The outdoor scene locally has been slow | News, Sports, Jobs

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Jen France bagged her first deer after seven years of hunting on Dec. 12.

Twas the day before Christmas and all through the land, not a creature was stirring in water or on sand. The phone calls were sent out for tales of bear, fish or deer, but it looked pretty slow and that none would appear.

In short the outdoor scene locally has been pretty slow lately. Blame it on the weather, the pandemic the Christmas season, or now that the late deer season segment is over, but things have been pretty quiet. Rick Miller in Irving reports that there has been some trout activity in the Silver Creek area, but not a lot of fishing pressure. The same report from home in Dunkirk. Lee Weber in Derby commented that anglers have been looking for emerald shiners to cash in on an active yellow perch bite taking place off the docks at the Buffalo Small Boat Harbor. Weber did comment that the size of the perch are worth the effort.

Nick France of Forestville called recently to inform us that on Saturday Dec. 12, after seven years of hunting, his wife Jen was rewarded for her patience with a nice buck, sporting one point for each year of hunting, on it’s headgear. Learning patience was key in the hunter’s success.

Jen was in her tree stand and watched as her buck came into view about 9:30 a.m. and bedded down in the thick stuff. Jen had to settle in and wait until 12:30 p.m. before the buck stood up and presented a clear shot. Jen put the sights of her Savage 243 rifle on the boiler maker and sealed the deal with one shot. The deer traveled about 20 yards and dropped. The happy hunter alerted her husband, who shared with her success. Tim Bulger, the father-in -law, came and did the field dressing and helped with the drag.

Nick France also contributed to the venison supply by successfully tagging a doe the same season. Both hunters enjoy venison and had the deer processed at Cassadaga Processing. Jen commented that there was snow on the ground in the area she was hunting that day. The France couple had seen deer in their area during the archery season, as well as a bear on their trail cameras, a few coyotes and fisher. Jen’s deer will be preserved with a European mount. Congratulations.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who was kind enough to contact the newspaper with their stories and photos. COVID-19 made a huge impact on our way of life as we know it. Sharing these activities, in my opinion, is a way to return at least a little bit back to “normalcy.” It seems like yesterday, we were lobbying for the legal use of rifles in our area. We are still trying to lower the legal hunting age for our youth, which will be the future of our sporting heritage. We need to expand the use of crossbows during archery season, especially for the elderly, and physically challenged. Don’t take for granted our natural resources. Put back as well as harvest. Merry Christmas, Happy New Year! I will continue to share your outdoor stories, including coyote /predator hunting, trapping, rabbit hunting, ice fishing and duck hunting. There are lots of activities, so give us a call,. and be safe!

CALENDAR

¯ The late archery and muzzleloader big-game seasons that include the use of crossbows in this area concluded on Dec. 22. Deer of either sex can be harvested with a muzzleloader or crossbow. Note that the City of Dunkirk docks have been pulled at the Chadwick Bay Boat Launch.

¯ Duck seasons split season reopened Nov. 28 and runs through Jan. 3.

¯ Southtowns Walleye Association is making plans for another great walleye tournament in 2021. The pandemic has shut down the monthly meetings for now, but anglers can sign up at the club on Dec. 29 from 6-8 p.m. There will be a great early bird prize raffle for the members.

You can keep in touch online with other club activities by going to www.southtownswalleye.com/derby.

¯ Gun Shows: Harborcreek Pennsylvania, Dec. 12-13 at the Harborcreek Fire Dept. Social Hall, 7275 Buffalo Road-US Route 20 . Times on Saturday are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Sunday are 9 a.m. until 3 p.m.

¯ Conneaut Lake, Pennsylvania. January 23-24, 2021. Located at 11861 Sportsman Road (off Route 18) Conneaut Lake. Saturday 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. and Sunday 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. For information, contact Larry Spicer at 716-792-9972 or go to [email protected] Tables are available.

¯ The New York State Winter Fishing Classic Fishing Tournament will run from Jan. 1 Feb. 28. This event is open to all NYS waters. For details, go to www.nyiceproam.com.

If you have a story or a photo you would like to share call 366-1772, 785-3659 or 366-3000 ext. 3 after 6 p.m. Leave a name and number and a time you can be reached .