Syracuse.com - Figura working on Wild Boar War update, making venison chili and more

[HuntingNY-News]

I'm looking for submitted bird feeder photos from readers to go with a story I'm writing for Sunday. Deadline is noon Thursday. Send them to [email protected].

Been fighting a nasty sinus infection this week, so I've decided to cancel my plans for assisting at Thursday night's personal flotation device demonstration at the Central New York Boat Show, which kicks off today at the state fairgrounds.

I will be at a table, though, in the Center of Progress Building at the boat show from 1 to 4 p.m. Friday. Stop by and say hello.

Meanwhile, here's what I'm working on, along with my intern, Sarah Taddeo, for this week:

- This Friday the Great Backyard Bird Count kicks off. I'm looking for submitted bird feeder photos from readers to go with a story I'm writing for Sunday. Please get them to me by noon Thursday.. Send them to [email protected] and include your full name, where you live, the type of bird, when and where it was taken.

- Wild Boar War Update: U.S.D.A. officials release their 2012 report on its feral hog eradication efforts. Among the highlights, staff took out 40 wild boar in Onondaga County alone last year.

- Last weekend was my first try at making chili. I opted to go with venison chili to put a dent in all the meat I got from the deer I shot this fall.

- The state Conservation Fund Advisory Board and the DEC have been discussing a revised sports licensing fee schedule that if passed, could reduce licensing fees in some categories.

- Update on boardercross competitor Elaine Supp, of Fayetteville, who competed in the Empire State Games last weekend up in Lake Placid.

COMING UP:

- Tying trout flies during the winter.

- Looking to speak to some experienced winter campers.

- Burning snowmobile Issues or suggestions about someone I should write a profile story on from the CNY snowmobile scene.

- Looking to do a story on rabbit hunting. Anyone having any luck out there?

- Anybody getting snow geese out there with the extended season? Please give me a call.

strong>ANYTHING ELSE READERS OF THIS REPORT WOULD LIKE TO SEE ME WRITE ABOUT? </strong>

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.

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View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog