Category Archives: Fishing

New proposal for MassWildlife funding appears to be more acceptable

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As most outdoor sportsmen and women are aware, MassWildlife is proposing changes to hunting, freshwater fishing, and trapping license fees. The existing fee schedule has been in effect for the last 25 years and it is no secret that fees must increase or the MassWildlife will go broke in a few years. A little over a week ago, MassWildlife released a new license fee proposal, which incorporates public input on the original February proposal. In the new proposal, most license fee increases will be phased in over five years, and the proposed increases for hunting permits and stamps are lower than originally proposed.

 

The current proposal incorporates public feedback gathered through six information sessions held in February and March, as well as phone calls, emails, letters, and a webform. Although many folks expressed an understanding of the need to raise fees, there was a strong desire to see the proposed increases for license fees phased in over time, and to lower the proposed increases for the costs of hunting permits and stamps. In response, MassWildlife and the Department of Fish and Game worked with the Baker-Polito Administration to revise the original fee proposal.

Recognizing that all Massachusetts residents benefit from MassWildlife’s work to conserve wildlife, protect open space, and preserve clean water and air, the Baker-Polito Administration will work to diversify MassWildlife’s funding and reduce the burden on the fee-paying sporting community. This change will make it possible to maintain MassWildlife’s programming and services with lower fees than originally proposed.

Public hearings will be held on June 22, 23, and 24 on Zoom to provide the public an opportunity to comment on the new proposed changes.  Stakeholders can provide public comment by speaking at one of the hearings or providing written comment through July 8 using a convenient feedback form available on the MassWildlife web site or by mail to: MassWildlife Re: License Fee, 1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough, MA 01581.

Phasing in the license fee increases over a 5-year period certainly makes the change more palatable than the original proposal.  You may recall that the original proposal for the permits and stamps were to jump immediately from $5.00 to $20.00.  With this new proposal, the fee increase would only be $10.00, at least for the next 5 years.   Instead of an immediate drastic $20.00 pheasant permit fee, it would start at $4.00 in 2022 and would gradually increase to $20 in year 2026.

The Massachusetts Conservation Alliance, a group comprised of the various county leagues of sportsmen and other sportsmen’s clubs from across the state really did a yeoman’s job in unifying 100,000 or so sports folks to put pressure on MassWildlife to come up with a more realistic schedule of fee increases.  Co-chaired by Joe Alfonso and Paul Johnson, they actually came up with their own recommended fee schedule which MassWildlife seriously considered before making its final recommendations.  (Outdoor sportswriter David Willette of North Adams has an excellent article about the MCA in the June, 2021 issue of the Northwoods Sporting Journal.)  Massachusetts outdoorsmen and women will be hearing more about the MCA in the future as more and more clubs and leagues join it’s ranks in order to have a little more political clout on Beacon Hill.

It is especially gratifying to hear that the Baker-Polito Administration will work to diversify funding in some way.  Hopefully, they can do something about funding the free licenses for 70+ older folks.  Sen. Anne Gobi (D-Spencer), co-chair of the Massachusetts Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus and past chair of the Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources, and Agriculture, has filed a bill in the 192nd session of the General Court aimed at addressing lost revenue that the state is failing to reimburse to MassWildlife.  An Act to Reimburse the Inland Fisheries and Game Fund (SD. 1453) would target the more than $1 million per year the agency forfeits each year by providing free hunting and fishing licenses to residents aged over 70 that is not currently being reimbursed by the state.  You may want to call your local legislators and ask them to support this legislation.

Trout Stockings

 

Last week, subject to last minute change, the following local waters were scheduled to be stocked by Massachusetts DFW: Ashfield Pond in Ashfield, Deerfield River in Buckland, Charlemont and Florida; Westfield River-East (C&R) in Chesterfield, North Pond in Florida, Laurel Lake in Lee and Lenox, Richmond Pond in Richmond, Onota Lake in Pittsfield, Goose Pond in Lee and Tyringham, Pontoosuc Lake in Lanesborough and Pittsfield, Stockbridge Bowl in Stockbridge, Housatonic River (C&R) in Lee and Stockbridge, Lake Buel in Monterey and Otis Reservoir in Otis and Tolland.

 

Deb Lipa, MassWildlife Western District Clerk, said that she believes they finished the stocking trips last week, but couldn’t verify that.  She suggested that anglers keep checking the stocking report online to see if there are any further deliveries next week.

Deb does a lot of extra work for us to ensure that this column has the latest stocking reports.  Many, many thanks Deb!

 

Don’t forget, next weekend is free fishing weekend in MA, so round up the family, get out there and catch a few of these trout.

 

Leigh Perkins remembered

 

Leigh H. Perkins, who transformed Orvis from a niche fishing tackle business into a global sporting emporium and lifestyle brand, selling everything from graphite fly rods and Gore-Tex rainwear to linen dresses and engraved drinking glasses, died May 7 at his home in Monticello, Fla. He was 93.  He bought Orvis in 1965 for $400,000, taking over a company that C.F. Orvis had founded in Manchester, VT in 1856.  By the time Leigh retired as President and CEO in 1992, Orvis had grown from 20 employees to more than 700, and from annual sales of $500,000 to more than $90 million. The company currently operates more than 80 retail stores in the United States and Britain, with sales driven by online shopping and catalogues that Leigh sent to millions of homes each year.  After his retirement, his son Leigh H. “Perk” Perkins Jr. became CEO, with his younger son David helping run the company.  Now, his grandson Simon Perkins leads the company.

 

Leigh Sr. started a fly-fishing school and a wing-shooting program. The classes were among the first of their kind in the United States, offering formal training in activities that were often considered upper crust.

 

He was also one of the first executives to start dedicating corporate earnings to conservation, donating 5 percent of pretax profits to conservation organizations beginning in the 1980s.  He wanted to protect these places to be able to connect and share with others, but he also saw it as good business — investing in the landscape and the habitat.

 

An online tribute published on the company’s website said Perkins was a lifelong outdoorsman who hunted or fished more than 250 days a year into his 90s, and who had a reverence for nature and conservation.

 

He certainly left a wonderful legacy.

 

The above information was gleaned from Leigh’s obituary written by Brian Gallagher, Senior Staff Editor at The New York Times.

 

Correction

In last week’s column, I erroneously listed the name of an angler whose picture was shown holding a 10 lb. brown trout.  I listed him as being Mark Lucier when, in fact, his name is Mark Markham. My apologies!  This is especially embarrassing to me as Mark is a close personal friend with whom I have deer hunted and/or ice fished for several years.  He is a superb deer hunter and many times our ice fishing group has enjoyed his grilled venison meals while out on the ice.

Memorial Day

It’s that time again when we honor those who have fought, suffered and/or and died in defense of our country.  Let’s hope that as a nation we can set aside our differences and come together this weekend to remember them and their sacrifices.  They deserve nothing less.

Trout study launched on the Swift River

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The Swift River is one of the most unique and popular trout fishing destinations in Massachusetts. In addition to the wild brook trout found in the Swift, MassWildlife also stocks rainbow and brown trout from its McLaughlin Hatchery. Many anglers travel for miles to fish the cold, clear waters of the Swift in the hopes of landing a big trout. But what exactly happens to the hatchery trout once they are released into the river? This spring, MassWildlife launched a study to get a better understanding of the survival and movement of stocked trout from month to month and from year to year.

The Swift is bounded by the Quabbin Reservoir’s Winsor Dam to the north and by the Bondsville Dam about 5 ½ miles downstream. So, while some fish enter the reach from Quabbin or from the adjacent McLaughlin Hatchery and some escape over the Bondsville Dam, the study area is a mostly closed system. This means that biologists can estimate population size and learn about fish survival by conducting a series of mark-recapture surveys. MassWildlife biologists will mark every fish stocked into the Swift and then periodically sample the stream and record information on the fish they catch. This type of survey allows biologists to estimate fish populations throughout the year in an area where it is impractical or impossible to count each individual fish.

The fish will be marked in two ways. Biologists will use Visible Implant Elastomer (VIE)—a dye injected just below the skin—to tag trout and indicate the month in which they were stocked. For 2021, all VIE tags will be placed just behind the left eye and different colors will indicate the month the fish was stocked. Additionally, the adipose fins of fish stocked upstream of Route 9 will be clipped; fish stocked elsewhere will not be clipped. The adipose fin is a small fatty fin on the dorsal surface (back) of the fish. MassWildlife staff will use electrofishing equipment to sample the river about once a month for most of the year. This method briefly stuns fish so they can be easily netted, inspected, and then quickly released. By looking at the combination of markings, biologists can learn when and where a trout was stocked in the river compared to when and where it was re-captured.

Anglers will also be able to use the marking to learn about the fish they catch. A website has been launched with details about this ongoing project. Anglers and interested individuals can visit mass.gov/swift-trout to get a list of VIE tag and fin clip combinations that shows release dates and release location. A schedule of electrofishing sampling dates will also be available on the website.

In time, study results will also be posted to mass.gov/swift-trout. Results from this study will provide valuable details about the short- and long-term survival of stocked brown and rainbow trout.

Trout stocking

 

Last week, subject to last minute change, the following local waters were scheduled to be stocked by Massachusetts DFW:  South River in Ashfield, Swift River in Ashfield, Goshen and Cummington, Stones Brook in Goshen, Hoosic River (North Branch) in Clarksburg and North Adams, Green River (North) in Williamstown and New Ashfield, Mill Brook in Cummington and Plainfield, Westfield Brook in Windsor and Cummington, Housatonic River (Southwest Branch) in Pittsfield, Upper Highland Lake in Goshen, Ashfield Pond in Ashfield, Littleville Reservoir in Chester and Huntington, Laurel Lake, Lake Buel, Lake Garfield, Otis Reservoir, Onota Lake, Richmond Pond and Stockbridge Bowl.

 

Heritage Hub

MassWildlife recently launched a new online portal called “Heritage Hub” which allows users to report observations of animals and plants, natural communities, and vernal pools. The system can be used to report any species and they are especially interested in reports of animals and plants listed under the Massachusetts Endangered Species Act. The Heritage Hub is replacing the Vernal Pool & Rare Species Reporting System (VPRS) and makes electronic reporting easier than ever. MassWildlife is grateful for the many citizen scientists, consultants, and researchers who have contributed 21,537 observations to VPRS over the years and they are looking forward to the launch of the new platform. Visit mass.gov/heritagehub to learn more and register for an account.

The Heritage Hub is a more user-friendly application, improving the functionality from VPRS and offering several new features, including: Updated plant, animal, and vernal pool observation reporting; a natural community form; enhanced user interface via a new mobile-responsive platform; streamlined account creation, electronic signature capture, and many other features.  Reports made through Heritage Hub help MassWildlife’s Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program protect rare animals and plants across Massachusetts. The Heritage Hub was built in collaboration with the Office of Energy & Environmental Affairs IT Department.

Drivers:  Watch out for turtles

The following is a message from MassWildlife:  From mid-May to early July, thousands of turtles throughout Massachusetts travel to new areas to find food and nest. You may find turtles on roadways, in your backyard, or other unexpected locations as they move across the landscape to find resources they need to survive. Turtles have a keen sense of direction and may be on their way to wetlands or open, upland sites such as lawns, gravel pits, or roadsides for nesting. If you find a turtle, do not move it far away.

“Adult turtles can live past 80 years. Young turtles and eggs, on the other hand, have a variety of predators and a low chance of reaching adulthood,” says Dr. Mike Jones, MassWildlife State Herpetologist. “This is why it’s especially important to protect older adult turtles from cars, especially during this time of year when turtles are crossing roads more frequently.” Losing any adult turtles, particularly adult females, is a serious problem that can lead to the eventual local extinction of a population.

Be safe. Do not risk getting hurt or causing harm to others by unsafely pulling off the road or trying to dodge traffic. If the opportunity to safely move a turtle from the road occurs, move it in the direction it was heading and off the edge of the road. The turtle is trying to get to habitats and resources it needs and knows. Do not take turtles home or move them to a “better” location; turtles should not be moved more than 100 yards from where they are found.  Most turtles should be grasped gently along the shell edge near the mid-point of the body. However, snapping turtles are fast and have very powerful jaws that can inflict a bad bite. A snapping turtle can reach your hands if you lift it by the sides of its shell. If you must move a snapping turtle, use a broom to coax it into a plastic tub or box. Never lift a snapping turtle only by the tail; this can injure its spine.

Slow down. Watch for turtles on roadways bordered by wetlands on both sides. These areas are commonly used as crossing points. Also, remember areas where you’ve seen turtles crossing in the past. Turtles are animals of repetition and chances are, more turtles will likely cross there or somewhere close by.

Report them to MassWildlife. Information that you provide on the Linking Landscapes online portal helps MassWildlife and MassDOT prioritize transportation projects to help turtles and other wildlife safely cross roads and keep drivers safe. Just as importantly, contact your town Conservation Commission and local conservation partners to evaluate resources within your town to help turtles. Signage, barrier fencing, or seasonal speed bumps help reduce roadkill.

Massachusetts is home to ten native species of terrestrial and aquatic turtles. Six of the ten species are protected under the Massachusetts Endangered Species Act. Learn more in MassWildlife’s Guide to Turtles of Massachusetts.

Fishing Derby

The Berkshire Hatchery Foundation in Hartsville-New Marlborough is scheduled to have a youth fishing derby next Saturday, May 8 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.   These fishing derbies will run once a month through September.  Following State guidelines, masks are required as is 6 feet social distancing.

SPRING TURKEY HUNTING SEASON OPENS ON APRIL 26

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

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

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

Spring season hunting implements allowed:

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

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

 

Tagging, transporting, and reporting requirements:

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

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

 

Trout stocking

 

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

 

Ducks Unlimited reaches major conservation milestone

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

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

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

Paul Ouellette passed beyond the riverbend

 

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

Paul and Homer Ouellette

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

Coronavirus disruptions are far reaching

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As readers are well aware, the coronavirus has severely affected our day-to-day lives, including the outdoor sportsmen, hikers, and other nature lovers. Cancellations began coming in from all over and I will try to relay as many of them as I can. Let’s start with information received from Marion E. Larson, Chief, Information & Education, Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife
“Due to the State of Emergency declaration by the Governor, MassWildlife is following guidance provided to state agencies to help reduce the spread of a disease that has serious health implications to many people. At this time (3/17/2020), MassWildlife offices and hatcheries are closed to the public until further notice. MassWildlife has also canceled workshops, clinics, courses, and events through April 15 including Hunter Education courses, Learn to Hunt Turkey Seminars, and the Becoming an Outdoorswoman Turkey Hunt Programs.

All Youth Turkey Hunt Seminars have been cancelled. This means that the only youths who may hunt on the Youth Turkey Hunt Day of April 25, 2020 are those past participants who have completed a Youth Turkey Hunt seminar and Basic Hunter Education. While we know this is disappointing news for young hunters and their mentors, they can still hunt together during the regular spring turkey season.

MassWildlife has been notifying participants and volunteers in all of these programs by email, phone, and letters. Cancelations are also noted on program calendars. Despite this, today we learned that some people taking the Cheshire hunter education course didn’t receive the cancellation emails. We’re working to resolve those email glitches and truly apologize for the inconvenience.

Trout Stocking: MassWildlife’s primary concern is for the health and safety of our staff. That being said, designated Emergency Personnel continue to operate our hatcheries. As circumstances allow, trout stocking will continue.

We would like to take this opportunity to encourage people to get outside and connect with the natural world during this time of upheaval and uncertainty. Studies have shown that being outdoors provides important benefits to our health and well-being. Visit a neighborhood park, a wildlife management area or state park or forest with your binoculars, fishing rod and fishing license, or backpack. Practice healthy “social distancing”, keep your pets leashed, and wave to others you might see along the way.

Since this whole situation is still very fluid, please visit Mass.gov/MassWildlife for updated information on events or to purchase a license. Be well!”

Just about all of the local sportsmen’s clubs have been affected in one way or another. Many clubs have had to postpone its Easter ham shoots, game dinners, gun and archery leagues, LTC classes, etc., until further notice.

The Pittsfield Sportsmen’s Club planned on holding a Venison/Italian Buffet next Saturday to benefit its Land Development, but due to the coronavirus threat, it had to be postponed to a later date. I hope to include information on that dinner if/when it is rescheduled in a future column.
(Incidentally, in last week’s column, I erroneously listed Fran Tromblay as the PSC’s current president. I was wrong, the current president is Stanley Bushey. My apologies.)
The Berkshire Chapter of Ducks Unlimited and the Lee Sportsmen’s Association’s 6th Annual Youth Sportsmen’s Gala which was scheduled for April 4 has been postponed. At this time, it is uncertain when it will be rescheduled due to CDC and state restrictions and the availability of the Country Club of Pittsfield. Since we should be following social distancing guidelines of staying at least 6 feet away from one another, they have cancelled their weekly Gala Committee meetings until further notice.
The Lee Sportsmen’s Association Board of Directors has decided to cancel all youth teams, programs, leagues, turkey shoots, orientations, trainings, and other scheduled events until at least March 27. The Board will reconvene on March 25 at its regular meeting to reassess the situation. All ranges are closed until at least March 27. The Berkshire County Pistol League Shoot-Off has been cancelled.
The Lenox Sportsmen’s Club has announced that all events and leagues are cancelled and will not resume until further notice. That includes the Spring Ham Shoots, the April LTC- UTAH Class, and all Archery and Gun Leagues. Some ranges such as the Lenox Sportsmen’s Club GEAA Rifle Range is open. The archery, rifle and pistol ranges will remain open for individual members to use. Anyone using the club should help others by cleaning any surfaces they encounter. Supplies will be made readily available. It has not been determined whether or not the Cub Scout Summer Camp is still on.
The Stockbridge Sportsmen’s Club has postponed its Archery Scholarship Fundraiser Shoot and breakfast. Also, its youth Archery Fun Shoot has been postponed. All archery and shooting leagues are suspended until after April 1. Individual use of the ranges will still be allowed. Its annual Game Dinner has been moved to October. As of now, the next firearm license course will be on Sunday, April 26th at 1:00 PM.
The Great Barrington Fish & Game Club has cancelled its Ham Shoots.
The Cheshire Rod & Gun Club has postponed its Ham Shoots that would have started today. Its Youth Archery class is also postponed until further notice.
Pete’s Gun Shop in Adams, which was to have its FID Classes at the Cheshire Rod & Gun Club on April 4 has cancelled it and will be moving all those who are signed up to its May 17 class. They will be contacting all of those who are signed up.
The Berkshire County League of Sportsmen’s Silvio O. Conte Awards Banquet which was scheduled for Saturday, April 25 has been cancelled. Also, all BCLS meetings will be cancelled until it can meet after this virus is over. If there is a need to go over things the delegates can use phone, text or email. It is hoped that the League can hold the Conte Dinner at a later date this year.
The Massachusetts Sportsmen’s Council Banquet which was scheduled for April 11 in Sutton, MA has been postponed. No future date has been set.

The MA Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) has announced the temporary closure of the following facilities in our area: Mount Greylock State Reservation Visitor Center, in Lanesboro, the Savoy Mountain State Forest Campground in Florida, the Western Gateway Heritage State Park Visitor Center in North Adams, and the Beartown State Forest Campground in Monterey. The closures will last through April 1 at which time DCR will reassess circumstances. Additionally, during the temporary closure all associated events at these locations are cancelled.

Importantly, all state parks and comfort stations across the Commonwealth remain open and available for the public to utilize. DCR reminds residents and visitors to avoid gathering in large groups, maintain social distancing, and practice healthy personal hygiene to stop the spread of the virus.

The Berkshire Natural Resources Council has cancelled all events through March 31. It may extend these cancellations as necessary; updates to future events can be found at bnrc.org/upcoming-hikes or on Facebook. Most of its staff will be working from home during this time; email is the best way to reach them.
The Council encourages us to take care of our minds and bodies. Spending time in the natural world can help alleviate stress and anxiety. Its trails are always free and open to the public for this reason. It hopes we can find time to get outside, take deep breaths and feel rejuvenated and to please maintain a healthy distance from anyone else we encounter on the trail.
To find details about their trails and more visit: bnrc.org/trails-and-maps/top-berkshire-trails/or check out the BNRC Berkshire Trails app.
MassAudubon announced that its buildings have been temporarily shut down but its 38,000 acres of protected land is there for you to explore. To prevent the spread of COVID-19, there will be no bathrooms available. For safety reasons, please don’t allow children to play in the Nature Play Areas.
Local waters stocked recently

In spite of all of the MassWildlife cancellations, the Western District staff was able to stock some of our local waters with rainbow trout. The following are waters stocked as of last Thursday: Deerfield River in Buckland, Charlemont and Florida; Konkapot River in Monterey and New Marlborough; Farmington River in Otis, Sheffield and Tolland; Green River in Alford, Egremont and Great Barrington; Mansfield Pond in Great Barrington, Richmond Pond, Onota Lake, Stockbridge Bowl, Westfield River in Cummington, Chesterfield, and Savoy, Littleville Lake in Huntington, Laurel Lake and Pontoosuc Lake..

Coronavirus disruptions are far reaching

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As readers are well aware, the coronavirus has severely affected our day-to-day lives, including the outdoor sportsmen, hikers, and other nature lovers. Cancellations began coming in from all over and I will try to relay as many of them as I can. Let’s start with information received from Marion E. Larson, Chief, Information & Education, Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife
“Due to the State of Emergency declaration by the Governor, MassWildlife is following guidance provided to state agencies to help reduce the spread of a disease that has serious health implications to many people. At this time (3/17/2020), MassWildlife offices and hatcheries are closed to the public until further notice. MassWildlife has also canceled workshops, clinics, courses, and events through April 15 including Hunter Education courses, Learn to Hunt Turkey Seminars, and the Becoming an Outdoorswoman Turkey Hunt Programs.

All Youth Turkey Hunt Seminars have been cancelled. This means that the only youths who may hunt on the Youth Turkey Hunt Day of April 25, 2020 are those past participants who have completed a Youth Turkey Hunt seminar and Basic Hunter Education. While we know this is disappointing news for young hunters and their mentors, they can still hunt together during the regular spring turkey season.

MassWildlife has been notifying participants and volunteers in all of these programs by email, phone, and letters. Cancelations are also noted on program calendars. Despite this, today we learned that some people taking the Cheshire hunter education course didn’t receive the cancellation emails. We’re working to resolve those email glitches and truly apologize for the inconvenience.

Trout Stocking: MassWildlife’s primary concern is for the health and safety of our staff. That being said, designated Emergency Personnel continue to operate our hatcheries. As circumstances allow, trout stocking will continue.

We would like to take this opportunity to encourage people to get outside and connect with the natural world during this time of upheaval and uncertainty. Studies have shown that being outdoors provides important benefits to our health and well-being. Visit a neighborhood park, a wildlife management area or state park or forest with your binoculars, fishing rod and fishing license, or backpack. Practice healthy “social distancing”, keep your pets leashed, and wave to others you might see along the way.

Since this whole situation is still very fluid, please visit Mass.gov/MassWildlife for updated information on events or to purchase a license. Be well!”

Just about all of the local sportsmen’s clubs have been affected in one way or another. Many clubs have had to postpone its Easter ham shoots, game dinners, gun and archery leagues, LTC classes, etc., until further notice.

The Pittsfield Sportsmen’s Club planned on holding a Venison/Italian Buffet next Saturday to benefit its Land Development, but due to the coronavirus threat, it had to be postponed to a later date. I hope to include information on that dinner if/when it is rescheduled in a future column.
(Incidentally, in last week’s column, I erroneously listed Fran Tromblay as the PSC’s current president. I was wrong, the current president is Stanley Bushey. My apologies.)
The Berkshire Chapter of Ducks Unlimited and the Lee Sportsmen’s Association’s 6th Annual Youth Sportsmen’s Gala which was scheduled for April 4 has been postponed. At this time, it is uncertain when it will be rescheduled due to CDC and state restrictions and the availability of the Country Club of Pittsfield. Since we should be following social distancing guidelines of staying at least 6 feet away from one another, they have cancelled their weekly Gala Committee meetings until further notice.
The Lee Sportsmen’s Association Board of Directors has decided to cancel all youth teams, programs, leagues, turkey shoots, orientations, trainings, and other scheduled events until at least March 27. The Board will reconvene on March 25 at its regular meeting to reassess the situation. All ranges are closed until at least March 27. The Berkshire County Pistol League Shoot-Off has been cancelled.
The Lenox Sportsmen’s Club has announced that all events and leagues are cancelled and will not resume until further notice. That includes the Spring Ham Shoots, the April LTC- UTAH Class, and all Archery and Gun Leagues. Some ranges such as the Lenox Sportsmen’s Club GEAA Rifle Range is open. The archery, rifle and pistol ranges will remain open for individual members to use. Anyone using the club should help others by cleaning any surfaces they encounter. Supplies will be made readily available. It has not been determined whether or not the Cub Scout Summer Camp is still on.
The Stockbridge Sportsmen’s Club has postponed its Archery Scholarship Fundraiser Shoot and breakfast. Also, its youth Archery Fun Shoot has been postponed. All archery and shooting leagues are suspended until after April 1. Individual use of the ranges will still be allowed. Its annual Game Dinner has been moved to October. As of now, the next firearm license course will be on Sunday, April 26th at 1:00 PM.
The Great Barrington Fish & Game Club has cancelled its Ham Shoots.
The Cheshire Rod & Gun Club has postponed its Ham Shoots that would have started today. Its Youth Archery class is also postponed until further notice.
Pete’s Gun Shop in Adams, which was to have its FID Classes at the Cheshire Rod & Gun Club on April 4 has cancelled it and will be moving all those who are signed up to its May 17 class. They will be contacting all of those who are signed up.
The Berkshire County League of Sportsmen’s Silvio O. Conte Awards Banquet which was scheduled for Saturday, April 25 has been cancelled. Also, all BCLS meetings will be cancelled until it can meet after this virus is over. If there is a need to go over things the delegates can use phone, text or email. It is hoped that the League can hold the Conte Dinner at a later date this year.
The Massachusetts Sportsmen’s Council Banquet which was scheduled for April 11 in Sutton, MA has been postponed. No future date has been set.

The MA Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) has announced the temporary closure of the following facilities in our area: Mount Greylock State Reservation Visitor Center, in Lanesboro, the Savoy Mountain State Forest Campground in Florida, the Western Gateway Heritage State Park Visitor Center in North Adams, and the Beartown State Forest Campground in Monterey. The closures will last through April 1 at which time DCR will reassess circumstances. Additionally, during the temporary closure all associated events at these locations are cancelled.

Importantly, all state parks and comfort stations across the Commonwealth remain open and available for the public to utilize. DCR reminds residents and visitors to avoid gathering in large groups, maintain social distancing, and practice healthy personal hygiene to stop the spread of the virus.

The Berkshire Natural Resources Council has cancelled all events through March 31. It may extend these cancellations as necessary; updates to future events can be found at bnrc.org/upcoming-hikes or on Facebook. Most of its staff will be working from home during this time; email is the best way to reach them.
The Council encourages us to take care of our minds and bodies. Spending time in the natural world can help alleviate stress and anxiety. Its trails are always free and open to the public for this reason. It hopes we can find time to get outside, take deep breaths and feel rejuvenated and to please maintain a healthy distance from anyone else we encounter on the trail.
To find details about their trails and more visit: bnrc.org/trails-and-maps/top-berkshire-trails/or check out the BNRC Berkshire Trails app.
MassAudubon announced that its buildings have been temporarily shut down but its 38,000 acres of protected land is there for you to explore. To prevent the spread of COVID-19, there will be no bathrooms available. For safety reasons, please don’t allow children to play in the Nature Play Areas.
Local waters stocked recently

In spite of all of the MassWildlife cancellations, the Western District staff was able to stock some of our local waters with rainbow trout. The following are waters stocked as of last Thursday: Deerfield River in Buckland, Charlemont and Florida; Konkapot River in Monterey and New Marlborough; Farmington River in Otis, Sheffield and Tolland; Green River in Alford, Egremont and Great Barrington; Mansfield Pond in Great Barrington, Richmond Pond, Onota Lake, Stockbridge Bowl, Westfield River in Cummington, Chesterfield, and Savoy, Littleville Lake in Huntington, Laurel Lake and Pontoosuc Lake..

Coronavirus disruptions are far reaching

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As readers are well aware, the coronavirus has severely affected our day-to-day lives, including the outdoor sportsmen, hikers, and other nature lovers. Cancellations began coming in from all over and I will try to relay as many of them as I can. Let’s start with information received from Marion E. Larson, Chief, Information & Education, Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife
“Due to the State of Emergency declaration by the Governor, MassWildlife is following guidance provided to state agencies to help reduce the spread of a disease that has serious health implications to many people. At this time (3/17/2020), MassWildlife offices and hatcheries are closed to the public until further notice. MassWildlife has also canceled workshops, clinics, courses, and events through April 15 including Hunter Education courses, Learn to Hunt Turkey Seminars, and the Becoming an Outdoorswoman Turkey Hunt Programs.

All Youth Turkey Hunt Seminars have been cancelled. This means that the only youths who may hunt on the Youth Turkey Hunt Day of April 25, 2020 are those past participants who have completed a Youth Turkey Hunt seminar and Basic Hunter Education. While we know this is disappointing news for young hunters and their mentors, they can still hunt together during the regular spring turkey season.

MassWildlife has been notifying participants and volunteers in all of these programs by email, phone, and letters. Cancelations are also noted on program calendars. Despite this, today we learned that some people taking the Cheshire hunter education course didn’t receive the cancellation emails. We’re working to resolve those email glitches and truly apologize for the inconvenience.

Trout Stocking: MassWildlife’s primary concern is for the health and safety of our staff. That being said, designated Emergency Personnel continue to operate our hatcheries. As circumstances allow, trout stocking will continue.

We would like to take this opportunity to encourage people to get outside and connect with the natural world during this time of upheaval and uncertainty. Studies have shown that being outdoors provides important benefits to our health and well-being. Visit a neighborhood park, a wildlife management area or state park or forest with your binoculars, fishing rod and fishing license, or backpack. Practice healthy “social distancing”, keep your pets leashed, and wave to others you might see along the way.

Since this whole situation is still very fluid, please visit Mass.gov/MassWildlife for updated information on events or to purchase a license. Be well!”

Just about all of the local sportsmen’s clubs have been affected in one way or another. Many clubs have had to postpone its Easter ham shoots, game dinners, gun and archery leagues, LTC classes, etc., until further notice.

The Pittsfield Sportsmen’s Club planned on holding a Venison/Italian Buffet next Saturday to benefit its Land Development, but due to the coronavirus threat, it had to be postponed to a later date. I hope to include information on that dinner if/when it is rescheduled in a future column.
(Incidentally, in last week’s column, I erroneously listed Fran Tromblay as the PSC’s current president. I was wrong, the current president is Stanley Bushey. My apologies.)
The Berkshire Chapter of Ducks Unlimited and the Lee Sportsmen’s Association’s 6th Annual Youth Sportsmen’s Gala which was scheduled for April 4 has been postponed. At this time, it is uncertain when it will be rescheduled due to CDC and state restrictions and the availability of the Country Club of Pittsfield. Since we should be following social distancing guidelines of staying at least 6 feet away from one another, they have cancelled their weekly Gala Committee meetings until further notice.
The Lee Sportsmen’s Association Board of Directors has decided to cancel all youth teams, programs, leagues, turkey shoots, orientations, trainings, and other scheduled events until at least March 27. The Board will reconvene on March 25 at its regular meeting to reassess the situation. All ranges are closed until at least March 27. The Berkshire County Pistol League Shoot-Off has been cancelled.
The Lenox Sportsmen’s Club has announced that all events and leagues are cancelled and will not resume until further notice. That includes the Spring Ham Shoots, the April LTC- UTAH Class, and all Archery and Gun Leagues. Some ranges such as the Lenox Sportsmen’s Club GEAA Rifle Range is open. The archery, rifle and pistol ranges will remain open for individual members to use. Anyone using the club should help others by cleaning any surfaces they encounter. Supplies will be made readily available. It has not been determined whether or not the Cub Scout Summer Camp is still on.
The Stockbridge Sportsmen’s Club has postponed its Archery Scholarship Fundraiser Shoot and breakfast. Also, its youth Archery Fun Shoot has been postponed. All archery and shooting leagues are suspended until after April 1. Individual use of the ranges will still be allowed. Its annual Game Dinner has been moved to October. As of now, the next firearm license course will be on Sunday, April 26th at 1:00 PM.
The Great Barrington Fish & Game Club has cancelled its Ham Shoots.
The Cheshire Rod & Gun Club has postponed its Ham Shoots that would have started today. Its Youth Archery class is also postponed until further notice.
Pete’s Gun Shop in Adams, which was to have its FID Classes at the Cheshire Rod & Gun Club on April 4 has cancelled it and will be moving all those who are signed up to its May 17 class. They will be contacting all of those who are signed up.
The Berkshire County League of Sportsmen’s Silvio O. Conte Awards Banquet which was scheduled for Saturday, April 25 has been cancelled. Also, all BCLS meetings will be cancelled until it can meet after this virus is over. If there is a need to go over things the delegates can use phone, text or email. It is hoped that the League can hold the Conte Dinner at a later date this year.
The Massachusetts Sportsmen’s Council Banquet which was scheduled for April 11 in Sutton, MA has been postponed. No future date has been set.

The MA Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) has announced the temporary closure of the following facilities in our area: Mount Greylock State Reservation Visitor Center, in Lanesboro, the Savoy Mountain State Forest Campground in Florida, the Western Gateway Heritage State Park Visitor Center in North Adams, and the Beartown State Forest Campground in Monterey. The closures will last through April 1 at which time DCR will reassess circumstances. Additionally, during the temporary closure all associated events at these locations are cancelled.

Importantly, all state parks and comfort stations across the Commonwealth remain open and available for the public to utilize. DCR reminds residents and visitors to avoid gathering in large groups, maintain social distancing, and practice healthy personal hygiene to stop the spread of the virus.

The Berkshire Natural Resources Council has cancelled all events through March 31. It may extend these cancellations as necessary; updates to future events can be found at bnrc.org/upcoming-hikes or on Facebook. Most of its staff will be working from home during this time; email is the best way to reach them.
The Council encourages us to take care of our minds and bodies. Spending time in the natural world can help alleviate stress and anxiety. Its trails are always free and open to the public for this reason. It hopes we can find time to get outside, take deep breaths and feel rejuvenated and to please maintain a healthy distance from anyone else we encounter on the trail.
To find details about their trails and more visit: bnrc.org/trails-and-maps/top-berkshire-trails/or check out the BNRC Berkshire Trails app.
MassAudubon announced that its buildings have been temporarily shut down but its 38,000 acres of protected land is there for you to explore. To prevent the spread of COVID-19, there will be no bathrooms available. For safety reasons, please don’t allow children to play in the Nature Play Areas.
Local waters stocked recently

In spite of all of the MassWildlife cancellations, the Western District staff was able to stock some of our local waters with rainbow trout. The following are waters stocked as of last Thursday: Deerfield River in Buckland, Charlemont and Florida; Konkapot River in Monterey and New Marlborough; Farmington River in Otis, Sheffield and Tolland; Green River in Alford, Egremont and Great Barrington; Mansfield Pond in Great Barrington, Richmond Pond, Onota Lake, Stockbridge Bowl, Westfield River in Cummington, Chesterfield, and Savoy, Littleville Lake in Huntington, Laurel Lake and Pontoosuc Lake..

 

Coronavirus disruptions are far reaching

Posted on by

 

As readers are well aware, the coronavirus has severely affected our day-to-day lives, including the outdoor sportsmen, hikers, and other nature lovers. Cancellations began coming in from all over and I will try to relay as many of them as I can. Let’s start with information received from Marion E. Larson, Chief, Information & Education, Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife
“Due to the State of Emergency declaration by the Governor, MassWildlife is following guidance provided to state agencies to help reduce the spread of a disease that has serious health implications to many people. At this time (3/17/2020), MassWildlife offices and hatcheries are closed to the public until further notice. MassWildlife has also canceled workshops, clinics, courses, and events through April 15 including Hunter Education courses, Learn to Hunt Turkey Seminars, and the Becoming an Outdoorswoman Turkey Hunt Programs.

All Youth Turkey Hunt Seminars have been cancelled. This means that the only youths who may hunt on the Youth Turkey Hunt Day of April 25, 2020 are those past participants who have completed a Youth Turkey Hunt seminar and Basic Hunter Education. While we know this is disappointing news for young hunters and their mentors, they can still hunt together during the regular spring turkey season.

MassWildlife has been notifying participants and volunteers in all of these programs by email, phone, and letters. Cancelations are also noted on program calendars. Despite this, today we learned that some people taking the Cheshire hunter education course didn’t receive the cancellation emails. We’re working to resolve those email glitches and truly apologize for the inconvenience.

Trout Stocking: MassWildlife’s primary concern is for the health and safety of our staff. That being said, designated Emergency Personnel continue to operate our hatcheries. As circumstances allow, trout stocking will continue.

We would like to take this opportunity to encourage people to get outside and connect with the natural world during this time of upheaval and uncertainty. Studies have shown that being outdoors provides important benefits to our health and well-being. Visit a neighborhood park, a wildlife management area or state park or forest with your binoculars, fishing rod and fishing license, or backpack. Practice healthy “social distancing”, keep your pets leashed, and wave to others you might see along the way.

Since this whole situation is still very fluid, please visit Mass.gov/MassWildlife for updated information on events or to purchase a license. Be well!”

Just about all of the local sportsmen’s clubs have been affected in one way or another. Many clubs have had to postpone its Easter ham shoots, game dinners, gun and archery leagues, LTC classes, etc., until further notice.

The Pittsfield Sportsmen’s Club planned on holding a Venison/Italian Buffet next Saturday to benefit its Land Development, but due to the coronavirus threat, it had to be postponed to a later date. I hope to include information on that dinner if/when it is rescheduled in a future column.
(Incidentally, in last week’s column, I erroneously listed Fran Tromblay as the PSC’s current president. I was wrong, the current president is Stanley Bushey. My apologies.)
The Berkshire Chapter of Ducks Unlimited and the Lee Sportsmen’s Association’s 6th Annual Youth Sportsmen’s Gala which was scheduled for April 4 has been postponed. At this time, it is uncertain when it will be rescheduled due to CDC and state restrictions and the availability of the Country Club of Pittsfield. Since we should be following social distancing guidelines of staying at least 6 feet away from one another, they have cancelled their weekly Gala Committee meetings until further notice.
The Lee Sportsmen’s Association Board of Directors has decided to cancel all youth teams, programs, leagues, turkey shoots, orientations, trainings, and other scheduled events until at least March 27. The Board will reconvene on March 25 at its regular meeting to reassess the situation. All ranges are closed until at least March 27. The Berkshire County Pistol League Shoot-Off has been cancelled.
The Lenox Sportsmen’s Club has announced that all events and leagues are cancelled and will not resume until further notice. That includes the Spring Ham Shoots, the April LTC- UTAH Class, and all Archery and Gun Leagues. Some ranges such as the Lenox Sportsmen’s Club GEAA Rifle Range is open. The archery, rifle and pistol ranges will remain open for individual members to use. Anyone using the club should help others by cleaning any surfaces they encounter. Supplies will be made readily available. It has not been determined whether or not the Cub Scout Summer Camp is still on.
The Stockbridge Sportsmen’s Club has postponed its Archery Scholarship Fundraiser Shoot and breakfast. Also, its youth Archery Fun Shoot has been postponed. All archery and shooting leagues are suspended until after April 1. Individual use of the ranges will still be allowed. Its annual Game Dinner has been moved to October. As of now, the next firearm license course will be on Sunday, April 26th at 1:00 PM.
The Great Barrington Fish & Game Club has cancelled its Ham Shoots.
The Cheshire Rod & Gun Club has postponed its Ham Shoots that would have started today. Its Youth Archery class is also postponed until further notice.
Pete’s Gun Shop in Adams, which was to have its FID Classes at the Cheshire Rod & Gun Club on April 4 has cancelled it and will be moving all those who are signed up to its May 17 class. They will be contacting all of those who are signed up.
The Berkshire County League of Sportsmen’s Silvio O. Conte Awards Banquet which was scheduled for Saturday, April 25 has been cancelled. Also, all BCLS meetings will be cancelled until it can meet after this virus is over. If there is a need to go over things the delegates can use phone, text or email. It is hoped that the League can hold the Conte Dinner at a later date this year.
The Massachusetts Sportsmen’s Council Banquet which was scheduled for April 11 in Sutton, MA has been postponed. No future date has been set.

The MA Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) has announced the temporary closure of the following facilities in our area: Mount Greylock State Reservation Visitor Center, in Lanesboro, the Savoy Mountain State Forest Campground in Florida, the Western Gateway Heritage State Park Visitor Center in North Adams, and the Beartown State Forest Campground in Monterey. The closures will last through April 1 at which time DCR will reassess circumstances. Additionally, during the temporary closure all associated events at these locations are cancelled.

Importantly, all state parks and comfort stations across the Commonwealth remain open and available for the public to utilize. DCR reminds residents and visitors to avoid gathering in large groups, maintain social distancing, and practice healthy personal hygiene to stop the spread of the virus.

The Berkshire Natural Resources Council has cancelled all events through March 31. It may extend these cancellations as necessary; updates to future events can be found at bnrc.org/upcoming-hikes or on Facebook. Most of its staff will be working from home during this time; email is the best way to reach them.
The Council encourages us to take care of our minds and bodies. Spending time in the natural world can help alleviate stress and anxiety. Its trails are always free and open to the public for this reason. It hopes we can find time to get outside, take deep breaths and feel rejuvenated and to please maintain a healthy distance from anyone else we encounter on the trail.
To find details about their trails and more visit: bnrc.org/trails-and-maps/top-berkshire-trails/or check out the BNRC Berkshire Trails app.
MassAudubon announced that its buildings have been temporarily shut down but its 38,000 acres of protected land is there for you to explore. To prevent the spread of COVID-19, there will be no bathrooms available. For safety reasons, please don’t allow children to play in the Nature Play Areas.
Local waters stocked recently

In spite of all of the MassWildlife cancellations, the Western District staff was able to stock some of our local waters with rainbow trout. The following are waters stocked as of last Thursday: Deerfield River in Buckland, Charlemont and Florida; Konkapot River in Monterey and New Marlborough; Farmington River in Otis, Sheffield and Tolland; Green River in Alford, Egremont and Great Barrington; Mansfield Pond in Great Barrington, Richmond Pond, Onota Lake, Stockbridge Bowl, Westfield River in Cummington, Chesterfield, and Savoy, Littleville Lake in Huntington, Laurel Lake and Pontoosuc Lake..

 

Half a million trout being stocked this spring

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MassWildLife reports that approximately 500,000 brook, brown, rainbow, and tiger trout will be stocked this spring from its five hatcheries located in Sandwich, Palmer, Belchertown, Sunderland, and Montague. The Western District, which should receive about 20% of them, is scheduled to begin stocking anytime now and should continue stocking to around Memorial Day. 

2020 spring trout stocking stats:
• • Most of the trout will be over 12 inches
• • More than 45% of the trout will be over 14 inches
• • More than 48,000 brook trout will be over 12 inches
• • More than 48,000 brown trout will be over 12 inches
• • More than 200,000 rainbow trout will be over 14 inches
• • More than 600 brown trout and 500 brook trout will be over 18 inches
• • 1,000 brook trout will be over 15 inches
• • More than 2,500 tiger trout will be over 14 inches

Wondering which waters are stocked near you? Click onto https://www.mass.gov/service-details/trout-stocking-report. When ponds and streams are stocked, MassWildlife will mark its map with a black pushpin. Locations marked with a red diamond represent spots that will be stocked at some point this spring. Also, anglers can get daily stocking updates at Mass.gov/Trout, or by contacting local district offices for the latest stocking information. I hope to list the weekly stockings in this column, too.

Life Jackets
We may have an early spring this year and the lakes will soon be clear of ice which means that anglers and kayakers will be out soon. Just a reminder, in Massachusetts, life jackets must be worn by canoeists and kayakers from September 15 through May 15. Youth under 12 years old, personal watercraft users, waterskiers and stand-up paddleboard users must wear them all the time.

One would be wise to abide by this regulation and avoid being cited by the Environmental Police. As noted below, they are busy enough as it is.

Boat Safety Course1506974599te Boating Law Administrators.
Boat Massachusetts is a recognized safety course that meets the National Boating Education Standards and is approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA). Its standards are intended to prescribe the minimum body of knowledge necessary to effect safe, legal, and enjoyable boating. The course runs 10-12 hours in length and the normal format is 5 to 6 two-hour classes, though this may vary. All classes are free of charge. Classes are for adults and youth 12 years of age and older. Family participation is encouraged and has proven to be very rewarding.

All graduates in the 12 through 15-year old age group will be issued a safety certificate allowing them to operate a motorboat without adult supervision, as required by state law. The same is true for 16 and 17-year old youth who wish to operate a personal watercraft
Now should be a good time to take a boat safety course. The Cheshire Rod & Gun Club had one scheduled for mid-March, but it has been cancelled by the Commonwealth due to the coronavirus state of emergency.
Click onto https://www.mass.gov/forms/mep-boating-safety-course to find out when the courses will be resumed.

Boat ID decals
The Office of Fishing and Boating Access is encouraging canoe, kayak, and rowboat owners to obtain vessel ID decals. These self-adhesive decals are to be placed on the inside of a vessel which when filled out by the owner will allow for ease of identification of lost or errand paddle craft.
These decals are available from the Environmental Police Boating Safety Bureau. You can reach the Environmental Police Boating Safety Bureau by calling 508 564-4961 or by emailing boatsafetycourse@mass.gov.

2020 Youth Turkey Hunt

If you have youths who wants to learn how to turkey hunt and participate in the Youth Turkey Hunting Day (April 25, 2020), you should get them enrolled in the Massachusetts Youth Turkey Hunt Program soon. New participants need to register and must complete the Youth Turkey seminar. As of last Wednesday, Lee Sportsmen’s Association, 565 Fairview St, Lee, MA is the only Berkshire participating club in the mandatory youth hunt seminar. It will be held on April 11 from 9 am to 2 pm. Be sure to check the MassWildlife web site periodically to see if any other local clubs will participate.
The program is designed to provide hunters aged 12–17 with an opportunity to:
• Participate in a field workshop that provides specialized training in turkey hunting and safety, including firearms instruction and practice.
• Hunt wild turkey under the supervision and guidance of a safe, experienced, adult hunter serving as a mentor on the special day set aside just for young adults.

Returning participants ages 12–14 must add a Youth Turkey Permit to their customer profile in MassFishHunt. Returning participants ages 15–17 must add the Youth Turkey Authorization 15–17 to their permit.

New for 2020 – Youth Day Hunting Hours begin ½ hour before sunrise and end at 5:00 PM.
Environmental Police were kept busy in 2019

Thanks to Fish & Wildlife Board Member Stephen Sears, who was able to get and share a copy of the 2019 EPA Statewide Call Report. It allows us to get a glimpse of what occupies our EPO’s. Space doesn’t allow listing all of the incident categories so I’ll mention a few of the more interesting ones: Animal nuisance calls -306 bear, 229 coyote and 303 deer; Freshwater Fishing Inspections – 1,233 with 241 violations, Hunter inspections – 961 with 382 violations, Hunter Harassments – 45, Hunting Accidents – 15, Deer Road Kills – 208, ATV Complaints – 935, ATV Accidents – 73, ATV Violations – 391, Non-powered Boat Accidents – 30, Motorboat Accidents – 110, Snowmobile Accidents – 11, Personal Water Craft (PWC) Accidents 16, PWC violations 210, Pheasant Hunter Inspections 199 with 16 violations.

In 2019, some 82 officers were able to handle 14,190 calls. Let’s keep that in mind when they are not able to respond to our calls as quickly as we wish.

New Outdoor Sporting Store
Travis Delratez of Lanesboro and Jammie Sears of Pittsfield are partners in a new outdoor sporting goods store in Cheshire, MA. Named Cheshire Sporting Goods, it is located at 50 Church Street in a building owned by the Reynolds family.
As you drive down Church Street, you can’t miss the place because in the two large display windows are mounted animals. The left window has a shoulder mount of an elk and a couple of turkeys and the right window has a full bear mount. With the overhead lighting, they are something to see.
Boy, does the inside of the store have atmosphere. The shop has old wooden floor boards and the walls and cabinets are adorned with various mounted game: deer, elk, bear, mountain ram, wild boar, wild turkey, coyote, king salmon, bass and probably more critters. It surely will become a place where sports folks congregate. The only thing missing is a pot belly stove. (There was one there in days gone by).
The hours of the store are 4:00 to 9:00 pm on week-days (closed on Mondays) and 9:00 am to 4:00 pm on Saturdays and Sundays. Travis’s wife Bonnie will help out in the store as will Mike Schnopp from Clarksburg. He was doing some work on a compound bow when I was there.
The partners decided to open the store because they believed that there was a need for such a store, what with Dick’s discontinuing the sale of certain guns. They plan to sell hunting and fishing equipment, including compound bows, crossbows, primitive firearms, and their accessories, fishing equipment, clothes and fishing licenses. They hope to become a deer checking station. When I was there, they were awaiting their Federal Firearms sale permit. Eventually, they plan to sell ice fishing equipment, too.
They had a soft opening on Saturday, March 7 and reportedly had a lot of traffic. I suspect one can get expert hunting and fishing advice there as Travis shot or caught most of the mounts. He is a former president of the Pittsfield Sportsmen’s Club (PSC), and what he doesn’t know, his father-in-law, Fran Tremblay, current president of the PSC, probably does.
Please note:
Berkshire County League of Sportsmen President and Basic Youth Hunting Education Instructor Wayne McLain reports that due to the coronavirus state of emergency in Massachusetts, the Commonwealth has canceled all hunter education classes until April 20. Other courses may be cancelled later.

Is the Housatonic River clean-up worth it?

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Clean up the Housatonic River! That was the battle cry of the Housatonic River Watershed Association (HRWA) back in the 1980’s. I was on the Board at that time and I agreed. That was until GE presented a plan which basically channelized the river from Pittsfield to Woods Pond in Lenox Dale. That’s when I said, leave it alone. Don’t wreck it by trying to save it.
Over the years, a Consent Agreement was developed by GE, City of Pittsfield, State and Federal environmental agencies and others. Subsequently, different sections of the river were “cleaned up”, if one can call it that as well as Silver Lake. After that, it was time to clean the “Rest of the River”.
During this time, I think it is safe to say that the Berkshire County League of Sportsmen (BCLS) the umbrella organization representing approximately 3,000 sports folks felt that the river should be left alone. It was concerned that the flood plains, river banks, back waters, trees, etc., and their inhabitants such as fish, flora and fauna would be destroyed or severely impacted. The BCLS felt that we will never be able to eat the fish out of the river anyways, not while PCB’s are still leeching into Silver Lake, Unkamet Brook and ultimately into the Housatonic River. Many of the PCBs were buried, why dig them up and resuspend them in the water column or into the air. Trees will have to be cut and one of the most beautiful and environmentally sensitive areas west of the Connecticut River, full of fish, game and rare and possibly endangered species will be destroyed or altered for the remainder of our lifetimes, our children’s and grandchildren’s.
Several environmental organizations wanted a stringent clean-up which would remove all of the PCB’s in the river and along its banks and flood plains and there seemed to be an impasse. The BCLS softened its position somewhat by backing the most environmentally sensitive clean-up possible. It supported the MA DEP’s position of basically just cleaning up the “hot spots”, Woods Pond and areas behind the dams and shipping the PCB’s out of state to a licensed landfill. I believe it was the MA DEP’s position that no toxic landfills would be allowed in Massachusetts.
Then some big things happened in early 2017. The new administration in Washington started messing around with the EPA by changing its leadership and putting the clean-up on a fast tract. At about the same time, GE was talking about moving its headquarters to Boston. Oh, oh, trouble ahead. Next will come strangers to the towns carrying big checkbooks to try to sway the town officials to go along with their plan of putting a toxic dump in the Dale. Hey, $25,000,000 is a lot of money to a small town like Lenox or Lee.
Some time later there was a meeting at the Mass Audubon Pleasant Valley Sanctuary barn and we were introduced to the new EPA regional boss. I didn’t like what I was hearing and voiced concern that the EPA couldn’t be serious about creating a PCB toxic dump practically in Lenox, the home of Tanglewood, Canyon Ranch, Cranwell and other organizations which were investing $millions in the town. A town where tourism is so important. You should have seen the look that she gave me.
Well sorry, I just didn’t want Lenox Dale becoming the “Love Canal” of New England.
As you probably know, thanks to secret meetings of town officials, GE, EPA and some environmental organizations the dump will be placed a couple of hundred yards from the village. Only one environmental organization, Tim Gray’s Housatonic River Initiative, refused to sign the document. (Noticeably, the DFW, which owns most of the land along the Pittsfield/Lenox stretch of the river, (thanks to funds derived from hunters, fishermen and trappers), and the MA DEP were not represented).
The announcement of the pact was made at the Lenox Dale train station on February 10. US Senator Markey was there and commented on how nice it was that the community came together to form the pact (or words to that effect). I found those comments ironic when there were placards opposing the dump along the back and sides of the room. US Rep Neal was there, too, speaking positively about it.
State Rep Smitty Pignatelli directed our attention to the beautiful Woods Pond and nearby October Mountain saying that it was the perfect place for this meeting (or words to that effect). But he didn’t point to the southeast, 1,500 feet away, and say this is where the 20-acre disposal facility will be located, across the river from the village. In fact, I don’t believe any of the speakers even mentioned Lenox Dale in their speeches.
A few days later in the Berkshire Eagle of February 11 we learned how safe the upland disposal facility will be. It will be lined by thick plastic and we were assured that it wouldn’t affect the ground water because the bottom would be 10-15 feet above it. Heck, nothing to fear right? That plastic liner should last forever, right? Oh yes, GE must pay to connect nearby homes that use private wells to town water. What’s that tell you?
Don’t worry, they say, the sludge with PCB’s greater that 50 ppm will be shipped out of state (some 100,000 cubic yards of it). The rest of the sludge, about 900,000 cubic yards which will have lower concentration levels of PCBs, perhaps 25 ppm will go into the disposal facility. Well, some of us say if the levels are that low then leave them where they are. Why dig them up from the river/flood plains and risk their spreading into the air and resuspending them in the water.
In last week’s column, I requested comments from the sportsmen about the clean-up. I cannot print many of them. All I can say is that there are some angry sportsmen, paddlers and bird watchers out there who do not want to see such a beautiful, environmentally important area ruined, much less establish a toxic waste facility. There were some interesting comments. One made reference to 30 pieces of silver……you know where he was going with that. Another one, a dentist said, “They wouldn’t allow fluorides in the Lenox water supply, but they allow this”. The BCLS hasn’t taken a formal vote yet, but I would be willing to bet that most, if not all of the club delegates oppose the PCB landfill in the Dale.
I suspect I will get some nasty letters and e-mails as a result of this column and possibly people trying to change my mind. Please understand this, no matter how much sugar coating, there is nothing that can be said to me that would justify the environmental destruction and the consequences to the folks of the village of Lenox Dale. There is no way that I can rationalize a toxic landfill placed a couple hundred yards from Lenox Dale, or any town for that matter, as being anything but a bad deal. I suspect there are a few people who agree with me.
Harry A. Bateman Memorial Jimmy Fund Ice Fishing Derby results

The winners of the 34th annual Harry Bateman Derby which was held on February 9 are as follows:

Children age 12 years old and younger
1st. Place: Khloe Koldys – Pike – 12lbs. 6oz.
2nd. Place: Levi Koldys – Pike- 12lbs.
3rd. Place: Tessa Matarazzo – Largemouth Bass – 2lbs.

Young Adults age 13-17 years old
1st. Place: Owen Paquette – Pike- 7lbs. 8oz.
2nd. Place: Asher Hotson – Pike – 6lbs. 14oz.
3rd. Place: Owen Leach – Yellow Perch 4oz.

Adults 18 years old and over.
1st. Place: Fran Poplaski – Catfish – 9lbs. 5oz.
2nd. Place: Eric Lee -Pike- 7lbs.
3rd. Place: James Greer – Catfish- 4lbs. 10oz.

Hunter Education Course

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. Instructor Wayne McLain says they still have some openings. To enroll, call (508) 389-7830 or show up.

Is the Housatonic River clean-up worth it?

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Clean up the Housatonic River! That was the battle cry of the Housatonic River Watershed Association (HRWA) back in the 1980’s. I was on the Board at that time and I agreed. That was until GE presented a plan which basically channelized the river from Pittsfield to Woods Pond in Lenox Dale. That’s when I said, leave it alone. Don’t wreck it by trying to save it.
Over the years, a Consent Agreement was developed by GE, City of Pittsfield, State and Federal environmental agencies and others. Subsequently, different sections of the river were “cleaned up”, if one can call it that as well as Silver Lake. After that, it was time to clean the “Rest of the River”.
During this time, I think it is safe to say that the Berkshire County League of Sportsmen (BCLS) the umbrella organization representing approximately 3,000 sports folks felt that the river should be left alone. It was concerned that the flood plains, river banks, back waters, trees, etc., and their inhabitants such as fish, flora and fauna would be destroyed or severely impacted. The BCLS felt that we will never be able to eat the fish out of the river anyways, not while PCB’s are still leeching into Silver Lake, Unkamet Brook and ultimately into the Housatonic River. Many of the PCBs were buried, why dig them up and resuspend them in the water column or into the air. Trees will have to be cut and one of the most beautiful and environmentally sensitive areas west of the Connecticut River, full of fish, game and rare and possibly endangered species will be destroyed or altered for the remainder of our lifetimes, our children’s and grandchildren’s.
Several environmental organizations wanted a stringent clean-up which would remove all of the PCB’s in the river and along its banks and flood plains and there seemed to be an impasse. The BCLS softened its position somewhat by backing the most environmentally sensitive clean-up possible. It supported the MA DEP’s position of basically just cleaning up the “hot spots”, Woods Pond and areas behind the dams and shipping the PCB’s out of state to a licensed landfill. I believe it was the MA DEP’s position that no toxic landfills would be allowed in Massachusetts.
Then some big things happened in early 2017. The new administration in Washington started messing around with the EPA by changing its leadership and putting the clean-up on a fast tract. At about the same time, GE was talking about moving its headquarters to Boston. Oh, oh, trouble ahead. Next will come strangers to the towns carrying big checkbooks to try to sway the town officials to go along with their plan of putting a toxic dump in the Dale. Hey, $25,000,000 is a lot of money to a small town like Lenox or Lee.
Some time later there was a meeting at the Mass Audubon Pleasant Valley Sanctuary barn and we were introduced to the new EPA regional boss. I didn’t like what I was hearing and voiced concern that the EPA couldn’t be serious about creating a PCB toxic dump practically in Lenox, the home of Tanglewood, Canyon Ranch, Cranwell and other organizations which were investing $millions in the town. A town where tourism is so important. You should have seen the look that she gave me.
Well sorry, I just didn’t want Lenox Dale becoming the “Love Canal” of New England.
As you probably know, thanks to secret meetings of town officials, GE, EPA and some environmental organizations the dump will be placed a couple of hundred yards from the village. Only one environmental organization, Tim Gray’s Housatonic River Initiative, refused to sign the document. (Noticeably, the DFW, which owns most of the land along the Pittsfield/Lenox stretch of the river, (thanks to funds derived from hunters, fishermen and trappers), and the MA DEP were not represented).
The announcement of the pact was made at the Lenox Dale train station on February 10. US Senator Markey was there and commented on how nice it was that the community came together to form the pact (or words to that effect). I found those comments ironic when there were placards opposing the dump along the back and sides of the room. US Rep Neal was there, too, speaking positively about it.
State Rep Smitty Pignatelli directed our attention to the beautiful Woods Pond and nearby October Mountain saying that it was the perfect place for this meeting (or words to that effect). But he didn’t point to the southeast, 1,500 feet away, and say this is where the 20-acre disposal facility will be located, across the river from the village. In fact, I don’t believe any of the speakers even mentioned Lenox Dale in their speeches.
A few days later in the Berkshire Eagle of February 11 we learned how safe the upland disposal facility will be. It will be lined by thick plastic and we were assured that it wouldn’t affect the ground water because the bottom would be 10-15 feet above it. Heck, nothing to fear right? That plastic liner should last forever, right? Oh yes, GE must pay to connect nearby homes that use private wells to town water. What’s that tell you?
Don’t worry, they say, the sludge with PCB’s greater that 50 ppm will be shipped out of state (some 100,000 cubic yards of it). The rest of the sludge, about 900,000 cubic yards which will have lower concentration levels of PCBs, perhaps 25 ppm will go into the disposal facility. Well, some of us say if the levels are that low then leave them where they are. Why dig them up from the river/flood plains and risk their spreading into the air and resuspending them in the water.
In last week’s column, I requested comments from the sportsmen about the clean-up. I cannot print many of them. All I can say is that there are some angry sportsmen, paddlers and bird watchers out there who do not want to see such a beautiful, environmentally important area ruined, much less establish a toxic waste facility. There were some interesting comments. One made reference to 30 pieces of silver……you know where he was going with that. Another one, a dentist said, “They wouldn’t allow fluorides in the Lenox water supply, but they allow this”. The BCLS hasn’t taken a formal vote yet, but I would be willing to bet that most, if not all of the club delegates oppose the PCB landfill in the Dale.
I suspect I will get some nasty letters and e-mails as a result of this column and possibly people trying to change my mind. Please understand this, no matter how much sugar coating, there is nothing that can be said to me that would justify the environmental destruction and the consequences to the folks of the village of Lenox Dale. There is no way that I can rationalize a toxic landfill placed a couple hundred yards from Lenox Dale, or any town for that matter, as being anything but a bad deal. I suspect there are a few people who agree with me.
Harry A. Bateman Memorial Jimmy Fund Ice Fishing Derby results

The winners of the 34th annual Harry Bateman Derby which was held on February 9 are as follows:

Children age 12 years old and younger
1st. Place: Khloe Koldys – Pike – 12lbs. 6oz.
2nd. Place: Levi Koldys – Pike- 12lbs.
3rd. Place: Tessa Matarazzo – Largemouth Bass – 2lbs.

Young Adults age 13-17 years old
1st. Place: Owen Paquette – Pike- 7lbs. 8oz.
2nd. Place: Asher Hotson – Pike – 6lbs. 14oz.
3rd. Place: Owen Leach – Yellow Perch 4oz.

Adults 18 years old and over.
1st. Place: Fran Poplaski – Catfish – 9lbs. 5oz.
2nd. Place: Eric Lee -Pike- 7lbs.
3rd. Place: James Greer – Catfish- 4lbs. 10oz.

Hunter Education Course

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. Instructor Wayne McLain says they still have some openings. To enroll, call (508) 389-7830 or show up.