became popular with bowhunters who needed to be within "spitting distance" for an effective shot. Today, many firearms hunters have also taken to the trees. Hunting from trees has advantages, but also some big disadvantages.

If you do choose to use one, here are some tips to help get the most out of your arboreal hunting experience.

Use a sturdy, portable stand. Permanent stands nailed into trees are dumb and deadly. They give away your secret hunting spots to anybody who sees them. They are difficult to move when deer change their trails a few feet. Ugly boards and spikes that ruin chain saws make landowners mad. The worst is that they rot. Weakened wooden steps and stands kill and cripple hunters. Even pressure treated wood gets a dangerous slippery growth.

Know the Rules. On state lands, it is illegal to place nails or other hardware into trees, or to build permanent structures, such as tree stands, platforms and blinds. On private lands, it is illegal to cut or remove trees or other plants, or to cut limbs or damage bark (such as from putting up blinds or tree stands, or cutting shooting lanes or trails) without the landowner's permission.

Don't go too high. Remember that the higher you go, the smaller the vital zone on a deer becomes. And the likelihood of a serious injury escalates if you fall from high up. Usually, 15 to 20 feet is high enough.

Use a safety belt for climbing. Most falls happen when going up and down the tree, and in and out of the stand. Good commercial climbing belts are available.

Never try to carry guns or bows up and down trees. They get in the way of safe climbing; they get dropped; and climbing with guns can result in hunters shooting themselves. Always use a rope to raise and lower bows and guns -- Unloaded.

As soon as you get in a tree stand -- strap in. A body harness is better than a plain safety belt, but a belt is a whole lot better than nothing. If you just have a safety belt, attach it high - around your chest - to avoid injury from the belt if you fall. A short tether connecting you to the tree to prevent a fall is safer than a long one to catch you after a fall. Also, a short tether can make you a better shot. It lets you concentrate on shooting instead of balancing. (NYSDEC)

This Week’s Events:

18 - Close of Southern Zone Deer & Bear Bowhunting Season

18 – End of Canada Goose Hunting Seasons in East Central Area

19 - Start of Southern Zone Regular Deer& Bear Hunting Seasons (>12/11)

19 – End of Hunting Season for Brant in the Northeast Zone

20 – End of Canada Goose Hunting Seasons in West Central Area

20 – End of Hunting Season for Brant in the Western Zone

22 - Winter Field Guide Series - Natural Holiday Traditions at the Beaver Lake Nature Center 8477 East Mud Lake Road, Baldwinsville, NY (1:30 - 3:30 pm) Session offers adults the chance to study specific subjects of Central New York's natural world. Registration is limited to 15 per session. (Cost: $5.00) Registration Required! (For information and preregister call 315-638-2519 or email blnc@ongov.net)

25 - Start Of Trapping Seasons for Mink and Muskrat (>2/15/11)

25 - Turkey Stroll at the Reinstein Woods Environmental Education Center, 93 Honorine Drive, Depew, NY (Town of Cheektowaga) (10:30 am) Join a guided nature walk to look for wild turkeys and the clues they leave behind. (Registration required; call 716-683-5959 www.dec.ny.gov/education/1837.html)

26 - Start of Canada Goose Hunting Season – Part 2 – in the East Central Area (>12/12)

26 - Leaf Hunt at the Reinstein Woods Environmental Education Center, 93 Honorine Drive, Depew, NY (Town of Cheektowaga) (10:00 am) Explore the forest as you search for leaves from different trees. (Registration required; call 716-683-5959 www.dec.ny.gov/education/1837.html)

Until our next meeting in the Corner, have a great time in the outdoors. This is Ron Schroder for – “Your In on The Outdoors for Western New York.”

What are your thoughts? (Click Here)

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11-11-11

Welcome to this week’s Conservation Chatter Corner – little bits of happenings concerning our outdoors and you, the sportspeople who enjoy being part of that outdoors.

“Hunters will have the option of participating in a research project related to diseases that affect deer again this year,” said Tim Spierto, DEC Region 9 Senior Wildlife Biologist. “Although it is a completely voluntary program, hunters are encouraged to take a few extra minutes to help increase our knowledge about diseases in the game population.”

As in previous years, hunters wishing to donate their harvest to “Hunters Helping the Hungry” sponsored by the Venison Donation Coalition, may drop off a deer at the Holland check station during days of operation before 7 p.m.

In cooperation with NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, deer checking will also occur in Allegany State Park on opening day, Saturday, Nov. 19.

Region 8 will operate a check station at the DEC Avon office, 6274 East Avon – Lima Road, Avon, NY Through most of the regular season.

Deer Poaching: SPRINGFIELD, IL –   Charges have been filed against three individuals after an 11-month investigation by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) Office of Law Enforcement in a deer poaching case. The three men were cited for numerous Wildlife Code violations including the illegal take of a potential state-record whitetail deer, and now face charges through the Grundy County State’s Attorney’s Office.
“Our Conservation Police Officers are tasked with the mission of protecting the public and our natural resources and they do it effectively and vigilantly,” said IDNR Director Marc Miller. “I am proud of the hard work of the IDNR law enforcement staff and have a warning to those who choose to hunt illegally: We are watching.”
“The IDNR Office of Law Enforcement has zero tolerance when it comes to poaching matters,” said IDNR Conservation Police Chief Rafael Gutierrez. “Our Conservation Police will continue to protect our natural resources so that legal sportsmen get every opportunity they deserve.”
The investigation focused on the unlawful harvest of a 36-point non-typical deer scoring 261 5/8 and valued at $35,000. Charges were filed after a thorough investigation with assistance from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Wyoming Game and Fish Department, Alberta Sustainable Resources Department, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Missouri Department of Conservation, and Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks.
The following individuals were cited on charges related to unlawfully taking a total of 24 deer in Illinois and Canada over a 10-year period. Specific charges were filed as follows:
*Christopher Kiernan (age 45, of Minooka, IL)
11 counts of hunting without permission of landowner and being an accessory to the charge
19 counts of unlawful possession of illegally taken deer
5 counts of hunting with invalidated permit
5 counts of unlawfully taking of deer
2 counts of falsifying harvest records
1 count each of: Failure to report harvest on the same day as killed, Fail to tag deer as required
*Garret Armstrong (age 31, of Avon, NY)
9 counts of hunting without permission of landowner and being an accessory to the charge
8 counts of hunting with an invalidated permit
4 counts of unlawful possession of illegally taken deer
2 counts of unlawfully taking of deer
1 count each: Failure to tag deer as required,
          Failure to report harvest as required
          Falsifying harvest record
*Larry Smith (age 49, of Williamsburg, Ontario, Canada)
1 count each of the following:
Hunting without permission of landowner
Hunting with invalidated permit
Failure to tag deer as required
Unlawful possession of illegally taken deer
Unlawfully taking of deer
Failure to report harvest as required
Falsifying harvest record

*http://www.dnr.illinois.gov/news/Pages/IDNRConservationPoliceMakeArrestsinDeerPoachingCase.aspx

A letter from the President of The Finger Lakes Museum:

Dear Friends,

We are in the home stretch of our Founders Campaign fund drive to raise $1 million by December 31st and we are more than three-quarters of the way there. I am writing to ask for your help to ensure that we reach that goal.

But there is a compelling reason to speed things up. The Finger Lakes Museum has been selected by Governor Cuomo’s Regional Economic Development Council as one of only ten projects that could receive state funding this year.

Every $1 that we raise could be matched by as much as $3 by some state agencies. But the deadline is coming up fast. In addition, our Board of Trustees has pledged to match any amount that we can raise, which would give us even better leverage with state funding.

To those of you who have already given let me say that we are grateful for your support. We couldn’t have gotten this far without it. But now I’m asking you to consider an additional contribution, or even matching your previous gift. If you haven’t given yet, please consider doing so today. These matching funds are critical and you can make a difference!

Please hit “Reply” and include your phone number and a Board Member will call you to help take your payment. Thank you for your help!

Sincerely,

John Adamski, President

Board of Trustees

Deer Season Report: If you stop reading this report after this sentence that will be fine because it’s time to be in the woods. Take your vacation, skip school, or get sick but whatever you do get some woods time later this week and this weekend. The big guys are climbing out from under their rocks and moving about during daylight hours. Reports have been streaming over the past few days and folks are reporting sure indicators of “rut on”.

For starters, mature buck sightings are being reported during daylight hours on both cameras and from stands. Then there are the does, doe groups are starting to be broken up. Fawns are showing up without mama and single does are moving about unaccompanied by other does and fawns. Finally older aged bucks accompanying does (bedded or traveling with) are being reported as well.

(Taken from NorthCountry Deer Report - Week 4 – 2011. To read the full report go to www. NorthCountryWhitetails.com)

Tree Stand Safety: Tree stand accidents are the leading cause of injury and death to hunters.

One in three people who hunt from an elevated stand will have a fall resulting in serious injury.

The following information will provide you with tips and information for safe tree stand hunting.

Types of Tree Stands

The following is a description of some of the more well known types of tree stands:

Fixed position stands – these stands are designed to be placed on a tree trunk and remain secured in that spot.

Vertical ladder stands – this type of stand has a ladder that supports the shooting platform. The ladder is usually divided into short sections that can be assembled on site. The ladder “legs” extend at a slight angle out from the stand and tree trunk, and are secured to the trunk via supporting arms and belts.

Climbing stands – the most popular stand type, the climber is designed to “walk” up a tree trunk with the hunter to a desired elevation.

Permanent stands – such stands may be placed in a tree or cluster of trees and left there. They are exposed to weather and may deteriorate. Never trust the safety of a permanent tree stand that was built previously by someone else.

Safety Harnesses

Always wear a safety harness, also known as a fall arrest system, when you are in a tree stand, as well as when climbing into or out of a tree stand.

A safety strap should be attached to the tree to prevent you from falling more than 12 inches.

In the event of a fall, harnesses provide some “cushion”, generally about four inches, which is the result of the alternately tightening and slipping of the harness as well as the normal stretch of the material.

Always inspect the safety harness for signs of wear or damage before each use.

Follow all manufacturers’ instructions for use of a safety harness and stand.

Recovery From a Fall

Preparation and prevention are the keys to safe tree stand use.

In the event of a fall in a harness, try to recover as soon as possible. The longer you stay suspended from your harness, the harder it will be to recover from your fall.

Seek suspension relief by grabbing onto the tree trunk or climbing steps.

Take the weight off your harness as soon as possible.

Once you have a firm hold on the trunk or climbing steps, use the 3 point rule to climb back into your stand or down from it.

Replace your harness with a new on in the event of a fall, especially if you have cut your tree tether.

3 Point Rule

Follow the 3 Point Rule of tree stand safety. Always have 3 points of contact to the steps or ladder before moving. This could be two arms and one leg holding and stepping on the ladder or one arm and two legs in contact with the ladder before moving. Be cautious that rain, frost, ice or snow can cause steps to become extremely slippery. Check the security of the step before placing your weight on it.

Safety Guidelines

Always use a haul line to pull up your gear and unloaded firearm or bow to your tree stand. Never climb with anything in your hands or on your back. Before descending, lower your equipment on the opposite side of the tree.

Always select the proper tree for use with your tree stand. Select a live, straight tree that fits within the size limits recommended in your tree stand’s instructions.

Always hunt with a plan, and if possible, with a buddy. Let others know your exact hunting location, when you plan to return and, who you are hunting with.

Always carry emergency signal devices, such as a cell phone, whistle, walkie-talkie, signal flare and flashlight on your person at all times and within reach, even when you are suspended in your tree stand.

The recommended height for an elevated tree stand is less than ten feet above the ground.

Know your physical limitations. Don’t take chances. If you start thinking about how high you are, don’t go any higher.

While climbing with a tree stand, make slow, even movements of no more than 10-12 inches at a time. Have proper contact with the tree and/or tree stand every time you move and follow the 3-point rule.

(http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/safety/treestand/index.html)

This Week’s Events:

11 - 31st Annual Central New York Chapter Sportsmen's Banquet at the Whitetail at Westcrest Golf Course, Route 173 & Cheese Factory Road, Manlius, NY (6:00 pm) Chapter of the Ruffed Grouse Society. (For information contact Norm Webber 315-697-3377)

12 – Fall Sports Show at the Coopers Plains – Long Acres Fire Department, Main Street, Coopers Plains, NY (9:00 am – 3:00 pm) Buy, sell or swap. Lunch available. (For information call 607-962-2183)

12 - New York State Trapper Certification Course at the instructor's house, 4550 Putnam Rd., Dundee, NY (8:00 am – 4:30 pm) You must Pre-register! Please dress appropriately for the weather. Bring a lunch and a pen. (For information and preregister call call 607-243-8730 before 9:00pm)

12 - The Scoop on Poop at the Reinstein Woods Environmental Education Center, 93 Honorine Drive, Depew, NY (Town of Cheektowaga) (10:00 am) Explore stories told by scat (animal poop) about which creatures are in the woods and where they roam. (Registration required; call 716-683-5959 www.dec.ny.gov/education/1837.html)
12-13 –Niagara Frontier Collectors Clarence Gun Show at the Events Building, 11177 Main Street, Clarence, NY (Sat 9:00 am – 4:00 pm/Sun 9:00 am – 3:00pm) (For Info call Jim Buck 716-569-6810 or Bruce Johnston 716-542-9929)

14 - End of Woodcock Hunting Season

14 - 25th Anniversary Triple Flush Chapter Sportsmen's Banquet at Lib's Supper Club, 106 W. 5th Street, Elmira, NY (6:00 pm) Chapter of the Ruffed Grouse Society. (For more information contact Walter Booth 607-733-9121)

15 - First Day Ice Fishing Tip-Ups Can Be Used Statewide (>4/30/12)

15 - Winter Field Guide Series - Tree Identification at the Beaver Lake Nature Center 8477 East Mud Lake Road, Baldwinsville, NY (1:30 - 3:30 pm) Session offers adults the chance to study specific subjects of Central New York's natural world. Registration is limited to 15 per session. (Cost: $5.00) Registration Required! (For information and preregister call 315-638-2519 or email blnc@ongov.net)

16 - The Distinguished Guest Speaker Forum - “Managing your Professional Image on the Internet” at the Bryant & Stratton College Amherst Campus, 3650 Millersport Highway, Getzville, New York (11:00 am – 1:00 pm and 5:00 – 6:00 pm) The schedule: 11:00 - 11:30 am - Ankit Patel, Special Agent for the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) • The topic will be on Information Security, Facebook and Cyber bulling and Chuck Booker, President - Big Chinook 1 Fishing • Topic of discussion – Awards and accomplishments /club affiliations/ service to country; 11:30 am - 12:00 pm - Tim Freeman, President PIA • The topic will be on Printing Industries Alliance, serving Graphic Communications Firms in New York State, Northern New Jersey and Northwestern Pennsylvania, and commit to promoting the value of graphic communications and Renee Cerullo, President RLComputing • The topic will be on Web & Graphic Design and Information Technology Security; 5:00 – 6:00 pm - 5:00 pm Chuck Booker, President - Big Chinook 1 Fishing • Topic of discussion – Awards and accomplishments /club affiliations/ service to country and 5:30 pm Melanie Tarantelli (PHR, Sr. Human Resource Specialist, Staffing Services, Corporate Group) – Moog • The topic will be on a Human Resources view on Managing your Image on the Internet. (For information call Barbara Wenke 716- 625-6300)

18- Close of Southern Zone Deer & Bear Bowhunting Season

18 – End of Canada Goose Hunting Seasons in East Central Area

19 - Start of Southern Zone Regular Deer& Bear Hunting Seasons (>12/11)

19 – End of Hunting Season for Brant in the Northeast Zone

20 – End of Canada Goose Hunting Seasons in West Central Area

20 – End of Hunting Season for Brant in the Western Zone

Until our next meeting in the Corner, have a great time in the outdoors. This is Ron Schroder for – “Your In on The Outdoors for Western New York.”

What are your thoughts? (Click Here)

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11-4-11

Welcome to this week’s Conservation Chatter Corner – little bits of happenings concerning our outdoors and you, the sportspeople who enjoy being part of that outdoors.

Recall: Winchester Hunting Knife Sets: The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission , in cooperation with Gerber Legendary Blades, is recalling about 13,000 Winchester® Hunting Knife Sets sold at sporting goods stores nationwide from July 2011 through September 2011 for about $20. According to the CPSC, the latching mechanism for the knife's interchangeable blades can unexpectedly fail and release the blade, posing a laceration hazard to consumers. Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled knife sets and contact the firm for a free replacement product of equal or higher value. For additional information, contact Gerber Legendary Blades toll-free at (877) 314-9130 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's website at www.gerbergear.com .

Waterfowl Migration Resource: Ducks Unlimited is proud to offer new and improved digital tools to help you follow the ducks during the 2011-2012 hunting season. We hope you find these resources helpful as you prepare for each trip to the field.

Waterfowl Migration Map: The DU migration map received a major upgrade this season. In addition to the new design, the map now integrates both current and forecasted weather conditions. This includes current radar, temperature, wind and cloud cover. You can also see maps of forecasted rain and snow accumulations over the next 4 days.

Trusted Reports: While public reports are still available, this season DU Field Editors and Avery Pro-Staff will share their migration observations and hunting reports. These individuals are dedicated waterfowlers and will post regularly throughout the season from across the country. These reports are represented as orange markers on the map.

Don’t Shoot Radio Collarded Bears: NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) urges hunters to not shoot black bears that are wearing radio collars while hunting this season. As part of an ongoing research project in parts of Allegany, Steuben, and Livingston counties, DEC and Cornell University have fitted 24 black bears with GPS collars that will be used to track the bears' movements.

“Hunter cooperation is appreciated as we work to continue this important research that will help wildlife managers understand how bears are using the habitat in this portion of New York,” said DEC Senior Big Game Biologist Tim Spierto.

Due to the significant effort DEC and Cornell have expended to capture and mark these bears, DEC is urging hunters not to shoot bears that are wearing GPS collars, while at the same time reminding them that doing so is not illegal. If a hunter does choose to harvest a collared bear, it is important that the collar be returned to the nearest DEC office so its data can be recovered. Hunters may report sightings of collared or tagged bears to the DEC’s office at (716) 372-0645.

For more information about black bears, please visit DEC’s website at http://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/6960.html . More detailed information about the radio collar research project is available at http://www.coopunits.org/New_York/Research/Active/2.7594930177E10/ .

Regular big game season begins this year on Saturday, November 19, 2011 and lasts through December 11, 2011. The taking of black bear is now permitted concurrent with the opening day of regular gun season for deer. Please be sure to refer to the Regulations Guide to determine which areas are legal for bear hunting. The Regulations Guide is available online at http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/28182.html .

Bear Up a Tree. My Tree!!: (The following is abstracted NorthCountry Deer Report – Week #3 published by NorthCountry Whitetails - www.NorthCountryWhitetails.com )

The highlight of our week occurred last evening when one of our gang (Steve) had a sow and two cubs walk under his stand. Mama picked up his scent and started a regular fuss. Unable to locate the source of her discomfort she decided to stay put until she could sort it out. She stormed around and twice charged 20 yards or more to Steve’s tree in a “bluff charge”.

Before long the teeth popping whirling dervish roared “tree” and up went the cubs. Trouble was one of them went up the tree next to Steve and they were eyeball to eyeball at twenty feet. With things showing no signs of calming down and mama still looking for trouble our hunter roared a warning of his own which succeeded in getting the cub in the next tree to “abandon tree”. Trouble was, he no sooner hit the ground and mama gave the “I said tree!” command again. This time the cub chose Steve’s tree as a safe haven (for the cub, not Steve).

The cub was halfway up the tree when Steve had enough and let out a warning bellow of his own. Down went the cub and he and mama, having located the source of their concern, took off for safer pastures leaving the other cub up a nearby tree. The cub cried and bawled for 20 minutes before bailing out in search of mom.

Tip: Rattle Them In: Yes, rattling really works. This technique of deer-calling has become my most important tool in my deer hunting success over the past years. Most of you deer hunters have seen the "pros" rattle up deer on those popular hunting shows. But, most New York hunters don't seem to believe that rattling works here. About fifteen years ago, on a beautiful cold morning in November, I grabbed a set of small antlers, smacked them together for about a minute, and laughed to myself "This doesn't work.". Then, I hung the antlers on a nail on my tree. About a minute went by, and I heard a branch crack behind me. I turned my head, and there stood a beautiful 8-point. I got lucky and harvested that deer at about five yards.

Since that day, rattling is what I do - from opening day of bow, to the end of muzzle loader season. I'm not trying to brag, but I've rattled in and harvested a buck every year since that first encounter. It works.

So, how is it done? First, I use a rattling box, which you can buy anywhere. Real antlers are bulky, and I think there's a safety issue when you're waving around real antlers while hunting. There are also rattling bags. They work well, but I think they're a little bit heavy to carry.

While on stand, for one minute every hour, I do a rattling sequence. I try to sound like two small bucks sparring, nothing real aggressive. I also add in some buck grunts and doe bleats. Next, I quickly put everything away, and get ready. If it works, it happens fast. All of a sudden, a buck will be right in your lap. You have to be ready.

So, you have a choice. Sit there day after day, and hope a deer walks by, or call them in. Bucks, like humans, love to see a good fight, and are very curious.

I guarantee if you give this a try, it will work. But, you have to be consistent. Rattle for one minute every hour while on stand. Rattling will change your deer hunting life. Good luck, Bill Joseph - Nature's Way Taxidermy (http://www.outdoorsniagara.com/naturesway.htm)

Feral Cats Lauded by HSUS: As some songbird species numbers decline in the United States because of free roaming cats, and many towns across America work to solve growing feral cat problems, it seems the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) could be a main reason for the many feral feline related problems. The HSUS’s October 14th news release championed National Feral Cat Day. To celebrate the fur-infested day, the group announced it is awarding 100 scholarships to train New York residents on how to care for feral cat colonies. You could wonder why? While the HSUS raises money to reportedly combat homeless animals, feeding feral (homeless) cats that run wild will result in, you guessed it, more feral and problem cats. And, by HSUS estimates there are some 50 million feral cats in America. Why would this group think we need more? (U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance On Target - 11/3/11 http://www.ussportsmen.org/page.aspx?pid=2896)

This Week’s Events:

5 - LOTAC 2nd Annual ‘Catch & Clean’ Fishing Tournament at the Fox Hollow Lodge, 2740 State Route 13, Altmar NY (Registration: 11/4 – 6:00-8:00 pm or 11/5 - 4:00 am. Fishing ends at 4:00 pm) Sponsored by the Lake Ontario Tributary Anglers Council (LOTAC). Each angler has to fill at least one 30 gallon garbage bag with litter to enter fish. (Costs $25/non-member and $15/member) (For more information call 607-239-6492 or email lotac@lotac.org)

5 - Surviving White-tailed Deer at the Reinstein Woods Environmental Education Center, 93 Honorine Drive, Depew, NY (Town of Cheektowaga) (1:00 pm) Learn how to cope with white-tailed deer in your neighborhood and yard. For adults only. (Registration required; call 716-683-5959 www.dec.ny.gov/education/1837.html)

5 - Wetland Wildlife at the Sterling Nature Center, Jensvold Road, Sterling, NY (1:00 pm) Wetlands are one of the most productive ecosystems in the world. Join Naturalist Jim D’Angelo for a fall hike out to the rookery and a look at the autumn wetland. The leaves off the trees provide a different perspective of the wetland. Who is using it now that the herons have headed south, are the osprey and eagles of summer still there or migrating wood ducks and other waterfowl? Come out and discover what fascinating things are taking place at the beaver wetland this autumn. (For further information call 315-947-6143 or email snc@co.cayuga.ny.us)

5 - Mission: Wolf at the Beaver Lake Nature Center, 8477 East Mud Lake Road, Baldwinsville, NY (3:00 & 6:00 pm) Mission: Wolf of Colorado has evolved from a remote sanctuary for wolves and wolf-dog hybrids into a leading nationwide force supporting wolf education and captive wolf welfare. This program will focus on dispelling the many myths people associate with the wolf and discuss wild habitat protection. One or two live ambassador timber wolves will provide the finale. (Cost: 3:00 pm - $15.00 & 6:00 pm - $60.00/$50.00 members) Special Showing at 6:00 pm has only 50 seats which will give the viewers an up-close encounter with the wolves as well as the opportunity to meet with Mission: Wolf founder, Kent Weber at a reception after the event. Both shows fill quickly, order tickets today. (For information and to register call 315-638-2519 or email blnc@ongov.net)

6 - New York State Trapper Certification Course at the Olean Rod and Gun Club, 2023 Wayman Branch Road, Olean., NY (9:00 am – 5:00 pm) You must Pre-register! Please dress appropriately for the weather. Bring a lunch and a pen. (For information and preregister call call Tom at 716-372-8369 between 6:00pm•7:00pm weeknights)

14 - End of Woodcock Hunting Season

Until our next meeting in the Corner, have a great time in the outdoors. This is Ron Schroder for – “Your In on The Outdoors for Western New York.”

What are your thoughts? (Click Here)

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10-28-11

Welcome to this week’s Conservation Chatter Corner – little bits of happenings concerning our outdoors and you, the sportspeople who enjoy being part of that outdoors.

Second Chance Deer Management Permits: The following units will have permits available

1C, 3M, 3R, 3S, 7H, 8A, 8F, 8G, 8H, 8J, 8N, 9A, 9F. These are available on a 1st come/1st served basis, by day, until depleted. If they are available for a day, then they are available for the entire day (so no need to stand in line at midnight). The next day, they may not be for a given unit; but if they are, they will be available for the entire day. Hunters can get one or 2 permits for these areas - regardless if they have already received any DMPS previously or not. (If you previously applied this year, with a lifetime license or paid the $10 application fee, there is NO additional fee now.) For more information, visit our website. http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/6399.html.

Support for Stricter Gun Laws at Record Low: (October 26, 2011 - by Jeffrey M. Jones, Gallup Poll - http://www.gallup.com/poll/150341/Record-Low-Favor-Handgun-Ban.aspx)

PRINCETON, NJ -- A record-low 26% of Americans favor a legal ban on the possession of handguns in the United States other than by police and other authorized people. When Gallup first asked Americans this question in 1959, 60% favored banning handguns. But since 1975, the majority of Americans have opposed such a measure, with opposition around 70% in recent years.

The results are based on Gallup's annual Crime poll, conducted Oct. 6-9. This year's poll finds support for a variety of gun-control measures at historical lows, including the ban on handguns, which is Gallup's longest continuing gun-control trend.

For the first time, Gallup finds greater opposition to than support for a ban on semiautomatic guns or assault rifles, 53% to 43%. In the initial asking of this question in 1996, the numbers were nearly reversed, with 57% for and 42% against an assault rifle ban. Congress passed such a ban in 1994, but the law expired when Congress did not act to renew it in 2004. Around the time the law expired, Americans were about evenly divided in their views.

Additionally, support for the broader concept of making gun laws "more strict" is at its lowest by one percentage point (43%). Forty-four percent prefer that gun laws be kept as they are now, while 11% favor less strict laws.

As recently as 2007, a majority of Americans still favored stricter laws, which had been the dominant view since Gallup first asked the question in 1990.

Americans' preference regarding gun laws is generally that the government enforce existing laws more strictly and not pass new laws (60%) rather than pass new gun laws in addition to stricter enforcement of existing laws (35%). That has been the public's view since Gallup first asked the question in 2000; the 60% this year who want stricter enforcement but no new laws is tied for the high in the trend.

All key subgroups show less support for stricter gun laws, and for a ban on handguns, than they did 20 years ago. In 1991, 68% of Americans favored stricter gun laws and 43% favored a ban on handguns. Those percentages are 43% and 26%, respectively, today.

Relatively few key subgroups favor stricter gun-control laws today, whereas in 1991, all did. Since then, Democrats' views have shown less change, with a 10-point decline in the percentage favoring stricter laws. Republicans show a much larger decline of 35 points. In addition to Democrats, majorities of Eastern residents and those without guns in their household still favor stricter gun laws.

Democrats, Eastern residents, members of gun non-owning households, and women were among the few subgroups to favor a ban on handguns in 1991, but now no key subgroup has a majority in favor. Those with guns in their household are least likely to favor a handgun ban.

Americans have shifted to a more pro-gun view on gun laws, particularly in recent years, with record-low support for a ban on handguns, an assault rifle ban, and stricter gun laws in general. This is the case even as high-profile incidents of gun violence continue in the United States, such as the January shootings at a meeting for U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords in Arizona.

The reasons for the shift do not appear related to reactions to the crime situation, as Gallup's Crime poll shows no major shifts in the trends in Americans' perceptions of crime, fear of crime, or reports of being victimized by crime in recent years. Nor does it appear to be tied to an increase in gun ownership, which has been around 40% since 2000, though it is a slightly higher 45% in this year's update.

Fur Flies in On-Line Poll: (From the United States Sportsmen’s Alliance News Briefs - 10/27/11) When Today posed a question on its www.msnbc.com website in late September, it was apparent that the topic was a hot one—fur. The question was: Do you think cities should ban fur? Soon the responses were 54% in opposition and 45% in favor of personal choice and the freedom to wear fur. Then, however, the comments exposed how some of those voicing their opinions are confused.

One bizarre anti-fur comment: “Governments should protect the weakest among us. That’s one reason for government, so society can protect itself from thugs and bullies.” Wearing fur was also compared to whaling and slavery by some responders.

Another responder saw the real issue in the comments: “The Animal Rights Religion has taken control of West Hollywood, who is next? Those nutcases need to find something else to do rather than trying to dictate how the rest of humanity should live! If I want to eat hamburger or pork chops of friend chicken for dinner, I will, and I will live with the ethical consequences! You have no right to try to prescriber how I will meet my nutritional needs, any more than you have the right to control my religious needs. After all, plants apparently have feelings too. Should we really slaughter all those carrots, peas, and lettuce just to feed us humans?”

The best response possibly was: “Once again, minority groups wielding terrorist type tactics are militantly shoving their agenda down the throats of the citizenry.” The end. Source: www.msnbc.com/today.

Did You Know...?

Well known through folklore to predict the upcoming winter weather, the woolly bear caterpillar has the ability to survive in temperatures as low as negative 90 degrees Fahrenheit by producing an anti-freeze type compound. The caterpillar hibernates throughout winter by tucking underneath rocks or logs, or behind loose tree bark and forms a cocoon in the spring, later emerging as the Isabella tiger moth. (From NYSDEC)

News from Missouri - Invasive Species Alert: ZOMBIES!:

Be warned of our state’s newest invasive species threat--ZOMBIES! While zombie management is largely left to the police, military and health agencies, conservation plays a role in protecting Missouri's fish, forest and wildlife resources--and Missourians--from this invasive species.

Hunters, campers and others in the outdoors and on conservation areas should know there is always the chance they may encounter a zombie while out in the field. Good preparation helps you know what to do if you encounter this newest invasive species in Missouri.

The zombie invasion is like the feral hog problem in parts of Missouri, and its management is similar. We do not encourage organized zombie hunts since that may encourage the intentional release of zombie swarms. It can also disrupt wildlife and hunting opportunities for the more than 500,000 living Missourians who enjoy hunting.

Zombie Identification - Some indications that you have a zombie in view:

It has a gray-green dull skin tone.

It is wearing inappropriate clothing for the season or terrain (no coat or shoes, for instance).

It has open wounds, other injuries and/or missing or damaged limbs but no sign of bleeding.

It does not respond to verbal stimulus or exhibit any interest in its immediate surroundings.

It is trying to eat you.

Zombie Hunger and Habitat:

Zombies require meat and brains. While human is the preferred source, fish and wildlife are another ready source of nourishment. While zombies are primarily found in populated areas, there are zombies in undeveloped rural areas, far from cities and towns. Evidence suggests that these zombies are transient, and moving to populated areas in search of their primary food source: brains. They are known to travel in packs or swarms, especially near food sources, but it is not uncommon to find solitary zombies in the field.

Cold weather slows down zombies. When the weather is below freezing, zombies may "hibernate" under leaf litter or underwater until warmer spring weather.

Hunter/Outdoor Safety:

Whether you are out in a tree stand, in a wetland or in a field, a few precautions combined with everyday hunter safety can ensure that you make it back alive.

Always let someone know where you are hunting (or fishing, hiking, walking, camping) and when you expect to return. Leave a map or GPS coordinates with your family and in your vehicle.

Avoid cauliflower fields. Since cauliflowers appear brain-like, they often lure zombies.

Meat processors and other areas of concentrated meat and brains also attract zombies.

If you encounter a large pack of zombies, escape rather than trying to fight them alone. While you may be able to run faster, remember that zombies are relentless at pursuit. Get to a vehicle and a safe zone.

If in the suburban outdoors, remember that shopping malls and big-box stores may serve as fortresses against the walking dead, but also attract zombies in large numbers.

Tree Stand Safety:

A tree stand is a readily defensible position, but keep in mind that free-standing tree stands can be toppled by a small pack of zombies. Follow manufacturers' instructions when setting up your stand. There are unconfirmed reports that some zombies may be capable of climbing tree stands.

Always practice proper tree-stand safety and wear a safety harness. Falling from a tree stand can injure you or make you dead. Falling from a tree stand into the gaping maw of a zombie can make you undead.

Waterfowl Hunting and Hunting with Dogs:

Zombies do not require air and can stay submerged underwater for extended periods of time. While MDC managed waterfowl areas are believed to be zombie-free, use caution when wading through murky water and always check your blinds before entering. Consider wearing a shark suit or other body armor over your waders to prevent zombie bites from breaking through both your waders and your skin. If you use a boat to retrieve your game, put a spike or hammerhead on one end of your pole to use as a handy defense tool if you encounter the undead.

Dogs are usually very sensitive to zombies and will alert you to their presence. They cannot, however, sense submerged zombies. Scout out your wetlands before hunting and do not let your dog retrieve game if there are signs of zombies. Don't let man's best friend turn into man's worst fiend.

Field Tips for Foresters and Others in the Woods:
Chainsaws, axes and machetes are excellent weapons in quickly "dispatching" zombies. Remember that a severed zombie head can still bite.

Controlled fire has shown to be a slower-but-still-effective weapon in "dispatching" the walking dead. Complete incineration or explosion of the zombie is necessary to prevent further animation.

Always wear proper personal protective equipment (PPE) during close encounters with the undead to prevent direct contact with blood and brains since these are known to transmit the associated virus.

Note to Anglers:

If you snag a zombie, CUT THE LINE!

Trout anglers, now is a good time to replace your porous-soled waders and boots with something non-porous and zombie-resistant. This has the added benefit of reducing the spread of rock snot (didymo).

During the fall gigging season, a gig is an effective tool against zombies.

Happy Halloween!

This was your trick! Suggested treat: BRAINS!

This Week’s Events:

28 - Waterloo Region Friends of the NRA Fund Raising Banquet at the Holiday Inn, 2468 Mound Road (Route 414), Waterloo, NY (For more Information contact Deb Lincoln 607-582-7129 deblincoln33@gmail.com)

29 - National Wild Turkey Federation – Cortland Limhangers Chapter Women in the Outdoors Ladies Hunt at Rolling Ridges Guides and Outfitters, Cincinnatus, NY (Contact: Trish Kelsey 607-842-6260 pkelsey@nyaaa.com)

29 - Outdoor Skills at the Reinstein Woods Environmental Education Center, 93 Honorine Drive, Depew, NY (Town of Cheektowaga) (10:30 am) Create rope from plants and learn to build a survival shelter from natural materials. For adults and kids age 8 and up. (Registration required; call 716-683-5959 www.dec.ny.gov/education/1837.html)

29 - Braddock Bat Raptor Research 2nd Annual Wildlife Photography Class at Braddock Bay Park, Greece, NY (11:00 am - 1:00 pm or 1:00 - 3:00 pm) (Cost: $35.00 donation) (For more information go to http://bbrr.org)

29 - Dave Wood Open Bass Tournament, Keuka Lake (For more info call 607-535-771 or e-mail bassbutcher@localnet.com)

29-30 - Akron Heights Gun Show at the Akron Fire Hall, 1 Main St. Akron, NY (Sat 9:00 am – 4:00 pm/Sun 9:00 – 3:00 pm) (For Info call Jim Buck 716-569-6810 or Bruce Johnston 716-542-9929)

29-30 – Niagara Frontier Collectors Frewsburg Show at the Fireman's Rec Hall, 25 Hazzard Street, Frewsburg, NY (Sat 9:00 am-4:00 pm/Sun 9:00 am-3:00 pm) 65 tables. (Contact: Jim Buck 716-569-6810 or Bruce Johnston 716-542-9929 or go to nfcshows@aol.com)

31 – Drama at the Bird Feeders: Exploring Winter Bird Communities by David Bonter (Cornell Lab of Ornithology) at the Visitor Center, Sapsucker Woods, 159 Sapsucker Woods Road, Ithaca, NY (7:30 pm) (Free and open to the public) (For information call 607-254-2473 or go on line at www.birds.cornell.edu/mns)

NOVEMBER 2011

1 - Leftover DMPs go on sale for the following WMUs: 1C, 3M, 3R, 3S, 7H, 8A, 8F, 8G, 8H, 8J, 8N, 9A, 9F. Permits will not be available by phone, mail or the internet only in person at a license issuing agent on a first come/first served basis.

1 - Winter Field Guide Series - Cloud Formations at the Beaver Lake Nature Center 8477 East Mud Lake Road, Baldwinsville, NY (1:30 - 3:30 pm) Session offers adults the chance to study specific subjects of Central New York's natural world. Registration is limited to 15 per session. (Cost: $5.00) Registration Required! (For information and preregister call 315-638-2519 or email blnc@ongov.net)

Until our next meeting in the Corner, have a great time in the outdoors. This is Ron Schroder for – “Your In on The Outdoors for Western New York.”

What are your thoughts? (Click Here)

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10-21-11

Welcome to this week’s Conservation Chatter Corner – little bits of happenings concerning our outdoors and you, the sportspeople who enjoy being part of that outdoors.

Second Chance Deer Management Permits: The following units will have permits available November 1st - 1C, 3M, 3R, 3S, 7H, 8A, 8F, 8G, 8H, 8J, 8N, 9A, 9F. These are available on a 1st come/1st served basis, by day, until depleted. If they are available for a day, then they are available for the entire day (so no need to stand in line at midnight). The next day, they may not be for a given unit; but if they are, they will be available for the entire day. Hunters can get one or 2 permits for these areas - regardless if they have already received any DMPS previously or not. (If you previously applied this year, with a lifetime license or paid the $10 application fee, there is NO additional fee now.) For more information, visit our website. http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/6399.html.

Five Year Deer Plan: The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Recently announced that it has adopted a five-year deer management plan. The final plan, which has been revised based on public comment on a previously released draft version, is now available at www.dec.ny.gov/animals/7211.html.

The plan describes six primary goals that encompass the current priorities for deer management and the values and issues expressed by the public:

*Manage deer populations at levels that are appropriate for human and ecological concerns;

*Promote and enhance deer hunting as an important recreational activity, tradition, and population management tool in New York;

*Reduce negative impacts caused by deer;

*Foster public understanding and communication about deer ecology, deer management, economic aspects and recreational opportunities;

*Manage deer to promote healthy and sustainable forests and enhance habitat conservation efforts to benefit deer and other species; and

*Ensure that the necessary resources are available to support sound management of white-tailed deer in New York.

Public comment on the draft deer management plan was carefully reviewed by the Department, and several notable changes were made in the adopted plan, including:

*Changing to a 5-year cycle for evaluating deer population objectives;

*DEC removed the proposal to completely discontinue either-sex and antlerless-only tags;

*DEC is committing to implementing a youth deer hunting opportunity. Details related to timing and structure of a youth hunt have been removed from the plan so as to allow continued discussion to identify the most appropriate option; and

*DEC clarified that a special antlerless-only season for muzzleloader hunters will only occur as the 3rd phase of a multi-phase process, and only in WMUs where additional doe harvest is needed.

DEC intends to begin implementing strategies of the deer plan immediately. While many strategies will take several years to develop, DEC expects to begin rulemaking to implement a number of hunting-related aspects of this plan prior to the 2012-13 hunting seasons, including:

*Establishing a youth deer hunt;

*Starting the Southern Zone bow season October 1st;

*Allowing DMPs to be used during the bow and early muzzleloader season in the Northern Zone; and

*Expanding mandatory antler restrictions into 7 WMUs in southeastern New York.

DEC strives to provide a deer management program that balances diverse public interests and values with the biological needs and ecological relationships of deer, for the benefit of New York’s white-tailed deer herd and the people of New York.

PA Sunday Hunting: The Pennsylvania House Game and Fisheries Committee will hold its third and final public hearing on Thursday, Oct. 27, beginning at 9 a.m. in Room 140 of the Main Capitol Building in Harrisburg, Pa. The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) along with the Sunday Hunting Coalition, is urging all sportsmen to come out and show their support for the removal of this antiquated blue law. Expanding Sunday hunting could have a tremendous economic impact on Pennsylvania to the tune of more $764 million annually.

2011 Annual Lake Erie Coldwater Fish Assessment Survey: In August, the DEC Lake Erie Fisheries Unit completed the 2011 coldwater fisheries assessment gill net survey using the Research Vessel (R/V) Argo. This long-term annual netting program is DEC’s principal measure of the progress of a bi-national lake trout rehabilitation program, and also monitors other coldwater species such as burbot and whitefish.

Some initial observations from the 2011 survey include:

• A record number of 659 lake trout caught. This was unexpected given the low abundance observed during the 2010 survey. Abundance estimates are expected to be near rehabilitation targets in New York’s portion of Lake Erie.

• Younger lake trout continue to dominate. This coincides with increased stocking over the past four years; however, large, older lake trout appeared to be more abundant in 2011 compared to surveys conducted over the past few years.

• Burbot, once the most abundant fish species caught, remains low in abundance for 2011. The burbot population has been in decline since 2005. This decline is thought to be from a combination of mortality from sea lamprey and poor recruitment. Overall abundance has declined more than 75% over the past six years. This year, a would-be record setting burbot, weighing 17.4 pounds was caught. It surpassed the current state record by over half a pound. The large specimen was pound!

included in a sample of burbot that will be analyzed for contaminants by the U.S. Geological Survey.

• Whitefish abundance continued to decline from a high observed in 2007. Whitefish recruitment, which is typically variable, has been average or below average since the dominant 2003 year class, which is thought to contribute to the declining trends.

• Sea lamprey wounding on lake trout appears to have declined.

Fisheries staff will analyze the lake trout survey data over the next several months. Final survey results will be available to the public early next year.

(Contact: Bureau of Fisheries - James Markham 716- 366-0228)

Buck In Net Causes Concern (From The Ridgefield (Conn.) Press - 18 October 2011)

Susan Hovey, who is the arts director at the Boys and Girls Club in Ridgefield, sent along this photo of a buck that has been a visitor in her yard in nearby Brewster, N.Y. for about two weeks. Suddenly, one day he appeared with netting tangled in his antlers, which is worrying Ms. Hovey who has been in touch with wildlife officials about capturing the buck and removing the head-gear. According to Tom Belote, who leads the Deer Committee in Ridgefield, “The problem is that the bucks like this one will soon go into competition with other bucks — going rack-to-rack. The buck challenging this one could easily become entangled in the same netting, leaving the two deer locked together with both of them dying. This happens not infrequently in nature, with just the antlers getting locked together, and there are many photos of that on the Internet. With that much netting — and it is pretty heavy duty netting — you can see that might happen.”

(http://www.acorn-online.com/joomla15/theridgefieldpress/news/localnews/105482-buck-that-met-net-causes-concern.html)

This Week’s Events:

21 - End of Northern Zone Deer & Bear Bowhunting and Muzzleloading Seasons

21 - Fifth Annual Letchworth Region Friends of the NRA Fund Raising Banquet at the Genesee River Banquet Center, 134 North Main Street, Mt. Morris, NY. (For more information contact Janet Green at 585-382-3898, or by e-mail at howieandjan@yahoo.com )

21 - Owl Prowl at the Reinstein Woods Environmental Education Center, 93 Honorine Drive, Depew, NY (Town of Cheektowaga) (6:30 pm) Discover our local owls, and listen for them on a walk in the woods. For adults and kids age 8 and up. (Registration required; call 716-683-5959 www.dec.ny.gov/education/1837.html)

22 - Start of Northern Zone Regular Deer & Bear Hunting Season (>12/4)

22 - Start of Turkey Hunting Season (Western New York) (>11/4 north/>11/18 southern tier)

22 – Start of Hunting Seasons for Ducks, Coots, Mergansers and Sea Ducks in the Western Zone (>12/5)

22 – Start of Hunting Seasons – Part 2 - for Ducks, Coots, Mergansers and Sea Ducks in the Northeast Zone (>12/10)

22 – Start of Hunting Season for Snow Geese in the Western Zone (>12/10)

22 - Start of Canada Goose Hunting Seasons in Northeast (>12/5), East Central (>11/18), West Central (>11/20) and South (>12/10) Areas

22 - Nature Journaling at the Reinstein Woods Environmental Education Center, 93 Honorine Drive, Depew, NY (Town of Cheektowaga) (10:00 am) Make a nature journal and explore basic drawing and painting techniques you can use. For adults and kids 8 and up. (Registration required; call 716-683-5959 www.dec.ny.gov/education/1837.html)

22 - Dan the Snake Man & the Creepy Campfire at the Seneca Meadows Education Center, 1786 Salcman Road, Waterloo, NY (6:30 - 8:00 pm) Bring your family for some pre-Halloween fun as we meet the scaly, slithering friends of Dan the Snakeman. Touch them if you dare during this interactive show, then join us around the campfire for some creepy—but not too scary— stories! (Cost: $5.00) (For information and to register call 315-539-5624)

22-23 - Niagara Frontier Collectors Akron Gun Show at the Akron Fire Hall, 1 Main St. Akron, NY (Sat. 9:00 am - 4:00 pm/Sun. 9:00 am - 3:00 pm) Free raffle ticket w/ paid admission. (For information call Jim Buck 716-569-6810 or Bruce Johnston 716-542-9929 or email: nfcshows@aol.com)
25 – Start of Hunting & Trapping Seasons for Weasel, Opossum, Raccoon, Red Fox andGray Fox (>2/15/11)

25 – Start Of Trapping Seasons for Coyote & Skunk (>2/15/11)

28 - Waterloo Region Friends of the NRA Fund Raising Banquet at the Holiday Inn, 2468 Mound Road (Route 414), Waterloo, NY (For more Information contact Deb Lincoln 607-582-7129 deblincoln33@gmail.com)

29 - National Wild Turkey Federation – Cortland Limhangers Chapter Women in the Outdoors Ladies Hunt at Rolling Ridges Guides and Outfitters, Cincinnatus, NY (Contact: Trish Kelsey 607-842-6260 pkelsey@nyaaa.com)

29 - Outdoor Skills at the Reinstein Woods Environmental Education Center, 93 Honorine Drive, Depew, NY (Town of Cheektowaga) (10:30 am) Create rope from plants and learn to build a survival shelter from natural materials. For adults and kids age 8 and up. (Registration required; call 716-683-5959 www.dec.ny.gov/education/1837.html)

29 - Braddock Bat Raptor Research 2nd Annual Wildlife Photography Class at Braddock Bay Park, Greece, NY (11:00 am - 1:00 pm or 1:00 - 3:00 pm) (Cost: $35.00 donation) (For more information go to http://bbrr.org)

29 - Dave Wood Open Bass Tournament, Keuka Lake (For more info call 607-535-771 or e-mail bassbutcher@localnet.com)

29-30 - Akron Heights Gun Show at the Akron Fire Hall, 1 Main St. Akron, NY (Sat 9:00 am – 4:00 pm/Sun 9:00 – 3:00 pm) (For Info call Jim Buck 716-569-6810 or Bruce Johnston 716-542-9929)

29-30 – Niagara Frontier Collectors Frewsburg Show at the Fireman's Rec Hall, 25 Hazzard Street, Frewsburg, NY (Sat 9:00 am-4:00 pm/Sun 9:00 am-3:00 pm) 65 tables. (Contact: Jim Buck 716-569-6810 or Bruce Johnston 716-542-9929 or go to nfcshows@aol.com)

Until our next meeting in the Corner, have a great time in the outdoors. This is Ron Schroder for – “Your In on The Outdoors for Western New York.”

What are your thoughts? (Click Here)

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10 -14 -11

Welcome to this week’s Conservation Chatter Corner – little bits of happenings concerning our outdoors and you, the sportspeople who enjoy being part of that outdoors.

Season Notes:The southern zone archery season for deer opens tomorrow, the 15th, and it should be a good season from reports received on numbers of deer being seen before the season. The archery season on bear also opens on the 15th, but only in designated areas of the Catskills and the Allegany Region. Check your hunting and trapping regulations guide before going out. Come Saturday the 22nd, some hunters will head north for the opening of the northern zone regular season on deer and bear.

Remember, at this time of the year, we have the prime opportunity to once again prove to ourselves, and everyone else, that we are not just hunters and/or trappers, but we are true sportsmen and sportswomen. Ask landowner permission, obey game laws, follow safe gun handling techniques and show courtesy and respect to others encountered in the field. In other words, follow the Sportsperson’s Code of Ethics and pass it onto any young companions you might have with you.

Anglers, too, have the same obligations - set a good example and pass on the love for the sport.

From DEC: “The early seasons are a great time to be in the woods,” said Commissioner Joe Martens. “With recent legislation now allowing 12-13 year olds to purchase a Junior Bowhunting license, we encourage adult hunters to share their passion, experience, and time with a junior hunter this year.”

Hunters are reminded of several other changes for the upcoming hunting seasons:

Bear hunting opens during the same time periods as deer hunting. For specific bear hunting areas and season dates, visit www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/28605.html#Black.
Crossbows may NOT be used during the early bowhunting or early muzzleloading seasons, but crossbows may be used during the regular firearms and late muzzleloader seasons. See Crossbow Hunting at www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/68802.html for more information and the Certificate of Qualification.

Also DEC encourages bowhunters to participate in the Bowhunter Sighting Log www.dec.ny.gov/animals/7193.html. The Bowhunter Sighting Log involves keeping a diary of your bowhunting activity and the number of animals seen. These data help DEC track deer and other wildlife populations. To participate, e-mail DEC at fwwildlf@gw.dec.state.ny.us (specify Bowhunter Sighting Log in the subject line) and provide name, address, hunter ID (back tag number), a list of the counties where you hunt, and whether or not you have participated in New York’s bowhunter log in any previous year.

Additional information that may be of interest for hunters includes:

2011 Deer Hunting Season Forecasts by WMU www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/37304.html.
Hunting the Black Bear in New York (PDF booklet) www.dec.ny.gov/docs/wildlife_pdf/bbhunting10.PDF.
Deer and Bear Harvest Reports www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/42232.html.

Subscribe to New York Big Game email list at http://lists.dec.state.ny.us/mailman/listinfo/nybiggame to periodically receive information about deer and bear management in New York, and/or sign up for Field Notes, an email newsletter of the DEC Division of Fish, Wildlife, and Marine Resources: www.dec.ny.gov/about/63801.html.

The final message for hunters going out - Think Safety! Be Sure - Be Seen - Be Safe.

Venison Donation: It is hoped that any of you who take advantage of the possibility of shooting multiple deer will give consideration to the venison donation program. The new list of processors has grown and the program now covers much of the state. It’s a way to help the needy and help manage the deer herd at the same time and it’s free. If you would like a list of processors call your DEC Wildlife office or check the DEC website at www.dec.state.ny.us .

Buck With a Shovel: Tom Hartshorne thought he was going to take his dog for a walk Wednesday morning. Instead, he ended up killing a buck deer with a shovel in his workshop.

"After it lunged at me, I swatted it in the head and the battle was on," he said. "It went on for minutes. There was glass and blood and fur everywhere. It was a total mess."

Hartshorne lives at 108 Kay St. in the Town of Ithaca. Typically, there are 10 to 15 deer on his property at any given time. In the past, some deer have even slept on his porch. One time, when Hartshorne's son was 5 years old he rubbed noses with a fawn.

But Wednesday morning things were not so friendly.

Around 11 a.m. Hartshorne walked out of his front door to take his dog for a walk. A buck was right in front of the door and took off as soon as Hartshorne walked out the door. The buck sprinted through a window that led into his workshop, shattering the glass.

"I am looking and I see the buck jumping up six feet trying to jump through a larger window and break out," he said.

So Hartshorne walked into the shop with a shovel in an attempt to steer the buck outside. Instead of going toward the open door, the buck ran at him, he said. The buck lunged at him a few times and each time Hartshorne knocked it down with the shovel.

The "battle," as Hartshorne referred to it, lasted a few minutes until he knocked the deer down for good.

"I finally got a good hit on its head and knocked it out," he said. "I called the police and they came right away and we determined it was dead."

Hartshorne spent the next few hours cleaning up his workshop. The deer, which Hartshorne estimated was about 80 pounds, was delivered to a neighbor who wanted to use it for venison, he said. The Tompkins County Sheriff's Office deputy said right away it was a buck, he said.

The buck got surprised and panicked, said Paul Curtis, extension wildlife specialist in the department of natural resources and coordinator of the wildlife damage management program at Cornell University.

Typically once or twice a year Curtis is called about a deer in a building on Cornell's campus, he said. More often than not, the deer gets startled, turns to run away and does not realize that the glass is a window, he said.

Deer tend to go toward light objects and in this particular case, Curtis said it seemed like the deer was startled and then panicked once inside the workshop. This is the breeding season for deer, and as a result they are moving around more and there is more opportunity for them to get startled, he said.

"Once the deer is in the building, they are just looking to escape and they see light as a potential escape," he said. "They don't always recognize doors, especially when they are panicked. Trying to herd a panicked deer is impossible."

The best thing to do, Curtis said, is to call law enforcement. A person could be seriously hurt while trying to get a deer to leave the building, he said.

Hartshorne said he never intended to kill the deer, but had no other choice.

"I went in thinking it would be like shooing a rabbit away," he said. "But the next thing I know, I am in the battle of my life. I was just defending myself. It was either me or the deer."

Written by Rachel Stern/Ithaca Journal 10 – 5 - 11

(http://www.stargazette.com/article/20111005/NEWS01/110050370/The-buck-stopped-here-Town-Ithaca-man-confronts-panicked-deer-inside-his-workshop?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CFRONTPAGE)

This Week’s Events:

14 - End of Northern Zone Early Bear Season

15 - Start of Northern Zone Deer Muzzeloading Season (>10/21 )

15 -Start of Southern Zone Deer & Bear Bowhunting Season (>11/18)

15 - Start of Pheasant Hunting Season in Western New York (>12/31 north/>2/29/12 south)

15 - Regular Trout Season Closes (See fishing regulation guide. Great Lakes and tributaries as well as some inland waters are open all year)

15 - CANY Ladies Pheasant Hunt at the Molyneaux Tree Farm, 217 Sherder Road, Endicott, NY . (9:00 am - ??) Open to all girls and women ages 12 and up. All hunters must pre-register, a signed waiver and a valid NYS hunting license to participate and those under 16 must have a signed parental permission slip. There is no cost for this hunt with everything provided from shells to lunch. (Contact: Gene or Staci @ 607-785-0540 or info@canyus.org)

15 – Olean Rod and Gun Club, Inc. Gun Show at Dan Carter’s Auction House and Event Center, Olean, NY (For information contact Charles Schappacker 716-701-4176 oleanrodandgunclubinc@gmail.com)

15 - National Wild Turkey Federation – Salmon River Chapter Wheelin’ Sportsmen Muzzleloader Deer Hunt at Albion Fish and Game Club, 2770 St Rt 13, Altmar, NY. (11:00 am) Wheelin' Sportsmen gives people with disabilities the chance to experience the outdoors. Whether it's for the first time or a reintroduction into outdoor activities. (Contact: William Wilbur 315-440-4351 wwilbur551@aol.com)

15 - Secrets of the Old-Growth Forest at the Reinstein Woods Environmental Education Center, 93 Honorine Drive, Depew, NY (Town of Cheektowaga) (10:30 am) Take a guided walk among Reinstein Woods’ oldest trees and learn about this beautiful and historic forest. (Registration required; call 716-683-5959 www.dec.ny.gov/education/1837.html)

15 - Rod & Gun Auction at Hessney Auction Center, 2741 route 14N, Geneva, NY (9:15 am) Shotguns, rifles, handguns, military, decoys, knives, mounts, fishing, ammo and swords. (For more information call 315-789-9349 or 585-734-6082 or go to www.hessney.com )

15 - Rochester Birding Association Beginner Bird Watching Trip at Hamlin Beach State Park, Hamlin, NY. (8:00 am) Learn how to identfy migrating waterfowl and songbirds. Meet at beach parking lot # 4. (For information call 585-223-7353 or go to rochesterbirding.com)

15 - Dave Wood Open Bass Tournament, Cayuta (Little) Lake (For more info call 607-535-771 or e-mail bassbutcher@localnet.com)

15-16 - Niagara Frontier Collectors Elmira Heights Gun Show at the American Legion Post 154 236 Scottwood Avenue, Elmira Heights NY (Sat. 9:00 am - 4:00 pm/Sun. 9:00 am - 3:00 pm) 100 tables. (For information call Jim Buck 716-569-6810 or Bruce Johnston 716-542-9929 or email: nfcshows@aol.com)

16 – Start of Catch and Release (Artificial Lures Only) Season for Trout in Salmon Creek (Cayuga County), Salmon Creek Above Ludlow Falls & West Branch Owego Creek (Tompkins County), Spring Creek on Caledonia State Fish Hatchery Property (8:00 am – 4:00 pm) (Livingston County), Oatka Creek from Bowerman Road Upstream to Union Street and from theWheatland Center Road Upstream to the Mouth of Spring Creek, and Spring Creek (Monroe County), East Koy & Wiscoy Creeks (Allegany County) (3/31/12)

17 – North America’s Grassland Birds – Going, Going, Gone by Arvind Pabjabi (Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory at the Visitor Center, Sapsucker Woods, 159 Sapsucker Woods Road, Ithaca, NY (7:30 pm) (Free and open to the public) (For information call 607-254-2473 or go on line at www.birds.cornell.edu/mns)

18 - Alien Investigation Hike at the Reinstein Woods Environmental Education Center, 93 Honorine Drive, Depew, NY (Town of Cheektowaga) (6:30 pm) Join a guided nature walk focused on non-native species that are invading forests and ponds. (Registration required; call 716-683-5959 www.dec.ny.gov/education/1837.html)

18 - Winter Field Guide Series - Fungus at the Beaver Lake Nature Center 8477 East Mud Lake Road, Baldwinsville, NY (1:30 - 3:30 pm) Session offers adults the chance to study specific subjects of Central New York's natural world. Registration is limited to 15 per session. (Cost: $5.00) Registration Required! (For information and preregister call 315-638-2519 or email blnc@ongov.net)

21 - End of Northern Zone Deer & Bear Bowhunting and Muzzleloading Seasons

21 - Fifth Annual Letchworth Region Friends of the NRA Fund Raising Banquet at the Genesee River Banquet Center, 134 North Main Street, Mt. Morris, NY. (For more information contact Janet Green at 585-382-3898, or by e-mail at howieandjan@yahoo.com )

21 - Owl Prowl at the Reinstein Woods Environmental Education Center, 93 Honorine Drive, Depew, NY (Town of Cheektowaga) (6:30 pm) Discover our local owls, and listen for them on a walk in the woods. For adults and kids age 8 and up. (Registration required; call 716-683-5959 www.dec.ny.gov/education/1837.html)

22 - Start of Northern Zone Regular Deer & Bear Hunting Season (>12/4)

22 - Start of Turkey Hunting Season (Western New York) (>11/4 north/>11/18 southern tier)

22 – Start of Hunting Seasons for Ducks, Coots, Mergansers and Sea Ducks in the Western Zone (>12/5)

22 – Start of Hunting Seasons – Part 2 - for Ducks, Coots, Mergansers and Sea Ducks in the Northeast Zone (>12/10)

22 – Start of Hunting Season for Snow Geese in the Western Zone (>12/10)

22 - Start of Canada Goose Hunting Seasons in Northeast (>12/5), East Central (>11/18), West Central (>11/20) and South (>12/10) Areas

22 - Nature Journaling at the Reinstein Woods Environmental Education Center, 93 Honorine Drive, Depew, NY (Town of Cheektowaga) (10:00 am) Make a nature journal and explore basic drawing and painting techniques you can use. For adults and kids 8 and up. (Registration required; call 716-683-5959 www.dec.ny.gov/education/1837.html)

22 - Dan the Snake Man & the Creepy Campfire at the Seneca Meadows Education Center, 1786 Salcman Road, Waterloo, NY (6:30 - 8:00 pm) Bring your family for some pre-Halloween fun as we meet the scaly, slithering friends of Dan the Snakeman. Touch them if you dare during this interactive show, then join us around the campfire for some creepy—but not too scary— stories! (Cost: $5.00) (For information and to register call 315-539-5624)

22-23 - Niagara Frontier Collectors Akron Gun Show at the Akron Fire Hall, 1 Main St. Akron, NY (Sat. 9:00 am - 4:00 pm/Sun. 9:00 am - 3:00 pm) Free raffle ticket w/ paid admission. (For information call Jim Buck 716-569-6810 or Bruce Johnston 716-542-9929 or email: nfcshows@aol.com)

Until our next meeting in the Corner, have a great time in the outdoors. This is Ron Schroder for – “Your In on The Outdoors for Western New York.”

What are your thoughts? (Click Here)

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10-7-11

Welcome to this week’s Conservation Chatter Corner – little bits of happenings concerning our outdoors and you, the sportspeople who enjoy being part of that outdoors.

2011-12 Waterfowl Seasons:

Shooting Hours: one-half hour before sunrise to sunset. Non-toxic Shot: Required

You must register with HIP to hunt any of these species.

Species	Western	Northeast	Southeast
Youth Days a	Oct 8 & 9	Sept 17 & 18	Sept 17 & 18
Ducks, Coots, Mergansers	Oct 22 - Dec 5 Dec 26 - Jan 9	Oct 1 - Oct 10 Oct 22 - Dec 10	Oct 8 - Oct 16 Nov 5 - Dec 25
Sea Ducks	same as above	same as above	same as above
Snow Geese	Oct 22 - Dec 10 Dec 26 - Jan 9 Jan 29 - Apr 15	Oct 1 - Dec 31 Feb 25 - Apr 15	Oct 1 - Jan 5 Mar 1 - Apr 15
Brant	Oct 2 - Nov 20	Oct 1 - Nov 19	Oct 8 - Nov 26
Goose Hunting Areab	September	Regular	Bag Limite
Northeast	Sept. 1 - Sept. 25	Oct. 22 - Dec. 5	Sept. Season: 8/day Regular Season: 3/day
East Central	Sept. 1 - Sept. 25	Oct. 22 - Nov. 18 Nov. 26 - Dec. 12	Sept. Season: 8/day Regular Season: 3/day
South	Sept. 1 - Sept. 25	Oct. 22 - Dec. 10 Dec. 26 - Jan. 9 Feb. 25 - Mar. 10	Sept. Season: 8/day Regular Season: 5/day
West Central	Sept. 1 - Sept. 25	Oct. 22 - Nov. 20 Dec. 26 - Jan. 9	Sept. Season: 8/day Regular Season: 3/day

· The Northeast Goose Hunting Area is the same as the Northeastern Waterfowl Hunting Zone: That area north of a continuous line extending from Lake Ontario east along the north shore of the Salmon River to Interstate 81, south along Interstate Route 81 to Route 31, east along Route 31 to Route 13, north along Route 13 to Route 49, east along Route 49 to Route 365 to Route 28, east along Route 28 to Route 29, east along Route 29 to Route 22, north along Route 22 to Route 153, east along Route 153 to the New York - Vermont boundary, exclusive of the Lake Champlain Zone.

· The East Central Goose Hunting Area consists of the following WMUs: 4A, 4F, 6P, 6R, 6S, 7M, and 7P. The East Central Goose Hunting Area also includes those parts of WMUs 7F and 7J lying south of Route 31 and east of Route 81.

· The South Goose Hunting Area consists of the following WMUs: 3A, 3C, 3H, 3K, 3N, 3P, 3R, 4G, 4H, 4O, 4P, 4R, 4W, 7R, 7S, 8M, 8N, 8P, 8T, 8W, 8X, 8Y, 9A, 9C, 9F, 9G, 9H, 9J, 9K, 9M, 9N, 9P, 9R, 9S, 9T, 9W, 9X, and 9Y. The South Goose Hunting Area also includes: that part of WMU 8G lying south and west of a continuous line extending along the New York State Thruway from Crittenden-Murrays Corners Road (near the Erie-Genesee County line) to Exit 48 in Batavia, then south along State Route 98 to State Route 20; that part of WMU 3G lying in Putnam County; and that part of WMU 3S lying north of Interstate Route 95.

· The West Central Goose Hunting Area consists of the following WMUs: 7A, 7H, 8A, 8C, 8F, 8H, 8J, 8R, and 8S. The West Central Goose Hunting Area also includes: that part of WMU 6K lying west of a continuous line extending along the north shore of the Salmon River from US Route 11 to Interstate Route 81, then south along Route 81 to Route 49; those parts of WMUs 7F and 7J lying west of Interstate Route 81; and that part of WMU 8G lying north and east of a continuous line extending along the New York State Thruway from Crittenden-Murrays Corners Road (near the Erie-Genesee County line) to Exit 48 in Batavia, then south along Route 98 to Route 20.

Duck Season Outlook:

Most duck populations in New York are doing well this year due to excellent habitat conditions across the continent for waterfowl nesting and brood-rearing. However, breeding populations of eastern mallards and wood ducks - the two most commonly harvested ducks in New York – were lower this spring than in 2009, and Atlantic Flyway biologists are concerned about a long-term decline in eastern mallards that became more apparent in recent years. Sixty-day duck seasons were approved by federal and state authorities for another year, but this situation will be closely monitored in the future. Bag limits for all duck species will be the same as in 2010-11 and can be seen at http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/28888.html.

Goose Season Outlook:

September Canada goose seasons have just ended, but hunters can look forward to another 45 days or more (depending on area) to pursue these popular game birds later this fall and winter. Resident geese remain abundant in many areas of the state, and migratory populations that pass through New York were estimated to be higher last spring. Hunters are reminded that Canada goose seasons are set for different geographic areas of the state than other waterfowl seasons; therefore maps should be closely reviewed.

A special spring season for snow geese will continue for the fourth year in all of upstate New York. These birds have become so abundant that they are causing harm to wetland habitats throughout their range. Special spring seasons have been established in many eastern states and provinces to increase hunter harvest and help reduce this population. The daily limit for snow geese is 25 per day.

Federal Duck Stamp and State Migratory Bird Harvest Information Program:

Hunters 16 or older must have a 2011 federal duck stamp to hunt during any of the 2011-2012 seasons. Federal duck stamps cost $15 and are available at most post offices and some sporting goods stores. They are also available by calling toll-free 1-800-852-4897 or at www.duckstamp.com. Stamps must be signed across the face by the hunter before they become valid, but they do not have to be attached to the hunting license.

All migratory game bird (waterfowl, woodcock, snipe, rails and gallinules) hunters, including junior hunters (age 12-15), must register with New York's Migratory Bird Harvest Information Program (HIP) prior to hunting in any of the 2011-2012 seasons. Hunters must register every year and for each state in which they plan to hunt migratory game birds, and also must carry proof of compliance whenever going afield. To register in HIP, call toll-free 1-888-427-5447 (1-888-4 ASK HIP) or visit www.NY-HIP.com.

Waterfowl Consumption Advisory: The current advisory states that “Mergansers are the most heavily contaminated waterfowl species and should not be eaten. Eat no more than two meals per month of other wild waterfowl; you should skin them and remove all fat before cooking, and discard stuffing after cooking. Wood ducks and Canada geese are less contaminated than other wild waterfowl species and diving ducks are more contaminated than dabbler ducks.” For the latest DOH advice on consumption of waterfowl or other game, go to:

www.health.ny.gov/environmental/outdoors/fish/health_advisories/advice_on_eating_game.htm.

Dead Deer: Approximately 100 white-tailed deer found dead in the Town of Clarkstown, Rockland County, last month were killed by Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD). EHD is a viral disease of white-tailed deer that is transmitted by the biting midge in the family Culicoides. The EHD virus does not infect humans and humans are not at risk by being bitten by the infected midge also known as a no-see-um or punkie.

DEC wildlife biologists collected a sampling of deer carcasses in Rockland County and submitted them to the Fish and Wildlife Health Unit for necropsy. Tissue samples were then sent to the Animal Health Diagnostic Center at Cornell University and the National Veterinary Services Laboratory where the diagnosis of EHD was identified.

The EHD virus was last confirmed in New York in 2007 in Albany and Niagara Counties. EHD outbreaks are most common in the late summer and early fall when the midges are abundant. The symptoms of EHD include fever, small hemorrhages or bruises in the mouth and nose, swelling of the head, neck, tongue and lips. A deer infected with EHD may appear lame or dehydrated. Frequently, infected deer will seek out water sources and many succumb near a water source. An infected deer may die within 1-3 days after being bitten by the midge or the disease may progress more slowly over weeks or months. There is no treatment and no means of prevention for EHD. The dead deer do not serve as a source of infection for other animals.

EHD outbreaks do not have a significant impact on deer populations in general but may have a noticeable impact in the immediate area. Generally, EHD outbreaks occur in a specific geographic area and about half of the EHD infected deer may die in an outbreak. In the North, the first hard frost kills the midges that transmit the disease and the EHD outbreak ends.

As general wise practice, hunters should not handle or eat any deer that appears sick or acts strangely. DEC will continue to monitor the situation. Sightings of sick or dying deer should be reported to the nearest DEC Regional Office or to an Environmental Conservation Officer. For more information on EHD and helpful related links, visit the DEC website directly at www.dec.ny.gov/animals/39767.html.

Venison Ice Cream?: As his entry in this year's Royal Deeside and Cairngorms Venison Festival, the pastry chef at a leading restaurant in Scotland created venison ice cream by infusing milk with venison and juniper berries, then adding slivers of smoked deer meat to the finished product. Julien Miran of the Cow Shed restaurant near Banchory, said his creation is meant more as a compliment to the main fare than a dessert. (Deeside Pipe & Herald)

This Week’s Events:

7-10 - Youth Trapper Camp at the NYS DEC Camp Rushford, Alleghany County. Sponsored by the NYS Trappers Association. This Youth Trapping Camp will be for 12-15 year-olds only. They do not have to have their Trappers Education certificate before the camp as there will be the chance to get it through the scheduled weekend events. More details will be posted when available. (For more information contact: Pat Arnold at 315-644-4643)

8 - New York State Trapper Certification Course at the Lono Training Group, 5435 East Lake Rd., Honeoye, NY (8:30 am - 6:00 pm) Bring a lunch, a pen and dress for the weather. You must Pre-register! (For information and preregister call 585-233-5432 or email js345@rochester.rr.com)

8 - Technicolor Leaves at the Reinstein Woods Environmental Education Center, 93 Honorine Drive, Depew, NY (Town of Cheektowaga) (10:30 am) Explore how leaves change color on a guided walk. For adults and kids 8 and up. (Registration required; call 716-683-5959 www.dec.ny.gov/education/1837.html)

8 - Fall Plant Hike at the Reinstein Woods Environmental Education Center, 93 Honorine Drive, Depew, NY (Town of Cheektowaga) (2:00 pm) Explore what plants have to offer in fall. (Registration required; call 716-683-5959 www.dec.ny.gov/education/1837.html)

8-9 - Niagara Frontier Collectors Cheektowaga Gun Show at the Knights of Columbus Hall,2735 Union Road, Cheektowaga, N.Y. (Sat. 9:00 am - 4:00 pm/Sun. 9:00 am - 3:00 pm) The Erie County Pistol Permit Dept will be in attendance both days. (Cost: $5.00) (For information call Jim Buck 716-569-6810 or Bruce Johnston 716-542-9929 or email: nfcshows@aol.com)

8-9 – Western New York Youth Waterfowl Hunt & Youth Pheasant Hunt Weekend (Saturday-Sunday) Young hunters age 12 to 15 years, possessing a junior hunting license may hunt ducks, coots, mergansers, and Canada geese on 2 special days in each zone. Daily bag limits are the maximum allowed during the regular duck season, and 2 per day for Canada geese. Young hunters MUST be accompanied by a licensed adult hunter (including current HIP registration and duck stamp). Adult hunter may not shoot any birds.

8 & 9 - CANY Youth Pheasant Hunt at the Molyneaux Tree Farm, 217 Sherder Road, Endicott, NY. (9:00 am - ??) Open to girls and boys ages 12 through 15. Am and pm hunts both days. All hunters must pre-register and have a signed parental permission slip. (Contact: Gene or Staci @ 607-785-0540 or info@canyus.org)

9 - Wildlife Defenders Presentation at the Cumming Nature Center, 6472 Gulick Road, Naples, NY (1:00 - 4:00 pm) A wildlife education and conservation outreach group run by the program members of Bridges For Brain Injury, Inc., Wildlife Defenders is fully operational, licensed and USDA-approved. Its members visit schools and attend community events with their animal ambassadors to encourage environmental and wildlife conservation. The presenters also share their personal injury and rehabilitation stories, and emphasize the importance of safety and prevention practices—especially to school-aged children. (Cost: RMSC members free; General public $3/donation of $1.00 for program) (For information call 585-374-6160)

9 - 3-D Archery Shoot at the Erie County Conservation Society, Chaffee, NY (8:00 am -1:00 pm) (For information call Greg Gattie 716-560-9613)

9 - Midstate Arms Collectors, Gun & Knife Show at the Lisle Fire Co., Route 79 North, Lisle, NY (9:00 am – 3:00 pm), (For more info call Sandy Ackerman Klinger, 607-748-1010)

11 - Winter Field Guide Series - Seed Dispersal at the Beaver Lake Nature Center 8477 East Mud Lake Road, Baldwinsville, NY (1:30 - 3:30 pm) Session offers adults the chance to study specific subjects of Central New York's natural world. Registration is limited to 15 per session. (Cost: $5.00) Registration Required! (For information and preregister call 315-638-2519 or email blnc@ongov.net)

12 - Full Hunter’s Moon Walk at the Reinstein Woods Environmental Education Center, 93 Honorine Drive, Depew, NY (Town of Cheektowaga) (6:30 pm) Search for nocturnal creatures during a guided walk under the full moon. (Registration required; call 716-683-5959 www.dec.ny.gov/education/1837.html)

13 & 14 - NYS Trapper Education Class at the Bear Lake Rod and Gun Club, Cassadaga-Stockton Rd., Stockton, NY. (5:30 – 10:30 pm both sessions) Class size is limited to 30 students. You must attend both sessions. (For information and preregister call Roger at 716-595-3418 at 6:00pm and leave your name and phone number)

14 - End of Northern Zone Early Bear Season

15 - Start of Northern Zone Deer Muzzeloading Season (>10/21 )

15 -Start of Southern Zone Deer & Bear Bowhunting Season (>11/18)

15 – Olean Rod and Gun Club, Inc. Gun Show at Dan Carter’s Auction House and Event Center, Olean, NY (For information contact Charles Schappacker 716-701-4176 oleanrodandgunclubinc@gmail.com)

15 - National Wild Turkey Federation – Salmon River Chapter Wheelin’ Sportsmen Muzzleloader Deer Hunt at Albion Fish and Game Club, 2770 St Rt 13, Altmar, NY. (11:00 am) Wheelin' Sportsmen gives people with disabilities the chance to experience the outdoors. Whether it's for the first time or a reintroduction into outdoor activities. (Contact: William Wilbur 315-440-4351 wwilbur551@aol.com)

Until our next meeting in the Corner, have a great time in the outdoors. This is Ron Schroder for – “Your In on The Outdoors for Western New York.”

What are your thoughts? (Click Here)

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9-31-11

Welcome to this week’s Conservation Chatter Corner – little bits of happenings concerning our outdoors and you, the sportspeople who enjoy being part of that outdoors.

October 1st – Start of new License Year

Bowhunting by the Numbers: (Courtesy of the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance - 9/23/11)

If you have held a bow these late summer days or will be holding one in the weeks ahead as bowhunting seasons open across America, you are not alone. Bowhunting is a popular American pastime with millions taking to the woods each fall. Hunters can pursue deer—the most hunted species with a bow—or bear, elk, pronghorns and many species of small game. Those up for a challenge also hunt pheasants and other upland game with bow and arrow. Before you grab your bow and head afield, however, know the requirements—and be prepared. States have different laws and regulations pertaining to bowhunting and all hunting seasons. Make sure to check your states regulations before heading to the field.

Bowhunting can be accomplished with the basic gear, such as bow and some arrows tipped with broadheads, but many archers want much more and are best known as gear junkies. You have to be the best judge of what gear to buy or what to buy and share with a hunting friend.

According to the National Sporting Goods Association, more than five million Americans hunted with bow and arrows in 2010. This was roughly the same as the number of people who went water skiing that year. While bowhunter numbers have fluctuated during recent years, the bright spot is that today more programs are introducing kids to archery. One such program with success is the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance Trailblazer Adventure program. More details on courses and events can be found at www.ussportsmen.org/trailblazer.

Boaters Oppose Ethanol Increase – From 10% to 15%: The controversy over changing ethanol levels in gasoline continues. Here is a letter recently written by Mercury Marine.

Thanks for contacting Mercury Marine Customer Service. You are correct to worry about ethanol content in fuel. Phase separation can occur when gasoline is saturated with water to the point it no longer maintains its solution form causing water to settle at the bottom of the tank. The solution created is highly corrosive and can damage fuel system components both metal and plastic.
Without treatment gasoline and ethanol blends can go bad in a few short weeks. Once phase separated the fuel is bad and should not be used at all. There is no known process to salvage phase separated fuel.
Mercury makes several fuel care products that have been heavily tested with our motors. Quickleen, Quickstor, Fuel System Cleaner, and Fuel System Treatment & Stabilizer are available through any Authorized Mercury Dealer.
Competitors do make similar products but our testing shows some of the stabilizers on the market like Stabil may contain kerosene and other products that do not stabilize the fuel in an attempt to salvage fuel that should not be used in your motor by altering the octane rating.
Treat your fuel. Ethanol related failures are not covered by the Mercury Marine Factory Warranty or Mercury Product Protection.
Mercury Marine has designed new more ethanol resistant fuel lines, tanks, and even primer balls. We've calibrated engines to run with 10% ethanol. There is nothing Mercury can do to make sure the fuel you use is properly cared for. We do, however, make a product called an Ethanol tester. This tester will tell you the ethanol content of fuel if you suspect the number designated on the pump is not accurate.
I hope this information was helpful to you. If you have further questions your local Mercury Dealer should be able to assist you as they are usually aware of fuel conditions in their area. Some areas of the country still sell ethanol free recreational gasoline, premium and plus at the pumps. Fleet Farm in the midwest is one example of a business that still sells ethanol free fuel in at least one form. Thanks again for your inquiry and happy boating!
Sincerely,
Mercury Outboard Customer Assistance

Did you know: Over 100 years ago, hunters and anglers were the earliest and most vocal supporters of conservation and scientific wildlife management? Led by fellow sportsman, President Theodore Roosevelt, these early conservationists called for the first laws restricting the commercial killing of wildlife. Today, 64 million hunters, anglers and recreational shooters contribute $4.7 million per day for conservation. This occurs through purchases of sporting licenses and taxes on hunting and fishing equipment that is allocated for the management of wildlife and wild places that all enjoy.

Best Buck and Story Contest : The 2011 deer hunting is upon us, and HuntingNY.com is sponsoring its second annual contest - The Hunting NY 2011 Best Buck and Story Contest.

What are the rules? The deer must have been taken this year; you must attach one or more photos to your post, one of which clearly shows its tagged with the current year’s NYSDEC license, as well as a brief story to go along with it. Please be as descriptive as possible, hunting stories are always a lot of fun to read, especially when one results in a buck. All you have to do is become a member of http://HuntingNY.com, and create a NEW post under this section: http://huntingny.com...-story-contest/. Entries must be posted to the forum by December 31st, 2011, the winners will be announced the following week after voting has been completed. The judging process is still to be determined, however it will more then likely be based on the photo as well as the story, and the winner will be determined based on a weighted percentage of the public vote as well as the sponsors vote. HuntingNY members are allowed one vote, you can vote for yourself.

Something to Think About: ( Courtesy of Dudley Brown, Executive Director, National Association for Gun Rights) H.R. 822, the so-called “National Reciprocity Act,” could open the flood gates of gun control. While the idea that all states should recognize a concealed weapons permit is sound public policy, the use of the anti-gun federal bureaucracy to implement it is simply foolish. Once the federal government is in the business of setting the standards for concealed carry permits, it’s only a matter of time before they start using that power to restrict our rights.

Now you may hear arguments that this bill doesn’t do that, and maybe that’s true... for now.
But once this bill starts moving, anyone can amend the bill with anything... and no legislation can bind a future Congress in any way. The legislation can also be reinterpreted by the Department of Justice dreaming up the “regulations” to carry out the legislative “intent.”
I understand that many who support this bill sincerely just want their right to carry respected -- but cannot due to the fact that their state or another won’t do the right thing. But the devil is truly in the details... and the details are where H.R. 822 gets sticky. This bill isn’t just about the right to carry for self defense -- it’s a battle over the role of government and the ability to restrict our Second Amendment rights.
Once gun owners let the Obamacrats start mandating whether states recognize permit reciprocity, they will want to mandate what it takes to get and keep those permits.

From the NRA:

H.R. 822 would mark a major step forward for gun owners' rights by significantly expanding where those permits are recognized. Dozens of states have passed Right-to-Carry laws over the past 25 years because the right to self-defense does not end when one leaves home. However, interstate recognition of those permits is not uniform and creates great confusion and potential problems for travelers. While many states have broad reciprocity, others have very restrictive reciprocity laws. Still others deny recognition completely.

H.R. 822 would solve this problem by requiring that lawfully issued carry permits be recognized, while protecting the ability of the various states to determine the areas where carrying is prohibited within their boundaries.

Opponents of the legislation claim that it tramples on each "states' rights." But states don't have rights, only powers. And while many anti-gun lawmakers who've long pushed national gun bans, national bans on private gun sales, national waiting periods and other federal restrictions have suddenly become born-again advocates of "states' rights" to oppose this bill, several provisions of the Constitution give Congress the authority to enact interstate carry. Congress also has the power to protect the rights of citizens, nationwide, under the 14th Amendment (please see related article from a recent Grassroots Alert).

It is important to note that, despite what a handful of self-proclaimed "pro-gun" activists say, the bill would not create a federal registration or licensing system, nor would it establish a minimum federal standard for the carry permit. Rather, it would require the states to recognize each others' carry permits, just as they recognize driver's licenses and carry permits held by armored car guards. Unfortunately, these self-proclaimed "gun rights" supporters, who have no active lobbying presence in Congress or any legislature, have an agenda that has very little to do with promoting the interests of gun owners. Here are the FACTS about a few of their claims:

Myth: H.R. 822 would involve the federal bureaucracy in setting standards for carry permits, resulting in "need" requirements, higher fees, waiting periods, national gun owner registration, or worse.

FACT: H.R. 822 doesn't require -- or even authorize -- any such action by any federal agency. In fact, since it would amend the Gun Control Act, it would fall under a limitation within that law that authorizes "only such rules and regulations as are necessary to carry out" the GCA's provisions. No federal rules or regulations would be needed to implement H.R. 822, which simply overrides certain state laws.

Myth: H.R. 822 would destroy permitless carry systems such as those in Arizona, Alaska, Vermont and Wyoming.

FACT: H.R. 822 would have absolutely no effect on how the permitless carry states' laws work within those states. For residents of Arizona, Alaska and Wyoming, where permits are not required but remain available under state law, H.R. 822 would make those permits valid in all states that issue permits to their own residents. Residents of Vermont, where no permits are issued or required, could obtain nonresident permits from other states to enjoy the benefits of H.R. 822.

Myth: If H.R. 822 moved through the legislative process, it would be subject to anti-gun amendments.

TRUTH: By this logic, neither NRA, nor any other pro-gun group, should ever promote any pro-gun reform legislation. But inaction isn't an option for those of us who want to make positive changes for gun owners. Instead, we know that by careful vote counting and strategic use of legislative procedure, anti-gun amendments can be avoided or defeated.

H.R. 822 is a good bill for gun owners. Don't listen to false and misleading accusations. Read the bill yourself and read our fact sheet to get the facts. Then, please contact your member of Congress and urge him or her to support the earliest possible consideration of H.R. 822 this year.

"Citizen Scientist": Hunters, while you enjoy your time outside hunting this fall, consider recording your observations by participating in one of DEC’s many Wildlife Observation Citizen Science opportunities. Below are several ways that your hunting experience and observations can help provide valuable information towards the management of our wildlife resources. On each webpage you will find out how you can participate and review data results from past "citizen scientist" observations.

Woodcock and Ruffed Grouse Hunting Log

New England Cottontail Survey

Bowhunter Sighting Log

This Week’s Events:

30 - End of Bow Fishing for Carp Season

OCTOBER 2011

1 – Start of Hunting Seasons for Cottontail Rabbit, Ruffed Grouse & Coyote

1 - New York State Trapper Certification Course at the Orleans County Fairgrounds, (in the Log Cabin), Rte. 31 (between Medina and Albion), Ridgeway, NY (8:00 am - 4:30 pm) Bring a lunch, a pen and dress for the weather. You must Pre-register! (For information and preregister call Don at 585-798-0848 between 6:00pm•9:00pm only)

1 - 2-Person Scramble 3D Archery Shoot at the Victory Baptist Church, 32 Wildbriar Road , Henrietta, NY, sponsored by the Victory Archery Club. Registration will begin at 8:00 am with shooting from 9:00-11:30 am. A traditional archery shooting seminar and exhibition will be offered. Lunch and prizes will be provided. (Pre-registration is available at www.discoveryvictory.com. Questions can be emailed to Victory3DArchery@yahoo.com)

1 - Educator Workshop: Project WILD at the Reinstein Woods Environmental Education Center, 93 Honorine Drive, Depew, NY (Town of Cheektowaga) (9:30 am - 12:30 pm) Project WILD is an award-winning environmental education program for teachers and youth leaders of K-12 students. Participants receive a Project WILD Curriculum and Activity Guide with more than 100 lesson plans. (Registration required; call 716-683-5959 www.dec.ny.gov/education/1837.html)

1 - Reservation Deadline for the 10/8 - Whitetails Unlimited - Seneca Falls Chapter Hunters Night Out at the Waterloo Holiday Inn, 2468 Rt 414 (Mound Road),Waterloo, NY. Support Local Conservation: 50% of all net proceeds will go directly back to your local area for conservation-related activities. Proceeds from this event will benefit Chemung County youth and habitat programs. (Cost: $45.00/Spouse $30.00/Junior (15 and under) $25.00)

1 - Family Nature Experience: Build a Birdfeeder at the Beaver Lake Nature Center, 8477 East Mud Lake Road, Baldwinsville, NY (10:00 am) Enjoy this morning building a birdfeeder with your child. Both of you will learn about the pleasures of birdfeeding and observation while constructing a feeder just in time for winter. This program is geared for children 6-12 years old accompanied by a parent or guardian. Older siblings are also welcome. (Cost: $10.00/child) (For information and to register call 315-638-2519 or email blnc@ongov.net)

1&8 – NYS Conservation Police (Regions 8 & 9) Youth Waterfowl Hunt. Participants must attend a waterfowl ID and firearm safety course at the Wyoming Valley Rod & Gun Club in Java, NY on the 1st. Lunch, door prizes, trap shooting, and shells will be provided. On Saturday, October 8th, 2011, local Conservation Police Officers and local sportsmen will be guiding hunts for participants in the Tonawanda Wildlife Management Area. Volunteer guides, boats, decoys, and ammunition for the hunt will be provided. Please bring proper clothing for cold and rain, a hunting license, and a plugged shotgun. Waders will be provided if needed and we have a couple of youth shotguns if needed.

(For information and registration, contact Conservation Officer Scott Marshall at 716-537-2464.)

1-2 - Hinsdale Fire Department's Bi-Annual Gun Show at the Hinsdale Fire Department's Recreation Hall, Hinsdale, NY (9:00 am-4:00 pm/9:00 am-3:00 pm) (For more information call Kevin 716-417-9932)

2 - Allied Sportsman of WNY 3-D Shoot at the Club, 12846 Clinton Street, Alden, NY (7:00 am – 1:00 pm) (For information call 716-983-8544)

2 - 3-D Archery Shoot at the Erie County Conservation Society, Chaffee, NY (8:00 am -1:00 pm) (For information call Greg Gattie 716-560-9613)

2 - Timber Sports Competition at the Cumming Nature Center, 6472 Gulick Road, Naples, NY (9:00 am – 5:00 pm) Calling all lumberjacks! Students from Finger Lakes Community College, Paul Smith's College, SUNY College of Environmental Sci- ence & Forestry (Syracuse, NY), SUNY-ESF Ranger School (Wanakena, NY), and other New York State colleges' woodsport teams test their skills at activities like axe throwing, log rolling, tree climbing and cross-cut sawing. (Cost: RMSC members free; General public $3.00. Lunch available (12:00 - 1:30 pm at $6.00 per meal (hot dogs, salads, chips, drink and cookies. (For information call 585-374-6160)

3 – Fossil Evidence for the Evolution of Birds by Julia Clarke (University of Texas at Austin) at the Visitor Center, Sapsucker Woods, 159 Sapsucker Woods Road, Ithaca, NY (7:30 pm) (Free and open to the public) (For information call 607-254-2473 or go on line at www.birds.cornell.edu/mns)

4 – Registration Deadline for 10/11 – Rite of Autumn by Charlie Alsheimer at the LeTourneau Christian Camp, 4950 County Road 11, Rushville, NY (6:00 pm) (Cost: $15.00/$7.00 for ages 6 – 12) (For information call 585-554-3400 or email lccmail@letourneau.org)

4 - Winter Field Guide Series - Creature of the Not So Deep at the Beaver Lake Nature Center 8477 East Mud Lake Road, Baldwinsville, NY (1:30 - 3:30 pm) Session offers adults the chance to study specific subjects of Central New York's natural world. Registration is limited to 15 per session. (Cost: $5.00) Registration Required! (For information and preregister call 315-638-2519 or email blnc@ongov.net)

5 - Seneca White Deer, Inc. 2nd Annual Luncheon at the Inn on the Lake in Canandaigua, NY (11:45 am) Honoring Dr. Barbara Risser, President of FLCC, for the college's efforts in conservation, sustainability and environmental stewardship. In addition, our guest speaker will be Walter Gable, Seneca County Historian, who will speak on the history of the Seneca Army Depot. Silent Auction and Raffle. (For more information on becoming involved please contact Dennis Money either by email (whitebuck47@yahoo.com) or calling (585-394-1287) or calling Demaris Verzulli 315-524-5242)

5 - Busy Beavers at the Reinstein Woods Environmental Education Center, 93 Honorine Drive, Depew, NY (Town of Cheektowaga) (6:30 pm) Take a guided walk to look for beavers in action, and learn about our official New York State mammal. (Registration required; call 716-683-5959 www.dec.ny.gov/education/1837.html)

6/8 - New York State Trapper Certification Course at the Big M Gun Club, 1549 County Rd, 43, Clifton Springs, NY (5:00 - 9:00 pm/8:00 am - noon) You must attend both sessions. You must Pre-register! (For information and preregister call Bill at 315-745-9992)

9 - 3-D Archery Shoot at the Erie County Conservation Society, Chaffee, NY (8:00 am -1:00 pm) (For information call Greg Gattie 716-560-9613)

9 - Midstate Arms Collectors, Gun & Knife Show at the Lisle Fire Co., Route 79 North, Lisle, NY (9:00 am – 3:00 pm), (For more info call Sandy Ackerman Klinger, 607-748-1010)

Until our next meeting in the Corner, have a great time in the outdoors. This is Ron Schroder for – “Your In on The Outdoors for Western New York.”

What are your thoughts? (Click Here)

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9-23-11

Welcome to this week’s Conservation Chatter Corner – little bits of happenings concerning our outdoors and you, the sportspeople who enjoy being part of that outdoors.

Pheasant Releases For 2011: DEC recently announced that approximately 30,000 adult pheasants will be released on lands open to public hunting for the upcoming Fall pheasant hunting season. The pheasant hunting season begins on October 1 in northern and eastern portions of New York, October 15 in central and western portions of New York.

For the fifth consecutive year, junior hunters (12-15 years old) have the opportunity to hunt pheasants the weekend prior to the opening of regular pheasant hunting season. In western New York, the youth pheasant hunt weekend is October 8-9. Pheasants will be released on a number of select sites across the state to provide ample youth hunting opportunities (see table below). All current pheasant hunting rules and regulations remain in effect during the youth hunt.

The pheasants will be released on state-owned wildlife management areas and cooperative hunting areas prior to and during the Fall hunting season. All release sites for pheasants raised via state-funded programs are open to public hunting. A list of statewide adult pheasant release sites and sites receiving birds for the youth pheasant hunt weekends can be found on DEC's website: http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/9349.html .

The Day-old Pheasant Chick Program provides additional opportunities for pheasant hunters. This program was developed in the early 1900s to provide day-old pheasant chicks to cooperating 4-H groups and sportsmen and sportswomen. The chicks are distributed to program participants in May and June, and cooperators incur all costs associated with rearing the birds, including feed, water, utilities and facility construction. The birds are raised to adulthood and released on lands open to public hunting before the season opens. This year, nearly 46,000 pheasant chicks were distributed statewide as part of this program. Anyone interested in raising and releasing pheasants to expand next year's hunting opportunities should contact DEC's Reynolds Game Farm at (607) 273-2768.

Youth Pheasant Hunt Sites 2011:

County	Town	Youth Hunt Site	Special Rules / Notes
Allegany	Birdsall	Keaney Swamp Wildlife Management Area
Allegany	New Hudson	Hanging Bog WMA along New Hudson Rd.
Broome	Triangle	Whitney Point Multiple Use Area
Cattaraugus	Conewango, Randolph	Conewango Swamp Wildlife Management Area - between Rte. 241 and Conewango Creek
Cattaraugus	Farmersville	Harwood Lake Multiple Use Area
Cattaraugus	Red House	Allegany State Park, Wolf Run Rd. & Upper Bay State Rd.	Free permit necessary from Administration Building
Cattaraugus	South Valley	Allegheny Reservoir Wildlife Management Area	Vicinity of Bone Run off Onoville Rd.
Cayuga/Tompkins	Ledyard, Genoa, Lansing	Cayuga Tompkins Co-op Hunting Area
Chautauqua	Sherman	Alder Bottom Wildlife Management Area - off Idora Rd. and Rte 76.
Erie	Collins	Zoar Valley Multiple Use Area - South of Vail and Unger Rd. and Button Rd.
Genesee	Darien	Darien Lake State Park
Genesee/Niagara	Alabama, Royalton	Tonawanda Wildlife Management Area
Livingston	Livonia	Hemlock-Canadice State Forest	North end of Hemlock Lake
Monroe	Greece	Braddock Bay Wildlife Management Area
Niagara	Lewiston	Joseph Davis State Park	Special permit required for hunting pheasants on Oct. 8-9; Contact J. Davis State Park, 716-754-7766
Niagara	Wilson	Wilson-Tuscarora State Park	Special permit required for hunting pheasants on Oct. 8-9; Contact Wils.-Tusc. State Park, 716-751-6361
Oneida	Whitestown	Oriskany Flats Wildlife Management Area
Onondaga	Lysander	Three Rivers Wildlife Management Area
Ontario / Yates	Naples, Italy	High Tor Wildlife Management Area
Oswego	Richland	Deer Creek Marsh Wildlife Management Area
Oswego	West Monroe	Three-Mile Bay Wildlife Management Area
Steuben	Tuscarora	Nichols Farm on Thompson Road
Tioga	Richford	Michigan Hill State Forest
Wayne	Savannah	N. Montezuma Wildlife Management Area along Savannah-Spring Lake Rd.
Wayne	Wolcott/Huron	Lake Shore Marshes Wildlife Management Area
Wyoming	Middlebury	Carlton Hill Multiple Use Area & Sulphur Springs FWMA Co-op.	Five miles north of Warsaw

Additional information provided on the DEC website includes:

Pheasant Hunting Information: http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/8363.html
Pheasant Hunting Seasons: http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/29453.html
Pheasant Release Sites: http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/9349.html

Catch & Release – Big vs Little: Urbana, Illinois -- In football, linebackers are usually the largest players and have the endurance required to get through a game plus overtime. But when it comes to fish, larger doesn't always mean stronger. A University of Illinois study showed smaller fish recover from exertion faster than larger fish.

"The point of the study was to replicate an angling situation where anglers catch and release fish," said researcher Cory Suski. "We wanted to know if large fish and small fish had similar physiological responses to being exercised and released, particularly regarding the time it takes the fish to recover from exercise.

"What we found is that the large fish take longer to recover from exercise than the small fish do. None of the fish really experienced any major hardships, and they all survived easily, but the small fish recovered faster than the big fish."

Suski said the findings will be important for fisheries conservation.

"Big fish are reproductively valuable as they tend to have more babies than small fish," he said. " Big fish are also rarer than small fish, and they are more often targeted by anglers. If anglers are planning to release a large fish after catching it, the results from this study emphasize the importance of angling the fish for a short duration, handling the fish gently, and getting it back into the water quickly so that excessive disturbances are minimized and the fish can recover quickly, begin feeding, and get back to normal."

The fish in the study were largemouth bass. They were caught in nets, put into dark tanks and allowed to rest.

Later they were chased for 60 seconds to simulate angling and the amount of energy they might expend during a catch-and-release episode. They were allowed to recover for 0, 1, 2, or 4 hours before being sampled for plasma and white muscle.

Large largemouth bass exhibited elevated concentrations of plasma glucose and sodium relative to small fish following the exercise challenge.

Large fish required additional time to clear metabolic disturbances in plasma and failed to restore potassium to basal levels even following 4 hours of recovery, indicating an improved ability of the smaller fish to recover from disturbances.

"Before we began the research, we predicted that the larger fish would respond and recover from exercise more quickly, providing another size-based advantage for larger fish, but we found the opposite to be true," Suski said.

Suski said anglers have always known that big fish are special, and the results of this study emphasize the need to treat big fish gently so they can be caught again in the future.

The effect of body size on post-exercise physiology in largemouth bass was published in Fish Physiology and Biochemistry. Andrew J. Gingerich co-authored the paper.

This Week’s Events:

22-25 - The Bassmaster Fishing Tournament at Onondaga County Parks' Oneida Shores Park, 9400 Bartell Road, Brewerton, N Y. Competition will begin with 100 anglers at 6 a.m. on Thursday & Friday, and based on the total weight of five fish caught over the two days, the top 50 will continue onto Saturday and then the top 12 on Sunday. Weigh-ins will take place at 4 p.m. each day. (For more information, call 315-676-7366)

23 - Registration Deadline for the October 8th Ed Warnick Memorial New York State Region 8 Sportsman Education Youth Pheasant Hunt at the John White Wildlife Management Area, in Basom (Genesee County), NY. The Youth Pheasant Hunt is a fun-filled, hands-on learning experience for new hunters. Open to all interested Junior Hunters aged 12-15, who have their Junior Hunting license. Morning snacks, lunch, stocked pheasants and hunting dogs will be provided. Hunters need to bring their own shotguns and ammunition. Supervision will be provided at all times by certified Hunter Education instructors. The event is limited to 25 hunters. (For more information and to register contact Frank Phillips at 585-226-5457 or email fjphillips@gw.dec.state.ny.us)

23&10/7,8 – Fly Fishing/Casting Course at the Merton Williams School Pool in Hilton, NY (23rd/7th – 6:00 – 7:30 pm & 8th – 10:00 am – noon) October 8th session at Salmon Creek behind Quest School. A fly rod is required. (Cost: $45.00/$35.00 if over age 55) (To preregister or for information call 585-392-1000 X 7044)

24 - National Hunting and Fishing Day

24 - National Wild Turkey Federation – Enchanted Mountain Local Chapter Dinner at the Bartlett Country Club, 32 Euclid Avenue, Olean, NY (Contact: Randy Opferbeck 716-373-3322 deb.randy@verizon.net)

24 – Empire State Arms Collectors Association Gun Show at the Monroe County Fair and Expo Center, Rochester (Henrietta), NY (For more Information contact ESACA, PO Box 253, Avon, NY 14414)

24 - New York State Trapper Certification Course at the West Falls Conservation Society, Bridge Street, West Falls, NY (9:00am – 5:00pm) You must Pre-register! Dress according to the weather. (For information and preregister call 716-652-8025)

24 - New York State Trapper Certification Course at the Tioga County Sportsmen's Association, Carmichael Hill Rd., Owego, NY (8:00 am - 4:30 pm) Bring a lunch, a pen and dress for the weather. You must Pre-register! Class size is limited to 30 students. (For information and preregister call Cornell Cooperative Extension at 607-687-4020. )

24 -Dave Wood Open Bass Tournament, Waneta and Lamoka Lakes (For more info call 607-535-7771 or email bassbutcher@localnet.com)

24 - Mushrooms and Fungi: A Kingdom of their Own at the Reinstein Woods Environmental Education Center, 93 Honorine Drive, Depew, NY (Town of Cheektowaga) (10:00 am) Celebrate National Mushroom Month by exploring the forest floor on a guided fungus foray. For adults and kids age 8 and up. (Registration required; call 716-683-5959 www.dec.ny.gov/education/1837.html)

24 - Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge Family Nature Day Scavenger Hunt at the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge, 3395 US Route 20 East, Seneca Falls, NY ( 10:00 am – 1:00 pm) The scavenger hunt program is in honor of National Public Lands Day, September 24, 2011. Each family will receive a species identification guide, a scavenger hunt check-off worksheet, a map of Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge, and a map of the refuge’s Esker Brook and South Spring Pool Trails. We’ll give a brief introduction about the refuge, along with instructions on how to use the guide and directions to South Spring Pool¾where we’ll start the scavenger hunt! (For information and to sign-up contact: Tasha Daniels 315/568-5987 X 229 or email Tasha_Daniels@fws.gov)

24 - Fall Flowers w/ Don Cox at the Sterling Nature Center, Jensvold Road, Sterling, NY (1:00 pm) After a brief indoor slide presentation, join Don Cox to explore the fields and woods at Sterling Nature Center in a guided trail walk to identify wildflowers. Learn to identify poisonous, edible, and mood altering plants common in Central New York. (For further information call 315-947-6143 or email snc@co.cayuga.ny.us)

24 – Youth Pheasant Hunt sponsored by the Wyoming/Genesee Counties Pheasants Forever Chapter 843 at Osborn’s Hunting Preserve, Alden, NY (8:00 am) Hunt is for youth ages 12-17. (For information and to register call 585-457-3653 or email tkalexander@zahmandmatson.com)

24 - Erie County National Hunting and Fishing Day at the Elma Conservation Club. Fishing Derby, Outdoor Events, FREE, open to public. (For information call Rich Davenport, 716-510-7952)

24 & 25 - CANY & Oswego & Onondaga County Federation's Youth Pheasant Hunt at County Route 54, Palermo, NY. (8:00 am – 4:00 pm) The youth pheasant hunt is open to girls and boys ages 12 through 15 with am and pm hunts both days. All hunters must pre-register, have a signed parental permission slip, a signed waiver and a valid NYS hunting license to participate. Lunch is provided for all participants and is available at a modest cost for those that are accompanying the hunters. Morning hunts begin at 8 am and afternoon hunts beginning at noon. There is no cost for this hunt with everything provided from shells to lunch. Contact: Rick McDermott (315) 882-1540

24-25 - Whitney Point Sportsmen's Expo and Gun Show at the Whitney Point Fairgrounds, Whitney Point, NY (Sat 9:00 am – 5:00 pm/Sun 9:00 am – 3:00 pm) (For more information call Jim at 607-849-3369)

24-25 - 2011 – Godfrey's Pond – National Hunting & Fishing Day at Godfreys Pond, Griswold Road, Batavia, NY (10:00 am – 4:00 pm) This is the Region 8/9 National Hunting and Fishing days. You can visit our website at www.godfreyspond.org. We will have and archery range open for youth to shoot, fishing pond, hunting dog demostrations, primative and shotgun shooting at the range. (For information contact Dave Knapp 585-746-5097 info@godfreyspond.org)

24-25 - 38th Annual National Hunting and Fishing Day at the NYSDEC Region 8 Office, 6274 E. Avon – Lima Road, Avon, NY (Two miles east of Exit 10 off I-390 on Route 5/20). Presented by Livingston County Federation of Sportsmen's Clubs & New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. This annual event is aimed at the whole family. try your hand at a variety of outdoor activities, including trap shooting, archery, fly casting and canoeing. If shopping try one of the commercial vendors or one of the 50 + vendors in the Sportsmen’s Flea Market. (For information call Mark Osypian at 585-226-2889 or email president@livingstoncountryfederation.org)

24-25 – Fall Sportsmen’s Days at Carpenters Brook Fish Hatchery, 1672 Route 321, Elbridge, NY. (11:00 am – 5:00 pm both days) Created as a tribute to National Hunting and Fishing Day, this annual festival is a terrific opportunity for all ages to try their hand at a variety of outdoor pursuits, including skeet shooting, waterfowl identification, axe/knife throwing, turkey calling, archery, 3-D laser big game hunting, crossbow, BB gun, fly fishing, jig tying, canoeing, muzzle loading, Conservation Officers, Forest Rangers and Smokey Bear, woodsmen demonstrations, local wildlife artists and authors and trout fishing. (Cost: $5.00 / car) (For information call 315-689-9367 or email cbfh@ongov.net)

25 - 3-D Archery Shoot at the Erie County Conservation Society, Chaffee, NY (8:00 am -1:00 pm) (For information call Greg Gattie 716-560-9613)

25 - Habitat Hunt at the Reinstein Woods Environmental Education Center, 93 Honorine Drive, Depew, NY (Town of Cheektowaga) (2:00 pm) Discover neighborhood wildlife on this guided walk. For kids under age 12. (Registration required; call 716-683-5959 www.dec.ny.gov/education/1837.html)

(University of Wisconsin) at the Visitor Center, Sapsucker Woods, 159 Sapsucker Woods Road, Ithaca, NY (7:30 pm) Presentation on local adaptations, genetics and altitude of area birds. (Free and open to the public) (For information call 607-254-2473 or go on line at www.birds.cornell.edu/mns)

27 - Start of Northern Zone Deer & Bear Bowhunting Season (>10/21 )

27 - Winter Field Guide Series - The Migration of the Monarch Butterfly at the Beaver Lake Nature Center 8477 East Mud Lake Road, Baldwinsville, NY (1:30 - 3:30 pm) Session offers adults the chance to study specific subjects of Central New York's natural world. Registration is limited to 15 per session. (Cost: $5.00) Registration Required! (For information and preregister call 315-638-2519 or email blnc@ongov.net)

28 - NYS Waterfowl Identification Course at the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge, 3395 U.S. Route 20 East, Seneca Falls, NY. This course is geared toward adults, but anyone age 12+ may sign up and attend. Learn to identify ducks, geese and swans through plumage patterns, size, silhouettes, flight characteristics, and more. Class sizes are limited to 25 participants and pre-registration is required. (To register for the course at the course at the Refuge, call 315-568-5987.)

29 – Regristration Day for 10/8 Youth Waterfowl Hunt at Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge, 3395 Route 5/20 East, Seneca Falls, NY. To register for the youth hunt at the Montezuma NWR, you must call the refuge’s Hunter Check Station, 315/568-4136, on Thursday, September 29, between 8:30 and 9:00 AM, to make your reservation. Reservations are taken on a first-come, first-served basis. All youth hunters and adult mentors must possess a current New York state hunting license and have a current Harvest Information Program (HIP) registration number. Adult mentors must also have a current Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp (Duck Stamp). A non-motorized boat or canoe is required to hunt at Montezuma NWR, and use of a trained hunting dog is advised

29 - Educator Workshop: Project Learning Tree Environmental Experiences for Early Childhood at the Reinstein Woods Environmental Education Center, 93 Honorine Drive, Depew, NY (Town of Cheektowaga) (6:00 - 9:00 pm) This new curriculum helps early childhood educators engage young kids in outdoor exploration. Attendees receive a curriculum guide and music CD that incorporate investigations of nature with art, literature, math, music and movement. For educators of students ages 3 to 6. (Registration required; call 716-683-5959 www.dec.ny.gov/education/1837.html)

29 - Alien Investigation Hike at the Reinstein Woods Environmental Education Center, 93 Honorine Drive, Depew, NY (Town of Cheektowaga) (7:00 pm) Join a guided nature walk focused on non-native species that are invading forests and ponds. (Registration required; call 716-683-5959 www.dec.ny.gov/education/1837.html)

29-10/2 – First Annual Salmon River Fishing Derby headquatered at Ringgold Firemen’s Field, Pulaski, NY. The largest river derby and festival in the Northeast. Four days of great fishing, awards and music, Bar B-Q, fishing memorabilia, beer garden, vendor fair and daily prizes! (For information, please call 315-298-2213 or go to www.salmonriverderby.com)

30 - End of Bow Fishing for Carp Season

OCTOBER 2011

1 – Start of Hunting Seasons for Cottontail Rabbit, Ruffed Grouse & Coyote

(For information and registration, contact Conservation Officer Scott Marshall at 716-537-2464.)

2 - Allied Sportsman of WNY 3-D Shoot at the Club, 12846 Clinton Street, Alden, NY (7:00 am – 1:00 pm) (For information call 716-983-8544)

2 - 3-D Archery Shoot at the Erie County Conservation Society, Chaffee, NY (8:00 am -1:00 pm) (For information call Greg Gattie 716-560-9613)

Until our next meeting in the Corner, have a great time in the outdoors. This is Ron Schroder for – “Your In on The Outdoors for Western New York.”

What are your thoughts? (Click Here)

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9-16-11

Welcome to this week’s Conservation Chatter Corner – little bits of happenings concerning our outdoors and you, the sportspeople who enjoy being part of that outdoors.

Commentary: Written by Len Lisenbee, Rushville, NY

Why do politicians insist on avoiding the real problems of crime and violence facing society and instead concentrate their efforts on useless, even distracting “projects”? Their claims of wanting to help solve problems instead results in hurting honest citizens by ignoring the real issues.

Recently New York City Council Speaker Christine C. Quinn announced the creation of a “task force” to address the issue of youth-related gun violence in the city. In her announcement she stated the council’s task force will work with academic experts, law enforcement and community based groups across the five boroughs to examine the root causes of gun violence, locate resources to combat gun violence and develop additional ways of tackling the problem across the city.

Does anyone not see the misdirected focus of her statement? Gun violence is not the real and actual problem — violence is. Quinn distracts people’s thought process away from individual and group criminal behavior to focus on guns. What about knives? Or baseball bats?

It is violence in general that is poisoning NYC communities. And the only way to address this root problem is to attack criminal behavior. Society must react in a positive way by taking off the legal shackles and blinders from police. Politicians must require prosecutions of violent criminals by denying plea bargains and instead requiring by statute longer prison sentences. If they are locked up, the criminals can’t hurt more good people.

What about the honest, law-abiding citizens who live in these crime-ridden communities? They must be unshackled as well. They have an absolute right to self defense. But NYC and New York state laws and regulations make it virtually impossible for the law-abiders to protect themselves from violent criminals. This situation has got to be turned around.

Recently, New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman claimed a “major court victory” as he defended the state’s requirement that anyone wishing to carry a concealed handgun in public must first obtain a special license to do so.

And while this “victory” places the issuance of such licenses at the whim of politically active judges who may not appreciate today’s increased need for personal self defense, it also flies in the face of two recent U.S. Supreme Court decisions that ruled that the Second Amendment gives all honest citizens the absolute right to keep and bear arms and states cannot prohibit or alter that right in any significant way.

The court decision that the AG is touting as a victory in reality shouts that individuals don’t have a constitutional right to carry a gun for self defense in public. Bearing arms is apparently not an individual right in New York despite the clear legal language found in the Heller and McDonald decisions stating that it is.

It is doubtful anyone would not agree that New York, both city and state, has a major problem with violence. But ignoring the criminal element within society while focusing on the tools used by those criminals is simply insanity.

New York officials should direct their efforts toward the real problem, which is a judicially coddled criminal element. If they want to reduce all violence, and not just “gun violence”, then the reality is that they have to lock the criminals away from society. There is no other answer to the problem of violence.

And the irony of this situation is that, by incarcerating criminals, the bureaucrats would indirectly yet significantly reduce gun violence, and knife violence, and baseball bat violence, and every other kind of violence that exists.

Did You Know:

+Sportsmen contribute nearly $8 million every day, adding more than $2.9 billion every year for conservation.

+Hunters and target shooters have paid $6.8 billion in excise taxes since the inception of the Pittman-Robertson Act in 1937.

+Hunting in America is big business, generating 600,000 jobs in the United States.

+For more than 80 years, sportsmen have paid more than $13.7 billion for on-the-ground projects in every state, protecting our natural environment and our fish and wildlife.

This Week’s Events:

16 - Reservation Deadline for the 9/24 - Whitetails Unlimited - Finger Lakes Chapter Hunters Night Out at the American Legion Hall, 71 Old Ithaca Road, Horseheads, NY. Support Local Conservation: 50% of all net proceeds will go directly back to your local area for conservation-related activities. Proceeds from this event will benefit Chemung County youth and habitat programs. (Cost: $45.00/Spouse $25.00/Junior (15 and under) $25.00)
16-17 – 12th Annual Convention & Rendezvous sponsored by the Oswego County Trappers’ Association at Camp Zerbe, Williamstown, NY. (For information call George Dubois 315-963-7779 or Bruce Hyde 315-591-3525)

17 - Start of Northern Zone Early Bear Season (>10/14)

17 – New York State Trapper Certification Course at the Collins Conservation Club, Conger Road, Collins, NY (8:00am – 5:00pm) You must Pre-register! (For information and preregister call Mike at 716-684-1120)

17 - East Aurora Fish & Game Youth Autumn Fish Derby (11:30 am – 1:00pm) (For information and preregister call Dave Barus, 716-597-4081)

17 - 2nd Annual Women Conquering Outdoor Adventures presented by the North Forest Rod & Gun Club’s Ladies Shoot ’N Hoot & NRA Women On Target at the Club, 6257 Old Niagara Road, Lockport, NY. (Registration 8:30 - 9:00/Welcome and safety talk 9:00 - 9:30/Session 1 9:45 - 11:00/Session 2 11:15 - 12:30/Trick Shooting Demonstration by 12:30 - 1:00/Lunch (Supplied)1:00 - 2:00/Session 3 2:15 - 3:30/Session 4 3:45 - 5:00/Wrap up, door prizes, basket raffles 5:00 - 6:00) You will choose 4 topics from: Air Pistol (Doug Boris) NF R&G Club/ Archery Recurve (Rich Evans) NYSDEC Certified Bow Instructor, NF R&G Club/Archery Crossbow (Chris Schots) Wilson Conservation Club/Authentic Outdoor Cooking (Rose Shaeffer) Newfane Historical Society/Fly Fishing (Jim Guidi) WNY Fly Fishing Instructor/Outdoor Digital Photography (Barbara Wenke) Professional Photographer/Introduction to Personal Protection (Jim Carr) Carr Personal Safety Consulting LLC/Basic Shotgun - Certified instructors of NF R&G Club/Gardening for Wildlife (Colleen Gaskill) NYS Certified Nursery & Landscape Professional/ Basic Rifle (Stan Noon) Certified Instructor - Lockport Conservation Club/Orienteering (Tom Parks) (Ed Grabowski)Trained Scout Masters with Boy Scouts of America Troop 40, Wrights Corners/Tomahawk/Knife Throwing (Allen Leaderhouse) / (Dave Lavery). Event space is limited to 100. RSVP by 9/1/11. (Cost: $60.00 preregistration) (For any questions or special needs contact either: Colleen Gaskill 716-439-1464 or Kathy Kristy 716-696-2434)

17 - NYS Trapper Education Class at the Northern Chautauqua Conservation Club, Mullett Street (1.5 miles West of Rte. 60 intersection), Dunkirk, NY (9:30 am – 6:00 pm) You may bring a lunch or food will be available to purchase. Class size is limited to 60 students. (To register and obtain more information call Gary at 716-366-3397 or Rich at 595-3917 after 1:00pm)

17 - 11th Annual Fall Festival at the Reinstein Woods Environmental Education Center, 93 Honorine Drive, Depew, NY (Town of Cheektowaga) (10:30 am) Reinstein Woods' biggest event of the year features interactive exhibits from WNY groups, crafts for kids, live animals, hands-on activities, K-9 demonstrations, music, food and more. (Donations accepted by Friends of Reinstein Nature Preserve.) (NO registration required; call 716-683-5959 www.dec.ny.gov/education/1837.html)

17 - Dave Wood Open Bass Tournament, Cayuta (Little) Lake (For more info call 607-535-7771 or email bassbutcher@localnet.com)

17 - Family Nature Experience: Living in Leaf Litter at the Beaver Lake Nature Center, 8477 East Mud Lake Road, Baldwinsville, NY (10:00 am) Join a naturalist to uncover the hidden world that lives beneath the fallen leaves. Participants will look under leaves, logs and in the dirt to discover how important this overlooked habitat is to a variety of cool critters. After the hike, a surprisingly, tasty mud treat will be enjoyed by all. This program is geared for children 6-12 years old accompanied by a parent or guardian. Older siblings are also welcome. (Cost: $7.00/child) (For information and to register call 315-638-2519 or email blnc@ongov.net)

17-18 - New York State Arms Collectors Assoc. Syracuse Gun Show at the , Center of Progress Bldg, NY State Fairgrounds, 581 State Fairgrounds Drive, Syracuse, NY (Sat 9:00 am - 5:00 pm/Sun 9:00 am - 3:00 pm) 1,000 Tables (Adm: $6.00 . under 12 w/adult free, Seniors $5.00 / Tables $60 (members) $70 (non-members), (For more info call Sandy Ackerman Klinger, 607-748-1010 between 1:00 pm - 6:00 pm weekdays)

17-18 – Sportsmen’s Festival at the Swain Ski Resort, 2275 Main Street, Swain, NY (9:00 am – 9:00 pm) Highlights for this festival include 3-D Wooded Archery Courses, Archery Competition, Hunting & Fishing Dealers, Speakers & Demonstrations, Novelty Competitions, Muzzleloader Competition, Trap Shooting, Kids Activities and ski lift rides to the top. (For information call 607-545-6511)

17-25 - Greater Niagara Fall Classic Derby (For more info call 877-FALLS US or go online to www.fishodyssey.net)

17-18/24-25 - Frontier Days "Shadows of the Old West" at Crocker Creek Buffalo Farm, 3145 Dutchtown Road, Endicott, NY (10:00 am - 4:00 pm all days) A living history event from the days of the buffalo. (For information call 607-786-0571 or go to http://www.angelfire.com/ny3/frontierdays)

17-25 - Greater Niagara “Fall Classic 2011 Fish Derby: A Fish Odyssey”. $10,000 in prizes, winners awarded at NYPA Wildlife Festival (For information call 877-FALLS-US or go to www.fishodyssey.net or www.outdoorsniagara.com)

18 - Allied Sportsman of WNY Swap Meet at 12846 Clinton Street, Alden, NY (7:00 am – 1:00 pm) (For information call 716-983-8544)

18 – Allied Sportsman of WNY 3-D Shoot at the Club, 12846 Clinton Street, Alden, NY (7:00 am – 1:00 pm) (For information call 716-983-8544)

18 - Wildlife Defenders Presentation at the Cumming Nature Center, 6472 Gulick Road, Naples, NY (1:00 - 4:00 pm) A wildlife education and conservation outreach group run by the program members of Bridges For Brain Injury, Inc., Wildlife Defenders is fully operational, licensed and USDA-approved. Its members visit schools and attend community events with their animal ambassadors to encourage environmental and wildlife conservation. The presenters also share their personal injury and rehabilitation stories, and emphasize the importance of safety and prevention practices—especially to school-aged children. (Cost: RMSC members free; General public $3/donation of $1.00 for program) (For information call 585-374-6160)

18 - The Vince O'Neil's Wild Mushrooms Festival at the Beaver Lake Nature Center, 8477 East Mud Lake Road, Baldwinsville, NY (1:00 – 4:00 pm) Join members of the Central New York Mycological Society for this afternoon program on wild mushrooms. Guided hikes through Beaver Lake’s woodlands in search of various species of mushrooms.are scheduled for 1 pm and 1:30 pm (each walk will be limited to the first 30 participants). On going activities include cooking demonstrations, how to grow your own mushrooms, making paper from mushroom and spore print demonstration. There will be contests, prizes and raffles. (For information and to register call 315-638-2519 or email blnc@ongov.net)

19 – Regristration deadline for 10/1 38th Annual Young Waterfowler’s Hunt at the Iroquois NWR, 1101 Casey Road, Basom, NY. Junior hunters between the ages of 12 and17 are eligible to participate. To pre-register you must complete and return a Lottery Application Form available from the refuge or its website. (For information call 585-948-5445 or email Iroquois@fws.gov)

20 - "A Fall Fishing The Tribs of Lakes Erie & Ontario" Seminar by Chuck Booker at the Gander Mtn Store, 880 Young Street, Tonawanda, NY(6:30 – 8:30 pm) (For information call 716-957-3566 or go to www.bigchinook1fishing.com)

21 & 23 - NYS Trapper Education Class at the Falconer Rod and Gun Club, Buffalo Street Ext., Falconer, NY (6:00 – 10:00 pm both sessions) You must register at the first class at 6:00pm! Be on time! Class size is limited to 40 students. You must attend both sessions. (For information call 716-665-3797 or email frgclub@live.com)

22 – National Wild Turkey Federation – Niagara Frontier Chapter Wheelin’ Sportsmen Event at the Elma Conservation Club, Elma, NY. Wheelin' Sportsmen gives people with disabilities the chance to experience the outdoors. Whether it's for the first time or a reintroduction into outdoor activities. (Contact: Al Gai 716-937-3271)

24 - National Hunting and Fishing Day

24 – Empire State Arms Collectors Association Gun Show at the Monroe County Fair and Expo Center, Rochester (Henrietta), NY (For more Information contact ESACA, PO Box 253, Avon, NY 14414)

24 -Dave Wood Open Bass Tournament, Waneta and Lamoka Lakes (For more info call 607-535-7771 or email bassbutcher@localnet.com)

24 - Erie County National Hunting and Fishing Day at the Elma Conservation Club. Fishing Derby, Outdoor Events, FREE, open to public. (For information call Rich Davenport, 716-510-7952)

25 - 3-D Archery Shoot at the Erie County Conservation Society, Chaffee, NY (8:00 am -1:00 pm) (For information call Greg Gattie 716-560-9613)

Until our next meeting in the Corner, have a great time in the outdoors. This is Ron Schroder for – “Your In on The Outdoors for Western New York.”

What are your thoughts? (Click Here)

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9-9-11

Welcome to this week’s Conservation Chatter Corner – little bits of happenings concerning our outdoors and you, the sportspeople who enjoy being part of that outdoors.

Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD): The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has confirmed that approximately 100 white-tailed deer found dead in the Town of Clarkstown, Rockland County, over the last two weeks were killed by Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD). EHD is a viral disease of white-tailed deer that is transmitted by the biting midge in the family Culicoides. The EHD virus does not infect humans and humans are not at risk by being bitten by the infected midge also known as a no-see-um or punkie.

EHD outbreaks do not have a significant impact on deer populations. Generally, EHD outbreaks occur in a specific geographic area and about half of the EHD infected deer may die in an outbreak. In the North, the first hard frost kills the midges that transmit the disease and the EHD outbreak ends.

Hunters should not handle or eat any deer that appears sick or acts strangely. DEC will continue to monitor the situation. Sightings of sick or dying deer should be reported to the nearest DEC Regional Office or to an Environmental Conservation Officer. For more information on EHD and helpful related links, visit the DEC website directly at http://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/39767.html.

Bear Research: Over the past year, DEC and Dr. Angela Fuller, Assistant Leader of the New York Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit at Cornell University, have begun two black bear research projects in south-central New York. The projects will provide information on black bear populations that will assist in developing effective management strategies for this expanding population. Specifically, the projects will generate an estimate of how many bears exist in the study area and will provide an understanding of where bears spend time and how they move through landscapes. This will help DEC predict where bears may continue to expand their range and where human-bear interactions may occur in the future.
With one field season now complete, DEC recently received the following update on the research progress.
The study area (1,013 mi2) encompasses portions of Steuben, Allegany, and Livingston Counties. Beginning in May, 2011 the research team has been collecting hair samples from black bears using barbed wire corrals along with trapping and tagging black bears. The team will use genetic techniques to identify individual bears from the hairs collected from the barbed wire. The tagged bears are being tracked using radiocollars that send the researchers hourly text messages with a GPS location of the bear. The research team captured 42 black bears (25 males, 14 females, 3 cubs) and fitted 20 bears (11 adult males, 5 adult females, and 4 yearling females) with radiocollars. Over the course of 10 weeks, they deployed 223 barbed wire corrals and collected hair samples at 115 sites. The research was conducted on both public and private lands, including 154 private landowners, 26 state lands, parks, and county forests. The researchers are extremely grateful to the 154 private landowners, who have participated in the research by allowing access to their lands.

Wild Hog Update: Wildlife officials in New York may ban captive boar hunts as they try to curb a growing feral hog population before it gets as bad as it is in Southern states, where roaming droves have devastated crops and wildlife habitat with their rooting, wallowing and voracious foraging. Feral swine are breeding in three counties in central New York, according to a federal study done last year with funding from New York's Invasive Species Council. The wild population statewide is likely in the hundreds , said Gordon Batcheller, head of the state Department of Environmental Conservation's Bureau of Wildlife.

Eurasian wild boars have become popular on private hunting ranches throughout the U.S. in recent years as an addition to deer and elk. Ranch owners deny they're the source of the free-roaming pigs.

Wild pigs are intelligent and adaptable, eating almost anything and able to live in a wide range of habitats. They dig up cropland and lawns. They damage ecosystems by rooting and digging for food and devouring roots, stems, leaves, fruit, nuts, bark, bird eggs, mice, snakes and fawns. They compete with native wildlife for food such as acorns, carry diseases that can be transferred to wildlife, and destroy wetlands with their wallowing. Feral swine multiply rapidly, with sows producing several litters a year of four to six piglets, so as with any invasive species, it's crucial to mount aggressive eradication efforts before the population is widely established, Batcheller said. They're also wily and secretive, and become even more so when people try to shoot or trap them.

New York trapped and removed 44 feral swine in Cortland and Onondaga counties in 2008 and 2009, but that effort ended when the state's budget got tight. Now authorities are working to build public awareness of the problem and encourage people to report sightings, as well as urging hunters with small-game licenses to shoot them, any time of year.

The boars are seen as a scourge for livestock, too. USDA wildlife biologist Justin Gansowski traps feral swine in New York and tests them for diseases that can be transmitted to domestic livestock. Several have tested positive for pseudorabies, a viral disease that's not fatal to humans but can sicken dogs, cats, goats and cattle.

While deer are hunted from September through January, when they have nice racks of antlers, boar provide an exciting hunt and tasty meat year round, making them popular with hunters and valuable to preserve operators, he said.

Pre-season Deer Tips: Now is a great time to “unique” your bucks. You can do it by long range binocular scouting or better yet with scouting cameras. Make a list of the bucks you are seeing and give them each a name or some other identifier to keep them separate. Keep a photo of each buck (or at least an accurate description) with his name and date when you “got him”.

This is an important step to help you understand not only what you have on your property but which bucks have made it through last winter. Keeping bucks “to home” is an important management skill especially with small properties in hunter dense locations.

The list you develop now will be added to as the year goes on. We generally are able to “unique” about 50% of our total “unique buck list” this time of year. We generally see an additional influx of older age bucks around late October and a few stragglers after that.

We also see some of our better bucks “disappear” sometime in the next few weeks. We believe this is caused by them discovering that there are bigger and badder boys in the woods and they had best move on if they are going to be a dominant buck.

If you don’t see many bucks on your first count, don’t get all depressed. We are still in summer feeding mode with bucks all grouped up and some properties just don’t seem to be all that attractive to bachelor bucks. They will break up and you should see an influx of bucks starting in a few weeks

“Uniquing” bucks is a lot of fun and can tell you a bunch about your management program. The goal of most programs is more bucks and more age and keeping as many of these bucks on your property as possible.

Remember every time you pull film or stake out a bean field you are announcing your presence to some deer in the area. Do it too much and the older deer will start getting scarce. Pulling film mid-day helps some but go as easy as your excitement will allow.

Same goes for checking stands, cutting shooting lanes, and looking for rubs and scrapes. They will be there in the same old places so try to keep out of the woods as much as possible as the season approaches. If you are hunting new ground, now is your last chance to get set up for the season. Try to do it with as little disturbance as possible.

Most of our bucks peel their velvet sometime around Labor Day. You should be seeing some hard horned bucks now, some still in velvet and some in between.

(Dougherty Pre-Season Tune Up – North Country Whitetails - sharon@northcountrywhitetails.com)

This Week’s Events:

9/10 - New York State Trapper Certification Course at the Canisteo Rod and Gun Club, 550 Bakers Gulch Rd., Canisteo, NY (6:00 - 9:00 pm/8:00 - done)You must attend both sessions. You must Pre-register! (For information and preregister call call 607-776-5958 daily before 9:00pm and leave your name and phone number)

9-10 - 15th Annual Montezuma Muckrace at the Montezuma Wetlands complex. (7:00 pm - 7:00 pm) The Muckrace is a 24-hour birding competition that raises money for bird conservation within the wetlands complex at the northern end of Cayuga Lake in Seneca, Wayne, and Cayuga Counties. Mid-September is a great time to be birding at the Montezuma Wetlands Complex, one of New York's most exciting birding destinations. The Complex is a designated Important Bird Area by Audubon New York, and supports a million or more waterfowl of at least 30 species, thousands of inland migrating shorebirds, tens of thousands of swallows, and many endangered species including Black Tern and Bald Eagle. The 242 square mile Montezuma Focus Area, which was highlighted under the North American Waterfowl Management Plan as critical migratory bird habitat, serves as the boundary for the Muckrace. (Contacts: Andrea VanBeusichem at 315-568-5987 or Andrea_VanBeusichem@fws.gov and Frank Moses at 315-365-3380 or fmoses@audubon.org)

10 – Forestry Management Hike led by Scott Graham and members of Finger Lakes Land Trust through the Morse Conservation Club property in South Bristol, NY (10:00 am) Learn how to manage land for timber quality deer habitat and recreation. (For information and to register call 607-275-9487 or go to www.fllt.org)

10 - Wildlife in Disquise at the Reinstein Woods Environmental Education Center, 93 Honorine Drive, Depew, NY (Town of Cheektowaga) (10:30 am) Search for camouflaged creatures on this guided walk in the woods. (Registration required; call 716-683-5959 www.dec.ny.gov/education/1837.html)

10 - Kids' Fishing Derby sponsored by the Broome County Federation of Sportsmen's Clubs & Broome County Parks & Rec. Department at Cole Park, Harpursville, NY (10:00 am - 2:00pm) (For more information call Bill Holmes 607-797-6670)

10 - Nature of Montezuma Lecture - Deer Impacts on Northeastern Forests by U.S. Forest Service Botanist, Tom Rawinski at the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, 3395 US Route 20 East, Seneca Falls, NY (2:00 pm) Understanding deer impacts requires “detective work” and close scrutiny of vegetation over time. Observe, observe, observe, and ultimately perceive that deer impacts will vary with space and time, and among plant species in relation to the size of the deer herd. Learn more about how deer are affecting our forests at September 10’s lecture – a fascinating tale, illustrated with many pictures of Tom’s work on the ground. 9Cost: Free to ' Friends'; $5 for adult non-members; $3 for students and seniors non-members) (For information contact Chris Lajewski at the Montezuma Audubon Center, 315/365-3580, or Andrea VanBeusichem at the Montezuma NWR, 315/568-5987 ext. 228)
10 - Geocaching for Families at the Genesee County Park & Forest Interpretive Nature Center, 11095 Bethany Center Rd., E. Bethany, NY (10:00 am - 12:30 pm) Geocaching is a treasure hunt using handheld GPS units. Learn to use a GPS unit and find hidden caches placed throughout Genesee County Park & Forest. GPS units will be provided for the program. (Cost: $10.00) (For more information and to register, call 585-344-1122 or email jspring.geneseeconsed@yahoo.com)

11 - NWTF - Southern Tier Chapter JAKES Field Day Event at Insight Archery, 73 Griswold Street, Binghamton, NY. Porter Wagoner/JAKES Field Day events introduce young people to the joy of the outdoors. Let your child experience the outdoors through supervised, hands-on activities at an event near you. (For information and preregister contact Paul Litynski 607-754-5058 pglitynski@stny.rr.com)

15 - Application Deadline for Waterfowl Hunting Permits for Opening Weekend (10-22/23-11) of Duck Season at Oak Orchard and Tonawanda Wildlife Management Areas. Opening weekend waterfowl hunting permits for the two Wildlife Management Areas will be distributed by a random lottery. For each of the two days, DEC will issue 100 permits for Tonawanda Wildlife Management Area and 50 permits for Oak Orchard Wildlife Management Area. Hunters must choose from four options: Oak Orchard first Saturday; Oak Orchard first Sunday; Tonawanda first Saturday; and Tonawanda first Sunday. To apply for the lottery, hunters must send in a postcard with their name, address and their first three choices, in order of preference, clearly indicated. Applicants must also have completed a Waterfowl Identification Course, and their course certificate number must be indicated on the postcard. Applications must be mailed to the New York State Bureau of Wildlife, 1101 Casey Road, Box B, Basom, New York 14013. Each permittee will be allowed to bring one companion over the age of 18 and an additional companion 18 years old or younger.

15 - Application Deadline for Iroquois NWR Special Waterfowl Hunting Permits. (4:00 pm) Reservations are required for opening day of the New York State regular waterfowl season (Saturday, October 22), and the following Saturday, (October 29). These dates are tentative pending approval of the recommended waterfowl hunting season. Interested hunters must complete the Waterfowl Lottery Application Form and return it to the refuge office at 1101 Casey Road, Basom, NY 14013-9730 by the deadline. Application forms can be requested by mail, by phone, in person or email at iroquois@fws.gov. A PDF version of the form may also be downloaded and printed from the web: http://www.fws.gov/forms/3-2355.pdf or by following a link on the refuge website http://www.fws.gov/northeast/iroquois. Those selected will be notified by mail. The number of permits issued will be dependant on water levels in the hunt area. Reservations are non-transferable. (For further information call the Iroquois NWR at 585- 948-5445)

16 - Reservation Deadline for the 9/24 - Whitetails Unlimited - Finger Lakes Chapter Hunters Night Out at the American Legion Hall, 71 Old Ithaca Road, Horseheads, NY. Support Local Conservation: 50% of all net proceeds will go directly back to your local area for conservation-related activities. Proceeds from this event will benefit Chemung County youth and habitat programs. (Cost: $45.00/Spouse $25.00/Junior (15 and under) $25.00)
16-17 – 12th Annual Convention & Rendezvous sponsored by the Oswego County Trappers’ Association at Camp Zerbe, Williamstown, NY. (For information call George Dubois 315-963-7779 or Bruce Hyde 315-591-3525)

17 - Start of Northern Zone Early Bear Season (>10/14)

17 – New York State Trapper Certification Course at the Collins Conservation Club, Conger Road, Collins, NY (8:00am – 5:00pm) You must Pre-register! (For information and preregister call Mike at 716-684-1120)

17 - East Aurora Fish & Game Youth Autumn Fish Derby (11:30 am – 1:00pm) (For information and preregister call Dave Barus, 716-597-4081)

17 - 2nd Annual Women Conquering Outdoor Adventures presented by the North Forest Rod & Gun Club’s Ladies Shoot ’N Hoot & NRA Women On Target at the Club, 6257 Old Niagara Road, Lockport, NY. (Registration 8:30 - 9:00/Welcome and safety talk 9:00 - 9:30/Session 1 9:45 - 11:00/Session 2 11:15 - 12:30/Trick Shooting Demonstration by 12:30 - 1:00/Lunch (Supplied)1:00 - 2:00/Session 3 2:15 - 3:30/Session 4 3:45 - 5:00/Wrap up, door prizes, basket raffles 5:00 - 6:00) You will choose 4 topics from: Air Pistol (Doug Boris) NF R&G Club/ Archery Recurve (Rich Evans) NYSDEC Certified Bow Instructor, NF R&G Club/Archery Crossbow (Chris Schots) Wilson Conservation Club/Authentic Outdoor Cooking (Rose Shaeffer) Newfane Historical Society/Fly Fishing (Jim Guidi) WNY Fly Fishing Instructor/Outdoor Digital Photography (Barbara Wenke) Professional Photographer/Introduction to Personal Protection (Jim Carr) Carr Personal Safety Consulting LLC/Basic Shotgun - Certified instructors of NF R&G Club/Gardening for Wildlife (Colleen Gaskill) NYS Certified Nursery & Landscape Professional/ Basic Rifle (Stan Noon) Certified Instructor - Lockport Conservation Club/Orienteering (Tom Parks) (Ed Grabowski)Trained Scout Masters with Boy Scouts of America Troop 40, Wrights Corners/Tomahawk/Knife Throwing (Allen Leaderhouse) / (Dave Lavery). Event space is limited to 100. RSVP by 9/1/11. (Cost: $60.00 preregistration) (For any questions or special needs contact either: Colleen Gaskill 716-439-1464 or Kathy Kristy 716-696-2434)

17 - NYS Trapper Education Class at the Northern Chautauqua Conservation Club, Mullett Street (1.5 miles West of Rte. 60 intersection), Dunkirk, NY (9:30 am – 6:00 pm) You may bring a lunch or food will be available to purchase. Class size is limited to 60 students. (To register and obtain more information call Gary at 716-366-3397 or Rich at 595-3917 after 1:00pm)

17 - 11th Annual Fall Festival at the Reinstein Woods Environmental Education Center, 93 Honorine Drive, Depew, NY (Town of Cheektowaga) (10:30 am) Reinstein Woods' biggest event of the year features interactive exhibits from WNY groups, crafts for kids, live animals, hands-on activities, K-9 demonstrations, music, food and more. (Donations accepted by Friends of Reinstein Nature Preserve.) (NO registration required; call 716-683-5959 www.dec.ny.gov/education/1837.html)

17 - Dave Wood Open Bass Tournament, Cayuta (Little) Lake (For more info call 607-535-7771 or email bassbutcher@localnet.com)

17 - Family Nature Experience: Living in Leaf Litter at the Beaver Lake Nature Center, 8477 East Mud Lake Road, Baldwinsville, NY (10:00 am) Join a naturalist to uncover the hidden world that lives beneath the fallen leaves. Participants will look under leaves, logs and in the dirt to discover how important this overlooked habitat is to a variety of cool critters. After the hike, a surprisingly, tasty mud treat will be enjoyed by all. This program is geared for children 6-12 years old accompanied by a parent or guardian. Older siblings are also welcome. (Cost: $7.00/child) (For information and to register call 315-638-2519 or email blnc@ongov.net)

17-18 - New York State Arms Collectors Assoc. Syracuse Gun Show at the , Center of Progress Bldg, NY State Fairgrounds, 581 State Fairgrounds Drive, Syracuse, NY (Sat 9:00 am - 5:00 pm/Sun 9:00 am - 3:00 pm) 1,000 Tables (Adm: $6.00 . under 12 w/adult free, Seniors $5.00 / Tables $60 (members) $70 (non-members), (For more info call Sandy Ackerman Klinger, 607-748-1010 between 1:00 pm - 6:00 pm weekdays)

17-18 – Sportsmen’s Festival at the Swain Ski Resort, 2275 Main Street, Swain, NY (9:00 am – 9:00 pm) Highlights for this festival include 3-D Wooded Archery Courses, Archery Competition, Hunting & Fishing Dealers, Speakers & Demonstrations, Novelty Competitions, Muzzleloader Competition, Trap Shooting, Kids Activities and ski lift rides to the top. (For information call 607-545-6511)

17-25 - Greater Niagara Fall Classic Derby (For more info call 877-FALLS US or go online to www.fishodyssey.net)

17-18/24-25 - Frontier Days "Shadows of the Old West" at Crocker Creek Buffalo Farm, 3145 Dutchtown Road, Endicott, NY (10:00 am - 4:00 pm all days) A living history event from the days of the buffalo. (For information call 607-786-0571 or go to http://www.angelfire.com/ny3/frontierdays)

17-25 - Greater Niagara “Fall Classic 2011 Fish Derby: A Fish Odyssey”. $10,000 in prizes, winners awarded at NYPA Wildlife Festival (For information call 877-FALLS-US or go to www.fishodyssey.net or www.outdoorsniagara.com)

18 - Allied Sportsman of WNY Swap Meet at 12846 Clinton Street, Alden, NY (7:00 am – 1:00 pm) (For information call 716-983-8544)

18 – Allied Sportsman of WNY 3-D Shoot at the Club, 12846 Clinton Street, Alden, NY (7:00 am – 1:00 pm) (For information call 716-983-8544)

18 - Wildlife Defenders Presentation at the Cumming Nature Center, 6472 Gulick Road, Naples, NY (1:00 - 4:00 pm) A wildlife education and conservation outreach group run by the program members of Bridges For Brain Injury, Inc., Wildlife Defenders is fully operational, licensed and USDA-approved. Its members visit schools and attend community events with their animal ambassadors to encourage environmental and wildlife conservation. The presenters also share their personal injury and rehabilitation stories, and emphasize the importance of safety and prevention practices—especially to school-aged children. (Cost: RMSC members free; General public $3/donation of $1.00 for program) (For information call 585-374-6160)

18 - The Vince O'Neil's Wild Mushrooms Festival at the Beaver Lake Nature Center, 8477 East Mud Lake Road, Baldwinsville, NY (1:00 – 4:00 pm) Join members of the Central New York Mycological Society for this afternoon program on wild mushrooms. Guided hikes through Beaver Lake’s woodlands in search of various species of mushrooms.are scheduled for 1 pm and 1:30 pm (each walk will be limited to the first 30 participants). On going activities include cooking demonstrations, how to grow your own mushrooms, making paper from mushroom and spore print demonstration. There will be contests, prizes and raffles. (For information and to register call 315-638-2519 or email blnc@ongov.net)

Until our next meeting in the Corner, have a great time in the outdoors. This is Ron Schroder for – “Your In on The Outdoors for Western New York.”

What are your thoughts? (Click Here)

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9-2-11

Welcome to this week’s Conservation Chatter Corner - little bits of happenings concerning our outdoors and you, the sportspeople who enjoy being part of that outdoors.

Big Game Law Changes: The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced recent changes to laws affecting big game hunting this year in Cortland County and in parts of Delaware, Sullivan and Ulster counties. These bills were signed into law in mid-August, therefore, they are not included in the hardcopy version of the 2011-2012 New York Hunting & Trapping Regulations Guide, but are reflected on the DEC website (www.dec.ny.gov) and in the electronic version of the hunting guide (www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/37136.html.)

Specifically, hunters in Cortland County should be aware that the new law allows the use of rifles for big game hunting in Cortland County, but does not allow the use of crossbows in this county during the regular big game season. However, crossbows may be used in Cortland County during the late muzzleloader season. (See www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/35010.html for a map of where rifles, shotguns, vertical bows and crossbows can be used for big game hunting and www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/68802.html for details about hunting with crossbows and the required Certificate of Qualification.) Separate legislation authorizing the use of rifles for big game hunting in Wyoming County and in the portion of Chautauqua County south of Route 20 also allows the use of crossbows during the regular big game season and late muzzleloader season in those counties.

Hydrilla Spotted in Cayuga Inlet: Hydrilla, also known as Water Thyme, is a submersed plant. It can grow to the surface and form dense mats and it has been identified at ten locations in the Cayuga Inlet area of Cayuga Lake. There is only one species of Hydrilla in the world which originated in southern India. It now occurs throughout most of the world. Reproduction is mainly by regrowth of stem fragments but it also reproduces by growth of axillary buds(turions) and subterranean tubers. It’s the regrowth of the stem fragments that poses the biggest threat to Cayuga and the other Finger Lakes. To learn more about this local situation go to http://www.9wsyr.com/mostpopular/story/Hydrilla-spotted-in-Cayuga-Inlet-first-time-in-CNY/jNLHkKK6iUK7fUzHIJt4rg.cspx

Federal Excise Taxes: An analysis conducted by Southwick Associates and Andrew Loftus Consulting for the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies found that federal excise taxes collected on the sale of hunting and shooting equipment represented an approximate 1,100 percent annual return on investment (ROI) to manufacturers between 1970 to 2006 and taxes collected on sport fishing equipment generated a striking annual ROI of 2,157 percent between 1955 and 2006.

The ROIs in the new report “The Benefits to Business from Hunting and Fishing Excise Taxes” were determined by comparing the amount of excise taxes collected annually to the amount of purchases made annually by sportsmen during the respective time frames. By law, the excise taxes only can be used to maintain fish and wildlife populations, provide public access and support programs that directly benefit hunters, shooting sports enthusiasts and anglers.

On average, the hunting- and shooting sports-related industry paid $251 million in excise taxes, but made $3.1 billion in revenue through sportsmen purchases each year from 1970 to 2006. From 1955 to 2006, the sport fishing industry on average contributed $110 million in annual tax payments/import duties, but generated $2.3 billion in annual taxable equipment sales.

The excise taxes are collected quarterly from outdoor industry manufacturers and importers for sales on items such as fishing lures, rods and reels, firearms, ammunition and other products. Hunting-, shooting- and fishing-related taxes are collected under the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act and Sport Fish Restoration Act respectively.

Funding is then apportioned to state and territorial fish and wildlife agencies based on land area and state fishing and hunting license sales. Agencies combine these funds with the license revenues to conserve fish and wildlife and their habitats and create recreational and educational opportunities. In 2009 alone, more than $740 million was made available to states and territories in addition to the nearly $1.4 billion total paid by hunters and anglers in license fees. “Outdoor activities like hunting and fishing have shaped who we are as Americans and they are important traditions that must be preserved. In order to do so, conservation and wildlife management must be among our top priorities as sportsmen and women,” said Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus Co-Chair U.S. Congressman Mike Ross, D-Ark. “The revenue from these excise taxes helps fund conservation and wildlife management efforts in a fiscally responsible way. Ultimately, the value and opportunities created by improved habitat and more robust fish and wildlife populations bring more sportsmen and women into the fold, which in turn spurs more revenue and keeps the cycle of investment strong.”

According to the ROI study, outdoor industry excise taxes have helped to improve fishing in the Great Lakes from nearly nonexistent in the 1950s to world class for salmon, trout, walleye and yellow perch; generating more than $2 billion in retail sales and supporting more than 58,000 jobs.

The report concludes that a decrease or elimination of outdoor industry excise tax funding would reduce long-term investment into the foundation of the sport-fishing and hunting—fish and game populations, public access and recruitment of future customers. Such a circumstance would, in turn, cause a downward spiral in participation, which would further diminish consumer spending on the equipment produced by manufacturers. “The Benefits to Business from Hunting and Fishing Excise Taxes” report along with full reports that include technical details, are available for free at www.SouthwickAssociates.com/excisetaxROI.

Contact: Rob Southwick, rob@southwickassociates.com, 904-277-9765

Did You Know?? From John Adamski

I took this image at sunset last Friday evening from the deck of friends who live on the west branch of Keuka Lake--the only one of New York's eleven Finger Lakes that is shaped like a "Y". In its early days of settlement it was known as Crooked Lake because of its unusual shape.
In the language of the Iroquois, Keuka means "canoe landing" and translates from the Seneca language as "lake with an elbow".

Keuka Lake is almost 20 miles long and is unique because it is the only Finger Lake to empty into another. Its outlet at Penn Yan in the east branch drops 270 feet over its 8-mile course before spilling into Seneca Lake at Dresden. Its two major inlets are Sugar Creek at Branchport in the west branch and Cold Brook at Hammondsport at the south end of the lake. Bluff Point separates the two northern branches and rises 800 feet above the surface of the lake.

Keuka varies from a half-mile to two miles wide. It is 186 feet deep and is home to healthy populations of lake trout, brown trout, rainbow trout, landlocked salmon, largemouth and smallmouth bass, and sizable yellow perch. The productive fishery is supported by huge numbers of baitfish and is a very popular lake with area fishermen.

This Week’s Events:

SEPTEMBER 2011

1-3 - New York State Trappers Association Convention & Sportsman’s Show 2011 at the Herkimer County Fairgrounds, Frankfort, NY. There will be trapping and outdoor demonstrations starting Thursday at noon and continuing throughout the weekend.. Check the NYSTA website (www.nystrappers.org/conventions) for full details. (For more information contact Wayne Jones 315-768-8115 Iluvny2@roadrunner.com)

3 - Dave Wood Open Bass Tournament, Keuka Lake (For more info call 607-535-7771 or email bassbutcher@localnet.com)

3 - Fall Fruits and Flowers at the Reinstein Woods Environmental Education Center, 93 Honorine Drive, Depew, NY (Town of Cheektowaga) (10:30 am) Discover the bounty of the fall season on a guided walk in the woods. (Registration required; call 716-683-5959 www.dec.ny.gov/education/1837.html)

9/10 - New York State Trapper Certification Course at the Canisteo Rod and Gun Club, 550 Bakers Gulch Rd., Canisteo, NY (6:00 - 9:00 pm/8:00 - done)You must attend both sessions. You must Pre-register! (For information and preregister call call 607-776-5958 daily before 9:00pm and leave your name and phone number)

9-10 - 15th Annual Montezuma Muckrace at the Montezuma Wetlands complex. (7:00 pm - 7:00 pm) The Muckrace is a 24-hour birding competition that raises money for bird conservation within the wetlands complex at the northern end of Cayuga Lake in Seneca, Wayne, and Cayuga Counties. Mid-September is a great time to be birding at the Montezuma Wetlands Complex, one of New York's most exciting birding destinations. The Complex is a designated Important Bird Area by Audubon New York, and supports a million or more waterfowl of at least 30 species, thousands of inland migrating shorebirds, tens of thousands of swallows, and many endangered species including Black Tern and Bald Eagle. The 242 square mile Montezuma Focus Area, which was highlighted under the North American Waterfowl Management Plan as critical migratory bird habitat, serves as the boundary for the Muckrace. (Contacts: Andrea VanBeusichem at 315-568-5987 or Andrea_VanBeusichem@fws.gov and Frank Moses at 315-365-3380 or fmoses@audubon.org)

10 - Wildlife in Disquise at the Reinstein Woods Environmental Education Center, 93 Honorine Drive, Depew, NY (Town of Cheektowaga) (10:30 am) Search for camouflaged creatures on this guided walk in the woods. (Registration required; call 716-683-5959 www.dec.ny.gov/education/1837.html)

10 - Kids' Fishing Derby sponsored by the Broome County Federation of Sportsmen's Clubs & Broome County Parks & Rec. Department at Cole Park, Harpursville, NY (10:00 am - 2:00pm) (For more information call Bill Holmes 607-797-6670)

10 - Nature of Montezuma Lecture - Deer Impacts on Northeastern Forests by U.S. Forest Service Botanist, Tom Rawinski at the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, 3395 US Route 20 East, Seneca Falls, NY (2:00 pm) Understanding deer impacts requires “detective work” and close scrutiny of vegetation over time. Observe, observe, observe, and ultimately perceive that deer impacts will vary with space and time, and among plant species in relation to the size of the deer herd. Learn more about how deer are affecting our forests at September 10’s lecture – a fascinating tale, illustrated with many pictures of Tom’s work on the ground. 9Cost: Free to ' Friends'; $5 for adult non-members; $3 for students and seniors non-members) (For information contact Chris Lajewski at the Montezuma Audubon Center, 315/365-3580, or Andrea VanBeusichem at the Montezuma NWR, 315/568-5987 ext. 228)
10 - Geocaching for Families at the Genesee County Park & Forest Interpretive Nature Center, 11095 Bethany Center Rd., E. Bethany, NY (10:00 am - 12:30 pm) Geocaching is a treasure hunt using handheld GPS units. Learn to use a GPS unit and find hidden caches placed throughout Genesee County Park & Forest. GPS units will be provided for the program. (Cost: $10.00) (For more information and to register, call 585-344-1122 or email jspring.geneseeconsed@yahoo.com)

11 - NWTF - Southern Tier Chapter JAKES Field Day Event at Insight Archery, 73 Griswold Street, Binghamton, NY. Porter Wagoner/JAKES Field Day events introduce young people to the joy of the outdoors. Let your child experience the outdoors through supervised, hands-on activities at an event near you. (For information and preregister contact Paul Litynski 607-754-5058 pglitynski@stny.rr.com)

Until our next meeting in the Corner, have a great time in the outdoors. This is Ron Schroder for Your In on The Outdoors for Western New York.

What are your thoughts? (Click Here)

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8-26-11

Welcome to this week's Conservation Chatter Corner, little bits of happenings concerning our outdoors and you, the sportspeople who enjoy being part of that outdoors.

Congratulations: Congratulations go out to the twelve 12-14 year old young outdoors people
who completed the Montezuma Audubon Center’s 1st Annual Youth Sportsman Week. Throughout the five day program, participants successfully acquired their Hunter Education, Bow Hunting, and Waterfowl Identification Certificates.
"We designed the week for kids to have fun in the summer while becoming more connected to the conservation value of hunting," said Audubon Teacher-Naturalist Frank Morehouse who is also a certified NYSDEC Hunter Education Instructor. "The kids not only got to go home with their certificates, but they also left with a heightened appreciation of the Montezuma Wetlands Complex and its importance to both game and non-game wildlife".
"This is just one piece of our initiative to connect young sportsman to hunting=s role in conservation," said Montezuma Audubon Center Frank Moses. "The decline of hunting is a major threat to our mission in protecting and enhancing habitat for birds and other wildlife," mentioned Moses. "Sportsman contribute much needed resources toward habitat whether it=s through taxes on firearms, purchasing duck stamps, or through donations to conservation groups."
Bass Pro Shops of Auburn, NY has been the Center's top sportsman sponsor in addition to some support from other sponsors like Tarjac of Waterloo, NY. "These programs for youth are important for the future of outdoor sports and conservation," said Bass Pro of Auburn General Manager James King. "Instilling stewardship into the next generation through hunting is one of the best investments we can make."
The Montezuma Audubon Center has been hosting Hunter Education courses since it was built in 2006 and also will be holding the 4th Annual Robert DeRoo Memorial Youth Conservation Dinner and Hunt on October 7th & 8th. Also, in the afternoon of the eighth, Ducks Unlimited will be hosting a AFamily Hunter's Party at the Center.
Along with Ducks Unlimited, other partners supporting the Center=s sportsman initiative are the NYSDEC, the Wayne County Federation of Sportsmen's Clubs, and volunteers from the Friends of the Montezuma Wetlands Complex.

Asian Clams Enter Finger Lakes: ALBANY — Dive teams that spread underwater mats to smother invasive Asian clams in an Adirondack lake this spring are now sifting the sandy bottom of a lake in New York's Finger Lakes wine country to determine how widely the water-befouling mollusks have spread there. An interim report released last week on a $475,000 effort to eradicate Asian clams in Lake George said mats spread on five acres of lake bottom have killed more than 97 percent of the clams. But it recommended additional work, such as suction harvesting. A plan also is being developed to eradicate a new five-acre colony of Asian clams discovered last month in another bay of 32-mile-long Lake George, where the clear, cold water, sandy beaches and mountain scenery have long made it popular for vacations and second homes. Albany-based InnerSpace Scientific Diving, which is involved in the Lake George clam project, is now working to determine the extent of an infestation in Owasco Lake, about 25 miles southwest of Syracuse. Divers plot their findings on a map, using GPS to pinpoint the location of clams. Populations also have been discovered in Cayuga and Seneca lakes. Steve Resler, owner of InnerSpace, said Sunday that it looks like the clams are established on about 10 to 15 acres of Owasco Lake. The good news is that the water is only 6 feet deep or less where the clams are, making it possible to freeze the mollusks by lowering the lake level a few feet more than it's usually lowered next winter, he said. "If they lower it six feet, that will kill most if not all of the clams," said Dan Marelli of Scientific Diving International, who's working with Resler on both lakes. Bruce Natale, an engineer with the Cayuga County Water Quality Management Agency, said he's looking into that option. The Asian clam, Corbicula fluminea, is known as the "golden clam" in the aquarium trade and the "good luck clam" in its native southeast Asia, where it is used in traditional medicine as a liver tonic. The thumbnail-size clams multiply rapidly because of their ability to self-fertilize and release up to 2,000 juveniles a day during breeding seasons in May and August. Infestations of the clams usually occur when someone dumps a bait bucket or aquarium into a body of water. The Owasco Watershed Network has asked lakeshore residents not to use Asian clams for bait or keep them in outdoor water gardens, and to notify the network if they find the clams. The mollusk's excretions feed algal blooms and the sharp shells from dead clams wash up on beaches in large numbers. In Lake Tahoe, where a $1.4 million eradication effort was launched last summer, they have been blamed for algal blooms that have turned clear, blue bays a murky green. In April, divers unrolled 825 50-foot-long plastic mats to cover the bottom of a five-acre bay of Lake George where the clams were discovered last fall. In June, about 100 of the mats were removed from beach areas in front of resorts. The other 725 mats will remain until fall. Sandra Nierzwicki-Bauer, director of the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Darrin Fresh Water Institute on Lake George, said last week that more than 97 percent of clams were dead in areas where mats had been removed. An additional $200,000 to $400,000 will be needed to finish work and pay for suctioning clams out of areas where mats can't be used. (Written by Mary Esch, The Associated Press )

Updated Reporting Requirements for Boats Entering Canada: ONTARIO – While the law has not changed, the Canada Border Services Agency says it has modernized its reporting requirements for pleasure craft entering Canadian waters, in an effort to make it easier for private boaters to comply with reporting requirements. All recreational boaters are required to present themselves upon their arrival in Canada as per the Customs Act and Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. This includes all foreign boaters entering Canada, as well as private boaters who depart Canada and enter foreign waters, and subsequently return to Canada. However, certain private boaters may now present themselves to the CBSA by calling the Telephone Reporting Centre (TRC) from their cellular telephones from the location at which they enter Canadian waters. The following groups of individuals may report by cellular phone:
— Canadian citizens and permanent residents who have not landed on U.S. soil; and
— U.S. citizens and permanent residents who do not plan on landing on Canadian soil.
Owners/operators of private boats that are strictly weaving in and out of Canadian waters, but are not in transit, will be required to call the center only once, at the time of their initial entry into Canadian waters.
All other private boaters, including those without cell phones, must proceed directly to a designated marine telephone-reporting site and place a call to the center to get Border Services Agency clearance. That includes all vessels carrying foreign nationals (other than U.S. citizens or permanent residents).
Failure to report could result in detention, seizure or forfeiture of the vessel and/or monetary penalties, the agency said. The minimum fine for failing to report to the Border Services Agency upon entry to Canada is a $1000 fine.

Deer Confirmed as Source of Strawberry E. coli Outbreak: Lab tests confirmed that deer feces found in strawberry fields in Oregon were the source of E. coli 0157:H7 infections that killed one person and sickened at least 14 others, Oregon Public Health Division officials confirmed Wednesday.
"There were six samples that positively matched the E. coli that was found in the people who were infected," said Dr. Katrina Hedberg, Oregon Public Health state epidemiologist.
Wild animals and livestock (pastured livestock, as well as those in concentrated animal feeding operations) can carry harmful E. coli and shed it in their excrement. And deer have been identified as the source of previous illness clusters. In 1995, the outbreak strain of E. coli associated with venison jerky was found in deer feces. Deer droppings were also the likely source of the E. coli O157:H7 found in unpasteurized Odwalla apple juice in 1996.
Berries from the affected fields in Newberg, Oregon were grown by Jaquith Strawberry Farm. Jaquith sold some of its strawberries to other vendors, who then resold them at roadside stands, farms stands and farmers' markets. Reselling another farm's produce is not permitted in Oregon, "but more common than we thought," investigators said.
Jaquith recalled its berries and is cooperating fully with the outbreak investigation, Oregon public health officials said. Recalls of 4,800 flats of Jaquith berries were also announced by Ron Spada Farms of Portland. Growers Outlet also recalled Jaquith berries.
Oregon's local strawberry season ended in late July, so fresh berries are no longer on the market, but health officials remain concerned about berries that were frozen or made into uncooked jam. Those berries should be thrown out, Hedberg said.
(by Mary Rothschild / Aug 18, 2011 Food Safety News)

This Week’s Events:
27 – CanCommSOTierBroomeTkyTrotGunlobsterBash at Turkey Trot Acres. Tubbs Hill Road, Candor, NY (Contact : Pete Clare 607-659-7849)
27 - Sala’meander at the Pfeiffer Nature Center, 1974 Lillibridge Rd Portville NY (10:30 am – 12:30 pm) Fall is the best time for a salamander hunt. Join us as we search for these fascinating creatures. Lillibridge has fifteen species of amphibians & reptiles that call the habitat of the old growth forest home. Come prepared to roll some logs & turn over some leaves. (Cost: $10 for the general public & $5 for PNC members) (Register by August 24th by calling 716-933-0187 or emailing naturalist@pfeiffernaturecenter.org)
28 - Wildlife Defenders Presentation at the Cumming Nature Center, 6472 Gulick Road, Naples, NY (1:00 - 4:00 pm) A wildlife education and conservation outreach group run by the program members of Bridges For Brain Injury, Inc., Wildlife Defenders is fully operational, licensed and USDA-approved. Its members visit schools and attend community events with their animal ambassadors to encourage environmental and wildlife conservation. The presenters also share their personal injury and rehabilitation stories, and emphasize the importance of safety and prevention practices—especially to school-aged children. (Cost: RMSC members free; General public $3/donation of $1.00 for program) (For information call 585-374-6160)
29 - New York State Waterfowl ID Course at the Lake Plains Waterfowl Association, Inc., 1000 Island Cottage Rd., Greece, NY (6:00 - 10:00 pm) You must Pre-register! Class size is limited to 30 students. To help pass, pre-study "Ducks at a Distance" (search "ducks" at www.usgs.gov) (You must Pre-register in person at the Greece Town Clerk, 1 Vince Toffany Blvd., Greece, NY)
30 - NYSDEC Waterfowl Hunter Informational at the Montezuma Audubon Center located on State Route 89 in Savannah, New York. (7:00 – 9:30 pm) This meeting will focus on topics of interest to waterfowl hunters in Central New York and the the Montezuma Wetlands Complex region. Topics will include: Highlights of waterfowl management and research programs at Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge, Northern Montezuma and Lake Shore Marshes Wildlife Management Areas; Regional and statewide waterfowl news and updates; Atlantic Flyway news; Waterfowl population status survey results; New York waterfowl hunting season-setting process; and, Tentative 2011-12 duck and goose hunting seasons. (For information call Linda Vera 585-226-2466)
SEPTEMBER 2011
1 - Part III) Lakes Go Wild: Permanent Protection of Hemlock and Canadice Lakes sponsored by the Finger Lakes Museum at the Finger Lakes Wine Center, Ithaca, NY. (7:00 pm) Learn the story, spanning more than a century, of how Canadice and Hemlock Lakes came to be permanently protected. The story of how watershed protection in the area started in the 1890?s and culminated in 2010 with the creation of the Hemlock – Canadice State Forest will be told by Jim Howe, Executive Director of the Central & Western NY Nature Conservancy; Don Root, former Hemlock-Canadice Watershed Conservationist; Steve Lewandowski, Coalition for Hemlock and Canadice; and Paul D’Amato, Regional Director, NYS DEC Region 8. (For more information go to http://fingerlakesmuseum.org/)
1-3 - New York State Trappers Association Convention & Sportsman’s Show 2011 at the Herkimer County Fairgrounds, Frankfort, NY. There will be trapping and outdoor demonstrations starting Thursday at noon and continuing throughout the weekend.. Check the NYSTA website (www.nystrappers.org/conventions) for full details. (For more information contact Wayne Jones 315-768-8115 Iluvny2@roadrunner.com)
3 - Dave Wood Open Bass Tournament, Keuka Lake (For more info call 607-535-7771 or email bassbutcher@localnet.com)
3 - Fall Fruits and Flowers at the Reinstein Woods Environmental Education Center, 93 Honorine Drive, Depew, NY (Town of Cheektowaga) (10:30 am) Discover the bounty of the fall season on a guided walk in the woods. (Registration required; call 716-683-5959 www.dec.ny.gov/education/1837.html)

Until our next meeting in the Corner, have a great time in the outdoors. This is Ron Schroder for 'Your In on The Outdoors for Western New York.'

What are your thoughts? (Click Here)

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8-19-11

Welcome to this week’s Conservation Chatter Corner – little bits of happenings concerning our outdoors and you, the sportspeople who enjoy being part of that outdoors.

Waterfowl Hunting Permits/Oak Orchard and Tonawanda Wildlife Management Areas:

Special permits will be issued for the opening weekend of duck season (tentatively 10/22 – 10/23) to hunt waterfowl at the Oak Orchard and Tonawanda Wildlife Management Areas in Genesee and Niagara counties. The intent of the special permits is to promote hunter safety and increase the quality of hunting on days when the areas receive the greatest use. These days are the only times the special permits are needed. The permit system has been used successfully at both wildlife management areas in recent years. No special permits are required to hunt other game species at Oak Orchard or Tonawanda Wildlife Management Areas.

Dates for the 2011-2012 Western New York duck hunting season will not be finalized until the federal regulations are adopted in late summer. This year goose season will be open during the opening weekend of duck season, and goose hunters are also required to obtain the special permit. Hunters are advised to confirm the final dates before hunting any waterfowl.

Opening weekend waterfowl hunting permits for the two Wildlife Management Areas will be distributed by a random lottery. For each of the two days, DEC will issue 100 permits for Tonawanda Wildlife Management Area and 50 permits for Oak Orchard Wildlife Management Area. Hunters must choose from four options: Oak Orchard first Saturday; Oak Orchard first Sunday; Tonawanda first Saturday; and Tonawanda first Sunday. To apply for the lottery, hunters must send in a postcard with their name, address and their first three choices, in order of preference, clearly indicated. Applicants also must have completed a Waterfowl Identification Course, and their course certificate number must be indicated on the postcard. Applications will be accepted through Sept. 15, 2011, and must be mailed to the New York State Bureau of Wildlife, 1101 Casey Road, Box B, Basom, New York 14013. Each permittee will be allowed to bring one companion over the age of 18 and an additional companion 18 years old or younger.

Duplicate permits will not be issued to hunters who have already been issued a permit to hunt on the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge. Any cards submitted by hunters who have been selected to hunt on Iroquois on the first Saturday will be excluded from the lottery for that day at both Oak Orchard and Tonawanda.

Issued permits are nontransferable and are not valid for companion(s) unless the permittee is present and hunting within 50 yards. The permittee is responsible for completing and returning the questionnaire portion of the permit to the New York State Bureau of Wildlife by November 15, 2011. If the completed questionnaire is not received by November 15, the permittee will be ineligible for next year's (2012) lottery.

Mountain Lion/Connecticut: The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) said today that results of genetic tests show that the mountain lion killed in Milford, Conn. in June made its way to the state from the Black Hills region of South Dakota and is an animal whose movements were actually tracked and recorded as it made its way through Minnesota and Wisconsin. Genetic tests also show that it is likely that the mountain lion killed when it was hit by a car June 11 on the Wilbur Cross Parkway in Milford was the same one that had been seen earlier that month in Greenwich, Conn.

DEEP Commissioner Daniel C. Esty said, “The journey of this mountain lion is a testament to the wonders of nature and the tenacity and adaptability of this species. This mountain lion traveled a distance of more than 1,500 miles from its original home in South Dakota – representing one of the longest movements ever recorded for a land mammal and nearly double the distance ever recorded for a dispersing mountain lion.”

“The confirmation of a wild mountain lion in our state was the first recorded in more than 100 years,” Commissioner Esty said. “This is the first evidence of a mountain lion making its way to Connecticut from western states and there is still no evidence indicating that there is a native population of mountain lions in Connecticut.”

The genetic tests reveal information about the mountain lion’s origin and travels were conducted by the United States Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service Wildlife Genetics Laboratory in Missoula, Montana. DNA tests show that tissue from the Milford mountain lion matches the genetic structure of the mountain lion population in the Black Hills region of South Dakota. The Forest Service lab also compared the Milford mountain lion’s DNA to DNA samples collected from individual animals occurring outside of the core South Dakota population. This led to a match with DNA collected from an animal whose movements were tracked in Minnesota and Wisconsin from late 2009 through early 2010. DNA from the Connecticut specimen exactly matched DNA collected from an individual mountain lion at one site in Minnesota and three sites in Wisconsin.

The Midwestern DNA samples were obtained by collecting scat (droppings), blood and hair found while snow tracking the mountain lion at locations where sightings of the animal were confirmed. In addition, at least a half dozen confirmed sightings of a mountain lion in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan are believed to be of the same animal. The distance between the first documentation in Minnesota and the spot where the animal was killed by a vehicle is nearly 1,000 miles and is nearly double the longest distance previously recorded for a dispersing mountain lion. Dispersal is a normal behavior of young male mountain lions searching for females but they seldom travel more than 100 miles.

There were sightings of an animal that was believed to be a mountain lion in Greenwich, Conn. in early June. The last verified sighting was June 5, at the Brunswick School there. A scat sample at that location was taken by the Greenwich Police Department and sent out for testing. Genetic tests performed by the U.S. Forest Service Wildlife Genetic lab, Missoula, Montana on this scat determined that it was from a mountain lion and indicate it was from the animal killed in Milford.

Results of genetic tests on the Milford mountain lion have substantiated information and observations obtained through a detailed necropsy performed by a veterinary pathologist from a United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) forensics lab. The necropsy, performed at DEEP’s Sessions Woods Wildlife Center, Burlington, Conn., showed the young, lean, 140-pound male mountain lion was not neutered or declawed – characteristics that seemed to indicate it was not a captive animal that had escaped or been released. The examination of the animal also showed it had no implanted micro chips, which are commonly used in domestic animals. Porcupine quills were also found in the animal’s subcutaneous tissue indicating it had spent some time in the wild. Examination of the stomach contents, tissues and parasites is continuing. It was estimated to be between two and five years old but a more precise age is being determined by microscopic analysis of an extracted tooth.

Personnel from several agencies have expended a great deal of time and effort in investigating the mysterious appearance of this mountain lion in Connecticut. These include the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, USDA Forest Service’s Wildlife Genetics laboratory, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources , and the New York State Museum in Albany.

News now from NYS – NYSDEC’s pathologist also confirmed that it was also the same individual that was seen (with track and hair, with DNA) near Lake George in December 2010.

More Mt Lion: Lake George - A 140-pound wild mountain lion passed through Lake George last December, coming within a 10-minute car drive of the Village Hall.

But while state officials recorded cat tracks in the snow that were the size of saucers, they never informed local officials the predatory cat was on the prowl.

It was news to Village Mayor Robert Blais when the state Department of Environmental Conservation confirmed Friday the agency seven months ago found solid evidence of a mountain lion -- including hair and a bedding area -- off Truesdale Hill Road just north of the village.

"I never heard anything at all about that," said the mayor. "There are a lot of houses up there."

Several dozen isolated homes are tucked into rugged woods around the spot where the big cat left behind his signs. One of the homes belongs to Town Supervisor Frank McCoy, who lives less than a mile from the sighting. "It would have been nice to know, if DEC knew about it," McCoy said.

Doug Smith said of the sighting: "It's part of the Adirondacks. It's a chance you've got to take if you live here. That's why we have guns."

Barbara Cavaliere, of Amsterdam, like Smith of Warrensburg, a patron of the Olde Log Inn about a mile where the tracks were spotted, said she lives in the country and if something like a mountain lion were roaming in the woods near her home, she'd like to know.

"If I'm by the pool and I see something like that could climb over the fence, it would really shock me," she said.

In June, the mountain lion made national news when it was hit by a car and killed crossing a highway in metropolitan Connecticut.

Federal wildlife officials used DNA to trace the young male's origin to South Dakota's Black Hills, and said its 1,800-mile cross-country trip now includes the Capital Region besides Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan.

On Friday, DEC officials said there was no need to notify local officials with initial evidence of the big cat, which was spotted Dec. 16 walking through a backyard by Cindy Eggleston, wife of retired DEC Col. David Eggleston as she was doing dishes at the kitchen sink.

The next day, Eggleston and DEC Conservation Officer Louis Gerrain backtracked the animal to nearby woods using paw prints -- each 4 1/2 inches long and 3 1/2 inches wide -- and found a large patch of flattened snow where the animal had slept, leaving hair.

"It does no one any good to put out conjectural information," said Gordon Batcheller, DEC chief wildlife biologist. "We waited until we had solid evidence in hand. The report is finalized and we are pleased to be able to speak about it."

That evidence is outlined in a Aug. 16 report filed by Kevin Hynes, a biologist with DEC's wildlife pathology unit. Hynes also said the risk of someone being attacked by a mountain lion is remote, so there was no need for a DEC alert.

"It is not anything that people should be worried about," he said. "If I had heard that a mountain lion had been spotted in an area, I would be comfortable taking my young son outside with me."

While dramatic, mountain lion attacks on humans are rare. There have been about 100 recorded attacks in the U.S. and Canada during the last century: about a tenth of those was fatal, according to statistics from the Arizonia Fish and Game Department.

The mountain lion's appearance in New York -- where the last wild lion was seen more than a century ago -- is remarkable and unlikely to be repeated, added Batcheller. Young adult males usually venture no more than 300 miles.

In this case, the male mountain lion might not have found any females and kept going eastward to the populated area around Milford, Conn., where it was killed June 11.

Hynes said the large paw tracks found in the snow at Lake George "looked real good" as a mountain lion. He sent some of the hair to a lab in Arizona for DNA analysis, and shared some with experts from the New York's State Museum. A microscopic exam found the hair "consistent with cat ... and I assumed it was an escaped or released captive cat, which I expected would be hit by a car," he said.

Tests from Arizona were delayed. When news hit of the dead mountain lion in Connecticut, Hynes sent more hair samples to a federal wildlife lab in Montana in late July. On Aug. 8, results confirmed it was a mountain lion. DNA was found to match the Connecticut animal.

There is no way to judge how long the cat had been in the Lake George area or when it left, both Hynes and Batcheller said. The Lake George area is being studied by the Adirondack chapter of The Nature Conservancy as a natural pathway for large predatory animals between the Adirondacks and Vermont.

The state gets several hundred reports a year from people who claim to have seen mountain lions in the wild. DEC has consistently said that the vast majority of the reports are unfounded, with people seeing other animals instead. A small number of cases could have been released captive cats, according to the agency.

Batcheller said DEC won't change its investigation procedures based on the case. "We will continue to interview people, and look for evidence like tracks and scat."

This is the first sighting of a wild cougar in the state since the late 1800s. A mountain lion kitten was shot and killed in Saratoga County in 1993, but tests indicated it had been a captive animal of South American origin.

( By BRIAN NEARING Staff writer, Albany Times-Union Saturday, August 20, 2011)

This Week’s Events:

5-21 - Bass Pro Shops 2011 Fall Hunting Classic at Bass Pro Shops, 1579 Clark Street Road, Auburn, NY.

Special Events: 20-21 (Noon - 5:00 pm) Next Generation Weekend.. New this year—Kids can take the Deer Camp Challenge. Other activities include Free youth seminars (1:30pm and 3:30pm Camping Basics, 2:30pm and 4:30pm Archery Basics), paintball cage and deer mosaic craft 1-3pm (while supplies last). Prizes and give-aways possible. (For more information go to www.basspro.com/classic after July 27th or call James King at 315-258-2700)

6-21 - Orleans County Rotary Derby Fish Lake Ontario and tributaries from the Niagara River to the Genesee River for salmon and trout. Olcott does have a weigh station in this local derby, located at The Slippery Sinker. (For more information call (585) 589-9881 or go to http://www.orleanscountytourism.com/fishing/fishing.php)

19-9/5 - The Lake Ontario Counties (LOC) Fall Trout and Salmon Derby $50,000 in prizes, $20,000 grand prize, for the largest trout or salmon caught during this 18 day event (Cost is $25 for adults; $12 for kids under 16) (For information or to register stop at a local tackle shops or call 888-REEL-2-IN or go to www.loc.org)

20 - Magical Mushroom Walk & ID at the Pfeiffer Nature Center, 1974 Lillibridge Rd Portville NY

(10:30 am – 12:30 pm) Chef Garrett Taylor will share his knowledge of mushrooms. You will learn which mushrooms are harmful and which are helpful to both plants and humans. We will take a walk through the cool old growth forest hunting the numerous species of fungi that grow there. Chef Taylor plans to cook some mushrooms for your enjoyment. (Cost: $10.00 for the general public and $5 for PNC members) (Register by August 17th by calling 716-933-0187 or emailing naturalist@pfeiffernaturecenter.org)

20 - National Wild Turkey Federation –Grand Slam Gobblers Chapter Dinner at the Wolcott Elks Club, 6161 W. Port Bay Road, Wolcott, NY (Contact: Chris Reed 315-365-2436)

20 - The Ontario County Conservation Federation Fund Raising Shoot at the Canandaigua Sportsmen’s Club (9:00 am – 3:00 pm) A 100 bird sporting clays and five stand fun shoot. All shooters welcome novice included. Please pre register by August 13. Lunch included -11:30 am to 12:30 pm (Cost: $35.00 if pre registered /$40.00 day of shoot) (For information and/or register contact Keith Kappel 585 905 0471 magnum44@rochester.rr.com)

20-21 – 34th AnnualClayton-1000 Islands Gun & Sportsmen’s Show at Cerow Recreation Park (south of the Village along Route 12) in Clayton, NY. (8:30 am-5:00 pm Saturday and 9:00 am-4:00 pm Sunday) The show features new, used and antique firearms and black powder guns, knives, fishing tackle, decoys, leather goods and outdoor gear. Gunsmiths, hunting guides, and collectors/sellers of military memorabilia answer questions and swap stories with show-goers. Along with the Wii games, there will be a face painter for the kids. Dealers have ammunition, scopes, sights, binoculars, reloading equipment, gun cases, holsters, grips, cleaning kits, cartridges, shells, calibers, and gauges. In addition to selling, the dealers buy and trade goods. NCIS checks are required for all firearm sales/purchases. Show proceeds will benefit the Rotary Club of Clayton scholarship program. (Cost: $5.00 adult, $4.00 military, under 12 free) (For more information contact Tony Pisarski at 315-686-4073)

20-28 - 35th Annual Fall Classic Derby – Curt Meddaugh Memorial Derby in Orleans-Niagara-Erie

Fish for Salmon, Steelhead/Brown trout, Lake trout, Smallmouth bass, Walleye and Carp (different categories for Junior Division) $2,500 Grand Prize (Cost: $20 Adult/Children 15 and under fish for free In Special Youth Division) Fishing will take place in the Public Waters of Erie, Niagara and Orleans counties, including the waters of the Niagara River, Lake Erie and Lake Ontario.

23 – NYSDEC Waterfowl Hunter Informational Meeting at the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) Headquarters, Casey Road, Alabama (Genesee County), NY. (7:00 – 9:30 pm) This meeting will focus on topics of interest to waterfowl hunters in Western New York and the Iroquois NWR region. Topics will include: Highlights of waterfowl management and research programs at Iroquois NWR, Tonawanda and Oak Orchard Wildlife Management Areas; Regional and statewide waterfowl news and updates; Atlantic Flyway news; Waterfowl population status survey results; New York waterfowl hunting season-setting process; and, Tentative 2011-12 duck and goose hunting seasons. (For information call Linda Vera 585-226-2466)

25 – New York State Waterfowl ID Course at the Hamburg Rod and Gun Club, Hickox Road, Hamburg, NY (6:00 pm – done) You must Pre-register! Class size is limited to 30 students. To help pass, pre-study "Ducks at a Distance" (search "ducks" at www.usgs.gov) (For information and to preregister call Pete at 716-648-2236)

25 – New York State Waterfowl ID Course at the Elma Conservation Club, 600 Creek Road, Elma, NY (6:00 pm – done) You must Pre-register! Class size is limited to 10 students. To help pass, pre-study "Ducks at a Distance" (search "ducks" at www.usgs.gov) (For information and to preregister call Frank at 716-681-5690)

25 – No Child Left Inside at the “Coffee House”, Montezuma Audubon Center, 2295 State Route 89, Savannah, NY 13146 (6:30 -9:30 pm) Topic discussion and open mic featuring local music and talent . Come relax and enjoy the music or sign up to perform. (For more information or to sign up as a performer, call (315) 365-3588 or email montezuma@audubon.org )

27 – CanCommSOTierBroomeTkyTrotGunlobsterBash at Turkey Trot Acres. Tubbs Hill Road, Candor, NY (Contact : Pete Clare 607-659-7849)

27 - Sala’meander at the Pfeiffer Nature Center, 1974 Lillibridge Rd Portville NY (10:30 am – 12:30 pm) Fall is the best time for a salamander hunt. Join us as we search for these fascinating creatures. Lillibridge has fifteen species of amphibians & reptiles that call the habitat of the old growth forest home. Come prepared to roll some logs & turn over some leaves. (Cost: $10 for the general public & $5 for PNC members) (Register by August 24th by calling 716-933-0187 or emailing naturalist@pfeiffernaturecenter.org)

30 - NYSDEC Waterfowl Hunter Informational at the Montezuma Audubon Center located on State Route 89 in Savannah, New York. (7:00 – 9:30 pm) This meeting will focus on topics of interest to waterfowl hunters in Central New York and the the Montezuma Wetlands Complex region. Topics will include: Highlights of waterfowl management and research programs at Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge, Northern Montezuma and Lake Shore Marshes Wildlife Management Areas; Regional and statewide waterfowl news and updates; Atlantic Flyway news; Waterfowl population status survey results; New York waterfowl hunting season-setting process; and, Tentative 2011-12 duck and goose hunting seasons. (For information call Linda Vera 585-226-2466)

Until our next meeting in the Corner, have a great time in the outdoors. This is Ron Schroder for – “Your In on The Outdoors for Western New York.”

What are your thoughts? (Click Here)

>> I sure would like to see more evidence on this... like an ear tag. Personally I think it was a release. I don't doubt the DNA, however how much difference can there be with cats in nearby states. GW

>> This is all very interesting! IF one mountain lion took a walk from the Dakotas to CT and consequently was seen several times, complete with verification of physical evidence that it is the same cat, then it sort of dispels the notion that mountain lions are essentially “ghosts”. So, then one would have to logically assume that if they are in virtually every rural community in NYS (a popular theory), then they should be leaving evidence at the same rate this poor wandering male did, complete with the ultimate in evidence; road kill carcasses. BUT, the documented evidence across NYS is pretty darn thin to support the notion that we have a thriving native population of mountain lions.

That’s my story and I am sti sti sticking to it! GG

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8-12-11

Welcome to this week’s Conservation Chatter Corner – little bits of happenings concerning our outdoors and you, the sportspeople who enjoy being part of that outdoors.

Lake Sturgeon in Oswego: On August 2, a lake sturgeon measuring 49-1/2 inches long washed ashore near Oswego on Lake Ontario. The history of this fish was traced back to its original hatching at the DEC Oneida Lake Fish Culture Station in Constantia where it was reared and stocked in 1995 as part of the Lake Sturgeon Restoration Program. This is the second tagged sturgeon from Oneida Lake known to have migrated to Lake Ontario, a distance of over 50 miles that includes moving through seven canal locks. The cause of this sturgeon's death is not known, and being only 16 years old it is not likely to have died of old age. Lake sturgeon can live up to 154 years as documented by one caught at Lake of the Woods in Canada in 1953!

Waterfowl Hunter Information Meetings: The DEC will hold waterfowl hunter information meetings August 23 at the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) Headquarters, Casey Road, Alabama (Genesee County), NY and on August 30th, at the Montezuma Audubon Center located on State Route 89 in Savannah, New York. Both meetings will run from 7:00 - 9:00 pm. These meetings will focus on topics of interest to waterfowl hunters in Western and Central New York respectively

Topics to be covered include:

**Highlights of waterfowl management and research programs at the Iroquois NWR, Tonawanda and Oak Orchard Wildlife Management Areas (8/23) and the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge, Northern Montezuma and Lake Shore Marshes Wildlife Management Areas (8/30);

**Regional and state-wide waterfowl news and updates;

**Atlantic Flyway news;

**Waterfowl population status survey results;

**New York state's waterfowl hunting season-setting process; and,

**The tentative 2011-12 duck and goose hunting seasons.

Wildlife Biologists from the Refuges and NYSDEC will be on hand for the presentations and answering questions

2011-2012 SPORTING LICENSES AVAILABLE AUGUST 15: 2011-2012 hunting, fishing, and trapping licenses and Deer Management Permits (DMPs) may be purchased beginning Monday, August 15 at one of DEC’s 1,500 license sales outlets statewide. Sporting licenses can also be ordered by mail or by telephone and via the internet at www.dec.ny.gov. The 2011-2012 sporting licenses are valid beginning October 1, 2011, through September 30, 2012.

Due to unforeseen delays associated with production of the hunting and trapping and fishing regulations guide books, they may not be available at license sales outlets on August 15. Those purchasing a license and not receiving a guide can download a copy from the DEC website (http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/37136.html for the hunting/trapping guide and http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/7917.html for the fishing guide) or return to any license vendor at a later date and request the 2011-2012 guide(s) desired.

DEC’s Automated Licensing System (DECALS) is New York State’s program for issuing sporting licenses and tracking license sales and revenues. DECALS may also be used for donations to the Habitat Access Stamp Program, Venison Donation Coalition, Conservation Fund, and the Trail Maintenance Program. DEC continues to improve and enhance DECALS to better meet the needs of sportsmen and women. For questions regarding license purchases, please call DECALS Call Center at (1-866-933-2257). Hours of operation for the Call Center are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Saturday from August 15 to October 15, 2011. Regular weekday hours of 8 am to 5 pm will resume on October 17, 2011.

License buyers should have the following items ready when applying: complete name and address information, customer ID number if you have it, proof of residency information (driver's license number or non-driver's ID number to qualify for a resident license), and, if purchasing by phone or internet, credit card and card expiration date. Hunting license purchases require individuals to provide proof of hunting education certification or a copy of a previous license, or this information must already be contained in their DECALS file.

Sale monies of all sporting licenses are deposited into the Conservation Fund which is used for the management of New York’s fish and wildlife populations and for protection and management of wildlife habitat.

New Regulations for 2011-2012

Hunters and trappers should be aware of several new regulations in effect for 2011-2012: **Crossbows may now be used for hunting big game (deer and bear) during the early bear season, regular firearms seasons, the special January firearms season in Suffolk County, and all late muzzleloading seasons. See www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/68802.html for more information.

**Recent legislation lowered the minimum age for youth hunters to purchase a Junior Bowhunting license for big game hunting from 14 to 12 years of age. See the Junior Hunter Mentoring Program for detailed information on youth hunting requirements.

**Bear hunting is now open in new areas in eastern New York and bear hunting season dates in central and western New York have been modified to create a uniform season across the Southern Zone. See Deer and Bear Hunting Seasons for season dates and locations.

**Woodcock season has been expanded to 45 days. See Woodcock Hunting Seasons for dates.

**New legislation now allows use of rifles for big game hunting in Wyoming and Cortland counties and in the portion of Chautauqua County south of Route 20.

More detail for each of these regulation changes is available in the 2011-2012 Hunting and Trapping Regulations Guide www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/37136.html.

Anglers should be aware that although the majority of fishing regulations have not changed from 2010-2011, significant changes have been made to the regulations for use and transportation of baitfish. Transportation corridors through which uncertified baitfish can be transported in motor vehicles have been established for Lake Ontario, Lake Erie and adjoining waters, as well as the Hudson River see: http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/47282.html .

Deer Management Permits

The target DMP allocation for 2011 varies by unit depending on the management objective, but overall DEC intends to issue approximately 10% more DMPs than in 2010.

DMPs will be available at all license issuing outlets and by phone, internet or mail, from August15, 2011 through close of business October 1, 2011. DMPs are issued through a random selection process at the point of sale, and customers who are selected for DMPs will receive their permits immediately. Chances of getting a DMP remain the same throughout the application period, so hunters do not need to rush to apply for a DMP on the first day of sale.

If a significant number of DMPs are still available in a WMU after October 1, leftover DMP sales will commence on November 1, 2011 and will continue on a first-come/first-serve basis until the end of the hunting season or until all DMPs have been issued in the WMU.

Photo Contest: In honor of the 2011 International Year of Forests, the DEC Division of Lands and Forests (DLF) kicks off the "Celebrating New York's Forests Photo Contest." This contest is an effort to increase awareness of and appreciation for all types of forests, urban and rural, large and small, public and privately owned, across the State. Details of the photo contest rules and submissions (http://www.dec.ny.gov/lands/75396.html) can be found online. Photos must be received by November 1, 2011, so there is still time to grab your camera, get outdoors, and take pictures that qualify for submission under any of the five categories:

1. Nature (wildlife, plants, natural landscapes, etc.)

2. Enjoying the forest (hunting, fishing, trails, camping, hiking, etc.)

3. Trees where we live (parks, streets, yards, etc.)

4. Forest products (maple syrup, lumber, baseball bats, furniture, etc.)

5. State-owned forests (State Forests, Forest Preserve lands, forested Wildlife Management Areas, Campgrounds)

This Week’s Events:

5-21 - Bass Pro Shops 2011 Fall Hunting Classic at Bass Pro Shops, 1579 Clark Street Road, Auburn, NY.

Special Events: 5-7 – Bass Pro Shops Free Hunting University. Nationally recognized professional hunters and outdoorsmen will be at stores to give seminars and talk about their experiences; 8/5 - (7:00 pm) Matt Morrett, 5-Time World Turkey Calling Champion - Whitetail Tactics and (8:00 pm) Rob Keck, RedHead® Pro Hunting Team Member - Whitetails & Wild Turkeys; 5-9 – Binocular Trade-In. Trade in your old pair of binoculars and save on any new binocular purchase; 10-15 - Scope Trade-In. Need a new scope? Trade in yours and save on a new one; 12-14 - Hunter Appreciation Weekend. Learn tips and techniques for a more successful day in the field by attending free seminars. 8/12 (6:00 pm) - Using Big Game Scents & Calls Effectively, (7:00 pm) - Hunting Public/Leased Land: The ins-and-outs of finding places to hunt, (8:00 pm) - Food Plots & Land Management: Managing food plots in order to harvest trophy whitetail. 8/13 (1:00 pm) - Using Big Game Scents & Calls Effectively, (2:00 pm) - Hunting Public/Leased Land: The ins-and-outs of finding places to hunt, (3:00 pm) - Food Plots & Land Management: Managing food plots in order to harvest trophy whitetail, (4:00 pm) - Choosing the Right Optics, (5:00 pm) - Fundamentals of Long-Range Hunting and Shooting. 8/14 (1:00 pm) - Tips for Game Camera Placement, (2:00 pm) - Fundamentals of Long-Range Hunting and Shooting, (3:00 pm) - Field Dressing, Transporting & Processing Game, (4:00 pm) - Choosing the Right Optics. 13-14 (Noon – 5:00 pm) - ATV Test Drive. 16-21 - Bow Trade-In. Been wanting a new bow? Now’s the time to get one! Trade in your old one and save. 20-21 (Noon - 5:00 pm) Next Generation Weekend.. New this year—Kids can take the Deer Camp Challenge. Other activities include Free youth seminars (1:30pm and 3:30pm Camping Basics, 2:30pm and 4:30pm Archery Basics), paintball cage and deer mosaic craft 1-3pm (while supplies last). Prizes and give-aways possible. (For more information go to www.basspro.com/classic after July 27th or call James King at 315-258-2700)

12 – Registration Deadline for the August 19, 2011 Leashed Tracking Dog Exam for individuals interested in obtaining a license to use leashed tracking dogs to find wounded or injured big game animals. (10:00 a.m. until noon) Testing at designated DEC regional offices. For further information or to apply to take the exam, contact: NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, Special Licenses Unit, 625 Broadway, Albany, NY 12233-4752 (518-402-8985) Applications can also be obtained on DEC’s website at: www.dec.ny.gov/permits/25020.html . The application fee is $25, which is non-refundable. In addition, the license fee is $50, payable at the same time as the application fee. If an applicant fails the exam, the $50 license fee is refunded.

12 - National Wild Turkey Federation – Salmon River Strutters Chapter Dinner at the Green Side Restaurant, 6919 State Route 3, Pulaski, NY (Contact: William Wilbur 315-963-3368 wwilbur551@aol.com)

13 – Registration Deadline for August 20th - Ontario County Conservation Federation Fun Fund Raising Shoot at the Canandaigua Sportsmen’s Club, 5280 Emerson Road, Canandaigua, NY (9:00 am – 3:00 pm) 100 rounds sporting clays and five stand. All shooters will be entered in a raffle drawing during lunch. All shooters welcome novices included (Preregistration - $35.00/at the door - $40.00) (Mail entry fee to: Keith Kappel, Sec’y /Treas., OCCF, 3959 Acorn Hill Drive, Canandaigua, NY 14424 585-905-0471 magnum44@rochester.rr.com)

13 - Lower Niagara River Walleye Classic IV (Sunup – 1:00 pm/Weigh in 1:00 – 2:00 pm/ Hot Dog picnic & awards at 2:00 pm) Boundaries: Lower Fish Lower Niagara River and red buoy area at Fort Niagara only. Two fish limit – Total weight contest (Entry: $25.00) (Register at: A-1 Bait Supply or sign up with PayPal on Outdoors Niagara or download entry form and mail it to A-1 Bait)

13-14– Military Arms & Collectable 2011 Expo at the Events Building 11177 Main Street Clarence, NY (Sat - 9:00 am – 4:00 pm/Sun – 9:00 am – 3:00 pm) (For further information call Jim Buck 716-569-6810 / Bruce Johnston 716-542-9929 or email nfcshows@aol.com)

14 - NRA Safety and Firearm Education Camp at the Alabama Hunt Club Shooting Range, Alabama, N.Y. (9:00 am - 3:30 pm) (For information and register call Dema 716-632-1264)

15-19 - Youth Sportsman’s Week at the Montezuma Audubon Center, 2295 State Route 89, Savannah, NY (8:00 am – 5:00 pm each day) Girls and boys ages 12-14 are invited to get their hunter safety, bow safety and waterfowl identification certificates. The courses will be taught using hands-on experience and lots of time in the field. (Cost: $45 per student ) Registration is very limited! (To register or get information call the Montezuma Audubon Center 315-365-3588.

18 - Part II) Blue Blood to Blue Water: From Cottages, Hotels & Steamboats to Drinking Water for Rochester sponsored by the Finger Lakes Museum at the Finger Lakes Wine Center, Ithaca, NY. (7:00 pm) The story of early cottage life and the people who came to both Hemlock and Canadice Lakes for recreation and entertainment will be told by Lima Town Historian, Douglas Morgan, featuring antique photographs from 1875 through 1945. Canadice was the “local lake”, while Hemlock was the “blue blood” lake – the summer home of wealthy Rochesterians. At its peak in the 1890’s, five hotels thrived on Hemlock Lake, and steamboats traveled back and forth to serve summer residents and tourists. In the mid-1800’s a deadly water-born cholera outbreak ravaged the City of Rochester. Unable to completely eradicate the disease from its cisterns and wells, the City looked south to Hemlock and Canadice Lakes for clean and reliable water. (For more information go to http://fingerlakesmuseum.org/)

18-19 - FLW Outdoor American Bass Championship. Weigh-ins open to public.

19 - National Turkey Federation – Syracuse Strutters Chapter Dinner at the Spinning Wheel, 7384 Thompson Road, Syracuse, NY (Contact: Louis Perazzini 607-594-4353 lperazzini@nwtf.net)

20 - Magical Mushroom Walk & ID at the Pfeiffer Nature Center, 1974 Lillibridge Rd Portville NY

20 - National Wild Turkey Federation –Grand Slam Gobblers Chapter Dinner at the Wolcott Elks Club, 6161 W. Port Bay Road, Wolcott, NY (Contact: Chris Reed 315-365-2436)

20-28 - 35th Annual Fall Classic Derby – Curt Meddaugh Memorial Derby in Orleans-Niagara-Erie

Until our next meeting in the Corner, have a great time in the outdoors. This is Ron Schroder for – “Your In on The Outdoors for Western New York.”

What are your thoughts? (Click Here)

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8-6-11

Welcome to this week’s Conservation Chatter Corner – little bits of happenings concerning our outdoors and you, the sportspeople who enjoy being part of that outdoors.

Summer Game Bird Surveys: The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is encouraging New Yorkers to participate in surveys for two popular game birds: wild turkeys and ring-necked pheasants.

“Science efforts that the public can assist in provide our wildlife managers with invaluable data and give people the opportunity to partner with DEC to help monitor New York’s wildlife resources,” Commissioner Martens said. “I encourage residents to take the time to record your observations of turkeys or pheasants while exploring the forests and fields around your home or driving through the state’s beautiful landscapes this summer.”

Summer Wild Turkey Sighting Survey - Since 1996, DEC has conducted the Summer Wild Turkey Sighting Survey to estimate the number of wild turkey poults (young of the year) per hen statewide. 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. During the month of August, survey participants record the sex and age composition of all flocks of wild turkeys observed during normal travel. Those interested in participating can download a Summer Wild Turkey Sighting Survey form along with instructions and the data sheet directly at http://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/48732.html. Survey cards can also be obtained by contacting a regional DEC office, calling (518) 402-8886, or by e-mailing fwwildlf@gw.dec.state.ny.us (type “Turkey Survey” in the subject line).

Monitoring Pheasants in the Genesee Valley Focus Area - Farmers in the 13 counties that comprise the Lake Plains of New York have partnered with DEC since 1945 to help survey wild pheasant populations. The Department is pleased to continue this effort in the newly established “Pheasant Habitat Focus Area” in the Genesee Valley (portions of Livingston, Genesee, Wyoming and Monroe counties). The focus area was created as a part of DEC’s recently completed ten-year management plan for ring-necked pheasants. The goal of the focus area is to concentrate the efforts of public and private habitat conservation programs to benefit pheasants and other grassland birds. Surveys like these will help in monitoring pheasant populations and in evaluating the success of habitat management efforts in the focus area.

Those that farm land in Livingston, Genesee, Wyoming or Monroe counties, consider participating in the Farmer-Pheasant Inventory. No special observations are required; just those made during your normal spring and summer farming activities. If interested, contact DEC’s Bureau of Wildlife at (518) 402-8886 or by e-mail (fwwildlf@gw.dec.state.ny.us, write “Farmer-Pheasant Inventory” in the subject line).

Those that do not farm, but would like to contribute pheasant observations from Livingston, Genesee, Wyoming and Monroe counties can join the Summer Pheasant Sighting Survey. During the month of August, survey participants record the sex and age of all pheasants observed during normal travel. A survey form from the DEC website can be obtained and printed at http://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/72543.html or call (518) 402-8886.

Additional information available on the DEC website:

Summer Wild Turkey Sighting Survey: http://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/48732.html
Pheasant Habitat Focus Area & Pheasants Surveys: http://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/72543.html
Citizen Science Initiatives: http://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/1155.html
DEC Regional Office Contact Information: http://www.dec.ny.gov/about/50230.html

Rifle Bills: Rifle bills for Wyoming and Cortland counties and Chautauqua County south of Rt 20 were signed by the Governor on Wed night.

I don't know for certain, but I assume these apply this year, since all other counties that have gone rifle in previous years have been effective immediately.

Please note that any changes that MIGHT come about due to our revised deer management plan DO NOT APPLY THIS YEAR. That is the only certainty about those proposed changes.

(The use of crossbows and the change of the Jr Archer license to age 12 DO APPLY this year - they are independent of the deer management plan.)

(Message to Region 8 Sportsmen Ed Instructors from Frank Phillips, Regional Coordinator, Region 8 Sportsman Education Office)

Wild Pigs Proliferating: (From pressconnects.com - Written by Alyson Martin amartin2@gannett.com) Feral swine, with their ecologically destructive dining habits, have been confirmed in central New York, according to a 2010 United States Department of Agriculture report. Specifically, the wild pigs have established breeding populations in Cortland, Onondaga and Tioga counties. The study, funded by the New York State Invasive Species Council, shows that 27 feral swine were captured and killed in those three counties, and two tested positive for pseudorabies virus, which can spread to and kill livestock and pets.

Feral pigs, with the scientific name "sus scrofa," are omnivores, said Gordon Batcheller, a wildlife biologist with the state Department of Environmental Conservation. They have a gastrointestinal system that's evolved to consume literally anything, from the eggs of nesting birds and acorns to edible roots they've found after grubbing through the earth. "From an ecological standpoint, they're non-discriminating. They'll eat anything that has any caloric value," Batcheller said.

This kind of eating behavior means ecological damage. In Southern states where feral swine have been established for longer than the decade or so that New York has seen the animals, their presence has been devastating. In the United States, feral swine are relatives of Eurasian wild boars, wild-living escaped domesticated pigs, or a hybrid of the two, according to the USDA report. They are considered an invasive species, leading to efforts to rid New York of the animals.

"That, then, is the reason we're even having this conversation," Batcheller said. "They're welcome in a barn yard, but we don't want them on our landscape."

Numbers, though, are difficult to pin down because of the nature of the animals. They're secretive, said Paul Curtis, a natural resources professor at Cornell University.

The DEC estimates feral pigs in New York State at hundreds. To help curb the population, the DEC has worked with farm owners to set traps with strong fencing and one-way doors, but that process is time-consuming and expensive.

"Pigs are notoriously difficult to keep confined. They're just very smart. They really are. They're hard to keep in confinement and they can take advantage of weak fencing," Batcheller said.

Beyond that, hunters have been advised that if they see a feral swine, they may shoot it lawfully if they have a hunting license, Batcheller said.

"Our feeling in New York is that we might have an opportunity to do something because they're in low numbers. But we do feel that they have potential to expand," Batcheller said. "At this point the most important thing we can do is to raise public awareness."

Justin Gansowski, a wildlife disease biologist with the USDA, has been conducting disease testing on feral swine.

"In New York state, we're concerned because feral swine pose a threat to agriculture, to natural resources, native and wildlife habitats, to human health and property. That's our concern. These farmers and citizens are sustaining damage to their property and their agriculture," Gansowski said.

The animal has a large head, long flat snout, and a large muscular shoulder area with a tapered body toward the hind quarters. The coloration can be extremely variable, Batcheller said, with the swine having black, tan, and splotched appearances. The animals that are more Eurasian wild boar have a long dark bristly coat of hair. Often they have external canines that protrude from mouth and can be razor sharp and deadly, Batcheller said.

"They look very different, but genetically, they're the same. It's kind of like breeds of dogs," Batcheller said.

Since 2008, the 2010 USDA report notes, there have been three cases of feral swine aggression toward humans in New York, two against hunters and one involving someone working with domestic pigs. The report also shows two Tioga County reports of attacks against dogs, one of which died.

"It's like with any wild animal. They are best avoided. No one should thing it's a good idea to get close to a wild animal."

The DEC is asking for New York residents to report sightings at www.dec.ny.gov/animals/70843.html.

The USDA also asks New Yorkers to call (866) 4-USDAWS to report feral swine sightings.

This Week’s Events:

5-7 - 7th Annual NCCC Lake Erie Walleye 3-Man Team Tournament at the Northern Chautauqua Conservation Club, Dunkirk Harbor (For information call Zen Olaw 716-640-2776 or email at zolow@comtrix.net)

5-21 - Bass Pro Shops 2011 Fall Hunting Classic at Bass Pro Shops, 1579 Clark Street Road, Auburn, NY.

6 - National Wild Turkey Federation – Lake Ridge Gobbler Chapter Dinner at the Brockport Elks Club #2100, 4400 Sweden Walker Road, Brockport, NY (For further information contact Duane Marshall at 585-637-4732)

6 - Part I) From the Brink of Extinction: The Bald Eagles of Hemlock and Canadice sponsored by The Finger Lakes Museum at the Finger Lakes Wine Center, Ithaca, NY (2:00 pm) Retired NYS DEC eagle expert, Mike Allen will tell the story and of how the bald eagle population has grown to over 200 nest territories statewide. The bald eagle, the chosen icon for the Finger Lakes Museum, is a sentinel or indicator species, sensitive to the living conditions in a particular habitat. Their presence is testimony to the pristine Hemlock-Canadice ecosystem. A magnificent rehabilitated bald eagle will accompany Allen to help tell the story. (For more information go to http://fingerlakesmuseum.org/)

7 – National Wild Turkey Federation - Salmon River Strutters’ Chapter Shoot/New York Wheelin' Sportsmen Event at the Leatherstocking Club, New Haven, NY. Wheelin' Sportsmen gives people with disabilities the chance to experience the outdoors. Whether it's for the first time or a reintroduction into outdoor activities, Wheelin' Sportsmen brings back the joy of the wild to those with disabilities. (For information call William Wilbur 315-963-3368 or email wwilbur551@aol.com)

14 - NRA Safety and Firearm Education Camp at the Alabama Hunt Club Shooting Range, Alabama, N.Y. (9:00 am - 3:30 pm) (For information and register call Dema 716-632-1264)

Until our next meeting in the Corner, have a great time in the outdoors. This is Ron Schroder for – “Your In on The Outdoors for Western New York.”

What are your thoughts? (Click Here)

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7-29-11

Welcome to this week’s Conservation Chatter Corner – little bits of happenings concerning our outdoors and you, the sportspeople who enjoy being part of that outdoors.

New York Risks Losing $20 Million in Federal Aid: According to sources inside the New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), the state could lose upwards of $20 million in federal aid from federal Pittman-Robinson, Dingell-Johnson and Wallop-Breaux funding programs.
New York outdoor writer Dick Nelson reported earlier this month in the Register-Star newspaper that the state may lose its share of federal monies collected through excise taxes on sporting equipment and administered by the U.S Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). Nelson's report indicates that Governor Andrew Cuomo's 2011/2012 budget actually allows the state Department of Budget (DOB) to tap into the Conservation Fund and other allegedly dedicated accounts to balance the books, which according to DEC Division of Fish, Wildlife and Marine Resources Assistant Director Doug Stang, is the problem.
"Even if the DOB has no intent on using conservation fund money for other reasons than its intent, the fact that the budget allows for them to do so is enough for the USFWS to withhold P-R (Pittman-Robertson) and other funding," Stang was quoted as saying in the Register-Star. "The conservation fund would be in deep trouble without it," Stang added.
Jim Hutchinson, Jr., president of the New York Sportfishing Federation (NYSF) and managing director of the Recreational Fishing Alliance (RFA) said news of the potential loss of federal funding was further addressed at the latest Marine Resources Advisory Council (MRAC) meeting in East Setauket on Long Island on Tuesday, July 12, and said letters addressed to state legislators from councils, committees and area fishing clubs could help do the trick. In a follow-up email from Dick Nelson, Hutchinson said New York was given 30 days from Friday, July 15, to respond and rectify the situation or risk losing federal funding.
"This issue needs to get fixed and fixed faster than the Federal government wants to pull our funding," said NYSF member Bob Danielson, who is also a Councilor at the MRAC. "In this fiscal climate we need every dollar we can get," Danielson added, stressing that the loss of $20 million in federal funding is not an option for a cash-strapped state.
"We need to let our elected officials know that the integrity of these funds, whether in the general Conservation Fund or the Marine Coastal District account, should not be jeopardized, and that doing so comes with a very hefty federal response," Hutchinson said. "We need our friends in both the Senate and Assembly to help rescind the language which allows the budget folks to use sporting license fees and other conservation funds for purposes other than what the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service intended."
Hutchinson said that shenanigans pulled by former Governor Paterson showed just how fragile the promise of dedicated funds really is. "When New York implemented the state's first ever marine license back in 2009, the first thing the governor did was offload DEC marine salaries which had been previously budgeted out of the general fund," Hutchinson said. "Anglers essentially got fleeced by allowing Mr. Paterson to save a couple of million in one account while having us pay into another. It was little more than a Ponzi scheme which was one of the primary reasons why the saltwater user fee was eventually suspended. It was little more than a tax with no return."
RFA and NYSF will be forwarding official comments to various legislators and to Governor Cuomo himself, asking for support of the DEC and the Conservation Fund. "We're going to work very hard in the next couple of years to help identify new funding sources which can help support DEC efforts, particularly in the marine district, but until then we need to salvage every bit of available funding we have now, but as we've said it all along, there is no such thing as a dedicated fund, particularly not in this economic climate."
While some members of the hunting and fishing public were surprised to learn about the potential loss of $20 million in federal funding, Nelson wrote that the DEC should've been well aware of the possibility. "During the April meeting of the Conservation Fund Advisory Board, I asked DEC Commissioner Joe Martens if there was any truth that Governor Cuomo had any plans of transferring money from the conservation fund to the general fund to reduce the state's deficit and was told in no uncertain terms, no - even though he knew (or should have known) that the budget allowed for it."
Nelson also noted that former Governor Mario Cuomo also transferred $20 million into the general fund back in 1990, replacing $15 million of that money just a few years later. "During that time, Commissioner Martens served as Assistant Secretary to the Governor for Energy and the Environment and was later named Deputy Secretary," Nelson said.
Federal funding from various U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service grants pays for up to 75% of the projected costs of various resource-related programs, with states putting up the other 25% of the cost. Hutchinson said that state saltwater anglers share federal grants funds with freshwater anglers under the Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish Restoration Fund which also receives a portion of its funding from a separate tax on boat fuel at the gas docks. "Given the fact that USFWS ranks New York ninth among all coastal states in overall retail sales on saltwater sportfishing with over $373 million in marine tackle sales alone, I'd say our community has more than paid our fair share of taxes," he said.
"While NYSF will be working to get the word out in Albany that our Conservation Fund needs protection, RFA will be reminding our federal legislators that the Sport Fish Restoration Fund needs its share of attention too," Hutchinson said. "With the lack of scientific data collection that's killing our New York sportfishing industry, more government diversion and withholding of funding only punishes individual sportsmen and the resource itself. I would like to think the federal government has more sense than that, but bureaucratic neglect and contempt doesn't really surprise me anymore," Hutchinson added.
Jim Hutchinson, Jr. (888) 564-6732

2010 Annual Fisheries Report: The 2010 Annual Lake Ontario and St. Lawrence River Report, now available on the DEC website, provides results of surveys and assessments conducted in Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River including creel (angler) surveys, forage fish assessments, warm water gillnetting, lower food web monitoring, Chinook salmon marking studies, native species restoration efforts, Cormorant management and diet studies, and much more! Survey work was conducted by staff from DEC's Lake Ontario Unit and Regions 6, 7, 8, and 9, as well as staff from the U.S. Geological Survey, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Cornell University, SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, and Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources.

Reward Increased: Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge recently announced that the reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the theft and vandalism at Swallow Hollow Nature Trail has been increased to $1,500. The increase was made possible through generous donations from local businessmen. The trail, located on Knowlesville Road in Genesee County, was targeted in May when 10 interpretive panels and regulatory signs were stolen from the trailhead and along the trial. The trail also suffered other acts of vandalism. Total damages have been estimated at $15,000. The Genesee County Sheriff’s Office is investigating in conjunction with Federal Officials of the Office of Refuge Law Enforcement. If you have any information please contact either the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office at 585-343-5000 or the Office of Refuge Law Enforcement at 814-789-2471. If no answer, please leave a message and a Federal Officer will return your call. All calls will remain anonymous.
Swallow Hollow Nature Trail is the most popular trail on the Refuge because of its accessible boardwalk, diverse habitat and exceptional birding opportunities. The trail is enjoyed by hundreds of people every week.

Dog Care: As a veterinarian in South Dakota, the majority of Dr. Joe Spoo's four-legged clients are of the hunting variety. Spoo says that the number-one problem with the hunting dogs that come in to his office for their pre-season check-up is that they are out of shape.

"We expect these dogs to go from couch potatoes to world-class athletes overnight," says Spoo. "This isn't practical and definitely isn't safe for the dog. Hunting dogs love what they do to the point that they will literally run themselves to death."

Spoo says that heat, treacherous water conditions, and a number of long retrieves are just a few of the situations that can get a dog in trouble. Pre-season training sessions and routine exercise are the only way to make sure that your retriever is in proper shape come opening day. But if your dog is not a hunting performance level, Spoo highly recommends taking things slowly during the first few weeks of the season.

"This may mean that your first outings aren't as long or as productive," says Spoo. "However, it could mean the difference between life and death for your hunting partner."

Get you retriever in shape now.

Ducks Unlimited tips on summer dog training: http://www.ducks.org/hunting/retriever-training/training-in-the-heat?poe=July11ENews&hq_e=el&hq_m=2593918&hq_l=33&hq_v=8859ac864b

This Week’s Events:

30 - Dave Wood Open Bass Tournament - Keuka Lake (7:00 am – 3:00 pm) (For information call Dave Wood, 607-535-7771)

AUGUST 2011

3 – New York State Waterfowl ID Course at the Iroquois NWR, 1101 Casey Road, Alabama, NY (7:00 – 11:00 pm) You must Pre-register! To help pass, pre-study "Ducks at a Distance" (search "ducks" at www.usgs.gov) (For information and to preregister call 585-948-5445 ext. 0 between 8:00am•4:00pm.)

4 & 6 - NYS Trapper Education Class at the Montezuma Audubon Center, 2295 State Rte. 89, (North of Savannah). (4th 5:00 - 9:00 pm/6th 8:00 am – 12:00 pm) (To register and more information call 315-745-9992) Must attend both sessions.

5-7 - 7th Annual NCCC Lake Erie Walleye 3-Man Team Tournament at the Northern Chautauqua Conservation Club, Dunkirk Harbor (For information call Zen Olaw 716-640-2776 or email at zolow@comtrix.net)

5-21 - Bass Pro Shops 2011 Fall Hunting Classic at Bass Pro Shops, 1579 Clark Street Road, Auburn, NY.

Special Events: 5-7 – Bass Pro Shops Free Hunting University. Nationally recognized professional hunters and outdoorsmen will be at stores to give seminars and talk about their experiences; 8/5 - (7:00 pm) Matt Morrett, 5-Time World Turkey Calling Champion - Whitetail Tactics and (8:00 pm) Rob Keck, RedHead® Pro Hunting Team Member - Whitetails & Wild Turkeys; 5-9 – Binocular Trade-In. Trade in your old pair of binoculars and save on any new binocular purchase; 10-15 - Scope Trade-In. Need a new scope? Trade in yours and save on a new one; 12-14 - Hunter Appreciation Weekend. Learn tips and techniques for a more successful day in the field by attending free seminars. 8/12 (6:00 pm) - Using Big Game Scents & Calls Effectively, (7:00 pm) - Hunting Public/Leased Land: The ins-and-outs of finding places to hunt, (8:00 pm) - Food Plots & Land Management: Managing food plots in order to harvest trophy whitetail. 8/13 (1:00 pm) - Using Big Game Scents & Calls Effectively, (2:00 pm) - Hunting Public/Leased Land: The ins-and-outs of finding places to hunt, (3:00 pm) - Food Plots & Land Management: Managing food plots in order to harvest trophy whitetail, (4:00 pm) - Choosing the Right Optics, (5:00 pm) - Fundamentals of Long-Range Hunting and Shooting. 8/14 (1:00 pm) - Tips for Game Camera Placement, (2:00 pm) - Fundamentals of Long-Range Hunting and Shooting, (3:00 pm) - Field Dressing, Transporting & Processing Game, (4:00 pm) - Choosing the Right Optics. 13-14 (Noon – 5:00 pm) - ATV Test Drive. 16-21 - Bow Trade-In. Been wanting a new bow? Now’s the time to get one! Trade in your old one and save. 20-21 (Noon - 5:00 pm) Next Generation Weekend.. New this year—Kids can take the Deer Camp Challenge. Other activities include Free youth seminars (1:30pm and 3:30pm Camping Basics, 2:30pm and 4:30pm Archery Basics), paintball cage and deer mosaic craft 1-3pm (while supplies last). Prizes and give-aways possible. (For more information go to www.basspro.com/classic after July 27th or call James King at 315-258-2700)

6 - National Wild Turkey Federation – Lake Ridge Gobbler Chapter Dinner at the Brockport Elks Club #2100, 4400 Sweden Walker Road, Brockport, NY (For further information contact Duane Marshall at 585-637-4732)

6 - Part I) From the Brink of Extinction: The Bald Eagles of Hemlock and Canadice sponsored by The Finger Lakes Museum at the Finger Lakes Wine Center, Ithaca, NY (2:00 pm) Retired NYS DEC eagle expert, Mike Allen will tell the story and of how the bald eagle population has grown to over 200 nest territories statewide. The bald eagle, the chosen icon for the Finger Lakes Museum, is a sentinel or indicator species, sensitive to the living conditions in a particular habitat. Their presence is testimony to the pristine Hemlock-Canadice ecosystem. A magnificent rehabilitated bald eagle will accompany Allen to help tell the story. (For more information go to http://fingerlakesmuseum.org/)

6-21 - Orleans County Rotary Derby Fish Lake Ontario and tributaries from the Niagara River to the Genesee River for salmon and trout. Olcott does have a weigh station in this local derby, located at The Slippery Sinker. (For more information call (585) 589-9881 or go to http://www.orleanscountytourism.com/fishing/fishing.php)

7 – National Wild Turkey Federation - Salmon River Strutters’ Chapter Shoot/New York Wheelin' Sportsmen Event at the Leatherstocking Club, New Haven, NY. Wheelin' Sportsmen gives people with disabilities the chance to experience the outdoors. Whether it's for the first time or a reintroduction into outdoor activities, Wheelin' Sportsmen brings back the joy of the wild to those with disabilities. (For information call William Wilbur 315-963-3368 or email wwilbur551@aol.com)

Until our next meeting in the Corner, have a great time in the outdoors. This is Ron Schroder for – “Your In on The Outdoors for Western New York.”

What are your thoughts? (Click Here)

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7-22-11

Welcome to this week’s Conservation Chatter Corner – little bits of happenings concerning our outdoors and you, the sportspeople who enjoy being part of that outdoors.

Deer Management: July 28th is the deadline for submitting comments on the NYSDEC draft deer management plan. The following are three commentaries on this plan which may help you in formulating your submission. The first is from Rich Davenport a well respected WNY outdoorsman; the second is a news release from the New York Bowmen and the third is from DEC clearing up some misconceptions expressed in already received comments. If you don’t like NY’s deer management or just have suggested improvements, make your feelings known ASAP.

***Here is the "short list" of problems with the deer plan as written:

Conflicts created, that do not exist today, introduced by season restructuring:

1 - Coyote hunters in shotgun only areas will no longer be able to use CF rifles until end of December

2 - Small game hunters working dogs for grouse and rabbits lose the first couple weeks of no deer hunters to worry about

3 - Youth hunt with 14 & 15 yr olds while 12-13 Yr olds can archery hunt, wearing full camo, creates a potential safety issue, will we all need to wear safety orange?

4 - Early ML following youth hunt brings similar issues, without a beneficial "trade off" of having a weekend opportunity - low participation potential with safety concerns introduced

5 - Bear hunting - is bear season to run concurrent, starting on proposed Oct 1 start, and will early ML and youth archery also bring bear harvest opportunity? Confusion when we need more bear hunting

6 - Enforcement complexities with early archery and firearms occurring simultaneously (not a condition in regular or extended)

7 - Do we suspend bear hunting during that week of "special hunts?"

8 - Firearms (big game) injected into archery season will wedge further archers against other hunters

9 - Planned elimination of deer of either sex for early archery ignores conditions on the ground when archery hunting (does harder to harvest due to more than one doe travelling together), which is primary reason why archers harvest far more bucks than does

10 - Complete insensitivity to the Lifetime License Holders, especially achery and ML, a group that saw 73,000+ LT licenses sold in 2008/2009 in response to fee increase

Money issues with CF and other problems:

1 - Land access outreach to use Cornell Coop Extensions - no mention of FWMB, the board by law created to perform this work, why?

2 - Disease monitoring - sounds good, feels better, yet is unrealistic - natural thing creatures getting sick, true across the board, nature will take care of itself, existing monitoring and response practices in place are more than adequate

3 - What will be the cost of enhanced disease monitoring, who will do the work, and where will these activities get the funding from? Based on CWD efforts, this could run into the millions

4 - Plan for "aggregated WMUs" and deer management "focus areas" - What is being aggregated, and exactly how will "focus" be focused?

5 - Open ended deer studies stating specifically to enter into contracts or memorandums of understanding with universities and non-governmental organizations for deer ecology, impacts on forests, hunter demographcis (we have USF&W that does this already), and lastly impacts of regulatory changes on hunter participation - what the heck is this? Looks like an open checkbook for Cornell U and QDMA, and where will the funding come from? Also, if it is desired to study impacts of regulatory changes, we should conduct this study first before making changes, right?

6 - Bonus DMP program - what are the costs, what are the details of the plan, way too vague

7 - Introduction of additional "ecological stakeholders" to CTF efforts, with example of "desired trees" provided. Tree farmers are already on the CTFs and are also addressed though DDP allowing tree farmers to take antlered deer to keep rub damage down on trees

8 - Need to know the defintion of "support" of non-consumptive activities, as "support" from a governmental standpoint usually means money

9 - In the pursuit of "better management", AR is being expanded. DEC pilot program report states in no uncertain terms that deer population metrics are completely destroyed, and without fairly reliable population estimates, DEC will have no way to develop "better" management plans - foundational.

10 - What is the estimated costs of these activities, annually and over the 5-year plan, and where will this money come from? If it comes from the CF, what will suffer as a result?

This entire proposal needs to be tightened up, otherwise down the road, when the next plan comes out, this will be used against us, with the excuse of, "well, you agreed to the plan 5 years ago, and that's the plan we will continue"

The alternate plan eliminates all of the above conflicts.

The alternate plan will tighten up the pie-in-the-sky, throw whatever against the wall, open check book nature of the balance of the plan.

Need specific priorities, budget figures and identify where the money will come from first.

None of that is in here. Feedback needed, and if you wish to circulate, please do.

Thanks

Rich Davenport

(rich@weloveoutdoors.com)

*** Canandaigua, NY - 7/14/11 - New York Bowhunters, Inc. (NYB) President Martin Seeley says that bowhunters are joining his organization in large numbers due to the release of the NYSDEC’s proposed draft Deer Management Plan. The plan if implemented would start the southern zone archery season on October 1st, which would finally bring NY in line with an opening day similar to the rest of states in the Northeast. Northern Zone bowhunters would see a more stabilized season structure and have the ability to use DMPs during archery season. The plan would also take away the antlerless bow tag and create a youth and potential muzzleloader season in some DMU’s during NY’s long-established early archery seasons.

“Our phone has been ringing off the hook since the proposed plan was released for public review”, said Seeley. “Although, bowhunters are encouraged by some sections of the plan , such as a October 1st archery opening date in the southern zone, they can’t understand why the DEC is still trying to implement firearms seasons during the early archery season, considering that the same proposals were soundly defeated by sportsmen in 2004 (youth hunt) and 2005 (muzzleloading season)”.

Recently, Vermont Governor Peter Shumlin reported that a proposal by his wildlife biologists to open a firearms season in October was not going to happen. Governor Shumlin commented “that to allow hunting deer with firearms in October would be an extraordinary bad idea” and “that whitetail deer are smart and much harder to hunt in November if they’ve already been introduced to firearms just a month before”.

“Bowhunters have paid their fair share; we gave up a weekend in November in 2005 for more youth involvement and also lost up to 10 days of the southern zone early archery season” said Seeley. On top of that, the “DEC raised bowhunters license fees last year so that we are paying more for less hunting time.” If the DEC can implement this plan, they will also take an antlerless tag away from bowhunters, as well as giving them just a 5 day uninterrupted bowhunting season before a firearm season starts in 2012.

“Bowhunters are in full support of youth involvement, that’s why they gave up a weekend of bowhunting during the November rut in 2005, so that our youth firearms hunters could participate in a regular firearms season that opened on a Saturday instead of Monday”, said Gary Socola of Bloomfield. “The DEC wants to put a Band-Aid on the real issue and that is that NYS still has the most restrictive junior hunting age requirements in the county. Lower the junior hunting age to 12 and we’d have no need for any type of special season”.

Rich Albaugh Jr., owner of Bullseye Archery in Bloomfield says “Bowhunters coming into my shop just don’t understand why the DEC continues to tinker with the early archery season. The number of bowhunters in NY continues to grow at a steady pace, unlike firearms hunters, so if the system is not broke why is the DEC trying to fix it? Bowhunters like the season with deer in their natural patterns and free of any superior weapons.”

Many sportsmen want to know why the DEC is not asking other big game hunting groups to share in restructuring or new season creation. “It doesn’t seem fair that bowhunters are the only sporting group that has been giving up any portion of their season. Seeley said that “bowhunters did this in 2005 and paid more for less hunting time In 2010 and now the DEC wants bowhunters to continue this trend in 2012.

Recent comments have stated that an Oct. 1st opening date is not preferred, because giving bowhunters additional time will only lessen the opportunity of success for those that hunt during the regular gun season, said Seeley. A recent editorial even stated that bowhunters gained 5 days that they never had, but are still complaining about sharing the woods with others. Seeley wants all sportsmen to know that bowhunters ARE NOT gaining much new hunting time with the proposed opener, but merely getting back some of the 10 days taken from their season in 2005.”

New York Bowhunters, Inc. was formed in 1991 to promote bowhunting, educate hunters and non-hunters, and to fight anti-hunting legislation. NYB supports an Oct. 1st opening of the early archery season in the southern zone, as well as DMP use during the archery season in the northern zone. They believe that with bowhunters success rates so low, they should also be able to retain their special season antlerless tag.

NYB can be contacted at P.O. Box 1157, Canandaigua, NY 14424, by phone 585-905-0961or email nyboffice@newyorkbowhunters.com. To learn more about NYB or to become a member, please go to the website at http://www.newyorkbowhunters.com.

***In reviewing comments already submitted for our draft deer management plan, it is apparent that a couple strategies of the plan need greater clarification. We have posted the following notes at www.dec.ny.gov/animals/7211.html to explain that the plan: (1) does not propose a 1-buck per hunter rule, and (2) does not propose an early muzzleloader season across the board for the Southern Zone.

1) 1-Buck Rule? - It's not in the plan.
Strategy 1.3.2 proposes to initiate a process to discontinue either-sex and antlerless-only bow and muzzleloader tags for antlerless harvest and transition to a system based exclusively on Deer Management Permits (DMPs) in all areas of the state. Some hunters have apparently misinterpreted this strategy as though DEC intends to institute a 1-buck per hunter rule. However, this is not the case. The proposal is strictly based on the need for a more sensitive antlerless harvest system, and Appendix 5.6 in the deer plan describes this need and purpose. At this point, the draft plan presents a concept for improved antlerless management. The potential tag system is not fully described, but bow and muzzleloader hunters would still be able to harvest one antlered deer during the regular season and one during either of the special seasons.
2) Early Muzzleloader Season in the Southern Zone? - It's proposed for very limited circumstances in specific areas only.
Strategy 2.2.6 proposes a possible early muzzleloader season under very limited circumstances. Some hunters have apparently misinterpreted this strategy as though an early muzzleloader season is being proposed for most or all of the Southern Zone. However, this is not the case. The strategy describes an approach to progressively increase harvest pressure on antlerless deer in areas where deer populations are above desired levels. This would be considered where DMPs are available to all hunters and additional steps are necessary to reduce the local deer population. A short, early muzzleloader season for antlerless deer is proposed as the third step of a three-step process. Based on current deer population trends, it is likely that step 1 (use of Bonus DMPs; see www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/10001.html for an explanation of Bonus DMPs) might be appropriate for 8-12 Wildlife Management Units, mostly located in northern Regions 8 and 9. If use of Bonus Permits is sufficient, then we would not need to progress on to step 2 (make part of the bow and late muzzleloading season antlerless-only) or step 3 (a short early-muzzleloader season for antlerless deer).

The draft deer plan is available at www.dec.ny.gov/animals/7211.html. I encourage you all to carefully read the plan, form your own opinions and give us feedback.

Please remember that July 28 is the deadline for submitting comments on the draft deer management plan. Comments may be submitted in writing to DEC Deer Management Plan, NYSDEC, 625 Broadway, Albany, NY 12233-4754 or by email to deerplan@gw.dec.state.ny.us using “Deer plan” in the subject line. Please do reply to NY Big Game to submit your comments.

This Week’s Events:

23 – BassProWitoCampout/Hardwood Strutters at the Sugar Hill Recreation Area, Wathins Glen, NY (Contact: Barbara Phillips 315-673-9807 BMPhillips@basspro.com)

23 - National Wild Turkey Federation - Cohochon Valley Chapter JAKES Event at the Bath Rod and Gun Club, 771 telegraph Road, Bath, NY JAKES Field Day events are held each year to introduce young people to the joy of the outdoors. Let your child experience the outdoors through supervised, hands-on activities. (For further information contact Jim McGlynn 607-776-6263 or email elkmcg@wildblue.net)

23 - National Rendezvous and Living History Foundation at the Bement-Billings Farmstead, Rt. 38, Newark Valley, NY (9:00 am – 5:00pm) Black powder shoots, hawk & knife throws and primitive archery as well as numerous demonstrations in and around the primitive farmstead. (Cost: $6.00 per person / children 12 and under free) Suttlers area is open to the public July 23-30 from 9 am-5 pm. (For information call 607-693-3288 or go to http://www.nvhistory.org)

23 – Irondequoit Bay Bass Tournament for Hope Lodge, headquartered at the Boat Launch at the north end of the Bay (8:00 am – 2:00 pm) The tourney is a fund raiser for the B. Thomas Golisano Hope Lodge in Rochester. The Hope Lodge is very similar to the Ronald McDonald houses except for adults. This benefit tournament is to help raise funds so that patients and their families can be together during hard times. Heaviest 3 bass will win. (Entry is $30 adults and $5 youth under 16) (Entry and information available at S&R Bait on Culver Road and the Bayside Boat and Tackle Empire Blvd. Rochester, NY or at the launch until 9:00 am)

23 - Dave Wood Open Bass Tournament, Cayuta, Little, Lake (7:00 am – 3:00 pm) (For information call Dave Wood, 607-535-7771)

28 – Audubon at Home at the “Coffee House”, Montezuma Audubon Center, 2295 State Route 89, Savannah, NY 13146 (6:30 -9:30 pm) Topic discussion and open mic featuring local music and talent . Come relax and enjoy the music or sign up to perform. (For more information or to sign up as a performer, call (315) 365-3588 or email montezuma@audubon.org )

28 - Part III) Lakes Go Wild: Permanent Protection of Hemlock and Canadice Lakes sponsored by the Finger Lakes Museum at the Lightner Library, Keuka College, Keuka Park, NY (7:00 pm) Learn the story, spanning more than a century, of how Canadice and Hemlock Lakes came to be permanently protected. The story of how watershed protection in the area started in the 1890?s and culminated in 2010 with the creation of the Hemlock – Canadice State Forest will be told by Jim Howe, Executive Director of the Central & Western NY Nature Conservancy; Don Root, former Hemlock-Canadice Watershed Conservationist; Steve Lewandowski, Coalition for Hemlock and Canadice; and Paul D’Amato, Regional Director, NYS DEC Region 8. (For more information go to http://fingerlakesmuseum.org/)

28 – Edible Plants at Hamlin Beach State Park, Peter Tonery Park Office Conference Room, 1 Camp Road, Hamlin, NY (7:00 pm) Edible plant hike will show you which plants can be used when foraging for food. (For information call 585-964-2462)

30 - Dave Wood Open Bass Tournament - Keuka Lake (7:00 am – 3:00 pm) (For information call Dave Wood, 607-535-7771)

Until our next meeting in the Corner, have a great time in the outdoors. This is Ron Schroder for – “Your In on The Outdoors for Western New York.”

What are your thoughts? (Click Here)

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7-15-11

Welcome to this week’s Conservation Chatter Corner – little bits of happenings concerning our outdoors and you, the sportspeople who enjoy being part of that outdoors.

NRA to UN: The following letter was forwarded by Tom King, President of the New York State Rifle and Pistol Association and may be of interest to all of you.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

For the last few months questions have been running rampant regarding the United Nations and the infamous Small Arms Treaty. Many groups have used this proposed treaty to fear monger and fundraise which has generated many questions asking: What is the NRA doing? Well below is the answer; Wayne LaPierre and Chris Cox attended a meeting of the United Nations Arms Treaty Preparatory Committee yesterday where Wayne stated our position through the presentation included below.

United Nations Arms Trade Treaty Preparatory Committee - 3d Session New York, July 11-15, 2011 Statement of the National Rifle Association of America.

Mr. Chairman, thank you for this brief opportunity to address the committee. I am Wayne LaPierre and for 20 years now, I have served as Executive Vice President of the National Rifle Association of America. The NRA was founded in 1871, and ever since has staunchly defended the rights of its 4 million members, America's 80 million law-abiding gun owners, and freedom-loving Americans throughout our country. In 1996, the NRA was recognized as an NGO of the United Nations and, ever since then, has defended the constitutional freedom of Americans in this arena. The NRA is the largest and most active firearms rights organization in the world and, although some members of this committee may not like what I have to say, I am proud to defend the tens of millions of lawful people NRA represents. This present effort for an Arms Trade Treaty, or ATT, is now in its fifth year. We have closely monitored this process with increasing concern. We've reviewed the statements of the countries participating in these meetings. We've listened to other NGOs and read their numerous proposals and reports, as well as carefully examined the papers you have produced. We've watched, and read ... listened and monitored. Now, we must speak out. The Right to Keep and Bear Arms in defense of self, family and country is ultimately self-evident and is part of the Bill of Rights to the United States Constitution. Reduced to its core, it is about fundamental individual freedom, human worth, and self-destiny. We reject the notion that American gun owners must accept any lesser amount of freedom in order to be accepted among the international community. Our Founding Fathers long ago rejected that notion and forged our great nation on the principle of freedom for the individual citizen - not for the government. Mr. Chairman, those working on this treaty have asked us to trust them ... but they've proven to be unworthy of that trust. We are told "Trust us; an ATT will not ban possession of any civilian firearms." Yet, the proposals and statements presented to date have argued exactly the opposite, and - perhaps most importantly - proposals to ban civilian firearms ownership have not been rejected. We are told "Trust us; an ATT will not interfere with state domestic regulation of firearms." Yet, there are constant calls for exactly such measures. We are told "Trust us; an ATT will only affect the illegal trade in firearms." But then we're told that in order to control the illegal trade, all states must control the legal firearms trade. We are told, "Trust us; an ATT will not require registration of civilian firearms." Yet, there are numerous calls for record-keeping, and firearms tracking from production to eventual destruction. That's nothing more than gun registration by a different name. We are told, "Trust us; an ATT will not create a new international bureaucracy." Well, that's exactly what is now being proposed -- with a tongue-in-cheek assurance that it will just be a SMALL bureaucracy. We are told, "Trust us; an ATT will not interfere with the lawful international commerce in civilian firearms." But a manufacturer of civilian shotguns would have to comply with the same regulatory process as a manufacturer of military attack helicopters. We are told, "Trust us; an ATT will not interfere with a hunter or sport shooter travelling internationally with firearms." However, he would have to get a so-called "transit permit" merely to change airports for a connecting flight. Mr. Chairman, our list of objections extends far beyond the proposals I just mentioned. Unfortunately, my limited time today prevents me from providing greater detail on each of our objections. I can assure you, however, that each is based on American law, as well as the fundamental rights guaranteed by the United States Constitution. It is regrettable that proposals affecting civilian firearms ownership are woven throughout the proposed ATT. That being the case, however, there is only one solution to this problem: the complete removal of civilian firearms from the scope of any ATT. I will repeat that point as it is critical and not subject to negotiation - civilian firearms must not be part of any ATT. On this there can be no compromise, as American gun owners will never surrender their Second Amendment freedom. It is also regrettable to find such intense focus on record-keeping, oversight, inspections, supervision, tracking, tracing, surveillance, marking, documentation, verification, paper trails and data banks, new global agencies and data centers. Nowhere do we find a thought about respecting anyone's right of self-defense, privacy, property, due process, or observing personal freedoms of any kind. Mr. Chairman, I'd be remiss if I didn't also discuss the politics of an ATT. For the United States to be a party to an ATT, it must be ratified by a two-thirds vote of the U.S. Senate. Some do not realize that under the U.S. Constitution, the ultimate treaty power is not the President's power to negotiate and sign treaties; it is the Senate's power to approve them. To that end, it's important for the Preparatory Committee to understand that the proposed ATT is already strongly opposed in the Senate - the very body that must approve it by a two-thirds majority. There is a letter addressed to President Obama and Secretary of State Clinton that is currently being circulated for the signatures of Senators who oppose the ATT. Once complete, this letter will demonstrate that the proposed ATT will not pass the U.S. Senate. So there is extremely strong resistance to the ATT in the United States, even before the treaty is tabled. We are not aware of any precedent for this - rejecting a proposed treaty before it's even submitted for consideration - but it speaks to the level of opposition. The proposed ATT has become more than just controversial, as the Internet is awash with articles and messages calling for its rejection. And those messages are all based on the same objection - infringement on the constitutional freedom of American gun owners. The cornerstone of our freedom is the Second Amendment. Neither the United Nations, nor any other foreign influence, has the authority to meddle with the freedoms guaranteed by our Bill of Rights, endowed by our Creator, and due to all humankind. Therefore, the NRA will fight with all of its strength to oppose any ATT that includes civilian firearms within its scope. Thank you.

Tom King President NYSRPA NRA Board of Directors 518-424-1349 http://www.nysrpa.org

This Week’s Events:

15 – Start of Snapping Turtle Season (>9/30)

15-17 - Wayne County Pro-Am Salmon Team Tournament. (For information call 1-800-527-6510)

16 - NYS Trapper Education Class at the Interlaken Sportsmans Club, Interlaken, NY (8:00 am – 4:30 pm) You may bring a lunch or food will be available to purchase.

(To register and obtain more information call Dave Standish at 607-532-4699)

16 – Women’s Shoot at the North Forest Rod & Gun Club, Old Niagara Road, Lockport, NY (1:30 pm -) Women friendly guns will be available and all ammunition is provided for the day. NRA Certified Instructors will be on hand to teach you safe gun handling and shooting. Trap Shooting will be introduced for all new shooters. A picnic type Pot Luck dinner will follow. (Cost: $25.00 for Ladies 19 and over & $20.00 for Juniors’ 12-18 yrs.) (For information call 716- 696-2434)

16 - Southtowns Walleye Association Kids Fishing Derby at Lake Kirsty, Tifft Preserve, Buffalo, NY (For information call Dennis Stoberl 716-649-8202 (club office)

16 - Avon Anglers “Keuka Lake Open” Fishing Derby headquartered at the Keuka Lake State Park, Branchport, NY (Registration – 5:00 – 5:45 am/Launch – 6:00 am/Check in - 2:00 pm) (Fee: $60.00 Per Member Team (1 or 2 person) $10.00 extra per non member) All fish caught and equipment used will be the responsibility of the fisherman and must comply with all NYS Boating, Fishing & Game Laws. (For more information contact Paul Lane at 585-737-1701 or Ron Boyce at 585 208-8309)

16 - Lake Ontario Trout and Salmon Association King Salmon Tournament. (For information go to www.lotsa.org)

16 - Dave Wood Open Bass Tournament - Canandaigua Lake (7:00 am – 3:00 pm) (For information call Dave Wood, 607-535-7771)

16 – Wading With Wildlife at Seneca Meadows, Inc., 1786 Salcman Road, Waterloo, NY. Bring the kids for an afternoon of hip-wading fun as we discover the under water creatures at the Seneca Meadows Wetlands Preserve! Through crazy games and activities, we’ll learn how these animals live and play, and who’s eating whom! (Waders provided. Please bring yours if you have them.) (For information/register call 315-539-5624)

16 - Bird-Friendly Gardening at the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, 3395 US Route 20 East, Seneca Falls, NY (2:00 – 3:30 pm) Marie Read, author, photographer and naturalist will help us become better gardeners for the birds! Marie's articles and photo essays have appeared in such publications as Living Bird, Birder's World, Bird Watcher's Digest, and Women In The Outdoors (www.marieread.com). The Nature of Montezuma Lectures are a series of afternoon programs hosted by the Montezuma Audubon Center and the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge. (Fee: Free to members of the Friends; $5 for adult non-members; $3 for students and seniors non-members) (For more information, contact Andrea VanBeusichem at 315/568-5987 ext. 228 Andrea_VanBeusichem@fws.gov)

18 & 23 - NYS Trapper Education Class at the Elma Conservation Club, 600 Creek Rd., Elma, NY. (18th 6:00 – 10:00 pm/23rd 7:00 am – done) You must Pre-register! Class size is limited to 35 students. You must attend all sessions.(For information and preregister call 716-681-5690)

19-21 - “Summer Ecology School” at Reinstein Woods Environmental Education Center, 93 Honorine Drive, Depew, NY (9:00 am – 3:00 pm) This three-day educator workshop will introduce educators of students in kindergarten to 12th grade to new and exciting environmental education techniques. Participants will learn how to connect students to nature through hands-on activities that align with New York State learning standards. The activities are designed to fit into existing curricula in science, English language arts and other subject areas. Topics include nature-literacy connections, using school buildings and “green” buildings as teaching tools, and ideas for how to use schoolyards as learning habitat. The program will include a field trip to a “green” building and an introduction to using geographic information systems (GIS) for service-learning. A materials fee of $30 includes lunch on the final day of the school. (A registration form is available online or by calling Reinstein Woods at (716) 683-5959. Space is limited, so early registration is recommended.)

23 – BassProWitoCampout/Hardwood Strutters at the Sugar Hill Recreation Area, Wathins Glen, NY (Contact: Barbara Phillips 315-673-9807 BMPhillips@basspro.com)

23 - National Wild Turkey Federation - Cohochon Valley Chapter JAKES Event at the Bath Rod and Gun Club, 771 telegraph Road, Bath, NY JAKES Field Day events are held each year to introduce young people to the joy of the outdoors. Let your child experience the outdoors through supervised, hands-on activities. (For further information contact Jim McGlynn 607-776-6263 or email elkmcg@wildblue.net)

23 – Irondequoit Bay Bass Tournament for Hope Lodge, headquartered at the Boat Launch at the north end of the Bay (8:00 am – 2:00 pm) The tourney is a fund raiser for the B. Thomas Golisano Hope Lodge in Rochester. The Hope Lodge is very similar to the Ronald McDonald houses except for adults. This benefit tournament is to help raise funds so that patients and their families can be together during hard times. Heaviest 3 bass will win. (Entry is $30 adults and $5 youth under 16) (Entry and information available at S&R Bait on Culver Road and the Bayside Boat and Tackle Empire Blvd. Rochester, NY or at the launch until 9:00 am)

23 - Dave Wood Open Bass Tournament, Cayuta, Little, Lake (7:00 am – 3:00 pm) (For information call Dave Wood, 607-535-7771)

Until our next meeting in the Corner, have a great time in the outdoors. This is Ron Schroder for – “Your In on The Outdoors for Western New York.”

What are your thoughts? (Click Here)

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7-8-11

Welcome to this week’s Conservation Chatter Corner – little bits of happenings concerning our outdoors and you, the sportspeople who enjoy being part of that outdoors.

Congratulations: Marc Osypian has been appointed by the NYS Senate as the Region 8 member on the state Conservation Fund Advisory Board. He replaces Charlie Hancock, who resigned at the end of last year. Marc has been President of the Livingston County Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs and has served on the Region 8 Fish and Wildlife Management Board as the Livingston County sportsmen’s representative. He, along with a few others, is responsible for the continuation of the celebration of National Hunting and Fishing Day at the Avon DEC Office after my retirement in 2003. I’ve known Marc for many years and I can assure you Region 8’s sportsmen will be well represented. Congratulations Marc!! Keep up the good work.

Bird Strike at JFK: (By Jennifer Bain and Kenneth Garger)

The fowl odor meant either a good meal or big trouble was cooking.

A "very big bird" got sucked into an engine on a JetBlue plane taking off at Kennedy Airport yesterday, forcing the jet back -- and convincing some passengers there was hot food aboard.

Aruba-bound JetBlue flight 757 -- carrying 104 passengers, two pilots and three flight attendants -- landed safely at 12:30 p.m., a half-hour after a bird strike was reported in the Airbus A320's No. 2 engine, officials said.

"Suddenly the plane smelled like chicken," said passenger Gina Vicinanza, 50. "I thought, 'Wow! They have hot food on this plane.' "

Others reported a similar sensory buzz.

"It smelled like burned turkey," said passenger J.R. Meceli, adding the pilot made a "perfect" landing. But Bob Flynn, 35, of Greenwich, Conn., couldn't believe it when the pilot announced the problem.

"He said it was a very big bird," Flynn said. "Nobody was scared. Everybody moaned when we had to come back to JFK."

JetBlue spokesman Alex Headrick said passengers and crew were all put onto a different plane that left the gate at JFK just after 3 p.m. At least 13 bird strikes have been reported at JFK since the beginning of the year, Federal Aviation Administration records show. Five of the strikes were with JetBlue planes.

Big Cats: First a car killed cougar in Connecticut and now sightings in Ohio. The following is from the CantonRep.com by staff writer Lori Monsewicz.

Authorities continue to look into numerous reported cougar sightings since they started coming in on (last) Monday. The most recent reports came Thursday. A woman notified the Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ Division of Wildlife office that she saw a large cat drinking from a pool on Bosworth Avenue NE in Plain Township around 9:30 a.m.
Local police and Stark County sheriff’s deputies, as well as the ODNR wildlife officer, have received “dozens and dozens of calls” reporting a mountain lion roaming the area, said Jamey Graham, ODNR spokeswoman.
“We still have received no concrete evidence to even prove it exists. It’s a matter of weeding out what sightings are most legitimate,” Graham said. “There’s been no evidence of anybody missing a cat. No one has come forward.”
Still, she said, “I don’t want to discount people’s reports. But without any concrete evidence, we can only speculate on anything at this point.”
Graham said that no cougar tracks have been identified, no cougar feces has been found and no one has been able to supply photos of a cougar seen in this area.
“We have received an awful lot of reports,” Graham said. “That’s all we can depend on right now.”

This Week’s Events:

8-9 - The 7th Annual NY Trappers Forum Summer Fur Rondy at Nichols Pond Park in the Town of Fenner, about 6 miles South of the village of Canastota. (All Day) EVERYTHING is still FREE!!! If you need directions, more information or to view the demo schedule, please visit the NY Trappers Forum at http://nytrappers.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=rondy or contact Wayne Jones (315) 768-8115 or email iluvny2@roadrunner.com )

8-10 - Oswego County Pro-Am Salmon Team Tournament. (For more information go to www.lakeontarioproam.net)

9 - Catch Me If You Can Fishing Derby at Allegany State Park (Cattaraugus County) at the Red House Boathouse (8:00 am - ) Derby is for children 15 and under. (For more information call 518- 474-0456 or visit www.nysparks.com)

9 – Avon Anglers “Sodus Bay Open” Fishing Derby headquartered at the Sodus Bay Town Launch (Registration – 5:00 – 5:45 am/Launch – 6:00 am/Check in - 2:00 pm at Connelly's Cove Restaurant, Sodus Point, NY) (Fee: $60.00 Per Member Team (1 or 2 person) $10.00 extra per non member) All fish caught and equipment used will be the responsibility of the fisherman and must comply with all NYS Boating, Fishing & Game Laws. (For more information contact Paul Lane at 585-737-1701 or Ron Boyce at 585 208-8309)

9-10 - NY Walleye Ameri-Can Lake Erie Walleye Classic Team Tournament at Chadwick Bay Marina, Dunkirk Harbor. 2 to 4 man teams, limited to 150 teams. (For information call Jim Borucki 716-897-1522 or George Boice 716-874-2522)

10 - National Wild Turkey Federation – Summer Slam Chapter Dinner at the Hornell American Legion Post #440, 72 Seneca Street, Hornell, NY (Contact: Michael Valentine 607-661-8709 or email mvalentine@stny.rr.com)

10 - National Wild Turkey Federation - Enchanted Moutains Chapter Wheelin' Sportsmen Fishing Event at a private pond in the Olean, NY area. WS gives people with disabilities the chance to experience the outdoors. Whether it's for the first time or a reintroduction into outdoor activities, WS brings back the joy of the wild to those with disabilities. (For information call randy Opferbeck at 716-373-3322)

14 - Part II) Blue Blood to Blue Water: From Cottages, Hotels & Steamboats to Drinking Water for Rochester sponsored by the Finger Lakes Museum at the Lightner Library, Keuka College, Keuka Park, NY (7:00 pm) The story of early cottage life and the people who came to both Hemlock and Canadice Lakes for recreation and entertainment will be told by Lima Town Historian, Douglas Morgan, featuring antique photographs from 1875 through 1945. Canadice was the “local lake”, while Hemlock was the “blue blood” lake – the summer home of wealthy Rochesterians. At its peak in the 1890’s, five hotels thrived on Hemlock Lake, and steamboats traveled back and forth to serve summer residents and tourists. In the mid-1800’s a deadly water-born cholera outbreak ravaged the City of Rochester. Unable to completely eradicate the disease from its cisterns and wells, the City looked south to Hemlock and Canadice Lakes for clean and reliable water. (For more information go to http://fingerlakesmuseum.org/)

15 – Start of Snapping Turtle Season (>9/30)

15-17 - Wayne County Pro-Am Salmon Team Tournament. (For information call 1-800-527-6510)

16 - Southtowns Walleye Association Kids Fishing Derby at Lake Kirsty, Tifft Preserve, Buffalo, NY (For information call Dennis Stoberl 716-649-8202 (club office)

16 - Avon Anglers “Keuka Lake Open” Fishing Derby headquartered at the Keuka Lake State Park, Branchport, NY (Registration – 5:00 – 5:45 am/Launch – 6:00 am/Check in - 2:00 pm) (Fee: $60.00 Per Member Team (1 or 2 person) $10.00 extra per non member) All fish caught and equipment used will be the responsibility of the fisherman and must comply with all NYS Boating, Fishing & Game Laws. (For more information contact Paul Lane at 585-737-1701 or Ron Boyce at 585 208-8309)

16 - Lake Ontario Trout and Salmon Association King Salmon Tournament. (For information go to www.lotsa.org)

16 - Dave Wood Open Bass Tournament - Canandaigua Lake (7:00 am – 3:00 pm) (For information call Dave Wood, 607-535-7771)

16 – Wading With Wildlife at Seneca Meadows, Inc., 1786 Salcman Road, Waterloo, NY. Bring the kids for an afternoon of hip-wading fun as we discover the under water creatures at the Seneca Meadows Wetlands Preserve! Through crazy games and activities, we’ll learn how these animals live and play, and who’s eating whom! (Waders provided. Please bring yours if you have them.) (For information/register call 315-539-5624)

16 - Bird-Friendly Gardening at the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, 3395 US Route 20 East, Seneca Falls, NY (2:00 – 3:30 pm) Marie Read, author, photographer and naturalist will help us become better gardeners for the birds! Marie's articles and photo essays have appeared in such publications as Living Bird, Birder's World, Bird Watcher's Digest, and Women In The Outdoors (www.marieread.com). The Nature of Montezuma Lectures are a series of afternoon programs hosted by the Montezuma Audubon Center and the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge. (Fee: Free to members of the Friends; $5 for adult non-members; $3 for students and seniors non-members) (For more information, contact Andrea VanBeusichem at 315/568-5987 ext. 228 Andrea_VanBeusichem@fws.gov)

Until our next meeting in the Corner, have a great time in the outdoors. This is Ron Schroder for – “Your In on The Outdoors for Western New York.”

What are your thoughts? (Click Here)

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7-1-11

Welcome to this week’s Conservation Chatter Corner – little bits of happenings concerning our outdoors and you, the sportspeople who enjoy being part of that outdoors.

Microstamping Defeated Again: Microstamping legislation A. 1157, which earlier this year passed the Assembly, failed to be voted on in the New York State Senate. This marks the fourth straight year that microstamping has been defeated in the Empire State. Fortunately, legislators have listened to the independent studies of this flawed, easily-defeated concept and instead want to save the close to 9,000 jobs attributed to the firearms industry in the state.

Duck Numbers Up: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service released its preliminary report today on breeding ducks and habitats, based on surveys conducted in May and early June. Total duck populations were estimated at 45.6 million breeding ducks on the surveyed area. This estimate represents an 11 percent increase over last year’s estimate of 40.9 million birds and is 35 percent above the 1955-2010 long-term average. This was only the fifth time in the survey’s history that the total duck population exceeded 40 million.

Habitat conditions across the U.S. and Canadian prairies and parklands were considered excellent. Further north, wetland conditions in most boreal regions of Alaska and northern Canada were good to very good at the time of the survey. During the survey and into early summer, many regions important to breeding ducks continued to receive significant snow melt and further precipitation, which could increase later breeding efforts and ensure brood survival. If these wet conditions continue, prospects going into the winter and possibly into spring 2012 will be favorable as well.

Of the 10 species traditionally reported, eight were similar to or increased in number from 2010. Two species (scaup and American wigeon) remained below their long-term average. Northern shovelers, blue-winged teal and northern pintails were bright spots on this year’s survey. Northern shovelers and bluewings reached record highs (4.6 and 8.9 million, respectively), and northern pintail numbers surpassed 4 million for the first time since 1980. Scaup numbers were similar to 2010 and remain below their long-term averages. Only three species—scaup, northern pintail and American wigeon—remain below North American Waterfowl Management Plan population goals.

Congressman protests Canada's boating policy: (Association Press) Watertown — North Country congressman William Owens of Plattsburgh says the U.S. tourism and fishing industries along the St. Lawrence River will be crippled by Canada's policy requiring boaters to report to customs every time they venture into Canadian waters. He has written to the Canadian ambassador to the United States to protest the policy. The newspaper recently published a story about a man from the Thousand Islands region whose boat was seized by Canadian border agents as he fished while unanchored on Canada's side of the river in late May. (See last week’s report.) Canadian officials say boaters must report to a Canadian customs officer each time they cross the border along the river. The man whose boat was seized had to pay a $1,000 fine on the spot to keep his vessel.

The latest segment is reported by Marc Heller, Times Washington correspondent.

Roy M. Anderson may have thought his brush with the law in Canada was over when his boat was seized and he had to pay a $1,000 fine for straying into Canadian waters without checking in at customs. But after he told the Watertown Daily Times his story, and the newspaper started asking questions of Canadian authorities, Mr. Anderson received a message on his phone — from the Canada Border Services Agency officer who had nabbed him in the first place.

"He wanted to know if I had any questions, and to call him if I did. So I did," Mr. Anderson, 22, said in a telephone interview Friday.

That unusual call is the latest wrinkle in a story that began with one fisherman in the Gananoque Narrows on May 30 and has blossomed into an international incident involving a U.S. congressman, a U.S. senator, the office of Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo and the Canadian ambassador to the United States.

The officer's call, made a day or two after the Times made inquiries, indicates the trouble the incident has caused the Canada Border Services Agency, even though officials stand by their assertion that U.S. citizens may not idle their boats in Canadian waters for any reason, anchored or not, without reporting to customs officers.

Mr. Anderson said he was surprised to hear from the officer, who had told him he could be handcuffed and forced to lie face down, asked him personal questions about when he was last in contact with drugs and what his father does for a living, and "ripped the boat apart" searching for contraband that wasn't there. When Mr. Anderson asked during the incident whether he was being arrested, the officer said, "We don't know yet," he recalled.

To receive a call from the same agent, then, made an impression.

"I was shocked. I never heard of anything like that," Mr. Anderson said.

When he called the officer back, Mr. Anderson said, he asked the agent to clarify the Canadian law because Mr. Anderson and north country boaters in general have long believed they could boat in Canadian waters freely unless they set anchor.

"He said you can't even be in Canada," Mr. Anderson said.

Mr. Anderson said the officer sounded nervous on the phone and "kept saying he was directed to do this." He said the officer said nothing to harass him, however.

Mr. Anderson told the story to Rep. William L. Owens, D-Plattsburgh, with whom he spoke earlier this week.

"I find that most unusual," Mr. Owens, a lawyer, told the Times. He likened it to a police officer or a judge calling someone who has received a speeding ticket.

Mr. Owens said the officer's call, taken with other facts such as a lack of evidence of a broader crackdown, suggests Mr. Anderson's experience may have been an example of an agent overstepping in his interpretation of the law.

The congressman has been awaiting a response from the Canadian Embassy for several days and as of Friday afternoon had received no official word. But the Canadian ambassador to the United States, Gary Doer, has been traveling, a spokeswoman at the Embassy said earlier this week.Sen. Charles E. Schumer, D-N.Y., also has made inquiries with Canadian authorities.

Mr. Anderson said he also received a call from the Canada Border Services Agency on Friday about the process for appealing his case. He said he intends to do that, perhaps through a letter from Mr. Owens, and wants his $1,000 refunded — something Mr. Cuomo's office requested earlier this week.

"I have to try," Mr. Anderson said. In the meantime, he said, he has no plans to visit Canada and his father has advised him to watch what he says, lest the family not be allowed to visit Canada anymore.

A spokesman for Vic Toews, the Canadian minister of public safety, said that Mr. Toews would not comment on the specifics of whether Mr. Anderson deserved the fine, because he did not want to tip the scales of the appeals process.

Mr. Toews was lobbied directly by a New York official who asked for an explanation of the incident and a efund of the money. "Certainly, the kerfuffle is of concern," said Michael J. Patton, Mr. Toews's spokesman. "Because of the issues around smuggling, there's increased enforcement. There's more guys out to see who's on the water than ever before. It wouldn't be an issue before because they weren't running around looking for guys. Now they are."

As Mr. Anderson sorts out his case, information from U.S. and Canada customs illustrate more clearly how the countries' policies differ. While in Canada, U.S. boaters who fish from unanchored vessels are on notice they are subject to heavy fines and seizure of their vessels, the same is not true of Canadians fishing in U.S. waters.

On the U.S. side, a boat must be anchored or docked, for instance, to require a report to customs, said Stephanie Malin, a spokeswoman for U.S. Customs and Border Patrol.

(Times staff writer Brian Amaral contributed to this report.)

Is the Niagara River Next?

This Week’s Events:

2 - Part I) From the Brink of Extinction: The Bald Eagles of Hemlock and Canadice sponsored by The Finger Lakes Museum at the Lightner Library Keuka College, Keuka Park, NY (2:00 pm) Retired NYS DEC eagle expert, Mike Allen will tell the story and of how the bald eagle population has grown to over 200 nest territories statewide. The bald eagle, the chosen icon for the Finger Lakes Museum, is a sentinel or indicator species, sensitive to the living conditions in a particular habitat. Their presence is testimony to the pristine Hemlock-Canadice ecosystem. A magnificent rehabilitated bald eagle will accompany Allen to help tell the story. (For more information go to http://fingerlakesmuseum.org/)

6-17 - Erie Canal Fishing Derby. Youth & Family Event: $8,000 in prizes, 50 miles of canal open to fishing. (For information go to : www.eriecanalderby.com)

7 - Fantastic Forest Fun at Pfeiffer Nature Center, 1974 Lillibridge Road Portville NY. (10:00 am - 3:00 pm) A day in the woods for KIDS only! It’s a one day sampler of everything the woods has to offer… from moss to mammals, bugs to birds, salamanders to sow bugs… walk in the woods, romp in the meadow, do a few crafts, lounge through lunch at the pavilion. Have a great day exploring and take home your own tied dye t-shirt, and hand made nature prints. For ages 6 and up. Fee includes a white cotton t-shirt for each kid to tie dye. Bring a bag lunch and
snack. Beverages are provided. (Cost: $25.00 per child) (To Pre-register call 716-933-0187 or email
naturalist@pfeiffernaturecenter.org)

8-10 - Oswego County Pro-Am Salmon Team Tournament. (For more information go to www.lakeontarioproam.net)

(For full Calendar Click Here)

Until our next meeting in the Corner, have a great time in the outdoors. This is Ron Schroder for – “Your In on The Outdoors for Western New York.”

What are your thoughts? (Click Here)

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6-24-10

Welcome to this week’s Conservation Chatter Corner – little bits of happenings concerning our outdoors and you, the sportspeople who enjoy being part of that outdoors.

Canadian Border Anglers Beware: (Watertown Daily Times - By Marc Heller, Times Washington Correspondent, Wednesday, June 22, 2011)OPTIONS

WASHINGTON — The State Department said Tuesday that Canadian border officers had the law on their side when they seized an American fisherman's boat and fined him $1,000 for fishing in Canadian waters without registering at customs. In fact, they could have made him pay more, the department said.

In a statement, the State Department said the Canada Border Services Agency was acting within "long standing regulations" by penalizing Roy M. Anderson, the Thousand Island Park resident who was snagged by Canadian officers while fishing, unanchored, in a favorite spot in the Gananoque Narrows.

All foreign boaters must report to Canadian authorities upon arrival in Canadian waters regardless of whether they anchor their boats, the State Department said, echoing the Canadian government's position. North country boaters have long been under the impression they did not have to report unless they anchored.

But the only exception, according to the State Department, is for boaters traveling through Canadian waters from one U.S. point to another, and without stopping along the way.

In replying to questions about the issue, the State Department and the Canada Border Services Agency each forwarded a document outlining the Canadian policy, spelling out what sorts of trips do not require reporting.

"In-transit movement must be continuous, uninterrupted and without delays or stop-overs. Such movement could be for reasons of the shortest route, requirement of deep waters, evading obstacles such as bridges, etc.," the document states.

A spokesman at the State Department's Office of Western Hemisphere Affairs, Charles E. Luoma-Overstreet, said in a statement, "We understand that this case was handled consistent with long standing regulations. We refer you to Canadian authorities for further information."

The State Department's backing of the Canadians' approach comes as Rep. William L. Owens, D-Plattsburgh, challenges the CBSA's interpretation of the law and after New York officials asked the CBSA to refund Mr. Anderson his $1,000.

Mr. Owens also has been working with Canadian officials in Washington to clarify the policy and to explore whether the registration requirement stated by Canadian officials can be eased, said the congressman's spokesman, Sean Magers.

Although north country boaters have believed for years that they could venture into Canadian waters without reporting to authorities as long as they do not set anchor or tie up to a dock, the Canadians have taken a firm position that the impression is wrong.

The approach Canada has asserted since the incident with Mr. Anderson is that boaters who stop to float or fish must follow the same rules as those who go to Canada by recreational boat, dock and come ashore to shop or go to dinner, for instance.

And while boaters can check in with Canadian authorities by phone at 1 (888) 226-7277 , they must use a CBSA telephone on land to do so. Those phones are located at some marinas and other locations, although in practice anglers might have to go out of their way to comply.

The call-in center runs 24 hours a day, seven days a week, Mr. Luoma-Overstreet said.

Reporting requirements have become familiar to residents who visit Canadian towns or simply stop by a friend's house on a nearby island in Canada, said Jennifer J. Caddick, executive director of Save the River, the environmental group in Clayton. But applying those rules to people who never intended to come ashore has people "scratching their heads" about what they thought the rules were and how the policy works in practice, she said.

Northern New York is not the only place where anglers will have to pay closer attention to the border — if they know where it is on the water.

Boaters on the St. Mary's River, near Sault Ste. Marie, Mich., and the city by the same name in Ontario, can easily find themselves on either side of the border.

A fishing charter captain there, Travis M. White, said in a telephone interview Tuesday that the understanding among boaters on the St. Mary's is that "as long as you're not anchored, you're not on Canadian soil."

Mr. White said he heard rumors last season that Canada might tighten enforcement along the river, but told of Mr. Anderson's experience, he said, "We haven't had any issues like that."

Bowhunters Help DEC: Last fall, more than 3,500 New York bowhunters volunteered to participate in the Bowhunter Sighting Log program. Through the program, bowhunters count and record the number of deer, turkeys, coyotes, foxes and other animals they see while hunting, which aids in providing DEC with information on long-term population trends. Cooperators last year provided data for 47,329 days and 187,504 hours of hunting. The log was started on an experimental basis in several areas of the state in 1995 and expanded to cover the entire state in the fall of 1998. Cooperating bow hunters are very dedicated, with over 2,000 hunters sending in their data over the past 10 years! Thank you to all those who volunteer! Complete survey results and information on how to participate can be found on the

Bowhunter Sighting Log (http://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/7193.html) webpage.

Congratulations: Terra Osterling of Irondequoit was selected by Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Joe Martens as the grand-prize winner for the “Great Stories From the Great Outdoors” contest. This three-month event was sponsored by DEC’s Universal Access Program and encouraged people to share their positive and inspirational stories of experiences in New York’s great outdoors.

The focus of this series was to describe in 650 words or less, what activities were enjoyed and what was seen. Writers were asked to describe their favorite spot, a great personal challenge, triumph or an awe-inspiring view and share how connecting with nature had affected their life.

Stories were accepted from November 2010 through February 2011, with the top three entries posted on the DEC web page from December through March. Prizes were awarded for the top story each month.

As the grand-prize winner, Ms. Osterling received a wildlife print by Greg Messier, an accomplished artist. To view all the winning stories, visit: http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/69643.html

To view Terra Osterling’s winning entry, visit: http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/75186.html

Congratulations: New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Officer (ECO) Liza Bobseine of Suffolk County (formally a Western New York resident) has been named New York State ECO of the Year by the New York State Rifle and Pistol Association (NYSRPA).

“In a short period of time, ECO Bobseine has proven to be a vital asset to DEC’s Division of Law Enforcement and is very deserving of this recognition,” Commissioner Martens said. “Her dedication to the state’s natural resources, outdoors and education of the public both on and off duty are to be admired.”

The NYSRPA recognizes one ECO each year, acknowledging the important role ECOs play in hunter education and safe firearms usage among sportsmen, women and youth. The NYSRPA is the state’s leading organization in promoting rifle marksmanship and competition which strives to recognize those who promote and personally participate in marksmanship competitions, and who encourage such participation by New York's youth. Officer Bobseine was selected by a statewide committee of New York State ECOs to receive this recognition.

ECO Bobseine originally hails from Cattaraugus County. She received a Masters Degree in Natural Resource Management and worked as a Forester for eight months prior to training as an ECO in 2007. Following her academy graduation in July 2007, Officer Bobseine was assigned to Suffolk County and currently covers sectors in East Hampton and Southampton.

ECO Bobseine is a Life Member of the National Rifle Association, a state Lifetime Sportsman License Holder, and a member of the NYSRPA. Having been introduced to shooting by her parents at an early age, she began competing in the State High Power Rifle team at the age of 18 and for the past 12 years has competed and won several awards in rifle and pistol skills at the state and national level.

ECO Bobseine has also donated much of her professional and personal time to firearm instruction and education through the Woman’s Outdoor Adventure program and teaching firearms law and safety at hunter education courses. In her free time, Officer Bobseine is an avid hunter and enjoys mentoring people new to the world of shooting and hunting.

Following the ceremony on the night she received her “Officer of the Year” award in Wallkill, Ulster County, NY, ECO Bobseine was approached by a gentleman in the parking lot who was requesting help for a friend who was feeling unwell. Upon approaching the 66 year-old woman who was sitting in a car, Officer Bobseine determined that the woman was not breathing and quickly administered rescue breathing. Due to her quick response, the woman regained consciousness and was able to be transported to the hospital in stable condition.

This case is a testament to one of many individuals that are forever grateful for ECO Bobseine’s dedication and aid.

This Week’s Events:

24-26 - Becoming an Outdoorswoman Workshop (BOW) at Silver Bay on Lake George, NY. A list of course descriptions and details on registering can be found on DEC's Becoming an Outdoorswoman website. Registering early is recommended as space is limited, and if you register before April 9 you can save $30!

24-26 - 2011 Fur Takers of America National Rendevous at the Chautauqua County Fair Grounds, 1089 Central Avenue (I-90 Exit 59 N), Dunkirk, NY Trapping demos, dealers, tons of new and used items, tailgaters, Dutch oven cooking, auctions, contests, fur hat making, ladies skillet toss and lots more.(For more information contact Dave Miller 607-522-4707 guarddn@empac.net or go to www.furtakersofamerica.com)

24-26 – 20th Annual 444 Walleye International Team Fishing Tournament at H.H.Knoll Lakeview Park, Port Colbourne, Ontario, Canada ($250 large boats, $125 small boat fee) (For information contact Chris MacEachern at 905-834-1617 or email c.mace@live.ca)

25 - DEC / Erie County Sportsmen’s Federation Youth Fishing Clinic at Chestnut Ridge Park Lake, Orchard Park, NY (Erie County) (9:30 am - 1:00 pm) (For information call Michael Todd, NYSDEC at 716-851-7010)

25 - National Wild Turkey Federation – Summer Slam Chapter Dinner at The Hornell American Legion Post #440, 72 Seneca Steet, Hornell, NY (Contact: Michael Valentine 607-661-8709 mvalentine@stny.rr.com)

25 - Celebrate Native Plants! at the Montezuma Audubon Center, 2295 State Route 89, Savannah, NY (2:00-3:30 pm) Plants are beautiful, add value to our yards, and provide food for us and wildlife. However, some plants are invaders and are not welcome here. Learn about the benefits of native plants and how invasive plants can wreak havoc on the landscape during a hike through the woods and grassland. Then, assist Audubon staff by “zapping” some alien invaders so that our natives may thrive! Space is limited. Registration required. ($3.00/child, $5.00/adult, $15.00/family) (To register or for more information call 315-365-3588 or e-mail montezuma@audubon.org)

25 - Dave Wood Open Bass Tournament on Keuka Lake (7:00 am – 3:00 pm) (For more information call Dave Wood at 607-535-7771)

25 – Free Family Fishing Day at Buckhorn Island State Park (Erie County) (8:00 am - ) This is a free fishing day to introduce families to the joys of fishing. (For more information call 518- 474-0456 or visit www.nysparks.com)

25 – 6th Annual Youth Outdoor Sports Show And Keuka Lake Fishing Derby at the Penn Yan Fireman’s Field, Penn Yan, NY. (Derby 6:00 am – noon/Outdoor Show 11:00 am – 3:00 pm) Pre-register by picking up a flier at a local business sponsor or mail name, address, phone and age on 6/25/11 to: YCFCC 2700 Sturdevant Rd., Penn Yan, NY 14527. NYSDEC Free Fishing Weekend - No Fishing License Required. Sponsored by the Yates County Federation of Conservation Clubs and the generous local business community .(Cost: up to 17 years of age free/ 18 and up $5 donation for fishing derby registration/Outdoor Sports Show is free)

25 – Avon Anglers “Honeoye Lake Open” Fishing Derby headquartered at the Honeoye Lake Boat Launch, East Lake Road, Honeoye, NY (Registration – 5:00 – 5:45 am/Launch – 6:00 am/Check in - 2:00 pm/Awards – 2:30 pm at the Honeoye American Legion, 4391 West Lake Rd (County Rt 36), Honeoye, NY) (Fee: $60.00 Per Member Team (1 or 2 person) $10.00 extra per non member) All fish caught and equipment used will be the responsibility of the fisherman and must comply with all NYS Boating, Fishing & Game Laws. (For more information contact Paul Lane at 585-737-1701 or Ron Boyce at 585 208-8309)

25-26 - FREE FISHING WEEKEND in New York State. No license required.

25-26 - Gateway Harbor Fishing Contest at Gateway Harbor, Tonawanda and North Tonawanda. Tagged Fish Contest. (For information contact:tbrosius@roadrunner.com)

26 - Free Family Fishing Day at Hamlin Beach State Park (Monroe County) (12:00 – 4:00 pm - ) This is a free fishing day to introduce families to the joys of fishing. (For more information call 518- 474-0456 or visit www.nysparks.com)

26 - SPRINGVILLE FIELD & STREAM CLUB WOODCHUCK CONTEST – Hunt during the day but have your trophies at the Club, off White Street in Springville, by 8:00 pm Sharp! (Entry fee: $30.00 per two man team) Food & drinks will be provided starting at 5:00 pm. 1st, 2nd, & 3rd place team prizes will be awarded to entrants with the heaviest two chucks. Prize money to be determined by total number of contestants w/ guarantee of $100.00 for 1st place. (For information call Jerry King 716-592-3515)

26 - Martin’s Fantasy Island Family Fishing Derby (Noon – 4:00 pm) (For information Call 716-773-7591 or go to www.martinsfantasyisland.com)

27 – National Wild Turkey Federation - Salmon River Strutters Chapter - Wheelin' Sportsmen Fishing Event at Trust Nurseries, Sandy Creek, NY. Wheelin' Sportsmen gives people with disabilities the chance to experience the outdoors. Whether it's for the first time or a reintroduction into outdoor activities, Wheelin' Sportsmen brings back the joy of the wild to those with disabilities. (Contact: Bill Wilbur 315/963-3368 wwilbur551@aol.com)

30 – Invasive Species at the “Coffee House”, Montezuma Audubon Center, 2295 State Route 89, Savannah, NY 13146 (6:30 -9:30 pm) Topic discussion and open mic featuring local music and talent . Come relax and enjoy the music or sign up to perform. (For more information or to sign up as a performer, call (315) 365-3588 or email montezuma@audubon.org )

JULY 2011

Until our next meeting in the Corner, have a great time in the outdoors. This is Ron Schroder for – “Your In on The Outdoors for Western New York.”

What are your thoughts? (Click Here)

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6-17-11

Welcome to this week’s Conservation Chatter Corner – little bits of happenings concerning our outdoors and you, the sportspeople who enjoy being part of that outdoors.

Congratulations: Six members of Lockport’s North Forest Rod & Guns Club youth shotgun team placed at the New York State Skeet & Trap Scholastic Clays Target Program (SCTP) State Championships held at Dewitt Fish & Game in Syracuse, New York on June 12th.

SCTP provides school-age participants in grades 12 and under with the opportunity to showcase their competitive shooting skills in American Trap, Skeet, Sporting Clays and International Shotgun Games. Participants can earn state and national recognition. The program is designed to instill in participants safe firearms handling, commitment, responsibility, leadership and teamwork.

Clayton Johnt from Akron, NY over came some tuff shooting conditions created by high winds and rain to earn Top Gun honors in the skeet division, Ashley Butcher from Lockport, NY finished 2nd, just one bird behind Clayton and 3rd Place went to Greg Laubacker of Newfane NY, just one bird behind Ashley. The 3 also combined to win the state championship in the 3 man Varsity Team Competition. Greg Laubacker also won 3rd place in individual Trap, winning that title by just one bird in the second round of a 25 bird shoot off.

Joe Nagel of Lockport, NY was high gun in the Intermediate Skeet division; Josh Schmidt of Lockport, NY came in 2nd and Jared Atwell of Albion, NY finished 3rd. The three also combined to win the state championships in the intermediate division. Both teams are coached by Doug Thompson of Wilson, New York.

SCTP also gives high school students the opportunity to earn college scholarships and to catch the eye of college scouts. Greg Laubacker will be attending Lindenwood University in St. Charles, MO. this fall on a shooting scholarship. Lindenwood has had the number one collegiate shotgun shooting team in the United States for the past seven years. Also traveling to Sparta, Illinois, July 11th -15th, to represent New York State are Ryan Costello, Steve Lakes, and Travis Schultz. They will be in the SCTP National Championships for the Sporting Clays Event.

Antler Restrictions: DEC has completed summary evaluations of the pilot antler restriction program in the southern Catskills. DEC assessed impacts of the antler restriction by monitoring changes evident in the deer harvest and by monitoring hunter attitudes through a series of surveys conducted with the Human Dimensions Research Unit at Cornell University. Final reports are available at www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/27663.html and include DEC's evaluation (A Summary of New York's Pilot Antler Restriction Program) and Cornell's report (Hunters’ Experiences with and Attitudes about Antler Restrictions in Wildlife Management Units 3C, 3J, 3H, and 3K during the 2010 Hunting Season).

Key Findings: *The pilot antler restriction (AR) program substantially reduced the proportion of yearling (1.5 year old) bucks in the harvest and shifted harvest composition to older bucks.

*The number of 2.5+ year old bucks in the harvest increased since implementation of ARs. However, the increase did not fully compensate for the reduction in yearling harvest, and total buck take has generally remained >20% below pre-AR levels. WMU 3H was the only unit where buck take returned to the level immediately prior to AR.

*A shift in sex ratios of deer observed in the pilot AR units was apparent, though a similar shift was observed in neighboring units without ARs.

*ARs had no effect on hunter participation for the majority of hunters, but overall participation by non-local hunters appeared to decline because of AR.

*The impact of ARs on hunter satisfaction was mixed. Satisfaction with buck-hunting was generally higher in the pilot AR units than the surrounding region, but similar increases in buck-hunting satisfaction were observed in the surrounding region as occurred within the pilot area. More hunters reported being satisfied than dissatisfied with the level of protection afforded to young bucks and with the level of safety they felt in the pilot area. However, a majority of hunters reported being dissatisfied with (1) the number of antlered bucks compared to antlerless deer seen, (2) the number of older, larger-antlered bucks seen, (3) their opportunity to shoot larger-antlered bucks, and (4) the number of older bucks compared to the number of young bucks seen.

*Hunter expectations for the pilot AR program were largely unmet.

*A majority of hunters in the pilot AR units prefer that the program continue. It appears that participants’ belief that the AR program will eventually result in their desired outcomes has stronger influence than unmet expectations and mixed satisfaction levels on their willingness to have the program continue.

*Deer management population indices were compromised by ARs. DEC must develop additional methods for monitoring deer populations to manage effectively with ARs.

For related surveys on hunter attitudes about antler restrictions in New York, see www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/74971.html.

Season Openers: A big season opener and a not so big season opener this week. In case you missed it frog season opened on the 15th. They can be taken under a fishing license or a small game hunting license if a firearm is used.

Now, that not so big opener - only kidding. The anglers’ true start of summer comes at the stroke of midnight, beginning Saturday, June 18th when bass and musky seasons start. The great fighting ability and good taste make the bass, in particular, very popular with recreational anglers.

Fisher people going out should check their fishing season guide for specific regulations for the water they will be visiting. In general the statewide size minimum for both largemouth and smallmouth is 12 inches with a creel limit of 5 fish per day. Some area exceptions: a 10-inch minimum exists - Skaneatles Lake, Otselic River, Tioughnioga River (East and West Branches included) and the upper Chemung River system upstream from Route 17, west of Corning, and a 15 inch, 3 per day limit exists on Allen Lake in Allegany County. The limit on muskellunge is 1 fish per day. The minimum size depends on where you fish - in Waneta and Lamoka Lakes and the Chemung River it’s 30 inches; Chautauqua Lake - 40 inches; Lake Ontario, the Niagara River and the St Lawrence River it’s 48 inches and Lake Erie - 54 inches. For those fishing the Chemung or Susquehanna Rivers remember the creel limit is 1 musky or 1 tiger musky.

Favorite baits and lures to try for bass: night crawlers, soft shelled crabs, minnows, plastic or rubber worms, rebel and rapala lures, June bug spinners, rattletraps and poppers. Fishing methods vary from bobber fishing to casting and retrieving. In general work surface lures in the shallows during early morning and evening hours and fish deeper during mid day.

Best bet waters - for bass: the Bays of Lake Ontario, Chautauqua Lake, Silver Lake, the Cassadaga Lakes, Bear Lake, Quaker Lake and Red House Lake, Honeoye Lake, Conesus Lake, Cayuga Lake, Skaneateles, Keuka Lake, Owasco Lake, Otisco Lake, Canandaigua Lake and Waneta and Lamoka Lakes.

The better regional musky waters - Chautauqua Lake, Lake Erie. the Upper Niagara River, Waneta and Lamoka Lakes,Otisco Lake and the Allegheny River system. Prime fishing methods are still fishing with large live bait or casting or trolling large plugs.

Free Fishing: In closing don’t forget, DEC has designated the last full weekend in June each year, as a free fishing weekend. All residents and visitors may fish New York State’s waters without a freshwater fishing license. This year it’s June 25th and 26th.

This Week’s Events:

17 - Fishing Smallmouths In Lake Ontario Seminar by Dave DiFranco at the Derby tent at Abe’s Waterfront Boathouse and Bar, Greig Street, Sodus Point, NY. (For information call 585-224-4937 or 315-483-9570)

18 – Start of Statewide Fishing Season for Black Bass and Muskellunge (>11/30)

18/19 - First Annual Angling for Answers Smallmouth Bass Derby headquartered at Sodus Point, NY. The registration deadline is 9:00 pm 6-17-11. Anglers can register at Warren’s Hook, Line & Sinker; B & E Fishing Tackle; Screwy Louie’s; Bay Bridge Sport Shop; Davenport and Son Boat Livery and Fat Nancy’s. Proceeds will benefit the American Cancer Society and the B. Thomas Golisano Hope Lodge Hospitality House in Rochester. (Cost: Adults $20.00/Youth $5.00/Under 12 Free) (For information call 585-224-4937 or 315-483-9570)

18 - Almost Summer Canoe Paddle at the Montezuma Audubon Center, 2295 State Route 89, Savannah, NY (1:30-4:30 pm)Celebrate the end of spring with a canoe paddle in Crusoe Creek! Learn about the birds and other wildlife of the area on a leisurely paddle. We will meet at the Montezuma Audubon Center. Canoes, paddles, binoculars and life jackets will be provided; bring bug spray, water and snacks. Space is limited. Registration required. ($7.50/child without boat rental; $12.50/adult without boat rental; $40/canoe rental (maximum 2 adults plus 1 child). (To register or for more information call 315-365-3588 or e-mail montezuma@audubon.org)

18 - 6th Annual Baldwinsville Ducks Unlimited Golf Outing at the Ironwood Golf Course Baldwinsville, NY (8:00 am – 2:00 pm) (Cost: $65.00/ single player, $300 Bronze Sponsor) (For information call Chris Hayden 315-427-7354 or Dan DeLawyer 607-331-8695)

18 - Family Fishing Derby at the Spencer Crest Nature Center, Spencer Hill Road, Corning, NY (adjacent to Corning Community College) (8:00 am – Noon) (Cost: $5.00/child, adults free) (For information call 607-962-9012)

18 - Dave Wood Open Bass Tournament on Waneta/Lamoka Lakes (7:00 am – 3:00 pm) (For more information call Dave Wood at 607-535-7771)

18 - Wondering About Wildflowers at the Pfeiffer Nature Center, 1974 Lillibridge Rd Portville NY (10:30 am – 12:30 pm) Wonder no more! During May, many wildflowers spring back to life! The old-growth forest and meadow will serve as backdrops during this gentle walk to enjoy and learn about some of our native wildflowers with a wildflower expert. Learn to identify local wildflowers using a dichotomous flower key. (Cost: Gen Public $10/PNC Members $5) (Register by June 11 by calling the Nature Center at 716-933-0187 or emailing naturalist@pfeiffernaturecenter.org)

18-7/17 - The Lake Ontario Counties (LOC) Summer Derby (For all derby details call 888-REEL-2-In or go to www.loc.org)

18/19 - US Coast Guard Boating Safely Course at the US Coast Guard Flotilla 2-2 Base, 508 Taughannock Boulevard, Ithaca, NY (9:00 am - 2:00 pm both days) Course will satisfy NYS requirement for the legal operation of personal watercraft. (cost: $40.00) (For infomation and register call 607-273-7175)

19 - Avon Anglers’ 8th Annual Fathers’ Day Open Bass Derby on Conesus Lake (Registration starts at 6:00 am/Weigh In at Noon) (Cost: $30.00 per 3 man team/includes picnic) (For information call 585-737-1701 or go to www.avonanglers.com)

19 - Niagara Frontier Collectors Gun Show at the Alexander Fireman's Rec. Hall Route 98. 10708 Alexander Road. (1 mi. south of rte 20) (Thruway Exit 48) Alexander, NY (8:00 am – 3:00 pm) (For further information call Jim Buck 716-569-6810 / Bruce Johnston 716-542-9929 or email nfcshows@aol.com)

21 - Project Learning Tree Project Learning Tree (PLT) Educator Workshop at the Park School in Amherst, NY (Erie County) (9:00 am to 3:30 pm) PLT is a national interdisciplinary education program for teachers and youth leaders focusing on forest resources. This hands-on workshop will introduce PLT's Environmental Experiences for Early Childhood, instructional activities which integrate nature-based exploration, art, literature, math, music and movement into early childhood education programs. Participants will receive a free PLT Environmental Experiences Activity Guide full of hands-on activities geared for ages 3-6. (Register with: Kristen Rosenburg at 716-683-5959)

23 - Part III) Lakes Go Wild: Permanent Protection of Hemlock and Canadice Lakes sponsored by the Finger Lakes Museum at the Eisenhart Auditorium, Rochester Museum & Science Center, 657 East Avenue, Rochester, NY (7:00 pm) Learn the story, spanning more than a century, of how Canadice and Hemlock Lakes came to be permanently protected. The story of how watershed protection in the area started in the 1890?s and culminated in 2010 with the creation of the Hemlock – Canadice State Forest will be told by Jim Howe, Executive Director of the Central & Western NY Nature Conservancy; Don Root, former Hemlock-Canadice Watershed Conservationist; Steve Lewandowski, Coalition for Hemlock and Canadice; and Paul D’Amato, Regional Director, NYS DEC Region 8. (For more information go to http://fingerlakesmuseum.org/)

24-26 - Becoming an Outdoorswoman Workshop (BOW) at Silver Bay on Lake George, NY. A list of course descriptions and details on registering can be found on DEC's Becoming an Outdoorswoman website. Registering early is recommended as space is limited, and if you register before April 9 you can save $30!

24-26 - 2011 Fur Takers of America National Rendevous at the Chautauqua County Fair Grounds, 1089 Central Avenue (I-90 Exit 59 N), Dunkirk, NY Trapping demos, dealers, tons of new and used items, tailgaters, Dutch oven cooking, auctions, contests, fur hat making, ladies skillet toss and lots more.(For more information contact Dave Miller 607-522-4707 guarddn@empac.net or go to www.furtakersofamerica.com)

24-26 – 20th Annual 444 Walleye International Team Fishing Tournament at H.H.Knoll Lakeview Park, Port Colbourne, Ontario, Canada ($250 large boats, $125 small boat fee) (For information contact Chris MacEachern at 905-834-1617 or email c.mace@live.ca)

25 - DEC / Erie County Sportsmen’s Federation Youth Fishing Clinic at Chestnut Ridge Park Lake, Orchard Park, NY (Erie County) (9:30 am - 1:00 pm) (For information call Michael Todd, NYSDEC at 716-851-7010)

25 - National Wild Turkey Federation – Summer Slam Chapter Dinner at The Hornell American Legion Post #440, 72 Seneca Steet, Hornell, NY (Contact: Michael Valentine 607-661-8709 mvalentine@stny.rr.com)

25 - Celebrate Native Plants! at the Montezuma Audubon Center, 2295 State Route 89, Savannah, NY (2:00-3:30 pm) Plants are beautiful, add value to our yards, and provide food for us and wildlife. However, some plants are invaders and are not welcome here. Learn about the benefits of native plants and how invasive plants can wreak havoc on the landscape during a hike through the woods and grassland. Then, assist Audubon staff by “zapping” some alien invaders so that our natives may thrive! Space is limited. Registration required. ($3.00/child, $5.00/adult, $15.00/family) (To register or for more information call 315-365-3588 or e-mail montezuma@audubon.org)

25 - Dave Wood Open Bass Tournament on Keuka Lake (7:00 am – 3:00 pm) (For more information call Dave Wood at 607-535-7771)

25-26 - FREE FISHING WEEKEND in New York State. No license required.

25-26 - Gateway Harbor Fishing Contest at Gateway Harbor, Tonawanda and North Tonawanda. Tagged Fish Contest. ((For information contact:tbrosius@roadrunner.com

26 - SPRINGVILLE FIELD & STREAM CLUB WOODCHUCK CONTEST – Hunt during the day but have your trophies at the Club, off White Street in Springville, by 8:00 pm Sharp! (Entry fee: $30.00 per two man team) Food & drinks will be provided starting at 5:00 pm. 1st, 2nd, & 3rd place team prizes will be awarded to entrants with the heaviest two chucks. Prize money to be determined by total number of contestants w/ guarantee of $100.00 for 1st place. (For information call Jerry King 716-592-3515)

26 - Martin’s Fantasy Island Family Fishing Derby (Noon – 4:00 pm) (For information Call 716-773-7591 or go to www.martinsfantasyisland.com)

Until our next meeting in the Corner, have a great time in the outdoors. This is Ron Schroder for – “Your In on The Outdoors for Western New York.”

What are your thoughts? (Click Here)

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6-10-11

Welcome to this week’s Conservation Chatter Corner – little bits of happenings concerning our outdoors and you, the sportspeople who enjoy being part of that outdoors.

U. N. Agreement: This is a recent email in my inbox. I have received several others on this subject over the last few years and with each one my fear of the future grows. I hope it scares you too!

Op/Ed Forbes United Nations Agreement Should Have All Gun Owners Up In Arms (Jun. 7 2011 - By LARRY BELL) It may not come as surprising news to many of you that the United Nations doesn’t approve of our Second Amendment. Not one bit. And they very much hope to do something about it with help from some powerful American friends. Under the guise of a proposed global “Small Arms Treaty” premised to fight “terrorism”, “insurgency” and “international crime syndicates” you can be quite certain that an even more insidious threat is being targeted – our Constitutional right for law-abiding citizens to own and bear arms. What, exactly, does the intended agreement entail? While the terms have yet to be made public, if passed by the U.N. and ratified by our Senate, it will almost certainly force the U.S. to:

Enact tougher licensing requirements, creating additional bureaucratic red tape for legal firearms ownership.

Confiscate and destroy all “unauthorized” civilian firearms (exempting those owned by our government of course).

Ban the trade, sale and private ownership of all semi-automatic weapons (any that have magazines even though they still operate in the same one trigger pull – one single “bang” manner as revolvers, a simple fact the ant-gun media never seem to grasp).

Create an international gun registry, clearly setting the stage for full-scale gun confiscation.

In short, overriding our national sovereignty, and in the process, providing license for the federal government to assert preemptive powers over state regulatory powers guaranteed by the Tenth Amendment in addition to our Second Amendment rights.

Have no doubt that this plan is very real, with strong Obama administration support. In January 2010 the U.S. joined 152 other countries in endorsing a U.N. Arms Treaty Resolution that will establish a 2012 conference to draft a blueprint for enactment. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has pledged to push for Senate ratification.

Former U.N. ambassador John Bolton has cautioned gun owners to take this initiative seriously, stating that the U.N. “is trying to act as though this is really just a treaty about international arms trade between nation states, but there is no doubt that the real agenda here is domestic firearms control.”

Although professing to support the Second Amendment during her presidential election bid, Hillary Clinton is not generally known as a gun rights enthusiast. She has been a long-time activist for federal firearms licensing and registration, and a vigorous opponent of state Right-to-Carry laws. As a New York senator she ranked among the National Rifle Association’s worst “F”-rated gun banners who voted to support the sort of gunpoint disarmament that marked New Orleans’ rogue police actions against law-abiding gun owners in the anarchistic aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

President Obama’s record on citizen gun rights doesn’t reflect much advocacy either. Consider for example his appointment of anti-gun rights former Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels as an alternate U.S. representative to the U.N., and his choice of Andrew Traver who has worked to terminate civilian ownership of so-called “assault rifles” (another prejudicially meaningless gun term) to head the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

Then, in a move unprecedented in American history, the Obama administration quietly banned the re-importation and sale of 850,000 collectable antique U.S.-manufactured M1 Garand and Carbine rifles that were left in South Korea following the Korean War. Developed in the 1930s, the venerable M1 Garand carried the U.S. through World War II, seeing action in every major battle.

As an Illinois state senator, Barack Obama was an aggressive advocate for expanding gun control laws, and even voted against legislation giving gun owners an affirmative defense when they use firearms to defend themselves and their families against home invaders and burglars. He also served on a 10-member board of directors of the radically activist anti-gun Joyce Foundation in Chicago during a period between 1998-2001when it contributed $18,326,183 in grants to anti-Second Amendment organizations.

If someone breaks into your home when you are there, which would you prefer to have close at hand: 1) a telephone to call 911, or 2) a loaded gun of respectable caliber? That’s a pretty easy question for me to answer. I am a long-time NRA member, concealed firearms license holder and a regular weekly recreational pistol shooter. And while I don’t ordinarily care to target anything that has a mother, will reluctantly make an exception should an urgent provocation arise. I also happen to enjoy the company of friends who hunt, as well as those, like myself, who share an abiding interest in American history and the firearms that influenced it.

There are many like me, and fewer of them would be alive today were it not for exercise of their gun rights. In fact law-biding citizens in America used guns in self-defense 2.5 million times during 1993 (about 6,850 times per day), and actually shot and killed 2 1/2 times as many criminals as police did (1,527 to 606). Those civilian self-defense shootings resulted in less than 1/5th as many incidents as police where an innocent person was mistakenly identified as a criminal (2% versus 11%).

Just how effectively have gun bans worked to make citizens safer in other countries? Take the number of home break-ins while residents are present as an indication. In Canada and Britain, both with tough gun-control laws, nearly half of all burglaries occur when residents are present. But in the U.S. where many households are armed, only about 13% happen when someone is home.

Recognizing clear statistical benefit evidence, 41 states now allow competent, law-abiding adults to carry permitted or permit-exempt concealed handguns. As a result, crime rates in those states have typically fallen at least 10% in the year following enactment.

So the majority in our Senate is smart enough to realize that the U.N.’s gun-grab agenda is unconstitutional, politically suicidal for those who support it, and down-right idiotic—right? Let’s hope so, but not entirely count on it. While a few loyal Obama Democrats are truly “pro-gun”, many are loathe to vote against treaties that carry the president’s international prestige, causing him embarrassment.

Also, don’t forget that Senate confirmation of anti-gun Obama nominee Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor. Many within the few who voted against her did so only because of massive grassroots pressure from constituents who take their Constitutional protections very seriously.

Now, more than ever, it’s imperative to stick by our guns in demanding that all Constitutional rights be preserved. If not, we will surely lose both.

Dog Bill: The U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance alerts New York sporting dog owners to a bill that would create unnecessary new regulations for sporting dog owners.

Assembly Bill 8146, sponsored by Assemblyman Steve Katz (R- Mohegan Lake), would require newly defined “backyard breeders” to obtain an annual breeder permit and adhere to the same standards of care and inspection requirements that apply to the state’s regulated pet dealers. A “backyard breeder” is defined as anyone who breeds one female dog for compensation.

Under the bill, these breeders are required to obtain an annual $150 permit before they are allowed to breed any dog. They must also comply with the care, housing, and inspection requirements meant for commercial pet dealers that are already contained in current law.

“This bill forces regulations that are designed for commercial pet dealers onto sporting dog kennels, hobby breeders, and individual dog owners,” said Evan Heusinkveld, U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance director of state services. “There is simply no justification for applying this type of regulation to these dog owners.”

Take Action! New York sportsmen should contact their state legislators and ask that they oppose Assembly Bill 8146. Tell them sporting dog owners should not be required to obtain a new costly annual permit and comply with new regulations simply because they may breed and sell one dog in a year.

Hunting Guide Sentenced For Violating The Migratory Bird Treaty Act:

BUFFALO, N.Y.-- U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr. announced today that Roy S. Larson, 63, of North Tonawanda, New York, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Hugh B. Scott, to a charge of violating the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Larson was sentenced to a three year revocation of his U.S. Coast Guard, Merchant Mariner Credential and a one year revocation of his New York State Department of Environmental Conservation hunting and fishing license. As part of the plea, the defendant also forfeited his 1998 19 foot Lund motorboat and his boat trailer, valued at approximately $5,000, to the NYSDEC.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron J. Mango, who handled the case, stated that the defendant is a commercial waterfowl hunting guide on the Niagara River and Lake Ontario. On December 31, 2010 and January 2, 2011, Larson allowed and encouraged clients to violate the Migratory Bird Treaty Act by shooting long-tailed ducks, a protected migratory bird, from a motorboat while the boat was operated under the power of its engine. Officers with the NYSDEC Police observed this activity and subsequently conducted interviews with the defendant’s clients. Those individuals were separately cited by the NYSDEC for hunting violations and those matters have been resolved. In 2007, the defendant was issued violation notices by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for similar activity.

The plea and sentencing are the culmination of an investigation on the part of Special Agents of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, under the direction of Special Agent-In-Charge, Sal Amato, and Environmental Conservation Officers of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Police, under the direction of Captain David Bennett.

Conservation Camp Openings: DEC just announced that the state’s four summer environmental education camps still have spaces available for the 2011 summer camping season. For more information, including registration forms, available weeks and detailed program descriptions, visit www.dec.ny.gov/education/29.html or write to NYSDEC Camps, 625 Broadway, Albany, NY 12233-4500 or by email at edcamps@gw.dec.state.ny.us.

This Week’s Events:

10 – Nature Program by Rick Marsi at the Newark Valley Depot, Depot Street, Newark Valley, NY (7:00 pm) (For information call 607-642-8967)

10-12 - Point Breeze/Orleans County Pro-Am Salmon Team Tournament. (For more information call 585-589-3103)

11 - Free Fishing Clinic sponsored by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation at Carpenter’s Brook Fish Hatchery on Route 321, Elbridge, NY (Onondaga County). (9:00 am – noon) There will be instruction beginning at 9:00 am on basic fishing tackle and methods. Biologists will be available throughout the event for answering questions and assisting anglers with hook tying, untangling lines, unhooking fish, etc. Rods and reels, terminal tackle (hooks and sinkers) and bait will be available for use during this Free Fishing Day event. no fishing license is required during the event. (For further information contact the Region 7 Fisheries office at 607-753-3095 ext. 213 or fwfish7@gw.dec.state.ny.us)
11 - Tifft Nature Preserve Family Fishing Day sponsored by NYSDEC and the Erie County Sportsmen's Federation at the Tifft Nature Preserve, 1200 Fuhrman Blvd., Buffalo, NY (Erie County) ( 9:30 am - 1:00 pm) (For information or register call Michael Todd, NYSDEC at 716-851-7010)

11 – National Wild Turkey Federation - Springville Strutters Chapter Women in the Outdoors Event at the Erie County Conservation Society, Inc. 13319 Miller Road, Chaffee, NY (For more info contact Linda Offhaus 716-941-3012 lindaoffhaus@aol.com)

11 - National Turkey Federation – Chemung Valley Ridgerunners Chapter Dinner at the Horseheads American Legion, 71 Old Ithaca Road, Horseheads, NY (Contact: Russ Tobey 607-731-3791 rustb6@aol.com)

11 - 14th Annual ADK Outdoor Expo at Mendon Ponds Park Beach Area, Mendon, NY (9:00 am – 4:00 pm) (Contact - Donna Dinse -- ddinse@rochester.rr.com or Barb Brenner -- bjabrenner@gmail.com)

11 - Dave Wood Open Pickerel Tournament on Waneta/Lamoka Lakes (7:00 am – 3:00 pm) (For more information call Dave Wood at 607-535-7771)

11-19 - 26th Annual Southtowns Walleye Association Lake Erie Walleye Tournament. $22,000 cash prizes, post event picnic award ceremony, 200 winners (For information call Sue Guenther: 716-827-8968)

15 – Start of Frog Season (>9/30)

16 - Indoor Explore – Insect-O-Rama at the Pfeiffer Nature Center Office, 14 South Main Street, Portville NY (6:00 – 8:00 pm) So you say Ugh! To Bugs? Not so here! Explore the wondrous insect life cycle. See where the bugs are while waiting for spring. Investigate live and preserved specimens. (Cost: Gen Public $10/PNC Members $5) (Register by June 9 by calling the Nature Center at 716-933-0187 or emailing naturalist@pfeiffernaturecenter.org)

16 - Part II) Blue Blood to Blue Water: From Cottages, Hotels & Steamboats to Drinking Water for Rochester sponsored by the Finger Lakes Museum at the Bausch Auditorium, Rochester Museum & Science Center, 657 East Avenue, Rochester, NY (7:00 pm) The story of early cottage life and the people who came to both Hemlock and Canadice Lakes for recreation and entertainment will be told by Lima Town Historian, Douglas Morgan, featuring antique photographs from 1875 through 1945. Canadice was the “local lake”, while Hemlock was the “blue blood” lake – the summer home of wealthy Rochesterians. At its peak in the 1890’s, five hotels thrived on Hemlock Lake, and steamboats traveled back and forth to serve summer residents and tourists. In the mid-1800’s a deadly water-born cholera outbreak ravaged the City of Rochester. Unable to completely eradicate the disease from its cisterns and wells, the City looked south to Hemlock and Canadice Lakes for clean and reliable water. (For more information go to http://fingerlakesmuseum.org/)

17– Close of Catch and Release (Artificial Lures Only) Season for Black Bass in Oneida Lake East of Route 81 Bridge & Tributaries Upstream to the 1st Barrier Impassibleby Fish, and Barge (Erie) Canal & Tributaries Upstream to Lock 22 (Onondaga & Oswego Counties), Allen Lake (Allegany County)

17– Close of Catch and Release (Artificial Lures Only) Season for Black Bass in Otselic River, Tioughnioga River, East Branch Tioughnioga River and West BranchTioughnioga River (Cortland County), Chemung River and Tributaries Upstream of Route 17 West of Corning (Steuben County),and Cassadaga Lake (Chautauqua County), Conesus Lake, Hemlock Lake, Canadice Lake, Honeoye Lake, Canandaigua Lake, Keuka and Senaca Lake.

18 – Start of Statewide Fishing Season for Black Bass and Muskellunge (>11/30)

18 - Almost Summer Canoe Paddle at the Montezuma Audubon Center, 2295 State Route 89, Savannah, NY (1:30-4:30 pm)Celebrate the end of spring with a canoe paddle in Crusoe Creek! Learn about the birds and other wildlife of the area on a leisurely paddle. We will meet at the Montezuma Audubon Center. Canoes, paddles, binoculars and life jackets will be provided; bring bug spray, water and snacks. Space is limited. Registration required. ($7.50/child without boat rental; $12.50/adult without boat rental; $40/canoe rental (maximum 2 adults plus 1 child). (To register or for more information call 315-365-3588 or e-mail montezuma@audubon.org)

18 - 6th Annual Baldwinsville Ducks Unlimited Golf Outing at the Ironwood Golf Course Baldwinsville, NY (8:00 am – 2:00 pm) (Cost: $65.00/ single player, $300 Bronze Sponsor) (For information call Chris Hayden 315-427-7354 or Dan DeLawyer 607-331-8695)

18 - Dave Wood Open Bass Tournament on Waneta/Lamoka Lakes (7:00 am – 3:00 pm) (For more information call Dave Wood at 607-535-7771)

18 - Wondering About Wildflowers at the Pfeiffer Nature Center, 1974 Lillibridge Rd Portville NY (10:30 am – 12:30 pm) Wonder no more! During May, many wildflowers spring back to life! The old-growth forest and meadow will serve as backdrops during this gentle walk to enjoy and learn about some of our native wildflowers with a wildflower expert. Learn to identify local wildflowers using a dichotomous flower key. (Cost: Gen Public $10/PNC Members $5) (Register by June 11 by calling the Nature Center at 716-933-0187 or emailing naturalist@pfeiffernaturecenter.org)

18-7/17 - The Lake Ontario Counties (LOC) Summer Derby (For all derby details call 888-REEL-2-In or go to www.loc.org)

18/19 - US Coast Guard Boating Safely Course at the US Coast Guard Flotilla 2-2 Base, 508 Taughannock Boulevard, Ithaca, NY (9:00 am - 2:00 pm both days) Course will satisfy NYS requirement for the legal operation of personal watercraft. (cost: $40.00) (For infomation and register call 607-273-7175)

19 - Niagara Frontier Collectors Gun Show at the Alexander Fireman's Rec. Hall Route 98. 10708 Alexander Road. (1 mi. south of rte 20) (Thruway Exit 48) Alexander, NY (8:00 am – 3:00 pm) (For further information call Jim Buck 716-569-6810 / Bruce Johnston 716-542-9929 or email nfcshows@aol.com)

Until our next meeting in the Corner, have a great time in the outdoors. This is Ron Schroder for – “Your In on The Outdoors for Western New York.”

What are your thoughts? (Click Here)

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6-3-11

Welcome to this week’s Conservation Chatter Corner – little bits of happenings concerning our outdoors and you, the sportspeople who enjoy being part of that outdoors.

Wild Young: This is the time of year that most wild young are born and in turn people wildlife encounters increase. If you have such an encounter, leave your wild friend alone. It will have a much better chance at survival. In the case of young birds don’t be afraid to put them back in their nest. It’s a myth that if a young bird is touched by a human its parents will not accept it back. If the young bird is well feathered than don’t worry about it. It takes practice for birds to learn to fly and at this time the adults will feed the youngster outside the nest. If you have a cat keep it indoors. Cats are the main predators on small wildlife in urban areas. If the wild critter is truly injured check with your animal control people or the DEC for the location of a wildlife rehabilitator near you.

Crossbows: DEC has announced proposed regulation changes that will allow the use of crossbows for big game hunting and eliminate a permit requirement for certain physically disabled hunters to use special archery equipment during any big game or small game hunting season. The proposed changes will provide our sportsmen and sportswomen additional opportunities while hunting afield this coming fall. The popularity of crossbows is growing in New York and the use of modified equipment is in high demand to meet the needs of hunters who are temporarily or permanently disabled.

The proposed regulations implement new legislation authorizing DEC to allow hunters to take big game (deer and bear) with the use of a crossbow during regular big game hunting seasons in areas where a shotgun or muzzleloader is permitted, and during all late muzzleloader seasons. In accordance with the new legislation, crossbows cannot be used during the early bear or archery seasons or in any of the “archery only” wildlife management units. Furthermore, hunters may use a crossbow only after they have completed required training in the safe use of hunting with a crossbow and responsible crossbow hunting practices. DEC has proposed implementing the training requirement via on-line education tools, and in the upcoming 2011-2012 New York State Hunting and Trapping Regulations Guide. Hunters would be required to carry afield a certificate verifying that they have completed this training.

Hunters who are incapable of drawing, holding, and releasing a (vertical) longbow because of a permanent physical disability will continue to be allowed to take big game or small game by the use of a specially-equipped longbow. However, the new legislation replaces the former “Modified Archery Permit” with a new “Modified Longbow Authorization” allowing hunters with permanent or temporary physical disabilities to hunt both big game and small game in all hunting seasons. DEC has proposed that to qualify for this authorization, disabled hunters would need to carry afield while hunting, a standard department form, signed by their physician verifying that the hunter meets the qualifications established to use a longbow equipped with a mechanical device to hold and release the bowstring. The required form would be the only acceptable and valid form for verification of the medical condition of the hunter. The form would be available from any DEC wildlife office or from the DEC website. Disabled hunters would no longer have to apply for and obtain a special permit from DEC for this privilege.

A detailed description of the proposal and instructions for providing comments are available at www.dec.ny.gov/regulations/propregulations.html. The proposed rulemaking can also be viewed in the

May 25, 2011 publication of the New York State Register at http://www.dos.state.ny.us/info/register.htm. DEC will be accepting public comments on the proposal through July 11, 2011.

Youth Trapping Camp: Continuing with the success from last year’s inaugural Youth Trapping Camp, the New York State Trappers Association (NYSTA) is proud to announce that once again the camp will be held over the Columbus Day weekend at Camp Rushford, in Alleghany County, in western New York. In addition, due to overwhelming need, a 2nd youth trapping camp will be held concurrently in the Eastern part of the state at the Twin Rivers Council Rotary Boy Scout Camp. These camps, which are the first of their kind for the northeast United States, are sponsored by The New York State Trappers Association (NYSTA) in cooperation with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). The Youth Trapping Camps will be held October 7th-10th, 2011. All Campers need to plan on arriving between 4-6PM Friday night and they will be released after 1PM Monday afternoon.

The NYSTA has designed these Youth Trapping Camps to extend and enhance the State’s current 8 hour long Trapper Education Class, which is required of all new trappers regardless of age. The program will allow for in-depth education of various trapping and outdoor related topics; history and ethics, types and correct uses of traps, disease and biology of management of fur bearers as well as the humane treatment of our naturally renewable resource. The DEC will issue permits to set traps and possess fur bearers for processing so youth will have the full experience of trapping. There will be an experienced trapping mentor for every one or two youth to insure close hands-on lessons.

The Youth Trapping Camps will be for 12-15 year-olds only and we are pleased to announce that we have a limited number of openings for returning campers at both locations. Those in attendance will not be required to have a Trappers Education certificate before the camp begins, as there will be the chance to obtain it through the scheduled weekend activates.

The NYSTA is extremely excited about offering this one-of-a kind opportunity for young outdoorsmen/women at a time when there are so many other activities being offered youths which draw them away from learning about the heritage which founded not only our state, but country. There is a nominal fee of $40.00 per student to cover the cost of food and supplies. State policy states there is no charge for instruction for the Trappers Education Class given by NYS volunteer instructors. There is a limit of 26 new students for each camp location as well as positions for 11 returning campers. The NYSTA is also requesting donations to help defray the costs of running these camps.

The camps will be staffed by NYSTA members, many of whom are certified NYS trapper training instructors, with DEC assistance where their expertise is better used. Last year’s camp received very positive feedback from not only all the campers in attendance, but the mentors as well. Applications for the Youth Trapping Camp as well as additional information such as directions, where to send donations, or if you would like to sponsor a camper, can be obtained from Patricia Arnold at patriciaarno@gmail.com or by phone at (315) 644-4643.

Gun Ownership Up, Violent Crime Down: This week, the FBI estimated that the number of violent crimes decreased 5.5 percent from 2009 to 2010, including a 4.4 percent decrease in the number of murders. Because the U.S. population increased during the period, the figures imply that the total violent crime per capita rate and the murder rate decreased more than six percent and five percent, respectively. Based upon the preliminary data, it appears that violent crime fell to a 37-year low and murder fell to a 47-year low. The FBI will report final figures for 2010 later this year.

Those who have followed the gun control issue for a few years probably have noticed that with crime declining and gun numbers rising year after year, gun control groups have all but abandoned their previously perennial claims that more guns equal more crime. Even their friends in the news media don’t believe it anymore. The Violence Policy Center and, breaking with past habit, the Brady Campaign didn’t even try to claim that the decrease in crime in 2010 was attributable to gun control.

Neither did Mayors Against Illegal Guns, headed by New York City’s gun control activist mayor, Michael Bloomberg. Bloomberg’s rare and welcomed silence is to be expected in this instance, however. New York City’s murder rate rose 15 percent despite its severe gun laws, while Bloomberg dedicated himself and lots of money to criticizing the less restrictive laws that are in place in other parts of the country.

Speaking of cities with less restrictive gun laws, El Paso had the greatest decrease in murder—58 percent— among cities of over 500,000 population in 2010. For those who are counting, El Paso’s estimated murder rate was 0.8 per 100,000 population, while New York City’s was eight times higher at 6.4. Across the border from El Paso, in Juarez, where the gun laws are more to Bloomberg’s liking, the murder rate is over 100 per 100,000.

Adding to the bad news for gun control supporters, the District of Columbia and Chicago—the handgun bans of which were repealed following the Supreme Court’s decisions in the Heller and McDonald cases in 2008 and 2010—experienced decreases in murder of eight percent and six percent, respectively. (National Rifle Association)

This Week’s Events:

3 - Don Johannes Memorial Big Fish Contest & Pete DeAngelo Three-Fish Contest on Lake Ontario. Register at the Slippery Sinker, The Boat Doctors or The Gas Shack. (For more information call 716-778-0713)

3 – Entry deadline for the June 19th First Cayuga Cup Bass Tournament, presented by the Mental Health Association in Tompkins County, on Cayuga Lake. (6:30 am)Headquarters for the catch-and-release event will be at Myers Point Park in Lansing, NY. The biggest bass will be worth $2,500 with the second largest $1,500; third $1,000. The top 20 places receive prize money. (Applications, a list of tournament rules, and entry fee and prize payout amounts may be downloaded on the Association's website at www.mhaedu.org., or by calling 273-9250) There will be a mandatory seminar for all contestants the evening prior to the tournament. Failure to attend the seminar will be grounds for disqualification.

3 – Ducks Unlimited – Keuka Lake Chapter Banquet at the Heron Hill Winery, 9301 County Route 76, Hammondsport NY. (6:00 pm) (For information call Rhonda Putnam 607-569-4312

4 - Eastern Penn Deaf Bass Anglers Oneida Lake Pickerel Tournament on Oneida Lake. (7:00 am – 3:00 pm) (For more information call Christopher Jones, 570-991-6176)

4 - Panfish Derby at the north end of Canandaigua Lake (7:00 am - 2:30 pm) (For more information call Jim Salato at 585-750-0333)

4 - Dave Wood Open Rock Bass Tournament on Keuka Lake (7:00 am – 3:00 pm) (For more info call Dave Wood at 607-535-7771)

4 – New York State Council of Trout Unlimited General Meeting at the American Legion, Scottsville, NY (9:00 am) (For info contact Secretary John Braico 518-793-1135 jbraico@aol.com)

4 - National Wild Turkey Federation – Niagara Frontier Chapter JAKES Event at the Elma Conservation Club, 600 Creek Road, Elma. JAKES Field Day events are held each year to introduce young people to the joy of the outdoors. Let your child experience the outdoors through supervised, hands-on activities. (For further information contact Thomas Kuntz 716-655-5652 kuntzaurora@aol.com)

4 - USFWS Fish & Wildlife Festival and Youth Fishing Clinic at Hyde Park Lake, Route 62A, Niagara Falls, NY (Niagara County) (8:00 am - 11:30 am) (For information call the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service at 716-691-5456)

4 - "Teach-Me-To-Fish" at the East Aurora Fish & Game Club (10:00 am – 1:00 pm) Includes free Sahlens hot dog lunch, fishing, free use of rods/reels, free bait, lots of free prizes, Open to Public (For information call Dave Barus, 716-597-4081)

4 - Almond Rod and Gun Club Gun and Cash Raffle at the Almond Rod and Gun Club, Karr Valley Road, Almond, NY (1:00 – 4:00 pm) Proceeds go to sending kids to DEC's Camp Rushford. (For information call Gordon D. Plank at 607-276-5887)

4-7/10 - Bass Pro Shops Family Summer Camp at the Bass Pro Shop in the Finger Lakes Mall, Auburn, NY (Saturdays and Sundays, 2:00 – 5:00 pm, and Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:00 – 6:00 pm) Kids will enjoy free crafts like personalizing their own camp scene door knob hanger, painting a wiggle fish, designing a birdhouse, making a camping photo frame, stamping and coloring an animal track picture and making a leather keychain for Dad (while supplies last). Other workshops include bird watching, archery, animal identification, pets in the outdoors and plants & insects. Kids will earn a collectable pin for every workshop completed (while supplies last). (For more information: Contact James King at 315-258-2700 or go to www.basspro.com/classic)

4 - Part I) From the Brink of Extinction: The Bald Eagles of Hemlock and Canadice sponsored by The Finger Lakes Museum at the Eisenhart Auditorium, 657 East Avenue, Rochester Museum & Science Center, Rochester, NY (2:00 pm) Retired NYS DEC eagle expert, Mike Allen will tell the story and of how the bald eagle population has grown to over 200 nest territories statewide. The bald eagle, the chosen icon for the Finger Lakes Museum, is a sentinel or indicator species, sensitive to the living conditions in a particular habitat. Their presence is testimony to the pristine Hemlock-Canadice ecosystem. A magnificent rehabilitated bald eagle will accompany Allen to help tell the story. (For more information go to http://fingerlakesmuseum.org/)

4-5 – 27th Annual Skip Hartman Memorial Lake Ontario Pro-Am Salmon Team Tournament. $70,000 in prizes. (For information call 877-FAL-LSUS or go to www.lakeontarioproam.net)

4-5 – Canandaigua Lake Trout Derby on Canandaigua Lake, Canandaigua, NY (For info call 585-394-4400 or go to www.canandaiguachamber.com)

4-5 - Annual Catfish Derby at Hickories Park, 359 Hickories Park Road, Owego, NY (6/4 7:00 am - 6/ Noon) (Cost: $25 per person, free for children under 12 with donation of one canned food item) (For information call 607-687-1199 or 607-687-7531)

5 - National Wild Turkey Federation –Seneca Lake Chapter Dinner at the Seneca Lake Duck Hunters Club, Route 14, Dresden, NY (Contact: Dale Lane 315-536-9768)

9 – Ducks Unlimited – Tompkins County Chapter Pasta for Pintails at the Ithaca Elks Lodge, 124 Coddington Rd., Ithaca, NY (6:00 – 10:00 pm) Everyone in attendance will receive a raffle ticket included in the cost of attendance to win the 2011 Ducks Unlimited Decoy of the Year-- a stunning drake Pintail by award winning artist Jeff Brunet.The bottom of the decoy is covered in felt and features an inlaid “Ducks Unlimited Premium Collection” medallionet.Showcasing the Pintail, one of natures most beautiful birds, will be highlighted at the event. Lots of outdoor gear and sporting art will be offered as well. (Cost: $35.00 single/$45.00 couple) (For information call Dan DeLawyer 607-331-8695)

10 – Nature Program by Rick Marsi at the Newark Valley Depot, Depot Street, Newark Valley, NY (7:00 pm) (For information call 607-642-8967)

10-12 - Point Breeze/Orleans County Pro-Am Salmon Team Tournament. (For more information call 585-589-3103)

11 - National Turkey Federation – Chemung Valley Ridgerunners Chapter Dinner at the Horseheads American Legion, 71 Old Ithaca Road, Horseheads, NY (Contact: Russ Tobey 607-731-3791 rustb6@aol.com)

11 - 14th Annual ADK Outdoor Expo at Mendon Ponds Park Beach Area, Mendon, NY (9:00 am – 4:00 pm) (Contact - Donna Dinse -- ddinse@rochester.rr.com or Barb Brenner -- bjabrenner@gmail.com)

11 - Dave Wood Open Pickerel Tournament on Waneta/Lamoka Lakes (7:00 am – 3:00 pm) (For more information call Dave Wood at 607-535-7771)

11-19 - 26th Annual Southtowns Walleye Association Lake Erie Walleye Tournament. $22,000 cash prizes, post event picnic award ceremony, 200 winners (For information call Sue Guenther: 716-827-8968 )

Until our next meeting in the Corner, have a great time in the outdoors. This is Ron Schroder for – “Your In on The Outdoors for Western New York.”

What are your thoughts? (Use our Contact Page)

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5-27-11

Welcome to this week’s Conservation Chatter Corner – little bits of happenings concerning our outdoors and you, the sportspeople who enjoy being part of that outdoors.

VANDALS AT IROQUOIS NWR: Your help is being requested to aid in the apprehension of person or persons unknown who removed all of the signs along Refuge’s Swallow Hollow Nature Trail running through the eastern portion of the area. If you have any knowledge of this theft please contact the Refuge at 585-948-5445 X200. This trail and its maintenance are funded by a group of volunteers – The Friends of Iroquois.

MICRO-STAMPING PASSES ASSEMBLY: On Tuesday, May 24, Assembly Bill 1157 passed in the New York Assembly by an 84 to 55 vote. The bill has been delivered to the state Senate and will be considered in the Senate Codes Committee. The bill, if passed, will require all current semi-automatic pistols in production and all newly designed semi-automatic pistols delivered to any licensed firearms dealer in New York to mechanically stamp an alpha-numeric or geometric code that would imprint the make, model and serial number onto the cartridge case when the gun is discharged. This bill would vastly increase the cost of these firearms and will likely result in firearms manufacturers not selling new handguns in New York. Of course, that is the ultimate goal of this legislation. A1157 would become effective after January 1, 2013 or whenever the State Police receive notification from one or more “micro-stamp job shops” that they can produce micro-stamp structures on two internal surfaces of a semi-automatic pistol for $12 or less, whichever occurs later. Please contact your state Senator and respectfully urge him or her to OPPOSE A1157.

SENECA LAMPREY CONTROL: A program to combat the parasitic sea lamprey is scheduled to begin the second week of June, weather permitting, on Seneca Lake tributaries in Schuyler County according to DEC. By effectively controlling sea lampreys, DEC can reduce mortality rates for fish targeted by sea lamprey, especially lake trout, rainbow trout, brown trout, and landlocked salmon–some of the more popular fish on Seneca Lake. In addition, fewer sea lampreys mean fewer unsightly scars and wounds on sportfish.

Typically, immature sea lamprey live in streams for three to four years before they become parasitic, descending into the lake to prey on other fish, like trout and salmon. Through the sea lamprey control program, a lampricide, called TFM (3-trifluoromethyl-4-nitrophenol) will be applied to the streams in a continuous, metered manner over a period of approximately 12 hours to kill the immature, larval form of the sea lamprey. TFM is a selective pesticide developed in the 1950s and used extensively since that time for sea lamprey control in the Great Lakes. TFM has been used in Seneca Lake tributaries since 1982. The dosage levels of TFM that are lethal to larval sea lampreys can be harmlessly processed by most other aquatic organisms.

The stream treatments do not pose a significant hazard to human health. However, as a precautionary measure, the NYS Department of Health has advised no stream water consumption, fishing, swimming, livestock watering or irrigation in the treatment zone during and immediately following applications. Appropriate signs will be posted along the treated streams. Since 1982, Catharine Creek and Keuka Outlet have been treated eight and six times, respectively, without any significant environmental or human health problems or impacts.

NO BOAT STORAGE ON HEMLOCK CANADICE SF: The DEC recently announced a change in boat storage activities at Hemlock and Canadice State Forest. Effective immediately boat owners must begin to remove their boats that are currently stored along the shores of Hemlock and Canadice Lakes on the state forest.

Last July, Hemlock and Canadice lakes watershed property was transferred from the City of Rochester to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation creating the Hemlock Canadice State Forest. Public use of a state forest is subject to DEC's Rules and Regulation for the use of state lands and other applicable state statutes. In addition, specific regulations for the Hemlock Canadice State Forest were enacted. These regulations are similar to those previously used by the City of Rochester’s Watershed Visitor Permit.

Region 8 Director Paul D'Amato said, "We understand that for some it has been convenient to simply leave their boat on the shore. But we need to ensure compliance with the regulations in the same manner as occurs at all State Forests. Also, we have been told by some users of the Lakes that the sight of numerous boats, some of which have clearly been abandoned, cluttering the shoreline detracts from their enjoyment of the lakes. We want all visitors to the Lakes to enjoy the natural, undisturbed condition of these spectacular natural resources. To allow people time to comply, we chose to wait until the end of July before we act further."

Storing boats or other personal items is prohibited on all New York State Forests. To bring this state forest into compliance with current rules and regulations, DEC requests boat owners to remove their boats from state lands by July 31, 2011. Any boat that remains after this date will be removed from the premises by DEC.

A Hemlock Canadice State Forest brochure is available at: http://www.dec.ny.gov/docs/lands_forests_pdf/lo1trailmap2011.pdf

Questions related to boat removals should be directed to the Regional Forester at the DEC Bath Sub-office at (607) 776-2165.

MANAGEMENT AREA GATE LOCKED: As part of a successful policy to ensure public safety and promote wise resource management, the DEC has closed the gate at McCloud Road, which leads to Phillips Point on Oneida Lake, at Three Mile Bay Wildlife Management Area (WMA), for the summer season, effective May 23. The gate closure is the continuation of an established policy to maintain access and use of the WMA for the public while prohibiting illegal and unsafe activities. Closure of the gate has reduced unlawful parking, illegal use of alcohol, destruction of habitat, and problems with emergency vehicles being unable to get into the WMA to provide assistance.

The gate does not prohibit use of the area for the purposes for which it was intended -- hunting, fishing, trapping, birding, nature study and other uses compatible with wildlife management – but is meant to prevent significant problems caused by vehicle traffic. During the summer months, the public is still encouraged to enjoy the site by walking or biking the short distance (less than a half mile) from the gate and the designated parking area.

In 2009, the state began preventing vehicle access beyond the parking area between Memorial Day Weekend and the week after Labor Day after discussions with legitimate users of the area. Problems with improper use of the WMA included: *during heavy use, vehicles were parked in no parking designated areas and destroying habitat in the area. *Vehicles became the means of delivering people and alcohol to the onshore parties and boating community moored in the bay nearby. *Vehicles blocked ingress and egress from the area, in at least one instance during an emergency rescue situation. *Individuals routinely hauled boats and personal watercraft to Oneida Lake via the dirt road. The site is only designed for and intended for car top or hand launching of small boats. There is no constructed or maintained launch at the site.

DEC recognizes that significant hunting, fishing, trapping, birding, and nature study activities occur at the site during non-summer months. Therefore, the gate will remain open from the week after Labor Day through the week before Memorial Day so the public may enjoy waterfowl hunting, ice fishing, spring bullhead and other opportunities which are common uses during these time frames. Yearly closings and re-openings will occur on the Monday before Memorial Day Weekend and the Monday following Labor Day Weekend.

SUMMER CAMP: It’s only a few weeks before school ends for the summer and you haven’t planned any way to occupy your child/children for the summer? No problem. Look no further than DEC’s summer environmental education camps! At $350 a week these camps are a terrific bargain, half the price of camps run by other non-profits, and they offer amazing opportunities for your child to learn and interact with the natural environment. If exploring a forest, swamp, lake and a field or fishing, hiking, canoeing, swimming, star gazing and meeting professionals in environmental fields sounds like a great way to spend a week of the summer, then we have a camp for you!

DEC’s unique residential camp program still has openings for youth ages 12 to 14. Each of the camps focuses on conservation education by immersing campers in outdoor activities and hands-on learning that teach the wise use of natural resources. Highly qualified staff ensure that campers enjoy their week-long outdoor adventure and help them develop outdoor skills such as hiking, fishing and canoeing that can last a lifetime. For those who are interested, hunter safety training is available from certified Sportsman Education instructors, with prior permission from parents/guardians.

All four camps—Colby and Pack Forest in the Adirondacks, DeBruce in the Catskills and Rushford in Western New York—still have openings for some weeks during the seven weeks of camp, which run from July 3 through August 20. Campers arrive on Sunday afternoon and are picked up Saturday morning. The $350 cost is all inclusive including food, lodging and activities. Local organizations such as civic groups, garden and sportsmen clubs can also sponsor a camper. Applications are still being accepted and registration will continue until all spaces are filled.

Full information, including registration forms, available weeks and detailed program descriptions is available at www.dec.ny.gov/education/29.html or by writing to NYSDEC Camps, 625 Broadway, Albany, NY 12233-4500. You may also e-mail the camps at edcamps@gw.dec.state.ny.us.

This Week’s Events:

28 - Howland’s Island Canoe Paddle at the Montezuma Audubon Center, 2295 State Route 89, Savannah, NY (1:30-4:30 pm) Enjoy a leisurely paddle on the Seneca River along Howland’s Island while learning about the birds and other wildlife. We will meet at the MAC and caravan to the Island. Canoes, paddles, binoculars and life jackets will be provided; bring bug spray, water and snacks. Space is limited. Registration required. ($7.50/child without boat rental; $12.50/adult without boat rental; $40/canoe rental (maximum 2 adults plus 1 child). (To register or for more information call 315-365-3588 or e-mail montezuma@audubon.org)

28 - Learn to Catch a Fish Family Picnic at Letchworth State Park Trout Pond Trailside Lodge (Wyoming County) (10:00 am - 4:00 pm) Free. (For information call Letchworth State Park at 585-493-3600)

28 - Dave Wood Open Pickerel Tournament on Waneta/Lamoka Lakes (7:00 am – 3:00 pm) (For more info call Dave Wood, 607-535-7771)

28 - Wildflower Walk at IBM Glen, 1250 Robinson Hill Road, Endwell, NY (9:00 am) (Cost: General - $4.00, Member - $3.00, Children - $1.00) (For information call 607-625-2221)

28-30 – 2011 National Lake Trout Derby on Seneca Lake in Geneva, NY. (To take part in this year’s derby visit http://www.laketroutderby.org/index.html and fill out an entry form.)

31 - End of Spring Wild Turkey Hunting Season

JUNE 2011

2 - Buffalo Sabres Spring Salmon Spectacular at Krull Park, Newfane Marina, Olcott, NY. (For more information go to www.sabresalumni.com)

2 – Friends of NRA – Canastota Chapter Dinner at The Rusty Rail, 3231 Genesee Street (Route 5), Canastota, NY (For information call Mike Graham at 315-750-8415 or email howerton@windstream.net)