The latest from ADKHunter…

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Time to Hunt: As I write this it is Thursday afternoon and I’m wrapping things up before spending an evening on stand with the muzzleloader, and having Friday off to head for deer camp and do even more black powder hunting. This despite a cold coming on. Oh well, it’s deer season and I can’t wait and I know that neither can so many other hunters. Finally, a freeze hit most of the Adirondacks last night with more to come, which along with the wind is knocking some leaves down. Although the underbrush has a ways to to, the woods look much different than they did just days ago.

As for buck sign, just today a friend who was in the same spot both Sunday and this morning reported fresh buck rubs showing up, so things are kicking in. If anything, the early season is a time to do some scouting, find some does and begin putting the pieces together of a puzzle that is six-plus weeks of hunting. Of course, if opportunity knocks, take it. It will go by fast, so get out there and make the most of it. We wait all year for this. Good luck! 

-Dan’l

PS: If you are out there or hunting , and having some luck, please send us a photo of your luck, big or small. We know how easy it is to post photos on Facebook. Here on ADKHunter they remain on display indefinitely and are easy to access. We also like hearing reports of your trips into the woods; what your seeing and what your not, in terms of sign, deer, feed, etc… As for our own Facebook page? We like to use that for news, articles on hunting tactics, and hope you’ll drop in there too. 

 

Also

•ADKHunter’s Facebook page.
•Buck’s Blog in NY Outdoor News
•DEC’s Summary of 2018-19 Hunting Seasons

Latest Hunting Photos

2017: Steven Gorton of Hudson Falls with a 167-pound, Essex County 10-pointer taken on Nov. 21, 2017.

Read on for previous 2018 hunting reports… Continue reading →

Watch out for moose!

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Motorists should be alert for moose on roadways in the Adirondacks and surrounding areas at this time of year during peak moose activity, advises the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). Early fall is the breeding season for moose in northern New York. During this time moose are wandering looking for mates, leading them to areas where they are not typically seen. While this improves the opportunities for people to enjoy sighting of a moose, it also increases the danger of colliding with one on the roadway.

Moose are much larger and taller than deer. Their large body causes greater damage, and, when struck, their height often causes them to impact the windshield of a car or pickup truck, not just the front of the vehicle. This past weekend three moose-vehicle accidents were reported resulting in the death of the moose in each collision. New York has no recorded human fatalities resulting from an accident with a moose.

Moose are most active at dawn and dusk, which are times of poor visibility. Moose are especially difficult to see at night because of their dark brown to black coloring and their height – which puts their head and much of their body above vehicle headlights.

DEC advises motorists to take the following precautions to prevent moose vehicle collisions:

  • Use extreme caution when driving at dawn or dusk, especially during September and October;
  • Reduce your speed, stay alert, and watch the roadsides;
  • Slow down when approaching moose standing near the roadside, as they may bolt at the last minute when a car comes closer, often running into the road;
  • Moose may travel in pairs or small groups, so if a moose is spotted crossing the road, be alert for others that may follow;
  • Make sure all vehicle occupants wear seatbelts and children are properly restrained in child safety seats;
  • Use flashers or a headlight signal to warn other drivers when moose are spotted near the road;
  • Motorcyclists should be especially alert for moose;
  • If a moose does run in front of your vehicle, brake firmly but do not swerve.
  • Swerving can cause a vehicle-vehicle collision or cause the vehicle to hit a fixed object such as a tree or pole; and
  • If a moose is hit and killed by a vehicle, the motorist should not remove the animal unless a permit is obtained from the investigating officer at the scene of the accident.

 

Hunters, hikers, and other outdoor enthusiasts are encouraged to enjoy wildlife from a distance. Do not approach wildlife, particularly species like bear or moose that could be aggressive toward humans or protective of their young.

More information about moose can be found on the DEC website at www.dec.ny.gov/animals/6964.html. 

Support the Venison Donation Coalition!

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www.venisondonation.org

With hunting season fast approaching, the Venison Donation Coalition wants to remind hunters of how easy it is to give back. Since its inception in 1999, the Venison Donation Coalition has coordinated the processing and distribution of over 1 million pounds of venison to Food Banks across New York State. . Coordinator Greg Fuerst explains “The Venison Donation program has grown from one county the first year to cover the entire state and has provided more than 4 million servings of venison to hungry New Yorkers through food pantries, soup kitchens, and other food programs. We are grateful for our partnerships with the New York Farm Bureau, the Food Bank Association of NYS, NYSDEC, and processors across the state. But we couldn’t do it without the support of the sportsmen and women who donate their field dressed deer.”

Natasha Thompson, Chair of the Food Bank Association of NYS states, “The Venison Donation Coalition has been a tremendous partner in our efforts to build and sustain hunger free communities across the state. Venison is a local, organic, and sustainable source of healthy protein that our recipients enjoy.” The Venison Donation Coalition relies heavily on state grants and individual donations through the D.E.C.A.L.S. program at any license issuing agent. If every person who purchases a hunting license would donate $1 per year to the Venison Donation Coalition, it would insure the continuance of the program. As you are aware, grants can be cut or eliminated any time.

In addition to the D.E.C.A.L.S. program, donations can be made through the Venison Donation Coalition’s website at www.venisondonation.org or sent by mail to their office at Venison Donation Coalition, Inc., 3 Pulteney Square, Bath, NY 14810.

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.

Tree Stand Hunters: Be Safe

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Tree Stand Safety Tips for Hunters           

MONTPELIER, Vt. – Tree stands get hunters out of sight and smell of wary deer, but they can also get hunters into trouble.  Here are some tips from the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department to help stay safe and get the most out of your tree stand hunting experience:

  • Choose a live, straight tree.
  • Buy smart.   Only use stands certified by the Treestand Manufacturers Association (TMA).
  • Inspect them each time you use them.  
  • Know the rules. On state lands, it is illegal to place nails or other hardware into trees or to build permanent structures.  On private lands, you must have landowner permission to erect a tree stand, cut or remove trees or other plants, or to cut limbs.  All stands, including ground blinds, must be marked with the owner’s name and address.
  • Always wear a full-body safety harness, even for climbing. Most falls occur going up and down the tree and getting in and out of the stand.
  • Don’t go too high. The higher you go, the vital zone on a deer decreases, while the likelihood of a serious injury increases.
  • Never carry firearms or bows up and down trees.  Always use a haul line to raise and lower all gear.  Make sure your firearm is unloaded.
  • Familiarize yourself with your gear before you go.  The morning of opening day is a poor time to put your safety belt on for the first time.
  •  Be careful with long-term placement. Exposure can damage straps, ropes and attachment cords. Also, the stand’s stability can be compromised over time, as the tree grows.

Learn more about Tree Stand Safety here:  https://www.fws.gov/uploadedFiles/TreeStandSafety.pdf

Don’t forget the Small Game sesasons

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New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos announced that several small game hunting seasons open Oct. 1 in addition to several special youth-only hunting seasons for pheasants and waterfowl prior to the start of the regular season.

“Small game hunting plays a critical role in introducing new people to the tradition of hunting in New York State,” Commissioner Seggos said. “In addition, our youth-only hunting seasons connect young people to the natural world and help them to become safe and responsible hunters. I encourage experienced hunters across New York to bring a novice hunter afield this fall.”

Season dates, bag limits, and other hunting regulations for New York’s suite of small game species can be found in the Hunting and Trapping Regulations Guide, which can be obtained from a license issuing agent, and on DEC’s website.

Waterfowl Hunting and Youth Waterfowl Days
Hunting seasons for waterfowl (ducks, geese, and brant) begin in early October in many parts of the state. In addition, there are special opportunities for junior hunters 12 to15 years old prior to the regular season. Junior hunters must be accompanied by a licensed adult hunter, and both the junior hunter and adult must be registered with the Harvest Information Program (HIP). Adult hunters must also have a federal migratory bird stamp. This fall’s youth waterfowl days are:

  • Sept. 22 and 23 in the Northeast and Southeast zones
  • Sept. 29 and 30 in the Lake Champlain Zone
  • Oct. 13 and 14 in the Western Zone
  • Nov. 10 and 11 in the Long Island Zone

 

Ruffed Grouse Hunting
Ruffed grouse hunting season runs from Oct. 1 through the last day of February in most areas of the state. In northern New York, the season opened on Sept. 20 and runs through the last day of February. In New York City and Long Island, the season is closed. Ruffed grouse hunters in the Northern Zone are reminded to positively identify quarry before shooting. The Northern Zone, specifically Wildlife Management Units 5C, 5F, 6F, and 6J, is also home to the spruce grouse. The spruce grouse is a state-endangered species and is not legal to hunt. Loss of a spruce grouse, particularly a female spruce grouse, could be a significant setback for a small local population.

Spruce grouse exist in lowland conifer forests in the Adirondacks. Although ruffed grouse occur in upland hardwoods statewide, during the fall and winter ruffed grouse may be found in spruce grouse habitat. Small game hunters in the Adirondack region must be able to distinguish between these species so that spruce grouse are not shot by mistake. For tips on how to discern the two species, view the Hunting and Trapping Regulations Guide or the ruffed Grouse Hunting Information page on DEC’s website.

DEC is looking for ruffed grouse hunters to submit feathers from harvested birds in order to assess recruitment (number of young produced per adult female grouse) for different parts of the state. Interested hunters should visit the “Ruffed Grouse Hunting Information” link below. 

Pheasant Hunting
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:

  • Oct. 1 in northern and eastern portions of New York
  • Oct. 20 in central and western portions of the state
  • Nov. 1 on Long Island

Since 2007, DEC has offered a special youth-only season to provide junior hunters the opportunity to hunt pheasants during the weekend prior to the regular pheasant hunting season. In western New York, the youth pheasant hunt weekend is Oct. 13 and 14. In northern and eastern New York, the youth pheasant hunt weekend is Sept. 29 and 30, and on Long Island, it is Oct. 27 and 28. Both the junior hunter and their adult mentor must have a hunting license. Only the junior hunter is allowed to carry a firearm and harvest birds on these dates.

All release sites for pheasants provided by state-funded programs are open to public hunting. Pheasants will be released on state-owned lands prior to and during the fall hunting season and at a number of sites on New York City Watershed lands thanks to a partnership with New York City Department of Environmental Protection. Pheasant hunting opportunities have also been augmented by private landowners that have opened their land to public hunting. DEC is grateful for their help in providing high quality hunting experiences for New York’s hunters. A list of statewide pheasant release sites and sites receiving birds for the youth-only pheasant hunt weekends can be found on DEC’s website.

Bad News: CWD Discovered in Quebec Province

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MONTPELIER, Vt. — Canadian officials confirmed on September 14 the first positive case of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in a captive red deer herd in Quebec province. With the infected deer housed within 100 miles of the Vermont border, wildlife officials expressed concern for its proximity to the state and are carefully monitoring the potential for movement of deer across the border.

The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department issued a reminder to hunters traveling outside Vermont to hunt–and now particularly to Quebec–that the regulation restricting the importation of deer and elk carcasses, which is designed to protect Vermont’s wild deer from chronic wasting disease, remains in effect and will be fully enforced.

Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is a fatal disease of the brain and nervous system in deer and elk.  Abnormal prion proteins produce lesions in the brain that cause disorientation and emaciation in conjunction with other abnormal behaviors.  For the latest information on CWD, check these websites:   www.vtfishandwildlife.com and www.cwd-info.org.

Groups across the Adirondacks call on Governor to save historic Gooley Club. 

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An alliance of local government, business, preservation and sporting organizations from both the Adirondack Park and around the State have banded together to launch Preserve the Gooley. This group is asking Governor Cuomo and DEC Commissioner Seggos to place a hold on the removal of a historic sporting camp, located in the Essex Chain Lakes complex. These lands, once part of the former Finch Pruyn property were purchased by NYS in 2012. Advocates for the preservation and public use of the Gooley Club are simply asking for the opportunity to make their case before the state agencies responsible for the site and to the public.

Steve Engelhart, Executive Director of Adirondack Architectural Heritage (AARCH), states that “during the process of developing a management plan for the Essex Chain Lakes, there was never a thorough public discussion about the possible uses of this site, even though such an effort is required by Environmental Conservation Law and the State Historic Preservation Act. It’s not too late to have this conversation if the demolition of the club’s buildings is postponed and a forum is created for an informed and open discussion about the site’s future.”

Supporters of this effort are asking the state to consider possible reuses that will preserve the structures and attract visitors to the Complex. The Gooley Club Camp on Third Lake of the Essex Chain was originally established in 1866 by Harve Bonney, a Civil War veteran from Pittsfield, Mass., and is the oldest continuously operating sporting camp in the Adirondacks. Thanks to the cooperative efforts of Adirondack Architectural Heritage and the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, the site was recently placed on both the NYS and Federal Historic Registers.

NYS Senator Betty Little offered the following; “We only stand to lose by failing to preserve the history of the Adirondacks, including notable camps and hunting clubs that have helped define the culture within our region and fostered traditions that stretch back multiple generations.  Keeping parts of this history intact is important to people today but will be even more important for future generations.”

Preserve the Gooley supporters are asking that a committee of stakeholders be formed to consider alternate uses for the camp, that would not only preserve an important part of the history and culture of the Central Adirondacks, but also serve as a point of interest to attract visitors to the Essex Chain Complex. Unfortunately, the flood of tourists promised by acquisition advocates has failed to materialize and the area receives few visitors. This has left local communities, still reeling from the loss of forest industry jobs and the economic activity previously provided by 20 dispossessed sporting clubs, with few viable alternatives.

Town of Minerva Supervisor, Stephen McNally offered his thoughts; “Preserving the Gooley Club buildings is important to our town, and to all of the Adirondack. The cultural history of our region is represented by these camps…repurposing them as a destination will help increase tourism. Their use as an interior outpost would provide a needed resource for education and safety for those visiting the Essex Chain of Lakes. I urge Governor Cuomo and the DEC to pause and consider working with us to create alternative uses that can benefit everyone” 

Preserve the Gooley advocates feel that a reuse of the camp as a museum or interpretive center chronicling its history, an interior ranger station or as a stop on the proposed “Hamlet to Hut” trail system would provide an incentive for visitors to make the trek to the Chain. Supporters point to the effort to save Camp Santanoni as a good model to follow. Originally scheduled to be torn down, a similar committee was formed, a compromise plan was developed and the Camp, reached via a 5-mile hike, bike or horse ride from Newcomb, now attracts some 15,000 visitors per year.

Mr. Engelhart also added; “the use of the complex would also preserve a National Register listed site and would honor the long and important history of hunting and fishing clubs in the Adirondacks as places where generations of people learned to love the outdoors and developed a conservation ethic so important in the region today.”

The following groups support Preserve the Gooley;

Adirondack Association of Towns & Villages                             North Country Chamber of Commerce

5 Towns Upper Hudson Recreational Hub                                  NYS Conservation Council

Adirondack Park Local Government Review Board                 Adirondack Architectural Heritage

NYS Conservation Fund Advisory Board                                     Access the Adirondacks

Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce                            NYS Fish & Wildlife Management Board

Tri-Lakes Business Alliance                                  Federation of Dutchess County Fish & Game Clubs, Inc.

To learn more about the effort to Preserve the Gooley or to offer support please go to  www.preservethegooley.org

Adirondack Conservation Council new officers

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The ACC (Adirondack Conservation Council) announces that Steve LaMere has become the new president replacing, Bill Crain.

LaMere is the founder and President of Adirondack Ecologists, a lake management consultancy in operation since 1988.  He is a Board-certified Environmental Scientist in Surface Water Resources and the first Certified Lake Manager in New York State.  Steve also spent 25 years as the Director for the Essex County Fish Hatchery in Crown Point where he was honored in 2014 as the Professional Conservationist of the Year by the NYS Conservation Council for his innovative efforts in developing and managing the Trophy Trout program.

Steve’s roots are in the Adirondacks, having grown up in Tupper Lake where he developed a deep love for the area at the knee of his Grand Mother Nellie Staves, herself a legend in Adirondack conservation efforts and the only female president of the ACC.

The ACC is comprised of clubs, individuals and families Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Fulton, Hamilton, Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Saratoga, Schenectady, St. Lawrence, Warren, and Washington counties.

Our members are volunteers that are concerned for our environment, the preservation and wise use of our natural resources, the protection of clean waters with viable fisheries, preserving wildlife habitat, increased access to and recreational use of our forest preserve, the protection of sportsmen’s rights, and the betterment of the local economy.

We work closely with the NYS DEC, support hunter safety, trapping, and archery training classes, encourage and support youth outdoor activities like fishing derbies and environmental education camps, attend and participate in meetings, and track legislation that impacts our activities.

LaMere’s initial goals are to increase the ACC’s presence via social media, increase membership and focus on the development of youth programs.

In addition to LaMere’s selection, Ed Skorupski, NYSOWA and BKWA (Batten Kill Watershed Alliance) was elected Secretary. Jim Monroe and Kevin Hart continue to serve as VP and Treasurer respectively.

 

Duck numbers down in 2018

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MEMPHIS, Tennessee – Aug. 20, 2018 – The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) today released its report on 2018 Trends in Duck Breeding Populations, based on surveys conducted in May and early June by FWS and the Canadian Wildlife Service.

Overall duck numbers in the survey area remain high. Total populations were estimated at 41.2 million breeding ducks in the traditional survey area, 13 percent lower than last year’s estimate of 47.3 million and percent and 17 percent above the long-term average. The projected mallard fall flight index is 11.4 million birds, down from the 2017 estimate of 12.9 million.

The main determining factor for duck breeding success is wetland and upland habitat conditions in the key breeding landscapes of the Prairies and the Boreal Forest. Conditions observed across the U.S. and Canadian survey areas during the 2018 breeding population survey were similar to or, in a few areas, declined compared to the 2017 survey.
The total pond estimate for the United States and Canada combined was 5.2 million, which is 14 percent below the 2017 estimate of 6.1 million and identical to the long-term average of 5.2 million.

“The dip in the population for prairie-breeding puddle ducks is not unexpected and by no means unprecedented given that conditions on the prairies this spring were drier than last year,” said DU Chief Scientist Tom Moorman. “As a result, 2018 populations dropped accordingly. However, populations of all key species except northern pintails and scaup remain above long-term averages. This year’s breeding population decline is a reminder of the need to sustain the capacity of breeding habitats, particularly in the prairies as we go through natural variation in wetland conditions. Waterfowl populations are adapted well to short-term swings in habitat conditions, but we must continue to guard against the long-term loss of prairie breeding habitat.”

When and where birds will be depends on many factors. Food availability, habitat and weather conditions, and other factors all influence local bird abundance, distribution, behavior and, ultimately, hunter success.

The spring surveys provide the scientific basis for many management programs across the continent, including hunting regulations. Individual states set their hunting seasons in a federal framework of season length, bag limits and dates. Check the hunting regulations in your state for final dates and bag limits.

Species estimates are:

Mallards: 9.3 million, 12 percent lower than 2017 and 17 percent above LTA*
Gadwall: 2.9 million, 31 percent lower than 2017 and 43 percent above LTA
American wigeon: 2.8 million, 2 percent above 2017 and 8 percent above LTA
Green-winged teal: 3 million, 16 percent lower than 2017 and 42 percent above LTA
Blue-winged teal: 6.5 million, 18 percent lower than 2017 and 27 percent above LTA
Northern shovelers: 4.2 million, 3 percent lower than 2017 and 62 percent above LTA
Northern pintails: 2.4 million, 18 percent lower than 2017 and 40 percent below LTA
Redheads: 1 million, 10 percent lower than 2017 and 38 percent above LTA
Canvasbacks: 0.7 million, 6 percent lower than 2017 and 16 percent above LTA
Scaup: 4 million, 9 percent below 2017 and 20 percent above LTA

*Long-term average

View all the data and get a species-by-species breakdown at www.ducks.org/ducknumbers.

Ducks Unlimited Inc. is the world‘s largest nonprofit organization dedicated to conserving North America’s continually disappearing waterfowl habitats. Established in 1937, Ducks Unlimited has conserved more than 14 million acres thanks to contributions from more than a million supporters across the continent. Guided by science and dedicated to program efficiency, DU works toward the vision of wetlands sufficient to fill the skies with waterfowl today, tomorrow and forever. For more information on our work, visit www.ducks.org.

 

Waterfowl Season Dates for 2018-19

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New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos  announced that information is now available about the state’s upcoming waterfowl hunting seasons, including season dates and updated regulations. 

The season dates and regulations can be viewed in full detail on the DEC 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.  A summary of the task force meetings and the rational for season dates can be found at https://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/28513.html.

Youth Hunting Opportunities
Duck hunting seasons begin with designated “youth waterfowl hunts” in each zone of the state.  Youth hunts allow young 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 (including current HIP registration and duck stamp) may participate. The accompanying adult may not possess a firearm or shoot any birds unless the respective regular season is open. The daily bag limit for ducks and brant during these youth hunts is the same as during the regular season, except three geese per day in all zones. The youth hunts are held on weekends in each zone of the state, as follows:

  • Northeastern Zone – September 22-23
  • Southeastern Zone – September 22-23
  • Lake Champlain Zone – September 29-30
  • Western Zone – October 13-14
  • Long Island Zone – November 10-11

 

Duck Season
Most waterfowl seasons are similar to previous seasons. Season dates for each zone are as follows:

  • Northeastern Zone – October 6 to October 28 and November 3 to December 9
  • Southeastern Zone – October 6 to October 14 and November 10 to December 30
  • Lake Champlain Zone – October 13 to October 21 and November 10 to December 30
  • Western Zone – October 27 to December 8 and December 26 to January 11
  • Long Island Zone – November 22 to November 23 and December 1 to January 27

A complete list of season dates can be found on the DEC website at http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/28888.html.

Goose and Brant Season
September Canada goose seasons begin on September 1 throughout upstate New York, and on September 4 for central and eastern Long Island, and hunters can look forward to another 50 days or more (depending on area) to pursue these popular game birds again this fall and winter.  Resident geese remain abundant in many areas of the state with the population estimated to be approximately 240,000 birds statewide, and migratory populations that pass through New York were estimated to be similar to recent years.  Hunters are reminded that Canada goose seasons are set for different geographic areas of the state than other waterfowl seasons, so be sure to review the maps and season dates closely at: www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/28496.html. Canada goose season dates and bag limits in most areas are similar to last year.

A special conservation season for snow geese, in addition to the regular hunting seasons in each zone, will be open in all of upstate New York from January 16 through April 15. These birds have become so abundant that they are causing harm to wetland habitats throughout their range. Special 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, and there is no possession limit. Electronic calls and shotguns capable of holding more than three shells may be used to take snow geese at any time when all other waterfowl hunting seasons are closed.

Lastly, the bag limit and season length for Atlantic brant will remain two birds per day and 60 days long.