Tag: alexandria bay

The New York State Outdoor Writers Association held its annual Spring Safari this past May in Clayton, NY. Our base camp would be the newly built 1000 Islands Harbor Hotel located along the St. Lawrence River front in town. Our small army of hunters and fishermen descended on the town the second weekend of May, 7th-10th. Located in Jefferson County, the safari would take us to some of the most picturesque and breathtaking scenery in our great state. With abundant resources at hand there would be plenty of diverse activities and pursuits for us to enjoy. Before going on to the events of a Grande safari weekend, it was abundantly clear that the 1000 Islands Harbor Hotel, Clayton Area Chamber of Commerce & 1000 Islands International Tourism Council, Otis Technology, and Lucky Star Ranch went out of their way to welcome us, roll out the red carpet, and give a firsthand experience of the best there is to offer of their slice of paradise. A paradise it is. There are so many more to thank as I further describe the event.

My family (both my mother’s and father’s) hail from Alexandria Bay. I spent many summers there as well as many other times of the year. I have so many fond memories from my youthful days in the Bay, out along the river, even rainy days spent listening to my father and grandfather tell stories over many cups of coffee at the local diner when we didn’t go fishing. My grandfather “Booty Joyner” operated the bait shops at the village docks and was a character in his own right. For me there is a strong bond to the area. One would think that the novelty would wear off with such familiarity. Just the opposite, I was excited and anticipated the trip up to my old stomping grounds.

A reception was held at the hotel on Thursday evening. These gatherings are more of a family event as many of us are accompanied by their spouses, and many of the friendships extend back several decades if not more. I personally enjoyed the house wines, and they were a great sampling of the great wines produced here in NY. The hotel took it upon themselves to make sure us turkey hunters had a meal to take with us for an early breakfast. Although breakfast is my main, most favored meal I rarely indulge in the middle of turkey chasing wars know as spring season. I can be easily talked into a stop at the local diner during the morning lull. The hotel and its staff attention to the little niceties and details would be apparent throughout our stay there. Very nice rooms, and a touch of elegance adds to the luxury feel of the place. We thoroughly enjoyed the hospitality of their well trained staff.

We were left to our own debauchery that evening and with that, a few of us derelict hunters went out upon the town. We settled on a light meal of gourmet pizza and freshly brewed craft beer at Wood Boat Brewery a few blocks walk from the hotel. We polished off two tasty pizzas, and the freshly brewed beer was a fine example of craft beer excellence we have here in NY. To add to the experience of a bunch of crusty old turkey chasers we had a great waitress, above and beyond in service, friendly, was quick to show us pics from her successful turkey hunting trip the previous weekend. We left her a very nice tip!

The first full day of the safari had plenty of activities for everyone. Ed Noonan, Dan Ladd, and myself would be hosted by Lucky Star ranch for a morning of chasing gobblers. Myrle Bauer-Net Result Charters, Rich Clarke-Signman Charters, Keith Dasno, Gotta Have it Fishing, 1000 Islands Fishing Charters would be taking out the fishermen of our group over the next two days. For spouses and those of us that were not hunting or fishing there would be a variety of activities while we were out chasing gobblers. A big thank you goes out to Antique Boat Museum, Boldt Castle, Clayton Island Tours, Coyote Moon Winery, Gold Cup Farms River Rat Cheese, Thousand Islands Winery, and White Water Challengers Rafting. A good time to be had by all.

First morning we were met at the ranch by Jody Garrett, Don Patchen and Mike Haferty. Jody and Doreen Garrett (founder of Otis Technology) owners of Lucky Star Ranch gave us the good guy treatment during our visit there and made us all feel very welcome. We were in the company of very warm and genuinely nice people. Certainly my pleasure. With daylight soon approaching, Ed would head out with Don, Dan would pair up with Jody, and I would head out to the far end of the pond with Mike. With all of us being able to call up a gobbler, having duo calling pairs spelled trouble for a few birds that morning. With 2000 acres to roam, we had access to multiple roost sites, and strategic places to start. The ranch has a diverse mix of ponds, woodlots, fields, transition zones, quality managed forests. Ideal habitat for all kinds of wildlife and waterfowl. During our hunt I would spot several whitetails and red stag, but they were wary, and not about to put up with us being there. Gobbling started out slowly at day break, but quickly turned on once they came off their roost. We had toms gobbling on three sides of us, and my gun was up more than a few times. After making several moves, we nearly got caught moving the third time. With a hasty setup, two gobblers marched on in, only one left! Less than an hour later Ed’s gun would roar, and another gobbler would ride back in the truck.

After we had set out that morning to chase gobblers, a few members enjoyed fishing the ponds at Lucky Star Ranch. Reports were the fishing was very productive that morning. At noon we enjoyed a great lunch sponsored by 1000 Islands International Tourism Council, Lucky Star Ranch, Otis technologies. After lunch we had a breakout session with event sponsors, and a great presentation by Doreen and Jody on what they had going on at the ranch, and the activities they do to give back to wounded warrior programs and youth involvement. The ranch has hands on wildlife and habitat management programs in place, and it is very impressive.

Friday evening we were treated to a tour and outdoor barbeque at the Antique Boat Museum. If you are at all into boats it is a must see place to visit. Again, great food, as we hunt hard, eat, sleep, and repeat. 1000 Islands Winery had their wines to sample as well. A little side note, NY has caught on in a big way with our great wineries, and craft brewers and distillers. If you enjoy wine, beer, or distilled spirits, the Northern NY region is a great destination. After dinner I stopped by Coyote Moon to sample their current wines. After selecting a favorite, I bought a glass and enjoyed some live music before heading back to the hotel. A notable feature to enjoy at the hotel is the open patio that faces the great Saint Lawrence. With plenty of seating, patio bar, and scenic views, it was a popular meeting place during our stay. I met up with the folks from Wight-Ox Enterprises / Rush TV and stayed up entirely too late talking shop.

Saturday Morning we had an entourage of eleven hunters that was hosted by Grindstone Island Hunting Guide Service. We were all excited about the boat trip over to Grindstone Island to chase gobblers. I had lots of action early on, right up until a coyote decided to make a go at the two gobblers and two hens I was working my contrived plan of attack on. Dan Ladd connect on a good bird about an hour later, and I surmised it had been one of the gobblers as he had run off with the two hens in Dan’s direction. I headed over and helped him get some great pictures with the gobbler. We took our time getting back to the pickup spot. A leisurely walk it was. I think the whole group enjoyed the boat trip back and as much as we did hours earlier. We got a number of looks walking back through town back to the hotel all dressed in camo, and carrying shotguns.

We were treated to a luncheon sponsored by Wight-Ox Enterprises & Rush TV and FishNY & Lake Ontario Outdoors. Later that evening a great dinner put on by the National Shooting Sports Foundation. Both functions show cased the hotel kitchen, and would be worth the trip alone. Again, the hotel and its staff were above and beyond in accommodating us, and of course excellent service.

In Sunday we got to decompress, and enjoy a wonderful breakfast before our general meeting. As mentioned, breakfast is my best meal of the day. A Greek omelet was my menu choice that morning. When I return for another visit, it will be my choice again! A trip is well worth it for a Sunday brunch.

A big congrats to Allen Benas for spear heading this, and speaking for all of us from NYSOWA. We commend the 1000 Islands International Tourism Council & Clayton Chamber, 1000 Islands Harbor Hotel, Lucky Star Ranch, sponsors, vendors, the storefronts, guides that worked together as a team, in concert to put on a tremendous weekend long event. You meant to impress and you indeed accomplish that!

© 2015 Joyner Outdoor Media

Related Links
NYSOWA
Clayton Area Chamber of Commerce
1000 Islands International Tourism Council
1000 Islands Harbor Hotel
Otis Technology
Lucky Star Ranch
Wight-Ox Enterprises & Rush TV
FishNY & Lake Ontario Outdoors
National Shooting Sports Foundation
Antique Boat Museum
Boldt Castle
Clayton Island Tours
Coyote Moon Winery
Gold Cup Farms River Rat Cheese
Thousand Islands Winery
Wood Boat Brewery
White Water Challengers Rafting
Myrle Bauer, Net Result Charters
Grindstone Island Hunting Guide Service
Rich Clarke, Signman Charters
Keith Dasno, Gotta Have it Fishing