Delmarva's long wait for hunting season is finally over

It's September and the long wait is over! Hunting season is finally here, several seasons in fact, and whether you get worked up for birds, small game or deer there's something on the schedule for you right now. You've waited all summer for this; let's hit fall in high gear.

Geese 

All three Delmarva states have their early Canada goose seasons open now. If you can figure out what the birds in your area are doing you can have your best goose hunts of the year as the limits are large, special rules make hunting more effective and everyone seems to want these local birds taken out. Yet the geese are notoriously fickle this time of year, feeding in a fresh-cut cornfield one day, moving to lush clover the next and loafing all day on some protected golf course pond on the following. Scouting matters even more than decoys and spreads for this season.

In Maryland the limit is eight per day, with the season running through Sept. 15. Delaware hunters enjoy a season that runs through Sept. 25 with a bag limit of 15 per day, while Virginia has the same season dates but a daily limit of 10.

Doves 

Dove season is another September ritual hunters are currently enjoying. The bad news is you've missed the opener, but the good news is that most other hunters will quickly move on to other pursuits and leave plenty of birds for the diehards.

There are plenty of places in the region you can book to hunt by the day over manicured sunflower fields, as well as numerous public lands with fields of sunflowers and sorghum planted just for the doves and dove hunters.

If you're looking for something less crowded, don't forget the other things doves do besides feed on grain. Look for favored roost spots and set up nearby. They also like to fill up with grit to aid in digestion, so any area with bare soil and fine gravel can be a dove magnet. They also drink daily and a favored watering spot can provide even better shooting than the fields. Take plenty of shells, find some shade for yourself and, if you take along your retriever, be sure to have plenty of water on hand for the dog.

Maryland mourning dove season continues through Oct. 14, Delaware goes to Sept. 30 and Virginia continues through Oct. 29.

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Squirrels 

Is small game more your speed? You're in luck, as most area states moved the opening of squirrel season very early several years ago. Virginia and Maryland squirrel seasons began Sept. 2, with Delaware following soon on Sept. 15. Yes, the leaves are thick, squirrels are hard to see and you've got to prepare for ticks and chiggers in the woods, but a hefty game bag of "limb rats" on an early fall day has a strong appeal for many hunters.

Deer 

The early archery deer seasons may be the most anticipated openers of September, and two local states are meeting the demand. Delaware archers are already in the woods, with a season that opened on Sept. 1, and Maryland hunters follow close behind with a Sept. 8 opening day. There will be plenty to come on deer hunting in the next months, but the season is open and the early fall temperature forecast is tremendous for archers. Grab your bow and get out there.

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Outdoor Calendar

Through Sept. 25: Virginia and Delaware early Canada goose seasons

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

Through Sept. 30: First segment of Delaware mourning dove season

Through Oct. 14: First segment of Maryland mourning dove season

Through 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. 10: 12th annual Flounder Pounder, Bahia Marina, Ocean City, 410-289-7473

Sept. 11: 16th annual Sept. 11 Memorial Spot Tournament, Ocean City Fishing Center, Ocean City, 410-213-1121

Sept. 14-16: 39th annual Challenge Cup, OC Marlin Club, Ocean City, 410-213-1613

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 inches minimum, only one over 28 inches