Deer movement and sightings increase this time of year. Drive careful. OBSERVER Photo by Gene Pauszek.

For those readers who do not know me personally, I am also a very proud grandpa of one smart, pretty, and athletic grand-daughter named Rachel Glowniak, who actively participates on the Dunkirk High School girls soccer, softball and bowling teams. Playing time against the competition will send the team and spectators to all parts of Chautauqua County, and the bowling program will go even farther. Bottom line is, there is a lot of traveling this time of year.

Seasonal fall weather has landed and the foliage is trying on a variety of colors. I keep an eye out for wildlife, including road kill. Lately, there have been a few examples along the roadside, and most of them have been young bucks — either fork horns or spikes. A couple of weeks ago, it seemed to be skunks were on the move along with raccoons. During the evening, especially when it is cool out, the larger deer groups come out. There is no shortage of deer in Chautauqua County this year. How they all seem to disappear when we are trying to fill a deer tag is a miracle of nature, but that’s a different story.

NYS Outdoor News writer Oak Duke predicts that there will be an early rut arriving around Oct. 15 this year, which could be a great time to get the youngsters out for the Youth Deer Hunt. The rut — for you readers who do not hunt — is a time period in the life cycle of whitetail deer, when the males chase after the females in an attempt to breed. The rut usually will have the deer on the move at various times of the day. Deer, by nature, usually are nocturnal, but the rut puts the males — called bucks — into high gear. That can increase a hunter’s chances of at least sighting active deer.

Several circumstances will effect the rut. Warm temperatures, increased precipitation and hunting pressure are some of the biggest factors. At least two of them will probably come into play for this year’s early rut. However, some wise person once said that the worst day hunting (or fishing) was better than the best day working, so if you have the opportunity, go out and enjoy. While you are afield, gather information and keep a journal for future hunts. Look for scrapes and rubs, or other deer signs. Locate food sources and scat (poop) to learn where the deer have been feeding. When you move, move slowly and quietly. Listen, and if you are inclined, use game calls.

Enjoy yourself. It’s called hunting, not catching, for a reason. Take your time. It’s a long season, so make the most of it.

Calendar: Oct. 1 – Nov. 15 is the Southern Zone Early Big Game Bowhunting Season.

Oct. 12-14 is the New York State Youth Big Game Hunting Weekend.

Nov. 11 is NYS Free Fishing Day to celebrate Veteran’s Day.

Upcoming gun shows include: Oct. 26-27 at the Ashtabula County Fair Grounds (Ashtabula County Expo Building) located at 127 North Elm Street Jefferson, OH, 44047; Nov. 16-17 Hickory Post VFW 5550 East State Street US Route 62, East of PA. 18 – West of Mercer on 62, Hermitage PA, 16148; and Dec. 14-15 at the Harbor Creek Fire Dept Social Hall located at 7275 Buffalo Road – US Route 20 (located between North East, PA and Harborcreek, PA.

All three shows are from 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. on Saturdays and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sundays. Adults are $5 and children under the age of 12 are free. For more information contact Larry Spicer at (716) 792-9972 or go to LRgunshows@gmail.com or the website LRsportingevents.com.

Children of the Stream will present weekly free fly-tying classes every Tuesday from 7 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. in the Costello Room in the Rockefeller Art Center at the State University of New York Fredonia, starting Aug. 27. Children ages 12 and up, including adults are welcome and encouraged to attend. All tools and material will be provided for free.

If your club or organization is holding a hunter safety training/trapping course or a turkey shoot or any other outdoors event, and would like to see it posted in the calendar, send information to the OBSERVER, 10 East Second Street, Dunkirk, NY 14048, or call the sports department at 366-3000 ext. 5 after 6 p.m.

Note: If you have a big game fishing or trapping success story you would like to share, call 366-1772, or 467-2079 and leave a name, phone number and a time you can be reached. You can also call 366-3000, ext. 5, after 6 p.m. or email sports@observertoday.com.