DEC Announces 2025 Exam Date for Licensed Guide Program, Falconry License, Wildlife Rehabilitator License, and Leashed Tracking Dog License

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today announced the upcoming dates of examinations for individuals seeking select Special Licenses. To provide enhanced access, DEC is offering these examinations online and free-of-charge. 

Exams being offered:

New York State Licensed Guide: camping, fishing, hiking, hunting, whitewater, rock climbing, and ice climbing;

Falconry License;

Wildlife Rehabilitator License; and

Leashed Tracking Dog License. 

“As part of our ongoing efforts to enhance the customer experience, DEC is proud to offer these free examinations online,” said DEC Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar. “This process makes it easier for individuals to apply and take part in helping others safely and responsibly enjoy New York’s affordable outdoor recreation opportunities and undertake proper wildlife rehabilitation activities.” 

New York State Licensed Guide Exams

A guide is a person at least 18 years of age offering services for hire, including directing, instructing, or aiding another individual in camping, fishing, hiking, hunting, whitewater rafting/canoeing/kayaking, rock climbing, and ice climbing.

Applicants are not required to be a resident of New York State to receive a guide's license. 

2025 Licensed Guide Examination Schedule

Exam Date, Exam Times

Registration Must be Received by:

Feb. 7, 2025

7:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.

Feb. 5, 2025

March 1, 2025

NYSOGA meeting only

Feb. 21, 2025

May 9, 2025

7:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.

May 7, 2025

June 6, 2025

7:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.

June 4, 2025

July 11, 2025

7:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.

July 9, 2025

Sept. 12, 2025

7:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.

Sept. 10, 2025

All exams will be online, except for the in-person exam offered at the New York State Outdoor Guides Association (NYSOGA) winter rendezvous meeting on March 1, 2025. Exam and registration instructions can be found on the DEC Licensed Guide Program webpage.

To register, visit the Licensed Guide Exams Registration Website. Applicants will receive an email acknowledging registration with a one-time link to access the exam on the specified exam date. Upon successful completion of the exam(s), applicants will receive information on applying for the license, including an application form. Please do not send applications or fees prior to passing the examination(s).

An outline of exam content and a study guide can be found on the DEC Licensed Guide Program webpage. The Fieldbook, a reference book published by the Boy Scouts of America, is also recommended and available online.

Falconry, Wildlife Rehabilitator, and Leashed Tracking Dog License Examinations

2025 Falconry, Wildlife Rehabilitator, and Leashed Tracking Dog License Examination Schedule

Exam Date, Exam Times

Registration must be Received by:

April 11, 2025

7:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.

April 9, 2025

Aug. 8, 2025*

7:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.

Aug. 6, 2025

*Please note: Registration for the August exams will open the week following the April exam. 

To register, visit the Special Licenses Registration Website. Applicants will receive an email acknowledging registration and a one-time link to access the exam on the specified exam date. The link to the exam registration webpage can be found on each of the individual license webpages at: Division of Fish and Wildlife Special Licenses and Permits.

Apprentice Falconry License

Falconry has a rich history and tradition throughout the world and requires a significant commitment of time and effort. Apprentices are limited to possessing one bird, either an American kestrel or a red-tailed hawk. To qualify for the Apprentice Falconry License, applicants must:

score 80 percent or higher on the written exam;

be at least 14 years of age;

possess a valid New York State hunting license;

maintain DEC-approved facilities for housing falconry raptors; and

be a resident of New York State.

A falconry study guide and examination manual are available on the DEC Falconry License webpage. The exam is free; the cost of a five-year falconry license is $40. 

Wildlife Rehabilitator License

Wildlife rehabilitators provide for the care of injured, sick, and orphaned wild animals for the purpose of returning rehabilitated animals to the wild. Prospective applicants are encouraged to gain experience by serving as an assistant to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. To qualify for the Wildlife Rehabilitator License, applicants must:

score 80 percent or higher on the written exam;

be at least 16 years of age;

be interviewed by DEC Regional wildlife staff; and

be a resident of New York State.

A wildlife rehabilitator study guide and examination manual are available on the DEC Wildlife Rehabilitator License webpage. The exam is free and there is no cost for the five-year wildlife rehabilitation license.

Leashed Tracking Dog License

Leashed tracking dog handlers provide a valuable service in aiding hunters in locating wounded big game that otherwise may go unrecovered. To qualify for a Leashed Tracking Dog License, applicants must:

score 80 percent or higher on the written exam; and

possess a valid New York State hunting license.

A leashed tracking dog study guide is available on the DEC Leashed Tracking Dog License webpage. The exam is free; the five-year leashed tracking dog license is $50. Additionally, there is a $25 non-refundable fee for first-time applicants. 

For questions or assistance please contact:

NYS DEC Special Licenses Unit

625 Broadway, Albany, NY 12233-4752

Email: SpecialLicenses@dec.ny.gov

Phone: 518-402-8985, Fax: 518-402-8925

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Whittling Away with Dick Brooks - Sidekicks

I was sitting quietly the other day having a pleasant little ponder, something I try to fit into my busy schedule daily.  It's something everyone ought to do more frequently, you know--think about the meaning of life, where you fit in the scheme of things in the Universe, death-taxes and government, and whether or not there's enough kitty litter to last until the weekend.  Anyway, during this period of deep meditation      ( which frequently culminates in a nap ), the topic that moved to the top of my mental whirlpool was "Sidekicks".

Where did they go?  The television set and the movie screen used to be littered with them.  We're not talking partners here or co-stars, they're equals.  Sidekicks were different.  Usually in the background, frequently subservient to the main character, they usually weren't really attractive or well dressed.  Frequently they appeared to be lower on the IQ charts than the horses that appeared on the screen with them.  There were horses around because most of the really good sidekicks were to be found in the westerns.  Westerns and sidekicks went together like ham and eggs, macaroni and cheese, peanut butter and dill pickles ( sorry, personal preference ).  There was Gabby Hayes who was like the universal sidekick, he was everywhere!  Jingles ( I never did know his last name ) showed up in several movies and TV shows.  Pat Brady followed Roy Rogers and Dale around like a hound dog puppy.  He had a great jeep named "Nelly Belle" which was in the Roy Rogers Museum.  When he passed away, I think Roy had him stuffed and put in the museum too.  Maybe that was Trigger, it's hard to keep track of things like that.

One of my personal favorites was Tonto, The Lone Ranger's faithful Indian companion.  Tonto was cool.  He was different than the run of the mill sidekick.  He was tall, good looking, didn't limp, had all his teeth, had his own horse with a name ( Scout ) and at times even appeared to be smarter than the star.  Had his mastery of the English language been better, he might even have had his own show.  Lacking the benefit of a good English as a Second Language teacher definitely held him back.  With a good education, he could have gone far, why, he didn't even know that he was a Native American.  Maybe that was a good thing though, The Lone Ranger and his faithful Native American companion just doesn't sound right even though it's politically correct.  His real name was Jay Silverheels, a real Indian on TV and in the movies at a time when most Indians were played by Mediterranean actors.  Like I said, he was cool, had he come along twenty years later, he'd have been a co-star at least.  His favorite name for the Lone Ranger was "Kemo Sabby" or something close in spelling.  "We rest here, Kemo Sabby; Him bad man, Kemo Sabby; Silver bullet only work on vampire, Kemo Sabby".  We never found out what "Kemo Sabby" meant.  Because Tonto was so cool and sometimes had this funny twinkle in his eye, as a kid I thought it would be great if "Kemo Sabby" meant something like "Knucklehead" in Tonto's native tongue and he was getting the last laugh because folks forgot that he was bilingual and The Lone Ranger only spoke English.

Sidekicks have gone the way of the western, maybe someday they'll both make a comeback.  When that happens I'll be ready.  Pop out the false teeth, fluff out the hair above my ears, put a rock in my right shoe so I won't forget to limp, don't shave for a week or two, work on a high pitched cackle, slip into my long underwear shirt and worn jeans with my red suspenders and I'll be good to go.  Since we've already got a history, maybe I'll call Steven Spielberg and try to talk him into doing a remake of "Happy Trails to You" with Tom Cruise in the role of Roy Rogers and me as Gabby Hayes--or maybe Dale Evans, I'm not fussy.  I'd even consider playing "Trigger" if the price was right.

Thought for the week--We could learn a lot from crayons: some are sharp, some are pretty, some are dull, some have weird names, and all are different colors....but they all exist very nicely in the same box.

Until next week, may you and yours be happy and well.

whittle12124@yahoo.com   

     

     

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MUSINGS OF A LOCAL By Iris Mead - Grieving for a Pet

            

We know the sorrow and loss that losing a pet can bring to your life and for a long time after. Some pets have a way of getting into your heart and soul that never leave you. The bond, their daily presence and emotional support they give us makes the loss deeply painful. 

For most people the family pet is an extension of our family. When that pet dies, the pain can be palpable. And when that pet has lived a long and loving life it is even harder to face that loss.  There is a hole in your heart that will eventually heal but dealing with that loss in the short-term can bring on deep grief and even depression.  The bond that we have established with that pet is unique and not easily forgotten.

Not only do members of the family suffer the loss of a dear pet but other pets in the family also share the loss, especially if the deceased pet has been a member of the family and part of the pack family for a long time. How we as humans handle our grief may be easier than the way surviving pets do since we can verbalize our feelings of sorrow but they are unable to communicate their feelings to us.  Some pets stop eating, some whine or cry, some lie in the deceased pet’s bed or living space.  We are told to keep the surviving pet(s) on their regular schedule and show them a lot of attention and affection.  There are products that can help with calming.

For us humans, sharing stories and pictures of the deceased pet with friends who knew the animal helps with grieving as they too have remembrances of the pet, some good, some bad, I expect.  Putting together a photo album or hanging a collage of the pet’s photos on a wall gives an owner some inner peace and a smile as they walk by the photos.

We all handle grief differently, be it a relative or friend or a pet.  Many factors trigger grief; age of the pet, the circumstances of their death, was it sudden or expected, a major health problem, unforeseen accident, etc.  All factor in how we react and express our grief.

The column is the result of my grieving for my 18-1/2 old cat, ZaneGray, who had to be put to sleep because of his advanced age. Watching him fail in the last weeks of his life caused so many emotions in both me and my other cat who had known him the 12 years of her life with us.  The gentle handsome “Big Guy” accepted her immediately when she was introduced to him and they played together, ate together and slept near each other.  She sensed that he was not doing well and laid and slept next to him in the month prior to his death. Since his death, she has shown many signs of grief and I am attempting to console her and she me.  We will move on together remembering Zane.

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ArtUp Hosts Artist Talk with Amy Masters

Art lovers gathered to hear Amy Masters talk about the inspiration behind her solo show, Family Portraits. 

Masters gives listeners insight into her process

Twins, oil on canvas, 2024

Village People, oil on canvas, 2024

It may have been a brutal twenty degrees outside, but guests were nice and cozy inside as artist Amy Masters gave an inspired talk about her solo show Family Portraits on its closing weekend at ArtUp in Margaretville.

The talk started with an exercise led by Masters and ArtUp co-founder Patrice Lorenz asking attendees to give their thoughts and feelings about what ‘Family’ and ‘Community’ mean to them. Guests shared ideas that came first to mind including safety, nourishment and landscape, and expressed how important community is especially when you are far from family. 

This exercise laid the groundwork to step inside Masters’ approach for creating Family Portraits and opened up a better understanding of her inspiration for this show. Masters used her idea of community, “how we rely on each other and have created this magical space”, as a springboard into these paintings. 

The twelve thought-provoking oil paintings were created over the course of a year and were made possible by an award from the Delaware County Arts Grant. Masters incorporates architectural and shape concepts used previously in her work and introduces the figure in this highly cohesive show. She explains that these grants present the opportunity “to push yourself to explore and try things whether they are successful or not.” Judging by the reaction to her work, it is obvious this endeavor has been a huge success. 

The warm but muted palette of greens, blues and yellows are some of Masters’ favorite colors to work with and resonated with the crowd, imbuing emotions of melancholy and sadness while gazing the work. The palette really helps to create a strong relationship between the paintings, giving the series a story-like quality.

Human as well as animal figures grace her canvases. Some very prominent and some, like the animals in her piece Repose, seem to almost disappear in the tall grass and layers of the landscape. Masters discovered that when the figures became more literal and obvious, they made her cringe. She prefers the figures being more obscured and mysterious. This aspect gave rise to countless interpretations of the work by attendees, doing what art does best, allowing the viewer to have their own meaning and connection to the work.

Guests agreed how special the art community is up here in The Catskills and many expressed that it has become like a family to them. It is artist talks like these that give the community opportunities to bond and grow. It felt very special to share in this gathering and learn more about Masters’ gorgeous and engaging work on an icy winter afternoon. Everyone was left wanting more and encouraged Masters to not let this be the end of this series.

For the remainder of January, ArtUp will become studio space for prolific artist and ArtUp co-founder, Gary Mayer, who will be creating a mural of Margaretville for a location on Main Street funded by the Delaware County Re-Grant Program administered by Roxbury Arts Group. The public is welcome to stop by ArtUp to watch Mayer’s progress Friday through Sunday 12-4p. 

Keep up with the beautiful work of Amy Masters @amyrachelmasters on Instagram and follow ArtUp @artupmargaretville for upcoming events at the gallery.

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Hear Here - Short Term Rentals in a Resort Town

CATSKILLS REGION — The Hear Here Podcast was joined by Brian Christman and Eric Goettsche to discuss managing family owned resorts in Windham, the continuous daily work load requirements, adapting to the changes in the industry as well as in the town, the advent of online marketing and reservation systems, and comparing the regulation requirements for resort owners in comparison to short term rentals. 

Both took over family resort businesses at a very interesting time in history with accessibility to the mountain top region transitioning drastically by the improvement of roads, the ski resort development, and technology entering daily usage in the industry. In resorts with such a long family legacy the technologies go so far back as wash basins to indoor plumbing, ice boxes to refrigerators, gas lights to electric, and hundreds of phone calls each day to online reservations. This timeline becomes very intriguing when it can be put in to perspective how quickly and recently some of the changes happened. 

Brian and Eric discussed the State regulation, inspection, documentation, and insurance requirements for their businesses as the hosts read the requirements for short term rentals that up until recently may have had zero oversight from the state, county or town. The saturation of the short term rental market also affects the businesses ability to retain staffing as housing becomes limited or out of reach for employees. This issue extends out to individuals and families looking to put down permanent roots in the area. A discussion we loved having and will definitely be circling back to in the future! Search Hear Here Short Term Rentals in a Resort Town

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Local Business Focus - Mountaintop Music Teaches All Ages to Play Instruments

By Max Oppen

EAST JEWETT – A husband-and-wife team has launched a music lesson business, Mountain Top Music, catering to students of all ages. Alex Topornycky and his wife, Samantha Robinson, the founders, moved to the area full-time from Queens and Long Island this past June and began offering lessons in September.

"My parents have owned a second home in Elka Park since about 2017 and transitioned to full-time during the pandemic," Topornycky shared via email. "My family started visiting here when I was a child in the '90s and my father long before that, so the mountain had always been a special place. My wife and I have split our time between the mountain and Queens since 2020 and started transitioning full-time when we began Mountain Top Music and found out we are expecting our first child."

"Like many other people, we came up during Covid," he added. "And we kind of never left."

With over 30 years of combined experience teaching music, Topornycky and Robinson bring lessons directly to their students' homes. "I primarily teach guitar, and my wife primarily teaches violin and viola," Topornycky said. "I also teach piano, banjo, bass, and ukulele."

The couple previously taught at Music & Arts, a nationwide chain with over 250 locations nationwide and 500 instrument rental sites. Topornycky and Robinson spent a decade working at the Long Island location, gaining experience teaching students of all ages and abilities.

Mountain Top Music serves students ranging from toddlers to seniors. "The ages of our students range from 2 to 70," Topornycky said. While they currently travel to students' homes in East Jewett, Jewett, Windham, Tannersville, Hunter, Haines Falls, and Lexington, the couple hopes to open a storefront in the future.

Topornycky and Robinson have already made an impact on the local community. "I've worked with some Hunter-Tannersville students who performed at the district's recent Holiday Concert," Topornycky said.

The couple's connection to the mountaintop goes beyond music. "We love it up here and want to raise our kid here and be a part of the community," he said.

Mountain Top Music's personalized approach offers students the convenience of learning in the comfort of their own homes.

Topornycky holds a B.F.A. in Jazz Performance from City College of New York and grew up in Queens. Originally from Long Island, Robinson earned a B.S. in Fine Arts from Hofstra University. The couple met years ago while teaching at Music & Arts and are thrilled to establish roots in the mountaintop area.

Though they continue to work downstate a couple of days a week, Topornycky said their plans are clear: "As soon as our child is born, we need to be up here full time."

Mountain Top Music invites prospective students to schedule private lessons. Local references are available upon request. To contact Alex and Samantha, call 1-718-791-1119 or email mtntopmusic@gmail.com.

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Ashland Speaks

By Lula Anderson

2025 has come upon us with a vengeance.  I think that in the fall I had predicted a cold winter as by the amount of fruit on the trees.  Bill Mead had disagreed with me on the basis that one of the deer that they got had no fat reserve.  I think that is more due to overpopulation.  I still prefer my methods of predicting by the amount of fruit.  Anyway, we can all agree that it has been a very cold, or should I say, fridged start to the winter.  The wind has been horrendous, and blows the heat out of the house making it very tempting to stay under the covers all day.  I have always followed the advice from my mom:  No matter the day or how you feel, get up, get dressed and do something.  

Dot Giordano is happy to report that all of the family got together over the holidays.  Lots of cooking and lots of fellowship.  The Beckmanns had a house full with someone always coming and going, along with many dogs.  Now it's time to sit and relax.  Holiday greetings from Mary Aull, Bob Brodie and friends from down  south.

The dentist office is officially moved to its permanent location by Creamery Pond.  on upper Main Street.

Much sickness is making me really want to stay away from people.  Wishes for a speedy recovery for all.  Sympathy to the families of Arthur Rood, Gerald W Lawrence, Thomas Benjamin and Jeanne Soule.   

AS I REMEMBER IT

While writing today , January 5, the weather is cold, windy and snow flurries.  Today is the Feast of the Epiphany, or Little Christmas, the day we honor as the day the Wise Men, or Magi, found their way to Bethlehem after 2 years following the star, with gifts of Frankincense, Myrrh and gold as befits a king.  Imagine packing up and traveling, on blind faith, to an unknown destination.   

Our Pastor had asked us about a marathon that we had participated in, or a long walk taken.  When I was Youth Club leader of the Ashland Community Church we used to go on many walks. Pat Ferris proposed a "walk around the block."  It sounded simple enough, an all-day trip with rest stops planned.  Ha!  We started early Saturday morning going from the Ashland Church, east on 23 to Rt 17 and up Jewett Mountain.  We stopped at Jeanne and Clarence Soule for a pit stop, then continued to 23A and on to Lexington.  Next stop was at Mosquito Point.  Rest a little, but not too long as we are only about halfway through.  Head to Prattsville intersection, then back to 23 heading east again.  Hot and tired, the young people were passing me by.  Pat Davis was offering water (no bottled water at the time), but by the time I reached Red Falls I had had it!  I sat on the guard rails and waited to be rescued.  What looked so manageable in the car turned out to be a lot farther than we all thought.  Next time we wanted to go on a walk, we thought about it very carefully, and only went to Jewett and back.  

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Bayley Book Signing at Briars and Brambles

WINDHAM — THIS SATURDAY , January 11th, 2023 at 3:00 - 5:00 pm.

Former morning news anchor on WNYT - TV Channel 13 Albany, avid skier and author Phil Bayley will be signing copies of his books at Briars and Brambles books in Windham.  

Phil is the author of the Murder on Skis series, his most recent book, A Small Mountain Murder was published last November. 

This event is a free event.  For more information visit briarsandbramblesbooks.com or call (518) 750-8599.

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Sgt. James F. Carty, DSC VFW Post 1545

In case you were under a rock or in the Bahama’s, it’s been cold. It could be that I am getting older although I have come to the conclusion that no, it’s been cold.  

I would like to share some information to all the veterans that may not have received the news regarding the new veteran compensation rates.

The 2025 veterans’ disability rates are in…starting January 1, 2025, all compensation benefit rates have increased by 2.5% to match adjustments made to Social Security benefits.

This increase impacts disability benefits, clothing allowance, dependency and indemnity compensation as well as other VA assistance programs.

So much work is being done by the VFW Washington D.C. office to make sure that veterans are not overlooked. Last week I spoke regarding the fact that all veterans’ organizations need members to increase which brings much needed power by numbers. 

This past week Jayson Gardenier and I met with the district inspector who checked our records to make sure we are complying with the National By-Laws of the VFW.

The inspector from the Department of NY VFW happens to be the next State Commander and he is also a Vietnam veteran.

His name is Jim MacArthur, and he is from Hillsdale, NY. He was the District Commander 2 years prior to my terms in office as District Commander. 

I bring this up to show that the leadership in the VFW from National to the Post level are predominantly Vietnam era veterans.

These Vietnam veterans are all getting older (70s to 80s) and still working for veterans. You do not have to be an old veteran to be an advocate for veterans’ rights. 

Many do not know that commanders at all levels in the VFW do not get a salary. The State Commander in NY gets an allowance for expenses and a car to use as he travels the State from NYC to Buffalo.

He does this job for his comrades that he served with. Think what would happen after us Vietnam veterans are gone, who will continue this work?

Our Post has fortunately had some youth move into help with continuing moving our Post forward.

I fondly remember the WWll and Korean veterans that showed the way for us Vietnam vets to continue. They helped show the way for us. What a great bunch of men and women.

MIA update: The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced today that U.S. Army Pvt. 1st Class Arthur W. Crossland Jr, 19, of Columbia, South Carolina, killed during World War II, was accounted for Aug. 21, 2024

Crossland’s family recently received their full briefing on his identification, therefore, additional details on his identification can be shared.

In March 1945, Crossland was assigned to Company L, 3rd Battalion, 242nd Infantry Regiment, 42nd Infantry Division in the European Theater during World War II. Shortly before midnight on New Year’s Eve 1944, German forces launched a major offensive operation in the Vosges Mountains in Alsace-Lorraine, France, known as Operation NORDWIND. The German attack surged through Allied defenses along the Franco-German border, and the ensuing battle enveloped two U.S. Corps along a 40-mile-wide front. In the following few weeks, Company L was assigned to move online near Althorn, France. Intense fighting ensued in the heavily wooded terrain filled with minefields, and mortars and machine gun fire halted Company L’s advance. Witnesses stated seeing Crossland trigger a mine roughly 200 yards in front of the main resistance line. He was killed instantly, but U.S. forces had to withdraw before they could recover his body.

To identify Crossland’s remains, scientists from DPAA used anthropological and other circumstantial evidence. Additionally, scientists from the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System used mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and Y-chromosome DNA (Y-STR) analysis. Crossland’s name is recorded on the Walls of the Missing at Epinal American Cemetery in Dinozé, France, along with others still missing from WWII. A rosette will be placed next to his name to indicate he has been accounted for. Crossland will be buried March 14, 2025, in his hometown.

God Bless America and keep all those who served our country and who are now serving in your thoughts and prayer.

Marc Farmilette 

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