Onondaga County Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs annual family event provided the public opportunities to learn about Onondaga Lake habitat restoration plans
More than 3,500 people attended this weekend’s Honeywell Sportsmen’s Days at Carpenter’s Brook. This annual family festival is the area’s local celebration of National Hunting and Fishing Day, which recognizes leadership in fish and wildlife conservation. The event offered hands-on learning and opportunities to explore outdoor recreation activities.
 The 2009 Honeywell Sportsmen’s Days gave community members a chance to learn about wildlife conservation and local outdoor recreation. |
 Six-year-old Katherine Reale gets a lesson in trout fishing from her dad. |
“Sportsmen’s Days provides families and individuals a unique opportunity to understand the importance of fish and wildlife conservation along with outdoor recreation,” said Honeywell Syracuse Program Director John McAuliffe. “The volunteers who make this event one of the largest celebrations of its kind in New York should be commended for their dedication to habitat conservation and their commitment to pass their knowledge on to younger generations.”
 Onondaga County Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs President Steve Wowelko presents Honeywell Program Director John McAuliffe with a plaque in appreciation of Honeywell’s participation and partnership during the volunteer dinner. |
 Community members of all ages enjoy family friendly trout fishing at Carpenter’s Brook. |
 Honeywell representative John McAuliffe was joined by Onondaga County Legislators Jim Corbett and Bob Warner, and Izaak Walton League members Conrad Strozik and Les Monostory at Sportsmen’s Days (pictured left to right). |
During Sportsmen’s Days, local participants experienced a variety of activities and learned about Honeywell’s plans for habitat restoration in and around Onondaga Lake. Honeywell, in partnership with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, organized a habitat working group to incorporate community input into plans for rich new wetlands, diverse habitat and increased public access as part of the restoration of the lake.
 John McAuliffe discusses Onondaga Lake progress at the Honeywell booth. |
 Colin Lucio of Syracuse spends his Saturday learning the mechanics of fly fishing. |
 Local dog handlers demonstrate how dogs learn to retrieve water fowl. |
Outdoor activities included: skeet shooting, waterfowl calling, turkey calling, archery, 3-D laser big game hunting, retriever dog demonstrations, crossbow, fly fishing, fly tying, jig tying, canoeing, muzzle loading and trout fishing. There were demonstrations by woodsmen, local wildlife artists and authors. Conservation Officers, Forest Rangers and Smokey the Bear also made appearances.
 A replica camp site was on display at Carpenter’s Brook to depict a typical late 1800s hunting campground. |
 Michael Bennink casts his best line as fly fisherman pros watch. |
“Partnering with Honeywell has provided our Federation a better understanding of the path to conserving and restoring the habitat around Onondaga Lake. We are excited to be able to work with Honeywell and offer a sportsman’s perspective on this process,” said Onondaga County Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs President Stephen Wowelko. “Honeywell supports core values of sportsmen. Onondaga Lake is becoming a great recreation resource again after years of underutilization.”
Seventh grader and sportsman-in-training Michael Harris from Solvay learns safe practices under the watchful eye of Ron Rosen, president of Elbridge Rod and Gun Club.
National Hunting and Fishing Day traces its roots to former President Theodore Roosevelt who fought for the creation of hunting and fishing licenses and revenue streams to support state conservation agencies.
The weekend festivities included a lively volunteer dinner Saturday evening and two full days of outdoor sports and activities.
Sportsmen’s Days participants could partake in a variety of outdoor activities including canoeing at Carpenter’s Brook.
For more information on the Onondaga Lake cleanup, please visit:
www.onondaga-lake-initiatives.com
