McClory: Could be a banner winter for snow lovers

Christmas has gone and we are staring at the start of a banner New Year for snow lovers.With two major storms already recorded before 2009, it should be a great winter for skiers. I’ve already used my snowblower twice.A few weeks ago we hit the slopes, starting the ski season the earliest I can remember. The conditions were perfect. New England skiing is at its best, with almost three feet of natural snow in Central Massachusetts as well as up north and evening temperatures have cooperated, creating an incredible base for snow making.Now all of this snow is great for snow lovers and, in some instances, it’s good for deer hunters because they can track and locate deer easily.Unfortunately, the amount of snow we have is actually hampering deer hunting. The primitive firearm hunters can’t get to their favorite spots because of the snow depth. How fitting is this?They are being forced to really go primitive by strapping on snow shoes. To me, this is an ultimate hunting experience. I tried it on one outing, to no avail. It was quite a humbling experience.The other problem with this type of deep snow is that deer cannot get around very easily and often become targets for coyotes. When the deer run, they sink into the snow because of their sharp hooves and weight.Coyotes can run on top of the crusted snow and do not fall through, which gives them quite an advantage when running down a deer. Let’s just hope we have the thaw that’s been predicted this weekend so snow depth and amounts get back to normal.There is no need to put the hunting equipment away quite yet. Black powder hunting for deer is still open to the last day of the year. If you are up to braving the ocean elements and don’t have hunting out of your system, sea ducks as well as regular ducks are still open until mid January and if you enjoy walking in the field, rabbit hunting opens in Jan. 1 and runs for eight weeks until Feb. 28.Congratulations to a local deer hunter that tagged respectable buck this season in Massachusetts. Alex Markakis shot a beautiful 11 point buck that tipped the scales just over 210 pounds.uWaterfowlers and other outdoor enthusiasts who venture out in small craft this time of year are reminded to make safety a priority.With few boaters on the water at this time of year, the chances of a quick rescue are greatly diminished.Cold-weather boaters can take action to prevent a tragedy by always wearing a lifejacket and clothing that protects them from the effects of cold water.Studies have shown that cold water removes heat from a human body 25 times faster than cold air. Immersion in cold water can cause “cold shock,” including the possibility of cardiac arrest, involuntary gasping for air which can result in immediate drowning and a high potential for losing consciousness.If you do fall into the water, try to get back in or on your boat immediately. Do not leave the boat. If you’re not wearing thermal protection and can’t get out of the water, stay as still as possible.Fold your arms, cross your legs and float quietly on the buoyancy of your Personal Flotation Device until help arrives.uDon’t forget, starting next Thursday, you will need a new fishing and hunting license. Hunting, fishing and trapping licenses for 2009 are now available for purchase online and at license vendors across the state. License fees support MassWildlife’s efforts in habitat protection, stocking fish and pheasants, biological projects, education programs and endangered species restoration.Hunting and sporting license buyers are reminded that they must show either a previous hunting license or a hunter safety certificate from any state or Canadian province in order to purchase those types of licenses. Why not make a New Year’s resolution to sign up for a Basic Hunter Education Course in the winter and spring months of 2009? The 15-16 hour course, which is usually scheduled over five or six weekday evenings, is taught by volunteer instructors.Occasionally, courses are conducted