McClory: Deadline is today for Maine fall hunting season antlerless permit

When I walked to the curb Sunday morning to pick up the newspaper, the advertising section of the paper scattered all over my driveway. As I patiently picked up each ad, I couldn’t believe what I saw. Summer just got into full swing and we are already being bombarded with back to school sales. Now if that’s the case I guess I should start preparing for the upcoming fall hunting season. First, if you haven’t sent in your antlerless permit for Massachusetts, you’re too late for Mass., but you still have time if you are planning on hunting in Maine, because the application deadline by mail or in person is today (July 30, 2010). Applications must be postmarked by July 30, 2010 or delivered to 284 State Street, Augusta before 5 p.m. The application deadline online only is 11:59 p.m. Aug. 16, 2010.Applications for the 2010 Quabbin Controlled Deer Hunt are available on the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) web page. DCR Water Supply Division staff reminds prospective applicants that regardless of the type of firearm used, all applicants must have a valid FID card to be eligible to apply for this hunting opportunity. To qualify for the permit selection process, all applications must be postmarked by Aug. 16 or hand-delivered to the Quabbin Visitor’s Center by 4 p.m. on that date. Hunters may obtain hard copy applications at DCR administrative and field offices at the Quabbin and Wachusett Reservoirs and the Boston office at 251 Causeway Street. Applications will be available from DFW offices in Boston, Westborough, and the District Offices. Obtain applications through the mail by sending a self-addressed, stamped, business-sized envelope to: Deer Hunt, Quabbin Visitor Center, 485 Ware Road, Belchertown, MA 01007.The Quabbin Controlled Deer Hunt will occur during the statewide deer shotgun season in four areas of the Quabbin Reservation: New Salem and Prescott on Dec. 2 and 3, 2010; and Hardwick and Petersham on Dec. 9 and 10, 2010. Approximately 1,100 permits will be drawn based on hunters’ license numbers on Sept. 8, 2010. Successful applicants will receive written notification from the DCR by early October.New hunters of all ages should be aware that it is never too early to sign up for a Basic Hunter Education course. First time license buyers in Massachusetts are required to show proof that they have taken a Basic Hunter Education course in order to purchase a hunting or sporting license. Basic courses are available across the state and some will be scheduled to start in August and September. Topics covered during the course include safe handling and storage of hunting arms and ammunition, hunting laws and ethics, wildlife identification, wildlife management, care and handling of game, basic survival skills and first aid. Students who successfully pass the course receive a Certificate of Completion that is accepted for purchasing a Massachusetts hunting or sporting license and for people 15 or older making application for a Firearms Identification Card with their local police departments. The certificates are also accepted in North America for the purchase of a hunting license. Course schedules are posted online, or call 978-772-0693.Water temperatures are finally starting to warm up to typical summer levels, so fishing has started to taper off for the summer in the large lakes up north. For us, this is one of the most predictable opportunities, especially if you are targeting lake trout that are starting to stage at different depths. If you are hard-core and are on the water by 4:30 and putting in 4-5 hours before the average guy is waking up, you will catch fish. We catch almost all of the fish before 8 a.m. The regular summer patterns are now working, especially the copper mooslick wobblers and flash king lures.All for now.