Delaware\’s Low-Digit Surf-Fishing Tag Auction starts Black Friday

Dover (Nov. 27, 2019) – DNREC’s Division of Parks & Recreation will auction Low-Digit Surf Fishing Tags starting Black Friday, Nov. 29 at

www.usgovbid.com

Between Nov. 29 and Dec. 11, bidders will have the option to bid on 10 tags, including tags 36, 63, 125 and 225, and on six “choice” categories, ranging from tags 51 to 9999. The highest bidder in each choice category can choose a number, if not already sold, within that category.

The minimum bid for a surf fishing tag is $250. By state law, surf-fishing tags numbered 1 through 200 are limited to vehicles registered in Delaware.

The auction of low-numbered plates was authorized by the Delaware General Assembly and allows DNREC’s Division of Parks & Recreation to auction low-digit tags to the highest bidder. All proceeds directly benefit Delaware State Parks, which is 65 percent self-funded.

For more information visit

www.destateparks.com/LowDigitTags

www.usgovbid.com

or by phone at 302-739-9200.

CNB Hunting/Fishing Pennsylvania: Firearms Deer Season Begins Saturday

A Saturday opener for the firearms deer season and the possibility of more older bucks throughout the Commonwealth have many Pennsylvanians excited about Nov. 30 and the weeks to follow.

Last year’s firearms deer season saw rainy weather nearly statewide throughout much of the opening day. But even then, 30 percent of the antlered deer harvested in the 2018-19 firearms season were taken on opening day. It was the best day of the season for buck harvest.

It’s likely that opening day will continue to be the best for buck harvest this year, when the season will open on a Saturday, said Christopher Rosenberry, supervisor of the Game Commission’s Deer and Elk Section.

“We expect the opening Saturday to become the biggest harvest day for bucks,” said Rosenberry. “The first Monday will play a lesser role, but how much less remains to be seen. The second Saturday, since it is concurrent with the start of antlerless season, will probably become the second-biggest harvest day for bucks.”

And there now is a third Saturday in the season, as well, since the season was expanded from 12 days to 13 to accommodate a Saturday opener in which more hunters likely will be able to participate.

Pennsylvania’s firearms season historically has drawn the biggest crowds of all hunting seasons and consequently has been the state’s principal deer-management tool for more than a century. Its coming preoccupies many Pennsylvanians through their Thanksgiving meals and sends many more to a variety of outlets to fill their last-minute needs.

“Every deer hunter wants to be afield for the opener,” noted Pennsylvania Game Commission Executive Director Bryan Burhans. “They spend days and days, scouting, buying specialized gear and getting their packs ready.

“When they’re sitting in the dark, waiting for daylight and hoping for a big buck to come, most deer hunters couldn’t be happier, particularly if their son or granddaughter is joining them. It’s a fulfilling experience, regardless of what happens.”

“Older, bigger-racked bucks are making up more of the buck harvest than they have for at least a couple decades,” Rosenberry said. “Hunters like the bucks in Pennsylvania today compared to what many of them saw 30 years ago.”

Every year, Pennsylvania hunters are taking huge bucks. Some are “book bucks,” antlered deer that make the Pennsylvania Big Game Records book or Boone & Crockett Club rankings. Others simply win neighborhood bragging rights.

But it’s important to remember, every deer matters when only about a third of hunters harvest whitetails during Pennsylvania’s slate of deer seasons.

“Whether it’s a young hunter’s first deer, or a big buck that fell to a hunter on a dark-to-dark sit, they all matter to these hunters, their families and the communities in which they live,” emphasized Burhans. “Hunting deer has been an exciting Pennsylvania pastime for centuries, and it’s sure to remain that way for many generations to come.”

STATEWIDE SEASON

The statewide general firearms season runs from Nov. 30 to Dec. 14. In most areas, hunters may take only antlered deer during the season’s first six days, with the antlerless and antlered seasons then running concurrently from the first Saturday, Dec. 7, to the season’s close. In WMUs 2B, 5C and 5D, however, properly licensed hunters may take either antlered or antlerless deer at any time during the season.

Rules regarding the number of points a legal buck must have on one antler also vary in different parts of the state, and young hunters statewide follow separate guidelines.

For a complete breakdown of antler restrictions, WMU boundaries and other regulations, consult the

2019-20 Pennsylvania Hunting & Trapping Digest

, which is available online at the Game Commission’s website,

www.pgc.pa.gov.

Hunters statewide must wear at all times a minimum of 250 square inches of fluorescent orange material on their head, chest and back combined. An orange hat and vest will satisfy the requirement. Nonhunters who might be afield during the deer season and other hunting seasons are asked to consider wearing orange, as well.

HUNT SAFELY FROM TREE

STANDS- WEAR A HARNESS

Wearing a full-body harness is essential to staying safe when using a tree stand, but a harness can prevent falls to the ground only if it is connected to the tree.

“That means you must wear your harness, and be sure it’s connected to the tree, at all times you’re in the stand, as well as when you’re getting into and out of the stand, or climbing or descending trees,” explained Meagan Thorpe, Game Commission hunter-education chief.

A hunter using a climbing stand should tie-in the safety rope or strap that pairs with the harness before beginning to climb.

BEAR SEASON\’S NOT OVER YET

As we are getting ready to close out the statewide firearms bear season, remember an opportunity to harvest a bear still exisits in many WMU\’s throught the state during the firearms deer season.

EXTENDED BEAR SEASON DATES

Nov. 30-Dec. 7, 2019

WMU\’s: 1B, 2C, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 4A, 4B,

4C, 4D, 4E, 5A

Nov. 30- Dec. 14, 2019

WMU\’s: 2B, 5B, 5C, 5D

From all of us here at the Pennsylvania Game Commission, Happy Thanksgiving. Good luck and hunt safely!

Delaware hunting and trapping seasons opening in December

A retriever brings back a snow goose taken by a Delaware hunter near Little Creek/DNREC photo.

Multiple opening waterfowl hunting seasons run into January

DOVER (Nov. 26, 2019) – Numerous Delaware hunting and trapping seasons open in December, including multiple waterfowl seasons that extend into or through January, coinciding with the influx of a variety of migratory waterfowl for the winter, DNREC’s Division of Fish & Wildlife announced today. Many other hunting and trapping seasons provide opportunities to enjoy the winter outdoors as temperatures drop and provide favorable hunting and trapping conditions.

Hunting seasons opening in December:

Beaver: Dec. 2 – March 20, 2020, private land only

Woodcock and common snipe: Dec. 7 – Jan. 21, 2020

Antlerless deer: Dec. 14 – 22, including all Sundays*

Waterfowl (ducks, coots, and mergansers): Dec. 13 – Jan. 31, 2020

Brant: Dec. 21 – Jan. 1, 2020

Canada geese (migratory): Dec. 21 – Jan. 21, 2020

*Archery and crossbow hunters may NOT take antlered deer during the December antlerless deer season.

Trapping seasons opening in December:

Red fox, coyote: Dec. 1 – March 10, 2020

Muskrat, mink, otter, raccoon, opossum, nutria:

o New Castle County: Dec. 1 – March 10, 2020 (March 20 on embanked meadows)

o Kent and Sussex counties: Dec. 15 – March 15, 2020

Beaver: Dec. 1 – March 20, 2020

Continuing hunting seasons include:

Bobwhite quail: through Jan. 4, 2020

Sea ducks in the special sea duck area: through Jan. 31, 2020 (See page 30 of the hunting

guide

for more information about the special sea duck area.)

Tundra swan: through Jan. 31, 2020, by permit only, issued via pre-season lottery

Snow goose: through Jan. 31, 2020, and Feb. 8, 2020

Mourning dove: through Jan. 31, 2020

Ring-necked pheasant (male only): through Feb. 1, 2020

Gray squirrel: through Feb. 1, 2020

Archery and crossbow deer: through Feb. 2, 2020, including all Sundays

Cottontail rabbit: through Feb. 29, 2020

Red fox (hunt): through Feb. 29, 2020

Coyote (hunt): through Feb. 29, 2020

Raccoon & opossum (hunt): through Feb. 29, 2020*

Crow: through March 31, 2020 (Thursday, Friday, and Saturdays only)

Red fox (chase) through April 30, 2020**

Groundhog: through June 30, 2020 (open year-round)

*Raccoon and opossum may be hunted from 7 p.m. until midnight during the December and January firearm deer seasons.

**Red fox chase season closed during December antlerless season.

DNREC’s Division of Fish & Wildlife offers many hunting opportunities on state wildlife areas. Wildlife area maps and rules are available at

Wildlife Area Hunting Maps

A Delaware hunting license or License Exempt Number (LEN) is required to hunt, and most waterfowl hunters require a Delaware waterfowl (duck) stamp. More information on hunting license and Delaware waterfowl stamp requirements is available at

Delaware Licenses

. Waterfowl and other migratory game bird (except crow) hunters will need a Federal Harvest Information Program (HIP) number. To register for a LEN or HIP number, hunters can go to

Delaware Hunter and Trapper Registration

or call toll free 1-855-335-4868. For hunters age 16 and older, a federal migratory bird stamp is also required to hunt waterfowl.

To purchase a hunting license, either in person or online, hunters born after Jan. 1, 1967, must have a basic hunter education safety course card/number. Hunters who took a Delaware hunter safety course starting in 2008 can print their hunter safety card by going to

http://de.gov/huntersafety

. Hunters who took their Delaware hunter safety course before 2008 should call the Hunter Education Office at 302-735-3600, ext. 1 to obtain a hunter safety card.

Registered motor vehicles used to access designated wildlife areas owned or managed by the Division of Fish & Wildlife are required to display a Conservation Access Pass (CAP). Hunters can opt to receive one free annual CAP with the purchase of any Delaware hunting license. To obtain a CAP, hunters will need the registration card for the vehicle to which the pass will be assigned.

Delaware hunting licenses, Delaware waterfowl stamps, and Conservation Access Passes can be purchased online at

Delaware Licenses

, at the license desk in DNREC’s Dover office at 89 Kings Highway, Dover, DE 19901, and from hunting license agents statewide. Federal migratory bird stamps are available at U.S. Post Offices, Bombay Hook and Prime Hook national wildlife refuges, and online at

Federal duck stamps

For more information on hunting, click

2019-2020 Delaware Hunting & Trapping Guide

and

Wildlife Area Hunting Maps

. Hard copies of the guide and hunting maps are also available at the license desk in DNREC’s Dover office. More information on hunting licenses, season details, and the Conservation Access Pass is also available by calling the DNREC Division of Fish & Wildlife’s Wildlife Section office at 302-739-9912.

State Taxpayers Purchase 1,400-Acre Cumberland County Farm to Preserve Endangered Species

Land Acquisition Will Also Mitigate the Effects of Climate Change

TRENTON – Governor Phil Murphy today announced that the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection has entered into one of the most significant land deals in the agency’s history with a signed agreement to

purchase a 1,400-acre Cumberland County farm to preserve New Jersey’s largest concentration of endangered species and mitigate the effect of climate change. The property, which is owned by Atlantic City Electric and known as Holly Farm, is situated between Menantico Creek and Manumuskin Creek, two federally designated Wild and Scenic Rivers. The acquisition of the property will also directly connect to two Nature Conservancy preserves that will be donated to the Department of Environmental Protection. In total, these additions will expand the preserved Menantico Ponds Wildlife Management Area by more than 5,500 acres. Financial terms of the agreement will be made public when the purchase is finalized.

“Safeguarding New Jersey’s interconnected open spaces and diverse ecosystem is critically important in protecting our environment,” said Governor Murphy. “In addition to protecting endangered species, our open spaces have the capacity to store large amounts of carbon emissions and absorb water to reduce flooding in our communities. Through the acquisition of Holly Farm, we are able to preserve New Jersey’s natural resources and become more resilient to the devastating effects of climate change.”

“We appreciate Atlantic City Electric’s commitment to the environment by helping to preserve this critical open space in South Jersey,” said Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Catherine R. McCabe. “The purchase of the Holly Farm property is a tremendous accomplishment for the state of New Jersey, our conservation partners and residents. Preservation of this property protects an important wildlife corridor and eliminates the risk of development to a scenic and ecologically sensitive region. In addition, the trees and other plants absorb greenhouse gases, mitigating the effects of climate change.”

The Holly Farm property includes an area that Department of Environmental Protection has deemed a National Heritage Priority Site and represents some of the best remaining habitat for rare plant species and rare ecological communities in New Jersey. The site at Holly Farm is habitat for seven rare plants including the sensitive joint-vetch, a federally and globally protected species.

Department of Environmental Protection records have also documented the existence of the threatened Pine Barrens treefrogs, pine and scarlet snakes, corn snakes, barred owls, red-headed woodpeckers, Cooper’s hawks, and the dotted skipper butterfly. The property provides habitat suitable for timber rattlesnakes and Cope’s treefrogs and is the nesting and foraging area for 71 species of breeding birds and nine species of migratory birds. Additionally, the area has been deemed a critical nest buffer and foraging habitat for bald eagles, least tern, and ospreys.

\”Our commitment to serving our customers and communities goes beyond providing the safe and reliable energy service they count on,\” said Dave Velazquez, president and CEO of Pepco Holdings, which includes Atlantic City Electric. \”We recognize that we need to lead the fight against climate change and help preserve the environment where we live and work. We believe the sale of the Holly Farm property to the DEP best fulfills our responsibilities to our customers and communities, as it supports the continued well-being of the region’s natural environment and ensures the continued benefits of this open space for generations to come.”

“We are excited about the addition of this land to our Green Acres inventory and the expansion of open space connectivity in South Jersey,” said Ray Bukowski, DEP Assistant Commissioner for Natural and Historic Resources. “Visitors to this property will be able to enjoy the land as a place to quietly appreciate nature, hike, or view wildlife in pristine habitats.”

Many nonprofit and conservation groups partnered with the Department of Environmental Protection to secure funding through the Open Space Institute to assist with land surveys and plans for potential improvements to the property. They include The Nature Conservancy, the New Jersey Conservation Foundation, NJ Audubon, Natural Lands, the Association of New Jersey Environmental Commissions and Citizens United to Protect the Maurice River. The work of these organizations has been instrumental in ensuring that local planning and zoning efforts safeguard water resources and critical habitats on the property.

“NJ Audubon thanks Atlantic City Electric, the Murphy Administration and DEP for preserving the Holly Farm,” said Eric Stiles, President and CEO of the New Jersey Audubon Society. “This amazing site, which many state and local organizations have been championing for over two decades to permanently protect, provides essential access for outdoor recreation and wildlife and habitat protection. This achieves the twin objectives of supporting the economy through advancing nature-based tourism and improving and preserving our environment.”

“The Nature Conservancy applauds both Atlantic City Electric and the Murphy Administration for working together to preserve one of the crown jewels and a major missing piece in New Jersey’s open space system” said Tom Wells, Director of Government Relations for the Nature Conservancy. “This tract is a keystone property connecting many thousands of acres of already preserved very high value natural lands and sensitive wildlife habitats in southern NJ This is one of the most important land preservation projects in New Jersey in many years.”

“The preservation of 1,400 acres of forested land at Holly Farms in Millville, Cumberland County brings the total acres of preserved land in the area to over 28,000. This could not have happened without the strong environmental commitment of Atlantic City Electric and hard work of Commissioner McCabe to ensure open spaces are available for future generations,” said Ed Potosnak, Executive Director of New Jersey League of Conservation Voters. \”Our children and children’s children will benefit from this important forested land tract being part of the surrounding preserved open spaces.”

“After 30+ years of CU Maurice River’s intense advocacy, the Governor, the NJ DEP, and Atlantic Electric have made this monumental addition to the surrounding preserved lands a reality,” J. Morton Galetto, CU Maurice River. “We salute their courage. This newly acquired space preserves in perpetuity a bridge between two Wild and Scenic river corridors that are home to NJ’s largest concentration of rare and endangered species. This is a global treasure that the public will appreciate for generations to come.”

\”This is tremendous news for the people and animals that call the Garden State home,\” said Jennifer M. Coffey, ANJEC Executive Director. \”It\’s the completion of more than a decade of work to protect enormously special habitat for threatened and endangered species for generations to come. ANJEC extends gratitude this week of Thanksgiving to Governor Murphy, Commissioner McCabe, Atlantic City Electric, Cumberland County and everyone who helped make Holly Farms go green!\”

\”This is a fantastic day for the environment in New Jersey,\” said Ed Lloyd, Director of the Columbia Environmental Law Clinic. \”After three decades of negotiations, we want to commend Atlantic City Electric and NJ DEP for preserving this gem.\”

\”The New Jersey Conservation Foundation commends and congratulates Atlantic City Electric and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection for purchasing and permanently preserving the 1,380 acre “Holly Farm” in Millville as public trust conservation lands for all New Jerseyans,\” said Michele S. Byers, Executive Director of the New Jersey Conservation Foundation. \”We applaud today’s announcement and are honored to support the New Jersey Green Acres Program on this momentous land preservation achievement. Ecotourism is a major economic force in this region and the preservation of the Holly Farm will boost public visitation and enjoyment, bringing much needed economic benefits to the area.\”

DNREC Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Blotter: Nov. 11-17

Reminder for the week: Required hunter education in Delaware

DOVER (Nov. 22, 2019) – To achieve public compliance with laws and regulations through education and enforcement actions that help conserve Delaware’s fish and wildlife resources and ensure safe boating and public

safety, DNREC’s Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers between Nov. 11-17 made 2,416 contacts with hunters, anglers, boaters, and the general public, issuing 40 citations. Officers responded to 74 complaints regarding possible violations of laws and regulations or requests to assist the public. A Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police presence continued at the C&D Canal Conservation Area and Michael N. Castle Trail.

Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police in the Community

On Nov. 17, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers provided security and logistical support to the Blue Cheetah Timing C&D Canal Half Marathon & 5K held on the Michael N. Castle Trail in the C&D Canal Conservation Area.

Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police Actions

On Nov. 17, Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers completed an investigation with the arrest of a Harrington man for multiple charges of

illegal possession of firearms and ammunition by a person prohibited

Citations issued by category, with the number of charges in parentheses, included:

Wildlife Conservation:

Failure to tag antlered deer (4), possession of unlawfully taken antlered deer (1)*, removing antlered deer parts prior to checking (2), failure to purchase a hunter choice tag prior to killing an antlered deer (1), hunting deer with the aid of illegal bait on a wildlife area (6)*, spotlighting (1), hunting on a refuge (2), hunting deer on a Sunday on a state forest (1), hunting deer in archery season with weapon other than a bow (1), trespass to hunt (2), and unlicensed hunting (1).

Public Safety:

Failure to display required hunter orange during a firearms deer season (6), possession of a loaded firearm in a motor vehicle (3), and possession, purchase, ownership or control of a firearm or ammunition by a person prohibited (3).

Other:

Trespassing after hours on a state wildlife area (2)*, driving with a suspended or revoked license (1)*, operating an unregistered motor vehicle on a state wildlife area (1)*, fictitious tags (1)*, and operating a motor vehicle without insurance (1)*.

Includes citation(s) issued at the C&D Canal Conservation Area.

DNREC’s Division of Fish & Wildlife recognizes and thanks the majority of anglers, hunters, and boaters who comply with and support Delaware’s fishing, hunting, and boating laws and regulations. The Public are encouraged to report fish, wildlife, and boating violations to the Delaware Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police by calling 302-739-4580 or through the DENRP Tip app on a smartphone, which can be downloaded free of charge by searching “DENRP Tip” via the Google Play Store or the iTunes App Store. Wildlife violations may also be reported anonymously to Operation Game Theft by calling 800-292-3030, going online to

http://de.gov/ogt

, or using the DENRP Tip app. Verizon customers can connect to Operation Game Theft directly by dialing #OGT.

Are you AWARE?

Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police remind the public that per Delaware law, all people born after Jan. 1, 1967, are required to satisfactorily complete a Basic Hunter Education Course to obtain a Delaware hunting license or youth hunting license. Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult when taking the course. Hunter education certification is not issued to children under 10 years of age. To learn more about Hunter Education, visit this

link

, or call

302-735-3600, Ext.1.

CNB Hunting/Fishing NJ: Rainbow Trout Stocking This Week

This coming Monday and Tuesday, Nov. 25 and 26, approximately 4,800 two-year old Rainbow Trout averaging 14-18 inches will be stocked in 20 ponds and lakes across the state. There are no closures so these large fish are immediately available. Don\’t miss out on the last trout stocking of 2019!

Trout Stocking Schedule

Stocking Map

Winter Trout Fishing in NJ

Trout Fishing Access

Trout Regulations

(pdf)

Get out and enjoy uncrowded waters, great fall weather and plenty of large trout!

Delaware Fish & Wildlife Arrest Several for Hunting/Trespassing on Closed DelDOT Properties

DOVER (Nov. 22, 2019) – DNREC Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police officers this week concluded multiple trespassing to hunt investigations, resulting in two separate arrests of individuals charged with hunting and trespassing on closed Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) properties.

On Nov. 14, Christopher Kinne, 50, of Lancaster, Pa., was charged with one count of trespassing to hunt when making his way to a deer stand with a crossbow on DelDOT property located off of Route 1 south of the Leipsic River near Smyrna. As a result of the arrest, a Barnett Ghost 420 crossbow with quiver and bolt was confiscated as evidence. Kinne was released, pending a mandatory appearance in Kent County Justice of the Peace Court 7 in Dover.

Read it here

to discover comprehensive list of crossbows available on ArcheryPower.

On Nov. 17, Robert Unruh, 45, of Townsend, was charged with one count each of hunting on a

state game refuge

, hunting deer with the aid of illegal bait, and failure to display required hunter orange during a firearms deer season on a DelDOT property located east of Route 1 and north of Blackbird Creek near Townsend. Unruh was fined $379, including court costs and released.

Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police again remind the public that certain state-owned properties are closed to the public, including numerous created wetland sites established by DelDOT to offset environmental impacts from transportation projects throughout the state. These created wetlands are protected properties closely monitored to evaluate how well they are becoming established and whether they meet environmental standards. Any damage to these sites as a result of trespassing or other activities – such as illegally erecting stands or clearing vegetation for hunting, or using the sites for other outdoor recreation activities – may impact DelDOT’s compliance with state and federal environmental permit requirements.

“No trespassing” signage is posted at these sites, with additional signage being installed on DelDOT properties to inform the public. Fish & Wildlife Natural Resources Police are patrolling these sites to help achieve awareness and compliance.

CNB Hunting/Fishing NJ: Harmful Algal Blooms Are Still in NJ Waters

There are continuing Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) at several NJ waters

, including some utilized by waterfowl hunters (e.g. Spruce Run Reservoir). Such blooms can be harmful not only to people but to animals, including hunting dogs. Hunters should be aware that dogs can become ill from drinking the water from a waterbody or by licking their fur after swimming where an ongoing bloom is occurring. Hunters are advised to check the DEP’s

CyanoHAB Events page

for the latest advisories.

CyanoHAB Events page

(Bureau of Freshwater & Biological Monitoring)

Cyanobacterial Harmful Algal Blooms

(Bureau of Freshwater & Biological Monitoring)

Keep Your Dog Safe From HABs

(US EPA site)

Maryland Fishing Report Nov. 20: Winter Temps Forcing Fish/Blue Crabs to Deeper Waters

November 20, 2019

By Keith Lockwood

Maryland Department of Natural Resources

Photo courtesy of Eric Packard

The chill of late November is beginning to lay its hand upon the Maryland landscape. Freshwater species such as trout, walleye, and chain pickerel seem to love the cold. Our blue crabs are seeking the perfect mix of deep water sand and mud to take a winter’s nap.

White perch and resident striped bass are moving into the deep waters of the Chesapeake to snooze out the cold winter months. The late fall offers plenty of good fishing as fish feed heavily to build up winter stores, so don’t miss it.

Forecast Summary: Nov. 20 – Nov. 26:

As we approach Turkey Day, Bay temperatures continue to drop. The cool weather has reduced the water temperature of upper Bay main stream and rivers to the upper 40s, and surface waters from Annapolis south to the Virginia state line down to near 50 degrees. This cooling will continue through the next week. Warmest waters continue to be found in the bottom quarter of the water column. Anglers should focus on

prime habitat areas

for larger concentrations of baitfish and hungry gamefish as they migrate to their winter holding areas. As always, make sure to focus on moving water periods for best results.

Expect normal flows from most of Maryland’s rivers and streams this week.There will be above average tidal currents Saturday through next Tuesday as a result of the upcoming new moon November 26.

Bay surface salinities are largely back to normal conditions.

There will be reduced water clarity from the bottom of the Susquehanna Flats down to Tolchester as a result of the recent spill gates being opened at Conowingo Dam.

To see the latest water clarity conditions, check

Eyes on the Bay Satellite Maps.

For the

full weekly fishing conditions summary

and more detailed and up-to-date fishing conditions in your area of the bay, be sure to check out

Click Before You Cast

. You can now get regular updates on Maryland’s waters and the creatures that call them home sent to your inbox with our new Eyes on the Bay newsletter.

Upper Chesapeake Bay

Photo courtesy of Herb Floyd

There continues to be some early morning striped bass action at the Conowingo Dam pool and the lower Susquehanna River this week, but the action is slowing down as water temperatures drop. Yellow perch are moving into the lower part of the Susquehanna and Northeast rivers and can provide some fun fishing for those using minnows or small jigs on bottom rigs or small beetle spin type lures in shallower waters.

Farther down the Bay, water temperatures are still high enough that the resident striped bass are feeding on small menhaden that are coming out of the tidal rivers. This exodus of baitfish will be coming to an end soon as colder water in the tidal rivers drive them down the Bay.

Those fishing in the upper Bay whether jigging or trolling are constantly watching for diving seagulls, mostly along channel edges. Light-tackle jigging is always a favored fall activity. The mouth of the Patapsco and Hart Miller Island are great places to look for striped bass suspended over channel edges or under birds. White, pearl or chartreuse 6-inch plastics on half-ounce jig heads are a popular way to imitate young of the year menhaden. The mouth of the Chester River and shipping channel edges are also holding striped bass.

Trolling is a very effective way to fish for striped bass along channel edges and anywhere bird action can be spotted. Using heavy inline weights in front of umbrella rigs is perhaps the best way to troll for these fish, which are holding close to the bottom. Swimshads and bucktails dressed with sassy shads in chartreuse or white are popular trailers.

White perch are providing good fishing over shell bottom in deeper areas at the mouths of tidal rivers and out in the Bay. The Bay Bridge rock piles and piers are always a great place to fish for larger white perch this time of the year. Most are using bottom rigs baited with pieces of bloodworm or dropper rigs with small plastic or metal jigs. Channel catfish are also being found in the lower sections of the tidal rivers and fishing on the bottom with cut bait or other favored baits is the way to catch them.

Middle Bay

Herb Floyd invited his friend Chuck from Pennsylvania to fish the Choptank River; they hold up a pair of nice striped bass. Photo courtesy of Herb Floyd

Watching diving seagulls has been the primary focus of most anglers on the Bay. That may start to become a scarcer scenario as the bulk of the young of the year menhaden successfully complete their migration out of Maryland waters. Some of this year’s juvenile hickory shad and river herring will soon be exiting several tidal rivers thanks to the efforts of the

department’s shad restoration program

Right now, birds mark the way to fishing fun with mostly 3-year old striped bass with some larger 4- and 5-year fish showing up at times. Generally speaking, the 2-year-old striped bass have stopped feeding due to cold water temperatures and are hunkering down in deeper waters to sit out the winter months. Light-tackle jigging is good this week in the lower sections of the tidal rivers and along the shipping channel edges out in the Bay. Soft plastic 6-inch jigs in white, pearl or chartreuse are a popular choice as are metal jigs in half-ounce to three quarter ounce size.

Trolling is an excellent option — and it can be especially nice inside a boat cabin protected from the elements. The most popular way to troll this week is deploying umbrella rigs behind heavy inline weights to get them down to the depths where striped bass are holding. The most common trailers being used are Storm type swimshads or bucktails dressed with sassy shads. The shipping channel edges and channels leading out of the major tidal rivers — along with areas near active birds or slicks — are good places to look for suspended fish.

As water temperatures drop, white perch have now moved out into the deeper areas at the mouths of the tidal rivers and in the Bay. Oyster shell bottom is often a preferred habitat for them and a good depth finder will reveal their presence. Bottom rigs baited with pieces of bloodworms or dropper rigs with small jigs is the best way to catch them.

Lower Bay

Photo courtesy of Greg Jenkins

Striped bass can be found scattered along the shipping channel edges and channel edges in the lower Patuxent and Potomac rivers and Tangier Sound. On most days it is easy to spot bird action as baitfish continue to move out of the tidal rivers and travel down the bay. The most common bait being seen are 4-inch to 5-inch juvenile menhaden.

Light tackle jigging is one of the most fun and productive ways to fish for striped bass in the fall and this year is no exception. Using half-ounce to 3/4-ounce jigs skirted with six inch soft plastic bodies in white, pearl, or chartreuse is the ticket to this fun. Metal jigs with single hooks are also a good choice, and braided line is a real asset in regard to sensitivity and line drag.

Trolling is a great option along channel edges and wherever bird action is spotted. Trolling with umbrella rigs and heavy inline weights is the most popular trolling option to get down deep to where the striped bass are holding.

White perch can be found deep — often 30 feet or deeper — in the lower parts of the major tidal rivers over good hard bottom with some amount of current flowing through the area. It’s best to use bottom rigs baited with pieces of bloodworm or dropper rigs holding small jigs or a metal jig with a dropper fly-rigged above. Anglers are reminded that rigs may not have more than two hooks per rig.

Speckled trout can still be found along the eastern and western sides of the Bay in deeper holes, but it’s hard to get them to bite due to cold water temperatures. This is a great time of the year to target blue catfish in the tidal Potomac River, the Sharptown area of the Nanticoke River, and the Patuxent River. Fresh cut bait or items such as clam snouts work well, and channel edges are a good place to look for them.

Freshwater Fishing

Photo by Brian Morgan

The fall turnover of surface and bottom waters at Deep Creek Lake has occurred and stabilized. There are wonderful fishing opportunities for several coldwater species. Walleyes can be caught from shore by casting jerkbaits and crankbaits along steep rocky shores in the evening hours. Smallmouth bass can be found near rocky points and deep sunken structure. Crayfish are making an exodus from shallow water for deeper cover to spend the winter. Crankbaits and jigs that resemble crayfish are a perfect choice to target both smallmouth and largemouth bass.

Photo courtesy of John Mullican

Yellow perch fishing is very good for those using minnows under a slip bobber along steep shoreline edges. Crappie are holding near deep structure and bridge piers and can be caught with small minnows or jigs under a slip bobber. Chain pickerel are holding near shorelines, near fallen treetops and sunken wood. Northern pike are holding in the open waters of coves.

Trout fishermen visiting the catch-and-release and delayed harvest trout management waters are enjoying some peaceful fishing in this beautiful setting of late fall. Nymphs, streamers, and other various flies can offer productive fishing for trout.

Fishing for smallmouth bass and walleyes in the upper Potomac River is good this week. The largest smallmouth bass tend to be the most active, and of course, walleye love cold water. Tubes, jigs, and small crankbaits are good choices. This time of the year is also a great time to do a float trip down the section from Cumberland to Paw-Paw and enjoy good fishing and beautiful scenery.

Largemouth bass are steadily moving to deeper waters seeking warmer water temperatures. They can be found in transition areas near drop-offs or over the edge in deeper water along channel edges or structure. Casting spinnerbaits along transition zones and shallow waters can be a good bet, especially during sunny late afternoon hours when the sun’s rays warm the waters. Working small crankbaits and jigs that resemble crayfish, which are moving across open bottom headed for deeper winter haunts is a good option. Blade lures can also be a good choice when fishing the deepest waters.

Chain pickerel are holding near shoreline sunken wood or fallen treetops, waiting to ambush baitfish or anything else that swims by. The largest chain pickerel can often be found holding near deep structure. Crappie are also holding near deep structure in ponds reservoirs and tidal rivers. They can be caught with minnows or small jigs under a slip bobber.

Atlantic Ocean and Coastal Bays

The southbound migration of striped bass is underway and has advanced as far as New Jersey. There are reports of a 67-pound fish being caught off the Jersey coast this past weekend. The bottom line is that they are on their way and surf fishermen and those that will be trolling along the nearshore shoals are anxiously awaiting their arrival. Those that have to give it a try are soaking cut menhaden baits in the surf.

The last of the flounder are moving through the inlet, headed to their offshore wintering sites. The focus at the Inlet and Route 50 Bridge area has been jigging for striped bass and fishing for tautog. Most of the striped bass fail to meet the 28-inch minimum but are plenty of fun. There is also some striped bass action at the Route 90 Bridge. Tautog are being caught on sand fleas and pieces of green crab along the jetty rocks, bridge piers, and bulkheads.

The sea bass action at the wreck and reef sites seems to have taken a few knocks from last weekend’s winds and tend to be moving to deeper areas. Catches have been good but limit catches are not as common as they were. Triggerfish along with a few bluefish and flounder are also mixing in with catches. Some are starting to target tautog and are doing well.

Deep dropping for swordfish and tilefish tend to round out the offshore fishing scene at the canyons. Now and then, longfin albacore and bigeye tuna are being caught.

“Fishing is a condition of the mind wherein you cannot possibly have a bad time.”

— Zane Grey

Maryland Fishing Report

is written and compiled by Keith Lockwood,

Maryland Department of Natural Resources

fisheries biologist.

Click Before You Cast is written by Tidewater Ecosystem Assessment Director Tom Parham.

This report is now available on your Amazon Echo device — just ask Alexa to “open Maryland Fishing Report.”

Ohio State Program Helps Pet Owners Cope During Grief Process

Newswise — COLUMBUS, Ohio – Making end-of-life decisions for your pet or coping with the loss of an animal is something that no pet owner wants to think about. A program at

The Ohio State University Veterinary Medical Center

recognizes the importance of human-animal bonds and

provides grief support for pet owners facing tough decisions for their animal.

“Grief is a very real and life-impacting feeling – whether that loss of a loved one is a human or animal,” said Joelle Nielsen, a licensed social worker and Honoring the Bond program coordinator at Ohio State Veterinary Medical Center. “We believe every veterinary medical center should have a social worker available to support pet owners navigating this loss.”

The

Honoring the Bond

program at Ohio State Veterinary Medical Center is one of only about 30 programs in the U.S. that provides a full time social worker to support pet owners faced with the loss of their beloved pet.

“If you go to a human hospital, you’re guaranteed to have the support of either a social worker or a chaplain. That’s rare in a veterinary hospital setting,” Nielsen said.

Credit: The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center Sally Malaret made a scrapbook to remember her dog, Max. Talking to a veterinary social worker after Max passed away helped Sally cope with the loss and open her heart to her new dog, Fiona.

Ohio State’s Veterinary Medical Center treats more than 40,000 pets each year with a variety of specialty services ranging from emergency medicine to oncology. Nielsen works as a liaison between the veterinary team and the client to help sort through confusing medical terminology, offer support for those coming in on an unexpected emergency basis, assist with processing difficult end-of-life decisions, facilitate family discussions with children and provide assessment and referral for additional resources.

Nielsen acknowledges that – as with any type of grief – the process is different for everyone and stresses that one of the most important things she does with pet owners is to normalize their experience. “It’s common for people to face conflicting feelings generated from a societal stigma surrounding grieving the loss of an animal,” said Nielsen. “I want people to know that it’s completely normal to grieve the loss of their pet.” Nielsen suggests the following to help people through the loss of a beloved pet:

Try not to compare your experience to others.

We all grieve differently.

Remember there is no standard timeline for the grief process.

The goal is to begin to feel better as the days go by but there may be ups and downs.

Find an outlet for your emotions.

If talking about your feelings is difficult, you can also memorialize your pet by making a scrapbook, creating a memory box or journaling.

Find a pet loss support group

, book, website or therapist who specializes in pet loss for ongoing support.

If the sadness doesn’t ease with time,

don’t be afraid to seek help from a professional counselor.

Nielsen developed and coordinates the Hospital-Based Veterinary Social Work Group, which provides support and collaborative opportunities for the small niche of social workers employed by veterinary medical centers across the U.S. and Canada.

“We hope this group can serve as a model for veterinary medical centers and ultimately expand support services to more pet owners,” Nielsen said.

To learn more about the Honoring the Bond Program, visit

vet.osu.edu/honoringthebond

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