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Hike of the Month: Hudson River Ramble
September's Hudson River Valley Ramble celebrates the history, culture and natural resources of the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area. Generally, events are held outdoors and are guided and/or offer interpretation of the landscape, history or ecology of an area. Activities include walks, hikes, bike tours, kayak and canoe trips, a family festival and a river exploration. They are available for everyone, regardless of age or ability, so come and enjoy! The 2016 Hudson River Valley Ramble is scheduled on the weekends of September 3-4, 10-11, 17-18 and 24-25.
Great Canada Goose Hunting at Three Mile Bay Wildlife Management Area
Oswego County
Three Mile Bay Wildlife Management Area offers world-class Canada goose hunting along northern Oneida Lake. You can bag up to 15 birds a day during the early season (September 1-25)--five times the regular season limit. Along with a NYS hunting license and federal duck stamp, you need a Harvest Information Program (HIP) number. See the DEC webpage on Canada Goose season for all the details. And don't forget National Hunting and Fishing Day® on September 24. Celebrate by introducing a youngster to the sport of hunting.
Note: All hunting licenses went on sale August 1. Get yours today!.
Watchable Wildlife: Reinstein Woods Education Center Fall Festival
Near Buffalo, NY
DEC's Reinstein Woods environmental education center offers great opportunities to view wildlife. Each fall, Reinstein Woods hosts the annual fall festival, complete with hands-on education activities, interactive exhibits and interpretive walks.
At Reinstein Woods (9/17 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM), participants can explore the amazing World of the Pond, go on a scavenger hunt, make crafts from recycled materials or become a Spill Responder. Head onto the trails to spot white-tailed deer, foxes, birds and more.
Annual Adirondack Canoe Race
Old Forge and Saranac Lake
The 90-Miler Adirondack Canoe Classic is a boating event open to kayaks and guideboats as well as canoes. It is held on the weekend after Labor Day--this year from September 9 through September 11. More than 500 participants come from all over the world for this three-day competition, which begins at Old Forge and concludes in Saranac Lake. The race has categories appropriate for people of all ages and abilities, and "pit crews" along the route provide support to all competitors.
If not participating yourself, consider taking your family to Old Forge or Saranac Lake to cheer on the teams.
Safe and Sound: Ranger/ECO Reports
Rescued Owl, Livingston County:
On August 1, Livingston County 911 contacted the Region 8 office to report that a Deputy had found an injured owl on State Route 256 in the town of West Sparta. ECO Lt. William Powell responded and found the Deputy with a Barred Owl that appeared to have been struck by a vehicle while catching a rabbit. The deceased rabbit was on the ground next to the owl and the owl's talons were full of rabbit hair. The owl was carefully secured and transported to a licensed rehabilitator, who will monitor its recovery for future release.
Lost hiker, Herkimer County:
DEC Ray Brook Dispatch received a request for assistance from Herkimer County 911 for a 58-year-old man lost in the Christian Lake area. He had not been seen for over four hours. DEC Forest Rangers, along with New York State Police and the State Police K-9 unit responded. By 3:00 a.m. the man still had not been located and Rangers requested additional resources. New York State Police Aviation searched by air. Forest Rangers performing a Type 1 search located the man at 2:42 p.m. the following day. He was weak but uninjured.
Be sure to properly prepare and plan before entering the backcountry. Visit DEC's Hiking Safety and Adirondack Backcountry Information webpages for more information.
Nature Notes
Most resident Canada geese begin breeding when they are 2-3 years old, and they nest every year for the rest of their lives. They mate for life, but if one member of a pair dies, the remaining goose will mate again.
Purchase Your Hunting and Trapping Licenses
Sporting licenses and Deer Management Permits for the 2016-17 season went on sale Monday, August 1. Licenses and permits can be purchased at any one of DEC's license-issuing agents, in person, by telephone, or online. Hunting and trapping licenses are valid for one year beginning September 1, 2016.
DEC's Fishing, Hunting and Wildlife App
Looking for an outdoor adventure close to home this spring? Download DEC's Fishing, Hunting and Wildlife App. Using the app's advanced GPS features, you will be able to identify and locate New York State's many hunting, fishing and wildlife watching sites.
Upcoming DEC Events
Sporting Season Openings
Conservationist Magazine
We heard from a number of readers who really enjoyed "Winged Dragons and Damsels" in our August issue. Many shared photos they had taken of various dragonfly species they encountered this summer. People also enjoyed: reading about canoeing on the Bronx River; learning about clamming in New York's waters; discovering some of the state's parasitic plants; and looking back on how a bird strike forced an emergency landing on the Hudson River.
There's all this and much more in the Conservationist. Don't miss the next issue! Subscribe online or call 1-800-678-6399.
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