Best hunting season ever: The upcoming one
All hunters are optimists in Aug.. We have to be. This time of year all the hiccups and misfortune of last year must be put behind us and forgotten. The missed shot on that huge buck? A trifle, we'll connect this fall on one even bigger. The horribly warm and pretty weather of goose season? It'll be nastier, colder and better hunting this winter, it just has to be. All those days we had to work? We'll take off and get outdoors much more this year.
This past week I was at one of the waterfowl blind site lottery drawings and the hope was evident all around. The dismal duck season of last year was a distant memory and everyone was looking forward to prime hunting spots, plenty of ducks and a real winter. If hunters didn't enjoy hope this time of year they wouldn't get out of bed to stand in line on a hot day for the slim chance of getting a good spot. If there was no hope we wouldn't be ordering new decoys, boots and clothes. If you're getting your dog ready, checking crops in impoundments or scouting new places on public land, you are an optimistic waterfowl hunter.
Big game hunters are even more optimistic now. In some cases coveted tags from far off states have already come in the mail, providing for some serious planning and daydreaming. In other instances we're waiting on lotteries for things like the Maryland bear hunt, Blackwater NWR deer hunts or Pennsylvania elk tags. In Aug. all those are still possible and hope is stronger than ever.
HUNTING TOOLS: Futuristic air guns for hunting? DNR weighs in
Even when you hunt close to home for things anyone can access, this is still the time of year for anticipation. That new stand you've set, the new club you've joined or that secret spot you found in some distant public woods, all may contribute to your best season ever. Right now there are no problems with rain, bugs, heat or competition and every thought about what's to come is a positive one.
There are only a few more weeks until the first seasons begin and we can put all that hope and optimism into action. We're all positive this will be a great year afield. And we're all positive that it can't get here fast enough.
Deal and Fairmount Waterfowl Lottery: It's time to get your application in for the opening day lottery for the impoundments at Deal Island and Fairmount WMA's in Somerset County. These are always some of the best spots on the Shore for duck hunters and getting to hunt them on one of the opening days is a treat.
The impoundments at these areas are among the best known public areas for waterfowl hunting in the state, Game Bird Program Leader Bill Harvey said. Recent changes in water level management together with restrictions on boat motors have resulted in greatly improved waterfowl habitats at these locations.
You can print applications by visiting www.maryland.gov/dnr or by calling the Wellington WMA office at 410-543-8223. Applications are due by Sept. 12.
Outdoor Calendar
Aug. 8-12: 43rd annual White Marlin Open, Harbour Island Marina, Ocean City, 410-289-9229
Aug. 13: Maryland Waterfowlers Association swap meet, Talbot Rod and Gun Club, Easton, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., www.talbotrodandgunclub.com
Aug. 15: Start of Maryland crow season, Wednesdays-Saturdays only
Aug. 18-20: 23rd annual Captain Steve Harman Poor Girl's Open, Bahia Marina, Ocean City, 410-289-7438
Through Aug. 31: Maryland black bear hunt lottery application period
Sept. 1: Opening day of Delaware archery and crossbow deer seasons
Sept. 1: Opening day of Maryland mourning dove season, hunting begins at noon, 15 daily
Sept. 1-15: Maryland early resident Canada goose season, eight per day
Sept. 2-5: 58th annual Labor Day White Marlin Tournament, OC Marlin Club, Ocean City, 410-213-1613
Sept. 3: Opening day of Maryland squirrel season, six daily.
Sept. 11: 11th annual Flounder Pounder tournament, Bahia Marina, Ocean City, 410-289-7438
Sept. 16-20: Maryland early teal season, six daily
Through Dec. 20: Maryland striped bass season for Chesapeake and tributaries, two fish daily, 20-inch minimum, only one fish over 28 inches