The latest from ADKHunter…

Posted on by September 18, 2017

More Seasons: This is a great time of year for hunting in Northern New York. The Early Bear season opens in the Adirondacks on Saturday, Sept. 16 and the real news here is that there is somewhat of a beechnut crop out there. The mast is not everywhere, but earlier this summer reports came in from the central Adirondacks and recently we’ve heard from hunters in the eastern ADKs too, of some beechnuts. Currently, there’s some acorns and apples too. Good luck out there this weekend and please send us a photo and/or report on your hunt. For small game hunters, grouse season opens on Sept. 20 and the early archery season for deer (Sept. 27) is now less than two weeks away.

DEC’s Season Summary

(9/1) Happy New Year:  It’s a new license year and the opening day of a pair of hunting seasons in New York as small game and waterfowl hunting begin. Both squirrel and Canada goose season get under way. The best part of it is that it’s going to really feel like fall in the Adirondacks for most of Labor Day weekend, if not a little wet from what was Hurricane Henry. Soon enough, the Adirondack Black Bear season will open on Sept. 16, grouse on Sept. 20 and the archery season for deer on Sept. 27. It’s that time of year!

Here’s a shot of bull moose taken July 10, 2017 at Cedar River Flow
by Dan Ladd of ADKHunter.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And, here’s a couple of late arrivals from the 2016 deer season

2016: John Hammill of the Weller Mountain Club with his 185-pound 8-pointer

Daniel St. Andrews, age 15, of Glens Falls with his first buck taken during the 2016 youth deer hunting weekend.

PS: Don’t forget our Facebook page 

2017 Spring Turkey Season

Continue reading →

3rd Annual King George Fishing Tournament on Lake George – This Weekend

Posted on by September 15, 2017

Last chance to register is 4-8pm at the Lake George American Legion on Rt. 9L, on Friday, Sept. 15

Lake George’s third annual King George Fishing Derby kicks off on September 16 with new dates and new features designed to attract more anglers to the “Queen of America’s lakes”.

The annual derby was previously held during the lake’s busy summer season and the new dates are meant to alleviate problems with recreational boaters and better fishing, especially for bass.

This year’s Derby includes a new prize category for landlocked salmon, along with large and smallmouth bass and lake trout in the Senior Division. There will be no salmon category in the Junior Division that is under 16 years of age.

Registration for the 2017 Derby will be at the American Legion Post on Route 9L and includes free refreshments. Entry fee is $50.00 for adults and $30 for juniors. All entrants receive a free t-shirt and admission to the awards ceremony.

Fishing begins at 6am-6pm on Saturday and 6am-2pm Sunday, Sept. 17. Registration is 4pm-8pm Friday. Boats may launch at any site with weigh stations available at the Hague boat dock, Roger’s Memorial in Bolton Landing and the Village’s public docks in Lake George.

Over $15,000 in prize money goes to the winners with juniors receiving a variety of merchandise prizes.

Entries are available online at www.kinggeorgefishingderby.com and a local fish & bait shops.

Bear Seasons Opening in NY

Posted on by September 15, 2017

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos announced the start of early bear hunting seasons across New York State.

In northern New York, the early bear season runs from Sept. 16 to Oct. 13 in WMUs 5A, 5C, 5F, 5G, 5H, 5J, 6C, 6F, 6H, and 6J. Bowhunting season for bears also begins on Sept. 16 in the other Northern Zone units (WMUs 6A, 6G, 6K and 6N). Muzzleloader season opens in all northern WMUs on Oct. 14, followed by the regular firearms season for bears on Oct. 21.

“Black bears are an important and natural component of New York’s ecosystem, and early black bear hunting seasons are a critical tool for managers to control and maintain healthy bear populations across the state,” Commissioner Seggos said. “Bears are feeding heavily this time of year, gorging on wild nuts and berries and corn in the field if they can find it. Hunters can increase the odds of finding a bear by keying in on concentrated natural food sources.”

In southeastern New York, the early bear season runs from Sept. 9 to Sept. 24 in Wildlife Management Units (WMUs) 3A, 3C, 3H, 3J, 3K, 3M, 3P, 3R, 4P, and 4R. The early bowhunting season for bears opens in all of the Southern Zone on Oct. 1, followed by the regular firearms season beginning Nov. 18.

During the Early Season, bear hunters may use a bow (with appropriate bowhunting eligibility), crossbow, muzzleloader, handgun, shotgun, or rifle (where allowed). Because of the likelihood of warm weather, hunters should be prepared to skin and cool harvested bears as soon as possible to protect the quality of the meat. Hunters may opt to skin and quarter the bear in the field, then pack out the meat in game bags to a waiting cooler of ice.

From roasts, stews, burger, and sausage to barbequed ribs, bear meat makes excellent table fare. Also, many hunters render bear fat into grease or lard, which is a great oil for cooking or baking. It can also be used to waterproof leather or lubricate patches for muzzleloaders.

DEC regulates black bear hunting to manage populations levels and limit the frequency of human-bear conflicts. Information about black bear hunting in New York, including season dates regulations, is available on DEC’s website. Additionally, DEC’s booklet Hunting the Black Bear in New York (PDF, 800 KB), includes tips on bear hunting and proper care of harvested bears.

Hunters are reminded that reporting their harvest helps DEC better manage New York’s wildlife populations and hunting opportunities: TAKE IT, TAG IT, REPORT IT.

Invasive E.A.B. found in Franklin, St. Lawrence Counties

Posted on by September 15, 2017

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today announced that invasive pest emerald ash borer (EAB) has been found and confirmed for the first time in Franklin and St. Lawrence counties. DEC captured the insects in monitoring traps at the two locations.

“DEC is concerned with these recent detections of emerald ash borer and are actively checking all EAB monitoring traps for new detections,” said DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos. “The public can greatly assist in our efforts by paying close attention to signs of this invasive pest and reporting any detections to DEC’s Forest Health Division. DEC staff will remain vigilant in our efforts to contain this invasive pest in Northern New York.”

DEC confirmed the specimens as adult EABs on August 25. The invasive pest was found within a few miles of the Canadian border and may represent an expansion of Canadian infestations into New York. Continue reading →

DEC Plans Trout Management Meetings

Posted on by August 31, 2017

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today announced that public meetings will be held in each DEC region this fall to provide an overview of the state’s approach to trout stream management. The meetings will also elicit feedback from trout stream anglers regarding their preferences and expectations for the management of these waters.

The first meeting will take place on Wednesday, September 13 at the 4H training center at 556 Middleline Road in Ballston Spa. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and presentation begins at 7:00 p.m.. Another meeting will take place on Sept. 26 at the Town of Plattsburgh Office, 151 Banker Rd. in Plattsburgh.

The meetings will feature a 30-minute presentation describing how DEC currently manages trout streams and will include key findings of a statewide study completed in 2015. The presentation will be followed by a 90-minute discussion period aimed at identifying the measures of trout stream angling quality most important to this segment of New York’s the angling public.The dates, times and locations of the additional Trout Stream Management meetings in each region will be publicized by the regional offices and posted on DEC’s website as the schedule is finalized.

 

DEC’s plan to fight CWD

Posted on by August 31, 2017

Aug. 31 Update

DEC Extends Public Comment Period on Draft Chronic Wasting Disease Plan Through September 15

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos today announced that DEC will accept written comments on the draft New York State Interagency Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) Risk Minimization Plan for an additional two weeks through September 15, 2017. 

The plan describes potential regulatory changes and actions that DEC and the NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets believe are necessary and appropriate to minimize the risk of CWD entering or spreading in New York. The plan was designed to protect both wild white-tailed deer and moose, as well as captive cervids, including deer and elk held at enclosed facilities.

The New York State Interagency CWD Risk Minimization Plan has had extensive outreach and vetting by stakeholder groups in the state to address concerns while maintaining the goals of protecting wildlife resources, the public, and the environment. The plan updates reporting and testing requirements of captive cervid owners, improves communication to stakeholders, and simplifies regulations to reduce confusion while protecting natural resources.

The draft plan is available for review on the DEC website (www.dec.ny.gov/animals/7191.html). Written comments on the draft plan will be accepted through September 15, 2017. Comments can be submitted by e-mail (wildlife@dec.ny.gov, subject: “CWD Plan”) or by writing to NYSDEC, Bureau of Wildlife, 625 Broadway, Albany, NY 12233-4754.

 

From August 8:

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos announced the release of a draft New York State Interagency CWD Risk Minimization Plan for public comment.  The plan describes proposed regulatory changes and actions that DEC will take to minimize the risk of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) entering or spreading in New York and was designed to protect both wild white-tailed deer and moose, as well as captive cervids including deer and elk held at enclosed facilities. Continue reading →

Free Hunters’ Health Screening at Elizabethtown Community Hospital

Posted on by August 31, 2017

ELIZABETHTOWN, N.Y. (August 29, 2017) – The annual Hunters’ Health Screening will take place at Elizabethtown Community Hospital on Tuesday, September 12 from 4:00 – 6:00pm.

This free health screening will allow hunters the opportunity to have a physical that will assess their overall health before they set out into the woods. Results will be reviewed by a physician that evening and mailed out within two weeks. Additionally, participants will also be able to speak with health professionals if they have any specific concerns.

The health screening will assess blood pressure, glucose, cholesterol and oxygen levels. Hospital staff will also check vision, height and weight, providing an overall health picture. Participants will also have an EKG reading taken, an important test that measures heart health. A team of nurses and lab staff will conduct the health screening.

A number of organizations and clinical professionals will also be on-hand to provide additional health-related information including the hospital’s certified diabetes educator, Essex County Public Health and a representative from North Country Healthy Heart Network to speak about tobacco use.

The evening will also include a blood drive, organized by the North Country Regional Blood Center. Participants and family members will have the opportunity to make a donation before or after their health screening. All blood collected by the North Country Regional Blood Center stays within the 5 hospitals in the local area; all to benefit our friends and neighbors.

According to RN Julie Tromblee, basic health evaluations allow physicians an opportunity to uncover physical conditions that can put individuals at risk. “Considering that hunters are exerting themselves in areas that may be far from home and difficult to access by emergency personnel, it’s important that they have a yearly physical to ensure that there are no obvious health issues,” she said. “The Hunters’ Health Screening event allows us to check for problems that make them vulnerable.”

DEC ENCOURAGES OUTDOOR ENTHUSIASTS TO PURCHASE A HABITAT/ACCESS STAMP

Posted on by August 31, 2017

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos today issued a reminder and encouraged outdoor enthusiasts to consider purchasing a $5.00 Habitat/Access Stamp, an optional stamp that helps support the DEC’s efforts to conserve habitat and increase public access for fish and wildlife-related recreation.

New York’s habitat serves a vital role in maintaining healthy and sustainable fish and wildlife resources for all to enjoy. Created in 2002, the Habitat/Access Stamp helps supply financial support towards DEC’s efforts in improving and conserving fish and wildlife habitat, as well as increasing access to public and private lands for fish and wildlife recreation. Continue reading →

Posted in DEC

2017-2018 federal duck stamps on sale now

Posted on by July 17, 2017

MEMPHIS, Tennessee – June 27, 2017 – The new 2017-2018 federal duck stamp is on sale now. The stamps, which cost $25, are valid from July 1 through June 30, 2018. Purchased by millions of waterfowl hunters, wildlife enthusiasts and collectors every year, duck stamps help raise money to purchase and protect wetlands for ducks, geese and other wildlife species.

“Duck stamps are one of the traditional ways hunters and others invest in wetland and waterfowl conservation,” said DU CEO Dale Hall. “We encourage everyone, whether they hunt waterfowl or not, to buy one or more duck stamps to help conserve our precious wetland resources. The federal duck stamp is a powerful tool for conservation in the United States. Every year the program raises more than $25 million used to purchase wetlands in the National Wildlife Refuge System. These habitats benefit waterfowl and countless other species of wildlife. It’s an incredibly successful program and one we should be very proud of.” Continue reading →

DEC Announces 2017-2018 Waterfowl Season Dates

Posted on by June 5, 2017

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today released information about the upcoming waterfowl hunting seasons, including season dates and updated regulations. 

“New York takes great pride in using the best available science and input from hunters to establish the state’s annual waterfowl management seasons to provide hunting opportunities across the state from September to April,” DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos said. “I applaud the work of this team of volunteers and DEC biologists to establish these seasons in order to maximize opportunities for hunters and grow this economically important recreation.”

Task force members are charged with developing optimal seasons by balancing the competing interests of hunters pursuing New York’s diverse waterfowl species. Season dates and regulations can be viewed in full on DEC’s website at http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/28175.html. Waterfowl hunting zone descriptions and boundaries are available at http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/28496.html.

Youth Hunting Opportunities:

Duck hunting seasons begin with designated “youth waterfowl hunts” across the state. These hunts allow youth hunters to spend time afield with experienced adult hunters and gain necessary knowledge and skills to become safe and responsible members of the hunting community. Junior hunters (12 to 15 years of age) accompanied by a licensed adult hunter with up-to-date Harvest Information Program registration and a duck stamp may participate.  During the youth hunt, the adult hunter may not possess a firearm or shoot any birds unless the respective regular season is open. The daily bag limit for ducks and brant (goose) during youth hunts is the same as during the regular season, with the exception that three geese per day may be taken in all zones. The youth hunts are held on weekends in each zone of the state, as follows:

·         Southeastern Zone – Sept. 16-17

·         Northeastern Zone – Sept. 23-24

·         Lake Champlain Zone – Sept. 23-24

·         Western Zone – Oct. 14-15

·         Long Island Zone – Nov. 11-12


Duck Season Overview:

 Duck Season opening dates for each zone:

·         Northeastern Zone – Oct. 7

·         Southeastern Zone – Oct. 7

·         Lake Champlain Zone – Oct. 11

·         Western Zone – Oct. 28

·         Long Island Zone – Nov. 23

 
A complete list of season dates can be found on DEC’s website (http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/28888.html). Continue reading →