Syracuse.com - Figura writing about the Winter Olympics, boater safety classes, ice fishing derbies

[HuntingNY-News]

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I'm working on an update for the new state law requiring boater safety courses.

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<p><br />Winter is here with a vengence.</p>

<p>Snow, ice, sub-zero temperatures some nights. Many of the lake's are frozen over. The skiers, <a href="http://blog.syracuse.com/outdoors/2014/02/state_snowmobile_association_e.html#incart_river">snowmobilers</a> and <a href="http://blog.syracuse.com/outdoors/2014/02/nys_crappie_derby_on_whitney_p.html#incart_river">ice fishermen</a> appear to have a good month ahead of them. </p>

<p>Meanwhile, the opening ceremonies for the Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia is scheduled for Friday morning. Olympic-related stories I'm working on include:</p>

<p>-How a Skaneateles man's father (he was a 17-year-old Boy Scout at the time) got to carry the placard for the United States in the opening ceremonies procession in Lake Placid back in 1932.</p>

<p>- How Lake Placid is an incubator for Olympic competitors in the sliding sports (skeleton, luge, bobsled) and that there's a strong Central New York connection to the program.</p>

<p>-Insights from an SU grad who's over at Sochi right now as a volunteer for the IOC.</p>

<p><strong>Other topics, include:</strong></p>

<p>- An update on the new state law requiring boater safety courses.</p>

<p>- An update, and implications of the statewide Wild Boar War.</p>

<p>- Update on joint city/county deer task force...</p>

<p><strong>ANYTHING ELSE READERS OF THIS REPORT WOULD LIKE TO SEE ME WRITE ABOUT? </strong><br />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 <a href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</a> or call 470-6066.</p>

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View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog