Autumn outdoors in WNY: exciting and fun!
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Western New York’s unusually warm autumn has been a pleasant surprise for outdoor enthusiasts, extending opportunities to enjoy some of the region’s favorite seasonal activities. From deer hunting and late-season fishing to wildlife photography and bird watching, November has offered plenty of reasons to get outside before winter makes its inevitable arrival.
For deer hunters, mild temperatures have made early-morning walks into the woods and climbs into tree stands considerably more comfortable. Lighter clothing and fewer layers are welcome benefits, although warmer conditions can make deer movement less predictable. Some hunters have also reported a somewhat suppressed or delayed rut. Still, the season offers plenty of opportunity. Remember, New York’s legal deer hunting hours are 30 minutes before sunrise until 30 minutes after sunset, with required fluorescent orange or pink clothing when hunting deer with a firearm.
Anglers have enjoyed an extended season on regional waters. Traditionally productive October yellow perch and smallmouth bass fishing on Lake Erie has carried into November, giving boat anglers additional opportunities to enjoy relatively comfortable conditions.
Perhaps the biggest late-autumn fishing attraction, however, is the muskellunge. November is prime time for dedicated musky anglers pursuing trophy fish in the Niagara River and Chautauqua Lake. Cooler water temperatures and actively feeding fish make this an exciting time to cast large presentations, work productive weed edges and target the region’s legendary predators. Chautauqua Lake’s special musky season runs through Nov. 30, with a 40-inch minimum length and one-fish daily limit. Niagara River and Lake Erie musky fishing continues through Dec. 15, with a 54-inch minimum and one-fish daily limit. For many anglers, this is one of the year’s most anticipated opportunities to connect with a true freshwater giant.
Shore anglers face a different challenge. Limited autumn rainfall has left many Lake Erie and Lake Ontario tributaries running low and clear, complicating upstream migration for steelhead and brown trout. These conditions demand extra stealth, careful approaches to deeper runs, longer casts and appropriately sized presentations. On designated Lake Erie tributary sections, seasonal fishing hours from Sept. 1 through March 31 are 30 minutes before sunrise until 30 minutes after sunset. Night fishing is prohibited in those regulated sections, so anglers should check the specific stream regulations before heading out.
Beyond hunting and fishing, Western New York’s colorful foliage has created wonderful opportunities for photographers, hikers and casual outdoor explorers. Along the lakeshore, migrating birds add another seasonal attraction. Popular observation locations such as Dunkirk Harbor and Buffalo Small Boat Harbor offer excellent opportunities to watch and photograph the movement of multiple bird species. Today’s cellphone cameras, with increasingly capable zoom and image resolution, have made quality wildlife photography accessible to more people than ever.
Of course, November is still November. The woodpile needs attention, and warm socks, long-sleeved outerwear and snow boots should be ready when the weather finally changes its mind.
That’s the beauty of autumn in Western New York. There’s still time for a morning in a deer stand, an afternoon on Lake Erie, a memorable musky encounter, a steelhead adventure or a quiet walk enjoying
the changing leaves and migrating wildlife. Make the most of these remaining autumn days. Winter will have its turn soon enough.
Gotta love the outdoors.
CALENDAR
Nov. 10: Children in the Stream Youth Fly Fishing/4-H Program, Fly tying/fly fishing classes, 7-8:30 p.m., free, Costello Room, Rockefeller Art Center at SUNY Fredonia, For info: email Alberto@albertorey.com.
Nov. 10: Erie County Trappers monthly meeting, Water Trapping, Hamburg Rod & Gun, 3434 Hickox Road, Hamburg; 716-648-2236
Nov. 12: Erie County Federation of Sportsmen, monthly meeting, 6:30-9 p.m., Southtowns Walleye Association Club, 5895 Southwestern Blvd., Hamburg.
Nov. 15: Ripley Rod and Gun, Turkey Shoot, noon start, shotgun, rifle, pistol, open to all; 9820 Rod and Gun Road, Ripley.