I guess the old saying “if you don’t like the weather, just wait a few minutes” is very appropriate for what we’ve seen over the past month. In just that short span, we’ve had weather that would typify all four seasons. Call it what you want …global warming, climate change or whatever, we’ve gone from shorts and short-sleeved shirts to insulated jackets and gloves all in the same week, sometimes the same day.
All this weather-related madness has made outdoor activities anything but normal. Whether it’s keeping up with lawn mowing, trying to plant vegetables and flowers, picking a good time to fish or turkey hunt, or just going for a leisurely hike, the clothing worn yesterday might very well be very inappropriate for tomorrow.
While snow isn’t all that unusual for the month of May in our area, to see it come on the heels of 80-something temperatures is unusual. And while our normal last date for a frost is late May. Hard frost occurring that late raises havoc with fruit-bearing trees in full blossom. As such, I’m not optimistic deer will be munching on apples this fall.
Anglers, whether fishing lakes or ponds, streams or rivers, have been fully confused about the rapidly changing weather as the fish they sought to catch. Most fish get rather lethargic during a cold snap and that translates to poor fishing/catching probabilities. Fishing the same waters that yielded good results a day or so prior might turn into a day of “washing your lines and lures” on another day.
Spring gobbler hunters haven’t had it much better. Many felt the earlier than usual warmth started turkeys breeding and nesting earlier than normal. Many found it difficult to locate a gobbler not in the company of hens, making calling the tom into range unlikely. Now hunters may have to consider the effects of the recent cold and snow, which could further throw a monkey wrench into the equation.
If many hens that have already finished laying lose their egg clutches or newly hatched poults to the cold, we may see a second breeding and nesting period occur. And that will mean more hens will be looking for or accompanying gobblers. So basically hunters find themselves right back to square one, dealing with toms that refuse to leave their hens.
One thing we can say is, this year has been anything but boring, weather-wise. So keep those shorts and insulated jackets ready. You may need both …and on the same day.

More worthless and ineffective NYS gun bills
One of the bills being considered (A.5696-D) would require that gun dealers only be permitted to hire employees who are either licensed to own a gun or would qualify for such ownership. The bill mandates expensive background checks and requires certification of eligibility for such employment. Why is this necessary and how will it make us safer? The bill’s sponsor does not say. No examples of employees absconding or misappropriating firearms are cited. Further, the sponsor fails to mention that employers are already liable for their employees under current law and therefore have strong incentive to appropriately screen their employees. At best, this legislation appears to be a solution looking for a problem.
Another bill being proposed (A.28820-B) requires law enforcement to send expended shell casings or guns which have come into their possession and are believed to have been used in the commission of a violent felony to the state police. Under the bill, the state police are then required to enter information relevant to the identification of the expended casing or gun into an electronic database. This seems like a reasonable piece of legislation, however, the sponsor fails to note that maintaining this database has costs $36 million over nine years. Further, it has not resulted in a single conviction. Accordingly, to expand the database would be a waste of taxpayer money and an additional burden on local law enforcement agencies without providing any significant benefit.
The following counties legislatures have either completed and submitted to the legislature in Albany, or is in the process of creating, a "memorializing resolution" strongly opposing efforts by downstate legislators to enact even more anti-gun control measures: Chenango, Yates, Herkimer, Rensselaer, Niagara, Erie. Those in the process are: Oswego, Washington, Seneca, Schuyler, Greene and Onondaga.

Trailblazers FNRA update
The Trailblazers Friends of the NRA banquet and auction on May 21 at Taylor’s Country House in Norwich is filling up fast. Historically merchandise at FNRA banquets, such as firearms, memorabilia, prints, guided hunts and other hunting related items go at very reasonable or even bargain basement prices. Those wanting to get in on this highly attractive and participant-friendly event should reserve ASAP by e-mailing coordinator George Franke at georgefranke@hotmail.com.

Local kids win Clayton-1,000 Islands fishing trips
Four local youths were chosen to partake in the Clayton/1,000 Island Take a Kid Fishing program. The four lucky local winners who will be fishing with professional river fishing guides aboard charter boats on June 6 out of the Clayton marina are: Cole West, 14, and Rian West, 15, of Mt Upton; Gavin Warren, 13, and Sierra Lynne Badger, 12, of Norwich.

Oxford Rod & Gun Club summer 3-D leagues
Hosting two 10-week 3-D leagues, first runs May 9 – July 17, second July 26 – Oct. 2. Fifteen targets per week, all scores handicapped with lowest score dropped at end of ten weeks. Late or missed shoots have one week to be made up. Shoot nights are Wednesday 6PM or Saturday 12PM. Barbecue and banquet on Oct. 9. Registration is $10 and weekly fee is $6. Register by calling Lance Diehl at 607-437-2708 or by e-mail at Lancerd21@yahoo.com.