Category Archives: Awards

Four honored at BCLS Conte Banquet

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Four honored at BCLS Conte Banquet

The Cheshire Rod & Gun Club banquet hall was packed for the Berkshire County League of Sportsmen’s  Silvio O. Conte Memorial Awards Banquet which was held last Saturday evening.  Award winners were: Shaun Smith of Lee – Sportsman of the Year, Mark Jester of Pittsfield – John Zuber Award, retired Mass DFW Director Wayne MacCallum of Grafton- Lifetime Achievement Award and the Adams Outdoor for Youth organization – Sportsmen’s Appreciation Award. They were selected by the various sportsmen’s clubs which make up the BCLS.   Their individual feats were highlighted in prior columns.

Smith’s award was in recognition of his dedication, leadership and commitment to the sportsmen of MA.   BCLS President Mark Jester presented a plaque and citations from State Senator Benjamin Downing representing the Senate and State Rep William “Smitty” Pignatelli representing the House of Representatives. Jester congratulated and thanked him for all of the work that he did for the paraplegic hunting program in MA.  For over 40 years he dedicated himself to those who can no longer walk around the woods. “Because of his efforts, they are still getting out into the woods and enjoying the outdoors”, said Jester,   “Their memories of being out into the outdoors are good ones instead of just sitting in the chairs to which they are bound.”

 

“It’s not a one man show”, Smith said in accepting the award.  He thanked the past and current members of the DFW for their help over the years as well as Al Vincent who has been involved in the program for as long as he has.  He also thanked his understanding wife Mary for her support of his involvement in this program.

 

Mass F & W Board Chairman George “Gige” Darey of Lenox presented the Lifetime Achievement Award to MacCallum for his efforts to preserve and protect the rich natural resources which will forever benefit the citizens, habitat and wildlife of this great Commonwealth.  Noting that he is highly regarded nationwide, he credited MacCallum for pushing for the “presumption of openness” for passive recreation on State lands, for initiating the Land Stamp, a supplement to the Open Space Bond Bill, which resulted in the preservation of thousands of acres in Massachusetts, and more.

 

In accepting the award MacCallum said that it was a real honor and pleasure to be the director and to work with all of the sportsmen across the state. He loved his job.  He commended Acting Director Jack Buckley for all his help along the way.

 

Wayne Tinney of Adams accepted the Sportsmen’s Appreciation Award for the Adams Outdoor for Youth Organization.  He is its President.  The award is in appreciation of the Club’s unwavering commitment to the community and to the community’s greatest assets, it youth.  “This award is all about helping the kids in our community” said Tinney.

 

Tinney then presented the John Zuber Award to Mark Jester of Pittsfield for recognition of his unwavering dedication to the sportsmen of Berkshire County.  He called him one of the hardest working guys in all of the sportsmen’s groups.

 

“This is one of the greatest honors ever bestowed upon me”, said Jester.  “John Zuber was a great friend and this award means a lot to me.  If it wasn’t for John (Previous BCLS President) the County League wouldn’t be what it is today”. Jester talked about hunting with his dad and how he got him involved and sparked his love for the outdoors.   He thanked the sportsmen for making it possible for him to represent them in Westborough, Boston and with local legislators. *****

 

Next Sunday, the Stockbridge Sportsmen’s Club will be holding its annual Spring Fishing Derby on Stockbridge Bowl from dawn until 3:00 PM.  There will be $100 prizes for the heaviest trout, pickerel, bass and bullhead.  Free lures for all kids 12 and under.  Pre-registration fee is $10, after that it is $15.  Official rules and weigh-in will be at the boat ramp.  For more information call (413)644-3590 or (413)298-4630.  *****

 

The spring turkey hunting season opens tomorrow.   Good luck and have a safe and enjoyable hunt.  Watch out for the ticks.

 

2014 County League of Sportsmen Award winners are announced

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Shaun Smith of Lee was selected to receive the Berkshire County League of Sportsmen (BCLS) 2014 Sportsman of the Year Award.   The Lee Sportsmen’s Association’s nomination states that “Shaun has been a long time sportsman over the years, and last year celebrated his 40th year being a volunteer for the Massachusetts Paraplegic Hunt program.  For many years he has taken the lead organizing the South County paraplegic hunt to make sure all hunters have a great time.  Shaun is also involved in Hunter Education Courses as a basic instructor and in firearm training as a NRA certified pistol and rifle instructor and a range safety officer.  Shaun runs the indoor archery league and has been working very hard to move the club into the 21st century.”

 

Former Massachusetts DFW Director Wayne MacCallum of Grafton was selected to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award.   His many achievements were the main focus of last week’s column.

 

The Adams Outdoor for Youth organization was selected to receive the Sportsmen’s Appreciation Award.  The 31-year-old non-profit organization was founded by town resident James “Jimmy” Carpenter, who also served as its first president. Meetings occur on a monthly basis, and there are more than 130 “family members.” Among the youth-focused activities and events offered by the group are ice-fishing derbies, a well-attended spring fishing derby held in conjunction with the Northern Berkshire Community Coalition and the BCLS, and another very popular annual youth fishing derby. Annually, it holds a well attended game dinner and 100% of the proceeds are used for financial scholarships for youths interested in attending sports camps and a state-sponsored conservation camp.  Education-focused scholarships are also offered to Berkshire area high school seniors.

 

BCLS President Mark Jester of Pittsfield was selected to receive the prestigious John Zuber Lifetime Achievement Award.   Just look at his accomplishments:  BCLS delegate since 1982 and its president for 17 years, former Lakewood Sportsmen’s Club Secretary; Lenox Sportsmen’s Club Secretary, Board Member and VP since 1984. He was Instrumental in the Adopt-a-Forest Program, involved in getting the ACEC designation for the Housatonic River,  serves on several different environmental and non-profit charitable organizations, former founding member on the Governing Board of the Housatonic River Restorations, Sportsmen for Land Preservation, Western Mass Sportsmen’s Alliance, Berkshire Environmental Coalition, Board of Directors for GOAL, BCLS Representative on the Mass Sportsmen’s Council, appointed to the Massachusetts Zebra Mussel Task Force, leader of the local effort to get the National Archery-in-Schools Program established in the Berkshires.  In the last 4 years he has signed up 10 schools into the program with thousands of students participating.  He has taught youth archery classes at Lenox Sportsmen’s Club since 1996 and coordinates and hosts the Conte Banquet every year. He is constantly meeting with City, State and Federal Legislators, DCR, GOAL, DFW, USF&W and Massachusetts F&W Board on sportsmen’s issues.  He has even testified before the EPA in Washington DC.

 

He has worked on behalf of sportsmen’s issues with and for National Wildlife Federation (NWF) surrounding federal legislation with EPA on the Mercury Rule/ Clean Air and Clean Water Act.

 

He hosts a local TV outdoor sports programs “GOAL Show” with Executive Director James Wallace and “The Outdoor Report” with the NWF. He was named the 2000 BCLS Sportsman of the Year, 2001 Massachusetts Sportsmen’s Council Sportsman of the Year and the 2014 recipient of the MSC’s highest award, the Ray Gribbons Award.

 

The richly deserved awards will be presented at the Silvio O. Conte Memorial Banquet at the Cheshire Rod and Gun Club on the evening of April 18.   Tickets can be obtained from any BCLS delegate.   *****

 

The East Mountain Sportsmen’s Club will be conducting a Basic Hunter Education Course at its club location at 312 Henderson Road, Williamstown. The dates are April 13, 17, 20, 24, 27 and May 1 from 6 to 9 PM. All first-time hunters who wish to purchase Massachusetts hunting or sporting licenses must complete a Basic Hunter Education course.  For more information, call 508-389-7820. *****

 

The next Lee Sportsmen’s Association Pistol Course will be held on Monday March 23rd and Monday March 30th. The cost is $100.  Participants will be given a student packet and learn the attitude, skills and knowledge necessary to become a responsible gun owner.  Course includes handling, dry firing, parts and operation of revolvers and semi auto pistols, cleaning, storage, opportunities to shoot in different venues, and the current MA gun laws.  Upon successful completion, participants will receive a MA State Police Certificate for application for their LTC.  Contact Larry K. at 442-780 for more information. *****

DFW is sending out electronic hunter surveys to approximately 32,000 licensed hunters through Novi Survey, an online survey company. The survey is designed to understand hunter effort and preferences and to collect important local “on-the-ground” information that will help manage game in the Commonwealth. The survey takes approximately 5-15 minutes to complete. All responses are anonymous, identifying information such as email and IP address will not be recorded.  If you haven’t received the survey by the end of this month, check your junk or spam folder for an email from MassWildlife/Novi Survey.  A reminder will be emailed to license holders who have not responded within a week. ****

The Locker Room in Lee recently held its 23rd annual ice fishing derby at Laurel Lake.  Tournament Director Butsy Crawford, who recently turned 90 years old, ordered up some great weather and about 100 fishermen participated.   The Adult Heaviest Fish, a 5lb 1 oz pickerel, was taken by Bill Ahern.  The Kid’s Heaviest Fish, a 2 lb 1 oz pickerel was taken by Jack Clarke.  A pasta dinner with raffle prizes was held at the Locker Room afterwards.  All of the proceeds went to Lee Youth Football.

 

Berkshire waters account for 4 gold pins in 2014

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In the Freshwater Sport Fishing Awards Programs, anglers receive bronze pins for catching fish of certain minimum weight requirements for 22 species.  They must have their catch weighed at a certified weigh station and submit an affidavit and photo to the Sportfishing Awards Coordinator.   Beginning in 2005, a youth category (aged 17 and under) was added to recognize anglers 17 years and younger for their accomplishments.

Anglers who catch the largest fish in each category receive a gold pin and plaque commemorating their accomplishment. During 2014, Berkshire waters yielded four trophy fish.

No adults won any gold pins here last year, but the following youths did:  Tauri Adamczyk of Taunton caught the largest carp in the youth division.  It weighed 27 lbs 8 oz and was caught in the Housatonic River in Lee.  Jake Burke of Pittsfield caught the largest Northern Pike, weighing 27 lbs 2 oz and it came out of Onota Lake in Pittsfield.  It was nearly 4 lbs larger that the largest pike caught by an adult.  Dylan Crea of Pittsfield caught the largest Tiger Muskie weighing 13 lbs 8 oz out of Pontoosuc Lake in Pittsfield.  It was nearly 1 lb larger than the largest Tiger Muskie caught by an adult.  (Readers may remember reading about Dylan in my column of March 9, 2014).   Christian Gougeon of Williamsburg caught the largest Tiger Trout in the youth division.  It weighed 2 lbs 10 oz and came out of Stockbridge Bowl.

Once again, it is interesting that so many out-of-area fishermen are coming to the Berkshires to fish our waters.  Our area truly has become a destination point for fishermen.

Since 2002, the Angler of the Year Award has been given to the person who weighs in the largest number of species that meet minimum weight requirements.  The award promotes awareness of the Commonwealth’s underutilized fish species and recognizes an angler’s ability to catch a wide variety of trophy species.  Since 2013, the Angler of the Year is now awarded in two categories, Youth and Adult.

In 2014, there was a tie for the Adult Angler of the Year; Mark Mohan Jr. of Pembroke and Todd Matera, of Palmer.  Mohan caught the following pin fish last year:  a gold pin Brown Trout (weighing 8 lbs 4 oz), a Bullhead, Crappie, Landlocked Salmon, Largemouth Bass, Rainbow Trout, Smallmouth Bass, Sunfish, White Perch and a gold pin Yellow Perch (weighing 2 lbs 9 oz).

Matera caught the following pin fish: Brook Trout, Bullhead, Carp, Channel Catfish, Landlocked Salmon, a gold pin Smallmouth Bass (weighing 5 lbs 6 oz), Sunfish, White Catfish, White Perch, and five Yellow Perch.

The 2014 Youth Angler of the Year was Jake Souza of Berkley. He caught the following pin fish: Brook Trout, three Brown Trout, two Bullhead, two Chain Pickerel (one of which came out of Onota Lake in Pittsfield), Crappie, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, two Sunfish, Tiger Trout, White Perch, and Yellow Perch.

Familiar names? Well, Mohan was Angler of the Year in 2013, Mantera was Angler of the Year in 2005, and Souza was Youth Angler of the Year in 2013 and 2012.  There is a little more than luck involved here, they’re just good fishermen.

Incidentally, beginning this year, MassWildlife will be including a Catch and Release component to its Freshwater Sportfishing Awards Program.

  • Fish must be taken on hook and line from State or interstate waters that are open to the public at all times.       Private ponds or sporting club ponds are not eligible for awards.
  • Fish must be measured at the site of capture, photographed against a standard measuring device, then immediately released.   The photo must include the entire fish and the measurement must be clearly discernible.   In addition to a side view photo, all affidavits for catfish and bullheads must also include a full body, dorsal (back) view of the fish.
  • Fish measurements will be rounded up to the nearest ¼ inch.
  • C&R anglers will receive the classic bronze pin for each eligible fish submitted.   Additionally, the longest of each species annually will be awarded a gold pin and plaque.
  • A C&R Angler of the Year trophy will be awarded annually to the angler who submits the widest variety of eligible species.
  • Anglers aged 17 or under are eligible for Youth C&R Sportfishing Awards.

Check out the MassWildlife website for more details.  *****

A Basic Hunter Education Course will be held at the Cheshire Rod & Gun Club, 310 Curran Road, Cheshire, on March 2, 6, 9, 13, 16 and 20 from 6:00 to 9:00PM.   All first-time hunters who wish to purchase Massachusetts hunting or sporting licenses must complete a Basic Hunter Education course.   For more information, call 508-389-7820. *****

DCR will be holding a Public Trails Workshop for the Pittsfield State Forest this Wednesday evening from 6:30 to 8:30PM at the DCR West Region HQ, 740 South Street, Pittsfield. They will hold another workshop for October Mountain State Forest, same place and time on March 4.

DCR staff will share information on the trails planning process and will work with trails system users to identify destinations and desired experiences, trail constraints and maintenance issues, and long-term trails management considerations.  The intended outcome is an environmentally sustainable trails system that all users can enjoy in the future.  *****

Next Saturday, the Lee Sportsmen’s Association is holding a “Zumbation” to raise money for the Lee High School Senior Class and the LSA. Call Mary at (413)243-2710 for more details. *****

 

Last week I erroneously listed the bear population in Massachusetts as being 50,000 instead of 5,000. My apologies!  Hope I didn’t cause panic and a rush of people to sell their homes and move out of the state.

 

Questions/comments:  Berkwoodsandwaters@roadrunner.com.

Travis receives coveted Crooked Staff Award

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In its December 11 meeting, the Taconic Chapter of Trout Unlimited presented William Travis of Pittsfield with its most prestigious award, the Crooked Staff Award.  This award is presented to the person who best exemplifies the ideals of TU, those being the conserving, protecting and restoring of North America’s coldwater fisheries and their watersheds.

Bill is a valuable member of the Board of Directors of the chapter who has taken on the task of arranging programs and speakers for its meetings and for coming up with different ways to attract new members.  For example, he is heading up the Chapter’s efforts to host an International Fly Fishing Festival on March 27 at the Berkshire Hills Country Club in Pittsfield.  (More to come on that in a future column).  He is constantly coming up with innovative ways to promote the Taconic Chapter of TU.

He has participated in programs to teach youths how to fly fish.   He has been involved in the chapter’s river clean-ups and culvert programs (river continuity program).

He is an avid steelhead and king salmon fly fisherman who is frequently seen battling them on the Salmon River, a tributary to Lake Ontario.

Incidentally, if he looks familiar, Bill was the Superintendent of public schools in Pittsfield for ten years and for Mount Greylock for five years.*****

Congratulations to Chris Porter and the members of the Onota Fishing Club for recently putting on another successful game dinner at the ITAM Club in Pittsfield.  They served 255 meals including 8 meals for the folks from Soldier On.  The food was excellently prepared. At that event, a check for $750 was presented to Soldier On.  When we left that place we had full bellies and good feelings about that donation.   Chris thanks everyone who attended, and contributed in any way.

MassWildife is looking for additional information on does harvested in Management Zones 2, 4N and 4S.  They are interested in looking at the jaws, or photos of the teeth, from does taken anytime during the 2014 season from the three Zones.  If you harvested a female deer from one of these Zones please contact the Western District office (413 684-1646) or email a photo of the teeth to david.stainbrook@state.ma.us.*****

The folks at the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries remind us that Recreational Saltwater Fishing Permits for 2015 are now available for purchase. You can obtain them online   or at a local tackle shop. The online permit system is mobile friendly and will allow you to download your permit onto your smartphone or tablet after you have purchased it – no need to print.  Carry your digital permit on your mobile device, wherever you go.

If you plan to fish in December 2014, you must have a 2014 recreational angling permit.  The 2015 permits go into effect on January 1, 2015 and are available now.  For more information, or to purchase your 2015 recreational angling permit, visit their website at http://www.mass.gov/marinefisheries. *****

Getting back to TU and the crooked staff, local sportsmen were saddened to learn of the passing of David Oclair of Richmond at the age of 73.  He was a long time director of the Taconic TU Chapter.  In 2005 he received its Crooked Staff award for his involvement over the years in stream restoration programs, stream continuity programs, annual stockings of salmon fry into our local streams, in ASERP (Atlantic Salmon School Education Program), acid rain monitoring, assisting in the Casting for Recovery program, a Berkshire County League of Sportsmen youth outreach fishing volunteer, and he was involved in local dam removal projects.  He was a board member of the Friends of the Williams River, a member of the Alford Brook Club and TU’s long time delegate to the County League.

On a personal note, Dave and I went back some 30 years.  We both retired from our jobs at about the same time and did a lot of fishing together in such places as Wyoming (where he once helped me out of some quicksand).  With other friends, we fished in five of the Canadian Provinces and many rivers in the Northeast.   For nearly 25 years, we fished for bass every Friday evening during the summer on Ashmere Lake in Hinsdale.   We also shared many frigid days ice fishing.  He was an esteemed member of the ROMEO’S (Retired Old Men Eating Out) and for the last dozen or so years, we drove together to those weekly luncheons.

I received the phone call with the sad news last Saturday morning at my quiet, snowy deer hunting stand up in the mountains – not the worst place to receive such news.   Dave has passed beyond the river bend, but will be greatly missed here.

Merry Christmas and happy holidays.

MassWildlife staff honored

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Several staff from the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife and the Department of Fish and Game (DFG) were recently honored with awards for their public service to fisheries, wildlife, and conservation.  Dr. Mark Tisa, Assistant Director of Fisheries, Dr. Jon Regosin, Chief of Conservation Science, from MassWildlife and Rich Lehan, General Counsel for the DFG were part of a multi-agency group honored by the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) New England Regional office with a Bronze Medal Award.  This medal is EPA’s third highest honor and is presented by regional offices to recognize exceptional, distinguished, or heroic individual and group achievements.  It is uncommon for recipients of this award to be given to non-EPA staff

The multi-agency team consisted of representatives of EPA New England and EPA Headquarters, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, Massachusetts DFG, the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, and the Connecticut Attorney General’s Office.  EPA and the states of Massachusetts and Connecticut discussed potential approaches to clean up the Rest of River portion of the GE Housatonic River site.

The team focused on the need to address the risks from PCBs to humans, fish, wildlife, and other organisms while avoiding, mitigating, or minimizing the impacts of the cleanup on the unique ecological character of the Housatonic River.  As stated in the nomination application by EPA staff, “Thanks to the partnerships formed during this process with the states, the program and the public can be assured that this difficult cleanup decision will be made based upon sound science and the best available information and in an open and transparent manner.”  *****

The 22nd Annual Harry A. Bateman Memorial Jimmy Fund Fishing Derby will take place on Saturday, June 7, 2014 at the Frank Controy Pavilion at Onota Lake in Pittsfield, MA. from 6:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.  No fishing license is required (Free fishing weekend for the state) The derby is open to the public and its purpose is to raise money for the Jimmy Fund – Dana Farber Cancer Institute For Children. All of the proceeds will be donated to the Jimmy Fund in memory of Harry A. Bateman a former member of Berkshire County Jimmy Fund Council, Central Berkshire Bowman & I.U.E. Local 255 who was well known throughout Berkshire County and who became a victim of cancer in 1992. 15 trophies and prizes are given away to the winners of the fishing derby (8 for the Children 4  Adults and 3 that can be won by adults or children)  There is a special category for those fishing with a bow & arrow.  All fish must be weighed in at noon. and can be caught at Onota Lake from  boat or shore.  Fee, which includes food and beverage, is $10 for adults and $5 for Children 14 years and younger.  There is a ticket raffle and many other great prizes.  

 

For any information contact Steve Bateman at 413-464-5035 or by email home:iggnatz@msn.com. *****

 

The picture?   Well, three and a half year old Hunter Proper has been having a good year of fishing, catching some 9 rainbow trout.  But nothing compared to the lunker carp he latched onto recently.    While fishing at the Onota Lake Causeway, using his little Spiderman fishing pole with a low weight line test and worms, he hooked a 14 lb 14 oz carp which immediately took off and fought him for a half hour.  His dad Justin had to help him hold the pole lest the fish yank it right out of his hands, but Hunter caught it all by himself.  Don’t you know, there were 10 other fishermen there witnessing the battle and not one had a net.  So he just dragged it up on shore.  It turned out to be a 30 inch fish with a 19 inch girth.  Rather than mount it, they will have a carved reproduction made of it.  *****

The following local waters were scheduled to be stocked with trout last week:  Westfield River in Becket, Chester, Huntington, Middlefield and Russell; Housatonic River in Hinsdale, Dalton, Stockbridge and Lee; Deerfield River in Buckland, Charlemont and Florida, Hoosic River in Clarksburg, Ashfield Pond, North Pond, Onota Lake, Upper Highland Lake, Otis Reservoir, Goose Pond and Laurel Lake. *****

Over this long weekend, you might want to take a moment or two to remember and thank those who sacrificed so much in defense of our country.

 

Questions/comments:  Berkwoodsandwaters@roadrunner.com.  Phone/fax:  (413) 637-1818..

 

Four honored at BCLS Conte Banquet

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The Cheshire Rod & Gun Club banquet hall was packed for the Silvio O. Conte Awards Banquet which was held on the evening of April 19.  The award winners included: John Mange of Stephentown, NY- 2013 Sportsman of the Year, Fran Majchrowski of Dalton- John Zuber Lifetime Achievement Award, Dennis Regan, Berkshire County Director of the HVA – Sportsmen’s Appreciation Award and the late Sarah (Sally) Bell, – posthumous Sportsmen’s Appreciation Award.  They were nominated by the various sportsmen’s clubs which make up the BCLS.  All of the recipients were selected because of their long time dedication and commitment to preserving our open spaces, preserving our clean waters or their willingness to teach future generations about the outdoors and outdoor sports. Their individual feats were highlighted in my March 16 column.

Mange’s award was in recognition of his dedication, leadership and committal to the sportsmen of Massachusetts. In his acceptance speech, John mentioned how fortunate he was to have friends and family supporting him in his efforts. Deflecting praise of himself, he complimented his fellow sportsmen for being very generous with their time. “There are a lot of dedicated sportsmen who also give a lot of their time. Someone has to do it…..all of the time” he said. (If I may add, it is the example that John sets that inspires the others). John also received citations from State Senator Benjamin Downing representing the Senate and State Rep William “Smitty” Pignatelli representing the House.

Regan’s award was in recognition of his dedication to providing leadership and assurance to provide a clean and vibrant watershed along the Housatonic River. In his acceptance speech, Regan thanked the League and commented that he had worked with it on several occasions and that he had a great deal of respect for it and all that it does.

Majchrowski’s award was in recognition of his unwavering dedication to the introduction and perpetuation of the ideals of sportsmen in Berkshire County.   He mentioned that there were a lot of people/organizations who helped his school outdoor club over the years, such as the folks at the DFW, John Pickwell of Wohrles, Jeff Diefendorf from Friedman Steel, the Dalton American Legion, Wayne Walton from LP Adams, John Ferris, Chuck Landon and the many sportsmen who donated wild game for the meals.

In honoring the late Sally Bell, BCLS President Mark Jester read a very complimentary letter which was written by Tad Ames of the Berkshire Natural Resources Council. “If a Berkshire Outdoor Hall of Fame is ever created, Sally will be the unanimous choice on the first ballot”, he wrote. Fish and Wildlife Board Chairman George (Gige) Darey accepted the plaque on Sally’s behalf. Speaking on behalf of Sally and the Berkshire County sportsmen, he gave perhaps his greatest talk that this scribe has ever heard him give, one that was totally unscripted and from the heart. *****

The Berkshire Hatchery Foundation will be holding a kid’s fishing derby at the lower pond next Saturday, from 9 to 10:30 AM.   Please let them know if you are coming by emailing http://www.berksfish.com/events.html and giving the number of children attending.  Children under 12 years old must be accompanied by an adult. *****

The following waters were scheduled to be stocked with trout by the DFW last week:  Green River in Alford, Egremont and Great Barrington; Ashfield Pond in Ashfield, Deerfield River in Buckland, Charlemont and Florida; Chickley River in Charlemont and Hawley, Cold River in Charlemont, Florida and Savoy; Westfield River in Chester, Chesterfield, Cummington, Huntington, Middlefield and Worthington; Housatonic River in Hinsdale, Dalton, Lee and Stockbridge, Hoosic River in Clarksburg, North Pond in Florida, Williams River in West Stockbridge and Great Barrington, West Brook in Lee and Great Barrington, Bennett Brook and Plunkett Lake in Hinsdale, Littleville Lake in Huntington, Beartown Brook and Greenwater Brook in Lee, Goose Pond Brook  in Lee and Tyringham, Konkapot River in New Marlborough, Monterey and Sheffield, Lake Buel and Lake Garfield in Monterey, Farmington River in Otis and Sandisfield, Trout Brook in Peru, Larrywaug Brook and Stockbridge Bowl in Stockridge, and Windsor Pond in Windsor.

Questions/comments:  Berkwoodsandwaters@roadrunner.com.  Phone/fax:  (413) 637-1818.

 

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Pictured left to right:  Mark Jester BCLS President, Dennis Regan, George”Gige” Darey, Fran Majchrowski, John Mange and Karen Kruszyna.  As mentioned in my April 20 column, Jester and Kruszya received important Mass Sportsmen’s Council awards..

Fish & Wildlife Board to Administration: Pay our managers

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When F&W Board Chairman George (Gige) Darey,of Lenox, began the July Board Public Meeting, he was “loaded for bear (pardon the pun). “I am beyond ticked off.” said Darey.

His anger was caused by the recent news that Assistant Director of Wildlife Dr. Thomas O’Shea resigned to take a higher paying job with the Trustees of Reservation. This news was not taken well by the other Board members nor the public that was in attendance, especially Massachusetts Sportsmen’ Council President Mike Moss, who made some audible remarks.

Dr. O’Shea was a highly regarded wildlife biologist who was well known across the state including here in the Berkshires. He oversaw habitat projects, game populations, the new licensing and game check systems, and pheasant stocking programs, among other things. He came out to the Berkshires to make several presentations over the years. He was a bright young biologist, one that the F&W Board invested heavily in training. Quite possibly, he could have become a future director of the Division some day.

According to Darey, “The medium raise in the last 10 years for management positions has been the cost of living raises. This for the best science based fish and wildlife expertise in the country.” The Board hires the staff but does not have the power to adjust their salaries. “This Board is extremely frustrated and ashamed that it has to spend so much time on salaries just to maintain the quality of staff instead of dealing with other important issues.

Board member Dr. Joseph Larson also weighed in by saying that such matters have to be handled at a higher level. “The F&W Board does not have the power to change or to adjust salaries. That comes down from above. The (Fish and Game) Commissioner and Secretary (Environmental and Energy) need to be putting full time on issues like this. This agency has a serious problem, this has got to be handled by higher levels of the Administration.”

According to DFW Director Wayne MacCallum, “Massachusetts is the 3rd most expensive state to live in and the DFW headquarters is located in the eastern part. On top of that the DFW is not competitive with its sister agencies. The DFW managers have been stuck in the same positions since 2003 and all step increases were eliminated. The union employees; however, did get raises every year as well as cost of living (COL) raises. The average raise to a manager in the DFW has been equal to the COL. Managers not only have not kept up with the COL, but in those years with no raises at all, they have fallen below.

He went on and said, “The Assistant Director position deals with a lot of people: sportsmen, non-profits and citizens throughout the state. Nobody is looking to get rich (in DFW) because they won’t, but wildlife conservation is a huge motivation. The F&W Board has always supported the scientists and biologists. We have the best science based program in the country for deer.”

Until the position is filled, O’Shea’s workload will be handled by Division Director MacCallum and Rob Deblinger, Deputy Director of field operations.

Fish & Game Commissioner Mary Griffin (who was present at the Board Meeting) agreed with the characterization of the “huge loss” of Tom. “At first I became very angry and then very sad, not toward Tom but because we have basically been trying for the last 4 years to have his salary adjusted or a salary reclassification of his job”. She said that she was “incredibly frustrated” losing Tom who attended Harvard and Yale and who was very well liked. “We are facing compression issues, she said, and I am glad the Board is looking at it, for it needs to be addressed.”

There is a new campaign to inform the public about the importance of hunting, fishing, wildlife watching and boating to our economy. Sportsmen and women, environmentalists and conservationists are spending over $2 billion annually in Massachusetts. That’s a significant contribution to its economy.

Also over the last 7 years some 40,000 acres of land has been acquired and more placed under conservation easements, all managed by the same number of people. One would think that those biologists, scientists and managers who oversee our natural resources would be better treated. It’s about time the administration woke up, don’t you think? *****

Tom Tyning, naturalist, author, and professor at Berkshire Community College, has developed a great news website, Western Mass Naturalist. Tom is an expert on snakes and the new site has lots of information about all the snakes found in western Massachusetts, including: how to identify species of snakes, what they eat and how they eat it, common myths about snakes, etc. You are encouraged to check the website often and watch it grow to include other groups besides snakes.*****

The Berkshire Beagle Club in Richmond held field trials last weekend. A couple of our local dogs did very well. Applewynd Mash-Po-Tater finished 3rd at the bench show for 15″ male dogs beating out 17 other entries. He finished 2nd on Sunday’s small pack option (SPO) trial (15″ all age combined) and was awarded the 15″ high scoring all age hound. Bob and Kim Jones of Lee are his owners. Chika finished 2nd in the bench show (15″ female class) beating out 11 other entries and 3rd in the 15″ all age SPO trial which drew 23 entries. She is owned by James Larimore of Pittsfield.

Congratulations to these owners whose dogs were up against some of the best dogs in the Northeast. The field trial drew 133 entrants from most New England states, Pennsylvania and New York.

Four honored at annual Conte banquet

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conte dinner 2013 winners About 150 people attended the 29th annual Berkshire County League of Sportsmen (BCLS) Silvio O. Conte Memorial Sportsmen’s Banquet which was held last Saturday evening at the Cheshire Rod & Gun Club.  Michael Buffoni of Stockbridge received the 2012 Sportsman of the Year Award, Karen Kruszyna of Cheshire received the Lifetime Achievement Award; The Berkshire Natural Resources Council received the Sportsmen’s Appreciation Award, and Mike Moss, President of the Mass Sportsmen’s Council, received the new John Zuber Award.    They were nominated by the various sportsmen’s clubs which make up the BCLS.  All of the recipients were selected because of their long time dedication and commitment to preserving our open spaces, or fighting for sportsmen’s rights or their willingness to teach future generations about the outdoors and outdoor sports. Their individual feats were highlighted in my March 24 column. 

In his acceptance speech, Mike Moss spoke about how he was truly humbled and honored to receive the John Zuber Award.  He spoke of how John fought his whole life to uphold the sportsmen’s way of life while protecting our wildlife and rich resources.  He noted that John took the lead in getting people out of doors, and left footprints for us all to follow.  He spoke of the great friendship that the two of them had developed over the years while serving on the Mass Sportsmen’s Council. 

 BCLS President Mark Jester stated that although she is not that old, Karen Kruszyna has accomplished so much in such a short time that it would be considered a lifetime achievement for others.  In accepting her award, Karen stated that she was grateful that her parents got here interested in the outdoors and grateful for the opportunity to help the local sportsmen and BCLS in getting kids out of doors fishing.  Referring to the BCLS Youth Outreach Fishing Day, she said, “These are kids who would never have such an opportunity.  That makes them better kids at the end of the day”.  She loves taking kids, any kids, outdoors.

Tad Ames, Executive Director of the Berkshire Natural Resources Council, accepted the award on its behalf.  He praised Narain Schroeder for his work in putting the land deals together, former Executive Director George Wislocki, for started the whole conservation movement in the Berkshires, and others.  Most of all he thanked the landowners for their “ethic and compassion” to preserve the open spaces, for without them, the protection of over 8,000 acres in Berkshire County would not have happened.   He cautioned us that as time goes by, more and more pressure will be brought to bear to take land away and use it for other purposes.  “Make sure”, he said, “that these endowments stay intact and remain available for conservation and enjoyment”.

 In introducing Michael Buffoni, Jester commented that when his name was received as a possible recipient for Sportsman of the Year, no one else was even considered.  That’s an indication as to how much respect his fellow sportsmen have for him and his many accomplishments in getting kids involved with outdoor sports.  After a standing ovation and receiving the Conte Award and citations from the State Senate and House of Representatives, Mike said that he was overwhelmed and honored to follow in the footsteps of those who got him involved in outdoor sports.  He specifically named Sean Smith, Tim Minkler, Gary Johnston, Martin Salvadore, John Mange, Skip Whalen, Chuck Jones, George Darey and the late Ernie Beckwith, all well known and highly respected local outdoor sportsmen.  He also thanked his parents, wife and family for their support.

 He commented that he was only 5 years old when he attended his first Skip Whalen Ice Fishing Derby and now he is its co-chair and is helping other kids get to enjoy the derby and other outdoors sports.  *****

 Weather and equipment permitting, the following local waters were scheduled to be stocked with trout last week:  Clesson Brook in Ashfield and Buckland, Deerfield River in Buckland, Charlemont and Florida, Westfield River in Chester, Huntington, Middlefield, Russell and Worthington; Housatonic River in Dalton, Hinsdale, Lee and Stockbridge; Swift River in Ashfield and Goshen, Pelham Brook and Pelham Lake in Rowe and Charlemont, Konkapot River in Monterey and New Marlboro, South River in Ashfield, Sackett Brook in Dalton, Stones Brook in Goshen, West Brook in Great Barrington, Beartown Brook and Greenwater Brook in Lee; Yokun Brook in Lenox, Dunbar Brook in Monroe, Sackett Brook in Pittsfield, Larrywaug Brook in Stockbridge, Goose Pond Brook in Tyringham and Lee, Ashfield Pond, Greenwater Pond, North Pond, Upper Highland Lake, Littleville and Norwich Lakes in Huntington, Lake Garfield, York Pond and Otis Reservoir.

2012 Conte Sportsmen Award winners are announced

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The Berkshire County League of Sportsmen (BCLS) has announced the recipients of its prestigious Silvio O. Conte awards.  Michael Buffoni of Stockbridge was selected to receive the 2012 Sportsman of the Year Award.  Mike has been a member of the Stockbridge Sportsmen’s Club (SSC) for more than 20 years, serving as its VP or on its Board for more than 10 of those years.  Some of his accomplishments are:  Organized and hosted a day for SSC Fresh-Air Kids, organized and participated in the club’s Youth Turkey Hunt Mentoring Program, Co-Chair of the club’s Gun-a-Day sweepstakes, Co-Chair of the Skip Whalen Ice Fishing Derby,  runs the club’s Youth Rifle League and is the leader of the club’s Youth Archery program which has seen 700 kids enjoy the joy of shooting under his mentorship.

Karen Kruszyna, of Cheshire, will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award.  She is a member of many organizations including the Adams Outdoor for Youth (AOFY), Adams Agricultural Fair Committee and is a Board member of the Cheshire Rod & Gun Club.  She does much to get kids of this county outdoors.  She is always there to help out at the annual Youth Outreach Fishing Derbies at Reynolds Pond in Cheshire, the BCLS functions such as the Conte Banquet, the AOFY fund raisers and more.  She is an avid sportsperson and as you may recall received an award from the Mass Division of Marine Fisheries in 2012 for catching the largest striped bass in the state that year in the women’s category. 

Mikel Moss of Sutton, MA, will receive the John Zuber Outstanding Achievement Award.  This new award was named in honor of Zuber who was a renowned sportsman from Pittsfield who passed away in 2012.  Moss has been the President of the Massachusetts Sportsmen’s Council for 17years and has fought for sportsmen’s rights for over 50 years.  He has received his share of awards from sportsmen’s clubs and county leagues from across the state.  Some of them include the Raymond L. Gribbons Conservation Award, Sportsman of the Year Awards from Mass Bowhunters, Beach Buggy Assn., Worcester Surfcasting Club, Essex County, Plymouth County and many others.  I’m sure that this award will have special meaning to Mike as he was a longtime personal friend of Zuber who was a BCLS delegate to the Mass Sportsmen’s Council for many years.

The Berkshire Natural Resources Council will be the recipient of the Sportsmen’s Appreciation Award.  This organization, established in 1967 is responsible for acquiring and or preserving for open space and passive recreation more than 6,466 acres of land here in the Berkshires, and that doesn’t even include the 600 acre conservation easement it is currently trying to secure on land in the Otis-Tyringham area.  Need I write any more?

These richly deserved awards will be presented at the Silvio O. Conte Memorial Dinner at the Cheshire Rod and Gun Club on April 20.  Tickets can be obtained from any BCLS delegate. *****

Mass. DFW, through Novi Systems, a third party online survey company, has been sending out electronic hunter surveys to approximately 32,000 licensed hunters. The survey is designed to understand hunter efforts and preferences and to collect important local “on-the-ground” information for managing game in the Commonwealth. The survey takes approximately 5-15 minutes to complete and all responses will remain anonymous.  Over the last few weeks any sporting or hunting license holder with an email address in the MassFishHunt system should have received an email invitation from Novi Survey with a link to the invitation. Surveys are being sent out in batches through the end of March to prevent them from being treated as spam.  A reminder will be emailed to those license holders who have not responded within a week.  *****

The Lee Sportsmen’s Association is holding a NRA Basic Pistol course on March 25 and 28 from 5 to 9 pm.  The cost is $100 which includes LSA membership.   Preregistration is required by calling Larry at (413)442-7807. *****

BCLS President Mark Jester is organizing a bus trip to Boston on Wednesday April 3, for the  GOAL Rally on the Common in support of the Second Amendment.    The bus will leave Pittsfield approximately 8:00 a.m. and return the same day around 6:30 p.m.  The estimated cost would be somewhere between $25 – $35 pp on a full bus of 54 people.  He needs a head count before this Wednesday.  Contact him at 413-499-8482, 413-822-7243 or mpjester60@hotmail.com if you plan on going.

Pictured above is 10 year old Nathan Armstrong of Lenox who caught the big fish in the Lenox Sportsmen’s Club ice fishing derby, an Atlantic salmon weighing 7 lbs 14 oz and measuring 29 inches.  He is holding the fish with his two brothers Brendon and Ricky, and his dad Rick and Uncle Harold Armstrong.