Outdoors with Larry DiDonato - Trout Stocking, Turkey Hunting, and Striper Fishing A Welcomed Dilemma

This time of year presents sportsmen and women with no shortage of things to do. In fact, so much so, the problem quickly becomes what you’re planning NOT to do. Most, if not all, area streams have been stocked with trout by now, with some scheduled for several additional stockings in the weeks to come. It’s a great time to go after stocked trout with a fly rod or spinners. Maybe keep a few for dinner. Stripers are running in the Hudson and Delaware Rivers, and if you’re taking a kid out for the youth turkey season, you’re probably busy scouting and getting ready for opening weekend on April 26th and 27th. Add to that the regular turkey season opener coming up right behind it on May 1st.  And that’s the same opening day for walleye, pike, and pickerel. Notice I didn’t even mention it’s also time for the multitude of seasonal outdoor spring chores like gardening, lawn care, outside yard spring cleaning, tending food plots, and getting boats, lawn and other equipment ready. 

Accomplishing all of this while still having fun in your chosen sport and season is pretty tough, but can be fairly easily accomplished if you are retired and have the time. But those sportsmen and women still working have a challenge on their hands. Somehow though, it all seems to get done, usually at the expense of either one pursuit or another, or by just putting off a few of those outdoor spring tasks, at least for now. 

This is a great problem to have though, and if you have your health and are able to tackle what’s most important to you and your family, you are way ahead of the game. 

So, now is the time to work hard, play hard, and just be thankful you’re able to revel and rise to the opportunities and challenges of early spring.   

 News and Notes 

Personal Floatation Devices Required to be Worn Through May 1st 

The requirement that you wear a personal floatation device, (PFD) while on a vessel less than 21 feet in length on the waters of NYS end after May 1st. With river water temperatures still dangerously cold, it’s a good idea to make it a practice to wear your PFD at least through spring. Kids under 13 must wear a PFD all year.

Boating Safety Certification Required for All Motorized Vessel Operators

Effective January 1st 2025, all operators of motorized vessels in New York, regardless of their age, must have taken an approved boating safety course, and possess proof of that certification while operating vessels on the waters of New York State.

2025 Greene County Spring Youth Turkey Hunt 

The Norton Hill Wildlife Club (NHWC) in conjunction with the New York Conservation Officer’s Association (NYCOA) and the Northern Catskill’s Longbeards Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) is holding their 2nd Annual Greene County Youth Turkey Hunt on April 26th. There will be hunting in the am, followed by a BBQ from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm at the Norton Hill Wildlife Club at 946 Big Woods Road in Greenville. There is a safety briefing presentation that includes hunting tips and tactics and shotgun patterning at the NHWC on April 19th at 10:00 am. Properly licensed youth’s aged 12-15 can either hunt with their families and Friends, or those in need of a mentor can contact the organizer of the event, ECO Lucas Palmateer 518-478-1698 or Lt. Anthony Glorioso 518-755-9242 for more information and to sign up for this event no later than April 17, 2025.