Syracuse.com - Figura writing about wolves, duck hunting versus bald eagles and SAFE Act

[HuntingNY-News]

Maybe it's time to take a break and get indoors for an outdoors fix.

It's been a crazy winter. First it snows and gets freezing cold. Then it gets warm, rains and the snow melts. It's got to be driving the skiers, snowmobilers and the ice fishermen nuts.

Maybe it's time to take a break and get indoors for an outdoors fix. Sportsmen will have the opportunity to do that the next few weekends with sports shows scheduled at the Oncenter running this Friday through Sunday, and the state Fairgrounds next weekend.

Here's what I'm working on this week

- The two outdoors shows (of course) and the SAFE Act forum sked for Saturday afternoon during this weekend's show at the Oncenter. I'll be checking out three things this weekend: the SAFE Act forum, the turkey calling competition and the live wolf show.

- I know the duck hunting season has ended, but the controversy concerning duck hunters doing their thing where the bald eagles congregate at the southeastern end of Onondaga Lake continues to rub some wildlife photographers the wrong way -- particularly when Syracuse city limits extend way into the lake. Stay tuned on this one.

- An update on the new state law requiring boater safety courses.

- Exit interview with Stephen Wowelko, who's stepping down as president of the Onondaga Federation of Sportsmen's Clubs.

- Pompey man, a well-known hunter, turns over conservation easement of his 247 acres to Finger Lakes Trust, which essentially ensures his property won't be developed.

- Extreme outdoor winter adventures.

- An update, and implications of the statewide Wild Boar War.

- Followup on the special deer hunting season in Tompkins County. Are hunters getting any more access compared to last year?

- The winter Olympics? Looking for local angles. Anyone heading out to Sochi as a spectator? Send me an email at [email protected]

- CNY winters and the need for making snow at ski resorts. (costs, etc.).. I've heard the little community ski clubs in particular resorts are being extremely strapped by the costs of their snow-making equipment.

- Update on joint city/county deer task force...

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

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View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog