Syracuse.com - Figura writing about fishing with 'The Commish,' the latest exploits of Lean2Rescue crew, 'urban/suburban wildlife wars

[HuntingNY-News]

What's the big deal about a new proposal to control the Lake Ontario water level? It could be something that gives the lake's ecology a good shot in the arm, environmentalists say ... others disagree.

Paul DeLucia, of Baldwinsville, stands next to a refurbished lean-to at Middle Settlement Lake in the Adirondacks. 

It's a busy last few days on the outdoors front.

Last Friday I covered the graduation ceremony of the state's newest group of environmental conservation officers and forest rangers and went fishing afterward with Joe Martens, commissioner of the state Department of Environmental Conservation on Oneida Lake.

I'd be lying if I said I wasn't nervous about the fishing trip. What if we got skunked.

Bottom line: We caught a lot fish and Martens has a new-found respect for the lake's bass fishing.

I've also been processing a number of pictures from the recent Youth Firearms Deer Hunt and the bowhunting season for deer. Good stuff.

Other things I'm working on this week:

- What's up with the Lean2Rescue crew lately? The hearty crew of volunteers has renovated 60 lean-tos in the Adirondacks to date --and is still going strong.

- A big orienteering event is set for Nov. 2-3 at Highland Forest Park. Get your compasses and maps out and come join the fun.

- What's the big deal about a new proposal to control the Lake Ontario water level? It could be something that gives the lake's ecology a good shot in the arm, environmentalists say ... others disagree.

- I'm attending a lecture tonight (Wednesday) down in Ithaca being given by an investigative journalist a book he's written about "urban /suburban wildlife wars"-- specifically controversies in municipalities about the over-abundance of wildlife in those areas, such as deer. Should be interesting.

- Following Marcellus bass angler Randy Lamanche's efforts to qualify for the prestigious Bassmaster Open and its $500,000 prize.

- deer/motor vehicle accidents

- A wrapup story on the DEC cormorant harassment program on Oneida Lake this fall.

Other things I'm working on:

- Commercial gill net fishing for perch on Lake Ontario (only a few individuals have licenses to do this).

- Fall shoreline fishing for walleyes and rainbow trout.

- Upland bird/pheasant hunting

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

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