Just three weeks ago, I headed to a lake that I do well with
when targeting crappie. I thought to myself, and explained to my wife before my
departure, that one, it was a week day, and secondly, it was supposed to rain,
so therefore the pressure would likely be light in regards to other people even
being at the lake.
I was wrong. Every parking spot at the ramp was in use.
Every single one. And this wasn’t some small launch area; three full sized
ramps and parking for roughly 120 trucks with trailers are there for use. If it
wasn’t for one spot that was reduced in size due to some fallen tree material
that still allowed me to pull in and out of the way, as well as two kayak/canoe
ramps separate from the main three boat ramps, I would not have been able to
hit the water from there.
Confinement and closures of businesses meant people were
looking other opportunities to keep their sanity it seemed.
The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission recently
revealed guidelines regarding outdoors activities in relation to the governor’s
executive order on the stay-at-home proclamation. And it is a change to how
things usually are, as everything about the COVID-19 fight has been.
While individual activities and seasons have not been banned
or closed, social distancing and immediate household members remain the only
permissible opportunities to do things with others. At every NCWRC run boat
launch area, signs have been placed explaining what you can do and cannot do,
for instance.
No tethering boats together. No gathering of people outside
the immediate household. Extra avoidance procedures when using the boat
launches. I mean, it is simple to understand what you have to do as it is the
same in all other life activities of the moment.
The annual coastal river reports detailing creels from
wildlife biologists and agents from our four main river flows in regards to
American and hickory shad and striped bass, was suspended on March 26. This is
when the information gets really handy in detailing how far up the rivers each
species have spawned.
Hatchery supported trout waters opened April 4th,
but warned some stockings may be delayed or suspended at various times.
Warnings were also issued that all things may come to a halt if people do not
adhere to the proclamation from the governor regarding social distancing.
Turkey season begins, and youth-only season began a week
prior, but no hunting with someone outside of the household is in effect. No,
grandpa won’t be able to call in a gobbler for his little outdoorsy
granddaughter unless they live in the same house.
And again, deviation from these rules come with a warning
that these activities can and will be suspended not just for those that don’t
follow the rules, but for everyone, if enforcement becomes an issue and great
task.
Such is the time we are in.
Our actions will dictate our freedoms, even if those freedoms are not
quite the freedoms we used to enjoy and take for granted.
As for turkey season, I personally shouldn’t need to worry
though. If you have ever read one of my past early to mid-April columns you
will know that turkey know how to socially distant themselves from me whenever
I go to a turkey blind on a hunt.
No comments:
Post a Comment