Make Your Labor Day Celebration a Safe One

Labor Day Weekend looms head and although it traditionally marks the end of the summer season, there are still officially three weeks before the beginning of autumn with the equinox. However for those who look forward to a three day weekend or the end of summer activities this is time to celebrate. The important thing, especially this year is to play it safe and play it smart this weekend.

Some of the things to be cautious about this year involve the danger of the COVID virus. It is still a danger so avoid being stupid when around other people. Obey the rules that have been stressed all year: avoid crowds, practice social distancing, wear a mask, and be careful around public areas where the virus can remain on surfaces. Just because it is the end of summer is not an excuse to be disrespectful or others or act like an idiot and endanger yourself!

Even if you are respectful and careful you may have to adapt or change your normal plans because of the COVID or rules. Obviously the crowds at the beach

should be avoided. Parking at public facilities including hiking trails may be limited. Maybe you need to plan your recreation locally or closer to home since public facilities ranging from restaurants to restrooms are often closed or should be avoided. Avoid crowds at trailheads or the peaks of popular mountains.

Some things should be common sense in any case. Recently there were two local tragedies from drownings. Be sure of your own ability and have companions when swimming. Avoid the use of alcohol while boating. There are likely to be lots of boats, and many of the operators will be inexperienced.

Hike “smart” as the DEC likes to say. Find areas that will not be overcrowded.

Know your own abilities and do not tackle some hikes that may be too difficult or too long for you or your party. Make sure that you leave enough time to complete the round trip. Have adequate footwear and clothing and take along emergency gear, flashlight, GPS, water, etc. See the DEC website for suggestions.

If you are camping plan ahead with proper equipment and supplies. Find some pleasant place that is within easy distance and not difficult to get to. Be careful of campfires since this season has been particularly dry! Follow the “No-trace” guidelines and do not damage the area. Be sure to remove all trash when you leave.

We don’t mean to be a killjoy but there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors and the free time without putting yourself and others in harm’s way. Respect others and the environment and relax and enjoy the weekend. Take a moment and pause and reflect on all the workers and union employees who have made all this possible!

SHORT CASTS

Triage Emergency Kit Accidents happen. We don’t plan on them but often no matter how careful we are they occur to ruin our fun or cause more serious problems. Sometimes they damage our gear or more often they cause personal injury. Frequently they occur during hunting, fishing, or camping trips. These are often more serious because they tend to occur away from home. At the very least they can spoil the trip but often they can be serious if not treated immediately.

We can’t prepare for every situation but Uncharted Supply Company has done a great job of covering the most common problems that affect your gear and bodily health.

The company has prepared the Triage Backcountry Kit which will deal with common cuts injuries from falls, and other common ailments of hunters. Many of us have compiled our own kits but when we get items to cover nearly any situation the kit becomes so large and bulk that we don’t bother to carry it!

The Triage Backcountry Kit has 11 of the most essential items and they are arranged and packed so efficiently that the kit fits neatly into a fanny pack, cargo pocket of your hunting pants, or the glove compartment of your vehicle. Thus you are more likely to carry it and have it when you need it. From cuts, twisted ankles, to blisters and other common problems you will find immediate relief or assistance. Wire, matches, duct tape, and similar items are available for gear repair.

Uncharted Supply Co. makes similar products for outdoorsmen including the First Aid Pro, the Zeuss portable jump starter, and the Seventy2 survival kit for serious adventurers.

Hopefully you never need this, much less the others, but it is good insurance to have.

Otisco Boat Launch Until recently Otisco Lake was the only Finger Lake without a public boat launch.

Now a new concrete boat launch ramp with a floating boarding dock will allow launching motor boats even if water levels fluctuate. It is handicapped accessible with parking and toilet, solar powered lighting, a dedicated boat preparation area, paved parking lot with space for 13 vehicles and trailers and 13 single vehicles. Anglers will now be better able to enjoy the fishing, including for walleye or tiger muskie.

DEC Considers In-person Hunter Education Classes

There has been interest in having in-person Hunter Education courses resume since many feel that the personal contact, on hands teaching, and abaility to communicate directly is important. However the pandemic caused those classes to be cancelled and replaced with online classes.

The DEC has given permission for instructors to begin planning and scheduling for in-person classes from Sept. 1 to Nov. 30, 2020. However instructors must carefully read and follow 10 pages of reopening guidelines. All courses must be scheduled and completed in one day. All COVID health and safety precautions must be strictly followed with no exceptions. So far instructors are carefully reading and thinking about the rules.

There has been no announcement of any local in-person Hunter Education classes. The Hunter Education and Bowhunter Education on-line courses will continue to be offered in the foreseeable future for those who are unable or unwilling to take an inperson course.

Venison Donation Coalition The Venison Donation Coalition has been feeding the hungry since its inception 19 years ago. With the help of its partners, the Venison Donation Coalition secures funds to pay the meat processors for their services. Through the generous donation of deer from hunters, the Coalition has processed an average of 38 tons of venison each year.

Any hunter interested in donating a deer to the program can call 866-862DEER or visit the Venison Donation Coalition’s website (www.venisondonation.org) to locate a processor near you. Please remember, you must call ahead before dropping off any deer for donation.

Everyone, even those who are unable to donate a deer, can help by donating $1 or more. One dollar will feed up to four people. Financial donations can be made at your Town Clerk’s office or anywhere hunting and fishing licenses are sold. Just inform the D.E.C.A.L.S. licensing agent that you wish to make a donation to support the Venison Donation Program or send a check payable to: Venison Donation Coalition, Inc., 3 East Pulteney Sq., Bath, NY 14810.

Sea Lamprey Control – Cayuga

Earlier this month DEC personnel from around NYS were working together to conduct pesticide treatment on Cayuga Inlet in Ithaca. The effort was to control sea lamprey larvae, a nasty fish parasite. The adults attach themselves to fish to drain body fluids, leaving large sores or even holes in trout. The host fish often are unable to survive, or are weakened and susceptible to infections. Even if they survive they are weak, suffer weight loss, and decline in health. The lamprey spawn in streams, thus treating the inlets are the most effective way to combat the nasty creatures.