Outdoors North Winter 2017 by Press-Republican

Outdoors NORTH

Winter 2017

NORTH WINTER 2017

THE

BEST OF THE

ADK

We rank the best places to hit the slopes for families, newbies and more!

plus... DAN LADD ON MAKING THE MOST OF WINTER SMALL GAME HUNTING TODD MEAD LOOKS BACK ON A 2016 THOUSANDS OF MILES IN THE MAKING ELS!

BARR H T O B U O Y S E V OONAN GI

A! ED N Z N A G A V A R T S IT ’S A GEAR

x o b r a e G

THE BES7T & OF 201

A publication of the PRESS-REPUBLICAN • Sunday, January 29, 2017

Outdoors NORTH

Winter 2017

NORTH The outdoors is in all of us.

6 5

Special Publications Editor Michael Gallagher Contributing Writers Dan Ladd Todd Mead Ed Noonan Marc Peterson Rich Redman Toni Smith Shannon Surdyk Bobby Williams

Outdoors North Magazine is a product of the

PRESS-REPUBLICAN

and is published quarterly as a supplement to the Press-Republican daily newspaper. Contact Information email: specialpubs@pressrepublican.com Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/OutdoorsNorthMagazine

THE

BEST OF

ED NOONtheAN

shows off best of what this year’s expo has to offer.

Outdoors North

2017 | ALL ACCESS

FEATURES

HUNTING

DON’T PASS UP ON WINTER

Dann Ladd widens the scope of his column this issue to talk about some of the winter’s best offerings to cure cabin fever. From small game and coyote to maple tapping, there are plenty of ways to take advantage of having the Adirondacks in your backyard.

A PERSONAL REFLECTION ON 2016

Todd Mead looks back at a hunting season that spans thousands of miles, as well as a lifetime.

GEARBOX

In a double-whammy avalanche of gear reviewing, Ed’s regular column covers the most high-tech version offering from Aqua-Vu, Henry’s beautiful new singleshots, BPS’s new Hat Trick Jig, Eskimo’s Quick Fish 3I Ice Shelter and Johnny Stewart’s ominously named Grim Speaker attractor.

SKIING

SKI THE BEST OF THE ADK

We’ve got four of the region’s best slopes, ranked in categories. Want to know where to go with the family? The best place for the novice skiier? Cross-country? Read on, and find out who got our best overall pick!

DISPATCHES FROM VEGAS

THE BEST OF SHOT SHOW

Ed Noonan had a tough time winnowing the spectacular field of goodies available at The Sands this year, but he managed. Check out his take on a multitool from the heavens, Carlson’s new choke tubes and the new Valkerie revolver from InterOrdnance.

ANIMALIA

NATURE PROFILE

This issue, we look at the prolific Eastern Coyote, who’s been seen napping in people’s hedges in Queens recently.

On the cover

A skiier tears up some fresh powder in the cover photo for our Best of the Region skiing special issue. (Photograph courtesy of Metro Creative Connection)

COLUMNS TRIBUTE TO A TRAILBLAZER

WINTER DESTINATIONS— GIVE ‘EM A TRY

We reprint a past column by Dennis Aprill in honor of the longtime Press-Republican outdoors writer. This issue, his January 2009 column offers a list of places to enjoy the great outdoors.

ECOLOGY

LENDING MOTHER NATURE A HAND

Rich Redman’s early work in conservation had him using primitive techniques in bioengineering to help protect sunbleached tributaries and rivers. Here, he offers some tips for you.

FLORA & FAUNA

WILD EDIBLES & ADIRONDACK ANIMALS

Find out why Marc Peterson calls the Balsam Fir a “Swiss Army Tree”, and Shannon Surdyk of The Wild Center writes about how porcupines make it through the long, cold Adirondack winters.

Read us outdoors, and everywhere else. You can read any issue of Outdoors North on your mobile device— find us on the web at pressrepublican.com

Winter 2017

Outdoors NORTH

DON’T PASS UP ON WINTER

DEC NEWS:

Shooting Range Small Grants Program Update

From small game hunting to maple tapping, there are plenty of cures for cabin fever in the Adirondacks. By Dan Ladd

abin Fever is a very real phenomenon that is certainly experienced by the sporting community. How many deer hunters out there are still lamenting the end of deer season? Regardless of whether I’m successful or not during the deer season I still hate to see it end and in the weeks that follow I find myself a little out of sorts. It’s not that I don’t have other things to do. Who doesn’t? But getting out of work on a Friday and not heading to deer camp or awaking early on a Saturday morning only to not suit up for a day in the deer woods takes some getting used to. What is a hunter to do? There’s plenty actually, and we’re lucky to live in a region with a playground like the Adirondacks and other public lands basically in our back yards. While many of us enjoy winter activities like ice fishing, skiing, snowmobiling, or even antler shed hunting later in the season; even those can be impacted the weather. There are also all the trade shows that go on in the winter months. I like those, but they’re held inside as opposed to out. SMALL GAME HUNTING If I don’t get out of the house, especially on the weekend, I tend to get pretty antsy. One of the things I turn to is small game hunting. Personally, hunting small game, especially ruffed grouse this time of year is a time of reflection Back to my days as young hunter. The benefit of small game hunting is that seasons in northern New York are open almost until the end of winter. Although I was active in athletics during High School I gave up on basketball after my freshman year because it interrupted my small game hunting activities. And, I wasn’t really all that great at basketball. Still, I preferred to spend my after-school hours walking what was and still is our family property with a 16-gauge shotgun. I would hunt grouse right up until the season wrapped up at the end of February. I’d take an occasional gray squirrel or cottontail rabbit too. These days the grays and rabbits are more plentiful than the grouse, even during the winter months, but I’ve got a young hunter who comes around who likes

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to hunt them so I leave them for him. Overall, I prefer the grouse as table fare along with the challenge of jump shooting them. Last winter I was invited on a snowshoe (varying) hare hunt in the central Adirondacks near Newcomb. Hares are plentiful in parts of the Adirondacks and are larger than their cottontail cousin, and much more adventurous to hunt. What a day that was as there were seven hunters and seven beagles on the trip. It started out cold but got warmer as the day went on. As I sat there in the woods, again with my 16-gauge shotgun, I recalled how good it felt just to be out in the wilderness on a beautiful day with a good bunch of guys. The dogs also added an entirely different element to the hunt. Some of them were outfitted with Garmin GPS collars that allowed us to track exactly where they were. At the end of the day the GPS said the dogs traveled 15-miles, while we walked about three. We also put a few hares in the bag. As I write this a hare hunt for sometime this winter is in the works. CULLING PREDATORS Another fairly recent and memorable winter hunt I had was an adventure I went on a few years ago with Greg Caron of Predator Specialties (predatorspecialties.com) in Plattsburgh. I met Greg down in Essex County where we spent the early hours of the morning hunting on a number of farms. I learned a lot that day about using calls to lure in coyotes, of which many local farmers are happy to see hunted. I also eventually connected on a big coyote. Predator hunting is becoming quite popular these days and I’ve been out at night as well. It will surely get you out of the house. MAPLE TAPPING Getting away from the hook-and-bullet sports, one activity I’ve really taken to in recent years is making my own maple syrup. This is something I wish I’d done years ago as I learned that you can have as big or as small of an operation as you wish. You just need some maple trees, some basic equipment and most of all, time. I’ll run taps from mid - February until the sugaring season

Continued on next page

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Over the past several years, DEC’s Shooting Range Small Grants Program has continued to assist non-profit organizations with improvement projects for shooting ranges while at the same time improving public access to numerous ranges across New York. This federally funded program assisted nonprofit organizations with improvement projects for shooting ranges during the 2013–2015 grant period. During these three years, the program awarded over $396,000 to 27 organizations for various projects including improvements to archery, shotgun, and rifle ranges. One of the requirements of the grant is to provide public access on the project site for five years after the project is completed. It is now time to take the next steps in evaluating the program to see if it is meeting the programs initial goals and objectives for public demand and use. With many of the program’s projects near completion, sportsmen and women will find public access days available for sighting-in their firearms this fall. Check with the facility for public access availability. For any questions related to the program, contact Melissa Bailey at (315) 793-2515. Locally, the only range made publicly accessible through this grant in the region is the Chesterfield Fish and Game Club in Essex county. If you’re interested in finding out more, they are located at 359 Green Street, Clintonville, NY. You can contact president Mike Stanford at (518)645-6391 or visit their website at www.chesterfieldrange.com.

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Outdoors NORTH

Winter 2017

Don’t Pass Up Winter, Continued from page 3 A successful hunt can sometimes be nothing more than a fantastic view.

Farmers are often happy to see coyotes hunted from their land.

ends when overnight temperatures are continuously above freezing. This might not sound like much but I tap about ten trees a year right near my home and usually make anywhere from a few quarts to a gallon of syrup each season. It all depends on how much time I have and the weather. We usually get enough to get my wife and I through the year, including some for our summer camping trips. I’m no expert and my operation is simple as I just use a few big propane burners, restaurant pans and the wood stove in my garage. I have two neighbors who have much bigger operations and sometimes I get together with them as well. It’s a great thing to be doing during the transition period from winter to spring. Besides, there’s nothing like pancakes with home made syrup and blueberries that we’ve either picked from a local mountain top or grown in our garden. Getting back to topic of deer hunting one we’re lucky thing our hunting group has made it a point to do to live in a is to get together during region with a the “off ” season. As deer playground season winds down like the we start talking about Adirondacks our somewhat annual and other winter stay at deer public lands camp. The road to our basically in our camp is closed during the winter so we have back yards. to hike in a little over a mile on snowshoes. It’s a great adventure and we usually have a big bonfire outside, cook some venison and have a few beers. It’s the next best thing to being there during deer season. We also have two hunting party dinner parties each year where we hunters and our families enjoy a pot-luck dinner together. For the winter party we meet at my cousin’s place and usually put together a slide show of photos and stories from the previous deer season. In the summer we do a picnic at my place. It’s always a good time. Winter sure can be a lot of fun if you make the most of it. And for a hunter, every day is more closer to next deer season.

A personal reflection on 2016 From elk in Colorado to deer in the Adirondacks, Todd Mead looks back at a year thousands of miles in the making.

s a boy, I spent hours looking out the window waiting for my dad to return from hunting trips. I always waited with eager anticipation to see if he had gotten a big bear or deer. More times than not, I was let down when he pulled into the driveway and began unloading his gear. After asking him if he got anything, I could never understand how he could be so full of positivity and optimism when he didn’t get something. Even into my 20s, I couldn’t understand it when I looked back in time. As the years came and went, the understanding of a successful hunt became much more clear. Hunting success should not be defined by bag limits, meat on the table or mounted animals in a den. Instead, the invisible fruits of a hunter’s labor should be the greatest reward of the season. Some of you might be asking what invisible fruit is, which is quite okay. The invisible fruits of hunting season come in a wide variety of packages from hunter to hunter.

THE MUSIC OF NATURE In mid-September, sweat trickled down my face while I sat on a boulder the size of a compact car and tried to catch my breath. Looking at my GPS, I could clearly see that I was above 12,000 feet in elevation. I was standing just below the summit of a table-topped mountain in southern Colorado. In another 15 minutes, I would be at the top. My buddy Brian had climbed the mountain the day before and elk were all over it. We hadn’t seen or heard anything that indicated we would have the same kind of luck that morning, and we only had a few hundred more yards left to climb. Twenty minutes later, as I snuck through the thick evergreen timber, I heard what I had been looking for. A bull elk bugled and quickly followed it up with another one. He was close, and we had to find a hiding place. Hiding in a blown-over tree, we patiently waited Although the bull bugled a few more times, it had no interest in coming into our calls. We had gone a week without seeing as much as a squirrel, so I was excited just to hear the music of nature. A few days later, we headed into an area where we had seen a lot of elk before dark. My 70-year-old father began the trek at 3:30 a.m., and I started about a half hour after him. When he left the tent, I began thinking of the journey he had in front of him. I was worried that he might not make the round trip of 14 miles.

ACROSS THE MAP The rest of the season found us in Missouri, Illinois and Ohio before returning to the wild Adirondacks, where our journey of thousands of miles and dreams all began. Now, staring out the window yet again, I understand the success of the hunt. After the elk scattered and made their way out of the meadow that morning, my father and I continued still-hunting through the thick timber. We bumped into a few elk and mule deer along the way. When we sat down for lunch, I found myself in the same situation I had been in almost 40 years earlier. Instead of peering out of the window like I did back then, I was sitting next to my father looking across a wilderness area that so few people ever get to see. My father’s white hair glistened in the sun, and the wrinkles on his face combined with the tiredness seen behind his eyes told me that we had experienced one of the most successful hunts that either one of us had ever been a part of. The kid was no longer looking out the window and waiting with anticipation for his father. Instead, he sat on top of the mountain thankful for everything that had passed since then but wishing he could have slowed down and prolonged the steps of the journey that brought the two of them to that mountainside on the Continental Divide.

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When it got light, we were in a high-country meadow with a herd of elk, and they bugled all around us. We didn’t waste any time ducking behind some thick spruce trees to hide; after all, we were “in amongst them” as the old elk hunters say. Within seconds, we had bulls all around us. After an arrow was released, then another, the elk charged through the pristine, frost-covered meadow, bugling as they went, and we stood in the sun with smiles enlightening our faces. The journey that began in the window when I was a boy was still carving its own path.

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Winter 2017

Outdoors NORTH

EGAS SHOT SHOW HITS V WITH A BANG 67,000

th over Earlier this mon ms professionals ar shooting and fire eing what’s new se spent four days th National for 2017 at the 39 oundation’s F Shooting Sports and Outdoor g n ti n Shooting, Hu Sands Expo e Trade Show at th . There were as Center in LasVeg over 630,000 ad re sp s h 1,600 boot miles of aisles. 13 d square feet an of one of the A good example known camo ellbigger booth is w ltree. Each year ea manufacturer R had a full size 24 an rd owner Bill Jo g cabin. foot high huge lo ts shooting This Show attrac and buyers urers sports manufact and over 100 from all 50 states owing is what I ll countries. The fo it wasn’t easy, d have chosen— an s of items as the ed from the hu ndr .” W O H “BEST OF S

THE

BEST OF

ED NOsOoffNthAe N

show best of what this year’s expo has to offer.

Outdoors North

2017 | ALL ACCESS

HENRY .410 LEVER ACTION SHOTGUN This was an easy one for me because it is something I have wanted in my gun cabinet for years – a 410 lever action shotgun and Henry Repeating Arms has two from which to choose – a regular and a carbine. The regular has a 24 inch barrel with a brass front bead sight and smooth/ removable full choke. The carbine has a 20 inch barrel with an adjustable semi-buckhorn rear and brass bead front sights and a cylinder bore. Both

have very attractive dark grained American walnut and checkered stocks. Henry also has introduced two other single shot shotguns that you might like. Check them out at henryrifles.com and while you are out on their site check out some of the other new Henry rifles for this year. Come May 1, I would like to take a long beard with that 24 incher. MSRP $902 for the 24” $850 for the 20” ww.henryrifles.com

Binary Name: Canis latrans var. Nicknames: Tweed Wolf Conservation Status: LC (Least Concern) Average Size: Between 35-45lbs. Bio: is a wild North American canine of mixed coyote-wolf and dog parentage that is present in much of the eastern Canada and United States as far down as Virginia. It was first noticed during the early 1930s to the late 1940s, and likely originated in the aftermath of the extirpation of the eastern wolf in southeastern Ontario as well as the Labrador wolf in Labrador and Quebec. This hybrid is smaller than the eastern wolf and holds smaller territories, but is larger and holds more extensive home ranges than the typical western coyote.

Eastern coyotes look similar to German shepherd dogs, yet are half the weight. Coyotes have long, thick fur. Their tails are full and bushy, usually carried pointing down. Ears are large, erect, and pointed. Their coloring varies from blonde or reddish blonde to dark tan washed with black. Legs, ears and cheeks usually reddish. Many have a white chin and a dark spot just below the base of the tail when observed from behind. Apparently coyote meat is not sought after for cooking, with the only exception being jerky. One of the most interesting comments we’ve come across in looking for a recipe was this one from user Cariss at ArcheryTalk.com: “The best recipe for yote is taking the yote and placing it on a wood plank and place it in the oven. When its done cooking remove it from the oven, remove the yote from the wood and throw the yote in the trash. Then proceed to eat wooden plank. Bet it tastes 100 times better.”

CROSMAN ROGUE .177 AIR RIFLE

This year Crosman is releasing their new SBD (Silencing Barrel Device) airgun. Its innovated design has significantly reduced the noise during the shot cycle. This silencer design allows for an oversize baffle and maximum volume in the chamber without obstructing the shooter’s field of view. This feature will be in five new Benjamin branded break barrels air guns. The SBD system is the first to bring an eccentric silencer design to air guns, which allows for an oversize baffle and maximum volume in the chamber without obstructing the shooter’s field of view. I like the Marauder Field and Target Edition for both target and hunting. This airgun is equipped with an externally adjustable regulator which allows the shooter to choose between unregulated full power shots for hunting or TERRITORIAL regulated shots at lower velocity for target shooting. www.crosman.com

There’s a Lot Happening at Ganienkeh Territory GANIENKEH

BINGO

Continued on page 8

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Outdoors NORTH

Winter 2017

ORDA/Dave Schmidt

THE

BEST OF THE

ADK

Outdoors North picks the best slopes for downhill, cross country and family fun in the North Country.

New Land Trust in Saranac Lake is a vast, quiet expanse that is the perfect place to get lost cross country skiing. It also regularly hosts major snowshoeing events throughout the winter.

New Land Trust - Saranac Lake Best for Cross Country In a region where there are a number of great ski areas, New Land Trust (NLT) could be considered a hidden gem. NLT is a privately owned piece of land in Saranac that is managed by a not for profit corporation, and 100 percent supported by donations from the community, NLT Board Member Doug Yu noted. The mission of NLT according to Yu is to preserve the land while providing recreational and educational opportunities for the local community. Yu said the trails of NLT serve as an asset to the local On a busy area. In the winter, these natural, ungroomed trails day where the are used for cross country skiing and snowshoeing. parking lot is “In Clinton County, there really aren’t a lot of full, you may places you can reliably cross country ski. There’s always good snow up at our location.” Yet, Yu noted, not encounter on a busy day where the parking lot is full, you may another soul not encounter another soul on the trails for hours. for hours. But they are out there, Yu said. “Most people that are into skiing or snowshoeing in the area are aware of The New Land Trust.” Yu said. The land is free and open to the public, which makes it an ideal spot to spend some time, during winter or any other season. “We have a very strong core of community support. We always enjoy sharing with new people. If people want to share what we have with their friends and family, that would be fantastic.” Yu said.

Beartown Ski Area - Plattsburgh Best for Kids to Learn Skiing Skiing is something Danielle Lukasiewicz, a Plattsburgh resident, loves to do with her family. She takes her two daughters to Beartown Ski Area for fun on the slopes.

“It’s (Beartown) local and family friendly. Lots of people with young kids go there.” Lukasiewicz said. “Our forte is young families, coming up, teaching kids how to ski.” Said Tim Howley, president of the board of directors of Beartown Ski Area. According to Howley, whose parents brought him to ski Beartown, generations of families have been skiing there since opening in the 1950’s. His own children also learned to ski at Beartown, which Howley classifies as a beginners mountain. Skiing is a sport that anyone can do regardless of age. “If you can stand up, you can ski.” Howley said. Beartown offers Alpine and Cross Country skiing, as well as snowboarding and snowshoeing. In season operating “If you can hours are Friday nights, Saturdays and Sundays, weather permitting, as well as during school vacations. There are stand up, you 6 kilometers of trails available for skiers and boarders. can ski.” A big focus is put on learning how to ski, and — Tim Howley, perhaps this is what keeps families coming back year Beartown Board of after year. There are lessons available and there is even Directors President a race team for kids, which Howley says helps kids learn the right way to ski. Eventually, Howley said, kids who learn to ski at Beartown move up to bigger ski areas as they get older, areas like Titus and Whiteface. But Howley is fine with this fact of life. “We’ve accomplished our mission. We’ve made another young kid a skier.” Howley said. P-R photo / Rob Fountain

P-R photo / Ben Rowe

By Toni Smith

Beartown Ski Area in Plattsburgh make big efforts to promote youth skiing.

Titus Mountain Best for Family Skiing Family atmosphere is what sets Titus Mountain Ski area apart, according to Marketing Director Brittany Taylor. The mountain’s roots go as far back as the 1940s and has grown into the ski resort that many North Country residents frequent today. Taylor noted that the atmosphere, which is laid back, allows people of all levels to

Winter 2017

Outdoors NORTH

P-R file photo

ORDA/Dave Schmidt

Whiteface Mountain’s majestic entrance is the begining of a world-class skiing experience

Titus Mountain in Malone promises a laid back atmosphere for skiiers of every skill level.

enjoy winter sports like skiing and tubing. “What we pride ourselves on is that it doesn’t matter if you are a beginner or advanced, we have something for [Titus] locally you here. Whether you are looking for easy groomers for owned and a beginner to ungroomed moguls, we have that at the operated and is mountain.” Taylor said. staffed by locals The ski area is locally owned and operated and is staffed by locals whose goal is to help you enjoy the whose goal is to outdoors, regardless of skill level. help you enjoy Lukasiewicz, who also likes to ski at Titus, noted that the outdoors. the staff is very friendly both on and off the slopes. Another positive, in her opinion, is that Titus offers reasonable rates which allow for more families to enjoy the slopes. “Skiing is an interesting sport because it’s one of the few sports you can do as a family. Getting out and getting fresh air, that’s what skiing is about.” Taylor said. All levels of skiers can be found on the mountain at any time, Taylor noted, saying that sometimes every member of the family is at a different level but they all fit in together at the mountain “They can go out and do their own thing on the mountain and meet up again in the lodge. The only thing you need to bring is warm clothes; we’ll even provide the smile.” Taylor said.

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Whiteface Mountain - Best All Around Skiing Happy faces can be found all over Whiteface Mountain. Whiteface features the greatest continuous vertical drop in Eastern North America, and that is an experienced skiers dream. Robert Laba, a local skier, enjoys visiting Whiteface Mountain two to three times a year because, in his opinion, it offers the best skiing and it is close to where he lives. Laba loves to bring his son, who has been skiing since he was 5 years old, along with him to ski. “It is great to be able to do something that we both love to do together. It is good exercise and is good to be outside during the winter months.” Laba said. Whiteface offers over 22 miles of ski terrain and 88 trails that range from beginner to expert. Is there room on the Whiteface mountain for all levels of skiers? Absolutely, according features the to Laba, who started skiing when he was 10 years old. greatest The variety of trail ability levels is a great asset for Whiteface, Laba said. continuous Morning is a good time to ski if you want to avoid vertical drop in the crowds, Laba said. Whiteface is a very popular ski Eastern North resort that gets visitors who are local and visitors who are from all over the world. There is so much to enjoy America. on the mountain, everyone leaves happy.

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Outdoors NORTH

THE

BEST

Winter 2017

BEST OF SHOT SHOW 2017 (Cont’d)

CARLTON CHOKE TUBES

Outdoors North

2017 | ALL ACCESS

INTER ORDINANCE .22 REVOLVER

I have two reasons for selecting the Inter Ordnance Valkyrie .22LR single action revolver; its looks and its size. This revolver will easily fit in your pocket or a lady’s purse making it the perfect carry gun. It has a 1.13 inch barrel, measures 4” long and a 5-round swing out cylinder. Other features include shell extractor, polymer grips and an optional laser sight. As a small game hunter I would enjoy the challenge of trying to get that little red dot on a squirrel during the small game season. This new addition to the Inter Ordnance production line is schedule to be available in February 2017. MSRP $259.95 www.ioinc.us

As an avid turkey hunter I am very fussy with the pattern of my 12 gauge turkey gun. Most of these shotguns come with a full choke which is OK but it is not perfect. When that big tom is reluctant to come in close you want a choke tube that gives you range and puts the most pellets in the kill zone. I know that what Carlson’s Choke Tubes has designed and produced give the best patterns when shooting Winchester’s New Long Beard turkey loads. This new ammunition features Shot-Lok Technology that allows for the tightest patterns and longer downrange reach over any lead turkey load on the market. Pair this ammunition’s capabilities with the new Carlson’s Long Beard Turkey Choke and you have a devastating, gobbler-killing combination. This tom-dropping dynamic duo serves-up 10% greater penetration over standard lead shot at distances of more than 50 yards, terminal on-target performance and allows nearly perfectly round shot to be thrown from the barrel for extremely tight, long-range patterns. It is a killer combination. I have completed seven National Wild Turkey Federation Slams and all of these turkeys were taken using a Carlson choke tube. MSRP $53.95 www.choketubes.com

FEDERAL .22 LR AMMO

Federal Premium is introducing new .22LR Hunter Match rimfire ammo designed especially for small game and varmint hunters who demand superior accuracy, reliability and maximum knockdown power offering a variety of applications. It is a hollow point bullet loaded for maximum velocity and a nickel-plated case that provides reliable functioning in a variety of platforms. MSRP $7.95 www.federalpremium.com

HAVALON EVOLVE MULTITOOL Ten years ago I became a Havalon knife owner and still have that same knife every time I head into the woods. Now this year they have something all outdoors men/women should be interested in – the Havalon Evolve multi-tool that includes the quickchange blade technology. This is a combination of a good knife and a good tool that every sportsman will love. Sure, many other companies offer multi-tools, but none of them feature a Havalon Knife with quick-change blade technology. Take a look at all the tools Evolve offers. 6 standard 60A blades and 2 Piranta replaceable saw blades, fixed gut hook, universal bit driver that comes with a flathead and Phillips bit and storage for 2 additional bits, pliers/wire cutters, Carabineer clip, Havalon zipper holster and fits all styles of Piranta Blades. This is something that belongs not only in your outdoor world but also in your home/vehicle. MSRP $99.95 www.havalon.com

BARONETTE 350 BIG CAT HUB

If you are looking for concealment on your next turkey, deer, etc. hunt you might want to check out this blind. It is very spacious (70x70 and 80 inches tall at the center) which is spacious enough for two or three hunters. It is very portable weighing only 19 pounds and it goes up and down quickly. You can see from the photo the windows they are situated for easy shooting whether you are sitting or standing with a rifle or a bow. The camo is an exclusive Bloodtrail 3-D illusion of outdoor foliage that blends in with the surroundings. MSRP $219.95 www.baronetteblinds.com

THE CONSERVATIONIST

LENDING MOTHER NATURE A HAND In the second part of this two-part series, Rich Redman tells how to keep your newly planted Willow and Dogwood trees a chance to thrive. LIVE STAKES Using a pair of nippers or long handled brush cutters you can cut some of the branches off a willow bush, thinning out the stand. I like to cut the lower or bottom end of the cutting at an angle so it is pointed, and the top of the cutting square across, so I know which is the top and which is the bottom of the cutting. Once you get your stakes cut, put them bottom end down in a bucket of water to keep them moist, or into a ditch, pond or stream until you are ready to plant. Two foot long cuttings work great to just push by hand into soft mud or sand. Leave about six inches above ground. If the cuttings are of a diameter of 2 inches or so, they can actually be pounded into the ground like a stake. When pounding them in, I like to cut off the part of the cutting that was damaged by the hammering, usually the top couple of inches of the stake. It leaves a clean cut. Make sure you get them deep enough where they will stay moist. You may need to dig a deep hole and use 3 or 4 foot stakes just to get them to reach moisture. That is why I like to plant in the fall. Usually the water level is lower and you can plant closer to the flowing stream, besides, it a beautiful time of year. Planting in spring brings on a moisture problem. Early spring stream waters are high, so planting time is delayed until the waters drop some and you can work in the site. This means the cuttings get planted in the sands during higher water levels. As the water level drops, the sands dry out and the willows don’t have a chance to develop a sound root system so they could die. By planting in the fall, you have the plant in the moist soil when the growing season starts. They get a jump start on growing and developing a good root system before the water levels drop, draining the sands of moisture.

FASCINES These are eight or more, 4 foot or longer branches that are tied into bundles called fascines. Old bailing twine works well. Some say plastic is better because it doesn’t promote bacteria that affect the willows. I have never had a problem though, using recycled traditional twine. Shallow trenches are dug into the streambank edge near the water. I prefer to dig the trenches angling downstream at about 45 degrees. The bundle of willows is layed into the trench and partially buried, so only some of the willows are showing. I like to place some rocks on the bundle to hold them in place. The tops of the willows hang out a foot or so into the current and bend with the water flow. The bundles are spaced about 4 feet apart, the length of the project. POSTS The willow post method is like planting fence posts. Larger diameter posts, eight foot long are cut from a black willow tree. If you have a tractor with a fence post auger, or have the muscle enough for using a hand operated post hole digger, you can auger the holes. Four inch or larger holes are drilled on the top bank about 4 feet deep. The posts are then set into the holes and tightly backfilled. I have put a shovel or two of compost into the augured hole first to provide some nutrients and to help hold moisture for the young tender roots that will form. Make sure you use compost and not fertilizer which could burn the tender roots. You can also stand a fascine bundle of willows or dogwoods into the hole, if you don’t have larger diameter material. Make sure you get soil around all the stems to insure re-rooting. The trick to bio-engineering is the proper plant and moisture. Willows and dogwoods are preferred because they re-root easily. Moisture is critical during the re-

rooting process. If the young roots dry out, you lose the plant. Bio-engineering is a simple backyard homegrown gardener type project. By taking some cuttings and putting them in the right spot with moisture and sunlight, you not only help stabilize streambanks, but the growing willows or dogwoods supply energy back into the stream when their leaves fall into the water for invertebrate growth. Young actively growing vegetation helps ecologically to hold the soil, provide fish cover, cool streams, and provide habitat for riparian critters. You may need a permit if you are in the streambed, so check with your local NYS Department of Conservation office before you dig yourself into a legal hole! So grab your fly rod and nippers and go veg out on a stream! You can do it two ways, by planting willows, and/ or just sitting on the bank digging on the stream and life! Be safe! I am hoping to do a short talk about bio-engineering at the Hungry Trout Fly Shop in Wilmington later this fall so keep your eye out for some info to come later.

About the author

Rich Redman is the present owner of Forest Field Stream Habitat Restoration and a columnist for Outdoors North.

Winter 2017

Outdoors NORTH

Gearbox

guns & gear with

ED NOONAN

There are still plenty of things to do for the outdoorsman/woman right now and one of the most popular is “walking on water,” chopping a hole in the ice and trying to catch dinner. As a February and March snowbird I do not do a lot of ice fishing but I know finding the fish can be a bit difficult.

AQUA-Vu 715C

When at Schroon Lake I saw a fisherman using an Aqua-Vu 715c underwater camera. He actually showed me the fish before he caught it. This unit features a 7-inch sunlight viewable LCD waterproof monitor with video out and an integrated sunshield/ screen protector. The color CMOS camera optics is housed in an anti-spooking fish camera and sport an adjustable LED lighting system. The 715c comes with 50 feet of integrated cable, 12 volt 7 amp rechargeable batteries and charger and a custom storage bag system. I was VERY impressed with its performance; so much that I think I might like to bring one to Florida and see what’s swimming around the pillar of the 90 docks in the Intracoastal Waterway behind our rented condo. I am sure it will make a few trips with me in my fishing boat come summer. MSRP $299.99 ww.aquavu.com

OOL

ESKIMO QUICKFISH 3i ICE SHLETER

I believe that the majority of ice anglers sit on buckets but when that temperature is in the teens and the wind is blowing (which is most of the time) you will surely appreciate the Eskimo QuickFish 3i Insulated Ice Shelter. This 3 person shelter has a hub design that you can set up in one minute and the insulated fabric with the extended skirt keeps you 35 percent warmer than an uninsulated shelter. It has 6 extra strong self-tapping ice anchors, 4 removable window panels, 2 sew-in vents, 2 entry zippered doors and 2 mesh storage pockets. When it is set up the OuickFish measures 70x70 inches in length and width of 80 inches high and weighs 34 pounds. Also I think if you added a few camouflage cloths over it you would have a good hunting blind MSRP $249 ww.geteskimo.com

bass pro shops hat tirck jig Now once you find that school of panfish you might want to tie on one of Bass Pro Shops new 1/64 or 1/32 ounce Hat Trick Jig. This little barrel-headed panfish jig looks good, has good action and texture. It will definitely attract all panfish. Putting a little live bait on it will also work. It comes in a two pack with 5 bodies and has sells for $2.19 www.basspro.com

henry single shot rifles

johnny stewart grim speaker

If you are a predator hunter you know that the season in open and now is the time to be out there calling them in; and Johnny Stewart’s new GS2 call will definitely help you get their attention with its 110 decibels of authentic calls. The new GS2 has 10 pre-programmed calls that can be played, looped simultaneously or alone; and there is still 256MB of storage for adding more calls. The remote nest into the body of the call and has a range of 100yards. It is built to handle the toughest weather and roughest terrain with a rugged speaker and strong multi position handle. It comes with 10 pre-loaded Johnny Stewart sounds (Ky0Ki, distress chicken, Yellowhammer, distress kitten, fawn bleating, coyote and raccoon and coyote pup distress). The G2 is powered by four AA batteries and the remote uses two AAA batteries. It has a running time of 6-8 hours. MSRP $99.99 ww.hunterspec.com

As an avid small game hunter, especially this time of the year, while you are reading this I am probably somewhere in the north country woods following a howling beagle brigade in hot pursuit of a big white snowshoe rabbit. If you too are a shotgun hunter I think you would like one of Henry Rifles new single shot break action .410, 20 and 12 gauge brass or steel single shotguns. All feature a rebounding external hammer and duel-direction pivoting locking lever setup that blocks hammer contact with the firing pin unless the trigger is pulled; and the same system that prevents opening the action with the hammer cocked or closing it with the hammer cocked (a great safety measure). The stocks are American walnut with a solid black rubber recoil pad on the steel framed gun and a smooth brass butt plate of the bright brass-framed models. The barrels are black matte with the steel shotguns using a pistol grip stock wrist and the brass have a straight English-style. Both the steel and brass shotguns have shell ejectors. Unlike other single shot shotguns all these of these gauges have removable chokes. Both the brass and steel 12 and the 20 gauges will have modified chokes and the .410 a full choke. All have a brass beads, and barrel length on the 12 gauge is 28” and the 20 and 410 gauges are 26” ; and all have a 14” length of pull. The brass guns are $549 and the steel are $427. Henryrifles.com MSRP is $549 for brass and $427 for steel ww.henryrifles.com One last important feature of a Henry firearms – they are all made in America.

DEC NEWS:

DEC Is Seeking Waterfowl Season Input DEC annually invites waterfowl hunters to submit suggestions for the dates of upcoming waterfowl hunting seasons to regional Waterfowl Season Task Forces or DEC’s waterfowl season-setting team. DEC has appointed task forces for the Western, Southeastern, Northeastern and Long Island Waterfowl Hunting Zones. The names and contact information for current year members is provided below. Each Task Force includes regional representatives from the New York State Conservation Council (NYSCC), established waterfowl hunting organizations, and individual waterfowl hunters who were chosen to provide a broad range of input. Task Force members act as representatives of all duck hunters in each zone, and they meet in spring to recommend a season for the coming year that best satisﬁes the diverse interests. There is no task force for the Lake Champlain Zone because seasons there are set by the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Management Board, with consultation from DEC and input from hunters in New York and Vermont. Although there is no formal task force for this zone, interested hunters may send their input directly to DEC for consideration. Waterfowl Season Task Force meetings are held in March through the ﬁrst week of April to provide the DEC with recommended season dates for the upcoming hunting seasons in each zone. Input on future season dates (20172018) may still be submitted for consideration through February 19th, 2017. Input on hunting seasons for migratory game birds, including Canada geese, snow geese, brant, woodcock, snipe, rails and crows can be provided by emailing the Waterfowl Season Input mailbox (please leave “2017-18 Waterfowl Season Input” in the subject line). To make it easier for hunters to provide their input and opinion on waterfowl hunting seasons to the appropriate task force, DEC has created a new input form (leaves DEC website). Your individual, and collective, input will be provided to the task forces to help inform their decision process.

Input on hunting seasons for Canada geese may also be provided to Task Force members. Suggestions for opening and closing dates and season splits should be within the federal guidelines expected for the coming year, which is speciﬁc for each of the nine Canada Goose Hunting Areas.

Input can also be mailed to: NYSDEC Attn: Waterfowl Seasons Division of Fish, Wildlife & Marine Resources 625 Broadway Albany, NY 12233-4754

Tributetoa

Outdoors NORTH

trailblazer

Winter 2017

For more than 20 years, Dennis Aprill’s columns were a weekly staple in the Press-Republican. An avid hiker and writer, he delighted readers with his insights and musings on the beauty and wonders of the Adirondacks. Outdoors North remembers Dennis Aprill each issue with a reprint of a past column.

Midwinter Destinations— Get Out and Give ‘em a try

t’s called cabin fever, and the term is used so often at this time of year that it is almost a clichè. Cabin fever, however, does exist, and staying inside does get to people who don’t like the cold but still want to be outdoors. Here’s a suggestion: dress in layers and go out anyway. Beyond more specialized activities like ice ﬁshing, downhill skiing and snowmobiling, there is also basic walking, with or without cross-country skis or snowshoes. It all depends on where you go. The people in northeastern New York are lucky; we have a variety of natural habitats to explore, depending on various geographical features like proximity to Lake Champlain or increased elevation in the Adirondacks. In normal winters, the Champlain and St. Lawrence Valleys have less snow than the interior sections. With that in mind, below is a basic listing of potential destinations in the tri-county area, with brief comments on each.

FRANKLIN COUNTY • Bloomingdale Bog — one entrance off Route 55 north of Bloomingdale near Franklin-Essex County line; another route skiers will have to share with snowmobiles; trail is on old rail bed and a good place to observe boreal birds. • Paul Smiths VIC — try the Boreal Trail, include boardwalk and skirting Barnum Pond. • Wild Center in Tupper Lake Village— relatively new trails; one goes to overlook above Raquette River. • Fernow Forest Trails — half-mile north on Route 30 just past the intersection of Routes 3 and 30; take a forestry course as you travel these trails with stations pointing out some forestry practices; in winter, trail on left can be hard to ﬁnd.

Here are tips for those who are sensitive to the cold but still want to get out this winter (there’s one in my family, too): dress in layers, with particu-lar attention CLINTON COUNTY to the head, hands and feet. Wear warm gloves, or • Point au Roche, borders Lake Champlain — better yet, mittens, and you may need a couple pairs very popular with cross country skiers; an orienteerof wool socks. The colder the air, the drier the air, ing course and a geocache are also located here. so go slow at ﬁrst to help your lungs get acclimated. Take a belt pack with energy-provid-ing food and • Macomb Park, Schuyler Falls — big snowmobile basic emer-gency supplies (see “Quick Tips” of Jan. area; some trails closed to snowmobiles. 11 on our Web site for suggestions for the belt pack). • New Land Trust, on Plumadore Road — becomCross-country skiing is but one way to not only enjoy A water bottle can be carried in an inte-rior pocket. ing more of a destination now that it has been wellthe winter woods, but burn off calories, as well. (Photo Tell someone where you are going and when you plan publicized; more snow than most areas of Clinton provided) to return. Finally, just do it. County. FIELD NOTES • Newcomb Visitor Interpretive Center (VIC), off For a more detailed look at these and more destina• Silver Lake Bog, trailhead off Old Hawkeye the Blue Ridge Road in Newcomb — usually plenty tions, check out trail guides found in bookstores or Road between Silver Lake and Union Falls — trail of snow. get a free brochure called “Adirondack Great Walks includes half-mile boardwalk. • Belfrey Mountain — trailhead off County Route & Day Hikes” from the Adirondack Regional Tour• Brewster Peninsula — nature trails, right in village 70 in Town of Moriah; mountain may be an exagism Council at 1-800- 487-6867 or 846-8016, or go to of Lake Placid; great view of Lake Placid, the lake, at geration; easiest climb in Adirondacks. their Web site at www.visitadirondacks.com. one point.

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Winter 2017

Outdoors NORTH

FLORA & FAUNA

Wading Through Winter Balsam Fir

The adventures of the North American Porcupine By Shannon Surdyk

(Abies balsamea)

This “Swiss Army Tree” has much to offer the outdoorsperson By Marc Peterson A major reason why I enjoy practicing different ways. Traditionally, I will the use of wild edibles has a lot to do make tisans with fresh leaves that are with security. It is that sense of reliability macerated in boiling water for about and wisdom that can bring much 5-10 minutes. I add a little honey and comfort to anyone’s life. Having just a lemon for taste, but the piney flavor is little knowledge of the natural world and more pleasant and sweet than you would what it offers can be a real confidence think. The young bundles of leaves booster, whether in the wilderness or are tasty and fresh, but you have to appreciate the piney flavor. As the leaves not. I certainly am not an expert on mature, they become leatherier and are wilderness survival. I studied plants and better suited for maceration as opposed vicariously learned about their edibility, to raw consumption. Young seedling shoots can be eating raw and have also practiced as well. Much like white some “intuitive improvised camping.” The acts of which make tisans with pine (Pinus strobus), the resulted in some fun and fresh leaves that cambium is edible, and can be cut into strips and interesting memories. But are macerated in fried like bacon. Please to be an expert in wilderness survival is entirely different. boiling water for do not harvest cambium from live trees in the wild It requires more than just knowledge of what is 5-10 minutes. i put if you are not in a survival edible, rather knowing a a little honey and situation, as this is very harmful to the tree. Only multitude of uses for one object or plant. That is why lemon for taste, harvest from ones felled I picked Abies balsamea, but the piney on your private land and are uncontaminated also known as balsam fir, flavor is more that with pesticides. Other uses for this topic, because it is a “Swiss Army Tree,” and I pleasant than you of the “Swiss Army Tree” using the cambium believe it is relatively easy would think. include as cordage, bandages, to identify and possesses a and strips. It is flexible, multitude of simple uses. There are a few key characteristics though not as strong as other evergreens. to identifying balsam fir. If you take a Depending on how the cambium is needle and roll it between your fingers, shaped, it can be used to weave baskets they should slide across the surface of and other useful containers. Lastly, the the needle because it is flat. Spruces, thin roots of this “Swiss Army Tree” can conversely, will roll with your finger be used as a bow drill to start friction because they are diamond-shaped (four fires, which is certainly a trial of patience edges that run along the needle). Luckily, if you have never started one before. Balsam fir is a very popular tree, not both evergreens have similar, if not the just in the wild, but in our homes. They same, uses. Balsam fir has a lovely olive or forest green color to the needles. Like are popular “Christmas trees,” maybe the eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis), most popular because of their soft needle white lines appear underneath the leaves and pleasant “piney” scent. I do needles, which are actually rows of not recommend harvesting discarded stomata. Stoma means “mouth” in Christmas trees due to potential pesticide Greek, and it is used botanically to contamination, as many of them may be identify orifices on a leaf that are used grown in tree farms. However, if you for gas exchange. Like other needle- own land and cut your own, why not leaved evergreens, balsam fir bears cones, collect what scraps you can? though they are slightly differently in that they do not drop entire cones, About the author rather the cones remain on the tree and Marc Peterson is a columnist at Outdoors shed their scales. North. You can contact him at marc. I have enjoyed balsam fir in a few peterson.wildedibles@gmail.com.

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As we sit by crackling fireplaces or will be debris scattered on the ground. wrapped in bundles of blankets inside Porcupines will drop pieces of chewed our toasty homes, animals in the northern stems, conifer needles, and the outer bark forest must find alternate ways to stay of trees. During the winter a porcupine’s diet warm in frigid winter temperatures. Species that overwinter in the north is restricted due to the blanket of snow have many mechanisms to survive harsh covering the ground and the lack of conditions, such as hibernation, lowered nutritious food available. Porcupines activity levels, or caching food before are herbivores so they will munch on winter begins. The North American the needles of conifer trees and eat porcupine, Erethizon dorsatum, is one the inner bark of a variety of trees. To northern species that stays active all subsist through the entire winter, they winter long. The porcupine tends to be start the season with high body fat. quite lazy in the winter but for a vital Porcupines average 60 percent body fat reason, survival. By storing body fat prior at the beginning of winter, which they to winter and limiting their activity levels put on during the summer and fall. By the end of winter they lose to browsing, porcupines can survive winter eating fewer procupines average about 35 percent of their nutrient poor calories and 60 percent body fat body fat, a significant drop over the course of five resting often. at the begining of months. Because they plan North American porcupines wade through winter. by the end ahead, they have enough remaining to last them the winter. Tracking a of winter they will fat until spring when more porcupine in winter is simple lose about of 35 nutritious food becomes because they leave clues behind in the snow. They percent of that. available. Porcupines conserve find a simple, concealed energy and are efficient den for winter, possibly near browsers in the winter, but rocky outcroppings where they also become more they might find a crevice, or vulnerable. The downside of underneath an old building being predictable is that predators or at the base of a tree. A porcupine will leave its den and can locate porcupines easily by following waddle through the deep snow to its their scent laden trail. Fortunately, most nearby food source, a tree. It will browse, predators do not want to confront a and once finished, turn around and retrace porcupine because of their sharp quills. its steps back to its den. It takes a lot of Porcupines have a smart winter plan, energy to carve a path through deep snow by sleeping often, limiting their activity so using the same route everyday saves to browsing, and conserving energy by the porcupine loads of energy. It may be efficient trail blazing, porcupines wade difficult to recognize porcupine tracks in through winter successfully. the snow because their low bodies drag in the snow and plow out a winding trail. Go Wild! Occasionally you can see marks left by To learn more about their quill-laden tail or a paw print with what’s going on at The four or five toes. The giveaway is the trail’s Wild Center, Visit trajectory, from den to tree and clues left www.wildcenter.org for behind. Along a porcupine’s trail will on upcoming exhibits be littered with scat, which is oblong and events! and slightly curved, roughly the length of a quarter. At the browsing site there

Bring The Whole Family! Don’t forget! The Wild Center hosts Family Weekends, a great chance to get out of the house and dig into the outdoors! Be sure to check in on the different activities offered by visiting their website at www.wildcenter.org/ events/family-weekends and see what’s going on!

Outdoors NORTH

Winter 2017

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323.00/mo*

SA $4,8VE 62

# 40289, Crimson Metallic 1.4L DOHC 4 Cyl, 6 Spd Auto, LT Convenience including Power Driver Seat, Keyless Start & Open with 4G LTE WI-FI Hotspot and more

MSRP �� $26,240 PARKER & GM DISCOUNT** ��-$862 FACTORY REBATES ��-$1,000 SELECT MODEL BONUS CASH ��-$1,000 CHEVY LEASE LOYALTY CASH*** ��-$2000

PARKER PRICE

21,378*

212.91/mo*

OR LEASE ME $

**2017 Chevy Malibu Tax, Title, Registration extra 39 months, 12,000 miles/year, Security deposit waived to well qualified buyers. **2017 Chevy Trax Tax, Title, Registration extra. 39 Months, 12,000 miles/year, Security deposit waived to well qualified buyers. **2017 Chevy Traverse Tax, Title, Registration extra. 39 Months, 12,000 miles/year, Security deposit waived to qualified buyers. **2017 Chevrolet Equinox *Tax, Title, Registration extra 39 months, 12,000 miles/year, 1st month payment of $261.00 & Security deposit waived to well qualified buyers. **2017 Chevrolet Silverado *Tax, Title, Registration extra 39 months, 12,000 miles/year, Security deposit waived to qualified buyers. **MUST BE EMPLOYED BY ANY SCHOOL/COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY, ACTIVE/RESERVE/RETIRED MILITARY OR A VERIFIED GM SUPPLIER***CUSTOMERS WHO HAVE A CURRENT CHEVROLET LEASE with ALLY or GM FINANCIAL AND PURCHASE OR LEASE ONE OF THE NEW AND UNUSED MODELS/ or CURRENTLY LEASE A 2008 OR NEWER NON-GM PASSENGER CAR OR LIGHT DUTY TRUCK.

518-298-8272 622 State Rte. 11, Exit 42, Champlain, NY

DLR #3100003