My column that appear in The News Journal on July 4, 2013.
Although the record-setting rainfall over the past month has dampened the plans of even the hardiest and most dedicated outdoorswomen and outdoorsmen, we have to believe that the weather patterns will change and the summer temperatures and sunshine we are accustomed to will return.
Until then, we should dodge the raindrops and utilize every ray of sunshine in order to ready our hunting spots for the upcoming hunting seasons.
Damp forests, muddy fields and flooded marshes, ponds and rivers pose challenges to hunters that have deer stand, duck blind and goose pit preparation and maintenance on their summertime agendas, but it is wise to perform such activities before any hunting seasons begin.
Rather than waiting for more favorable weather, hunters should adhere to their summer maintenance schedules because the traditional start of Delaware hunting season – Sept. 2 this year – is less than 60 days away.
Since rain, wind, high water, erosion and other factors cause trees to fall, wood to rot and metal to rust, deer hunters should check the integrity of their deer stands now.
Checking stands early in the summer serves multiple purposes. One, hunters will have adequate time to repair or replace stands before the season begins. Two, any disturbance to the habitat or wildlife will be complete before hunting begins. And three, hunters can see the effects of full foliage on their visibility and shooting lanes and can trim branches accordingly.
When checking deer stands, safety should be the highest priority. Hunters should make sure bolts and nails hold tightly, support straps are fully intact and tightly secured, standing platforms are solid, walls are sound and ladders or steps are in good condition.
Deer stand hunters should also use their summertime maintenance checks to install hoist ropes, bow hooks, camera mounts, rain canopies, shooting rests and other aids and should begin placing game cameras and mineral licks near their stands.
Waterfowl hunters should begin checking the structural integrity of their blinds and pits, as well. Because of the number of violent storms that have affected Delaware over the past year, water levels near many blinds have risen and swift currents may have damaged the blinds, the surrounding banks or the nearby vegetation.
Duck and goose hunters should check their blinds for rotted floors and walls, rusted or exposed nails and screws, and damaged or missing seats. They should make sure the ground under the blind hasn’t eroded away, and if the blind floor is under water, hunters may want to consider moving the blind to higher ground.
When checking goose pits, goose hunters should be prepared to pump standing water. As with duck and goose blinds, waterfowlers should check for rotted wood, exposed nails and damaged seats. They should also make sure the roofs are intact and solid, any hinges are operational and any handles are securely fastened. Now is also a good time to install solar pump systems to combat water accumulation in the pits.
As a final note, hunters should remember that wet Delaware springs and summers lead to the proliferation of mosquitoes and other nasty critters.
Before venturing to their stands, blinds or pits, hunters should dress in clothing that will offer protection against biting and stinging insects, and they should apply insect repellent to their clothing and to any exposed skin.