NYS Outdoor Writers seek nominations for Keesler Award

New York State Outdoor Writers Association again seeks to honor an individual or organization for publicizing and making people aware of the great outdoor resources that exist. This honor can also be presented for championing or publicizing some important conservation issue to increase public awareness of it.

The NYSOWA M. Paul Keesler New York Outdoor Citizen Award will be presented to an individual or organization that effectively has raised the public’s awareness of outdoor recreational opportunities and conservation issues in New York State. The award recipient will be officially announced at the annual conference of the New York State Outdoor Writers Association (NYSOWA).

The award was created to honor worthy individuals and organizations, at the same time perpetuating the name of one of NYSOWA’S dearest members. The late M. Paul Keesler spent nearly five decades promoting and conserving the outdoor

wonders and recreational opportunities within New York State. In addition to writing as a columnist for the Utica Observer Dispatch, he founded the New York Sportsman magazine which was tremendously popular and covered all sports throughout the state.

In addition to articles that usually focused on what and where, the magazine championed conservation causes ranging from saving specific wetlands to wildlife management.

Anyone may submit a nomination of 350 words or less and have it endorsed by an active member of NYSOWA. To review award criterion and the nominating process, visit www. nysowa.org. To learn of a NYSOWA member in a nominator’s area who might endorse such a nomination, contact Leo Maloney (315) 363-3896, or check the web site www.nysowa.org.

Nominations must be received by September 11, 2021. Send Nominations to Bill Hilts, Jr. at 618 Walnut St., Lockport, NY 14094 or email to bhiltsjr@gmail.com.

Youth & Women Mentored Hunt Offered

Again this year the sportsmen and ECOS of Oneida and Madison Counties are offering an opportunity for youth and women to learn and experience a mentored hunt for geese. This continues to be a great opportunity for youngsters age 12 and up and women who otherwise have on one to teach them the skills of goose hunting. This year the hunt will be the weekend of September 18 and 19 with safety and education day held on September 11. Youngsters age 12 — 15 must have a small game license and a H.I.P. number. Youngsters age 16 and up and women must have the above and a Federal Waterfowl Stamp. They must use steel or other non-toxic shot for the day of their hunt. Number 2 shot or BB size is recommended. On safety day the ammo will be supplied.

Space is limited for this popular event so anyone interested should register as soon as possible. You can check the website cnymyhunts.org or contact the following for forms or any questions: Scott Faulkner — sfcf@tds.net, or 315,2250192. Steven Lakeman — Steven.lakeman@dec.ny.gov, or 315-734-0648 Ricardo Grisolini — Ricardo Grisolini@dec.ny.gov, or 607-316-2574

Junior Hunter Bill Passes

Oneida County joins the ranks of counties offering the opportunity to hunt big game. Last week the Oneida County Legislature unanimously approved the bill sponsored by legislator Keith Schiebel that authorized the county to opt-in to the DEC plan. This allows junior hunters age 12 — 13 to hunt deer under the supervision of an adult mentor.

The mentor must be at least 21 years of age and have 3 years of experience. Both the hunter and mentor must wear fluorescent orange or pink and hunt from ground level. It does not allow them to hunt bear. They may use any firearm or crossbow during the time and area it is legal to do so.

Thanks to Keith Schiebel who sponsored and guided this bill to its conclusion when leaders of the Oneida County Legislature were indifferent. Thanks also go to the Oneida County Federation of Sportsmen and local members of the CFAB Board who strongly advocated this action.

Mountain Bike Routes

The Old Forge — Town of Webb Mountain Bike Trail system consists of many miles and several loops from Thendara to Inlet and Big Moose. A comprehensive map and description brochure is available at several locations in the area, including the visitor centers. The map has descriptions of the routes, distances, and approximate times for each loop. Old Forge has put a lot of time and effort into the design and construction of the network of mountain bike trails on Mccauley Mt. The Mccauley Mt. Bike Trails can be accessed from the ski center or from Maple Ridge on Park Ave in Old Forge. Biking Trails in Inlet can be accessed from Fern Park on the South Shore road.

New Pilot Shuttle Program For Rte 73

The DEC, Essex County, and the Town of Keene will launch a new pilot Rte. 73 Shuttle Program on August 28. This will explore how a shuttle system can help manage the heavy load of visitors along the busy Rte 73 corridor in the Hi Peaks Region. It will operate on holidays and weekends through Monday, October 11 at no cost to riders.

Masks will be required for all riders, including those fully vaccinated. DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos said that they hope this will promote tourism, provide to world class opportunities, while ensuring public safety. Much of the support will come from the Environmental Protection fund. It will run from the Giant Mountain/ Ridge Trail up to Marcy Field near the intersection of Rte. 73 and 9N. It is designed to increase the ability of more hikers to reach their destination while limiting illegal and unsafe parking along Rte. 73.

The connecting shuttle operated by the Town of Keene from Garden Trailhead to Marcy Field will still run independently at a fee of $10 (cash only) but that will be free once the Pilot shuttle on Rte. 73 is operational. The Rte. 73 shuttle will not stop at Adirondack Mountain Reserve, nor will that be accessible from Roaring Brook Lot.

Smoked Salmon Stuffed Mushrooms

Summer evenings are made for entertaining friends or family on the deck or the dock. Smoked salmon that you have caught yourself is especially popular.

Here is a snack that serves three to four people so adjust the recipe accordingly: Ingredients: 4 oz. smoked salmon, 1012 large fresh mushrooms, 6 oz softened cream cheese, 1 tbsp. sour cream, ½ onion sautéed until soft, Parmesan cheese.

Directions: Pull stems from mushrooms and clean. Combine cream cheese, sour cream, smoked salmon and onion. Add 2 tbsp. parmesan cheese, fill mushroom caps with cheese mixture, place in shallow baking pan. Sprinkle tops with more parmesan cheese, place under broiler for 3 — 5 minutes or until tops begin to brown.

Adirondack Loon Center

The Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation is dedicated to promoting and inspiring passion for the conservation of Common Loons. Their work is driven by scientific research and conservation efforts to help maintain healthy populations of common loons in New York State and elsewhere, The Center is located in Saranac and is an educational and shopping destination for loon lovers of all ages.

The ACLC has conducted extensive studies on the impact of pollution and climate change on the health of the loons and breeding and nesting success. They conduct an annual loon census on Adirondack lakes, help educate people to prevent disturbing the nesting sites, and conduct rescues of loons trapped in fishing line or iced in by sudden winter storms.

Learn more about these iconic symbols of the wild and join in the effort to help by visiting the web site adkloon.org.