There’s one thing good to say about the second wave of seriously cold temperatures that invaded the Sunshine State last week. It reminded us hunters that deer season is still going strong in parts of Florida.

General gun season remains open on private lands in zones B and D through Feb. 23. (Zone B is in mid-Florida, and Zone D includes Okaloosa, Walton and Santa Rosa counties in Northwest Florida.) And then if you don’t mind hunting with a primitive weapon, Zone D’s late muzzleloading gun season runs a week longer until March 2. This unique late season, which occurs only in Zone D, was established to give hunters the chance to hunt the rut, which occurs from mid-January through February in the Panhandle.

A $5 muzzleloading gun permit is required to hunt during this season. On private land, hunters have the choice of using a muzzleloader, bow or crossbow.

On wildlife management areas, this postseason is referred to as the archery/muzzleloading gun season. Hunters can use bows or muzzleloaders but not crossbows, unless they possess a disabled crossbow permit. Hunters who choose to hunt with a bow must have the $5 archery permit, and those using a muzzleloader need the muzzleloading gun permit.

The most common kinds of game to hunt during this season are deer and wild hogs. Only bucks may be taken (even if you use a bow), and one antler must be at least 5 inches in length. If you’re hunting deer, make sure you have the $5 deer permit. On private land, the daily bag limit is two. Bag limits and antler size for deer on WMAs can differ, so please consult the area brochure before you hunt.

Wild hogs aren’t considered game animals on private lands. Because of this, they can be taken year-round by most weapons with no bag or size limits. On most WMAs, there also are no bag or size limits, and hogs are legal to take during most hunting seasons except spring turkey. On selected WMAs, specific bag and size limits do apply, so check the area’s brochure to make sure.

No dogs may be used in the pursuit of deer during this season. However, leashed dogs can be used to track a wounded deer if necessary. And it’s important to note that no turkeys may be taken during this season.

Bows and crossbows must have a minimum draw weight of 35 pounds, and hand-held releases on bows are permitted. Broadheads used in taking deer must have at least two sharpened edges with a minimum width of 7/8 inch.

During this season, you may use only muzzleloaders that take black powder or a non-nitro-cellulose substitute and are fired by wheel lock, flintlock or percussion cap ignition (including 209 primers). You may not use muzzleloaders that require smokeless powder or those with self-contained cartridge ammunition capabilities. For hunting deer, muzzleloaders that fire single bullets must be at least .40-caliber, and those firing two or more balls must be 20-gauge or larger.

You’re allowed to take deer and hogs over feeding stations on private land, but it’s illegal to do that on WMAs.

Twelve of the WMAs in Zone D have a late archery/muzzleloading gun season. If you plan to hunt any of ’em, you must have the $26 management area permit as well. Ten of those areas don’t require a quota permit during this period: Apalachicola, Apalachicola River, Beaverdam Creek, Blackwater, Choctawhatchee River, Econfina Creek, Escambia River, Point Washington, Tate’s Hell and Yellow River WMAs. The two that do require a quota permit are Chipola River and Perdido River WMAs.

You can get all of the licenses and permits you’ll need at any tax collector’s office or retail outlet that sells hunting and fishing supplies, by calling 888-HUNT-FLORIDA or by going online at License.MyFWC.com.       

So if you’re not quite ready to give up on deer hunting, have no fear, ’cause February’s here! Grab your favorite primitive weapon and head over to Zone D, where the rut is still on.

As hunters, we all know that it’s nearly impossible to score every time we’re in the woods. But the thrill of the hunt lies in the appreciation of the woods, watching the wildlife and never knowing when that trophy animal might decide to show itself.

Tony Young looks forward each year to hunting Zone D’s late muzzleloading season, because the deer are still in rut on a couple of properties he hunts.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: OUTTA' THE WOODS: Deer hunting lasts through March 2 in Zone D

4-H aims to teach life skills to children. We find that the program also equips kids with marketable skills, along with a sense of belonging and self-worth, which make them more apt to be successful.

The program also helps volunteers. Studies indicate that volunteers experience greater health benefits and, in some cases, individuals can combat the onset of depression simply by volunteering. Other benefits include increased social skills and an expanded social network.

4-H volunteers can make a positive difference in children's lives. This can trigger a sense of commitment, pride and accomplishment, which leads to a more positive self-image. The more positive your self-image, the more likely you are to set and accomplish positive personal goals.

As you help children develop communication and teamwork skills, you're also strengthening them in yourself. Some volunteers may open new doors for employment based on the skills they have learned and developed.

Today, when families are busier than ever and time seems limited, having a positive adult role model can truly influence children's path. Volunteering with 4-H allows these positive impacts to occur.

If you are already a 4-H volunteer, take pride in your contributions and reap the joy and benefits associated with such. If you are not a volunteer, you do not have to look far to find a perfect match for your volunteer services.

The Florida 4-H program welcomes you, and area 4-H agents are eager to help you get started!

Thanks Niki Crawson, Holmes County 4-H youth development agent, and the Northwest District Volunteering in the Panhandle Newsletter, for this great information.

Haley Worley is an agent at the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension office in Crestview.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: EXTENSION CONNECTION: What are the benefits of volunteering for 4-H?

Life's only constant is change, for better or worse, so we can only hope it's mostly for the best. Thankfully, that was the case two weeks ago for my family, and with the chance meeting of new friends.

My wonderful husband, Adam, and I celebrated another wedding anniversary. I’m so happy he made it through another year of putting up with me!

We also celebrated our oldest child’s 20th birthday. Blaise has grown into a wonderful young man; we're so proud of him. He has the same "old soul" gene as me. While his peers are busy partying and doing Lord knows what, he has graduated college and begun a career he thoroughly enjoys.

Really, what more could you ask for?

Well, during our celebration, he announced he is ready to look for a place of his own — near his loving parents, of course — and that he and his long-time girlfriend, Tiffany, have started discussing marriage. That they decided to live near us, in beautiful Laurel Hill, with no persuasion from me, made me that much more elated.

Even more change was in the air. While showing Tiffany around our town, I stopped at the old Hobo Video to investigate signs of a new business. There, I had the pleasure of meeting Mark and Kelly Bartsch, who opened Computer Plus just more than a month ago. They offer fair and very reasonably priced PC repair and recycling.

Now, I know nothing of computer science. I have to drive to Crestview if I have a tech issue.

The store’s slogan is “We’re here to help,” and they back their claim with free consultations and diagnostics.

The Bartsches have already made a big difference for one Laurel Hill School elementary class by donating a Linux computer with specialized learning programs.

In addition, while visiting the store, I overheard Mark suggest a more affordable service to another customer. I asked about this and he simply said, “He didn’t need all that. I’m not going to suggest or overcharge someone (for) something that isn’t needed. We’re in the business because we both like computers and we want to help the community, not get rich.”

I was surprised and impressed by his compassion.

Yes, life is full of change, but our family is staying together in beautiful Laurel Hill, and we have made new friends in this peaceful town.

Really, what more could you ask for?

Amber Kelley lives in Laurel Hill. Send news or comments to Hobo.homefront@gmail.com or P.O. Box 163, Laurel Hill, FL, 32567.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: HOBO HOMEFRONT: Our family's staying together, supporting Laurel Hill businesses