Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Rebecca Tepper recently announced the appointment of Tom O’Shea to the role of Commissioner of the DFG. DFG works to preserve the state’s natural resources and protects and manages marine and freshwater fisheries, wildlife, plants, and the habitats that support them.
O’Shea comes to the DFG from The Trustees of Reservations where he most recently served as Vice President of Conservation and Resilience, leading the conservation and climate agenda. Prior to his role at The Trustees overseeing land conservation, advocacy and policy, agriculture, coastal resilience, and ecology, he served as an Assistant Director for DFG’s Division of Fisheries and Wildlife. Tom earned a Master of Public Administration from Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government, a Master of Forestry from Yale University’s School of Environment, and an undergraduate degree from the University of Maine. He is an outdoorsman and triathlete who resides in Holden with his wife and son.
O’Shea had received statements of support from the presidents of the Trustees of Reservation, Mass Audubon, and former member of the Fish & Wildlife Board Mike Roche. Current F&W Board Chairman Steve Sears said of O’Shea, “I don’t think a better person could have been selected.”
“I’m looking forward to this urgent and significant moment for meaningful and proactive action towards climate resilience, access to nature and outdoor recreation, and the conservation of biodiversity and natural habitats.” said O’Shea.
O’Shea replaces Ron Amidon who served as commissioner for 6 years under the Baker-Polito Administration. Many outdoor sportsmen across the Commonwealth considered Amidon one of the most effective commissioners in recent history.
MassWildlife protects more lands
MassWildlife continued its land protection efforts this month with the completion of two new projects:
Cummington Wildlife Management Area (WMA)– They added 125 acres in Cummington adjacent to Route 9. The parcel has a number of important natural communities and provides protection for drainages that contribute to the water quality in the Westfield River East Branch. The area is huntable beyond the road setbacks.
Steadman Pond Wildlife Conservation Easement – MassWildlife recently partnered with Berkshire Natural Resource Council (BNRC), DCR, and the Department of Conservation Services (DCS) to protect more than 750 acres in the towns of Tyringham and Monterey. Much of the project acreage will be owned by BNRC with a Conservation Easement held by MassWildlife. All of the MassWildlife easement areas will be open to hunting, fishing. and passive recreation. This is particularly important in Southern Berkshire County where town bylaws limit hunting access.
Wildlife Management Area Cleanups
This spring, MassWildlife is hosting a series of cleanup events at WMAs across the state. On May 20, MassWildlife invites you to join them, the Housatonic Valley Association, the Berkshire Environmental Action Team, and others in the outdoor community for a day of service and fun. Wear sturdy shoes or boots and bring work gloves if you have them. The cleanup is rain or shine, so dress for the weather.
You are asked to meet at the main parking area at the George Darey Housatonic Valley Wildlife Management Area on New Lenox Road in Lenox at 9:45 am. From 10:00 am to 12:00 pm, the cleanup will take place at the designated locations. Participants may bring canoes or kayaks for river cleanup. A limited number of boats may be available.
Volunteers can gather at the main parking area for a casual cookout/lunch at 12:30 pm.
Pre-register at: https://mass.gov/forms/wildlife-management-area-cleanup-registration. (Those who pre-register and attend will receive a 2-year subscription to Massachusetts Wildlife magazine).
Trout stocking
The following area waters, subject to change, were scheduled to be stocked with trout last week:
Lake Buel in Monterey, Deerfield River (lower section only) in Buckland and Charlemont, Hoosic River (South Branch) in Cheshire and Adams, Housatonic River (C&R) in Lee and Stockbridge, Housatonic River (East Branch) in Hinsdale and Dalton, Norwich Pond in Huntington, Onota Lake in Pittsfield, Plunkett Reservoir in Hinsdale, Westfield River (East Branch) in Windsor, Cummington and Chesterfield; Westfield River Mainstem in Huntington, Montgomery and Russell; Westfield River (West Branch) in Becket, Chester and Huntington; Windsor Pond in Windsor and York Lake in New Marlborough.
Good showing at the Beagle Club Field Trials
On April 22 and 23 the Berkshire Beagle Club held an American Kennel Club (AKC) sanctioned field trial on its land in Richmond, MA. Participants came from Virginia, Pennsylvania, Vermont, New York, Connecticut, and Massachusetts participated in the two-day event.
According to Club spokesman Jeff St John, they had 95 total entries over the two days, 47 male dogs ran on Saturday and 48 females on Sunday. Classes were further identified as 13-inch and 15-inch beagles. Awards were given for first through fourth places as well as NBQ (next best qualifier).
Ralph Harrington of Cambridge, New York, who is a Berkshire Beagle Club member, took home a blue ribbon in the male 13-inch category. Readers may recall that his dog, Copper City Eaton Stew, also took the blue ribbon in 2022. This year Ralph also placed a dog 3rd in this class and a 3rd place in the male 15-inch class as well. Quite an accomplishment indeed when you consider the stiff competition. 
Female 13-inch first place went to co-owners Robert and Robbie Kane. She was handled by dad/grandfather Bob Kane (a club member).
15-inch male first place went to Justin Dean (past member). The dog was handled by Mike Smith.
15”-inch female first place went to Philip Milici of Rochester, NY.
Also placing dogs on the podium was Chris Wilser. He placed dogs third and fourth in the 15-inch female class.
Spring Fishing Derbies
The City of Pittsfield Parks and Recreation Department, the Onota Fishing Club and Lyon Aviation are sponsoring a Wild Acres Fishing Derby on Saturday, May 20 from 8:00 am to 12:30 pm. The derby is exclusively for local children 14 years of age and under. The parking lot is located on South Mountain Road, and the accessible trail from the parking lot to the pond is open. Bait will be provided. The first 100 children will receive a free food voucher (food will be available for purchase from Ozzies Steak & Eggs).
Trophies, which will be awarded at noon, will be for those who catch the largest fish (length and weight).
For more information, contact the City of Pittsfield Recreation Program Phone: 413-499-9371, www.cityofpittsfield.org, or Parks @cityofpittsfield.org.
The Stockbridge Sportsmen’s Club is sponsoring its annual Spring Fishing Derby on Sunday, May 21 at the Stockbridge Bowl Boat Ramp. It will run from dawn until 1:00 pm (note new ending time). Cash prizes of $100 will be awarded to the lucky anglers who catch the heaviest trout or salmon, pickerel, bass and bullhead. There will be free lures for all kids 12 and under. The pre-registration fee is $10.00 and post-registration is $15.00.
Food and drinks will be available.
Tickets are available at: Minkler Insurance Agency at 31 Main Street, Stockbridge or (w) 413-644-3590, (h) 413-298-4630 or contact any club member. Official rules may be picked up at the boat ramp.
Youth turkey hunters
Last week I covered the story of two local youth turkey hunters and their luck at bagging two turkeys each on the Youth Turkey Hunt Day. Hunter Lawson’s picture was included in the column but not Matt Melito’s. This week, I am including a picture of 17-year-old Matthew with his two birds.
Happy Mother’s Day!
MassWildlife encourages you to take mom fishing tomorrow. Here are some of their suggestions:
- Pick the perfect place. State parks are a great option. They often offer extra amenities like picnic tables, grills, walking trails, and bathrooms.
- Get your gear ready. Pack everything the day before, (sunscreen, bug spray, mom’s favorite snacks, etc.). Let mom relax.
- Buy her fishing license as a gift. Remember, licenses are valid through the end of the year.
- Take lots of pictures! Especially when mom is reeling in her catch.
- Plan extra activities. Keep everyone entertained by adding a nature walk, bringing toys, binoculars, etc.
- Prepare a meal. If someone reels in a keeper, bring it home to make a nice meal for mom.
Remember, time on the water with mom doesn’t have to just last one day.