Winter 2013 - New York State Outdoor Writers Association

www.nysowa.org
Winter 2013
Snowshoeing in the Adirondacks is a popular winter activity. This photo was taken
by Dan Ladd and won third place in the 2012 Janice M. Keesler Memorial Photo
Contest.
NYSOWA Officers &
Board of Directors
PRESIDENT
LEON ARCHER
726 Maple Ave.
Fulton, NY 13069
VICE PRESIDENTS
Western & Central NY
WAYNE BREWER
71 State St.
Seneca Falls, NY 13148
Northern NY
DAN LADD
PO Box 302
Fort Ann, NY 12827
Southeastern NY
CHARLES A.
WITEK III
1075 Tooker Ave.
West Babylon, NY
11704
TREASURER
MIKE SEYMOUR
475 Miner St. Rd.
Canton, NY 14623
RECORDING
SECRETARY
LEO MALONEY
321 Robertson Rd.
Sherrill, NY 13461
MEMBERSHIP
SECRETARY
JOHN GEREAU
5880 State Rt. 9N
Westport, NY 12993
NYSOWA Calendar of Events
& Important Dates
BOARD OF
DIRECTORS
ALLEN BENAS
P.O. Box 69
535 Merrick St.
Clayton, NY 13624
DEBORAH BROSEN
P.O. Box 86
Kinderhook, NY 12106
WILL ELLIOTT
9777 Bernd Rd.
Pavilion, NY 14525
DAVID FIGURA
4080 O’Neill Lane
Skaneateles, NY 13151
MIKE LYNCH
PO Box 766, Saranac
Lake, NY 12983
TOM SCHLICHTER
P.O. Box 462
Southold, NY 11971
PAST PRESIDENT
GLENN SAPIR
21 Shamrock Dr.
Putnam Valley, NY
10579
SUPPORTING
MEMBER LIAISON
ROBIN SHARPLESS
MANAGING
EDITORS
BILL HILTS, JR.
[email protected]
DAN LADD
[email protected]
Spring Safari
Southern Washington County
May 16-19, 2013
Chairman: Dan Ladd.
OWAA/NYSOWA joint Fall Conference
Sept. 13-16, 2013
Lake Placid, NY
Future issues/deadlines for
New York Outdoor News
the official NYSOWA Newsletter
Spring 2013 - April 1 (Deadline:March 20)
Summer 2013 - July 1 (Deadline June 20)
Email Newsletter items to Dan Ladd by above deadlines
[email protected]
Please put “NYSOWA Newsletter” in the subject line
NYSOWA Online
www.nysowa.org
and
www.facebook.com/NYSOWA
President’s Report
By Leon Archer
Thanks Glenn!
Over the years of being a member
of NYSOWA, I have endeavored
to be a truly active member and
get involved at all levels. I guess I
have reached the “top.” I am both
excited and sobered that you have
placed this trust in me, and I will
do my best to serve you well. I am
following Glenn Sapir, one of the
most active, hands-on presidents
that I can remember, and that is
not intended to be a reflection on
anyone, because I truly cannot
remember a past president who
has not served NYSOWA selflessly
and well. They all were active and
proactive, and I am indebted to
each one of those predecessors for
their example.
One of my first tasks was to
find a new chairman for the EIC
Program, and I tested the waters
with a number of members that I
thought might be good possibilities,
but I was unsuccessful in my
quest. Fortunately, Glenn Sapir
stepped into the gap, agreeing to
fill the position for 2013. While
he is not looking for a long term
tenure at this time, he is, never
the less, a perfect fit for the job.
He has personal contacts with
the numerous outdoor media
professionals who have done our
judging for the past two years.
In fact, it was Glenn, not I who
originally secured their services in
order to help me. I have accepted
his offer and appointed him as
the new EIC Chairman. He has
the right to submit entries to the
contest just as I had. Really, the
chairman never has any influence
on the results, so there is no reason
to exclude the chair no matter who
it might be.
for willing volunteers.
The next item that appeared on
my email is an apparent problem
with getting information from the
DEC at the regional level. The
board has been discussing what
our organization should do to help
remedy the problem. I am confident
that a solution can be found that
will be acceptable to members and
to all levels of the DEC, including
the commissioner and his boss,
Governor Cuomo. It may take both
arm twisting as well as reasoning,
but the one thing I want to avoid is
That first challenge turned out creating an adversarial relationship
well, but I would like everyone between us.
thinking about the future. Glenn
may have had enough after one
You will find information in this
year on this new job, and if that issue about the 2013 Conference
turns out to be so, I will be looking which will be held in conjunction
with OWAA. Glenn Sapir, again,
has agreed to be our laison person
with the OWAA leadership. It
will be a great opportunity for our
members in numerous ways.
Past NYSOWA President Glenn Sapir made arrangements with
Supporting Member The National Shooting Sports Foundation
to donate hats to 2012 fall conference attendees to commemorate
NYSOWA’s 45th anniversary. Thanks Glenn and the NSSF!
Lastly, you will either have
already received a notice that it’s
time to renew memberships, or
you will get it very soon. You can
make John Gereau’s job a lot easier
by sending your payment and any
changes to your entry early rather
than waiting until the last minute.
I was membership secretary for
several years, and late membership
payments and information was
always my biggest headache. I will
have sent mine in before you read
this report.
VP Northern Region
by Dan Ladd
Another deer season full of memories
Once again, I had quite a deer
season and some of the more
memorable moments took place at
the Fall Conference held in Niagara
Falls. Bill Hilts, Jr. hooked Bill
Hollister, John Brosen and myself
us up with Chuck Tiranno who owns
1UP Game Calls. Chuck’s farm was
perfect whitetail habitat consisting
of soybean and corn fields nearby a
large chunk of public land.
might offer the chance to see a real
nice buck, and not wanting to pass
up some quality hunting time with
a legend like Bill, I committed to
hunting both days. After all, I could
go fishing anytime!
On my way to Niagara I stopped
at Chuck’s farm and got a first rate
scouting tour. Numerous rubs and
scrapes were dotted around the field
edges and Chuck pointed out all of
My outings plan for the conference his stands and blind locations along
was to spend one morning bow with some suggestions on which
hunting and the other fishing for ones to sit. That evening, Bill, John
anything. However, a few days and I made our plan and were on the
before the conference I got a call road by 5 a.m. the next morning.
from Bill Hollister. Bill had hunted
waterfowl on Chuck’s farm in the
Chuck put John and Bill on stands
past and was excited to do some in a cornfield while I hoofed it out
deer hunting there
to the back 40 where there was a
brushy island blind with a hickory
“You ought to think about tree in the middle of a soybean field.
hunting both days,” Bill suggested Slightly uphill from the rest of the
(he needed a ride). “This is the field, I had a 360-degree view and
real deal.” Knowing that because was told to expect any deer coming
nothing smaller than a six-pointer into the field to gravitate toward the
could be taken from Chuck’s farm island.
The piebald deer spotted by Dan Ladd at Chuck Tiranno’s farm.
A perfect autumn sunrise greeted
us and I continuously scanned
the field. Around 8 a.m. I noticed
something large and white over my
right shoulder. For some reason my
first reaction was that it was a calf
but upon putting my range finder on
it (at 150 yards) I could immediately
tell it was a piebald (white and
brown) deer. How amazing!!!
Having never seen a true piebald
before I was blown away. The
little four-point buck was mostly
white but had more brown towards
his front! Even if this buck was
a shooter I don’t think I could’ve
done it. Native American theories
say killing such an animal is bad
karma. I just sat back and enjoyed
watching this unique deer for the
next 20 minutes. Although he never
got closer than 130 yards I was able
to get a few decent photographs.
I would later find out that Chuck
didn’t know the buck was roaming
his farm. I’m sure they’ll see it
again. That was the only deer any of
us would see that morning.
The next day Bill and I returned
and he took a stand between the
two soybean fields while I set up
my blind on the edge of the field
and just inside the public land
along a hardwood ridge. This would
be Bill’s day to see a buck, and a
good one at that! Around daylight
what he said looked like a tall-tined
8-pointer was making its way down
the hedgerow toward him. When it
was about 100-yards out it ducked
into the cornfield on the adjoining
property. Bill tried to grunt the buck This year New York held their first
back to Chuck’s farm and within youth hunt and I’m still getting stories
bow range but the buck would have coming in from that. The youth
season still has it’s critics but I’ve
none of it.
got a story for the them to consider.
The best part about hunting with A friend of mine has a 12-year-old
Bill Hollister is listening to his daughter who is suddenly interested
stories. That’s what I did on the in hunting. Why? Because her
45-minute ride back to Niagara. Bill 14-year-old friend participated in
has spent nearly his entire life in the youth hunt and got a deer and
the outdoor industry in one form or she thinks that’s cool! This type of
another. Both of us considered our enthusiasm doesn’t show up in the
experiences to be success enough for harvest statistics but is a perfect
our morning hunting trips. Perhaps example of the trickle-down effects
we’ll get a chance to hunt out that such a program has. I hope they
way again sometime and I hope to stick with it.
turkey hunt with Bill in the future as
My Season
he is simply one of the best in that
I
did
experience
one disappointarena.
ment this fall and that was the theft
of a tree stand and trail camera from
Back to the North Country
Although I live close by the my own property. The theft took
northern/southern zone big game place while I was in Niagara Falls.
hunting boundary line I really Sadly there were several similar indon’t do much southern zone cidents reported in my region. One
hunting. I like the big woods of retailer told me he sold five tree
the Adirondacks and being able stands in one day to hunters who
to move about. My solo hunts are had their other ones stolen. Another
usually spent still hunting and our sad fact is that when speaking with
group hunts focus on making deer hunters who have been victims of
drives. However, we traditionally such theft many say it takes the
wind out of their sails impacting
spend the southern zone opener at
their desire to hunt. It’s just hard to
my cousin’s farm in Washington
believe that one hunter will do that
County. This year I passed on the
to another.
morning hunt but participated in a
non-eventful afternoon sit. This and On a more positive note once again
the fall conference were my only this fall I logged several hours in
southern zone outings this season.
the woods and many miles on my
legs. We thought we were headed
Still, I have to say that there were
some really fine bucks taken locally
in the southern zone this season.
While I’m not one to support
mandatory antler restrictions, my
personal viewpoint is that they
are one hunter imposing their
desires on another, I do believe
they work when tied in with other
deer management tools. There are
Quality Deer Management (QDM)
co-ops all over Washington County
now and hunters, not just those in
these programs, are benefitting.
Those attending the Spring Safari in
Washington County will get to tour
one of these co-ops. I can assure you Even the small Adirondack
bucks are hard earned!
this will be solid story material.
for a slam-dunk season after two
members of our crew took bucks
during the early muzzleloading
season. But things quieted down
for us. Once again we spent time
learning new territory that will
pay off in seasons to come. But, in
hindsight we should’ve spent more
time in the area where we killed
those two early season bucks.
When the heart of the rut hit we
hunted hard and some days spotted
numerous does. Buck sign suddenly
appeared but we just couldn’t seem
to connect. One of the guys missed
a buck and a few others were not
able to get shots at bucks they’d
encountered. We did have some great
times at hunting camps and on a late
season trip to my brother’s camp in
St. Lawrence County I connected on
a small buck during a cold, snowy,
backcountry hunt. We were quite
a ways back in but the snow made
for an easy drag. It would be the
only northern zone buck we’d take
during the rifle season.
Our luck changed when the late
muzzleloading season rolled around.
On a mid-week hunt we were setting
up a drive where I missed a nice
buck with my muzzleloader during
the early season. Looking back, it
was a shot I should not have taken
and I had hoped for another chance.
It was a cold, crunchy morning and
when I set the watches out I put
Chantal Couture of Wilton, who had
joined us to hunt that day, on a watch
where I’d gotten a nice buck on a
similar day about ten years ago.
Early on in the drive I heard
something moving in the leaves and
at one point even thought it was a
person. But, when I heard Chantel
shoot I knew otherwise. We had to
do some tracking but we found her
buck which turned out to be a wideracked 8-pointer. I’m not 100-percent
positive but I’m pretty sure it was
the same buck I had missed earlier
This hunt was definitely redeeming
and a fitting end to another unique
deer season. I hope you had a great
VP Southeastern Region
by Charles Witek III
In Sandy’s Wake
Autumn was a difficult time for
sportsmen who live along New
York’s coast. Two decades after the
“Perfect Storm” carved its niche in
literature, film and popular culture,
a similar combination of tropical
cyclone, Nor’easter and descending
cold front again clashed over the
northern ocean, but this time, the
center of the colliding systems was
located not over distant fishing
banks, but over the population
centers surrounding New York City.
Although the National Weather
Service did an exemplary job of
predicting the force and the path
of the storm, government officials,
utility companies and the population
as a whole for some reason failed to
comprehend the threat. Thus, few
were truly prepared for the onslaught
of wind and tide.
claimed just about everything that
he owned. The coast of Westchester
County, where the storm surge
reached about 12 feet in height, also
saw serious damage.
Long Island’s sportsmen were
not immune from the effects of the
storm. While the impacts on hunters
were relatively minor—state lands
were closed for about a week, and
the number of pheasants available
for stocking was reduced by about
30%--the impact on anglers was
severe, and will be long-lasting.
Throughout the region, there
was serious damage to boats and
to boating infrastructure. One
Copiague marina, where I once
docked my own vessel, had over
80 boats swept into a pile and sunk
in a corner of the yard; most are
total losses. In other places, vessels
torn from their moorings or lifted
off stands and cradles were carried
onto golf courses, into the center of
roadways or out into open water.
Some have not yet been found. In
one well-publicized case, a cruiser
more than 30 feet in length ended up
in a Lindenhurst swimming pool.
Theresa and I were fortunate.
While our boat was banged around
a bit when a tide running close to
eight feet above normal lifted it off
its stands in the marina, the damage
was relatively minor and, except for
a small ding in the bottom and some
minor damage to the props and
shafts, largely cosmetic. Our house
and vehicles escaped unscathed.
Many, particularly those who lived
But the most long-lasting
closer to the bay, suffered far greater impacts are those which occurred
damage.
to shoreside infrastructure. Long
Island’s surfcasters normally flock
We spent nearly a full weekend, to federal, state and county beaches
along with another couple and to meet the fall run of striped bass
their son, helping one friend in and bluefish. However, most of the
Lindenhurst catalog his losses south shore beaches were devastated
and pack what items survived, by the storm, and angler’s have lost
so that contractors could begin access to long stretches of shore.
rehabilitating his home. We offered A new inlet now cuts through Fire
to do the same for another friend Island National Seashore. At the
who rented a home in Copiague, but three state parks—Robert Moses,
were told that the water had already Gilgo and Jones Beach—beachfront
erosion has been severe, and anglers’
motorized access to the former two
beaches will probably be curtailed,
if not completely prohibited, well
into next season.
At the eastern end of Robert
Moses, sections of road were
undermined and collapsed into the
surf; Ocean Parkway sustained the
same sort of damage near Gilgo. At
all parks, structures were, at best,
flooded and at worst badly damaged
or destroyed. The Parks Department
hopes that the beaches will be open
to the public by Memorial Day.
That will probably prove to be a
challenging goal.
Private facilities suffered even
greater damage. Many tackle shops,
boat liveries, gas docks and marinas
were invaded by the bays’ waters;
some were partly or completely
destroyed. Some will not reopen,
and many may not be available
when the first anglers venture onto
the water next spring. And, when
next year’s season begins, it’s not
clear what conditions will greet
fishermen.
While many hope that the new inlet
cut through Fire Island will improve
the quality of the water in eastern
Great South Bay, farther to the west,
there is no good news. Damage to
fuel storage facilities around Staten
Island has temporarily fouled
the waters of New York Harbor;
fortunately, currents run strong
there, and the pollution may quickly
be flushed out and diluted by the
sea. In the bays off Nassau County,
and to a lesser extent off Suffolk,
the picture is worse. Bay waters
have been fouled by fuel flowing
from breached and flooded tanks
at many gas docks and marinas, as
well as from a myriad of private
homes, and those waters have been
further insulted by massive sewage
overflows in New York City and
western Nassau County. Although
the outflow of pollutants has largely
been halted, what escaped into
the bay may take a long time to
disperse.
Committee, which reports on the
health of the stock.
It was a classic case of the fox
keeping watch on the henhouse, and
the menhaden population suffered as
a result. Beginning in the late 1990s,
as a result of my association with the
Coastal Conservation Association,
I began working other CCA
members, and other organizations,
to bring menhaden management
up to biologically acceptable
standards. It began with kicking the
industry off the management board
and technical committee, which we
managed around 2002. Since then,
It is not clear when shellfish in the it has been a battle of increments,
most heavily-affected areas might every few years convincing
again be safely consumed; the ASMFC to take one more actions
extent and effects of damage to the that would slowly improve the way
inshore spawning grounds of winter menhaden were managed. We made
flounder, tautog and weakfish has progress, but it wasn’t enough, and
not yet been determined. After all is the menhaden population declined,
taken into account, 2013 may be a until it bottomed out, in 2010, at
very challenging year.
just 8% of its maximum spawning
potential.
Still, as it always has, life goes on
along the shore. At this time of year,
In 2011, ASMFC finally adopted
that means that fisheries managers an Addendum to the menhaden
have been assessing stocks and management plan which laid the
beginning work on next year’s foundation
for
science-based
regulations.
menhaden
management.
On
December 14, 2012, ASMFC’s
Menhaden Management
Atlantic Menhaden Management
Comes Of Age
Board went a step farther, adopting
Healthy game fish populations are a spawning stock biomass-based
dependent on healthy populations definition for an overfished stock
of forage fish, and off the eastern and, for the first time, establishing
coast of the United States, no forage a hard cap on menhaden harvest,
fish is arguably as important as which will require a 20% reduction
menhaden. Yet menhaden are also in landings (based on average
the target of an industrial fishery, landings in the years 2009-2011).
which catches them by the millions Other measures, including a stateof pounds and then “reduces” them by-state
commercial
harvest
for use in such products as chicken allocation and a requirement that
feed, dietary supplements and WD- any harvest in excess of the quota
40. For many years, the menhaden be paid back in the following year,
management system was rigged in were also adopted.
favor of the industrial harvesters, as
the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries
Yet even that was merely an interim
Commission guaranteed the industry measure. In the near future, probably
seats enough to control both the during 2014, ASMFC’s Atlantic
Atlantic Menhaden Management Menhaden Technical Committee
Board, which sets the regulations, will complete a benchmark stock
and the Atlantic Menhaden Technical assessment, which should provide
a more accurate estimate of the
health of the stock. Once that is
done, further harvest reductions
will likely be adopted, in an attempt
to rebuild the stock to at least 30%
of its spawning potential. Beyond
that, further research is being done
to determine menhaden’s role in
the ecosystem, which should result
in managers working to assure that
there are sufficient fish in the sea to
fulfill their role as prey species for
just about every predator along our
coast, from bluefish and striped bass
to osprey and humpback whales.
It has taken a long time to get to
this point, and there is still some
way to go before the menhaden
population is restored to health.
But it appears that we’ve finally
reached the tipping point, and that
a recovered menhaden population is
nearly within reach.
For more information, go to www.
asmfc.org. Then click on “Press
Releases” in the left-hand margin,
and “December 14, 2012 Atlantic
Menhaden Management Board
Meeting Press Release and Motions”
on the following page.
Black Sea Bass
Management Is Muddled
It’s easy to ignore fisheries
problems, and it’s nearly as easy to
manage a collapsed stock, because
at that point, there’s nothing left
to do but pile on the restrictions
and hope that the stock responds.
However, the combination of tough
federal fisheries laws and effective
regulations, adopted over the past
16 years, are confronting managers
with a problem that they never
had before: The need to manage
recovering or fully-recovered stocks.
And because managing a recovered
stock is something that they really
never had to do before (striped bass
arguably being the one exception),
managers really have no idea how
to do it, and are stumbling around a
little trying to figure things out. Black
sea bass provide the best example.
The Mid-Atlantic population is very
difficult to manage, first because the
fish is a protogynous hermaphrodite
(meaning that they all start life
as females, and then some switch
over to males) and also because the
population is probably made up of
three separate stocks, which spend
the summer in different places,
but almost certainly overlap a bit
(New York probably plays host to
two of the stocks, with Moriches
Inlet serving as an approximate
divider between them) and migrate
to wintering grounds which also
overlap to a significant degree. In
addition, no one has determined the
relative health of each stock, or the
degree of fishing mortality that each
stock experiences.
It’s thus not surprising that the
National Marine Fisheries Service
considers black sea bass to be a
“data-poor stock,” and that the
Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management
Council has designated it a “Level
4” species, meaning that reliable
information on the health of
the population is very scarce (a
benchmark stock assessment was
rejected by a peer review panel
about one year ago). As a result, the
Council manages black sea bass with
far more caution than most other
species. Although the population is
deemed to be fully recovered, the
2012 recreational landings limit was
just 1.32 million pounds, and that
was the beginning of the problem.
That’s because black sea bass
are everywhere. Little ones are
swarming the bays and showing
up in places in Long Island Sound
where they haven’t been seen for
more than fifty years. Big ones are
stacking up on offshore wrecks, and
drawing more and more attention
from anglers. As a result of such
abundance and increasing angler
attention, there were a lot of black
sea bass caught in 2012—so many
that NMFS closed the season two
months early, and anglers still more
than doubled their annual quota. In
fact, they caught this year’s quota,
and just about all of 2013’s quota
as well. And that was not a good
thing because, beginning in 2013,
“accountability measures” adopted
by the Council require that such
overages be fully paid back, on a
pound-for-pound basis, in the next
fishing year. That meant that anglers
might not have any 2013 black sea
bass season at all.
willingness to take a baited hook,
summer flounder, or “fluke”, are
probably the most important inshore
species caught in New York’s coastal
waters. Strict federal management
has brought the population back
from a low point hit in around
1990 to a full recovery. However,
poor spawns in 2010 and 2011, and
a lowered estimate of spawning
success in 2008 and 2009, will
force managers to reduce harvest
in coming years. That will include
a 12% reduction in 2013. Such
reduction, coupled with the fact
that New York exceeded its 2012
recreational allocation by about 7%,
would normally require the state
to reduce its 2013 harvest by 20%,
when compared to that of 2012, and
to impose tougher regulations in
order to achieve the required cuts.
Given the species’ obvious
abundance, such a shutdown would
not have gone over well with anglers,
and managers apparently didn’t want
to stir up the tempest that would have
been inevitable should a closure
have been imposed. Thus, thanks
to some creative interpretation
of the relevant regulations by the
Council’s legal advisor, managers
determined that “subsequent year”
meant 2014, not 2013, and thus set
a 1.85 million pound quota for the However, there is apparently some
chance that other states, where
upcoming season.
anglers failed to catch their entire
In the meantime, the year’s delay 2012 allocation, may be willing to
in imposing accountability measures forego easing their own regulations
will give NMFS time to obtain more in order to effectively transfer some
data on the stock, and revisit the way portion of their 2013 allocation to
accountability measures are both New York. If that happens, New
constituted and applied. Although York would not be required to
it isn’t said, the hope is that the implement a 20% reduction, and
new data will permit quotas to be stricter regulations may not have to
raised substantially, so that when be imposed. We will probably not
accountability measures do kick know for certain whether New York
in, they will not require regulations anglers will get such a reprieve until
to be tightened in 2014, and will after the February ASMFC meeting.
not lead to overages in subsequent However, it is good to know that, for
years.
the first time in many years, other
states may be willing to share some
For additional background on
the black sea bass problem, go to of the responsibility of managing
http://www.mafmc.org/meeting_ the summer flounder population,
materials/2012/December%20 and will not expect New York to
2012/Tab%2010_Black_Sea_Bass_ shoulder the greatest part of the
Issues.pdf. For more information on burden.
the Council’s December actions, see
http://www.mafmc.org/press/2012/ More information on summer
pr12_29_December_press%20 flounder management in 2013 is
available at http://www.mafmc.
release_BSB.pdf.
o rg / m e e t i n g _ m a t e r i a l s / 2 0 1 2 /
D e c e m b e r % 2 0 2 0 1 2 / Ta b % 2 0
New York’s 2013 Summer
12_Summer_Flounder_2013_
Flounder rules still in the air
Due to their ubiquity and their Recreational_Specs.pdf.
VP Western/Central Region
by Wayne Brewer
Fall Conference Real Fishing Report
In his October 28, 2012 article
in The Buffalo News, Will Elliott
made it sound like I caught all
the fish when he and I fished for
smallmouth bass with guide Mike
Mogensen from North Tonawanda.
However, I have to admit that Will
crushed me as far as catching more
and larger fish. One fish in particular
was a nine pound northern pike.
Most of those that have fished
with me (Noonan, Kolodziej and
Nelson) know that I scare the fish
away. Noonan told the members of
our Bass club that I could not catch
a bass even if it came up and bit
me! Now that the record is straight
I do plan on making a few fishing
trips with Will next year because
he is an excellent fisherman and a
great guy to fish with. I also want
to thank Will for supplying much of
the fishing and hunting information
for Western New York.
FISHING UPDATE
Lake Ontario
King salmon fishing was
excellent from early spring to the
fall stream run. Quite a few very
large three to four year salmon
were caught, but the numbers can
from the two-year old fish from
the mouth of the Niagara River
eastward to the Monroe County
shoreline. From depths of 50 feet
to suspended levels over 400-foot
depths, anglers including Charter
Captain Bob Cinelli caught mixes
of brown trout, steelheads, king
salmon and some Coho and Atlantic
salmon. The increase in the king
catch relieved the summer long
pressure usually placed on roaming
steelheads which have previously
been the exclusive target of midsummer trollers.
A few steelhead and brown trout
have been caught from Wilson
and Olcott harbors, when weather
permits fishing around the piers.
Eighteenmile,
Oak
Orchard,
Johnson and Sandy Creeks have
had good steelhead and brown trout
fishing, but some steelhead action
may increase in small streams.
Shore anglers did well on perch
throughout the year and on northern
pike during the spring and fall.
Smallmouth bass were taken in
fair numbers, although the fishery
remains low and slow. Wilson
Harbor, Olcott Harbor and Oak
Orchard Creek and smaller creek
mouths and bays produced nice
sized northern pike. When pike
moved out, the perch moved back
in with good numbers and sizes.
There are steelheads in the Genesee
River along with a few brown trout;
orange eggs sacs and single eggs
have been the best bait. The much
needed rain has increased water
levels in all Lake Ontario streams
which have resulted in some
“fresh”steelhead and increased the
bite in the Salmon River. Fishing
has been slow in the Oswego River,
but there are steelhead and brown
trout being caught. Drift boats have
been doing better with the higher
water.
Niagara Bar are reporting good
catches of brown and lake trout by
drifting with a bottom bouncing rig
and live minnow.
Sodus Bay anglers found perch
schools scattered, but got a good
bite from other pan fish (blue gills,
white bass, and sunfish) while
searching for perch. Irondequoit
Bay produced large perch,
especially from the deeper water
(50 feet or more) at the mouth of
the bay near the 104 Bridge. Perch
fishing continues to be good in 20
to 30 feet of water in each bay. In
fact, perch fishing is good in the
various bays; however, launching
boats continues to be difficult.
Lake Erie
Anglers have seen the best
steelhead action of the season over
the past few weeks. Fresh steelheads
continue to move in and good
catches are being reported. Anglers
typically start to catch steelhead
and brown trout in Barcelona and
Dunkirk Harbors this time of year.
At Barcelona anglers generally
fish from shore. Anglers fishing
Dunkirk Harbor can fish from the
pier or the DEC fishing platform
located near the power plant warm
In the Lower Niagara River clear water discharge.
water conditions have forced angers
to work harder for modest trout
The Cattaraugus Creek crisis
catches. Fishing from boats has continues. Rainbow/steelhead trout
resulted in better steelhead catches numbers remain down throughout
in deeper Devils Hole and Art Park. the Cattaraugus Creek watershed.
Shore anglers are having the same From the breakwater at its mouth in
success from Whirlpool and Devils Irving through Gowanda upstream
Hole State Parks. Boaters at the to the impassible dam at Springville,
mouth of the river and out on the there just are not as many trout.
Jim Markham, senior aquatic
biologist at the Lake Erie Unit
in Dunkirk, notes that stocking
numbers remain the same. He
added that if anything, some spring
stocking programs may see a few
extra browns added.
Boaters caught fewer trout while
trolling open waters for walleyes off
Cattaraugus Creek and Barcelona
Harbor. A nasty summer rainstorm
two years ago changed much of the
creek’s pools, oxbows, and riffle
sites along this largest feeder stream
entering Lake Erie in New York
State waters.
Other feeders such as Eighteen
Mile Creek, Canadaway Creek and
Chautauqua Creek all saw a slight
drop in rainbow numbers, but not as
sharp as the Cattaraugus Creek.
Perch fishing on Lake Simcoe
produced large fish in abundant
numbers along the northern
shoreline from Virginia Beach
around the Pefferlaw River to well
past Brewerton. It is predicted that
the ice fishing season should be
good.
For a good time on Lake Erie,
key in on any of the big three:
Walleye, perch and bass. Walleye
tourney numbers were high, perch
schools held steadily in deeper
waters, and bass offered a seasonlong session of rod bending. The
Southdown’s Walleye Association
Annual Tournament saw record
numbers for walleye weights. The
winning walleye was 11.72 pounds;
the tenth place walleye weighed in
at 10.7 pounds. The winning team
in the Cystic Fibrosis Bass/walleye
Tournament caught and released 23
keeper-sized walleyes; dozens of
bass were also caught during less
than eight hours of fishing out of
Buffalo Harbor. Record numbers
also came in for the Canadian-based
444 Tournament and the Annual
Northern Chautauqua Conservation
Club Walleye Derby.
Perch remains the mainstay for total
boat hulls hauled into Erie waters.
From the head of the Niagara River
to the drop-off ledges well west of
Barcelona Harbor, the deep-water
perch bite continued throughout the
summer season, with nicer peaks
during the spring and fall.
the decrease are lake trout. There
are several factors that have or are
contributing to the decline in rainbow
numbers, but predation from lake
trout is considered a major factor. No
changes in daily limits of lake trout
and rainbow trout were made for
the Eastern Finger Lakes, (Cayuga
Lake and east). However, there may
Smallmouth bass continue to be be some in the future. DEC Region
the all-season source for pure fishing 7 Fisheries staff did not want to go
fun. Boaters out of Buffalo Harbor to a one rainbow daily limit, but
could find smallies around rock piles probably would have went to a two
from the statewide season opener fish daily limit. They did agree with
until the closer on Nov. 30. A special the increase in the lake trout daily
trophy season – mainly catch-and- limit and also blame lakers for the
release – offers anglers the option decrease in the rainbow fisheries.
to keep one measuring 20 inches or For more on this subject, check my
more from the first Saturday in May
article in the spring issue of Lake
until the statewide opener. When
Ontario Outdoors.
Erie’s ice cover melts early, the bass
bite can be explosive.
Seneca and Cayuga Lakes offered
anglers a banner year for large pan
Upper Niagara River
Broderick Park offers shore anglers fish and perch from early spring to
now only perch fishing, but emerald mid-summer.
shiners can be dipped at the site and
are the best bite for perch. Anglers
can also catch trout from the park,
as well as along Bird Island Pier
and the northern tip of Squaw Island
drifting egg sacs or casting spoons.
Anglers are catching large perch
in Seneca Lake at 40 to 60 feet of
water, but not on a regular basis.
Reports are that the perch are hitting
every three to four days. Perch
fishermen and women are having
better success in 20 feet of water
Cautauqua Lake
Until it freezes over, Chautauqua south of the pier at the north end of
Lake offers boaters good perch Seneca Lake and in 40 feet of water
fishing opportunities near shore in south of Roy’s Marina on the west
8 to 16 feet of water. Anglers were side of the lake. Brown and Atlantic
previously taking some walleyes salmon are hitting spoons fished
below 20 to 25 foot in the deep from the surface down to about 80
holes of the north basin vertically feet.
jigging.
Perch are being caught off Cayuga
Finger Lakes Fishing
Lake State Park on Cayuga Lake
There was a major change in the and on the east side of the railroad
rainbow and lake trout daily limits underpass at the north end of the
on the Western Finger Lakes (Seneca lake. Trout and salmon fishing off
Lake and west) this year. The rainbow of Taughannock State Park has been
trout daily limit was reduced from extremely poor.
five to one on the lakes and three to
one in the tributaries; while the lake
Big Game
trout limit was increased from three
It will be several weeks before DEC
to five. According to DEC Region has this year’s deer take numbers out
8 Fisheries staff, rainbow numbers and it will be interesting to see what
are down and the chief culprit for they are in Central and Western New
York. Depending on who you talk
to, the deer take was feast or famine.
Based on initial information from
DEC, taxidermists, sporting clubs
and sporting good stores there were
more buck taken with large racks,
but fewer deer taken. Chris Kenyon
had numerous photos of buck taken
by local big game hunters with large
racks in the Finger Lakes Times.
Enforcement Chief’s Association
meeting in New Jersey this Fall
and missed the first two days of
the archery season. Arriving at
my woods on the third day, I was
stunned. Both the soybeans and
corn had been harvested! These
fields are farmed by two different
farmers and one never harvests his
crops until after the deer season.
Not this year! I found out that each
Hunters that did not have a field was harvested the first day of
successful deer hunting year blame the archery season. After these fields
the weather for their empty freezers were harvested, the deer completely
– too hot, too windy, too much rain. changed their feeding habits which
Several hunters complained that did not include walking by my
after the archery season deer were blind. Lesson: You can not control
difficult to find.
all factors when hunting, therefore
you should have a plan B.
However, some hunters had a good
year like J. Michael Kelly who
I sat in my blind most of the archery
filled his freezers, but others like the season and did see a few deer. But,
Brewer’s will have to rely on road only one time were they close
kills. My two sons and I ended the enough to get a shot and I blew it.
big game season “deerless”, which Those of you that went to the Fall
really bothered me until I heard that conference received a box of deer
our own Ed Noonan did not get a hunting items from Quaker Boy;
deer this year, something unheard calls and scents. Well, I sprayed one
of!
of these scents around my blind and
did not realize it until it was too late
I own a 17 acre field with a two acre that one of those bottles was coyote
woodlot which borders a 10 acre urine, not doe urine. That afternoon,
pine plantation. The pines border a seven doe started across the open
couple hundred acre brush lot, all of field about 20 to 30 yards from my
which is bordered by fields planted blind, when they picked up on that
with soybeans and corn. On the scent and they made a 90 degree turn
south end of my woods is an open and walked right up to my blind; one
field below the pines, then a soybean doe was less than 10 yards away.
field, a hedgerow and a corn field. Her head was up and her nostrils
My deer blind is on the edge of the were flaring trying to locate the
woodlot that borders the open field. coyote; the other does were behind
Yes! I have two food plots next to her in a semi-circle also staring
my blind. What else could I ask for? at my blind and sniffing. I did not
During a normal year, the deer bed have a shot and decided that when
in the pines and cross the open field the closer doe turned broadside I
to the beans and/or corn.
would take one. But, they all turned
at once and bolted back to the pines
Sounds like a perfect set up, but before I could pull the bow string
things can happen. I will share the back. Lesson: read the label on your
lessons the Brewer family learned bottle of scent before using it.
from this big game season. The first
problem that really put a damper
My son Doug is my hunting and
on our season was the premature fishing partner and really enjoys
removal of our food plots. I attended the outdoors. He hunted from a tent
the Northeast Conservation Law blind in one corner of my woods.
After a few days of high winds, I
asked Doug to check his blind and
make sure it was secure which he
“thought” he did. One afternoon
during the archery season, he had a
four pointer walk up a trail that ran
15 yards from his blind. At about 40
yards out, the buck bedded down,
but Doug knew the buck would
eventually walk within 15 yards of
him. We were experiencing some
high gusts of winds that day and as
Doug waited patiently for the buck
to get up and move closer a gust of
wind picked Doug’s tent blind up and
blew it over. Doug was now sitting
in his chair in the open and the buck
saw him and took off. Lesson: make
sure you double check your blind
each time you use it and don’t chalk
up to your memory that “you’re sure
you did”.
My oldest son, Don, does not
hunt or fish as much as his younger
brother. The first time he hunted, we
were spring gobbler hunting near
Albany. I fell asleep when a big
Tom turkey came within a few feet
of us and by the time Don woke me
up to make sure he could shoot, the
Tom was out of range. Before his
first deer hunt I told him that he had
to be patient and it could take hours
and even days before he saw a deer.
We sat in a corner of my woods on
his first open day hunt and he just
finished loading his Remington
1100 when he whispered “deer”.
Two large doe walked within 20
yards and he dropped one with one
shot.
He looked at me and said, “did not
take me as long as it takes you, did
it?” This year he hunted in the blind
with me and sure enough we were
there 15 minutes and two doe walked
into the woodlot. My woodlot is
very open, except for one small area
that has brush. Before Don took his
shot at one of the doe, I told him
that he might want to wait until the
deer moved into a more open area.
He said that he had a clear shot and
could not see any brush in the way
and he fired. He missed! He took
out a two inch hickory tree. Lesson:
I wanted to say “you should have
listened to the ole man,” but like
most of us you often have to learn.
The fact is that scopes will focus
through objects making it look like
you have a clear shot when in fact
you do not.
while on the job, but never in the
Q-area. This area was surrounded
by 60,000 volts of high wire electric
fence and was the storage facility
for the nukes.
At least one hour before sunrise the
crow commanders are in the field
setting out crow decoys in the field
and high in the nearby trees using
long specially made poles. Two
different electronic calls are placed
The former depot has both military among the decoys, each operated
and wildlife resources which the with a remote from the blind.
Seneca White Deer organization
wants to turn into a world class Once the crows start coming in, it is
tourism attraction. The organization fast and furious with crows actually
Whether or not when we brought believes the attraction would not diving in the decoys. Last hunt the
home venison, I got to deer hunt only generate jobs and revenue, three of us ran out of shells, which
with my two sons which makes any but continue to protect and manage was about two boxes of 7 1/2s each.
season memorable.
the world’s largest herd of white, If you like to wing shoot, this is a
whitetail deer. As efforts by other type of hunt you should try.
Deer Hunting Could Be Worse agencies to develop portions of
On his annual deer hunt in the depot move forward, Seneca
For those of you that do not want
Northeast Kansas, Sal Carlomagno White Deer is advocating that all the crows to go to waste, I filleted a
had to settle on a smaller buck development be well balanced. There few after our first hunt and tried two
than he usually harvested. The area are certain parts of the depot which recipes. One was no good, but the
he was hunting has an estimated are better suited for commercial other had my wife and son eating
50 percent deer mortality from businesses and a significant part crow breasts until I told them what
hemorrhagic disease which resulted (several thousands of acres) is better they were. I soaked the breast fillets
in very few deer sightings and many suited for tourism.
in salt water over night, rinsed them
“found” dead buck carcasses. The
and soaked them in just plain water
farm hands running the combines The organization is seeking the second night. I drained them,
were finding all kinds of deer racks. donations and has a web site: www. used the Swiss steak side of my meat
Let’s hope we never have to deal senecawhitedeer.org.
mallet to pound them to an even
with this in New York.
one-quarter inch thickness, rolled
Crow Commanders
them in Uncle Bucks fish batter I
Seneca White Deer, Inc.
I was invited to hunt crows with buy at Bass Pro and sautéed them
Dennis Money, President of two friends that are truly crow in onion and garlic. A little advice,
Seneca White Deer, reports that the hunting fanatics. They scout for if you do cook crow for your friends
organization had a very rewarding crows daily looking for flyways and or family, tell them they are eating
year in 2012. Three weekends when they find one and can obtain some kind of duck. My wife is still
of tours of the Q-area of the permission from the landowner; the not talking to me after I informed her
former Seneca Army Depot were hunt is on. First, they set up a blind that she ate crow! You will find this
conducted this October. A total of a day or two in advance. Crows recipe in the second edition of my
1500 individuals, including yours are the most wary organism alive fish and game cookbook, “Enjoying
truly, experienced the history of the making them very difficult to decoy Nature’s Bounty II” coming soon.
former depot. For me it was a thrill. unless you are totally concealed and
I had patrolled in much of the depot there is absolutely no movement.
Who Is Doing What
Roger Fulton: One of our own
writers has recently relocated to
Central New York. Roger Fulton has
hiked, biked and paddled his way
through the 1000 Islands, the Lake
George Region and the Saratoga
Springs Region. He has written well
known outdoor trail guide books
for those areas known as “Outdoor
Skulls of deer collected by combine operators that died of
books for ordinary people.”
hemorrhagic disease in an area in Kansas. It is estimated that the
According to Roger his recent move
disease took 50 percent of the population in this area. Could this
to Cortland will spark a new set of
happen here?
regional guide books for
the Finger Lakes Region as
he hikes, bikes and paddles
his way throughout Central
New York. He expects to
be quite busy exploring the
entire region for several
years hiking, biking and
kayaking,” he told us in a
recent press release. The
former New York State
Trooper claims he does
not write about anything
that he does not actually
physically go out and do. In
addition to his trail guides
he also conducts tours and
PowerPoint presentations
on outdoor topics such as
Safe in the Woods and other
outdoor topics. Most are
free to interested non-profit
organizations
by excessive phosphorus
in the lake. This TMDL
provides a specific program
to improve the lake’s
quality.
The “bloater” fish, a
deepwater Cisco, was reintroduced into Lake Ontario
offshore of Oswego by DEC
and other partner agencies.
The re-introduction brings
the fish back to the lake
for the first time in nearly
thirty years; the last known
fish was collected in 1983.
According to DEC this
program will improve food
web stability and mitigate
negative
impacts
of
invasive species, as well as
require a long-term stocking
program.
The results of a morning's hunt with the Crow
In
a
collaborative
Roger’s programs and Commanders.
effort to restore Gilt
currently published titles
Darter populations in the
DEC Actions
are on his webpage at: www.
Allegheny
River Watershed, the
New York’s waters and the Great
RogerFulton.com, or you can Lakes will be better protected by DEC and partner agencies released
contact him personally at: Roger@ regulations requiring a state permit approximately 1,200 Gilt Darter
RogerFulton.com.
for the withdrawal of large volumes (Percina evides) juveniles into the
of the state’s water. DEC has Allegheny River and Oswayo Creek
J. Michael Kelly: Mike is currently finalized these regulations, and they in Cattaraugus County in western
writing a book Fishing the Finger will be effective April 13, 2013. The New York. DEC’s goal is to restore
Lakes Region.
regulations limit water withdrawals the Gilt Darter to its historic range
greater than 100,000 gallons per day and help increase the diversity of
Bob Elinskas: Bob’s latest and expand the water withdrawal the aquatic ecosystem.
book, Adirondack Hunters and permitting program to include
DEC and other agencies are
Trappers”came out on June 27th withdrawals for purposes beyond stocking
lake
herring
into
of this year, its 231 pages and public water supply, such as those Irondequoit Bay on Lake Ontario.
published in full color, except many for commercial, manufacturing and Until the mid 1950s, Lake Ontario
industrial activities.
vintage photos.
was home to a diverse group of
whitefish that included as many as
DEC has submitted its proposal to seven species that occupied varying
John Punola: John has invited
NYSOWA members to come the U.S. Environmental Protection depths of the lake. Only three
and enjoy the Sportsmen’s Expo Agency for limiting the amount species are known to remain, the
February 9 and 10, 2013 (hours of phosphorus discharged into lake whitefish, round whitefish and
are 9am to 5pm) he runs each year Chautauqua Lake. The proposed lake herring. The abundance and
at the PAL Building, 33 Baldwin limits are to foster compliance with distribution of these species in the
Road, Parsippany, New Jersey. It is water quality standards, known lake is now greatly reduced. DEC
mostly a fishing expo and attracts as a Total Maximum Daily Load recently announced the first rea large number of visitors. Anyone (TMDL), required under the Federal introduction of the bloater, a deep
Clean Water Act. Chautauqua water form of whitefish, into Lake
with books or fishing merchandise,
Lake has had beach closures and
used or new, and wants to be a numerous complaints of algae Ontario. Lake herring occupy and
vendor at the expo should contact blooms, including toxic blue-green spawn in shallower water relative
to the bloater, and spawn earlier in
him at [email protected].
blooms which have been triggered winter.
Membership News
By Bill Hilts, Jr.
Niagara Falls Conference another Great One!
NYSOWA members who travelled
to Western New York Oct. 1821 to attend the 45th Anniversary
Conference had plenty to write
about as the Niagara Tourism and
Convention Corporation rolled out
the red carpet for the media mavens.
But it wasn’t just the tourism agency
that opened their arms for the group
– it was everyone from the excellent
staff at Four Points by Sheraton on
the Niagara River to Mother Nature
herself as she blessed the area with
good weather for most of the time.
Thursday night was a meet and
greet reception sponsored by
NTCC and the Niagara Wine Trail,
a perfect combination for a WNY
welcome. The writers were given
their assignments for the next two
days and the ladies were given final
options for spouse tours. The weather
for Friday had changed and they were
forecasting a beautiful fall day!
For those writers fishing the upper
Niagara River, all the boats launched
nearby and picked the writers up
dockside at the hotel. How cool was
that! Imagine the look on the faces of
Glenn Sapir and Allen Benas when
they found out that they were the last
anglers out … because they were
waiting for their guide at the front
door of the hotel.
“Your captain is waiting in his boat
on the water!” Guess they didn’t
get the memo. The fishing helped
to make up for the slight delay in
getting out as they reeled in more
than 20 smallmouth bass. Similar
success was enjoyed by many of
the other upper river casters.
In the lower river, it was mostly
trout – steelhead, browns and
lakers – for drifters fishing with
area guides like Capt. Ernie
Calandrelli and Capt. Joe Marra.
No, they didn’t get picked up at the
hotel because of a 175 foot drop in
the water level. Capt. Dan Evans
was guiding a trio of writers to 18
Mile Creek and Burt Dam, a fall
hotspot for both salmon and trout.
They hooked up with more than
20 fish for the morning. No, they
didn’t land that many … hooked
up – Dave Barus, Spider and Sue
Bookhout, with a special lesson on
center pin fishing.
A bevy of pheasant hunters took
advantage of the bird chasing at
Tails and Feathers Bird Hunting
Preserve in Newfane. Mike Kelly,
Leon Archer, Deb and John Brosen,
as well as supporting members
Frank Devlin and Heather Bennett
from Otis Technology all enjoyed
some shooting action.
On Saturday morning, the forecast
did not look good. We had two boats
cancel out for musky fishing due to
boat maintenance issues. Another
bass guy cancelled, too. But it’s
funny how things seem to fall into
place when a situation appears
dire. Capt. Chris Cinelli, who had
been hot on musky and was booked
for the remainder of the fall, had
a cancellation – his customer for
Saturday morning came down with
pneumonia. That was lucky for Kelly,
Mike Seymour and Wayne Brewer.
Brewer reeled in two muskellunge –
42 and 36 inches – and Kelly added
a 35 inch fish. Seymour also had a
Even the hunters got into the act. big one that he lost next to the boat.
Dan Ladd spotted a piebald buck That was four muskies in an hour!
from his hunting spot in Eastern
Niagara County, managing to grab Frank and Melody Tennity were
a few pictures of the rare sight. The supposed to fish with a local bass pro,
next day, Bill Hollister glassed a but when those plans fell through,
monster buck in the distance, but they ended up spending the morning
was unable to call the trophy into with Marc Arena, proprietor of Red
shooting range.
October Bait Company. While they
didn’t catch a musky, they did learn
some new techniques and spent
a very enjoyable morning on the
water with a great fisherman. That’s
what it’s all about.
Our Hotel: Four Points Sheraton on the Niagara River
When Dave Figura missed his ride
to Olcott for a morning on the water
with Capt. Dan Evans, we needed to
shift gears and get him to Lewiston
with Capt. Matt Yablonsky. If he had
not made the last minute switch, he
would not have been able to witness
Allen Benas with a 17 pound lake
Can you see our three hardy bow
hunters?
trout – and the focus of another
story opportunity. Not too many
people realize that the Niagara
River attracts large runs of lake
trout in the fall and winter. In 2011,
the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
– charged with restoring lake trout
populations in the Great Lakes –
documented the spawning success
of lake trout in the river. This is
only the third time ever that lake
trout have successfully spawned
in a river system (the other two
were in Wisconsin in the 1940s), a
great story. So sometimes it’s just
a matter of being in the right place
at the right time.
While the fishing in the lower
river was a bit slower on Saturday,
Charles and Theresa Witek fished
with Capt. Jeff Draper in the lower
river and they, too, managed to
catch a lunker laker for pictures.
Joining on the trip was the brother
of P.J. Perea with the National
Wild Turkey Federation. PJ had
fished with Draper in 2007 when
we hosted the AGLOW/NYSOWA
conference and had told his brother
about it. His brother just happened
to be in Buffalo for work and had
hoped to get out for a half day.
Rather than tie up Draper for a
charter trip, he agreed to let him
help the writers conference … and
another boat because available.
That’s how things seemed to be
working out. I love it when a plan
comes together like that.
For those of you who didn’t make
the conference, Friday afternoon
started with an excellent lunch
hosted by the New York Power
Authority. Guest speakers were Tim
DePriest and Connie Adams with
DEC. DePriest spoke on Habitat
Improve Projects on the Niagara
River for fisheries restoration;
Adams keyed in on the revival of
peregrine falcons in the Empire
State. That information is available
on the NYPA website at www.nypa.
gov/niagara. That was followed
up with a quick tour of the brand
new Culinary Institute of Niagara
Falls. The state of the art facility,
associated with Niagara County
Community College and situated
in downtown Niagara Falls, gave
a cooking demo courtesy Chef
Patrick Rhodes. His coffee crusted
venison roast had us drooling.
Friday evening was a good oldfashioned WNY fish fry at Water
Street Landing in Lewiston. Sylvia
Hilts was about to be celebrating
her 80th birthday and little did she
realize that we had a cake prepared
for her for the special occasion.
It was also good to see long time
member Ken Sprenger on hand to
join in on the evening’s fun with his
wife Betty.
Chuck Parker, new president of
the NY State Conservation Council,
was present in an attempt to open
up
communications
channels
between NYSCC and NYSOWA. It
created some interesting dialog and
certainly initiated some positive
discussions.
The awards banquet offered up
some of the best food we’ve ever
had at a conference. The filet of
beef and pecan crusted tilapia was
outstanding; the dessert amazing. I
can’t tell you how many people came
up to comment on just the food.
You missed a good one if you didn’t
attend this most recent conference.
Of course, this is just a thumbnail
of everything that happened. There
were plenty of story opportunities,
as well as an opportunity to network
and get to know your fellow writers
and supporting members.
Thanks to all the people behind
the scenes who made this happen.
Elizabeth Davis with NTCC as cochair; Libby Woock at NTCC who
helped with the spouse tours; my
wife, Sandy, for helping whenever
we needed a hand at registration
or at the banquet. As always, the
guides did an outstanding job once
again in the fishing department.
The hunting preserves – Tail and
Feathers and 1Up Game Calls
handled the pheasants and the deer.
Arnie Jonathan and Quaker Boy
handled the woodcock hunting.
The hotel did a superb job handling
our every need and helped to make
things seamless. Next year the
conference will be in conjunction
with OWAA in Lake Placid. You
won’t want to miss that one!
View from the NYS Power Authority
More scenes from the 2012 Niagara Falls conference
More photos can be found, including the
actual Niagara Falls, at our web site:
www.nysowa.org
Membership News
By Dan Ladd
2013 Nysowa Spring Safari - Southern Washington County, NY
May 16-19, 2013
This Safari will feature traditional fly-fishing and float trips on the Batten Kill River, one of the best trout streams in
New York State. The area is located in the towns of Cambridge and Salem (among others) and nearby the Vermont
state line. Traditional anglers will have the options of guided or on-your-own fishing at many access points, including
some nearby scenic covered bridges. Two outfitters in the area (who will also provide accommodations) can offer
down-river float trips for those anglers and day-trippers who want to see more of the river and fish out-of-the-way
spots. In fact, a group trip is slated for Saturday afternoon (weather permitting).
Fishing for northern pike, bass and panfish is also available at nearby Cossayuna Lake and/or the Hudson River.
Two small canoe-access only lakes are also nearby. They are Carter’s Pond, which is stocked with Tiger Muskies and
bass while Dead Lake is a popular brook trout water. Washington County also has ample turkey hunting as well. The
chairman (Dan Ladd) will personally guide at least two hunters per day and will arrange for other hunts on nearby
public and private lands. The area is picturesque to say the least and naturally lends itself to story material for outdoor
writers. The itinerary below is subject to change and costs are being finalized at this time. Registration forms should
be available later this winter. I hope you can join us in Washington County.
Thursday, May 16:
7 p.m. Meet & Greet under the Pavilion at Batten Kill River Sports and Campground. Guides will meet with writers to make plans for
Friday morning outings.
Friday, May 17:
Morning Outings:
__Guided Turkey Hunting
__On your own turkey hunting on nearby public land
__On your own fly fishing (at advised locations) on the Batten Kill River
__On your own canoe/kayak boat fishing (boats provided) at Lake Lauderdale (Bass).Dead Lake (Brook Trout), Carter’s Pond (Tiger
Muskie)
__Guided fishing for panfish on Cossayuna Lake
Lunch: On your own, food available at cabins
3 p.m. Tour of Quality Deer Management Co-op in Easton with dinner to follow. Sponsored by the Upper Hudson River Valley branch
of QDMA.
Saturday, May 18:
Morning Outings:
__Guided Turkey Hunting
__On your own turkey hunting on nearby public land
__On your own fly fishing (at advised locations) on the Batten Kill River
__On your own canoe/kayak boat fishing (boats provided) at Lake Lauderdale Pond (Tiger Muskie)
__Guided fishing for panfish on Cossayuna Lake
(Bass),Dead Lake (Brook Trout),
Carter’s
Lunch: On your own, food available at cabins
1 p.m. - Group canoe and fishing trip on the Batten Kill River (Sponsored by Batten Kill Valley Outdoors & Batten Kill River Sports
and Campground)
5 p.m. - Dinner at Batten Kill Valley Outdoors or Lake Lauderdale Park (Sponsorship pending by Washington County Tourism).
Evening campfire with live entertainment
Sunday, May 19
-Departure
Membership News
By Glenn Sapir
NYSOWA to Join Forces with OWAA for Lake Placid Conference
Selection of New York site in September provides rare opportunity
The stars have lined up
extraordinarily well to allow
NYSOWA to join forces with the
Outdoor Writers Association of
America (OWAA) and merge our
Fall ’13 Conferences.
Friday evening, Sept. 13, through
Monday evening, Sept. 16, we will
have the opportunity to rub elbows
with communicators from around the
country. With OWAA’s resources, a
tremendous lineup of professional
sessions can be expected, led by
OWAA traditionally held its speakers whom NYSOWA could
conference in late spring. NYSOWA unlikely attract or afford on our
typically holds ours in the fall. own.
OWAA moves its conference around
the country. Last year it was in
All NYSOWAmembers will receive
Alaska, the year before in Utah. In announcements on registration and
2013, however, the national outdoor other conference news, and a place on
communicators’ organization is the registration form will allow you
making Lake Placid its meeting site to identify yourself as an NYSOWA
and September its meeting month. member. OWAA had reserved blocs
The national organization has of rooms in several hotels/motels,
extended an invitation to NYSOWA and we have selected Best Western
members to attend. It is only the for our lodging. This will allow us
second time OWAA has met in the convenience of being right across
New York State since I joined that from the Convention Center, where
organization in 1975, so you can see most of the action takes place, and
how rare an occasion it is.
the comfort of all being together.
meeting, to be held on Monday
from 9:15 to 11:15 a.m.
The conference will be different
than our typical NYSOWA
Conference. It will cost you more,
but it will give you the opportunity
to enjoy all of the benefits of a
national organization’s gathering.
Outdoor activities occur before and
after the conference, not during,
as is the case with our typical
conferences.
Our
supporting
members will be able to reach
hundreds of communicators, and
breakout day will involve many
more exhibitors than we usually
see at our NYSOWA conferences.
Unfortunately, Yom Kippur runs
from Friday evening, Sept. 13,
through Saturday evening, Sept.
14, so you may have a choice to
make. I’ll be coming up on Sunday
morning. I wouldn’t miss this rare
opportunity for the world.
Your Board of Directors decided A special offer is that, while
So, pencil in Sept. 13-16 for
not to simply promote OWAA’s membership in OWAA is no the combined NYSOWA-OWAA
invitation, but, instead, make its obligation, if you are interested in Conference. I’ll see you there.
conference our conference. So, from becoming a member, you can apply
$75 of the conference registration
toward
your
membership
application!
We will follow the unified
conference program, which allows
us choices of workshops and other
activities. However, our Board of
Directors meeting will take place on
Friday from 1:30 to 3 p.m. We will
combine our awards presentation
with our general membership
Membership News
LIOCN Youth Writing Contest
Long Island, New York - The Long Island Outdoor Communicators Network (LIOCN), in cooperation with On
The Water Magazine and Television (OTW) and the Coastal Conservation Association (CCA), announces winners of the 2012 LIOCN Youth Writing Contest.
The contest recognized excellence in writing among school students in grades 1 through 12 whose essays
focused on three themes: What Fishing Means To Me; My Favorite Fishing Story; and How My Generation Can
Help the World's Fish Populations. From among several hundred essay submissions four category first place
winners were selected by a panel of judges comprised of distinguished educators, editors and award winning
writers and book authors.
The contest category winners are:
Grades 1-3 - Frankie Carroll (Minnesauke Elementary School, East Setauket, New York);
Grades 4-6 - Patryk Szustka (PS 170. Brooklyn, New York); Grades 7-9 - Claudia Motley
(Copiague Middle School, Copiague, New York); Grades 9-12 - Lindsey McErlean
(St John The Baptist Diocesan HS, West Islip, New York).
According to Angelo Peluso, Contest Coordinator: "The essays were well written, entertaining to read and
brought back great memories of why so many of us have grown to love fishing and the traditional outdoor
sports. There is a great crop of new anglers budding from among the next generation. I felt privileged to read all
their stories and to share in their experiences."
Contest prizes were graciously donated by a number of leading recreational industry companies: Albright Fly
Fishing; Temple Fork Outfitters; Shimano, Cortland Line Company and Rapala. An awards ceremony is being
planned for early 2013 to coincide with a photo exhibit and outdoor show that will feature work of Long Island
Outdoor Communicators Network.
The Long Island Outdoor Communicators Network is a group of dedicated and professional outdoor journalists, editors, book authors, photographers, lecturers and videographers whose mission is to promote a better
understanding of and appreciation for traditional outdoors sports and to pass on outdoors skills to the next generation. On The Water is the flagship publication of On The Water magazine and Television, and is a highly respected and widely-read regional fishing magazine with readership throughout the entire Northeast. The Coastal
Conservation Association New York advises and educates the public on conservation of marine resources and
works to conserve, promote and enhance the present and future availability of these coastal resources for the
benefit and enjoyment of the general public.
Requests for additional information about the contest should be directed to the Writing Contest Coordinator at:
[email protected].
NYSOHOF Seeks Nominees
The New York State Outdoorsmen Hall of Fame is seeking nominations for individuals for induction into the
Hall of Fame. Inductees will be honored for their efforts and accomplishments at the annual banquet on April
27, 2013. Men and women chosen for this honor are selected on the basis of long term service to the causes of
conservation and preserving or enhancing the heritage of outdoor sports, including hunting, fishing, and trapping.
Individuals may be nominated by anyone. The nomination form is available on the web site www.nysohof.org
or by contacting Scott Faulkner, president, at (315) 829-3588 or [email protected].
Supplemental information and letters of recommendation should be attached to the form. Completed forms
should be sent to NYSOHOF, PO Box 605, Poland, NY 13431 or electronically to [email protected] by
the deadline of January 31, 2013.
Membership News
Outdoor News Editor Steve Piatt Wins
Professional Communications Award
NYSOWA’s Steve Piatt, editor of the popular New York Outdoor News, was recognized at recent New York
State Council of Trout Unlimited General Meeting for his outstanding contributions to sportsmen and conservationists, and proclaimed the winner of the 2012 Professional Communications Award. This yearly award is
reserved for journalists who have made major contributions to New York’s sportsmen and women.
Editor of the New York Outdoors News since its founding in 2004, Piatt was cited for his exemplary service,
integrity and leadership in bringing current news of the outdoors to a wide audience in New York and neighboring states. With a circulation of over 33,000, the Outdoor News has grown to become the premier news source
for outdoor recreation in the region.
Trout Unlimited Council Immediate Past Chair Dee Maciejewski noted that the paper plays an important role
in the legislative halls in Albany, where its consistent support of outdoors activities and conservation has been a
significant voice for sportsmen and women.
Walter Trzcienski, President of the Lake Champlain Trout Unlimited chapter that sponsored Piatt for the
award, said “Steve has been a constant spokesman for the best in outdoor interests, be it fishing, hunting or
other things we do in New York. All sportsmen join me in congratulating him on this achievement.”
Steve Piatt (center) on a turkey hunt with Bill Hollister
and Glenn Sapir at the 2006 NYSOWA Fall Conference
chaired by Steve and Paula Piatt in Plattsburgh, NY
New book from the editor of the
Surfcaster’s Journal Magazine, Zeno Hromin
Click here:
http://surfcastersgear.com/HOOKED-Fishing-Stories-from-the-Surf-Zeno-Hromin-hooked.htm?utm_
source=HOOKED&utm_campaign=hooked&utm_medium=email
Membership News
Glenn Sapir
New York State Outdoor Writers Association Announces
Writing, Photography Awards
Niagara Falls, Niagara County, N.Y.—The New York State Outdoor Writers Association presented the winners of
its annual writing and photography recognition program with carved duck decoy first-place awards and second- and
third-place certificates and cash awards at the annual banquet of the organization at the Four Points by Sheraton in
Niagara Falls, N.Y on Saturday evening, Oct. 20.
The organization of 100 active members—professional communicators—and several dozen supporting members
from the outdoor and travel industry—gathered in Niagara County Oct. 18-21 for its annual conference. The
Excellence in Craft writing competition and Janice M. Keesler Memorial Photo Contest, co-sponsored by Ducks
Unlimited, The Sportsman Channel and Redding Reloading Equipment, were judged by respected professionals of
national repute from outside the organization.
“Our judges commented on the professionalism of the entries,” said Leon Archer, chair and administrator of the
Excellence in Craft program. “Some even said they were honored to have participated.”
The photo competition was administered by Bridget Keesler, daughter of the namesake of the photo competition,
who played a major role in initiating and administering the photo awards program in its earliest days. The Excellence
in Craft writing recognition program was administered by Archer of Fulton, who was elected NYSOWA’s president
at the conference.
First-place winners in the writing competition for articles published in 2011 were: Newspaper Feature—David
Figura, Skaneateles, for “Tree-stand Texter,” in the Oct. 28 Post Standard; Magazine Feature—Angelo Peluso,
Port Jefferson, for “Long Island’s Secret Steelhead,” in the June On The Water; Magazine Column—Leo Maloney,
Sherrill, for “Adirondack Whitetails,” in Spring North American Whitetail; Newspaper Column—David Figura,
Skaneateles, for “Lion Dung Keeps Bunnies at Bay,” in the July 15 Post Standard Oneida Daily Dispatch; and
Online Publication—Angelo Peluso, for “Fishing and the Outdoors: Long Island’s backyard wildlife” in the Dec.
21 northshoreoflongisland.com.
In the photo competition, first-place winners were: Hunting and Fishing—Angelo Peluso, Port Jefferson; Outdoor
Scenic—Michael Sargent, Middleport; Outdoor Recreation—Leo Maloney, Sherrill; Published Photograph—Oak
Duke, Wellsville; and Wildlife, Mike Lynch, Saranac Lake.
A complete list of first- to third-place finishers follows:
Excellence in Craft writing competition winners: Newspaper Feature--1. David Figura, "Tree-stand Texter,"
Post-Standard -- Oct. 28; 2. Mike Lynch, "Legendary Guide Jim Goodwin Dies at 101," Adirondack Daily Enterprise
– April 11; 3. David Figura "Nature’s ‘B’ Menu," Post Standard – Sept. 16. Magazine Feature—1. Angelo Peluso,
"Long Island’s Secret Steelhead," On The Water – Oct.; 2. Angelo Peluso, "Arti-fish-ial Intelligence," Tide – MayJune; 3. Mike Kelly, "Are New York’s Famous Trout Streams as Good as Advertised?" New York Game and Fish –
June. Newspaper Column: 1. David Figura, "Lion Dung Keeps Bunnies at Bay," Post-Standard – July 15; 2. Angelo
Peluso, “That’s One Tenacious Spider,” Times Beacon Record -- Sept. 15; 3. Leon Archer, "My Old Friend," Oswego
County Weeklies – Oct. 14. Magazine Column: 1.Leo Maloney, “Adirondack Whitetails,” North American Whitetail
– Spring; 2. Tom Schlichter, “There’s More to Being a Mate,” The Fisherman -- June 23; 3. Fred Golofaro, “In the
Heat of the Night,” The Fisherman – July 21;. Online Publication: 1. Angelo Peluso, “Fishing and the Outdoors:
Long Island’s Backyard Wildlife” northshoreoflongisland.com -- Dec. 21; 2. Bill Hilts, Jr., “A Rendezvous with
Shooting and History,” nssf.org – Sept. 26; 3. Bill Hilts, Jr., “4-H Shooting Sports Program Takes Aim on Future,”
nssf.org – May 31.
Janice M. Keesler Memorial Photo Competition winners: Hunting and Fishing: 1. Angelo Peluso; 2. Bill Hollister,
3. Chris Kenyon. Outdoor Scenic: 1. Michael Sargent; 2. Mike Lynch; 3. Paul Schnell. Outdoor Recreation: 1. Leo
Maloney; 2. Chris Kenyon; 3. Dan Ladd. Published: 1. Oak Duke; 2. Angelo Peluso; 3. Bill Hollister; Wildlife: 1.
Mike Lynch; 2. Michael Sargent; 3. Angelo Peluso.
Membership News
Leo Maloney
Ron Kolodziej Receives Pass It On Award
New York State Outdoor Writers’ Association and Bass Pro Shops Honor
Kolodziej for Continuing Efforts
The New York State Outdoor Writers’ Association (NYSOWA) announced that Ron Kolodziej was this year’s
recipient of the Pass It On Award at the organization’s annual conference in Niagara Falls, NY on October 21,
2012. This award is sponsored jointly by NYSOWA and Bass Pro Shops.
To stress the importance of passing on our outdoor heritage to others, Bass Pro Shops sponsors this annual
award and donates $300 to the scholarship fund of NYSOWA in the name of the recipient. A committee solicits
nominations and chooses the writer who is most deserving of this award.
Both NYSOWA and Bass Pro Shops realize that passing on our outdoor heritage is vital if we are to keep alive
the ethics of conservation and the enjoyment of natural resources and outdoor sports. This can be accomplished
in many forms including youth activities, education, publicity, and mentoring.
Ron Kolodziej of Fonda, NY has been an instructor in hunter education and bow hunter education for many
years. Many of his former students have gone on to become instructors or become involved in youth activities
themselves. He was one of the key founders, and has a long time involvement in the Reids Hills Fish & Game
Club kids fishing program.
He has been a long time outdoor columnist in the “Amsterdam Recorder”, “Hamilton County Express”, and
the” Sacandaga Express” and for many years was a regional editor for the “New York Sportsman” magazine.
His writing in the Amsterdam papers and “New York Sportsman” magazine educated people on where and how
to pursue outdoor sports. His writing in the above publications also stressed the importance of ethics, sportsmanship, and conservation.
Ron has been an active member and past president of the New York State Outdoor Writers’ Association and is
an inductee in the New York State Outdoorsmen Hall of Fame.
Membership News
Leo Maloney
Ed Feldmann honored with NYSOWA M. Paul Keesler
New York Outdoor Citizen Award
New York State Outdoor Writers’ Association honors Adirondack resident
for service as conservationist on behalf of loons
The late Ed Feldmann was named as the recipient of the New York State Outdoor Writers’ Association M. Paul
Keesler New York Outdoor Citizen Award at the communicator association’s awards banquet on Saturday, October 21, in Niagara Falls., during its annual conference. Feldmann was recognized for his outstanding efforts on
creating awareness and significant achievement as an ambassador for New York’s outdoors.
The award was created in the name of one of NYSOWA’s most beloved and active members, M. Paul Keesler,
the deceased co-founder of “New York Sportsman” magazine. Keesler, through his writing and publishing efforts, spent nearly five decades promoting and conserving the outdoor wonders and recreational opportunities
within New York State. The award recognizes an individual or organization that effectively has raised the public’s awareness of outdoor recreational opportunities and conservation issues in the state. Nominations could be
made by the public, as well as by NYSOWA members.
Ed Feldmann was the essence of what the NYSOWA M. Paul Keesler New York Outdoor Citizen Award represents. As both a public affairs officer for the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s
Division of Fish, Wildlife and Marine Resources and as a professional broadcaster and writer on hunting, fishing and conservation, he was truly an ambassador for New York’s outdoors.
Ed developed personal relationships with communicators and delivered in a timely and thorough manner the
information they needed for their work communicating on New York’s outdoor treasures and challenges. It was
not only professional communicators, however, with whom he worked. To see Ed at the DEC booth at the several consumer sportsman’s shows at which it exhibited was to watch a true ambassador. He was knowledgeable
of the state’s outdoor treasures and he was quick to discuss them with everyone and encourage them to enjoy
New York’s outdoor resources.
Ed also hosted a long-running radio show in the Capital District on Sunday mornings. Here he could alert
people to opportunities and issues and answer their questions. Through his regularly appearing articles in The
New York Sportsman Magazine and Outdoor Bytes, he reached people through a traditional magazine and a
new-age electronic publication.
Membership News
Glenn Sapir
NYSOWA Eic Writing Award, Janice M. Keesler Memorial Photo
Award Entries Submision Deadline Is May 1, 2013
EIC Writing Awards Program
The five categories for 2013 remain the same as they were in 2012: Magazine Column, Magazine Feature,
Newspaper Column, Newspaper Feature, and Online Publication.
SUBMISSIONS: If you can do so, please send your entries in a PDF, or pasted to an email. Send to Glenn Sapir, the EIC chairman, at [email protected]. Also send an entry form with your name and the titles of each of your
submissions listed under their correct categories. Each submission should include one copy plainly show the
name of the publication, date and author's name and one without that information. If you have a question about
a submission, contact Glenn at the above email address.
Those who send submissions by snail mail must send the original, intact, plus three copies that do not show the
title of the publication or author's name.
If you wish your original returned, please include an SASE with your submission. Send your submission to:
Glenn Sapir, EIC Contest, 21 Shamrock Dr., N.Y. 10579.
Winning images may be posted on the NYSOWA website and in promotional literature. Please check to see if
this is acceptable to your publisher before submitting your entry.
All writers entering the EIC Contest must include with their mailed entries, and follow up on their e-mailed
entries, a $5 check made out to NYSOWA and sent to the address above. The total entry fee is $5 no matter how
many EIC entries are submitted. Entries must be received by May 1, 2013.
Writers may submit a maximum of two articles in each category. The author must have been paid for the
articles. The articles must have been published between January 1, 2012, and December 31, 2012. All articles
must be the author’s original work.
The EIC Contest Online Category accepts any outdoor-related article, feature, column, blog post or other electronic communication as long as it was paid for and was online.
Excellence in Craft Entry Form
NOTE: THIS FORM MUST ACCOMPANY EACH ARTICLE SUBMITTED
Name­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­____________________________________
Address__________________________________
City, State, Zip ___________________________ Phone Number ________________________
Email Address ___________________________ EIC Category _________________________
DON’T FORGET:
Entries are to be mailed to the EIC Writing Awards,, c/o Glenn Sapir, 21 Shamrock Dr., Putnam Valley, NY
10579. Digital entries may be submitted to Glenn Sapir at [email protected]. A $5 check or money order payable to NYSOWA must be submitted to Glenn at the above address at the time of submission. One $5 fee covers all EIC writing contest submissions.
Submissions must be received by May 1, 2013.
Note: Submission to this contest automatically allows NYSOWA to republish winning articles on its website
and in promotional literature unless otherwise noted on entry form.
Janice M. Keesler Memorial Photo Awards Program
Please note: Digital submissions are encouraged as this facilitates the judging process and, likely, makes it
easier and less expensive for those entering the competition. However, prints are still accepted as entries. Do not
send any emailed photos that are greater than 10 megabytes. Separate your submissions into several emails if
necessary.
I. Only members in good standing are eligible. The chairman of the Janice Keesler Memorial Photo Awards
Committee, however, shall not be eligible to enter.
2. Prints are to be submitted as either 8x10s or 8x12s with an entry form included with each photo submitted. A
maximum of two photos per category may be entered. Submissions must be received by May 1, 2013, accompanied by a one-time submission fee of $5 in check form, payable to NYSOWA. Late entries will be disqualified.
Entries should have the photo category indicated on the back of the photo. No name, title or caption should be
provided. Chairman will assign a number to each photo and keep a record of photographer and photo number
separate from the photos.
3. Each photo can only be submitted to one category. Photos from previous contests may be resubmitted if they
did not place (1st, 2nd or 3rd).
4. All categories will be judged prior to the Annual Conference, and awards will be made at the Conference.
5. The following are the categories for the contest:
a. Hunting/Fishing -Hunting/fishing photographs, including, hero shots, action, hunting or fishing equipment.
b. Outdoor Recreation--Outdoor-oriented recreation photographs, excluding hunting and fishing but including
boating, camping, RVs, shooting sports, hiking, skiing, windsurfing, etc.
c. Outdoor Scenic--Scenic photographs of either flora or fauna, landscapes, close-ups, panoramic. These may
include people, though the people should be part of the scene, not the subject of the photo.
d. Wildlife--Though the judges may take into consideration unusual aspects of the wildlife subject, such as size
of antlers, length of beard and length and girth of fish, primary consideration should be given to the technical
photographic aspects and general appeal of the image.
e. Published Photos--Photographs of any subject connected with the outdoors, taken in either color or black
and white, that have been published. Published may be in print or electronic media. Photos in this category may
be submitted in black and white or color. Published photos should be accompanied by a statement indicating the
publication in which the photo appeared, including the issue date. Winning images may be posted on the NYSOWA website and in promotional literature. Please check to see if this is acceptable to your publisher before
submitting your entry.
6. Categories “A” through “E” do not exclude photos taken with black-and-white film or in a color format.
7. Photo enhancement is limited to standard shooting and/or darkroom techniques, such as: color correction,
contrast control, filter use and image cropping. Digitally produced photos should not be substantially manipulated and the electronic image is limited to correction techniques as described for film.
8. All entries must be the member’s original work. If a dispute leads to a challenge, the member must defend
that image and prove it is original work. Use of royalty-free photo images of clipart is prohibited. Their use is
subject to disciplinary action by the NYSOWA Board of Directors.
9. Judges shall be recruited who preferably are associated with the outdoor industry and have a professional appreciation of the specific challenges of outdoor and wildlife photography. In the absence of judges meeting the
criterion, judges with an expertise as photographers or photo editors will be recruited. At least two people must
participate as judges, and three is preferable to minimize the possibility of ties. No minimum number of entries
must be submitted in a category to validate the judging of that category. First, second and third place prizes
must be awarded if at least three entries have been submitted. No honorable mentions will be made.
10. By entering photographs in the competition, the owners agree that NYSOWA has a one-time right to print
and publish any winning image in New York Outdoors or an NYSOWA awards publication unless the member
objects in writing when submitting the entries. Unless the copyright owner of a photograph specifically objects
in writing, NYSOWA has the right to reproduce winning images for display purposes, including display at venues selected by !be contest sponsor(s), subject to the approval of !be NYSOWA board of directors.
11. Entries are to be mailed to the Janice Keesler Memorial Photo Contest, c/o Bridget Keesler, PO Box 485,
8237 Rt. 28, Newport, NY 13416. Digital entries may be submitted to Bridget Keesler at keeslerbridget@gmail.
com.
12. To have contest entries returned, the entrant must include a stamped, self-addressed envelope with sufficient
postage. Alternatively, entries may be picked up in person at the Annual Conference. Entries not picked up after
the conference will be discarded. NYSOWA and any of its agents will use reasonable and prudent care in handling all submissions, but will not assume responsibility for any loss or damage.
Janice Keesler Memorial Photo Contest Entry Form
Note: This form must accompany each photograph submitted
Name__________________________________
Address_______________________________
City, State, Zip ___________________________ Phone Number ________________________
Email Address ___________________________ Photo Category _________________________
DON’T FORGET:
Entries are to be mailed to the Janice Keesler Memorial Photo Contest, c/o Bridget Keesler, PO Box 485, 8237
Rt. 28, Newport, NY 13416. Digital entries may be submitted to Bridget Keesler at [email protected].
A $5 check or money order payable to NYSOWA must be submitted to Bridget at the above address at the time
of submission. One $5 fee covers all photo contest submissions.
Submissions must be received by May 1, 2013.
Note: Submission to this contest automatically allows NYSOWA to republish winning images on its website
and in promotional literature unless otherwise noted on entry form
Craft Improvement
By Daphne Gray-Grant
How to write for the Internet
It's always essential to know the
challenges facing your audience. And
no where is this more important than
when you're learning how to write
for the Internet... My son is training
to become an opera singer. Last week
he had his first term recital -- he sang
Caro Mio Ben -- and as neurotically
proud parents, we were in the third
row, applauding and enthusing.
After the performance my son had
a few words with his voice teacher.
The verdict? He'd done really well,
but he sang too fast.
As soon as those words were out
of the teacher's mouth, I thought
back to my public speaking training.
"Speak so slowly you begin to fear
you might sound moronic," was
the advice I always received. Not
because I'm a particularly fast talker
-- I'm not -- but because everyone
speeds up in front of an audience.
It may seem like a stretch, but this
music-making,
public-speaking
advice, also applies to writing for the
web. People frequently ask me how
they should write for the Internet.
I always respond: speak slowly so
your readers can understand you.
In writing terms, this means
focusing on being as easy to read
as possible. This is because people
read differently at their computers
than they do when faced with any
printed document.
You may not always be conscious
of it but when we're reading at our
computers, a light is shining in our
eyes... This is the backlighting from
the screen and we usually don't
notice it -- except if we're sitting on
a beach in the sunshine and suddenly
discover we can't read at all.
But there are other challenges
with computers. The typefaces we
like on paper often don't work on
screen. Each letter is represented
by square pixels on a grid rather •Use a full line of blank space
than by lines of ink on paper. This between paragraphs, rather than
makes them harder to read. As well, just an indent key.
our computers have less control over
spacing, hyphenation, justification •Use subheads or small amounts
and column width.
of boldface type to give readers
plenty of entry points. Use bullets
Furthermore, the width of a for the same reason.
standard column on the Internet is
often too wide for the human eye. •Run everything you write
(When I worked in the newspaper through readability statistics and
biz, I was always told that you should aim for a grade 7 ranking. Here's
multiply the point size you used by why: <http://clicks.aweber.com/y/
two to determine what should be the ct/?l=9nD7U&m=3hFGDP7F5l
maximum column width in picas. Z9ysk&b=ts4h6K00ld2azM5n1
Thus, anything in 9 pt type should OVLRA> . Here's how” <http://
be no more than 18 picas wide, or clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=9nD7
about three inches.) Many Internet U&m=3hFGDP7F5lZ9ysk&b=d1
sites have columns far wider than gq_6Y7GiJi2T9zX.S2zg>
three inches!
•Write headlines that convey
Bottom line? When you give your the meaning and subject matter
readers text on a screen, you're asking of what you're writing about. I
them to work really hard. Thus, it's monitor about 75 blogs every
more important to "speak slowly" so week and I see waytoo many
they understand what you're trying
heads like: You Had Me At Hello.
to say. Here's what you should do:
Don't be vague like this! Instead,
•Use short words. Always prefer take the time and trouble to be
one- to two-syllable words over breathtakingly specific.
three syllables or more.
•Use boldface and italics for
emphasis
only. They are too hard
•Use short sentences. Aim for an
to
readfor
gigantic blocks of text.
average of no more than 18 words
per sentence. (Key word = average.)
This does NOT mean all sentences Finally, I suggest you put
should be 18 words! Instead, have significant effort into finding good
some one to five word sentences so photos. The human eye is lured by
you can also include a few 30-word the image: People more likely to
be stopped in their tracks by an
ones, too.
arresting picture than by anything
•Use short paragraphs. I'm afraid I you can write. Depressing but
can't define "short" for you because true. I find photos for my blog on
it depends entirely on your column Flicker, www.FreeDigitalPhotos.
width. But try to avoid having more net or my own camera.
than three or four lines without a
break. Remember, despite what your Writing for the web isn't hard
Grade 10 English teacher probably if you do it slowly enough...
taught you, the main purpose of Thanks to reader Steve Teare for
paragraphing is not substantive. It's suggesting this topic.
to give your readers eyes some nice
white spaces where they can rest for
This newsletter is (c)2012 by
a bit.
Daphne Gray-Grant
Craft Improvement
By Angelo Peluso
Many years ago a new member of
a bass fishing club I was affiliated
with embarked upon a journey to
catch his first largemouth bass. He
was both eager and anxious to make
the plunge, so a friend and I offered
to take the novice fishing to one of
the more productive and remote
freshwater ponds on Long Island. As
fate or luck would have it this gent’s
very first cast yielded a black bass
that weighed close to six pounds. As
the fish was released back into the
small lake the neophyte turned to
my friend and me and said, “What’s
so hard about that?” Needless to
say, it was a number of years before
that fellow had a bass pull the scale
down beyond the six pounds mark.
I experienced a similar situation
with regards to my outdoor writing.
The very first fishing article I wrote
in the mid-1970s was a piece about
black bass. It was titled, Tiny Tackle
Tactics for Largemouths. I put my
heart and soul into that work but
not being too savvy back then about
the publishing market for fishing
stories I wasn’t sure how to go about
getting it in print. At the time, my
publishing universe was defined by
magazines that comprised the Big
Three: Outdoor Life, Sports Afield
and Field & Stream.
I sought the advice of some local
writers who suggested that my
chances were greater of being
drafted by the New York Football
Giants than getting one of the Big
Three editors to read, let alone buy
that first article. But my options
were limited and I was undeterred
so off went the query letters along
with the entire manuscript. I figured
I would send the piece to all three
publications, hoping to put the
acceptance odds in my favor. From
the moment I dropped the letters into
the mail box, I waited anxiously,
and then I waited some more.
The process was a bit like watching
Tactics That Sell
grass grow. Although I didn’t give
up hope I began to feel as if the
probability of landing a successful
article placement was diminishing
by the day. And then it finally
happened. An envelope appeared in
my mail box that had the iconic Field
& Stream logo in the upper left hand
corner. Like a letter received from a
college one has applied to I didn’t
know if the envelope contained an
acceptance or a rejection. My odds
were 50/50.
The enclosed letter was signed by
the venerable editor, Jack Samson,
whom I held in the highest of
regard. I re-read the short, typed
note several times so the message
would sink in, and I then let out with
a yell that sent the dog scurrying for
cover. The letter informed me that
Mr. Samson wanted to purchase the
article. Following my own version
of a celebratory victory dance, I
remember proclaiming out loud,
“Well, what’s so hard about that?”
Needless to say, it was a number of
years before I sold another feature
to a national magazine. That had
me eating a slice of humble pie and
reevaluating my approach getting
more articles published.
I found a friend in and editor at a
regional fishing magazine who
supported my work and gave me a
shot at a regular freshwater fishing
column. That relationship grew
and over time helped pave the way
to more broadened and fulfilling
writing opportunities at the local,
regional and national levels.
There have been a number of
lessons learned along the way that
have become core tactics of my
approach to writing, and that have
enabled me to build a meaningful
base of support among newspapers
and magazine editors and book
publishers. Here are some of my
rules of engagement that I find
helpful when attempting to place
my work. Perhaps one or two of
those insights might also help open
a few more doors for you as well.
Do Your Homework
Spend some time understanding
the markets of your choice and
getting to know the magazines and
editors within that market. There
is nothing more frustrating to an
editor than receiving a query or
unsolicited manuscript that has no
relevance to the scope or format of
the publication. In the end, it wastes
Throughout that period most of their time and yours. Become
my writing was done on a limited familiar with the type articles
basis since I had another full-time and photographs the publication
career in the making. The majority runs most often and build your
of that writing was limited to my submissions around those themes.
time spent during the arduous and A pleased editor is more likely to
lengthy commute into New York return to you as a source of material
City on the Long Island Railroad. than an unhappy one.
The writing was as much therapy for
me as is was a desire to communicate
A national magazine editor that
the outdoor experience. Following I’ve written for includes in his
that first Field &Stream placement assignment package an attachment
I quickly learned the harsh reality that reads: Make Your Editor Happy
of national outdoors writing. = Sell More Work. This particular
After several subsequent national editor focuses on elements of style
magazine rejections I decided that and emphasizes the importance of
were I to make a dent in the business article formatting to the magazine’s
of outdoor journalism I would have standards, the use of active and
to take my wares to smaller market strong verbs, organizing work
publishing outlets.
Fortunately, logically - and with ease of reading
in mind - and effectively managing
sensitive words or phrases. As this
editor advocates: “These suggestions
can save your editor literally hours
of work so your contributions are
greeted with enthusiasm.” Other
editors have similar preferences
or guidelines. It pays dividends to
understand those predilections, hot
buttons and pet peeves of editors
with whom you choose to work.
Be Proactive
Make it a practice to be aware of
the editorial planning cycles of the
various publications to which you
intend sending your work. That
will enable your work to get some
face time before the editors begin
the article selection and scheduling
process. There is nothing more
frustrating than having an editor
pay kudos to a submission and then
reject it because a similar piece
had already been scheduled. Most
outdoor magazine content flows
with the seasons and most publish
special issues or editions around
broad themes. Familiarize yourself
with that form of editorial and
supporting photography to better
match a publication’s seasonal
needs to your planned submissions,
and to give you a leg up on what the
editors may desire. Make it a point
to submit your article ideas well
before a magazine’s planning cycle
begins.
Query First and Query Often
I keep a few folders of article
ideas on my home computers. That
inventory consists of nothing more
than titles, concepts and outlines
that I use as the basis for developing
queries. I will rarely submit a full
manuscript to an editor unless one
is requested.
Always query first with a short
and to-the-point summary of the
article’s focus. A query should be
well written not only to pitch the
article but to also sell your writing
style. An assignment can be won or
lost by the quality of a query and the
interest it generates.
Although I will usually submit all
my primary queries to correspond
to an editor’s planning cycle, I will
also send queries throughout the
course of the year for articles or
features I have written or will write
on ‘spec’. You never know when a
piece might fit an editor’s needs, and
those queries can give an editor an
understanding of a writer’s breadth
and depth. And don’t be shy about
contacting editors to ascertain what
special content needs they might
have. I have found that a brief email
initially works better than a phone
call.
With editors that have become
familiar with my work, the
entire transaction typically takes
place digitally. As a professional
courtesy let the editor know if your
submission is exclusive or if multiple
queries to different publications are
being made. Some editors have no
problem with multiple submissions
but others frown upon the practice.
In my experience, I prefer to offer
an exclusive query submission and
then shop the piece around if it is
rejected.
of an assignment usually lead to an
unhappy ending.
On the flip side of that issue as
a writer, I take the assignment at
face value and if I feel any changes
should be made I will communicate
those suggestions to the editor
before any such alterations are
made. Most editors are usually very
willing to have those discussions if
the final product can be made better
as a result. The best writer/editor
relationships are collaborative
ones.
A Different Point of View
In the movie, Dead Poets Society,
Robin Williams unexpectedly jumps
atop a desk to get the attention of
his startled English Literature class.
When asked what he was doing,
Williams replied that he was looking
at the class room from a different
perspective. He challenged his
students to do the same. As we all
know, there are just so many ways
to fillet a fish or bait a hook with
a worm. From a writer’s vantage
point the real challenge of penning
Understand The Assignment
an engaging work is to look at
This may seem like stating the your topic from a totally different
obvious but you’d be amazed at or unique point of view. The best
how many final products arrive on writers have an ability to take an
an editor’s desk that totally miss old, tired topic and breathe into it
the mark or bear no resemblance to some freshness and new life. My
either the query or the assignment. personal objective when drafting a
When I was the director of editorial piece for publication is to develop a
services for a regional fishing theme that has yet to be explored.
magazine I assigned a technical
product piece to a writer who wanted
Sometimes that is easier said than
to do more work for the publication. done, yet somewhere in the piece
After numerous discussions about there is always a refreshing angle or
the article I sent the writer an perspective that can bring newness
assignment confirmation summary to your work and differentiate it
email and put aside any further from other similar writings. I had
discussion about the piece until the an opportunity a few years back to
deadline.
write a two-part piece about newage hard and soft artificial fishing
What I eventually received was baits. I took somewhat of a novel
nothing like what I had expected, and science angle that hadn’t yet been
as a result the submission required a expressed in writing. Much to my
substantial re-write that took time delight and my editor’s delight
away from getting an issue of the the piece caught the attention of
magazine into production. When product manufacturers that decided
I spoke with the writer about the to advertise around the series. The
alterations he said that he decided to articles also raised a positive reaction
make some changes to the article and from scientific factions within the
didn’t think I would mind. Unilateral industry. One such fisheries institute
changes to the agreed upon content responded with a letter that the piece
effectively presented the science
of fishing lures in a way that had
not been done before. I reference
that not with an air of bravado but
rather to offer that within every
article concept lies a hidden story
waiting to be discovered. Think of
it as peeling away the leaves of an
artichoke to reveal the heart. Each
story has a core and the writer’s
objective should be to exploit that
central theme in the most creative
and imaginative way possible.
Build Your Personal Brand
In addition to selling your work
- whether writings, photography or
art - you are, in essence, also selling
yourself, your personal brand and
your image. Discreet and effective
self promotion is essential to an
effective branding strategy and
marketing plan. It is no different
than a manufacturer advertising
to sell product. Your products and
services derive value from your
talents and expertise. Don’t be
shy about touting your work, but
be prudent and targeted in your
approach. Develop an action plan
and utilize all forms of media to
get your message and your work to
market.
Opportunities abound for exposure
beyond just traditional print media.
Personal websites, blogs, social
media sites, industry newsletters
and sporting shows all can work in
concert to give your work exposure
and build a personal brand. I
have sold work and have gotten
assignments through all avenues
of marketing and sales promotion.
One illustrative example of this
is Facebook. While I was initially
reluctant to enter the digital world
of “FB” once I did the rewards
outweighed the reservations.
I maintain an active Facebook page
and through that exposure I have sold
my books domestically and abroad,
routed visitors to my personal
website, used the social media
site to submit queries, and I have
even received unsolicited writing
assignments from FB connections.
For outdoor communicators willing
to spend some time in the digital
world expanding their brands, the services company. It was my first
opportunities are substantial.
such writing foray beyond my
outdoors niche. A long time friend
Relationships and Networks
who followed my outdoor writings
The most successful job seekers in happened upon the piece, contacted
the corporate employment market me and said simply, “I know you
land the majority of positions through wrote that.” While mildly upset that
relationships
and
networking my cover had been blown, I took
than they do by bombarding the some pleasure in knowing that my
marketplace with resumes. There is “voice” had been heard.
value in the ‘who-you-know’ part of
the job search equation, and there is
Meet All Deadlines
no fundamental difference between
In all my years of writing I have
seeking employment and looking only missed one deadline and that
for a publication to place your was the result of a miscommunication
work. The broader the network and between an editor and me. As it
the more relationships you have, the turned out there was time to recover
greater your chances for getting work so the piece eventually ran. Sitting
seen and published. Affiliations are on the other side of the desk, I’ve
also important . Involvement with had a fair share of articles and
professional organizations like the photographs that I’ve had to chase
NYSOWA, clubs, trade groups, down in the eleventh hour. That is
consumer shows and industry never a good scenario for an editor,
affiliations will all work to build or a writer. Deadlines are part of an
a broad and diverse network. In overall planning cycle and should
addition to those traditional groups, be met. I have made it a practice to
online networking is an important submit my final work in advance
part of relationship building. Sites of a deadline, leaving room for any
like LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter edits or modifications that might
and My Space can all help build a need to be made. If an editor doesn’t
following for your work.
have time to look at the work until it
appears on the radar, at least I don’t
Find Your Own Voice
have to worry about scrambling last
Becoming a good writer is a minute to put a package together.
constant work in progress and
places one on a path of continual self
In prior editor roles I have had
improvement. The time honored writers tell me that they forgot
advice of writing something every about an assignment. That is not an
day is invaluable as is the practice endearing trait nor one that builds
of reading the works of great editor confidence in a writer’s
writers. I have my favorites and ability to get the job done. If you
read them regularly for both pure manage multiple assignments for
enjoyment and to understand the varied publications it is advisable
styles and techniques of successful to schedule, plan and organize your
scribes. That is not so say one work to avoid missed submission
should emulate or copy their style; deadlines. A simple assignment
that doesn’t work. For example, folder can be set up on your
Hemingway’s writings demonstrate computer or a more detailed tracking
his genius for simplicity. But try to system can be used like Microsoft
mimic his uncomplicated sentence Outlook.
structure and you will most likely
fail. All good writers eventually find
Be Professional
their niche: a style and voice that
One of the things I admire most
is truly their own. Your methods about colleagues in the outdoor
and techniques will become as media industry is that unlike most
identifiable as your personality. I traditional sports writers, outdoor
once wrote an anonymous piece journalists and reporters are often
(the editor wanted it that way) for exceptional practitioners of the
a financial news service about sports they cover. They are not only
the collapse of an iconic financial professional communicators but
usually also professional anglers,
hunters, shooters, fly tiers, dog
trainers, etc. Although most of
the talking head sports reporters
and writers on television couldn’t
make a three point shot if their
lives depended on it, most outdoor
writers I know can make a crossing
shot from station five of a sporting
clays course. I guess we practice
what we preach.
talented editor but your submission
should be clean, organized and
as well formatted as possible. To
do otherwise only perpetuates
the belief that outdoor writers are
second class citizens. Our work is a
reflection of our professionalism. I
would often receive the work of a
writer who regularly submitted his
articles as if he wrote them in the
dark, blindfolded, and without the
use of spell-check, a dictionary or
For the longest time outdoor a thesaurus. Be thorough with your
communications took somewhat of submission and include all elements
a back seat to traditional team sports of the assignment. If you are unable
coverage. No longer is that the case. to meet any requirement of the
With all the visibility outdoor sports assignment (a specific photo, for
have received on cable television example) inform the editor well in
and with multiple-media in the advance of the deadline so he or she
past several years our profession has adequate time to explore other
is as close to mainstream sporting options.
journalism as ever. With that comes
a sense of pride and a responsibility
Go the extra yard. If after
to maintain the highest degree meeting all essential aspects of
of journalistic excellence and the engagement, include any other
professionalism. Doing so is often information that you feel the editor
much simpler than one would may find of interest. I often submit
imagine. Here are some principles I informational sidebars to support
try to live by.
the main content of the feature.
In one instance I included a video
While we all miss something, bonus piece that the editor chose to
edit and proof your work before reference in the main article and then
submitting it to an editor. Every piece used on their website. That gave the
of work can benefit from the pen of a piece some added appeal and helped
draw views to the website.
I’ve also responded to last minute
request by editors to help out in
some tight situations. Last holiday
season I was contacted by the editor
of a large northwestern regional
fishing publication. Another writer
has missed a deadline and could not
get the piece done on time. Since
the magazine was about to go to
press the editor wanted to know if I
had something in inventory that was
close to his needs and that could just
be dropped into place. As it turned
out I did have a suitable piece
and with some minor re-writing it
would fit the bill. The editor was
appreciative and the experience
strengthen our working relationship.
Writers should always strive to
build a professional relationship
with editors and publishers. A
collegial affiliation is one of mutual
professional respect.
Angelo Peluso is a full time
outdoor journalist, book author
and photographer and a strategic
management consultant. To learn
more about him and his work please
visit www.angelopeluso.com.
Supporting Member News
Michel Corigliano New Director General of Hobie Cat Europe
Oceanside, California - December 19, 2012 - Doug Skidmore, President ofHobie Cat Company,
has announced the appointment of Michel Corigliano, whohas 21 years of Hobie experience, to the
newly created position of DirectorGeneral for Hobie Cat Europe. Michel will be responsible for
managing HobieCat Europe, out of the company headquarters in Toulon, France. He willrepresent
Europe in unifying Hobie's worldwide brand image, acceleratingmarket expansion, focusing
product offerings and enhancing Hobie's strongposition in the European sailing, kayaking and
fishing markets.
Effective this past September 1, Hobie Cat Company, based out of Oceanside,California, acquired
Hobie Cat's business in Europe. The agreement gave thesailboat and kayak company worldwide
trademark rights and brought theoperation of Hobie Cat's business in Europe directly under the
control ofHobie Cat Company. Michel's appointment completes the transition cycle. Forthe past
15 years, he has been Sales and Marketing Director and liaisonbetween Hobie Cat Europe and the
main worldwide sailing associations such asISAF and the IHCA International F18 Association.
"Through the process of uniting Hobie worldwide, Michel has demonstrated hisability and
knowledge of Hobie Cat business that he needs to take over thehelm," commented Doug. "His
understanding of our dealers, Hobie products andthe necessary infrastructure for manufacturing
boats make him uniquelyqualified for this position. These are all important elements of our
marketvision and we are very excited to add a well-respected leader to our team."
Michel has a proven track record in business, but he also understands thesoul of the company
that is behind the "Hobie Way of Life." He has a passionfor watersports including sailing and
surfing and is currently gettingindoctrinated into kayak fishing as the sport becomes more and
more popularin Europe. He first started working for Hobie Cat Europe in 1991 and sincethen
has worked in every department including production and logistics,product development and
regattas. Prior to joining Hobie, Michel studiedcommerce and management.
NYSOWA President Leon Archer and
Nick Yunker of Hobie Cat
Supporting Member News
NAVONICS Charts Updated In Wake Of Sanday
With the destruction caused by Hurricane Sandy, boaters are worried about outdated charts, new obstructions,
bottom structure changes, etc. Who is going to survey our coastal and inland lake waters to ensure boating
safety? Navionics has the answer with our new SonarCharts. Boaters can help update their electronic charts to
ensure they have the latest data, whether it is for improved fishing or for showing more detailed depth contours
for safer routing.
Many current chart plotter combos have the ability to record sonar logs (Raymarine, Simrad, Lowrance HDS,
and most Humminbirds). Once these recorded logs are uploaded to Navionics, boaters can than download the
new charts 24 hours later onto their Navionics Platinum charts to see the changes. This process is shared by all
boaters, thereby creating the most up-to-date charts.
Here are two YouTube clips describing them in action. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xq5WfrV7oNM&fe
ature=youtu.be. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bto1zS9ZXKc&feature=youtu.be
Thanks for your time. Hope everyone has a very safe and enjoyable holiday season.
And lest I forget again, if anyone wants Navionics Marine & Lakes USA mobile app on their phone for free,
just send me a quick email for easy instructions. http://www.navionics.com/en/mobile-pc-app
Rich Lauer
Canada & Northeast US Sales Manager
508-414-1761
[email protected]
Supporting Member News
Northeast Ice Fishing Winter Schedule
Demonstration, Competition and Fishing for
the enrichment and education of others.
It’s a friendly competition among artisans of the short rod. In recent
years, ice fishing equipment has evolved from rudimentary rods –
hardly more than a stick and a string - to highly specialized tools.
A cottage industry of skilled builders has emerged to put functional
masterpieces into the hands of the ever-growing population of hardwater anglers, and the Northeast Ice Fishing Custom Rod Builder
Challenge creates a new opportunity for them to show off their
handiwork.
The winter months are upon us and with that means that the ice fishing season is set to begin
for the Eastern Ice Anglers. At North East Ice Fishing we have many great new products to
demonstrate from companies such as Eskimo, ION (the all new electric Ice Auger), and Striker
Brands LLC. This season we have a mission to further spread the awareness of using battery
operated ice augers. In the use of these augers anglers will benefit from less weight, ergonomic
controls, speed and efficiency, and the overall reduced environmental impact. The added mission
is to break the barriers of the belief that ice fishing is cold, uncomfortable and otherwise unbearable
as described by some.
With todays advancements in shelters and Floating ice fishing clothing fishing is now much
warmer safer and more inviting than ever. Nathan Krusko will be offering a through ice plunge
to demonstrate the floating properties of the Striker Brands Hardwater Line of clothing at Silver
Lake, NY January 26, 2013. This demonstration is also an opportunity to educate anglers on how
to escape the ice in the event you are to fall in. Nathan Krusko has demonstrated this at locations
in both Minnesota and New York recording the event for public awareness of safety.
Competitive ice fishing is steadily crowing in North America and North East Ice Fishing features
the team of Nathan Krusko (Hamburg, NY) and Chris Jones (Syracuse, NY). The team will be
competing at Silver Lake, NY January 27, Oneida Lake, NY February 17 and Lake Bomoseen,
VT March 3. For a complete schedule of the regional series go to NorthEastIceFishingCircuit.
com.
As a team these anglers are committed to growing the awareness of competitive ice fishing
through impromptu on ice demonstration of the techniques, products and strategies that help
make anglers be successful while competing. Nathan Krusko's talk show the North East Ice
Fishing Podcast is is the media outlet that features guest interviews of competitors participating
in one of six pro level series across North America. Competitive ice fishing does not just reside
in North America. This Season USA has won the bid to host the world ice fishing championship
in Wausau, Wisconsin in February. Nathan Krusko will be at this event as an ambassador to the
use and offering media opportunities to the guests.
To learn more, schedule a meeting with Nathan Krusko or follow a podcast go to www.
northeasticefishing.com.
Supporting Member News
Otis Technology President & CEO Receives Feinstone Award
Syracuse, NY: The President and CEO of Otis Technology, Doreen Garrett, was honored
in receiving the 2012 Feinstone Environmental Award from the SUNY College of
Environmental Science and Forestry on October 25. Ms. Garrett shares the award with her
husband, Mr. Jody Garrett. The Feinstone Award was established by historian, author, and
1915 ESF graduate Sol Feinstone to reward people and organizations that “do voluntarily
the things that need to be done for the good of all”, according to a release from SUNY-ESF.
The Garretts own Lucky Star Ranch in Chaumont, NY, a 2,000 acre preserve which in 2011 was the site of a
“bioblitz” in which ESF scientists and students inventoried plant, animal, and fungus species. The preserve “has
become a gateway for the Garretts to share their passion through affiliations such as the National Rifle Association,
Quality Deer Management Association, Wounded Warrior Project and various other community organizations,”
the SUNY-ESF release states.
“It is inspiring to see the passion that the Garretts have for environmental conservation both in their professional
and personal lives. They are true advocates of preserving the heritage of outdoor recreation for future generations,”
states Len Nelson, Otis Technology’s vice president of sales & marketing.
Doreen Garrett founded Otis Technology in 1985. The company now operates a state-of-the art facility in Lyons
Falls, NY manufacturing gun maintenance equipment supplying the US military as well as law enforcement
officers, hunters, and shooters worldwide.
Otis Technology is known for manufacturing the most advanced gun cleaning systems available. The superior
Breech-to-Muzzle® design combined with unmatched quality has positioned Otis as the gun care system of
choice with the US Military. Otis Technology is SMART GUN CARE.
Supporting Member News
Howard Communications Awarded
1st Place In Industry Public Relations
At the recent Southeast Outdoor Press Association (SEOPA) Conference held at Johnson City, Tennessee,
Howard Communications, Inc. was awarded 1st Place in the Industry Public Relations division of the Excellence
in Craft Awards. The award is for any public relations program designed to inform the public or service a member
of the outdoor media.
Howard Communications, Inc. received the award for adding QR Codes and Online Videos to their clients' 2012
press releases. These new technologies allow the media to offer interactive information to their readers.
No longer is the story or gear review only just a printed page in a magazine or newspaper to be read. QR Codes
allow the reader to view a product video by scanning the code with their smart phone or tablet.
Beyond providing a better means of communicating the product information to the media, the media now has
video available to enhance their editorial coverage and convey the information to their reader/follower. The
Online Videos are placed on special interest websites, retail websites, company websites, blogs, online magazines,
Facebook and YouTube to bring the information to life.
The Excellence in Craft Award is given each year to members whose work best exemplifies high professional
standards. The SEOPA EIC awards are a highlight of the conference. Accepting the award for Howard
Communications, Inc. was Andrew Howard.
The latest online videos and QR codes can be found on the Howard Communications website, Facebook Page,
YouTube Channel, and iPhone, iPad, and Android App.
The Southeastern Outdoor Press Association (SEOPA) is a nonprofit professional organization serving a
membership spanning fourteen southeastern states. Members include magazine and newspaper writers, book
authors, photographers, radio and television personalities, lecturers, editors, artists, industry representatives and
others in the outdoor communications field.
Howard Communications, Inc. is a public relations firm representing several outdoor companies. Our clients are:
ALPS OutdoorZ, Birchwood Casey, Browning, Browning Camping, Winchester Repeating Arms, D. T. Systems,
Hunter's Specialties, Mossy Oak, Nestle Purina PetCare and Bushnell Outdoor Products who sells its products
worldwide under the Bushnell, Tasco, Uncle Mike's Law Enforcement, Stoney Point, Hoppe's, Butler Creek,
Uncle Mike's, Final Approach, Simmons and Millett brand names.
Howard Communications and Mossy Oak
present
The Importance of using a Safety Harness
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S0jQl4gMuXw
http://www.howardcommunications.com/
NEW YORK STATE OUTDOOR WRITERS’ ASSOCIATION
Board of Directors Meeting – October 20, 2012
MINUTES
Meeting was called to order at 3:17 by President Glenn Sapir
Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
Attendance: absent - John Gereau, Joel Lucks; excused – Tom Schlicter
Minutes of previous meeting. Motion to waive reading (Archer, Seymour) approved.
Treasurer’s Report given by Mike Seymour. See attached.
Send note of thanks to Niagara County Tourism c/o Bill Hilts, Jr. & Elizabeth for the donation to the expenses
of the fall conference.
Question – what is “common market” ?
We now have a Debit Card. It is necessary for conference deposits, website.
Motion to accept Treasurers’ Report (Witek, Brosen) approved.
Vice Presidents’ Reports will be given at general meeting.
Committee Reports:
Membership. 13 new Supporting Members, 5 not renewing. 8 new Active Members, 2 not renewing.
Scholarship Awards. Two $500 scholarships given. Very positive answers to the key question why I support
wildlife management, ethical hunting, etc. Winners were Marie Hollister (Bill Hollister’s granddaughter) who
is majoring in Environmental Law at Notre Dame and Warren Chaney (Dan Ladd’s cousin) attending Ranger
School at ESF;
Two youngsters were sent to Conservation Camp. Dan Ladd suggested rotating the awards to various writers’
areas. Will be publicized in newsletter.
Keesler Outdoor Citizen Award. Quality, not quantity, in nominations. Concern about lack of nominations. It
was suggested that we advertise this on our Facebook page.
Pass It On Award. Similar situation re scarcity of nominations. We have received $300 from Bass Pro Shops in
the recipient’s name for scholarship fund. Suggested that we use Glenn’s approach in asking each person for a
nomination via e-mail program “personal.”
Janice Keesler Photo Contest Awards. Great judges, good selection of entries. Bridget Keesler very conscientious and organized. Deb Brosen will present this year’s awards. Bridget sent a DVD of every photo submitted
to run continuously during the social hour.
Excellence In Craft Awards. Leon Archer said 19 entered with an average of 4 articles each. (77 entries – 21
newspaper, 18 magazine, 14 on-line, 13 magazine feature). The judges did an excellent job and expressed their
enjoyment at the experience. Glenn will help Leon present the awards at banquet. Need to look for a new EIC
Chair next year.
Site Selection. Al Benas, chair, said there were two proposals for spring safari in 2013 – Washington and Oswego Counties. Voted on later today.*
Newsletter. Dan Ladd said it was going well. Deadlines remain a problem for some people despite reminders.
Members being familiar with pdfs would make it easier for him.
Website. Sue Bookhout said the site is renewed until 2015. The new one is easier to use and things are going
well. Updating members’ information can be a pain – some of it is outdated.
There is no existing EXCEL program with the information. Dan Ladd will work with John Gereau to see about
transferring information.
We need to work on exposing the Supporting Members.
Glenn commented that the website looks really good and professional.
Supporting Member Liason. No report available. Ducks Unlimited contributed the same amount ($1500) to
Awards Programs. Sportsman Channel only $500 this year. Glenn Sapir asked Robin to help find funds so Redding Reloading contributed $500. The Sportsman Channel will probably contribute $1500 next year.
*Safari Proposals: See attached sheets.
Washington County – Dan Ladd proposed a safari featuring fishing the Battenkill, canoeing on the Battenkill,
turkey hunting, and panfishing at nearby lake. Lodging is limited so it will be first-come, first-served reservations. Cost is $150 (maybe less if more sponsorship).
Oswego County – Janet Clerkin said basic costs are $105 lodging with some meals provided but lunches and
breakfast (food supplied at camps) would add another $50 (ie. $155). Optional Lake Ontario charters extra @
$80 pp. Leon Archer could probably get commitments from turkey guides if we decide now.
Vote was taken and Washington County was overwhelmingly awarded the 2013 Safari.
Al Benas suggested asking & giving Oswego County the opportunity to further develop a proposal for conference or safari in Oswego in 2014. Motion was made (Ladd, Brosen) and approved to give Oswego the option
to re-submit a proposal for 2014, ideally for the weekend of May 15-18. Should report back to Site Chairs by
December 1, 2012 with proposal.
Nominating Committee. See attached sheet.
Bill Hollister reported for information of the Board the proposed slate of officers to be presented at the General
Meeting on Sunday. He thanked the committee and those officers remaining in office.
Old Business:
Report of the Ad hoc Committee to determine honoring/ memorializing Bob McNitt was unanimous is suggesting that the scholarship program be renamed the “NYSOWA Bob McNitt Memorial Scholarship Fund. Motion to accept this suggestion (Witek, Elliott) was passed unanimously.
Report on Joint Conference with OWAA in 2013. Glenn Sapir reported that we will have a joint conference
with OWAA in Lake Placid as previously favored in a straw vote by the Board of Directors. Details have been
worked out satisfactorily. A big advantage for NYSOWA is that their budget will allow for speakers, presentations, etc. and it will have bigger attractions for Demo Day, etc. (See Glenn’s e-mail regarding this attached).
It will be more expensive than normal NYSOWA conferences. E.g. the early registration is $225 and rooms
are $100-$110 per night ($50 - $55 pp double occupancy) for a probable cost of $375 pp.
NYSOWA will be provided time and space whenever we want for our Board and General Meetings. Awards,
etc. will be presented at General Meeting.
The motion was made (Elliott, Archer) and approved to consolidate NYSOWA’s Fall Conference in 2013 with
the OWAA Conference in Lake Placid. Glenn Sapir recommended that we have our Board Meeting on Friday at
1:30 pm and the General Meeting on Monday from 9:15 – 11:15 am. Motion made (Ladd, Elliott) and accepted
that we ask OWAA for these time slots. Information to members will be forthcoming.
New Business:
All documents, reports, and committee operation suggestions have been collected in a Data File for future officers, committee chairs, etc. President Sapir asked Al Benas to review the conference information to see if needs
updating.
Photo Award Decoys. We have the opportunity to get a 5 year supply for $1145. The Treasurer reported that
we have sufficient funds for that. Motion was made (Archer, Ladd) and approved to buy a five year supply.
40th Anniversary Caps. NSSF donated caps with logo noting the 40th Anniversary of NYSOWA which were
given to all members attending. There was discussion on what to do with the remainder and the decision was
deferred to the General Meeting on Sunday.
Meeting was adjourned at 5:25
NEW YORK STATE OUTDOOR WRITERS’ ASSOCIATION
General Meeting – October 21, 2012
MINUTES
Meeting was called to order at 9:15 by President Glenn Sapir.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
Roll Call of Officers: absent – John Gereau, Joel Lucks. Excused – Tom Schlicter.
Minutes of previous meeting. Motion to waive reading (Tennity, Brosen) was approved.
Treasurers’ Report was distributed and explained by Mike Seymour. (see attached).
Mike explained the organization was in good financial shape. We now have a debit card to be used for conference deposits & web site expenses. Motion was
made (Franke, Brewer) and approved to accept Treasurers’ report.
Vice President’s Reports are in the Newsletter.
Committee Report Highlights were given by Glenn Sapir.
Membership. Net gain in members this past year.
Scholarship. Two $500 scholarships were given out, and two kids sent to DEC Conservation Camp this year.
Site Selection. Two bids for Safaris were presented this year and the Board selected Washington County for
2013. Oswego County was asked to go back and confirm by December 1, 2012 if they are interested in 2014 at
same deal.
This Conference. Bill Hilts, Jr. thanked everyone for attending and thanked all the local people that made it
possible. Glenn Sapir commented that it was a great conference. Bill reminded everyone that they had information on contacts and necessary information for our articles. Please include Supporting Members in our
stories. Tear sheets are important; please send them to Bill.
Newsletter. Dan Ladd commented that deadlines are important, asked members to submit material, and suggested that contributors supply links for interesting stories and photos.
Web Site. Glenn commented that the web site was better than ever. Sue Bookhout welcomes contributions.
Awards Programs. A good number of entries and excellent winners were announced last night. Robin Sharpless
of Redding Reloading pledged $500. We raised $3000. With administrative costs and expenses the total cost
was $3,500.
Joint Conference with OWAA in 2013. NYSOWA will hold a joint conference with OWAA at Lake Placid in
September 2013. Advantages are more speakers and skill development, and bigger demonstration day. It will
be more expensive – e.g. $375 pp double occupancy. Format and times will be different but NYSOWA will
have its own meetings and awards. We will all be housed together in a nearby motel. Details will be forthcoming.
Old Business:
The Board of Directors approved the committee recommendation to rename the scholarship program the
“NYSOWA Bob McNitt Memorial Scholarship Fund.”
New Business:
Election of Officers. Glenn Sapir commented that the new by-laws call for Board endorsement of the
slate presented by the Nominating Committee but it was simply presented to the Board as has traditionally been
done. He thanked Bill Hollister and his committee for their effort in contacting present officers and the recommendations when a vacancy existed.
Glenn Sapir read the slate proposed by the Nominating Committee: President – Leon Archer, Vice Pres.
N. NY – Dan Ladd, Vice Pres. Central & W. NY – Dave Figura, Vice Pres. SE NY – Charles Witek, Sec’y – Leo
Maloney, Treas.- Mike Seymour, Membership Sec’y – John Gereau, Board of Directors – Mike Lynch & Tom
Schlicter (2015), Deb Brosen & Wayne Brewer (2014), Allen Benas & Will Elliott (2013), and immediate Past
President – Glenn Sapir.
There was a call for nominations from the floor and Wayne Brewer was nominated (Benas, Tennity) for
Central & Western NY Vice President. A secret ballot was conducted and Wayne Brewer was elected as Vice
President.
A motion was made to accept the rest of the slate as presented (Hilts, Jr., Tennity) and have the Secretary
cast one ballot. Motion was approved and the officers as above were elected. Dave Figura remains on Board of
Directors until 2014 as there is no vacancy now.
Liason with NYS Conservation Council. It was discussed and approved that we have closer contact
and communication with the NYSCC. In the past we have always had complimentary/ reciprocal memberships
between the organizations. Leo Maloney will serve as liaison between the NYSCC and NYSOWA.
40th Anniversary Caps. National Shooting Sports Foundation donated caps with the NYSOWA logo and
40th Anniversary to all members who attended the conference. There are about 25 – 30 left over. A motion was
made (Hilts, Jr, Tennity) and approved to give to members as long as supply lasts on a first-come, first-serve basis for those who register for the joint NYSOWA-OWAA Conference in 2013.
Outdoor Shows. NYSOWA will be invited to have a booth to display and give out information, etc. at
the NYS Sportsman’s Expo in Syracuse in January and at the Adirondack Recreation & Outdoor Expo in Old
Forge in April. The Adirondack Expo in Old Forge may also involve a mini-safari. A survey of interest was
taken. Leo Maloney will contact members as details are worked out.
Glenn Sapir’s Remarks. Before turning over the gavel, President Glenn Sapir thanked the group for all
the help and cooperation he had received in the past two years. He appreciated what the group can do and it
was a pleasure serving NYSOWA. He was proud of what NYSOWA has achieved in the past two years: (1)
secured funding for the awards (2) more professional judging of EIC entries (30 securing decoys for the Photo
awards (4) infrastructure/ documents – i.e. by-laws, brochures, logo, agenda templates, conference planning.
letterhead, new member information, website info, logo, and more are now secure in an electronic folder for
easy reference (5) debit card (6) new members welcome kit (7) increased communication and professionalism.
These will all help NYSOWA move forward in the future.
The gavel was turned over to new president, Leon Archer.
Excellence in Craft. Leon Archer said that we will need a new chair for EIC and asked for volunteers.
No one volunteered at this time. He thanked Bill Hilts, Jr. for all his help in the past.
General Remark. Leon commented that the interest in the organization was healthy. He appreciated the efforts
of Glenn and thanked him for all he has done for NYSOWA. He looks forward to members input and working
together.
Good of the Order:
DEC Communication Problem. A problem with getting information from the DEC is a result of the governor’s order that all communication must be cleared with the DEC press office in Albany. Many complained
that they had to get permission from the Albany office before Regional offices could give data. Some said they
were asked to submit questions ahead of time. Others could only get information if they had a conference call
where the discussion was monitored. Apparently the governor’s office wants control and doesn’t care what
sportsmen or the press feels.
Museum. Dan Ladd wants old photos, other information for our space in the Wildlife Sports Education
Museum in Vails Mills. He will develop big boards to highlight NYSOWA and its history.
Sports & Outdoors Shows. Leo Maloney explained some of the details & possibilities of the Syracuse &
Old Forge Shows as mentioned previously and took a survey of those interested in helping out and attending.
Pass It On & Paul Keesler Outdoor Citizen Awards. Leo Maloney urged members to seriously consider
members or other people for these important awards and take some time to nominate worthy people in 2013.
Motion to Adjourn (Hilts, Jr, Brosen). Meeting adjourned at 10:58
APPLICATION FOR SUPPORTING MEMBERSHIP
Our company or organization, wishing to support the New York State Outdoor Writers
Association (NYSOWA) in its program to further the causes of conservation and wise use of our
natural resources, and to promote outdoor recreation activities, hereby applies for Supporting
Membership.
Name:
__________________________________________
Position: ____________________
Company: ____________________________________________________________________
Address: ____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
City:____________________________________________State: _______ Zip: ___________
Phone: _______________________________
Fax: ___________________________
E-Mail: ______________________________________ Website: _________________________
Contact: _______________________________________ Position: _______________________
Please outline your organization’s interests and activities in the outdoor field:
Applicant Signature: ________________________________________________________
Active Sponsor: ______________________________________________________________
Supporting Membership Dues: $60.00 per year. Please enclose a check, made payable to
NYSOWA, with this application and mail to: John Gereau, NYSOWA Membership Secretary,
5880 State Rte 9N, Westport, NY 12993
APPLICATION FOR NYSOWA MEMBERSHIP
Name: ________________________________________________ Spouse: _________________________
Street: ___________________________________ City: ____________________ State: __________ Zip: ___________
Phone: (Home) _______________________________ Bus: _________________________________
Cell Phone: __________________________________ Fax: _________________________
E-Mail: _____________________________________________ Do you receive payment for your services? ________
Other Writer Affiliations: ____________________________________
CATEGORIES
(Note: fillers are not considered to be articles in applying for Writer status)
A: Newspaper _______________________________________________ Attach 12 tear sheets
City: _________________________________________Circulation: _______________________
Column Name: __________________ Published: ___ Daily ___Weekly ___ Monthly ___ Freelance
B. Magazine ______________________________________________________________________
Staff position: ______________________________ Freelance: __________________________
___ National: Attach two tear sheets. ___ Regional: Attach four tear sheets.
C. Lecturer – Attach copies of a published schedule or six paid presentations.
Staff position: ______________________________ Freelance: __________________________
D. __ Photographer __ Illustrator __ Artist – Attach proof of publications of film/video, 8 stills, or prints.
Staff position: ______________________________ Freelance: __________________________
E. Book Author – attach a copy of the Publishing House Catalog listing the book.
Name of Book: ____________________________ Publisher ____________________________
F: Editor/Publisher – Attach a copy of a current issue of magazine/newspaper.
Name of Publication: ________________________________________________________________________
G: Radio/Television – Attach audio/video tape documenting (4) 30 minute or (8) 15 minute programs.
Station: ____________________________ City: ____________________________
H. Public Relations Agency - Attach copies of (6) news releases.
Staff position or occupation: _____________________________________________________
I. Electronic Publishing – Attach 8 published outdoor columns or articles in last 12 mos.
Electronic Publication: _______________________ web address ______________________________________
Specialties
___ a. Hunting
___ b. Firearms/Shooting
___ c. Archery/Bowhunting
___ d. Freshwater fishing
___ e. Saltwater Fishing
___ f. Flyfishing
___ g. Boating
___ h. Camping/Backpacking
___ i. Wilderness Survival
___ j. Trapping
___ k. Outdoor Travel
___ l. Outdoor Politics
___ m. Nature
___ n. Environmental Affairs
___ o. Natural Resources
___ p. Water Sports
___ q. Cooking
___ r. Nature
Areas of Expertise
___ A. Book Author
___ B. Magazine Editor
___ C. Newspaper Editor
___ D. Public Relations
___ E. Television
___ F. Electronic Media
___ G. Magazine Columnist ___ H. Newspaper Columnist
___ I. Freelance
___ J. Radio
___ K. Illustrator
___ L. Lecturer
___ M. Photographer
Applicant’s Signature ______________________________________________ Date: ____________
Active Sponsor Signature: __________________________________________ Date: ____________
Membership & Application Fees ($65.00) – Please include your check, made payable to NYSOWA, with this application and
mail
to: John Gereau, 5880 State Route 9N, Westport NY 12993
Membership approved by: ___________________________________ Date: ____________________
STATUS: ____ ACTIVE ____ ASSOCIATE
*Feb. 8, 2011