McClory: Fishing’s good this time of the year

Fishing pressure and boat traffic will soon decrease on the larger lakes as most of the summer people close their vacation homes and put their pleasure boats away for the season.Anglers know that some of the biggest fish of the year will be caught during the next few weeks. Surface fishing during low light conditions early on a crisp September morning is a truly rewarding experience. As the day progresses, look for active fish in the deeper water.uKittery Trading Post, a well-known New England outdoor sports specialty retailer, celebrates its 35th Septemberfest at the store’s Route One location in Kittery, Maine. Starting Monday, there will be one full week of excitement, entertainment and extraordinary prices on products throughout every department the store.Enjoy savings on some of your favorite brand name apparel, footwear, accessories and outdoor gear. The event features educational and entertaining activities of special interest to sportsmen and women. Over $10,000 in merchandise prizes will be given away throughout the week. Drawings will be held daily. There is no purchase necessary to enter, and you need not be present to win. All events are free and open to the public.uDeer Project Leader Sonja Christensen reports 10,813 white-tailed deer harvested by licensed hunters during the combined 2010 seasons. By season, the total breaks down to five taken during the special deer season for paraplegic sportsmen; 3,778 taken in the archery season; 4,846 taken during the shotgun season; 2,068 taken during the muzzleloading season; and 116 deer harvested during the Quabbin Reservation hunt.Christensen said 2010 was the highest deer harvest on record for the archery season.”Archery is a vital management tool particularly in suburban areas where deer densities are higher due to limited hunting access,” Christensen said.Deer populations are managed according to deer density goals established to maintain healthy deer populations in balance with the environment. Goals are set at levels that allow sustainable deer harvest and deer viewing opportunities, and at levels which minimize impacts on property damage, health issues, and safety.As a result of the re-applicant process for antlerless permits in Massachusetts, Zone 9 permits are no longer available. Re-applicants for an antlerless deer permit may choose only from Zones 10, 11, 13, and 14.Over the counter sales of any remaining permits will occur Oct. 11. This will be the final opportunity to acquire any antlerless deer permits in those zones for which permits remain available after the drawing process has been completed. These permits will be available at select locations across the state on a first-come first-served basis.The 1400-acre Parker River Wildlife Refuge will have a one day deer hunt this season Dec. 7. Thirty five permits will be given out. If you are interested in applying for a permit or need additional information, call 978-465-5753.uI cannot tell you how many boaters I’ve observed without life jackets on. There is no reason to feel ashamed when you are wearing a life jacket. Accidents happen without warning.There are so many comfortable types now and they are not bulky. Some will automatically inflate when you hit the water. If you are kayaking or canoeing from Sept. 15 to May 15,you must wear personal flotation devices. The Massachusetts Environmental Police say most boating fatalities in Massachusetts are due to boaters who don’t wear PFDs while small craft in cold water or cold weather.Don McClory is The Item’s outdoors writer.