Outdoors Notes -- Sept. 23
Sep. 23—Hike with a naturalist
Join a naturalist at Greenbrier State Park at 10 a.m. Sept. 24 for a fun hike to learn about the plants, insects, birds and animals that inhabit the park. Meet at the visitor center, 21843 National Pike, Boonsboro. The hike will be on the orange and red trails, about 1 1/2 miles with moderate difficulty. Park entrance fees apply. For more information, call 301-791-4656.
Friends of Lefty Kreh speaker series continues
The Friends of Lefty Kreh is celebrating the late Frederick native, who is considered one of the pioneers of saltwater fly fishing and creator of the popular (and successful) fishing lure Lefty's Deceiver. At 2 p.m. on Sept. 24, at the C. Burr Artz Public Library, 110 E. Patrick St., Frederick, Don Fine will present his talk titled "Lefty Kreh: Citizen of Frederick." In addition to the weekly talks, an exhibit dedicated to Kreh and to the upcoming dedication of the FOLK statue of Lefty to be installed in Culler Lake, Baker Park, will be on view at the library.
State turkey calling contest Sept. 24
The Maryland state chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation will hold a sanctioned calling contest Sept. 24 at Molly's Place, 12503 Augustine Herman Highway, Kennedyville. The winners in several categories will go on to compete in the Grand National Calling Championships in Nashville during the NWTF national convention and sport show February 2024. Learn more at nwtf.org.
Hunter education classes
The Frederick County Izaak Walton League of America on Reels Mill Road in Frederick will host a free, three-session hunter education class from 6:30 to 10 p.m. Sept. 28 and 29, and from 7:15 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Sept. 30. The course topics include firearm equipment, basic shooting and hunting skills, hunter responsibilities and ethics, tree stand safety among other topics, and a range session. Sessions are also scheduled at the Harney Fire Department in Taneytown, beginning Oct. 3, and at the Mount Airy IWLA, beginning Oct. 4. Get the full schedule of hunter education classes and register at dnr.maryland.gov.
New state fish record set
Brian Summerlin, of Princess Anne, caught a 16.6-pound sheepshead fish on Sept. 17 in Tangier Sound, off Crisfield. The fish has been officially recognized as the new state fishing record in the Chesapeake Bay Division for sheepshead. It measured 26.25 inches. Summerlin's catch broke the previous record of 14.1 pounds set in August 2020, reports the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, which maintains state records for sport fish in four divisions — Atlantic, Chesapeake, Nontidal and Invasive.
Md. migratory bird stamp design contest now open
Artists are invited to submit their original works for the 50th Maryland migratory bird stamp design contest through Nov. 3. This will be the last migratory bird stamp contest hosted by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources as a physical stamp is no longer required for hunting waterfowl. The design contest is open to residents and nonresidents of the state as well as previous winners. Each contestant may submit up to three entries with a fee structure of $15 for one entry, $20 for two and $30 for three. Proceeds help fund game bird and waterfowl research and projects, which going forward will continue to be supported by license and permit fees. According to a DNR news release, decline in demand for the actual stamp and decreased participation in the stamp design contest led to the decision to end the contest. DNR staff will judge the entries at the Waterfowl Festival in Easton on Nov. 11. Complete rules and contests can be found at dnr.maryland.gov or by contacting Chris Markin at christopher.markin@maryland.gov.
— Susan Guynn
