This is something I have wanted a while, the Savage Stevens 320 Security 20-gauge. 

Smiling, my wife asked, “Why?” 

Because it is a good company, and I like the pistol grip when one of those pheasant turkeys goes up, it gives me a very good hold when shouldered. 

And, the price is right. Just $189.

This will be taken to Florida for a turkey, and I’ve already contacted who I think is the best guide ever — Florida’s Bill Henry. I always get a bird with him.

Also in Florida, it will be a 6 a.m. visit to a special dock on the Intercoastal Waterway where I get over 200 fish every year. As for bass, I do a little in several ponds.

For those emails I got so far asking “what about alligators?” They’re just too expensive. The only one I got was two years ago with a fishing rod in a pond, and it took me almost an hour to get it on shore. I took a photo, then let him go — but I enjoyed the crowd that was watching.

Want to take a walk in the Adirondacks? Recently the state Department of Environmental Conservation announced six “first day” hikes planned for Jan. 1 in DEC Region 5, which includes the central and eastern Adirondacks.

The hikes, announced by Gov. Kathy Hochul earlier this month, are family-friendly and range from 1.5 to 5 miles, round-trip, with aid from DEC Region 5 staff and partners.

According to DEC, hikers should be prepared for the elements with warm layered clothing, water, snacks, sunglasses, hats, gloves and waterproof footwear.

Each participant will receive a pair of Adventure NY-branded gloves and a New York State Parks bandana. To register, email [email protected] .

For more information on the guided 4-mile hike up Goodnow Mountain, contact Charlotte Demers and 518-582-200 or [email protected] .

For the 1.5-mile hike up Prospect Mountain, contact Ben Thomas at [email protected] or 518-623.1268.

For the Glens Falls-Saratoga Chapter of the Adirondack Mountain Club’s guided hike up Thomas Mountain, contact Megan at [email protected]

Anglers interested in trying ice fishing for the first time should mark the weekend of Feb. 19-20 on their calendars. DEC has designated this weekend as a Free Fishing Weekend, which means the requirement for a fishing license is waived. 

Free fishing weekends are a great opportunity to try fishing for the first time and for experienced anglers to introduce friends to the sport. You can download the ice fishing chapter of DEC’s “I Fish NY Beginners Guide to Freshwater Fishing.” DEC also has an ice fishing website which lists waters open to ice fishing.

You must be logged in to post a comment.