Bill Hilts Jr.
Lake Erie fishermen’s meeting scheduled for April 26
The Lake Erie Fisheries Research Unit and Region 9 Fisheries Offices will provide updates on the status of the Lake Erie and Upper Niagara River fisheries on April 26 from 6:30 p.m. 9 p.m. at the lodge located in Woodlawn Beach State Park. The presentation is free and open to the public. Advance registration is not required.
The meeting will feature information on Lake Erie fisheries management, assessment activities, and research for prominent sport and restoration fisheries. Lake Erie and the upper Niagara River are some of New York State’s top fishing destinations, especially for walleye, smallmouth bass and rainbow trout. For more information on fishing in Lake Erie and Western New York, go to dec.ny.gov/outdoor/9217.html.
NASP winners announced for NY
Twenty-two schools in 16 counties were back to compete in person for state honors in the National School Archery Program. A total of 407 young archers showed off their archery skills at the New York State Fairgrounds in Syracuse. The competition was held in three divisions: high school (grades 9-12); middle school (grades 6-8); and primary school (grades 4-5). The State Department of Environmental Conservation coordinates efforts for New York.
People also read…
Anthony Marino, of St. Joseph by the Sea in Richmond County, had the highest overall score and placed first among high school division male archers with a score of 292 out of a possible 300 points. Gabryelle Dezalia of Schroon Lake Central School in Essex County was the top female archer overall, taking first place in the high school division with a score of 278. The two winners will receive a trophy and a bow and a New York Genesis Champion bow case. Prizes were also awarded in each of the three divisions for the top 10 places.
St. Joseph by the Sea was the first team in the secondary division for the eighth consecutive year. The first-place team in the middle and elementary school divisions was Arkport Central School in Steuben County. For final results, see nasptournaments.org/TournamentDetail.aspx?tid=7923.
The national tournament is scheduled for May 12-14 in Louisville. For more information on how to get your school involved, see dec.ny.gov/education/81939.html.
Spring Youth Turkey Hunt April 23-24
Each spring before the start of the regular turkey season, the state schedules a special youth hunt weekend to give young hunters the opportunity to take center stage with licensed mentors. Junior hunters aged 12 to 15 with the proper license may hunt turkeys with an adult. Youth ages 12-13 must be accompanied by a licensed parent, legal guardian, or someone over 21 with written permission. If the junior hunter is 14 or 15 years old, the licensed mentor must be at least 18 years old.
The authorized adult must have a valid hunting license and turkey license. This person can help by calling, but they cannot carry a firearm, bow or crossbow. The adult cannot attempt to harvest a turkey while the young are hunting. Shooting times are half an hour before sunrise at noon. Only one Bearded Bird can be caught during Youth Weekend, and if successful, it will be part of your two-bird limit for the regular season. All other wild turkey hunting regulations remain in effect.
Orvis will host in-person Fly Fishing 101 lessons
Fly fishing store Buffalo Orvis will once again open its popular Fly Fishing 101 beginner course to in-person instruction. Store manager Adam Schroeder said the store will provide all necessary equipment, but encourages attendees to bring their own fly rod and reel if they have one. The free course begins with casting fly rods outdoors, then returns to the store to discuss rod setups, basic fly selection and knotting. It’s perfect for beginners, no matter how old a person is. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Once this step is completed, participants will have the option of enrolling in free follow-up courses. Classes take place on Saturday mornings at 9 a.m. April classes are scheduled for April 23 and 30. May classes are May 7, 14, 21 and 28. Register online at orvis.com/buffalo or call 276-7200.
