Friday Hunting Primer, 11/19/2021 – Jeff Gross

by Jeff Gross, contributing writer

Well, good news – the woodcock are finally showing up. A number of hunters have taken one or two though no statements of a limit have been made. With the Timberdoodles here it will make the Pheasant hunts much more entertaining as most dogs will point the “Wood Elves” as well.

While hunting some are noticing there are civilians not wearing orange.  A respectful reminder was met with acknowledgment when provided by this writer and the civilians retire to find their orange. Some hunters encounter the civilian type with attitudes. Don’t argue with them. Keep in mind if there is an accident the hunter will be liable, orange or not.  So, contact DEM enforcement. I keep enforcement on speed dial just in case. One never knows who will be encountered in wildlife areas. You may save the day of another hunter who doesn’t know the non-orange wearing folks are in the vicinity.

Rabbit hunters are doing OK on the west bay, but the east bay has been quiet. Do any of you Hasenpfeffer cooks hunt areas like 8 Rod Farm anymore? Coyotes seem like they have heavily reduced the population of rabbits that were everywhere in the Spring. Coyotes are still a problem with the pheasant stockings. Ladies and Gentlemen, it is imperative to take the Coyotes and fox out of the management areas now to ensure good hunting in the winter. 

Deer hunters: Have yet to see any rubs yet but scrapes are showing up in Arcadia on some of the main trails.  This author has also noticed hoof prints and activity showing up at these kettle pond water holes.  My Golden Retriever spooked a very large deer at small frog pond in Arcadia last week.

As mentioned earlier, muzzle-loaders: be very aware of civilians not conforming to the 200 square inch requirement.  Since your round travels a lot farther than bird shot, extra precaution is necessary.

Be safe, be diplomatic and have a great weekend.

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Jeffrey “Jeff” Gross spent 21 years as an Analytical Chemist at the USCG R&D Center in Groton, Connecticut, Woods Hole Laboratories, and Helix Technologies. Changing careers is a “great learning experience for everyone”, Jeff says, and I’m an avid outdoorsman and conservationist, a student of the sciences, and the world. The US holds too many wonders not to take a chance and explore them”.

Jeff is the Model Train and Railroad entrepreneur. Proud Golden Retriever owner. Ultra strong Second Amendment Advocate and Constitutionalist. “Determined seeker of the truth”. 

Jeff is a RIFGPA Legislative and Legal Officer, Freshwater Chairman, NRA Liaison.

His subjects include Outdoors, Second Amendment, Model Railroading, and Whimsical.

He can be reached at: [email protected]