Squirrel and archery bear hunting seasons are upon us

This past weekend was the first of a three-part squirrel season. It opened Sept. 10 and runs until Sept. 24 statewide, and for junior hunters. 

This junior season is an opportune time to introduce a youngster to the sport of hunting. And since squirrels are the most plentiful small game species, junior hunters are sure to get some action that will maintain their interest. 

Not only are squirrels abundant, their sweet meat makes good table fare. And their tails can be profitable as Mepps fishing lure company offers a program that will either pay cash for tails that they use to make their famous fishing spinners, or they’ll trade tails for their lures of your choice. Check Mepps.com for details. 

Veteran squirrel hunters will use .22LR rifles that have negligible recoil for junior hunters, plus the caliber won’t damage a meat as a shotgun would. It also develops stealth and accuracy in juniors. 

One trick squirrel hunters use to get a furry tails to show themselves is to suck the back of a hand to make a squeaking sound. Once they appear, accuracy comes into play. 

Also opening this week is the first part of a three-part archery bear hunting season in Wildlife Management Units (WMUs) 2B, 5C and 5D. The bow season runs Sept. 18-Nov. 13; Nov. 15-20; Nov. 22-26 and two Sundays on Nov. 14 and Nov. 21. 

You may think that here in WMU 5C there wouldn’t be bears in this populated area. Well, two weeks ago one was spotted near the Ironton Rail Trail near Ormrod, and this past week, a sizable bear feasted on sunflower seeds from an Orefield home owners’ bird feeders in the development next to the former Apple Hill Ski Area off Kernsville Road. Of course, every bear season one or more bear are taken from the Leaser Lake area. 

SALTWATER FISHING REPORT

According to On the Water Magazine’s fishing reports, the fluke bite has really turned on. 

Capt. Phil Sciortino of The Tackle Box in Hazlet, said last week’s fluke fishing has been the best this season. Rough bottom was yielding big fish. In addition, the tuna bite turned on with yellowfin and bluefin relatively close to shore. 

Mike Pinto at Giglio’s Bait & Tackle in Sea Bright said the fluke bite really picked up off the beach with lots of keepers with an 8.8-pound, 27-incher checked in at the shop. Pinto added that a lot of Spanish mackerel and triggerfish were caught and crabbing remains good in the rivers. 

Bob Matthews at Fisherman’s Den in Belmar reported excellent fluke action from the Shark River and from party boats. Limits were taken from the river with fish up to 5 pounds and on the Big Mohawk party boat, they had two double-digit fish up to 12 pounds pulled over the rails. 
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Lloyd Bailey at the Reel Seat in Brielle said fluking remains good in the Manasquan River and on the local reefs. It was especially good on the south side of the Axel Carlson Reef and nearby Manasquan Reef.