Ready for opening day

For those of you who follow my Delaware deer hunts on Facebook and/or Twitter, you didn’t miss much today.

I braved the 93-degree heat and headed to one of my suburban hunting spot after work today. Seriously, I have seen deer at this spot every time I went to check over the past month. Today, I saw nothing.

Because of the extreme heat, I honestly didn’t expect to see much. I am sure the deer were bedded down in the shade and were waiting for the sun to go down before they moved to feed. I will try again later this week.

On another note, I leave for a Maine black bear hunt this Sunday. I will try to post updates on this blog, as well as my Facebook and Twitter accounts.

On 8/25/2010 at 6:30 PM, a group of turkey hunters and others interested in Delaware turkeys are holding a meeting at Ommelanden to organize a northern DE chapter of the NWTF.  If you have kids, this is a great way to spend time in the outdoors with them.  There will be pizza and soda.

Come out for an hour to learn more about the goal of increasing the turkey population in NCC.  There is no charge for this, and you might even meet people you already know.

If you plan to attend, please contact Dan at danieltfitzgerald@hotmail.com.

Now is the best time to buy your copy of Hunting The First State: A Guide to Delaware Hunting.

First, if you order Hunting The First State through my web site (www.huntingthefirststate.com) by August 23, 2010 you can save on shipping costs. Coupon FREESHIP will automatically appear in your cart if you qualify.

Second, time is running out to get a copy of the first edition of Hunting The First State: A Guide to Delaware Hunting. The second edition will be hitting the bookstores this fall, so be sure to get a first edition before it’s too late.

This offer is only good through www.huntingthefirststate.com and www.lulu.com, and the offer expires August 23, 2010.

Delaware Archery Deer Season Opens September 1

Here is my article that appeared in The News Journal on 8/5/2010.

When the Delaware deer hunting season ends each January, I try to keep my mind somewhat focused on hunting by creating a list of hunting-related chores that I promise to complete before the next season begins.

Somehow — year after year — many of those promises go unfulfilled.

This year is no different. Sept. 1 marks the opening of mourning dove, resident Canada geese and archery deer seasons. Rather than counting the days to opening day like a school kid counts down to summer vacation, I find myself trying to add days to the calendar.

I want to shoot my bow more, because after all, practice makes perfect. Sounds hokey, but it’s true. I put on an old pair of eyeglasses this week (since my everyday pair was lost when I was buying salt licks for my deer hunting spots) and began practicing with my bow. Something about the glasses was causing me to shoot high. To make sure my bow sights weren’t off, I switched to a newer pair of prescription sunglasses. I shot perfectly with them. I am now scrambling to get a new pair of glasses and practice with them before archery seasons opens.

There’s nothing like waiting ’til the last minute.

Likewise, I really need to scout some more deer hunting spots and hang some more tree stands. I joined a new hunting club in June. I am embarrassed to say, I have spent less than an hour familiarizing myself with the property, and I have placed a whopping total of zero deer stands. I really don’t want to get lost walking through unfamiliar woods at 5 a.m., and I would rather hunt from a tree somewhere above the early season vegetation and bugs. However, with only several weeks to go before opening day, I am asking myself where the summer went. As one who frequently discusses the benefits of scouting and choosing hunting locations wisely, I have been lax in my preparation.

It gets worse.

In my June column, I talked about the importance of realistic-looking decoys, and I went so far as to write, “Upgrading my decoy stock is now on my summer agenda.”

After my experience with the bald eagle attacking my turkey decoy, I vowed to get new goose decoys before Sept. 1, and I am considering purchasing new duck decoys and maybe even a deer decoy. Well, guess what? Not only have I not even purchased a single decoy, I haven’t even started researching decoys yet.

I really need to get on the ball.

While many of you are snickering and asking how I procrastinated on completing my list of offseason chores, I know some of you are thanking me for reminding you of the uncompleted items on your list. It’s OK. We still have nearly four weeks to get our acts together.

If there is no way to finish up before opening day, there is a fallback plan. We can complete our chores on Sundays during the hunting season (unless Delaware finally drops one of its last blue laws and joins the other 40-plus states that allow Sunday hunting).

History Channel is now casting for season 2 of its hit new show “Top Shot”!  We are looking for excellent marksmen of any skill level ready to take on the best in a multitude of historical, physical, and unusual challenges.  Contestants have the chance to win $100,000 in prizes as well as test their skills agains the best marksmen in world.

If you are skilled with a pistol, rifle or any other firearm, you could win $100,000 in prizes on season 2 of History Channel’s hit competition show TOP SHOT. Producers are looking for anyone with mind-blowing shooting skills and a big personality to take on exciting physical challenges with multiple guns and mystery projectile weapons.

• a new crossbow season
• a statewide red fox season
• the use of pellet guns for squirrel hunting
• new requirements for displaying hunting licenses
• archery safety zone restrictions
• the requirement for hunters and trappers who are exempt from licensing due to age or property ownership to obtain a Hunter and Trapper Identification Number

Starting this fall, crossbows may be used by all hunters during a general crossbow season that runs from Sept. 1, 2010 through Jan. 31, 2011. During any overlap with a deer gun season, crossbow hunters must wear 400 square inches of hunter orange as do gun hunters.

A new statewide red fox hunting season runs from Nov. 1, 2010 through Feb. 28, 2011.

Hunters can us .17- through .22-caliber pellet guns for hunting squirrels in Delaware. These guns must have rifled barrels.

Hunting licenses no longer have to be displayed on a hunter’s back tag. However, they must be carried while hunting.

The safety zone for hunting with vertical bows and  crossbows has been reduced to 50 yards. Gun hunting safety zones were not changed.

Hhunters and trappers who are exempt from licensing due to age or property ownership will be required to obtain a Hunter and Trapper Identification Number. Like a license, this number must be carried by the hunter or trapper when they are in the field. To obtain this number, hunters can call 877-939-3678 toll-free or visit www.dehip.com. According to Wildlife Program Manager Rob Hossler, “The information generated by this system will allow the Division to know the total number of hunters and trappers in the State and provide a way for these sportsmen and sportswomen to be included in game harvest and hunter opinion surveys.”

For more information on hunting season changes, see http://www.fw.delaware.gov/Hunting/Pages/Wildlife.aspx and  http://regulations.delaware.gov/register/july2010/final/index.shtml#TopOfPage.

Pasted below is my article that appeared in yesterday’s issue of The News Journal.

To some hunters, expanded crossbow use crosses the line

Delaware may soon have one of the longest crossbow hunting seasons in the nation and some believe that idea misses the mark.

According to the proposed regulatory changes listed in the “2010-11 Delaware Hunting and Trapping Seasons” document posted on the Delaware Division of Fish & Wildlife website, archery and crossbow deer-hunting seasons may be in effect concurrently from Sept. 1, 2010, through Jan. 31, 2011.

The proposed regulations stipulate that crossbows may be equipped with a scope and must be manufactured after 1980, have a minimum pull weight of 125 pounds, and have a mechanical safety.

Some hunters welcome expanded use of crossbows for hunting deer, but the proposed regulations are not without controversy.

Traditionally, Delaware allowed the use of crossbows only by special permits issued to individuals who met specific disability criteria. In recent years, Delaware allowed crossbows to be substituted for firearms during specified deer-hunting seasons or season segments.

The expanded use of crossbows to any interested hunter during the entire deer season strikes at the hearts of some vertical bowhunters (those who hunt with compound, recurve, or long bows).

Long-time bowhunter Curt Barkus of New Castle believes vertical bows and crossbows should not be treated as equal.

“Crossbows are similar to guns,” says Barkus. “It is almost as easy to shoot a crossbow as it is to shoot a shotgun. You have to put your time in to be a good archery hunter, plain and simple, but the same is just not true with a crossbow.”

Barkus said he is not against the use of crossbows.

“I am not one-hundred percent anti-crossbow,” says Barkus. “In fact, I think crossbow hunters should have their own hunting seasons, just as bow, shotgun, muzzleloader and pistol hunters do.”

Frank Gillen of Newark favors expanded crossbow use.

“I believe I should be allowed crossbow use during any and all seasons. Medical permits already are in place, but aging hunters with other physical limitations also need access,” says Gillen. “With burgeoning deer populations in built-up suburban areas, the crossbow should be viewed as an additional vital tool, along with the long bow, the recurve, and the compound for controlling the herds. Other states are already leading the way on this issue.”

Although many states allow crossbows to be used only by disabled hunters during archery only deer seasons, more states are allowing crossbow use by all hunters during gun seasons. Alabama, Arkansas and Georgia are among those that have adopted more liberal crossbow regulations.

As someone who chooses to hunt deer primarily with a vertical bow, I understand some of the arguments against expanded crossbow use.

I think bowhunters are somewhat angered because they are accustomed to having the woods to themselves for much of the deer-hunting season and soon may have some competition from crossbow hunters.

We bowhunters can accept the increase in the number of hunters in the woods, but I am not sure if all hunters will accept a decrease in the number of deer in the woods that could result from the expanded use of crossbows.

The Division of Fish & Wildlife has shown its dedication to properly managing the Delaware deer herd by issuing the Delaware Deer Management Plan. If the proposed crossbow hunting regulations are put into effect, Delaware hunters will be closely monitoring the Division’s response to any drastic declines in the deer population.

The proposed crossbow regulations will be published in the Delaware Register of Regulations on July 1 but would not become effective until July 11.

Steven Kendus’ Hunter’s Journal appears monthly in The News Journal. Kendus is the author of “Hunting The First State: A Guide to Delaware Hunting.” Follow his blog and podcast at www.HuntingTheFirstState.com. Contact him at skendus@HuntingTheFirstState.com.

National Fishing Week festivities will also include the Division’s 24^th Annual Youth Fishing Tournament from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, June 12 at Ingrams Pond in Millsboro, Wyoming Pond in Wyoming’s Town Park and the dog training area at Lums Pond State Park in Bear.

Except for this free weekend, resident and non-resident anglers between the ages of 16 and 64 fishing in any Delaware waters – including ponds, impoundments, streams, rivers, bays and ocean – are required to purchase a fishing license and display it while fishing. Clammers and crabbers are also required to have fishing licenses. Delaware residents older than 65 and both residents and non-residents under age 16 do not have to purchase a license. Licenses are required for non-residents age 65 and older.

Fishing licenses for Delaware residents cost $8.50, while non-residents pay $20 a year or $12.50 for a seven-day license. Licenses may be purchased at DNREC’s Richardson and Robbins Building, 89 Kings Highway, Dover, or at any of more than 60 license agents located in sporting goods stores, hardware stores, bait and tackle shops and other businesses throughout the state.

You can also purchase a Delaware fishing license at www.fw.delaware.gov/Fisheries/Pages/Fisheries.aspx.

As of May 28, 2010, the new Shooters Supply facility is open for business. Be sure to check them out at 401 South DuPont Parkway in New Castle, Delaware. Their telephone number remains the same (302-328-6242), but not much else! Customers will experience a one-stop shop in the spirit of the general stores of the Old West, and will be treated with the utmost courtesy and excellent customer service.

Both of their stores (their new location and their original location) will be open for a limited period of time. Stop by and check out our new home! You will be impressed!

Check out Shooters Supply’s new web site here.

Turkey hunting success on the second day of the season

During the second (or third?) week of the New Jersey turkey hunting season, I saw some great turkey sign, and I set up in a good spot. Right after first light, a bald eagle attacked my turkey decoy, thinking it was a live bird!

New Jersey bald eagle attacked my turkey decoy

As I continued hunting during the third week of the New Jersey turkey season, I hunted the morning after strong thunderstorms. I tried to drive over a land bridge, but the storms weakened the bridge! I almost slid into the creek! I backed out just in time!

This is when my turkey hunting season started going downhill!

Turkey hunting close call

During the fourth week of the New Jersey wild turkey season, turkeys were pretty hard to come by. When you can’t shoot things with your gun, use your camera. Here’s what I encountered while traversing the countryside one Saturday.

Snapper Turtle walking across a field

Box turtle walking across a field

Turkey egg, probably raided by crows

Nice scenic shot of old farm equipment

Toad at my feet