The latest from ADKHunter…

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Black Flies: They’re legendary in the Adirondacks and this year they’re proving why. The Adirondack black flies are out in full force. If you’ve been hiking, camping, fishing or just setting out some trail cameras then you know what we’re talking about. If you haven’t been to the North Country lately and are planning to, be forewarned. The reason is likely all the rain we’ve had this spring. Black flies like running water, and that includes the smallest trickle and we’ve had plenty of it. You just have to accept that it comes with the territory. Enjoy!

Now it’s time to move into the summer months. That is typically a quiet time for this website. However, we do try to keep things updated with news items and such. And, we encourage all New York residents to keep an eye on things in Albany were a number of gun bills are either on the floor or could be. One that is of particular concern is A722, which would ban hunting contests, including big buck contests. Even that little hunting camp wagers would be taboo. Read about it here: https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2019/a722, and be sure to contact your legislators. Meanwhile, stay tuned to this website, Facebook and any and all outdoor-related publications for updates as summer presses on. 

Also:
•ADKHunter’s Facebook page.
•Buck’s Blog in NY Outdoor News

 

Read  2018 deer hunting season reports… Continue reading →

DEC’s Ladies Only Fishing Photo Contest

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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).

DEC asks public to report Moose Sightings

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The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is asking the public to report moose sightings and observations. DEC and its research partners use these public sightings as indices of moose distribution and abundance in New York. This is part of a multi-year research project to obtain information on the status of New York State’s moose population, health of the moose, and the factors that influence moose survival and reproductive rate.

Have you seen a moose? Let DEC know by reporting your observations using the online form. Share your moose encounters by mailing in or e-mailing your photos to us. DEC thanks the public for their continued support and contributions.

Moose sightings increase in the spring with the rising temperatures and melting snow. As cows prepare to give birth to the current year’s calf, the previous year’s calves become separated and must look for their own territories. New food sources become available as snow melts and plants grow, while biologically-essential salt is available along roadsides from winter road maintenance. In late spring, there is an increase in public recreation in the Adirondacks, as well. These factors lead to more opportunities for the public to observe moose.

In 2018, a total of 220 moose observations were reported to DEC (map attached), a noticeable increase from the 163 reports in 2017. This is likely due to an increase in public awareness and assistance with reporting moose sightings. Most moose sightings occur within the Adirondacks, but neighboring states Connecticut and Massachusetts also have moose populations, resulting in observations in the southeast portion of New York.

The moose, a protected mammal in New York State, is the largest member of the deer family and the largest land mammal in New York. Bulls weigh from 600 to 1,200 pounds and stand up to six feet tall at the shoulder. Cows weigh anywhere from 500 to 800 pounds.

DEC reminds the public to respect wildlife by viewing from a distance, at least 50 feet away. Keep quiet, move slowly, and do not approach moose. Drive cautiously at dusk and at night in the Adirondacks. Due to their height and dark color, moose are hard to see on the road until they are close. There have been three moose-motor vehicle collisions in the past two weeks.

 

Boreas Ponds Access Update

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The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) will work to create additional access and recreational infrastructure in the Boreas Ponds Tract (www.dec.ny.gov/lands/107504.html) in the High Peaks Wilderness this June and July.  Gulf Brook Road is currently closed for the spring mud season. Due to the amount of snow this winter and the amount of rain this spring, the road will not open until after Memorial Day weekend. After the road has dried and hardened, and basic maintenance has been completed, motorists will be able to access the Fly Pond Parking Area on weekends only.

Paddlers will be able to access Boreas Pond and other waterways by carrying canoes, kayaks, and stand up paddleboards 2.5 miles from the Fly Pond Parking Area to LaBier Flow; paddle the length of LaBier Flow; and then carry another 0.5 mile between the flow and Boreas Pond.                                                

Until the end of July, Gulf Brook Road will be closed to public motor vehicle use during the week while DEC crews conduct road work and other construction projects. Hikers, bicyclists, and horses will be allowed to use the road during the week but should use caution around construction sites and obey all instructions from workers. Beginning in August, motorists will be able to travel further on the Gulf Brook Road and access additional infrastructure. DEC will announce the availability of the additional access once the work is complete.

The Adirondack Backcountry Information web pages (www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/7865.html) provide current information on the status of seasonal access roads – including Gulf Brook Road – trails, and other conditions.

Reminder: Firewood Transport 50 miles

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With the start of camping season underway, Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos today reminded campers that the New York State firewood transportation regulation is still in effect. Untreated firewood may contain invasive pests that kill trees, and to protect New York’s forests, untreated firewood should not be moved more than 50 miles from its source of origin.          

Homeowners should not move firewood from trees that died on their property for use while camping. By moving untreated firewood, invasive pests are able to hitch rides to new areas, spreading faster and farther than pests could have on their own. A variety of invasive species can be transported on firewood, from wood boring beetles and defoliators to fungi and diseases.

           The New York State firewood regulation:

  • Prohibits untreated firewood from being brought into New York from other areas;
  • Prohibits untreated firewood grown in the state from being transported more than 50 miles from its source of origin; and
  • When transporting firewood, documentation of the source, origin, or treatment is required.

The origin of the wood is where it was grown. Anyone that cuts firewood for personal use  is required to fill out a Self-Issued Certificate of Origin (PDF 360 KB), available on DEC’s website. Producers of untreated firewood for sale must obtain wood grown within 50 miles of their business but may then declare the business as the source of the firewood. Examples of the source documentation are also available on DEC’s website. Consumers purchasing untreated firewood should make sure the source is clearly labeled to know how far the wood may be transported.

 Firewood that meets the state’s heat treatment standard (160 degrees F core temperature for 75 minutes) and is labeled “New York-Approved Heat Treated/Pest Free,” can be moved without restriction. Heat-treating to this standard has been proven to kill insects and diseases that may be in firewood. Kiln-dried only means the wood was heated to dry it out so it will burn well, but it may not have reached 160 degrees F for 75 minutes. Purchasers of heat-treated firewood are encouraged to look for the appropriate label indicating the wood meets the standard.

Quarantines for individual invasive species, such as oak wilt and the Asian longhorned beetle, may further restrict the transport of firewood in specific areas. As quarantines are lifted, expanded or tightened, the firewood regulation will continue to remain in place. For more information on Firewood and Invasive Insects, visit DEC’s website contact DEC’s Forest Health Division at foresthealth@dec.ny.gov.

 

New Trail Connects N-P Trail to Long Lake

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The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today announced the opening of the new 2.2-mile spur trail connecting the 134-mile Northville-Placid Trail (NPT) to the hamlet of Long Lake in Hamilton County. The spur trail provides ease of access to food, supplies, and lodging for backpackers through-hiking the NPT and enhances the local economy.

Located in the Blue Mountain Wild Forest, the spur trail connects with the NPT approximately 1.9 miles south of Route 28N. The connection is marked with yellow trail markers and includes 0.4 mile of the Three Brook Ski Loop Trail, 0.8 mile of recently constructed trail on Forest Preserve lands, 0.8 mile of trail built by the town of Long Lake on town-owned lands in 2017, and 0.2 mile of Pavilion Lane, a town-owned road.

The trail terminates at a gravel parking lot at the intersection of State Route 30/28N, South Hill Road, and Pavilion Lane. The Long Lake Post Office, where many backpackers send packages for resupply, is located on the opposite side of State Route 30/28N. Businesses with food and supplies are located less than 0.2 mile from the terminus.

Overall, using the spur trail eliminates an estimated 1.4 miles of hiking, including 1.3 miles of hiking on the shoulder of the state highway. In the winter, cross-country skiers can ski from Long Lake to the Three Brook Ski Loop Trail along the NPT and back for a pleasant 5.5-mile round trip ski.

The 0.8-mile of trail on the Forest Preserve was sustainably constructed by DEC staff and crews from the Student Conservation Association (SCA) Adirondack Program. Crews also improved conditions on the Three Brooks Ski Loop.

Users are encouraged to practice Leave No Trace when recreating in the Adirondacks to enjoy the outdoors responsibly and minimize impact on the natural resources.

Under Governor Cuomo’s Adventure NY initiative, DEC is making strategic investments to expand access to healthy, active outdoor recreation, connect more New Yorkers and visitors to nature and the outdoors, protect natural resources, and boost local economies. This initiative will support the completion of more than 75 projects over the next three years, ranging from improvements to youth camps and environmental education centers to new boat launches, duck blinds, and hiking trails. Read more about the Adventure NY initiative.

Leave Newborn Wildlife Be

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Photo: Gert Federici

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is reminding New Yorkers to enjoy wildlife and their young from a safe distance and resist the urge to touch or pick up newborn fawns and other young wildlife. Human contact with wildlife can carry unintended consequences detrimental to wildlife safety and development.

At this time of year, animal sightings and encounters are not unusual. Young wildlife quickly venture into the world on wobbly legs or are unable to fly on their own. While most young wildlife learn survival skills from one or both adults, some receive little or no care. Often, wild animals stay away from their young, especially when people are present. For all these young animals, the perils of survival are a natural part of life in the wild. Unfortunately, well-intentioned individuals may attempt to care for young wild animals they believe to be abandoned or in need of assistance. However, human interaction typically does more damage than good.

White-tailed deer fawns are a good example of how human interaction with young wildlife can be problematic. Most fawns are born during late May and early June. Although fawns can walk shortly after birth, they spend most of their first several days lying still in tall grass, leaf litter, or sometimes relatively unconcealed. During this period, a fawn is usually left alone by the adult female (doe), except when nursing. People occasionally find a lone fawn and mistakenly assume it has been abandoned, which is rare. Fawns should never be picked up. If human presence is detected by the doe, the doe may delay its next visit to nurse. Continue reading →

2018 Deer Harvest Stats

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          Hunters in New York harvested an estimated 227,787 deer during the 2018-19 hunting seasons, approximately 12 percent more than the previous season, State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos announced today.

            The estimated deer take included 114,402 antlerless deer and 113,385 antlered bucks. Statewide, this represents a 20-percent increase in antlerless harvest and a five-percent increase in buck harvest from the last season.  The increase in antlerless harvest comes on the heels of a lower-than-desired antlerless harvest in 2017 and will help limit growth in areas with an overpopulation. Regionally, hunters took 28,642 deer in the Northern Zone and 199,145 deer in the Southern Zone. With nearly 60 percent of the adult buck harvest 2.5 years or older, hunters took an estimated 66,697 older bucks, setting another record in the percentage and total number of older bucks in the harvest.

          
           In addition, hunters increased the rate at which they reported their harvest in 2018, for the second year in a row.  Although harvest reporting is required by law, the portion of successful hunters who report their harvest has averaged around 45 percent for the past decade. Hunters have increased their reporting rates to 50 percent in 2017, and 51 percent in 2018. Along with DEC’s Take It · Tag It · Report It campaign, the agency has made the process of harvest reporting easier for hunters by providing phone, internet, and mobile app options. Harvest reports are critically important for accurate monitoring of deer harvests, and DEC hopes hunters continue to contribute to the management process by complying with the reporting requirements.

           DEC’s 2018 Deer Harvest Summary report (PDF) provides tables, charts, and maps detailing the deer harvest around the state. Past harvest summaries are available on DEC’s website.

Continue reading →

NY Dove Hunting on DEC’s ten-year pheasant plan

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Pheasants have existed in parts of New York since 1892. By the 1920s wild, breeding populations of pheasants were successfully established across the state. The state propagation program began in 1910. A commitment was made to continue the State’s pheasant management programs when sporting license fees were increased for the 2009-10 license year and beyond.
 
The DEC has followed the Environmental Regulations that affect the Pheasant Plan. The DEC pheasant propagation program was specifically described on page 13 of its 1980 programmatic EIS (Environmental Impact Statement) on game species management, and in section 10 of a supplemental SEQR (State Environmental Quality Review) findings prepared in 1994. In 2010, the pheasant plan update concluded that it was a Type II action under SEQR regulations (6 NYCRR 618.2), so no specific environmental assessment was prepared.
 
Pheasant management has been guided by three previous pheasant plans, the first adopted in 1979, the second in 1999, and the last plan adopted in 2010. A new plan will be adopted in 2020. This plan, like the others, will guide the Pheasant Program for 10 years, (2020 through 2030), provided funding and other resources do not change.
 
The 2010 Plan included many changes to New York’s Pheasant Program. Fortunately, the DEC developed a very sound plan and most of the changes were wise. Nevertheless, it cannot be assumed that the 2020 plan will be favorable. If the DEC follows the same timeline and system you (might) receive a preliminary “Issues Statement” in Late April of 2019. You will be given instructions and a deadline to meet if you choose to give feedback. If you do, follow the instructions so that your response is deemed substantive. Next, the availability of revised draft plan (might) be announced in late September via press release, the Environmental Notice Bulletin (ENB), and posting on the DEC website, with comments due back around November. Look for these announcements if you want to weigh in. As always: the INSTRUCTIONS may say to keep your comments relevant to something specific, if you want the DEC to consider your comments substantive; then follow their directions. We want to point out and emphasize, that we do not wait for the DEC to solicit public comment when we want something improved. As a matter of fact, we will be sending them this, around the same time you receive it. However – when there is instructions with public comment requests, we follow them.
 
Many well-reasoned changes that resulted in substantial improvements to the Pheasant Plan were made in the 2010 revision that the DEC Pheasant Plan Revision Team should be commended for. However, there were three changes we did not support:

… read the rest of the article here:
https://thebirdhuntingsociety.weebly.com/nys-dec-2020-2030-pheasant-plan.html