Dan Ladd: Buck's Blog

Buck's Blog

Trying to tame a tiger muskie

Although the author didn’t boat the big fish, he can finally say he got to tangle with one.

Have kayak, will bass fish

It’s not hard to figure out why competitive kayak bass angling is catching on. First, anyone with a kayak and fishing rods can join in.

Rubber worm fishing simple but effective

Earlier this spring we talked about simple worm fishing for trout as a time-honored tactic. Quite often, I take the same approach to summer bass fishing. Only this time the worm is fake. Just like real worms have landed so…

Double duty: When trout and bass fishing overlap

In the weeks ahead trout action will likely start to dwindle as the weather warms and trout anglers back off pursuing their favorite fish. At the same time, bass fishing will intensify. But for now, at least in this part of New York, an angler can have the best of both worlds.

Legislation plays on non-hunter emotions

Keeping the non-hunting public informed and in support of hunting and trapping is they key to halting such legislation.

Outdoor writers go on safari at Schroon Lake

As a native to New York’s Adirondacks, I often find myself being a stout promoter of the region. Therefore I was happy to play a role in bringing a bunch of outdoor media types to the Schroon Lake region for…

Twilight and the turkey hunter

Using these levels of twilight is not only fun, but if you happen to be a weather and/or astronomy buff, they can serve as guidelines for setting the alarm clock and getting you where you need to be at the right time to bag that gobbler.

Outdoorsman Hall of Fame poised to induct new class

Last year, I attended for the first time the New York State Outdoorsman Hall of Fame induction banquet, typically held in late April. My reason for going was to be there for the induction of a friend and colleague. I…

An ode to worm fishing: A nod to angling simplicity

Yes, there are other baits and other fishing methods. But a simple hook and a worm has always gotten the job done, and always will.

Of mud and maple sap: rites of spring

For the year-round outdoorsman, there are two times of the year that can be the toughest to get through: the holiday season, and the first few weeks of spring. At year’s end, once deer season is over, it’s often hurry…

Use caution on late ice – fishing can be productive, but hard-water conditions can be iffy

As the March sun gets higher in the sky and the days get longer, ice anglers anywhere there’s still ice will be trying to get that one last outing in. But they should approach these outings with caution. Late-season ice…

Wild moose chase: Taking a census from the air

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) recently issued a press release announcing that mid-winter aerial surveys of the Adirondack moose population had been completed. But there was still some work to be done as DEC biologists wanted…

How are whitetails weathering winter?

It will be interesting to hear what our wildlife biologists will have to say about the condition of the deer herd after this winter. And, what impact it could have on the 2019 fall hunting seasons.

First steps in woodlands management

I consider myself very fortunate to be a property owner. Twenty-two acres might not seem like much to some, but it is a world of its own to others. For me, it is a place I’ve trampled nearly my entire…

Late-season small-game hunting stirs memories

Small-game hunting might not be the big ticket it once was, but at least you can say it’s still hunting season and perhaps re-live your own memories. Get out there while the seasons are still open.

Always sad to see deer season end

Some hunters are ready for deer season to end, but I’m seldom one of them. Especially this year, when the weather interrupted numerous hunting plans. It was a crazy deer season where the weather was concerned, starting from the beginning.…

Living the R3 initiative

Recruiting, retaining, reactivating on full display this deer hunting season.

Memories of a Thanksgiving Day deer hunt

Hard hunting was worth it for the author during a Thanksgiving Day hunt a few years ago, and he couldn’t have been more thankful.

Now is the time to be in the whitetail woods

And put in the time to help ensure your success.

Is the Northern Zone deer season too long?

If writer had to make a choice, it would be to cut some time off the end, at least in years when the late season carries into mid-December.

Early-season conditions challenge deer and turkey hunters

Archery season is open across New York and hunters couldn’t be happier. With the exception of a mid-October warm-up, the weather has been much cooler this year compared to the past two early archery seasons. Encouraging, to say the least,…

In praise of small game hunting

I remember my first days of small game hunting like it was yesterday. Being born in mid-November, I had to wait until my 14th birthday, which was the minimum hunting age at the time, before I could buy my first…

Don’t put away those fishing rods

The meteorological summer is over, and the autumnal equinox lies ahead. That means the average sportsman is likely preparing for hunting season, or perhaps even enjoying some early-season goose or gray squirrel hunting and anticipating the opening a number of…

Practice now for upcoming deer season

I can’t tell you how many deer hunters I know who never touch their deer rifles, or any firearm for that matter, until just prior to deer season. For many it doesn’t seem to be a big deal, but for…

Sportsmen estate planning: accepting the inevitable

It’s been a tough summer in terms of losing friends and family. We in New York’s outdoor writing (and reading) community continue to mourn the losses of our friends and colleagues Will Elliott and Ron Kolodziej, who both recently passed.…

Safety first during summer boating season

It’s mid-summer and boating in vessels of all sizes is at its zenith. As someone who spends quite a bit of time on the water, mostly paddling and fishing from a canoe or kayak, I’ve learned firsthand that safety awareness…

A different kind of bear season

The early black bear hunting seasons in New York are still a couple months away. However, summer ushers in a bear season of its own, where it's the bears that are doing the hunting – for food. This can be…

Scholastic clay target league explodes in popularity

About 1,150 students from 59 schools participated in the 2018 spring season. That’s up from 370 kids and 19 schools in 2017, and 128 students from five teams in 2016.

With spring gobbler season over, it’s time to prep gear for fall deer hunting

Turkey season is over and many of us toss our gear aside for the time being while we go about getting our gardens fine-tuned or squeeze in some late-spring fishing. If you’re like me, a fair amount of your turkey…

The light stuff: Running and gunning for late-season gobblers

When the morning sit doesn’t pan out and you have room to roam, scale down the gear and give mobile hunting a try. It’s a great way to find birds and get a little exercise to boot.

Spring has sprung, and has trout anglers and turkey hunters thankful

If you are one of those anglers who has been waiting for ice out to finally come at your favorite trout pond, you may finally be in luck. What has been one of the longest winters that many of us…

Going back to your turkey-hunting roots: longbeards in the big woods

Every turkey hunter dreams of a textbook spring gobbler hunt. And when they do occasionally happen (for some it’s more occasional than others) we’re on top of the world. When you pull one off on a woodland or a mountain…

Tackling busy April of chores ahead of spring gobbler season

Easter weekend finally brought the weather I was looking for, and I sprang into action on the chore list. After all, turkey season was only a month away (shorter for the youth weekend) and there’s plenty to do if I…

No fooling: N.Y. poised for a typical cold trout opener April 1

I at least hope for a calm day with no wind, even if the air is cold, so as to drift over the deep holes with a number of lure presentations.

It’s time to remove those ice shanties

But portable shanties have taken over and allow anglers to take the comfort and convenience of a shanty wherever they want.

Whitetails weathering the New York winter – so far

Deer tracks started picking up around the author's home a few weeks ago.

Boreas classification a win for sportsmen

Big- and small-game hunters alike can disperse along the road in a region very popular for snowshoe hare hunting, while snowmobilers and the towns of Newcomb and North Hudson, standing to benefit from a connector trail, are perhaps the happiest about the classification.

On New York's bigger lakes, get ice fishing while the getting is good

Who knows if the ice we have is going to be all the ice we’re going to get.

Alsheimer leaves lasting legacy in the whitetail world

Like so many in the deer hunting community, especially in New York, I was saddened to hear of the sudden passing of Charlie Alsheimer a few days before the New Year. The fact that he touched a great number of…

Exercise caution on the ice and on snowmobiles

Last winter was one of most dangerous on record in New York for winter outdoor recreation, particularly for snowmobilers and ice anglers. Unfortunately, this one is not off to a good start. On Dec. 16, a Queensbury, N.Y., man drowned…

The taste of success: venison for hunters and non-hunters

There’s still some hunting time left and, if you find yourself with a full freezer, consider sharing your success with someone else this holiday season.

Late season may be the great season for deer hunters

If you’ve had a tough season and can’t seem to punch a tag, don’t give up – the best hunting of the season could be about to happen.

Whitetail rut or not, it’s time to hunt

Your best asset during the rut, or at any part of the hunting season, is time in the woods.

Outdoor writers’ group celebrates 50 years

The New York State Outdoor Writers Association recently held its 50th fall conference and anniversary celebration in Warren County, the same place where members held their very first meeting back in 1967. The organization was formed by Hans Paller, a…

Deer hunters should be sensible about scents

Common-sense tactics involving little money or effort might help you get a little closer to your quarry.

A salute to the sporting hero

Earlier this year I mentioned in this blog how proud I was to be among a group of ice anglers who came out to support a fund in the name of a fallen New York state trooper. I think what…

Early hunting seasons highlighted by Northern Zone bear offering

All things considered, it's shaping up to be a potentially good year for bear hunters.

Hunter education at the 11th hour

Procrastination can be costly, and each year around this time many aspiring hunters find themselves on the waiting list to get their hunter education courses completed. Most want to get it under their belts by deer season, but they’re also missing out on the small-game seasons that are crucial training ground for young hunters.

Bass tournaments big business in northern New York

All who reap the benefits of these large-scale tournaments and all the fanfare that comes with them taking place in northern New York should be popping a cork.

New York moose sighting makes for a memorable outing

Having the encounter in such a pristine environment as Cedar River Flow with an old friend along was surely a blessing.

Dan Ladd is an outdoor writer based in the southeastern Adirondacks. He is the web author of ADKHunter.com and has authored two books, including Deer Hunting in the Adirondacks. Dan writes a weekly column for The Chronicle in Glens Falls, N.Y., and is a frequent contributor to New York Outdoor News.