Rainy opening for duck season

By Gene Terry

It stands to reason if it’s going to rain what other day is more appropriate than the first day of duck hunting on Oct. 1.

It not only poured, the north wind added to the discomfort of every duck hunter out there. Needless to say we were all good and wet in the morning and of they were smart like I was, I stayed home the afternoon and watched it rain harder. Not the die hard duck hunter I used to be. Neither rain, nor snow, nor sleet, nor wild wind would keep this hunter home; must have been crazy.

I wasn’t the only who came home empty handed. For the number of shooters out there, there wasn’t that many flying or shooting for that matter. My grandson harvested a couple and it was great to watch the dog go after them and retrieve them. Nothing like hunting birds with a dog. It’s tough when after you shoot them and miss that the dog looks at you sideways with the forlorn look and just whines at you.

Archery opened the last four days of 2011 for last year’s license if you did not use it. None were successful that I know of. A few have come into John Rozell’s deer processing place since Oct. 1st bur Vermont opened on Oct. 1st as well.

Small game and turkey season is also open. The turkey’s especially this years bunches seem to be awfully small unless they had a second nesting late in the season. Not too many of those around either.Turkeyslike beech nuts. If you find some in the woods keep it a secret as deer also love them too. With the lack of acorns in most every area you would do well to camp out on these areas for deer season. The only one you should tell is the person who answers the phone at 499-0623, me.

The Washington County Federation of Sportsmen Clubs had a very successful year at the Washington County Fair receiving high praise for their displays at their building. They were awarded a plaque form the fair committee for their efforts. Many volunteers worked at the fair during the fair week including many from the Whitehall Fish and Game Club. Great jobs boys and girls.

Don’t forget about Lake Champlain Duck Season opens on Wednesday, Oct. 12. Blakc powder deer season in the northern zone opens on Oct. 15 to 21st. Regular season opens on Oct. 22 to Dec. 4. Southern zone regular deer season opens Nov. 19 to Dec. 11, followed by a black powder season from Dec. 12 to Dec. 20. Good hunting!