Be Grateful For: Here in New York State we have a lot to be thankful for.

At this time of year we should be thankful for a lot of things – some of which are the result of our culture, and others are natural resources. One of the things that we overlook is our political culture. Yes, we have a lot to be critical of but when we consider that we are a two party state and we get along relatively well with others. It is not like some other states where people stonewall or refuse to cooperate with each other.

Since deer season is just over, we should reflect on the fact that we have a large, diverse deer herd and we have access to hunting them. This is not the case in many states where you are limited to one week a year and practically no place to hunt.

It’s been a long hard struggle, but we finally have a crossbow season with equality for all weapons. We have Youth Hunting Seasons, and now there is Youth seasons with a mentor to help youngsters learn safe hunting techniques. The reporting season has become more modern as people can report their kill by smartphone within 48 hours.

There are some glitches and complaints over this, but it is a step in the right direction.

Fishing is generally great for a variety of species. Oneida Lake is known as the second-best lake for walleye and due to stocking from the Constantia Hatchery, walleye have been introduced into many waters around the state. We have waters all over the state with a variety of pike, bass, etc. People in other states have to drive two hours to find fishing like we have in most regions of the state.

The Great Lakes offer us excellent trout and salmon fishing most of the year. For those who do not have a boat or wish to charter, there is normally a king salmon run in the fall, followed by a steelhead trout run that provides action all winter. This past year we were faced with a drought that seriously affected Lake Ontario and most of our local streams but hopefully that is behind us.

‘Winter enthusiasts generally have a series of options. Normally there is sufficient snowfall for downhill or cross-country skiing. Snowmobiling is a popular sport for many. Ice fishing or hiking is a popular allure or those who are not “snowbirds” and chose to escape to the south for warmer temperatures.

For those who do not hunt or fish, we have a great variety of beauty to explore. From the majesty of the Adirondacks, to the Great Lakes and all that lies in between, The Finger Lakes and the rolling beauty of the southern tier are to be enjoyed by hikers or those who live there.

We have differences of opinion on how to manage these resources but generally we argue and discuss these in a sensible way. New York has a lot of resources but it is up to us to manage them, and most importantly to enjoy them. Let’s make a point to fully utilize them in 2026.

SHORT CASTS

Christmas Wishes

Merry Christmas to all of our readers. Over the years I have learned that many people in addition to sportsmen read this column. Many enjoy the outdoor themes, others are interested in the issues, and many enjoy finding out about people they know making the news. Thanks to all of you who have given information, advice, or encouragement this year and in the past.

My wife Carol and I would like to extend our heartfelt wishes that everyone has a great holiday season spent with friends and family. We hope that the peace and joy extend not only through this season but throughout the coming year. Merry Christmas!

As I have mentioned previously in this column, remember the real meaning and spirit of the holiday we celebrate next week. It is always good but especially at this time of year to remember the less fortunate in our community. There are many things we can do for others so don’t get caught up in the celebration and forget the true spirit of Christmas.

At any time of year, but especially now with the end of hunting season and the onset of the holiday season it is appropriate to remember the landowners who let you use their property with some gift. Some small gift will show your appreciation for them letting you hunt or fish on their property. It also helps mark you as a considerate and responsible sportsman and may go a long way towards getting permission to hunt or fish there again next year.

In past years I used to tweak or rattle some of our adversaries in the outdoor world by saying that “peace on earth” wouldn’t apply to them because they weren’t “men of good will.” I am not doing that this year because there is too much polarization, rancor, and hatred in the world, especially this country. I will still oppose their ideas and policies but instead give them sincere wishes for a happy holiday. After all, even the Grinch and Ebeneezer Scrooge had a change of heart.

There are notations on Santa’s lists.

These include the people who are hunter safety instructors, organizers of fishing clinics, mentors and organizers of youth hunts, the people who work tirelessly in sportsman’s clubs, and the key people in conservation and sportsmen’s organizations like the Conservation Council, Ruffed Grouse Society, Izaak Walton League, Trout Unlimited, and many others. Let’s not forget the volunteers who have worked hard behind the scenes to make wishes become reality like the Crossbow Coalition or the Youth Hunts.

If you are looking for last minute gifts, remember that the best gift that you can give is often “yourself.” Make plans to take some individual or family fishing, hunting, trapshooting, or hiking. Introduce some to camping or outdoor photography, or some other activity in the outdoors that they can enjoy for many years.

Hopefully your work or other things on your schedule will allow you time to enjoy the holidays in the next couple weeks. Make time to just relax, enjoy being with other people, or kicking back and appreciating what we do have. Let’s bring back the “Twelve Days of Christmas” and make it a real celebration, not just some Medieval carol. Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year.

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Preliminary Reports on Youth Hunts and Crossbows

There are lots of theories and stories on what effect the widespread use of crossbow has, or will have on deer hunting, or the issuance of To get a more accurate picture I have used some of the data compiled by Ricky Mills of WildJaegers.LLC. They reported that about 880 replacement youth tags were issued. About three quarters of the replacement tags were for antlerless deer.

According to regulations a successful youth hunter could apply for a replacement tag of the opposite sex.

Incidentally there were no HRSI (hunting accidents) reported during the youth hunt. Bow hunting privileges almost doubled through 2025. This increase led to an increase in mentored hunts. Overall sales for the 2025 hunting show a slight increase compared to the same time last year. Support for the same time last year for the Conservation Fund and the Venison Donation Coalition showed a slight decrease, while Habitat funds were up nine percent.

The laws re. crossbows changed last year and crossbows were recognized as legal archery instruments, the same as longbows or compound bows. Users had to take the bowhunting hunters education course in order to hunt with a crossbow. Bow use (including crossbows) was up 45%. These are not final figures, but they are interesting.

Preliminary indication is that hunters may be tracking and taking advantage of the e-tags. The number of those taking the bowhunter education course for certification almost doubled that of the previous year.

There were glitches, of course but it seems as if the new laws or regulations were working The new regulations re. reporting your kill are working with some reservations.

The improvements in youth reporting their kill or getting a second permit are going smoothly.