When the forecast called for more snow and frigid temperatures this week, one thought came to mind: "I'm sick of winter weather! It's not only hard on the wildlife, it's hard on the humans!"

However, I feel like a genius since I decided to store my boat in an indoor facility near Pymatuning for the winter. The guys tune up your motor, have your batteries charged and do any maintenance that you might need.

Initially, I was just going to cover it or squeeze it in the garage, but I made the right call. I also took care of my boat registration that was due in March. Take care of your boat and trailer registration now or you'll pay later because the Fish and Boat Commission Law Enforcement Division will be prowling the waterways in search of outdated stickers.

To remove the old stickers, apply some heat from a hairdryer and pull slowly with even pressure for a clean disposal.

This time of year is the perfect time to consider attending outdoors shows to get those hunting and fishing excursions planned.

Here are a few:

• The Butler Fishing Show is at the Butler High Feb 7 and 8.

• The Moniteau Fur, Fish and Game Night is scheduled for Friday.

• The Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show is scheduled for Feb. 8 through 15 in Harrisburg.

• The Allegheny Sport, Travel and Outdoor Show is scheduled for Feb. 18 to 22.

This has been a slow year for vacation travel and deals are out there if you are savvy about your negotiations.

Look for group deals, cancelations and last-minute opportunities. But make sure you check references on guides, facilities and wildlife success rates before you throw away your hard-earned money.

This is the time of year to build your duck-nesting boxes, fishing crib structures and get them placed on the ice for the spring thaw.

Did you ever wonder how all those 8-foot poles got to be sticking out of the water for those wood duck boxes? Guys walk out on the 10-inch ice, drill a hole and tamp the poles into the soft pond or lake bottom.

Make sure that you check out the old boxes for needed repairs and to clean them out and add sawdust or wood shavings.

Several years ago, my father-in-law and I were cleaning out a nesting box at the Boyers Sportsmen's Lake. When he reached in to open the cleanout door, a gray squirrel hopped up his arm and scrambled up the tree.

Needless to say, I almost lost my helper due to the excitement and I was almost disowned because I laughed at his reaction.

I guess we should have knocked first!

Brown bats need our help. The Pennsylvania Game Commission has reported an outbreak of White Nose Syndrome, which is a cold-loving white fungus, has hit Pennsylvania.

The recent deaths of thousands of bats in Lackawanna and Mifflin counties at the entrance of some old iron mines have the commission greatly concerned.

The disease was first detected in bats the New York, New Jersey and New England, and appears to be spreading west to Pennsylvania.

Although bats are feared by many people, they are great allies in controlling mosquitoes and other flying insects because they eat their weight in insects each night.

The commission is asking for our assistance in reporting any sites where bats are noted to be dead in large numbers. They may or may not have the white fungus showing on their faces and wings.

Do not handle dead or sick bats, but do report them to the PGC regional office or at www.pgc.state.pa.us.