Bear Catches, Fish Finding and Chumslingers

Buddy Rock-
Captain Buddy Harrison Jr. with a 2006 Chesapeake Bay striper caught aboard his charterboat Brooks Hooks out of Tilghman Island.
Photo courtesy Chelly Scala

By Steve and Chelly Scala
ST. MARY'S TODAY Outdoor Editors

Fishing time is the priority of many in the outdoors right now and with good reason. While hunting seasons are over until this September when dove and deer come in, putting away and taking care of that spring gobbler cannon brings to mind preparation for the upcoming 2006-07 hunting times. Wildlife management work goes on 24/7 as they say, especially when it comes to predicting, planning and providing upcoming season windows for numerous game and waterfowl. Environmental impacts, non-consumptive users, interaction with the ongoing suburban sprawl of what used to be the countryside, are additional tasks and considerations that keep Maryland’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR) busy, year round. So, it should come as no surprise that the DNR has recently released information on the latest Black Bear population, in western Maryland.
Study Results
The DNR’s Wildlife and Heritage Service (WHS) has provided via press release, the results of their latest black bear population study. Taking place in Garrett and Allegany counties during the summer of 2005, the study determined Maryland’s “core bear area” of Garrett and western Allegany counties increased since 2000. Study results showed an estimated population of 326 adult and subadult (yearling) black bears in this western Maryland location. The 2005 study resulted in a 44 percent increase over the 227 bears recorded 5 years earlier.
Methodology
May and June of 2005 is when WHS staff collected black bear hair samples via trap sites throughout Garrett and Allegany counties. Samples were then forwarded to a laboratory where “genetic analysis technology” examines the samples and matches them to individual bears that left the hair behind. These DNA identification results were then subjected to rigorous statistical analysis. WHS Director Paul A. Peditto, is quoted in a recent DNR press release as saying, “The results of this study and the analysis reinforce our commitment to ensuring a sound scientific foundation as the basis for all of our decision-making for black bears in Maryland. Conducting a scientifically sound study to estimate a population of wide-ranging wild animals across a largely undeveloped landscape is a difficult and time-consuming task. The results of this effort reinforce the department’s commitment to using state-of-the-art technology and techniques to fully understand and manage the black bear resource in Maryland.”
Rationale & Use
Black Bear population estimates developed by the WHS area supplemented by annual surveys that monitor their growth and number trends. Collectively, DNR indicates that Maryland’s black bear population continues to increase in numbers.
Future management decisions utilize these estimates and research data and will adjust black bear harvest quotas for the 2006 bear-hunting season. The upcoming 2006 Maryland Black Bear hunting season is scheduled to be held in Garrett and Allegany counties. The current Maryland quota set by WHS is 35 to 55 bears; the 2006 season is set for Oct 23-28 and Dec 4-9, 2006. WHS will provide 220 bear-hunting permits via a random drawing process.
River Rockers
Chumslingers may rule at the Middlegrounds, but rockfish are also in the rivers. Fishing the mouth of the Potomac can produce plenty of action by trolling bucktails and spoons. Early morning and evening hours are best, unless breaking fish splashing bait and diving birds suggest otherwise. Bait patterns are the best indicator, so if you see signs of schools on your depth finder, keep that area close by as a trolling option.
Lures of Choice
Bucktails remain the best option for the dominant class of stripers in Southern Maryland waters. Try sizes in ½ to one ounce in white, chartreuse or red & white colors. Just a few ounces of in-line weight are needed if the fish are near the surface. Include heavier weights on different lines to find out where the fish are, while trolling. Spoons also work when trolling for stripers especially if there are toothy blues around. Blues can ruin bucktails quickly, so change over to small drones Tony Acettas or crippled alewive spoons when the bluefish show up.
Rock with MD Money
Maryland’s 2nd Annual $1,000,000 Fishing Challenge continues through Monday, September 4. Catch a tagged fish worth cash prizes and you are in with the winners. Maryland non-tidal lakes and streams along with the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries as waters eligible for winning prizes. Included are five grand prizes. These are a chance at winning $1 million in cash, a 20’ center console Sailfish 206CC motorboat and trailer, a 18’ 7” Tracker Nitro 591 motorboat and trailer, and two 2006 Toyota Tacoma 4x4 pick-up trucks.
Tagged $tripers
Throughout each of the 13 weeks of the 2006 Diamond Jim Maryland Fishing Challenge, a striped bass with a special yellow tag will be released. The angler who catches that tagged fish will win $25,000. The 2005 Maryland Fishing Challenge included 103 fish that were caught and provided prizes for 102 anglers. Four of these winners were selected to compete for the $1 million grand prize. For additional information on the species of fish that are being tagged and how to contact Maryland officials if you catch one, visit their website at; http://www.dnr.maryland.gov/fish4cash/.