The early Canada Goose season is scheduled to start on Sunday, Sept 1.
This early season was once refered to as the 'Nuisance Goose Season' and will allow hunters equipped with a hunting license from 2010-11, a current migratory bird stamp (often called a duck stamp) and a current HIP number, to harvest up to eight Canada geese per day until Sept. 25. Just a reminder that hunting migratory birds requires the use of non-toxic shells.
Gray, black and fox squirrel season also opens up on Sept. 1, and will close on Feb. 28, 2013. The daily limit on squirrels is six per day.
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OBSERVER Photo by Gene Pauszek
The early Canada goose season in our area opens Sunday, Sept 1.
Labor Day often signals the end of boating season for many boaters, but offshore fishermen should still be able to cash in on a bounty of game fish for the next month or so. Strong winds and rain have kept some boaters on shore, but anglers will still probably find walleye in the 75-foot plus depths for awhile. Watch your electronics to zone in on where the fish are and go from there.
Deep water, over 90-feet deep, is usually a good bet for big fish and spoons will usually attract a trout or lake trout. If you are looking for bass, try long line trolling a deep-billed plug like a Bomber A or a Bill Norman in 25 feet of water. Fire tiger and blue silver or black silver are usually good starting colors. Check the plug behind your boat to make sure it is running true, or you may have to adjust it.
Rick Miller, in Irving, reports the yellow perch fishing has been good out of the Cattaraugus Creek in depths ranging from 63-74 feet. Live minnows are usually "numero uno," but salted, and even worms, will work when the ringbacks are on the feed.
The Dunkirk perch grounds this time of year can be hit or miss and you may have to head out to 70 feet or deeper, but the fish are around for the taking. My contacts at the Department of Environmental Conservation Fisheries station reminded me that a real hot spot this time of year is off Center Road in about 65 feet of water.
We may experience some of the effects of Hurricane Isaac during the long weekend, so keep an eye on the weather if you plan on heading out of the house.
Calendar:
Those hunters who would like to participate in the early goose season will need to have a valid small game license or sportsman's license from the 2011-12 time period. They will also need to get the new HIP number by calling 1-888-427-5447.
His Way Archers, located at 31 Water St., Jamestown, will host a two-day archery course beginning Sept. 5 from 6-10 p.m. and returning on Sept. 6 from 6-10 p.m. Two-day attendance is mandatory for certification. Register at the first class.
The Jamestown Rifle Club located at Busti-Still-Water Road, Busti, will host a course on Sept. 9 from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. You must pre-register at the club on Aug. 31 from 6-7 p.m.
The Northern Chautauqua Conservation Club will host an archery course Sept. 11 from 9:30 a.m. until 6 p.m. Students must pre-register on Sept. 5 from 6-8 p.m. Class is limited to 40 students.
The Ripley Rod & Gun Club, located off Route 76, in Ripley, will host a two-day archery course, beginning on Sept. 13, from 6-10 p.m., returning on Sept. 15 from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. Register at the first class.
Ellington Rod & Gun Club, located at Hagendon Hill Road, Ellington, will host a two-day archery course on Sept. 14 from 6-10 p.m., returning on Sept. 15 from 7 a.m. until noon. Must pre-register by calling Neal Frazier at 287- 2120.
Clymer Conservation, located on Route 474, in Clymer, will host an archery course on Sept. 22 from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. Students must pre-register at the club on Sept. 15 from 8-10 a.m.
Hunter Education Courses (gun) will be held:
On Sept. 7 from 5-10 p.m. and returning Sept. 8 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Ellery Rod & Gun Club located on Pancake Hill Road in Ellery. Students must pre-register on Sept. 1 from 10 a.m. until noon at the club.
On Sept. 7 from 6-10 p.m., returning on Sept. 8 from 8 a.m. until done at the Mayville Conservation Club located on Bloomer Road, Mayville. Students must pre-register by email at gun-bow-safeteach@hotmail.com.
On Sept. 18, from 6-9:30 p.m., returning on Sept. 20 from 6-9:30 p.m. and ending on Sept. 22 from 9 a.m. until noon at the Ripley Rod & Gun Club located off Route 76, Ripley. Register at the first class.
On Sept. 19 from 5:45 p.m. until 10 p.m., returning on Sept. 22 from 7:45 a.m. until 4 p.m. at the Carroll Rod & Gun Club, located on Frew Run Road, Frewsburg. Students must pre-register at the club on Sept. 15 from 10 a.m. until noon.
On Sept. 19-20 from 5-10 p.m. both days at the Northern Chautauqua Conservation Club located on Mullet St. Dunkirk. Students must pre-register at the club on Sept. 5 from 6-8 p.m. NOTE: This course, like many of the other sites, is limited to 40 students only and fills up fast, so check the other locations and dates as a backup.
On Sept. 21 from 6-10 p.m., returning on Sept. 22 from 8 a.m. until done at the Harmony Conservation Club located on Route 474, Panama. Students must pre-register by e mail: gun-bow-safeteach@hotmail.com
On Sept. 21 from 6-10 p.m., returning Sept. 22 from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Falconer Rod & Gun Club located on Buffalo Street Extension, Falconer. Students must pre-register on Sept. 7 from 6-7 p.m. at the club.
The Northern Chautauqua Conservation Club will host a trapping course Sept. 25 from 9:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. Students should bring a lunch.
The Bear Lake Rod & Gun Club will host 3-D archery shoots on Sept. 2, from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m.
Ray Marks will be offering a six-week fly-fishing course starting Wednesday, Sept. 19, from 6:30-9 p.m. The course will cover the basics of fly fishing, casting, flies to use, where to fish, etc. Contact Marks at 549-1977, or enroll by calling Lake Shore Community Education at 926-2210.
Gene Pauszek is an OBSERVER outdoors columnist. Send comments to sports@observertoday.com.
