Adirondack Fish and Game Report (Jan 12)

Adirondack Almanack provides this weekly Hunting and Fishing Report each Thursday afternoon, year round. The Almanack also provides weekly backcountry recreation conditions reports for those headed into the woods or onto the waters.

Listen for the weekly Adirondack Outdoor Recreation Report Friday mornings on WNBZ (AM 920 & 1240, FM 105 & 102.1), WSLP (93.3) and the stations of North Country Public Radio.

SPECIAL NOTICES FOR THIS WEEKEND

** indicates new or revised items.

** WINTER CONDITIONS
Winter conditions exist throughout the Adirondacks. Day time and night time temperatures are mostly below freezing, though much colder air is expected to arrive this weekend bringing temperatures into the single digits above zero during the day and below zero at night. There was considerable freezing rain and sleet on Thursday across the region, so expect conditions to be icy. Snow cover varies around the region with the most snow along the southern and eastern Adirondacks and the south central Adirondacks into the High Peaks. Wind chill on summits this weekend is expected to be as low as 20 below zero. Be prepared by wearing appropriate footwear and outerwear including a hat and gloves or mittens. Pack and use snowshoes and ice traction devices (cross country skis are not generally recommended in the backcountry at this time). Dress in layers of wool and/or fleece (Not Cotton!) clothing. Drink plenty of water and eat plenty of food to avoid hypothermia.

** SNOW DEPTH REPORT
Snow depths around the region vary, from more than a foot along the Tug Hill Plateau, 2 to 4 inches of snow in the lower elevations in the High Peaks area, with 12 inches or more in the higher elevations. There is 6 to 8 inches in Southeastern and South Central Adirondacks. Twelve inches of snow is being reported at the Lake Colden Interior Cabin; 8 inches at Lake Clear, 5 inches at Paul Smiths, 4-6 inches at lower elevations in the High Peaks and along the Northern and Eastern slopes of Adirondacks, 2-4 inches around Old Forge, Cranberry Lake, and Long Lake; 6-10 inches in the Moose River Plains with up to a foot toward Inlet, and an 5-8 inches in around Schroon Lake, Northern Warren County, Speculator, and Indian Lake. Portions of the Adirondacks, especially across the Southern and South Central regions could see an additional 4-6 inches on Friday. The National Weather Service snow cover map provides a good gauge of snow cover around the region, albeit somewhat under-reporting actual snow accumulations.

** ICE ON WATER
Ice has formed on lakes and ponds and the smaller bays of larger lakes. Ice fisherman, skiers, skaters and others have begun accessing many waters. 8 to 9 inches of ice are reported on Avalanche Lake and Lake Colden and 5 to 7 inches on many smaller lakes at lower elevations. there is thin ice at the north end of Schroon Lake; on South Bay on Lake Champlain; and at Huddle Bay on Lake George. Always check the depth of ice before crossing and avoid inlets, outlets and ice on or near running water. Ice that holds snow may not hold the weight of a person.

** MOST SNOWMOBILE TRAILS REMAIN CLOSED
Most of the region's snowmobile trails remain closed, the best opportunity to ride this weekend will be in the Moose River Plains and toward Inlet which has begun grooming (although Indian Lake has not). Perkins Clearing is not recommended at this time. Each individual club has the final authority as to whether to open their trails or not and snowmobilers should show restraint in areas with insufficient snow cover to avoid damaging the trails. Also, a reminder to respect the landowners who have given permission for trails to cross their land. Check with local clubs before venturing out. A map of New York State Snowmobile Association Member Clubs by county, complete with contact information, may be found here.

** WARREN-SARATOGA COUNTY SNOWMOBILER WARNING
The railroad right-of-way from North River in the Town of Johnsburg in Warren County to the City of Saratoga Springs is now an active railroad and snowmobile access to it has been eliminated. The Thurman Connection snowmobile club has announced that several property owners who'd previously agreed to allow trails to circumvent the closed railroad route have backed out. The loss of the trail will limit access from Warren County to the trails near Speculator and Old Forge. Club officials hope to find a solution before next winter. Questions about the railroad right-of-way should be directed to Steve Torrico, Saratoga North Creek Railway Manager, at 518-251-3959, or email: torricos@iowapacific.com.

** SNOWMOBILE SAFETY WEEK BEGINS MONDAY
Snowmobiling is enjoyed by over 4 million people across the United States and Canada. While, the sport is safe and enjoyable if done properly and with respect, the excitement of snowmobiling may occasionally turn into tragedy. Injuries and deaths that are related to snowmobiling can be prevented. Frequently reported contributing factors in accidents include excessive speed, drowning, unsafe operation, inattention, and operating under the influence of alcohol. In fact, over 50% of snowmobile-related fatalities involve intoxicated operators.
The purpose of International Snowmobile Safety Week is to expose people to safe snowmobiling practices and to demonstrate how operating safely can prevent mishaps. Learn more online.

** NON_RESIDENT SNOWMOBILE REGISTRATION ONLINE
Non-residents of New York State who have snowmobiles registered in their home states may now register their sleds in NY online. New York registration is required to operate the snowmobile on New York State's 10,500 miles of trails. A temporary NYS registration is issued at the end of the transaction for immediate operation of the snowmobile in NYS. New York State residents cannot use this to register their sleds yet, that is expected to be implemented by the Department of Motor Vehicles in the near future. Registrants who join a NYS Snowmobile Association club first, reduce their registration cost from $100 (non-club member) to just $45 per sled (club member).

** MOOSE RIVER PLAINS
Currently there are 4 to 6 inches of snow on the roads in the Moose River plains, with the higher amounts toward Inlet. Motor vehicles (cars & trucks) should not be using the road system. There is not enough snow at this time for groomers to operate on the snowmobile trail system at the Indian Lake side, but groomer are operating in the Inlet area. DEC Region 5 has updated the Moose River Plains Wild Forest map.

** DEC SEEKS INFORMATION ON SICK OR DEAD DEER
The DEC is asking the public to report any instances of deer appearing sick or acting abnormally. DEC is only investigating deer that appear to have died from unknown causes and not those that were killed by a vehicle, the agency announced today. Anyone who sees a white-tailed deer acting abnormally or who finds a dead deer that was not struck by a vehicle is asked to report the animal to the nearest DEC regional office or to an Environmental Conservation Officer or Forest Ranger. People should not handle or eat any deer that appears sick or acts abnormally. Sightings of sick, dying or dead deer should be reported to the nearest DEC regional office or an Environmental Conservation Officer or Forest Ranger. To locate your nearest DEC office, see www.dec.ny.gov/about/50230.html. [Read More]

** KNOW THE LATEST WEATHER
Check the weather before entering the woods or heading onto the waters and be aware of weather conditions at all times. The National Weather Service (NWS) at Burlington and Albany cover the Adirondack region.

** Fire Danger: LOW

FIREWOOD BAN IN EFFECT
Due to the possibility of spreading invasive species that could devastate northern New York forests (such as Emerald Ash Borer, Hemlock Wooly Adeljid and Asian Longhorn Beetle), DEC prohibits moving untreated firewood more than 50 miles from its source. Forest Rangers have been ticketing violators of the firewood ban. More details and frequently asked questions at the DEC website.

STATE FOREST PHOTO CONTEST WINNERS ANNOUNCED
DEC's Division of Lands and Forests has announced the winners of the 2011 "Celebrating New York's Forests" photo contest. More than 530 photos were submitted and judged. The winners' and semifinalists' photographs for each of the five categories: "Enjoying the Forest," "Trees Where We Live," "Forest Products," "State-owned Forests," and "Commissioner's Choice," can be viewed by going to the Celebrating New York's Forests - Photo Contest webpage on DEC's website.

ADIRONDACK FISHING REPORTS

** Ice Fishing Has Begun
Ice fishing season has begun on smaller lakes and ponds and the the smaller bays of larger lakes. Ice depths are reported on small lakes between 5 and 7 inches around the region. There is thin ice at the north end of Schroon Lake; on South Bay on Lake Champlain; and at Huddle Bay on Lake George. Please use extreme caution. Check the depth of ice before crossing, avoid inlets and outlets. Ice on or near running water should be avoided. Remember, ice that holds snow may not hold the weight of a person. The Almanack covered the beginning of the hard-water angling season on Thursday.

** Water Temperatures
Water temperatures in many of the Adirondack waters have dropped into the lower 30s, colder water temperatures can be expected in higher elevation waters. Lake Champlain water temperature is 38 degrees.

DEC Issues New Statewide Fishing Map
DEC's Bureau of Fisheries has issued a new, free color map for freshwater fishing. The I FISH NY Guide to Freshwater Fishing in New York State provides information on over 320 NY lakes and ponds and 112 river and streams. The large 36" x 37.5" map folds to 3.875" x 9" size. One side provides a map of New York state identifying locations of fishing waters recommended by DEC regional staff. The other side provides tables with details on each water, including species, access, campsites and permits or other restrictions. Anglers will also find important phone numbers and e-mail addresses for various contacts, along with a quick response (QR) code providing a smartphone link to the current New York Freshwater Fishing Regulations Guide. Color identification photos and descriptions of popular sportfish in New York are also provided. To receive a map in the mail, e-mail a request to DEC at: fwfish@gw.dec.state.ny.us. Requests by e-mail should include the name and complete address of the recipient, as well as NY Fishing Map in the subject line.

Latest Annual Fisheries Report Now Online
In the newly released 2010 Bureau of Fisheries Annual Report includes reports on the yearly activities and research surveys conducted by DEC fisheries staff during the 2010-2011 fiscal year. The report includes summaries on our fish-stocking and hatchery efforts, I FISH NY outreach activities, recreational fisheries management angler surveys and population surveys, and much more.

Special Fishing Seasons Remain Open
The statewide trout season is closed but there are some exceptions to this regulation. The catch-and-release areas on the West Branch of the Ausable River, Saranac River and the Battenkill remain open as well as a few ponds such as Mountain Pond, Lake Clear & Lake Colby in Franklin County; and Connery Pond in Essex County. Lake Champlain and sections of its tributaries are open all year for trout and salmon fishing. To find out which waters near you still have trout fishing opportunities, check the special fishing regulations by County.

Currently Open Fishing Seasons
Open seasons include Pike, Pickerel, Tiger Muskie, Walleye (those seasons close March 15 and reopen May 15). Yellow Perch, Crappie, and Sunfish seasons are open all year. For catch and size limits view the freshwater fishing regulations online.

Personal Flotation Devices Required
Boaters are reminded all persons aboard a pleasure vessel less than 21 feet regardless of age must wear a personal flotation device from November 1st to May 1st.

Lake Clear
The gate for the road to Lake Clear Girl Scout Camp is open, but due to the condition of the road until further notice it should only be used by pickup trucks, SUVs and other vehicles with high clearance. This road is used to access Meadow and St. Germain Ponds.

Kings Bay Wildlife Management Area
The gate to access Catfish Bay has been closed. Road improvement work and logging to improve habitat are underway.

Use Baitfish Wisely
Anglers using fish for bait are reminded to be careful with how these fish are used and disposed of. Careless use of baitfish is one of the primary means by which non-native species and fish diseases are spread from water to water. Unused baitfish should be discarded in an appropriate location on dry land. A "Green List" of commercially available baitfish species that are approved for use in New York State has now been established in regulation. A discussion of these regulations and how to identify approved baitfish species is available online. Personal collection and use of baitfish other than those on the "Green List" is permitted, but only on the water from which they were collected and they may not be transported overland by motorized vehicle. Anglers are reminded that new regulations for transportation of baitfish are currently under consideration, and these proposed regulations can be viewed online.

Preventing Invasive Species and Fish Diseases
Anglers are reminded to be sure to dry or disinfect their fishing and boating equipment, including waders and boots, before entering a new body of water. This is the only way to prevent the spread of potentially damaging invasive plant and animal species (didymo and zebra mussels) and fish diseases (Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia (VHS) and whirling disease). Methods to clean and disinfect fishing gear can be found online.

Health Advisories on Fish
The NYSDOH has issued the 2010-2011 advisories on eating sportfish and game. Some of fish and game contain chemicals at levels that may be harmful to human health. See the DEC webpage on Fish Health Advisories for more information and links to the Department of Health information.

ADIRONDACK HUNTING REPORTS

Sportsmen & Outdoor Recreation Legislative Day
The New York State Rifle & Pistol Association has set a date of Tuesday, March 20, 2012 for the 3rd Annual Sportsmen & Outdoor Recreation Legislative Awareness Day. It will take place from 9:00am to 1:00pm in the "Well" of the State Legislative Office Building in Albany. Sponsored by NYSRPA and Assembly Minority Leader Brian Kolb the event focuses on lobbying around 2nd Amendment issues and exhibits and presentations by advocates, including a keynote address by Wayne LaPierre, Executive Vice President and CEO of the National Rifle Association.

** DEC Amends Chronic Wasting Disease Regulations
The first case of CWD in the state of Maryland was confirmed by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources last year. In response, DEC has amended its Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) regulations, effective immediately, to prohibit the importation of the folhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.giflowing parts of deer taken in Maryland: brain, eyes, spinal cord, tonsils, intestinal tract, spleen or retropharyngeal lymph nodes. The movement of infectious material is believed to be one route of transmission. DEC advises hunters not to consume the meat of any animal that acts abnormal and to exercise precautions when butchering animals, such as using rubber or latex gloves. Additional information about CWD can be found at the Chronic Wasting Disease Alliance's website.

Santa Clara Tract Conservation Easement Lands
General public access has reopened on the Santa Clara Easement Lands.

DEC Tickets Dozens for Deer Poaching
Environmental Conservation Officers (ECO) worked set up patrols to target illegal deer shooting with the use of an artificial light, a practice commonly known as deer jacking and ended-up ticketing dozens in the stings. (Read More).

Winter Wild Turkey Flock Survey
Visit DEC's Winter Wild Turkey Flock Survey (http://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/48756.html) webpage and start recording observations of turkey flocks to help monitor their status and health. Just print a turkey-sighting form, record the number of turkeys you see in a flock from January through March, and send in your results to the address noted on the form at the end the survey period. In 2011, more than 640 reports were received, resulting in 10,200 birds counted in 49 of the 62 counties in New York State.

2011 Deer Harvest Update
The 2011 hunting year started out low compared to last year, with 5% less harvest in mid-November and 20% less harvest in the opening week of the Southern Zone regular season. However, harvest picked up during Thanksgiving week, boosting results to align more closely with results of the 2010 harvest at this time of year.

2011 Bear Harvest Update
The 2011 season is quite different from last year, with preliminary harvests down in the Northern Zone but at record levels in the Southern Zone. This year, new regulations opened bear hunting in eastern New York, ranging from Westchester County to Washington County. Hunters in the new hunting areas have taken more than 40 bears so far. Still, even without these additional bears, the preliminary take in the southeastern New York region may become one of the top harvests ever recorded. In central and western New York, harvest is topping around 300 bears, which has already shattered the previous record of 189 bears taken in 2008.

5-Year Deer Management Plan
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has announced that it has adopted a five-year deer management plan. The final plan, which has been revised based on public comment on a previously released draft version, is now available online. DEC has prepared an Assessment of Public Comment as a brief overview of what seemed to be the principal issues identified with the draft plan, and including their responses to those issues.

Lewis Preserve WMA
The Brandy Brook has jumped its bank creating a braided stream channel across the main foot trail adjacent to the existing foot bridge. Users should use caution while attempting to cross this new stream channel as it may be deep and swift moving.

Kings Bay WMA
The access road to the parking area off Point Au Fer Road is repaired and passable.

Small Game Seasons Open
A number of small game seasons are now open including: Grey, Black and Fox Squirrel, Crow, Snipe, Rail, Gallinule, Ruffed Grouse, Cottontail Rabbit, Pheasant, Woodcock, Coyote, and Varying Hare. Fox, Raccoon, Skunk, Opossum and Weasel seasons are now open. Bobcat season is open in all Region 5 WMUs, except 5R which does not have a season. See the DEC Small Game webpage for more information on seasons and regulations.

Snow Goose Season Closed
In the Northeastern Waterfowl Hunting Zone Snow Goose season has closed, it reopens February 24 and closes April 15. Note that the boundary between the Northeastern and the Southeastern Waterfowl Hunting Zones now runs east along Route 29 to Route 22, north along Route 22 to Route 153, east along Route 153 to the New York - Vermont boundary.

Some Trapping Seasons Closed
Fisher and Martin seasons are now closed in all Region 5 WMUs; Bobcat season is closed in all Region 5 WMUs except in 5S and 5T where it closes February 15; Mink and Muskrat season closes April 15 in all Region 5 WMUs except 5R, 5S & 5T where it closes April 7; Coyote, Red Fox, Gray Fox, Raccoon, Skunk, Opossum and Weasel season closes February 15 in all Region 5 WMUS. The use of bait or lure is prohibited with body gripping traps set on land between December 11 and February 15 in all Region 5 WMUs, except in WMUs 5R, 5S & 5T. Otter season closes April 7 in all Region 5 WMUs except 5S and 5T where it closes February 28 and in 5R where there is no trapping season. Beaver season closes April 7 in all Region 5 WMUs.

--------------------
Warnings and announcements drawn from DEC, NWS, NOAA, USGS, and other sources. Detailed Adirondack Park hunting, fishing, and trapping information can be found at DEC's webpages. A DEC map of the Adirondack Park can also be found online [pdf].

The DEC Habitat/Access Stamp is available for $5 at all outlets where sporting licenses are sold, on-line and via telephone at 1-866-933-2257. Stamp proceeds support the DEC's efforts to conserve habitat and increase public access for fish and wildlife related recreation. A Habitat/Access Stamp is not required to hunt, fish or trap, nor do you have to purchase a sporting license to buy a habitat stamp.