Outdoors

Previous Outdoor Articles

• Dirks: Young turkey hunters excel - 5/6/2008
  

  When the state Department of Environmental Conservation decided a few years ago to open a special season just for youth turkey hunters, it was on to...

• Dirks: Supreme Court reviews tough D.C. gun law - 4/29/2008
  

  There are 27 words that every outdoorsman should know: "A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the...

• Scout turkeys, but don't educate 'em - 4/22/2008
  

  Spring turkey hunting is exciting and action-oriented, but it isn't easy.

• Dirks: Turkey-calling experts share tips for success - 4/16/2008
  

  Yelping, clucking and purring are sounds that can only mean one thing: Spring turkey season is almost here.

• Local turkey-calling experts share their tips for success - 4/15/2008
  

  Yelping, clucking, and purring are sounds that can only mean one thing: Spring turkey season is almost here.

• Dirks: Teaching kids about outdoors not easy - 4/8/2008
  

  The most challenging part of introducing kids to hunting or fishing is for adults to stay on task and chill.

• Trout tales from local anglers - 4/2/2008
  

  Here's a recap of reader-submitted stories about their fishing trips now that trout season has reopened in New York:

• Dirks: How to make trout tremble - 4/1/2008
  

  For the diehard trout angler, today is not April Fools' Day.

• Dirks: Chasing trout early in season - 3/25/2008
  

  With trout season in most areas of the Hudson Valley opening next Tuesday, many anglers are getting ready.

• Dirks: DEC reports deer hunting rates up for 2007 - 3/18/2008
  

  The state Department of Environmental Conservation recently released its 2007 deer and bear hunting reports and the news is good — rates are up...

• Dirks: State to stiff bowhunters out of 7 prime days - 3/11/2008
  

  Fall archery season for deer is several months off, but when it arrives, hunters in the Hudson Valley will come up short.

• Dirks: Where to find shad and how to hook 'em - 3/4/2008
  

  If you're suffering from cabin fever and need an angling fix, the shad are on their way.

• PETA attacks on outdoorsmen offensive - 2/26/2008
  

  The war on parents who have introduced their children to the outdoors, be it fishing, hunting or trapping, continues unabated.

• Outdoors column: Getting jump on trout - 2/20/2008
  

  The Internet has truly blossomed into the place where you can find information on almost any outdoor subject you want.

• Ice-fishing day draws big crowd - 2/12/2008
  

  Thick ice, bone-chilling cold and cooperative fish are the ingredients for a great day of ice fishing.

• Dirks: Herring decline to be assessed - 2/8/2008
  

  The river herring is the unsung hero of the Hudson River.

• Snowshoes aren't unwieldy anymore - 1/29/2008
  

  Snowshoeing in the Catskills remains a traditional form of recreation. In the Adirondacks, however, snowshoeing is a way of life.

• Luring in the trout with a sucker pattern - 1/22/2008
  

  How many streams or rivers have you fished for trout that had a good population of sucker fish in them?

• Survival of the smartest in the outdoors - 1/15/2008
  

  John McCann began his career in wilderness survival when he was a Boy Scout.

• Making progress to save land for hunters - 1/11/2008
  

  In my Dec. 4 column, I focused on the need for additional efforts for the preservation of land for outdoor recreational usage, including hunting.

• Outdoors: Year filled with controversy, unresolved issues - 1/1/2008
  

  It was not an overly empowering year for outdoorsmen and women.

• Local pair national champs - 12/25/2007
  

  As the sun rose on Lake Henry, about 120 miles west of the Twin Cities in Minnesota, Kevin Riley and Richard Stachurski were already at work.

• Dirks: Outdoors books worth hunting down - 12/18/2007
  

  When winter makes its dark and cold presence known and the hunting season begins to wind down, it's time to consider settling down with a good book...

• Fly tying can lead to love of fly fishing - 12/11/2007
  

  Unless you've witnessed it yourself, you wouldn't believe the look on the face of a person, young or old, who is able to create his own fishing fly.

• Dirks: Hunting for open space - 12/4/2007
  

  Aside from the troubling issue of not introducing enough youth into the outdoor sports, whether it be hunting, fishing, camping, or hiking, the next...

• Learning a valuable hunting lesson - 11/27/2007
  

  Jim Davis of Slate Hill was intent on giving his 16-year-old son, Peter, a chance for a buck.

• Outdoors: Businessman knows how to reel 'em in - 11/20/2007
  

  On a warm fall day just a few weeks ago, more than 55 kids learned how to catch their first fish.

• Opening-day hunting memories - 11/13/2007
  

  The opening day of gun season for deer, which begins Saturday, has long been a tradition that few hunters miss.

• Local youngster bags first bear with bow - 11/6/2007
  

  Richard Dennison sat in his treestand, his expectations high on his very first bowhunt.

• Fall fishing is fantastic - 10/23/2007
  

  It was easy pushing the 16-foot drift boat into the clear water of the Delaware River.

• Dirks: Tips for hunting deer with a bow - 10/16/2007
  

  Each year, hundreds of new bowhunters hit the woods, but often experience some frustration in filling their tags. Not to worry.

• Turkeys should fall - 10/9/2007
  

  Fall turkey hunting, by and large, is one opportunity largely overlooked by hunters.

• Dirks: Neversink offers some big surprises - 10/2/2007
  

  We had traveled more than two miles into deep, cool and heavily forested woods to fish the depths of the Neversink River.

• Dirks: Take a hike - & bring the kids - 9/25/2007
  

  Taking kids on a foliage hike is a great way to enjoy the fall outdoor experience.

• Couple share their ideas for great Catskill hikes - 9/18/2007
  

  As John and Susan Lavelle tell it, it was a hiking vacation in Arizona that led them to open the now locally and nationally famous Catskill Hiking...

• Here's why hunting is on decline - 9/12/2007
  

  The decline in the number of active hunters is nothing new. We've been seeing this for several years.

• Regular gun care key to performance - 9/4/2007
  

  In his 30 years as a gunsmith, John Blauvelt of the hamlet of Wallkill has seen it all — thousands of rifles, shotguns and pistols with all...

• Outdoors galore on new Web site - 8/28/2007
  

  You probably don't know the names David Hall, Chris Moise or Dave Barton, but if you're in need of a steady fix of hunting and fishing shows, these...

• Versatile kayaks worth a try - 8/21/2007
  

  Kayaking continues to attract more and more boaters each year than any other type of boating.

• Locals lag in hunting promotion - 8/14/2007
  

  John Kelder isn't seeing much promotion of local hunting these days.

• NRA helps arm disabled - 8/7/2007
  

  Dave Baskin believes that there is nothing he can't do.

• Dirks: Angling for a good read? - 7/31/2007
  

  With the dog days of August upon us, now's the time to get into a good outdoors book.

• Dirks: Luring bass the old-fashioned way - 7/24/2007
  

  Shelby Foster of Middletown is living proof that the only ingredients you need to catch a huge bass are a grandfather, a minnow and a good sturdy...

• Dirks: Anglers can help prevent water pollution - 7/17/2007
  

  Water pollution, although not entirely contained, is clearly less of a threat to freshwater fisheries than it was a few decades ago.

• Dirks: Greenwood Lake requires work to fish - 7/10/2007
  

  Greenwood Lake is massive, with about 1,920 acres of surface water.

• Dirks: Hoeltschi finds rifle competitions help confidence - 7/3/2007
  

  Shooting in the prone position, Kelly Hoeltschi sets up her rifle and fixes her position.

• Bashakill still a local treasure - 6/26/2007
  

  As we ease our canoe through the warm waters of this 2,175-acre natural sponge, my son Noah notes a large bird in the distance.

• Dirks: State could do more to promote outdoor sports - 6/19/2007
  

  New York lags behind many states that are taking a proactive approach to encouraging more hunters and anglers.

• Hook up with sure-fire bass lures - 6/12/2007
  

  Nothing stirs the heart of an angler more than fighting and landing a bass, especially one that goes a few pounds.

• Delaware flows, groups quibble - 6/5/2007
  

  Water flows to the Delaware River, always a battleground issue, has become a war of words.

• Women want chances to shoot - 5/29/2007
  

  Jo Ann Keegan, Vicky Heine and Ginny Esposito are three local women on a mission.

• NRA offers advice on kids, guns & big game - 5/22/2007
  

  National Rifle Association CEO Wayne LaPierre is the man when it comes to protecting the rights of citizens to bear arms.

• Hudson River striped bass fishing top notch - 5/14/2007
  

  It's not too late to catch some great Hudson River striper action.

• Check out Jersey rivers for quality fishing - 5/8/2007
  

  Most anglers keep an eye open for new places to fish. This past weekend, my son Joshua and I found one.

• Dirks: Encourage girls to enjoy the outdoors - 5/5/2007
  

  Outdoorsmen feel a great responsibility to help the next generation understand the responsibilities and pleasures of the outdoors.

• How to teach a girl to fish ... - 5/3/2007
  

  Outdoorsmen feel a great responsibility to help the next generation understand the responsibilities and pleasures of the outdoors.

• Outdoors column: Calling too much can keep that tom up his tree - 4/26/2007
  

  The spring turkey hunting season, which starts on May 1, should prove to be a bountiful one.

• Manage deer herds with bows - 4/17/2007
  

  A recent Times Herald-Record editorial took aim at how the "DEC misfires on deer herd.

• College fishing marches ahead - 4/10/2007
  

  March Madness wasn't all about college basketball. At least not for me.

• Dirks: Call cops on fish offenders - 4/4/2007
  

  A few days before Sunday's opening day of trout fishing season, I took my son down to Rutgers Creek near my home to see if we could locate some...

• Newly stocked trout are easiest to catch - 3/27/2007
  

  That blast of snow we recently received did more than keep just the ski center operators happy.

• Grannis tells hunters to chill - 3/20/2007
  

  State Assemblyman Peter Grannis is fighting a public relations war over his nomination by Gov.

• Esopus Creek has a chance to recover - 3/13/2007
  

  Nearly 31 years have passed since I caught my first trout on the Esopus Creek.

• Grannis deserves chance to explain - 3/6/2007
  

  Everyday, my e-mail box fills up with notes from folks all over the state who are hot, sometimes white-hot, in their protests regarding the...

• Zumbo's 'terrorist' rant was outrageous - 2/27/2007
  

  Jim Zumbo spent 42 years of his life as a highly successful, dedicated outdoors writer covering hunting and shooting sports.

• Local fishing contest honors Shepard - 2/22/2007
  

  Three years before he died this past September, Jerry Shepard purchased his dream property.

• Dirks: Organize, or lose rights - 2/9/2007
  

  One of the great pleasures derived from outdoor activities is communing with nature.

• Concerns about DEC nominee - 2/2/2007
  

  When Gov.

• DAVID DIRKS: Jury still out on DEC commissioner appointment - 2/1/2007
  

  When Gov.

• Jury still out on DEC commissioner appointment - 1/29/2007
  

  When Gov.

• New Mexico offers big-game thrills - 1/24/2007
  

  Hunting on dry, flat and semi-desert country is a far cry from the hunting 15-year-old Patrick Hulle is used to.

• Uninspected bait poses grave danger - 1/16/2007
  

  If the flow of reader comments into my e-mail account is any indication, many anglers are more worried about the future of baitfish than fishing...

• New technology makes 'hardwater' fishing easy - 12/26/2006
  

  When I was a teenager, we called it "ice fishing." Today, you'll more often hear it referred to as "hardwater" fishing.

• Romer bucks hunting trends - 12/19/2006
  

  Sue Romer is in the minority among hunters because women represent only 4 percent of the hunting population in the United States.

• Attention hunters: Submit your best hunting "shot" - 11/27/2006
  

  Hunting season is here. We are looking for your trophy shots.

• How far is PETA willing to go to make its point? - 10/31/2006
  

  What would you think of an "animal rights" organization that has euthanized more than 14,400 dogs, cats and other "companion animals" over a six-year...

• Busting the flock key to turkey hunt - 10/17/2006
  

  Bob Partridge, having survived growing up in a family of 15, now spends almost all his available time in the woods. That's not too surprising.

• Nearby Farmington offers top-shelf fishing - 10/10/2006
  

  Well-known fly-fishing educator and guide Bert Darrow has been asking me to fish this river with him for years now.

• Fishing program helps heal both mind and body - 10/3/2006
  

  Take 10 men, add the rich experience of fly fishing, sprinkle it with deep conversation and you have what it takes to heal minds and, perhaps, bodies.

• For young anglers, only the fish matter - 9/5/2006
  

  One of the great things about kids and fishing is that kids don't care about the size of the fish or even how many they catch.

• Hike 'n' hunt tips save lives - 8/29/2006
  

  As in football, plenty of deer hunters like going up the middle and moving only a few yards into the woods.

• Know your terrain when you hike - 8/22/2006
  

  As an Adirondack guide, Gary Marchuk knows a thing or two about the woods.

• Bass season brings new vs. old debate to surface - 7/26/2006
  

  The third Saturday in June marks the beginning of another bass season.

• Bass season brings new vs. old debate to surface - 7/26/2006
  

  The third Saturday in June marks the beginning of another bass season.

• Brook trout are giving us fair warning - 7/26/2006
  

  Some species of fish can slowly and quietly disappear without many people knowing about it.

• Schools can teach about the outdoors, too - 7/26/2006
  

  I'm not sure if it's a trend, but if it is, it is certainly a welcome one.

• New law imposes whopper of fee on fishing guides - 7/26/2006
  

  Life as a fishing guide on the Delaware River is tough. Guides have to work with whatever Mother Nature provides. In some years, it's too much water.

• State lawmaker takes aim at young hunters - 7/26/2006
  

  You may not know or have even heard of state Sen. Liz Krueger, D-Manhattan, but if she has her way, the world of hunting will be in very sorry shape.

• Spring turkey hunting: it's time to give it a shot - 7/26/2006
  

  With spring turkey season under way, turkey hunters everywhere should be expecting great things this season.

• Youths get first shot at lurking turkeys - 7/26/2006
  

  There's nothing better than seeing a large tom turkey lurking around a field with a few hens and jakes.

• The real point of angling is seeing a youngster smile - 7/26/2006
  

  Opening day on Rutgers creek gave me hope that there is more to fishing than meets the eye.

• 'Trout in the classroom' hooks Minisink kids - 7/26/2006
  

  "Who wants to clean the fish tank?" asks Minisink Middle School teacher Brian Duffy. Just about every hand within range of his voice goes up.

• Neversink guardian now on clock - 7/26/2006
  

  Every great trout river needs a sponsor who will fight to keep the ecosystem pristine - someone who considers the river and its entire habitat, not...

• Picking the right glove important - 7/26/2006
  

  It doesn't matter much what type of fishing you're into during the late winter or early spring season.

• Slick flick claims fishing great in Apple - 7/26/2006
  

  Not too many anglers would think it possible to commute to your fishing hole by subway car, but there are many who do these days.

• Trout Unlimited casting for new chapter - 7/26/2006
  

  There is much wisdom in the saying "take care of the fish, then the fishing will take care of itself."

• Pay-to-hunt decent option in land squeeze - 7/26/2006
  

  The National Shooting Sports Foundation, through a national survey, identified five reasons why hunters can grow dissatisfied with their sport.

• Current gun laws must be enforced - 7/26/2006
  

  The headline was another clear indication that when it comes to guns, politics rules over reality. This time, the politics came from Canada.