By George Franke

Sun Outdoors Writer

Back in October, sportsmen and women lost a good friend, Bob McNitt. "The Voice of Sportsmen" was a moniker he accepted graciously and lived up to. Although I had read his column and subscribed to the New York Sportsman for many years, I'd never met the man until one day drinking coffee at the Uptown Diner in Norwich. I recognized the face from pictures I had seen in magazines, so I sat down, introduced myself, and thus began a long friendship.

We hunted and fished together, attended NYS outdoor writer conventions, and brought that group together here in Norwich for a conference back in October, 2000. When people ask me "where were you on 9/11?" I remember quite well, I was brush hogging on his "back-40.” He touched many of our lives through his writing and personal connections, ever accessible to lend a hand. So, after his passing, I contacted Jeff Genung and Pat Newell here at the Evening Sun, and suggested we continue the Outdoors Column that Bob McNitt wrote for nearly four decades. Today is my inaugural column.

Yes, I'm stepping into boots I could never fill. But in today's age of a shrinking print media, I commend the entire ES staff and management for continuing this weekly column. My goal foremost is to enlighten everyone to the great outdoors. Not only will I cover the traditional "hook and bullet" topics, but also legislation, travel and eco-tourism, events of interest, new products and what other local and state outdoor groups are doing. I'll occasionally be discussing the natural history of our locale, as well as the flora and fauna that reside in and travel through our our area.

Perch Derby date moved to Feb. 18

One of the biggest area outdoor events of February has been rescheduled due to the lack of ice. The annual Chenango Lake Perch Derby, a project of the Oxford Lions Club, had to be moved back to Feb. 18. So mark your calendar accordingly. I went out with Mike Mayhood on Jan. 19 to measure the ice. Mike augured through and found a surprising eight inches of good ice. However, due to unseasonably mild weather conditions this past week, there hasn't been any new ice created on the lake. Town and derby officials require 12 inches of ice for the contest to be a “go.” Checking the 10-day forecast, it looks like most highs will be in the mid to lower 30s and lows in the teens – good ice-making weather.

Some things to note: The pre-registration date for the derby has been extended to Feb. 16, or you can register on the ice for $5 per entrant from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. There will be no bait sold on the ice, but Mayhood’s Sporting Goods (607) 334-2001 will be open at 4 a.m., on derby day. The contest ends at 2 p.m. Prizes will be awarded for the 2012 specially tagged perch, if no tagged perch are caught, there will be six drawings for cash as well as cash prizes for the largest perch and pickerel of the day. Additional prizes will be awarded every 15 minutes, starting at 7 a.m. for the largest perch. Food and beverages will be sold on the ice. For more specifics on the derby, contact Mike Mayhood.

Now, I am always critical about where fund-raising monies go. So I asked Mike how the Perch Derby proceeds are spent. He explained to me that there are many site programs funded by the Lions Club, from screenings to glasses themselves. The Oxford Lions also do a Christmas Dinner for the poor and shut-ins. Scholarships are given to students at the Oxford Schools, and other health services are provided as needed. Interestingly, approximately 75 percent of the money raised stays here in the community. Surely, all worthwhile causes we should support. So even if you don't ice fish, take your kids out to see the derby, and show them what ice fishing is all about – and buy a few hot dogs while you're there to support the Oxford Lions Club.

Anglers are reminded that all fish must be legally caught. A new change to the ice fishing regulations from the DEC for 2012 is as follows: In waters where ice fishing is permitted, anglers will be allowed to use up to three lines and five tip-ups except as noted in special regulations for specific waters. Previously, ice anglers could only use two lines with five tip-ups. Also, local law enforcement will be on-site monitoring ATV and snowmobile activity.