Berkshire waters yield 20 gold pins and an Angler of the Year in 2019

Posted on February 17, 2020 by Gene

Each year, MassWildlife recognizes anglers who catch exceptional freshwater fish in waters open to the public. If you submit the largest or longest fish in an eligible species category, you will get a gold pin and a plaque, and you’ll also be honored in a MassWildlife awards event.
Log onto https://www.mass.gov/service-details/gold-pin-winners to see all of the 2019 winners in the Adult Catch & Keep, Youth Catch & Keep and Catch & Release categories. You will notice that there were 20 gold pins awarded to local or out-of-area anglers who caught fish out of local waters and a gold pin awarded to a local angler who caught a big fish in waters outside of the Berkshires.

In an upcoming ceremony to be held at the MassWildlife Field Headquarters in Westborough, MA, the lucky anglers will receive gold pins and plaques commemorating their great feats.

Local gold pin winners were as follows:

Adult catch & keep category:
Chain Pickerel, 6 lbs 4 oz caught out of Stockbridge Bowl by Robert Kotleski of West Stockbridge.
Northern Pike, 26 lbs 10 oz caught out of Onota Lake by Eric Moser of Pittsfield
Yellow Perch, 1 lb 15 oz caught out of Onota Lake by Jonathan Beauchesne of North Grafton, MA.

Youth catch and keep category
Brown Trout, 7 lbs 5 oz caught out of Onota Lake; Bullhead, 2 lbs 0 oz caught out of Pontoosuc Lake; Carp, 16 lbs 9 oz caught out of the Housatonic River; Northern Pike, 14 lbs 5 oz caught out of Cheshire Lake; Sunfish, 1 lb 5 oz caught out of Ashmere Lake; White Perch, 1 lb 13 oz caught out of Pontoosuc Lake; and Yellow Perch, 1 lb 9 oz out of Cheshire Lake.
All of the above fish were caught by Alice Christman of Pittsfield.

Catch & Release category
Brook Trout, 19 inches caught out of Laurel Lake by yours truly. (How about that? I tied Lee Pearson of Plymouth who caught and released an identical sized brookie from Long Pond in Plymouth)

2019 Angler of the Year award winners

The Catch & Keep Angler of the Year Award is given to the person who weighs in the largest number of species that meet the minimum weight requirements for the previous calendar year. The award promotes awareness of the Commonwealth’s underutilized fish species and recognizes an angler’s ability to catch a wide variety of trophy species.

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

With the exception of Alice, I don’t know how many bronze pins that the other two anglers were awarded during the year or in which categories, but records show that they earned gold pins in the following categories:

Adult Catch & Keep Category: Jonathan Beauchesne of North Grafton, MA earned 3 gold pins: A 37 lbs 4 oz Carp out of Quinsigamond Lake in Shrewsbury, a 5 lbs 1 oz Shad out of the Chicopee River in Chicopee and a 1 lb 15 oz Yellow Perch out of Onota Lake in Pittsfield.

Youth Catch & Keep Category: Can there be any doubt? Why of course it is Alice Christman of Pittsfield, MA. In addition to the 7 gold pin fish listed previously, she also caught a gold pin Channel Catfish which weighed 8 lbs 14 oz out of the Connecticut River in Springfield. But wait! There’s more! Alice also was awarded bronze pins for: largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, crappie, brook trout, brown trout, rainbow trout, tiger trout and pickerel.

She ended up getting a bronze or gold pin for 16 out of the 22 species of fish included in the program. Way to go Alice!

There is much more to Alice’s story which I hope to write about in an upcoming column. You may find it interesting, especially if you have an autistic child in your family.

Catch & Release Angler Category: Matthew Menard of Brookfield, MA earned 4 gold pins in the Adult Catch & Release category: A 30.75 inch Channel Catfish out of the Connecticut River in Agawam, an 18.25 inch Crappie out of Lashaway Lake in North Brookfield, a 30.00 inch Lake Trout out of Quabbin Reservoir and a 22.75 inch Smallmouth Bass also out of Quabbin Reservoir.

New State record fish caught in 2019 were as follows in the Catch & Release Category:

Bowfin – 31 inches caught out of the Taunton River in Taunton by Michael Nee of Framingham, MA
Crappie – 18.25 inches caught out of Lashaway Lake in North Brookfield, MA by Matthew Menard of Brookfield.
Rainbow Trout – 25.50 inches caught out of Jamaica Pond in Boston by Frankie Caloiero of Winchester, MA
Smallmouth Bass – 22.75 inches out of Quabbin Reservoir by Matthew Menard of Brookfield, MA

There were no state record fish caught in the Adult or Youth Catch and Keep categories. Probably the reason for so many state records in the Catch and Release category is that this category is still relatively new, having started in 2015 and the records will frequently change for a while.

Page 13 of the MA Fishing & Hunting regulations explains the Freshwater Sportfishing Awards Program and provides a chart which lists the minimum weights and lengths to qualify for a pin. You might want to take it along whenever you go fishing. If a fish doesn’t measure up, then you can release it to be caught another day…….unless, of course, you want to release it into a frying pan.

Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation Banquet
The Bay State Chapter of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation is having a banquet on Saturday, February 22 at the Stockbridge Sportsmen’s Club, 24 West Stockbridge Road in Stockbridge. It is billed as the do-not-miss social event of the year with a chance to win top notch firearms, premium hunts and exclusive gear. Even if you don’t hunt elk, it is a social evening of fun, great food and camaraderie all for the benefit of elk country. Peter DelGrande’s famous Herb-Crusted Boneless Prime Rib and Chicken Marsala Buffet is reason enough to attend.

Prizes include firearms and bows, premium hunts, trips and adventures, limited edition art, handcrafted pottery and home furnishings, custom jewelry, and much more. Tickets are limited, and cost: Single Attendee – Includes 1 Meal & 1 Supporting Membership – $80.00, Couple Attendee – Includes 2 Meals & 1 Supporting Membership – $125.00. Doors open at 5:00pm. Call Gary D. Johnston at (413) 441-0361 for more information.

The 37th Annual Springfield Sportsmen’s Show
Arguably the largest pure hunting and fishing show in the Northeast, it is filled with hundreds of booths, seminars and action areas. The two-building show is filled with an outdoorsman’s dream of fishing and hunting gear, outfitters, charter boats and adventure destinations, along with great deals on fishing boats, ATV’s and UTV’s. There will be interesting attractions and displays such as The Northeast Big Buck Club, Trout Pond, Water-Dog Retrieving Pool Demos, Two Seminar Rooms and more.
Each year, the show draws exhibitors from all over the Northeast who are eager to present their products and services to outdoor sporting enthusiasts throughout the greater New England area. Returning and all new fishing tackle vendors will exhibit and sell fishing reels and rods, hard and soft plastic baits, fishing kayaks with accessories and boats of all types.
The show takes place at the Eastern States Exposition (Big E) 1305 Memorial Ave., West Springfield, MA) on February 21 through 23. The show hours are Friday from noon to 8 PM, Saturday 9 AM to 7 PM and Sunday 10 AM to 5 PM. Admission: Adults – $15, kids 6 to 12 – $5 and under 6 free.
Housatonic River Clean-up

There was some big news last week. I’ll put off my comments until next week as I want to hear what the local hunters, fishers and trappers think about it. Drop me a line at the below address if you have a chance. Thank you.

Posted on February 10, 2020 by Gene

Preliminary deer harvest report shows a near state record year in 2019, but not in the Western District

The preliminary statewide deer harvest for 2019 is 13,922 – the second highest harvest on record, 628 fewer than the 2018 record. However; Wildlife Management Zones (WMZ) 1 through 4, (which includes the Berkshires) recorded a harvest drop of 412 deer. That amounts to a 16% drop from 2018 to 2019.
MassWildlife believes the deep snow that covered much of the state during the shotgun season appears to have caused a drop in hunter effort and deer harvest during that time (especially on the opening day). However, it appears deer taken during the archery season and primitive season made up for that short-term drop. Well, the archery and primitive seasons did not make up the difference here in the Berkshires.
The preliminary statewide harvest figures by season are as follows:
• Youth Deer Hunt Day (Sept. 28): 89 deer
• Paraplegic Deer Hunt (Oct. 31– Nov. 2): 5 deer
• Archery Season (Zones 1-9: Oct. 21–Nov. 30 and Zones 10-14: Oct 7-Nov. 30): 6,149 deer
• Shotgun Season (Dec. 2–Dec. 14): 4,984 deer
• Primitive Firearms Season (Dec. 16–Dec. 31): 2,694 deer
Total statewide harvest beginning in 2014 and ending with 2019 were as follows: 11,165, 10,142, 12,233, 13,255, 14,513 and this year’s 13,922. The Western District WMZ 1 through WMZ 4 had the following harvests beginning in 2014: 1,737, 1,887, 2,197, 2,318, 2,618 and this year’s 2,206.
MassWildlife feels that while total harvest by zone can be informative, it doesn’t provide the complete picture. Thus, it is important to assess harvest data and monitor trends by Wildlife Management Zone. Total harvest is influenced by deer density and the number of antlerless deer permits that MassWildlife allocates in each zone, as well as annual changes in hunter effort, harvest-rates, success-rates, weather, etc.
The MassWildlife Deer Project Leader will spend the next few months thoroughly analyzing the deer harvest and biological data as well as assessing deer population trends in each zone. The results and recommendations for the 2020 season will take place at the annual deer management review presented at a Fisheries and Wildlife Board meeting in late spring. A complete harvest summary will be posted on the MassWildlife website shortly after the deer review, so check their web site in early summer.
The recap of the 2019 deer harvest is as follows:

Preliminary deer harvest report shows a near state record year in 2019, but not in the Western District

Tavares lands big brown trout while jigging for smelt
On Tuesday, January 21, Ben Tavares of West Lebanon, NY was ice fishing by himself on Onota Lake in Pittsfield. He was jigging for smelt using a HALI Jig (a little spoon with a micro sized hook) and 4 lbs. test line. He had picked up two smelt and was getting ready to leave.
When he went back into his shanty and took one last look at his electronic fish marker, he detected fish and started jigging again.
Pretty soon he had such a hard hit that the tip of the little jigging rod bent right down to the water in the hole. “This is not a smelt”, he thought to himself. Although he fought it for 10-15 minutes, it felt like a half hour. He finally got it to the hole but the fish spooked again and made another “crazy” run.
While working it up to the hole again, he worried because the line tangled around the fish’s tail. Luckily it came up to the hole head first and Ben grabbed it by the gills. He called his buddy Brandon Tynan of New Lebanon and he arrived to measure and photo it.
He and Brandon brought it to the Onota Boat Livery to officially weigh and photo it. It weighed 7 lbs. 10 oz, was 28 inches long and had a girth of 15 inches. A picture of it is now hanging at the Onota Boat Livery. Ben is sending the paperwork to register it with MassWildlife He will surely receive a bronze pin from MassWildlife, for to be awarded a “catch and keep” pin, the fish must be at least 4 lbs.
Ben intends to have the fish mounted by Bouker’s Taxidermy of White Creek, NY.
On a personal note, I have been pondering why such a large trout would hit such a tiny fishing lure. The only thing that makes sense to me is that perhaps the smelt was nibbling on Ben’s lure and the big trout came along and took the smelt, and accidentally hooking himself on the micro hook. Wow! What are the chances of landing that large fish on such a tiny hook.
Mighty fine job Ben!

It is only a matter of time!”

“There is no question about it. Cougars are not only being seen in eastern North America, some are attempting to recolonize their former habitats. Where once it was flatly dismissed as an impossibility in the so-called “developed” east, scientists have now documented cougar dispersals and even occupancy in a growing list of eastern states and provinces”. That’s according to Sue Morse, considered by many as one of the most capable and experienced naturalists in the United States.

You are encouraged to join the Berkshire Environmental Action Team (BEAT) on February 15 from 6:30 to 8:00 pm at the Boland Theater, Berkshire Community College, 1350 West St. Pittsfield. There you will see a magnificently illustrated introduction to cougar biology and ecology in the broad diversity of habitats where Sue has studied them, from Alberta to the Arizona/Mexico border. Get the low-down regarding the latest confirmations of cougars in the east, including the recently documented suitability of a substantial amount of wild habitats from Manitoba to Louisiana and Maine to Georgia.
Sue, the founder and science director of Keeping Track, is highly regarded as an expert in natural history and one of North America’s top wildlife trackers. Since 1977, she has been monitoring wildlife, with an emphasis on documenting the presence and habitat requirements of bobcat, black bear, Canada lynx and cougar.

When not in the field conducting research, leading training programs or photographing wildlife, Sue can often be found presenting her findings and award-winning images to a wide range of audiences, including the general public, conservation leaders and students of all ages. Over the years, the University of Vermont graduate has served as mentor to numerous young people and inspired many to pursue careers in natural resources.
A $15 Freewill donation is suggested, students get in free. For more details, call (413) 230-7321 or email: team@thebeatnews.org

Ice Fishing Derbies
The Onota Fishing Club plans to have an ice fishing derby on Onota Lake on Sunday, February 16 beginning at 6:00 am with all fish being weighed in by 1:00 pm. Registration will be at the Controy Pavilion. Admission is $15 for adults and children under 12 who are accompanied by an adult free. Juniors under the age of fishing licenses $5. There will be raffles, prizes for juniors and senior divisions. Hamburgers and hotdogs along with hot chocolate and other beverages will be available at the pavilion.
The Cheshire Rod & Gun Club and Adams Outdoor for Youth plan to have an ice fishing derby on the 1st and 2nd Hoosac Lakes also on February 16 from sunrise until 4:00 pm. Weigh-in at Farnams Causeway, Channel 7. Heaviest ticket holdersfish wins an 8” K-Drill combo including drill and battery ($500 value). Youth prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place. Ptizes and refreshments – 5:00 pm at the CR&G Club House. Kids 14 and under free with adult ticket. $10.00 donation. Only cancellation will be lack of ice. If derby is cancelled an augur will be raffled of to ticket holders.

Controversy surrounded the world-record pickerel

Posted on February 2, 2020 by Gene

Sixty-five years ago, today, a 9 lbs. 5 oz Chain Pickerel was hoisted out of a local lake by Mrs. James E. Martin of Stockbridge. It was 29 inches long with a girth of 17 inches. In his February 5, 1954 Berkshire Eagle column (Our Berkshires) Outdoor Sports Columnist Ted Giddings wrote that Mrs. Martin said that she took it out of Pontoosuc Lake. It topped by 5 ounces the previous world record Chain Pickerel which was caught on rod and reel out of Green Pond in New Jersey by Russell Kimball.
In Giddings’ February 12, 1954 column, he reported that Jim Mullen, DFW Assistant Aquatic Biologist, estimated the fish was 9 years old. The age was determined based upon examination of the scale samples.
Word spread quickly about that fish and later on after it was mounted, the Martins showed it off on a local TV sports program. I believe it was on Sedge Sedgewick’s Sportsmen’s Den on TV station WMGT.
The controversary at the time was whether or not Field & Stream Magazine would recognize it in its annual fishing contest which paid an $8,000 prize. One of its rules was that “fish must be caught on rod and reel and line and may be played by only one person.”
According to Giddings, Mrs. Martin’s catch was made on a reel and line attached to a tip-up. He made a case that a tip-up isn’t a rod, but it served the same purpose. But later on, Mike Ball, Fishing Contest Editor for Field & Stream determined that the fish didn’t qualify as a Rod & Reel Record but more info was being sought to “establish it as caught by any method.”
In Giddings’ column of April 23, 1954, he reported that Mike Ball did notify Mrs. Martin that the pickerel “will be listed on the world record fish chart when it is reprinted”.
That controversary became moot after a while for the world record was broken in 1961 when Baxley McQuaig, Jr caught a 9 lbs. 6 oz pickerel in Homerville, GA.
Mrs. Martin’s Chain Pickerel remains to this day the Massachusetts state record.
There was another controversy swirling around that fish. Based upon information provided to Giddings by the Martins in February, 1954, that fish was taken out of Pontoosuc Lake. It stayed that way for years, for when Ted commented on that fish in a 1957 column, it was still maintained that the fish came out of Pontoosuc Lake.
However, some people swore that it came out of Laurel Lake, while others said it came out of Stockbridge Bowl and yet another person supposedly saw the Martins ice fishing on Echo Lake that day. (Echo Lake is a water supply for the town of Stockbridge where fishing is prohibited.) Somewhere along the line, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts DFW determined that it came out of Laurel Lake and has it listed as such to this day.
This past holiday season my wife Jan and I visited my 99-year old first cousin, Joe Gaherty and his wife Enis who reside at Kindred Healthcare on Route 20 in Lee. (Joe was a renowned baseball pitching ace who pitched for several town or club teams before and after WW2. During the war he was one of two baseball pitchers for the 106th Infantry Division. The other pitcher, who had pitched for the Detroit Tigers, was killed on D-Day. Joe survived that day and went on to fight in the Battle of the Bulge). But I digress.
You may recall that the weather this past December was very cold and snowy and one subject of our conversation was ice fishing, and also the world record pickerel.
I almost dropped when Joe mentioned that had been ice fishing on Laurel Lake the day that the big fish was caught. Not only that, his tip-ups were set up not too far from the Martins. He heard them whooping it up and could see a large fish flopping on the ice. Of course, he went over to see the fish. It was the above-mentioned world record pickerel! Joe remembers it well. Not only that, but also the general location, the time it was caught (early afternoon), the weather conditions, and more. He remembers Mrs. Martin as being one tough lady, able to stand out on the ice all day in frigid conditions.
Sometime later, Joe asked Jim Martin why they told Ted Giddings of the Berkshire Eagle that Mrs. Martin caught it out of Pontoosuc Lake. Jim’s response was they didn’t want lots of fishermen coming from all over to fish Laurel Lake and crowding out the local ice fishermen and catching all of the fish.
So, there you have it. Anecdotal evidence to be sure, but I am now convinced that it came out of Laurel Lake. The Commonwealth had it right.
The mounted fish now hangs in the DFW Western District Headquarters in Dalton. Many thanks to DFW Supervisor Andrew Madden for allowing me to borrow it for one day so that Joe could see it again. He and Enis were absolutely thrilled. Just imagine, the last time he saw it was when it was flopping on the ice 65 years ago.
The Martins were quite colorful people. Jim was a blacksmith and his wife chewed tobacco. My late oldest brother Joe and I often saw them ice fishing on Laurel Lake on Saturdays. On Sundays, Joe and I would go back to Laurel Lake not to ice fish, but to look for the hole that had the most tobacco juice stains around it. We figured that place must be good, perhaps where she took the big fish.
Out of courtesy and respect, Joe and I never tried to get to that area first and fish in their spot. Or was it because we didn’t want to get into a scrap with the wiry blacksmith and his wife. She appeared to be just as tough as him.
They have long ago passed away. God bless them both. As long as that State record stands, they will never be forgotten.
So, will the Berkshire waters ever yield another world record pickerel? If so, where?
Dan Miraglia, a local bass tournament angler and ice fisherman thinks so and feels that it will come out of Stockbridge Bowl. With the help of MassWildlife, Dan was able to get hold of Stockbridge Bowl pin fish records from 2008 through 2019. Since 2008 there have been 68 pin fish caught out of “the Bowl”. The list included virtually all types of local freshwater gamefish, but the vast majority of them (27) were chain pickerel. Of the 27 pickerel, most of them weighed over 5 lbs., with one which was caught in January 2014 weighing 6 lbs. 4 oz, was 27.5 inches long and had a girth of 13 inches.
(To receive a bronze pin, the fish must exceed certain weights. For example, a chain pickerel which is caught and kept must exceed 4 lbs., 8 oz. The largest pickerel for the year receives a gold pin and a plaque.)
Dan may be right, perhaps a new record will come out of Stockbridge Bowl someday. That’s assuming the lake is not ruined for fishing by excessively deep drawdowns and overuse of herbicides.
Take MassWildlife’s bathymetry data on your next ice fishing trip
Did you know that you can use your mobile device to access a pond map and see the depth information in real time as you walk? Gone are the days of drilling a hole only to find you’ve hit a shallow, weedy area. By using the My Location feature on the map, you can target fish species based on depth. Jigging for perch? Find a depth where the fish are feeding and then follow that depth around the lake. Want to target bass or pickerel? Stick to flats or edges of drop-offs.
To learn more about and how to use it, click onto Mass.gov/pondmaps. If you do use it, MassWildlife asks that you give feedback about the map and its functionality at the bottom of its web page.

2020 marks 30 years of the Massachusetts Endangered Species Act

Posted on January 26, 2020 by Gene

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.

MassWildlife: Providing food for wildlife does more harm than good.

Posted on January 19, 2020 by Gene

According to MassWildlife, each winter they receive inquiries from the public regarding whether or not to feed wildlife. While people have good intentions, supplemental feeding of wildlife typically does more harm than good. Most wildlife seasonally change their behavior to adapt to cold temperatures and scarce food supplies. Supplemental feeding can alter that behavior and have detrimental, and sometimes fatal, effects. Wildlife in Massachusetts have adapted over thousands of years to cope with harsh winter weather, including deep snow, cold temperatures, and high winds.
Supplemental feed sites congregate wildlife into unnaturally high densities, which can:
• Attract predators and increase risk of death by wild predators or domestic pets;
• Spread diseases among wildlife or cause other health issues (e.g. Rumen acidosis in deer, Aflatoxicosis in turkeys);
• Cause aggression and competition over food, wasting vital energy reserves and potentially leading to injury or death;
• Reduce fat reserves, as wild animals use energy traveling to and from the feeding site;
• Cause wildlife to cross roads more frequently, therefore increasing vehicle collisions;
• Negatively impact vegetation and habitat in areas where feeding congregates animals.

Providing wildlife with food at any time of year teaches them to rely on humans for food, which puts them at a disadvantage for survival and can lead to human/wildlife conflicts. Once habituated behavior is established, it can be very difficult or impossible to change.
MassWildlife says that the best way to help wildlife make it through the winter is to step back and allow the animals’ instincts to take over. To help wildlife near your home, focus on improving the wildlife habitat on or near your property, by including natural food and cover (e.g., some conifer cover and regenerating forest or brushy habitat). It is also important that wildlife populations are in balance with what the habitat can support.
MassWildlife biologists advise against feeding wildlife. While backyard bird feeding during winter months is generally acceptable, they recommend using native plants and water to attract birds to your yard. Fallen bird seed can unintentionally attract many types of wildlife, including bears, turkeys, small mammals like squirrels and mice, and predators like foxes, fishers, and coyotes that feed on small mammals. If you notice unwanted wildlife in your backyard, bring in your bird feeders immediately.

There are lots of things going on this upcoming. Check out the following:

Thomas King Memorial Hunt and Dinner

On January 25, the Berkshire Beagle Club (BBC) will be holding its first Tom King Memorial Hunt and Dinner. It is advertised as a fun time with good food and raffle prizes. Check in time at the Beagle Clubhouse is 4:00pm. Hunting takes place on your own, away from clubhouse and grounds. The entrance fee is $20 which includes the dinner and raffle. For more information, contact Hunt Chairman John Demary, at (413) 441-2253.

Thomas (Tom) King was a highly regarded member on the BBC who passes away last May. He had been a director of the BBC, a longtime member of the Cheshire Rod & Gun Club (CR&G), the Adams Outdoor for Youth and the Night Stalkers Bass Club He was the BBC’s delegate to the Berkshire County League of Sportsmen and was the recipient of its 2009 Sportsmen’s Appreciation Award.

He was an avid volunteer for the BBC and CR&G annual turkey shoots, work bees, pheasant and rabbit stocking programs, annual youth fishing events, game dinners. He was a volunteer for the Mass Anglers Education Program. Tom was an avid, ethical sportsman whose goal was always to promote youth interest in hunting and fishing sports.

Incidentally, the BBC held its election of officers for 2020. Al Costa of Westfield, MA was elected President, Dick Kalisz of Adams as Vice President, Tim Cahoon of Pittsfield as Treasurer and Pat Barry of Pittsfield as Secretary.

NRA Range Safety Officer course
On Saturday January 25 from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm the Lee Sportsmen’s Association (LSA) will be holding a NRA Range Safety Officer Course. The cost is $35, and the cost of a 2-year credential for NRA members is $30.00, $50.00 for non-NRA members. If you are not already an NRA member and would like to become one prior to taking this course, it is recommended you call the NRA rather than join online.
The first 10 active LSA Members to register for this course and agree to actively participate as an RSO at the Club in some capacity (i.e. for any event/match held on LSA property where RSOs are needed, during youth training or events/matches, or during a busy weekend on any of our ranges) will have the cost of the course covered by LSA (the member is only required to pay for the cost of credentialing through the nrainstructors.org website).

Registration is required – contact Education Chairman Shawn Sullivan for questions, concerns, and registration at 413-281-8651 or ssullee@icloud.com.

Annual Pheasant Fundraising Turkey Shoot & Dinner
The Lee Sportsmen’s Association (LSA) invites you to its Annual Pheasant Fundraising Turkey Shoot & Dinner being held on Sunday, January 26. The Turkey Shoot is from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Prizes include NY strip steaks, turkeys, pork loins, and spiral hams.
The dinner is from 5:00 pm to 7:00pm, adults $15 and children 12 and under $7.
Every year, MassWildlife stocks an average of 40,000 pheasants on Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) and other lands open to the public. The LSA helps raise and release these wonderful birds. They are stocked for recreational hunting and are paid for by revenue from license fees; however, the cost of raising the pheasants is the responsibility of LSA, and the caretakers are all Club volunteers.
So, they invite you to come on out for a day of fun and delicious food, and help support a great cause to ensure our continued legacy of wildlife management and hunting heritage in the Berkshires.
Cole’s Memorial Hard Water Fishing Derby

This is a new ice fishing derby dedicated in Evan Scott Colbert’s memory who passed away last July at the age of 29. At the time of his passing, Evan was employed by Dresser Hull Company, where he built many close relationships with coworkers and customers. He was a proud member of the South Lee Fire Company and a former Lee Police Officer.

He loved the outdoors and spent his leisure time fishing and boating. He could often be seen enjoying the waters of Goose Pond casting his reel while watching the eagles fly above. When he was on land, Evan spent time hiking, golfing, riding dirt bikes and adventuring with his dog.

All proceeds of the derby will go towards a memorial donation to the Goose Pond Boat Ramp in Evan’s name. The details of the derby are as follows: Sunday, January 26 at Goose Pond from 7:00 am to 2:00 pm. Check-in will be at the boat ramp. Cost is $10 for adults and children 12 and under free.

There will be a ceremony with prizes and raffles on the ice near the boat ramp at 2:00 pm. Tickets can be purchased on the ice the day of the event or in advance at the office of Dresser Hull or Terrace Hair Studio. Events and ice conditions can be found on Facebook on the Cole’s Memorial Hard Water Fishing Derby page.

Fishing and Hunting Swap Meet
The Cheshire Rod & Gun Club (CR&G) will be holding its first Fishing and Hunting Swap Meet on Saturday, February 8 at the CR&G Clubhouse at 310 Curran Road, Cheshire. The hours are from 8:00am to 1:00pm. Open to the public, the admission cost is $3.00 for adults and kids 12 and under free.
It is an opportunity to buy, sell or trade new and used fishing and hunting gear. No guns, ammunition, household items; unsold items must be removed.
I mention this event somewhat early as time is required to buy table space,. Table space is still available at $30, which includes admission for one. To reserve a table, contact Jeff Kruszyna at (413)743-4168.
Please note: Due to ice conditions, the ice fishing derby sponsored by the Lanesboro Volunteer Firemen’s Association has been postponed until January 25.

2019 Berkshire County League of Sportsmen Award winners are announced

Posted on January 12, 2020 by Gene

Chris Puntin

At a recent meeting of the Berkshire County League of Sportsmen (BCLS) five area outdoor sportspeople/conservationists were selected to receive awards. They are as follows:
The late Chris Puntin, formerly of Pittsfield, will receive the Sportsman of the Year Award posthumously. Unfortunately, Chris lost his life in a hunting accident last year while helping out at the Youth Turkey Hunt. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. He was the local chairman of the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) and served on its State Board. For many years he was a mentor for the youth turkey hunts and was a key organizer at the NWTF fund raisers. He helped in trout stockings and was a member of the Snow Seekers (tending snow mobile trails on October Mountain). He helped on the “Buddy Walks” by driving the tractor for its hayrides in Dalton (The Buddy Walk® was established in 1995 by the National Down Syndrome Society to celebrate Down Syndrome Awareness) and he volunteered as its “grill person”.
To quote words from Andrew Madden, DFW Western District Supervisor, “Chris was well known to us. He was very active with the NWTF, a Paraplegic Deer Hunt volunteer for MassWildlife, and a good friend to the Agency and the District.”

Meredyth Babcock of Becket will receive the Outstanding Achievement Award. Meredyth is the Volunteer and Projects Coordinator for the Wild and Scenic (W/S) Westfield River Committee. As Coordinator, she partners with communities, municipal officials, conservation organizations and Federal and State agencies to manage the Westfield River and maintain the health of the entire watershed for nearby and downstream communities.
She is also helping out with the Highlands Foot Passage and is slowly working toward improving the East Branch Trail.

The W&S Committee engages layers of community members by targeting outreach efforts, messages and activities through a combination of mailings, outreach materials, workshops, hikes, public programs, and Stream Team trainings. The goal of these efforts is to provide effective tools and share expertise to encourage long-term protection, restoration and conservation of the river and its resources. They offer:
• A diverse range of Events and Trainings ranging from Stream Team trainings and volunteer workdays to workshops on geology, macro-invertebrates, and other features of the watershed
• Programs for Schools
• “Travel the Watershed”, a traveling exhibit of artist-designed boxes that celebrate the Wild & Scenic River and help educate and recruit local community members as volunteers.
In addition, they offer grants, technical assistance, and river project reviews to help landowners, communities and organizations promote river stewardship.
For example, the Becket-Washington School did 5 years of a Stream Explorer Program where for 6 weeks Meredyth came after school and basically walked the river, called the “Walking the River Roads.” They also did “Teen River Clean” where the W&S Committee hired teenagers to go to areas where they had seen garbage and they cleaned it up. The Committee didn’t pay them but rather granted scholarships for helping out. Each year, they hire an intern through the school, sometimes from UMASS, sometimes from Westfield and they do a tremendous amount of data gathering. This year they will be focused on the uppermost tributaries to identify invasive plants and try to work from the upper ends down to reduce the amount carried by the water.
Stephanie Dupont of Pittsfield will receive the Sportsmen’s Appreciation Award. Stephanie moved to the Berkshires with her husband Eric and 3 children in the fall of 2014 and joined the Lee Sportsmen’s Association (LSA) in 2015. Since joining LSA, Stephanie and Eric have made sure that their children have been pre-eminent members of the Air2Spare Jr. air pistol team as well as the youth shotgun and archery programs. They have also participated in the LSA’s fishing derbies, clean-up days, fund raisers and hunts. Stephanie has become a vital part of the day-to-day operations of the club as a Board Member, member of the Fundraising Committee, a member of the Youth Programs Committee and grant writer. She is also in charge of the day to day operations and communications of the club. She is Assistant Coach of the High Caliber 22 Bullseye Pistol Team, started the Summers Ladies Night Fun Shoot Program, and writes a bi-weekly column for the Berkshire Record. Working with youth in fund raising, she is instrumental in the continued success and growth of the LSA
Donald E. Girard of Adams will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award. Don has been a scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop #38 in Adams. He has been instrumental in leading the youth in appreciation and preservation of our environment. With the involvement of several assistant leaders Don saw the advancement of over 75 youths to Eagle Scout. They attained rank by earning badges for community projects such as reclaiming “Hail to the Sunrise” on the Mohawk Trail, beautifying the Adams Memorial Military Park, Appalachian Trail, and building of a bridge over water hazards, Throughout Don’s tenure of leader/instructor, many of the Troop’s youth gained an appreciation of the great outdoors. The troop planted numerous trees on Pfizer property and Florida Mountain property to enhance and preserve the forest, and planted Christmas trees as a sustainable fund-raising project for the Troop. The youth of the Troop also cleared and maintained many hiking trails including land abutting Windsor Lake in North Adams and Camp Holy Cross in Goshen. He taught gun safety and marksmanship at the Cheshire Rod & Gun Club and at summer camps at Goshen. He also helped out in the Cub Scout fishing derbies.
Gregg Armstrong, of North Adams, will receive the John Zuber Award. Gregg has been a member of the East Mountain Sportsmen’s Club (EMSC) for over 50 years and an avid sportsman for over 60 years. He is part of the EMSC youth mentoring program and has been a Mass Hunter Education Instructor for over 30 years. For over 25 years as a member of the EMSC he was instrumental in helping them put on the first youth pheasant hunt in MA. When anything that had to do with youth programs, he was always the first to step up. He was a Boy Scout leader, an avid diver and a Navy vet. He also loved being out with his bird dogs.
The above awards will be presented at the BCLS Silvio O. Conte Memorial Awards Dinner at the Cheshire Rod and Gun Club on Saturday evening April 25. The social hour begins at 4:30 with dinner at 6:00 PM. Tickets, which cost $35, can be obtained from any BCLS delegate.
Ice fishing derby

The Lanesborough Fire Department is sponsoring an ice fishing derby on January 18 on Pontoosuc Lake from 5:00am to 2:00pm. Registration is behind the park on Narragansett Ave. There is a $10 entry fee for adults and free for kids aged 12 and under. There will be raffles, cash prizes and trophies for the winners. Food will be available for purchase.

Marlborough Fly-Fishing Show

The 2020 Fly Fishing Show will take place January 17 -19 at the Royal Plaza Trade Center,181 Boston Post Road Marlborough, MA. Hours are 10 am to 6 pm on Friday, 9 am to 5:30 pm on Saturday and 9 am to 4:30 pm on Sunday. Parking is free.
The show promises more fly-casting, tying, manufacturer and retail store displays of the newest rods, reels, lines, boots, waders, clothing and flies during the three-day run.
The show will have about 10 seminars, demonstrations and Destination Theater presentations each hour including Labrador’s Monster Brookies, Fly Fishing Martha’s Vineyard, the Upper Connecticut River, and Fly-Fishing Western Maine.
There will be more than $50,000 worth of door prizes.
The admission is $15 for one day, $25 for two days and $35 for three days. Children under age 5 are free as are Boy and Girl Scouts under age 16 in uniform. Children 6-12 are $5 and active military with ID’s are $10. Scouts in uniform can earn credits toward a fly-fishing merit badge.
The New England premiere of the 2020 International Fly-Fishing Film Festival is Friday at 6:30 pm. Tickets are $10 in advance or $15 at the door.
For a complete list of fly-fishing films, classes, seminars, door prizes, demonstrations and the Scout Merit Badge program, visit www. flyfishingshow.com/marlborough-ma/ or phone (814) 443-3638.

Be careful while on our frozen ponds

Posted on January 6, 2020 by Gene

Its that time of year again and for long-time readers of this column, you have read the following many times. Please bear with me again in passing on MassWildlife’s warning about ice thickness. There are always new people taking up the sport of ice fishing or ice skating. There may also be some people who have recently moved north and are not familiar with the dangers of walking out onto our ice-covered lakes. Actually, it wouldn’t hurt if we all took a few moments to review these ice safety tips and ice thickness guidelines. The following comments are taken nearly verbatim from the MassWildlife web site:
How can you tell if ice is safe?
There are no guarantees. Always consider ice to be potentially dangerous. You can’t judge ice conditions by appearance or thickness alone; many other factors like water depth, size of waterbody, water chemistry, currents, snow cover, age of ice, and local weather conditions impact ice strength.
Ice tips to remember:
• New ice is stronger than old ice. Four inches of clear, newly formed ice may support one person on foot, while a foot or more of old, partially thawed ice may not.
• Ice doesn’t freeze uniformly. Continue to check ice conditions frequently as you venture out onto the ice.
• Ice formed over flowing water and currents is often more dangerous. Avoid traveling onto ice-bound rivers and streams, as the currents make ice thickness unpredictable. Many lakes and ponds may contain spring holes and other areas of currents that can create deceptively dangerous thin spots.

Before heading out onto the ice
• Tell someone your plans, including where you are going and when you expect to return.
• Go prepared. Carry a cell phone in case of emergency. Always carry ice picks and rope with you on the ice. In case of emergency, drive the picks into the ice and pull yourself to safety while kicking.
• They suggest that you wear a life jacket. If you can get it over all of your heavy clothes, it will keep you at the surface and can provide insulation against the effects of cold water.

Ice thickness guidelines
The guidelines below are for clear, blue ice on lakes and ponds. White ice or snow ice is only about half as strong as new clear ice and can be very treacherous. Use an ice chisel or auger to make a hole in the ice and determine its thickness and condition.
Ice Thickness (inches) Permissible Load (on new clear/blue ice on lakes or ponds)
2″ or less STAY OFF!
4″ Ice fishing or other activities on foot
5″ Snowmobile or ATV
8″–12″ Car or small pickup truck
12″–15″ Medium truck

If you fall in:
• Don’t panic: Call for help if there are people nearby.
• Don’t remove winter clothing: Air trapped in your clothes can provide warmth and help you float.
• Turn the direction you came from: Ice you previously walked on should be the safest.
• Place your hands and arms on an unbroken surface and kick your legs: If you have ice picks, use them to pull yourself up onto the ice while kicking.
• Lie flat and roll away: Once your torso is on firm ice, roll toward thicker ice to distribute your weight.
• Find shelter and get warm: If possible, change out of wet clothing and put on warm, dry coverings. If you are in a remote area, get to or start a campfire. Otherwise, get to a car or house. Seek medical advice from your physician on medical attention.

If someone else falls in:
Remember the phrase “Preach-Reach-Throw-Go.”
• Preach: Call 911 if you can. Shout to the victim to reassure them help is on the way.
• Reach: If you can safely reach them from shore, extend an object like a rope, jumper cables, tree branch, or ladder to them.
• Throw: Toss one end of a rope or something that will float to the victim.
• Go: If the situation is too dangerous for you to perform a rescue, call 911 or go to find help. Untrained rescuers can become victims themselves.

If a pet falls in:
Do not attempt to rescue the pet, go find help. Well-meaning pet owners have become victims themselves when trying to assist their pets. Remember to always keep pets leashed while walking on or near ice.
Outdoor Recreation in the Berkshires
Berkshire Regional Planning Commission (BRPC) is requesting your input for a Berkshire County Outdoor Recreation Plan. They encourage outdoor sportsmen and women to take a 10 to 15-minute survey at surveymonkey.com/r/BRKOutdoorRec.
On Wednesday, January 8 they would like to hear more of what you want in terms of outdoor recreation experiences in the Berkshires. Join them at Hotel on North from 5:00 to 7:00pm. Space is limited, so register in advance at www.bit.ly/BRKORforum.
Outdoorsmen and women, this is your opportunity to have input in developing a Berkshire County Outdoor Recreation plan. Don’t pass it up!
Did you get, kill or harvest a deer this year?
Every year I get phone calls or emails regarding the use of the words “deer harvest” in this column. “Call it what it is”, they say, “it’s the killing of deer”. Perhaps you have read similar letters in the Berkshire Eagle’s “Letters to the Editor” this fall.
Hunters, raise your hand if anyone ever asked if you “harvested” a deer. I thought so, me neither. Have you ever asked other hunters if they “harvested” a deer? Of course not. Like me, you probably equate the term “harvest” to farming, as in harvesting a crop.
The first time I saw the term “harvest” was from news releases from MassWildlife, and when passing on such information, I am not about to change their words. It was my feeling that they used that term because MassWildlife handles the lands under its control in such a way as to make it more hospitable for deer and to maximize their food sources (acorns, apples, browse, etc.). They control the deer numbers so that they have optimal conditions, which makes for a happy, healthy herd. Much like a livestock farmer does.
I discussed this subject with DFW Western District Supervisor Andrew Madden recently, and he said that the term “harvest” is used not just by MassWildlife, but also by most wildlife biologists nationwide. “Harvest” is the general term used for the killing and utilization of the animals.” “Also, using the term “harvest” allows the distinction between animals that are legally taken and utilized by hunters versus other types of mortality such as roadkill, nuisance animals, etc.”

Hunters that I know usually don’t use the term “kill” either. Hunters rarely ask another if he “killed” a deer. They use the term “get” or “got.” Perhaps they avoid using the “kill” word because of the negative connotation that goes with it. Hunters don’t like to be referred to as killers, just like farmers don’t like to be called that either. Farmers prefer to use the term “butcher”. They butcher their chickens or steer, not kill them. Perhaps a few hunters use the term “shoot” or “shot”, but none that I know. They just don’t ask one another if they shot a deer, they ask if they “got” a deer.
About the only time I hear a hunter use the word “shot” or “bagged” is when he is talking about small game hunting. For example, I shot two rabbits today, or did you bag any pheasants? Nobody has ever asked me if I “got” a pheasant.
To me, the word “kill” is usually used when describing a murder or taking down an enemy on the battlefield. The only time I hear a hunter use the term kill is when he is referring to eliminating a predator animal, such as a coyote.
Let’s face it, some people who are anti-hunting like to use the word “kill.” It is frequently used to put the hunter in a negative light. Well, as they say, words have meaning, and most people suspect that word was chosen for a reason. Just remember, unless you are a vegetarian, chances are good that you will be dining on something today that was “killed”. You probably prefer to use the word “processed”.
It’s interesting that the term “kill” is rarely used when discussing fishing. Fishermen “catch” or “land” a fish. They don’t like to be referred to as killers either.
At this time of year, a character frequently thought of is that skeletal figure in a long-hooded robe who carries a scythe, known as the grim reaper. How come nobody is jumping all over him? We all know what he does.
Happy new year!

2018 Berkshire County League of Sportsmen Award winners are announced

Posted on March 31, 2019 by Gene

At a recent meeting of the Berkshire County League of Sportsmen (BCLS) four area outdoor sportspeople/conservationists were selected to receive awards. They are as follows:
Louis Robesch, of Pittsfield, will receive the Sportsman of the Year Award. He has been a Hunter Education Instructor for 45 years. He taught many young students at both Pittsfield High School and Taconic High School. He is credited for educating many family generations to be responsible hunters and fishermen with his knowledge and guidance. He is a member of the Lee Sportsmen’s Association and the Lenox Sportsmen’s Club.
Incidentally, while serving as a private in the 1st Battalion, 9th Marines, Delta Co 3rd Herd for 4 years, he received a Purple Heart while serving in Vietnam.
Jason Sniezek, of Adams, will receive the Outstanding Achievement Award. He is a physical education teacher at Hoosac Valley High School in Cheshire, who was instrumental in working with the BCLS and other organizations to bring the National Archery In Schools Program to Hoosac Valley.
This past fall “Jay” launched an inaugural program crafted as a “Hunter Safety Course”. Using pieces from the Mass Hunter Education Program, the NASP standards, and life/practical experience, he took a small group of students with only one active hunter, on an adventure to learn new skills. They learned to put up a tree stand, animal tracking (with fake blood), archery and outdoor survival which included building lean-tos with materials they found around them, fire building and celebrating it all with a hot dog roast on their fire!
The confidence building and skills learned will last this group for a lifetime. This program was featured as a Berkshire Eagle Classroom of the Week. Jason is hopeful that Hoosac Valley will continue this program with the possibility of expanding it to include hiking and camping as well.
Incidentally, he is the long-time coach of the Hoosac Valley golf team and was instrumental in bringing that team to the Western Mass Division II title last fall, and was recently recognized as Coach of the Year by the Berkshire Eagle.
Virginia DuBois, of Lee, will receive the Sportsmen’s Appreciation Award. She has been a Lee Sportsmen’s Association (LSA) member for many years and has become a huge asset of the club. Besides being a Board member and Membership Chairman, she finds time to help with many youth programs including the SCTP Buckshots clay team, youth archery, youth fishing derbies, ice fishing derbies and turkey shoots. She is co-chair of the LSA and DU Youth Fund Raising Gala and the Steak & Lobster dinner. The LSA sends two youths every year to the Mass Junior Conservation Camp and Virginia is part making that happen.
Jane Winn of Pittsfield will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award
Long an environmental advocate and mobilizer of community interest and involvement in wetlands permitting deliberations and open space preservation in the Berkshires, Jane Winn is fierce in her determination and seldom willing to take “no” for a final answer. She has demonstrated many times that perseverance is a powerful advocacy skill. Her interest in protecting wildlife and the health of natural systems led to the creation of the Berkshire Environmental Action Team (BEAT).
The Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissioners (MACC) said of her, “With the creation, fundraising, nurturing and day-to-day management of BEAT and the weekly e-publication of The BEAT News, Jane has become a leading spokesperson on environmental issues. Her courage, dedication, and boundless energy have already produced stunning successes – and are creating a broad constituency of knowledgeable, caring activists and stewards to carry the work forward.”

Jane has either led or was involved in numerous culvert projects, stream teams and river clean-ups. A few years back she played a pivotal role in stopping a train near Morewood Lake which certainly would have derailed due to a railbed washout.

Last year, in cooperation with the Housatonic Valley Association, BEAT was involved in a culvert replacement project on Hancock Road in Pittsfield. Swapping out old and inadequate cement pipes allowed brook trout to migrate on Churchill Brook, which feeds into Onota Lake. The roughly $400,000 cost of the project was paid for by a Natural Resources Damages Fund related to the GE clean-up.

BEAT has organized forums and workshops on certifying vernal pools, has trained more than 350 volunteers in various projects from wildlife habitat assessment to river clean ups to road/stream wildlife crossings, and serves on the organizing committee for the Northeast Wildlife Trackers Conference, as well as organizing many other smaller walks, talks, and information sessions

BEAT is a member of the Citizens Coordinating Council, advocating for higher standards for cleaning up GE’s contamination of the Housatonic River.

BEAT monitors, watchdogs, informs, surveys, tracks, educates, trains, organizes and advocates.
BEAT has a free weekly newsletter, a website (with a great tutorial on the Wetlands Protection Act among other resources) and hosts Pittsfield Green Drinks, a monthly gathering of environmentally-minded individuals.

When a new fracked gas pipeline was proposed for the area, BEAT started holding meetings and giving presentations. In a small town of Cummington (pop. 3000), they filled a church. The crowd immediately began organizing.
BEAT began videotaping the Pittsfield Conservation Commission hearings which are now broadcast by Pittsfield Community Television. BEAT also videotapes for broadcast the Berkshire Metropolitan Planning Organization meetings, and many other meetings about environmental activities. These meetings are broadcast on local community access television.

Beat has also worked hand in hand with the BCLS on projects and initiatives supported by both organizations both locally and Nationally, such as the ACEC designation of October Mountain, the Clean Air Act, The Mercury Rule as well as others. She has received numerous awards and certificates of appreciation from various environmental organizations. Space does not allow me to list them all which have been attributable to Jane, her husband Bruce and BEAT. (I hope to list more of them when I report on the upcoming Conte Memorial Awards Banquet.)

The above awards will be presented at the BCLS Silvio O. Conte Memorial Awards Dinner at the Cheshire Rod and Gun Club on Saturday evening April 27. This year the event will also be in honor of the late George “Gige” Darey.
Please note that the social hour and dinner times have changed. The social hour now begins at 4:30 with dinner at 6:00 PM. Tickets which cost $30 can be obtained from any BCLS delegate.
Incidentally, at the last elections, the following individuals were elected officers of the BCLS: President – Wayne McLain of North Adams, VP – Robert McCarthy of Williamstown, Treasurer – Dan Kruszyna of Cheshire and the Secretary is me.
Ice fishing season is about over

Time to call it quits for ice fishing this year. For some, including Dylan and Camden Blake of Lenox, it was a very good year. Fishing with their father James, grandpa Peter and friend Les on a small lake in West Stockbridge earlier this month, they caught the pictured pickerel, some bass and perch. According to Peter, it was a day with” a great blue sky, little wind and willing fish to be caught and released”.

5th Annual Ducks Unlimited and Lee Sportsmen’s Club Association’s Gala
The Gala will take place on Saturday, April 6 at the Pittsfield Country Club, 39 South Street, Pittsfield, from 4:00 to 10:00 pm. It is billed as an evening of fantastic food, great raffle prizes, silent and live auctions…all to support the youth sportsmen of the Berkshires and Ducks Unlimited’s mission of wetlands conservation.
They will be auctioning off hunting trips locally and around the world, trips to wine country, Belize, Costa Rica, St. Thomas, Cabo, Pebble Beach Golf excursions and more.
Tickets can be bought by calling Virginia DuBois @ 413-446-5404.

Statewide deer harvest in 2018 set a record

Posted on February 4, 2019 by Gene

According to figures provided by MassWildlife, the preliminary statewide deer harvest for 2018 was 14,513 – a new record high. That compares with the 2017 total of 13,220. The 2018 preliminary harvest figures by season are as follows:
• Youth Deer Hunt Day (Sept. 29): 138
• Paraplegic Deer Hunt (Nov. 1–3): 3
• Archery Season (Zones 1-9: Oct. 15–Nov. 24 and Zones 10-14: Oct 1-Nov. 24): 5,190
• Shotgun Season (Nov. 26–Dec. 8): 6,495
• Primitive Firearms Season (Dec. 10–Dec. 31): 2,687
Zone Adult Male Button Buck Female Total
1 304 14 85 403
2 438 6 97 541
3 462 28 180 670
4N 456 16 154 626
4S 299 11 68 378
5 487 31 186 704
6 111 2 34 147
7 410 46 248 704
8 595 40 250 885
9 786 115 557 1,458
10 1,220 238 1,193 2,651
11 1,773 299 1,292 3,364
12 181 17 101 299
13 354 120 426 900
14 297 123 363 783
Statewide 8,173 1,106 5,234 14,513

MassWildlife believes that deer density and hunter effort tend to be the most important factors influencing harvest from year to year. However, there were two important changes for the 2018 season that may have led to the record harvest. One factor was the opening of over 7,500 acres of Wachusett Reservoir Public Land resulting in a Zone 9 harvest increase from last year by about 300 deer. The other factor was the two-week extension to the archery season in Zones 10-14. That resulted in an increase of over 700 deer being taken during that period.
According to my unofficial figures, the deer harvest has been on an increase over the last several years as evidenced by the following figures which were provided yearly by MassWildlife. Total statewide harvest beginning in 2014 and ending with 2018 were as follows:11,165, 10,142, 12,233, 13,255 and this year’s 14,513. In our Western District WMZ 1 through WMZ 4, the figures were: 1,737, 1,887, 2,197, 2,318 and this year’s 2,618.
MassWildlife noted that while total harvest by zone can be informative, it doesn’t provide the complete picture. Thus, it is important to assess harvest data and monitor trends by Wildlife Management Zones. Total harvest is influenced by deer density and the number of antlerless deer permits that they allocate in each zone, as well as annual changes in hunter effort, harvest-rates, success-rates, weather, etc.
MassWildlife Deer Project Leader David P. Stainbrook will spend the next few months thoroughly analyzing the deer harvest and biological data as well as assessing deer population trends in each zone. The results and recommendations for the 2019 season will take place at the annual deer management review, (usually at the June Fish &Wildlife Board Meeting). A complete harvest summary will be posted on the MassWildlife website shortly after the annual deer review.
Turkey Regulation proposed changes
In my November 18, 2018 column, “MassWildlife proposes new turkey-hunting regulations”, I listed the proposed new regulations and the reasons for the changes which were presented to the F & W Board in November. Here is a condensed recap of the proposed changes.
• Increase the annual limit to three birds (2 bearded turkeys in the spring and 1 of either sex in the fall).
• Increase the daily bag limit to two per day during the spring season
• Expand the fall season (ARCHERY ONLY) to coincide with the archery deer season.
• Allow Youth Turkey permits issued to youth aged 12–14 for use in the fall turkey hunting seasons.

MassWildlife staff will be hosting two informational meetings in February to provide the public with an opportunity to give feedback. Turkey Biologist Dave Scarpitti will make a short presentation on the turkey hunting review and regulation proposals, followed by a Q&A session for the public to give feedback. The meeting dates are: Thursday, February 7 at 6 pm at MassWildlife Field Headquarters (1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough, MA 01581), and Wednesday, February 13 at 6:30 pm at the Palmer Public Library (1455 N. Main Street, Palmer, MA 01069).

If bad weather requires rescheduling or cancellation, they will post a notification.
Anyone unable to attend the informational meetings may comment on the changes by mail to: Turkey Season Feedback, MassWildlife Field Headquarters, 1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough, MA 01581. Public feedback will be considered by MassWildlife staff and provided to the Fisheries and Wildlife Board. Please note that if changes are endorsed by the Board, a formal public hearing and public comment period will be scheduled and publicized.
Culvert Replacement Municipal Assistance Grant Program

The MA Division of Ecological Restoration (DER), Massachusetts Department of Fish and Game, is seeking proposals from Massachusetts municipalities interested in replacing an undersized, perched, and/or degraded culvert located in an area of high ecological value. Total funding available in FY20 is anticipated to be $750,000. Additional funding from other sources may be available and further details, including eligible towns and projects, will be included when the Request for Response (RFR) is issued on February 20, 2019. The purpose of this funding is to encourage municipalities to replace culverts with better designed crossings that meet improved structural and environmental design standards and climate resiliency criteria.

Only projects that intend to meet the goals of the Massachusetts Stream Crossing Standards will be considered for funding. Incorporating these Standards into culvert design will improve river function and access for fish and wildlife, and will reduce hazards to public safety, such as flooding, culvert failure, and road washout. Massachusetts municipalities are eligible to apply for funding to support advancement of one culvert replacement project toward completion. Interested communities should view the full announcement, including eligibility and evaluation criteria, at https://www.mass.gov/how-to/culvert-replacement-municipal-assistance-grant-program.

The PRE-Request For Responses (RFR) period, January 23, 2019 to February 20, 2019, provides a preview of the RFR that DER will issue February 20, 2019. Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact Carrie Banks to discuss possible projects during this period. The RFR will be released at 3:00 PM on February 20, 2019. The application deadline is 5:00 PM, March 20, 2019.

Applicants are encouraged to attend a Grant Briefing to learn more about this funding opportunity. During Grant Briefings, DER Staff will explain the Culvert Replacement Municipal Assistance Grant Program, answer questions, and be available to meet one-on-one with municipalities to discuss proposed projects. A local Grant Briefing information is scheduled on February 4 from 1:00 to 2:30 PM at the Adams Town Hall, 8 Park Street, Adams. Attendees should RSVP to carrie.banks@mass.gov or 413-579-3015 in case of inclement weather and the briefings either need to be canceled or postponed. Check the Division of Ecological Restoration’s website (www.mass.gov/DER) for the most up-to-date information regarding grant briefings.

Bunny Hunt Results
Some 20 hunters signed up for the Berkshire Beagle Club bunny hunt and game dinner which was held on Saturday, January 26. Four cottontail rabbits were checked in and the largest one weighed 2.89 lbs. It was bagged by David Morris, of Lee, in front of Tom King’s (of Cheshire) dog Bomber. Only one snowshoe hare was checked in and it weighed 3.46 lbs. It was bagged by Pat McGrath of Dalton who shot it in front of Tony Cornwell’s (of Peru) dog Izzy.
A delectable meal of venison chili, bear chili, venison spaghetti, venison meat loaf and bear stew was prepared by members Dick Kalisz and Ted Billis. There was also a great raffle.
Upcoming Derbies

The 33rd Annual Jimmy Fund Ice Fishing Derby will be held on Sunday, February 10 at the Frank Controy Pavilion on Onota Lake from 6:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Admission is: Adults – $15, Kids – $5. Tickets are available at Onota Boat Livery (413)443-1366, Maces Marine (313)447-7512 or on the day of the derby at the Pavilion. There will be three divisions of trophies and prizes and plenty of good food. For more information, contact Leo Kruczkowski (413)822-2745 or Chico Gelinas (413)282-9486.
The Ashfield Rod & Gun Club’s Annual Youth Ice Fishing Derby will take place on Saturday, February 9 from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Prizes will be awarded for all legally caught fish checked in at the The Ashfield Lake House. After the derby, a spaghetti dinner will be held at Sanderson Academy. There will be a $5 charge for adults, free for kids. Following the dinner, there will be a presentation given by Tom Ricardi on birds of prey. For additional derby information, contact Joe Miraglia at (413) 628-4400.

Rescued attempt for deer has sad ending

Posted on January 28, 2019 by Gene

On Thursday morning, January 17, The Western District Office of MassWildlife was called upon to rescue a 180-190 lbs buck that was stuck on the ice on Pontoosuc Lake. According to DFW Western District Supervisor Andrew Madden, the deer was splayed out on the ice, couldn’t get any grip and appeared to be injured. Although there was a lot of blood and the animal’s tail was missing, the DFW staff was hopeful that after assessing its injuries, perhaps they could treat and release it back into the wild.

They had to tranquilize it in order to free it from the ice. DFW Wildlife Biologist Nate Buckhout slowly and cautiously approached the deer with a tranquilizer gun. He tried not to startle the deer and keep it as stress-free as possible to avoid it from trying to get up and hurting itself more. The deer was alert and tried to get up but the ice was too slick

“Nate took a good shot getting the immobilizer into the deer. The drugs worked pretty quickly and all went pretty well,” Madden said. The buck was loaded onto a sled and dragged off by MassWildlife personnel to be assessed. At that time, it wasn’t known whether the deer would survive the wounds and traumatic event.

Thank goodness the ice was solid and they could get to the deer because, if not, they would have had to work with the fire departments on water rescue which can be risky.

After assessing the deer, MassWildlife personnel discovered more serious injuries and determined that they were far too serious for the deer to recover. Unfortunately, they had to euthanize it.

Madden felt that perhaps the deer was chased onto the ice by coyotes, fell down and couldn’t get up due to its being so slippery. On that day the ice was hard with no snow on which to grip.

Although it was not a happy ending, give credit to MassWildlife and all involved for their valiant efforts to try to save that deer.

Want to learn how to ice fish? Attend a Family Ice Fishing Festival
MassWildlife advises us to not let winter keep us indoors. Ice fishing provides anglers with the unique opportunity to fish on a lake or pond without a boat during the cold winter months. If you’re looking to learn how to ice fish, join MassWildlife’s Angler Education Program at an upcoming event this winter.
Two Family Ice Fishing Festivals are scheduled for the Western District this year. Both are free and open to the public with no pre-registration required.
February 2 in Pittsfield – A learn to ice fish event at Pontoosuc Lake (81 Narragansett Avenue) from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. (Park on the street around the park and walk onto the lake from there.)
February 9 in Chesterfield – A learn to ice fish event at Scout Pond – Tolgy Wood (the old Chesterfield Scout Reservation at Sugar Hill Road in Chesterfield) from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Bring your ice fishing equipment, or borrow theirs; equipment and bait will be available on a first come, first served basis. These events are in cooperation with the Western Massachusetts Boy Scout Council. For more information contact Jim Lagacy at jim.lagacy@mass.gov or (508) 389-6309. PLEASE NOTE: Less than 6″ of safe ice, rain, or heavy snow will cancel the events.
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 from 6:00 to 9:00pm on February 18, 22, 2 and March 1, 4 and 8.
A similar 6 session course will be held at the Pittsfield High School, 300 East Street, Pittsfield. The sessions will also run from 6:00 to 9:00pm on March 5, 7, 12, 14, 19 and 21.
If these courses are not convenient for you, Basic Hunting Instructor Wayne McLain plans to teach a course at the East Mountain Sportsmen’s Club in Williamstown sometime in April, but the dates have not been firmed up yet. As soon as the dates have been established, I’ll pass them on in this column.
To enroll in either course, call (508) 389-7830. Don’t wait! These courses fill up rapidly.
It may be more convenient for you to take the Basic Hunter Education course in another state. A government-issued Basic Hunter Education certificate from any U.S. State, Mexico, or Canada is accepted to meet the prerequisites for purchasing a Massachusetts hunting or sporting license. Many states near Massachusetts allow non-residents to attend their hunter education course offerings.
If you are using your certificate to becoming eligible for your first-ever hunting license and apply for a firearms license please be aware that your local police department will not accept an out-of-state certificate.
For more information, click onto http://www.mass.gov/service-details/basic-hunter-education-course-offerings.

On the Water TV show features Berkshire Waters

Rick O’Neill, of Pittsfield, was fortunate enough last May to get together with Chris Megan, Publisher of On the Water magazine/television show, and Dave Hadden of Old Town Kayaks to film a couple of days of smallmouth and trout fishing in the Southern Berkshires.

According to Rick, they had 2 tremendous days of fishing and filming that included drone and underwater footage. They caught tons of smallmouth bass ranging from 1 ½ lbs to 6 lbs on a pond in Great Barrington. Sorry, you will have to watch the program to see exactly where they caught them.

The show will be airing on Sunday, February 10 at 10:00 am on Channel 26 NBC Boston. While Rick hasn’t seen the final footage, he knows for a fact that they also took lots of film of local attractions and will be trying to promote all that we have to offer here in the Berkshires.

Berkshire Outdoorsman

Hunting and fishing in the Berkshires, MA

Category Archives: Ice Fishing