Syracuse.com - Figura writing about Phase II of CNY fall hunting season; autumn offerings at the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge

[HuntingNY-News]

I'm looking for photos of youngsters and their first deer from this weekend's first-ever, Youth Firearms Hunt. Email me photos, pertinent information and day-time phone number if I have further questions.

Submitted photoSteve Alkins, of Jamesville, poses with his first wild turkey, which he shot last year.

Fall -- particularly this time of year - is prime time to hunt. If you haven't already, you should get out and sight in your gun and get your gear ready.

Here's what's coming up this week on my Outdoors pages.

FRIDAY:

Main piece: October marks Phase II of the fall hunting season. Boy, is it ever busy. Hunters have their choice of five different seasons this month (bowhunting for deer, turkey, ruffed grouse, rabbitt, pheasant) -- along with the first-ever, youth firearms hunt for deer set for this weekend.

Column: I write about my mixed feelings concerning bass fishing tournaments after I encountered one (actually two) going on while I was trying to fish Skaneateles Lake this past weekend with my nephew.

SUNDAY

Main piece: Whether you're a birder or a hunter, the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge has it all this time of year. Thousands and thousands of migrating birds, plus there's waterfowl and deer hunting permitted.

Column: Bits and pieces from the past week, including a reminder for deer hunters to turn in their hides to the Camillus Elks Club, which uses the money raised to help folks at the local Veterans Hospital.

In coming weeks, I'd like to write about the following outdoors activities. If you know someone who does these activities, contact me ASAP:

Mike Greenlar/The Post-StandardCanada geese at the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge.

- Parents/kids going out for this upcoming weekend's special youth firearms hunt for deer during the Columbus Day weekend. (Send me pictures by Wednesday of next week. I'd like to use one of more for the Oct. 12 Outdoors page)

-- Fall turkey hunting with the assistance of dogs

-- Someone who successfully hunts with a traditional long bow for deer

-- Someone who's willing to talk about the history and current situation concerning the floating duck blinds at the end of Cayuga Lake that are put out every year.

- Someone who is among the small group of people that have a license to commercially net perch on Lake Ontario.

ANYTHING ELSE READERS OF THIS REPORT WOULD LIKE TO SEE ME WRITE ABOUT?

The effectiveness of this report is two-fold. First it lets readers know what's coming up story-wise. It also allows readers a chance to affect coverage and provide sources for upcoming stories. Bottom line: Keep in touch and give input. You could make a difference as to what appears week to week on the outdoors page! Email me at [email protected] or call 470-6066.

If you want to join The Post-Standard's Outdoors Group and get this emailed directly to you, subscribe here..

FIGURA ON FACEBOOK:

For those who are on Facebook, I also have a PS Outdoors page, which I check several times daily for feedback and story ideas. I also post personal fishing and hunting and other outdoors-related photos from time to time and I ask members to do the same. When you join, please be sure and hit the "like" button.

View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog