In this episode of We Love Outdoors with Rich Davenport, your humble host brings you up to speed with old man winter and how to maximize your enjoyment while in the cold, choosing the right outerwear, and avoiding or preventing frostbite and hypothermia.
The EHD outbreak of 2021 also has updated information released from the DEC, and most of the state was somewhat impacted by this event, with the exception of Region 9, which appears to have escaped this outbreak.
The National Deer Association also announced last week that the NYSDEC was named 2021 Agency of the Year for their new Deer Management plan, which addresses over-abundant deer populations and expands hunting opportunity to address the growing populations. Dr Krysten Schuler was named 2021 Professional Deer Manager of the Year for her works on CWD containment and reduction.
The ice is getting nice across NY now with single digit temperatures in the forecast, and the Ice Fishing Derby on Chautauqua Lake is set to commence January 15. The Greater Niagara Fishing Expo sadly has been cancelled due to covid covid covid rules from NY, and Southtowns Walleye Association pushed their Outfitter's Fair back a month to Feb 19 as well.
The Cattaraugus County Trappers is holding a raw fur auction on Feb 19 at Hinsdale Fire Hall, and of course the free fishing weekend coming up is Feb 19 and 20, 2022.
Lake Erie Fisheries unit reports the yellow perch fishing in 2021, especially in April 2021, was incredible with some of the highest catch rates ever recorded. A record average size perch was set at 11.6 inches! WOW! Walleye also showed the 6th highest catch rate, and young of the year in the fall trawl surveys nearly doubled the record set in 2003!
Lake Ontario Fisheries Unit was able to complete many studies and tasks this year after covid rules hampered works in 2020.
Many hatcheries also received upgrades and renovations in 2021, with more to come in the next few years.
The global warming front continues to numb smart minds, with the evolution of sensationalized and still not very accurate weather forecasting being touted as "evidence" of climate change". This is nothing more than propaganda to instill fear, with a government having the solution, conveniently. And our tax $$ are now being used to push even more propaganda with the target being the younger generations not connected with history, like the storms of the 70's and 80's, before we started naming snow storms, and coming up with scary terms like polar vortex and bomb cyclone.
NY's arbitrary and capricious climate change really starts kicking in starting this year, and it appears wood burning boilers and furnaces will be targeted for banning this year. Expect backyard barbecues and grills to also face limits if not outright bans in the name of "clean air".
