Mike Raykovicz, Author at Outdoor News

Here’s some fall turkey tips ahead of New York’s opener

Blogs, Featured, Hunting, National Hunting, New York, Opinion / Mike Raykovicz

The fall turkey season opens throughout most of New York’s Southern Zone Oct. 21 and in my opinion, it should be a good one. Other than the first week in May the weather for the rest of that month was dry and relatively warm, at least here in the Southern Tier. By my unscientific observations, the number of successful broods I’ve seen throughout the summer indicates a good spring hatch and survival rate.

Here’s some fall turkey tips ahead of New York’s opener Read More »

Rangefinders: Here’s what to consider with these handy tools for hunting

Featured, Featured, Features, Gear & Gadgets, Home Page News, Hunting, Hunting, Hunting, Hunting, Hunting, Hunting, Hunting, Hunting, Hunting, Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, National Hunting, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin / Mike Raykovicz

For years I didn’t own a rangefinder, instead relying on rocks, sticks, or even pieces of tissue paper as yardage markers. Now, without having to move from my stand, I can determine the exact distance to just about any object within shooting range.
While bowhunting, I can determine my aim point regardless of my height in the tree because my rangefinder allows me to verify that with ease. Most laser rangefinders are accurate to plus or minus one meter or yard. Leupold’s RX-Full Draw model can range from 600 to 800 yards and offers new signal processing techniques that promise accuracy to within a half-yard.

Rangefinders: Here’s what to consider with these handy tools for hunting Read More »

Chronic wasting disease a growing threat for New York

Blogs, Featured, Hunting, National Hunting, New York, Opinion / Mike Raykovicz

Chronic Wasting Disease hasn’t been seen in New York State since 2005 but it has the potential of changing deer hunting forever. This always fatal disease, for which there is no cure, threatens white-tailed deer, moose, and elk.
CWD was discovered in Oneida County 18 years ago, and thanks to an intensive and comprehensive testing and culling program, the DEC and NYS Department of Agriculture managed to eliminate it. CWD has been found in 29 states but, so far, New York is the only state to have eliminated it. However, that isn’t the case with our neighbor to the south.

Chronic wasting disease a growing threat for New York Read More »

Recently-discovered Beech Leaf Disease another threat to northern hardwood forests

Blogs, Featured, Nature Page & Night Sky, New York, Opinion, Opinion, Pennsylvania / Mike Raykovicz

Beech trees are long-lived denizens of forests throughout the eastern half of North America and many have succumbed to beech bark disease, but the recently discovered Beech Leaf Disease (BLD) appears to be an even bigger threat.
If the number of beech trees in New York as well as elsewhere declines significantly it could have far-reaching consequences, including significant changes to the composition of our northern hardwood forests and the loss of a valuable food source for wildlife. All species of beech trees can be affected by this disease, including those used for landscaping and along city streets.

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Enough already with new firearm, ammunition law about to go into effect in New York

Blogs, Hunting, New York, Opinion / Mike Raykovicz

It looks like the inmates are back running the asylum. As part of the SAFE Act implemented 10 years ago, anyone purchasing ammunition in New York had to undergo a background check, but that provision was put on hold in 2015 when Governor Cuomo’s administration deemed this provision wasn’t practicable.
Last year, Governor Kathy Hochul instructed the State Police to find a way to make it work.

Enough already with new firearm, ammunition law about to go into effect in New York Read More »

A look at American marten management and reintroduction efforts in Pennsylvania

Blogs, New York, Opinion / Mike Raykovicz

The American marten is often referred to incorrectly as a pine marten because it resembles a species found in Europe. Martens are related to fishers, mink, weasels, and river otters and all produce a strong smell from the anal scent glands they use to mark their territories. According to the New York DEC website, these small, slender-bodied animals currently inhabit about a 5,300-square-mile area in the Adirondacks, mainly in the high peaks region and surrounding areas.

A look at American marten management and reintroduction efforts in Pennsylvania Read More »

There’s more to crows than you might think

Blogs, Nature Page & Night Sky, New York, Opinion / Mike Raykovicz

What would mornings be around New York without the sound of crows? I don’t know about you but I enjoy hearing their raucous calls because it reminds me of wild things. Crows are usually associated with rural areas but they can and do live almost everywhere.

There’s more to crows than you might think Read More »

Mike Raykovicz: Summertime thoughts as I prepare for a possible fall without bowhunting

Blogs, Hunting, National Hunting, New York, Opinion / Mike Raykovicz

July is here and most people will be thinking about or making vacation plans but, for me, I’m already thinking about October and the beginning of archery season. I know the season doesn’t open for another three months. What’s the rush? None, really because for me this year, that’s not likely to happen.

Mike Raykovicz: Summertime thoughts as I prepare for a possible fall without bowhunting Read More »

Pleasant surprise comes after helping teach a friend how to reload ammo

Blogs, Featured, Hunting, National Hunting, New York, Opinion / Mike Raykovicz

A few months back a friend asked me if I’d help him get started in reloading for his .308 Winchester. I was glad to help. I loaned him my NRA reloading manual that showed the reloading process step by step along with the history of each cartridge contained in the book.

Pleasant surprise comes after helping teach a friend how to reload ammo Read More »

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Mike Raykovicz

Here’s some fall turkey tips ahead of New York’s opener

Rangefinders: Here’s what to consider with these handy tools for hunting

Chronic wasting disease a growing threat for New York

Recently-discovered Beech Leaf Disease another threat to northern hardwood forests

Enough already with new firearm, ammunition law about to go into effect in New York

A look at American marten management and reintroduction efforts in Pennsylvania

There’s more to crows than you might think

Mike Raykovicz: Summertime thoughts as I prepare for a possible fall without bowhunting

Pleasant surprise comes after helping teach a friend how to reload ammo

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