Syracuse.com - Figura writing about Oneida Lake walleye bite and duck hunting season (Oct. 26, 28)

[HuntingNY-News]

I'm looking for photos of recent youth hunts for waterfowl. Send pics no later than noon Friday to [email protected]. I need the names and hometowns of everyone in the photos, plus a daytime phone number to call for further information.

Jim Evans, of Baldwinsville, holds up a 18-inch walleye he caught recently on Oneida Lake while fishing from a dock in Billington's Bay, near Bridgeport Submitted photo Here's what's on tap for this week in The Post-Standard.

FRIDAY:

Main piece: Tis the time of year to cast from shore on Oneida Lake for walleyes. This is when they're in close to shore feeding off baitfish -- particularly gizzard shad. There's no rub this year. There seems to be a higher than normal amount of gizzard shad this year and the abundance of food has made catching walleyes more difficult than normal.

Column: Update on Salmon River salmon egg collection process which began Oct. 8. A list of meat processes cooperating with the Venison Coalition, group. If you shoot a deer and don't want the meat, these places will make sure it gets donated to local food pantries.

SUNDAY:

Update on the duck hunting season, which on Saturday opens in the Western Zone. Wildlife biologists note there's more than enough ducks these days -- in fact more than they'd prefer. ((I'd like to hear from hunters who've been out hunting in the other zones so far this year.. what are you seeing out there? Call me no later than noon Friday at 470-6066, or email me at [email protected]. If you have any pics, please send them.. Thanks))

Column: Still mulling my options. Considering writing about SUNY ESF dinner Thursday night honoring Jody and Doreen Garrett, who manage a private preserve in Chaumont. They will receive the Feinstone Award. According to a news release: "The Garretts are true outdoor enthusiasts as they incorporate environmental conservation into their personal and professional lives." Who is this couple?

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

-- Anyone who has arrowed a wild boar this hunting season.

-- Someone who still has a license to fish commercially for perch in Lake Ontario with gill nets.

-- 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 hunts rabbits and squirrels with the aid of falcons or hawks.

- Anyone who would make a good candidate for The Post-Standard's Heroes of Conservation Award. Questions? See the previous story I wrote about this.

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