Syracuse.com - Figura writing DEC mute swan proposal, Onondaga Lake eagles, snowshoe races

[HuntingNY-News]

What's in Gov. Cuomo's executive budget for the outdoors enthusiast?

Who invited Mr. Freeze to Syracuse?

Man, temperatures have really dropped the past couple of days. I went out on Oneida Lake today to check out the ice fishing scene. I found only two anglers out and froze my butt.

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

- The DEC's recent proposal to decrease the mute swan population in this state -- a proposal that has drawn criticism from animal rights folks.

- What's in Gov. Cuomo's executive budget for the outdoors enthusiast?

- A followup interview with Greg Craybas, the Syracuse dentist who brought attention to the conflict with bald eagles and duck hunters at Onondaga Lake's eastern end. The city late last week it plans to post "No Hunting" signs within city limits along the lake prior to next year's hunting season.

- This Sunday's state snowshoe championships at Highland Forest.

- Hoping to snag an interview with TV hunting couple hunting Ralph and Vicki Cianciarulo, who are appearing at this weekend's New York Sportsman's Expo at the State Fairgrounds.

- What's in Gov. Cuomo's executive budget for the outdoors enthusiast?

- Extreme winter adventures

- Lake Placid, an incubator for Winter Olympians

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

- John Rybinski, of Pompey, 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?

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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