Submitted Photo Perch action continues out of the mouth of Cattaraugus Creek.

Well New York Sportsmen did not get the whole candy bar, but at least we got a Hershey’s Kiss.

That’s a line from the football comedy starring Chris Rock, Adam Sandler and Burt Reynolds along with numerous WWF wrestling stars and actors: the Longest Yard, pitting convicts against prison guards in a football game.

In the most recent edition of New York Outdoor News, Editor Dan Ladd announced that Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s state budget did not make the April deadline, but a modified version will allow a “pilot” program to lower the legal hunting age to 12. This pilot program does not include expanding crossbow hunting. The pilot program will lower the deer hunting age to 12 on a trial basis for two years. Bear hunting however will not be included. In addition, each county will decide whether or not to allow 12 and 13 year olds to participate in this trial program. New York City, Long Island and Westchester County are not allowed to participate in this program. Each county legislature or board of supervisors will have to vote to authorize this program to be allowed in their county. This two-year program would start on June 1 and expire in 2023. Under the pilot program 12 and 13 year olds would be allowed to hunt deer using, crossbows, rifle, shotgun, or muzzleloading firearms in eligible areas when accompanied by their parent or legal guardian, or by a person 21 years of age designated in writing by the parent or legal guardian. There are more restrictions including the use of hunter orange, hunting from the ground only and the parents/guardians must have three years or more of experience hunting big game.

Like I said, it’s not ideal, but it is a start.

There is another article in the April 16 publication announcing that the DEC is looking for public comment on Wildlife Management Area regulations. Regulations like snowmobile usage, boating, shooting, tree stands, dogs and the use of motorized vehicles on WMA’s. The regulatory proposal is available on the DEC website for review and public comment until May 24. Comments on the proposal should be submitted via email to wildlife@dec.ny.gov or via mail to Bureau of Wildlife, NYSDEC,625 Broadway Albany NY, 12233-4754. Use the subject line” Part 51 Regulations” for email or letters.

As far as the extended use of crossbows for the upcoming season is concerned we will have to wait an see, again.

The local fishing action gets better as the weather warms up. Chautauqua Lake action has been so/so. A drop in the lake’s water level by several feet might be preventing crappie movement into the canals. With ultra-clear water conditions present, anglers could benefit from some hard rainfall. The water temperature is still in the mid-40s. The cooler temperatures should benefit anglers pursuing lake-run steelies.

The DEC has been doing electroshocking in Canadaway and Chautauqua creeks and found decent numbers of trout along with bass and suckers. Trout will hang around in the streams into May, under the right conditions.

Action has been slow off the City of Dunkirk Pier. On the bright side, yellow perch action was reported as of last Friday, into the weekend. Good numbers of fish were reported with egg-laden females in the 12- to 14-inch range being active. Check out the 50-plus foot range in the area referred to as the perch grounds, straight out of the Dunkirk Harbor.

No docks are in at Chadwick Bay yet, but Bart’s Cove has a suitable launch site for $5 that is open to the public. The Conservation Club is a private launch and might have a sediment build up. So be advised.

Perch action continues out of the mouth of Cattaraugus Creek. Docks were placed in at the state launch and the Town of Hanover started charging last weekend. Note that Hanover charges $7, which includes free usage of the newly upgraded fish cleaning station. COVID distancing regulations require that only four persons can use the cleaning station at a time. Noncompliance could threaten closure so don’t blame the workers. A season pass, which includes free usage of the fish cleaning station is $80, even for nonresidents.

Anglers have been finding active perch out of the Sturgeon Point area in 56 feet of water even though the launch is closed. Captain Larry Jones reports that there will be a meeting at the Evans Town Hall located at 8787 Erie Road Angola on April 21 starting at 6 p.m. Seating will be limited, but a rally is expected to voice concerns about whether the Sturgeon Point launch will reopen and when.

Jones also offered that trout action continues at Devil’s Hole on the Lower Niagara River and lake trout action is hot off the Niagara bar. Canadian boaters are hitting king salmon by King Jordan Harbor, which is still off limits due to COVID restrictions.

CALENDAR

NYS Youth Turkey hunt/weekend is April 24-25 allowing licensed youth hunters aged 12-15 guided by mentors and equipped with a turkey permit to hunt turkeys. Check regulations for more instruction. Send us your success stories/photos by calling 366-1772, 785-3659 or 366-3000, ext. 3 after 6 p.m. Hunt safely.