November is here and with it that special time of year when much changes in the outdoors. Depending on the location within Virginia and Maryland, deer have begun or are halfway through their first “rut” season, which increases the chance to see these magnificent animals. While hunters and wildlife watchers may benefit from increased deer activity at this time of year, those driving cars and trucks need to be extra watchful for deer darting out into the path of moving vehicles. Deer archery season will give way to the ever popular muzzle loader season in most parts of Virginia, while Maryland deer hunters have just finished up their two October weekend muzzle loader deer hunts. Later this month, both Virginia and Maryland deer hunters will begin their annual deer firearms seasons. Remember to wear blaze or fluorescent orange when it is legally required, during the deer firearms seasons. Blaze orange should also be considered for use during times when it is not required by law such as when you are moving into or out of a hunting area. Blaze orange material is a good safety tip to tie on a harvested deer, while moving it, so as to show there is a hunter close by. For those who use tree stands, always inspect your gear before climbing. Safety harnesses only protect you when worn so keep them on and in place. Always let someone know where you will be hunting and the time you expect to return. Hunting is a time to enjoy and appreciate nature and what the outdoors has to offer. Don’t spoil it with an accident, injury, or worse. 

     Those who hunt or enjoy Virginia’s outdoors get the chance to share its benefit and bounty in a most admirable way by helping out with the “Hunters for the Hungry” Program. This statewide initiative shares the gift of nutritious venison to a wide range of Virginia’s needy. Many area food banks, churches, social services offices and civic organizations participate and support this noble effort. Donations of both harvested venison or funding to have it processed and delivered are put to good use and keep the program going. For additional information including locations throughout Virginia where harvested deer can be donated, call “Hunters for the Hungry” at 800-352-4868. Monetary donations can be mailed to, “Hunters for the Hungry”, P.O. Box 304, Big Island, VA 24526. Their website address is, www.h4hungry.org. 

     On Saturday, November 24 a “Sportsman’s Breakfast” will be held in the Fellowship Hall of Upper Essex Baptist Church in Caret, Virginia. The meal will be served from 6:15 to 7:30 a.m. with donations given to offset breakfast costs. Funds left over will be used in support of the Hunter’s Ministry of Upper Essex Baptist Church. Reverend Roy Foster and the congregation of Upper Essex Baptist have been leaders in local support and distribution of donated venison, through the “Hunters for the Hungry” Campaign. For additional information, call -804)-443-5720. See the November, 2001 Chesapeake Style internet article for more on Virginia’s “Hunters for the Hungry” and the efforts of Upper Essex Baptist Church.

     Depending on the location, Virginia turkey hunters may see signs of good flock numbers and thus get the opportunity to enjoy a productive fall season. Flocks of gobblers, hens or jakes will be foraging across the woods, bottomlands and field edges in search of mast crops such as acorns or berries. Tactics for fall turkey hunting differ widely from those used during the spring, but they do give hunters a chance to cover lots of territory and enjoy the fall outdoors. Hunting a flock of gobblers in the fall is one of the ultimate challenges as they are among the wariest and most alert birds in the forest. With the spring mating ritual five months or more behind them, a mature gobbler’s fall focus is on forage, food and staying out of predator reach. The sight and hearing of wild turkeys are among the sharpest you will ever encounter. 

     Cool November temperatures get more than deer and turkey stirring. Virginia and Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay waters are alive with a healthy population of striped bass. The big “rock” as stripers are often called, have begun hitting deep trolled lures fished along channel edges in Southern Maryland bay and Lower Potomac River waters as well as the entire length of Virginia’s Chesapeake Bay. While Maryland’s recreational striped bass season closes after November 30, the Virginia season is scheduled to continue right through December 31. The tidal Potomac River recreational Striped Bass season under jurisdiction by the Potomac River Fisheries Commission (PRFC), also continues through December 31. Information on the Virginia recreational striped bass season can be obtained by calling the Virginia Marine Resources Commission (VMRC) at 757-247-2200 or visiting their website at www.state.va.us/mrc/homepage.htm Information on the Maryland striper seasons is available by calling 800-688-3467 or visiting their website at www.dnr.state.md.us/fisheries. PRFC information is available by calling 800-266-3904.

     October 7 was the date for the Rappahannock Chapter of Ducks Unlimited (DU) to host their annual “Greenwing’s Outdoor Day” for youth. Woody Yeatman again provided his beautiful wildlife and waterfowl setting in Westmoreland County for the event. Joining the Rappahannock Chapter (DU) volunteers were Virginia State Game Wardens, Rich Goszka and Frank Spuchesi. They set up an air rifle target range for the kids which was very popular. In addition to the youth getting a chance at target practice, it also gave the game wardens and local DU volunteers the opportunity to emphasize safe handling of firearms. There was plenty of good food and drink, retriever dog puppies and older four-legged veterans who provided some water borne retrieving demonstrations. Add fishing, some friendly goats and an auction where only the kids did the bidding, and another great success story for youth in the outdoors took place. This year, our daughter, Brittany, came home with her own “DU” logo chair as a memory of the great fun she enjoyed. More then once it was remarked that several of the adult volunteers helping out were at one time “Greenwing” members themselves. Passing on the tradition of enjoying the outdoors and caring for the environment continues, through efforts of the DU Rappahannock Chapter. 

     This November, include some time in the outdoors with the next generation of hunters and anglers. Those few hours you put aside for them will provide a return that benefits all who enjoy hunting, fishing and the environment. 

© 2001 Chelly & Steve Scala All Rights Reserved.