McClory: Changes go into effect for deer permits

I was surprised recently when I went to the Northeast Division office in Ayer to purchase a zone 10 antler-less deer permit.I was expecting a very long line, out the door, as in previous years, but there wasn’t one person waiting! When I pulled into the parking lot and saw only a few cars, I quickly assumed that the division employees were affected by the budget fiasco, and later found out that wasn’t the case at all.I guess the changes to the sale of Surplus Antler-less Deer Permits for 2013 really worked … or did they?This year, to reduce user volume, the sale of Surplus Antler-less Deer Permits by Wildlife Management Zone is being staggered. Zone 11 permits went on sale at 8 a.m. last Tuesday and Zone 10 permits went on sale at 8 a.m. last Wednesday.I asked the division clerk what was going on and she said, “I’m surprised also, I’ve only sold 31 permits today since 8 a.m.,” and it was noon when I arrived.She did go on to say that she was concerned that many hunters didn’t know about the change in the permit system and the fact that they usually sell over-the-counter permits the day after the Columbus Day holiday. Let’s just hope that the word gets out and that a lot of hunters don’t show up at the office on that day only to be disappointed. I have mentioned this new system a few times so I hope people will pass the word! By the way, if you are in need of a zone 10 permit, it looks like there are still some available. Unfortunately, if you wanted a permit for zone 11, they are all sold out!Autumn anglers should be pleased that fall trout stocking has started. Approximately 64,500 rainbow trout have been allocated among the five wildlife management districts across the state. The rainbow trout slated for stocking average a whopping 14 inches long and weigh one pound.?This is the best production of fall trout I have seen in my time with the Division,” said Dr. Ken Simmons, Chief of Hatcheries. “The hatchery staff should be proud of the fish they have produced.” The fish are grown at MassWildlife hatcheries in Belchertown, Montague, Sandwich and Sunderland. Trout stocking began the week of Sept. 23 and should be completed next week.The Massachusetts Becoming an Outdoorswoman Program invites both adult women and men (18 and over) who are new to deer hunting to attend an Oct. 19 seminar in Shirley to learn about deer behavior, what to wear, what gear to bring on a deer hunt, deer management, sighting in your firearm and other useful tips.This is Part 1 of a 2-part workshop. Part 2 is a guided Deer Hunt for adult women on the Devens Training Area to be held on Dec. 7.Men and women may sign up for Part 1 (Seminar) and women may sign up for Part 1 and Part 2 (Hunt). No previous hunting experience is required for the October seminar.Registration priority will be given to new hunters and first time participants. First-time women hunters who want to participate in the Hunt (Part 2) must take the seminar segment (Part 1) and need a valid 2013 hunting license and MA gun license, a shotgun and deer slugs for ammunition. Registration materials will be posted on the Masswildlife web site or you can call 508-389-6300 for additional information.Bow hunting is in full swing in some nearby states and will soon be opening in Massachusetts. Hopefully by now you have picked out your tree and I know if you haven’t already hung your stand, you will be doing it soon. I hope tree stand safety is your priority. If you are a serious bow hunter, chances are you spend a lot of time hanging in a tree stand 15 feet above the surface of the earth. Why? Because you know that a deer’s primary survival instinct is smell and getting off the ground is critical. When the wind is right, your scent will be above the ground and drift over the deer.This is a great advantage to a bow hunter. All of this assumes that you have done your scouting homework and have located a good crossing area that will allow you to be close to your target, a must when bow hunting. Reme