Mosquito forecast for fall hunting on Delmarva: Frightening

Many of the hunting seasons in the three states that make up Delmarva begin on Sept. 1 and, as we near the beginning of those seasons, I always like to give a forecast of what the mosquitoes are going to be like for those early hunts.

As you can probably guess from all the rain we've had lately, it is looking pretty scary. The normal hordes of salt marsh mosquitoes aren't present, as there's been so much water we haven't had the alternating dry and wet cycles that produce the truly epic hatches of those nasty, all day biters. Yet all of the rain has produced ideal breeding habitat for every type of freshwater mosquito species and it seems like each is taking full advantage of the opportunity.

From the northern reaches of Kent County all way to the southern tip of Delmarva you can count on ample mosquitoes now and into the fall. For much of the area you'll even get to hear that noticeable, all encompassing hum in the air at dawn and dusk. Yes, it's going to be that bad.

There are already plenty of mosquitoes in parcels of woods that almost never have them this time of year. The word apocalyptic comes to mind.

Whether you're out for early goose, dove or the first days of archery deer season you'd better go prepared. Appropriate clothing, repellents and Thermacells are always proper gear for early fall on Delmarva, but this year they are going to be vital. In fact, I believe this may be the year you'll want two Thermacells strapped to your tree stand. The big patio version may even be a mandatory piece of equipment in the blind for early teal season!

Speaking of teal, here's a tip for that season, as well as the early resident goose hunts. Use one of the household bug bombs in your blind the morning of your hunt, preferably a permethrin based type. Set if off while you're out setting decoys or arranging gear, allow the blind time to air out and then climb in to hunt. You'll get rid of all the mosquitoes in the blind, plus the residual effect from the insecticide settling on the brush and grass will help keep them away for the rest of your hunt. The bombs have too much scent added to be useful for deer hunting, but they are just the ticket for waterfowl hunts.

Steel your nerves and be ready, but don't let them stop you from your days afield. Well, most days anyway. The only concrete rule I have when sika hunting could apply this year, which is if I pull into a parking area to hunt and the truck hood changes color from all the mosquitoes landing on it, just pack it in and go home or go fishing. Some things take all the fun out of a day hunting and skeeters that thick will do it, no matter how prepared you are.

Cross your fingers and hope for a dry fall and an early frost.

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Outdoor Calendar

Aug. 24-27: OC Jeep Week 2017, show, beach crawl and Jeep Jam with mud pits and obstacle course, show at OC Convention Center, oceancityjeepweek.com for full details

Sept. 1-3: 59th annual Labor Day White Marlin Tournament, OC Marlin Club, Ocean City, 410-213-1613

Sept. 1-25: Virginia early Canada goose season, 10 daily

Sept. 1-25: Delaware early resident Canada goose season, 15 daily

Sept. 1-15: Maryland early resident Canada goose season, eight daily

Sept. 1-Jan. 31: Delaware archery and crossbow deer seasons

Sept. 1-30: First segment of Delaware mourning dove season

Sept. 1-Oct. 14: First segment of Maryland mourning dove season

Sept. 2-Oct. 29: First segment of Virginia mourning dove season, shooting hours begin at noon through Sept. 8.

Sept. 2-Feb. 28: Virginia squirrel season

Sept. 2-Feb. 28: Maryland squirrel season

Sept. 8-26: Delaware early teal season, six daily

Sept. 8: Opening day of Maryland archery deer season

Sept. 9-Nov. 17: State of Virginia rail season

Sept. 15-Feb. 3: Delaware squirrel season

Sept. 16-20: Virginia eastern zone teal season, six daily

Sept. 16-30: Maryland early teal season, six daily

Through Dec. 20: Chesapeake striped bass season, main Bay and all tributaries, two fish daily, 20 inch minimum, only one over 28 inches