What will Dad be getting this year for Father’s Day? In case you forgot, it is only nine days away.
As a dad, I know I am hard to buy for when it comes to outdoor gifts because like most outdoorsmen, I am fussy. We all like good equipment at good prices, and this year I have three good ideas for what I would like on June 17. If one or both of these items would add enjoyment to your favorite outdoor activities, tape this article up where those kids and mom can see it. Here are my choices:
My first choice is Henry Repeating Arms new .410 lever action shotgun which gives you two choices. The HO18 .410 has a 24-inch barrel with a brass-bead sight and smooth/removable full choke. The 410R has a 20-inch barrel with adjustable semi-buckhorn rear and brass bead sights, a cylinder bore and it is drilled and tapped for a scope. Both have an attractive dark-grained American walnut and checkered stocks. This one really belongs in your gun cabinet/safe. They can be seen at www.henryusa.com.
If you are a fisherman, why not let the kids surprise you with a guided fishing trip to one of our area lakes or rivers? Not only will you have a great time and catch fish, but you won’t have to worry about hooking up the boat and all those other chores associated with getting ready to go fishing. All you need to do is drive to the lake/river climb in the boat and the guide will do the rest.
It really doesn’t matter how experienced an angler you are, you are sure to learn something new fishing with a New York state licensed guide. To give the family a hint, all you have to do is go to the bait shop and get a few brochures and bring them home. Check them out and then leave the brochure of the one you like on the kitchen table where the family can see it. If they get the hint and you get you a guide, you might want to make it a family outing.
BIG BASS
Colonie angler Tony Mastrianni and his son Charlie spent a very successful day on little Ballston Lake. They caught a number of bass, which included two lunkers. Charlie caught a 5-plus-pounder, and dad boated an 8 1/2 pounder. All their fish were taken on a Bass Pro Shop Stick-O-Worm fished wacky style on a weedless wacky worm hook. Most of the fish were holding in eight feet of weedy water and all were released alive. This lake is known for its big bass.
The spring turkey hunting season is over, but here is a turkey tale that has to be told. Don Krutz of Ames took his first tom during the snowstorm on May 8 just outside of the village of Ames. The tom was in the middle of a field about 100 yards out and stayed there gobbling, but when he came within 60 yards, Don’s 10-gauge took him down. The tom carried an eight-inch beard and one-inch spurs.
For turkey No. 2, Don was sitting in a Double Bull blind which he had forgotten to stake down — and the wind was blowing hard. While he was holding the frame of the blind, a tom appeared and when he got into range, Don let go of the blind and took the shot. The turkey went down and the blind went rolling across the field.
This tom was a bit smaller with a jake beard, 3/4-inch spurs and weighed in at 15 pounds.
Mike Jennings of Easton found it hard to get out of bed at 3:45 a.m. three days in a row during the turkey season, but it was worth it. Sitting in the Washington County woods, he had seven deer run by, but no turkey responses. At 5:50 a.m., a hen came into the field right next to him and his calling got her coming, but she spooked.
But at the same time, a tom gobbled off in the distance. Mike then started a slow walking and talking (calling) approach to close the distance. He actually passed the tom, but then saw him pop up in a small opening in the woods. At 40 yards, one shot rewarded Mike with a 20-pound gobbler with a 10 1/2 -inch beard.
IT’S TURTLE TIME
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation wants to remind the public that the state’s native turtles are on the move, seeking sandy areas or loose soil to lay their eggs. Drivers that see a turtle on the road should use caution and should not swerve suddenly or leave their lane of travel, but take care to avoid hitting turtles while driving.
In New York, thousands of turtles are killed each year when they are struck by vehicles as the turtles migrate to their nesting areas. New York’s 11 native species of land turtles are in decline, and turtles can take more than 10 years to reach breeding age. The reptiles lay just one small clutch of eggs each year, which means the loss of a breeding female can have a significant effect on the local turtle population.
This time of year, it is especially important to be on the lookout for turtles and to drive cautiously, particularly on roads near rivers and marshy areas. If a turtle is spotted on the road or near the shoulder, drivers should safely stop their vehicle and consider moving the turtle to the side of the road in the direction the reptile is facing. Drivers should only stop and move turtles when it safe to do so. Drivers should not put themselves, passengers or others at risk.
Picking the turtle up by its tail may frighten or injure the reptile. Most turtles can be picked up by the side of their shells.
It’s important to use extreme caution when moving snapping turtles; either pick the turtle up at the rear of the shell near the tail using two hands, or slide a car mat under the turtle to drag the turtle across the road. Do not take the turtle into personal possession. All native turtles are protected by law and cannot be collected without a permit.
Categories: -Sports-
