Writers meet in the ‘land of foliage and fun’

Old Forge and Inlet played host last week to the New York State Outdoor Writers Association Inc’s (NYSOWA) Annual Conference and meetings. The four-day event began on Thursday with a reception at the spacious chalet of the Forge Motel in Old Forge, our lodging site and center of operations. Guest speaker for the evening was DEC Commissioner Pete Grannis, his first attendance to a NYSOWA event.

Grannis, a downstate NYC Democrat appointed by then-Governor Spitzer was initially an unpopular choice among sportsmen of the state due to some of his agendas and stances taken when he was an assemblyman representing his constituents in the Big Apple. But many have since changed their minds, following his support and push to lower the minimum age for hunting big game in the state. Grannis seems quite sincere regarding his role as DEC’s head man, and told the members present that he was pushing for a more “open door” policy that would allow the sportsmen of the state to voice their concerns, gripes and questions. We’ll see, given the budget cuts being proposed by the governor.

As most of you are aware, this part of the Adirondacks is renown for its glorious autumn foliage scenery. Sadly, the weather during the conference refused to cooperate, with showers and cooler than normal temperatures throughout our stay. But even with the lack of sunshine, the foliage was still beautiful.

Early on Friday, following breakfast at either the Forge chalet or Walt’s Diner, members headed off to experience the activities and attractions of the area. There was a variety of choices fishing for trout, salmon. bass or pike, small and big game hunting, canoeing, kayaking, a ride on the Adirondack Scenic Railroad or Fulton Chain Tour Boat, or the chairlift at McCauley Mt. Ski Area. I opted to bowhunt an area south of the Moose River toward McCauley Mountain. I saw quite a bit of deer sign, but no deer appeared during my short, soggy hunt.

A quick note is in order here about the deer in the area. Because all hunting is prohibited inside the hamlet boundaries of both Old Forge and Inlet, the deer (and sometimes bears) roam about both hamlets like four-legged tourists. And if you’re eating an apple (or almost anything), you can almost be assured a mooching deer will quickly appear to beg for it. As my old friend and noted wildlife photographer Leonard Lee Rue was fond of saying, ìI only photograph “semi-wild” animals. Lenny would be right at home in either Old Forge or Inlet.