Syracuse.com - David Figura looking for young bow hunters, heroes of conservation and outdoors-related tattoos (Nov. 18, 20)

[HuntingNY-News]

This week I'm tentatively writing about the opening of the deer hunting season in the Southern Zone this Saturday (suggestions from experts on getting ready) and bow/buck tales from the archery season, which closes Friday.

Peter Chen/The Post-StandardBrent Teft, of Camillus, sights in the scope on his Savage .270 Winchester rifle Saturday at Camillus Sportsmen's Club's public sight-in weekend. Bill Parfitt, of Camillus, the club's president, said the event allows none club members to use their range and get their guns ready for the upcoming hunting season.

Hope everyone is enjoying CNY's reasonably mild fall. All I know is I’ve gotten a slew of photos submitted by readers in recent days of deer taken with a bow.

On top of that, the firearms season for deer in the Southern Zone kicks off this Saturday, which I will address on Friday’s Outdoors page. ( I satisfied my domestic responsibilities by finishing the painting of our kitchen ceiling this past weekend and I'm itching to get out opening day to try my luck with my father's old Ithaca Deerslayer.)

Before I get into what’s planned for this Friday and Sunday’s pages, I’d like to emphasize that I still need help from readers on several fronts. I’m looking for help on the following:

- A new bow hunter (12-13 years old) who has taken his or her first deer this season. State law recently lowered the minimum for bow hunters from 14 to 12. I haven’t heard yet of a single 12-13 year-old who’s cashed in yet in CNY.

- Heroes of Conservation: I’ve received four nominations already for this honor, which I will write about in a feature next month. Deadline is Dec. 12 for nominations. Questions? Call me at 470-6066

- Outdoors-related tattoos: I have four readers so far who’ve submitted photos of themselves and their tattoos. I need more to make a story. No ladies yet. C'mon I know they’re out there.

- Canada goose hunters. I’ve been out twice with friends up in the Rome area, yet I haven’t heard from anyone doing it locally. Any suggested sources?

- Persons with an outdoors passion that would make a good profile. I’m always open to these kind of pieces and I often get my best ideas from readers. Any suggestions?

Thanks for the idea: It was a reader who suggested last Sunday’s piece on adults “passing on” their passion to youngsters. Keep these ideas coming. Much appreciated.

TENTATIVELY COMING THIS WEEK (unless something else bumps them out at the last minute)

FRIDAY:

Main piece: Are you ready for the big day? I talk to gun and ammunition, tree stand, clothing and other experts to get a last-minute checklist for hunters going out Saturday for opening day of deer hunting season.

Column: I talk about how I sighted in my gun Saturday at the Camillus Sportsmens Club and a big 8-point buck walked right in front of everyone at the range.

SUNDAY

Main piece: Bow/buck tales. A sampling of some of the best pictures and stories that have come across my desk this bow hunting season (which ends Friday).

Column: I write about the reaction and reasons behind the cancellation of the CNY Sportsmen’s Show, which won’t be occurring this January, ending a 59 year stretch – among other things.

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. 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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FIGURA ON FACEBOOK:

For those who are on Facebook, I also have a PS Outdoors page there, which I check several times daily for feedback and story ideas. I also post personal fishing and hunting and other outdoors-related photos from time to time and I ask members to do the same. When you join, please be sure and hit the "like" button.

View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog