Category Archives: coyote hunting

2023 deer harvest figures released

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The MassWildlife Preliminary Deer Harvest Summary indicates the 2023 hunting season had a statewide harvest of 15,520 deer, which was a decline of approximately 2% from the record-setting 2022 season. MassWildlife feels that the poor weather conditions during much of the archery and primitive firearms seasons lowered the overall harvest, which likely would have set a new record if it were not for those poor conditions. In spite of these conditions, there were new  record harvests in Zones 9 (Worcester area) and 14 (Nantucket) and a record number of deer were harvested by participating youth on Youth Deer Hunt Day.

Statewide, the Youth Deer Hunt Day yielded 142, the Paraplegic Hunt yielded 10, Archery yielded 6,385, Shotgun yielded 6,118 and the Primitive Firearms yielded 2,865.

The statewide harvest percentages by hunting implements used were as follows:  Bow/crossbow -46%, shotgun – 34% and muzzleloader – 21%.

The statewide breakdown by harvest sex of the 15,520 deer were as follows:  8,858 were adult bucks, 5,610 were does and 1,052 were buck fawns.

The following is the breakdown by Wildlife Management Zone and by seasons.  I am listing only the figures for the area west of the Connecticut River (WMZs 1 through 4, our area). Some 2,323 deer were taken in the Western District.

Zone 1: 5 deer were taken by paraplegics or youth (P/Y), 94 by archery, 151 by shotgun and 57 by primitive arms totaling 307.

Zone 2:  28 taken by P/Y, 177 by archery, 241 by shotgun and 80 by primitive arms totaling 526.

Zone 3:  7 taken by P/Y, 166 by archery, 264 by shotgun and 111 by primitive arms totaling 548.

Zone 4N:  13 taken by P/Y, 191 by archery, 256 by shotgun and 121 by primitive arms totaling 581.

Zone 4S: 9 taken by P/Y, 139 by archery, 149 by shotgun and 64 by primitive arms totaling 361.

Just to give you an indication of how large the deer herd is in the eastern part of the state, Zone 9 yielded 1,458 deer, Zone 10 yielded 2,602, Zone 11 yielded 4,152 and Zone 14 yielded 879.

Big buck harvested

Included in the above Zone 3 archery figures was Matt Heppleston’s 175 lbs. (field dressed) eleven-point buck that he got on November 24 while bow hunting in a non-disclosed area.  It had a measured beam of  23 ¼ inches.

photo of Matt provided by his family

Usually, he hunts from a tree stand but on that day he was hunting from the ground.  After a while, he could smell a buck.  He tried to lure it in with a few grunts and he heard some thrashing a short distance away.  He gave a short wheeze sound and the deer came toward him about 35 yards away.  That’s when he let the arrow fly.  The deer ran about 15 yards and dropped.  Shortly thereafter, Matt had “a small army of family and friends showed up for pictures and the drag.” It was only a couple hundred yards to drag it out.

The deer was entered into the Pope & Young scoring system and it scored 171 inches.  It was named BOWHUNT MA 2023 Buck of the Year. It also was on display at the Northeast Big Buck Club booth at the recent Big E Sportsmen’s Show in West Springfield.

Matt, who grew up in Lee now resides in New Hampshire.  Although he has been hunting since he was a young lad, he didn’t start bow hunting until about 5 years ago.  This is his first deer taken with a bow.

Was he lucky or a smart hunter?  You decide.  In February of 2022, he and his buddy Ryan Ruef of Pittsfield found the buck’s shed (dropped antlers) in the woods.  They knew that deer was hanging around the area for about 2 years.

In the attached picture, you can see a shed lying on the ground next to the deer. According to Matt, that’s a shed off of the buck’s 2021 rack which they found in February, 2022, “and that started the whole chase.”

The deer head and shoulder will be mounted by Wild Art Taxidermy in Berlin, CT.   Matt figures that deer will provide meat for him and his family for a couple of years.

Hunters share their venison

According to MassWildlife, 74 generous hunters donated venison through the Hunters Share the Harvest Program last year. This is equal to about 17,800 nutritious meals for families struggling with food insecurity. The Program also received monetary donations from 22 individuals to help cover the cost of processing and packaging.

The Program has come a long way in just a few years. It was started in 2022 with one venison donation site and one distribution partner. In the pilot year, hunters donated more than 3,000 meals. By the end of 2023, three processing locations and five food distribution organizations had joined the effort.

“Hunters play an important role in conserving our forests and providing food to our communities” says MassWildlife.  “Regulated hunting can help forests by reducing impacts of overabundant deer. It is estimated that over 15% of Massachusetts households do not have access to sufficient food to meet their basic needs. So, donations of venison—an organic, lean source of protein—make a big difference.”

At the close of this successful season, MassWildlife thanks everyone who contributed and spread the word about Hunters Share the Harvest including:

  • Haskins Custom Butchering, Ventura’s Meat Market, and the Country Butcher for processing deer donations
  • Massachusetts Military Support Foundation Inc., Daniel’s Table, Herring Pond Wampanoag Tribe, Wampanoag Tribe of Aquinnah, and Worcester County Food Bank for distributing venison to those in need
  • The Berkshire County League of Sportsmen joined 21 individual donors and the following in sponsoring packaging and processing costs.  In addition to the BCLS, the Mass Conservation Alliance, Mass Audubon, Massachusetts Outdoor Heritage Foundation, Middleboro Sportsmen’s Club, Plymouth County League of Sportsmen, Safari Club International New England Foundation, Schwab Charitable Foundation, Somerset Sportsman’s Club, and the Worcester County League of Sportsmen Clubs gave monetary, equipment, and logistic support.

 

MassWildlife plans to expand the Program in the coming years, here’s how you can help:

Meat processors, food pantries, hunger relief agencies, or other organizations who want to participate in MassWildlife’s Hunters Share the Harvest program in the future should contact Martin Feehan, MassWildlife’s Deer and Moose Project Leader.

2023 wild turkey harvest

 

Based upon information provided by David Scarpitti, MassWildlife Biologist and information obtained off of the MassWildlife web site, 3,113 wild turkeys were harvested in 2023.  The spring harvest was 2,965 (2,128 adult males, 825 juvenile males, 11 bearded hens). Some 389 birds were harvested in the Berkshires.

 

Some 148 were taken in the fall (81 males, 66 females).  Regarding the sex breakdown, Scarpitti says you can take the fall sex breakdown with a grain of salt as hunters are pretty lousy at sexing juvenile birds.  But in general, its usually close to a 50:50 breakdown in the harvest.

 

The spring harvest was the 4th highest harvest in the history of Massachusetts spring turkey hunting since 1980. Youth hunters harvested 117 turkeys which was the highest all time youth day harvest recorded.

 

The statewide fall harvest was quite different.  The 148 birds harvested was low compared to the average which is usually around 200.  Scarpitti felt that because it was very wet last summer, it could have compromised brood production, which is usually what drives fall harvest.

 

About 2/3’s of the harvest was taken with archery equipment, which has become fairly standard.

 

Small game hunting seasons over

The Coyote and Bobcat hunting seasons ended on Friday, March 8.

photo provided by Josh Christman

The Cottontail Rabbit, Snowshoe Hare, Gray Squirrel, and Fox hunting seasons ended on February 29.  Oil up your guns and safely lock them away in your gun cabinet. Remember to lock your ammo in a separate location. Unless you plan to do some target, skeet or trap shooting, the next time you will probably be picking up your shotguns again is in April, when the Spring Wild Turkey hunting season opens on April 29.

 

 

Various hunting seasons are opening soon

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The Woodcock hunting season opens on October 2 and runs to November 22. The bag limit is 3 per day and the possession limit is 9. Because there tends to be some confusion with the woodcock regulations, here is the following:

  • All migratory game bird hunters must register with the Harvest Information Program (HIP) each calendar year. Licensed woodcock and waterfowl hunters must complete a HIP survey online at mass.gov/massfishhunt or anywhere hunting licenses are sold.
  • A woodcock is a migratory game bird so the following regulations apply: Migratory game birds may be hunted with shotguns no larger than 10 gauge, fired from the shoulder. Shotguns capable of holding more than 3 shells may not be used unless plugged with a one-piece filler which limits the gun’s total capacity to 3 shells and which cannot be removed without disassembling the gun.
  • The head and one fully-feathered wing must remain attached to each migratory game bird while it is transported to the hunter’s home or preservation facility.
  • Non-toxic shot is not required for hunting woodcock.
  • Waterfowl stamps are not required for hunting woodcock.

 

Please note:  The column next week will be about my flyfishing trip to the Catskills in early September.  I was hoping for a rematch with that “submarine like” big trout that I tangled with and lost to twice last spring.  (Sorry, no side bets). Therefore, I will touch upon the upcoming small game, upland game and waterfowl hunting in this column a little earlier than usual.

 

Pheasant hunting season opens on October 14 and runs to December 30.  Ruffed Grouse (partridge) season opens on October 14 and runs to November 25.

 

The fall wild turkey hunting season in Zones 1 – 9 opens on October 16 and runs to November 25.

 

Cottontail and snowshoe hare seasons open on October 14 and runs to February 29, 2024.

 

Coyote hunting opens on October 14 and runs to March 8, 2024.

 

Even though the Fish & Wildlife Board recently approved the early extension of archery deer hunting season, such a change will not go into effect until 2024.Therefore, for this year, the season still opens on October 16 in Zones 1 – 9 and ends on November 25.

 

Incidentally, if you use a tree stand, be extra careful.  It seems like every year we hear about a hunter who has fallen to his death or sustained serious injuries caused by falling out of a tree stand.

 

The specific regulations for all of the above hunting seasons are listed in the MA Hunting & Fishing Regulations, commonly referred to as the Excerpts.

Monday, October 9 begins the duck hunting season in the Berkshire Zone and it runs until November 25.  It reopens again on December 11 (after shotgun deer hunting season) and runs until December 30.  The new bag limit for mallards has been increased from 2 to 4 (only 2 can be females).

 

The regular goose hunting season in the Berkshire Zone (except Snow & Blue) runs from October 10 to November 25.  It reopens on December 11 and runs until December 14.  This year the bag limit has been increased from 1 to 3.  The late Canada goose hunting season opens on January 1, 2024 and runs until February 15 with a daily bag limit of 5.

 

It is important that you check the waterfowl regulations for there are a myriad of regulations.

 

All of the above hunting seasons are closed during shotgun deer season except for coyotes   No hunting of any bird or animal is allowed in Massachusetts on Sundays.

 

At the September meeting of the Berkshire County League of Sportsmen, Environmental Police Officer Kolis reminded hunters to abide by the allowed hunting hours. (The 2023 Sunrise-Sunset Table is displayed on page 51 of the MA Hunting & Fishing Regulations.) For example, if you enter the woods earlier than one half hour before sunrise during deer hunting season with a loaded shotgun or an arrow in your cocked bow, you are considered hunting and in violation of the law.  The same with the sunset rule if you are walking out of the woods after one-half hour after sunset with loaded hunting implements.

 

It is the hunters’ responsibility to exercise safe hunting procedures and set-back, tree stand, wanton waste, and other hunting regulations. It is the non-hunter’s responsibility to be cognizant of existing hunter harassment laws.

 

The woods are busy at this time of year so be careful. Bring along a fully charged cell phone as well as a tick protection spray.  The wearing of florescent vests and/or hat is also advisable for hikers and other non-hunters.  Keep your dogs restrained and put florescent colors on them, too.

 

Here’s wishing you hunters out there a safe, successful and enjoyable hunting season.

 

Fall trout stocking has begun in the Berkshires

The following waters were scheduled to be stocked with trout last week.  As usual, it was subject to change:

Deerfield River in Florida, Buckland and Charlemont; East Branch of the Westfield in Chesterfield and Chester, Littleville Reservoir in Huntington, Pontoosuc Lake, Laurel Lake, Goose Pond, Lake Buel, Otis Reservoir, Onota Lake, Richmond Pond, Stockbridge Bowl and Windsor Pond in Windsor.

The up-to-date report can be found at www.mass.gov/trout.

 

Federal funds blocked for schools with archery and hunting programs

The Biden administration’s Department of Education is withholding federal funding from hunting and archery programs in schools, citing a bipartisan law passed last year that tightened restrictions around gun purchases in the wake of a deadly school shooting in Texas.

The prohibition went into effect on June 25, 2022, and applies to all existing and future awards under all Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA). The Department is administering the bipartisan law as written by Congress.  It prohibits federal funds from going to programs that “provide to any person a dangerous weapon or training in the use of a dangerous weapon.”

Organizations like the National Archery in the Schools Program, which boasts 1.3 million students from nearly 9,000 schools, have expressed worries about the negative impact on children’s engagement and access to shooting sports, which can foster valuable skills and relationships. Tommy Floyd, President of the National Archery in the Schools Program, lamented the new restrictions. “It’s a negative for children.  As a former educator of 30-plus years, I was always trying to find a way to engage students. In many communities, it’s a shooting sport, and the skills from shooting sports, that help young people grow to be responsible adults. They also benefit from relationships with role models.”

Several schools here in the Berkshires that have successfully run Archery-in-the-School programs will be affected. Too bad, for it has generally been well received by the school administrators, parents and students.

Dynamic Forest Walk

 

The National Wild Turkey (NWTF) is a national conservation organization based around the wild turkey and preserving the hunting heritage.  In the New England region and Massachusetts specifically, it is focused on providing good nesting and brood rearing habitat for turkeys.  As part of its efforts, it is working with several other conservation partners to promote healthy and resilient forests in MA and the application of forest management to increase the diversity and structure of forests for wildlife, forest products and climate benefits.

 

Healthy forests are important for clean water, wildlife habitat, wood products, and providing climate benefits.

 

On October 8, the Tunxis Club in Tolland MA will be conducting a Dynamic Forests Walk from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm that will be led by foresters and biologists from NWTF, Dept. of Conservation & Recreation, Ruffed Grouse Society and others.  The goal is to show private landowners, Conservation Committee members, and the general public different examples of forest management projects and to explain the benefits of these practices for wildlife, clean water, and even carbon storage and sequestration.

 

You will have the chance to see several different forest treatments that were completed at various points in time over the last 20 years.  They will provide excellent opportunities to see how these woodlands have responded and how these projects complement the larger forest and the needs of wildlife.  It’s a great learning opportunity if you are curious about how forests are managed and how you can approach forest planning on your own woodlot or community forest.

The workshop is free but you are asked to RSVP by contacting Matt DiBona at  mdibona@nwtf.net or call/text 302-943-3239.

Great article in Massachusetts Wildlife magazine

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There was an interesting article in the Massachusetts Wildlife magazine which came out last week.  (No.3, 2022) The article, written by Andrew Madden, DFW Western District Supervisor is entitled “The Stockbridge Solution”.  It deals with “habituated bears.”  (Bears becoming unnaturally comfortable around humans).  It is a growing problem in Massachusetts, especially here in the Berkshire because of unintentional feeding (through bird feeders, unsecured trash, etc.) and by outright intentional feeding

“Outreach and education campaigns have made some progress by altering behavior for those who choose to follow recommendations.” wrote Madden. “Unfortunately, collective gains that are made through outreach and public compliance are too often offset by individuals who intentionally attract wildlife, including bears, by feeding.”  “Feeding habituates wildlife, causing the animals to lose wariness and seek additional food sources around homes and people” he wrote.

The 10-page article went on and illustrated cases where people were carelessly feeding bears and cases where people were attacked by bears in their own homes.  “Intentional bear feeding cases in Lanesborough and Pittsfield have rendered neighboring yards unusable because bears are constantly passing through.” (Presumably to get to neighboring homes where they are being fed).

According to Madden, feeding has negative implications for wildlife, including increased risk of mortality.  This is where the disconnect between the desire to experience wildlife and concern for the animal’s welfare.  Feeding sites draw wildlife across roads, increasing the risk of collision with vehicles.  MassWildlife’s radio-telemetry research, which tracks bear movement, clearly shows that individuals repeatedly travel distances to known feeding sites, increasing the frequency of exposure to vehicles. MassWildlife has documented multiple cases of bears killed on roadways as they traveled to a feeding site.

The article mentioned the towns of Stockbridge and Great Barrington and how they have passed Wildlife Feeding ordinances in efforts toward reducing human-wildlife conflict.

Picture taken by DFW Western District wildlife biologist Nate Buckhout

It is a well written article which I highly recommend reading.

There also is a short article written by DFW Assistant Director of Wildlife Michael Huguenin entitled “Do we have a coyote problem or a people problem? According to Huguenin, there are 5 cases per year of coyotes biting or attacking people in Massachusetts. Over the last 25 years there have been 30 such cases.  Of those cases, 5 animals were either confirmed or suspected rabid, 6 involved the defense of a pet and 4 were undetermined.  The remaining fifteen (50%) were a result of confirmed or highly likely habituated coyotes.

If you are a Massachusetts Wildlife subscriber, you might want to share the above articles with your neighbors.

Incidentally, Massachusetts Wildlife is a quarterly magazine featuring award-winning writing and photography covering the environment, conservation, fishing, hunting, natural history and just about everything outdoors in Massachusetts. It is a great magazine which has been in circulation for more than 65 years.  A subscription for one year is only $6.00.

Bunnies want your used Christmas trees

 

The Berkshire Beagle Club will once again be accepting used and unsold Christmas trees at its club at 380 Sleepy Hollow Road, Richmond.  There should be an A frame sign by the drop spot.  In case it’s not there just put them to the right of the driveway as you pull in. The bunnies nibble on the branches and use them to provide cover from predator raptors.  Make sure to remove all tinsel, angle hair and other decorations and ornaments.  The bunnies have a tendency to eat them and can die from their ingestion.  And please no plastic or metal trees.

Basic Hunter Education Course Field Day


The Lee Sportsmen’s Association (LSA) has scheduled a blended Basic Hunter Education Course in its Main Clubhouse with MassWildlife, in which students complete the online MA Hunter Study Guide before attending one in-person Field Day

Information and links can be found at: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/basic-hunter-education-courses.  The field day at LSA has been scheduled for Saturday, January 7, 2023, from 9:00 am to 4:00pm, and participants are required to sign up for the field day through the MassWildlife website, as LSA does not handle registration.  Contact MassWildlife directly for any further questions or concerns at (508) 389-7820.  All courses are free of charge and open to the public.  Students 17 years old or younger must have parental consent to attend this course, and parents/guardians are invited and encouraged to stay for the in-person field day session as well.

Muzzleloader Deer Hunting Season

For those deer hunters who have yet to harvest their deer, they only have until next Saturday to do so.  After that, it’s time to empty the gun, oil it and put it away in a locked cabinet until next year’s hunting season.

Some other hunting seasons will still be open in January.  Cottontail rabbit, snowshoe hare and fox hunting seasons end on February 28, 2023.  Coyote and bobcat hunting seasons end on March 8, 2023. If you decide to hunt them, don’t forget to buy your 2023 license.

Sportsmen’s club elections

Most of the sportsmen’s clubs have elected their officers for the 2023 season.  Here are a couple:  Berkshire Beagle Club officers reelected were:  President – Al Costa, VP- Dick Kalisz, Treasurer – Tim Cahoon and Secretary – Pat Barry.

The officers elected at the Sheffield Sportsmen’s Club were:  President – Robbie Brownson, VP- Jim Olmsted, Treasurer – Lee Donsbough and Secretary – Ryan Shimmon.

Congratulations to all for stepping forward and helping their clubs.

Follow-up on the Town of Nahant

Following last week’s article about the coyote problem in the Town of Nahant and the hiring of a sharpshooter to control them, I received an email from Tom Zuppa, Public Relations Representative for the Town.  In it he stated that the article overlooked a key point:

“While hunters could provide a valuable service here, hunting is effectively illegal in Nahant.

Massachusetts General Laws, Ch. 131, Sec. 58, states that hunting is not allowed within 500 feet of an occupied dwelling or within 150 feet of a paved road. Nahant is one square mile, accessible only across a peninsula, and is densely populated. Nahant does not have a significant area in which to allow hunting safely.”

“Nahant is the smallest town in the state land-wise. It’s beautiful, right on the Atlantic, and only one way in-out.”

 

“I have attached a statement released on Sunday that provides further background about the Town’s efforts and decision” wrote Zuppa.

 

Statement from town: “For more than two years, the Town of Nahant has taken significant steps to limit the impact of habituated coyotes on our community.

The Town has increased its educational efforts, posted informational signs to improve public awareness, and strengthened its reporting procedures. The Town has worked with both wildlife experts and animal interest groups to gain new insight into the issue, and adopted many of their mitigation suggestions. The Board of Selectmen also has held several public forums with wildlife professionals to educate residents and hear their concerns and ideas.

Despite these efforts, habituated, aggressive coyotes remain a serious public safety problem.

In the past few months, the Town has received multiple, vetted reports of packs of coyotes placing residents in danger. Three times in the past year a coyote has attacked a pet while on its leash, under its owners’ control, and two were killed on the spot. Human presence and hazing attempts in these cases did not curb the aggressive behavior by problem coyotes.

Mass Wildlife has identified the coyotes as “problem animals,” meaning they cannot be captured and relocated.

The safety and well-being of Nahant residents and visitors is the Town’s top priority. Therefore, selectmen approved hiring the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Wildlife Services to conduct a cooperative wildlife management project. The Board reached this decision after careful consideration of the facts, and only after lengthy consultation with Mass Wildlife experts.”

My apologies if I have offended residents or officials of the town.  It sounds like a beautiful place to live.  Too bad the coyotes found it attractive too.

Keep our armed forces personnel in your thoughts and prayers

Most veterans will tell you that the Christmas season can be an emotional time for soldiers who are stationed abroad. No gathering around the Christmas tree with their loved ones, no watching the joy of youngsters opening their presents, etc.

With that in mind, you might want to contact them, thank them for their service, tell them you are thinking about them and are hoping for their safe return.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Massachusetts Office of Outdoor Recreation

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The Baker-Polito Administration recently established the new Massachusetts Office of Outdoor Recreation, furthering its commitment to outdoor recreation. It is within the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretariat and will work alongside state agencies, including the Department of Fish and Game, the Department of Conservation and Recreation, the Massachusetts Marketing Partnership and the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism, to enhance outdoor recreational opportunities throughout the Commonwealth and support the associated economic, environmental, and quality of life benefits they bring.

“Outdoor recreation is a consistent economic driver for communities throughout the Commonwealth, creating jobs and supporting small businesses,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. “Our world-class parks, beaches, and trails attract visitors from all across the world, and the creation of this office will promote collaboration between local communities, outdoor businesses, and the Commonwealth on expanding these opportunities even further.”

Following the establishment of the new Massachusetts Office of Outdoor Recreation, the Commonwealth now joins 17 other states around the country that have created similar offices. Additionally, the office will focus on the following efforts:

  • Coordinating outdoor recreation policy;
  • Identifying funding opportunities for programs and infrastructure;
  • Enhancing public access and recreation infrastructure;
  • Supporting the outdoor recreation economy;
  • Advancing equity and access to outdoor recreation opportunities; and,

According to a 2021 report from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, the outdoor recreation economy accounted for $9.5 billion in value added to the Massachusetts economy, or 1.5% of the Gross Domestic Product, and 93,422 jobs, which is 2.6% of employment in the Commonwealth. Furthermore, Massachusetts’ outdoor recreation economy grew 24% from 2020 to 2021, a strong indicator of how much residents and visitors alike value the Commonwealth’s outdoor recreational resources. Top sectors by economic value include boating and fishing; hunting, shooting, and trapping; RVing; climbing, hiking, and tent camping; snow activities, such as skiing and snowshoeing; and motorcycling, ATVing, and bicycling.

“Massachusetts consistently ranks as a top quality-of-life state in the nation. The Massachusetts Office of Outdoor Recreation will help raise that standard for residents and visitors alike. From seashore to mountain tops, there are a diversity of landscapes, environments, people, and organizations to explore. Tying these together and telling the right story will be a significant benefit to our wonderful state,” said Jon Schaefer, CEO of Berkshire East Mountain Resort, Zoar Outdoor, and Catamount Mountain Resort. “

Congratulations BNRC!

National Geographic recently released an article titled, ‘This Trail May Be the Best Way to See New England’s Fall Colors”. The specific Berkshires trail mentioned is the High Road, the first section of which was opened by Berkshire Natural Resources and its partners in 2021.

“Now,” wrote National Geographic, “a new regional pathway across the spine of the Berkshires is turning the local tradition of long walks into an American spin on the European “walking holiday” popular with pilgrims journeying on Spain’s Camino de Santiago or Scotland’s West Highland Way.

The eight-mile path along Yokun Ridge, connecting trails from Pittsfield to Lenox, provides hikers with an opportunity to explore a scenic and ecologically diverse woodland. This route links the properties of five landowners who together conserve and steward over 5,000 acres along this ridgeline. BNRC worked with these landowner partners to transform what was a tangled network of social trails into a clear and consistent hiking route for the public. Featuring three scenic vistas, expansive woodlands, stone and water features, the Yokun Ridge Trail offers a special way to travel.

 

Work is underway to expand The High Road trail network. As it evolves, it will offer many varieties of terrain, starting points, and route options along trail corridors through woodlands and into towns and villages.

NY DEC announces conservation of 1,300 acres in Taconic Mountains

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos recently announced the protection of 1,300 acres of forest and grasslands in the Taconic Mountains in the town of Berlin. The recent acquisition will connect the Taconic Ridge and Berlin State Forests, preserve critical open space, and expand recreational opportunities to support the local economy.

“DEC and our partners are continuing to collaborate with stakeholders to permanently protect the Taconic Ridge and the valuable ecological and recreational opportunities it provides,” Commissioner Seggos said. “This newest 1,300 acres will help connect and enhance DEC’s existing state forest network and builds upon our ongoing progress in conserving this Capital Region natural treasure.”

The acquisition will be added to the Taconic Ridge State Forest and provides a critical connection between the Taconic Ridge and Berlin state forests, linking together more than 12,000 acres of state forests. New York State purchased the parcel for $890,000 through the State’s Environmental Protection Fund (EPF). The purchase protects forested steep slopes leading to the top of the Taconic Ridge. It includes a tributary of the Little Hoosic River, one of New York State’s wild trout streams, and 80 acres of critical grassland habitat. As part of DEC’s state forests, this parcel will be managed for multiple uses, including sustainable timber production, watershed protection, wildlife habitat, and recreation.

Located in Rensselaer County along the Massachusetts and Vermont border, the Taconic Ridge and Berlin state forests are primary gateways in the Taconic Mountains that conserve important natural resources and provide diverse outdoor recreational opportunities. It is adjacent to MassWildlife’s conservation lands such as the Misery Mountain Wildlife Management Area making for a really large block of protected land.  Their rolling hills, forests, scenic vistas and over 34 miles of trails, including the Taconic Crest Trail, are ideal for hiking. The purchase builds on other recent acquisitions including more than 5,700 acres announced in 2020 in partnership with The Conservation Fund.

Sharpshooters to kill “habituated coyotes.”

Nahant, a community on Massachusetts’s North Shore voted recently to sign an agreement with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services to help address a growing issue. Town residents have been reporting that they are being stalked or surrounded by coyotes while walking their pets.  Three times in the past year, a coyote has taken a pet off its leash while under the control of its owner, town officials said.  The citizens of Nahant have every right to demand that something be done with the coyotes.

Nahant has become the first town in the commonwealth to approve hiring federal sharpshooters to kill “habituated” coyotes.

“MassWildlife has authorized our community to dispatch the problem coyotes but our legal options of ways to do that are limited, ineffective, and not practical.” said Nahant Board Chairman.  Sometime in the next several weeks, the sharpshooters will come in, stake-out a place where coyotes congregate, like the town composting site, and pick them off in the middle of the night with rifles.

The announcement has left many Massachusetts hunters scratching their heads.

It was only a couple of years ago that MassWildlife banned coyote derbies and outlawed the “wanton waste” of them. To quote the regulation: “It is unlawful for hunters to intentionally or knowingly leave a wounded or dead animal without making a reasonable effort to retrieve and use it.  Each animal must be retrieved until processed or used for food, pelt, feathers or taxidermy.”

Correct me if I am wrong, but leaving a dead coyote in the woods for eagles, vultures, bears and other critters to feed upon seems to be a better way of disposing them than wherever the Nahant coyote carcasses will end up.

Many Massachusetts hunters favor year-round coyote hunting as a way of reducing the numbers of fawns and mature deer that fall prey to them.  However; MassWildlife’s position basically was that the hunting of coyotes will not in the long run affect their population as they have the reproductive capacity to compensate for the losses.

If that is true, then the Town of Nahant is wasting its money on these sharpshooters. The town estimates the program will cost $5,000 to $10,000 to alleviate the problem.  Allowing hunters to take care of the problem probably wouldn’t cost the town a penny.

Trout stocking scheduled to begin soon  

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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, should receive about 20% of them.  Stocking in the southeastern waters will begin any day now with other regions of the state following soon after as weather conditions allow. The stockings should run to around Memorial Day.

picture provided by MassWildlife

 

2022 spring trout stocking stats:

  • Most of the trout will be over 12 inches
  • More than 160,000 rainbow trout will be over 14 inches
  • More than 50,000 brook trout will be over 12 inches, including 550 brookies that will be over 18+ inches or retired brood fish
  • More than 52,000 brown trout will be over 12 inches, including nearly 1,000 of them measuring 18+ inches and retired brood fish
  • More than 3,000 tiger trout will be over 14 inches

 

Bobcat and coyote hunting ended last week

 

Well, the various small and big game hunting seasons are over – at least until April 23 when the Wild Turkey Youth Hunt kicks off the new season.

Some interesting facts about coyotes were recently noted in an article by the NY Department of Conservation (DEC) entitled You Make My Heart Howl!  Here are some excerpts with minor alterations which would make the recommendations applicable to Massachusetts:

Picture taken and provided by Mark Thorne

It is currently breeding season for area coyotes.   Did you know that coyotes are monogamous and form long-term pair bonds? Research shows coyotes are remarkably faithful to their mates, typically remaining together until the death of one of the pair.

During this time of the year, coyotes are especially active as they mate and begin to set up dens for pups that will arrive in the spring. They also tend to be more territorial, which can lead to more conflicts with people and pets. Following simple steps like those listed below can help humans and coyotes coexist peacefully:

  • Do not feed coyotes.
  • Do not leave food outside. Pet food, bird seed, compost, and garbage attract coyotes and other wildlife and increase risks to people and pets.
  • Do not allow coyotes to approach people or pets. If you see a coyote, be aggressive in your behavior: stand tall and hold your arms up or out to look as large as possible. If a coyote lingers for too long, make loud noises, wave your arms, and throw sticks and stones.
  • Teach children to appreciate coyotes from a distance.
  • Do not allow pets to run free. Small dogs and cats are especially vulnerable.
  • Fence yards to deter coyotes.
  • Remove brush and tall grass from around homes to reduce protective cover for coyotes.

Remember, seeing a coyote occasionally throughout the year is not a cause for concern. However, if a coyote is exhibiting bold behavior and has little or no fear of people, contact your district office of MassWildlife.  In emergency situation, contact the local police department.

New regulations proposed that Berkshire Waterfowlers will like

In the March meeting of the Fisheries and Wildlife Board, Michael Huguenin, DFW Assistant Director of Wildlife made several proposals regarding waterfowl hunting. One proposal which will be of special interest to local goose hunters is that the regular goose hunting season in the Berkshires would be extended.  If approved, it would provide a late season for regular goose hunting.  It would open on December 15 and run until February 15, with a five-bird bag limit similar to the seasons that the Central and Coastal Districts currently enjoy.

Currently in the Berkshire District, the regular goose hunting season opens on October 10 and runs until November 14.  That’s because we have a 30-day goose hunting season with a two-bird bag limit whereas the rest of Massachusetts has a 60-day season.  The reason is because some of the goose migration flyway out of Labrador and Newfoundland goes through our area and not further east.  After years of analysis, it is felt that the migration is usually pretty much ended by December 15 so there would be little or no effect on it.  The proposal does not violate any Federal restrictions or regulations.

The late season hunt should reduce the number of geese that stay year-round, thus reducing some of their negative impacts.

There were also other recommendations dealing with the sea duck regulations which don’t affect too many Berkshire waterfowlers.

The Board voted to bring the proposals to a public meeting at a time TBA.

Outdoor sportsmen saddened by the loss of Leo M. Daly

Leo M. Daly of Pittsfield, MA passed away on February 29 at the age of 92.

He joined the MA DFW in 1956 where he served in its Central District for 12 years.  While working there he built and ran its district laboratory.

In 1968, he transferred to the Western District (WD) Headquarters as Fisheries Manager where he remained until 1998.  He spent a total of 42 years with the DFW.  During his time with the WD, he held the titles of Aquatic Biologist, Fisheries Manager, and interim District Manager. In the 30 years spent in the WD, he stocked over 1.5 million trout in Western Massachusetts waters.  He was involved in a variety of Catch and Release Programs for the State.

He was also in charge of the Northern Berkshire Paraplegic Deer Hunt for 22 years.  He received awards such as Outstanding Dedication, Service Protection and Managing the Commonwealth’s Fisheries and Wildlife Resources.  He was the recipient of the Berkshire County League of Sportsmen’s 1997 Lifetime Achievement Award.  In his award application, the following was written about him, “Leo has committed his life to a pursuit that has benefitted generations of Berkshire County fishermen.”

Turkey/Ham Shoots have started

The spring turkey shoots have already begun at the Lee Sportsmen’s Association.  They started on March 6 and will continue on the following Sundays leading up to Easter.  Prizes include: NY Strip steaks, turkeys, pork loins, and spiral hams.  Cost: $3/shot-meat, $3/shot-money shoot.  Contact John Polastri at (413) 822-8278 with any questions.

Starting Sunday March 20 at 1:00 PM, the Lenox Sportsmen’s Club will be also offering 22LR shoots and pie shoots.  Bring your Shotguns for 12-16-20 & 410 gauges go home with an Easter Ham.    Shells provided.  Its kitchen will be open for burgers, hotdogs and “maybe a few surprises”.  For more information contact Lorenzo Marangoni: 413-822-7412.

Ham shoots have also started at the Cheshire Sportsmen’s Club, also on Sundays running up to Easter. March 27, April 3, April 10 – Starting each Sunday at 1 p.m. $3/per shot.  Bring your Shotguns for 12-16-20 & 410 gauges, shells provided.

For those readers who don’t already know, no, they don’t shoot turkeys or pigs.  They compete at shooting at targets and the winners are rewarded with a frozen turkey, ham, etc.  Don’t laugh, people have asked me about this over the years.

Gun Safety Course

 

Pete’s Gun Shop is holding a one-day LIVE FIRE NRA & Massachusetts State Police Certified LTC Safety Course. The course consists of classroom instruction followed by live firing.  This will be a one day all inclusive, live fire class on Sunday, March 20 at the Cheshire Rod & Gun Club at 9:00 AM.  This is to qualify MA residents and non-residents alike for the MA License To Carry or FID Card.

 

Interested parties should 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 don’t dilly-dally.  A non-refundable deposit is required to reserve your seat at the time of registration. They do accept credit cards in person or by phone.

 

This is a live fire class where they spend time at the range and you get to shoot. You will also get a $10 gift certificate to Pete’s Gun Shop in appreciation for taking the course. The cost is $100 and covers use of the range firearms, ammo, safety gear, class materials, certificates, and the NRA Safety Textbook.

 

MassWildlife makes proposals dealing with small game

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MassWildlife makes proposals dealing with small game

Recently, MA fisheries and Wildlife Board voted to proceed to public hearing with proposed changes to regulations around pheasant hunting and small game.  I tried to paraphrase them but I think I would just confuse the readers.  Therefore, I am passing on the proposed changes verbatim:

Extend opportunity to harvest pheasants/quail through December

A small portion of stocked pheasant/quail survive the regular season from mid-October through November. Following the shotgun deer season, extending the pheasant and quail season through the end of December provides an additional opportunity for enthusiastic and skilled game bird hunters to harvest remaining stocked pheasants/quail. Additionally, rabbit/hare/squirrel hunters would gain hunting opportunities from this season extension as well. Given the late-season nature of this proposed hunting opportunity, we anticipate relatively low participation rates and therefore minimal, if any, concerns or conflicts with other hunters, recreationalists, and/or landowners.

Expand allowable hunting implements on stocked WMAs, and standardize hunting implements (shotgun and archery only) for pheasant/quail

Current regulations unnecessarily restrict hunting implements on stocked Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) to shotgun and archery for hunters pursuing species other than pheasant and quail. Many stocked WMAs are large or occur as multiple, disjunct parcels such that restricting implements unnecessarily hinders hunting for other game. This change is also critical since the proposed expansion of the pheasant/quail season occurs during the muzzleloader deer season. Expanding hunting implements would most benefit black bear hunters during the November season and hunters of other furbearers.

In addition, regulations would be amended to specify that pheasant/quail hunters may only use shotgun and archery equipment on both stocked WMAs and other stocked properties. Currently, shotguns and archery equipment are specified for pheasant/quail hunters on stocked WMAs, while on non-WMA stocked properties there are no existing implement restrictions.

Expand hunting hours for archery deer/waterfowl, etc., hunters on stocked WMAs, and standardize hunting hours for all pheasant/quail hunters

On pheasant-stocked WMAs, current regulations unnecessarily restrict hunters during archery deer, bear, fall turkey, waterfowl, etc., seasons from being able to hunt during some of the best time periods for hunting those species. Stocked WMAs can readily accommodate hunters who are not targeting pheasant and quail from 1⁄2 hour before sunrise to 1⁄2 hour after sunset, thereby standardizing hunting hours both on and off WMAs and simplifying regulations.

Additionally, pheasant/quail hunting hours would run from sunrise to sunset, regardless of whether hunting is occurring on a stocked WMA or any other property. Currently, hunting hours are not the same on stocked WMAs (sunrise to sunset) compared to other pheasant-stocked properties (1⁄2 hour before sunrise to 1⁄2 hour after sunset).

Simplification/expansion of gray squirrel, cottontail, and snowshoe hare seasons

cottontail picture provided by MassWildife

Regulations associated with the hunting of gray squirrel, cottontail, and snowshoe hare are unnecessarily complicated. The proposed simplified framework would include a statewide season for cottontail/hare starting mid-October (the Saturday after Columbus Day) and end the last day of February. The gray squirrel season would run from early September to February 28. Harvest of these small game species is minimal relative to population size, and any expansion in season would not be detrimental to long-term population health. These changes greatly simplify the regulations and provide additional opportunities in the early and late season for both new and experienced hunters.

Remove the black tailed jack rabbit season

Black tailed jack rabbits have been extirpated from Nantucket for decades. There is no reason to have an open season for an extirpated, non-native species.”

So, there you have it, direct from MassWildlife. The MA Fish & Wildlife Board agreed to pursue the recommendations and will shortly be setting up a public meeting date. The Board is asking some preliminary input from the various county sportsmen’s leagues and clubs.  At its February 2022 monthly meeting, the Berkshire County League of Sportsmen unanimously approved the proposals, as did the Cheshire Rod & Gun Club.

Desired hunting legislative proposals are gaining traction

 

Reliable sources report that the following legislative proposals will be reported out favorably from the Environment and Natural Resources Committee. Most of them have been covered in recent articles in this column:

 

1.Senator Gobi’s Bill S. 546 – An act to Reimburse the Inland Fish and Game Fund. This will reimburse MassWildlife for the free licenses made available to those aged 70 and older and could mean upwards of $2 million annually. – Reported out Favorably

  1. H. 991 – An act relative to the use of crossbows in hunting. Petitioned by Representative William “Smitty” Pignatelli and Representative Viera’s bill H. 1024 – Reported out Favorably
  2. S.552 – Senator Gobi’s bill on setbacks reducing from 500 to 250 feet for archery. Favorable Report
  3. Finally all the Sunday Hunting Bills were put in a study.

 

Hunters are encouraged to contact their representatives and politely ask them to support these bills.  Thanks to Rep. Smitty for his petition on the crossbow bill.

 

Hunting is still very popular here in the Berkshires

 

To hear some people, one would conclude that hardly anyone hunts around here anymore. The percentage/number of hunters in relation to the total state/county population are quite low.  One reason, they claim, is that the rewards for the efforts are hardly worth it.  Well, have you checked the price of meat lately, or what a roast duck meal will cost you in a restaurant?

 

Rarely are the other rewards that the hunter reaps ever mentioned.  Things like fresh air, physical exercise, the comradery of friends and family, and just being out there with mother nature and all of the beauty she has to offer.

 

Lest you be swayed by any misleading comments, please consider these statistics which were provided by MassWildlife to F&W Board Member Bob Durand.  Bob kindly passed them onto us:

 

According to MassWildlife’s Year 2020 license sales (last year provided), there were 5,510 hunting and sporting licenses sold in the Berkshires (A sporting license allows hunting and fishing).   My friends, that’s a lot of local hunters.

Ice Fishing Derbies

If you like to fish in NY, the Canaan Conservation Club will be holding its 23rd Annual Hard Water Fishing Derby on Queechy Lake on February 19.  It will run from 6:00 am to 1:00 pm.  You can register and pay online or by visiting its website https://canaanconservationclub.weebly.com.

The entrance fee is $15 for adults and $5 for youths aged 15 and under.  There will be prizes, raffles and more.  Remember, next weekend is free fishing weekend in the state of New York with no license required.

Also, don’t forget, the Cheshire Rod & Gun Club and the Adams Outdoor for Youth organizations have scheduled an ice fishing derby on Sunday, February 20 on the 1st and 2nd Hoosac Lakes in Cheshire, MA. It will run from sunrise until 4:00 pm with weigh-in at the Farnams Causeway.  The ticket holder with the heaviest fish wins an Eskimo Quickfish 3 Ice Shelter and an 8-inch K-Drill Auger.

Prizes and refreshments will be at 5:00 pm at the Cheshire R&G Club House.  Kids 14 and under free with adult ticket holder ($10 donation).

Go Fish MA!

MassWildlife encourages you to use the Go Fish MA! map to target fish on ice.  The detailed depth information from the map can help you decide where to go and where to set up on a pond.  You can even view waterbody depth in real time on your phone.  I tested it on a couple of locations where I ice fish on Stockbridge Bowl and it is spot on.

Take a boating safety course

A boating safety course is recommended for anyone who wishes to operate a boat. Young boaters aged 12–15 are required to complete a state-approved boating safety course to operate a motorboat without adult supervision. Boat Massachusetts is a free course 10-12 hours in length offered by the Massachusetts Environmental Police. Family participation is encouraged and has proven to be very rewarding.

There is such a course coming up at the Cheshire Rod & Gun Club on the following evenings: February 28, March 3, 7 and 9.  All classes must be attended. approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators

For more information, click onto https://www.mass.gov/services-details/boating-safety.

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Regulations to prohibit wanton waste and predator contests approved
By now you have probably heard or read that the Massachusetts Fisheries and Wildlife Board voted 6 to 1 to approve regulations prohibiting the waste of certain game animals, prohibiting hunting contests for certain predator and furbearing animals, and changing the harvest reporting requirements for fox and coyote. Board member Robert Durand was the sole negative vote. He then proposed two amendments to the regulations and they were both voted down 6 to 1.
So, here is a summary of regulation changes as established by the board. It cautions that the regulations are not yet in effect and are still subject to administrative processing prior to promulgation. MassWildlife anticipates that the regulations will go into effect well before the 2020 fall hunting season. A summary of the regulations is provided on its web page https://www.mass.gov/news/regulations.
Prohibition on Contests for the Capture, Take or Waste of Predator and Furbearer Animals
It shall be unlawful for any person to organize, sponsor, promote, conduct, or participate in a contest for the take of coyote, bobcat, red fox, gray fox, weasels, mink, skunk, river otter, muskrat, beaver, fisher, raccoon, and opossum. A predator or furbearer contest is where participants compete for prizes or other inducements in the capture or take of predatory or furbearing animals.
Prohibition on the Waste of Certain Game Animals
It shall be unlawful for any person while hunting or trapping to waste an animal. “Waste” means to intentionally or knowingly leave a wounded or dead animal in the field or the forest without making a reasonable effort to retrieve and use it. Each retrieved animal shall be retained or transferred to another until processed or used for food, the pelt, feathers, or taxidermy.
The waste regulation does not apply to:
Animals “unfit for consumption or use” – animals and their parts that are damaged, destroyed, decayed, rotting, diseased, or infected.
Defense of people or property.
Problem wildlife, such as Beaver Emergency Permitting and Problem Animal Control.
Certain animals such as English sparrow, starling, crow, chipmunk, flying squirrel, red squirrel, porcupine, skunk, weasel, or woodchuck.
Wounded or dead animals that cannot be retrieved after a reasonable effort has been made.
Change harvest reporting requirements of Hunting of Bobcat, Fox and Coyote and the Hunting and Trapping of Certain Game Mammals
Fox and coyote shall be checked within 48 hours of harvest, consistent with deer, bear, and turkey requirements. Fox and coyote may be checked online or in person.
To the livestock farmers who perhaps will be more affected by the wanton waste regulation than anyone else, MassWildlife included the following comments:
The regulations are specifically designed to preserve all options currently available to the public and to farmers experiencing livestock depredation by coyotes, and do not, in any way, reduce the opportunity for coyote hunting. The following options currently available to livestock farmers and other property owners will all remain available and unchanged under the new regulations:
• Whenever lethal removal of an animal causing conflict is warranted, MassWildlife recommends that a farmer or landowner invite hunters onto the property during the regulated season in order to promote the utilization of the resource and ensure that the animal is not wasted.
• MassWildlife assures property owners, their families, and employees will still be able to protect their property year–round by killing an animal that is in the act of causing damage (including depredation) and this is exempt from the wanton waste regulation. Also, property owners can hire a licensed Problem Animal Control Agent to trap or shoot the offending animal, an activity that is also exempt from the wanton waste regulation.
• MassWildlife can also issue a special permit to farmers experiencing livestock depredation from coyotes. This option allows the farmer to invite licensed hunters onto their property, both during and outside of the regulated seasons, to take coyotes in order to mitigate the issue and the wanton waste rule would not apply.
• MassWildlife asserts that while the regulations do not decrease options available to landowners and farmers experiencing property damage or reduce the opportunity to hunt coyotes or other furbearers, it is important to note that coyote hunting in Massachusetts cannot control the coyote population and has not and cannot prevent livestock depredation or other types of human-coyote conflict. This is due to the inherent biology and population structure of coyotes.
• MassWildlife believes hunting can randomly remove animals that are depredating on livestock or causing other conflict, but it may also remove animals that are not. Because hunting cannot control the population, there will always be coyotes around farms and some livestock depredation is unfortunately inevitable. MassWildlife has always been and will continue to be committed to working with farmers and livestock producers to minimize and mitigate conflict when it occurs.

So there you have it folks; like it or not, it will shortly become the law and we must comply. Let’s hope that it isn’t the gateway for implementing more hunting restrictions in the future.
Big Cut in Bluefish Bag Limit
If you enjoy going down to the Cape or Rhode Island fishing for blues, this will be of interest to you. Earlier this month, fishery managers approved new regulations for the 2020 recreational bluefish fishery. These measures, which include a 3-fish bag limit for private anglers and a 5-fish bag limit for for-hire fishermen, represent a substantial reduction compared to the federal 15-fish bag limit that has been in place since 2000.
The most recent assessment of the Atlantic bluefish stock concluded that the stock is overfished. In October, managers called for an 18% decrease compared to 2019 and considered several combinations of bag limits and minimum size limits. Although the Bluefish Monitoring Committee recommended a coastwide 3-fish bag limit, the majority of comments from the public and Bluefish Advisory Panel (AP) members expressed opposition to this option, noting that it would have severe economic consequences for the for-hire sector, which was only responsible for 3.6% of coastwide landings from 2016 to 2018. Additionally, AP members and the public emphasized that these proposed reductions come at a challenging time for for-hire stakeholders as they are also facing new restrictions on striped bass, black sea bass, summer flounder, and scup.
After an extensive discussion and thorough consideration of public comments, the Council recommended and Commission approved a 3-fish bag limit for private and shore modes and a 5-fish bag limit for the for-hire mode. No restrictions were made to minimum fish size or seasons.
“For many years, bluefish has been one of our most abundant recreational fisheries,” said Council Chairman and ASMFC Board member Mike Luisi. “The Council and Commission are fully committed to the effective conservation and management of this stock, but we also recognize that a sudden change in regulations could have severe socioeconomic consequences for some stakeholders. After evaluating a wide range of options and considering numerous comments from the public, we feel that this approach is the most fair and effective way to achieve the necessary reduction in harvest next year.”
Ladies LTC Classes
The Lenox Sportsmen’s Club will be holding its first Ladies Only License-to-Carry and Utah firearms course on January 5, 2020. The course, which is Mass State Police Compliant will run from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. The stand-alone prices for the various states are: $70.00 MA, $125.00 UT, $125.00 AZ, $125.00 CT and $125.00 FL. Combine any two for $150.00, any additional state above two is $50.
Pre-registration required. Contact Tom Nadolny at 413-822-6451 or tnadolny1@gmail.com
Last of the deer hunting seasons end this Tuesday
After December 31, the only hunting seasons open will be crow, cottontail rabbit, snowshoe hare, bobcat, coyote, fox, opossum and racoon. These seasons end at different dates so be sure to check the hunting laws.
Happy new year!

 

Freshwater Fishing Gold Pin winners are announced

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Each year, MassWildlife recognizes anglers who catch exceptional freshwater fish in waters open to the public. If you submit the largest or longest fish in an eligible species category, you will get a gold pin and a plaque, and you’ll also be honored in a MassWildlife awards event.
Log onto https://www.mass.gov/service-details/gold-pin-winners to see all of the 2018 winners in the Adult Catch & Keep, Youth Catch & Keep and Catch & Release categories. You will notice that there were 4 gold pins awarded to local anglers or fish caught out of local waters.

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

Winners/waters from our area were as follows:

Adult catch & keep category:
Brown Trout, 9 lbs10 oz caught out of Onota Lake by Kevin Janis of Pittsfield; Carp, 30 lbs 1 oz, caught out of the Housatonic River in Lenox. Northern Pike, 19 lbs6 oz caught out of Onota Lake by Bryan Kopola of Windsor. (You may remember that Kevin Janis caught last year’s gold pin Northern Pike out of Cheshire Reservoir).

Catch & release gold pin winners
Northern Pike, 42 inches, caught out of Onota Lake by Joshua Blood of Agawam,

2018 Angler of the Year award winners

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

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

This year the winners were:

Adult Catch & Keep Category: Todd Matera of Palmer, MA with 11 species. Matera received State pins for the following fish: brown trout, carp, channel catfish, crappie, landlocked salmon, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, sunfish, white catfish, white perch and yellow perch. Todd was also the Angler of the year in 2005.

Youth Catch & Keep Category: (There was a tie) Jason Bunar of Kingston, MA with 21 species. He received State pins for the following fish: bowfin, brook trout, brown trout, bullhead, carp, chain pickerel, channel catfish, crappie, lake trout, landlocked salmon, largemouth bass, northern pike, rainbow trout, shad, smallmouth bass, sunfish, tiger trout, walleye, white catfish, white perch and yellow perch. Jason was also Angler of the year in 2016 and 2017.

Andrew Langley, Peabody, MA, also with 21 species. He received State pins for the following fish species: bowfin, brook trout, brown trout, bullhead, carp, chain pickerel, channel catfish, crappie, lake trout, landlocked salmon, largemouth bass, northern pike, rainbow trout, shad, smallmouth bass, sunfish, tiger trout, walleye, white catfish, white perch and yellow perch.

Catch & Release Angler Category: Michael Nee of Northborough, MA with 25 species.
Michael received state pins for the following species of fish: bowfin, brook trout, brown trout, bullhead, carp, chain pickerel, channel catfish, crappie, lake trout, landlocked salmon, largemouth bass, northern pike, rainbow trout, shad, smallmouth bass, sunfish, tiger trout, walleye, white catfish, white perch and yellow perch. Michael was also Angler of the year in 2015, 2016 and 2017.

New State record fish caught in 2018 were as follows in the Catch & Release Category:

Bowfin – 30 inches caught out of the Connecticut River in Springfield by Kevin Lavimodiere of North Attleboro.
Bullhead – 20.75 inches caught out of Baldpate Pond in Boxford, by Roger Aziz, Jr. of Methuen. Landlocked Salmon – 27.25 inches caught out of Quabbin Reservoir by Gary Morin of Hardwick.
Largemouth Bass – 25 inches caught out of White Pond in Concord by Tracy Como-Bowe of Concord.
Largemouth Bass – 25 inches caught out of Great Herring Pond in Plymouth by Dylan Towne of Wareham.
Walleye – 29.50 inches caught out of the Connecticut River in Turners Falls by Jason Wingrove of Greenfield.
Walleye – 29.50 inches caught out of the Connecticut River in Holyoke by Michael Taylor of South Hadley.
White Perch – 18 inches caught out of Wachusett Reservoir by Prince Dukuly of West Boylston.

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

Coyote attack
A couple of weeks ago a 16- year old Norwell, MA teenager, Anna Hollander, was bitten by what was believed to be a coyote, according to Marion Larson, a spokeswoman for MassWildlife. They are fairly confident that this was most likely a rabid coyote based upon the description of its behavior.
The girl was sitting in her driveway when the animal came up to her and bit her on the arm. “She didn’t see it coming,” said her mother Tara, “It snarled at her and then snarled as it was biting her.
She said her daughter swung her arm, trying to break free from the grip of the animal’s jaws, and then sprinted into the house. Anna ran so fast that one of her shoes came off. The coyote chased her as she ran but stopped when she reached the stairs. Once she was safely inside, she called 911.
The coyote switched its attention to the shoe, grabbed it, shook it violently and ran off with it across the street, and disappeared into the woods. Police searched the area but they were unable to locate the animal. But they did find Anna’s shoe, which was about 10 feet into the woods.
“It has not been seen or heard from since that day,” said Larson, “If it was rabid, it may be dead as the disease kills animals within a few days. We are still reviewing and following up with local officials to determine if there have been reports of unusual acting coyotes.”
The girl was left with several puncture wounds on her arm and had to undergo a series of rabies shots, but she’s expected to make a full recovery.
Coyote attacks on humans are rare. Counting last week’s attack, there have been 12 documented cases of coyote attacks on humans in Massachusetts in the last 21 years, with the first documented attack being in 1998. According to MassWildlife, in most of those cases, the coyotes tested positive for rabies or were suspected to be rabid. Some of the incidents involved coyotes that had become overly accustomed to people, Larson said.
MassWildlife requests people to report any unusual animal behavior to local authorities.
To make your property less attractive to coyotes, MassWildlife officials recommend feeding your pets indoors. Make sure your garbage is secured in tough plastic containers with tight-fitting lids, and keep it indoors whenever possible. Clear away any fruit that falls from trees in your yard, and if you have bird feeders, clean up any birdseed that spills onto the ground. If you see coyotes around your yard regularly, you should probably remove the bird feeders.
Larson said it’s also important to keep coyote attacks in perspective. “You’re far more likely to get bitten by a dog than a coyote. A local Animal Control Officer probably gets more than 12 calls about dog bites in one year in one town.”
Parts of the above information came from Emily Sweeney’s March 7 article in the Boston Globe entitled, “Norwell mom describes coyote attack on her daughter”.
Coyote Contest

Some 29 coyotes were entered into Dave’s Sporting Goods Coyote Contest this year, and the winner was Carl Dolle of Clarksburg. He bagged the most with a total of 15. Joe Trybus, of Lanesborough came in second with a count of 13. The largest coyote, weighing 42 lbs was taken by Glen Curtis. Congratulations to all.

 

Beware of rabid coyotes

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According to MassWildlife, a coyote attacked 2 people in North Attleboro on November 20, 2017 while police were responding to calls about a coyote acting oddly. The North Attleboro police killed the coyote and sent it to the Department of Public Health (DPH) for rabies testing. Subsequently, DPH test results confirmed the coyote was rabid. MassWildlife is reminding the public to report any unusual animal behavior to local authorities and to take specific actions which reduces contact with coyotes.

In a recent press release, they stated that attacks by coyotes on people are a rare and unusual event. The North Attleboro attacks are the eighth and ninth documented attacks on people by coyotes since the 1950’s. Of the seven prior attacks, two coyotes were confirmed as rabid and three others were suspected as rabid, but the animals could not be captured for testing. The last coyote attack on a person was in the town of Kingston in 2015.

Rabies is a very serious disease affecting the nervous system of mammals, including cats, dogs, raccoons, coyotes, foxes, and people. Rabies is caused by a virus and is almost always fatal. The virus found in saliva is usually spread from animal to animal or to people through bites. People who have been bitten or scratched by a potentially rabid animal should contact their health care provider. In most cases, immediate treatment for rabies exposure is necessary. If a pet has been attacked, owners should contact their veterinarian for advice.

MassWildlife urges the public to report any observations of wild or domestic mammals displaying symptoms of this fatal disease to local animal control officers. There are two kinds of symptoms, the “furious form” and the “dumb form”. Furious form symptoms include aggressive attacks on people or other animals, or random biting of objects. Dumb form symptoms are exhibited by animals acting sick, dazed, or paralyzed.

Rabies in coyotes is relatively uncommon. Since 2014, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) has tested 14 coyotes for rabies. Cumulative reports from the DPH summarizing rabies testing from 1992-2002 and annual reports from 2003 to 2016 are available on the DPH website and can be found at www.mass.gov/dph/rabies.

Coyotes live in rural, suburban, and urban areas throughout Massachusetts except for Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard. Coyotes thrive where people live because there is a lot of food available–including garbage, fruit trees, bird seed, and suet. Small pets as well as wildlife attracted to birdfeeders are also a potential meal for coyotes. Coyote attacks on pets are not unusual; loose pets are at risk of attack by coyotes or other wildlife. Cats and small dogs are viewed as a potential meal for coyotes, while larger dogs, especially when off-leash, may be viewed by coyotes as a threat.

Interestingly, the subject of a recent rash of fox and raccoon rabies incidents in the Northern Berkshires was discussed during the October Meeting of the Berkshire County League of Sportsmen. Sportsmen were advised to be aware and forewarned.

To prevent contact with coyotes, MassWildlife recommends the following actions:

Remove all types of food: Coyotes eat bird seed, suet, and the small wildlife attracted to feeders. They also raid garbage and compost piles. Secure garbage in plastic containers with tight fitting lids and keep them secure. Take out trash when the morning pick-up is scheduled, not the previous night. Remove bird feeders.

Stay outside with your pet: Pet owners should be present outside with their pets at all times and keep them under control, preferably on a leash. Unsupervised pets left outdoors are at risk of attack by coyotes or other animals. The presence of a human generally discourages coyotes.

For more tips on avoiding problems with coyotes, see MassWildlife’s Living With Coyotes Fact Sheet.

Coyote Derby
Dave’s Sporting Goods in Pittsfield is having its Coyote Derby again this year. It will run until the end of coyote hunting season which is March 8, 2018. Entrance fee is $10 and prizes will be awarded to the person who bags the most coyotes, the largest coyote and there will also be a random draw.
Don’t import deer from out of state
To keep Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) from spreading to Massachusetts, it is illegal to import deer parts (from any deer species) from states or provinces where CWD has been detected. This includes OH, MD, NY, PA, VA, WV, and many other states. Live deer of any species may not be brought into Massachusetts for any purpose. It is legal to bring in deboned meat, clean skull caps, hides without the head, or a fixed taxidermy mount.
CWD is a contagious neurological disease that is 100% fatal to all cervids, including deer, elk, and moose. It attacks the brains of infected animals, causing them to exhibit abnormal behavior, become emaciated, and eventually die. Infected deer can spread the infectious agents through urine, feces, saliva, etc. for months before showing clinical symptoms. The infectious agents are in very high concentrations in the brain and spinal tissue, so an infected carcass left on the landscape can be a major problem. The infectious agents can remain in the soil for over 10 years and can be taken up into the leaves of plants that deer eat.
If you see a deer or moose in Massachusetts exhibiting any signs of this disease or any other disease, please contact MassWildlife at (508) 389-6300.
So far, no CWD infected deer have been found in Massachusetts. Let’s try to keep it that way.
IDPA
The International Defensive Pistol Association will be holding a 2-Gun match on Sunday, December 10, weather permitting, at the Lee Sportsmen’s Association. It starts at 12:00 pm and ends at 4:30 pm. Shotgun and/or pistol, 3 stages, 30 #7 shot shell 150 pistol. Contact ssullee@icloud.com for more information. Also, all scheduled event information is listed at www.leesportsmen.com.
TU Holiday Party

The Taconic Chapter of Trout Unlimited is having its annual Holiday Party on Thursday, December 14 at the Crissey Farm @ Barrington Brewery, 420 Stockbridge Rd, Great Barrington. For the first time in chapter history, it’s Holiday party will be opened to the general public. It will be a buffet dinner which costs $30 pp. Social Hour with hors d’oeuvres at 5:30 PM. The event features a Door Prize and Donation Bucket Raffle. For more information call Bill Travis at (413)-447-9720 or email: traviswdt547@gmail.com. Reservations must be made by December 9.

2016 shotgun deer hunting season off to a good start

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As of noon last Wednesday, 82 deer were checked in at the DFW Western District Headquarters in Dalton, MA. Some 52 were checked in on opening day.  That figure is significantly higher than last year’s figure at the same time.  Some of those deer were bruisers with beautiful antlers and good body weights..  For example, Peter Derby shot a 6 point buck in Hinsdale that weighed in at 202 lbs.  Thomas Wiencek shot a 9 point buck in Cheshire that weighed 198 lbs.  These were field dressed weights.  To estimate their actual live weights, multiply the field dressed weight by 1.26.  So the estimated live weight of Derby’s deer was approximately 255 lbs and Wiencik’s deer weighed approximately 249 lbs.  Nice deer, ey?

 

The season was only two and a half days old and preliminary harvest numbers were not available from the outlying check stations.  We do know that the Mill River check station weighed three huge deer; a 10 pointer weighing 181 lbs, an 8 pointer weighed in at 186 lbs and another 10 pointer which weighed 157 lbs.   There was an 8 pointer shot in Richmond that weighed 176 lbs, an 8 pointer that weighed 179 lbs and a 10 pointer weighing 184 lbs shot in Lee.  There was an 11 pointer that weighed in at 164 lbs in Monterey and a 12 pointer taken off of Mt Greylock that weighed 174 lbs.  These large deer were in addition to the “normal” sized deer.
DFW Western District Supervisor Andrew Madden said that his office and the outlying check stations all exceeded last year’s harvest numbers for opening day.  He attributed the high harvest numbers to the almost ideal conditions:  ample snow for tracking and pleasant temperatures.  On Tuesday and Wednesday, when I was at the office, the conditions were less than ideal with pretty good downpours.  Even so, the hunters were not deterred.  Around noon time on Tuesday there was a steady stream of hunters checking in their deer.   That kept Madden and Wildlife Technician Derek McDermott out in the rain most of the day checking them in.

 

Effective last year, a third black bear hunting season was started which runs through the 2 week shotgun deer hunting season.  As of noon on Wednesday, 4 bear were checked in at the Western District Check Stations.  According to Madden, this indicates that all of the bears have not yet denned up for the winter in spite of the large snowfall which occurred the previous week.  He did say; however, that hunters can still tag bears online during this season, so he doesn’t yet know  what the tally is.

 

With the hard rainfall and fog on Tuesday and Wednesday, much of the snow melted and tracking might have been more difficult.  But there was plenty of mud and soft ground so it was still possible to track the deer.

 

The shotgun deer hunting season runs until next Saturday, December 10.  If you haven’t been able to get out yet, don’t worry.  There appears to be a lot more deer out there this year, possibly due to the mild winter we had last year.   This year’s shotgun harvest numbers should be relatively high.  After that season, the primitive firearms (black powder) deer hunting season opens on Monday, December 12 and runs through Saturday, December 31.

 

 

 

Coyote Derby

Dave’s Sporting Goods in Pittsfield is having its Coyote Derby again this year.  It will run until the end of coyote hunting season which is March 8, 2017.  Entrance fee is $10 and prizes will be awarded to the person who bags the most coyotes, the largest coyote and there will also be a random draw.

 

Licenses on sale

The 2017 hunting, sporting, freshwater fishing, and trapping licenses are available for purchase through MassFishHunt, at a license vendor location, or at a DFW office.   Good news!  There are no increases in the license fees this year.    In fact, there has not been a license fee increase since 1996.

 

At that time, Massachusetts Fish & Wildlife Board Chairman George “Gige” Darey of Lenox, and the then DFW Director Wayne MacCallum calculated that with the $10 fee increase they imposed, they wouldn’t have to request another increase until the year 2006.  It has now been twenty years.

 

How is that possible, you ask?  Darey attributes it to several factors:  good grant writing, division downsizing, modernization and priority.  Darey said that during the downsizing, no one lost their jobs.  One examples of modernization is that more and more pheasants are being bought, rather than raising then.  This allows for excellent birds at  lower prices because they are saving money on manpower costs.  The Division is also utilizing more economical ways of raising the fish, too.

 

2016 Guides are available

You can now download your 2017 Massachusetts Guide to Hunting, Freshwater Fishing and Trapping Laws (formerly called the abstracts) or pick one up at a licensed vender or at a DFW office.  This year’s cover has a nice picture of a coyote.

 

Listed in the 2017 Guide are the following changes:  1) Migratory game bird seasons and bag limits are now set in the Spring;  2) Federal Migratory Game Bird Stamps may be purchased online through MassFishHunt (mass.gov/massfishhunt) when purchasing your hunting license and state waterfowl stamp and 3)There are new Learn-to-Hunt and Explore archery and bowhunting programs that provide unique opportunities for new hunters and archers to gain important knowledge and skills.

 

In the 2017 Guide, DFW Director Jack Buckley highlighted some of the Division’s accomplishments during 2016.  I plan to list them in next week’s column.