Don McClory: Fall is busy period for hunters in New England

Hunting season is in full swing in many New England states. Archery hunters will be dressed in their camouflage clothing and climbing tree stands Monday morning (Oct. 13), before first light for the start of the 2008 Massachusetts deer season. Later that week, the waterfowl season opens, and on Saturday, Oct. 18, the upland game and rabbit seasons open. If that’s not enough to keep you busy, watch Sluice Pond this week, because the stocking trucks should be on the move to deposit this fall’s allocation of trout. Autumn anglers will be happy to learn that fall trout stocking is just around the corner. This fall, 66,000 rainbow and brown trout averaging 12 inches or more in length will be allocated among the five wildlife management districts across the state. The fish are produced at MassWildlife hatcheries in Sandwich, Belchertown, and Montague. Staff in each District has been monitoring water temperatures over the last few weeks to determine when stocking can be started. Based on past experience, it is anticipated that stocking should begin this week, barring any problems, and will be completed by mid-October. Sluice Pond is usually one of the first to receive a fall allocation of trout. I will let you know when the trucks made it to Sluice!There’s a lot happening down at Ippi’s Bait and Tackle this month. The shop is sponsoring a deep-sea fishing trip on Walsh’s American Classic on Oct. 14. The boat is reserved for the first 35 people who sign up at $100 each at the shop. The boat leaves at 8 a.m. sharp. The price includes bait, tackle and tip. On Oct. 18 and 19, there’s the last bass fishing tourney of the season at Flax Pond, co-sponsored by Lynn Fish and Game, 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. with a $15 entrance fee. Also on Oct. 19th at 2 p.m. is Ippi’s 5th Annual Award Ceremony at 4-Winds Pub with food, raffle prizes and more. Everyone welcome!Deer hunters are reminded that antlerless deer permit sales will begin Oct. 6 for surplus permits remaining in Wildlife Management Zones (WMZs) 10, 11, 13, and 14. There are no surplus permits available for any other wildlife management zones this year. Hunters will be allowed to purchase one permit per zone per day. The cost is $5 per permit. Permits will be sold in MassWildlife’s Westborough, Acton, West Boylston, Pittsfield, and Belchertown offices. Hunters who purchased their hunting/sporting license online may purchase permits online. Once the quota is reached in a particular WMZ, permit sales for that zone will stop. Hunters must present their original license to purchase permits.Licensed black bear hunters took to the woods of western and central Massachusetts during the September season and emerged with 78 bruins; in 2007, 125 bears were taken in the September season. Preliminary figures indicate that check stations in the Western District checked 48 bears, and check stations in the Connecticut Valley checked in a total of 30 bears, while the Central District checked no bears. Rifles, muzzleloaders, archery equipment, and certain handguns were permitted during the September season. The second bear season begins Nov. 3 and ends Nov. 22. MassWildilfe reminds bear hunters that handguns are prohibited during the November season.Don’t forget, the Topsfield Fair starts today, Oct. 3, and runs to Oct. 13th. If you go to the fair, stop by the Essex County League of Sportsmen’s booth and show your support.In closing this week, GO, GO RED SOX!All for now.