Category Archives: bass fishing

bass fishing

A new high school varsity sport is “catching on”.

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That’s according to Jim Whitman of Dalton.  On October 5, from sunrise to 3:00 p.m., the seventh annual Vermont State High School Fishing Tournament took place in South Hero, VT.  Some 19 boats participated.   Along with all Vermont varsity sports programs, this event was overseen by the Vermont Principals Association.  Hundreds of students, coaches and fans came from all parts of Vermont to meet at the John Guilmette fishing access on the Inland Sea of Lake Champlain. This section of Champlain, which is east of South and North Hero, Vt, covers 90 square miles.

Abundant fishing opportunities such as weed and gravel beds are there along with depths ranging four to sixty feet hold largemouth and smallmouth bass.    Through the practice seasons, students were given safety guidelines before any lines hit the water.

Jim and Bunny Whitman made a trip to watch their son Patrick and their grandson, Hunter, coach Champlain Valley Union High School (CVU) in Hinesburg, VT, compete.  Teammates for CVU were Carter Ashley a junior and Hunter’s younger brother, Harrison, a sophomore. 
Carter Ashley on left and Harrison Whitman on right holding their bass.,

Volunteer coaches taught students the basics in fishing techniques and accompanied them during tournaments.    Many students had little or no fishing experience but, at the end of the season they became proficient and loved the sport.     Coaches spend 15 to 20 hours with their students in preparation for tournaments. Part of the time is spent on the shore line of local lakes where casting techniques and lure selection are reviewed.   The balance of training is on a boat, searching for likely fish cover and trying their newly learned skills, making successful catches.

“During this tournament, many good things happened for high school competitors, for they all had good luck.” said Jim.  Some 114 bass were checked in at the 3:00 p.m. weigh in event which was officially organized by volunteers.    “There was lots of enthusiasm from fans who cheered each team as their catches were recorded. While talking with students, they shared information about the best lures for the day which were weighted rubber worms and jigs with tails.”

Some very large fish were registered as Mt Abe High School took lunker honors with a 5.3 lbs. largemouth bass.     Each high school team weighed 6 fish and Mt Abe took the state title with a total of 23.84 pounds.    CVU was state runner up with 20.95 pounds.     The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department was on hand to release all fish back alive into Lake Champlain.

“At the end of a magical day on Champlain, high school students offered many great fishing stories— and all were true.    Indeed, their live wells were full and the sport of high school fishing in Vermont is alive and well.” said Jim Whitman.

Hunter readily gives his dad Patrick, credit for showing him the love of fishing.    Although, the coaching season has ended for Hunter, his competition at the college level continues. He is a senior at the University of Vermont and has qualified to represent his college at the National Collegiate Abu Garcia Fishing Tournament.

Be alert for moose and deer while driving

Because fall is the breeding season for both moose and white-tailed deer, MassWildlife reminds motorists to be mindful of increased deer and moose activity, especially during early morning and evening hours. Moose, found in central and western parts of Massachusetts, breed in September and October. White-tailed deer breed from late October to early December.

Moose on the road are especially hazardous. The dark color and height of moose make them difficult to see in low light; moose eyes rarely shine like deer eyes because their eyes are above headlight level. In addition, long legs and heavy top bodies make moose very dangerous to motorists when struck. Observe road signs for moose and deer crossings and slow down. Do not swerve to avoid hitting a deer because it may lead to more risk and damage than hitting the deer. Moose are less likely to move from the road than deer, so stay alert and brake when you see a moose in or near the road.

Deer and moose/vehicle collisions should be reported to the Environmental Police at 1-800-632-8075. In the event of a deer/vehicle collision, the driver or passengers of the vehicle involved (MA residents only) may salvage the deer by bringing it to a MassWildlife Office to be officially tagged.

RIP Grizzly 399

Staying on the subject of animal collisions, did you hear about Grizzly 399?   She was a 28-year-old bear known to millions of people and who was an economic force, drawing countless tourists to Jackson Hole, Wyoming.  She died on October 22 in a Snake River Canyon vehicle strike. She was identified through ear tags and a microchip, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. At the time, the whereabouts of her single cub were unknown.  “There appears to be no evidence to suggest the yearling was also involved in the incident, but the service is monitoring the area,” the federal agency stated in a news release.

Unconfirmed reports state that vehicle involved in the collision was “totaled.” The speed limit along Highway 89 in the Snake River Canyon, which connects Jackson to Alpine, is 55 mph. There is no investigation into illegal activity relating to the accident

If you have ever visited the Grand Teton National Park, you may have seen her.  She first rose to prominence in 2006, when she began frequenting roadside areas in northern Grand Teton National Park with a three-cub litter. Over the next 18 years, she repeated the pattern every three springs, reemerging with a new batch of cubs. She once raised four cubs — an exceptional rarity — and in 2023, at age 27, emerged with a single cub, making her the oldest female grizzly alive with a cub in the entire Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. All told, she gave birth to 18 known cubs in the years following her own birth in 1996, according to Justin Schwabedissen, a Grand Teton bear biologist.

“The grizzly bear is an iconic species that helps make the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem so extraordinary,” Grand Teton National Park Superintendent Chip Jenkins said in a statement. “Grizzly bear 399 has been perhaps the most prominent ambassador for the species. She has inspired countless visitors into conservation stewardship around the world and will be missed.”

September 2024 bear harvest tally is up

There are no grizzlies in Massachusetts, only black bears.  According to figures released by MassWildlife, some 188 black bears were taken in the September 2024 bear hunting season, up from 118 taken in the September 2023 season.

The second season of black bear hunting opens on Monday, November 4 and runs through November 23.  A blaze orange hat is required on Wildlife Management Areas stocked with pheasants or quail during pheasant season (which is currently under way). Hunting implements allowed are rifles, muzzleloaders and archery only (no shotguns).

Zebra Mussel eDNA recently detected in Pontoosuc Lake

According to the City of Pittsfield, the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) detected eDNA of the invasive species, Zebra Mussels, in the lake during routine monitoring. Environmental DNA, called eDNA, is cellular material that sheds from an organism and is used as an early detector of invasive or rare species.

Zebra Mussels are invasive freshwater mollusks that are the size of a fingernail and have a negative impact on the local environment. They can filter out algae that native species need for food in order to survive and can attach to native mussels. Their name comes from the zig-zagged stripes on their shells.

Currently, the detection of this species only impacts boating operations at Pontoosuc Lake and has no impact on other recreational uses of the lake. The community is asked to refrain from boating on Pontoosuc Lake until there is an ice-over. All docks and buoys should also be removed from the lake and wash all parts of your boats, paddles and other equipment that have been in contact with the water.

In my opinion, if Zebra Mussels can attach to things like boats and paddles, then they probably attach to the feathers of ducks and geese which fly from waterbody to waterbody.  Surely, they spread the mussels, too.

Incidentally, Zebra Mussels were also observed in Onota Lake this past August and have been known to exist in Laurel Lake and the Housatonic River in Lee since 2009.

Carp Palooza derby set a record

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On Saturday, June 15, the Carp Palooza fishing derby was held on Pontoosuc Lake.  According to organizer Josh Christman, this was a record year with 37 teams. Robert Houghtlin and Payton Quinn were this year’s champions.  They had a total weight of 29 lbs, with the lunker being over 15 lbs. They received the winning belts and over $1,000 for having won the tournament and the Lunker Pool which is the heaviest carp.

Brian Houghtlin on left and Payton Quinn on right. Picture provided by Josh Christman

Carp Palooza rules require that catches be released alive.

With an earlier start time, they saw teams with their kids making a day of it. Christman plans the same start time again next year because people enjoyed the earlier time start. Next year he also hopes to add a kid’s division so they can also participate. This year he awarded a child a gift card because the father sent Christman the video of the child catching a carp. “It was great seeing people participate as a family.” said Christman. He said that from now on, the derby will be moving to Onota Lake permanently.

Raffles were offered this year and they were able to raise over a $1,000 which was handed to Steve Bateman to be added to the donations for the Jimmy Fund.

Christman thanked the sponsors:  Berkshire Tree Service, Lakeside Bar & Grill, Onota Boat Livery Jsmegal Roofing & Gutters, Dave’s Sporting Goods and Dicks Sporting Goods.  He also gave a huge thank you to Steve Bateman, Brandon Murray, Andrew Christman and Conor Graham for helping out with Carp Palooza this year.

An Act Modernizing Firearm Laws

Recently, the MA House of Representatives and Senate voted on H.4885 (An Act Modernizing Firearm Laws).  The House vote was 124 yeas, 33 nays and 2 not voting.  State Representatives Barrett and Farley-Bouvier voted yea and Pignatelli did not vote.  The Senate vote was 35 yeas and 5 nays.  State Senator Mark voted yea.

Incidentally, after many years Smitty Pignatelli is not seeking re-election and there are currently 4 candidates running for his seat.  Before casting your vote this November, perhaps you should find out how each one would have voted on H.4885.

It is quite lengthy (116 pages) and, at the time of this writing, is still being reviewed by GOAL (Massachusetts Gun Owners Action League) and others. It would be impossible for me to delve into it as it is so lengthy it would take several columns to list and explain its contents.  Also, I am receiving conflicting information as to what exactly is in that bill and am afraid to comment on it at this time for fear my information may be inaccurate and would only add to the confusion.

I’m not hearing good things about some aspects of it.  For starters, according to Mass Conservation Alliance (MCA) Co Chair Wayne M. Adams, one now must have an LTC (license to carry) in order purchase, possess, transfer, etc. all semi-automatics firearms. ( A LTC costs $100.00 and must be renewed every 6 years.) FID card holders are banned from privately transferring or purchasing 1) large capacity firearms and feeding devices and 2) all semi-automatic firearms.

In the upcoming weeks, this column will provide more information on the many aspects of this bill.  I doubt this new law will change anything and only the law abiding gun owners will abide by these laws and that it will have little or no effect on people with evil intentions.

The Landship Partnership Program

The Healey-Driscoll Administration recently announced over $3 million in grants to conserve large acreages of essential land across Massachusetts. Through the Landscape Partnership Program, the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) awarded three grants to expand public recreational opportunities, improve water supply protection, support agriculture, and promote healthy ecosystems. The grants from the program will also support the Forests as Climate Solutions Initiative to protect high-quality forested land.

“Investments in land conservation are critical to strengthening climate resilience in our communities. Thoughtfully conserving our natural landscapes is also essential for reducing emissions and safeguarding the diversity of our ecosystems,” said EEA Secretary Rebecca Tepper. “Successful partnerships between agencies and organizations such as these can have a profound impact on enabling residents to enjoy the outdoors.”

The Landscape Partnership Grant Program was established in 2011 to facilitate large-scale projects that foster healthy ecosystems, protect the viability of farm and forest economies, and expand public outdoor recreational opportunities via state, municipal, and non-profit partnerships. This year’s awards will conserve over 1,300 acres in Berkshire and Plymouth County. The implementation of these grants will support the administration’s efforts toward building climate resilience and safeguarding critical natural landscapes.

“I want to thank Secretary Tepper and the Healey-Driscoll Administration for making this important investment into crucial land conservation efforts in Southeastern Massachusetts,” said Senator Marc R. Pacheco (D-Third Bristol and Plymouth). In addition to ensuring healthy ecosystems, protecting water supply, and creating recreational opportunities, these grants protect areas that, through carbon sequestration, play a part in the Commonwealth’s efforts to meet their requirement of being Net-Zero by 2050.”

One of the Landscape Partnership Grant Program awardees is The Trustees of Reservations, Sheffield Land Trust, and MA Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) – Cooper Hill Farm Project.  A $1.25 million grant to protect 538 acres that are part of a broader, regional effort to conserve 1,130 acres of critical ecological habitat, forestland, and active agricultural landscapes in Sheffield, MA and Salisbury, CT. The Project will purchase an Agricultural Preservation Restriction (APR) from Pine Island Farm, one of the largest dairy farms in Massachusetts, ensuring the farm remains in agricultural use in perpetuity. The project will also extend protection to 40 acres of MassWildlife’s Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program (NHESP) designated Priority Habitat for Rare Species and expand public enjoyment of Bartholomew’s Cobble which is managed for passive recreation and habitat values by The Trustees of Reservations.

The other two grant awardees are:  Buzzards Bay Coalition, Town of Carver and Town of Wareham – Weweantic River Headlands Conservation Project: $1.25 million to protect 280 acres of forested uplands, cranberry bogs, and riparian wetlands along the mainstem of the Weweantic River in Carver and Wareham.

Buzzards Bay Coalition and MA Department of Fish & Game (DFG) Division of Fisheries & Wildlife (MassWildlife) – Sippican Headwaters Landscape Project: $1.25 million to protect 499 acres of forested uplands and wetlands at the headwaters of the Sippican River in Rochester and Middleborough.

12-Pound, 6-Ounce Largemouth Bass Breaks 37-Year NY State Record

Recently, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar announced that a new state record for largemouth bass was set on July 11, 2024. James Britenbaugh of Pennsylvania reeled in the record-breaking 12-pound, 6-ounce largemouth bass from Cayuga Lake, Cayuga County while fishing in preparation for an upcoming bass tournament. The record-breaking catch surpasses the previous 37-year-old State record largemouth bass, caught from Buckhorn Lake, Otsego County, in 1987 by one pound and two ounces.James Bitenbaugh.

“It’s no secret that New York has the best bass fishing opportunities in the country and Mr. Britenbaugh’s incredible fish certainly confirms that,” Interim Commissioner Mahar said. “DEC encourages all anglers fishing in New York to check out the Angler Achievement Awards Program before dropping a line in the water. It’s an exciting program that recognizes sizable catches and shines a light on the numerous lakes, rivers, ponds, and streams producing trophy-sized fish right here in New York.”

This year, New York State landed five lakes on Bassmaster Magazine’s Top 100 Best Bass Lakes in the country. Among the New York waters included are the St. Lawrence River (Thousand Islands), ranked as the best bass water in the nation, and Lake Erie/Upper Niagara River, ranked as the seventh-best water. Lake Champlain, Cayuga Lake, and Oneida Lake made the list as well and are in Bassmaster Magazine’s Top 25 Northeastern Best Bass Lakes of 2024.  Other waters across the state also offer exceptional bass opportunities and New York continues to be a destination for world class fishing.

Incidentally, the state record for largemouth bass in Massachusetts is 15 lbs, 8 oz and it measured 28 inches.  It was caught out of Sampson Pond in Carver by Walter Bolonis in1975.

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Now’s a good time for bass fishing

 

Summer time is a great time to bass fish.   The most successful bass fishermen seem to prefer rubber worms or sluggos and such..  Others prefer crankbaits, buzzbaits, spinnerbaits, jigs, live bait, etc.  I’m still fishing with some plugs purchased over 65 years ago, and they still work.  Old fashioned topwater plug such as Arbogast Jitterbugs or Hula Poppers, Heddon  Crazy Crawlers or floating River Runts, etc.  When they don’t work, underwater plugs like the Worden’s Flatfish, Rapala Minnows work.  Now and then I even use a home made wooden plug made and given to me years ago by Dave Mackey of Pittsfield.

 

This is the best time of year to use top water bass plugs.  There’s nothing more exciting than fishing at dusk and having a big bass come up to the top and shatter the silence with an explosive hit on a floating plug and then jumping several times trying to shake it off..

Ben Giambrone seated, Chris Robillard standing. Picture provided by gene Chague

 

Bass fishing out of a boat is fun, but not absolutely necessary.  There are still open shorelines where you can “plug” along.

 

Some of my fondest memories are of plugging away on Laurel Lake or Stockbridge Bowl all night long with my best friend and school classmate Jerry Zink. We were teenagers back then, too young to have driver’s licenses.  Jerry’s dad or older brother would drop us off in the early evening and pick us up the next morning.  At Laurel Lake, we rented an old wooden rowboat for the night from Bing Miller’s boat rental for $2 or $3 dollars. Yeah, they leaked a little, but that never bothered us.

 

How well I remember Jerry and I fishing one night when a pretty severe thunder storm hit us as we were out in a rowboat on Stockbridge Bowl.  While seeking refuge from the lightning and rain,  we rowed to the open boathouse that Shadowbrook Jesuit School owned.  We brought some butter and flour in a jar and planned to cook up some fish for a snack sometime around 1:00 or 2:00 a.m. The fishing was lousy that night and all we had caught were a couple of dinky bluegills.  After cleaning, scaling and flouring them we threw them on our stove…………….a tiny sterno burner. We couldn’t get enough heat to cook the fish which were somewhere in the gooey paste.   Ugh!  I almost gave up eating fried fish after that episode.  Once or twice a year, Jerry and I still chuckle over that.

 

How well I remember one night shortly after I got out of the service  fishing alone out in one of Shadowbrook’s rowboats on Stockbridge bowl.  It was a peaceful late summer evening filled with sounds of bullfrogs and mallard ducks.  I was 100% focussed on the sound of my popping  bass plug in the darkness. When all  of a sudden there was a horrific flash which lit up the sky and a loud explosion, followed by several more.  After I crawled out from under the rowboat seat, I realized that the commotion was fireworks coming from Tanglewood. Apparently, they aimed the fireworks in the sky over the lake so as not to accidentally start a fire.  The guys at the office got a charge out of that when I related the event. “You should have read the newspaper”, they said, “they mentioned the upcoming event.”

 

As the song goes, “Precious memories, how they linger.”

Kids fishing derby and more at the Berkshire National Fish Hatchery

Next Saturday, July 13, the Friends of the Berkshire National Fish Hatchery Board invites you to join them for a free pancake breakfast to kick off derby day at 7:30 a.m., at the hatchery, 240 Hatchery Road, New Marlborough.  A chance to fill up on delicious pancakes before heading down to the Derby Pond for some exciting fishing action.

At 9:00 a.m., the derby (for kids ages 13 and under), kicks off with more tagged fish added to the pond, guaranteeing good fishing.  Don’t miss out on the chance to win great prizes and snag one of their exclusive derby t-shirts. The derby ends at 10:30 a.m.

This should be a good morning of fishing fun and delicious food.

MEP Entrance Exam

Lieutenant Tara Carlow from the Massachusetts Environmental Police informs us of an upcoming MEP entrance exam for qualified, interested candidates.  This test is offered only every 3-5 years. The application deadline is July 16. For details, click onto

https://www.mass.gov/info-details/2024-environmental-police-officer-ab-examination

Good things happening on the Hoosic River

On Thursday, July 11, beginning at 6:30 p.m., the Taconic Chapter of Trout Unlimited (TU) is sponsoring a Hoosic River Cleanup to pick up trash, tires, etc. in the North Adams stretch of the Hoosic River. Volunteers meet at the Ashton Ave boat launch.

Some gloves and bags will be available, but bring your own gloves, cleanup tools, boots  and  tick prevention.  Waders and hip boots are encouraged but not required.  No need to RSVP.

In case of excessive rain and/or unsafe conditions, a notice will go out to the Taconic TU email subscribers, and be posted on its social media (Facebook and Instagram) around 10:00 a.m. on July 11.

Additionally, according to its most recent issue of the Backcast, (Taconic TU’s quarterly newsletter) they have a bacteria monitoring program underway on the Hoosic River with the Hoosic River Watershed Association (HooRWA). This is a great collaborative project which will add to the data on the health of the river.

They also have a new 3-year temperature monitoring project on the three branches of the Hoosic River (North, South and Main) under way.  One of the greatest threats to the health of fish on the Hoosic is the rising water temperature.  To their knowledge, this 3-year citizen science study will be the most comprehensive temperature monitoring of the 3 branches of the Hoosic to date.

Justin Adkins, president of the chapter, has these words of advice :  “As you fish this summer, please remember that when the water temperature is 68F or more, don’t fish for trout. We have some great bass and carp waters here in Berkshire County. When the water is warm it is time to leave the trout alone and go explore some new waters.”

New Ducks Unlimited Chapter Formed

On July 27, the State Line Chapter of Ducks Unlimited will have a Kickoff Banquet at the Stockbridge Sportsmen’s Club, 24 West Stockbridge Road , Stockbridge.

Doors open at 5:00 and dinner starts at 6:00 p.m. There will be a buffet style pasta dinner, a silent auction, general raffle and special gun raffles.  Individual tickets cost $60, couples $100, and sponsor tickets will also be available.

Tickets may be obtained at: HTTPS://SHORTUR.AT/DLUVD  or by contacting Joe DelSoldato, Ducks Unlimited Area Chairman at 413-717-0938.

What to do with those old fish mounts

Mounted bass hands on Gene’s cottage wall

Jim Legacy, MassWildlife ‘s Aquatic Resource Education Coordinator, asks if you have an old fish mount that’s collecting dust? Maybe you inherited one which meant so much to your grandpa, father or uncle, or have your own mount of a nice fish that you caught years ago. Perhaps its time to downsize and you just won’t have the wall space anymore to display it.

 

Legacy suggests you consider donating it to MassWildlife’s Angler Education Program.
They use fish mounts to show what a fish looks like and how anglers can catch one just like it during its Learn To Fish clinics. Their current mounts are ready for retirement and they’re looking for replacements that are in good condition and looking for a new home.

If interested, contact Jim Lagacy at jim.lagacy@mass.gov to coordinate a donation.

 

Headed for the Catskills

Readers may recall that last year Paul Knauth of Hinsdale and I took two fly fishing trips to the Catskills (NY) to fish the Beaverkill and the Willowemoc Rivers.  You may remember that 2 or 3 times I hooked into what we believe was the same big brown trout in the spring and the fall.  Every time that fish pushed me around, spitting the AuSable Fly back at me, breaking my fly line leader, stripping my reel down to its backing and probably giving me the fin.

That fish became a legend, known as Iron Mike, named after the heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson who practiced for his title fights in the Catskills. Well, this past June, we went back to fish there again and to try to find and to do battle with Iron Mike again. The narrative starts next week.

Possible “pin” fish caught at the Stockbridge Sportsmen’s Club fishing derby

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Last Sunday, April 19 was a beautiful day for the SSC Fishing Derby with temperatures in the 60’s. The derby, which ran from dawn to 1:00 pm was organized and run by Club members Tim Minkler and George Chasse.  There were 44 anglers entered into the contest which was lower than past years, but some nice size fish were caught.  All fish were released after being  weighed and measured. The following information was provided by Tim Minkler:

Adult Winners ($100 dollars)

Largest Pickerel:  Mike Soncini, Housatonic, MA  4 lbs., 8 oz., 25 ½ inches long.  If the weight and length held up on state certified scales, it qualified for a sportfishing award pin in the catch and release category. It was the heaviest fish of the day.

Mike Soncini with large pickerel. Picture provided

 

Largest Trout:   Conner Casey, Housatonic MA, 1 -lb., 15 oz, 14 inches long

 

Largest Bass:    Tim Fogerty, Lee MA, 3 lbs., 10 oz., 18 ½ inches long (He caught another bass slightly smaller)
Tim Fogarty with 2 bass. Picture taken by Gene Chague

 

Largest Bullhead:  Tom Methe, Washington MA, 1 lb., 5 oz., 13 ½ inches long

 

Age 12 and Under Winner:

 

Mya Methe, Washington MA, Bullhead:  10.4 oz, 10 ½ inches long

 

This year they had a food trailer on site for the first time (Laura’s On The Go).  The variety and quality of food was great.

Trout Stocking

 

The following waters were scheduled to be stocked with trout last week.  This is the last of the scheduled spring 2024 weekly trout stockings.

Ashfield Pond, Goose Pond, Laurel Lake, North Pond, Onota Lake, Pontoosuc Lake, Richmond Pond, Stockbridge Bowl and Upper Highland Lake.

Many thanks go out to Deb Lipa and Leanda Fontaine from the DFW Western District Headquarters in Dalton for providing the weekly trout stocking information to us.  I’m sure it resulted in more work for them and they did not have to do it.  If you are in their neighborhood, you may want to stop in and thank them.

Youth Artist from Acton Wins Junior Duck Stamp Contest

Meghan Li from Acton won Best of Show in the 2024 Massachusetts Junior Duck Stamp (JDS) Contest. Her colored pencil and soft pastel drawing of a hooded merganser was selected from 267 entries. Li’s award-winning work will represent Massachusetts at the National JDS Contest.

Meghan Li’s picture provided by MassWildlife

Students from kindergarten through grade 12 from across the Commonwealth submitted original works of art depicting waterfowl in their natural habitats, demonstrating both artistic talent and a knowledge of the value of wetlands for wildlife. In March, a panel of judges selected the top works of art in each of four age groups. A combination of the top artworks will be exhibited throughout Massachusetts in the coming year.

The Massachusetts JDS Program is sponsored by MassWildlife and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, with support from the Massachusetts Sportsmen’s Council. Please support the JDS Program and wetland conservation by purchasing Junior Duck Stamps featuring national winners from previous years. Stamps can be purchased at duckstamp.com.

Congratulations Cindy Delpapa

In a recent press release, The Wild & Scenic Westfield River Committee awarded Cindy Delpapa, of Becket MA. the Bob Thompson award for her dedication to the river and the breadth of knowledge she shared for the benefit of all.  “Her high standards and clarity of focus guided the committee through an update of the strategic plan, development of a website focused on action, and a model for funding culvert replacement across the watershed that improves safety and river habitat at the same time.”

 

“Cindy was instrumental in launching two new initiatives, “Rooting out Barberry” and exploring “Brine for Pretreatment” to prevent ice from forming on our Hilltown roads in winter. Cindy brought Action Research in to assist the committee with developing campaigns that speak directly to the audience we are trying to reach in a manner that is clear, inspiring and motivating.

 

If you are interested in the Committee’s work or participating in its initiatives visit https://westfieldriverwildscenic.org/.

 

Spring turkey hunting ends today

 

Sorry, if you haven’t bagged a wild turkey yet, then you will have to wait until the fall turkey hunting season to get another chance. The fall season opens on October 7 in our zone.

Help MassWildlife with its annual summer wild turkey count. Every year from June 1 to August 31, wild turkey reports from the public help their biologists determine productivity, compare long-term reproductive success, and estimate fall harvest potential. Reports are welcome from all regions of Massachusetts, from the most rural communities to more densely-populated areas. The summer wild turkey survey is a fun way for people to connect with nature while contributing valuable data to MassWildlife biologists.

You are encouraged to report wild turkey sightings in your area.  Contribute to the annual wild turkey survey by reporting observations of hens (female turkeys), poults (newly-hatched turkeys), jakes (juvenile males), and toms (adult males). Click onto the MassWildlife web page to learn how to tell the difference between male and female turkeys.

Turkey sightings can now be submitted online using a form which can be downloaded.   The form was updated in 2023 to include a map that allows collection of more accurate location information. Users have the option to zoom to their location on the map or type in an address.

Basic Hunter Education course

 

Basic hunter education is mandatory for all first-time adult hunters. MassWildlife offers Basic Hunter Education in two formats, in-person or blended.

A blended course is being offered at the Ashfield Rod & Gun Club, 161 North Street, Plainfield on Saturday, June 15 from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm.

To enroll, call 508-389-7830 or click onto:  https://www.mass.gov/info-details/basic-hunter-education-course for all the details

All courses are free of charge and open to the public.

United States Practical Shooting Association

USPSA is a fun and fast action shooting sport where participants balance accuracy, power, and speed into a winning combination.  Multiple targets, moving targets, targets that react when hit, penalty targets, or even partially covered targets, obstacles, movement, and other techniques are all used to keep USPSA shooters challenged and spectators engaged.  USPSA matches are held all over the US with local clubs holding matches practically every day of the week.  You probably already own everything you need to compete in USPSA.  The cost is $20 and they are held at the Lee Sportsmen’s Association.  Cold Range Rules apply.

The times and dates are as follows for 10:00 am shoots:    Registration 8:30 am, safety briefing 9:30 am. on the following dates:  June 2, July 7, August 4, September 1, October 6 and November 3.

The times and dates are as follows for the 12:00 pm shoots: Registration 10:30 am, safety briefing 11:30 am on the following dates: June 16, July 21, August 18, September 15 and October 20.

They also have a “Steel Challenge.”  Check the LSA web page for those details.

There’s music in the air

Beagle music, that is.  On June 8, the Berkshire Beagle Club, 380 Sleepy Hollow Road in Richmond, is sponsoring a SPO (Small Pack Option) derby on rabbits and hares.  It starts around 8:00 am.  The Club has two fenced in running grounds.

If you want to see what it is all about, just drop over.  You can contact Chris Wilser (845)489-6554 or Jeffrey St. John (413)441-0744 for more details.

Memorial Day Weekend

 

It’s that time again when we honor those who have fought, suffered and/or died in defense of our nation.  Look around and see the beautiful, peaceful woods and waters that we have here in the Berkshires and compare that to what is going on in so many other parts of the world.  There was a price that had to be paid to have this and the people we honor this weekend paid it.  Please, let us not forget that.

A look back at 2022 Woods and Waters columns

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At the end of last year, I highlighted the more informative and interesting articles that were included in this column during the year.  Because of positive comments received, I am doing the same for the year 2022.

In January we reported that seventeen women deer hunters participated in MassWildlife’s 2021 Becoming-an-Outdoors-Woman (BOW) Deer Hunt Program. Nearly all the women saw deer and all participants enjoyed their hunt. Two women harvested their first deer ever.  We also mentioned a lost Steller’s Sea Eagle (Haliaeetus pelagicus), which is native to Asia. Somehow it found its way to the Taunton River in Massachusetts.

In March there was an article about Bob Leverett “the old growth evangelist”.  He informed us that there were indeed old growth forests in Massachusetts. He developed ways for measuring and aging them and their ability to capture carbon.  His work, along with that of Dr. Anthony D’Amato (of University of Vermont), have helped to ensure the protection of 1,200 acres of old growth in the Commonwealth’s Forest Reserves.  His message is “We have a duty to protect an old-growth forest, for both its beauty and its importance to the planet”. We learned of the death of Leo M Daley who spent some 42 years with the DFW.  He had held the titles of Aquatic Biologist, Fisheries Manager, and interim District Manager. In the 30 years spent in our district, he stocked over 1.5 million trout in Western Massachusetts waters.

In March and April there were articles about hungry black bears emerging from their dens and the problems they cause by raiding our bird feeders.  In the Berkshires there are about 2,000 of them and readers were advised on how to avoid conflicts with them.  MassWildlife Black Bear and Furbearer Biologist Dave Wattles’ study showed that female bears that they study in more suburban areas are very large, with weights averaging more than 250 pounds, compared to bears in more rural, forested areas averaging closer to 150 pounds.  A second big takeaway was how close to people bears will den. They had bear dens 10 yards off the back parking lot of a fire department, under a building on piling foundations, on the edge of a backyard, and in the middle of a construction yard. These bears had plenty of options to den in more remote locations but chose not to, indicating bears are finding supplemental food sources in suburban areas, such as unsecured garbage, bird feeders, and open compost. Biologists warn that human food sources are harmful to bears’ natural diets and put communities at added risk of unwanted conflicts.

picture taken and provided by Gene Chague. Bears heading for Gene’s deck.

In April we learned about the numbers and types of wildlife violations that our Massachusetts Environmental Police are dealing with.  A pitch was made for Massachusetts to join the Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact, a network that seeks to reduce wildlife poaching through information sharing across state lines and reciprocal recognition of license suspensions and revocations for fishing, hunting, and trapping. The legislation, co-sponsored by Berkshire State Representatives Tricia Farley-Bouvier and Paul Mark, would update the Commonwealth’s outdated penalties for illegal hunting, some of which have not been updated in a century and currently amount to little more than a slap on the hand.  The bill passed later this year.

In April we reported that the highly pathogenic Avian Influenza was detected in wild birds in multiple locations in Massachusetts. Avian flu, also known as bird flu, is a common influenza strain that can spread from birds to humans through saliva, naval secretion and feces. The avian flu is not common among humans, but is very contagious among birds.  We reported the Preliminary 2021 deer harvest figures verses last year figures:

  • Youth Deer/Paraplegic Hunt Days: 86 vs 131 last year
  • Archery Season: 5,894 vs 6655 last year
  • Shotgun Season: 5,008 vs 5138 last year
  • Primitive Firearms Season: 2,375 vs 2842 last year

 

Although Western Zone harvests were not mentioned, DFW Western District Supervisor Andrew Madden said that they were consistent with 2020 (which was a record year).

In May, 5 individuals received Silvio O. Conte sportsmen awards:  The late Chris Puntin, formerly of Pittsfield, received the Sportsman of the Year Award posthumously; Meredyth Babcock of Becket received the Outstanding Achievement Award; Stephanie Dupont of Pittsfield received the Sportsmen’s Appreciation Award; Donald E. Girard of Adams received the Lifetime Achievement Award and Gregg Armstrong, of North Adams, received the John Zuber Award.  We also reported that after 38 years of state service, Marion E. Larson retired in early March from her position as Chief of MassWildlife’s Information and Education (I&E) Section.  Joshua Christman of Pittsfield, who had been named Massachusetts Angler of the Year (Adult Catch and Keep Category) in 2016, 2020 and 2021 by MassWildlife and a frequent multi-gold pin awardee, was off to another good start this year.  He caught a large rainbow trout out of Berkshire waters which measured 24 inches long and weighed 4 lbs.

In June Berkshire Environmental Action Team Executive Director Jane Winn announced that BEAT was awarded $200,000 from the Cultural Facilities Fund of the Massachusetts Cultural Council to renovate their new Environmental Leadership & Education Center.  Thirteen-year old Logan Middlebrook of Pittsfield landed a carp out of Pontoosuc Lake which weighed in at 13.3 lbs. and was over 30 inches long.   While fighting it he had to cross 2 house lots, a couple of bridges and over people’s docks.

Picture provided by Middlebrook family

James McGrath, Park, Open Space, and Natural Resource Program Manager, City of Pittsfield announced that the Mill Street dam was successfully removed along with over 8,000 tons of contaminated sediments.   Lee Sportsmen’s Association Higher Education Scholarship was awarded to Brianna Kelly.   The Bateman Jimmy Fund fishing derby was the greatest with over 355 people in attendance and over $10,000 raised.

In July, Joshua Christman, organizer of Carp Palooza, announced that it was a great event with 39 teams participating.   Steve Sears of Dalton was elected Acting Chairman of the MA Fish & Wildlife Board. We featured an article about a Picnic Table Boat.  It is powered by an electric motor, and if you run out of power, it has a solar panel on the top of the umbrella which recharges the battery.  The battery has a USB port into which they plug in lights, a speaker, an iPad, cooler, etc.

In August we covered the 75th anniversary of the Stockbridge Bowl Association.  Feature speaker was the old growth evangelist Bob Leverett. We covered successful flyfishing trips to Labrador and Yellowstone National Park made by local anglers.  Eight-year-old Michael (Mikey) Hubbard of Pittsfield successfully landed a 21-inch, 4.4lbs largemouth bass.

 

In September, Travis Bailey of Lee harvested a bear weighing 620 lbs. field dressed.  After it was skinned out, it measured 7 feet from nose to tail, with a space between its ears of 10 inches. Rachel Kanter of Lenox landed a monster 35-inch pike.

In October we reported that It was a good year for MassWildlife/ Department of Fish & Game land acquisitions and conservation completing 11 projects and protecting 937 acres. Great Barrington approved a new ordinance to help curb problem bears.

 

In November Paraplegic hunters took four deer in the Berkshires, seven statewide. The Youth pheasant hunt produced happy hunters. Some $483,922 was awarded in state grant funds to improve wildlife habitat on 514 acres of land within the Commonwealth.

 

In December we did an article about MassWildlife’s controlled burns. National Geographic wrote an article titled, ‘This Trail May Be the Best Way to See New England’s Fall Colors”. The specific Berkshires trail mentioned was BNRC’s High Road. The town of Nahant hired sharpshooters to eliminate its coyote problem. DFW Western District Supervisor had a great article in Massachusetts Wildlife about feeding bears.

 

During the year, we reviewed three books, two by local authors. The Richmond Pond Association and the Richmond Historical Commission produced a book entitled, The Gem of Richmond:  A History of Richmond Pond. The editor was Ken Kelly, of Lenox and Richmond. Paul C. Carter of Dalton came out with a new deer hunting book entitled, More Deer Hunts, through a Tracker’s Eyes.  Author Robert (Bob) Romano came out with a wonderful book entitled River Flowers.  All were still highly recommended.

Thanks for taking the time to read the columns this past year and hopefully you’ll stay with us next year.

Happy New Year!

Is the drought finally over?

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Well, maybe.  This summer’s drought was so bad that it was compared with the one that occurred in the Berkshires in 1955. For a while this year, there was concern that the State would perhaps temporarily close down the woods to hunting. They sometimes do that.

I remember that bad drought of 1955 when my dear life-long friend, Jerry Zink and I were only 12 years old.  We used to fish all of the little brooks in and around Lenox with great success.  Heck, all the brooks in those days contained wild brook trout, commonly referred to as “speckled trout”.

But that year, most of the brooks dried up or nearly so, and we were forced to fish the lakes instead.  One day that summer, we decided to fish Laurel Lake in Lee/Lenox.  What we saw there when we arrived was unbelievable.  It seemed like one third of the lake was dry.  From the shore of the south west side of the lake near the old “White Bridge” there was no water.  The channel which crossed under the bridge was there, but it contained no water.

We were able to walk across parts of the lake from the Highlawn Farm side to a point on the west shore, now known as Edith Wharton Park, and then across the dry cove to where Sargent Brook entered from the northeast.  Only a couple of large puddles or pools which contained a few trapped sunfish were there.

We then walked along the water east toward the dam outlet near Rte. 20.  For sure, there was water in the middle of the lake, for it normally is over 50 feet deep there, but it was considerably smaller.  When we got to a point which is now close to the boat ramp on Rte. 20, we were able to walk across to a point of land on the other side, not too far from Lee Beach.  The outlet channel was there, but there was little if any water in it.  The dry lake bottom actually went uphill to reach the dam.

We surmised that the drought along with the withdrawal of water from the lake by a paper making mill in Lee caused the excessive condition.

It was an eerie sight and every time there has been a drought around here in the Berkshires, my thoughts immediately return to that time, that place

I wonder if any other old timers (er…seniors) remember that sight.

Fall trout stocking

MassWildlife reports that over 63,000 trout will be stocked across Massachusetts starting around mid-September. Summer may be winding down, but the fishing opportunities are still going strong and fall is a great time to fish.

Trout stocking will begin when water temperatures start to cool down, around the middle of September. When stocking begins, locations will be updated daily on the MassWildlife trout stocking map page. You can click any point on the map for more information.

The breakdown of the 63,000 trout is as follows:

  • about 33,000 rainbow trout over 12 inches
  • about 26,100 rainbow trout over 14 inches
  • about 4,000 brown trout over 9 inches

The Western District will probably receive 20% of them.

Local waters typically stocked in the fall include:  Ashfield Pond, Deerfield River, Littleville Dam, East Branch of the Westfield River, Upper Highland Lake, Pontoosuc Lake, Laurel Lake, Lake Buel, Windsor Lake, Windsor Pond, Goose Pond, Otis Reservoir, Onota Lake and Stockbridge Bowl.

 

Incidentally, with the drought hopefully over and our streams coming back to normal fall levels, the native brook trout will start their migrations upstream to conduct their fall spawning.

Watch for them and expect them to be in their full fall colors.

Grandmas/grandpas like to fish, too!

Gloria Zink holding nice bass. Picture provided by Zink family

As readers are aware, I often feature pictures of young boys, girls, moms and dads who have had great days out fishing, including pictures of their big fish.  But, for some reason I rarely, if ever, have shown or written about grandmas or grandpas, especially fishing together.

Well, this past week I received correspondence from my buddy Jerry Zink now residing in Berlin, NY (yes, the same Jerry previously mentioned) telling of the great days he and his wife Gloria have been having fishing Ashmere Lake in Hinsdale this summer. They oftentimes fish with grandsons Kyle and Kaleb who catch whoppers, too.

Jerry Zink holding a nice pickerel. Picture provided by Zink family.

They always let the bass and pickerel go but now and then keep a few perch, panfish and crappie for fish fries.

The picture of Gloria holding that 4 lbs. bass was taken a few years ago, but rest assured she has often caught similar bass this year.  She also recently caught a 24 inch, 4lbs pickerel just last week.

Live on the Lake

Too bad Jerry and Gloria weren’t fishing up there last Sunday evening, because for a while the air was filled with fireworks and later with lovely music. The 3rd Annual Live on the Lake was taking place.  Around 6:15 pm, after the fireworks had subsided, local musicians Melissa Brinton and her violinist set up their loud speaker on a cottage dock across the cove from us and began to play music and sing.

The soft music drifted across the cove during twilight so that boaters and other nearby cottage owners could sit on their decks, docks and lawns and hear the lovely music.  With a voice similar to Joan Collins, Melissa started off by singing a couple of old Irish favorites (Oh Danny Boy and Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond.)   I have to admit what little Irish DNA remaining in this old heart still reacts to those songs.

It was a wonderful way to spend part of the Labor Day weekend.

Bass Fishing Derby

On the first Sunday in October, the Cheshire Fire Department will be holding its Bill Lewis Memorial Bass Fishing Derby.  It will run from 7:00 am to 1:00 pm with registration costing $20.00.

Following that, there will be an award ceremony and picnic on the Causeway at 1:30 pm to benefit the Bill Lewis Scholarship Fund.

Just think, bass fishing on that beautiful lake surrounded by mountains displaying their lovely fall colors.  It doesn’t get any better.   Who knows, this may be your last bass fishing outing of the year, so you might want to participate.

Many thanks BNRC

 

In the latest Berkshire Natural Resources Council Landscaper News, there was this nice article regarding hunting seasons and conservation.

 

“All Berkshire Natural Resources Council reserves, except for Parsons Marsh (in Lenox) and Roosevelt Trail (in Washington), are open to hunting subject to Massachusetts state regulations. Sunday hunting is prohibited in Massachusetts.

 

During hunting seasons BNRC recommends (to its non- hunter users):

  • Wear blaze orange outerwear
  • Stay on existing trails
  • Keep dogs under your immediate control (consider blaze orange outerwear for your dog)

In 2021, Massachusetts anglers, hunters, and others contributed over $7.5 million to land conservation, land stewardship, wildlife management and research, outdoor skills programs, and education via the sale of fishing, hunting, and related licenses and fees.

 

BNRC wishes all hunters a safe, enjoyable, and fruitful hunt this autumn.”

 

Nice article, ey?  BNRC has always been a friend to area sportsmen, so if you or your club happen to have a couple extra bucks, you might want to send them their way.

Black bear, early goose hunting seasons starting

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The Early Canada Goose hunting season (statewide) began Friday, September 2 and runs through September 24.  For Early Canada Goose season only, hunting hours are 1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset.  The daily bag limit is 15 and the possession limit is 45.  The reason for this early season and the large numbers of geese allowed to be taken is to reduce the large local resident population that is befouling our lawns and beaches.  The regular goose hunting season in the Berkshires opens on October 10 and runs through November 11.

There are many regulations regarding goose hunting and rather than to list many of them out like I did last year, your attention is directed to the  2022 – 2023 SEASON DATES & BAG LIMIT provided at https://www.mass.gov/doc/2022-2023-migratory-game-bird-regulation.

I will note that a 15-goose harvest limit for one day and a 45-bird possessive limit is high. Please make sure the geese won’t go to waste (see wanton waste comments below) and that you or someone else consumes them.  The meat can be tough, so you might want to search out grandma’s old recipes or perhaps you can make goose jerky.

The early Black Bear hunting season opens statewide on September 6 and runs through September 24. Those hunting hours are 1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset.  There are no blaze orange requirements during this season.  Hunting implements allowed during this season are rifles, revolvers, muzzleloaders and archery equipment.  There are also many regulations governing bear hunting and instead of listing all of them out here like I have done in previous years, I direct your attention to pages 30 and 31 of the Massachusetts Fishing and Hunting laws (commonly referred to as the abstracts).

 

Please remember:  It is 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. Each retrieved animal shall be retained or transferred to another until processed or used for food, pelt, feathers, or taxidermy. This does not apply to animals unfit for consumption or use—animals and their parts that are damaged, destroyed, decayed, rotting, diseased, or infected.

No hunting is allowed on Sundays in Massachusetts.

Here’s hoping you have safe and successful hunts.

 

Surplus Antlerless Deer Permits go on sale in September

 

Unlimited surplus Antlerless Deer Permits (ADP) will be available for zones 10, 11, 13, &14 starting Sept. 27.  A limited number of ADPs for zones 3, 9, & 12 will go on sale on a first come, first served basis on Sept. 28.  They will cost $10 and you will need a hunting license in order to purchase one. The easiest way to buy a license or a surplus permit is online through MassFishHunt. In-person sales are also available at select license vendor locations and MassWildlife offices.

I hope you noticed that Zone 3 here in the Berkshires will have surplus permits, some 351 of them.  I believe this is the first time that they will be made available.

Governor Baker appoints four new members to the F&W Board

Some of the following information was gleaned from the July 18, 2022 Minutes of the Fish & Wildlife Board which were approved at the August 23, 2022 Board Meeting.

In my column of July 3 entitled (Steve Sears elected as Acting Chairman of the MA Fish & Wildlife Board), I noted that Steve Sears of Dalton was elected Acting Chairman of the Board, Bob Durand was elected Acting Vice Chair and Ernest Foster was elected Acting Secretary.

In the July Board Meeting, Acting Chair Sears thanked the former Board members, Mike Roche, who had served on the Board for 35 years; Joe Larson, who had served for 22 years; Brandi Van Roo, who served on the Board for 17 years; and Bonnie Booth, a member for 13 years. Sears said that the members had performed a lot of service as volunteers for MassWildlife and the Commonwealth. He said that he was humbled as the Acting Chair and would work hard in the position

DFW Director Tisa introduced the new Board members, who he said clearly bring passion and commitment to their roles on the Board. They are:  Emma Ellsworth, Mathew Sisk, John Organ and Sasha Dyer.

Ellsworth said that she was both overwhelmed and honored to join the Board. She talked about taking a walk with retired Habitat Program Leader John Scanlon in a recent burn site where she saw “lots and lots” of blueberries. Ms. Ellsworth said she loves to see the results of MassWildlife’s habitat work and is looking forward to supporting the effort.

I had the opportunity to correspond with Ellsworth and she told me that she is an avid outdoorswoman, having grown up canoeing, camping and hiking in Montague. In the last ten years her husband has introduced her to the hunting and fishing sports and is now an addict. In addition to having a pair of bird dogs, last year she shot her first elk and the year before her first deer. “I would be lying if I didn’t admit that half my time fly fishing is spent trying to untangle myself from my line. But I am learning.” she wrote.  (Join the crowd of newcomers).

 

“Across the board, in the ten years since I first held a shot gun and fly rod, I have been embraced by the sporting community and find patient mentors on the sporting clays course, wading the swift river, and in the bird fields. I am eager to have the opportunity to give back to this community and to the Massachusetts forests. I am the Executive Director of Mount Grace Land Conservation Trust and am passionate about the protection and stewardship of the unique and stunning natural resources of our commonwealth and backyard.” she wrote.

 

Sisk had been Deputy Commissioner of DCR.  He is well regarded here in the Berkshires for while in office, he helped get gates reopened and roads fixed at Pittsfield State Forest, Beartown State Forest and October Mountain State Forest. He stated that his appointment to the Board is a lifelong dream come true.

Organ said that he’s humbled and honored to be a Board member. He said that he has worked in various capacities with MassWildlife for many decades and has nothing but respect for the hard work of the its staff.

Dyer said that as a lifelong hunter she had always heard her father speak with respect for the Board, and she was very glad and honored to be a member.

Director Tisa said that he looks forward to working with them and thanked them for agreeing to do the job. He reported that over the next five months through the end of the calendar year, his staff will be offering a comprehensive review of programs and district reports to bring the new members up to speed.

Wear your life jackets, it’s the law

 

MassWildlife cautions us that all canoe or kayak occupants must wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved Personal Flotation Device (PFD) from September 15 to May 15, and that includes waterfowl hunters.

Nice way to end a first day in class

Eight year-old Michael (Mikey) Hubbard of Pittsfield had a busy day last Tuesday.  It was his first day of class in 3rd grade and to celebrate it he went bass fishing with his dad Jason Hubbard later at Plunkett Lake in Hinsdale.  Fishing with a 5-inch rubber worm from shore, he hooked into a big fish. He successfully landed what turned out to be a 21-inch, 4.4lbs largemouth bass.

No, he didn’t release it back into the lake.  Once cleaned, it will be released into his mom’s (Rachel Soules Hubbard‘s) frying or baking pan.

Thanks to Steve Bateman for bringing this catch to our attention.

Fishing Derby

Where did the summer go?  The Berkshire Hatchery Foundation in Hartsville-New Marlborough is scheduled to have its last Youth Fishing Derby of this year next Saturday, September 10, from 9:00 to 10:30 am at its Lower Pond at the Berkshire National Fish Hatchery, 240 Hatchery Road, Hartsville, MA.  Children aged 13 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

 

Here’s wishing you all an enjoyable Labor Day weekend.

 

Steve Sears elected as Acting Chairman of the MA Fish & Wildlife Board

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At the last Fish &Wildlife Board meeting which was held on Monday, July 18, Board member Stephen Sears of Dalton was elected the new Acting Chairman.  He replaced Joseph Larson who served as Chairman since 2017, when he replaced the late legendary George “Gige” Darey of Lenox upon his retirement.

Sears, who replaced Gige as the Western District representative, was first appointed to the Board by Governor Baker in 2017.

His selection as Acting Chairman comes as a delightful surprise to area outdoor sportsmen and conservationists.  Ironically, the day Sears was elected, the Berkshire County League of Sportsmen (BCLS) sent a letter to Governor Baker requesting that he be reappointed to the F&W Board.

“There are many reasons for our request”, the letter stated, “We believe he has done a very good job in his first 5 years on the Board representing his western Massachusetts constituents and those across the state.  Fellow members on the Board, the Department of Fish & Game and the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife appear to respect his opinions and have appointed him to serve on several very important subcommittees of the Board”.

“He is knowledgeable in the field of conservation and proper management of our natural resources. He enjoys the outdoors not only as a hunter and fisherman, but also as a hiker, bird watcher, nature photographer, mountain biker, skier, and more.   His lifelong love of all aspects of the outdoors comes through very clearly and he is a staunch supporter of many conservation measures.  And because of that, his opinions are respected.”

“He is approachable. Environmentalists, outdoor sportsmen, farmers and others are comfortable approaching him expressing their concerns.  They know he will take time to evaluate them and, if reasonable, will act upon them. During the recent covid pandemic, the general public was able to sit in on the F&W Board meetings via Zoom and they had a chance to see Steve follow-up on their requests. He then follows up with the people.”

“He communicates with his constituents.   Steve attends the BCLS monthly meetings and informs the delegates of recent activities of the Board, Department of Fish & Game and the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife.  He keeps us in the loop with their activities.”

“His leadership and/or affiliation with such organizations as the Massachusetts Outdoor Heritage Foundation, Upper Housatonic Valley National Heritage Area, Local Committees such as Notchview Reservation, The Trustees of Reservation makes him a very important member of the Fish & Wildlife Board.”

 

Robert (Bob) Durand was selected as Acting Vice Chairman of the Board.  He replaced Michael Roche who has served many years as the Board’s Vice Chair.

 

No stranger to the Berkshires, Durand has been an avid outdoorsman and conservationist his entire life, and in 2011 was recognized as such by the Board when it awarded him the Francis W. Sargent Conservation Award. Prior to forming Durand & Anastas Environmental Strategies, he served four terms as State Representative for Berlin and Marlborough, where he lives. He followed that with four terms as a state senator for the Middlesex and Worcester District, during which he chaired the Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture Committee, and four years as Secretary of Environmental Affairs, under former governors the late Paul Cellucci and Jane Swift.

During his career as a public servant, Durand forged new bonds between the outdoor and sporting communities and environmentalists, bringing these advocates together to support initiatives that strengthened both.

 

As a legislator, he wrote the Rivers Protection Act and the Community Preservation Act. As Secretary, he protected 150,000 acres of open space, including major bioreserves open to hunting and fishing, helped usher in the nation’s first state regulations on coal burning power plant emissions and oversaw a vigorous campaign to reduce mercury emissions that bioaccumulate in wildlife and people. He also created Biodiversity Days, an annual event that saw tens of thousands of school children from more than 500 schools, fan out across the state to learn about and catalogue plant and animal species, and championed environmental justice and environmental education

Bob has served as the President of the Massachusetts Outdoor Heritage Foundation and served on the Board of Trustees for both The Nature Conservancy/Massachusetts Chapter and the Massachusetts Environmental Trust.

 

Earnest Foster, from Scituate, MA was elected Acting Secretary of the Board.  He replaced Bonnie Booth who served on the Board for 13 years.  Foster is heavily involved with outdoor sports and conservation organizations serving on the Board of the Plymouth County League of Sportsmen, a Level one Instructor for National Sporting Clays, Membership Secretary for the Scituate Rod and Gun Club,  President of the Ruffed Grouse Society Boston/South Shore Chapter, Past President of the Minot’s Ledge Chapter of Ducks Unlimited, member of The American Chestnut Foundation, Trout Unlimited, Old Colony Sportsmen Club and volunteer for various land trusts.

I’m sure you noted that the three individuals were elected as acting officers.   Once all the newly appointed Board members settle in, it is expected that a vote will be taken in November or December to formerly elect them as officers.

New State Record Smallmouth Bass caught in NY

A new state record fish has been established in New York State. On June 15, Thomas Russell Jr. of Albion reeled in an 8 lb. 6 oz. smallmouth bass from Cayuga Lake (Seneca County) while fishing in a Finger Lakes Open Bass Tournament. The smallmouth was caught on a drop shot rig using a soft plastic minnow. After being weighed on a certified scale and getting witness verification, the record-breaking fish was safely released.

Thomas Russell, Jr.

In case you are wondering, the Massachusetts state record for a smallie is 8 lb. 2 oz. and 22 inches long cought out of Wachusett Reservoir by Barbara Sasen in 1991.

The world record smallmouth bass came out of Dale Hollow Lake, a reservoir that straddles the border between Kentucky and Tennessee back in 1955.  It weighed 11 lb. 15 oz. and was caught by David Hayes.

Amazon Smile

The Lee Sportsmen’s Association’s (LSA) Board has recently announced that it is registered on Amazon Smile.  Never heard of it?  Me neither.

According to its news release, if you already buy items from Amazon, you can now use the AmazonSmile website (smile.amazon.com) and have a donation sent from Amazon to the LSA.  This donation doesn’t cost you, the buyer, anything.

AmazonSmile is a simple and automatic way for you to support the Club every time you shop, at no cost to you.  When you shop AmazonSmile, you’ll find the exact same low prices, vast selection, and convenient shopping experience as Amazon.com, with the added bonus that Amazon will donate a portion of the purchase price to LSA.

For information and set up procedures go to: https://smile.amazon.com/ch/26-2691563, and then the next time you want to make a purchase from Amazon go to: https://smile.amazon.com/ to do your purchasing.   “Eligible for AmazonSmile donation” on their product detail pages.

Fishing the Collection

The American Flyfishing Museum in Manchester, VT has a new film series entitled Fishing the Collection.

 

In this new film series, they’re taking vintage rods from their collection and putting them in the hands of modern anglers. As they travel to various locations, bamboo rods of yesteryear are put to the test in both salt and fresh water, and anglers share their take on what it’s like to fish with classic equipment. You might find the results visually captivating and educational, allowing the observer to reflect on how far we’ve come in the development of equipment while also honoring the beauty and style of the past. Featured in this episode is a 1973 Orvis Battenkill, 8′, 8wt, 2-piece rod. Click onto https://www.amff.org/fishing-the-collection to see the film.

They plan to release Episode 2 and 3 in the coming weeks.

Readers may recall previous articles in this column where fishing buddy Paul Knauth of Hinsdale and I always took along a vintage bamboo fly rod when we fished the fabled Ausable River near Lake Placid, NY.  Its true, one does get the sense of beauty and style of these rods and think about the anglers who once fished with them in bygone days.

Enjoy some summertime bass fishing

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With the hot weather that we have had recently, our local rivers have basically shut down with regards to trout fishing. They require colder waters, preferably under 70 degrees Fahrenheit. There is still good trout fishing in some of our deeper local lakes.
But for some anglers, they have put down the trout fly rod or spinning outfits, picked up their bass fishing gear and headed for the lakes, preferably those with some lily pads. If you have had a chance to look out onto a lake in the early mornings or early evenings at this time of the year, chances are good that you will see anglers in boats quietly bass fishing.
Anglers can bass fish year-round now in MA, but it wasn’t always that way. Back when fishing seasons didn’t open until mid-April, anglers could not catch and keep bass before June 15. The reason was that the bass were on their spawning beds until then and it was felt that they shouldn’t be pulled off of those beds leaving their eggs and/or small fry exposed to predators such as sun fish and perch. Some states like nearby New York still don’t allow bass fishing until that date.
Some of us are from the old school and still don’t fish for them until after June 15, and then we fish for them all summer long.
There are different methods of bass fishing- from using live bait with bobbers, to spoons and spinners, to rubber imitations of worms, crayfish and other critters. They all work well.
My preference for catching bass is the old fashioned topwater bass plug. To me there is nothing more exciting than the heart-stopping thrill of a bass coming to the surface and slamming that plug, followed by splashing, jumping, deep diving, etc. And if I am using a 50 or 60 year-old plug such as a Heddon River Runt or Baby Zara, a Fred Arbogast Crazy Crawler or Jitterbug, a Rapala bait fish imitation or a Helin’s Flatfish, all the better. I’ll bet some of you “more experienced” anglers are still using the old red and white Bass-O-Reno plug. They may be old with dings and teeth marks, but they still work.
There are a lot of bass out there in our lakes these days, partly because we have some nice, healthy waters and partly because more anglers now are practicing “catch and release”, resulting on more larger fish swimming around. That’s not to say that one should feel guilty when taking a bass home to eat now and then, but the catch and release concept has really taken hold these days in bass and trout fishing.
I like to link up with my nephews Joe and Jim Chague, buddy Doug Yates and others and go bass fishing on Friday nights. It’s a nice way to end the work week (even though I am long retired). Pictured here is a nice bass caught recently by Doug on a Heddon “Zara Puppy” bass plug, using the “Walking the dog” fishing method. Manipulated in a certain way, the plug looks like a small fish jumping out of the water chasing an insect. The big bully bass can’t stand that and pounce onto the imitation.
Its always nice to see families out fishing, such as the one shown in another attached picture. Grandparents Sue Joyner of Hinsdale and Gary Ouimet of Dalton took young Aralyn fishing last weekend. They had a nice day with Sue catching 4, Gary catching 3 and Aralyn catching 2 bass. All of them were released. Aah, it doesn’t get any better!
Aralyn is no novice when it comes to fishing. Two years ago, she won a “Lunker Derby” by catching a 4 ½ lbs. fish and taking home the $60 first prize money.
More on MassWildlife Habitat Programs
Readers may recall that last week this column dealt with MassWildlife’s Habitat Programs. Mass Fisheries & Wildlife Board Vice Chairman Mike Roche recently wrote an excellent piece about the same topic coming at it from a different angle, that being carbon storage and release. Here are some excerpts of what he wrote:
“MassWildlife has, for many years, planned the forest management on MassWildlife Wildlife Management Areas (WMA) for a number of purposes. The stewardship of the wildlife, plants and insects is always part of the equation but so are the important issues of carbon storage and release as they relate to Climate Change. A very detailed and informative presentation was given to the Fisheries and Wildlife Board at a recent meeting by Brian Hawthorne, Habitat Planning Coordinator, that included data analysis of the work done on MassWildlife lands and the impact, now and going forward.
As part of ongoing efforts to support Governor Baker’s Executive Order on Climate Change, and to implement the Global Warming Solutions Act, MassWildlife recently completed a detailed accounting of carbon storage and carbon release on state Wildlife Management Areas. The results from this carbon budget analysis showed that the amount of carbon released during selective tree clearing carried out during habitat management projects is a tiny fraction of carbon storage gained by tree and plant growth on the agency’s 170,000 acres of forested WMAs. Conducting habitat management provides a vital boost to rare and dwindling animals and plants that rely on open habitats and allows MassWildlife to fulfill its mission. “The Division of Fisheries and Wildlife is proud to incorporate climate change adaptation and mitigation principles into its mission to conserve biological diversity in Massachusetts,” says John Scanlon, MassWildlife’s Habitat Program Leader. “We are able to manage habitat for all kinds of wildlife while substantially contributing to carbon sequestration in Massachusetts.”
MassWildlife protects and manages over 220,000 acres of wildlife lands across the state, including WMA’s and Wildlife Conservation Easements, for wildlife to thrive and for people to enjoy. The agency is recognized as a national leader in incorporating climate change adaptation and mitigation principles into its statewide wildlife conservation mission. Climate change is driven by increased concentrations of greenhouse gases, mainly carbon dioxide, in the atmosphere. As they grow, trees and other forest plants help reduce greenhouse gases by storing large amounts of carbon in wood, root systems, and soils. MassWildlife is committed to managing the vast majority of its land as forest and recognizes that every acre the agency and its conservation partners permanently protect from development contributes to climate change mitigation efforts.
In 2006, MassWildlife habitat biologists conducted a comprehensive inventory of forests on WMAs and found that its wooded lands stored 10.3 million tons of carbon. Between 2007 and 2018, MassWildlife acquired additional lands which contributed to another 2.6 million tons of carbon storage. In addition, between 2007 and 2018, forest growth across all MassWildlife lands sequestered an additional 1.2 million tons of carbon. MassWildlife lands currently store a grand total of just over 14 million tons of carbon.
On the other side of the equation, MassWildlife staff calculated carbon release tonnage from habitat management activities. MassWildlife regularly performs habitat management on WMAs including tree clearing. These actions restore and maintain open habitat types that are crucial to the conservation of many kinds of uncommon or rare animals and plants. These habitat management practices release carbon, but how much? The results from the carbon budget analysis showed that since 2006, MassWildlife’s habitat management activities have released only about 20,000 tons of carbon. This is just 1.7% of the 1.2 million tons of new carbon storage gained on WMAs from forest growth since 2006.
Scanlon says that the agency’s habitat management activities are critical for rare and declining wildlife like whip-poor-will, New England cottontail, and a variety of butterflies and moths. “Forest cutting also directly benefits game species such as ruffed grouse and American woodcock. At the same time, we are doing our part in storing carbon.” Scanlon notes that MassWildlife is currently working to calculate carbon storage and release measurements on its Wildlife Conservation Easement lands.
Sportsmen have long recognized the wildlife value of forest cutting and it is easy to observe the changes in the following years after the work is done. Both game species and non-game species tend to become more abundant and that is not lost on hunters and birdwatchers”.

Canada Goose and Bear Hunting seasons open Tuesday

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The Early Canada Goose season which opens this Tuesday runs until September 21.
This year the September statewide goose bag limit was increased to 15 birds and the possession total was increased to 45. Due to federal requirements for migratory game bird season selections, the Board voted the increase. These totals do not apply during the regular goose hunting seasons which open on October 10 and December 3. There were some other waterfowl hunting changes which will be noted in a future column.
The increase in the daily bag limit from 7 per day last year to this year’s 15 appears quite drastic. Perhaps it was caused by the rapid increase in resident geese which may have placed them in the nuisance category. Goose poop has become a real problem at our beaches, playgrounds, golf courses, etc.
Funny how things change. I am of the age when the only Canada geese one ever saw around here were those large flocks high up in the sky winging their way north in the spring to their summer breeding grounds and then back south in the fall to spend their winter months there. They were massive flocks honking away, sometimes in the middle of the night. There appears to be fewer of them these days.
Although the new total is 15 per day, it is hoped that hunters consume the meat and not just shoot them for the heck of it. Although wild goose meat can be tough, there are decent recipes on how to properly prepare it. Goose hunter Phil Hiser, of Lee, has goose jerky prepared by a meat processor. I have tried it and it is very tasty.
Hunters are advised to check the waterfowl regulations regarding the HIP number, State and Federal waterfowl stamps, non-toxic shot, etc.
This Tuesday also marks the opening of the first black bear hunting season and it runs until September 22. During this season it is legal to hunt with a rifle, handgun, muzzleloader or bow, but not a shotgun. Be sure to check the regulations to see what gun calibers and/or bow draw weights are allowed. There are no hunter orange requirements during the First Season. Hunters must have a hunting or sporting license and a bear permit.
No hunting in any form is allowed on Sundays in Massachusetts.

Young Adult hunting programs

In an effort to get our youth into the outdoors and interested in hunting, MassWildlife has established three special youth hunts. They are the Youth Waterfowl Hunt, Young Adult Pheasant Hunt and the Youth Deer Hunt.

During the Youth Waterfowl Hunt season dates, (September 22 and October 6) only waterfowl hunters ages 12–17 may hunt ducks, coots, mergansers and geese. All youth hunters must be accompanied by a licensed adult hunter with a valid MA waterfowl stamp. Only one firearm is permitted. The adult hunter may not hunt but may carry a firearm only when unloaded and cased. No license or waterfowl stamps are required for Youth Waterfowl season hunters aged 12–14.
A license and MA waterfowl stamp are required for 15-year old hunters. A license, MA waterfowl stamp, and Federal waterfowl stamp is required for Youth Waterfowl season hunters aged 16–17. All other migratory game bird regulations and bag limits apply.
For more information, click onto the MassWildlife web page and go to “Youth Waterfowl Hunt”.
The Massachusetts Young Adult Pheasant Hunt day is a great way for young adults (ages 12-17) to practice firearms safety, develop shooting skills, and join in a pheasant hunt with an experienced hunter in a friendly environment.

The Young Adult Pheasant Hunt Program builds the confidence of young hunters in a safe, friendly environment. You must sign up with any participating club and each club will have a pheasant seminar and a hunt. You don’t need to be a member to participate.
The pheasant seminar course includes hands-on instruction in shotgun shooting fundamentals and firearm safety, how to have a safe and fun hunt, and information on upland hunting basics. During the pheasant hunt, participants get to experience a real pheasant hunt under the supervision of an experienced hunter on one of the six Saturdays prior to the regular pheasant season. Contact the club you are planning on hunting with to see which day they picked for the hunt.
The requirements to participate in the program are as follows: Be between the ages of 12-17, have completed a Basic Hunter Education Course before the day of the hunt. Participants at least 15 years old who wish to use a shotgun must have a Firearms Identification Card (FID).
In order to participate, you must: Make sure you meet all the requirements above, find a club near you to participate with for the seminar and hunt, send in the Participant Application form and complete a MassWildlife Youth Pheasant Seminar.
The local 2018 participating clubs are: Worthington Rod and Gun Club,Contact: Walter Fritz Jr., (413) 238-5841 mail: ridgerdizzaboo@verizon.net; Lee Sportsmen’s Club, Contact: John Polastri, (413) 822-8278 and East Mountain Sportsmen’s Club (Williamstown), Contact: Tom Brule Email: tom.brule@gmail.com.
If you have questions about the program, contact the Youth Hunt Coordinator Astrid Huseby at (508) 389-6305.
The Youth Deer Hunt Day allows youngsters to hunt deer with their own permit. The hunt occurs on a special one-day season before the state’s annual deer hunting seasons (September 29). Shotgun deer season regulations apply during the hunt.
The License and permit requirements are as follows: Children between 12–14 years old must be with a licensed adult and a Youth Deer Permit is required, which can be obtained through MassFishHunt. Youths between 15–17 years old must get a Minor Hunting License and a Youth Deer Permit. You can get your hunting license and Youth Deer Permit at a vendor or online at MassFishHunt beginning August 1.
Young hunters may use shotgun, muzzleloader, or bow and arrow. MassWildlife allows only one hunting tool when an adult accompanies a minor. Accompanying adults may not use any hunting implements. The bag limit is one deer of either sex. The Youth Deer Permit allows either: one antlered deer statewide or one antlerless deer in the Wildlife Management Zone specified on the permit.
All youth hunters and accompanying adults must wear at least 500 square inches of blaze orange on their chest, back, and head. Young hunters must fill out the tag from the Youth Deer Permit and attach it to the deer before moving it. You must report deer harvest within 48 hours.
A youth after my own heart
“While other 16-year old youth may be sleeping late…. not this one”, wrote Pam Ellis of Pittsfield. Her ambitious 16-year old son Billy Ellis rose at 4:45 am to walk the shores and fish on the banks of beautiful Cheshire lake recently. Mind you, she thought he was sleeping, but look what he caught.
She thought this beautiful fish and ambitious boy were a worthy story as we live in a world where most kids are spending their time on video games and cell phones. She is right.
Nice to see. I didn’t think youths did that any more.