Sure, it's early, but you can start preparing for goose season
I really should have been concentrating on the fishing, but for a hunter it doesn't take much to make the mind wander. One little flock of resident Canada geese passing overhead early on a summer morning, one quick herr-onk as they passed by, was all it took to transport my thoughts directly to the coming waterfowl seasons. Oh my, that blind over yonder needs some work. Do I have enough shotshells in the closet for the coming year? Yes, it's time to start thinking ahead to ducks and geese.
Maybe it's because the shotgunning seasons start first, with dove and local geese on Sept. 1, and that seems awfully near. Maybe it's because there is always so much to do in preparation for waterfowl. Yes, it's coming and there is a lot to do, much of which you can start on now even in the heat of summer.
Those blinds, both stationary and on boats, always need work. They'll need fresh brush later, of course, but now is as good a time as any to repair loose boards or missing fittings. If there's a spot you want a new blind you can get started on that, too. Yes, it'll be miserably hot to build now, but it'll be complete and ready for the fall when there are a hundred other, more fun tasks at hand.
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Guns and ammo definitely need attention. If you're like most of us you probably didn't give your shotgun the thorough cleaning it needed at the end of last season, so pull it out and go over it. Take inventory of your shells and stock up now for the seasons, as running out of goose loads in the middle of January when the stores are empty is no fun at all. Grab a few light loads and hit the sporting clays range while you're at it, your shooting skills probably need a workout now as much as your gear.
Got decoys? There are always a million and one tasks you can take care of with those. Check old anchor lines, replace missing weights, touch up faded or chipped paint and put new flocking on those goose decoy heads. Check out the new gear for this year and buy what you need for the coming season. Oil those spinning wing decoys and replace any rechargeable batteries over two years old.
Don't forget your retriever. Hot summer days are great for water work, so get Rover down to the shoreline and toss a few bumpers for him. Let him see and hear a few of those geese passing by and he'll let you know that he, too, is ready and willing for another year.
Maryland offers Purple Heart discount on licenses
One of the few new hunting related laws passed this recent spring in Maryland kicked into effect July 1 and it's a worthy one. From now on any Maryland veteran who received a Purple Heart medal now enjoys 50 percent off pricing on all fishing and hunting licenses.
"We are proud to provide accessible, exceptional and world-class recreational opportunities for all Marylanders, especially those heroes who sacrificed so much for our freedom and way of life," Maryland Department of Natural Resources Secretary Mark Belton said. "We are hopeful that more current service members and veterans take advantage of our many programs to experience the majesty and wonder of Maryland's great outdoors."
To receive the discounted licensing you must get your licenses at a DNR Regional Service Center (there is one in Salisbury in the courthouse) and provide official documentation.
Outdoor Calendar
July 14-16: 30th annual Ocean City Tuna Tournament, Ocean City Fishing Center/Sunset Marina, Ocean City, 1-800-322-3065
July 22-23: 13th annual Marlin Club Kid's Classic, Ocean City Marlin Club, Ocean City, 410-213-1613
July 28-30: Fourth annual Big Fish Classic, Talbot Street Pier, Ocean City, 410-213-0325
Aug. 7-11: 44th annual White Marlin Open, Harbour Island Marina, Ocean City, 410-289-9229
Aug. 18-20: 2017 Flounder Pounder Open, Long Neck Delaware, https://flounderpounderopen.com/
Through Dec. 20: Chesapeake striped bass season, main bay and all tributaries, two fish daily, 20 inch minimum, only one over 28 inches