Temperatures rise and the snow melts. Robins begin arriving, and daffodils and rhubarb begin to emerge from the cool, soggy ground. It must be March. However, for all its teasing, this month is normally far from being the usher of spring-proper weather. We'll no doubt see periodic snow and colder weather before April's arrival, probably several times.

I sometimes hear groaning about this unappreciated month, usually because there's "nothing" to do outdoors. Too early for trout fishing, too late usually for ice fishing, and rabbit, squirrel and grouse seasons closed the last day of February. But for hunters, there are still crows and coyotes since those two species' seasons remain open. Crow season ends March 31, and coyote season ends March 25. While coyotes can be hunted any time, day or night, crow hunting is limited to Fridays through Mondays only (a result of a treaty with Mexico, where crows are important scavengers). Anglers might consider special regulation waters where fishing remains open. Consult the DEC fishing syllabus for a listing of those waters.