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October Afield
By Mark Fike

At right: Squirrel hunting is for all ages
and is a great way to teach young
hunters safe shooting tips.

October has to be the golden month in terms of hunting for those of us that enjoy just being outside more than actually being concerned about how heavy our game bag or deer drag is. However, with the beauty of the changing scenery up and down the east coast come many opportunities to harvest a healthy meal or meals depending on your quarry.

Archery deer
This month in Virginia and Maryland and many other states in the readership area the archery deer season opens. In some states that does include crossbow use. I personally feel there is no better time to be in the woods deer hunting than archery season although early November during the rut with a smokepole in my hand would run a very close second. If you have not already been practicing with your bow or crossbow please take the time to practice before going out into the woods. Wounding an animal and not making a clean kill is not ethical. Bow hunting is a very challenging way to harvest deer but very satisfying.

Crossbow use
The use of crossbows in Virginia appears to have leveled out now that the newness has worn off.

There are those that are not happy about the use of crossbows but it must be said that the crossbow has opened up the woods for some who could not handle a bow accurately. In all honesty the crossbow only had the advantage of being handled easier by all people of all sizes. There is not an extended range advantage by using the crossbow, it tends to take just as long to put an arrow or bolt in it and draw or cock it as it does a bow. Regardless of how you hunt this month the woods are yours. Fewer people hunt during the archery season than any other portion of the deer season.

Duck action
The hottest duck season action occurs this month with a focus being on wood ducks in many states. Virginia has a short early season but other states have varying season lengths in October. Remember to get your non-toxic shotshells, pattern them and find the nearest marsh or swamp to get in on the great woodie action. Take a retriever with you this month as the vegetation is still on the thick side and finding birds can be tough. Check all local laws before heading to the water to determine exactly what birds are legal in your state.

Small game
Don’t forget about small game seasons either. Squirrel season opened in many areas already but the best hunting tends to be this month when the leaves begin to fall allowing hunters to see the bushytailed critters more easily. Squirrel season is what many old timers and even some not so old timers cut their teeth on when it came to learning how to hunt. Find a good hickory tree or oak tree that is putting off mast and set up nearby. If your state allows a .22 or .17 rifle this is a great way to teach a youngster how to shoot well and in a safe manner. If not then get those scatterguns out and take the kids with you. Squirrel hunting is fun for all ages. I take my wife and my two girls out and we spread out on a ridge waiting for the squirrels to appear. The girls like having the dog with them so he can go retrieve at their command. Personally I cannot think of too many places I would rather be than with my family in the woods this month. Enjoy the woods and the scenery. Take a camera with you and record those images!

Quick Duck Dinner
Clean a pair of ducks. Cut off the legs, filet the breast off the bone. Heat oven to 400 degrees. Dribble just enough oil in the bottom of a casserole dish to keep meat from sticking. Place duck in the dish, cover and cook until just barely done. Usually this is less than thirty minutes. Pull out and cut up, then place duck pieces over rice. You may make gravy with the juices. We often serve with hot applesauce and dip the duck in that as we eat. A side of your favorite vegetable is the finishing touch!