Category Archives: Awards

The 2024 shotgun deer hunting season was off to a good start

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According to Division of Fisheries & Wildlife Western (DFW) District Supervisor Andrew Madden, the unofficial deer harvest for the first week of shotgun deer hunting was encouraging.  The tally of the deer checked into the Western District Headquarters in Dalton totaled 124.  That compares to 100 deer checked in at the same week last year.

It appears to be the same in the other western district deer checking stations, too.  For example, the Lee Sportsmen’s Association checked in 61 vs 51 last year, the Mill River General Store in Mill River/New Marlborough checked in 119 vs 118, Papa’s Food & Fuel in Otis checked in 47 vs 40, B&D Variety in Huntington checked in 58 vs 31.  At the time of this writing, results from Ernie’s Auto Sales in North Adams were not yet available.

 

Several factors probably contributed to the good start, one being sufficient snow on the ground which allowed for easier tracking.  Another factor may have been ample food.  The acorns, apples and other foods were plentiful this year.

Sorry, deer harvest specifics from the outlying check stations were not available at the time of this writing, but here are some nice bucks checked in at the Daton DFW Headquarters.  All weights given are dressed weights and not live weights.  To estimate the live weights of the deer, multiply the dressed weights by 1.26. So far there were no bucks weighing 200 lbs. or more field dressed checked in.

  1. Lacatell got a 11-point buck which weighed 167 lbs. (210 est. live weight) in Stockbridge; D. Turner got a 158 lbs., 10-pt. buck in Hancock; J Schneider got a 152 lbs. 10-pointer in Cheshire; W. Smith got a 150 lbs. 10-pointer in Dalton; and J Beckwith got a 144 lbs. 10-pointer in West Stockbridge.

There were other decent bucks checked in.: J. Zepka got a 158 lbs. 7-pointer in Hancock; J. Zadereck a 158 lbs., 9-pointer in Becket;  Bauman a 163 lbs., 8-pointer in Hancock; M. Leahy a 158 lbs., 8-pointer in Windsor; A. Lablanc a 157 lbs., 8-pointer in New Ashford; S. Shuttleworth 177 lbs., 7-pointer in Peru; C. Noyes a 150 lbs,8-pointer in Hinsdale and J. Jewell a 160 lbs. 8-pointer in Peru.

 

Primitive Firearms Deer Hunting season opens Monday

 

The shotgun deer hunting and late bear hunting seasons end this weekend, but the Primitive Firearm deer hunting season opens on Monday, December 16 and ends on Tuesday, December 31. During the Primitive Deer Hunting season, hunters must use a muzzleloader firearm or archery equipment, and must comply with abstracts listed in the 2024 MA Hunting, Fishing and Trapping Regulations.

Hunters must use shoulder-fired muzzleloaders .44 caliber to .775 caliber; barrel length 18 inches or more with only one barrel operational. Inline ignition systems are permitted provided the firearm loads from the muzzle. Single projectile only (no buckshot). Sabot rounds, 209 primers, break/hinge-action muzzleloaders, and scopes are permitted. Powder is limited to black powder or black powder substitutes.

A muzzleloader is considered unloaded when the cap or pan powder is removed.

All primitive firearms deer hunters must comply with the 500 square inch blaze orange requirement. A primitive firearm stamp is required.

Hunters may also archery hunt during the primitive firearm season.  There are certain regulations which govern archery hunting, so be sure to review them in the above-mentioned regulations. A primitive firearm stamp is required for archers, too.

Hunters can report their deer harvest online rather than an official check-in station.  It must be reported within 48 hours of harvest.

Here’s wishing the hunters have a safe, enjoyable primitive firearms hunting season and remember, keep your powder dry.

Some small game hunting resumes on December 16, such as pheasant hunting, which now runs until December 31.  Also, cottontail rabbit, snowshoe hare and gray squirrel hunting seasons resume on the 16th and run until February 28, 2025.  For the hardy waterfowlers, the new Late Canada Goose Hunting season starts on December 18 and runs until February 15, 2025.  The duck hunting season in the Berkshires resumes on December 16 and runs until January 4, 2025.  Be sure to check the 2024-2025 Migratory Game Bird Regulations.

Many thanks

Last week the MA Fish & Wildlife Board awarded me the Francis W. Sargent Conservation Award.  Established in 2000, it recognizes someone who has made “significant contributions to the conservation of natural resources in the Commonwealth.”  It is presented whenever the Board feels that it is warranted.

It was last awarded in 2018 to George “Gige” Darey.  Prior to that, other local recipients were the Berkshire Natural Resources Council in 2015 and Ted Giddings in 2003. (Click onto Francis W. Sargent Conservation Award | Mass.gov for a complete listing of the recipients).

It is a tremendous honor to be included with such notable recipients.  My heartfelt thanks go to Board member and prior recipient Bob Durand for suggesting that I receive it and to MA F&W Board Chairman Steve Sears for agreeing and bringing it before the Board.

The award was presented at a recent event at the Stationery Factory in Dalton and was covered in the December 6, 2024 Berkshire Eagle article “The voice of the outdoors” written by Zachary Canaperi.

Many thanks go to Emcee Mark Jester and the speakers my buddy Jerry Zink, my nephew Joe Chague, Jane Wynn, Executive Director Berkshire Environmental Action Team, Jenny Hansel, President of Berkshire Natural Resources Council, Andrew Madden, Supervisor, DFW Western District, Marc Hoechstetter, Board Member of the Taconic Chapter of Trout Unlimited, Kevin Moran, Executive Editor of the Berkshire Eagle, Steve Sears and MA State Representative William ‘Smitty’ Pignatelli.

Oh, the fond memories that were brought back when Jerry Zink recounted how we started fishing together when we were 8 or 9 years old.   Walking miles in our leaky hip boots, we would meet up and catch countless wild brook trout in the small streams of Lenox.

So, what happened since those early days?  Why is it that I was there receiving this award that night? All I did was to fall in love with mother nature at a very early age, learn about, become friendly with and protect her children, the flora, fauna and fish over the years, and, use the platform provided by The Berkshire Eagle, to encourage others to do the same.

I was overwhelmed by all of this. The first thing I discovered was that I had forgotten to bring up to the podium some notes to which I would refer.  An announcement came over the loud speaker, “Could someone please bring Gene’s notes to the podium?”  Thankfully, Smitty did.

Smitty then delivered and read the MA State Senate and House citations and Steve presented the Francis Sargent award.

Following the presentation, I looked for my notes but couldn’t find them.  While fumbling through my vest, sweater and shirt pockets, someone from the audience shouted “Their in your back pocket!”  Was I rattled or not?  Did I mention that its common knowledge in Lenox that I would rather be water-boarded than to give a public speech?

Finally, with notes in hand, I was ready to give my acceptance speech.  The only problem now was that I couldn’t read them because of the lighting.   I was like a deer in the headlights.  My speech was lousy, with frequent pauses. But thankfully, I was among friends.

Many thanks to my close friend Paul Knauth for coordinating the event with Steve Sears; arranging the speakers, Hors d‘oeuvres, seating and wonderful slide show.  It played on the large screen, showing beautiful scenery and pictures of memorable people who also contributed to the conservation of our natural resources.

I want to especially thank my wife Jan who was with me every step of the way of this journey.  In addition to being a great conservationist in her own right, she was also my in-house editor who kept me from inadvertently using words that might offend someone. If I got those column drafts past Jan, I knew I was golden.

And many thanks to all of the folks who attended and celebrated the event on that snowy, wintry night, especially that fellow who flew in from Washington, DC just to attend.

I shall never forget what you all did to make that event one of the most positive and memorable nights of my life.

 

 

1991 deer hunt, Part II

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Readers may recall that last week I wrote about a deer hunt in 1991.  I ended Part I of that story by writing that I had just dropped a nice buck on one side of Beartown Mountain, but my truck was parked on the other side.  I had to decide how to get the deer out of the woods and to it. My options were: drag it up over the mountain to Beartown Mountain Road on the other side, which was utterly impossible, drag it across a large posted field and risk being arrested, or just leave it there, climb over the mountain, and go home.

I decided to take my chances and drag the deer across the large field that lay ahead of me, in spite of the ‘No Trespassing’ signs posted there.  I knew that this would be a long, difficult drag being loaded down with heavy boots, heavy clothes, a heavy backpack (filled with a big thermos, a couple of sandwiches, a couple of boxes of shotgun slugs, zip lock bags holding about 10 lbs of deer heart and liver), and my shotgun. Add to that the fact that I wasn’t a spring chicken (49 years old).  This could bring on “The Big One” as Fred G.  Sanford of the TV comedy Sanford & Son used to say.

It really hit home when I first started to drag the deer.  OMG, it was so heavy.  My plan to drag it across the snowless field was as follows:  carry my coat, backpack and shogun about 50 feet, put them on the ground, go back to the deer and drag it to the gear and then another 50 feet past it, leave the deer there, go back to get the gear and bring it past the deer 50 feet, etc.  No question, it would take a while.

With the sun now shining brightly, I must have stood out like a beacon in that open field, being dressed from head to toe in blaze orange. The adrenalin and my heart rate were really pumping from the stress, heat and physical activity.

A couple of times, I heard police car sirens approaching, and thought, “This is it, someone reported me and the police are coming to arrest me.  Oh no, another unwelcomed encounter with a game warden.  They’ll probably confiscate the deer, shotgun, impose a fine, and lord knows what else.  Why did I ever shoot that deer?”  Did I mention that earlier that year I had been awarded the 1990 Silvio O. Conte Sportsman of the Year Award at a banquet put on by the Berkshire County League of Sportsmen?  Oh, the embarrassment of it all!   I was already rehearsing excuses for my being there in that posted lot dragging a deer.

Fortunately, the police cars weren’t after me and kept heading south on Route 7.

In the middle of the field, I came across a drainage ditch with about a foot of water in it.  Down over my boots I went and back up the other side dragging the deer.  After what seemed like an hour, I could see a road ahead with houses on it.  Just before climbing onto the road, I had to cross another ditch, but at that point I didn’t care.  I was only a couple of feet from the road and safety.

I left the deer lying beside the road and went to the nearest house to see if they would let me use their phone to call my brother-in-law Cecil Taylor.  Hopefully, he could come down from Lenox, pick me and the deer up and drive us to Beartown Mountain Road where my truck was parked.

A fellow with a New York or New Jersey accent answered the door and told me I could not use his phone, to drag the bleeping deer into Stockbridge and to get the bleep off of his property.

I then went to the second house where two guilty looking teenagers (boy and girl) answered the door.  Hmm, this was a school day.  They let me use their phone and a little while later, Cecil showed up.  We loaded the deer onto his truck and he brought us back to my truck.

The deer weighed in at 165 lbs. dressed (208 lbs. estimated live weight).  When the deer was processed, I asked the butcher to save the head and shoulder hide for mounting. The venison was to be shared with friends and family.

Back then, on the wall of our inside glassed porch in Lenox, was another mounted deer head.  My father, also named Gene Chague, had taken that deer sometime in the 1920’s and had it mounted with the four hooves surrounding a mirror.  After nearly 70 years, the head was becoming ragged and was falling apart.

I had it removed by a young taxidermist from Clarksburg (whose name unfortunately I cannot recall) and replaced it with my new one, leaving the original mirror and 4 hooves intact.  The result was a deer mount which contained parts of two separate bucks taken by two Gene Chagues some 70 years apart.  Pretty cool, eh?

The taxidermist was just starting out and was trying to get his name out in the community.  He donated a deer mount to be raffled at the Silvio O. Conte Sportsmen’s Banquet, the one mentioned previously. A close friend, Ed Bertelli, attended that banquet along with his son young Eddie. Young Eddie won the deer mount and because he didn’t get a deer that year, and could use some extra money he decided to sell it.  I bought it from him.

It probably wasn’t an easy job for the new taxidermist, what with fitting that deer mount to the old framework, etc., but the result was quite satisfactory and it has held up nicely over the last 33 years. No, it did not end up back in our Lenox porch, but rather it hangs on a living room wall at our cottage. Oh the memories conjured up every time I look at it..

Fly tying at the hatchery

 

The Friends of the Berkshire National Fish Hatchery in Hartsville/New Marlborough has begun its winter fly tying sessions at the Hatchery.  The free sessions will be held on the third Saturdays of the month, beginning at 10:00 a.m.  The next class is January 18, 2025.  Instructors are Board member Dean Hutson and Taconic TU member Peter Paulson.  All fly tying accessories and materials will be provided.

 

Last month, the folks tied up some nice looking black Woolly Buggers guaranteed to catch trout, smallmouth bass and other fish. It imitates a variety of aquatic and land creatures, making it an extremely versatile fly. Its marabou tail gives the impression of a baitfish or leech, while its hackle and body can mimic the movement of a swimming crayfish or even a struggling insect. Its versatile design means that it can be used in a wide range of fishing scenarios, from still water lakes to fast-moving streams and rivers.

That fly is very effective.

 

Lawmakers request support for priority conservation projects at the Conte Refuge

In a letter to the U.S. Department of Interior, Senators from MA, NH, VT, and CT requested that the President’s Fiscal Year 2026 Budget include funding from the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) to support conservation projects within the Conte Refuge.

The Conte Refuge which spans over 50,000 acres across those states is a vital ecological resource and includes critical lands within the Connecticut River Watershed.

The senators highlighted that over 24,000 acres of priority conservation lands, valued at more than $51 million, have been identified for protection in fiscal years 2025 and 2026.

“This funding is essential to address the unmet needs for land conservation in this region,” the lawmakers wrote. “The refuge not only supports the quality of natural resources but also provides recreational opportunities for millions of people in the surrounding communities.”

They also highlighted the broader economic benefits of wildlife refuges, citing data showing that every $1 invested in federal funding for national wildlife refuges generates nearly $5 in local economic returns. In total, the outdoor recreation economy supports 4.9 million American jobs and generates over $564 billion in consumer spending.

By securing additional funding for the Conte Refuge, the senators believe the region can continue to preserve critical lands while supporting economic growth and job creation.

Shotgun Deer hunting season opens Monday

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Shotgun deer hunting season starts on Monday December 1 and it runs until Saturday, December 14, (excluding Sundays).  Two bucks can be harvested and if hunters have valid antlerless deer permits (doe permits) they can also take a doe.

During the first week of the shotgun deer season, all harvested deer must be brought to a physical check station within 48 hours so MassWildlife biologists can collect biological data. Online harvest reporting is NOT available during this time.  The Western District Check Stations are as follows:

  • MassWildlife Headquarters – Dalton
  • Lee Sportsman’s Club – Lee
  • Mill River General Store – Mill River/New Marlborough
  • Papa’s Food & Fuel – Otis
  • Ernie’s Auto Sales – North Adams
  • B&D Variety – Huntington
  • Goshen General Store – Goshen

 

Avid Sports, Daves Sporting Goods and Cheshire Sporting Goods will be able to check in deer for the second week of shotgun through the rest of the year but it is not mandatory in person.  Hunters can check in online as well.

 

As usual, on the night before opening day, thoughts of previous deer hunts will undoubtedly cross my mind, one after another.

How well I remember a deer hunt in 1991. While hunting alone, I entered a part of Beartown Mountain off of Beartown Mountain Road in South Lee, near the Wildcat Trail. Following an old logging trail, I had just ascended a steep part of Beartown Mountain and heard a shot off in the distance which sounded like it came from a swamp below me.  I stopped moving for a while to see if a deer might head my way. Sure enough, a few moments later, I saw a buck downhill from me.  He had come out from some small pines and brush from my right, was in a small opening and was heading for more thick vegetation to my left.  He was not heading in my direction.

Being quite a distance away, I pondered whether to take such a long shot.  I didn’t have a scope on my shotgun and was guessing how high I should aim.  Pretty soon, he would be out of sight and I wouldn’t be able to take a shot. What the heck, I thought, and let the slug fly.

The buck made a quick movement and then walked into the small pines.  Not knowing if I hit him or not, I didn’t move for about 15 minutes just to see if it would emerge somewhere to my left and I possibly allow another shot.  Finally, I descended the hill to see if I had hit him, hoping that I would find him dead in the small pines.  When I got to the spot, I could see a small tuft of hair, but no deer nor signs of blood.  There were intermittent spots of snow and frozen ground and tracking was going to be difficult.  Darn, I thought, that buck circled to my left and probably headed for the saddle between two ridges and is going down the other side of the mountain toward Ice Glen in Stockbridge.  If he did that, I probably wouldn’t be able to recover him.

Following a route which I guessed he would take, I began seeing tracks and tiny drops of blood.  I followed the trail until it came to the saddle and sure enough, he headed down the other side of the mountain.  Darn!  I wondered if I should follow him and if I found him down there, how would I be able to drag him back up the mountain and then down to my truck.

A short distance below I saw signs that the buck had slipped on the ice and fallen.  That was seconds before I took a step, slipped and fell, too.  On the east side of the mountain there were patches of snow, whereas on the southwest side there was ice.  And, don’t you know, the deer chose to travel the steepest part of that side of the mountain.  Much too slippery to stand, I had to sit on my rear and slide down the steep slope, sometimes 15-20 feet at a time until I could grab onto a small tree, rock or something to slow down or stop my slide.  Nevertheless, I stayed within sight of the buck’s tracks.   I was beginning to wonder why I was trailing the him, for if I found him, there was no way I could drag him back up the mountain.  But, I could see more frequent blood signs and knew the deer would eventually die from the wound.  I just couldn’t leave that nice buck there to be devoured by coyotes.

After crossing a little gully, the terrain became less steep and because of the lower elevation and warming weather, the ice was becoming softer and I was able walk easier.  The trail led to some briars and brambles and while my arms and legs were tangled up trying to get through them, up jumped the buck and off he ran.  I took a quick shot but I missed him.  I resumed trailing him and about 15 minutes later in more briars and brambles, don’t you know, he did exactly the same thing….. and so did I.  Darn! I thought, I’m not going to get this deer!

Thinking that he would circle to my left and head for a large field at the bottom of the mountain, I hurriedly dropped down to the edge of the field to try to cut him off.  Not seeing him, I started walking in his direction along the edge of the field, making sure to stay in the woods because there were” No Trespassing” signs all along the edge of the field. When I came to a wood road leading back up the mountain, I could see tracks of several deer that ran into the open field, but I couldn’t see the deer nor spots of blood left by the injured one.    I knew it, I thought, he got away.  I started walking up the wood road which I think was the Burgoyne Pass (old road) which went up over the mountain and down onto Beartown Mountain Road.  It would be a long trek up and over, but less steep than the way I came down.

I wondered, what if that deer didn’t join the others and was somewhere between where I had taken the last shot and where I was currently standing.  So once again into the briars and brambles I went.  The second I spotted his antlers, he jumped up and bounded away drawing yet another missed shot from me.  He was heading for that field right where I had walked a little while earlier.  Just before he got to the field, I fired once more and this time the slug found its mark, not 15 feet from the edge of the field. He was a decent sized 9-point buck.

After 3 hours of tracking and finally getting him, the celebratory cup of coffee from my thermos tasted especially good. I field dressed him, making sure to keep the heart and liver.

Now, how do I get him to my truck?   I didn’t have a cell phone to call anyone for help.  There were only 3 options – drag him up over the mountain and down to the Beartown Mountain Road on the other side, (utterly impossible), drag him across the large posted field and risk being arrested, or just leave him there, climb back over the mountain and go home.

Find out what I did in next week’s column.

Taconic Chapter of Trout Unlimited celebrates its 50th anniversary

You are invited to celebrate Taconic TU’s 50th Anniversary Holiday Party on December 13 at 6:30 p.m. at Zucchini’s Restaurant, 1331 North Street, Pittsfield. The price is $55 pp which includes appetizer, a full buffet and dessert. You are advised to buy your ticket by 12/1/24.

 

There will be auctions and raffles which include rods, reels, guided trips, flies tied by local fly tyers, and more.  Some fortunate person will be leaving that party carrying a vintage Hardy bamboo rod.

 

This year they will also host their annual meeting as a brief interlude at the banquet. Chapter President Justin Adkins promises to make it as short and fun as possible. It might be a good time for non-members to find out what Trout Unlimited is all about.  For more information, click onto taconictu@gmail.com.

 

 

 

 

Three deer taken in the statewide paraplegic hunt, all in Berkshire County

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MassWildlife holds a special three-day deer hunting season for paraplegic hunters. Staff and volunteers place hunters in safe areas at several hunt locations in the state. When a hunter shoots a deer, volunteers assist the hunter by retrieving the deer, field dressing it, and getting it checked in on site.

Each year, about 12-20 paraplegic hunters sign up for the special hunt. For Some of these people, it’s the only opportunity they have to hunt. The hunt is typically held at 5 sites:

  • The Northern Berkshires on private properties
  • The Southern Berkshires at Mt. Washington
  • The Quabbin Reservation
  • Devens Reserve Forces Training Area in Lancaster
  • Otis/Edwards Military Reservation in Falmouth/Bourne

Frequently, hunters see deer and several get the opportunity to harvest a deer.

The dates of the 3-day hunt this year were October 31 through November 2.

The weather was, at times, downright balmy. Statewide this year some 18 hunters participated, which included 3 at the Northern Berkshires site and 4 at the Southern Berkshires site.

This year’s Paraplegic Hunt in Southern Berkshires, was an interesting one. For one thing, the weather was beautiful with temperatures well into the 70’s. For another thing, three of the four hunters successfully got deer, which were the only deer taken in the statewide paraplegic hunt this year. Two does were taken on Thursday.  Marc Tartaglia of Barkhamsted, CT got one. Readers may remember that last year was Marc’s first year participating in the hunt and he took two deer. Vyto Sablevicius of Norwood, MA took the second doe, a nice one weighing 125 lbs. dressed.  Dan Massaconi of Cheshire took a doe on Friday. Tim Davidson of Sturbridge MA hunted only Friday and Saturday afternoon. He saw deer but did not harvest any.

This year’s Southern Berkshire hunt was interesting for another reason, too. There was a surprise in store for volunteer Shaun Smith of Lee.  MassWildlife Assistant Director of Operations, Trina Moruzzi came out to the Berkshires and presented Shaun a plaque acknowledging his 50 years of involvement in the Paraplegic Hunt Program. The beautifully carved wooden plaque read, “MassWildlife thanks Shaun Smith for 50 years of dedication to Paraplegic Hunters.”

Shawn holding the plaque along with Trini Moruzzi

Western District Supervisor Andrew Madden commented that they really appreciated all that he has done to help in this hunt over those years.  Shawn replied that he couldn’t have lasted doing this for 50 years without the help of all of his fellow volunteers.  True, said Madden, “but you are the person who kept it all going.”

Then his fellow volunteers presented him with a golden Henry Boy .45-70 caliber rifle.  It was beautifully mounted by fellow volunteer Fred Lampro on a piece of box elder maple wood. The ceremony was a total surprise to him, but he should have been suspicious when his wife Mary showed up moments before the event.

Shawn and fellow volunteers at the presentation of the Henry Boy rifle.

Following the ceremony, the hunters, volunteers and guests settled down to a wonderful meal prepared by Wendy Lampro which included venison chili, scalloped potatoes, mac and cheese, etc. served up with grilled venison steaks.  She also provided a wonderful assortment of home-made desserts.  The night before, she prepared a wonderful venison stew for them.

Each morning the volunteers helped the hunters get to their deer stands, and around noon they brought them to the DCR Headquarters in Mount Washington and provided them with a warm, home cooked meal prepared by Wendy Lampro.

Southern Berkshire volunteers and their years of involvement are as follows: Shaun Smith – 50 years, Marc Portieri – 35, Gregg Arienti – 29, Matt Roche (DCR) – 17, Fred Lampro – 15, Thomas Dean – 13, Dan White – 3, Christel Massaconi –4,  James Dellea – 3, Wendy Lampro – 3, and Shamus Daley – 2.  Kudos to all!

MassWildlife Western District Supervisor Andrew Madden was there, as was Wildlife Biologist Nate Buckhout in case any deer needed tagging.  Also, Dan White from the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) was there.

Special thanks go out to Cobb of Western Mass, Cobb of River Valley, Shaw Pond Club, Lee Fire Dept., AMVETS Post 77 and Osden’s Plumbing and Heating of Blandford. Special thanks also go to the DCR for providing the space to gather, eat, and warm up at Mt. Washington Reservation.

In the Northern Berkshires, Rick French was once again the main volunteer coordinator.  The hunters included Shawn Mei of Baldwinville, MA, Dale Bailey of Clarksburg, MA and Dave Alderman of Petersburg, NY. All of them saw deer but none were harvested.

Northern Berkshire volunteers and their years of involvement are as follows:  Rick French – 38 years, Stacy Sylvester – 36, J. Sylvester – 26, Jim Guiden, Alex Dargie and Joe Benoni.  Sorry, I don’t have the number of years for all of the volunteers. J. Sylvester came all the way from Maine to volunteer for the hunt.

Unfortunately, Shawn Mei’s father, Tony Mei, passed away since last year. Stacy Sylvester said that he was greatly missed. He had been a volunteer for 33 years. Shawn’s brother Tim Mei took his place volunteering.

The volunteers brought the hunters to a central point at lunchtime and provided them with a delicious meal of moose stew cooked up by Ruth French.

Special thanks go out to Jim Guiden for providing the headquarters space and to the Cricket Creek Farm in Williamstown for permitted hunting on their property.

Western District MassWildlife staff covering the Northern site location were Eli Pease, Heather Sadler and Jacob Morris-Siegel.  EPO Officers Jonathan Kolis and Joshua Kelleher periodically stopped in.

According to Susan McCarthy, total statewide, there were 64 individuals aside from hunters and their family members supporting the program and assisting hunters.  That included some 14 MassWildlife employees, 6 DCR staff members, 5 private landowners, 4 military personnel, 16 hunter helpers and 16 other volunteers.

As noted in past columns, this story is not all about the hunters and their harvests.  There are other components which must occur to make the hunt a success.  One is the volunteering. Statewide there were 16 volunteers assisting the physically challenged hunters get to ideal hunting spots and helped them by getting the deer moving, retrieving the deer, field dressing them, and getting them checked in on site.

McCarthy noted that, “As always, this hunt would not be possible without our fantastic network of MassWildlife and DCR staff, private landowners in the Berkshires, and our amazing volunteers.”

Incidentally, paraplegic sportsmen and women interested in taking part in the hunt next year should contact Susan McCarthy at (508) 389-6326.

Good acorn year

MassWildlife asks, have you been dodging a constant barrage of falling acorns, startled by the thwack of nuts pelting your car’s roof, or raking up mounds of acorns in your yard?   Well, like many trees, oaks go through cycles where they produce more seeds in some years than in others. These times of high production, known as “mast years,” occur every 2-3 years. While an abundance of acorns may be an annoyance to some, it’s a welcome buffet for wildlife that are preparing for a long cold winter.

In my opinion, it appears that this is a good mast year for acorns in the Berkshires. You might want to keep this in mind when you scout out your hunting areas and plan your hunting strategy accordingly.

Its really dry out there

I’m sure local hunters have noticed how dry it is in our woods and fields these days.  Those little streams that we used to step over while hunting woodcock, pheasants and bunnies are now bone dry.  Our bird dogs and beagles are hard pressed to find water to lap up.  Please be careful, especially you smokers, that you don’t inadvertently start a fire.

Actually, I’m surprised that the State hasn’t closed the woods to hunting and hiking like they used to do years ago.

Last I heard is that rain is forecasted for Veterans Day.  I hope so.

For you brave souls who will be out archery hunting that day, sitting in a tree stand shivering in the much needed rain, it might behoove you to remember the veterans who made the sacrifices to ensure that we live in a free and democratic country.

Thank you vets.

Conte banquet honors five

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A nice crowd attended the Silvio O. Conte Awards Banquet which was held at the Cheshire Rod & Gun Club recently to honor the Berkshire County League of Sportsmen (BCLS) 2023 award winners.  Past BCLS President, Mark Jester, did a wonderful job as emcee.

After a delicious meal, Mark introduced DFW Director Mark Tisa.  Describing it as a great organization, Mark has worked for the DFW for 37 years working his way up the ladder. He considered it a great privilege.  He recognized Fish & Wildlife Board Chairman Steve Sears, of Dalton, for doing such a great job representing the Western District and bringing all of our interests and concerns to the Board.  He introduced new Deputy Director Eve Schluter.  He recognized DFW Western District Supervisor Andrew Madden and his staff. He also recognized BCLS President Wayne McLain, who was the first person to step up and support Mark’s new youth pheasant hunt program.

He commented that the Division is working hard to continue to create more opportunities for us to enjoy the outdoors such as fishing and hunting. Their job is taking care of the wildlife so that we can enjoy it.

Mark Jester introduced Wayne Adams from the Massachusetts Conservation Alliance who discussed current gun legislation and its work getting more representation at the Statehouse.

Mark Jester then proceeded with the various Silvio O. Conte 2023 Sportsmen Awards.

From left to right: Mark Jester, Emcee, Stacy Sylvester, Leanda Fontaine, Michelle Amburn, James Loughman and Ted Pointek

The John Zuber Award was presented to Rick French of Phillipston, MA. for his efforts in the paraplegic hunts and promoting the outdoors.  Because Rick could not attend (out west hunting), Stacie Sylvester who herself participated for some 35 years with Rick’s paraplegic hunts, accepted the award on his behalf. In her acceptance speech she noted that Rich was very proud to receive the award.

The Sportsmen’s Appreciation Award was presented to James Loughman of Adams for his dedication to the sportsmen of Massachusetts and his commitment and leadership in preserving and promoting the rich traditions of sportsmen.  He will ever be appreciated and remembered for all his efforts. In his acceptance speech he thanked groups like the BCLS, the Adams Outdoor for Youth and the Cheshire Rod & Gun Club for instilling the love of the outdoors to the next generation.

The Lifetime Achievement Award was awarded to Ted Pointek of Housatonic for his unwavering commitment to and promotion of the shooting sports especially for the future generations.  In his acceptance speech, he recognized all those who helped him in the shooting events over the years.

The late Richard “Rick” Theilig of Lee was posthumously awarded the Outstanding Achievement Award for his dedication and passion for the outdoors, and who will forever inspire future generations. His daughter Michelle Amburn accepted the award on his behalf.  He would probably say he doesn’t deserve it, said Michelle, but he does.  He wanted to teach everyone.  He loved what he did and made lifelong friends in doing so.  LSA club member John Polastri also presented her another plaque from the Lee Sportsmen’s Association.

Leanda Fontaine of Bernardston, MA was selected the Sportsperson of the Year. Her plaque read, “Her lifelong dedication and preservation of the rich natural resources of our state will forever benefit the citizens, habitat, and wildlife of Massachusetts”.  In her acceptance speech, she said she was extremely humbled and honored to be chosen.  She started in MassWildlife in 2005 working as a fishing technician working with district and hatchery staff.  She worked with DFW district staff from the NY border all the way to Cape Cod.  She had the opportunity to work on different projects, not just fisheries but wildlife, natural heritage, land projects, etc. She worked with multiple state organizations and nonprofits which provided great opportunities to work on different projects.  She mentioned the DFW employees’ passion and drive to do what they can for our resources, outdoor sportspeople and the environment.  She mentioned the great mentorship received from the DFW employees regarding hunting, fishing, etc.  She considered herself very lucky to work in the Western District – its become like family to her.

Youth trout stocking day was another huge success

Approximately 200 kids, parents and grandparents met on Wednesday afternoon, April 17, at the Onota Lake Burbank Park to help MassWildlife liberate some 550 rainbow trout which averaged 14 inches.

Mark Jester with grandsons Sam and Joe Maschino

MassWildlife Western District Aquatic Biologist Leanda Fontaine was assisted by DFW staff including Heather Sadler, Kalina Flood, Colby Kellogg-Youndt, and Jacob Morris-Siegel. Leanda’s daughter Isla also helped.  An iBerkshire.Com photographer was there as well as a newsperson from Spectrum TV Channel 1. Environmental Police Lt. Tara Carlow was there also to make sure everyone behaved. The weather cooperated nicely this day.

Prior to beginning the stocking, Leanda made some introductory comments.  She informed everyone about the agency and how it is charged with the responsibility of preserving, conserving and managing our flora and fauna all across the state.  She named the 5 regional districts across the state and how they perform their functions. The Western District covers all of the Berkshires as well as the western towns of Hampshire, Hampton and Franklin Counties.

One of their main jobs of the Western District Office is trout stocking, which they do for about 10 weeks in the spring and two weeks in the fall. This spring they expect to stock 80,0000 trout.  Statewide, some 450,000 are expected to be stocked.

They stock four different species, brook, brown, rainbow and tiger trout which is a hybrid between brown and brook trout.  They stock 72 local bodies in the Western District up to Memorial Day. To find out where they stock, go to the MassWildlife web site Mass.gov/trout.  She encouraged people to catch and eat the fish but if people prefer to catch and release them, that is fine too.

Then she explained how the stocking would take place.  They formed a line, a few trout were netted out of the tanker truck, put into empty 5-gallon pails which were handed to the kids and away they sped to the water’s edge and tossed the fish out, and then they ran back and did it all over again.  Oh! The expressions of joy and amazement on the faces of those kids.

I am happy to report that there were no buckets tossed into the lake and there was a 100% survival rate of the fish.

Local trout stockings

 

The following local waters were scheduled to be stocked last week by MassWildlife:  Beartown Brook in Lee, Bronson Brook in Worthington, Deerfield River in Buckland, Florida and Charlemont , Depot Brook in Washington, Dry Brook in Cheshire and Adams, Factory Brook in Middlefield, Farmington River in Otis and Sandisfield, Hoosic River North in Clarksburg and North Adams, Hop Brook in Lee and Tyringham, Housatonic River (SW) in Pittsfield, Hubbard River in Granville, Littleville Reservoir in Chester, North Pond in Florida, Sackett Brook in Dalton and Pittsfield, South Brook in Cheshire, Town Brook in Lanesborough, Trout Brook in Peru, Walker Brook in Becket, West Brook in Great Barrington, Westfield River Middle Branch in Chester, Huntington and Middlefield, Windsor Lake in North Adams, Windsor Pond in Windsor and Yokum Brook in Becket.

Spring Turkey Hunting Seasons opens Monday

 

The 2024 Massachusetts spring turkey hunting season opens on Monday, April 29 and runs through May 25.  The Youth Turkey Hunt Day took place today (April 27).

To hunt wild turkeys in Massachusetts, you’ll need a hunting or sporting license as well as a turkey permit. A turkey permit comes with 3 turkey tags. Hunters can take 2 bearded turkeys in the spring and 1 turkey of either sex in the fall. Regulation requires that all hunters place an official green Turkey Safety Sticker on their firearm positioned so it’s visible when sighting down the barrel.  On the youth hunt day only, the hunting hours are ½ hour before sunrise and end at 5:00 pm. For the rest of the turkey hunters, the hours are from ½ hour before sunrise to noon.

Successful hunters must report their turkeys within 48 hours of harvest. The easiest way to report a harvest is online using MassFishHunt, but you can also go to an official check station.

There are a couple of pages of rules and regulations addressing Turkey Hunting in the 2024 regulations (abstracts) and hunters should review them before heading out.

2023 deer harvest figures released

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The MassWildlife Preliminary Deer Harvest Summary indicates the 2023 hunting season had a statewide harvest of 15,520 deer, which was a decline of approximately 2% from the record-setting 2022 season. MassWildlife feels that the poor weather conditions during much of the archery and primitive firearms seasons lowered the overall harvest, which likely would have set a new record if it were not for those poor conditions. In spite of these conditions, there were new  record harvests in Zones 9 (Worcester area) and 14 (Nantucket) and a record number of deer were harvested by participating youth on Youth Deer Hunt Day.

Statewide, the Youth Deer Hunt Day yielded 142, the Paraplegic Hunt yielded 10, Archery yielded 6,385, Shotgun yielded 6,118 and the Primitive Firearms yielded 2,865.

The statewide harvest percentages by hunting implements used were as follows:  Bow/crossbow -46%, shotgun – 34% and muzzleloader – 21%.

The statewide breakdown by harvest sex of the 15,520 deer were as follows:  8,858 were adult bucks, 5,610 were does and 1,052 were buck fawns.

The following is the breakdown by Wildlife Management Zone and by seasons.  I am listing only the figures for the area west of the Connecticut River (WMZs 1 through 4, our area). Some 2,323 deer were taken in the Western District.

Zone 1: 5 deer were taken by paraplegics or youth (P/Y), 94 by archery, 151 by shotgun and 57 by primitive arms totaling 307.

Zone 2:  28 taken by P/Y, 177 by archery, 241 by shotgun and 80 by primitive arms totaling 526.

Zone 3:  7 taken by P/Y, 166 by archery, 264 by shotgun and 111 by primitive arms totaling 548.

Zone 4N:  13 taken by P/Y, 191 by archery, 256 by shotgun and 121 by primitive arms totaling 581.

Zone 4S: 9 taken by P/Y, 139 by archery, 149 by shotgun and 64 by primitive arms totaling 361.

Just to give you an indication of how large the deer herd is in the eastern part of the state, Zone 9 yielded 1,458 deer, Zone 10 yielded 2,602, Zone 11 yielded 4,152 and Zone 14 yielded 879.

Big buck harvested

Included in the above Zone 3 archery figures was Matt Heppleston’s 175 lbs. (field dressed) eleven-point buck that he got on November 24 while bow hunting in a non-disclosed area.  It had a measured beam of  23 ¼ inches.

photo of Matt provided by his family

Usually, he hunts from a tree stand but on that day he was hunting from the ground.  After a while, he could smell a buck.  He tried to lure it in with a few grunts and he heard some thrashing a short distance away.  He gave a short wheeze sound and the deer came toward him about 35 yards away.  That’s when he let the arrow fly.  The deer ran about 15 yards and dropped.  Shortly thereafter, Matt had “a small army of family and friends showed up for pictures and the drag.” It was only a couple hundred yards to drag it out.

The deer was entered into the Pope & Young scoring system and it scored 171 inches.  It was named BOWHUNT MA 2023 Buck of the Year. It also was on display at the Northeast Big Buck Club booth at the recent Big E Sportsmen’s Show in West Springfield.

Matt, who grew up in Lee now resides in New Hampshire.  Although he has been hunting since he was a young lad, he didn’t start bow hunting until about 5 years ago.  This is his first deer taken with a bow.

Was he lucky or a smart hunter?  You decide.  In February of 2022, he and his buddy Ryan Ruef of Pittsfield found the buck’s shed (dropped antlers) in the woods.  They knew that deer was hanging around the area for about 2 years.

In the attached picture, you can see a shed lying on the ground next to the deer. According to Matt, that’s a shed off of the buck’s 2021 rack which they found in February, 2022, “and that started the whole chase.”

The deer head and shoulder will be mounted by Wild Art Taxidermy in Berlin, CT.   Matt figures that deer will provide meat for him and his family for a couple of years.

Hunters share their venison

According to MassWildlife, 74 generous hunters donated venison through the Hunters Share the Harvest Program last year. This is equal to about 17,800 nutritious meals for families struggling with food insecurity. The Program also received monetary donations from 22 individuals to help cover the cost of processing and packaging.

The Program has come a long way in just a few years. It was started in 2022 with one venison donation site and one distribution partner. In the pilot year, hunters donated more than 3,000 meals. By the end of 2023, three processing locations and five food distribution organizations had joined the effort.

“Hunters play an important role in conserving our forests and providing food to our communities” says MassWildlife.  “Regulated hunting can help forests by reducing impacts of overabundant deer. It is estimated that over 15% of Massachusetts households do not have access to sufficient food to meet their basic needs. So, donations of venison—an organic, lean source of protein—make a big difference.”

At the close of this successful season, MassWildlife thanks everyone who contributed and spread the word about Hunters Share the Harvest including:

  • Haskins Custom Butchering, Ventura’s Meat Market, and the Country Butcher for processing deer donations
  • Massachusetts Military Support Foundation Inc., Daniel’s Table, Herring Pond Wampanoag Tribe, Wampanoag Tribe of Aquinnah, and Worcester County Food Bank for distributing venison to those in need
  • The Berkshire County League of Sportsmen joined 21 individual donors and the following in sponsoring packaging and processing costs.  In addition to the BCLS, the Mass Conservation Alliance, Mass Audubon, Massachusetts Outdoor Heritage Foundation, Middleboro Sportsmen’s Club, Plymouth County League of Sportsmen, Safari Club International New England Foundation, Schwab Charitable Foundation, Somerset Sportsman’s Club, and the Worcester County League of Sportsmen Clubs gave monetary, equipment, and logistic support.

 

MassWildlife plans to expand the Program in the coming years, here’s how you can help:

Meat processors, food pantries, hunger relief agencies, or other organizations who want to participate in MassWildlife’s Hunters Share the Harvest program in the future should contact Martin Feehan, MassWildlife’s Deer and Moose Project Leader.

2023 wild turkey harvest

 

Based upon information provided by David Scarpitti, MassWildlife Biologist and information obtained off of the MassWildlife web site, 3,113 wild turkeys were harvested in 2023.  The spring harvest was 2,965 (2,128 adult males, 825 juvenile males, 11 bearded hens). Some 389 birds were harvested in the Berkshires.

 

Some 148 were taken in the fall (81 males, 66 females).  Regarding the sex breakdown, Scarpitti says you can take the fall sex breakdown with a grain of salt as hunters are pretty lousy at sexing juvenile birds.  But in general, its usually close to a 50:50 breakdown in the harvest.

 

The spring harvest was the 4th highest harvest in the history of Massachusetts spring turkey hunting since 1980. Youth hunters harvested 117 turkeys which was the highest all time youth day harvest recorded.

 

The statewide fall harvest was quite different.  The 148 birds harvested was low compared to the average which is usually around 200.  Scarpitti felt that because it was very wet last summer, it could have compromised brood production, which is usually what drives fall harvest.

 

About 2/3’s of the harvest was taken with archery equipment, which has become fairly standard.

 

Small game hunting seasons over

The Coyote and Bobcat hunting seasons ended on Friday, March 8.

photo provided by Josh Christman

The Cottontail Rabbit, Snowshoe Hare, Gray Squirrel, and Fox hunting seasons ended on February 29.  Oil up your guns and safely lock them away in your gun cabinet. Remember to lock your ammo in a separate location. Unless you plan to do some target, skeet or trap shooting, the next time you will probably be picking up your shotguns again is in April, when the Spring Wild Turkey hunting season opens on April 29.

 

 

Massachusetts Angler Award Winners Announced

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Since 1963, MassWildlife’s Freshwater Sportfishing Awards Program has recognized anglers who catch exceptional freshwater fish across Massachusetts.

Today, I am listing all of the 2023 Angler of the Year winners, new state records and gold pin fish caught out of local waters or local anglers who caught gold pin fish in other waters.  To view the entire listing of gold pin winners, some 102 of them, go to the MassWildlife web site at Freshwater Sportfishing Awards Program | Mass.gov.

The Catch & Keep Angler of the Year Award is given to the person who weighs in the largest number of species that meet the minimum weight requirements for the previous calendar year.

 

2023 Adult Catch & Keep Angler of the Year was Cam Tucker of Gill, MA.  Cam caught bronze or gold pin fish in 10 species.  He caught the gold pin fish in the following species:  A carp weighing 30 lbs. 8 oz and a Channel Catfish weighing 12 lbs. 2 oz out of the Connecticut River in Northfield, Fallfish weighing 1 lbs. 15 oz out of the Connecticut River in Montague, Sunfish weighing 15 oz out of the Connecticut River in Deerfield; and a Yellow Perch weighing 1 bs 9 oz out of Plainfield Pond in Plainfield. He also got a couple of gold pins in the Adult Catch & Release Category (see below).

2023 Youth Catch & Keep Angler of the Year was Logan Middlebrook of Pittsfield. Logan caught bronze or gold pin fish in 17 species.  He caught the gold pin fish in the following species:  Bowfin weighing 6 lbs. 14 oz out of the Connecticut River in Northampton, Carp weighing 16 lbs. 8 oz out of Pontoosuc Lake in Pittsfield, Fallfish weighing 11 oz out of the Westfield River in Huntington, and White Catfish weighing 3 lbs. 15 oz out of the Connecticut River in Agawam, MA. He also got a couple of gold pins in the Youth Catch & Release Category (see below).

Logan Middlebrook photo provided by his family

If Logan looks familiar, its because his picture was in this column last year holding a big carp.  He tied for the 2022 Youth Angler of the year with Carter Flagg of Gill and Gabriel Christman of Pittsfield. Logan’s dad, Bill, said DFW officials told him that no one from Western Massachusetts has ever accomplished this repeat feat before. He has only been fishing for 3 years now.

The Catch & Release Angler of the Year Award is awarded to the person who submits the largest number of species that meet the minimum length requirements for the previous calendar year.

 

2023 Adult Catch & Release (C&R) Angler of the Year winner was Andrew Langley of Peabody. He was also Adult Catch & Release Angler of the year in 2022.  He caught bronze or gold pin fish in 20 species.  He caught the gold pin fish as follows: An 18.50-inch Fallfish out of the Connecticut River in Northampton, a 23.75-inch shad out of the Merrimack River in Lawrence, a 21.50-inch White Catfish out of the Charles River in Cambridge, a 24.75-inch shad out of the Merrimack River in Andover and a 15-inch Yellow Perch out of the Merrimack River in Haverhill.

2023 Youth C&R Angler of the Year was Jack Ostriker of Grafton, MA. He didn’t catch any gold pin fish, but he caught 14 bronze pin fish.

Other gold pin fish that were caught out of Berkshire waters in 2023 were as follows:

Adult Catch & Keep Category – A 16 lbs. 14 oz gold pin Tiger Muskellunge was caught out of Pontoosuc Lake in Pittsfield by Daniel Aitken of Pittsfield.

Youth C&R Category -The following gold pin fish were taken:  A 16-inch Tiger Trout was taken out of Onota Lake by Logan Middlebrook, as well as a 28-inch Bowfin out of the Connecticut River in Northampton, a 22.50-inch Largemouth Bass out of Plunkett Lake in Hinsdale by Kadance Soules of Dalton, a 21-inch Rainbow Trout out of Onota Lake by Tyler Boutin of Northbridge, MA.

Adult C&R Category, in addition to Andrew Langley’s previously mentioned fish, the following gold pin fish were caught.  A 19.50-inch Brook Trout was caught out of Windsor Pond in Windsor by Tyler Mazzotta of Adams; a 23.75-inch Largemouth Bass was caught out of Cheshire Reservoir by Manuel Silveira of Berkshire Village, a 21-inch Rainbow Trout was caught out of Onota Lake by Tyler Boutin of Northbridge, MA,

Youth Catch & Keep Category, in addition to Logan’s previously mentioned fish, the following gold pin fish were caught: A 5 lbs. 8 oz Largemouth Bass was caught out of Buckley-Dunton Lake in Becket by Trystan Couture of Chester, MA; a 13 lbs. 2 oz Northern Pike was caught out of Cheshire Reservoir by Alice Christman of Pittsfield, a 4 lbs. 5 oz Smallmouth Bass was taken out of Onota Lake in Pittsfield by Corbin Carlow of Windsor, and a 1 lbs. 15 oz Tiger Trout was taken out of Onota Lake by Alice Christman.

As noted earlier, only gold pin fish were listed. There is another pin awarded and that is the bronze pin.  If you submit a fish that meets the minimum weight or minimum length requirements for an eligible species, you’ll get a bronze pin from MassWildlife for that species Nearly 1,000 pins are awarded annually.

In 2023, two new species were added to the Freshwater Sportfishing Award Program – Fallfish and White Sucker.  Also, a Youth C&R category was added resulting in more state records in those species.

There were 2 new state records in the Adult Catch & Keep Category:  A 1 lbs. 15 oz Bowfin caught out of the Connecticut River in Northampton by Cam Tucker and a 3 lbs. 8 oz White Sucker caught out of the Merrimack River in Haverhill by Andrew Langley of Peabody.

There were 8 new state records in the Adult C&R Category:  A 34.50-inch Bowfin was caught out of the Connecticut River in Northampton and a 24.25 Smallmouth Bass was caught out of the Chicopee River in Chicopee by Will Pellerin of Springfield, a 32.50-inch Chain Pickerel caught out of Bog Pond in Carver by Nicholas Gurney of Wareham, a 34.75-inch Channel Catfish caught out of the Connecticut River in Gill, an 18.50-inch Fallfish caught out of the Connecticut River in Northampton by Cam Tucker.  Another 18.50-inch Fallfish was caught out of the same river by Andrew Langley of Peabody, MA; a 37-inch Lake Trout was caught out of the Wachusett Reservoir by Jeff Evans of Clinton and a 23-inch White Sucker was taken out of the Swift River in Belchertown by Colin Duarte of Sterling.

Angler of the Year recipients and gold pin winners are honored each year at a MassWildlife awards event where they will receive gold pins and plaques. The date and location TBA.

Ice fishing and skating near an end

It looks like our ice fishing season, such as it was, is about over.  I suspect some ice fishermen never had a chance to get out this year due to the thin ice. Several ice fishing derbies had to be cancelled and at least one local person had fallen through the ice and had to be rescued.  That makes two years in a row where there hasn’t been much ice.    I was fortunate to get out 5 times, but never fished on more than 5 or 6 inches of ice.

This year, the only place I fished was Stockbridge Bowl.  I enjoy fishing that lake because you never know what you will see.    Every day, you could expect to see a Bald Eagle fly over.  Sometimes you’ll see someone pedaling around on a studded unicycle, or maybe someone wind sailing in an ice boat.  This year I saw some Skate Sailers who move over ice on ice skates utilizing the force of the wind. A small sail is held in their hands or leaned against with the whole body.  Boy, can they move when the wind is right.  No wonder they wear helmets. According to Frank Wall (pictured) from Harlemville, NY, Skate Sailing is a rather old sport dating back to the 1800’s.

Frank Wall picture provided by Gene Chague

Ham Shoots

 

The Cheshire Rod & Gun Club Cheshire Rod & Gun Club is holding Ham Shoots on the following Sundays:  March 10, 17 and 24 starting at 1:00 pm.  Prizes will include ham and some other surprises.  $5 a shot.

2023 Berkshire County League of Sportsmen Award winners are announced

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At the February 1 meeting of the Berkshire County League of Sportsmen (BCLS) five area outdoor sportspeople were selected to receive prestigious awards. The awards will be presented at the Annual Silvio O. Conte Memorial Dinner on Saturday, April 13 at the Cheshire Rod & Gun Club.  (More information to come in a later column, such as time and ticket price).

The winners are as follows:

Leanda Fontaine of Bernardston, MA, was selected to receive the Sportsperson of the Year Award. She is the DFW Western District Aquatic Biologist out of the Dalton Office.  Leanda has worked for MassWildlife for 18 years, spending 11 years in the Westboro field headquarters where she worked on the Atlantic Salmon restoration, fisheries population assessment, sampling quality control, and many other programs. She coordinated statewide scheduling of fish sampling in rivers and streams and became an agency expert on fish identification.

Picture of Leanda provided by Leanda

In 2016, Leanda came to the Western District to oversee the District’s fisheries programs. She is responsible for coordinating and executing the distribution of stocked trout each spring and fall, organizing personnel and fish for more than 100 stocking runs each year to maximize fishing opportunity for Western District anglers. Leanda has initiated a successful water chestnut pulling project at Three Mile Pond in Sheffield and Smiley Pond in Egremont. She has been an important participant in MassWildlife’s efforts to protect freshwater mussels, conducting surveys and assessments throughout the District. Leanda is the MassWildlife representative on the interagency scientific dive team. She has been a strong resource advocate on issues surrounding Lake and Pond management in the Berkshires. Leanda serves on multiple R3 (Recruitment, Retention, and Reactivation) committees at MassWildlife focused on the expansion of hunting, shooting, and fishing opportunities. She has organized numerous public trout stocking events and coordinated the Learn to Fish clinics in the Western District.

Rick French of Phillipston, MA was selected to receive the John Zuber Award. He has been coordinating the Northern Berkshire Paraplegic Hunts for the last 37 years.  Each year, he contacts the landowners to see if they will allow the hunts, leads the team that sets up platforms for the hunters to put their wheelchairs on, sets up blinds, stays in contact with the paraplegic hunters while they are hunting, helps track any wounded deer, helps field dress and drag the deer out of the woods, cuts up the deer, shrink wrap them, etc. In short, he helps to ensure that the paraplegic hunters have safe and memorable hunts.

Without fanfare or recognition, he has been responsible for bringing pleasure to hundreds of deer hunters who otherwise would have not been able to enjoy the thrill of the hunt.  That, he will tell you, is reward enough.

Incidentally, this award was established in 2012 to honor the late John Zuber of Pittsfield. He was past president of the Berkshire County League of Sportsmen, past President of the Pittsfield Sportsmen’s Club, the recipient of the BCLS Sportsman of the Year Award and Lifetime Achievement Award, was Secretary of the Massachusetts Sportsmen’s Council and received numerous awards from them.  He was well known throughout the State

The late Richard ‘Rick’ Theilig of Lee was selected to receive the Outstanding Achievement Award posthumously.  Rick was a member of Lee Sportsmen’s Association for many years and he was its President in 1995. He was very talented with

Photo provided by Theilig family

all disciplines of shooting in archery, rifle and skeet shooting. He was instrumental in running its archery program both indoor and outdoor for many years. He ran many archery leagues and tournaments.  He helped build LSA’s youth archery program. In recent years he helped instruct youth archers at the Stockbridge Sportsmen’s Club in its adult archery league. Rick was also a great archery tournament champion traveling all over the country.  He passed away in December, 2023.

Ted Pointek of Housatonic was selected to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award. Ted has been the driving force behind the success of the outdoor pistol program at the Lee Sportsmen’s Association.  Every match requires 4-5 hours of preparation time. Finding the stages online, making sure they work, managing the roster, loading the supplies, preparing targets, purchasing supplies and doing the needed financial paperwork for the club.

On match day, he is always the first to come and last to go, 8:00 am till about 4:00 pm, ensuring the range is in better shape than he found it.  Then Ted pours through the scores and unusually posts them the same night to all the match participants.

Every target and wall stand has been constructed or modified by Ted in his shop. All winter Ted works on making more shooting equipment or something to organize the shooting equipment.

Every match Ted brings an entire tool truck that is used to help set up and break down the match. Recently Ted re-engineered all the steel targets to reduce the possibility of sprawl and ricochets going upward.  He often makes trips to the club on non-match weekends to do ground work or work on the targets or bays.  Considering there are 3 matches, 2 -USPSA matches and 1- steel challenge a month (about 60+ man hours per month), his accomplishments speak for themselves.

James Loughman of Adams was selected to receive the Sportsmen’s Achievement Award.    Jim has been a long-time member, and current Secretary of the Adams Outdoors for Youth (AOFY). He has volunteered at AOFY fishing/ice fishing events and its game dinners for roughly 20 years.

He has also been a member of the Cheshire Rod & Gun Club for nearly as long. He has served on the Board of Directors (including as Newsletter Editor and President) of the former Hoosick Chapter of Trout Unlimited for several years.

He is an enthusiastic fisherman, ice fisherman and forager of wild edibles, Jim is grateful for all of the work that organizations like AOFY do to instill a love of the outdoors in the next generation of sportsmen.

The 40th Annual Springfield Sportsmen’s Show coming soon

The show takes place at the Eastern States Exposition (Big E) 1305 Memorial Ave., West Springfield, MA on February 23 through 25.   The show hours are Friday from noon to 8 :00 pm, Saturday 9:00 am to 7:00 pm and Sunday 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.  Admission:  Adults – $15, Kids 6 to 12 – $5 and under 6 free.

Billed as the largest pure hunting and fishing show in the Northeast, it is filled with hundreds of booths, seminars, and action areas. The show is filled with an outdoorsman’s dream of fishing and hunting gear, outfitters, charter boats and adventure destinations, along with great deals on fishing boats, ATV’s and UTV’s. There will be great attractions and displays such as The Northeast Big Buck Club, Trout Pond, and more.

This year there will be a new bass speaker at the Fishing Seminar lineup.  Spencer Cookson is the owner/operator of Berkshire Bass, which is a tackle shop, guide service and tournament series located in Sheffield. Spencer is going on his 4th season of professionally guiding in the Berkshires for Largemouth and Smallmouth bass on some of the state’s best fisheries. While at the show, you may want to book a trip with him.

Archery Tournament

The Stockbridge Sportsmen’s Club has scheduled a 300 Round Indoor Archery Tournament – Berkshire Championship on February 24 – 25. Shooting times are Saturday February 24 at 6:00 pm and Sunday, February 25, at 9:00 am or 1:00 pm.  The Youth Shoot starts at 11:00 am on Sunday. For more information contact John Mange (518)265-1872 or John Davis (413)446-9012.

Shoots coming up

The Great Barrington Fish & Game Club is having Ham Shoots starting this Sunday, February 18 and running every Sunday until March 24.  Shoots start at noon, call-in signs-up start at 10:00 and walk-ins at 9:30 am.  Cost is $4.00 per shoot.  In addition to ham, prizes include beef roasts, pork loins, and more.  Food will be available at the shoots.

The Lenox Sportsmen’s Club will be holding its Annual Ham Shoots starting on Sunday March 3 and running every Sunday until Easter.  You are invited to enjoy an exhilarating day of target shooting paired with some scrumptious food, exciting raffles and even more.

The Lee Sportsmen’s Association will be holding Turkey Shoots on the following Sundays: March 3, 10, 17, 24, and April 7, from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm.  Prizes include NY strip steaks, turkeys, pork loins, spiral hams, and money shoots. $3/shot-meat & $3/shot-money shoot.  Lunch available for purchase.  Contact President Doug Frank at (413) 822-6490 with any questions.

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Detected in Massachusetts

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The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources’ (MDAR) Division of Animal Health is informing the public that Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) has been detected in Essex County. MDAR and its partner agencies depopulated and disposed of a non-commercial, mixed-species backyard flock (non-poultry) in Essex County due to HPAI. Birds on the affected premises died suddenly without exhibiting any other clinical signs consistent with HPAI and samples tested positive for the disease.

MDAR advises backyard and commercial poultry owners to practice strong biosecurity measures to prevent domestic poultry from having contact with wild birds, their feathers, and droppings. The HPAI virus is continuing to circulate in the wild bird population, particularly in wild waterfowl. Eliminating standing water and preventing domestic birds from having access to ponds, streams, and wetland areas that attract wild waterfowl is of critical importance.

 

Additionally, over the past few days the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife) has received reports of dead and dying wild Canada geese in Essex County and the surrounding coastal areas. These wild birds showed symptoms consistent with HPAI. Several samples have been collected for HPAI testing and results are pending. While humans are rarely infected with avian influenza viruses, humans that have prolonged close contact with sick or dead birds infected with HPAI are at the most risk of becoming infected. Officials are urging the public not to handle or feed any birds suspected of being infected. Pet owners should also prevent their dogs from making contact with wild birds.

 

REPORT sick or dead birds

Domestic birds:   617-626-1795 or online Poultry Disease Reporting Form: https://www.mass.gov/forms/poultry-disease-reporting-form

Wild birds:   Department of Fish and Game, Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife) https://www.mass.gov/forms/report-observations-of-dead-wild-birds

 

Former MassWildlife Director receives top honors

Retired MassWildlife Director Wayne MacCallum was inducted into the National Wild Turkey Federation’s (NWTF) New England Turkey Hunting Hall of Fame alongside five other inductees in late January. The Hall of Fame, established in 2017 by the New England NWTF state chapters, recognizes outstanding individuals for their contributions to wild turkey conservation and to the preservation of New England’s hunting heritage.

MacCallum served as MassWildilfe’s Director for nearly 30 years. During that time, regulated turkey hunting was relatively new and MassWildlife was actively working with partners to restore wild turkeys across the Commonwealth.  Decades after wild turkeys disappeared from Massachusetts, MassWildlife reintroduced them in the early 1970s. During the 1980s and 1990s, turkeys were trapped and relocated to suitable habitat across Massachusetts to support and grow the population. The state’s turkey population is now estimated to be 30,000 –35,000.

Joe Judd, NWTF State Chapter Board Member, presented the award and recalled the early days of turkey hunting in Massachusetts and the partnership between NWTF and MassWildlife. “Wayne was instrumental in supporting our progress with the trap and release program and he fought hard for the dollars needed for equipment and manpower to keep the project moving ahead. When the Massachusetts Chapter started to contribute more dollars, Wayne saw the commitment we were making and welcomed the partnership.” As turkey populations expanded, hunting opportunities also grew.

“Congratulations to Wayne for this well-deserved recognition,” said Mark S. Tisa, current MassWildlife Director. “This award offers a chance to reflect on how far we have come. The partnership between MassWildlife and NWTF is as strong as ever and we look forward to collaborating on our shared conservation goals for years to come.” 

Mr. MacCallum expressed gratitude for the honor. He emphasized that the hardworking and passionate MassWildlife staff, NWTF members, and volunteers were major factors in the success of wild turkey restoration and in championing responsible, safe hunting in the state.

This is the second time MacCallum has been recognized by NWTF. In 2015, he was awarded the Wayne Bailey Lifetime Achievement Award for excellence in conservation. Past Hall of Fame inductees from MassWildlife include retired Turkey Biologist Jim Cardoza, retired Information and Education Chief Ellie Horwitz, and the late Fisheries and Wildlife Board Chairman George Darey.

Fly tying events coming up

Several fly tying events will be conducted in the upcoming weeks.  On February 11 and March 16 at 3:30 pm the Taconic Chapter of Trout Unlimited will be having events at the Wild Soul River, 248 Cole Ave., Williamstown. On February 24 at 6:30 pm, Berkshire Outfitters, located at 169 Grove Street Adams, will have a fly-tying event. Anyone interested in attending the event should contact Chris Sampson at Berkshire Outfitters to reserve a spot.  In southern Berkshires, Peter Paulson is joining Dean Hutson and the folks at the Berkshire National Fish Hatchery, 240 Hatchery Road, New Marlborough, MA for some fly tying classes scheduled for February 17 and March 16 (3rd Saturdays of the month).

Lastly, on March 5 and 7, MassWildlife will be conducting a Beginner Fly Tying Class, at the Cheshire Rod & Gun Club, 310 Curran Road, Cheshire,  from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. There you will learn the basic skills of tying your own flies during this free, hands-on, two-session course.  All tools and tying materials will be provided. It is open to the public, for beginning fly tiers only, with a minimum age of 15.  Pre-registration is mandatory. Contact Jim Lagacy to register at: jim.lagacy@mass.gov or call 508-389-6309.

Ice Fishing Derby

 

The Cheshire Rod & Gun Club and the Adams Outdoorsmen for Youth will be sponsoring an ice fishing derby at the Cheshire Lake North Basin and 2nd Lake on February 18 from 7:00 am to 4:00 pm. Registration at both boat ramps from 7:00 to 10:00 am. Children are free with a paid adult ticket. Kids prizes for the 5 heaviest fish.  There are adult and kid categories.

 

Tickets cost $15.  Advance sales are available at Martin Farrell’s Bait, Cheshire Sporting Goods, Dave’s Sporting Goods, Onota Boat Livery or Shire Bait.  ’Weigh In “channel 7 or call 822-2824.  All fish must be alive, of legal length and weighed by 4:00 pm. Registration Awards and refreshments start at 5:00 pm at the club house.

 

Ice fishing tournament “off the ice”

With everyone’s safety as their top concern, the organizers have decided to move the 2024 Lanesboro Memorial Ice Fishing Tournament off the ice this year. Events will happen behind the Root River Saloon on Saturday, February 17 from 12:00 to -3:00 pm. There will be adult and youth activities and food and beverages.  The proceeds support the Lanesboro Senior Class and other local needs. Watch Facebook for more information.

Thanks Tom Ferguson, you did a wonderful job

 

Recently, Lenox Sportsmen’s Club Board Member Mark Jester announced a leadership transition at the Lenox Sportsmen’s Club, marking the end of Tom Ferguson’s remarkable 43-year tenure as its leader. According to Jester, at the age of 84, Tom, who had previously served as the president of the Lakewood Sportsmen’s Club before its merger with Lenox, has decided to step down. The merger was prompted by an unfortunate arson incident at the old Lakewood Sportsmen’s Club house in 1983.

Jester lauded Ferguson’s work.  “Under Tom’s guidance, Lenox Sportsmen’s Club has thrived, boasting an annual membership of around 650 individuals. Tom played a pivotal role in initiating programs, many of which are still in operation, and consistently advocated for the Berkshire County League of Sportsmen (BCLS). Although his departure leaves a void in leadership, Tom has expressed his continued involvement with the club.”

“Tom’s most recent undertaking was the organization of the club’s annual Venison & Polenta Dinner, a successful event that drew in 150 participants, including men, women, and children. The program generated $4,000.00 in funds, earmarked to sponsor the attendance of four local teenagers at the Massachusetts Junior Conservation Camp this upcoming summer. Despite stepping down from his leadership role, Tom remains an active and valuable contributor to the club’s initiatives.”

It was a tasty fish

Say, remember the article in this column about that big brown trout that was caught out of Stockbridge Bowl a couple of weeks ago?  As you may recall, it was caught by Brian Duffy of Rehoboth, MA.  I asked him what he did with that fish and here is his response, “ We ended up eating the fish. Beautiful filets turned into a few great meals. Smoked the filets with maple, pressure canned the boney sections to dissolve the bones for sandwiches, and boiled down the carcass for an amazing fish, chorizo, corn chowder.  Nothing went to waste!” he wrote.

It’s a shame he threw away the scales.

A look back at 2023 Berkshire Woods and Waters columns

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The year 2023 is now history.  So, what were some of the major articles this column covered last year?

Well, things started off on a sad note.  In January we learned that local flyfishing legend Fred Moran of Adams passed beyond the riverbend.

More than 700 lbs of venison were distributed and provided meals for people throughout the state in 2022.

A total of 223 black bears were taken during the combined 2022 bear hunting seasons. This was the second highest in the last 5 years and the 6th highest overall. Some 79 bears were taken in Berkshire County. The 2022 deer harvest set a record at 5,853 deer. That harvest highlighted the growing deer abundance statewide and increased access to permits. Some 3,067 turkeys were harvested statewide in 2022, 2,837 in the spring hunt and 230 in the fall hunt.

There was a 3-way tie in the MassWildlife Youth Catch & Keep Angler of the Year 2022, Carter Flagg of Gill, and Logan Middlebrook and Gabriel Christman of Pittsfield. Logan caught the gold pin brown trout weighing 3 lbs. 6 oz out of Onota Lake and Gabriel caught the gold pin 3 lbs. 5 oz rainbow trout out of Stockbridge Bowl.  Gabriel also caught a gold pin white perch weighing 1 lb. 4 oz out of Pontoosuc Lake.

Other gold pin fish that were caught out of Berkshire waters last year were:

  • Adult Catch & Keep Category – A 3 lbs. 5 oz brook trout was caught out of Goose Pond by Allan Armstrong of Lee.
  • Catch & Release Category – Two 44-inch northern pike were caught out of Onota Lake.  One was caught by Seth Davis of Oxbridge and one caught by Jake Burke of Pittsfield. Another gold pin fish caught out of Onota was a 23.25- inch white catfish which was caught by Jason Wingrove of Bernardston.

 

Four area outdoor sportspeople/conservationists received prestigious awards at the Silvio O. Conte Awards Banquet which was sponsored by the Berkshire County League of Sportsmen (BCLA):

  • Stephen Sears of Dalton received the Sportsman of the Year Award.
  • The late Fred Moran received the Lifetime Achievement Award posthumously.
  • Joel Miraglia of Ashfield received the Sportsmen’s Appreciation Award.
  • Eric Dupont of Lee received the John Zuber Award for all that he does for the youth programs at the Lee Sportsmen’s Association.

 

MassWildlife submitted comments to the Secretary of the Executive Office of Environmental and Energy Affairs and MA Environmental Policy Act Office regarding a proposed Pontoosuc Lake drawdown.  MassWildlife’s position is that it alters and causes harm to biological resources without substantive justification or full consideration of alternative approaches with less impact to the biological resources.

Governor Maura Healey made a campaign promise to pause logging on state-owned forest land

 

In March 23, Dan Aitken of Pittsfield caught a 16 lbs 14 oz tiger muskie that measured 45 inches.  Unbelievably, Dan had caught an even heavier fish, a Northern Pike, out of Onota Lake just the week before on March 17. That fish weighed 22 lbs 5 oz and measured 43 inches long.

Local fly fisherman Marc Hoechstetter wrote an article about his experiences fishing the Hideaway Pool on the Deerfield River.

 

Beginning in 2023 two new fish species (Fallfish and White Sucker) were included in the MA Freshwater Sportfish Awards Program.

In May we documented the tale of two youth turkey hunters 13-year old Hunter Lawson of Williamstown and 17-year old Matthew Melito, of Adams.  Both got two turkeys on their first day ever of turkey hunting.

 

In May, Tom O’Shea was appointed Commissioner of the MA Department of Fish & Game replacing outgoing Commissioner Ron Amidon.

MassWildlife added 125 acres in Cummington adjacent to Route 9.  They also partnered with Berkshire Natural Resource Council, DCR, and the Department of Conservation Services to protect more than 750 acres in the towns of Tyringham and Monterey.

A Commemorative plaque was dedicated…. after 49 years.  Appreciation was shown for a land donation which was made to the Town of Lenox in 1974 by the late Robert and Olga Weiss of Lenox

 

Governor Healey’s office announced $500,000 state grants to five coalitions and four individual non-profit watershed organizations across the state to support monitoring water quality. Three local organizations received them, The Housatonic Valley Association – $48,605, The Deerfield River Watershed Chapter of Trout Unlimited – $26,007 and The Farmington River Watershed Association – $13,378.

 “An unforgettable Opening Day on the River.” Bill Hollister, formerly of Pittsfield, narrated how he helped save a man from drowning in the West Branch of the Housatonic River in 1950.

 

MassWildlife led a cleanup of the George Darey Wildlife Management Area as well as certain areas along Roaring Brook Road in Lenox.

Based on studies, we learned that most brown trout in the Deerfield River are wild, not stocked

 

Changes in goose hunting season, one being the extension of its season date which would run from January 1 through February 15.

 

In June, the Pediatric Palliative Care Program, part of Hospice Care in the Berkshire, enjoyed the BCLS sponsored Youth Outreach Derby on Reynolds Pond in Cheshire.

The 2023 Harry A. Bateman Memorial Jimmy Fund Fishing Derby drew about 300 fishermen and raised over $10,000 for the fight against cancer.

 

In June there was an article about Paul Knauth (Hinsdale) and me chronicling a wonderful flyfishing trip to the Catskills and epic battles fought with large trout. None were landed.

 

Naturewatch columnist Thom Smith retired.

 

Wildlife officials wondered whether we could reverse the trend of dwindling hunting and fishing participants.

 

In recognition of his 35 years of dedicated and effective conservation work, an asteroid was named after Dr. Thomas W. French, the founding leader and former Assistant Director of MassWildlife’s Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program (NHESP).

Local recipients of the Culvert Replacement Municipal Assistance (CRMA) Grant Program were: Egremont: $48,811 for Karner Brook Culvert Replacement, Richmond:  $55,200 for Sleepy Hollow Road Culvert Replacement, Great Barrington:  $55,933 for Housatonic River Tributary Culvert Replacement, Berkshire Clean, Cold, Connected Restoration Partnership, Housatonic Valley Association, awarded $199,899.

Environmental Police Officer Lt. Tara Carlow received the Outstanding Officer of The Year Award in Conservation Law Enforcement and Public Safety.

 

New proposed gun control law (HD.4420) drew fire from hunters and legal shooting enthusiasts.

 

Alice Christman of Pittsfield caught a 42 1/2 inch pike weighing just short of 14lbs.

 

It was a great hunting year for young Hunter Lawson.  In addition to the two turkeys that he got earlier in the year, he also got a black bear

 

In October a column heading was “Back to Battle on flyfishing trip to the Catskill.  This scribe’s attempt to catch a big brown trout that defeated him in June.  After it cleaned my clock again, it took on the name of Iron Mike. (Named after Heavyweight Champion boxer Mike Tyson who trained in the Catskills).

In October we learned about local MassWildlife firefighter Jacob Morris-Siegel’s trip to Montana to fight the wildfires.

 

here was an article about a new turkey license plate that is on the horizon.

Sportsmen and women were recognized by New England governors as America’s true conservationists.

 

The 2023 MA paraplegic hunt harvested 10 deer, only 1 in the Berkshires

 

In November, four instructors from MassWildlife conducted a Field Day for its Basic Hunter Education Course at the Stationery Factory in Dalton.  49 students passed the course.

In November over 30 individuals participated in a fly tying/fly fishing event at the Berkshire National Fish Hatchery

picture provided by Peter Paulson

In December, the Healey-Driscoll Administration announced an investment of $25 million to remove eight aging dams in Central and Western Massachusetts, including the abandoned high-hazard Bel Air Dam in Pittsfield

Charles Wohl of Lenox was

Charles Wohl photo provided by Gene Chague

awarded Trout Unlimited Crooked Staff Award.

In December, local photographer Mark Thorne reported that T98, the 21 ½ year old female bald eagle, went missing.

Many thanks for reading this column last year.  I look forward to continuing writing about our woods and waters in the new year.