McClory: Get the kids out of the house

Richard Louv, author of “Last Child in the Woods,” recently identified a problem called “Nature Deficit Disorder” which can be prevented by spending time outdoors.”When a child is out in nature, all the senses get activated” say Louv. “They are immersed in something bigger than themselves, rather than focusing narrowly on one thing, such as a computer screen.”Let me tell you where I am going with this. School is over for the summer and so are my kids’ planned activities and sports. Only two days into it and they are already going nuts, and we refuse to let a screen be the out.As far as I’m concerned the out is to go out, get out of the house and see what the back yard has to offer. Try having your kids make up an explorer kit that will include such things as a magnifying glass, binoculars, small plastic bags and containers, a note book and pen.There’s no end to where their imagination can take them once they get into it! Hopefully they will see some cool birds and bugs and maybe collect some interesting rocks to admire and identify later. Who knows, maybe we can even get them up some morning to see the sunrise, OK, I know I’ll have a better chance of catching a sunset with them!uAll bow, shotgun and muzzleloader deer hunters are reminded that to take any antlerless deer during any deer hunting seasons, you must possess an antlerless deer permit.The July 16 application deadline is fast approaching.MassWildlife cautions hunters to refrain from assuming large quantities of over-the-counter permits will be available after permits are sent out. Applications are found on paper licenses bought over the counter.Internet license buyers need to access the MassOutdoors website and apply on-line. Bear hunters are reminded that their permit applications are also due July 16. Applications for permits are posted in the Hunting area of the MassWildlife website (www.mass.gov/masswildlife) and are also available at MassWildlife offices.Every year MassWildlife holds a public drawing to determine who will receive an antlerless deer permit for particular hunting zones throughout the state.The drawing will take place on July 31 beginning at 5 p.m. at the Lenox Sportsman’s Club.This year, the Gun Owner’s Action League is partnering with MassWildlife with a new format for this event which will include a game recipe contest, a presentation on deer management in Massachusetts, drawing the Antlerless Deer Permit numbers and announcing the Game Recipe Contest Winners.Proceeds from the Game Recipe Contest will benefit the Massachusetts Junior Conservation Camp. For more details on the event, including Recipe Contest registration, visit the Gun Owner’s Action League website.uOn the saltwater front, flounder fishermen are limiting out daily on both tides in the North Channel near Deer Island and Faun Bar. Flounder are also being caught off the shore on the incoming tide at the pier in Swampscott and Revere Beach and Point of Pines.Lots of stripers are in around Nahant chasing the pogies. Lots of keeper bass are showing up in the Plum Island area. Clams and chunks are working best off the beach, while live eels and mackerel are the key for the boat anglers. Anglers fishing Joppa Flats at night using eels are doing very well.Don McClory is The Item’s outdoors writer