Trout stocking in autumn is running
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources autumn trout restocking program is ongoing. Friends Creek and Owens in Creek in Frederick County received rainbow trout on October 6, as did Evitts Creek and Wills Creek in Allegany Counties and the North Branch of the Potomac River at Gorman and Kitzmiller in Garrett Counties. Antietam Creek in Washington County was stocked with brown trout on October 6th. A total of 800 trout were stocked on October 5th – rainbow trout in Carroll Creek, Frederick, open to youth and the blind, and brown trout in Great Seneca Creek, Montgomery County. On October 4, DNR stored 2,000 rainbow trout in the Casselman River (delayed harvest), Piney Reservoir, Youghiogheny River near Friendsville, and the delayed harvest area, all in Garrett County. Check the storage locations below on a weekly basis dnr.maryland.gov.
Second Sunday tree walks in Frederick
The Frederick County Forestry Board offers tree walks in Frederick on the second Sunday, led by a local ranger from 1pm to 3pm. On October 10th, the walk will take you across the Hood College campus at 401 Rosemont Ave. On November 11, meet up with the band Shell in Baker Park, Second and Bentz Streets, for a stroll in the park. Pre-registration is required, visit frederick.forestry / board.org / tree-walks to register. The hikes are free, but donations to the FCFB are welcome.
International Watch the moon night event
Celebrate international lunar night observation and the upcoming launch of the James Webb Space Telescope (December 18) with a free skywatching event on October 16 from 6pm to 9pm at Observatory Park, 100 DeSellum Ave., Gaithersburg. The evening includes speakers, demonstrations and other activities. There is an option to view the night sky through the park’s official NASA telescope. Bad weather can cancel. Reservation required. For more information call 301-258-6160 or visit gaithersburgmd.gov.
Deer are on their way …
The fall breeding season has set deer moving, and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources offers motorists the following tips: Deer are most active in the early morning and evening periods; slow down when a deer crosses the road as deer often roam in groups and others may be nearby; Watch out for deer crossing street signs and slow down; and watch the roadside where you can see deer standing. The mating season in autumn lasts from mid-October to November. And remember, when you “look for deer” to a loved one in Maryland, it means “I love you”.
… also black bears!
Resident black bears begin a period of increased food activity to prepare for hibernation. They will travel many kilometers in search of food. Motorists from Frederick County to the state’s westernmost counties must watch out for bear crossings in October and November, in addition to deer crossings. According to the Maryland DNR, bears will enter burrows in mid-November and most will be in burrows in mid-December. And a reminder that a hungry bear can become attracted to human-provided food sources and lose its natural fear of humans. The best way to avoid a bear problem is to keep food sources like bird seed, pet food, and trash in a place where bears cannot reach them.
Charles Cotton as President of the NRA. chosen
Wayne LaPierre, Executive Vice President / CEO of the National Rifle Association, was re-elected by the NRA Board of Directors at the October 2nd meeting in Charlotte, North Carolina. Charles Cotton was elected NRA president Cotton says he “grew up hunting and plunking” and is proud to be president of this 150-year-old organization. The NRA will hold its 2022 annual meeting with exhibits in Houston from May 27-29. For more information, see home.nra.org.
Smith & Wesson move to Tennessee
Smith & Wesson Brands Inc., one of the oldest weapons manufacturers in the country, is moving its headquarters and other parts of its business to Maryville, Tennessee in 2023. The company has been based in Springfield, Massachusetts since it was founded in 1852. Mark Smith, President and CEO, said in a press release that “we have no other alternative due to recently proposed legislation in Massachusetts that would prohibit the company from manufacturing certain firearms in the state.” The move will relocate 750 jobs to Tennessee. The company will also close facilities in Connecticut and Missouri as part of the consolidation and streamlining of manufacturing and sales in Tennessee. Some manufacturing operations such as forging, machining, metalworking, and turret assembly will remain in Massachusetts.
