Due to rain, watch where you park to hunt or fish

Between the storms and the heavy rains many of the field roads and pull-offs along fields and woods are extremely soft. Be sure you check before you park to hunt or fish. The results could be getting stuck or damaging a land owners property. This is a sure way to see another property where hunting or fishing is not allowed.

When getting your written permission it is a good idea to ask the land owner where you can park. In addition ask where he will be working and where his livestock will be. It is a good idea even if you have season hunting rights to call each day before you intend to hunt in case there have there have been changes.

This also lets the land owner know who is on his or her property. If some else was hunting illegally you will not be blamed for some damage they may do. Really it all boils down to respect and common sense.

I have noticed that the flooding has made many changes to the stream banks locally. This is also a good sign that some of the deeper pools have filled in with a lot of silt. Care should be used when fishing your favorite stream.

The areas that usually hold fish may now be shallow and the fish may have moved to deeper and more protective areas. This can make a fishing trip more challenging as it becomes a hunting trip. As the water levels drop the best bet for bait is still nightcrawlers and grasshoppers. If the water is still dirty use a small spilt shot to take the hoppers near the bottom.

Wadding can be tricky after a big storm and flooding. So check out each step before you plant your foot or you may step into a hold or slip on newly silt-covered rocks. Either way you may take an unwanted cool bath.