ANTICIPATING DEER HUNTING SEASON

(beautiful whitetailed doe) 

Autumn, here in the north country, usually brings visions of changing foliage, harvest time and hunting, both small game and big game hunting. The small game seasons are all open by the first part of October. There is the usual squirrel and rabbit seasons, but there are a number of bird seasons that many take part in as well. Pheasant hunting is strictly a put and take endeavor. The state program releases a large number of pheasants each year on public access hunting lands. There are a small number of these released pheasants that do make it through the winter months, but the winters are usually too icy and snow covered for their survival. There is also some very good ruffed grouse hunting here as well. Waterfowl seasons are also the sport of many, especially here around the Lake Champlain area.

(single doe across an agricultural field)

The main hunting season, that most hunters look forward to, is deer season. The varied locations for many hunters can have them in the mountains one week and on tilled agricultural lands the next. Lately we have seen the loss of more and more family farms which is not good for the economy, but it does help the deer hunters. As these pastures and lands become overgrown with second growth, the deer move in more readily and make for some excellent hunting.
Since we are coming off another mild winter from last year, I think we can expect to see about the same type results for our deer hunting this fall as last. I, for one, am looking forward to the black powder season. I purchased a new break-action 209 primer muzzleloader for this season and am anxious to get out and hunt with it. If that were not enough, the archery seasons opens just next week with the opportunity to hunt a few days on last season’s license, that is providing you still have an unfilled tag from last season.

(young buck in velvet)

So for many, the best part of the year is just now coming up. They look forward to and plan for this season for much of the year. I trust your time on the trail of the deer is an enjoyable season this fall.