Category Archives: Conservation

Time running out to apply for antlerless deer permit

Posted on by

To harvest an antlerless deer in Massachusetts, hunters must possess a valid hunting or sporting license as well as an Antlerless Deer Permit (permit) for the Wildlife Management Zone (WMZ) in which they intend to hunt. The permit allows the harvest of one antlerless deer in the specified zone during any deer hunting season. Hunters must have a permit in their possession while hunting.

 

If you have not applied for a permit yet, you must do so by July 16.  There is no fee to apply but a $5 fee is charged if you are awarded a permit during the Instant Award period.   You may apply  by visiting the MassFishHunt web site, a MassWildlife office, or a license vendor.  Then, during the Instant Award Period, from August 1 through December 31, you can try to win a permit.

 

MassWildlife reminds citizens that the female segment of the deer population is used for population management since with each female deer harvested, not only is the individual removed from the population but so too is that deer’s future reproductive potential.  Therefore, in regions of the state where there are high numbers of deer per square mile, a large number of permits are made available.  Conversely, in regions where there are relatively fewer deer (sometimes resulting from poor habitat quality), fewer permits are allocated for hunters.

 

Each year MassWildlife determines the number of permits to issue for each of its fifteen WMZ’s.  Any surplus permits are made available in October. Although no official announcement has been made yet, MassWildlife anticipates that there will be no changes in the permit allocations this year – they will be the same as last year.  The Fish & Wildlife Board endorsed this at its May meeting. *****

 

Incidentally, the Worthington Rod and Gun Club at 458 Dingle Road, Rte. 112 will be having a Basic Hunter Education Course on July 20, 21, 23 and 24 from 5:30 to 9:00 PM.  To enroll, call (508)389.7830.

 

This course is mandatory and designed for first-time hunters.  In order to purchase a hunting license, a hunter must have successfully completed a Basic Hunter Education course from any US state, Canada, or Mexico.   Funding for the program is derived from the sale of hunting and sporting licenses and from federal excise taxes on firearms and archery equipment.  All courses are conducted free of charge. *****

 

Staying with the subject of hunting, there have been some changes made in the regulations governing black bear hunting this year.   Black bear hunting is now permitted in all zones throughout the Commonwealth.  (Previously, bear hunting was only allowed  in Zones 1 through Zone 9).

 

Also, in an effort to get the bear population to a manageable level, bear hunting is now permitted during shotgun deer hunting season.  Hunters already afield during the shotgun deer season can now take a bear anywhere in Massachusetts  provided they have a $5 Bear Permit and use:  1.) shotgun not larger than ten gauge, including shotguns with a rifled bore, slugs only; 2.) muzzle-loading firearm fired from the shoulder, .44 to .775 caliber; or 3.) bow and arrow.

 

During the shotgun deer season, all deer hunting regulations apply.  Hunters must wear 500 square inches of blaze orange on their chest, back, and head.  Only hunting implements that may be used for hunting deer may be used for hunting bear; no rifles or handguns are allowed.

So, to recap the black bear hunting season dates this year, they are as follows:  First Season: September 8 through September 26, Second Season: November 2 through November 21 and Shotgun Season: November 30 through December 12.  Hunting is prohibited on Sundays*****

 

Congratulations to MassWildlife for recently receiving a $720,000 North American Wetlands Conservation Act grant award to support habitat restoration and conservation projects that benefit wetland and upland habitats and over 160 bird species at several locations in the Great Marsh. The Great Marsh consists of more than 20,000 acres of marsh, barrier beach, tidal river, estuary, mudflat, and upland islands from Gloucester to Salisbury.  The Great Marsh is the largest contiguous saltmarsh in New England. This was the tenth NAWCA grant focused on wildlife conservation efforts in the Great Marsh in the past twenty years.

This grant will protect more than 1,140 acres, restore 202 acres, and enhance 80 acres of habitat, which include saltmarsh, mudflats, coastal islands, maritime forests, and shrub. The area’s outstanding habitats support healthy populations of wildlife which are in need of special conservation action, including American Black Duck, Woodcock, New England Cottontail, Bobolinks, and Saltmarsh Sparrow—the only endemic breeding bird (doesn’t nest anywhere else) in the northeastern United States.

“This is the largest and most complex wildlife conservation grant award the Division has received,” said Jack Buckley, Director of the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife. *****

Last Saturday, I had the opportunity to attend the free fly fishing demonstration which was sponsored by the Hoosic River Water Association and put on by fly fishing guide Chris Jackson on the Hoosic River at Cole Field in Williamstown.   He is an excellent fly caster and fisherman and I picked up some good pointers from him and learned a new location in which to fish the river.    Jackson can be reached at www.flyfishthedeerfield.com.   Allow yourself some time for the site is packed with useful information and excellent fly tying videos. *****

 

The Lee Sportsmen’s Association is running a Basic Pistol Course on the Monday evenings of July 13 and July 20 from 5:30 to 9:30 PM.  The course cost is $100.00.  To sign up, contact Larry Karlquist at (413) 442-7807. *****

 

The Berkshire Hatchery Foundation is holding another free kid’s trout fishing derby at their lower pond in Hartsville next Saturday, July 11 from 9 to 10:30 AM.

Rainbow trout liberated with help of Crosby School students

Posted on by

 

 

I don’t know if you saw Berkshire Eagle photographer Ben Garver’s great picture and caption, “Fishing, in Reverse” featured in the Saturday, May 9, 2015 Berkshire Eagle.  It was about Crosby Students assisting in the trout stocking the previous day at Onota Lake.  I was there and please allow me to tell you more about it.

 

The trout stocking scheme was the brainchild of, and first brought up in a 2014 meeting of the Berkshire County League of Sportsmen BCLS) by its president Mark Jester.  Working closely with Andrew Madden, Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (DFW) Western District Manager, Jim Legacy DFW ‘s Angler Education Program Manager out of Westborough and Donna Baker, Principal of the John C Crosby Elementary School, they made it happen.

 

The weather was perfect and around 11 AM, the school busses arrived at the Onota Lake Pavilion.  Approximately 140 second and third graders showed up and orderly filed into lines.

 

Before the stocking began, Jester welcomed the kids and informed them that the League was sponsoring the event and explained the proceedings.  “You are all becoming conservationists today”, he said.  He thanked Mrs. Baker and parents who were there to witness the event.  He got a few boos  and jeers when he told them they cannot kiss the fish.

 

Madden then explained that they will be stocking rainbow trout.  “We grow these fish for about a year and a half and we need you to help us get the fish into the water”, he said.  He asked the kids for a show of hands as to how many of them fish.  What a  pleasantl surprised when almost all of them raised their hands.

 

Legacy spoke and said the Angler Education Program has some 100 instructors statewide.  He explained the procedure for stocking the fish.   Mrs. Dana Ohman, DFW Western District Fish Biologist would net some fish out of the stocking truck and put them in a 5 gallon bucket (with no water). Two kids would run them to the edge of the lake (perhaps 100 feet) and toss the fish out of the buckets into the water.  Every kid would get a chance until the allotted numbers of trout were stocked.   Madden and Legacy would stand in the water in hip boots to ensure that all of the fish made it safely and swam away.

 

The kids tolerated the speeches and instructions, but they really came to life when Ohman reached in with her net and produced a couple of gorgeous trout.   That prompted a loud and enthusiastic round of applause and shouts of “Yea!”

 

The kids were told that the fish couldn’t breathe until they got into the water so they ran as fast as their little legs could carry them.  Some kids were so pumped up that they threw the buckets, fish and all into the water.  When all of the kids had their chance, it was the teachers turn to run with the buckets of fish.  I’ll bet some of them hadn’t run that fast in years. Even Jester sped by with a bucket of fish.

 

In all, some 300 gorgeous rainbows were liberated and there was not one casualty.  Following that, the kids had a picnic at the pavilion.  What a wonderful day! I can’t speak more highly of the efforts of Mark Jester, the DFW folks, Mrs. Baker and her staff of teachers and the well behaved students.  I suspect they will remember that day for a long time.  I know I will.

 

While at the stocking, I bumped into former DFW Biologist Leo Daley.  Remember him?  He worked out of the local office and retired from the Division over 25 years ago.  At 87 years old, he is sharp, looks good, is very active, and even teaches karate now.

 

Speaking of retirement, I heard that local DFW Biologist Tony Gola recently retired after 40 years with the Division.  His co-workers wanted to have a retirement party for him but insisted on a silent retirement and demanded that DFW not throw any party or do anything for him.  So, shhh, don’t tell a soul.  I suppose we can whisper a thank you to him for his many years of dedicated service. *****

 

The following waters were scheduled to be stocked with trout last week:  Hoosic River in Clarksburg, Cheshire and Adams; Green River in Alford, Egremont and Great Barrington; Williams River in West Stockbridge and Great Barrington, Westfield River in Becket, Chester, Chesterfield, Huntington and Middlefield; Deerfield River in Buckland, Charlemont and Florida; Pelham Brook in Charlemont and Rowe, Dry Brook and South Brook in Cheshire, Housatonic River (C&R) in Lee and Stockbridge, Dunbar Brook in Monroe, and the following lakes:  Ashfield, Upper Highland, Littleville, Pontoosuc, Laurel, Windsor, Pelham  and Goose Pond. *****

In his monthly report to the BCLS, DFW Manager Andrew Madden reported a couple of interesting tidbits.  He announced that the DFW recently acquired 60+ acres of land in Hinsdale abutting the Hinsdale Flats Wildlife Management Area.  The acquisition included fields and wetlands and improves access and protects huntable areas on existing land.

He also reported that as a result of eagle surveys he is seeing a sharp increase in eagle nests.  They are popping up in new places.  In fact, on the day of his report, he learned about two more new nests.  Up to 46 nesting pairs now exist in the state; whereas, just a few years ago the number was 24 to 26. If you hear of any new nests let him know.

State parks and forests have a new “Friend”

Posted on by

According to Ryan Aylesworth, the founder & CEO the Western Massachusetts Public Lands Alliance (WMPLA), it was founded in July 2014.  WMPLA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in the Pittsfield area whose mission is to use philanthropy, volunteerism, education, and advocacy to sustain and enhance the quality of outdoor recreation, public access, infrastructure, environmental education, historical preservation, and natural resource conservation within the state parks, forests, and wildlife management areas of western Massachusetts.

 

Its primary purpose is to serve as a regional-scale “friends group” for public lands managed by the Commonwealth in Berkshire, Franklin, Hampshire, and Hampden counties.   According to Ryan, our state lands are chronically under-funded, resulting in crumbling infrastructure, reduced public access, inferior recreational and educational opportunities, and inadequate resource management.  WMPLA was founded to reverse this deeply troubling trend.

 

Before founding WMPLA, Ryan was the President & CEO of Audubon International (AI), a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization that has been administering a wide range of rigorous environmental education and certification programs for over nearly 30 years.  Prior to that, he worked for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service – first as a biologist in the Northeast, and later heading up the agency’s governmental affairs program in the Midwest Region.  These professional experiences, combined with a deep passion for the outdoors that began as a youth growing up in the mountains of northwestern Maine, have fostered Ryan’s belief that effectively conserving and enhancing public lands requires regional-scale collaboration involving diverse programs, organizations and stakeholder groups.

 

In addition to the professional skills that Ryan bring to the table, WMPLA benefits from the leadership of a Board of Directors comprised of individuals with extensive professional experience in areas such as education, natural resource management, business, communications, and government.  Members of WMPLA’s leadership also have close ties to the people and communities of the Berkshires and Pioneer Valley. This is especially true of Jonathan Butler, President of the Berkshire Chamber of Commerce and former Town Administrator in Adams, who recently joined WMPLA’s Board of Directors because he understands how substantially improving how public lands are managed will benefit the region’s tourism-based economy.

 

Of interesting note, one of WMPLA’s Board members recently learned that the Lee Sportsmen’s Association (LSA) had roughly 100 pheasants die as a result of a predator (speculated to be a fisher cat) tunneling into its pen. (These pheasants had been acquired from the Austerlitz Club).   The LSA leadership told the WMPLA Board member that they were distressed because this meant that the club was not going to have the number of birds needed to continue stocking various public lands open to hunting for the duration of the upland bird season.

 

In response to this news, WMPLA generously offered to make a $1,500 donation to purchase an additional 100 birds from the Austerlitz Club in NY and provide the LSA what it needed to save the hunting season. As a result of this generosity, WMPLA is now well on its way to forming a valuable and lasting relationship with the LSA, which they plan to replicate with other clubs and outdoor recreational groups including hikers, anglers, campers, birders, Nordic skiers, snowshoers, bikers, etc., that use our state parks, forests and wildlife management areas.

 

They have an interesting web site (www.wmpla.org) where you can learn all about the organization, what it does, who serves on its Board, what’s on its priority list, etc.   Incidentally, the October Mountain State Forest is on its priority list.  Check them out. *****

 

The Onota Boat Livery is once again having its seasonal ice fishing contest.  Entrants must sign up by February 1 and the contest ends on March 15.  Participants must be at least 18 years old and purchase at least $25 worth of store merchandise.  They may fish anywhere in the Berkshires and all fish caught must be through the ice and brought to the Livery for measuring.  Contestants must have previously entered the contest.  In the event of a tie, the prize will be divided equally amongst winners.

The prizes are $50 Onota Boat Livery gift certificates for the largest pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, trout, pickerel, perch and crappie.   Atlantic salmon and tiger muskies have been discontinued from contest.   Check out the web site at Onotaboat.com for a listing of the derby rules.

To prevent needless killing of nice fish, may I suggest that before going out you check the Onota Boat Livery leader’s board, or call them (413-442-1724) to see what the leading fish are. Also bring a copy of the minimum weights which qualify for a State Sportfishing Award (page 22 of the Fish & Wildlife Guide).   Bring along a scale, too.  That way you know whether or not you caught a money/pin fish and if not, you can release it unharmed if you wish.

Incidentally, the Onota Boat Livery will be preparing a list of upcoming ice fishing derbies when the information is received from the derby organizers. I will list it as soon as completed.   *****

The Berkshire Beagle Club, on Sleepy Hollow Road in Richmond, will be holding its Annual Rabbit Hunt next Saturday.  Entrance fee is $10 per person and that includes a dinner.  Weigh-in by 4:00 PM.  Contact John Demary if you wish to enter and/or donate some raffle prizes.  Prizes go for the largest cottontail and snowshoe rabbit.  No hunting is allowed on the Beagle Club grounds. *****

The Lee Sportsmen’s Association (LSA) adult archery league starts on Thursday, January 15 at 6:00 PM and runs for 8 weeks.  For additional information call Mary Smith (413) 243-2710.  The LSA’s next pistol course will be held on Monday, January 12 and Monday, January 19 from 5:30 to 9:30 PM.  For additional information call Larry Karlquist (413) 442-7807.

Gregg Massini, the 2nd Grand Slam sheep hunter from the Berkshires

Posted on by

Gregg Massini from Sheffield has become the second Berkshire hunter to have accomplished the coveted “Grand Slam” of North American sheep hunting.  The Grand Slam includes the Rocky Mountain Bighorn, the Desert Bighorn, Dall Sheep and Stone Sheep.  Massini joins Paul C. Carter from Dalton to have accomplished this extremely difficult feat.  Carter has two Grand Slams to his credit one of which was accomplished using a muzzleloader gun with open sights. It is believed that there are only 4 Massachusetts hunters who have ever accomplished the Grand Slam and Gregg is the 1,842nd person worldwide to have done so.   Bagging all four kinds of North American wild sheep has been recognized as a superior achievement in the sport of hunting

 

It took Gregg 22 years to get his first sheep hunting permit for Colorado and he got a Rocky Mountain Big Horn Sheep in 2006.  It took 8 years to get his next permit to hunt in Nevada where he bagged his Desert Sheep.  In 2012 he took a Stone Sheep in the Yukon.  Ironically, while there he learned that Carter had hunted there just the week before.  Massini completed the “Slam” in 2014 when he took his Dall sheep in the Yukon.

 

Massini emphasizes that you have to be in excellent shape to pursue this sport.  He gets into shape by climbing the local mountains carrying 60 lbs in his backpack, quite a feat for a fellow who will be 59 next month.  Like Carter, he is an excellent shot.   Gregg says his scoped 7 MM Magnum rifle is sighted to place bullets in a ¼ inch group at 200 yards.

 

Congratulations to Gregg Massini for his amazing accomplishment.

 

Incidentally, Paul C. Carter wrote an excellent book on the subject a few years back entitled Sheep Hunts: One Man’s Journeys to the High Country. ****

 

Paul just wrote another excellent book about deer hunting entitled Deer Hunts Through a Tracker’s Eyes.  It is a collection of his recounted hunting stories, all of which were chosen primarily for their entertainment value.  Having been a deer hunter for over 40 years, you can well imagine that he has accumulated a vast array of hunting experiences good and bad.

 

What I liked about the book is that he just doesn’t write about his successful trips, but also some with unsuccessful endings.   I also liked the fact that he wrote about some comical episodes, some blown opportunities on his part and some that were not his fault.  It is easy to relate to Paul’s experiences.  C’mon, admit it.  Who among us deer hunters hasn’t had a few comical incidents or blown opportunities of our own.  This book is written about the real hunting world as experienced by a seasoned hunter, and I liked it.

 

Carter’s preferred tactic for deer hunting is tracking in snow and he is mighty good at it.  In fact, a few years ago he wrote another excellent book about tracking entitled Tracking Whitetails: Answers to Your Questions.  Tracking is an art that I have never perfected and envy those who are good at it.  (I just don’t have the patience to take a step, stop, look all around, take another step, etc., to ultimately walk up on a deer.  With such a slow pace, I am apt to lose my balance and fall down.)

Another thing that I like about the book is the fact that most of his hunting is done in our own Berkshire Hills, predominately Windsor and he hunts with people that we may know personally.

 

One can learn a lot about deer hunting from this book.   It would make a great Christmas gift for that hunter in your family.  You can order this 272 page soft covered book through Paul’s web site www.paulccarter.com for $16.99.

 

While on his web site, check out his other books.  In addition to the three mentioned above, he also wrote Great Shot! A Guide to Acquiring Shooting Skills for Big Game Hunters. *****

 

Common Loons, listed as a Species of Special Concern in Massachusetts, returned to nest here in 1975 after being absent as a breeding bird for almost a century.  Since then, MassWildlife has monitored them. Observations during this past summer documented 39 loon pairs on 16 lakes and ponds.  Out of the 23 chicks that hatched, 18 survived to fledgling.  According to MassWildlife, these fledglings will migrate to the coast to live in the ocean for the next few years, then will return to their natal areas and try to establish territories of their own.

As noted in my May 18, 2014 column, in addition to monitoring loon activity, MassWildlife has partnered with other agencies and organizations to improve their nesting sites.  To reduce nest losses on reservoirs, rafts were constructed using cedar logs and foam with vegetation placed on top to resemble a small island. The rafts were floated and anchored in loon territory. Because the raft floats, it protects the nest and eggs from being flooded or stranded.  This past summer, loon rafts were deployed at several reservoirs including one of Pittsfield’s.

Recently, I asked DFW Western District Manager Andrew Madden if any loons had taken up residence on the raft.  “Not yet, but they have been checking it out.” he said.   Apparently loons like to check out the neighborhood a year or so before making such an important move.

Hoosic plans to be revealed

Posted on by

Tomorrow from 1:30 to 2:30 PM a special announcement will be made about the revival of the Hoosic River. The event will take place at Noel Field on State Street in North Adams.   Guests will include State Senator Benjamin Downing, State Representative Gailanne Cariddi, Department of Fish and Game Commissioner Mary Griffin and Mayor Richard Alcombright.

In an October 28 news release, it was announced that the Board of Directors of the Hoosic River Revival (HRR) has chosen the location for the first phase of its restoration of the Hoosic River.  A mile-long focus of their revitalization work will be the South Branch, from Foundry Road to the bridge connecting the former Sons of Italy to Heritage Park, one of seven potential restoration locations recommended by their consultants.

The release went on and reported that “Although the project is still in the ‘conceptual drawing’ phase, it is likely that the primary restoration work will be on the northern half mile.  Once completed, this revitalized section will:  maintain existing flood protection; feature a much wider river with recreational opportunities; ensure a continuation of the Ashuwillticook Bike Path; provide access to downtown (North Adams);  the Greylock Market (renovated Heritage Park), and the future Scenic Rail; and include a large plaza with amphitheatre steps to the river and space for the North Adams History and Science Museum and the Hoosac Tunnel Museum.  Mayor Alcombright expressed his enthusiasm for the pilot project choice of the River Revival, “City residents and visitors will love the close proximity of all these exciting projects, and enjoy looking at our beautiful Hoosic River“.

Since its start in 2008, the HRR has participated in more than 40 public meetings, sharing information about the condition of the 60 year-old chutes, the benefits of restoring a river, various systems for maintaining flood protection, and options for the North Adams section of the Hoosic.  At these meetings, residents have consistently highlighted five qualities for the Board of Directors to include in any project: flood protection; a healthy, accessible river; economic development opportunities; neighborhood, historical, and cultural linkages; and overall improved quality of life in the city. The Board felt it had additional factors to consider:  cost, feasibility, Corps of Engineers requirements, available property, environmental damage, relevant City projects, the new 2030 Vision Plan, and the plans of the North Adams Partnership.

Board President Judy Grinnell praised the extensive cross-section of area residents who participated in this long-term process of deciding how and where to begin the restoration: “Our Board of Directors and Advisory Council members, the Mayor and his staff, and of course the people of North Adams deserve so much credit for giving this 2.5 mile, complex, challenging project such serious consideration for the past 6 years. There were many issues to consider in choosing just one section of the river to restore.  However, we believe the Board’s choice of the South Branch incorporates all of the primary goals highlighted by the community”.

“Funding the pilot project is the next big challenge for the River Revival.  Thanks to the persuasive efforts of our State representatives, Senator Ben Downing and Representative Gailanne Cariddi, there is $8,775,000 allocated in the 2015-19 Massachusetts Environmental Bond Bill for this first phase of the project.  However, funding is not assured.  To receive that State support, the project needs to be considered a priority by (Governor Baker); not all items in the Bond Bill will get that designation.”

(If I may interject, let’s hope that Governor Baker will remember the strong endorsement received from former North Adams Mayor Barrett in his pursuit of the governorship.)

According to Ms Grinnell, if these State funds are not offered to the River Revival, the non-profit Hoosic River Revival will continue its fundraising efforts with individuals, businesses, grants, foundations, as well as appropriate State and Federal entities.  She emphasized that the HRR has asked for no financial support from the City of North Adams and it does not plan to request any City funds in the future.

This scribe cannot overemphasize the important role that Judy Grinnell has played in the HRR’s efforts to revive the Hoosic River.  She even drove from North Adams to my home in Lenox to provide valuable information for a HRR article previously written in this column.  On more than one occasion she urged me to attend its workshops and presentations in order to gather information to inform the public through this column.  How fortunate for the North County folks to have such a strong advocate for the revival of the Hoosic River.  The same applies to the dedicated board of the HRR.

At the end of every memo or news release from the HRR is the following quote from Margaret Meade:

““Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world.  Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.“

I think we are seeing the thoughtful and concerned citizens of the Northern Berkshires bringing this to fruition albeit on a smaller scale. *****

Staying on the subject of revived waters, I received pictures and an e-mail from David Bell of Pittsfield who caught a “pretty decent” largemouth bass from Silver Lake in Pittsfield last month.   It measured 14 inches.  He went on and said that he has caught yellow perch, crappie and sunfish as well as largemouth bass on prior outings, but this is the first legal bass. “For myself I’ve had to really work to catch them, if one can call it that, but given time it can only get better.”   He said.  “Years ago when looking out over Silver Lake from GE Building Thirty Three I never dreamed I’d be kayak fishing on that body of water.”     

Thank you, David, for the great news.   

Late bear season opens tomorrow: record will grow

Posted on by

 

 

The November bear hunting season opens tomorrow in Wildlife Management Zones (WMZ) 1-9 only and runs through November 22.  According to MassWildlife, the majority of the harvest comes from the area west of the Connecticut River.  The season is split into 2 segments, including 17 days in September and 18 days in November.  The September segment is timed to coincide with agricultural damage (particularly corn) whereas the November season is a traditional time for hunters who choose to hunt hardwoods and remote ridge tops.

 

Most bears are taken in the September segment; however, according to MassWildlife, some good-sized males have been taken in November. MassWildlife estimates that, hunting takes about 5 to 7% of the estimated population and bear numbers continue to grow at a moderate rate.

 

This past September season proved to be a very successful one for bear hunters.  Some 202 bears were taken and that number has already set a new state record.  The previous record for both September and November seasons combined was 185 set in 2012.  Last year’s total harvest was 148.  Who knows where the new State record will end up.

 

If you wish to join the estimated 2,500 to 3,500 Massachusetts bear hunters, it’s not too late to obtain the required bear permit.  Assuming you have a hunting/sporting license, you can obtain it at any time prior to the end of the November bear hunting season through any license vendor or online computer.  The fee is $5.00.

 

Hunting is allowed only with rifle .23 caliber or larger, muzzleloader .44–.775 caliber, bows with a draw weight of 40 lbs. or greater, or revolvers .357 Magnum or .40 caliber or larger. Revolvers are only permitted during September season. Use of shotguns is prohibited (State law restricts slugs and buckshot to the deer season). Most bears are taken with rifles, typically a .30-06. It is illegal to “bait” bear or hunt them with dogs.

 

Incidentally, some bear, deer, coyotes and other animals may have ear tags or radio collars.  It is legal to harvest them.  If you find or take one of these animals, contact DFW’s Field Headquarters (508) 389-6300 immediately.  You will be asked for information that will help biologists determine the source and status of these animals and you will be asked to return the equipment to the DFW.

 

Hopefully, you won’t take up bear hunting unless you know that the bear meat will be consumed.   Properly prepared, it is delicious. *****

 

Did you know that eighty years ago the first duck stamp was sold? Since then, thanks mostly to hunters, the stamps have generated more than $800 million and helped secure over 6 million acres of wetland habitat in the U.S.  The Boone and Crockett Club (B&C) marks that day as a major milestone in the North American conservation movement, and says the 80th anniversary is worth remembering. “Duck stamps were one of the key funding mechanisms that brought many waterfowl species from vanishing to flourishing. Other bird, mammal, reptile and amphibian species benefitted, too,” said the Club’s Keith Balfourd. “This should be a point of pride for all hunters.  It certainly is for Boone and Crockett, whose members played an important part in the history of North American waterfowl, including the duck stamp.” Here are some historical facts provided by the B&C: •    Waterfowl are abundant today.  But in 1901, few remained from an era of unregulated market hunting, diversions of water and draining of wetlands for agricultural purposes. Known mostly for its advocacy of big-game conservation, the B&C and its members went to work. •    Club member and Pennsylvania Congressman George Shiras in 1904 began a long crusade to place migratory birds under federal jurisdiction. •    In 1918, President Taft signed the McLean-Weeks Migratory Bird Act urged by B&C club members and others. •    The Dust Bowl years of the 1920s were a major setback for waterfowl.  The B&C campaigned for refuges to help populations recover. •    In 1927, B&C members launched American Wild Fowlers, an organization that would later become Ducks Unlimited. •    With partnership from this new organization committed to waterfowl, the B&C engineered passage of the Migratory Bird Conservation Act of 1929, establishing the federal refuge system. •    Major funding for waterfowl came in 1934 with the Migratory Bird Hunting Stamp Act.  B&C club member and Connecticut Senator Frederic C. Walcott had established a Senate committee on wildlife conservation and successfully pushed the “Duck Stamp Bill” through Congress. •    That same year, the first duck stamp, illustrated by B&C Club member and Nobel Prize winning political cartoonist Jay N. “Ding” Darling was sold on Aug. 22, 1934.  The first stamps sold for $1 and 635,000 stamps were sold that year. •    Within five years, annual sales surpassed the $1 million level (equivalent to about $17 million in today’s dollars) and the conservation benefits have grown ever since. *****

 

The Lee Sportsmen’s Association (LSA) will be having an NRA Basic Pistol Course on November 17 and 20 from 5:30 to 9:30 PM.   The cost is $100, which includes an annual individual membership to LSA.   Upon successful completion, you will receive a MA State Police Certificate for application for your LTC.  Call Larry K at 442-7807 or e mail him at gramps@nycap.rr.com.

 

Incidentally the LSA recently held its elections and re-elected the following officers:  President – Shaun Smith, Vice President – George Brooks, Secretary- John Polastri and Treasurer – Frank Romeo.

 

The Taconic Chapter of Trout Unlimited held elections last week and re-elected the following officers:  President -Alan Gray, Vice President – Ron Wojcik, Treasurer – G. Richard Bordeau and Secretary- Mark Hoechstetter.

 

Congratulations and thanks to all.

Massachusetts’ “Green Bonds” are very popular

Posted on by

 

Treasurer Steven Grossman recently announced that the Commonwealth’s latest sale of

$350 million worth of Green Bonds has generated tremendous interest from both retail and institutional investors, with orders exceeding $1 billion coming in for $350 million worth of bonds. This is the second time that Massachusetts has sold bonds with proceeds that are dedicated to fund environmentally beneficial projects across the state, and it follows in the footsteps of the Commonwealth’s first-of-its-kind Green Bond sale last year.

 

The Commonwealth has identified four categories of projects that are expected to be

funded from the sale:

 Clean water and drinking water projects;

 Energy efficiency and conservation projects in state buildings;

 Land acquisition, open space protection and environmental remediation projects;

 River revitalization and preservation and habitat restoration projects.

 

In addition to those four categories, one large project has been identified that will be

funded with proceeds of the Green Bond sale, the New Bedford Marine Commerce Terminal

project.  This terminal will be the first facility in the nation designed to support the construction, assembly, and deployment of offshore wind projects. As part of construction, the project is expected to include the dredging and removal of approximately 250,000 cubic yards of contaminated sediment caused by industrial waste generated during the 1930’s and 1940’s as well as the creation of environmental and habitat restoration areas.

 

For more information on the Commonwealth’s borrowing programs, click onto www.massbondholder.com.

 

In his October 1 report to the Mass Fish & Wildlife Board, DFW Director Wayne MacCallum commented on the Commonwealth’s activity in the land acquisition area.  He said that a recently passed bond bill will leave the state “well positioned” for the future.  “Since the Patrick Administration came in (2008), the state added 25% to its land base.    Over 40,000 acres have come in during that time.  There has been a tremendous prioritization.” said MacCallum. *****

The Massachusetts DFW has announced the launch of its new Facebook page. By liking the page at www.facebook.com/masswildlife, you will receive updates about MassWildlife activities, events, research projects, hunting and fishing regulations, tips on living with wildlife, and more. As a follower of the page, you will be able to communicate with them and ask them all of your wildlife questions. They look forward to building a vibrant and engaged community of outdoor enthusiasts who wish to share their experiences and ideas with others.

MassWildlife’s website, www.mass.gov/masswildlife, remains our primary source for news and information about the agency, but the new Facebook page will provide yet another avenue for those who wish to stay connected to wildlife events, activities, and initiatives taking place across the Commonwealth. *****

MassWildlife wants your recipes for wild game or fish to use on a new part of its website currently being developed.   If you have a great recipe to share, send it (along with a photo if possible) to Astrid Huseby at astrid.huseby@state.ma.us, or mail the recipe and picture to MA Division of Fisheries and Wildlife Attn: Astrid Huseby, 1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough, MA 01581. Let her know whether or not you would like your name with the recipe. *****

If you shoot a hybrid duck this season consider donating it to science. Researchers from the University of Washington are studying these hybrid birds and are asking for donations from waterfowl hunters across the country.  Ideally, researchers would like to receive the entire bird for genetic analysis and for the creation of study skins for future use, including the development of an illustrated guide to hybrid ducks.  However, in some cases a good photograph along with a tissue sample are also helpful.  For more on how you can help, and to view the hybrid gallery, visit hybridduck.blogspot.com. *****

The DFW Western District Headquarters has hired a new Western District Clerk to replace Elna Castonguay who recently retired.  Her name is Debra Lipa from North Adams.  She hit the ground running having extracted her first bear tooth shortly after starting.  *****

 

Congratulations to the Stockbridge Sportsmen’s Club (SSC) skeet shooters for winning the annual Tri-Club Skeet Championship for the 8th time in 9 tournaments.  Sheffield SC placed second and the Lee Sportsmen’s Assoc came in 3rd. SSC top shooters who shot at all three clubs were led by Tom Gansowski.  He hit 146 out of 150 clay targets, followed by Joe Ary & Gary Johnston with 143.  Perfect scores of 50 straight broken targets were scarce this year with only 3 being recorded:  Joe Ary and Gary Johnston (SSC), and Lee Donsbough (Sheffield).

 

Incidentally, I don’t believe I listed the Stockbridge Sportsmens’ Club 2014 officers yet.  They are as follows: President – Wayne Slosek, 1st Vice President – John Mange, 2nd Vice President – Jason St. Peter, Secretary – Keith Whalen and Treasurer – Bonnie Bonn-Buffoni. Belated congratulations and thanks for your dedication and hard work.

Heck, as long as I am at it, the Berkshire County League of Sportsmen also had its elections and the following individuals were re-elected:  President – Mark Jester, Vice President – Mike Kruszyna, Treasurer –  Dan Kruszyna  and Secretary is me. *****

 

Dave’s Sporting Goods in Pittsfield is having its Coyote Derby again this year.  It will run until the end of coyote hunting season which is March 7, 2015.  Entrance fee is $10 and prizes will be awarded to the person who bags the most coyotes, the largest coyote and there will also be a random draw.  During the shotgun deer season it is legal to hunt coyotes, but be sure to check the special regulations. *****

 

According to Andrew Madden, DFW Western District Manager, all trout have been stocked out for this fall.  Most of our major lakes were stocked as well as the Deerfield and Westfield Rivers.  Great fishing can be had at this time of year.

Get the lead out……save our loons

Posted on by

Recently, wildlife officials in New Hampshire reported the third documented lead poisoned loon death this year.  It was discovered in July on Lake Winnipesaukee where the bird beached itself.  It was transported to an animal hospital for a blood test and x-rays.  Radiographs showed a lead-headed fishing jig and blood lead levels were at toxic levels, so the loon was immediately euthanized.  The link between loon deaths and lead poisoning first emerged in the 1980s.  Necropsies performed by the Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine on dead adult common loons in New Hampshire revealed that 49% had the remains of lead sinkers and jigs in their gizzards and had died from lead poisoning. A loon will die approximately two to four weeks after ingesting lead tackle.   Officials believe it is likely that loons are eating fish that have tackle in or on them. As the acidic juices in the bird’s gizzard break down the food, the lead is also broken down and gets into the bloodstream of the bird, said Emily Preston, a wildlife biologist with the N.H. Fish and Game Department.   Necropsies of dead adult loons show that lead tackle accounts for more deaths than every other human factor combined. The loss of so many adults from this preventable cause of mortality has inhibited the recovery of loons in New Hampshire, according to the Loon Preservation Committee. “Because loons do not breed until 6-7 years of age and have low reproductive success, it is important that adult loons survive for many years to produce surviving young. The loss of an adult loon may also result in the loss of that loon’s nest or chicks, further negatively impacting the population.” Over the objections of some sportsmen, Governor Hassan signed a bill (SB 89) in 2013 that increases protection for loons from lead fishing tackle by banning the sale and freshwater use of lead fishing sinkers and jigs weighing one ounce or less.

 

This bill will be implemented in June of 2016, but N.H. Fish and Game and the LPC are urging everyone to remove lead tackle from their tackle boxes now.  Safe alternatives to lead tackle are weights made of steel, tungsten, tin, bismuth, and other materials.  They are effective and readily available.

In Massachusetts, it has been illegal to use any lead fishing sinkers and lead jigs weighing less than 1 ounce in inland waters since January 1, 2012.  Prohibited tackle includes lead sinkers and jigs weighing less than an ounce regardless of whether they are painted, coated with rubber, covered by attached “skirts” or some other material.  *****

With the hot weather upon us, trout fishing in our local rivers has pretty much shut down until the fall for many local anglers.  They don’t want to overly stress the trout which are trying to survive the low, hot water conditions.  One exception is the Deerfield River which has frequent cold water releases from the bottom of the dams and the fishing is good all summer long.

Fuad Ameen, of Pittsfield, former writer for Western Mass Angler Newspaper, sent in this article which is a warning for us all.  Many thanks, Fuad.

“What is unusual about the Deerfield is the fact that many dams impound the waters and regulate the flow of the river daily.  This everyday release of the water causes the river to rise quickly and this rapid rise can jeopardize your wading safely back to shore.  The fly caster must be alert and use extreme caution when in the stream.

 

Fishing close to the dams, the water rises quicker and is even more dangerous.  The incident that follows happened to me one summer evening.  My friend, Max, and I were fishing the famous “Old Mill Dam Hole” near the entrance to the Hoosac Tunnel in Zoar, MA.

 

The “Old Mill Dam Hole “is in a section of the river close to one of the dams.  Max was upstream from me, while I was casting off of some submerged timbers in the main pool.  In low water, the pool was perhaps eight feet in depth.

 

I heard Max’s warning whistle first and then what sounded like a strong wind blowing pierced my ears.  That sound of wind was actually the rushing and rising waters coming around the bend and quickly filling the “Old Mill Dam Pool”.

 

Making my way back off of the sunken beams, I saw several large trout rising at the tail end of the pool.  Feed was washing down and the trout were quick to surface.  I looked back at Max and yelled “watch me take some of these”.  But in that split second, I had let my guard down and stepped off of the sunken timbers.  I was quickly caught in the roaring currents.  As I sank, I knew I would have but one chance to surface as my waders quickly filled.  I doubled up and when my feet hit bottom, I surged upward with all of the strength I could muster.  Just my head broke the surface and I was being carried downstream in the raging currents.  My rod and cap were gone.

 

Max had witnessed my distress and was running along the shore trying to catch up with me.  He picked up and extended a long branch on the first bend and the currents pushed me towards Max.  I grabbed and hung on to that branch for dear life and was dragged out.

 

I have fished the Deerfield my entire life and knew of the dangers of the rising waters, yet could have lost my life that day.

 

After dark, I returned to the “Old Mill Dam Hole” as the waters had receded.   I recovered my favorite rod for future adventures.  My fishing cap was lost forever”……Fuad Ameen

Sportsmen, conservationists need to take action with checkbook and letters

Posted on by

 

 

Berkshire Natural Resources Council is a non-profit land conservation organization working throughout the Berkshires in Massachusetts to preserve threatened lands.  The Council places special emphasis on protecting Berkshire’s farms, forests, streams, and ridgelines – the great landscape features that give us clean water, fresh air, local produce, healthy wildlife, and outstanding recreational opportunities. You still have time to help them accomplish some wonderful projects by making a donation by June 30.

 

According to Tad Ames, BNRC President, by June 30 they hope to close on a Golden Hill deal in Lee which will permanently conserve and transfer hayfields from a corporate ownership into the hand of a local farmer.  Neighbors and the Lee Land Trust have helped leverage a state agricultural investment.

 

Two more farm projects should also close in late summer or early fall.  That would bring BNRC’s tally of protected farms to 30 with four more pending.   All credit goes to committed farmers, the Massachusetts APR Program and you, the supporters.

 

Also by June 30 they expect to buy a parcel from the City of North Adams that will connect the Hoosac Range and Mahican-Mohawk Trail.  Another closing will be the purchase of a 52 acre parcel in Lanesboro linking BNRC’s Constitution Hill with Lanesboro’s Laston Park on North Main Street.  They hope to build a bridge across Town Brook to connect the two parcels for walkers.

 

BNRC’s stewardship staff is taking care of 8,695 acres that they own and looking after 84 conservation restrictions that protect 10,322 acres.  *****

Hunters and shooters:  Are you aware that House Speaker Robert DeLeo released a bill entitled “An Act Relative to the Reduction of Gun Violence” to the general public?   Upon reviewing the legislation the Gun Owner’s Action League (GOAL) was very unhappy with it.  All 50 of the parts of the bill are listed as well as what GOAL supports and opposes.  For details, click onto  http://www.goal.org/goal-response-may-30-2014.html.   You are encouraged to read it but you will be upset.

GOAL’s assertion that the newly proposed legislation was supposed to be about addressing mental health issues and providing more crime fighting tools. While some of the bill covers those matters to some degree, there are proposals in it that will simply result in the further persecution of lawful gun owners.  People like you and me – hunters, skeet shooters, etc.

You are encouraged to respectfully and courteously contact your local representative and senator and ask them not to vote for this bill.    Don’t depend on the other guy to do it or your sportsmen’s club or the Berkshire County League of Sportsmen.  You do it!  Let your legislator know that there is a person attached to this letter.   *****

As you may know, the EPA has announced its proposal for the removal of PCBs from the rest of the Housatonic River.  After challenges and other delays, it will probably take 5 years before they begin and then it will take another 13 years or so.

Many people have no problem with their removing the PCB’s immediately upstream of the dams.  That would eliminate nearly 90% of them from the river.  However; from the confluence of the East and West Branches of the River in Pittsfield to Woods Pond in Lenox, the plan calls for removal of riverbed sediment and soil in eroding river banks in hot spots, and reconstruction of  the banks with an engineered cap covered with a bio-engineering ”soft” layer or if necessary with rip-rap.  Parts of the riverbed will also be capped.

This cap consists of a mixing layer, a filter layer, bioturbation layer, protective layer and a habitat layer.    Personally, I just can’t understand this cap business in moving water.  Surely they must be aware of the tremendous force of a raging river with the ability to roll huge boulders and take down trees which will then scrape and scour the river bottom and presumably any caps that exist there.

There are plans to dredge Woods Pond and cap it, too.  Some folks think they should just dredge it and skip the cap.  All the capping from upstream will end up there anyway.  The dredged material would be shipped off-site to existing licensed facilities, presumably by train.

Perhaps they should get off of this shovel and wheelbarrow technology and seriously look in to other methods of bio-remediation too, such as whatTim Gray and the Housatonic River Initiative folks have been advocating for years.

The remediation plan has barely been touched in this column.  Much more information is available at www.epa.gov/region 1/ge/proposedcleanupplan.html.  You have until August 8, 2014 to mail in your comments to: ( r1housatonic@epa.gov), or fax (617) 918-0028.. *****

The DFW conducts an annual wild turkey brood survey from June through August. It serves as a long term index on reproduction,” explains Dave Scarpitti, Turkey Project Leader.  It helps them determine productivity and allows them to compare long-term reproductive success. Citizen involvement in this survey is a cost-effective means of gathering useful data, and he encourages all interested people to participate. A turkey brood survey form is posted on the agency website.   Completed forms should to be mailed to: Brood Survey, DFW Field Headquarters, 100 Hartwell Street, Suite 230, West Boylston, MA 01583.

The Stockbridge Sportsmen’s Club  Youth .22 Rifle League will run 8 weeks from July 2 to August 20on Wednesday evenings from 5 to 7pm.  $40 per child.  SSC membership is not required to join the league which is for kids 6yrs old and up.  The Club supplies all firearms and ammo but the kids need their own eye and ear protection.   Call Mike Buffoni with any questions at (413) 232-7703, or go to www.stockbridgesportsmensclub.org to download an application and mail it in.

A shiny future for Silver Lake

Posted on by

Recently, I attended the Silver Lake ceremony celebrating its clean-up.   The 26 acre lake has been remediated in accordance with the Consent Decree, agreed to by the EPA and GE.    The PCB’s have not all been dredged out but rather the lake bottom has been capped, the banks have been cleaned, benches installed, trees planted and a paved walkway has been installed on the north side.  “This is not a premiere, pristine waterway by any stretch of the imagination”, said Jim McGrath, Pittsfield’s Park and Natural Resources Manager, “but at the end of the day it is an urban water body that has the potential to be a contributor to the city of Pittsfield.   His department will be responsible for the maintenance of the park and walkway on a permanent basis.

 

Swimming in the lake is not recommended but it is not entirely unsafe to swim in either.    “Do we want to see people recreating here around the lake with kayaks and such?  Sure if that is something that they desire to do.  They can do that here.  There is a parking lot on the north side of the lake which is owned by PEDA and should be available for public use.  This lake is no different than any of the other publically accessible water bodies in Pittsfield, such as Onota and Pontoosuc lakes”.

 

The public can fish any of the shoreline owned by PEDA, which is mainly the north side, including a sand bar located there.  The southern shore is privately owned and the public is asked that if they fish from the shore, they do so from the publicly owned land.   There is no boat launch on the lake but people can launch a boat anywhere they feel that it can be launched.   “If you can traverse down the bank safely, and if you want to launch a kayak, feel free to do so”, he said.   Due to its size, it is classified by the Commonwealth as a “Great Pond”, available to people of the commonwealth.

 

“It was a polluted open water body and those who were involved with the project did their best to remediate and restore it.  And, in doing so, they provided a very handsome resource.   It is one more place for people to enjoy healthy activity.  Previously, there was no sidewalk on Silver Lake Boulevard, so if nothing else we have increased the public safety along this half mile stretch along Silver Lake Boulevard and that is important.”, McGrath said.

 

In a speech at the opening ceremony, Pittsfield Mayor Dan Bianchi said that he feels that this project is a symbol of the next chapter in Pittsfield and a bright future for generations to come.   He is delighted that many generations of young people will enjoy Silver Lake.

 

After the dedication ceremony and ribbon cutting, I took a walk along the adjacent walkway and checked things out.  There is an adjacent settling pond which apparently catches the drainage from the former GE property.  This little pond in turn drains into Silver Lake on the north side.  I could smell oil or something and detected an oily sheen on the water.  Too bad the Consent Decree didn’t address that for it appears that PCBs are still entering the lake.

 

I observed several large tree trunks and limbs in the water along the shoreline.   According to McGrath, they were intentionally placed there to provide structure and shelter for the fish and critters.  Consultations were conducted with MassWildlife and other environmental consultants on the selection of trees and shrubs planted along the shoreline to ensure they were native varieties and not invasives.

 

Before leaving, I observed something else…….dimples on the water surface, indicating that perhaps an insect hatch was in progress and fish were taking them.  It is claimed that largemouth bass and other fish live there and that was proof enough for me. It almost made me run (er…walk quickly) to the truck and grab my fly rod.  No, you don’t want to eat these fish, but catch and release fishing is quite enjoyable. What a great place for the kids in Pittsfield to go fishing, probably within walking distance of their homes.  What a great place for the older folks to sit on a bench and take in the scenery.

 

Like it or not, the lake has been cleaned up in accordance with the Consent Decree..  It is an urban water body with runoff coming in from different sources.  It is not pristine, not perfect and it is what it is.  But at the end of the day it is better than what it was and the city of Pittsfield has a new valuable resource and every reason to be proud of it. *****

Sixty seven fisherman and fisherwomen entered the Stockbridge Sportsmen’s Club Fishing Derby that was held on Sunday May 18.at Stockbridge Bowl.  It was a cool start and windy day but no rain.  The following individuals were the winners:  Largest Trout- Mike Storie, Pittsfield , 2 lbs, 9 oz, 18 ½”; Largest Bass-  Matt Fogarty, Sheffield 3 lbs, 1 oz, 19”, Largest Pickerel- Bob Spence, Austerlitz, NY, 3 lbs, 1 oz, 26 ½”, Largest Bullhead- Jeff Courier, Stockbridge 1 lb, 3 oz, 13”. Ages 12 and Under Winners:  Largest Trout –  1st place – Colin Mackie, Becket  1 lb, 10 oz, 16 “; 2nd Thomas Koldys, Housatonic, 1 lb, 4 oz, 13”; 3rd Blake Cella, Lenox, 1 lb, 3 oz, 13’; Largest Bullhead – 1st– Seth Slemp, Lee, 1lb, 2oz, 12’; 2nd – Dylan Trumps, South Lee, 1 lb 1 oz, 12 ½”;   3rd – Ashley Trumps, South. Lee, 1 lb,13”.   Largest Rock Bass was caught by Kemp Stiles, Stockbridge, 4 oz, 7’’.

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