The Delaware hunting seasons are almost over. As usual, I have been trying to cram in as many hunts as possible (which leaves me little time to post hunt updates). Here’s a chance to catch up. Details of my past 4 weeks of hunts are listed below.

12/28/2011 – Duck hunted a private pond with no success. As soon as I walked into the pond before dawn, about 25 ducks flew out — all before shooting time. None came back. I tried the pond again in the evening and saw nothing. As an added bonus, I stepped in the deepest hole while walking out and flooded my waders.

12/30/2011 – Had a great pheasant hunt at Meadowview Preserve in New Jersey. Two neighbors, one of my daughters, my vizsla Gus, and I went on a stocked pheasant hunt in 60-degree weather. Weird weather for the end of December, but we had a nice hunt. We harvested 12 of the 16 stocked pheasants.

Great Pheasant Hunt at New Jersey's Meadowview Preserve

12/31/3011 – Curt Barkus, Gabriella, and I went on our last Delaware woodcock hunt of the season. What a great day it was! Gus pointed 3 woodcocks, and we harvested two. What’s more, Gabriella harvested her first woodcock — ever! Beautiful!

Steven and Gabriella Kendus with Gabriella's First Delaware Woodcock

1/7/2012 – I had the privilege of covering a 4-H Shooting Sports youth hunt. Literally, I saw about 100 deer. I will provide details in an upcoming post.

1/14/2012 – Since the Maryland woodcock season is still open, I purchased a Maryland license and hunted woodcocks with Curt Barkus. Within one hour of our bitter cold morning hunt, Gus got Curt his limit of 3 birds. We pushed on for 3 more hours, and I harvest one woodcock.

Curt Barkus with his first woodcock of the 2011-2012 season

1/16/2012  – Paul Quigley, Curt Barkus, and I hunted woodcocks in Maryland. It was even more cold than the previous hunt. We hunted hard and Got Paul his first two woodcocks in several years.

Paul Quigley and Steven M. Kendus with Quigley's First Woodcock of the 2011-2012 Season

1/21/2012 – Hunted deer in a snow, sleet, and freezing rain storm. I braved the elements for a morning hunt. While I could take the weather, my bow couldn’t. Ice from the freezing rain encased my bow, quiver, and arrows, so I left the woods by 8:30 AM.

According to the DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife, Delaware hunters harvested 14,183 deer during the 2010-11 season. The total harvest was more than 14 percent higher than the 2009-10 season and ranks as the third highest harvest all time. Good hunting weather during the October muzzleloader and November shotgun seasons contributed to the high harvest numbers.

“Unlike last season, we did not experience any major negative weather events during any of our productive deer seasons, which resulted in an overall increase in the harvest this past season,” said Joe Rogerson, deer and furbearer biologist with the DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife.  “The seasons impacted by weather during the 2009-10 season were the October muzzleloader and November shotgun seasons and the harvest this past year was up considerably during these two seasons but relatively stable during the other seasons.  This clearly shows that the nor’easters were a primary cause of the harvest decline during the 2009-10 season.”

Of the total harvest, 28.1 percent were antlered deer and 71.8 percent were antlerless. Fifty-three and half percent were female deer and 46.5 percent were males.

2010-11 marked the first time that hunters could use crossbows to harvest deer from Sept. 1, 2010 through Jan. 31, 2011 within the newly created crossbow season.

“Although the season was new, Delaware hunters still managed to harvest 398 deer during the crossbow season, compared to 1,400 during the traditional archery season,” said Rogerson. “When the harvest from the two seasons was combined, 1,798 deer were harvested which ranks as the all-time highest harvest for archery equipment, 116 more deer compared to the previous high of 1,682 deer taken during the 2008-09 archery season.”

From my article that appeared in The News Journal on October 7, 2010.

Although Delaware’s deer season officially began Sept. 1 for those who hunt with vertical bows or crossbows, October marks the month where hunters who use shotguns and muzzleloaders enter Delaware’s forests and fields. Those using shotguns can hunt antlerless deer Oct. 18, 22, 23, 25, 29 and 30. Muzzleloader users can hunt antlered or antlerless deer from Oct. 8-16.

During the 2008-09 hunting season (the last season for which deer harvest data is available), 1,246 deer were harvested during the October antlerless seasons, and 1,658 deer were harvested during the October muzzleloader season. Delaware’s stable white-tailed deer population and ample October hunting opportunities should lead to continued hunter success.

Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife Game Mammal Biologist Joe Rogerson said the state’s deer population is stable to slightly declining.

“It should be noted that the goal of the division has been to reduce the population through the liberalization of the deer seasons, so this decline is a desired result,” Rogerson said. “Once the population reaches more appropriate levels, then the division will scale back harvest rates.”

Although Delaware’s overall deer population is healthy, there have been some confirmed cases of epizootic hemorrhagic disease, commonly called EHD. EHD is a virus that infects white-tailed deer typically through bites from specific species of midges, gnats and mosquitoes. Infected deer exhibit various symptoms, including lethargy, internal bleeding, labored breathing, disfigured hooves, and swelling of eyelids, head, tongue and neck. Typically occurring during late summer and early fall, EHD outbreaks sometimes kill up to 90 percent of infected deer in concentrated locations, but the disease does not affect humans.

Rogerson said he has received reports of EHD mainly in Deer Management Zone 3, north of Townsend. “EHD is a virus that can have significant local impacts, but overall is relatively insignificant,” Rogerson said. “The southeastern states have dealt with EHD for decades, and their deer herds are still thriving.”

EHD, and a similar disease called bluetongue, have been discussed in the Delaware hunting community for several years, especially during times of drought. Many believe that drought draws high numbers of deer to common water sources where the diseases are easily spread. I have spoken with several landowners and hunters who have seen deer die-offs that they attribute to EHD or bluetongue. Several have questioned why Delaware deer hunters are still encouraged to harvest antlerless deer (does, mostly) during October seasons if deer could be dying from disease.

“The Delaware deer herd is extremely productive due to the abundance of food and mild winters,” Rogerson said. “It is unlikely that seasons would be adjusted due to EHD, although it is something that we monitor and would act accordingly if need be.”

Despite low incidences of EHD, Delaware hunters can experience tag- and freezer-filling success in October.

Ready for opening day

For those of you who follow my Delaware deer hunts on Facebook and/or Twitter, you didn’t miss much today.

I braved the 93-degree heat and headed to one of my suburban hunting spot after work today. Seriously, I have seen deer at this spot every time I went to check over the past month. Today, I saw nothing.

Because of the extreme heat, I honestly didn’t expect to see much. I am sure the deer were bedded down in the shade and were waiting for the sun to go down before they moved to feed. I will try again later this week.

On another note, I leave for a Maine black bear hunt this Sunday. I will try to post updates on this blog, as well as my Facebook and Twitter accounts.

Delaware Archery Deer Season Opens September 1

Here is my article that appeared in The News Journal on 8/5/2010.

When the Delaware deer hunting season ends each January, I try to keep my mind somewhat focused on hunting by creating a list of hunting-related chores that I promise to complete before the next season begins.

Somehow — year after year — many of those promises go unfulfilled.

This year is no different. Sept. 1 marks the opening of mourning dove, resident Canada geese and archery deer seasons. Rather than counting the days to opening day like a school kid counts down to summer vacation, I find myself trying to add days to the calendar.

I want to shoot my bow more, because after all, practice makes perfect. Sounds hokey, but it’s true. I put on an old pair of eyeglasses this week (since my everyday pair was lost when I was buying salt licks for my deer hunting spots) and began practicing with my bow. Something about the glasses was causing me to shoot high. To make sure my bow sights weren’t off, I switched to a newer pair of prescription sunglasses. I shot perfectly with them. I am now scrambling to get a new pair of glasses and practice with them before archery seasons opens.

There’s nothing like waiting ’til the last minute.

Likewise, I really need to scout some more deer hunting spots and hang some more tree stands. I joined a new hunting club in June. I am embarrassed to say, I have spent less than an hour familiarizing myself with the property, and I have placed a whopping total of zero deer stands. I really don’t want to get lost walking through unfamiliar woods at 5 a.m., and I would rather hunt from a tree somewhere above the early season vegetation and bugs. However, with only several weeks to go before opening day, I am asking myself where the summer went. As one who frequently discusses the benefits of scouting and choosing hunting locations wisely, I have been lax in my preparation.

It gets worse.

In my June column, I talked about the importance of realistic-looking decoys, and I went so far as to write, “Upgrading my decoy stock is now on my summer agenda.”

After my experience with the bald eagle attacking my turkey decoy, I vowed to get new goose decoys before Sept. 1, and I am considering purchasing new duck decoys and maybe even a deer decoy. Well, guess what? Not only have I not even purchased a single decoy, I haven’t even started researching decoys yet.

I really need to get on the ball.

While many of you are snickering and asking how I procrastinated on completing my list of offseason chores, I know some of you are thanking me for reminding you of the uncompleted items on your list. It’s OK. We still have nearly four weeks to get our acts together.

If there is no way to finish up before opening day, there is a fallback plan. We can complete our chores on Sundays during the hunting season (unless Delaware finally drops one of its last blue laws and joins the other 40-plus states that allow Sunday hunting).

What are your thoughts on allowing expanded use of crossbows for deer hunting in Delaware? Share your comments here.

Pasted below is my article that appeared in yesterday’s issue of The News Journal.

To some hunters, expanded crossbow use crosses the line

Delaware may soon have one of the longest crossbow hunting seasons in the nation and some believe that idea misses the mark.

According to the proposed regulatory changes listed in the “2010-11 Delaware Hunting and Trapping Seasons” document posted on the Delaware Division of Fish & Wildlife website, archery and crossbow deer-hunting seasons may be in effect concurrently from Sept. 1, 2010, through Jan. 31, 2011.

The proposed regulations stipulate that crossbows may be equipped with a scope and must be manufactured after 1980, have a minimum pull weight of 125 pounds, and have a mechanical safety.

Some hunters welcome expanded use of crossbows for hunting deer, but the proposed regulations are not without controversy.

Traditionally, Delaware allowed the use of crossbows only by special permits issued to individuals who met specific disability criteria. In recent years, Delaware allowed crossbows to be substituted for firearms during specified deer-hunting seasons or season segments.

The expanded use of crossbows to any interested hunter during the entire deer season strikes at the hearts of some vertical bowhunters (those who hunt with compound, recurve, or long bows).

Long-time bowhunter Curt Barkus of New Castle believes vertical bows and crossbows should not be treated as equal.

“Crossbows are similar to guns,” says Barkus. “It is almost as easy to shoot a crossbow as it is to shoot a shotgun. You have to put your time in to be a good archery hunter, plain and simple, but the same is just not true with a crossbow.”

Barkus said he is not against the use of crossbows.

“I am not one-hundred percent anti-crossbow,” says Barkus. “In fact, I think crossbow hunters should have their own hunting seasons, just as bow, shotgun, muzzleloader and pistol hunters do.”

Frank Gillen of Newark favors expanded crossbow use.

“I believe I should be allowed crossbow use during any and all seasons. Medical permits already are in place, but aging hunters with other physical limitations also need access,” says Gillen. “With burgeoning deer populations in built-up suburban areas, the crossbow should be viewed as an additional vital tool, along with the long bow, the recurve, and the compound for controlling the herds. Other states are already leading the way on this issue.”

Although many states allow crossbows to be used only by disabled hunters during archery only deer seasons, more states are allowing crossbow use by all hunters during gun seasons. Alabama, Arkansas and Georgia are among those that have adopted more liberal crossbow regulations.

As someone who chooses to hunt deer primarily with a vertical bow, I understand some of the arguments against expanded crossbow use.

I think bowhunters are somewhat angered because they are accustomed to having the woods to themselves for much of the deer-hunting season and soon may have some competition from crossbow hunters.

We bowhunters can accept the increase in the number of hunters in the woods, but I am not sure if all hunters will accept a decrease in the number of deer in the woods that could result from the expanded use of crossbows.

The Division of Fish & Wildlife has shown its dedication to properly managing the Delaware deer herd by issuing the Delaware Deer Management Plan. If the proposed crossbow hunting regulations are put into effect, Delaware hunters will be closely monitoring the Division’s response to any drastic declines in the deer population.

The proposed crossbow regulations will be published in the Delaware Register of Regulations on July 1 but would not become effective until July 11.

Steven Kendus’ Hunter’s Journal appears monthly in The News Journal. Kendus is the author of “Hunting The First State: A Guide to Delaware Hunting.” Follow his blog and podcast at www.HuntingTheFirstState.com. Contact him at skendus@HuntingTheFirstState.com.

From the Delaware DNR and Environmental Control

A draft version of Delaware’s Deer Management Plan is the first plan ever produced for formally addressing the future of a deer herd that has grown into a state success story of wildlife restoration.

Before the plan is officially completed, the Division of Fish & Wildlife is soliciting feedback  from anyone with interest in and concern about how deer are managed in Delaware. The new Delaware Deer Management Plan can be found at
http://www.fw.delaware.gov/Hunting/Pages/Delaware_Deer_Management_Plan.aspx

Comments can be submitted by mailing them to Deer Management Plan Comments, Delaware Division of Fish & Wildlife, 6180 Hay Point Landing Road, Smyrna, DE 19977 or by emailing to Joseph.Rogerson@state.de.us .

Comments will also be accepted at three public meetings the Division will host in February, one in each of the state’s three counties. The dates and times include New Castle County – Feb. 18, 7-9 p.m., Ommelanden Hunter Education Center, 1205 River Road, New Castle, DE 19720;  Kent County – Feb. 16, 7-9 p.m., DNREC Auditorium, Richardson & Robbins Building. 89 Kings Hwy,  Dover, DE 19901; and in Sussex County – Feb. 17, 7-9 p.m., Delaware Tech Owens Campus, Seashore Hwy (Rte. 18), Georgetown, DE 19947

Written comments and suggestions will be accepted until the close of business on April 1. The finalized Delaware Deer Management Plan is expected to be available for review in May or June.

For more information about the Delaware deer management plan, or anything else related to white-tailed deer in the state, please contact Joe Rogerson, Fish and Wildlife Deer and Furbearer biologist, at (302) 735-3600.

Editor’s Note: Here is a repost of my most recent article for The News Journal. I have inserted some comments, as well.

Sitting in a deer stand for the better part of six hours during last Saturday’s snowstorm and single-digit wind chills gave me ample time to ponder and appreciate proper cold weather hunting preparation.

I circled the last day of the deer hunting season on my calendar back in September, so I knew I would hunt regardless of the weather. When I realized late last week that the Saturday forecast predicted highs in the teens, gusty winds, and a slight chance of snow, I planned accordingly.

I was happy I did.

Mother Nature quickly overruled the slight chance of snow and dropped nearly 5 inches of the coldest, most powdery snow I’ve ever seen. To make matters worse, she supplied just enough wind to blow the light, tiny flakes into every wrinkle of my clothing and onto every centimeter of my exposed skin.

My preparation (or my lunacy, as some would say) enabled me to stick it out.

Preparing to hunt in cold weather begins with basic common sense: Be aware of the forecast prior to beginning your hunt. With televison, radio, and the Internet, there is no excuse for not having an up-to-date weather forecast. Be careful, however. As proven last week, it is not merely enough to play the odds. Last Saturday’s snowstorm was supposed to pass to the south of New Castle County, but the small chance of snow prompted me to pack my rain/snow gear in my hunting pack. The preparation paid huge dividends since it snowed steadily the entire time I was in the woods.

When the forecast calls for extreme cold, appropriate dress can be the difference between an enjoyable hunt and a hunt that ends miserably, and more seriously, the difference between life and death. Dress in layers, but be smart about your layering. Start with an insulating undergarment layer (top and bottom) of polypropylene or some other fabric that traps heat and wicks away moisture. (I like military issue polypropylene pants and shirt or Under Armour.) Next add one or two layers of mid-layer garments. On extreme cold weather days, I wear a thick, tight-knit wool shirt covered by an even thicker wool vest (both made by King of the Mountain), and thick wool pants. For an outer layer, I recommend a heavy, hooded, wind- and water-resistant parka or a full-body jumpsuit and a wool hat. When the forecast calls for precipitation and/or wind, I will add an outer shell lining of a waterproof jacket and pants. (I am especially fond of Frogg Toggs).

Keep in mind that some of us perspire more than others, and simple walks to a hunting location while wearing multiple layers of clothing can cause sweating. If you anticipate becoming overheated while walking, don’t put your outer layer on until you reach your location.

Nothing can end a cold-weather hunt faster than numb fingers and toes. Cost-cutting measures can be applied to all of your other hunting clothing purchases, but do not skimp on gloves, socks and boots. For gloves, I recommend a pair of wool glove liners covered by water-resistant mittens with flip-open fingers. For footwear, wear heavy-duty, moisture-wicking socks with a quality pair of low-temperature rated, waterproof boots that provide a thermal barrier without sacrificing comfort. Gone are the days of bulky, heavy boots that hinder movement and cause blisters. New technology is making it easier and more comfortable for us to hunt for longer periods in the cold. In fact, for extreme cold weather hunting, I wear boots that incorporate 2000 grams of Thinsulate material and Aerogel, a nanotechnology material developed for NASA that provides an extremely effective insulator with the lowest thermal conductivity of any solid material known to man. How cool, er hot, is that? (I have had several inquiries about the boots I wear. I wear Irish Setter Snow Claw XT extreme cold boots.)

Above all else, be smart when hunting in cold weather. If you are cold standing or sitting still, move around a bit. If you get too warm, remove a layer of clothing. And if you start to shiver uncontrollably, end your hunt and move to a heated location.

Steven M. Kendus article from The News Journal, January 21, 2009

I can already feel the dreaded emptiness that undoubtedly follows my final trips to the fields, marshes and woods as another hunting season comes to a close. I begin to replay a season’s worth of hunts in my mind, somehow hoping to relive them, extend them, or in some cases, even alter them.

I begin to clean and store my gear, address chores that I artfully managed to ignore since September, and allow my thoughts to drift to future seasons, future hunts, new places and new equipment.

However, like the stabbing pain brought about by an abrupt end to the Eagles season, I’m jolted back to reality and realize that there are still a few weeks of hunting left. In fact (sticking with our football analogy), I consider the next several weeks the last minutes of the fourth quarter. What’s more, I now look at late February, March and the beginning of April as overtime.

As a deer hunter who has not fared very well this season, I have several more chances to even the score. If I stick to bowhunting, I can hunt deer through Jan. 30. If I opt to pursue whitetails with a gun, the January shotgun season runs through Saturday, and the January muzzleloader seasons is open Jan. 25 through Jan. 30.

Waterfowl hunting also presents some last-minute opportunities to harvest game. Duck and regular snow goose seasons are open through Jan. 30, and Canada goose season is open through Jan. 26.

Squirrel, quail and pheasant seasons are open through Feb. 6, and DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife recently announced an extension to the Delaware rabbit hunting season. This new regulation establishes the end of Delaware’s rabbit season each year as the last day of February (or the last Saturday of February if the month ends on a Sunday). This “overtime” season allows hunters to pursue rabbits during periods unaffected by deer hunters.

For extended overtime hunting, the snow goose federal conservation order enables hunters to pursue snow geese from Feb. 1 through April 17, with no bag or possession limits. What a great way to wrap up the season.

Like every year before, I know that this hunting season will inevitably come to a close. Rather than quitting prematurely, I will play until the clock runs out.

I am looking for feedback, opinions, and suggestions from hunters, hunting supply store owners, and product  manufacturers regarding the top 10 hunting products and advancements of the 2000s. Article should run January 7, 2010.

Please reply to this post and email your comments to skendus@huntingthefirststate.com. Include your contact info in the email.

Deadline: 10:01pm EASTERN – 04 January