Last week’s rain put a “damper” on big game hunting for several few days. While I can handle light rain - and even prefer it for deer hunting - I never have learned how to cope with wind. The stronger it is, the more difficulties I have with it and normally just end up going back early to home or the hunting camp.

On the other had, I’ve always had good luck during a light rain; and the operative word there is “light.” I don’t mind a light rain or a drizzle and have had some of my very best hunting days during those conditions. For some reason, deer like to move during a light rain and I’ve at least learned how to take advantage of that.

I once asked a DEC wildlife biologist about it and he concurred that deer do, in fact, tend to move around during light precipitation. He had no definitive reason for that behavior but admitted it does occur. He thought it might have something to do with the soothing affect of light rain, or perhaps the fact that it keeps down sound, insects and/or scent, but the actual reason was only conjectural.

In any event, there may be a fine line between a light rain and too much rain so how well it works for you depends upon how much precipitation there is. Too much is no good, because it makes for sloppy walking and stalking, and really wet conditions can be dangerous if you’re not dressed for them.

No matter how good your rain gear is, rain always finds a way to permeate your jacket, coat or trousers and if it can penetrate your boots, that’s even worse. Hypothermia can be a problem, even on 50-degree days, but that’s a condition we can discuss in more detail in a future column.

In short, light rain I like but Frankenstorm-type rain, especially if it’s accompanied by stronger winds and fallen trees, is no good and can be dangerous as well.

TURKEY NUMBERS DOWN

It’s no secret that turkey numbers are down across New York state, more in some areas than others, but still down. In some areas, turkey numbers are at their lowest point in over a decade. The reasons for this are not fully known or understood, though the weather during the spring nesting season, as well as the loss of suitable nesting habitat, may be the primary culprits.

The NYS Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation has asked hunters to not bag a hen during the fall season unless they plan to use it. In other words, no incidental shooting of hens by small game hunters or bowhunters.

MORE HENS = MORE TURKEYS

More hens means more nesting turkeys during May and June, so it’s hoped a reduced take of hens during the fall season - the only time they may legally be taken - will result in an overall increased population of birds during the spring. Some hunters have suggested a shortened fall season but that’s not apt to happen too soon.

The state chapter has instead launched an “If You Ain’t Huntin’ ‘Em, Don’t Harvest ‘Em” campaign that it is hoped will reduce hunter take during the fall season. It appears the DEC may alter structure of the fall season by 2015 but how, and how much, is still uncertain.

LEFTOVER PERMITS

This will likely impact very few of you but I thought you’d be interested in it anyway. Leftover deer management permits are available and will be distributed effective tomorrow, Nov. 1. The units that have unissued permits include: 1C, 3M, 3R, 3S, 7F, 7H, 8A, 8F, 8G, 8H, 8J, 8N, 9A and 9F.

Applications for any of these permits will be accepted only at license-issuing agents and not by phone, mail or on-line. These permits will be issued on a first-come, first-served basis; hunters may apply for and receive up to two additional permits in the aforementioned DMUs.

Applications for these leftover permits will not affect any preference points you may have. Of course, in reviewing the WMUs listed above, you’ll note that none are in the northern zone or peripheral Adirondacks, where some permits are normally issued. The closest one is Unit 7H, in the southern zone, and consists of parts of Cayuga, Madison, Onondaga, Oneida and Seneca counties.

ELECTION DAY

Tuesday, Nov. 6, is Election Day and we’ll be voting on the office of the president of the United States as well as a raft of other candidates. No politics here, just a reminder to vote your conscience. Study the issues and the candidates and then make a decision and vote accordingly. Voting is not only a privilege but an obligation as well.