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Soaking in every last bit of autumn

As autumn takes command of the local landscape, I have been forced to choose between a variety of outdoor activities that continue to unfold across a landscape that grows more magnificent with each passing day.

As author E.B.White claimed, “I arise in the morning torn between a desire to improve the world, and a desire to enjoy the world.”

However, at this time of year the choice is quite easy, for there is simply no way to improve an Adirondack autumn. In fact, the only improvement would be with the season’s lack of longevity – it’s duration is simply never enough. Before we know it, leaves will be floating on the wind and snowflakes will paint a cloak of white on the shoulders of the local hillsides.

Although the musky scent of decay is now the prime perfume in the mountain air, the brilliant technicolored backdrop will continue to provide the most brilliant all-natural treat of all. It will signal the end of the summer season and the arrival of the High Holy Days of the sporting life, which has increasingly been welcoming sportswomen to join in on the traditions of the hunt.

The annual big game hunting season kicked off with the beginning of archery season on Sept. 27 and the black powder season for muzzleloaders begins Saturday, Oct. 15. The regular rifle season kicks off Oct. 22 and runs through Dec. 4. October 15 also signals the final day of the trout season, even though there will remain numerous opportunities to chase the square-tails all year.

Many devoted anglers simply switch over to different species such as bass and northern pike at this time of year. Bass will continue to provide them with plenty of finned entertainment, while the growing number of angling opportunities for landlocked salmon across the region will keep anglers just as busy as the hunters.

Salmon and browns are now active on Lake Colby, Lake Clear and Lake Eaton. I expect the annual salmon runs on the tributaries of Lake Champlain will take off in earnest with the arrival of the first heavy rains of autumn. Currently, salmon are to be found in great numbers just off shore, near the mouth of inlets and tributaries, waiting for the rains and the next full moon, which will combine to spark their annual autumn run up the river.

This year, the salmon runs will be improved due to the removal of several old dams on both the Saranac and the Boquet. This will allow the fish to return upriver to historic breeding pools that they haven’t been able to access for more than a century.

Meanwhile, birders have also been on the prowl, capturing photos or just a simple glimpse of the many unique bird species that will pass through the region during their annual migration.

Adirondack loons have already begun to gather for their annual “rafting” assembly on Little Clear Pond and Lake Clear. The magnificent birds will fly in daily as the raft expands into the hundreds, until all at once the entire group will take to the air to head south.

Massive flights of Canada geese have already been evident in the sky as they prepare to begin their annual migration.

As fish, birds and a host of similar migrants prepare for their annual journey, so will the humans. Many locals will flee south for the winter, while many more will take to the woods for the mass exodus that is defined as the annual big game hunting season. It is a time of year where the question, “Didja git yours yet,” is still considered a formal greeting whether you’re in church, the post office or at a local bar.

Big buck contests will be closely monitored, as hunters continue to tell their tales in lonely cabins back in the woods. Most of all, they’ll be praying for the arrival of the season’s first significant snowfall, which will capture the tracks of passing bucks and betray their whereabouts.

It is a special time that provides families and friends with an opportunity to gather ’round the wood stove to swap stories and catch up with each other. In many cases, it may be the only time they’ll have such an opportunity throughout the year.

Whether it is the location, the season or just the daily rituals of camp life, it is an annual exodus that signals the High Holy Days of the sporting year have finally arrived.

Last year’s big game hunting season marked the first year New York state has completed the season without a gun-related accident. While gun-related incidents continue to decline, tree stand injuries continue to soar. Tree stand hunters should always wear a harness, and be aware of dead limbs.

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