Syracuse.com - Figura writing about "the rut" and a new $4.25 million research boat on Lake Ontario (Nov. 16, 18)

[HuntingNY-News]

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I'm looking for someone who would be a good candidate for The Post-Standard's Hero of Conservation Award? Send your nomination by email to [email protected].

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<div id="asset-11743123" class="entry_widget_large entry_widget_right"><span class="adv-photo-large"><img height="288" width="380" src="http://media.syracuse.com/outdoors/photo/11743123-large.jpg" class="adv-photo" alt="2009-10-04-Deer2-nl.JPG" /><span class="photo-data"><span class="byline">Nick Lisi/The Post-Standard</span><span class="caption"></span></span><span class="photo-bottom-left"><!-- IE6 HACK

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The opening day of the deer hunting season for firearms is Saturday in the Southern Zone. Steelhead fishing on the Salmon River and elsewhere is kicking into gear. Duck hunting is underway.

<p>Bottom line: It's the height of the hunting season in Central New York, an area where there's more hunting and fishing licences per capita than any other place in the state..</p>

<p>Here's what's on tap for this week's Outdoors pages:</p>

<p><strong>FRIDAY</strong>:<br /><strong>Main story:</strong> So, what's all the fuss about "the rut" (the breeding time for deer) during the hunting season, and where is it right now for Central New York's herd? We ask bow hunters who've been out there for weeks and other sources. <em>(I could use some help on this one. If you're a bowhunter and have been out -- particularly this week -- drop me a note on your observations.)</em></p>

<p><strong>Column:</strong> So, you've shot a deer.. what are your options.. taxidermist? Donate the venison? Donate the hide... or keep it your self.</p>

<p><strong>SUNDAY:<br />Main story:</strong> We go out a new $4.25 million, 70-foot research boat owned by the USGS Survey office in Oswego as it stocks a baitfish (deepwater cisco) that state and federal officials are trying to reintroduce into Lake Ontario. The story is more, though, about this new boat and all its capabilities and how it's going to be used to improve the fishery on the lake.</p>

<p><strong>Column:</strong> So, what's the status on the numbers of environmental conservation officers in the state.There hasn't been a class to bring in new officers into the fold since 2008... anything happening soon? Plus, hopefully an update on that wild boar that was shot by police recently by Utica Police... was it one that came from our area?</p>

<p>Also, If space allows -- another "Tales from the Woods" story for a reader.</p>

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

<p>-- Anyone who has arrowed or shot a wild boar this hunting season.</p>

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

<p>-- 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.</p>

<p>- Someone who hunts rabbits and squirrels with the aid of falcons or hawks. (Actually, if you hunt squirrels or rabbits with a firearm I'd like to hear from you.)</p>

<p>- Anyone who would make a good candidate for The Post-Standard's Heroes of Conservation Award. Questions? <a href="http://blog.syracuse.com/outdoors/2012/10/wanted_cny_heroes_of_conservat.html">See the previous story I wrote about this</a>.</p>

<p><strong>ANYTHING ELSE READERS OF THIS REPORT WOULD LIKE TO SEE ME WRITE ABOUT? </strong><br />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 <a href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</a> or call 470-6066.</p>

<p><a href="http://update.syracuse.com/adv_syracuse/newsletters/syracuse/subscribe.htm">If you want to join The Post-Standard's Outdoors Group and get this emailed directly to you, subscribe here.</a>.</p>

<p><strong>FIGURA ON FACEBOOK:</strong><br />For those who are on Facebook, I also have a <a href="http://www.facebook.com/PostStandardOutdoors#!/PostStandardOutdoors#!/photo.php?fbid=3369108872206&set=a.1178365985003.2028364.1403751639&type=1&theater&notif_t=like">PS Outdoors page</a>, 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. </p>

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View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog