Category Archives: Trout fishing

What a year of ice fishing Dan Aitken had

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What a year of ice fishing Dan Aitken had

 

On Thursday, March 23, Dan Aitken of Pittsfield was ice fishing alone out on Pontoosuc Lake in the rain.  There was about 12 inches of ice with a good 6 inches of solid dark ice where he was fishing. For bait, he was using large golden shiners which he had jigged up earlier.

Just when he was sitting down to eat a snack, the flag on his tip-up went up and he hooked a big fish.  It gave him a fierce fight, in fact, Dan said that he had gotten the fish up to the hole 9 or 10 times and each time the fish made another powerful run.  Finally, he managed to haul it out.  It was a 16 lbs 14 oz tiger muskie (muskellunge) that measured 45 inches.  That’s according to the folks at the Onota Boat Livery who weighed it with their certified scales.  It was caught out of a 10-inch-wide hole. Dan should get a pin from the state in its Freshwater Sportfishing Awards Program “Catch and Keep” category, perhaps even the gold pin. No tiger muskies were entered into the 2022 sportfishing awards program in any category.

Dan’s large tiger muskie

 

Interestingly, there have been no DFW tiger musky stockings into Pontoosuc Lake since 2016.

 

Although Dan has released every fish he caught this year, he decided to keep this one so that he could have it mounted. (Kevin’s Taxidermy in Middlebury, Connecticut.)

 

Unbelievably, Dan had caught an even heavier fish, a Northern Pike, out of Onota Lake just the week before on March 17. That fish weighed 22 lbs 5 oz and measured 43 inches long.  His son Shane was with him when he caught that one.  Dan released that fish but unfortunately it will not qualify for a pin from the state because he didn’t take the necessary picture required to make it eligible. One look at that fish; however, and you have to come to the conclusion that it would have easily been a “pin” fish, too.

Dan’s large northern pike

 

Trout Stocking

The following local waters were scheduled to be stocked last week, subject to change: Deerfield River in Buckland, Charlemont and Florida; Farmington River in Otis, Sandisfield and Tolland; Green River (South) in Egremont, Great Barrington and Alford; Hoosic River (North Branch) in Clarksburg and North Adams, Konkapot River in New Marlborough and Monterey, Westfield River (East Branch) in Chesterfield, Cummington, Savoy and Windsor, Lake Buel in Monterey, Pontoosuc Lake and Windsor Pond in Windsor.

Kids Fishing Derbies beginning at the Hatchery

On the second Saturday of each month beginning in April and running through September the Friends of the Berkshire National Fish Hatchery put on a kid’s fishing derby. They start at 9:00 and run to 10:30 am. What a great opportunity for kids to learn how to fish while competing for prizes. No child goes away empty handed.

The first derby will be next Saturday, April 8 at the Hatchery’s Lower Pool.

Incidentally, the mission of the Friends of the Berkshire National Fish Hatchery is to support and partner with the US Fish & Wildlife Service to help sustain the hatchery and ensure it thrives. It encourages public appreciation for and support of the hatchery, freshwater ecosystems, and recreational fishing in the Berkshires by:

  • Engaging and educating the public about the fish hatchery and related conservation, restoration, and ecosystems;
  • Supporting the education of school age youth and educators; and
  • Encouraging and supporting environmentally responsible recreational fishing.

The year 2022 marked the 150th anniversary of the National Fish Hatchery System. DC Booth, in Partnership with the Friends Group and the Booth Society of Spearfish, South Dakota is constructing a commemorative quilt to highlight the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s current hatcheries, tech centers, and health centers.

Once completed they would like the quilt to travel to displays such as regional offices, major visitor’s centers, and the like. Ultimately it will be stored permanently in the National Fish and Aquatic Conservation Archives in Spearfish.

To complete its contribution, the Friends of the Berkshire National Fish Hatchery turned to no other quilter than their own Marcia Doelman who lives close to the hatchery. Marcia was married to the Friends former President, the late John Doelman and is herself a former Board Member. (I was good friends with John and he greatly influenced me to try fishing for large brook trout up in Nunavik, Canada).

Marcia has been a long-time member of the Peacemakers Quilters in neighboring Monterey. The Friends left the whole project in her very capable hands as to the design and creation of a quilt square to represent the Berkshire National Fish Hatchery. They were very pleased with the resulting square, and it was sent off to South Dakota to be included in the finished quilt.

Good for you Marcia!   You did a wonderful job.

DFW Land Acquisition

 

At the March meeting of the Berkshire County League of Sportsmen, DFW Western District Supervisor Andrew Madden reported that MassWildlife had just completed a land protection transaction by acquiring 10 acres along Starkweather Road in Worthington. This parcel is the last lot on Starkweather Road and is surrounded by the Fox Den Wildlife Management Area (WMA). By acquiring this parcel MassWildlife has expanded on the existing WMA and prevented development which would have had a substantial impact on hunting setbacks at Fox Den.

 

Basic Hunter Education Courses

 

Basic Hunter Education courses will be offered at:

  • Ashfield Rod & Gun Club, 116 North Street, Plainfield/Ashfield on Saturday, April 15 from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm. Attendees (must complete the online study guide before registering).
  • Worthington Rod and Gun Club on 458 Dingle Road (Route 112), Worthington on April 17, 18, 20 and 21 from 5:30 to 9:00 pm. Attendance at all dates is required.

 

To enroll, call (508)389-7830

Taconic Chapter of Trout Unlimited is ramping up activities

 

After being relatively low keyed during the covid epidemic over the last couple of years, Taconic TU is swinging into action again.

 

On Thursday, April 13, at 6:00 pm Taconic TU will be hosting at its general meeting DFW Western District Supervisor Andrew Madden and Aquatic Biologist Leanda Fontaine Gagnon as guest speakers.  They will be introducing a summary of MassWildlife Western District programs.

 

It will take place at the Pleasant and Main Café & General Store in Housatonic, MA, which has a general store decor with a strong sporting and fly-fishing theme.

 

A meal can be purchased for those interested but you will have to BYOB.

 

Then, on Sunday, April 23 at 2:00 pm, Taconic TU will be presenting the 2023 Fly Fishing Film Tour at the Images Cinema, 50 Spring Street, Williamstown. Tickets which cost $15.00 can be purchased at (https://imagescinema.org/movie/fly-film-fishing-tour-2023).

 

Following that, there will be a reception hosted by Cheeky Fishing.  The reception will be held  next door to Images Cinema at ” The Log by Ramuntos” from 4:00 to 6:00 pm. RSVP for the reception (https://cheekyfishing.com/pages/tu-cheeky-rsvp).

 

They will have raffles for items throughout the film and at the reception. These will be serious raffle and auction items such as Orvis items, Cheeky Fishing, Yeti, Wingo Outdoors, restaurants, guided fishing trips and at least two rods.  Someone will leave with a Francis “Digger” Degere bamboo fly rod worth over $1,200. The late Degere was an internationally known bamboo flyrod maker from Adams.  He passed away in November, 1999 but his rods continue to be in high demand.

 

The screening of the film is sponsored by: Cheeky Fishing, Wingo Outdoors, Mezze Restaurant Group, Wild Soul River, and Moresi & Associates Development Company

Out of Commission

Due to circumstances beyond my control, I won’t be able to completely assemble next weekend’s column.   I have asked local flyfisherman Marc Hoechstetter from Cummington to step in and relate one of his flyfishing experiences on the Deerfield River.  I’m sure you will enjoy it.

Also, I won’t be able to provide the latest trout stocking report, but you should be able to find out where trout stockings have taken place by clicking onto the MassWildlife web page https://www.mass.gov/service-details/trout-stocking-report.

Hopefully, I’ll be back at the desk the following week.

2023 spring trout stocking beginning soon

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At the last Berkshire County League of Sportsmen’s (BCLS) meeting, DFW Western District  Supervisor Andrew Madden reported that MassWildlife will stock nearly 500,000 brook, brown, rainbow, and tiger trout across Massachusetts this year—nearly 470,000 will be stocked during the early spring.  The Western District waters should receive approximately 20% of the allotted fish.

Stocking in southeastern waters started March 6 and other regions of the state will begin as soon as weather conditions allow. As of Tuesday, March 14, no Western District waters have been stocked yet.

MassWildlife raises trout in its five hatcheries in Sandwich, Palmer, Belchertown, Sunderland, and Montague.

“Anglers can look forward to another outstanding trout fishing season. Thanks to the year-round work of our dedicated staff, the quality and size of the fish we are stocking this spring is exceptional,” said Dr. Caleb Slater, MassWildlife’s Chief of Hatcheries. “MassWildlife stocks these trout in more than 220 cities and towns across the Commonwealth, which helps make great fishing opportunities more accessible to anyone who enjoys the outdoors.”

Most of the trout will be over 12 inches, more than 175,000 rainbow trout will be over 14 inches, more than 51,000 brook trout will be over 12 inches, including 300 18”+ retired brood fish.  Some 50,000 brown trout will be over 12 inches, including nearly 700 18”+ retired brood fish and more than 2,500 tiger trout will be over 14 inches

Boating Safety Classes

 

At that same BCLS meeting, Environmental Police Lt. Tara Carlow reported that she scheduled two boating safety classes in our region. One is at Berkshire Community College on April 16 and April 23 from noon to 5:00 pm.  The other is at the Cheshire Rod & Gun Club on April 4, 5, 11 and 13 from 5:00 to 8:30 pm. Participants must be there all days.

 

She reminded the League that Massachusetts law requires all motorboat operators who are 12 through 15 years of age to complete an approved boating course in order to operate a motorboat without adult supervision. Also, all PWC operators who are 16 or 17 years of age or older must complete an approved boating course.  The Massachusetts Environmental Police Requirements are: You must be at least 12 years old to take the course, and you do not have to be a resident of Massachusetts to take this course.

People must have written permission or trails must be open to the use of off-road vehicles (ORV) and all machines must be properly registered, even on their own property.  Pittsfield State Forest ORV season does not open until May 1, and may be delayed by muddy conditions.  All fines and regulations were modernized in 2010 when an 8-year-old boy was involved in a fatal ATV accident.

A Massachusetts law, enacted that year restricting the use of ORVs to those age 14 and older led to significant reductions in both emergency department visits and hospital admissions resulting from ORV injuries in the following three years according to a study by investigators at Massachusetts General Hospital, comparing injury rates before and after the law’s enactment.

Lt Carlow also mentioned that they will try to do an ORV education class.  Anyone in Massachusetts who is younger than 18 years old has to have this education to drive an ATV, dirt bike or side by side along with other age requirements. A class has not been held in the Berkshires in a while because only certified officers can teach it.  There are no specifics on it yet.

 

Lastly, she also mentioned an incident where MA EPOs assisted with a case that resulted in an arrest in Maine.  A guy from Attleboro, MA was paying people in Maine to trap wild snowshoe hares and he was taking them back to Attleboro for his own beagles to run.  The US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) also got involved. He received a 1-year probation, a $10,000 fine, and a $1,800 restitution to Maine for the hares.

Migratory Bird Regulations

At that same BCLS meeting, Madden reported that The Massachusetts Fisheries and Wildlife Board voted to move MassWildlife’s proposed Migratory Bird regulations to public hearing. This annual process sets dates and limits for seasons on Migratory birds within a framework set by the USFWS.

The primary changes include the following:

  • Increase the Mallard Bag limit from 2 to 4
  • Increase the Berkshire Goose season from 30 days to 45 days and increase the bag from 1 to 3
  • Open the Berkshire duck season October 9 (Holiday)
  • Open the Central duck season October 14th (Saturday)

 

Here they come again

MassWildlife officials are reminding the public that March is the month when hungry bears emerge from their winter dens and seek out food. Natural foods such as acorns and other nuts are usually available on the ground, but last year’s fall hard mast crop was meager. Bears will often ignore seasonally available natural foods including skunk cabbage in favor of an easy meal at a backyard bird feeder. Other species including wild turkeys and coyotes may also frequent bird feeders leading to a variety of nuisance issues.

To avoid these problems, MassWildlife asks property owners to be proactive by removing bird feeders and other potential food sources including garbage or open compost. If you enjoy watching birds in your yard, MassWildlife suggests adding a water feature, growing native plants, shrubs, and trees to attract birds. Individuals should also secure bee hives, chickens, and livestock. Properly maintained electric fencing is the only way to protect chickens or bee hives from bears. Taking these actions may prevent the unnatural feeding of bears and other kinds of neighborhood wildlife.

There are at least 4,500 black bears in Massachusetts and their range is expanding eastward. Act by educating yourself and your neighbors about proactive measures to avoid conflicts with bears. For more information about black bears in Massachusetts, visit mass.gov/bears.

 

Gala Event

On April 1, the Lee Sportsmen’s Association/Ducks Unlimited (LSA/DU) 7th Annual Youth Sports Gala will take place at the Country Club in Pittsfield.  There will be raffles, live and silent auctions.  Doors open at 4:00 pm, dinner served at 6:00 pm.  Tickets cost $100 per person and can be purchased at leesportsmen.com or mail to Lee Sportsmen’s Association, PO Box 175, Lee, MA 01238.

Keeping with the LSA, Turkey Shoots will take place every Sunday through March 26, from 1:00 pm to 4:00pm.  Prizes include: NY Strip steaks, turkeys, pork loins, and spiral hams.  Cost: $3/shot-meat, $3/shot money shoot.  Lunch available for purchase.  Contact President Doug Frank at (413) 822-6490 with any questions.

Pistol License Course

On Saturday, March 25, Pete’s Gun Shop is hosting the MA Pistol License Course which qualifies you to apply for a MA LTC or FID, plus pistol licenses issued by AZ, CT, FL, ME, NH, PA, etc. The course includes firearm laws, safe gun handling, operation, maintenance, shooting fundamentals, etc. Live fire is also included, and is required by CT, FL and several MA municipalities. You will receive new wrap-around shooting glasses and folding muff type hearing protection that are yours to keep.

This will be a one day all inclusive, live fire class at the Cheshire Rod & Gun Club. The class starts at 9:00 am. They spend time at the range and you get to shoot. You are also given an NRA Basic Pistol Safety textbook which is included in the class cost of $160.00.

 

You also get a $10 gift certificate to Pete’s Gun Shop in appreciation for taking the course. You are asked to pre-register by calling or stopping in at Pete’s Gun Shop at 413-743-0780, as space is limited. This live fire course fills up very quickly so call or stop in early to pre-register.

 

Prepayment is required at the time of registration. They do accept credit cards in person at the shop or by phone.

A look back at 2022 Woods and Waters columns

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

Picture provided by Middlebrook family

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

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

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

 

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

Happy New Year!

Good news for the Deerfield River brown trout

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Background:  Wild Brown Trout Spawning Studies conducted by the Deerfield River Watershed Chapter of Trout Unlimited (DRWTU) volunteers, under the guidance of Dr. Michael Cole, of Cole Ecological, Inc. of Greenfield, in 2017, and Dr. Erin Rodgers, of Trout Unlimited, in 2018, documented that brown trout were successfully spawning in the upper Fife Brook section of the Deerfield River.

But the studies also revealed that winter conditions were destroying many of the eggs during periods of minimum flow. The irrefutable results in these studies convinced MA Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) that the damage to wild trout from Fife Brook’s winter flow regime needed to be addressed. Thank goodness, the DEP declined to authorize the Water Quality Certificate – mandated in the FERC re-licensing process – until this issue could be resolved.

The outcome was an Agreement negotiated between DRWTU (under the umbrella of Trout Unlimited, Inc), MA Division of Fisheries & Wildlife, MA Division of Natural Heritage and Endangered Species, Brookfield Renewable Power and MA DEP that will benefit the wild brown trout as well as other aquatic organisms in the river. It is noteworthy that DRWTU was the only non-governmental agency that signed-on to be an Intervenor in the process.

An Agreement with Brookfield Renewable Power Company will allow for increased minimum winter flows from their Fife Brook Dam and Bear Swamp Pump Storage Operations on the Deerfield River. The Agreement was approved by MA DEP Commissioner Martin Suuberg on September 27. The Agreement is part of DEP’s Water Quality Certification process, which is directly tied to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s (FERC) Re-Licensing of Brookfield’s Fife Brook Dam and Bear Swamp Pump Storage Operations. In late 2025 or early 2026, the winter minimum flow at Fife Brook Dam will increase from 125 cubic feet per second (cfs) to 225 cfs for the period from November 1 to April 15 every year going forward.

The Agreement also provides for a $125,000 fund, paid by Brookfield Power, for ecological projects on the Deerfield.

“This is a huge victory for the ecology of the river,” said Eric Halloran, president of the DRWTU. “We know from our spawning studies that the lack of water during minimum flows was killing off nearly 40 percent of the trout redds (nests) and eggs over the course of the winter. The eggs suffered as a result of being de-watered, exposed to the air, and frozen. The minor increase in river flow negotiated in this agreement will keep the eggs covered with water throughout the winter and allow more eggs to hatch in the spring. More trout will hatch and increase the number of wild fish in the river.”

Picture provided by Deerfield River Watershed TU

“Achieving Intervenor status gave us a seat at the table and a stronger bargaining position than we could ever have achieved by simply commenting on the outcome from the sidelines.” Halloran noted. “We’re incredibly pleased with this outcome and there were many years of hard work and countless hours of volunteer time that led to this moment.” Halloran specifically praised Springfield attorney Christopher Myhrum, who specializes in environmental law, for volunteering his services to lead the negotiation effort. Halloran also thanked former DRWTU President and Vice-President Kevin Parsons, Esq., and Christopher Jackson, a veteran fishing guide on the Deerfield, for pushing DRWTU’s agenda in the re-licensing process for 10 years.

DRWTU hopes that this historic achievement will be a crucial step in creating the Commonwealth’s first Wild Trout Management Area, where an improved ecosystem will allow fly fishers of today and tomorrow to appreciate a healthy population of wily, wild Brown Trout.”

Personally, I am particularly proud that our local chapter of TU (Taconic Chapter) helped in this effort by contributing funds and volunteer hours during this process. Well that they should, for many local anglers fly fish that river.  But the bulk of the work was conducted by the DRWTU volunteers.  Congratulations fellow anglers for the job well done. You have made Massachusetts’ premier trout river even better.

Time to bone up on our hunting laws

Now that many of the hunting seasons are open, hunters are (or should be) aware of the various regulations governing them.  Laws governing such subjects as daily harvest totals, hunting tags, the type of hunting tools allowed, hunter red requirements, etc. are generally known by hunters and are abided with in order to stay out of trouble with the law.

But tucked away in the abstracts are other not so obvious regulations which can also get you into trouble if violated. Let’s review some:

Tree Stands: Written permission of the landowner (on either public or private lands) is required to construct or use any tree stand which is fastened to a tree by nails, bolts, wire, or other fasteners that intrude through the bark into the wood of the tree, or that is fastened or erected in any manner and is emplaced for a period exceeding 30 days. This includes hang-on tree stands.

Landowner permission:  Hunting, fishing, and trapping are permitted on private land that is not posted against trespass; however, some towns have bylaws that require written permission. As a courtesy, ask the landowner for permission in advance. If you plan to use wildlife/trail cameras on private land, seek permission for that activity as well. Landowners with posted land may provide (written) permission for individuals to access their property. Written landowner permission is required to trap on posted land.

Hunters should check for relevant town bylaws pertaining to any written permission requirements and restrictions on discharge of firearms.

Landowner Liability: Landowners permitting use of their property for recreation without charging a fee are not liable for injuries to recreational users of the property except in cases of willful, wanton, or reckless conduct by the owner.

Careless and negligent use of firearms:   Fines of up to $500 and/or 6 months imprisonment and loss of license for 5 years.  In some cases, licenses could be revoked for one year in addition to other penalties; fines of up to $1,000, restitutions, and/or one year in jail.

Use of handguns:   Handguns are not allowed for deer hunting and may not be in your possession while deer hunting.

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

Hunter harassment:  No person shall obstruct, interfere with or otherwise prevent the lawful taking of fish or wildlife by another at the locale where such activity is taking place. It shall be a violation for a person to intentionally (1) drive or disturb wildlife or fish for the purpose of interrupting a lawful taking; (2) block, follow, impede or otherwise harass another who is engaged in the lawful taking of fish or wildlife; (3) use natural or artificial visual, aural, olfactory or physical stimulus to effect wildlife in order to hinder or prevent such taking; (4) erect barriers with the intent to deny ingress or egress to areas where the lawful taking of wildlife may occur; (5) interject himself into the line of fire; (6) effect the condition or placement of personal or public property intended for use in the taking of wildlife; or (7) enter or remain upon public lands, or upon private lands without the permission of the owner or his agent, with intent to violate this section.. A person who sustains damage as a result of any act which is in violation of this section may bring a civil action for punitive damages. Environmental protection officers and other law enforcement officers with arrest powers shall be authorized to enforce the provisions.

This section shall not apply to the owners of the lands or waters or tenants or other persons acting under the authority of such owners of the lands or waters.

Wanton Waste:  And, of course, there is the recently enacted Wanton Waste laws where it is unlawful for any person while hunting or trapping to waste an animal. Each retrieved animal shall be retained or transferred to another until processed or used for food, the pelt, feathers, or taxidermy.

It was a good year for MassWildlife/ Department of Fish & Game land acquisitions and conservation

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In his October report to the Berkshire County League of Sportsmen (BCLS), DFW Western District Supervisor Andrew Madden reported that the MassWildlife/Division of Fish & Game land program was very successful once again in FY22 (July 1, 2021-June 30, 2022) completing 11 projects and protecting 937 acres. These projects were

completed using bond funds, Land Stamp funds, and cooperative partnerships with area Land Trusts.

The following is the full list of projects:

  • Soda Creek Wildlife Conservation Easement (WCE) in Sheffield  – 301 acres along Water Farm Road in cooperation with Berkshire Natural Resource Council.
  • Elizabeth Woods WCE – 86 acres along North Egremont Road in cooperation with Alford Land Trust
  • Karner Brook Wildlife Management Area (WMA) – 19 acres near Smiley Pond in Egremont in cooperation with The Nature Conservancy.
  • Misery Mountain WMA – 5 acres along Route 43 in Hancock abutting the existing WMA
  • Fox Den WMA – 26 acres of landlocked woods in Chester abutting the existing WMA on Smith/Patterson Road
  • Hinsdale Flats WMA – 15 acres along Washington Road abutting the existing WMA
  • Konkapot River Access – 8 acres along the Konkapot River in New Marlborough
  • Ram Hill WMA – 86 acres of oak woodlands along old Chesterfield Road in Chesterfield
  • Tower Brook WMA – 207 acres along Bronson/West Branch Brook in Chesterfield
  • Fox Den WMA – 10 acres abutting the existing WMA along Starkweather Road in Worthington
  • Jackson Swamp WCE – 175 Acres along Route 112 in Worthington in cooperation with Hilltown Land Trust

All these properties are open to hunting, fishing, and trapping.

All projects can be viewed on the MassWildlife Land Viewer https://www.mass.gov/howto/masswildlife–lands–viewer

Archery deer hunting and fall turkey hunting starts next week

Archery Season starts in Zones 1 – 9 on October 17 and runs until November 26.  A hunting or sporting license is required along with an Archery Stamp.  Two antlered deer may be taken annually with at least one antler 3 inches or larger.

Archery season can be dangerous as many hunters hunt out of tree stands. Almost every year we read about someone falling out of a stand and getting seriously injured or killed. Bow hunters should bone up on safe procedures in climbing to and getting into the tree stand.

Wild turkey hunting also opens on October 17 in Zones 1 – 9 and also runs until November 26.  A hunting or sporting license is required as well as a turkey permit and an official safety sticker.  The sticker must be placed on the gun in such a way that it must be visible when the hunter is sighting down the barrel.  One turkey of either sex may be taken during the fall season.

Good luck hunters and be careful.

Great Barrington approves a new ordinance to help curb problem bears.

Like other nearby towns Great Barrington is experiencing problems with bears looking for food in bird feeders, garbage pails and business dumpsters instead of in wild environs where they feed on wild apples, berries and other natural foods. Such close encounters with humans usually do not result in happy endings for the bears.

In an effort to reduce the numbers of bear/people encounters, the Board of Health voted unanimously last week on a bylaw that restricts such access. They enacted a new law making it illegal to feed wildlife, intentionally or not. Bears have been breaking into houses in recent years and health officials say it’s the unsecured restaurant trash bins, neighborhood trash and compost containing animal products or bones that put people at risk. The ordinance will seek to lessen conflicts that can result in a dead bear.  It’s time to crack down on people whose behavior draws wildlife to places they shouldn’t be. The new ordinance took effect immediately.

A first violation would involve a written warning with information and suggestions for securing food and other attractants. A second violation comes with a $50 fine; beyond that, fines rise to $200.  It doesn’t make bird feeders illegal, but if they are found to be the source of a problem, residents will be ticketed.

OLA (Old Lard Ass) seen resting before taking on an apple tree. Picture provided by Paul Knauth

According to MassWildlife’s Black Bear Biologist David Wattles, the new law doesn’t preclude the use of bird feeders. “However; some people hide behind this and claim that they are just feeding the birds. They have many bird feeders out in the backyard or they have trays of black oil sunflower seed. It is Waddles’ opinion that they’re clearly feeding other wildlife. When a bear finds food rummaging through garbage, it will return, Wattles said.

Great Barrington Conservation Agent, Shepard “Shep” Evans, said he is relieved the town will police human behavior he calls “inexcusable.”  “It really is important not to pervert the wildlife feeding world with thoughtless garden garbage and intentional feeding,” he said. A bear can grow habituated and lose its fear of humans.

When asked if there was any “push back” from the town residents or business owners, Evans was not aware of any.  The residents seem to agree with the Board of Health decision.

The town of Stockbridge put its ordinance on the books last year. Businesses with dumpsters were a major attractant and the ordinance enabled the police and town officials to encourage them to comply.  “It made a difference in resolving some of the issues where they were having bears walking down Main Street on a regular basis,” Wattles said.

MassWildlife’s stocking procedures are questioned.

Last week a reader called expressing disapproved with how trout are being released into our waters.  They simply throw the fish into the lakes out of pails or nets rather than bending down and releasing the fish more gently so that they can leisurely swim away.  It’s a reasonable question, in fact for a while, I questioned the procedure myself.  I learned that there is a reason.  I forwarded the question to DFW Western District supervisor Andrew Madden to give a more complete answer that I could.  It is as follows:

Proper handling of fish that are caught and released is an important part of fishing that all anglers should understand. When someone catches a fish that will be released, either by regulation or by choice, that fish is already acclimated to the water and so a slow and gentle release is often the best way (particularly with trout).

In contrast, our stocked trout are going from one environment (truck) to another (lake/river/stream). These environments have differences in temperature, oxygen, even water chemistry. Because of this, when fish are stocked into a river, stream, or lake they need to adjust physiologically. When we toss fish, it stimulates a response which causes them to swim more actively, move water over gills, find cooler water, and adjust more quickly. When fish are placed gently into the water along the shore they often lay in place, taking a longer time to adjust. MassWildlife staff have stocked millions of fish over the years and we have learned from experience that the tossing technique is generally the best approach.

 

Much better explanation that I could have given.  I believed it had something to do with the effects of the aerated stocking trucks affecting their air bladders and the rougher treatment is something like burping the baby.

 

Drivers, brake for moose and deer

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

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

Deer and moose/vehicle collisions should be reported to the Environmental Police at 1-800-632-8075.

 

Small game, upland game and waterfowl hunting seasons are opening next week

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Time to oil up the pea shooter, check out the decoys, waterproof your boots, etc.  Monday, October 10 begins the hunting seasons for Regular Geese and Ducks in our area.  Its important that you check the waterfowl regulations for there is a myriad of regulations, including the use of non-toxic shot, HIP compliance, State and Federal permits required, kinds and numbers of ducks that can be harvested, etc. You are requested to report all banded bird information to www.reportband.gov. Don’t forget to wear your personal floatation vest if applicable.

Incidentally, Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) has been detected in domestic and wild birds in MA. Because common eiders were impacted by HPAI, hunters across the Atlantic flyway are being asked to voluntarily avoid shooting hens and young, brown eiders this season.

common eiders photo provided by MassWildlife

 

Next Saturday, October 15, the ringneck pheasant, ruffed grouse, cottontail rabbit, snowshoe hare and coyote seasons open statewide. Remember, this year there is a new pheasant/quail permit which is required for pheasant hunters.  It costs $4.00 this year.  As previously noted, it is imperative that you check and abide by the regulations covering these game species.

 

The woods are busy this time of year so be careful. Bring some tick protection spray along and, remember, no hunting on Sundays in Massachusetts.

Bear hunting season off to a good start

According to preliminary figures provided by MassWildlife some 153 black bears were harvested statewide in this year’s September bear hunting season.  That compares with 112 that were taken last year. According to DFW Western District Supervisor, Andrew Madden, it is a “solid number” for them and puts them on pace for a good overall season.

The second bear season opens on November 7 and runs to November 26

Lately, some bear hunters have expressed concern about shooting a bear that is collared.  Their concern is whether or not people should eat the meat that has been previously immobilized by a dart.  I took that question to David Wattles, DFW Black Bear & Furbearer Biologist and here is his response:

“It is perfectly safe to harvest and eat a bear that is ear tagged or collared. The ear tags enable us to identify the bear, so we can determine the last time it was handled. If we had a bear that was very recently handled and taken in the hunting season, we would notify the hunter not to consume it. That being said, it is safe to consume meat from a bear that has received immobilization drugs 15 days after handling. It is very common practice for bears to be immobilized, tagged, hunted, and eaten throughout the U.S. without negative results.”

 

“I should note” he wrote, “that we also make every effort not to handle bears during or shortly before hunting season. None of our collared bears have been handled since late June and the vast majority of them not since March or before. Our trapping season ends in early July and only bears relocated in emergency situations would have been handled since then. I believe there are at most only 2-3 in the whole state since July and all of those would be safe to consume by now.”

 

Tri-Club skeet shooting results

Bill Stanard, spokesman for the Sheffield Sportsmen’s Club, reported the results of the Tri-Club Skeet Shooting Tournament which took place last Sunday after two years of no tournament because of the covid 19 pandemic.  The Sheffield Sportsmen’s Club won.

 

The scores were:   Sheffield – 1,348, Stockbridge Sportsmen’s Club – 1,270 (second) and Lee Sportsmen’s Association – 1,258.  (third)

 

Ryan Shimmon was high scorer for Sheffield with scores of 45,46 and 49 out of 50 shots.

 

Fall trout stocking is underway

Children stocking trout, picture provided by MassWildlife

MassWildlife has begun its trout stockings here in the Western District.  As of October 3, they have stocked the following waters: Stockbridge Bowl, Onota Lake, Lake Buel, Goose Pond, Laurel Lake, North Pond, Windsor Lake, Windsor Pond, Otis Reservoir, Richmond Pond and Ashfield Lake.  They have also stocked the Deerfield and East Branch of the Westfield River (C&R).  With the exception of Ashfield Lake, which was stocked with brown trout, all of the other waters received stockings of rainbow trout.

 

DFW trout stocking program questioned

 

From time to time, I receive correspondence from readers expressing their opinions on items written in this column.  The following is one that I received from a close friend and well- known and respected local environmentalist/conservationist. Far from being an expert, the letter probably should have been forwarded to the DFW, and a better response given, but because of our friendship, I responded as following:

 

Question: “I completely support protecting and restoring brook trout habitat! But why on earth does DFW stock non-native trout that can out compete our native brookies for food?  I oppose DFW wasting money on fish stocking. What do you think?”

 

Response:  Your questions regarding the stocking policy of the DFW with regard to brook trout is bona-fide and deserves a serious response.  I will give you my take on it.

 

As you probably know, the only native trout in the eastern US, were brook trout (actually char).  They were plentiful and easy to catch and our forefathers were greedy (or hungry) and caught more than their share, resulting in bringing the numbers down to near extinction.  Surviving populations existed only in the remotest, most difficult places to access such as in Maine, Labrador, and a few secret spots here in the Berkshires.

Sometime in the late 1800’s fish biologists began to fear that the native brook trout population would be wiped out completely if no action was taken and because of that, began to look into importing and introducing other types of trout to our area.  It was either that or ban trout fishing altogether, which no one would accept.

Brown Trout from Europe and Rainbow Trout from out west were introduced to our waters with the probable thought being that some trout fishing was better than no trout fishing (and eating).  The new, non-native trout took hold nicely and provided anglers with fishing (and) immeasurable enjoyment (catching them.)  Unfortunately, the larger stocked trout out-competed the wild trout (for food) for a while until the warmer months when the wild guys have the advantage of knowing where to find cooler waters necessary for their survival.

Fast forward to now.  If brown and rainbow trout fishing was not allowed here, there would probably be no trout fishing whatsoever.  Yes, DFW stocks hatchery brook trout, but they would be caught out fairly rapidly and are not as tough or resilient as the native guys. (Put and take, thus leaving the native guys alone.)

MassWildlife is generally careful about where they stock the non-native fish, taking pains to leave wild brook habitat pretty much alone or stocking at the lower, larger reaches of the rivers while leaving the upper, cooler reaches of the river to the wild brookies.  I say generally as there are a few streams which are stocked which would perhaps be better off left alone.  But those streams (usually) are stocked mainly in neighborhoods for kids to fish and they want to go home with some nice fish.

The raising and stocking of these non-native trout, has provided a lot of employment as well as enjoyment for anglers over the years.  In some cases, it got the kids out of doors and have inspired youths to take up the sport which often times led to interests in other environmental issues. (I did).

Many kids don’t understand the concept of preserving the wild brookie and are only interested in catching a trout and bringing it home to mom or dad.  (I can speak from experience because each year, the Berkshire County League of Sportsmen has a Youth Outreach fishing day, mainly for kids who would otherwise not have the opportunity to go fishing.  You should see the look of glee on their faces when they catch a trout.)

By not stocking them, are we not depriving kids of that pleasure?

So, as you see, the answer to your question is complicated. And you are not alone in your concerns. There is a movement by some groups such as the Native Fish Coalition to do less such stocking.

Far from a perfect solution, I personally think the MassWildlife is addressing the trout stocking issue fairly well.

Flyfishing Trip to Labrador was a great success

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A couple of years ago 3 local fly fishermen and their friend Bill Waite (from Westminster, MA) started planning a trip up to Labrador. The local anglers were Attorney Michael Shepard and Craig Smith from Dalton and me.  We planned to float plane into a remote area up there known for having some of the largest brook trout in the world.  Bill, Mike and I had fished there before out of the Minipi River Lodge.    Readers may recall that trip chronicled in this column in September 2016.   This year we were going to fish out of the Igloo Lake Lodge. This would be Craig’s first trip up there.

Well, Covid came along and for the next two years curtailed our plans.

This year, things opened up and we were good to go.  Airline tickets were purchased, proper equipment was purchased and practiced on, booze orders were arranged to be sent in, and in my case, I was walking 2 miles a day to get into shape. It was to be a 10-day trip with 6 fishing days.

All systems go.  Mike and Craig would fish together and me and Bill would be the other team.  Each pair had a guide.

About a month before our departure, a surprise health issue arose with me, with treatment precluding me from going on that fishing trip.  Talk about a kick in the pants.  C’est la vie!  (Such is life). On departure day, I saw the guys off with a heavy heart.

They drove to Montreal, took a flight from there to Goose Bay, Labrador and then float planed in a Borealis Airlines twin engine Otter into Igloo Camp, an island on the Igloo River, which is on the headwaters of the Eagle River system.72 miles South East of Goose Bay near the 53rd parallel. On the way in, they “really enjoyed” all the stories about the 2 float planes that crashed in the past, one of the bodies was never found. Igloo Camp outfitters lease 2 acres of land from the government which gives them access to the various areas.

As soon as they arrived, they began catching huge brook trout.  I repeat HUGE.  Some days they would wade flyfish the river, while other days they fished Burton Pond out of canoes. (They lost one day due to bad weather at the camp).

That brook trout fishery is unique in the world, with trout exceeding 9 lbs.  And the outfitters intend to keep it that way – flyfishing only, single, barbless hooks, catch and release only.

Craig’s large trout

Of course, Craig Smith out-fished the others, cleaning their clocks nearly every day usually with the most and largest fish.   Going by the guides estimates for weights he caught over 16 trout between 5 and 9 lbs, another 15 -20 in the 2-5 lbs. range and endless amounts of smaller fish. He caught one 4 lbs trout with talon marks (from an eagle?) on its back. He mostly fished the river but the majority of the real big fish came from Burtons Pond.  But he did catch three 7-8 lbs. fish in the river.

Look at that beauty that he caught out of a canoe.

He may not have caught the largest trout on this trip, though, for Bill landed a trout that his guide estimated to be around 9 lbs.  He said that it was the largest brook trout that he had seen this season and he had previously measured fish in the eight-pound range.  He said that this fish was bigger, between 8 and 9 lbs.  Look at that fish!  Just think, it could have been mine!

Bill’s 9 lb brookie

Bill caught it out of a back stream at the base of Mealy Mountain using an 8-wt flyrod with 3x leader. It is a little inlet to a stream with a water depth of only about 3 feet. He caught it on a size 12 Stimulator fly.  The fight began as a very gentle sip, but then it got wild. “The fish put up “a hell of a fight” and he thought they were going to capsize the boat at one point.  “In that small area, the big fish was running all over the place”.  They don’t jump at all, except on the original take.  It was a wild fight and he was very excited to catch that fish.  He never caught such a big fish on a dry fly before. He also caught quite a few other nice sized fish.

Mike’s big brookie

So how did Mike do?  Well, it was a tough trip for dry fly guys and Mike is a dry fly fisherman. To his joy, he saw lots of size 6 or 8 large hex (hexagenia limbata) mayflies all over the water, but the fish weren’t feeding on them.  The traditional topwater bite was almost non-existent. But he quickly figured it out, changed dry flies and began catching them in great numbers on a large green drake fly (Ephemera guttulate.)  As the picture clearly illustrates, he caught some bruisers, too.  That one in the picture topped 6 lbs.

The guys also caught quite a few pike some around the 40” mark.

All of the weights were estimates as the guides at Igloo do not usually carry scales with them.  They allow you to hold the fish for a picture and then immediately release them.

Craig used a variety of flies including big ugly 4”- 6” long streamers, leech imitations and nymphs. Black and white were the best colors. A rod size 9’, 6wt was his go-to rod, but he used his 10’, 7-wt on the lakes.

Mike and Craig said wading was treacherous as the boulders seemed to be that size that are perfect for losing your footing, and they were extremely slick. “The trek into Burton Pond was the worse 2 miles of walking you can imagine. Imagine walking for 2 miles on top of a waterbed covered with a saturated 12” sponge. Throw in mud, roots, holes, and stumps and endless waves of mosquitos, blackflies and no-see-ums in your eyes, nose, and throat. An occasional cigar helped clear the air.” said Craig.

The longest walk to the river was also about 2 miles to “Archies Hole” and Mike and Craig made this hike twice during the trip where they encountered endless roots, stumps, mud, and logs, always wet and slick as glass and thick black spruce on both sides of the trail. Though they never saw any bears they were graced daily with big piles of bear poop at multiple locations along this trail.” I’m sure they were watching.” Craig said.

Craig lost both of his felt soles to the mud bog but fortunately found them coming out and he was able to screw them back onto his waders for the rest of the trip. “If I had a dollar for every time Mike and I ended up on our asses walking into fishing spots,” he said, “ I could probably pay for another trip up there.”

But he would do it in a heartbeat because the fishing was phenomenal.

They claimed the lodge itself was beautiful. All the rooms were modernized single rooms and they had three very good meals a day.

If you go there, you will need very good raingear and layers of warm clothes. Be prepared for anything.

Cost of trip? Fortunately, they had discounted vouchers. Otherwise, one might have to pay around $7,000 which includes tips for the outstanding guides.

Sounds like they had a fantastic trip.  Wish I was there.

Massachusetts Gun Law Seminar 

 

The Stockbridge Sportsmen’s Club, located at 24 West Stockbridge Road, Stockbridge, is hosting a Massachusetts Gun Law Seminar entitled Separating Fact & Fiction on Wednesday, August 31 at 6:00 pm sharp.

 

The 3.5+ hour long seminar explains State and Federal laws and regulations, in layperson terms, pertaining to definitions, purchase, possession, transport, record keeping requirements, buying/selling, interstate transport, interstate purchase, ammunition storage and best practices for gun owners.

 

Seminar lecturer Jon Green has been the Director of Education and Training for Gun Owner’s Action League since 1999. He served on the NSSF Range Advisory Committee for 4 years and has owned and managed FFL 01 businesses. He has conducted similar classes for thousands of citizens, hundreds of MA State Police BFS Certified Instructors, MA Hunter Education Instructors and MA EPO’s.

 

Fee: Contributions appreciated.  To Register: robmcdermott@verizon.net 413-232-7700.

Growing Massachusetts deer population prompts increase in Antlerless Deer Permits

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The following information was gleaned from the June 22, 2022 Minutes of the Fish & Wildlife Board.  They were approved at the July 18, 2022 Board Meeting. DFW Deer and Moose Biologist Martin Feehan provided much of the following data to the Board.  Let’s start with the 2021 deer harvest figures.

The total statewide 2021 deer harvest was 13,363 indicating a 10.8% decline from the 2020 harvest of 14,766 which was an all-time record year.  The minutes do not indicate a reason for the decline.

We didn’t do too bad here in Western Mass.  The breakdown of our deer harvest (Zones 1 through 4) for 2021 and 2020 are as follows:

Zone 1- (2021) 356 vs (2020) 352; Zone 2- 531 vs 541; Zone 3- 549 vs 578; Zone 4N- 574 vs 611; and Zone 4S-364 vs 367.  The total deer harvested for 2021was 2,374 vs 2,449 or a total drop of 75 deer.

Once again, there were more deer harvested statewide by archery than by shotgun or muzzleloader.  The deer harvest by method of hunting was as follows: 6,432 were taken by archery, 4,282 by shotgun and 2,652 were taken by primitive firearms.

More than 3,000 of the deer taken in Zones 10 and 11 were taken by archers and that doesn’t include deer taken by archers in the shotgun and primitive firearms seasons which is legal.  Probably the main reason is that those zones have high density human populations. Some towns may not allow hunting with firearms in their town/city limits, so some hunters went to the quieter way of hunting, archery.  Just speculating.

Here in Western MA, it appears that we still like our shotguns.  Of the 2,374, deer taken, 866 were by archery, 1,064 were by shotgun and 415 were by primitive firearms. Once again, we don’t know how many deer were taken by archers in the shotgun and primitive firearms season.

Feehan also noted that in-person biological deer checks resumed in 2021, and, to help illuminate trends, staff collected information used for modeling the abundance of deer in each Wildlife Management Zone (WMZ).  Feehan stated that MassWildlife uses a Downing Reconstruction Model for harvest-based abundance estimates, noting that this method does not sample areas closed to hunting and that areas with significant closure are likely to have much higher deer abundance than harvest-based estimates would predict.

Feehan demonstrated through a sequence of graphs showing the DFW’s density estimates in each WMZ that some zones, including zones 2, 4N, and 4S, are maintaining densities well within the Board-approved statewide goal of 12-18 deer per square mile. But data from the other western zones –Zones 1 and 3 – are indicating that densities there are rising and are now slightly above the statewide goal. He demonstrated a similar analysis for Zones 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9, which showed that 5-8 are relatively stable, while Zone 9 is becoming increasingly similar to zones 10 and 11, which are above the statewide goal with high densities and showing persistent growth. Zone 12 is still relatively stable but increasing in density, and in zones 13-14, where densities are very high, the harvest is actually declining.

Given the trends revealed by these analyses and after reminding the Board that MassWildlife sets its Antlerless Deer Permit (ADP) allocations on the assumption that they will be kept stable for the ensuing 3 years so that effects on abundance can be thoroughly studied, Feehan reported that DFW staff proposed changes to the allocations for the next 3 years.  (See chart)Antlerless permits 2022

 

He explained that the proposed allocations marked “No Cap” are functionally unlimited, being set well above the maximum number of ADP permits that are sold each year in those zones.

Mr Feehan’s recommendation for increasing the antlerless deer permits were unanimously approved by the Board.

 

As you can see, with the exception of Zone 4S, antlerless permits in all of the Wildlife Management Zones in Western Massachusetts will increase.  Permits in Zone 1 went up by 100, Zone 2 went up by 40, Zone 3 went up by 150 and Zone 4N went up by 50.  This is certainly good news for deer hunters wishing to supplement their meat diet with healthy venison.

 

Feehan had other interesting comments and recommendations which we will detail in next week’s column.as follows:

So, did you get a permit?

As of August 1, deer hunters can check to see if they were awarded an antlerless deer permit (doe permit).  If you were awarded one, a $10 fee is charged. (Remember, the doe permit fee went up from $5 to $10 this year).

Bad then good news for hunting and show dog owners

Recently, Al Costa, President of the Berkshire Beagle Club informed me that a bill originally intended to address issues with boarding kennels has been expanded to a “meat-cleaver” approach that lumps all breeders into the same category as kennels that sell dogs to pet stores and wholesalers. Senate Bill 2994 was originally drafted to address a few issues concerning problems with doggy daycares that were highly publicized in recent years.

Unfortunately, Massachusetts Senators objected to the clear differences between boarding kennels, hobby breeding kennels and commercial dog breeding businesses. In their effort to “simplify the bill,” Senate Bill 2994 lumped them all together.

I wrote about that bill in this proposed column with the hopes that hunting dog owners would be outraged enough about it to contact their legislators.

Well, the following information was received from the Sportsmen’s Alliance of Massachusetts just before my deadline for submitting this column to the Eagle:

“

Legislation that lumped sporting dog kennels and hobby breeders in with large-scale commercial dog breeding operations died when the Massachusetts House of Representatives adjourned earlier this week. Senate Bill 1322, originally intended as a reform bill to address issues with boarding kennels, was turned into an attack on those who hunt, field trial and show dogs, but who do not breed dogs primarily for sale.”

“The Massachusetts Senate made last-minute changes to S.1322, in response to several high-profile issues at boarding kennels, requiring owners of personal kennels to be licensed and subject to inspections, even in their own homes. Current law recognizes the difference between those who breed dogs for commerce, and those who do so for hobby and sport. The bill would also have made personal kennel owners subject to any change in regulations at both the state and municipal government levels.”

“The Sportsmen’s Alliance alerted Massachusetts sportsmen and directly contacted members of the House of Representatives in opposition to S.1322 as part of a larger effort that included the American Kennel Club and local dog and sporting organizations. Together the effort prevailed as the lower chamber decided not to take up the Senate Bill, instead allowing it to die as the legislature adjourned for the remainder of the 2022 session.”

What is the Sportsmen’s Alliance?  It protects and defends America’s wildlife conservation programs and the pursuits – hunting, fishing and trapping – that generate the money to pay for them. Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation is responsible for public education, legal defense and research.  Its mission is accomplished through several distinct programs coordinated to provide the most complete defense capability possible.

Thanks to those who jumped on this matter and contacted their legislators.  Needless to say, I had no problem scrapping my old bad news article in favor of this good news one.

Berkshire Natural Fish Hatchery Youth Fishing Derby

The Friends of the Berkshire National Fish Hatchery in conjunction with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service will be sponsoring a free fishing derby on Saturday, August 13 at the lower pond of the Berkshire National Fish Hatchery, 240 Hatchery Road, New Marlborough from 9:00 am to 10:30 am for children 13 and under.  They must be accompanied by an adult.

Good news for Red Brook’s “salter” population

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You probably never heard of Red Brook.  Well, it’s a small spring fed, 4.5-mile brook that serves as the boundary between Plymouth and Wareham in southeastern Massachusetts.  It empties into Buttermilk Bay near the Cape Cod Canal. Its claim to fame is that it is among just a few streams south of Maine to hold a viable population of so-called “salters.”   (brook trout that move back and forth between fresh and saltwater).

A little history:  Having been lured to Red Brook by its sea-run brook trout fishery, Theodore Lyman III began buying land along its banks in 1870. His first purchase was a small house, salt marsh and shoreline on Buttermilk Bay.  Over the years, adjacent pieces of property were acquired and the total amount of land became substantial and difficult for the family to properly manage.

The Lyman family eventually deeded over their Red Brook property to the MA Council of Trout Unlimited, with the understanding that TU would restore the brook’s sea-run brook trout fishery. At the time, there were approximately 5,000 members in Massachusetts and Rhode Island, with a dozen or so chapters.  They are volunteers dedicated to the enhancement and preservation of cold waters and their fisheries, not to acquire land. Now it was tasked with the responsibility of preserving some 650 acres through which the stream flows. It was a daunting task trying to raise funds in order to manage it.

In 2001 TU National signed an agreement with The Trustees of Reservations (TTOR) and the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (DFW) that created the 638-acre Red Brook Reserve. The 210-acre Lyman Reserve, owned by the TTOR, is jointly managed by the three parties. The 428-acre Red Brook Wildlife Management Unit section of the reserve was expanded in 2009 to protect the entire stream by the purchase of 245 acres at its headwaters.

Between 2006 and 2009, four dams were removed from Red Brook in the Lyman Reserve by the Massachusetts Division of Ecological Restoration, TU and TTOR, along with extensive habitat restoration. TU and its partners have invested millions of dollars and tens of thousands of hours to help protect those salter brook trout and because of that Red Brook’s brook trout population is healthy once again. Herring, eels and brook trout now swim an unobstructed Red Brook for the first time in 150 years. A restoration of Red Brook in cranberry bogs at the headwaters began.

All that effort was put at risk recently by a proposed change to zoning on a large parcel in the stream’s headwaters, which then allowed only single-family homes on lots of three acres. The change was to create a “hospitality, recreation and entertainment” overlay district on 756 acres of pine barren land. If approved, it could have led to development of hotels, multi-family homes and possibly even a horse track and casino.

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The proposal elicited fierce opposition from TU members and supporters, among many others.

A town vote was scheduled for April 10, 2022 in Wareham and as the vote approached, volunteers from TU chapters and the MA Council rapidly initiated a campaign to advocate for the defeat of the proposal. Donors helped raise over $15,000, which helped with advertising to urge citizens of the town to vote against the proposal.  (Our local Taconic Chapter of TU kicked in $500).

Jeff Yates, TU National’s Director of Volunteer Operations did a terrific job of designing placards and yard signs and creating catchy slogans, such as, “Save the Salters!”

Other organizations opposed to the proposed zoning change included the Wareham Land Trust, the Southeastern Massachusetts Pine Barrens Alliance, the Buzzards Bay Coalition, TTOR, the Community Land and Water Coalition, the Sea Run Brook Trout Coalition, Wildlands Trust and the Northeast Wilderness Trust. The Herring Pond Wampanoag Tribe has also opposed the measure.

“Big box developments such as the one proposed in the headwaters are as common as bird poop on a summer windshield,” TU President and CEO Chris Wood wrote in a column prior to the vote. “The people of Wareham can send a powerful message to communities across New England by voting ‘no’ on April 10 and demonstrating that we are not a desperate nation willing to fill in every open space with concrete, glass and metal.”

And that’s what the voters did with an overwhelming “no” vote.  “The rout was welcome to all who so quickly mobilized to ensure the protection of one of Massachusetts’ natural treasures and will, we can hope, show the power of a community coming together to fight for something it loves”, wrote the Wareham Week newspaper.

Because of its efforts, Peter Shilling, former Massachusetts Council Chairman and current delegate nominated it as the Council of the Year as a part of TU’s Annual Awards, and it was selected.

“Congratulations” wrote Beverly Smith, VP for Volunteer Operations. “The work you all have put in has shown clear results in the rivers and communities you support. The opening of Peter’s nomination says it all:

“Successful organizations like the Massachusetts Council have a fabric, a tapestry woven and held together over time by the relationships of people bound by common beliefs and goals. The quality of those connections, what people pass along person to person over time, is what leads to success in accomplishing significant goals, conservation or otherwise. The nomination of this award for the Massachusetts Council comes out of its work last year saving Red Brook, a fully restored sea run brook trout stream, from devastating development in its headwaters. But the story really is longer, broader and deeper than just one year’s actions, however significant.”

“We can’t say it better than that” wrote Smith.

The Massachusetts Councill will be honored in front of TU volunteer peers from across the nation at TU’s Annual Award celebration on Friday, July 22 in Portland, Maine. Most likely current MA Council President Henry Sweren, from Lanesborough, will be there to accept the award on behalf of the Council.

“It’ll be a real treat to honor and celebrate you!” wrote Smith. “On behalf of all of us at TU, a big thank you and congratulations!”

I should mention that although the Massachusetts Council and its statewide chapters steadfastly supported the Red Brook project over the past 30 years, the brunt of the workload (manual labor, fundraising, etc.) was carried out by members of the Cape Cod and Southeast Chapters of TU with serious funding by the Greater Boston Chapter.  There have been many wonderful volunteers fighting to preserve that little brook over those years, especially Cape Cod TU member and Council delegate Warren Winders.  He deserves an extra pat on the back for his unwavering and steadfast efforts.

But wait, there’s more.  Don’t be surprised if the Massachusetts Council, and particularly the Deerfield River Watershed Chapter of TU, receive another award in the future for work they are doing on the Deerfield River.  DRWTU members Kevin Parsons, Chris Jackson and others are receiving national attention for their brown trout studies and their efforts in working with various state and federal agencies and Brookfield Power Co. in trying to level off the year-round water flows which to date have been so harmful to the reproduction of the wild brown trout population.

The current FERC (Federal Energy Regulatory Commission) license allows for minimum flows of 125 cfs (cubic feet per second) year-round. For the new license, DRWTU, MA DEP and MA DFW have been pushing to increase the minimum flow to 225 cfs from November to April to protect wild brown trout redds and eggs from being de-watered and exposed to the air, killing them off.

Two past brown trout spawning studies showed that nearly 40 percent of identified trout redds were de-watered at flows of 125 cfs. Further studies showed that at 225 cfs, the redds, flowing water would cover the eggs and keep them protected.  Parsons and Jackson have been doggedly pursuing this goal for many years and there may be a breakthrough this year.

Incidentally, Trout Unlimited has approximately 300,000 members nationwide with about 390 chapters.  The chapter in the Berkshires is the Taconic Chapter.  Most states have a TU Council with delegates from all chapters.

On a personal note, I have been a card-carrying member of the Taconic Chapter for nearly 40 years now and as I wrote in last week’s column, “Stuff like this (above) is what makes me proud to be a member of such great organizations”.

Its fishing derby time

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The annual Stockbridge Bowl Fishing Derby yesterday took place last Saturday.  According to coordinator Tim Minkler, it was rain free and nice and warm (85 to 90 degrees). There was a total of 73 participants including 17 youths.  The results are as follows:

Results:  $100 winners:

Largest Trout:  Lukas Trumps of Lee, Weight: 1 lb, 9 oz / 16.5”  long

Largest Bass:  Adam Henderson, Westfield, Weight:  4 lbs even / 20” long

Largest Pickerel:  Tynia Harrington, Lee, Weight: 3 lbs, 9oz / 25” long

Largest Bullhead:  Seth Slemp, Lee, Weight: 1 lb, 8 oz / 13.5” long

 

Age 12 and under Winners:

Largest Trout:  Sandie Prew, 6 years old, Lee,  Weight:  1 lb, 7 oz, 16” long

Largest Bass:  Trentonn Santotin, 6 years old, Lee, Weight:  1 lb, 1 oz, 12” long

Largest Pickerel:  Connor Casey, Housatonic, 11 years old, Weight: 1 lb, 15 oz., 21”

Largest Bullhead:  Mya Methe, Washington, 8 years old, Weight:  11.3 oz, 11” long.

 

The Wild Acres Youth Fishing Derby also had a great turnout

 

Last Saturday the Wild Acres Youth Fishing Derby took place.  And, for a change, the weather was great with some 90 youths registered.  This was the 8th year that the City of Pittsfield Conservation Commission and Lyon Aviation sponsored the event. 

 

Representing the City of Pittsfield were Becky Manship, Recreation and Special Events Coordinator and Rob Van Der Kar, Pittsfield Conservation Agent. Assisting the anglers were Onota Fishing Club President Fred Ostrander and his team of OFC volunteers. Dave’s Sporting Goods Store and Onota Boat Livery provided the worms and some equipment, Lyon Aviation donated funds for the event and The Berkshire National Fish Hatchery provided the brook trout.   Al Lussier, co-owner with his wife Tracey of Ozzies Steak and Eggs Restaurant in Hinsdale, catered the event out of their food van.

Even though some 300 Brook trout were stocked into the pond, they were hard to catch, in fact, only 1 of them was caught.  Four -year-old Johanna Sheran caught a respectable 11”, .5 lb brookie.  Fortunately, bass, yellow perch and bull head filled the gap.  Of the 25 fish caught, 17 of them were bass.  During slow periods, some kids entertained themselves catching bullfrogs

 

The youngest angler who took home a trophy was 2-year-old Carina Roy who also caught a respectable fish, a 11 ¼ ‘.6 lb yellow perch.

 

Our hats are off to Lyon Aviation, the City of Pittsfield, the Onota Fishing Club and everyone involved for providing the kids with such a wonderful day.

Unfortunately, I was unable to attend this year due to testing positive for Covid and being quarantined.  I missed seeing the excitement and the sheer glee on the faces of the youngsters as they were catching their fish.  Many thanks go to Joshua Christman for taking photos and providing information as did Dan Miraglia.  Also, a huge thank you goes to Becky Manship for her hard work in providing me the names of all the derby winners and other pertinent information.

Annual Harry A Bateman Memorial Jimmy Fund Fishing Derby coming up

 The 30th Annual Harry A. Bateman Memorial Jimmy Fund Fishing Derby, will take place next Saturday, June 4, 2022 at the Frank Controy Pavilion at Onota Lake in Pittsfield, from 6:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. No fishing license is required because it is Free Fishing Weekend for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

In my opinion, this fishing derby is perhaps the most important and largest of our local derbies.  Open to the public, its purpose is to raise money for the Jimmy Fund – Dana Farber Cancer Institute. All of the proceeds will be donated to the Jimmy Fund in memory of Harry A. Bateman a former member of Central Berkshire Bowman & I.U.E. Local 255 who was well known throughout Berkshire County and who became a victim of cancer in 1992.

15 trophies and prizes will be awarded to the winners of the fishing derby – 8 trophies for children, 4 trophies for adults and 3 trophies that can be won by adults or children. There is even a special category for those fishing with a bow & arrow. All fish must be weighed in at 12:00 p.m. and can be caught at Onota Lake from a boat or the shore.  Don’t be late as the scales will be removed immediately after 12:00pm.

The fee is $10 for adults, $5 for children 14 years old and younger. Advanced tickets may be purchased at Avid Sports, Dave’s Sporting Goods, & Onota Boat Livery. Everyone needs to register at the Frank Controy Pavilion before all fish can be weighed in.  You must be wearing your wrist band provided at the registration desk in order to receive food and to weigh in your fish.

Even if you can’t make the derby, donations to the cause will be graciously accepted.

Trout stocking

 

The following waters were scheduled to be stocked with trout last week, subject to change: Deerfield River in Buckland, Florida and Charlemont; East Branch of the Westfield River in Cummington, Chesterfield and Huntington; Housatonic River (C/R) in Lee and Stockbridge, Goose Pond, Laurel Lake, Lake Buel, Otis Reservoir, Onota Lake, Stockbridge Bowl and Windsor Pond.

The DFW Western District spring stocking is now complete.

Once again, a hearty thank you goes out to Western District Clerk Deb Lipa who took on the added workload of providing the stocking information to us this spring.  If you happen to visit the District Office in Dalton, you might want to thank her personally.

As previously mentioned, it is free fishing weekend next weekend with no freshwater license needed.  You have a whole week to clear your calendar and take the family fishing.

Congratulations to BEAT

Berkshire Environmental Action Team Executive Director Jane Winn recently announced that BEAT was awarded $200,000 from the Cultural Facilities Fund of the Massachusetts Cultural Council to renovate their new Environmental Leadership & Education Center.  Also, they will be restoring the riverbank by removing invasive species and replanting with native, wildlife-supporting plants. Funding from the Cultural Facilities Fund will allow them to make renovations to their building, which among other things includes a balcony to observe wildlife and the river.

Next Sunday, on Sunday, June 5, they are doing a river cleanup by canoe with the Housatonic Valley Association (HVA). They’ll meet at Decker Boat Ramp in Lenox at 1:00 PM and paddle down the river collecting trash caught behind trees and other natural areas. They will end around 4:00 PM.

If you’re interested in joining and can bring your own boat or kayak, register with Noah at noah@thebeatnews.org.

 

Help monitor for bacteria in the Housatonic Watershed

HVA could use some help collecting water samples in the Housatonic watershed once every two weeks, mid-June through mid-September from about 8:00 to 9:00 am.

If interested, the HVA will be holding two training sessions for volunteers to learn how to do the monitoring.  The monitoring sites will primarily be in Monterey, Egremont, Alford and Dalton.

For more information, email Shannon at spoulin.hva@gmail.com or call 413-298-7024 (be sure to leave a message).

Memorial Day Weekend

 

It’s that time again when we honor those who have fought, suffered and/or and died in defense of our nation.  I repeat my hope of last year, 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.

Also, we owe a huge debt of gratitude to the health care workers who risked so much to see that as many people as possible received proper medical attention during the Covid pandemic.  While they did not risk life and limb in armed combat, they sure experienced horrific stress.  I suspect that many currently are experiencing PTSD.

Lastly, let’s not forget the one million plus US residents who succumbed to the deadly disease.  Our thoughts and prayers are with their surviving family members.

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