October is a premier month for angling, hunting, hiking and enjoying the outdoors. Some say it’s the best month for fishing the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Large schools of striped bass, better known locally as “rockfish” are grouping up even more this month. The rock will provide some exciting top water casting and trolling action as diving birds and splashing schools of bait show anglers the way. Charter boats and anglers chumming with ground menhaden continue to enjoy both rock and bluefish at well known locations across Maryland and Virginia’s Chesapeake Bay and Lower Potomac River. Towards the end of the month, those fishing the “rock line” will be looking for signs to change up with tackle strategy in tune for the big 20 pound plus rockfish which for several years now have provided some exciting late fall-early winter fishing. Virginia anglers are ready to welcome in their Fall, 2002 rockfish season which opens on October 4. 

     Archery deer hunters in Virginia get their first 2002 season on opening day, Saturday October 5. Spending time in a tree stand during deer archery season puts hunters in touch with one of the most beautiful transition times in the fall woods. Another more tactical benefit is the observations and deer movement/feeding patterns made during archery time which can then be used to advantage during the upcoming muzzle loader and firearms seasons. Maryland archers have been able to harvest deer since September 14 and continue with their current season. through January 31, 2003. Before the month is over, Maryland deer hunters will have also enjoyed two brief muzzle loader deer seasons. Fall turkey hunters in Virginia will have their first opportunity open on October 28 and continue through November 9. 

     There is plenty to do this October if you are an angler or hunter but consider some other opportunities coming up this month for the next generation. The Rappahannock Chapter of Duck’s Unlimited is sponsoring their annual “Greenwing Outdoor Day” on Sunday, October 6, 2002, at 1:00 p.m. Our daughter Brittany has enjoyed this get-together for the past few years and always looks forward to attending. Each year, she brings a friend to the Greenwing Day who also has great fun and looks forward to returning the next year. This year’s event is being held at the Red Oak Nursery on Route 3 between Montross and Warsaw, Virginia. There will be retriever and decoy setting demonstrations, conservation education, target shooting competition, the opportunity to meet and talk with local game wardens, a “Greenwing” auction and a cookout which begins at 1:00 p.m. 

     A “ghost walk” experience in the countryside takes place on the Izaak Walton League’s Southern Maryland Chapter’s Outdoor Education Center. The event is open to the public for $5 entrance fee and is said to include a pre-Halloween insight of ghosts, goblins and swamp creatures who may be encountered during a walk on the Outdoor Education Center’s 1,000 foot boardwalk in the Zekiah Swamp. The “ghost walk” is planned for two weekends on October 18 and 19 and October 25 and 26. Call (301) 932-9949 for information.

     Outdoor women have a chance to accept the invitation of the National Wild Turkey Federation’s Southern Maryland Chapter on October 25 -26. An optional muzzle loader deer hunt is available on the 26th to those who attend this free weekend camp out event. The overnight stay in the Southern Maryland tidewater is a great time for women to share their outdoor experiences. This year, the campers have the option of sleeping in the “AT LAST FARM” bunkhouse or you can bring your tent for the camp out. You can also opt to attend either Friday evening or Saturday or both. Call Susan Boarman at (301) 259-2830 or Lynne Saunders at (301) 274-0004 to register or find out more information. 

     Farnham Hunt Club in Richmond County Virginia is holding their annual “Let’s Talk Safe Hunting” on Saturday, October 19 beginning at 10:00 a.m. Call (804) 333-4190 for information and see more on this event in the October, 2002 “Outdoors Online” in Chesapeake Style. 

     The eighth annual Rockfish Derby sponsored by the Bethel Emmanuel United Methodist Men of Lively, Va. will be held Thanksgiving weekend on Friday and Saturday, November 29 and 30.

     Registration fee remains the same as in previous years at $20 per person with cash prizes of $500, $250 and $100 for first, second and third places. Bonus prizes of $100 and $50 will be awarded for the largest rockfish caught between the White Stone and the Tappahannock bridges. Registration forms are available by calling 804-462-6103 or 462-5790 and at the local tackle shops and marinas. 

© 2002 Steve and Chelly Scala All Rights Reserved