Syracuse.com - Figura working on why there's so much fruit, berries and nuts lately; deer/motor vehicle accidents

HuntingNY-News · November 6, 2013

It's that time of year when everyone should be on their guard to avoid hitting deer with their motor vehicles.

This week's weather started off with frosty mornings. Don't you just love scrapping it off your windshield?

Late fall has arrived and that means the opening of the Southern Zone season for deer hunting, which kicks off Nov. 16. It's time to go through your hunting clothing and equipment, and most importantly, to sight in your firearm.

Here's what I'm working on this week:

- This year's wild and crazy and huge "mast crop." Mast refers to the fruit, nuts and berries on plants, shrubs and trees. Many are calling it a record year. What's up with that?

- Deer/car vehicle accidents.. This is the time of year to be on your guard. Interviews with readers who've been unlucky enough to have been in multiple accidents with deer. Plus some tips on how to lessen the chance that you might be in one.

- One of the fastest growing contingents of hunters in this country and in this state are the female hunters. Retailers have reacted and there's whole lines of hunting clothing designed expecially for women.

- Shoreline fishing for walleyes on Oneida and Otisco, and for rainbows on Skaneateles Lake.

- The controversial Plan 2014, which would change a formula that's been in place for more than 50 years, regulating the water level on Lake Ontario.

- An update on Cornell University's feat of recording and making available to folks more than 4,000 calls.

- I plan to visit Cornell University's Vet School emergency room, where everything from prize show horses to pet iguanas are given medical treatment.

- Commercial gill netting for 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.

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View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog