Category Archives: Conservation

SPRING TURKEY HUNTING SEASON OPENS ON APRIL 26

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Paul and Homer OuelletteBut some youths, 12 to 17 years of age, are out hunting already because today is the special one-day Youth Turkey Hunting Day. Hopefully they met the eligibility requirements (basic hunter education and the mandatory youth turkey program),  have a mentor and are having a great first day of turkey hunting.  Maybe they have bagged a bird already, but if not, they have until 5:00 p.m. today to bag one.  Hopefully, they will check themselves for ticks as soon as possible afterwards.

Upon harvesting a turkey, the mentor must immediately fill out and attach the paper tag from the permit to the carcass. The bird must remain intact (other than field dressing), with the harvest tag attached until it is reported. After it is reported, the tag can be removed when it is prepared for food or taxidermy purposes.

On this upcoming Monday, April 26, the regular spring turkey hunting begins and runs until May 22. Massachusetts residents must have a Hunting or Sporting License, Turkey permit and a Safety sticker.  Non-residents must have a Big Game License, Turkey permit and Safety sticker. Stickers are required if hunting turkey with a shotgun or muzzleloader.  In the spring season, the bag limit is 2 bearded birds (2 birds may be harvested on the same day).  Hunting on Sundays is not allowed.

Spring season hunting implements allowed:

  • Shotgun: No larger than 10 gauge. No larger than #4 size shot.
  • Muzzleloader: No larger than .775 caliber smoothbore muzzle loading shotgun. No larger than #4 shot.
  • Archery equipment: All bows must have a draw weight of at least 40lbs at 28 inches or at peak draw. Arrows must have a well sharpened steel broadhead blades not less than 7/8 inches in width. Expanding broadheads and mechanical releases are legal. Crossbows may be used by certain permitted disabled hunters. Airbows are prohibited.

The wearing of blaze orange is not required during the spring hunting season.  It is now unlawful for hunters to intentionally or knowingly leave a wounded or dead game animal in the field or the forest without making a reasonable effort to retrieve and use it.

 

Tagging, transporting, and reporting requirements:

  • You must report your game within 48 hours of harvest.
  • Fill out and attach the paper tag from your permit on the carcass immediately after harvesting a turkey.
  • The game must remain intact, with the tag attached, until reported and prepared for food or taxidermy purposes.
  • You can report your harvest at an official check station or online.

Here’s hoping you have a safe and enjoyable spring turkey hunting season.

 

Trout stocking

 

Last week, subject to last minute change, the following local waters were scheduled to be stocked by Massachusetts DFW: Clesson Brook in Ashfield and Buckland,  Chickley River in Hawley and Charlemont, Green River (South) in Alford, Egremont and Great Barrington; Deerfield River in Buckland, Charlemont and Florida; Westfield River (Mainstem) in Huntington, Montgomery and Russell; Greenwater Pond in Becket, North Pond in Florida, Mansfield Pond in Great Barrington, Goose Pond in Lee and Tyringham, Lake Garfield in Monterey, Plunkett Lake in Hinsdale, York Lake in New Marlborough, Windsor Lake in North Adams and Windsor Pond in Windsor.

 

Ducks Unlimited reaches major conservation milestone

In a recent meeting of DU’s Board of Directors it was announced that more than 15 million acres (or more than 23,000 square miles) of habitat has been restored or protected in North America since its inception.  In Fiscal Year 2020 alone, DU’s on-the-ground work protected or restored more than 600,000 acres of wetlands and associated uplands. Conservation staff worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic, sleeping in repurposed ice fishing houses, campers and even tents to ensure their work never stopped. In fact, they’re accelerating their efforts to ensure they reach 16 million acres in record time.

“Ducks Unlimited’s mission of wetlands conservation has always been driven by science to deliver the best possible outcomes for waterfowl, wildlife and people,” said DU President Doug Schoenrock. “This was a true Team DU effort, and we’re proud of what we have accomplished. While this is a historic milestone, we will not stop working toward our vision of skies filled with waterfowl today, tomorrow and forever.”

Ducks Unlimited and its conservation partners provide on-the-ground solutions that benefit waterfowl populations and maximize water resources through the dynamic natural functions of wetlands. In addition to providing habitat for waterfowl, wetlands slow and store water to help recharge watersheds and aquifers, improve water quality and provide important wildlife habitat and recreational opportunities.

Paul Ouellette passed beyond the riverbend

 

Recently, Paul Ouellette of Lanesborough passed away at age 97.  He was an ardent fly fisherman, perch fisherman and deer hunter.  I should mention from the start that the comments about Paul also applied to his younger brother the late Homer Ouellette of Pittsfield who has been fishing beyond the riverbend since 2016.    They were inseparable and when you saw one in the outdoors, you inevitably saw the other.

Paul and Homer Ouellette

Paul was a charter member of the Taconic Chapter of Trout Unlimited (established in 1974) who eventually became an officer and a director.  He was an early recipient of Taconic TU’s highest award, the Crooked Staff Award.   He was a volunteer in the Atlantic Salmon restoration program, stocking salmon fry in the Westfield River.   He helped to establish the Friends of the Williams River group and conducted river surveys for them.   He was an excellent fly tyer and fly fisherman and helped teach it at Berkshire Community College in the 1970’s.  In fact, that is where I first met him over 40 years ago while taking that course.  He was such a colorful and knowledgeable fly tyer/fisherman/sportsman that I immediately joined TU because of him.

 

What wonderful memories of him flyfishing the Westfield River at Indian Hollow Campground and those times when we flyfishermen sat around the evening campfire after a day of fishing.  We enjoyed the soft music which emanated from Homer’s harmonica, accompanied by Paul’s jaws harp.  Oh, how we enjoyed his flyfishing and deer hunting stories.  It was from him that I first heard the term “passing beyond the river bend”, a term used when a fly fisherman passed away.

 

Paul first brought to our attention a poem that the famous poet Joyce Kilmer had once written about a “shiftless and good for nothing” angler named Dave Lilly who was deceased but when he was alive frequently fished a brook near Williamstown. According to the poem, Dave Lilly’s ghost still fished that brook and he caught “ghostly trout” years after his passing.   Paul located the poem in the North Adams library, brought it to a TU meeting and it immediately became very popular with the members, many citing parts of it by memory. (Google Joyce Kilmer/Dave Lilly poem).  I could go on and on with wonderful stories about Paul.  I tried to emulate him as much as I could, even to the point of buying a jaws harp of my own.  (I put it to good use one time – another story, another time).

 

He was also a member of the tongue-in-cheek organization known as Perch Unlimited or “PU!”  While staying at their cottage in Vermont (the Owl’s Nest), Homer and Paul would often ice fish for perch on Lake Champlain and they certainly caught their share of them.  They did a lot of deer hunting out of that camp, also.  (You may recall a couple of articles that I wrote about the camp in October 2015.)

 

Paul was an excellent bowhunter and for many years he and Homer taught the bowhunting course for the Mass DFW.  They both received the Berkshire County League of Sportsmen 1996 Lifetime Achievement Award.  To quote the plaque citation, “They have devoted countless hours to stream improvement, salmon fry stocking and bowhunting safety instruction courses.  They have been instrumental in instructing thousands of archers in dozens of courses they have hosted as Bowhunting Education Instructors.  Every sportsman can think of one or two people who helped spark their passion for the outdoors.  Homer and Paul Ouellette have touched many sportsmen’s lives.”

 

Paul Ouellette will be fondly remembered and sorely missed, but take heart, he is now probably out fishing with Homer…..somewhere beyond the riverbend

2020 marks 30 years of the Massachusetts Endangered Species Act

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Through the implementation of MESA, MassWildlife’s Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program (NHESP) conserves and protects the most vulnerable native animal and plant species of Massachusetts and the habitats upon which they depend. Currently, there are more than 400 native plants, vertebrates, and invertebrates that are officially listed as Endangered, Threatened, or of Special Concern.
Many rare species have benefited from the protection afforded under MESA and the work of NHESP over the years, including the restoration and conservation of several notable species such as the peregrine falcon, bald eagle, and northern red-bellied cooter. However, there is still a lot to do and in the face of habitat loss, emerging diseases, invasive species, climate change, and other threats, this work is more important than ever!
NHESP staff are diligently working to recover rare species and their habitats. NHESP’s conservation efforts include targeted restoration and active management of habitats; collection, management, and analysis of statewide biological data; conducting regulatory reviews; and the development of educational programming, publications, and conservation tools to connect residents with nature and help guide state and partner conservation priorities.
NHESP’s work is primarily funded through grants, regulatory review fees, and donations from supportive citizens. Donations to NHESP are received through a voluntary check-off o
the state income tax form and direct donations throughout the year. NHESP donations go directly into the Endangered Wildlife Conservation Fund, which can only be used for administering NHESP programs.
These donations are critical to ensure the dedicated NHESP staff can continue to perform important conservation work, including field research and surveys, regulatory review, habitat management, land protection, and education. Without such support, NHESP cannot protect, manage, and restore the Commonwealth’s most imperiled animals and plants and the sensitive communities and habitats on which they depend. In addition to donations, citizens can help by reporting the location of a rare species or vernal pool to help NHESP keep its database current.
MassWildlife suggests that you go to Mass.gov/30MESA throughout the year to learn about MESA and how you can support NHESP.

The pictures of the two adult bald eagles (beneficiaries of MESA/NHESP) were photographed by Mark Thorne of Pittsfield. He said that he went to Onota Lake for a couple hours on January 5 and easily found the adult pair that has been residing at the Point for the past several years. The male was sitting on the nest and went out a couple times to the west for sticks, and the female was a couple hundred feet away just watching a few people ice fishing on the lake. The eagles occasionally called to each other, and finally the male came over to roost with the female. Lots of preening and head scratching (tricky with those claws), but no other activity.

After a while the male got closer to the female, both calling loudly to each other, and Mark really thought they were going to mate. But he’ll never know because it was noon and he had to leave to do errands.

Before leaving, he got a good look at the leg bands colors/numbers and, to no surprise, it’s the same pair he had been watching in prior years. She is 18 years old this coming spring, and he’ll be 14. This year will be their 7th year together. Mark first identified her tag 9 years ago, but he’s sure she’s been here much longer.

Thank you, Mark for sharing the terrific picture.

Congratulations to the Stockbridge Sportsmen’s Club Skeet Team
According to the most recent SSC newsletter, the club won the coveted Tri-Club Championship this year, edging out Sheffield by 13 birds, and “leaving Lee in the rearview mirror.” After the Championship, the attendees enjoyed a delicious BBQ chicken dinner.
Basic Hunter Education courses being offered
By state law, if you are 18 years of age or older and you want to purchase your first-ever hunting license, you must complete a Basic Hunter Education course. Hunters 12 to 17 years of age must adhere to the regulations which are specific to their age. While minors are not mandated to complete a Basic Hunter Education, it is a prerequisite for certain youth programs and it allows minors 15 to 17 years of age to hunt without direct supervision.
In a Basic Hunter Education course, students receive instruction in the safe handling and storage of hunting arms and ammunition, hunting laws and ethics, care and handling of game, and wildlife conservation. Courses are typically 15 hours in length and are offered in different formats to meet the public’s needs. Students under the age of 18 will need a parent or legal guardian’s permission to attend this course. All courses are free of charge and open to the public.
The Cheshire Rod & Gun Club will be conducting a 6 session Hunter Education Course at its clubhouse on 310 Curran Road, Cheshire. The sessions will run Mondays and Fridays for three weeks from 6:00 to 9:00 pm on February 24, 28, and March 2, 6, 9 and 13.
To enroll, call (508) 389-7830.
Massachusetts Junior Conservation Camp
At the last Berkshire County League of Sportsmen (BCLS) meeting, the delegates voted to sponsor two camperships this year to the Massachusetts Junior Conservation Camp (MJCC) one for a boy and one for a girl. The MJCC is a two-week program designed to teach teens between 13-17 years old various outdoor recreation skills as well as educate campers about conservation of natural resources and responsible use of the environment. (Click onto www.mass.gov/service-details/junior-conservation-camp for more information).
This year’s dates are from August 2 to August 14. The camp tuition is $1,000 for the full two weeks and covers lodging expenses, food, and activities.
The total cost to send both kids is $2,000. Fortunately, $1,000 of that amount was donated by: $500 from BCLS Vice President Bob McCarthy (he was awarded that amount by the National Grange for his civic duty in Williamstown) and $500 from Whitetails Unlimited. The remaining $1,000 will be picked up by the BCLS. (In the past, the late George “Gige” Darey sponsored one or two kids a year.)
If you know a kid who is interested in the outdoors and who truly wants to attend the camp, have him/her send a letter to Berkshire County League of Sportsmen, 150 Phelps Ave., North Adams, MA 01247 explaining why he/she wants to attend.

Incidentally, there a couple of other area local sportsmen’s clubs that also sponsor kids for the MJCC. If the League has too many applicants, I’m sure it will pass the letters on to them.

Upcoming Ice fishing derbies
On Saturday, February 8, the Ashfield Rod & Gun will be holding its 29th Annual Children’s Ice Fishing Derby on Ashfield Lake. It is free and runs from 8:00am to 12:00 pm. All school ages are welcomed to participate. Prizes will be awarded to fish caught legally during derby hours and checked in at derby headquarters (The Ashfield Lake House). After the fishing derby there will be a spaghetti dinner held at the Sanderson Academy. The price is $5.00 for adults and children eat for free. Following the dinner there will be a presentation given by Tom Ricardi on birds of prey.
The 34th Annual Jimmy Fund Ice Fishing Derby will be held the following day, Sunday, February 9 at the Frank Controy Pavilion at Onota Lake, Pittsfield from 6:00 am to 2:00 pm. Tickets are available at the Onota Boat Livery (413)443-1366 and Maces Marine @ (413)447-7512. Admission: Adults $15.00, Kids $5.00. Trophies and prizes for kids, young adults and adults. Free with ticket will be dogs, burgers, chowder and soft drinks.
I am including these ice fishing derbies a week early in order to have more space available for an interesting column coming up next week. On February 2, 1954 there was some exciting ice fishing news that became the talk of the community. If you were around, do you remember it? If not, can you guess what it was? Make sure to read next week’s column.

Junior Duck Stamp Program: Connecting youth with nature through science and art

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Since 1938, the Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp or “Duck Stamp” has been required of anyone hunting ducks or geese, although anyone can purchase a duck stamp. The funds generated from these stamps have helped restore and improve important wetlands and the stamps have become collectors’ items. Duck stamps are one of the most successful wildlife restoration programs in the history of this nation.
Conservation through the arts: The Junior Duck Stamp Program (JDS), modeled after the Federal Duck Stamp, was launched in 1991 by the US Fish & Wildlife Service with the aim of increasing young people’s awareness of the importance of preserving wetland habitats and the delights of wildlife. In 1992, the US Fish and Wildlife Service printed the first ever Junior Duck Stamp with the funds used to provide awards, incentives, and scholarships to participating students, teachers, and schools.
This dynamic conservation program is designed to teach wetland habitat and waterfowl conservation to students in kindergarten through high school. Using scientific and wildlife observation principles, the program helps students communicate visually what they have learned by creating an entry for the Junior Duck Stamp Program art contest. The non-traditional pairing of subjects brings new interest to both science and the arts and teaches greater awareness of our natural resources. The art is judged in four age group categories in a statewide competition, and the entry judged Best of Show moves on to represent Massachusetts in the national JDS competition (which will be hosted by Massachusetts in 2020).
In Massachusetts the Junior Duck Stamp Program is sponsored by MassWildlife and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Junior Duck Stamp educational curriculum: Created over two decades ago as an innovative way to teach youth about wetlands and waterfowl, nationally, the Junior Duck Stamp Conservation and Design Program reaches more than 27,000 students each year, giving them the opportunity to learn scientific principles, connect with their natural world, and artistically express their knowledge of the beauty, diversity and interdependence of wildlife. A redesigned educational curriculum has been developed that will spark students’ interest in habitat conservation and careers in natural resources through science, art, math, and technology. The curriculum guides meet a number of national education standards, including the National Science Education Standards, North American Association for Environmental Education Standards and National Visual Arts Education Standards.
You can support JDS by purchasing a stamp: The overall national winner of the art contest graces that year’s JDS and is sold by the U.S. Postal Service (www.usps.com or 1-800-782-6724) and Amplex Corporation (www.duckstamp.com or 1-800-852-4897) for $5. All proceeds of the stamp are invested in the program to fund environmental education programs; award the students, teachers and schools that participate in the program; and to market the JDS program.
Artwork submissions must be postmarked by February 15 of each year. For complete JDS program details visit, mass.gov/dfw/jds or contact: Pam Landry, Wildlife Education Coordinator (508) 389-6310, pam.landry@mass.gov.
If you are a subscriber to Massachusetts Wildlife magazine, you are in for a real treat. In the most recent issue (No 3, 2019) there is a picture of artist Jenna Gormley when she was 5 years old and her Mallard artwork which was submitted to the JDS when she was 18 years old. Her article is entitled, “One Artist’s Journey with the Junior Duck Stamp Program”. When she was three years old, she was diagnosed with a receptive and expressive language disorder. She did not speak, so her form of communication was drawing pictures.
It is a very interesting and inspiring article, so be sure to read it. If you are not currently a subscriber, click onto the MassWildlife web page, click onto Massachusetts Wildlife Magazine and follow the instructions. A 2-year subscription (8 copies) only costs $10.
Primitive Firearms Deer Hunting Season opens tomorrow
Shotgun deer hunting ended yesterday. If you haven’t gotten your deer yet, (don’t feel bad, you are not alone), you still have an opportunity to get one during the Primitive Firearms Deer Hunting season. It opens tomorrow and runs through December 31. A Primitive Firearms stamp is required and there are special regulations governing this season listed in the Massachusetts Fishing & Hunting official laws. Archers can hunt during this season but must purchase the Primitive Firearms stamp. Here’s hoping you have an enjoyable, successful and safe hunt trudging through our winter wonderland. Be careful and keep your powder dry.

Licenses are on sale now
The 2020 Massachusetts Fishing, Hunting and Trapping licenses are on sale now. They can be purchased online through MassFishHunt, at a license vendor location, or at a MassWildlife office. Good news! No increase in the license fees again this year.
MassWildlife suggests you use care when purchasing licenses during December, as both the 2019 and 2020 licenses are available.

Important studies ongoing by DFW
MassWildlife and the UMass Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit are working together to conduct fish surveys in rivers at current and former dam locations. So far, nearly 50 rivers have been surveyed as part of a broader project to more fully understand the impacts of dams and dam removals on fish and aquatic invertebrates. Coldwater fish like native eastern brook trout are particularly dependent on upstream and downstream movements for reproduction and survival. Previous research suggests that abundances of coldwater and coolwater fish, including brook trout, longnose dace, and white suckers, increase following dam removals. Monitoring will continue for the next several years.
MassWildlife and US Fish and Wildlife Service have completed a third year of cooperatively monitoring juvenile American shad in the Connecticut River. Biologists capture shad at night during the summer and fall using an electrofishing boat. Abundance, length, and weight measurements are collected and used to assess the growth, survival, and productivity of the population. This study is designed to help determine the impacts of dams on juvenile shad. Shad populations have significantly declined as a result of 19th century dam construction, which prevent adults from migrating upriver to find spawning habitat. Shad are an abundant food source for smallmouth and largemouth bass, walleye, perch, and northern pike. Shad also provide food for birds and terrestrial mammals, as well as marine fish including striped bass.
Don’t forget to submit your hunting logs
Massachusetts hunters spend a significant amount of time in the woods observing wildlife of all kinds. These observations can provide wildlife biologists with a tremendous amount of information to better understand wildlife distribution and abundance across the Commonwealth. If you are an archery deer hunter or a game bird hunter, perhaps you have been keeping a hunting log on all the days you hunted this season. These logs must be submitted before December 20, 2019 to be entered into a drawing. Prizes, donated by Cabela’s, include a Polar Cap Equalizer cooler (value $249.99) and two $25 Cabela’s/Bass Pro gift cards. Winners will be randomly selected and notified in late December. If you completed both types of logs, your name will be entered twice.
Gige has not been forgotten
Hard to believe but it has been a year since our old buddy George “Gige” Darey of Lenox passed away. As you may recall, he was the long time MA Fish & Wildlife Board Chairman (35 years), our greatest conservation champion and beloved by the outdoor sports community. He surely has not been forgotten. In fact, his partner, Ginny Acabane, noted that several people have recently approached her saying how much they still miss him.
Rumor has it that the Town of Ripton, MA will heretofore have a moment of silence in his memory each December 21.

Large black bear taken in Sheffield. Is it a state record?

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It was a pleasant afternoon on November 5 and after work, Mike DiGiovanni of Sheffield decided to go hunting for bear on a local farmland. He hunted out of a tree stand with a crossbow. (Due to a permanent disability, he had permit to hunt with a crossbow). After a while he saw a deer (doe) in the nearby field acting oddly and then ran off. Then Mike saw why. A bear approached the field, hugged the edge of it and headed right toward him. He held off his shot until the bear was about 10 yards away and let the bolt fly. The first bolt hit him high in the shoulder and the second shot was a lung shot and down he went.
He knew it was a decent sized boar, perhaps around 300 lbs, but it wasn’t until he climbed down from the tree stand and approached it that he realized how big it was. Mike described himself as being “dumbfounded”. Then came the realization of what to do now. He took a picture on his cell phone and sent it to his wife Molly saying, “I’m going to be home a little bit later than expected”.
Then, he called a couple friends while Molly called his brother-in-law for help. Mike also reached out to the farmer for an extra set of hands. The farmer had a 4-wheeler to help him get it out of the woods and into the field. Dragging a bear of this size is no small feat and the more help he could get, the better. It took 6 guys, the farmer’s 4- wheeler and a pick-up truck. Thank goodness it was only 10 feet from the field, said Mike, because if it was deeper in the woods, there was no way to get him out…..not without equipment. With permission from the farmer, they were able to drive a truck into the field to get to him.
Can you imagine what it was like lifting that bear onto Mike’s truck?
After getting the bear out of there, they weighed it at a gravel bed truck scale and the weight they came up with was 540 lbs. Roughly a day and a half after, they got it to the DFW Headquarters in Dalton and it weighed 535 lbs. on those scales. Perhaps the day delay could have made the 5 lbs. difference (drying out). Anyway, the official weight stands at 535 lbs. Mike has been bear hunting for 12 to 14 years and never got a bear this large.
One of the biologists at the DFW headquarters guessed it weighed around 640 to 650 lbs. live weight and estimated the age as being between 7 and 12 years old, but it could be older. They can’t know until a tooth is sent to the DFW labs for analysis.
Is it a state record? Not sure. Massachusetts doesn’t keep official state bear records; however, they do maintain a database of the largest bears on record. I am not aware if there has ever been a larger bear checked in with DFW so it is quite possible that it is the record. If the DFW wants to establish a state record for black bears, may I suggest that they start with this one.
Mike said that he lost some of the meat due to the weather, but will salvage as much as he can to eat. “It’s quite good”, he said, “if I didn’t like the meat, I would not shoot a bear.”
He is going to get a whole rug mount done by Kevins’s Taxidermy of Middlebury, CT. Incidentally, the taxidermist measured the hide from nose to the tail at 86 inches and girth at 65 inches. The unofficial Green Score skull came in at 21 ¼ inches. To make the Pope & Young record book, it has to be 18 inches; however, cross bow kills are not recognized.
The farmer was ecstatic over getting rid of that bear. Not only because he kept destroying his crops, but also once a week the boar was flipping dumpsters over on his property.
Mike met a couple of neighbors who live on the same street and they were very grateful that that bear is gone. They were intimidated by the size of it. Bears are opportunistic, wherever the food is, that is where they are going to be, whether it is at your house or somewhere in the woods. They are going to eat whatever they want and you are not going to stop them, said Mike. He has heard stories of bears taking livestock, goats, pigs and all sorts of animals (not to mention the deer fawns).
Mike was adamant that the names of the helpers be included in this column for without them, he could not have gotten the boar out of the woods. (They were: Jameason Russin, Tony Bleau, Kolby Bleau, Dave Ullrich and the farm owner Bob)
That feat was” something I’ll never forget”, said Mike.
A Patriotic Turkey Shoot

The Murphy-Leary American Post 298 and Adams-Budz VFW Post 8183 of Housatonic will be jointly sponsoring a Turkey Shoot at the Great Barrington Fish and Game Association Club, 338 Long Pond Road, Great Barrington on December 1 starting at 12:00 noon. The purpose of this event is to raise funds to help the organizations foster strong national security, provide help for disabled and needy veterans and their families and promote Americanism by educating our communities in patriotism.

Also, they sponsor and provide scholarships to civic programs such as the Boys/Girls State Program, Student Trooper Program and to local students. In addition, their fund-raising initiatives also allow them to offer academic and vocational scholarships to selected graduates from local High Schools.

The turkey shoot is billed as a great opportunity to come out and compete for a turkey, pork, steak, beef, or maybe a money prize as well as enjoy a barbecued hamburger, hot dog, fries, and refreshments. You don’t even have to shoot to win a prize. There are many people that will be there who will shoot for you.

You are invited to come out and have some fun with family and friends in one of the most picturesque locations in the Berkshires. In addition to having some old-time outdoor fun, you will be helping our Housatonic American Legion and VFW to raise money so that they may give back to the youth in our community.

MassWildlife’s Habitat Management Grant Program

Thirteen municipalities, conservation organizations, and private landowners were recently awarded a total of $341,396 for habitat management projects to improve habitat for rare or declining populations of wildlife. The grants will fund 13 wildlife habitat improvement projects totaling 698 acres in 14 communities across the state.
In its fifth year, MassWildlife’s Habitat Management Grant Program provides financial assistance to private and municipal landowners of conserved lands to improve and manage habitat for wildlife deemed in greatest conservation need and certain game species. The projects are also designed to complement ongoing habitat management efforts on state lands and expand opportunities for hunting, fishing, wildlife viewing, and other outdoor recreation.
“Fish and wildlife habitat management for both rare and common species and to enhance wildlife-related recreation opportunities is a top priority for MassWildlife,” said Dr. Mark Tisa, Director of the DFW. “Because 80% of Massachusetts is in private ownership, working with committed municipal and private landowners is a no-brainer. These grants help protect everyone’s investment in wildlife, habitat, and the enjoyment of outdoor activities such as fishing, hunting, or watching wildlife.”
Congratulations to the following local recipients of the 2019 MassWildlife Habitat Management Grants:
• Great Barrington: The Nature Conservancy was awarded $28,576 to create and improve old field and shrubland habitats at the Schenob Brook Preserve.
• Lenox: The Town of Lenox was awarded $26,810 to remove the invasive hardy kiwi plant at Kennedy Park and Mass Audubon’s Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary.
• South Lee: South Lee Associates was awarded $13,655 for efforts to control invasive species on Housatonic River properties.

It was a good year for DFW Land Acquisitions

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According to a report made by DFW Western District Supervisor Andrew Madden and Western District Fish & Wildlife Board Member Stephen Sears at the October Meeting of the Berkshire County League of Sportsmen, fiscal Year 2019 (July 2018-June 2019) was another good year for the MassWildlife/Department of Fish and Game Land Protection Program.

Statewide they protected more than 2,400 acres. They completed 15 projects in the Western District alone, accounting for 1,078 acres, which is almost half of the statewide total. The annual budget for land acquisition is approximately $5.5 million.

They both highly complimented DFW Western District Land Agent Peter Milanesi for the superb job that he does every year. The list of the Western District projects is as follows:

 

Town Acres Description
Otis 29 Abuts Long Mountain WMA on Stebbins Road.
Plainfield 1.57 Small Inholding at Swift River WMA
Windsor 18.4 Along the East Branch of the Westfield
Dalton 100 Abuts the Chalet WMA on three sides.
Sheffield 70 Guilder Hollow Road. Abuts Dolomite Ledges WMA
Chester 100 Builds on the Western side of Fox Den WMA
Worthington 13 Improves access to Fox Den WMA.
Middlefield 90 Abuts the Fox Den WMA. Protects upper portion of the Westfield watershed
Chester 55 Part of the Fox Den WMA.
West Stockbridge 26 Extensive Frontage along the Williams River
West Stockbridge 48 Wetlands along Williams River. Part of Maple Hill WMA
Cummington 86 Stage Road. Part of the Cummington WMA
Worthington 315 Part of Fox Den WMA along the Middle Branch of the Westfield River
Chester 75 Abuts the JJ Kelly WMA.
Worthington 51 Provides access to Fox Den WMA from the East

Do those land acquisitions make you happy? Well wait until you get out and enjoy them.

I hope you read the article in the October 21, 2019 issue of the Berkshire Eagle entitled “Study: Want to be happier? GET OUTDOORS”, written by Christopher Ingraham of the Washington Post. According to scientific studies, people who got in two to three hours in nature were about 20% more likely to report high overall satisfaction with their lives than those who spent no time outdoors at all. They were 60% more likely to report being in good health than their cooped-in counterparts.

So, what are you waiting for? Check out these new acquisitions!

2019 Youth Deer Hunt Day results
On September 28, 950 young adults participated in this year’s Youth Deer Hunt Day. The statewide preliminary harvest total was 77 deer reported through the online MassFishHunt system.

MassWildlife created the Youth Deer Hunt Day to allow young hunters to hunt deer with their own permit. The hunt occurs on a special one-day season before the state’s annual deer hunting seasons. Shotgun deer season regulations apply during the hunt. Licensed hunters who hunt other animals on this date must follow special restrictions.
Fifth Annual Berkshire Natural History Conference
Next Saturday, at the Clark Art Institute in Williamstown, Williams College will host the 5th Annual Berkshire Natural History Conference. It will run from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. You are invited to celebrate the incredible diversity of Berkshire County.

The Conference brings together residents and visitors to celebrate the remarkable biological diversity of Berkshire County and the efforts to preserve, restore, and learn more about species, landscapes, and the myriad interactions among all of them. An impressive list of speakers, exhibitors, and displays will cover such wide-ranging topics as historic naturalists, native brook trout, unknown organisms, and local forests.
Birds, Bogs, Little Snakes, Trout, and Slime Mold Highlight This Year’s Conference
• Botanists/historians Maida Goodwin and Allison Bell retracing the steps of the remarkable, prolific, (and somewhat erratic) late 19th century naturalist Grace Greylock Niles.
• Evolutionary biology student Jenks Hehmeyer introduces the world of incredible organisms, including the Berkshires Giant Amoeba Slime Mold.
• Author Lauren Stephens illuminating Thoreau’s decision to spend the night atop Mt. Greylock.
• Dr. Ron Bassar detailing the plight of native brook trout in light of the Climate crisis.
• Biologist, Pete Hazelton will introduce MassWildlife’s new Citizen Science initiative – the use of the cell phone app, iNaturalist, to record everything on state Wildlife Management Areas.
• Other speakers introduce the incredible density of little snakes, local efforts to restore Cliff Swallows, how the new technology, Lidar, can tell a great story, and more. Ending the day is Williams College ecologist Hank Art on the changing landscape of Western New England.
You can also check out a wide array of displays by more than a dozen local and regional natural history organizations. Purchase new and historic books and join in a Silent Auction that helps support student attendees. A Natural History quiz, where participants can test their knowledge of the Taconic/Berkshire environment, is ever popular.
It is sponsored by the Hoffmann Bird Club, BCC, MCLA, Green Berkshires, BEAT, Mass Audubon’s Berkshire Sanctuaries, Hoosic River Watershed and others.

Pre-registration is required ($25 per person; $15 per students) at: www.berkshirecc.edu/bnhc. Contact Tom Tyning for details at ttyning@berkshirecc.edu
Community Conversation: Love/Hate Relationship with Mother Nature?

This Thursday evening beginning at 7:00 pm, the Lenox Land Trust will hold its Annual Meeting at the Lenox Community Center, 65 Walker Street, Lenox. They are featuring two noted local environmentalists to help homeowners understand their own properties as part of larger landscapes and habitat.

Fighting the Good Fight – Presenter Jess Toro, of Native Habitat Restoration, will offer advice and guidance on identifying and controlling those pesky, persistent Invasive Plants in our yards and neighborhoods: knotweed, bittersweet, and barberry, among the most common of the dirty dozen species.

Where the Wild Things Are– Tom Tyning, Professor of Environmental Science at Berkshire Community College, literally “wrote the book” (A Guide to Amphibians and Reptiles), highlighting the indispensable role of Vernal Pools to biodiversity. Discover and protect the Vernal Pools in your neighborhoods and woods – they’re an essential habitat for the life cycles of many species, including the protected Spotted and Jefferson Salamanders, and an incredible landscape feature – half land, half water.

(In 2017, the Berkshire County League of Sportsmen awarded Tom its Lifetime Achievement Award for his work in this area).

The program is open to the public — to any homeowner or property-owner in Lenox or elsewhere! And dessert is on them!

Help needed in planting trees and shrubs along the Housatonic riverbank

In Great Barrington, the Housatonic River access on Division Street has been improved and a new parking lot installed thanks to a great partnership with the property owners, Berkshire Natural Resources Council (BNRC) and funding from the Great Barrington Community Preservation Council.
The area was heavily infested with invasive plants which have been treated by Native Habitat Restoration. Now it’s time to plant.
On Tuesday, November 12 from 1:30 to 4:00 pm (Rain Date/Extra Date is November 20) you are invited to help plant native trees and shrubs along the riverbank. The Housatonic Valley Association will supply the tools, but if you have a favorite digging implement, bring it along.
The event is in partnership with BNRC.
If you think you can help, contact Alison Dixon at 413-298-7024 or adixon@hvatoday.org
Directions: Please note, the bridge on Division Street is closed so the access and parking area can only be accessed from Rte.183.
Dam Removals in Massachusetts

The Department of Environmental Restoration (DER) is presenting a six-part film series entitled River Run – A Story of Dam Removal in Massachusetts. It was created in partnership with UMASS Amherst’s Science Media Collaborative. Each short video highlights the efforts of DER and partners to advance river restoration projects across the Commonwealth. These films highlight the benefits, challenges, and local perspectives of dam removal across Massachusetts. One film addresses the Tel-Electric Dam on Mill Street in Pittsfield.

To see the films, click onto:
https://www.mass.gov/info-details/river-run-a-story-of-dam-removal-in-massachusetts.

Veteran’s Day

What are you going to do on Veteran’s Day? It is a day off from work/school so maybe you will watch a parade. Will you visit some veterans in nursing homes or assisted living facilities? They would love to see you.

Perhaps you’ll go hunting, preferring to spend some quiet time in a tree stand or a duck blind or just taking a break and sitting on a stump near a stone wall. Whatever you do, you might want to take a moment to remember and thank our living and deceased veterans for their service to our country.

Let’s pay more attention to the health of our lakes

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More and more attention is being paid to controlling native and invasive aquatic vegetation in our lakes these days. (Calling them weeds is out nowadays, those green plants growing in and choking our lakes are now called aquatic vegetation.) Some think that lowering our lake levels in the winter to freeze and kill them is the way to go. That is a controversial subject and others wonder if we are accomplishing anything by lowering the lake levels other than protecting people’s docks and other property.

And what about the cyanobacteria stuff that showed up in Stockbridge Bowl last year and Pontoosuc Lake this year. Where did that come from? What is causing it?

I don’t think anyone has the perfect solution for controlling excessive vegetation growth and bacteria in our lakes but we need to do something. Inaction is not an option for we could lose these beautiful bodies of open water. We need to educate ourselves and pay more attention to the health of our lakes. Here are a few opportunities:

LAPA-West Symposium

The Lakes and Ponds Association will be having a symposium on Saturday, October 5 from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm at the Zion Lutheran Church, 74 First Street in Pittsfield. There will be a significant focus on cyanobacteria (AKA blue green algae) which is a potential threat to all our lakes and can pose a serious health threat to all lake users, especially children and pets. It made the local news last fall when a bloom in Stockbridge Bowl forced the relocation of the 2018 Josh Billings paddling leg.

All lake association members, Conservation Commission members, other municipal officials and anyone else with an interest in protecting and improving our lakes are invited.

The objectives of the cyanobacteria presentations are to provide background needed for lake managers on:
• The basics of what it is and what are the risks.
• How to test for it?
• How to prevent and/or treat a bloom?
• What precautions must be taken to avoid risks to lake users without over-reacting and needlessly restricting access to our lake resources.
• What federal, state, and local agencies are involved, what regulations are in place, and how can local lake managers get help.
Other symposium topics, many of which are follow-up to previous symposium presentations, are:
• Drawdown effectiveness and risks.
• Increased State funding for our lakes and ponds.
• Improved coordination among the EOEEA regulatory agencies.
• Guidance from the DFW on maintaining and improving healthy fisheries.
Registration with a light breakfast starts at 8:15. Tours of the USEPA CMC mobile laboratory will be conducted after adjournment at 1:00 pm. (This facility is used to provide on-site trainings on the Cyanobacteria Monitoring Collaborative program to lake associations, state water quality managers and staff, drinking water suppliers, NGOs, school systems, private research entities and the like. Trainings and/or demonstrations of the program can be provided on request. The mobile lab provides a platform where individuals can participate in collecting and analyzing samples adjacent to the waterbody and become familiar with the equipment, steps, and protocols used for understanding and managing harmful cyanobacteria and blooms. The mobile lab has been used to teach hundreds of individuals throughout New England how to appropriately collect and identify samples for cyanobacteria analysis).
The symposium which is free, is sponsored by the LAPA West member associations. Invited exhibitors include state agencies with responsibilities for lake management and contractors who work on our lakes.

There will be opportunities to network with experts in lake ecology and management, and with other lake advocates. Bring lake plants you want identified. Any other questions you have specific to your lake can be raised with the experts and other attendees during the presentation breaks.
You are asked to let them know if you are planning to attend. Also please indicate whether you will be staying after the 1:00 pm adjournment to tour the CMC Mobile lab.

 

Lake Winter Drawdowns
An article in Volume 64, Issue 8 of Freshwater Biology which came out in June of this year and dealt with annual winter drawdowns might be of interest to local conservation commissions, lake and pond associations, anglers and the general public. The 15-page article, entitled Annual winter water level drawdowns limit shallow-water mussel densities in small lakes detailed the findings of a 2-year study (2015 and 2017) of 13 western and central Massachusetts lakes. The 9 lakes studied in the Berkshires were the following lakes: Onota Lake, Ashmere Lake, Richmond Pond, Stockbridge Bowl, Goose Pond, Greenwater Pond, Lake Garfield, Lake Buel and Otis Reservoir.
The report provides evidence that annual winter water level drawdown regimes in lakes constrain mussel distributions below drawdown exposure zones during normal water levels in addition to causing stranding and mortality soon after drawdown exposure.
In addressing the drawdown effects on mussel distribution, density and size, the report provides evidence that they negatively impact surface and buried mussel densities in areas annually exposed during winter even though these areas remain submerged from spring to autumn. Winter drawdowns also negatively affect buried mussel size.
Interestingly, the study provided evidence that mussel mortality did not correlate with drawdown rates. They found no difference in mussel mortality in experimental dewatering rates of 4 cm/day verses 8 cm/day.
The study concluded that “given that the documented ecosystem services mussel populations provide, including biofiltration, water column and sediment nutrient coupling, and habitat structure for macroinvertebrates and primary producers, the constraint of mussels deeper than the drawdown exposure zone may reduce these ecosystem services in the exposure zone. The extent of these potential functional losses relative to the whole lake ecosystems may depend on winter drawdown regime character (e.g. magnitude, rate, timing, frequency) relative to mussel population density-depth distribution and population size”.
Further research to examine the extent of potential ecosystem function loss in annual winter drawdown regime was encouraged. (Personally, I would like to see a study done to see what, if any, effects the herbicides that we are annually putting into our lakes are having on the mussels and other crustaceans).
So, why do we care about freshwater mussels? Well, according to MassWildlife, more mussels mean cleaner water. They are nature’s great living water purifiers. They feed by using siphons to filter small organic particles, such as bacteria, plankton, algae, and detritus, out of the water. This filtration doesn’t just take nutritious bits out of the water for the mussels to eat, it also takes floating debris like silt and algae out of the water, making the water cleaner for everyone.
One mussel can filter up to 15 gallons of water moving over it in a single day. We need them and should take care to see that we have healthy populations of them in our waters.
Map, Compass and Survival course
The free course will be offered by MassWildlife on Saturday, October 12 from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm at the DCR Visitor Center, 740 South Street in Pittsfield. This course is not recommended for students less than 12 years of age.

 

Students will spend a lot of time outside in the woods practicing map and compass skills. MassWildlife recommends wearing comfortable footwear (i.e. hiking or running shoes), long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and bright outer clothing. Students should also carry insect repellent, sunscreen, and water with them while in the woods and, if available, a whistle.

 

Timberdoodle time
Woodcock, (also known as timberdoodle) hunting season opens on October 3 and runs through November 23. The daily bag limit is 3 and the possession limit is 9. The woodcock is a migratory bird so hunters must register with the Harvest Information Program (HIP) each calendar year. Waterfowl stamps are not required nor is the use of non-toxic shot when hunting woodcock.

For more information on the regulations, click onto https://www.mass.gov/service-details/migratory-game-bird-hunting-regulations

Black bear hunting season opens Tuesday

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Can you believe it? Fall bear hunting season is opening already. Gosh, where does the time go. The first bear hunting season runs from Sept. 3 to Sept. 21, the second season from Nov. 4 to Nov. 23 and the Shotgun season runs from Dec. 2 to Dec. 14 (concurrent with the shotgun deer hunting season). Hunting is prohibited on Sundays.
The regulations are complicated, so here we go:
The Hunting hours begin ½ hour before sunrise and end ½ hour after sunset. (Except on WMAs stocked with pheasant or quail during the pheasant or quail season, hunting hours are sunrise to sunset.)
To hunt black bear in Massachusetts you must have the appropriate license and permit, which you can buy through MassFishHunt. Licenses required for Massachusetts residents are a hunting or sporting license and a bear permit. Non-residents need a big game license and a bear permit.
Bear hunters are allowed to take one bear per calendar year.
Hunting implements
Hunting implement First season Second season Shotgun season
Rifle* X X
Handgun* X
Muzzleloader* X X X
Archery X X X
Shotgun X

*Except on WMAs stocked with pheasant or quail during the pheasant or quail season.

The rifle caliber must be a.23 or larger. Handgun: .357 Magnum revolver with .357 Magnum cartridges only, or a revolver .40 caliber or larger. Muzzleloader: .44 to .775 caliber, fired from the shoulder, using a single projectile.

Archery Equipment: Bows must have a draw weight of at least 40lbs at 28 inches or at peak draw. Arrows must have a well sharpened steel broadhead blade not less than 7/8 inches in width. Expanding broadheads are legal. Poisoned arrows, explosive tips and bows drawn by mechanical means are prohibited. Crossbows may be used by certain permanently disabled persons by permit only.
Shotgun: Allowed only during the shotgun season, shotgun not larger than 10 gauge, including shotguns with a rifled bore, slugs only.
Hunter orange requirements
• First Season: None
• Second Season: A hunter orange hat is required on WMAs stocked with pheasant or quail during the pheasant or quail season.
• Shotgun Season: You must wear 500 square inches of hunter orange on your head, chest, and back.
It is illegal to use bait and dogs.
Special rules on Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) stocked with pheasant or quail during the pheasant or quail season
• Hunting hours are sunrise to sunset
• Hunter orange hat is required
• Other rules apply – check the WMA regulations

Upon killing a bear, hunters must immediately fill out and attach to the carcass the “harvest tag” found on the bear permit. The bear must remain intact (other than field dressing), with the harvest tag attached, until it is reported and prepared for food or taxidermy.
Hunters must report their bear either online or at a check station within 48 hours of harvest. If reporting online, a confirmation number will be issued and must be written on the harvest tag, if reporting at a check station a metal seal will be attached to the carcass. Either the seal or the harvest tag must be attached to the bear until it is processed. When transporting the bear, some portion of the carcass must remain visible until it has been reported.
The statewide population of bears is estimated to be over 4,500 animals and is growing, so the hunters’ odds are pretty good at getting one.
Gray squirrel hunting season
Thursday, September 9 marks the opening of the Gray Squirrel hunting season in Zones 1 through 9. (Yes, there are quite a few local squirrel hunters who relish a good squirrel and dumplings meal). Rather than confuse the hunters with another set of hunting regulations, I refer you to the MassWildlife web page https://www.mass.gov/service-details/gray-squirrel-hunting-regulations. There you will find squirrel hunting regulations such as Hunting Hours, Required License, bag limits, type of hunting implements, hunter orange requirement, and more.
Non-resident hunters, take note
There are non-resident readers of this column from NY and elsewhere who are interested in hunting in Massachusetts but are a little confused about our hunting regulations. The following information comes from the 2019 Freshwater Fishing, Hunting and Trapping Laws. Non-Resident Hunters:
• Must have a valid Massachusetts non-resident hunting license in order to hunt.
• Must have successfully completed a Basic Hunter Education course or held a hunting license anywhere in North America prior to 2007 in order to purchase a Massachusetts hunting license. Non-resident adults and minors (ages 15–17) purchase the same class license, H5 or H6 (see below for explanations).
H5 – Non-resident (adult/minor) Hunting, Big Game (Deer, Bear, Turkey, and all other game species) $99.50.
H6 – Non-resident (adult/minor) Hunting, Small Game (All game species except deer, bear, and turkey) $65.50.
• Must obtain the same stamps and permits as residents which are the same for residents and non-residents. Non-resident migratory game bird hunters must complete a Massachusetts H.I.P. survey to hunt.
• May not purchase ammunition in Massachusetts (including materials used in black powder firearms).
• Must have their firearms unloaded and enclosed in a case while travelling into or through Massachusetts.
• No gun license (FID) is needed to possess or transport long guns.
• Should contact the Massachusetts Criminal History Systems Board (CHSB) Firearms Support Services, 200 Arlington St., Suite 2200, Chelsea, MA 02150, tel. (617) 660-4780 for information on handgun permits.
Culvert Replacements
The Baker-Polito Administration recently awarded $932,000 to support 16 statewide culvert replacement projects that improve municipal infrastructure, river health and resilience to climate change.
Grants of interest to local environmentalists and outdoor sportspersons are as follows:

Chester (Trout Unlimited), $30,000 – Trout Unlimited, the Town of Chester and other project partners will use the grant funds to construct a structure that meets improved stream crossing and engineering design standards. Replacing this undersized and failing culvert on Kinne Brook Road with larger, safer structures will allow full upstream and downstream movement of aquatic species, including native eastern brook trout, and reduce the risk of road damage and failure in flood conditions.
Clarksburg, $41,000 – The Town of Clarksburg will conduct field data collection and analysis, design and engineering, and permitting for a culvert replacement on Bear Swamp Brook. Upgrading the culvert allows coldwater species to access to critical coldwater streams, particularly important as the climate warms and stream temperature increases. The road also serves a primary emergency access route.
Cummington, $80,000 – The Town of Cummington will complete design and engineering tasks for the culvert replacement on the North Branch of the Swift River. Upgrading the culvert will enhance public safety, resiliency, and ecological conditions and maintain economic connectivity. The North Branch Swift River is a tributary to the Wild & Scenic Westfield River, a coldwater stream that provides critical habitat for state-listed fish only found in Massachusetts in the upper tributaries of the Westfield River.
Sheffield, $54,000 – The Town of Sheffield will conduct final engineering and design and permitting for a culvert replacement on Dry Brook. The current structure results in frequent roadway flooding and repair costs. Upgrading this culvert will improve Sheffield’s infrastructure and storm resilience, reduce maintenance costs, and improve passage for fish and wildlife, including the federally listed bog turtle.
Culverts are a critical yet hidden part of our infrastructure, yet so many are in disrepair,” said State Senator Adam Hinds (D-Pittsfield). “This funding will go a long way towards our continued work with local officials to address their needs.”
“I am grateful to Secretary Theoharides for making this announcement in Windsor and for recognizing the importance of partnership between the state and our small, rural communities,” said State Representative Paul Mark (D-Peru). “Rural towns often face tough situations and tough choices when it comes to budgeting. Every state investment we are able to help secure goes such a long way towards sustainability and the long-term health of our region. This grant will be put to good use and will help improve our environment for natural habitat and nature lovers.”

What are MassWildlife’s Habitat Programs?

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Habitat Programs conserve rare and declining wildlife through restoration and management of grassland, shrubland, and young forest habitats.
MassWildlife’s Habitat Programs works to conserve a variety of wildlife and plants including rare and declining wildlife species identified in the State Wildlife Action Plan, as well as game animals and more common species. In many cases, this happens through restoration and management of grassland, shrubland, and young forest habitats on public and private lands across Massachusetts.
Using information from scientific literature, from biological monitoring, and from private conservation organizations, their Biologists and Foresters set statewide habitat goals for MassWildlife lands. These habitat goals were set to provide high quality habitat for both game and non-game species, and include the establishment of forest reserves.
Many types of wildlife rely on grassland, shrubland, and young forest habitats – all of which are declining in Massachusetts. MassWildlife’s Habitat Programs work to expand these habitat types on state wildlife lands. These lands include Wildlife Management Areas, Wildlife Conservation Easements, and Wildlife Sanctuaries.
MassWildlife management goals for grassland, shrubland, and young forest habitats.

Why is habitat management needed?
Human infrastructure and development have substantially restricted certain natural disturbance processes that historically provided diverse open habitats for wildlife. In particular, flooding and fire are greatly constrained across the landscape today. While control of flooding and fire is essential to protect human life and property, it also creates an obligation on MassWildlife’s part to provide the dynamic habitats for wildlife that these natural processes formerly did. Habitat management is sometimes needed to create, restore, and maintain a variety of habitat types including grasslands.
History of the Massachusetts landscape
Open habitats (grasslands, shrublands and young forest) were part of the New England landscape for centuries prior to European colonization due to:
1. ubiquitous beaver activity
2. spring flooding and ice scouring along rivers and major streams
3. wildfires and fires set by Native Americans in coastal areas and major river valleys
4. occasional catastrophic windstorms

These open habitats started to decline after European colonization due to:
1. extirpation of beaver from Massachusetts
2. extensive development of roads and buildings in portions of the landscape that formerly supported abundant beaver activity
3. flood control
4. fire suppression (especially in portions of the landscape that supported fire-associated natural communities like pitch pine/scrub oak).
Human activity has also reduced the impact of wind storms across the landscape. Today’s forests are relatively young (75 to 90 year old) compared to the old growth that once existed, which means that trees are more pliant and resistant to wind disturbance than original old growth forests. Forests are also fragmented by development in many portions of the landscape, which means that when wind disturbance does occur on forested lands, it is typically interrupted by adjacent development.
MassWildlife uses active management to provide a range of grassland, shrubland, and young forest habitats that are no longer created frequently enough by natural processes. Forestry practices, along with mowing, prescribed burning, and invasive plant control are often used to manage sites.

Wildlife in decline
Many kinds of birds, mammals, reptiles, insects, and plants thrive in or near open habitat types. The continuing decline of open grasslands, shrublands, and young forests has impacted a number of wildlife and plant species.
Native grassland and shrubland birds are declining at an alarming rate. Even some forest nesting birds are declining, despite the fact that Massachusetts has more forestland now (nearly 3 million acres) than at any time in the past 300 years. This is because some forest birds (e.g., chestnut-sided warbler) are specialized to nest in young forest, and because other forest birds (e.g., wood thrush) nest in mature forest but then move their young into shrubland and young forest habitats after fledging to utilize abundant food and cover found in these areas.
Reports from the yearly North American Breeding Bird Survey, Massachusetts Audubon Society’s 2013 State of the Birds report, and other published scientific articles, show that species including Eastern Towhee, Field Sparrow, and the Brown Thrasher are all showing alarming declines. Populations of Upland Sandpiper, Vesper Sparrow, and Grasshopper Sparrow (all classified as either Threatened or Endangered in Massachusetts) are also declining. It is clear that without the maintenance and creation of open habitat, birds that require this type of habitat will continue to decline.
Other animals and plants that rely on open habitats are in decline. The New England Cottontail, Massachusetts’ only native cottontail (not to be confused with the Eastern Cottontail, which was introduced to the state in the early 1900s), was once common throughout all of the New England states; now it occurs only sporadically. The Regal Fritillary Butterfly, once common, no longer occurs in the state. Black Racer Snakes and Eastern Box Turtle rely on open habitats for various stages of their life cycle. In addition, many field and grassland plants including New England Blazing Star (a state Special Concern Species), Sandplain Gerardia (a state Endangered Species), and Eastern Silvery Aster (a state Endangered Species) are becoming increasingly rare.
MassWildlife uses active management to provide a range of grassland, shrubland, and forested habitats that are no longer provided frequently enough by natural disturbance processes to help support both common and declining species. Forestry practices, along with mowing, prescribed burning, and invasive plant control are used to manage sites.
Here in the Berkshires, MassWildlife has implemented successful management plans in several areas such as the Stafford Hill Wildlife Management Area in Cheshire and the Moran WMA in Windsor to name a couple. I believe a prescribed burn was scheduled sometime this year in Sheffield.
If you are of my generation, you may remember many of our local farms going out of business and their grasslands becoming overgrown with shrubs, wild blackberries, black caps, raspberries, blueberries, grapes and other vegetation that the birds and critters liked to eat. The abandoned orchards were especially good places for deer, rabbit and partridge hunting. MassWildlife does not have to work hard to convince us of the value of its habitat programs. We grew up in those places and saw the wildlife first hand……before the housing developments.
Go to the Massachusetts State Wildlife Action Plan for more information.

The Quabbin Controlled Deer Hunt
The Quabbin Controlled Deer Hunt is an annual event conducted on Quabbin Reservoir watershed lands, implemented as part of the management program to maintain a balance between deer herd densities and forest regeneration. Participants are selected from an applicant pool in a special lottery in early September. The application must be filled out on line and submitted from the DCR Deer Hunt web page between July 1 and August 31. Hunters can get assistance completing the online application at the Quabbin Visitor Center on Saturdays (9 a.m. to noon) and Wednesdays (noon to 3 p.m.) during the application period.
Following input from the public, Quabbin Park has been added to the White-tailed Deer Management Program at Quabbin in 2019. The application is available from August 1 to August 31.
Once selected, all successful applicants will receive written notification by early to mid-October. If you have any questions or concerns, contact https://www.mass.gov/service-details/quabbin-reservation-deer-hunt:
Bird Language

Next Tuesday at J Allen’s Clubhouse,41 North Street, Pittsfield, the Pittsfield Green Drinks will be having Kevin Bose as its guest speaker to talk about bird language. Starting at 5:15 PM they will chat and nosh, and at 6 PM Kevin will give a 30-minute talk.

All animals (and once all humans), listen with great awareness to the vocalizations of the birds. When we practice tuning our awareness to bird language, we can learn about so many unseen things happening on the landscape – such as where the fox, weasel, and cooper’s hawk are. Through this practice we can come to a deeper understanding of ecological interconnections, as well as make us better listeners throughout our lives.

Kevin Bose has mentored children and adults of all ages in nature and permaculture for over a decade. In a year-long program that combined these two things (called RDNA) he was mentored by Jon Young (author of What the Robin Knows), in bird language as a core routine for Nature Connection.

So, who/what is Green Drinks? Sponsored by the Berkshire Environmental Action Team (BEAT), it is a group of people who meet the 3rd Tuesday of every month, .and usually have a guest speaker. It is billed as great way of catching up with people you know and for making new contacts. The drinks aren’t green but the conversations are. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to bring your questions! It is free and open to the public.

 

Good Things Happening with the Williams River and its watershed

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Recently, the MA Department of Fish and Game and the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (DFG/DFW) Land ·Protection Program was awarded $13,447 in “In Lieu Fee Program” funds for the fee interest acquisition of a 49-acre property, located off Moscow Road in West Stockbridge. This property is adjacent to the DFW Maple Hill Wildlife Management Area and includes approximately 5,000 feet of frontage on the Williams River and 3.8 acres of freshwater wetlands. The property was under threat of development, with 500 feet of frontage on Moscow Road and potential for residential housing lots.
The Williams River, which is a major tributary of the Housatonic River, is an identified Coldwater Fisheries Resource. Wetlands on-site are identified as State BioMap2 Wetlands Core habitat. The Williams River preservation parcel is of significance for connectivity, ecological integrity, and climate change resiliency; it is identified as (1) BioMap2 Critical Natural Landscape Upland Wetland Buffer, (2) a DEP Important Habitat), and (3) a TNC resilient site. (See explanations below)
Acquisition and management of this parcel by DFW ensures the preservation of these aquatic resources and about10 acres of upland buffer.
(1) BioMap2 is designed to guide strategic biodiversity conservation in Massachusetts by focusing land protection and stewardship on the areas that are most critical for ensuring the long-term persistence of rare and other native species and their habitats, exemplary natural communities, and a diversity of ecosystems across the Commonwealth. Critical Natural Landscape identifies larger landscape areas that are better able to support ecological processes, disturbances, and wide-ranging species.
(2) Developed by UMass, the Massachusetts Ecological Integrity Maps (IEI) are based on a computer software program and a method to prioritize land for conservation based on the assessment of ecological integrity for ecological communities (e.g., forest, shrub swamp, headwater stream). Using the IEI values, the MassDEP maps habitat of potential regional or statewide Importance (MassDEP Important Habitats). They depict areas representing 40% of the landscape with the highest wildlife habitat value.
(3) The Nature Conservancy’s Resilient Sites for Terrestrial Conservation project identifies the areas estimated to be the most climate resilient for each of 62 characteristic environments in Eastern North America.
But wait, there’s more!
The Masiero family of West Stockbridge recently conserved about 25 acres of land bordering the Williams River across from the old West Stockbridge Sportsmen’s Club. According to a Berkshire Natural Resources Council (BNRC) news release, the Masieros approached them over the winter and asked about conservation options for their beloved family land. Together they walked the scenic and unspoiled property on the banks of the Williams River–a clear conservation gem. Furthermore, generously, the Masieros were open to the idea of public access to this beautiful place for fishing.
They discussed conservation options, including the option of working with MassWildlife, owners of the Williams River Wildlife Management Area which is directly across from the Masiero land. (That WMA consists of 35 acres of land purchased in 2010 behind the West Stockbridge Sportsmen’s club that contains nice wildlife habitat and a section of the Williams River which provides excellent trout fishing). The Masieros decided it made sense to work with MassWildlife, so BNRC connected them, and are now “thrilled” to announce the land is conserved, with public access to the river.
Incidentally, John Masiero was one of the founders and directors of the Friends of the Williams River (FWR) an environmental organization which focused on the Williams River and its watershed. It leaned hard on George “Gige”Darey, Chairman of the Fish & Wildlife Board and the DFW back in the 1990’s to acquire land which ultimately became known as the Maple Hill Wildlife Management Area. Additional acreage was subsequently added to it in 2013.
During the same time, the FWR also urged fellow Board Member George Naventi to sell some of his property on Moscow Road to the DFW in order to preserve it. Unfortunately, the FWR became defunct before that could happen. It is so nice to see the previously mentioned. 49 acre “In Lieu Fee Program” purchase come about.
Never heard of the Friends of Williams River? Well, my good friend John Masiero and I were on that Board and we should sit down and do a write-up about it for a future column or two.
Basic Hunter Education Courses
Hunter Education is mandatory for all first- time hunters. By state law, all first-time hunters (18 years of age or older) must successfully complete a Basic Hunter Education course before they may purchase a Massachusetts hunting or sporting license. Government issued “certificates of completion” from any jurisdiction are accepted.
Minors, 12 to 17 years of age, have separate rules to follow (https://www.mass.gov/service-details/hunting-regulations-for-minors). While minors are not mandated to complete Basic Hunter Education to hunt, it is one option for minors 15-17 years of age to purchase a hunting license. It is also a prerequisite for all minors 12-17 years of age to participate in some youth programs such as the Youth Turkey Hunt Program and the Young Adult Pheasant Hunt Program
All courses are free of charge and open to the public.
A 6-day Basic Hunter Education Course will be held at the Pittsfield High School, 300 East Street, Pittsfield. It will run Tuesdays and Thursdays on September 10, 12, 17, 19, 24 and 26 from 6:00 to 9:00 pm each night. To enroll call (508)389-7830.
Hunter Education graduates aged 12–17 can participate in the Young Adult Pheasant Hunt. This program involves shooting instruction and practice, a pre-hunt workshop, and a mentored hunt prior to the regular pheasant season. All young adults between the ages 15 and 17 will need a hunting license and FID card to participate in this program.
The Young Adult Pheasant Hunt takes place on Saturdays in September and October; specific dates vary and are determined by participating sportsman’s clubs. Applications must be received by August 27. For more information and to view participating clubs, click onto Young Adult Pheasant Hunt Program (https://www.mass.gov/service-details/young-adult-pheasant-hunt-program).
Incidentally, the Youth Deer Hunt day is Saturday, September 28. Youth Deer Hunt Day permits are available online, beginning August 1. With this permit, youths may take either an antlered or antlerless deer in any zone on the Youth Deer Hunt Day. Learn more about the Youth Deer Hunt Day by clicking onto. https://www.mass.gov/service-details/youth-deer-hunt-day
Antlerless Deer Permit instant award period began August 1
If you applied for an Antlerless Deer Permit by the July 16 deadline, you must now check back to find out if you have been awarded one. The award period began August 1 and ends on December 31. Your odds of being awarded a permit are the same regardless of when you check your permit status. You can check the status of your permit through MassFishHunt, or by visiting a MassWildlife office or license agent location. A $5 fee is charged only if you are awarded a permit. Good luck!
If you already know that you weren’t awarded an antlerless deer permit, you might want to consider applying for a surplus antlerless deer permit in zones 9, 10, 11, 13, and 14 until sold out. The surplus permits, which will be sold by Wildlife Management Zone will be staggered over the following days in September.
• Zone 11: Tuesday, September 24 at 9 a.m.
• Zone 10: Wednesday, September 25 at 9 a.m.
• Zones 9, 13 and 14: Thursday, September 26 at 9 a.m.

Surplus Permits are first-come, first-served. Surplus permits must be purchased within 15 minutes after being placed in your shopping cart. The MassFishHunt online licensing system only allows 1 session per customer, so do not log in on multiple devices or you may be kicked out of the system and need to start over.
You may purchase only one Zone 11 and one Zone 10 permit per day; up to four permits per day may be purchased for Zones 13 and 14.

New Turkey Hunting regulations to take effect in 2020

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The Fisheries and Wildlife Board recently voted to approve changes to turkey hunting regulations affecting bag limits, fall season dates, shot size, and the Youth Hunt. These regulation changes will take effect with the 2020 season. There are no changes to the 2019 fall turkey hunting season.
The summary below provides an overview of the changes.
Increase the annual limit to three birds (2 bearded turkeys in the spring and 1 of either sex in the fall). Currently, hunters may harvest either two bearded birds in the spring with no fall birds or one bearded bird in the spring and one bird of either sex in the fall, for an annual limit of two birds. The change allows all hunters to take two bearded birds in the spring and an additional turkey of either sex in the fall, increasing the annual bag limit to three birds.
Increase the daily bag limit to two per day during the spring season. Currently, turkey hunters may harvest one turkey per day during the spring season. Increasing the daily bag limit to two allows hunters to take their spring season limit in a more efficient manner.
Expand the fall season (ARCHERY ONLY) to coincide with the archery deer season. Currently, the fall turkey hunting season begins the second to last Monday in October and ends the second Saturday thereafter, during which hunters may use a shotgun, muzzleloader, or archery equipment. This change allows turkey hunters to harvest turkeys with archery equipment during the entire duration of the archery deer season (6–8 weeks depending on zone). Turkey hunters would continue to be permitted to use shotgun, muzzleloader, or archery equipment during the traditional 2-week season from the second to last Monday in October through the second Saturday thereafter.
Allow no larger than #4 shot size. Currently, turkey hunters may only use #4–#7 size shot for turkey hunting. The change removes the minimum shot size restriction. Due to advancements in ammunition technology, there are now shotshells available that are made of lead alternatives like tungsten which are denser than lead. These alternatives can utilize small shot sizes (#7 or #9) while still maintaining lethal ballistics down range to effectively and humanely harvest a wild turkey at common hunting ranges. These types of ammunition allow hunters greater flexibility when choosing ammunition/shotgun combinations for turkey hunting, including the use of smaller gauge shotguns that may be easier or more convenient for hunters to carry and shoot.
Expand Youth Day turkey hunting hours to ½ hour before sunrise until 5 p.m. The Youth Turkey Hunt Day occurs on only a single day the Saturday before the last Monday in April; approximately 250–285 young adults ages 12–17 participate each spring. This change provides young hunters the opportunity to hunt on a special day before the start of the regular spring hunting season. The expansion of the hunting hours will greatly increase the total time available for hunting.
Allow Youth Turkey permits issued to youth aged 12–14 for use in the fall turkey hunting seasons. At this time, youth 12–14 years old who successfully complete the mandatory training program for the Youth Day are issued a free Youth Turkey Permit with two turkey tags and must always hunt with a licensed adult mentor hunter. These tags are currently only valid on the Youth Day and the remainder of the regular spring turkey hunting season. When hunting turkeys in the fall, these young hunters must currently use their accompanying mentor’s turkey tags and license. Because young adults who complete the mandatory training workshop for the Youth Day demonstrate significant initiative to earn the Youth Turkey Permit and must always hunt with a mentor, it is unnecessary to restrict the use of their tags to the spring season only.

This change provides additional opportunity for young hunters with the Youth Turkey Permit to use their own tag during the fall season by providing them with 2 spring tags and 1 fall tag. (Note: Under current regulations, youth aged 15–17 are required to have their own hunting license and turkey permit, which allows them to hunt in the spring or fall seasons.)

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The Quabbin Controlled Deer Hunt
The Quabbin Controlled Deer Hunt is an annual event conducted on Quabbin Reservoir watershed lands, implemented as part of the management program to maintain a balance between deer herd densities and forest regeneration. Participants are selected from an applicant pool in a special lottery in early September. Since 2016, all applications must be submitted online; the application must be filled out and submitted from the DCR Deer Hunt web page between July 1 and August 31. Hunters can get assistance completing the online application at the Quabbin Visitor Center on Saturdays (9 a.m. to noon) and Wednesdays (noon to 3 p.m.) during the application period.
Once selected, all successful applicants will receive written notification by early October.
Organization of the Hunt
During 2019, hunting will occur at Petersham between Gates 38 and 40. This area will have one, two-day segment, December 12 and 13.
Access will be restricted to designated gates. Hunters must check in and out by posted times on each day they hunt and obey all regulations and directions of DCR and law enforcement personnel.
Hunters will be assigned to a specific access zone where they must check in and out each day. There will be a limited number of Antlerless Deer Permits available to participating hunters, so unlike in past years, not all hunters are able to purchase an Antlerless Permit.
Since 2007, hunters have been able to use muzzleloaders for the Quabbin Deer Hunt. However, all hunters must possess a valid FID Card in order to participate in the hunt.
The hunt may be cancelled due to severe weather conditions or security situations.
Application Process
The application must be filled out and submitted online through the DCR Deer Hunt web page. There is no application fee. To minimize vehicular traffic and increase efficiency, hunters may apply in groups of up to six with a MINIMUM of two. Hunters may only apply on one application. There are several required fields on the application which must be completed before it can successfully be submitted, including a valid email address for Hunter #1. This hunter will receive an email message confirming successful submission of the application.
Once selected, hunters will be assigned to a specific access zone where they must check in and out each day.
This is the application for the Petersham hunt only. There are plans to hunt other areas of Quabbin in 2019. Details will be posted on the web page when available.
Hunter Selection Process
The drawing to select hunters will be based on the last digits of your MassWildlife Customer ID Number. All eligible Customer ID numbers listed on the application will be included in the lottery.
Selected hunters will be required to complete an orientation session prior to the 2019 Quabbin deer hunt except for those who completed an orientation session in 2018, 2017, or 2016. DCR has developed an online orientation session option for returning hunters who have not completed an orientation session in 2018, 2017, or 2016 but have attended an orientation session at some point in the past. New Quabbin hunters will still be required to attend an in-person orientation session.

For more information, go to https://www.mass.gov/service-details/wild-turkey-hunting-regulations

All about rivers program
On Wednesday, July 24 from 5:30 to 6:30pm the Housatonic Valley Association is having a free community program all about rivers. This is an opportunity to meet river critters, learn about our river ecosystem and our current river issues. You will be able to take home tips for protecting our rivers’ health. If interested, meet at the Stearns Elementary School parking area, 75 Lebanon Avenue, Pittsfield. Heavy rain or thunder cancels. Call 413-298-7024 for more information.