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Seminars

Carving-Not Your Thanksgiving Turkey

Allen Aardsma

AllenAlways wanted to carve, but never knew how? Then this is the seminar for you! Allen will give you a brief overview of how a carving is made, followed by actual demonstrations of “roughing out” your carving down to the “major detail.” He will also have a complete carving display, which will include finished carvings, carvings in progress, tools and materials used, along with recommended resource books. There will also be a question and answer time. Allen and his wife, Robin, live in Jay, NY. They have three daughters and one son. He has a heart for evangelism and discipleship, and through the years, has had the privilege of serving in a variety of Christian ministries.

Bear Hunting

Ben Tabor

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ben has been an avid hunter and fisherman as long as he can remember. Ben grew up on Central New York and wanted to study wildlife since he was 5 years old. Ben has been working with the DEC for almost 12 years, mostly with bears since, but also large game and most recently feral hog control. He has degrees in wildlife-biology and forestry. His session will include the natural history of black bears, along with current and past management of bears. I will discuss the pros and cons of black bears throughout NYS. He will also cover the current trends and changes to hunting regulations.  He will also include hunting bears in NYS, how, where, when... and if time allows some ideas of eating bear, how to prepare, what does bear replace in the domestic meat arena, ETC.

 

 

The Forgotten Art of Small Game Hunting

Bob Phillips

Bob PhillipsWe often place way too much emphasis on big game hunting. Everyone likes to tag a big buck, but the small game hunter probably does more shooting, goes afield more often and may even put more meat on the table than the big game enthusiast. Besides, small game hunting is a whole lot of fun. Bob Phillips grew up in the home of a gunsmith and outdoorsman, who was also a son of a blacksmith/gunsmith and outdoorsman. Bob has been a DEC hunter’s safety instructor, archery instructor for a number of summer camps and Boy Scout troops. The past 8 years, as outdoor columnist for the Lake Champlain Weekly magazine in Plattsburgh, he has written over 400 magazine articles on all aspects of the outdoor experience. Hiking, canoeing, fishing, hunting and trapping are all given coverage, as well as some of the contemporary issues facing sportsmen today. Bob has been a pastor for 38 years, he has also written a series of devotionals, The Adirondack Devotional Series with three titles being in print called How big Is Your Packbasket?, Out of the Packbasket!, and Packbasket Deer Camp! Bob also speaks at sportsmen’s breakfasts, dinners and does seminars on different aspects of the outdoors at sportsmen’s shows and men’s retreats. Bob writes an Adirondack blog found at www.bobphillipsoutdoors.blogspot.com on the outdoors and outdoor photography, as well as frequent articles for the Lake Champlain Weekly magazine.

Widgets and Such

Gary Hodgeson

Gary was a Forest Ranger for 35 years and used his own hand made birch bark canoe on the job which turned into a wonderful conversation piece. Every year, Gary’s sessions get a ton of positive press in the surveys. One comment by a teenager "...that was cool." tells the story. Gary is one of those always full, always popular speakers you won't want to miss. Gary loves to build things from scratch and has killed a bear with a homemade bow and arrow and has made five homemade flint lock rifles with which he has killed well over 30 deer.  He loves taking things from the woods and putting them to good use, build from scratch and not buy is the motto. All of his hobbies are outdoor and hunting related. He is an accomplished tool maker; a gun smith; canoe maker; knife maker................ maker of widgets; ditties; gadgets and "knitter of yarns" and such. The things you usually don't think about, he has. Things to make your time in the outdoors more fruitful, comfortable and enjoyable. Some old school , some new school, some hybrid. Froes, marteaus, moccasins, chaps, hats, bear grease, turkey claws and much more. To Ax or to hatchet ...the how, why and where.  The Pack, haversack or possible/ which is your bag?  Come on in and sit a spell, you will amazed.

 

Wilderness Bass Fishing

Joe Hackett

Joe Hacket BassAdirondack Backwoods Bass, where to find them in the wilderness, with a special emphasis on fishing with children. While some claim that "Trout don't live in no ugly places, in the Adirondacks, neither do the bass.” A comprehensive slide show of where to go and how to "bass it" Although bass are the most popular species in the country, the blue collar equivalent of the whitetail deer; they remain an overlooked angling resource in the Adirondacks. Although an under-appreciated cousin to the prized brook trout, bass remain the most widely distributed and readily accessible species for the average Adirondack angler. Bass can be found in nearly every Adirondack lake and in all of the park’s major rivers; but best of all, bass are a kid's game. They are not as selective or difficult to catch as trout or salmon and, they make an ideal target species for teaching kids to fish. In just a few minutes Joe will help improve both your angling skills and Bass IQ. He will also help you to discover some of the best backcountry, bass angling adventures in the park.
Now beginning his 33rd professional season, Joe Hackett has earned a living as an Adirondack guide, introducing guests to a variety of Adirondack adventures. Over the years he has developed a following among anglers who appreciate the solitude of remote wild lands and the fight of a fish at the end of a rod.
Joe has a weekly outdoor column in over a dozen North Country newspapers and regularly contributes to both regional and national publications. While Joe may know the finer points of canoeing, fly fishing, playing and living in the wilderness, his greatest pleasure is enjoying time with his wife, Maria, and their two daughters.
 

Treetop Photography in the Adirondack Park

Johnathan Esper

Johnathan Esper is a professional Adirondack photographer based out of Long Lake. Photography combines his passion for capturing the beauty of nature and helping others. He also appreciates the outdoors, wilderness mountains, adventures and travel. He specializes in panoramic landscapes and tree tip and wilderness adventure photography. He also leads photo tours and workshops. Outside of the Adirondacks, Johnathan has spent time in places like Iceland, New Zealand, Alaska, and Patagonia.
This session will share the inspiration behind climbing trees, the technical aspects of climbing and then photographing from the treetops. It includes a presentation  of photos captured from the trees. Johnathan’s photography work and biographical information can be seen at www.wildernessphotographs.com, under the 'Adirondack Park' photo albums. 
 
 

Beyond the Ten Essentials of Survival

Kevin Estela

With some training and proper equipment, most anyone can spend a weekend in the woods. But, what does it take to make extended trips possible, more enjoyable and survivable? Join Wilderness Learning Center Lead Instructor Kevin Estela as he explains what is Beyond the Ten Essentials. Learn from experience about the “luxury” items that make or break an outdoors experience. Hear about the often overlooked needs and view wilderness survival in a new light. Pick up new skills increasing your survivability and expand upon your woodsman abilities. Grounded in practical and realistic scenarios, Kevin will make full use of the seminar time presenting the lessons learned from teaching advanced wilderness survival courses. Kevin Estela is a Survival Instructor with the Wilderness Learning Center in Chateaugay, NY. He teaches all aspects of survival from the essential skills, preparedness, and edible and medicinal plants from both primitive and modern perspectives for all seasons. Kevin is a regular guest speaker and presenter at different engagements throughout New England. He is responsible for equipment testing and evaluation for several product manufacturers and distributors.  Kevin is also a regular contributing author for various print and online outdoor-themed magazines and moderates multiple online survival discussion boards. In addition, Kevin has studied and ranked in both Filipino Martial Arts and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for years and has attended an assortment of specialized schools for a wide range of specialized skills including off-road driving, defensive shooting and mountaineering. Rounding out Kevin's background is year's experience fishing, boating and hunting. When not teaching survival, Kevin is a full-time High School History Teacher in Bristol, CT.

Survival

Marty Simon

Marty SimonsMarty has been involved in camping, hiking and hunting since age nine. His skills were honed and developed through the military: serving in Vietnam and attending many of the specialty and survival schools offered, eventually becoming a military advisor and instructor. Currently he is the Founder, Director and Chief Instructor of The Wilderness Learning Center and serves as a college level professor, teaching programs on survival, land navigation, herbs, wilderness medicine and health. Marty is considered to be one of the leading wild plants’ experts in the country. He has given seminars and courses all over the East Coast and Canada and is a certified wilderness guide. Marty has been teaching survival at the Adirondack Sportsmen’s Dinner for the last eight years and is back, by popular request, teaching wilderness survival. The seminar will consist of primitive fire-making, survival psychology, emergency shelters, emergency food, water purification, signaling, survival kits, and much more.

Swamps; The center of life in the ADK’s

Melanie Houck

The ADK’s is full of em’! They are at the heart of our ecosystem. One of Melanie Houck’s favorite places to be in the outdoors, is a swamp. In this seminar, Melanie explores the secret life of a beaver, the nesting life of the very allusive and mysterious Great Blue Heron, and finally…the latest ADK phenomenon, the moose! Without swamps and beaver flows, these animals would not live in our beautiful mountains. And don’t forget that allusive swamp buck! 
Whether with a camera, binoculars, traps, or rifle (moose may someday have a season up here!), Melanie will share her photos, discoveries, and stories with you about the secret lives that are played out above, around and beneath a backwoods swamp. Learn how to become an excellent still hunter by stalking a wary Blue Heron! They have much better eyes than a whitetail. Want to become a better beaver trapper?! Learn how by observing a beaver all year long! How much do we really know about the moose? Melanie emphasizes the importance of learning through first hand field scouting, exploring, and simply putting your time in the woods. Do you want to learn more about wildlife and in turn, become a better hunter, outdoorswoman? The Adirondack swamp is the place to start! 
Melanie grew up on a farm with a love of the outdoors but never realized she was born to hunt and fish. That is, until she met her husband seven years ago, and he opened up a whole new world for her.   She’s been doing both nonstop ever since. She is a photographer enthusiast and avid writer, regularly submitting an outdoorswoman column for the Lake George Mirror. Her and her husband and baby daughter live and play in Brant Lake.
 

Fly Casting

Paul Tremblay

 

Paul has been fly fishing almost exclusively for more than 40 years. He has been blessed to fish in 44 of the 50 states, seven countries and four continents with some very bright and talented anglers. Trout are his favorite target fish and Brookies his favorite species.

Fly fishing is an amazing recreational activity! Whether done alone or with a friend, it is a great way to relax and enjoy the outdoors. So pull up a chair and get ready to master the art of fly casting!  Our goal is to provide the fundamental knowledge and skills needed to fish on your own and enjoy the experience.   We will cover the physics of the rod and the how and why it works. The different types of casts and have a little hands on time to try to put it all together.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Outfitting for a Maine Hunt

Randy Flannery

Archery Hunting from Beginners to Trophies

Terry Bice

If you have ever wanted to start bow hunting or if you already hunt but want to know how to find that “trophy buck”, this class is for you.   Terry has many years of hunting under his belt, as well as great success finding trophy bucks.   Terry will share his experience and many tips to get you on your way to a successful hunt.   Terry will also give you a test to see if you have “OBHD” (obsessive bow hunting disorder)

Unlocking the Mystery of The Adirondack Trophy Buck

Tony and Pat Salerno

Pat and Tony Salerno will uncover the secrets of the mature Adirondack Trophy Buck and what a hunter must do to even get close to these ghosts of the woods. This seminar will give you up close and personal attention to detail as to the tactics and tips to successfully harvest the most sought after game in North America. The Adirondack Whitetail Buck. Pat and Tony have been featured in many publications including New York Game and Fish magazine and others. Although the Salerno brothers are well known for their high mountain style of hunting, this session will make you a better hunter and tracker of the elusive whitetail buck for any region in North America. A must see Whitetail Hunting Seminar! www.salernobrothers.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Integrating Technology Into Your Total Hunting System

Travis Crow

 

Travis Crow is a current member of the United States Army with over 14 years of Active Service. He has lived in New York for the past 10 years where his obsession with Whitetail Hunting and today’s technology has shaped his hunting strategies. Travis will present a session on “Integrating Technology Into Your Total Hunting System”. The goal of this session is to introduce technology at its simplest form in order to assist hunters in developing a hunting system that is well rounded and practical.  It will enlighten many that think technology is too difficult or useless in hunting, or just plain not for them. By utilizing today’s technology and implementing your own style of techno hunting you will, without a doubt, increase your hunting success and overall confidence while in the field.