DEC announces WomenHuntFishNY winners

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New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos announced

Rachael Bush (Orwell Creek)
Photo: NYSDEC

the winners of the angling segment of the WomenHuntFishNY photo contest, held this summer. After sifting through almost 4,000 photo entries, DEC staff chose 14 winners and runners-up.

“The response we received to the WomenHuntFishNY fishing photo contest was astounding, which made choosing the winner that much more difficult,” Commissioner Seggos said. “These images cast light on the Empire State’s fantastic fishing opportunities and the excitement enjoyed by those who pursue the sport. Our hope is that this contest encourages even more women and girls to try their luck and cast a line.”

Winners and runners-up were chosen in each of the following categories:

  • Freshwater Fishing (Inland) winner: Crystal Shore (Oneida Lake); runner-up: Michelle Muir
  • Freshwater Fishing (Great Lakes) winner: Rachael Bush (Orwell Creek); runner-up: Dana Paciello (Lake Ontario)
  • Saltwater fishing winner: Angela Bryanne De Jesus (East River); runner-up: Samantha Moses (Cold Spring Harbor)
  • Ice Fishing winner: Courtney Bly (Silver Lake); runner-up: Jennifer Pelletier (Lake George)
  • Youth Fishing winner: Lydia Houck (Lake George); runner-up: L. Murphy
  • Multi-Generational winner: Stacy Hollenbeck (Sandy Creek); runner-up: Christielee Bower
  • Action Shot winner: Brianna Cook (West Canada Creek); runner-up: Sarah Eilers (Lincoln Pond)

 

Winning entries will be featured in DEC’s print and electronic publications, including DEC’s website and The Conservationist magazine, to help spread the word about the great fishing in the Empire State, and to inspire future generations of women anglers. Only photos taken in New York State were considered for the contest.

Although the contest has ended, all anglers, hunters, and trappers are encouraged to share their photos with DEC at any time of year. All submissions will become property of DEC to be used in promotion and outreach efforts. Please send photos to: wildlife@dec.ny.gov.

According to a 2015 report by the New York State Comptroller’s Office of Budget and Policy Analysis, spending on hunting- and fishing-related activities totaled more than $5 billion in New York in 2011. Approximately 170,000 women purchase fishing licenses in New York State each year, and more than 50,000 women are registered in the Recreational Marine Fishing Registry. According to a 2011 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service survey of fishing, hunting, and wildlife-associated recreation, women make up approximately 25 percent of New York anglers.

To see the winners and more photos entered in the contest visit DEC’s Flickr photo album. (All photos courtesy of DEC)

 

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.

 

DEC’s Winter Moose Surveys

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PHOTO: NYSDEC

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos today announced the completion of an aerial Adirondack moose survey that takes place each year as part of a collaborative study of the health of New York’s moose population.  A total of 83 groups of one or more moose were observed during the survey’s 175 sightings, with all appearing healthy.

After an absence of 120 years, moose recolonized New York in the 1980s. Since that time, biologists have been routinely monitoring moose in the state, informing the public about moose, and responding to situations where moose come into conflict with people. 

DEC wildlife staff conducted the helicopter flights in January over seven days and approximately 42 hours of flight time. The survey divides the Adirondack park into grids and records every moose or group of moose seen. The survey crew then flies over to the sighting location, takes a GPS point, determines the number of animals, the age and sex of each animal, and notes general habitat characteristics for each moose sighted.  Continue reading →

New approach to Search & Rescue

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New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos today announced that DEC and its partners are launching a preventative initiative to reduce the number of search and rescue incidents in the Adirondacks and help to ensure the public has an enjoyable and safe outdoor experience.  The measure will increase engagement between hikers and experienced backcountry users and is part of DEC’s multi-year, comprehensive effort to promote sustainable tourism while also addressing public safety in the Adirondack region.

The initiative is based on the successful Preventative Search and Rescue program developed by the National Park Service. This program has decreased the number of search and rescue incidents on popular backcountry routes in Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, and Yosemite National Parks. Face-to-face education is a vital component of the program.

DEC Forest Rangers, Adirondack Mountain Club (ADK) stewards and educators, and the Adirondack 46ers’ volunteer trailhead stewards will promote proper planning and preparation through direct conversations with hikers at trailheads and on the trails.  Continue reading →