Most of the lunar theory pundits predict the height of the deer rut to be from Nov. 4 to 13, an early rut this year. This compares to a late rut last year, and here's another interesting observation: In my area, more fawns kept their spots later (mid-Sept.) than anyone can remember. The area I refer to is Black Brook, AuSable Forks and Jay. And from personal observation, I saw more small fawns than I have seen in the past.

At a recent deer forum sponsored by the Department of Environmental Conservation in Elizabethtown, I asked biologists about this spot phenomenon. They had heard similar reports of late spots on fawns, but had no answers.

It's doubtful last year's late rut had anything to do with it because that would add only a week or two to the birthing, and last winter was not a particularly rough one, so the question as to why the spots stayed so late probably will remain a mystery.

From the feedback I've been getting, along with my own sightings, there seem to be fewer deer in my given area than last year, and less than last spring when I saw more than a few does with two fawns; now the few deer I do see are alone. Coincidently, the amount of coyote howling has increased, so I hope there is not a cause and effect relationship here.

Aim for Safety
From the standpoint of hunting-related accidents, 2008 had 29 statewide, below the 10-year average; however, the number of fatalities (four) is up from the average. One of those fatalities was in Essex County Nov. 15 when, in a hunting party of four, a shooter lost sight of his target and aimed where he thought the deer was, killing one of his hunting party members. This ghastly shooting reminds us of one of the main precepts hunting safety instructors preach: Be absolutely certain of your target and what lies beyond.

I firmly believe that wearing some orange helps in that decision making because no animal in New York has bright orange fur or hair, and anyone who carelessly shoots at a person clad in orange should be dealt with harshly by the authorities.

The other deer-hunting-related accident in the tri-county area was a self-inflicted gunshot wound, a reminder to keep the muzzle of the firearm pointed in a safe direction. Non-hunters who fear hiking during the hunting season should take solace in the fact that hunting accidents, like those mentioned above, happen mostly to people associated with the hunt or are self-inflicted.

I hope before anyone takes a careless shot he or she will remember that a poorly chosen shot could result in tragedy, and possibly having your name dragged through the media, and even lead to a jail time. As the hunting instructors have preached, the responsibility lies with the person pulling the trigger.

This and That
Last weekend, the New York State Outdoor Writers Association came to Lake Placid for their annual convention. The event was well-attended, with writers from as far away as Long Island. At the awards banquet Saturday night, my colleague here on the Outdoors Page, Dan Ladd, did very well in the photography and writing categories. I also received a couple writing awards.

During that conference, I made a side trip to the Fran Betters memorial service at Monument Falls on the West Branch of the AuSable River. My guess is that more than 200 people attended, some clad in waders and fishing vests, paying tribute to the legendary fly-tier and angler. When I left, the river was devoid of fishermen, a tribute to Fran.

The Wildlife Photo Gallery has been expanded this week in order to use some of the many photos we have received. We can't do this every week, so be patient if you have already sent in a photo.

E-mail Dennis Aprill:at daprill2000@yahoo.com and check out our Web site at www.pressrepublican.com/0105_outdoor_perspective for more photos and past articles.