It’s been a long, frustrating April for many folks. We didn’t get the same level of severe weather that devastated the Souteast and mid Atlantic, but seemingly daily rains, cool temps and then flooding destroyed our hopes for a “normal” spring season. Now it appears those conditions have extended into the month of May, much to many outdoors people’s frustration.
It’s not as though we haven’t seen lousy springtime weather before. In fact, we had a similar situation three years ago, but this year’s version seems worse because it’s been so consistent. Whether it’s turkey hunting, fishing, gardening, or general outdoor tasks, conditions have been unfavorable to do them effectively. Now, just trying to keep our lawns mowed has become a challenge.
In reality there’s not much we can do to improve conditions, so the alternative is pretty simple – wait for the northern jet stream to move farther north and in a more normal pattern. However, if those previous springs that were basically washouts are any indication, we may jump ahead rather suddenly into summer-like conditions. As I and others have noticed in recent years, we often don’t have traditional spring and autumn weather seasons now, but rather summer and winter seasons, with little transition periods in between.
The worse thing about not having a normal spring season is it impacts so many activities. The below normal temps and above normal precip delay hen turkeys from nesting and also slows turkey mating activities. If it continues too long, it can also decimate the year’s poult production and survival, meaning fewer turkeys for not just this year but next year as well.
With the recent flooding, anglers eager to fish our local rivers will be handcuffed until waters drop to more normal levels. The month of May is a favorite time for anglers to fish for walleye in our local rivers, but that may have to wait a few weeks until rivers settle to more normal levels. Even pond and lake anglers will see slower fishing success due to the water temps being lower and fish less active. Trout anglers may have a bit better since streams and brooks should see their levels drop and return to normal faster than the rivers will. In addition to trout, the old reliable fish of spring?the bullhead?should be readily catchable despite the poor conditions. Also for anglers, a complete listing of 2011 warmwater fishing hotspots recommended by DEC biologists can be found at www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/64710.html.
Gardeners, if they’re anything like me, must be frustrated at the lateness of normal spring planting conditions. The ground soil is so saturated that tilling is, at best, questionable, and planting many of the earlier vegetables is a a “hope they don’t rot” situation. That is, if you can work your plot(s) up so planting can be done. No doubt the normal garden variety weeds will get a jump-start, which will demand more intense and frequent cultivating throughout this year’s growing season.
Those who enjoy hiking – be it on trails or bushwhacking – may find their way encumbered by washouts, downed trees and large branches or normally small streams too high to transverse.
Earth Fest This Saturday
