Local sportsmen welcome return of cold and snow

Those who have been lamenting the lack of snow are rejoicing with the return of snowy weather and the possibility of enjoying snow sports. Even before the Nor’ easter storm earlier this week there was increased snowfall in the northern areas making it possible for sledding, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and downhill and cross-country skiing. The central Adirondacks had recently received two feet of snow before this latest storm so winter enthusiasts were out in force.

For the latest weather, snow reports, services open, and much more check the websites inletny.com or oldforgeny.com. These have all the useful information you need to know for your visit. Mccauley Mt. downhill ski center in Old Forge does have some COVID restrictions and changes so check the website. You can also get your tickets online. Remember that Inlet has a great cross country trail system at Fern Park and also grooms trails at the Inlet Golf

Course.

For those interested in venturing to the High Peaks be aware that there is three foot of snow and icy conditions in the higher elevations. Snowshoes and ice crampons are necessary. You should also remember that weather conditions change quickly and that severe weather often occurs at the peaks or higher elevations. Check the DEC website for the latest before planning an outing.

Cross country enthusiasts are reminded that with the light fluffy snow that fell early in the week it can be difficult going unless you are going on a groomed trail or someone else has broken track for you. Heading out alone on areas with no tracks can be a recipe for trouble.

Although there has been cold temperatures and ice freezing on most bodies of water, in many cases both locally and in the Adirondacks there have been thin layers of ice forming and then deep snow covered it, acting as insulation. Be careful when travelling over bodies of ice, especially with snow cover. Especially snowmobiles should be cautious since areas of thin ice may not support the weight.

Four inches or more of solid ice is considered to be safe for anglers accessing ice on foot. Ice anglers should note that ice thickness can vary on every body of water and even on the same body of water.

Anglers should be particularly wary of areas of moving water and around boat docks and houses where bubblers may be installed to reduce ice buildup. The presence of snowmobile tracks or footprints on the ice should not be considered as evidence of safe ice conditions. Individuals are strongly encouraged to check ice conditions and avoid situations that appear to present even a remote risk. Testing the thickness of ice can be done easily with an auger or ice spud at various spots.

Feb. 13 and 14 have been designated as a free fishing weekend. The requirement for a fishing license is waived during this period. The free fishing weekend is a great opportunity to try ice fishing for the first time and for experienced anglers to introduce their friends to the sport. Beginning ice anglers are encouraged to download the Ice Fishing Chapter of DEC’S new I FISH NY Beginners’ Guide to Freshwater Fishing for information on how to get started ice fishing. Additional information, including a list of waters open to ice fishing, can found on the DEC ice fishing web page and the Public Lakes and Ponds map. All regulations apply.

Last week there were a few anglers out on Oneida Lake near Edgewater (North Bay) and Jewell. Reports were that in most places the ice was five or six inches thick.

Anglers were catching some walleyes along with perch.

Up north at Sandy Pond perch were starting to hit as well as northern pike.

Further west Fairhaven Pond was yielding perch and Chris Kenyon reported that there was four or five inches in most areas of Sodus Bay. Anglers there were catching perch and northern pike. They were also catching steelhead in Maxwell Creek, although ice formation was a problem.

Up on the Salmon River there were fresh “chromers” entering the river but shelf ice was a problem in some of the coves. Steelhead anglers who got away from the popular spots have been rewarded with action and some nice fish. Cold water temperatures have made the fish less aggressive. SHORT CASTS Great Opportunity at Great Lot Sportsman’s

Club

The Great Lot Sportsman’s Club is hosting four guided snowshoeing trips at their club just off Osceola Road near West Leyden. Those interested are asked to meet at 9:45 at the entrance to the club at 43277 Osceola Road. Spaces are limited and reservations are required.

Afterwards all will be treated to a hot lunch and refreshments at the clubhouse.

The snowshoe trips and lunch are free and open to all age groups. For more information or to sign up, please contact Guy Case at 315-378-7592. Dates are Feb. 13, Feb.27, Mar. 13, and Mar.27.

Great Backyard Bird Count

The 2021 Great Backyard Bird Count will be held February 12 – 15. The event is free, it is an important step in citizen science, and you find interesting things by participating. For those who would like to learn more about identifying birds, Cornell University is offering a free bird identification academic course. It is for beginners who would like to learn more about identifying birds and includes five lessons and nine short videos. Check the website: academy.allaboutbirds.org/product/ ebird-essentials.

Virtual BOW in the

SNOW Workshop

Due the increasing popularity of the Becoming an Outdoors Woman (BOW) programs and the difficulty of scheduling them during the COVID pandemic, The DEC has arranged the Virtual BOW in the SNOW workshops. This is a way of bringing the workshops to homes during the month of February. These are open to women of all ages and are FREE. Register at BOW Winter 2021 Registration. com Session 1 – Winter Recreation – Thurs. Feb. 4 (today), Session 2 – Direction/compass – Thurs, Feb. 11, Session 3 – Knowing Knots – Wed, Feb. 17, Session 4 – Winter Wellness – Thurs, Feb. 18, Session 5 – Ice Fishing – Thurs, Feb. 25

Day-old Pheasant Chick Program

The applications for the Day-old Pheasant Chick Program are due by March 25.

Today, day-old chicks are available at no cost to any New Yorker that can provide a brooding facility, a covered outdoor rearing pen, and an adequate release site. Release sites must be open to public pheasant hunting opportunities and chicks cannot be released on private shooting preserves. Participants must provide daily care for the rapidly growing chicks, ensure the chicks have adequate feed and water, and monitor their health. contact the nearest DEC regional office for applications and additional information. Region 6 – Watertown, 315-785-2263; Region 7 – Cortland, 607-753-3095

DEC Annual Tree & Shrub Sale

The DEC’S Saratoga Nursery will hold its Annual Tree and Shrub Seedling Sale during the next few weeks. This provides landowners low cost native plants to enhance the environment. There are over 50 species of trees and shrubs available ranging from shade and shelter trees like maples to willows for stream bank stabilization to highbush cranberries or other shrubs that provide food or shelter for wildlife.

The Saratoga Nursery sells primarily bare root stock for direct planting but has a few containerized stock varieties. Landowners can receive free planting advice from the nearest DEC Forestry office. The Tree & Shrub brochure is found on the DEC website or can be obtained by calling Saratoga Nursery (518) 581-1439.

The DEC provides free resources for schools of 50 trees or a mixed packet of 30 shrubs. Contact the nearest regional Forestry Office.