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New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Acting Commissioner Amanda Lefton today announced that the regular spring turkey season for all licensed turkey hunters opens May 1 throughout upstate New York (north of the Bronx-Westchester County boundary) and in Suffolk County on Long Island. DEC is also holding a Youth Turkey Hunting Season in advance of the regular season this Saturday, April 26, and Sunday, April 27.
“Engaging youth hunters and their adult mentors is an opportunity to instill safety, responsibility, ethics, and an appreciation for the outdoors in the next generation of hunters,” Acting Commissioner Leftonsaid. “Guided by experienced mentors, young hunters can gain hands-on skills while enjoying the challenge and excitement that turkey hunting offers.”
Eligible hunters for the Youth Turkey Hunt weekend are 12 to 15 years of age who hold a hunting license and a turkey permit. All youth hunters must be accompanied by an adult, as required by law for a junior hunter. Some conservation organizations host specific events during the Youth Hunt weekend. Each youth hunter can harvest one bearded bird during the two-day season. For more information, visit the DEC website.
Regular Season Opens May 1
New York has some of the best turkey hunting opportunities in the Northeast, with diverse landscapes and abundant turkey populations across the state. From hardwood forests and rolling hills in the Southern Tier, to agricultural fields and mixed woodlands in the Hudson Valley, hunters can find prime turkey habitat throughout New York.
Spring turkey harvests in New York average 16,000 to 18,000 birds, fluctuating based on participation and turkey productivity in previous breeding seasons. With improved summer poult production in recent years, DEC expects an increase in turkey harvest this spring. Since hunters primarily target toms (2+ year-old birds), turkey harvest often reflects productivity trends from two years prior.
Although New York turkey populations experienced declines from their peak in the early 2000s, populations are generally stable statewide. DEC continues to monitor population trends and implement conservation efforts to support sustainable hunting opportunities. Hunters play an essential role in monitoring populations by reporting their harvest and participating in DEC hunter opinion surveys. These efforts help DEC assess population dynamics, hunter participation, hunter values, and help ensure sustainable turkey populations for the future.
Other Important Details for the Spring Turkey Season, May 1-31, 2025:
Hunting is permitted in most areas of the state, except for New York City and Nassau County;
Hunters must have a turkey hunting permit in addition to their hunting license;
Shooting hours are from one-half hour before sunrise to noon each day;
Hunters may take two bearded turkeys during the spring season, but only one bird per day and no more than one bird per season in Wildlife Management Unit 1C (Suffolk County);
Hunters may not use rifles or handguns firing a bullet. Hunters may hunt with a shotgun or handgun loaded with shot sizes no larger than No. 2 or smaller than No. 9, or with a bow or crossbow (except crossbows may not be used in Westchester or Suffolk counties);
Successful hunters must fill out the tag that comes with their turkey permit and immediately attach it to any turkey harvested;
Successful hunters must report their harvest within seven days of taking a bird. Call 1-866-426-3778 (1-866 GAMERPT) or report harvest online at DEC’s Game Harvest Reporting webpage; and
For more information about turkey hunting in New York, see the 2024-25 Hunting and Trapping Regulations Guide or visit the “Turkey Hunting” pages of DEC’s website.
The Peru CSD Board of Education will hold a special meeting in the High School Community Room on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at 7:30 AM. The main purpose of this meeting is to vote on the BOCES (CVES) administrative budget and candidates running for open CVES board seats. At this time, no other district business is anticipated.
The agenda will be available on the District’s website (perucsd.org).
April 24, 2025, Peru, NY – Many have been curious about what happened since the Livingoods Restaurant sign was taken down. A new establishment, Ledge Hill North, is now operating at 697 Bear Swamp Road. Matthew Brankman, the owner of Ledge Hill Brewing Co. in Ticonderoga, oversees this new venture. Brankman stated, “This is a ‘soft’ opening. For the next few days, we are on a feedback-collecting mission; our official grand opening is scheduled for Saturday, May 17. We want to learn what people are looking for.”
The operating hours are Wednesday through Friday from 4 PM to 8 PM, and Saturday and Sunday from 12 PM to 8 PM.
Brankman has a passion for brewing beer. A six-year Navy veteran and a 20-year educator, including roles as an elementary school principal, he opened the first Ledge Hill Brewing Co. in his hometown of Westport in 2017. In 2022, he moved to 92 Montcalm St. in Ticonderoga. The new Peru location allows him to expand his vision and skill set. He remarked, “As a former educator, I like moving forward.” The popular Ticonderoga pub will continue.
Ledge Hill North will feature six to eight beers on tap, a full bar, and a hard cider made from delicious apples from Rulfs Orchards. Brankman mentioned, “The food menu will be familiar yet different. We want to honor what our predecessors have done here, but offer a new twist.” He also added that if customers have specific requests, they may introduce specials from time to time.
A July 24, 2022, Sun Community News story on Ledge Hill’s Ticonderoga opening beautifully describes Matthew Brankman’s business philosophy. He stated, “There is something magical about beer; beer brings people together from all different demographics and walks of life and experiences,” mused Brankman thoughtfully. “Having a beer with somebody is a way to build community and connections – most of the good things that have happened in the history of the world have happened over a beer,” Brinkman said he hopes Ledge Hill will be a place where people can come together and transcend age and occupations and enjoy themselves and one another…”
April 24, 2025 Correction, 7:15 PM. It is Matthew Brankman, not Brinkman. Spellchecker gone rogue.
Town of Wilmington Essex County Wilderness Rescue: On April 19 at 6:14 p.m., Ray Brook Dispatch received a call from two hikers looking for assistance getting down from the top of Whiteface Veterans’ Memorial Highway. The two 19-year-olds from Quebec were not prepared for the cold and rainy conditions on the trail. At 6:52 p.m., Forest Rangers Curcio and Foutch reached the hikers on the road. Their clothes were soaked through, and if further subjected to the cold, the pair would likely have suffered from hypothermia. Rangers provided warm clothes and transported the hikers to their vehicle. Resources were clear by 7:50 p.m.
To avoid similar issues, hikers are encouraged to check the weather before a hike, wear insulating layers, and bring traction devices when icy conditions are possible.
Town of Newcomb Essex County Wilderness Search: On April 21 at 2 a.m., Ray Brook Dispatch received a call from New York State Police about a GPS beacon initiated by a lost hiker. Coordinates placed the hiker off the Santanoni Express trail near the junction with the Bradley Pond trail. At 5:05 a.m., Forest Ranger Martin located the 36-year-old from Brockport and 41-year-old from Fairport and escorted the hikers back to the trailhead. Resources were clear at 7:50 a.m.
AGENDA – Peru Town Board Regular Meeting of April 14, 2025 @ 6 p.m.
Call Meeting to Order
Pledge of Allegiance
Roll Call
MOTION/DISCUSSION: To Accept Reports from all Departments: (Water/Sewer/Valcour; Highway; Town Clerk; Dog Control; Youth Department; Code/Zoning; Supervisor’s Report; Court; Website; Banking Reports, and JCEO);
March 2020 Peru Gazette Photo. Richard Williams is chairing the meeting.
Once again, the Peru Town is seeking Planning Board volunteers. The longtime chairman, Richard Williams, is giving up his position, and one vacant position has not been filled. The board can have up to seven members; It’s been getting by with six plus one alternate.
Regarding serving on the board, Richard Williams explained, “Why not get involved in the town? You vote; you live here. It’s only one meeting a month and you learn about town government. I’ve enjoyed serving on the board, trying to help out on projects, getting them moving forward, and working with the surveyors who represent the applicants. It’s rewarding to see them come in with other projects.” Williams doesn’t keep records, but he thinks he started serving on the board about 24 years ago and has been chairman for about fifteen years.
Community service has been a hallmark of Richard William’s life. He taught at the Peru Elementary School for thirty-two years and has been a Peru Volunteer Fire Department member for fifty-three years. He is moving to South Carolina, where he’ll be near his son, Tyler, and not far from his son, Townsend, who lives in North Carolina as a member of the U.S. Army 82nd Airborne Division. Tyler and Townsend were members of the Peru Fire Department, with Tyler serving as chief.
People interested in serving on the planning board should call Code Enforcement Officer Bob Guynup at 518-643-2745, Extension 103.
On Friday, April 18, Plattsburgh Town Supervisor Michael Cashman unveiled plans for the Battlefield Memorial Park’s Remembrance Plaza. The park is on Route 9, directly opposite Claire and Carl’s Restaurant. Here’s a link to a November 17, 2023, Sun Community News story on the park.
On April 18, the Peru Gazette photographed the park’s current status.
Plattsburgh – April 18, 2025 – The Town of Plattsburgh Supervisor, Michael Cashman, unveiled the signature piece of this next chapter: the Remembrance Plaza — a space of reflection and reverence, honoring those who served and sacrificed for our freedoms.
Mr. Cashman’s Facebook Post:
With the 250th anniversary of the United States (USA 250) on the horizon, the Battlefield Memorial Gateway is more than a local project — it’s a piece of a national story. Situated on the shores of Lake Champlain, one of America’s most historic waterways, this memorial is being built to honor our past and inspire future generations. The timing couldn’t be more meaningful.
A heartfelt thank you to Assemblyman Billy Jones, whose leadership and advocacy helped secure $300,000 in state funding to propel Phase II forward. His commitment to veterans, history, and the North Country continues to make a real difference.
The Clinton County American Legion has been a critical partner in this public-private collaboration with the The Town of Plattsburgh. Their enduring dedication to honoring service is a cornerstone of this effort.
A special shoutout to John Rock, a tireless champion of this project. His passion, energy, and leadership have kept the flame burning bright from day one.
A big thank-you to AES Northeast, right here in Plattsburgh, for turning the committee’s vision into an actionable blueprint. Their engineering team has taken dreams off the page and into reality — check out the stunning 3D imaging of the new Remembrance Plaza!
We’re proud to announce that bid documents are going out, marking a major milestone in our journey. But we aren’t done yet — we still need our community to step up and support this historic project.
Peru – CVPH Donor Center Blood Drive, Monday, April 21,from 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., at St. Augustine’s Parish Center, 3030 Main St. in Peru.
The blood collected by the Donor Center provides more than 95% of the blood used at CVPH and is used to supply other hospitals in Elizabethtown, Malone, Massena, Saranac Lake and Glens Falls.
St. Augustine’s Knights of Columbus Council 7273 is coordinating the drive.
Youth Turkey Hunt Scheduled for April 26-27
By John T Ryan
Shepherd’s Pie
Plattsburgh – April 18, 2025 – The Town of Plattsburgh Supervisor, Michael Cashman, unveiled the signature piece of this next chapter: the Remembrance Plaza — a space of reflection and reverence, honoring those who served and sacrificed for our freedoms.
Peru – CVPH Donor Center Blood Drive, Monday, April 21,