It may be back to school and work during the week but for many families it’s also outdoor time during September. In addition to providing some great fishing opportunities, this month also offers a unique mixture of seasonal transitions. (see http://www.chesapeakestyle.com/tidewater/sep02.html) For us, this is a time of year which bridges the fast paced family oriented summer to the early fall when fishing time first begins to compete with preparations for future hunting interests. Along with work and other obligations, we spend the week planning outdoor activities which include the kids. If an opportunity arises during the “work week” while the youngsters are in school then September can also offer a brief holiday for us. Early September mornings and the cool evenings are great times to hike and “walk the woods” this month. For some hunters, this month offers among the last opportunities to get up close to planned hunting locations, before giving your favorite spots a wide berth, prior to the season. 

     On Saturday, September 6 beginning at 12:00 noon, the “Flintshire Farm Sportsman’s Club & Private Hunting Preserve” is having their fifth annual “Dove Hunt and Pig Pickin’” The event is located 8 miles South of Fredericksburg on Route 17. For additional information, call the “Fall Line Fly Fishing Pro Shop” at (540) 373-1812.. 

     The “Hunter’s Ministry” of Upper Essex Baptist Church is again supporting an annual event which celebrates the great outdoors. On Saturday, September 13 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., their annual “Fish and Wildlife day” takes place. Admission is free and the event takes place at Aylett Country Day School, a few miles off of Route 360, near Miller’s Tavern, Virginia. Along with events and interests for all, there will be a silent auction, bake sale, food and door prizes. Children’s games with prizes awarded , a “moon walk”, B.B. shoot and archery contest will be included. The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (DGIF) will also be at the September 13 Fish and Wildlife Day with their dart game and fish simulator. The fish simulator is one of our daughter’s favorites and a hit with kids of all ages. There will be displays of boats, ATVs and others of interest to those who spend time in the outdoors, Exhibitors scheduled to be on hand include the Virginia Deer Hunters Association, Hunters for the Hungry, National Wild Turkey Federation, Ducks Unlimited and the Rappahannock Carvers Guild. Directions to Aylett Country Day School are; (Heading from Richmond) Proceed on Route 360 to Millers Tavern and turn right at Watts Supermarket onto Route 684. Take another immediate right onto Route 620 (Millers Tavern Road) This takes you behind Watts Supermarket. Go about 200 yards and turn left onto the Route 620 with sign age indicating Powcan Road. Proceed for one and one half miles and the school is on the left. For additional information on the September 13 Fish and Wildlife day, call (804) 443-5720 or 5055. “E” mail inquiries can be directed to UEBC@crosslink.net

     Farnham Hunt Club in Richmond County, Virginia is well known for their annual “Let’s Talk Hunting Safety” (Scheduled for Saturday, October 18, 2003) and youth hunter safety programs. Those events are coming up next month, so watch for information in the October “Tidewater & Timber and Outdoors Online”. This month, there will be a barbecue to support Delegate Albert Pollard at Farnham Hunt Club on Sunday, September 21, from 3 to 5:00 p..m. Donations will be accepted at the door. There will be door prizes and a raffle. The event is announced as “Sportsmen for Pollard”. Directions to Farnham Hunt Club are (From Warsaw, Virginia) take Route 3 to Route 692 (North Farnham Church Road) and turn left. Turn left onto Route 602 (Cedar Grove Road) and continue to Route 612 (Oakland Road) and take a left. Farnham Hunt Club is approximately one and one half miles further along Route 612. For additional information, call (804) 436-1133. 

     Among favored regional events in September is the annual Potomac River Fishing Tournament sponsored by the Fraternal Order of Police, Northern Neck Lodge 32. This year’s fishing competition takes place on September 26- 27. As in previous years, all festivities and tournament activities take place at Coles Point Tavern. Call (804) 472-3955 for information. Additional details are available at http://www.chesapeakestyle.com/tidewater/sep02.html
 

© 2003 Steve & Chelly Scala All Rights Reserved
 

Photo Credit:

Brittany Scala caught this bluefish and shared the moment with her younger brother, Travis.
Photo by Chelly Scala © 2003 All Rights Reserved