Despite Concerns Turkey and Walleye Seasons Open Soon

Next week is the opening of two seasons that are very important to central New York sportsmen. Turkey season opens on Friday, May 1 and is followed by the opening of walleye, northern pike, and pickerel on Saturday, May 2. Sportsmen are looking forward to these popular sports after several weeks of inactivity due to the stay home orders precipitated by the pandemic of the corona virus.

But for both of these seasons, it is not business as usual. Turkey season is probably less impacted because it is a solitary sport. Hunters still need to practice social distancing and avoid popular areas. Youngsters have wondered if they can hunt with the family because of the cancellation of hunter education classes.

Walleye season has been marked by confusion over availability of boat launch sites. Put this in perspective because in the state of Washington an earlier permission to launch boats, fish, etc. had to be revoked because ignorant and selfish people kept crowding the piers and launch sites.

We hope to have last minute advice and information in next week’s column. In the meantime, make your plans with the idea of staying safe and healthy and helping others to do the same. No turkey or fish is worth a person’s life. Boat Launches Open Last week’s column had an item in Short Casts that said State Boat Launches would be open. This was the conclusion after consulting with five knowledgeable sources. On Thursday, the day the column appeared in print, the news came out that state boat launches whether in a state park or separate would be closed along with private marinas. This caused a negative reaction among anglers.

By Sunday there was another directive that said that marinas and boatyards would be open for personal use in NY, CT, and NJ. It also repeated that there would be no rentals or charter boat fishing. This same directive in consultation with the three states said that state boat launches could be used as long as CDC guidelines were adhered to.

These are the rules that have been publicized widely: Keep six feet between people, avoid contact like hand shaking, wash hands or use sanitizer, avoid contact with surfaces that usually have lots of contact such as railings, avoid car pooling, and wear a mask when near other people.

For a complete timeline of the changes and rationale behind them check out the blogs on Syracuse.com. Bottom line is that you can use state boat launches for the opening of walleye and pike season opener on May 2.

Permethrin For Turkey Hunters

In a recent column we suggested some of the things that turkey hunters should do to prepare for the season. One of those things is to spray your clothing, especially your pants with Permethrin.

Permethrin has been proven to repel ticks and prevent them from entering inside your clothing.

Turkey hunters are especially vulnerable because many are seated on cushions with their back to a tree and their legs extended on the carpet of fallen leaves. It is suggested that you use some repellent such as Permethrin on your clothing. Even though you will be wearing long sleeves, gloves, etc. it is not a bad idea to spray your skin with some repellent such as Bug Repel.

Under no circumstances should you spray permethrin on your skin, or allow the liquid to come in contact with your skin. It comes in a spray container and you should give your pants and possibly your boots a good coating and leave them outside to dry for 24 hours. Once it is dry there is no danger or problem if it comes in contact with your skin. One coating will be good for several uses, including getting wet from dew or rain. I also like to wear gaiters that fit snugly around the cuffs of your pants to prevent ticks from entering. Be sure to check for ticks when you return home.

SHORT CASTS

Personal Opinion – Be Smart and Be Safe

Recent events in New York compared to events in some southern states or demonstrations in some mid-western states make me even more glad that I live in New York where people are apparently more intelligent and reasonable. I realize that people are concerned about jobs and money, and I realize they can have different perspectives and opinions about things like opening the boat launches. But we have been reasonable, done things properly like signing petitions, and offering sincere opinions based on fact or logical assumptions.

Contrast that with the demonstrations in some mid-western cities where right- wing thugs, mentally deficient bozos, and other selfish and

short-sighted sociopaths are defying laws, brandishing guns, and acting on the verge of anarchy to get the governors to lift restrictions. This at a time where there are an increasing number of hospitalizations and deaths from the COVID virus in those areas!

Despite the signs they carry or scream, nobody has the “right” to fish, to go to the beach, have a party, or cause someone else’s serious illness or death. Nurses, doctors, and other responders have sacrificed and risked their lives, and these jerks are asking them to do more, all so they can enjoy superficial pleasures.

Let all of us continue to be smart and be safe. Enjoy what you can in a responsible and safe way for the good of others as well as yourselves. Wear Your PFD With relatively milder weather and opening of fishing seasons many people will be getting out their car top boats, canoes, and kayaks. Remember that if you are boating in a vessel under 21 feet, you must WEAR a PFD (life jacket). Not only is it a smart idea, it is the law! Until the end of May, you must wear a Personal Floatation Device (PFD, not stuff it under the bow. Cold weather and cold water temperatures make boating extremely dangerous. In water 40 degrees there’s problems of shock, muscular dysfunction, etc.and chances of surviving are not very long.

Hunter Education Courses Online

First time hunters who want to hunt during New York’s turkey seasons must first earn a hunter education certificate prior to purchasing their first hunting license. Unfortunately, all traditional hunter education classes have been cancelled due to the COVIC virus pandemic, leaving many new hunters unable to get a certificate before spring turkey season.

Now there is a new option for earning a hunter education certificate. For a limited time first time hunters in New York can complete the required

hunter education online.

The online course is available to anyone ages 11 or older and can be completed from a computer or smart phone at any time. Students who complete the online course and a virtual field day, and pass the final exam, will receive their hunter education certificate and can purchase a hunting license. The cost of this course is $19.95. The online course will be available through June 30, 2020 on the Kalkomey website. The Wild Center Whether it is taking a break from working at home or home schooling, you can take a break at lunch time and check the Wild Center’s “Drop-in Digital Learning.” Monday – Friday at 12 the program gives a behind the scenes look, programs, or activities you can do at home. Check wildcenter.org/lunchtimelive. If you missed the program, you can catch up on past programs.

They also have “Virtual Visit” which you can navigate to different exhibits, nooks and crannies, and other features. “Wild Content Hub” is a library of rotating video content to put you in touch with nature. You can also check the “Live Cams” to check on otters, other critters, or the weather in Tupper Lake.

Campground Uncertainty

As of early this week, the NYS State Campgrounds remain closed until at least May 15. It is anybody’s guess if camping will be permitted after that date, or when campgrounds will be open. There are serious concerns about the number of people in close proximity as well as the logistical problem of getting camping areas open. If you have made reservations through Reserve America and your reservation is impacted by campground closure, your reservation is automatically cancelled and your refund is automatically transferred to the account via the way you paid. There are rumors of later opening dates but these are unconfirmed at this point.