Opening Day Forecast--who says the climate is changing?

Jeff Reardon

Well-known member
Supporter
MONDAY...Partly sunny. Warm with highs in the mid 80s. Light and
variable winds.

Can't wait to put my waders on and hike a half mile. Had a day like this a few years back and I just waded wet in sneakers. Comfortable, but ended up covered in leeches from standing in the mud.

I did deliver the canoe today. Feathers all over--from geese, I think--and put up a single black duck. I may sneak in to watch the dawn flight in the morning, then add a little brush for cover at my sitting spot.

The forecast is so depressing I can't even bring myself to head out for trout tomorrow. In what used to be a normal year, I'd have near peak foliage and brook trout staging to spawn.
 
Thank goodness for breathable waders.[cool]


Oct. 1 is first day of grouse here, 88 degrees, I'll pass.

Monday 90 degrees, no cool down until end of week.

I go to the streams and watch the trout, but do not fish and much to warm for squirrel hunting.

Have been flushing pods of Mallards and Wood Ducks on the streams.

Duck opens Oct.28th, maybe cooler weather then.

Hopefully for you also.
 
Just took the boat out after supper to blow the sweat off and make sure the little kicker for the sculling boat will start. I did move a few teal and black ducks, and the little kicker started on the first pull, but it sure didn't feel ducky.

But the squirrels think it's fall--a pretty good pile of acorns and beechnuts rolled out from under the boat seat. Huge beech nut year here.
 
Jeff

The woods here are jam packed full of mast, grapes, black cherry, apples, and all other goodies.

Much like the fall of 2013, prior to the winter that took a heavy toll on wildlife here.

Acorns are so thick in some areas, it's like walking on ball bearings.

Beechnuts will be the last here, and I'll keep an eye on Witch Hazel, as bear do love both.

I don't hunt them, but like to be aware of where they are...


Having a old boat motor start on the first pull is a joyous thing, no matter the conditions.

Hope your first day goes well.
 
We have had mast years the last 3 years because of the damage from the caterpillars. Squirrels are very dense this year and its dry as a fart.

Mushrooms have been good but off the normal schedule.

We will just see what happens this winter.
 
Beech nuts here are crazy. I didn't realize this until I walked out to my garden barefoot to grab some tomatoes last night (did I mention it's been warm here--tomatoes still producing like crazy). We've got a big beech just behind the house, and I pretty well shredded my feet on the beech nuts under it.

Headed out to cut a little brush to stake around my blind for tomorrow. I probably don't need the cover for opening day ducks, but I might want the shade. :)
 
For many a season while hunting. I would fill my pockets with Beechnuts and eat them all day long.

Anyone else do that?

It wasn't until a few years ago I read that they are not that healthy for human beings.

I dunno if that falls under the heading of what does not kill ya makes ya stronger...

I like their taste, but don't eat as many as before.


All of our heirloom maters got wilt due to all the rain. The grape maters are still producing even though we have had a freeze and frost.

Rain we have had aplenty. The last week or more, the driest in many months.

Next cool spell and rain should bring a push of Steelhead, Salmon and Browns.

So many things to do and so little time...

Ain't life grand.
 
Caprese salad tonight--Brandywines and fresh basil from the garden. Fresh mozzarella from a neighbor's cows.

I'd still rather have a frost and some cold weather.
 
Jeff-

Went to Mercer Bog- and paddled the entire length-- about 3 miles up and back? All I know is the sweat was raining off me and I saw 4-yes, 4 Woodies. Must have been hunted in the morning... the heat is killing me. On the other hand...Coach just got a new layout boat, we found 2 new spots last year- perfect for this new tool, and I have 4 days at Thanksgiving off. Maine's Coastal season is a winner for me, as I like to hunt in the cold- and as I met you at a landing last year- I know YOU like it too!

Hutch
 
Count me in, Hutch--if you've got a big boy-ready layout.

I saw the same 4 woodies at my usual spot across from the house. Two were in one corner of the pond all morning--heard them peeping while I set decoys. Two landed with them in the first hour or so--heard them splash on landing. All four flew away when I stood up with the binoculars to get a look at them. They were at least 150 yards from me. I think some early goose hunters may have been educating them.

Day 3 of 85 degrees in the last week of September.

I think I'm ready to move to Newfoundland.

PS--Speaking of Mercer Bog, we have a mutual friend who lives up there and tells me stories about a beaver bog behind their house. We ought to check that out when October weather is closer to normal.
 
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