Deerspring Trip is in the Books

The crew at Deerspring, Merrill, NY 2026

We had boots on the ground at Deerspring Lodge in Merrill, NY. The advance team, Antoine and John L arrived a day early meeting up with Sean and head chef and innkeeper, Mary. Our team lead, John F, plus vet participants, Edwin, Jim B, Mike P, and Bill L all arrived. Mike B and our DAV guest Elisha, joined our group.

Gear was prepped, maps reviewed, and a logistics plan plan developed for the team's first day on the water. Preliminary scouting reports look good, we got bugs. It's gunna be a good day on the Chateaugay River.

Antoine worked with 2 vets, Jim & Edwin

https://video.wixstatic.com/video/511de9_b3c2537182fb4952b9fe4145a6d64958/720p/mp4/file.mp4

John worked with Bill on the cast basics

Guidance and instruction was shared with 4 of our newest vets, and each one was able to get fish to the net. The 2 Mikes, also program vets were able to keep the nets full during to extended time on the water.

Stow, John's service dog, found a safe place both in the lodge, and with the crew on the water.

John Ferrantino, our Trip lead

John Ferrantino, The man on the move the entire time, handling all logistics from KP, Food, follow-ups, photography, and overall cat-herder. It wouldn't happen without him.

All of the trip participants did their part pitching in washing dishes, loading and unloading gear.

Deerspring is an annual event for our group. 6 vets and 2 to 3 vols head up to the northern reaches of the Adirondacks every year to learn, fish, relax, and bond.

https://video.wixstatic.com/video/511de9_f02c47311f8148df9067842b06fa5a03/1080p/mp4/file.mp4

See you next time, Tight Lines, Don