McClory: Rifle season for deer is under way in Maine

This past Saturday, resident rifle hunters of Maine were dressed in orange and headed to their stands at one half hour before sunrise for the start of Maine’s rifle season for deer.Because we’re not residents of Maine, our hunting party will have to wait for Monday morning because we are not allowed to hunt on “Residents Day” as it is called.There is an estimated population of 300,000 deer and over 20 deer per square mile in Southern Maine where we hunt, so we can wait. Maine’s Department of Fisheries and Wildlife head deer biologist Lee Kantaris is predicting a smaller harvest this season, as low as 17,000 deer statewide.Last season over 20,000 deer were harvested. This is due to the more severe winters of 2008 and 2009 that impacted the deer population and thinned the herd. The number of any-deer permits issued this year was almost cut in half from last season, in order to help replenish the herd.Deer hunters should still find plenty of opportunity with deer populations still higher than years ago. Preseason scouting can be critical in the success of any hunt. The most successful hunters will be those who have thoroughly scouted their hunting areas and know deer feeding and travel patterns. If you hunt New Hampshire, their muzzleloader season also opened Saturday and runs to Nov. 8, and the firearms deer season opens Nov. 9.You can always be in style in the woods by wearing fluorescent hunter orange. Hunters who wear it are just as likely to be successful because it’s highly visible to humans, but not to deer.Hunters moving into the line of fire of other hunters and mistaking other hunters for game are two common causes of hunting accidents. Both types involve visibility problems and both underscore the need for hunters to see and be seen during the fall firearms deer and small game seasons. According to a nationwide survey, you are seven times less likely to be shot by another hunter if you are wearing fluorescent orange.Each year I also like to mention the basic rules of safe hunting as a reminder to anyone who steps into the field with a weapon in their hands. Treat every gun as if it is loaded, point your gun in a safe direction, keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot and be sure of your target and beyond. Remember, hunting is very safe. Hunt smart, think safety, and good luck.Whether your passion is hiking, fishing, birding, hunting or just taking in the scenery, fall is a wonderful time to be outdoors.There are a few common sense safety reminders that will complement your enjoyment during a day in the field. Tell someone where you’re going and when you expect to return. Don’t take off on a long hike, hunt or bike ride if you’re not physically ready. Keep an eye on the weather.New England weather is notorious for quick changes. Be ready with an extra layer of clothing, warm hat and gloves. Having a fanny pack with a few first aid items, matches, water, pocket knife, cell phone, map, compass, whistle, extra food and flashlight can help prevent small problems from becoming big ones.Whether you’re a hunter, hiker or walking the dog in rural areas, it’s a good idea to wear a cap or vest of highly visible blaze orange clothing while you’re enjoying the great outdoors, remember you are sharing the woods and knowing the hunting season and who is likely to be sharing the woods and waters with you is a good idea.Freshwater bass have become very active, feeding heavily in preparation for the long winter ahead. This is done to put on extra layers of fat to keep them nourished during the winter. Now in a heavy feeding pattern, bass will take most any bait cast within striking distance. Shiners are the food of choice. Pay close attention to whatever you’re using.Bass will often strike hard and move fast for deep water. Water temperatures have not dropped low enough for bass activity to slow down. The most active time of the day has been late afternoon into the evening around natural structure. So, head out to