The Christmas season was upon me and I had strict orders to clean up my stuff from the fall hunting season. I knew this was only right because we would have throngs of people in an out of the house during the holidays and my boots might pose a hurdle in the stairwell.

Now that the Christmas dinners are over, my mind is returning to what I'm going to do for the next few months. In a discussion with a few fellow hunters the other day, they spoke of a special hunting season that goes on in Wildlife Management Unit 2B that is part of Butler County.

The the area is just south of Route 228 from Cranberry Township to Route 356 near Sarver and takes in most of Allegheny County and parts of Beaver, Washington and Westmoreland counties. It's a big area with a big population of deer and plenty of unused antlerless deer licenses available.

In Unit 2B, hunters are able to use muzzleloaders, slug guns, crossbows and regular rifles outside the borders of Allegheny County. One of the drawbacks with this unit is that gaining access to private property takes some effort. There is only one small area, Game Lands 203, open for public hunting, and I'm sure it gets plenty of pressure.

Closer to home, the primitive flintlock season started Wednesday and is open to all hunters who have a valid deer tag, a muzzleloader stamp or an archery stamp. This is the last chance for a buck hunter to find the big one that's eluded him all year.

Two years ago, I was on a hunt and had a buck stand up in some cattails while I was watching a swampy area. It was a bit damp that afternoon and my misfire allowed that buck to walk away from me. I still had the chance and that's all anyone can ask for when deer hunting.

The use of crossbows in muzzleloader season has some people confused because they can't be used with an archery stamp. They can be used only with a muzzleloader stamp. The crossbow must have a draw weight no less than 125 pounds and no more than 200 pounds of draw weight.

To shoot a buck, the hunter must have an unused buck tag. To shoot a doe, the hunter must have an antlerless license for the WMU or you cam use the buck tag as an either/or license tag.

In the late season, hunters aren't required to wear fluorescent orange. Many hunters wear the camo patterns to match the terrain and weather conditions. Other hunters like to don traditional garb of wool and leather to simulate the appearance of 18th century frontiersmen.

I still like to wear orange while hunting. Being shot by another hunter who mistakes me for game is one experience I'd rather avoid.

If you are hard core and like late winter fishing, you can try your hand on Lake Erie tributaries. Warmer air temperatures and recent rain water in the streams is a sure way to trigger steelhead trout into the popular fishing spots.

For the lake and pond anglers, the frigid weather will get you thinking about ice fishing. The ice should be at least 4 inches thick to be safe.

You will need a 2008 fishing license, and if you one now it can be used this December as well.

I'm pumped up about the start of the fishing season in early spring when I can get some time on the lakes with my boat.

Remember to get your boat ready with a new registration sticker and safety equipment checks.

Until we meet again, stay warm and do something wild in the outdoors.