McClory: Rifle hunters ready for deer season in Maine

Resident rifle hunters will be dressed in orange and headed to their stands at dawn next Saturday morning for the start of Maine’s rifle season for deer.Because we are not residents of Maine, we are not permitted to hunt on “Residents Day” so our hunting party will have to wait until Monday morning.In Southern Maine where we hunt, the estimated deer population is approximately 20 deer per square mile. So, we can wait!According to officials in Maine, deer numbers have rebounded from the back-to-back severe winters of 2008 and 2009. As a result, IFW wildlife biologists are expecting an increased deer harvest for the third straight year.The mild weather experienced last winter has helped deer thrive so hunters should find plenty of opportunities with deer populations so much higher than years ago. The population hasn’t been this high since the 1950’s.Preseason scouting can be critical to 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. By the way, the mast crop in southern Maine is unbelievable!uHere are some interesting statistics related to hunting in Maine.Over 200,000 people hunt in Maine each year, and those hunters generate over $200 million in direct sales, supporting business such as restaurants, gas stations, sporting goods stores, motels and other small family owned businesses. According to the 2011 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting and Wildlife-Associated Recreation conducted by the US Fish and Wildlife Service, hunters in Maine spent $98 million on food, lodging and transportation in Maine.Hunters spent an additional $60 million on equipment such as firearms, ammunition, hunting clothes, and other items; and $40 million on magazines, membership dues, permits, licenses and other related items.Each year it’s also critical to remember that any person who steps into the field with a weapon in their hands should practice the safe rules of hunting.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.uNew tutorials providing step-by-step instructions on how to check turkey, bear, deer and most furbearers have recently been posted on the MassWildlife Game Check Information webpage at: http://www.mass.gov/eea/agencies/dfg/dfw/hunting-fishing-wildlife-watching/hunting/game-check-information.html.This is the first year hunters are able to report “or check” their harvested deer, bear, turkey, and most furbearers online by logging on to MassFishHunt.Hunters must complete the checking/reporting procedure before processing any game or furbearers for the table, freezer, fur buyer, or taxidermist.Deer hunters should know that during shotgun deer season only (Dec. 2-14) all harvested deer must be checked at an official check station. Reporting deer at check stations during these two weeks allows biologists to collect valuable data needed for deer management. The MassFishHunt system will not allow online checking of deer during shotgun deer season.uLicensed black bear hunters took to the woods of western and central Massachusetts during the September season and emerged with 120 bruins.The new online reporting system was used for the first time for the black bear season. Hunters checked 82 bears using the online system and 38 bears were checked at check stations. Rifles, muzzleloaders, archery equipment, and revolvers were permitted during the September season. The second bear season begins Tuesday and ends Nov. 23, 2013.Bear hunters should be aware that revolvers are prohibited during the November season. Bear hunters can also report their November bear harvest using the new online system or take their bear to a check station.uBoater, it’s time to put the boat in hibernation. Winterize your boat so it will be ready for spring ice-out.It is