The above is the schedule of upcoming ice fishing derbies this winter. Our thanks go out again to Paula Dailey at the Onota Boat Livery in Pittsfield for compiling the 2015 schedule of ice fishing derbies and posting them on its web site Simply log onto Onotaboat.com to access that list.
Although space does not allow listing all of the derbies raffle prizes, I am making an exception with the Lanesboro Volunteer Fire Dept derby. For a $10 ticket, you can enter into its raffle which has the following prizes: 1st Prize – Eskimo ice auger valued at $560, 2nd Prize – Ice fishing jet sled filled with everything needed to go ice fishing(except an auger) valued at $650. All of the proceeds benefit the Lanesboro Volunteer Fire Dept. Tickets can be obtained at the Onota Boat Livery which, incidentally, donated or provided the above items at cost. *****
According to Berkshire Beagle Club (BBC) Director John Demary, the rabbit hunt last Saturday was a success considering the cold and raw day. Some 24 hunters participated, bagging 3 snowshoe hares and 7 cottontail rabbits.
The largest hare was taken by Rylan Kalisz of Adams with one weighing 3.59 lbs. It was taken in front of his grandfather Dick Kalisz’s (also of Adams) dog Hudson. The largest cottontail was taken by Dave Morris of Lee with one weighing 3.01 lbs. It was taken in front of Tom King’s (of Cheshire) dog Boomer. I am listing the dogs’ names along with the owners because, after all, they did all of the work.
Some of the bunnies were donated to member Russell Moody, Minister of The Pittsfield Church of Christ who cleaned them and gave them to families in need. It is unfortunate that we have such needy families here in the Berkshires but if there is one consolation it is this: wild rabbits are delicious. I grew up eating them and still have a couple of meals of them every year.
Following the contest check–in, the participants enjoyed a delicious meal of venison pasta, venison chili and bear stew. A raffle followed the meal.
Incidentally, the BBC recently held its officer elections and the following individuals were elected: President – Rodney Hicks of Hancock, VP – John Demary of Dalton, and Treasurer – Tim Cahoon of Pittsfield. The Secretary position is open. *****
A Basic Hunter Education Course will be held at the Pittsfield High School, 300 East Street, Pittsfield, on March 3, 5, 10, 12, 17 and 19 from 6:00pm to 9:00pm.
All first-time hunters who wish to purchase a Massachusetts hunting or sporting license must complete a Basic Hunter Education course. The course is designed for first-time hunters and is standardized across North America. All government-issued Basic Hunter Education certificates, from any North American jurisdiction, are accepted as proof of successfully completing the course in order to purchase a hunting or sporting license.
Anyone who has held a hunting license prior to 2007 in this or any other state, or is a graduate of a Basic Hunter Education course in this or any other state, does not need any additional training and may immediately create a customer account and purchase a Massachusetts hunting or sporting license (www.mass.gov/massfishhunt). Proof of a previous license or certificate is not required. For more information, call 508-389-7820. *****
On Saturday, February 7 the Lee Sportsmen’s Association will be having an All Women’s Basic Pistol Course from 8:00am to 6:00pm. For more information call Vicki White (413) 442-8107.
Brady Kerr, Secretary of the Lenox Sportsmen’s Club reports that the following leagues have started but there is always time to join in: Pistol League runs Mondays 7:00pm and Thursdays at noon, Rifle League on Sundays from 10:00am to noon, 2-D Archery shoots on Thursdays and Fridays from 6:00pm to 8:30pm or Saturdays from 12:30pm to3:00pm and 3-D Archery League on Mondays from 6:00pm to 8:30pm.