This month, we can all enjoy the outdoors with a family atmosphere courtesy of the National Wild Turkey Federation’s (NWTF) Southern Maryland Chapter, the Mirant Corporation, Maryland Quail Unlimited, the Charles County 4-H, and Maryland’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR). A fun filled day long adventure awaits youth ages 8 to 16 and their adult companions who attend the beautiful Mirant’s McGregor Farm, in Newburg, Maryland. Billed as the “First Ever Wildlife Adventure Day” Saturday, May 28, 2005 will offer lots of enjoyment to those who attend. The entire day is free of charge but each youth must be accompanied by an adult. Activities begin at 8:00 a.m. and continues through 3:30 p.m. Food is also provided. Those in attendance will learn how to call wild turkeys, track deer, raccoons and other wildlife. Exploring and learning about streams, identifying tree types, nature hikes and an antler hunt area among the events on May 28 youth at the Mirant’s McGregor Farm will enjoy. Building bird boxes and honing archery skills are other activities that will be available.  To register, call the Charles County 4-H Office at (301) 934-5404. 
 
     Virginia’s Hunters for the Hungry (HFH) continues their noble effort in feeding the less fortunate of the Commonwealth. Since it’s beginning in 1991, they have distributed over 2,308,954 pounds of venison to poverty stricken people throughout Virginia. In 2004, HFH distributed 333,536 pounds of venison. Their goal for 2005 is 350,000 pounds. Deer donated by hunters and farmers is processed and packaged for delivery to those in need. In order to cover processing costs which averages about $35 per deer and yields about (200) 4 ounce servings of nutritious food, HFH depends on donations and fundraising activities. One of their more popular annual fundraisers is the ATV raffle. This year, HFH has provided early options to purchase a chance to win a 2005 Artic Cat ATV and Holmes Trailer for $10 a chance. No more than 5,000 tickets will be sold. Those who want to purchase a chance to win this 2005 ATV should send a check or money order to Hunters for the Hungry, P.O. Box 304, Big Island, VA 24526. Information on HFH can be obtained by calling 1-800-352-4868 or by visiting their website at www.h4hungry.org  HFH appreciates the sponsorship of this fundraiser by “Artic Cat” and the following Artic Cat Dealers; Rowland Equipment, Charlottesville Power Equipment, Power Products, Stonewall Cycle, J.A. Swan Jr. & Company, Lake Country Power & Sport Equipment, Jones Auto Parts, Jimmy’s Cycle Sales, The Farm Store, Mountain Suzuki, Outback Motorsports, Rockbridge Farmers Co-op, Spaulding Equipment and T& M Motors. HFH is also thankful for the support of Holmes Enterprises who provided the trailer.  
 
     The Chesapeake Bay rockfish seasons are underway with one of the best trophy striper seasons since the moratorium ended. A later than average spawning season has kept lots of big striped bass hungry and on the move, which his good news for those trolling upper water columns near deep channel waters. (See the May, 2005 Tidewater & Timber for a fishing adventure that includes this great 2005 season) With three jurisdictions available to fish in the Maryland-Virginia Tidewater Region, you need to stay up on the specific rules and regulations as they apply. Brochures and information cards on the 2005 fishing season are provided by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the Potomac River Fisheries Commission (PRFC) or the Virginia Marine Fisheries Commission (VMRC) and may be available at local fishing tackle and bait dealers. The VMRC website is found at; http://www.mrc.state.va.us and they can be reached by phone at, (757) 247-2200. Maryland’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Fisheries Service website is located at; http://www.dnr.state.md.us/fisheries The Maryland DNR Fisheries phone number for information is 1-800-688-3467. The PRFC website is; http://www.prfc.state.va.us and their phone number is 1-800-266-3904.
 
 

© 2004 Steve & Chelly Scala All Rights Reserved