New York Mixed Bag: Summer boaters reminded to follow clean, drain, dry practices

Albany — As the summer boating season begins its busiest stretch DEC reminds boaters of all types of vessels not to forget to take steps to protect New York’s waters from aquatic invasive species. AIS can easily spread between waterbodies by attaching to boats and other water recreation equipment. Once introduced, AIS can harm a water’s ecosystems, economy, and other forms of outdoor recreation, including fishing.

To keep AIS from spreading, New York State law requires boaters to Clean, Drain, and Dry their boat and equipment before using it in a new water body. After a boat is pulled out of the water boaters should:

• Clean mud, plants, and animals off boats, trailers, fishing gear, and other equipment and discard the material in a trash can or disposal station;

• Drain water-holding compartments, including ballast tanks, live wells, and bilge areas, before leaving an access site;

• Dry everything completely for five to seven days in dry, warm conditions. If drying isn’t possible, visit a decontamination station to disinfect boats and other equipment with hot water that is at least 140 degrees Fahrenheit.

Boaters can learn more about clean, drain, dry practices from boat stewards at launch sites across the state. Look for boat stewards in blue vests, as they will provide a free boat inspection for invasive species, and demonstrate how to clean, drain, dry watercraft and equipment.

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LONG ISLAND NATIONAL DEER ASSOCIATION TO HOST INTRODUCTION TO DEER HUNTING PROGRAM

Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y. — The Long Island Branch of the National Deer Association will host an immersive educational day centered around learning deer hunting skills and connecting with other hunters Saturday, July 26, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Upland Farm Sanctuary in Cold Spring Harbor.

Attendees will have the opportunity to learn the basics of whit-e-tailed deer hunting, including rules and regulations, blood trailing, climber and saddle safety, tips and tricks. There will also be hunting bag gear dump and an archery range. This is a collaborative event. Partners include the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and the Nature Conservancy.

A $10 donation is suggested to help offset event costs. Those interested in registering for the Introduction to Deer Hunting event or becoming a volunteer should reach out to branch president Canio Pace at longislandnda@gmail.com. The National Deer Association is a 501c3 non profit organization.

Also, on Saturday, Aug. 2 the NDA and DEC are still seeking volunteers for habitat improvement at Rattlesnake Hill Wildlife Management Area in Livingston and Allegany counties. The event seeks to improve wildlife habitat by cutting sapling non-oak trees and under-story vegetation in select area to nurture the growth and survival of young oak trees. Lunch will be provided. To register, visit: https://deerassociation.com/event/rattlesnake-hill-public-land-work-dayny/.

REMINDER: ANNUAL LOON CENSUS IS JULY 19

Saranac Lake, N.Y. — There are still opportunities for boaters, anglers and birders from across New York to participate in the New York Annual Loon Census, being held Saturday, July 19 from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. The census provides an annual “snapshot” of the nesting population of common loons in the state.

The Annual Loon Census started in 2001 and is organized by the Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation (ACLC), based in Saranac Lake. New observers can log on to the ACLC website or go to adkloon.org/ny-loon-census and follow the instructions for selecting a lake and registering for available waters. Results of the census help determine trends in the loon population. While the number of adult loons reported on census lakes remains high, the percentage of lakes where young loons have been observed has been gradually declining over the last couple of years.

In 2024, 647 people volunteered as observers on 255 lakes and submitted 326 reports. A total of 843 loons were counted, 85% of which were adults, 13% were chicks, and 2% were immature loons. In 2024, 29% of all confirmed and suspected nest failures were due to flooding from water level rise. Results of the 2024 census are now available to view at adkloon.org/ny-loon-census-results.

OUTDOOR INDUSTRY ICONS JB HODGDON, FRANK BROWNELL BOTH PASS AWAY

Lenexa, Kansas — The outdoor industry lost two prominent figures last month. John Brewster “JB” Hodgdon, co-founder of the Hodgdon Powder Co., passed away on June 13.

JB, as he was known, held many roles at the Hodgdon Powder Co. In the early days, he packaged powder at the family dining room table. He led international sales and served as the face of Hodgdon at industry trade shows. He served on the Hodgdon board as board chair for many years and was named chairman emeritus in 2025. With his brother Bob, JB Hodgdon continued the legacy of Hodgdon Powder Co. started by their father and grew the company into a preeminent supplier of gunpowder and black powder substitutes for hand-loading and muzzleloading enthusiasts.

Outdoor retailer Brownells announced the death of long-time family patriarch Frank Brownell, who held the positions of president, CEO, and chairman of the board at Brownells. Brownell passed away in Grinnell, Iowa, on June 18 after a lengthy illness. He was six days shy of his 86th birthday.