Summertime Blues: For a deer hunter, summer can be the toughest time of the entire year. Especially if you’re one that doesn’t particularly like hot weather. But, it comes with the territory of living in the North Country where cooler climates can sometimes be found simply by heading north. The good news is that small game seasons are now less than two months away and early bear and archery are inching closer and closer. If anything, spend some time at the range honing your shooting skills. The early part of summer is typically a quiet time for this website. However, we do try to keep things updated with news items and such. As we get out of July and into August anticipation of the upcoming hunting seasons starts to kick in. Meanwhile, stay tuned to this website, Facebook and any and all outdoor-related publications for updates as summer presses on.
DEC and DOT Seek Public Input on Future Use of Remsen-Lake Placid Travel Corridor
The New York State Departments of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and Transportation (DOT) are seeking public review and comment on a Draft Scoping Document to determine the future use of the Remsen to Lake Placid Travel Corridor. The draft scoping document identifies potential impacts of the proposed action to be analyzed in a Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (DSEIS) and the Remsen-Lake Placid Travel Corridor Unit Management Plan (UMP) 2019 Amendment.
Upon final approval, the Draft Scoping Document, DSEIS, and Draft UMP Amendment will allow the State to transfer jurisdiction of the segment of the Travel Corridor between Tupper Lake and Lake Placid from DOT to DEC, and develop a multi-use recreational trail in the segment managed by DEC.
The DSEIS and the Draft UMP Amendment will be prepared to comply with the State Environmental Quality Review Act, and the Adirondack Park State Land Master Plan.
The State has completed, or is currently undertaking, the following actions to move forward with the Draft UMP Amendment/DSEIS for the Travel Corridor:
- APA approved an amendment to the APSLMP to revise the definition of Travel Corridor that allows recreational use on the Travel Corridor, which was signed by the Governor on June 21, 2019;
- DEC has acquired the parcels within the Travel Corridor located in the North Country Community College campus;
- DEC and the North Elba-Lake Placid Historical Society are partnering on an access agreement to allow public access to the Society’s lands around the Lake Placid Depot; and
- A draft historic mitigation plan is being developed in accordance with the New York State Historic Preservation Act (SHPA) to address potential adverse impacts to the corridor and which will be included in the draft UMP amendment/DSEIS as an appendix.
In addition, DOT is preparing to rehabilitate the railway between Big Moose and Tupper Lake.
A public meeting will be held to receive comment on the Draft UMP Amendment/ DSEIS when these documents are released for public review. The Draft Scoping Document is available on the DEC website.
DEC and DOT are accepting public comment until August 10. Written comments may be mailed to John Schmid, NYSDEC, 625 Broadway, Albany, NY, 12233-4254 or e-mailed to adirondackpark@dec.ny.gov.
DEC: Go easy on trout in hot weather
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is urging anglers this summer fishing season to follow a few simple steps when planning trout and salmon fishing trips.
This past spring, trout living in streams benefited from abundant rainfall and cool weather conditions that promote the growth and survival of these popular game fish. However, with the steamy days of summer approaching, it is important to remember that trout and salmon can experience physical stress whenever water temperatures climb above 70 degrees Fahrenheit. In streams, heat-stressed fish will seek deep pockets of cold water, small feeder streams, or water released from deep reservoirs. These refuges allow trout to avoid or recover from potentially fatal levels of heat stress.
Anglers can help trout and salmon by taking the following precautions during warm-weather fishing trips:
- Avoid catch-and-release fishing for heat-stressed trout on hot days. Trout already weakened by heat stress are at risk of death no matter how carefully they are handled;
- Do not disturb trout where they have gathered in unusually high numbers. It is likely these fish are recovering from heat stress in a pocket of cold water;
- Fish early in the day. Stream temperatures are at their coolest in the early morning hours; and
- Have Plan B ready. Always have an alternate fishing plan in case water temperatures are too high at the intended destination. Consider fishing a water body less prone to heat stress or fishing for more heat-tolerant species, like small and largemouth bass.
DEC Announces Falconry, Wildlife Rehabilitator and Leashed Tracking Dog Examinations
Examinations for New Yorkers seeking a license to practice the sport of falconry, become a volunteer wildlife rehabilitator, or use leashed tracking dogs to find wounded or injured big game animals are scheduled for Friday, Aug. 9, 2019, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced today.
The exams will run from 10 a.m. to noon at most DEC Regional Offices across the state. A list of DEC Regional Offices can be found on the DEC website. The deadline for registering to take these free exams is Friday, July 19, 2019. To apply for any of these exams, visit the DEC Special Licenses Unit website and fill out an exam registration form. You can mail, fax, or email the completed form to: NYS DEC Special Licenses Unit, 625 Broadway, Albany, NY 12233-4752; Phone: 518-402-8985, Fax: 518-402-8925, email:SpecialLicenses@dec.ny.gov .
Apprentice Falconry License
Falconry has a rich history and tradition throughout the world and requires a significant commitment of time and effort. Apprentices are limited to possessing one bird, either an American kestrel or a red-tailed hawk. A falconry study guide and examination manual are available at no cost from DEC. The cost of a five-year falconry license is $40.
To qualify for the Apprentice Falconry license, applicants must:
- score 80 percent or higher on the written exam;
- be at least 14 years of age;
- possess a valid New York State hunting license; and
- maintain DEC-approved facilities for housing falconry raptors.
Wildlife Rehabilitator License
Wildlife rehabilitators provide for the care of injured, sick, and orphaned wild animals for the purpose of returning rehabilitated animals to the wild. Prospective applicants are encouraged to gain experience by serving as an assistant to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. A wildlife rehabilitator study guide and examination manual are available at no cost from DEC. There is no cost for the license, which is good for five years.
To qualify for the Wildlife Rehabilitator License, applicants must:
- score 80 percent or higher on the written exam;
- be at least 16 years of age; and
- be interviewed by DEC Regional wildlife staff.
Leashed Tracking Dog Handler
Leashed tracking dog handlers use their dogs to track and recover dead, wounded, or injured big game. Leashed tracking dog handlers provide a valuable service in aiding hunters in locating wounded big game that otherwise may go unrecovered. A leashed tracking dog study guide is available at no cost from DEC. There is a $50 license fee for the five-year license and a $25 non-refundable application fee.
To qualify for a Leashed Tracking Dog Handler License, applicants must:
- score 80 percent or higher on the written exam; and
- possess a valid New York State hunting license.
New Frontier Town Campground Open / Hammond Pond WF UMP Finalized
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced the completion of construction of the new Frontier Town Campground, Equestrian and Day Use Area in the Adirondacks. The new public campground, on the site of the former Frontier Town theme park in the town of North Hudson, is a signature piece of the Governor’s “Gateway to the Adirondacks” tourism hub. To date, an estimated total of $25 million in public/private resources has been committed to the project.
The Department of Environmental Conservation campground was designed in collaboration with the Office of General Services and C.T. Male Associates. The campground includes 91 campsites to accommodate a range of camping and visitor experiences. Reservations are now available for the summer season, from June 28 through Columbus Day weekend.
Key campground features include:
- An equestrian camping area with 33 sites modeled after the camping areas at DEC’s Otter Creek Horse Trail facility. The area includes electrical hookups and a pavilion
- A recreational vehicle (RV) and trailer camping area with space for 13 sites with electrical hookups, fireplaces, conveniently located water spigots, and a playground
- A tent camping area with 45 tent sites, including three group camping sites; three walk-in camping sites; four sites with electric vehicle charging stations; two shower buildings; a playground; and two pavilions
- A seasonal day-use area along the shoreline of the Schroon River for campers and visitors to enjoy, as well as a pavilion, two playgrounds, two electric vehicle charging stations, and a comfort station
- A network of pedestrian trails take visitors to four viewpoints: two along the Schroon River and two overlooking an oxbow wetland
DEC ISSUES FINAL MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR SARANAC LAKES WILD FOREST
The final Saranac Lakes Wild Forest Management Plan outlining plans to improve opportunities for outdoor recreation on the lands and waters in the northern Adirondacks was recently issued, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos announced today.
The Saranac Lakes Wild Forest is comprised of 75,000 acres of Forest Preserve lands and 19,600 acres of lakes, rivers, streams, and ponds located in the towns of Santa Clara, Brighton, Tupper Lake, Harrietstown, and Franklin in Franklin County and the towns of St. Armand and North Elba in Essex County. Three of the largest population centers in the Adirondack Park—the villages of Tupper Lake, Saranac Lake, and Lake Placid—are within the general boundaries of the unit. Continue reading →
Trail to Wolf Pond, lean-to, now open
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today announced the opening of the Wolf Pond Trail and the Wolf Pond Lean-to in the central Adirondack town of North Hudson in Essex County. This project is part of the Adventure NY Initiative to connect New Yorkers with the outdoors.
“The Wolf Pond Trail provides visitors more opportunities to enjoy the natural beauty and outdoor recreation in Boreas River area of the Adirondacks,” said Regional Director, Bob Stegemann.”These improvements, thanks to Governor Cuomo’s Adventure NY Initiative, are an example of the State’s ongoing investments to grow the outdoor recreation economy of Adirondack communities.”
Hikers and campers may access the 2.3-mile Wolf Pond Trail from Boreas River/Wolf Pond Parking Area on the Blue Ridge Road near the bridge over the Boreas River. The gently rolling and easy to navigate trail, located in the Vanderwhacker Mountain Wild Forest, crosses Wolf Pond Brook and proceeds northeast. The trail ends at the outlet of Wolf Pond and the new lean-to is located up a short spur trail on the southwestern side of the pond. The lean-to is available on a first come-first served basis.
Wolf Pond provides scenic views of the High Peaks and surrounding mountains, as well as excellent fishing opportunities. The 59-acre pond is home to brook trout sustained by stocking, common shiners, and white suckers. Visitors are encouraged to practice Leave No Trace principles when recreating in the Adirondacks to enjoy the outdoors responsibly and minimize impact on the natural resources.
Summer Classic Fishing Tournament getting under way
This summer anglers will have a chance to compete for over $40,000 in cash and prizes, including the Batavia Downs $10,000 Cash Grand Prize that will be given to one of the 12 first place finishers in this summer’s events!! We have split the Summer Classic into two events:
- The Main Event: Salmon / Lake Trout / Walleye / Rock Bass / Crappie / Yellow Perch / Panfish (placements based on weight, fish brought in to weigh-in locations)
- The Catch & Release Event: Small Mouth Bass / Large Mouth Bass / Catfish / Carp / Northern Pike (placements based on length, use FishDonkey App)To help start off with large guaranteed payouts, we have put $2,500 cash into the Main Event and $500 into the C&R Event on top of the general payout as follows:
- Main Event (RED Flier):
$500 Cash Award – 1st Place Salmon
$400 Cash Award – 2nd Place Salmon
$300 Cash Award – 3rd Place Salmon
$100 Cash Award – 1st Place Walleye
$100 Cash Award – 1st Place Crappie
$100 Cash Award – 1st Place Yellow Perch
$100 Cash Award – Largest Salmon Every WeekC&R Event (GREEN Flier):
$250 Cash Award – 1st Place Small Mouth Bass
$250 Cash Award – 1st Place Large Mouth BassPLUS:
$200 Cash Award – Largest Fish caught on a Koyote Ugly Product
$250 Cash Award – Largest Salmon caught by a LOTSA Member
$200 Cash Award – Overall Largest Brown Trout
$200 Cash Award – Overall Largest Bowfin/Dogfish
$200 Cash Award – Overall Largest Sheepshead/DrumTournament fliers/posters will be hitting the weigh-in locations all across the state later this week and early next week (see attached). The NYS Fall Classic Sportsman Show and Summer Classic Awards Ceremony will be held at the Batavia Downs Casino on Sept. 21st. We will once again have a ton of products to offload to those who attend via raffles, door prizes, and other giveaways (those who attend the banquet dinner) plus FREE play to give out for the casino! Follow the event on Facebook for all the updates, giveaways, and up to date tourney information:
https://www.facebook.com/NYSSummerClassic/You can also find the leader boards, prize winners, weigh-in map, payout increments, registration information, and much more on the Summer Classic website at:
www.NYSsummerclassic.comThe events are only $25/angler to enter, and anglers can enter both events to maximize their chance at securing a 1st place in one of the divisions and a shot at the $10,000 Grand Prize. Anglers can register for the Main Event online off of the website or at most weigh-in locations, while those entering the C&R Event must register through the FishDonkey App online:
https://tourney.fishdonkey.com/#/tournament/568/detailsHave a location you’d like us to get on board as a weigh-in station? Send us their contact information and we’ll see if we can get them to join our network! We would like to wish you the best of luck this summer and thank you for supporting the Classic Tournaments! Please continue to spread word of the events so we can continue to attract more and larger sponsors for future events!
Good luck this season and tight lines!
Tim Thomas
NYS Classic Fishing Tournaments
Director
(585) 330-0494
www.NYSsummerclassic.com
www.NYSwinterclassic.com
www.FKSportfishing.com
DEC Announces 26th Annual “Becoming an Outdoors-Woman” Workshop
Registration for the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s (DEC) 26th annual Becoming an Outdoors-Woman (BOW) workshop opened Monday, June 17, DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos announced today. The BOW workshop will be held from Sept. 13-15, 2019, at the Silver Bay YMCA Conference and Family Retreat Center on Lake George in the Adirondacks.
BOW workshops provide hands-on instruction and experiential learning in a fun and supportive environment. Courses being offered for the first time this year include K-9 first aid, hawk-watching, intro to hobby farming, and basic self-defense for women. Courses may also include basic fishing, fly fishing, archery, crossbow, shotgun and rifle shooting, kayaking, hiking, camping, stand-up paddle boarding, wild plant identification, boat and trailer towing, hunter education, Dutch-oven cooking, wilderness survival, and more.
The workshop is limited to 125 women participants, ages 18 and older. The cost for the three-day workshop ranges from $305 to $450 per participant, depending on lodging and courses selected. Because the workshops are popular, DEC will use a lottery system to draw participants from those who apply. In addition, applications are available for a limited number of partial scholarships.
Registration forms will be posted on DEC’s BOW webpage beginning June 17. Additional information about the Becoming an Outdoors-Woman program is also available on the DEC site, including photo galleries and testimonials from previous workshops, and information on day-long and weekend-long Beyond BOW workshops.
To contact DEC about the Becoming an Outdoors-Woman program, please call (518) 402-8963, e-mail us, or write to: NY Outdoors-Women, 625 Broadway, 5th Floor, Albany, NY 12233-4754.
DEC’s Ladies Only Fishing Photo Contest
The late Angie Killmartin loved to fish! We miss you Angie.
Following the success of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s (DEC) statewide photo contest for women hunters, DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos today announced the second phase of the “WomenHuntFishNY” contest to celebrate women anglers in the state. The contest officially opens on Monday, June 17, and continues through July 8, 2019.
Women who fish in New York State are encouraged to share their photos by emailing womenhuntfishny@dec.ny.gov. DEC welcomes photos of all aspects of safe, legal, and ethical fishing. Contest categories include:
- Freshwater fishing
- Saltwater Fishing
- Ice Fishing
- Youth (girls) fishing
- Mothers and Children/Multi-Generational
- Action shots (Casting, reeling, or landing the big one!)
To be considered in the contest, photos must depict women fishing in New York State. Fishing photos entered in DEC’s fall WomenHuntFishNY hunting photo contest will automatically be entered for consideration. Participants are strongly encouraged to include a sentence to describe their image or experience.
The deadline for contest entries is Monday, July 8. However, sportsmen and women are encouraged to share photos with DEC any time of year. All submissions will become property of DEC to be used in promotions and outreach. Winning entries will be featured on DEC’s website, social media posts, marketing campaigns, print products, and future outreach to inspire future generations of female anglers.
To view more photos that were entered in the 2018 “WomenHuntFishNY” statewide photo contest, visit DEC’s photo album (leaves DEC website).