Trail to:
 Conservation Council 
Webmaster's Books: Deer Hunting in the Adirondacks   Available in bookstores and by phone or mail order Click Here For Info Where's Dan?  (Follow Dan on Facebook) Listen to Kyle Scanlon and Dan Ladd Saturday mornings at 6 a.m. on WOKO  Webmaster's Uncle killed this 18-point Adirondack buck in the late 1960's.  Read Webmaster's articles in these publications     OUTDOOR PERSPECTIVES Press Republican Plattsburgh, NY --------------- NEW YORK OUTDOOR NEWS CLICK HERE DETAILS Have you donated? Please support Venison Donation Coalition   Bad News: Emerald Ash Borer hits the Catskills  | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
March madness: March is usually a month of transition from winter to spring, but we never know exactly when that transition will be. And it doesn't look like it will be any time soon. Winter continues in the Adirondacks and that's good for ice anglers, snowmobilers and skiers. It is at this point in the winter, however, when many of us become curious as to how the deer herd is doing in the Adirondacks. The snow is deep in places, but it also came late; giving whitetails time to fatten up on beechnuts and other available foods. We have had some cold stretches this winter as well, which stresses yarding whitetails. At some point their fat reserves run out and they need the bare browned and new greens that spring usually offers. All we can do now is continue to enjoy winter, wether it's the above mentioned actives or even some small game hunting (rabbit and snowshoe hare run through March 16) or coyote hunting, which ends on March 30. Soon enough, the shed hunters will be out. Click here for previous reports from deer season.
PHOTOS
2013 Adirondack Bucks
NEWS DEC Extends Public Comment Period for Draft Recreation Management Plan for Kushaqua Tract Conservation Easement Lands to March 28 (3/3) The public comment period
for Kushaqua Tract Conservation Easement Lands Draft Recreation
Management Plan (Draft RMP) has been extended until March 28th, the New
York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced.
DEC extended the comment period in response to stakeholders seeking
additional time to review the plan and provide comments.
The Draft RMP includes proposals to construct campsites, designated parking areas, and new trails for motorized and non-motorized users; provide access for people with disabilities; enhance fishing access; and repair, upgrade and open to the public more than 38 miles of existing access roads for motorized and non-motorized uses, including ATVs, snowmobiles and automobiles. DEC will accept comments on the Draft RMP until Friday, March 28. The Draft RMP is available for public review at DEC*s Region 5 headquarters in Ray Brook and at the town offices of Brighton and Franklin. Copies are also available on compact disc and may be requested by calling DEC at 518-897-1291. A limited number of printed copies are available as well. The complete document is available on DEC*s website at: http://www.dec.ny.gov/lands/94963.html. 2013 CONTINUES RECORD TREND FOR SAFE HUNTING IN NEW YORK New York’s Sportsman Education Program is a Key Factor (3/3) The 2013 New York hunting
season had the lowest number of hunting related shooting incidents on
record, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC)
Commissioner Joe Martens announced. The tradition of hunting in New
York continues to be safely enjoyed by our sportsmen and women who
venture afield. “Governor Cuomo recognizes all the benefits the
sporting community brings to New York’s economy and commends sportsmen
and women for setting a record in hunting safety,” said Commissioner
Martens. “Sportsman education is an essential background to have
in the field and teaches future sportsmen and sportswomen how to be
safe, responsible and ethical hunters and trappers. Under New York’s
Open for Fishing and Hunting, our Fish and Wildlife Programs are being
enhanced and our hunting and fishing licenses are streamlined to ensure
increased opportunities for recreational in this state.”
New York’s hunting incident rate (incidents per 100,000 hunters) has fallen by more than 70 percent since the 1960s. The past five-year average is down to 4.3 incidents per 100,000 hunters, compared to 19 per 100,000 in the 1960s. Down from 24 in 2012, a total of 19 hunting accidents occurred in 2013, including unfortunately two fatalities. Fourteen of this year’s accidents where self inflicted. Investigations of all accidents are completed by trained Environmental Conservation Officers. The findings of these investigations are used to improve New York’s Hunter Education Course to ensure that the most common causes of accidents are addressed and emphasized during instruction. These declining statistics prove that New York has a safety-conscious generation of hunters, in great thanks to the committed efforts of more than 2,500 volunteer Sportsman Education Instructors. These trained instructors, who are certified by DEC, teach safe, responsible and ethical outdoor practices and the important role of hunters and trappers in conservation. All courses are offered free of charge. While hunting is safer than ever, accidents happen and it is important to remember that every hunting related shooting incident is preventable. Many, if not all of these incidents could have been prevented, if only the shooter or victim had followed the primary rules of hunter safety to:
In support of this initiative, Governor Cuomo this year has proposed the creation of 50 new land access projects, which will connect hunters, anglers, bird watchers and others who enjoy the outdoors to more than 380,000 acres of existing state and easement lands that have gone untapped until now. These 50 new access projects include building new boat launches, installing new hunting blinds and building new trails and parking areas. In addition, the Governor’s budget includes $4 million to repair the state’s fish hatcheries. For more information, including the 2013 Hunting Safety Statistics, visit the Sportsman Education Program DEC web page at http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/7860.html.  Four national conservation organizations team up for conservation (3/3) MEMPHIS, Tenn. – February
21, 2014 – Four of the nation’s largest wild bird conservation
organizations have joined forces to ensure that wild bird habitat
conservation and our shared hunting heritage remain strong for
generations to come. Ducks Unlimited (DU), the National Wild Turkey
Federation (NWTF), Pheasants Forever (PF) and Quail Forever (QF)
recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the goal of
furthering sporting traditions across North America.
“By entering into this unique partnership, we will be able to reach more than 1 million conservation supporters throughout North America,” said DU CEO Dale Hall. “This MOU is the first step to ensuring our hunting heritage remains strong. I look forward to working with each organization and I know that together we can accomplish great things.” The goals of the partnership will be achieved through the support of an engaged and growing community of sportsmen and women and other outdoor enthusiasts, including the members and supporters of the partner organizations, who all share similar visions. “We’re losing 6,000 acres of habitat every day. Hunters fund conservation but now we’re at the point where less than 10 percent of the American population hunts, so the funding source is going away,” said NWTF CEO George Thornton. “We know we can’t solve this alone. It’s bigger than one organization.” This historic partnership also takes cooperation to an entirely new level, proving that conservation organizations aren’t always competitors. Rather, this MOU shows how separate organizations can come together to achieve common goals. Combined, these organizations have helped conserve more than 30 million acres of wildlife habitat, and through this partnership, shared conservation goals will be achieved more efficiently. “In the face of the most rapid loss of wildlife habitat in modern times, it simply makes sense for our organizations to team up wherever possible,” explains Howard Vincent, President & CEO of Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever. “From our local chapters holding youth mentor hunts to state land acquisition projects, our goal is to accomplish more for current and future generations of bird hunters as partners in conservation.” DEC’S SARATOGA TREE NURSERY KICKS OFF ANNUAL TREE AND SHRUB SEEDLING SALE AND SCHOOL SEEDLING PROGRAM
Landowners Can Take Advantage of Low-Cost Native Plants; Available to Schools for Free (2/12)
More than 40 species of trees and shrubs are now available to public
and private landowners and schools at the New York State Department of
Environmental Conservation’s (DEC) Saratoga Tree Nursery.
“The annual sale of trees and shrubs from our Saratoga Tree Nursery can
provide homeowners and municipalities with enormous environmental
benefits,” Commissioner Martens said. “In addition to the aesthetic
beauty they add to local landscapes, planting trees and shrubs also
improves air quality, provides wildlife with additional habitat, helps
prevent soil erosion and supplies shade in the hot summer months.”
Public and Private Landowners 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 assist with stream bank stabilization. For instance, toringo crabapple provides a winter food source for wild turkey, grouse and deer while streamco willow is used in many stabilization projects. The Saratoga Tree Nursery sells primarily bare-root stock for direct plantings, but a few species are available as containerized stock. Landowners can receive planting advice from their nearest DEC forestry office or private forestry consultant. The 2014 Tree and Shrub brochure can be found on the DEC’s website at http://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/9395.html or by calling the Saratoga Tree Nursery at (518) 581-1439. To order seedlings by phone, contact the 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 NYSDEC 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 Schools across New York are eligible to 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 can download an application at 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 March 31, 2014. The Nursery in Saratoga Springs was created in 1911. More than 1.6 billion seedlings have been produced to enhance and protect the New York’s environment. For more information, visit the DEC’s website at http://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/75090.html. GOVERNOR CUOMO PROMOTES NYS LIFETIME ADVENTURE LICENSE SERIES FOR HUNTING, FISHING AND VISITING NY STATE PARKS  (2/12)
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today introduced the New York State Adventure
License Series, providing New Yorkers and visitors the opportunity to
purchase lifetime licenses to fish, hunt and visit New York State
Parks, as part of his efforts to enhance sporting and recreational
opportunities, support outdoor enthusiasts and boost tourism throughout
the state. As part of this promotional effort, the Governor unveiled
New York’s Outdoor Adventure License Plates, which features nine new
plate designs – including the I [love] NY HUNTING, I [love] NY FISHING,
and I [love] NY PARKS license plates – available for free exclusively
to those buying new lifetime hunting, fishing, or parks licenses in
2014. Click here to view the new plates. In addition, New York residents who secure lifetime licenses will have the opportunity to receive an Adventure License, which allows them the option of consolidating all their recreation licenses and benefits onto their New York State Driver’s License, an initiative first introduced by the Governor during his State of the State address last month. The Adventure License and plates are available on the state’s revamped online licensing portal: www.licensecenter.ny.gov.  To
promote these latest offers, the State will launch a direct mail
campaign and send one million letters to notify current short term
recreational license holders. Click here for a sample letter.“As part of our ongoing efforts to promote New York as a top destination for outdoor enthusiasts and sportsmen, we are launching the NYS Lifetime Adventure License Series that will allow New Yorkers to hunt, fish and enjoy our vast state parks for the rest of their lives,” Governor Cuomo said. “Under this program, we are creating the new Adventure License to make it easier for New Yorkers who hold these lifetime passes to travel and enjoy outdoor activities across the state, as well as new special Adventure License Plates available free to anyone who signs up for a lifetime hunting, fishing or parks license this year. With this initiative, we are growing the state’s tourism industry even further and creating jobs for communities statewide. And most of all, we are excited to offer New Yorkers and visitors the opportunity to enjoy and explore the Empire State’s great outdoors for a lifetime.” “People who enjoy being outdoors often participate in multiple sporting activities such as hunting and fishing,” Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Joe Martens said. “The Adventure License allows new lifetime hunting, fishing and trapping license holders to get outside with the simplicity of bringing their driver’s license rather than multiple documents. This is just the latest example of Governor Cuomo’s commitment to making it easier for tourists and New Yorkers to recreate and enjoy the great outdoors.” “With so much to do across our wonderful park system, the Empire Passport offers a lifetime of enjoyment that allows families and friends to build memories forever,” said Rose Harvey, Commissioner, Office of Parks, Recreation and Historical Preservation. “One investment now and the 335,000 acres, 2,000 miles of trails, beaches, nature centers and other park opportunities are yours to experience and enjoy forever. Lifetime Empire Passport members will have the option to escape alone or bring family and friends along for the experience.” New York’s Lifetime Adventure License Series will provide many benefits for the sporting community and outdoor enthusiasts including: · Lifetime Hunting License: $535 for small/big game
A lifetime hunting license allows holders to hunt across millions of acres of majestic wild lands in New York while saving on the costs of an annual license. · Lifetime Fishing License: $460 A lifetime fishing license provides a lifetime of fishing on more than 70,000 miles of rivers and streams and more than 7,000 lakes and ponds while saving on the cost of an annual license. · Lifetime Empire Passport: $750 with special offer With no expiration date, buy the new Lifetime Empire Passport once, and enjoy the forests, the seashore, and the lakefronts in New York’s state parks for years and years to come while saving on the cost of an annual license. The Lifetime Empire Passport was announced in the Governor’s State of the State address. In addition, as a free one-time special bonus, purchasers will be able to select from any one of the following: a free week of camping, a free round of golf for four, or a $100 State Parks gift card. · Adventure License Plates: Adventure license plates will be free of charge for those purchasing new lifetime licenses in 2014, including one free plate renewal. Nine beautiful plate designs are available to display the lifetime commitment that hunters, anglers and parks visitors have made. · NYS Adventure Licenses: Lifetime holders of sporting licenses, Lifetime Empire Passports, and NY Safe Boating Certificates have the opportunity to consolidate their paper licenses onto one document, their New York State driver’s license. The license will feature icons including: a deer and fish for sportsmen lifetime licensees; an arrowhead for bowhunting; a bobcat paw for trapping; a powderhorn for muzzleloading; an anchor for a boating safety certificate; and a maple leaf for Lifetime Empire Passports. To purchase a lifetime pass or to learn more about these offers, go to http://www.licensecenter.ny.gov. DEC ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR PHEASANT RELEASE PROGRAM
(2/12) The application period is now open for the New York State
Department of Environmental Conservation’s (DEC) cooperative Day-Old
Pheasant Chick Program, the DEC announced today. As part of Governor
Cuomo’s NY is Open for Fishing and Hunting Initiative, 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. In
2013, DEC distributed 41,500 day-old pheasant chicks to qualified 4-H
and sportsmen applicants.Applications for Cooperative Program Due by March 15 The Day-Old Pheasant Chick Program began in the early 1900s. In the early days, pheasant eggs and chicks were distributed to farmers and rural youth. Today, day-old chicks are available at no cost to participants who are able to provide a brooding facility, a covered outdoor rearing pen, and 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 can be released on private shooting preserves. All release sites must be approved in advance by DEC and must be open for public pheasant hunting opportunities. The program is funded through the state Conservation Fund from license fees paid by hunters, trappers and anglers. Daily care is necessary to monitor the health of the birds and to ensure that there is adequate feed and water for the rapidly growing chicks. The pheasants may be released beginning when they are eight weeks old and no later than December 1. Individuals interested in these programs should contact their nearest DEC regional office (please refer to offices listed below) for applications and additional information. Governor Cuomo’s NY Open for Fishing and Hunting Initiative is an effort to improve recreational activities for in-state and out-of-state sportsmen and sportswomen and to boost tourism opportunities throughout the state. This initiative includes the streamlining of hunting and fishing licensing and reducing license fees, improved access for fishing at various sites across the state, and increasing hunting opportunities in various regions. In support of this initiative, Governor Cuomo this year has proposed the creation of 50 new land access projects, which will connect hunters, anglers, bird watchers and others who enjoy the outdoors to more than 380,000 acres of existing state and easement lands that have gone untapped until now. These 50 new access projects include building new boat launches, installing new hunting blinds and building new trails and parking areas. In addition, the Governor’s budget includes $4 million to repair the state’s fish hatcheries. Applications for the Pheasant Release Program must be filed with a DEC regional wildlife manager by March 15, 2014. A “Pheasant Rearing Guide” and additional information on the Day-Old Chick Program is available on the DEC website at http://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/7271.html. DEC ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR 2014 SUMMER CAMP PROGRAM (2/12) The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) will
be accepting online applications for its 67th Annual Summer Camp
Program starting January 22, DEC Commissioner Joe Martens announced
today. The 2014 camp season begins June 29.“For more than six decades, DEC’s environmental education summer camps have nurtured New York’s youth to become stewards of our state’s natural resources,” said Commissioner Martens. “Campers explore the outdoors under the guidance of caring camp staff, learning about the natural world and their place in it. We’re looking forward to another great summer of welcoming youth to our facilities and sharing a love and respect for the outdoors.” Parents may register campers beginning January 22 at 10 a.m. only through DEC’s convenient, online registration system and pay by credit card, e-check or with a sponsor code. Fees for the 2014 camp season remain $350 per one-week session per camper. Camp dates and a link to the online registration system are posted on DEC’s website: www.dec.ny.gov/education/29.html. Families without internet access should call the camp office at 518-402-8014 for information on how to register for camp alternatively. Youth 11 through 17-years old enjoy week-long adventures in conservation education at DEC's residential summer camps. They participate in a wide variety of outdoor activities such as fishing, bird watching, fly-tying, archery, canoeing, hiking, camping, orienteering and optional hunter safety education. Campers also learn about fields, forests, streams and ponds through fun, hands-on activities and outdoor exploration. DEC counselors teach youth conservation techniques used by natural resource professionals, such as measuring trees and estimating wildlife populations. For the first time at DEC’s summer camp program since the 1980s, youth 11 through 13-years old can take a trapper education course taught by DEC certified instructors at two of the four camps. Interested campers can register for Week 5 (July 27 to August 2) at Camp Colby and Week 7 (August 10-16) at Camp Rushford. The course is necessary to purchase a trapping license, should youth want to trap during trapping season. The trapping course at each camp will accommodate the first 25 campers who sign up for it. Visit http://www.dec.ny.gov/permits/6089.html for more information on trapping licenses in New York State. All four environmental education camps serve children ages 11 through 13-years old: 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 host week-long Teen Ecology Workshops, which are more in-depth environmental studies programs for ages 14 through 17-years old. This year, Pack Forest will host six Teen Ecology Workshops and Camp Rushford will host two. All camps will operate for seven one-week sessions (Sunday to Saturday), beginning June 29. Campers may attend camp for more than one week during the summer, but will not be able to stay at camp on the Saturday night between sessions. Parents must make alternate arrangements for the intersession if two or more consecutive weeks are selected. Sporting clubs, civic groups and environmental organizations are encouraged to sponsor one or more children for a week at camp. Groups who sponsor six paid campers will receive a scholarship to send a seventh child to camp for free. Information about becoming a sponsor is available at http://www.dec.ny.gov/education/1866.html on DEC's website. For more information please visit DEC's website at www.dec.ny.gov, call 518-402-8014, visit "NYS DEC Summer Camps" on Facebook or write to DEC Camps, 4th Floor, 625 Broadway, Albany, New York 12233-4500. FISHING DEC Adopts Sauger Conservation Management Plan (1/5) The New York State Department of
Environmental Conservation (DEC) adopted a conservation management plan
for one of New York's most imperiled fish species, the sauger. Sauger
are uniquely adapted to thrive in large turbid rivers and lakes and
were once common in New York portions of Lake Erie, Lake Ontario, the
St. Lawrence River, and Lake Champlain. Read the NYS Police Field Guide to the NY SAFE Act
ALERT: Firearm Use Prohibited on SUNY-ESF Forest Properties (8/29) Changes in New York state law now prohibit the use of
firearms on North Country property that is operated by the SUNY College
of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF).The college, located in Syracuse, N.Y., has several regional campuses throughout the state, including the Ranger School and Dubuar Memorial Forest in Wanakena and Pack Forest in Warrensburg. The property is used for education, research and demonstration. “Traditionally, the college has allowed the use of firearms for hunting on our properties,” said Robert Davis, director of forest properties at ESF. “But changes in the law now prohibit that use. Hunting that does not involve rifles, shotguns, or firearms, as defined in section 265.00 of the New York State Penal Law, is still permissible.” Criminal possession of a firearm on the properties is a Class E felony. ADKHunter.com notes: Because
SUNY ESF does not actually own these lands, Syracuse University does,
SUNY-ESF is not comfortable with the exemption written into the NY Safe
Act for SUNY ESF forest properties because it says they have to both own AND
maintain them. They're trying to work it out in the next legislative
session but won't be able to in time for the upcoming hunting
seasons. Squirrel season is already open, bear opens Sept. 14,
grouse Sept. 20. SUNY-ESF does not want to see the average hunter or
student get a Class E felony as the SAFE Act implies in this case. Scenes and Signs from the Second Ammendment Lobby Day held on Feb. 28, 2013 in Albany, NY
2013 Hunting Season Field Reports (12/16) Done Deal:
Another Adirondack big game season is in the books and I hope you had a
good one. Judging from the photos that have rolled in this season from
the North Country I'd say it's an above average year for sure. I
can't complain about my own luck as well. I let a few small bucks pass
this year before taking a 7-pointer during the last week of the season.
I was all set for the late muzzleloading season but it was some tough
weather for sure. Sunday's snowstorm gave us a little more than we
bargained for and I opted to clean it up rather than try to track deer
in it. As I write this there are two more days left in the Southern
Zone. Now it's time to make some venison jerky, do some small game
hunting and get ready for ice fishing season. Be sure to check in
during the weeks ahead s we commonly get photos from hunters
right into January. We'll get caught up on the Southern Zone photos
when we can. Until then, a Merry Christmas to all. (12/12) It's never over...
Until it's over, as the great Yogi Bera said. That's what some of us
black powder rifle hunters can say as the weekend approaches. You've
got one more chance to get that late season buck or possibly put some
venison in your freezer. Many hunters will be targeting does this week
as well. That's OK, but leave some for next year too, that is if
you want your population to be solid. While fresh buck rubs are showing
up again deer appear to be regrouping. If you find one deer this week
you'll likely find a few, or you'll find nothing at all. It looks like
Mother Nature is also going to deliver a cold blast which may also
curtail deer activity a little bit. Some say that mid-day
and afternoons are the best once the mercury dips into the teens
and below. Time has still been hard to come by for photo updating, but
we've got a bunch to catch up on and will get to it when we can.
Meanwhile, good luck witht the smokepoles this weekend.
 (12/5) Last Call: It's hard to believe that we're looking at the final weekend of yet another deer season. But that's where we're at. If you haven't filled that tag yet don't give up. We've been out there this week and had some luck. In fact, some bucks hunters have encountered were with does (well, a few of them are not anymore) and while we're starting to find some rubs and scrapes again, all indications are that there are still estrus does attracting bucks. Other than the rain that is about to hit us on Thursday and Friday, it's been a pretty good week weatherwise, and this final week may turn out to be some of the best weather of the season. The weekend is supposted to cool down a bit before a storm comes through on Monday. We'll see how it plays out. Most of the northern zone, minus the interior of the Adirondacks, has a week of muzzleloading hunting from Dec. 9-15 for yet some more hunting opportunities. If you are hunting the Adirondacks on this final weekend (which is also the end of the Southern Zone rifle season) and into next week you may want to continue to key in on does, especially if you've got a spot that hasn't seen much hunting pressure this season. Bucks are still roaming and hanging with the does. Perhaps you'll get a look at one. Meanwhile, hunters are still knocking bucks down across the Adirondack region and we've got a pile of photos to post. We'll get to it next week when the season is over. Good luck! (11/29) Giving Thanks: This is Thanksgiving weekend, traditionally one of the best times of the year to hunt in the Adirondacks. Although, it's a little later than usual. That said, last week was no slouch. On the heels of the Nov. 17 full moon things really took off last week and a number of bucks were taken or reported being seen following does. That's only going to go on for so long until some breeding starts and deer head for thicker cover. If you know where the does hang out, keep after them because there are bound to be some bucks around. Meanwhile, rubbing and scraping activity appear to have slowed down: a sign that the boys are having some action. When it starts back up again you know bucks are on the move. If you haven't filled a tag yet, don't feel bad, neither have I. But I know some of the best hunting comes late in the season. After a storm early this week it looks like the weather roller coaster will continue with lots of ups and downs. You never know what you're going to get for late season weather. Many of us would be thankful for some snow. A Happy Thanksgiving to all. Hunt safely and enjoy the time with your families. (11/20) Chasing Bucks: That's what those of us with unfilled tags are hopefully doing. Although it's looking to be a little wet this weekend, and a bit colder followed by a cool-down next week. Typical November weather. We're on the move and won't have much time to update until after the weekend. After all, it's deer season. Adirondack hunters meanwhile, are still knocking down some bucks; even with Southern Zone now open. Numerous buck photos have come in and we'll get some up on the next update. Until then, keep after those rutting bucks and good luck (11/15) What a Week: It's been a heck of a week of hunting in the Adirondacks. Especially if you like wind. That's what we've had for most of this week and many hunters have come out of the woods with red faces. A warm-up is expected for the weekend, and the Southern Zone opener, followed by some rain. Then things are supposed to get back to normal November weather later next week. I don't know if people like seeing their bucks on this website or if the hunting has just been great, but I can't recall a year since launching this website in 2000 when we've had so many buck photos come in during the first half of November. And there have been some real slammers. Now we're looking at a Full Moon on Nov. 17 for what is usually a pretty good time to hunt in the Adirondacks. I've found more scrapes this week than at any other time of the season and our group was fortunate to get another buck this week. As for the coming week, we likely won't get to update this site because of some much-needed time in the woods but we will catch up when we can. Keep at it and good luck to everyone.(11/11) It's Time: We wait all year for mid-November and it is finaly here. The time to be in the woods is NOW. Bucks are on the move and if you know where some does are hanging out be sure to key in on them as part of your hunting strategy. Bucks are being taken or seen by hunter that have been chasing does or roaming and looking for them. Buck sign is everywhere there are deer. The next few weeks are boing to be busy for us here at ADKHunter as it's time to do some hunting ourselves. We've got dozens of photos to post and will get to them later this week for sure. Meanwhile, it looks like we're in for a bit of a cold snap in the Adirondack region. That should really get deer moving and force us hunters to break out the wool. Hunt hard, and good luck. (11/4) Ah, November: Unfortunately I did not get to hunt much over the weekend, mainly due to social functions. But that's all over now and I'm looking ahead. After a warm start on Saturday morning the front came through and cooled things down. As I bit my nails Sunday morning cursing for not being in the woods I knew it was going to be a good day. I found out later, that it was.My neighbor, Cameron Stark, age 17 is turning into quite a hunter. He's gotten a few deer with his bow but his moment came about 8am on Nov. 3 when a big 10-pointer came out of a drive. Cameron's aim was true and the 202-pound bruiser taken in Fort Ann is a real trophy. Welcome to the 200-pound club, Cameron. We hope to have more photos of this one down the road. I also got a call from my Iron Site Gang buddies who got a nice little buck on Sunday afternoon. And, we've gotten quite a few photos sent in from the early muzzleloading season so be sure to scroll down and take a look.Buck sign, meanwhile is showing up more and more every day. Good rubs are being reported, as are scrapes. One hunter I spoke with over the weekend, who also killed a 10-pointer on Friday (Nov. 1), was watching three does in the rain when a buck came in and chased one off. The bigger buck showed up later and that was his last mistake. Looks like things are really starting to crank up. Preliminary forecasts are calling for some possible snow for the weekend. Stay tuned! (10/28) Good Start:What an opening weekend it was for some hunters. I can't recall as much early season success, especially on nice bucks, as I've seen in 13 years of running this website. There are some beauties for sure. And how about the snow that came in for the last few days of muzzleloading season? Some hunters, including well-known deer tracker, Joe DiNitto, capitlized on it. Photos continue to come in from the early muzleloading and bow season in the Northern Zone.While our crew didn't take a buck we had a very productive opening weekend of rifle season. We don't appear to have the solid beechnut crop that we're hearing about in the central ADKs, but there are some as well as a few (but not many) acorns. Buck sign is in good supply, especially rubs. We found 20 rubs in one spot and will be going back. One thing that seems to be in short supply is water, at least in places. We'll be keeping an eye on that as the season progresses. Right now, it looks like a warm start to the weekend will be followed by some cooler weather. Overall, visibility in the woods this fall seems to be better than in most years. Depending on where you are there is still some young beech and underbrush to contend with. Don't forget to turn those clocks back Saturday night.(10/24 The Frost is on the Pumpkin: When the Northern Zone big game rifle season opens this weekend hunters across the region can expect some crispy mornings along with daytime temperatures that may not even breach the 50 degree mark. That’s good news! Early season hunting is often characterized by warm temperatures and minimal deer movements. This shot of November weather in October should have the deer on their feet. And, if you follow lunar theories keep in mind that some breeding activity is expected on the heels of the Oct. 19 full Hunter’s moon. We’ll be curious to see if bucks are chasing does already. If so, we’ll take it.As for last weekend’s muzzleloading hunt; there was a lot of shooting in the area I was in on opening morning, including some from our own group. The result was a small buck harvested and some fresh tenderloin for breakfast at deer camp. As predicted, the mornings were nice but the weekend weather was warm. It’s been better mid-week for those hunters lucky enough to be able to hunt. Meanwhile, hunters are reporting a solid beech nut crop in some areas, spotty in others. Acorns seem to be more plentiful in the foothills of the ADKS. Good luck this opening weekend and be safe. (10/17) Pumped: As I write this on Thursday morning the Northern Zone early muzzleloading season is less than 50 hours away. I couldn't be happier and am looking forward to a three-day weekend of hunting Adirondack bucks. We'll focus at first on the bigger woods where, other than youth, we tend to leave the antlerless deer be. Later in the weekend and during the week we'll hit a few spots where we're comfortable taking a doe.The real good news is that this warm weather is expected to break, at least early in the day. The mornings this weekend should be just right with temps in the 30s, or lower in parts further north, which should trigger deer movement. There may be some rain too, but hopefully not enought to wet our powder! As usual, I like to spend the mornings on stand and if conditions are right, do some exploring/still-hunting mid-day. I'll be looking for sign, feeding patterns and of course, deer. We're always curious to hear from other hunters on such findings as well, no matter where you hunt, as we start looking at the big picture of the forthcoming whitetail rut. Meanwhile, we got a few photos in from last weekend's youth hunt and expect to have a few more in future updates. Have a great, safe hunt this weekend. (10/10)Child's Play: New York's second youth deer hunt is almost upon us. It looks to be a pretty good weekend in terms of the weather. Perhaps a bit warm mid-day during the three-day hunt but some cool mornings are in the works. This week's slight break in the warmth has been good for deer activity too and now that we are past peak foliage in most of the Adirondacks visibility should get better on a daily basis. Although there is still lots of green underbrush out there. Keep an eye out for rubs and scrapes and let us know of your findings as well as that of mast crops. It looks to be a good season and we hope the young hunters out there get the opportunity to kick of in fashion. As you'll see in teh photos below, the kids have been having some fun on waterfowl and pheasants and deer. We've also got a few bow bucks. Good luck, and hunt safely. -Webmaster (10/3/13) Warm Bow Hunting: What can we say, this past week has been more conducive to fishing and hiking than hunting. The mornings have been spectacular but it's been pretty warm and buggy. After an eventful opening morning on Sept. 27 where one of my buddie's missed a buck things quited right down. We've only heard of a few deer being taken including the one below in the western ADKs. This weekend's weather looks to be more of the same, but we may get some much needed rain. One observation I have made is that the deer here in the southeastern ADKs are chooseing acorns (where available) over apples and have already gone somewhat nocturnal. Many are being sighted or caught on trail cameras moving just before daylight. 'Still haven't got into the beech stands yet but will be soon. We'll see what happens. Good luck out there.
COMING SOON
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