Category Archives: Deer Hunting

Are there Brown Bears in our midst?

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Are there Brown Bears in our midst?

A few weeks back, old friend and fellow hunter Rick Stanard of Lee sent me a picture of what appeared to be a brown bear which was hanging around his house on Beartown Mountain/Benedict Pond Road. It also had a unique light- colored snout. Before contacting me, Rick had done some research on the subject of brown bears in Massachusetts and found out that they do not normally exist here.  I also did some research and came to the same conclusion, however, Cinnamon Bears do exist as far east as PA and I wondered if perhaps one strayed up our way.

I contacted Dave Wattles, MassWildlife Black Bear & Furbearer Project Leader, about the bear and sent him a picture of it.  I inquired if the bear could possibly be a brown or cinnamon bear. 

He responded that it is definitely a black bear and that brown or cinnamon colored black bears are very uncommon in MA. When it does occur, it is often in young bears and the coloration will gradually turn to black as they get older.  He said that the light-colored muzzle is very common in our bears. MassWildlife does reasonably often handle cubs in the den that have varying degrees of blonde heads, not only the muzzle, that also darken as they age.  The bears are almost always “typical” black bears in coloration when they handle them as yearlings the following winter. 

So there we have it, Rick, mystery solved.  It is a brown black bear.

Many thanks to Dave Wattles for solving this mystery.

New Ocean Recreational Fishing rules go into effect this year

At this time of the year many Berkshire anglers start planning their trips to Cape Cod, Rhode Island and other parts east to do some salt water fishing. Please be aware of the following:

New recreational fishing rules have been adopted in Massachusetts to increase the conservation of Atlantic striped bass. The size of fish that can be recreationally harvested has been further restricted to end overfishing on the resource, while additional fishing gear requirements have been established to address recreational catch and release mortality. The commercial striped bass fishery has been similarly reduced through a quota cut. These changes were recommended by the Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF), approved by the Marine Fisheries Advisory Commission, and take effect on May 1, 2020.

  • Slot Limit: Only striped bass measuring at least 28” and less than 35” (total length) may be retained in the recreational fishery. Recreational anglers may harvest and possess one striped bass per day within this slot limit, year-round. Striped bass measuring less than 28” or 35” and greater, must be immediately released.
  • Circle Hooks: Recreational anglers are required to use an in-line circle hook when fishing for striped bass with whole or cut natural baits. A circle hook is defined as a fishing hook designed and manufactured so that the point of the hook is not offset from the plane of the shank and bend and is turned perpendicularly back towards the shank to form a circular or oval shape.   Exceptions. This requirement does not apply in the following circumstances: 1) when a recreational angler is fishing aboard a for-hire vessel on a for-hire trip; and 2) when a recreational angler is fishing with natural bait attached to an artificial lure that is trolled, jigged, or casted and retrieved (e.g., “tube and worm”). 
  • Non-lethal Removal Devices: When using a device to remove striped bass from the water, recreational anglers must use a non-lethal device. A non-lethal device is defined as any tool used in the removal of striped bass from the water or to assist in the releasing of striped bass that does not pierce, puncture, or otherwise cause invasive damage to the fish that may result in its mortality. This effectively prohibits the gaffing of striped bass by recreational anglers.

Anglers are referred the DMF list of Frequently Asked Questions for more information. Email them at marine.fish@mass.gov with additional questions, so they can update this list accordingly.

Recreational Bluefish Regulations for 2020 

The Marine Fisheries Advisory Commission has approved DMF recommendations to adjust the recreational possession limit for bluefish effective May 1, 2020:

For more information, visit the DMF website: www.mass.gov/marinefisheries

Where Have All the Insects Gone?

In the May, 2020 issue of National Geographic there is an interesting article written by Elizabeth Kolbert entitled “Where Have All the Insects Gone?”  It is an eye-opening article detailing how over the last 30 years insects in various parts of the world have declined by as much as 70%.  As the article points out, insects may sting or startle us, but they keep the planet livable. 

It lists 5 crucial insect jobs: 

  • Providers – Insects are in nearly every food chain, especially birds, bats, amphibians and fish.
  • Decomposers – Waste eating insects unlock nutrients for use by the ecosystem that would otherwise stagnate in dung, dead plants and carrion.
  • Pest controllers -By feeding on crop-threatening pests, predatory insects perform the role of pesticides without chemicals.
  • Pollinators – Nearly 90% of flowering plant species and 75% of crop plant species depend on pollination mostly by insects.  If crops can’t reproduce, humans and animals lose key food sources.
  • Soil engineers – Termites and ants can transform soil in hot, dry climates.  Their tunneling aerates hard ground, helping it to retain water and add nutrients.

What is the value of the services these insects provide?  Back in 2006 an attempt was made by some entomologists and they came up with a figure of $57 billion in the US alone.

A study of mayflies in the upper Midwestern US found their populations had dropped by more than half since 2012.  Studies have also concluded that population losses of 27% of the dragonflies and damselflies, 36% of the butterflies and moths, 42% of the bees, wasps and ants, 61% of the beetles and 85% of the grasshoppers and crickets. This should be of concern to everyone, especially the flyfishing folks.    

What are the reasons for the decline?  Some entomologists blame climate change while others blame farming practices or other infringements on insect habitat. 

What can be done?  If the cause is climate change, then it would seem that only global action to reduce emissions could really make a difference.  If pesticides or habitat loss are the main culprits, then action on a regional or local scale could have a big impact.  The article noted that the European Union has banned most neonicotinoid pesticides which several studies have linked to insect and bird declines.  The German government adopted an “action program for insect protection” which calls for restoring insect habitat, banning the use of insecticides in certain areas and phasing out glyphosate, a commonly used herbicide.

Personally, I believe the bug zappers kill a lot of harmless insects as well as the biting ones.  No harm in having one on your deck while you are outside trying to dine and/or enjoy the sunsets, but may I suggest that you turn it off when you go inside for the evening.  There are a lot of moths and other harmless insects drawn to the light and killed during the evenings.

As one prominent entomologist wrote, “Plants and insects are the fabric of this planet.  We’re ripping it to shreds and we need to knit it back together.

May Hatchery fishing derby cancelled

In its effort to reduce the community spread of COVID-19 through social distancing, the Berkshire Hatchery Foundation in Hartsville-New Marlborough cancelled its planned youth fishing derby which was scheduled for this upcoming Saturday.  Oh well, maybe next month.

Be safe!

Spring Turkey Hunting Season opens tomorrow

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This year marks the 40th spring turkey hunting season in Massachusetts.  It opens tomorrow morning and runs through May 23. There have been a lot of changes with regard to turkey hunting this past year and this column has relayed them piecemeal during the year.  To make sure that all of the turkey hunters are up-to-date with these changes, please bear with me as I list them out again.

MassWildlife cautions us to remember to practice safe social distancing while enjoying the outdoors. COVID-19 related restrictions and precautions will impact some in-person services, including license sales and check stations. Most hunters already take advantage of easy online purchasing and harvest reporting through MassFishHunt. MassWildlife has created some new options to support hunters who are unable to do business online. If you know someone who doesn’t receive their emails, give them a call and let them know what’s happening or have them visit mass.gov/turkey2020 for up-to-date information.

Hunters are strongly encouraged to purchase licenses online. MassWildlife offices are closed until further notice, and many license vendors are closed as well. Hunters can purchase licenses and permits online with a computer or smartphone through MassFishHunt, or through any license vendors that remain open (call first). A printed license and turkey permit must be carried with you while turkey hunting.

There is a new online purchasing option for 15–17 year-olds. Under normal circumstances, minors aged 15–17 must purchase a license in person and provide written parental consent. During the COVID-19 State of Emergency, parents and guardians can use an electronic form to provide consent and then purchase licenses online. You can email mass.wildlife@mass.gov if you have any questions.

Due to COVID-19 public health measures, no check stations will operate during the spring 2020 turkey season, including all MassWildlife locations. Hunters are strongly encouraged to use MassFishHunt to report harvested birds online.  Hunters without computer or smartphone access can call MassWildlife to report a harvest over the phone.

To report your harvested turkey over the phone, call your nearest MassWildlife District Office, or the MassWildlife Field Headquarters. Staff will be available to help hunters report their harvest over the phone. When reporting a harvest over the phone, hunters should be prepared to provide the following information: date of harvest, town and Wildlife Management Zone of harvest, the sex and age of the turkey (bearded birds only in spring), and the method of take (shotgun/archery/crossbow). Staff can assist if you are unsure of the sex or age of the turkey.

Note: If you get a busy signal when calling the district office in Dalton ( 413) 684-1646), try again in a few minutes or call the Field Headquarters at (508) 389-6300 to leave a message. If you need to leave a message, include your full name, customer ID number from your hunting license, and a phone number where you can be reached.

Hunters including youth huntersmust follow the standard ½ hour before sunrise to 12 noon hunting hours.

Note: Minors aged 12-14 may hunt with a licensed adult during the regular turkey season. (Minor and licensed adult must share one firearm/bow and share one bag limit.) 

All hunting regulations, are still in effect during the State of Emergency and Stay at Home Advisory. Several changes to wild turkey hunting regulations were approved by the Fisheries and Wildlife Board in 2019. The summary below provides an overview of the changes now in effect for the 2020 turkey hunting seasons.

  • Increased annual limit of three birds—2 bearded turkeys in the spring and 1 of either sex in the fall.
    Prior to the regulation change, turkey hunters were only permitted to harvest either two bearded birds in the spring with no fall birds or one bearded bird in the spring and one bird of either sex in the fall, for an annual limit of two birds. Now, hunters can take 2 bearded birds in the spring and 1 of either sex in the fall.
  • Increased daily bag limit of two per day during the spring season.
    Prior to the regulation change, turkey hunters were only permitted to harvest one turkey per day during the spring season. Now, hunters may fill their spring season limit of 2 bearded turkeys in a single day.
  • Changed shot size
    Prior to the regulation change, turkey hunters were only permitted to use #4–#7 size shot for turkey hunting. With this change, hunters may now take advantage of advanced ammunition that will allow for greater flexibility with different shotguns, including #9 TSS shot produced by several manufacturers.
  • Expanded Youth Day turkey hunting hours to ½ hour before sunrise until 5 p.m.
    Hunting hours were expanded for the Youth Day only (April 25, 2020), providing young hunters with additional turkey hunting opportunity. However; during the regular season,all hunters including youth huntersmust follow the standard ½ hour before sunrise to 12 noon hunting hours.

Surely turkey hunters remember the tragic accidental shooting last year of local turkey hunter Chris Puntin.  It would be well to review these safety tips before heading afield:

  • While hunting this year, be aware that more hunters and non-hunters may be out and about in the woods and fields as a result of the COVID-19 situation.
  • Always follow the 10 basic rules of firearm safety, (listed on mass.gov/service-details/firearms-safety).
  • Be completely sure of your target and what is beyond it before you shoot. Always practice firearm safety.
  • Do not stalk turkey sounds; it could be another hunter. Sit or stand and call the birds to you.
  • Do not wear red, white, blue, or black; these colors are associated with male turkeys.
  • Protect your back. Set up against a large tree or rock and make sure your view isn’t obstructed. Don’t hide in a place with an obstructed view.
  • Do not place decoys too close to where you set up. Never carry an exposed decoy or tail fan while hunting; put them in a bag when carrying them in or out of hunting locations.
  • Consider wearing hunter orange when entering or leaving your hunting area.
  • All hunters must have a green safety sticker on their firearm positioned so it can be seen when sighting down the barrel. If you need a new or replacement sticker for your firearm, send a self-addressed stamped envelope to: MassWildlife, Attn: Turkey Safety Sticker, 1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough, MA 01581.  After you place a safety sticker on your shotgun, put a piece of clear packing tape on top of it and it will last years, even through harsh hunting and weather conditions.

Access to some hunting areas may be impacted by the COVID-19 emergency; hunters should check with landowners about any special restrictions. Again, hunters should be aware that more people may be enjoying the outdoors as a result of COVID-19. Avoid crowded areas and have a back-up plan if your usual hunting spot is crowded.

All MassWildlife Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) remain open to the public for hunting, fishing, and other outdoor recreation during this time.

Hunters should remain at least 6 feet away from others, avoid gathering in groups, and stay home if they’re feeling sick. Given the current public health situation, MassWildlife recommends that mentors only hunt with immediate family members (within their residence) this year. Massachusetts hunters are reminded that most other states have quarantine orders in place for non-residents crossing state lines. Follow the latest official state guidance and recommendations regarding COVID-19.

MassWildlife will post any new information about the Spring Turkey Hunting Season to Mass.gov/turkey2020. You can easily add or update your email address by logging into your account at any time. Help spread the word to other hunters, especially those who may not have access to email or a computer.

Watch out for ticks!  This year appears to be another bad year.  Spray your clothes with Permethrin or other suitable insect repellent.

Good luck!  Here’s wishing you all a safe and enjoyable turkey hunting season.

Pittman-Robertson Modernization Act sailed through legislature and signed by President Trump

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Before reviewing the modernization of the P-R Act, let’s review what the original Act did.

In 1937, the Pittman-Robertson Act redirected an existing federal excise tax on firearms and ammunition used by hunters and other outdoor recreationists to a Wildlife Restoration Trust Fund. The excise tax is set at 10% of the wholesale price for pistols and revolvers, and 11% for other firearms, ammunition, and archery equipment. The funds are apportioned to state fish and wildlife agencies annually through an equation based on the geographic area and the number of hunting licenses annually sold in each state.

Eligible uses of the Fund include efforts to conserve wildlife populations, acquire and manage wildlife habitats, provide hunter safety programs, ensure public access to numerous acres of land, and much more.  State fish and wildlife agencies receive 75% of funding from the Fund and are required to match the remaining 25% of costs with funding often derived from revenues from the sale of hunting licenses, permits, and stamps.

Hunting license fees and excise taxes paid by hunters and other outdoor recreationists provide the funds that support the management and conservation of wildlife populations and their habitats. Historically, states have utilized these funds to restore populations of animals such as white-tailed deer, wild turkey, waterfowl, pronghorn, elk, and other economically important species across the United States.

Since the program’s inception, over $12 billion has been collected from hunters and outdoor recreationists and then allocated to state fish and wildlife agencies to fund wildlife conservation and management.

As a result, the amount of critical funding used to manage the majority of wildlife populations is directly proportional to the number of hunters in each state – through both collection and allocation of funds. Preserving and enhancing this user pay/public benefit funding source enables state agencies to continue providing a diversity of high quality outdoor recreational opportunities for all Americans to enjoy.

The increasing urbanization and suburbanization of our human population has made it more difficult for the public to participate in hunting. The average age of American hunters is steadily rising. To prevent the imminent decline in revenue for the Wildlife Restoration Fund, it is necessary to update the provisions of the Pittman-Robertson Act and provide flexibility for state agencies to manage their resources accordingly.

There is an increasing body of knowledge that provides effective and efficient solutions to increase the recruitment and retention of new hunters. However, because of the antiquated and unanticipated restrictions in the 1937 legislation, agencies legally could not use more contemporary approaches. Now, agencies can quickly respond to wildlife management challenges using science-based approaches and are no longer restricted in their ability to respond to shifting participation trends in hunting. 

The provisions of the Modernization Act in H.R. 877 / S. 2092 provides state and territorial fish and wildlife agencies the flexibility needed to adapt to the current business environment and develop tools and techniques to recruit, retain, and reactivate (R3) hunters and other outdoor recreationists. The Acts will enhance efforts to connect a growing urbanizing and diversifying population with the opportunities to get outdoors, actively acquire their own food sources and experience the numerous health benefits while doing so.

Without a federal mandate, or any increase in user fees or taxes, the Modernization Act preserves the current user pay/public benefit funding model of wildlife conservation for future generations by giving state fish and wildlife agencies the flexibility needed in today’s environment to utilize funds for state-specific needs while complimenting current, critical wildlife conservation efforts.

The future of conservation will rely on provisions in this bill to build a future reliant on agencies’ ability to restore habitat and confront threats like invasive species and disease, while at the same time engaging more and diverse participants in hunting and America’s outdoor heritage. The passage of H.R. 877/ S. 2092 should ensure a continued legacy of hunting and conservation of wild populations for all Americans.

The Act will ensure stable funding for conservation for years to come, while at the same time permit agencies to more effectively engage constituents serving to recruit and retain more and diverse participants in hunting.  Now more than ever, state fish and wildlife agencies require modern, innovative, and flexible approaches to wildlife conservation in their states. This bill expands the use of existing PR funds and increases the agencies’ authority to manage programs in their state.  

At the January MA Fish & Wildlife Board Meeting, DFW Director Tisa reported its passage and signing by President Trump.

Another act, the Dingell Johnson Act already provides agencies with the ability to promote angling and boating, and now the Modernization Act will permit agencies the same parity to do so with hunting. Further, provisions of this bill permit agencies to form collaborative and scalable approaches spanning geographic boundaries and may increase the efficiency of hunter recruitment and retention, thereby increasing conservation funding as well as an agency’s ability to respond to the myriad of diverse conservation challenges they face today.

There is another bill which is working its way through congress called the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act (RAWA). That bill which complements the Wildlife Restoration Act (Pittman-Robertson) and the Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Act (Dingell-Johnson), will fund

state-led recovery efforts on behalf of game and sport fish species that faced potential extinction in the 20th century.  This proposed bill will be covered in a future column.

New MassWildlife Western District Wildlife Biologist hired.

Eli Pease recently joined the MassWildlife Western District Staff as a Wildlife Technician. Originally from Worthington, MA, Eli first worked with MassWildlife under the American Fisheries Society Hutton Scholarship program while attending Wahconah High School. He was the first ever Hutton Scholarship participant from Massachusetts. Eli graduated from UMass Amherst with a degree in Wildlife Ecology and Conservation.

Prior to joining MassWildife, Eli worked on wildlife habitat management for the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife, on White-Tailed Deer movement with the Pennsylvania Game Commission, and on land stewardship with the Franklin Land Trust.

Eli will be working on all of Western District programs; creating recreational opportunity, managing habitats, conducting wildlife research, and serving the public.  

Wear those personal floatation vests

Prompted by the April 2 drowning of Maeve Kennedy McKean, the granddaughter of Robert F. Kennedy, and her 8-year old son Gideon, Marion Larson, MassWildlife Chief of Information & Education urged me to once again remind readers that Personal Flotation Devices (life jackets) are required to be worn by canoeists/kayakers from September 15 to May 15.

McKean, the mother of three, was playing kickball at her mother’s empty, waterfront house in Shady Side, Md., with her kids when the ball landed in Chesapeake Bay. McKean and her 8-year-old son, Gideon, boarded a canoe to retrieve it but high winds and large waves pushed them further out into the water.  They were unable to return to shore and the canoe got swamped.

An onlooker noticed that the two appeared distressed and were not sporting life jackets.

Moose relocated in Blandford

On Wednesday, DFW Western District Wildlife Biologists rescued a young moose from a dangerous situation. The moose had wandered into a congested area between I-90 and RT-23 in Blandford, where it was in danger of being hit by oncoming traffic. After closely monitoring the cow, they immobilized and relocated her to a nearby forested area with the help of the Massachusetts Environmental Police.

While moose sightings aren’t usually cause for alarm, this moose was near busy roadways, and was moved for both the safety of the public and the moose.

The epitome of social distancing

This past week, I received a call from Pete Lahart of Pittsfield who asked me if I ever heard of a goose landing on a building roof.  When I replied “no”, he said, well I have a picture to show you and he sent it along. 

Take a gander (pun) of that!  As you can plainly see, there is a Canada Goose on the roof of a house in Sheffield.  The picture was taken by Pete’s son Sean who, along with a buddy, witnessed two geese land there. Sean was standing on staging working on the house and was able to snap a picture of only one of them.  The geese stayed on the roof for a little while and then flew down and landed on a little pond on the grounds.

This takes social distancing to a whole new level (another pun).  Silly goose.   I hope those geese don’t make a habit of landing on that roof for it could literally become a slippery slope (pun #3).

Stay safe!

Daily trout stocking reports have ended

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MassWildlife recently reported that in order to help minimize crowding at the trout stocked areas, date information has been temporarily eliminated. Although trout stocking locations and frequency may be altered slightly due to the COVID-19 emergency, it will continue to stock trout this spring.

Consequently, there will be no trout stocking reports in this column, at least for the time being. A complete listing of all of the stocking locations is given on the MassWildlife web site, but not the dates.

According to Marion Larson, MassWildlife Chief of Information & Education, some towns have complained about the crowded conditions which exist in such locations shortly after trout have been stocked there.  There are concerns that social distancing is not being practiced there.

Some anglers may be unhappy with MassWildlife’s recent actions. They may be some of the 10 million people who filed for unemployment the last couple of weeks and are having problems putting food on the table.  They want to know if and when the stockings took place.  They don’t want to waste their time fishing an area that hasn’t been stocked. They want to take their kids to areas where they know they can catch fish.

But before you take to the social media and spew out vitriol about MassWildlife’s actions, please ask yourself one question:  Is catching three trout worth the risk of contracting the coronavirus and spreading it to your family?  Regardless what some people say, you know in your heart that it is not a hoax.  Just check the daily death count. 

Like it or not, the Commonwealth is doing everything it can to curtail the spread of the virus.  It may seem extreme, but it’s better to err on the side of safety.  We must practice social distancing.  Stay at least 6 feet away or you might end up 6 feet under.

In this day and age, the word of stocking locations spreads like wildfire and soon anglers start arriving.  If you show up at a usual stocking location and see a crowd, you might be consider going somewhere else otherwise the whole purpose of social distancing is for naught.

But for many other anglers, and not having this information poses no problems whatsoever.  They are disgusted by the fact that some anglers follow the stocking trucks and are after the fish as soon as the stocking trucks leave.  Casting out power bait or an imitation salmon eggs (which the trout mistake for pellets which were fed to them in the hatcheries) does not appeal to them.

Some folks wish we would go back to the good old days when there was an opening day of trout fishing.  The trout were stocked one or two weeks before the season opened, thus giving them a chance to spread out and get acclimated to their surroundings and food sources.  Anglers had to work for those fish and learn their likely locations and how to entice them to bite.  Ample fish were caught on spoons such as the Al’s Goldfish, certain flies, live shiners or old- fashioned night crawlers on a bobber.  Anglers fished different areas of a lake from shore or boat in their pursuit of the trout and not just where they were stocked, so they say. 

Well, that’s true to a certain extent, but I remember a lot of opening days, too, with anglers lined up shoulder to shoulder.  I can’t tell you how many times another angler would make an errant cast, cross my line and tangle me up.

The real lucky anglers learned long ago that fishing is not all about catching fish.  It’s the sights and sounds of the surrounding environment…. the sounds of a babbling brook, wood frogs and peepers.  The sounds of waterfowl coming in for the night, the peaceful twilights and the beautiful mornings. 

Henry David Thoreau expressed it this way, “Many men go fishing all of their lives without knowing that it is not fish they are after. For the commercial fisherman, it is a living he is after. It is money to have a home and to feed his family.  For the sport fisherman it is often the getting away or the solitude of a mountain stream. 

People often think “they are going fishing”, but in reality, they are seeking something that fulfills their life and their dreams.”

Shoreline fishing postponed within watershed properties

To prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus, the MA Department of Conservation and Recreation is postponing the start of shoreline fishing at Quabbin Reservoir, Sudbury Reservoir, and Wachusett Reservoir from Saturday, April 4, to Saturday, May 9. Additionally, the opening of the boat launch areas for fishing within the Quabbin Reservoir is also postponed until Saturday, May 9,

Youth Turkey Hunt Day still on

Please remember that the emergency declaration and directive from Governor Baker to mitigate the spread of coronavirus, MassWildlife cancelled all turkey hunt seminars this spring.  However; past participants who have completed hunter education and the turkey hunting seminars can still participate in the Youth Turkey Hunt Day which opens on April 25.

Hunters aged 15-17 are required to purchase their hunting licenses at vendor locations in person, but many vendors are closed or are reprioritizing staff duties to essential activities. All MassWildlife offices are also closed. It is preparing an option that will allow minor hunting licenses to be purchased online. It expects that details will be available soon and updates will be available at Mass.gov/turkey2020.

All hunters should practice social distancing while participating in outdoor activities. Given the current public health situation, MassWildlife recommends that mentors should only hunt with immediate family members (within their residence) this year.

The regular spring seasons for adults opens on April 27 and runs until May 23.

Youth Artist from Boston Wins Junior Duck Stamp Contest

Chuxian Feng, a student of Mr. Gao’s Art Studio, Boston won Best of Show in the 2020 Massachusetts Junior Duck Stamp (JDS) Contest. Her colored pencil drawing of a Canada Goose with goslings was selected from 337 entries. Feng’s award-winning work will move on to the National JDS Contest.

Students from kindergarten through 12th grade from across the Commonwealth submitted original works of art depicting waterfowl in appropriate wetland habitat, demonstrating both artistic talent and a knowledge of the value of wetlands for wildlife. In March, MassWildlife held the judging at which time the top 100 winning artists were selected. A combination of the top 100 artworks will be exhibited throughout Massachusetts in the coming year. The Massachusetts JDS Program is sponsored by MassWildlife, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, with support from Massachusetts Sportsmen’s Council. You can support the JDS Program and wetland conservation by purchasing Junior Duck Stamps featuring national winners from previous years; buy online at duckstamp.com.

Tel-Electric Dam removal proceeding 

In its 2019 Annual Report, the MA Department of Environmental Restoration (DER) has recently reported the following: The Tel-Electric Dam (also known as the Mill Street Dam) in Pittsfield has stood on the West Branch of the Housatonic River for more than a century. In recent years, the dam has fallen into disrepair and no longer serves a useful purpose. It also is a safety hazard for the community and contributes to local flooding during storms.

DER has been working with the City of Pittsfield, the private dam owner, and other partners for over 10 years to plan the removal of this dam. Deconstruction of the dam began this fall. Removing the dam reconnects nearly five miles of upstream river habitat with the lower reach of the West Branch Housatonic River.

This dam removal is part of the City of Pittsfield’s larger efforts for a clean, resilient, free-flowing West Branch of the Housatonic River that connects two local parks and increases residents’ access to the river. With the dam gone, kayaking and canoeing will be possible. The City envisions a new trail past the former dam as part of a river greenway.

Support for the project comes from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, the  US  Department of the Interior Office of Restoration and Damage Assessment, Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs Dam and Seawall Repair or Removal Fund and  the MVP  Program, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, the Massachusetts Sub-Council of the Housatonic River Trustee Council, the City, and the dam owner.

Spring trout stockings are in full swing with some lunkers being released.

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The following bodies of water were stocked with trout from the period March 26 through Aril 1:
Rainbow Trout were stocked into the Deerfield River in Buckland, Charlemont and Florida; Westfield River in Windsor, Cummington, Worthington, Chesterfield, Chester, Huntington and Middlefield; Main Stem of Westfield River in Huntington, Russell and Montgomery, Windsor Lake in North Adams, Big Pond in Otis, York Lake in New Marlborough, Lake Buel, Pontoosuc Lake, Goose Pond, Richmond Pond, Onota Lake, Stockbridge Bowl, Windsor Pond in Windsor, Laurel Lake, Littleville Lake in Huntington and Chester and Greenwater Pond.

The following bodies of water were stocked with trout from the period March 26 through Aril 1:
Rainbow Trout were stocked into the Deerfield River in Buckland, Charlemont and Florida; Westfield River in Windsor, Cummington, Worthington, Chesterfield, Chester, Huntington and Middlefield; Main Stem of Westfield River in Huntington, Russell and Montgomery, Windsor Lake in North Adams, Big Pond in Otis, York Lake in New Marlborough, Lake Buel, Pontoosuc Lake, Goose Pond, Richmond Pond, Onota Lake, Stockbridge Bowl, Windsor Pond in Windsor, Laurel Lake, Littleville Lake in Huntington and Chester and Greenwater Pond.
Eastern Brook Trout were stocked into Ashfield Pond in Ashfield, Upper Highland Lake in Goshen, Windsor Pond, Laurel Lake, Goose Pond and Stockbridge Bowl.
Brown Trout were stocked into the Housatonic River (C&R) in Lee and Stockbridge, Stockbridge Bowl, Laurel Lake, Goose Pond, Littleville Lake and Chester, and Norwich Pond in Huntington.
Tiger Trout were stocked into Goose Pond and Stockbridge Bowl.
As you can see by the accompanying pictures of Harold Armstrong and Josh Christman there were some huge brown and brook trout stocked.

Incidentally, MassWildlife recently announced that all Wildlife Management Areas and waters across the Commonwealth will remain open and available for the public during the COVID-19 response. Officials said it’s important to spend time outdoors to support your mental health year- round. Outdoor activities, and travel to and from those activities, are still permitted; however, people should avoid gathering in groups larger than 10 people and provide a safe distance between themselves and others by remaining six feet apart while outside.

Jack P. Sheppard
Anyone who launches a motorboat, canoe, or kayak at a public boat access facility or casts a fishing line from a barrier-free fishing facility or shoreline access can thank the late Jack P. Sheppard, former Director of the Office of Fishing and Boating Access (OFBA), for making their recreation experiences possible. Sadly, only a month after retiring from a 48-year career, Jack P. Sheppard passed away on March 5, after a brief illness.
Jack’s career began with the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (DFW) providing engineering expertise, procurement, and other services for the agency. He oversaw the Young Adult Conservation Corps program, a federal summer youth program that hired young people to work at state and federally managed lands, forests, parks, and hatcheries. Some of the people he hired went on to careers with MassWildlife or other state fish and wildlife agencies.
In the 1980s, Sheppard transferred to the Public Access Board in Boston as the Chief Engineer and was appointed Director in 1988. Now known as the Office of Fishing and Boating Access (OFBA), this small but critical agency is charged with providing access to the 1,200 miles of Massachusetts’ seashore and its hundreds of lakes, ponds, rivers, and streams. OFBA’s skilled staff oversees facility design, construction and repair of boat launch facilities for motorboats and car-top boats, construction of fish piers, and acquisition of shoreline fishing areas.
He sought out municipalities and state agencies that already owned waterfront land or boat launches to work through Land Management Agreements. Under Agreement terms, OFBA provides maintenance, repair, or construction services while municipalities and agencies retain land ownership. In this way, OFBA dramatically increases public boating and fishing facilities. Now, there are nearly 300 boating access sites across the state. A number of these facilities are barrier-free, affording access for people with disabilities.
Jack frequently visited the Berkshires announcing improvements in boat ramps. Most recent projects were on Mansfield, Goose and Richmond Ponds.
FID/LTC Permit renewals

The MA Guns Owner Action League (GOAL) has been receiving inquiries as to what gun owners should do if their permits expire during the COVID-19 emergency. Many are unable to get to the licensing authorities (town halls, police departments, etc). Here is information issued by GOAL:

“GOAL is currently in communication with the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security. They have recently allowed the Registry of Motor Vehicles to extend all licenses, registrations, etc. by 60 days. GOAL is asking that they do the same thing with firearm licenses. The Major City Chiefs Association and the Massachusetts Chiefs of Police are in agreement with us on this.

While GOAL is waiting on their response, here are a few things that some licensing authorities are doing to help. Be sure to check with your town to learn if they apply accordingly.

• Most towns are ceasing new applications to prevent face to face interactions, but are saying mail them in if you wish.

• Some are asking that renewal applications be done by mail. In this case there are a few things to remember.

• Include a $100 check made out to the city/town that you are renewing in.

• Ask for a receipt for the application. Some are asking that you provide an e-mail address to respond to this request. Others have said they will mail the receipt to you.

• Once you have applied for renewal and have a receipt, your license is valid until action is taken on it.

• Some towns have stated that they will use your recent Registry of Motor Vehicle photo for the mail in process or the one they have on file. Some towns are asking to provide a photo with your hard copy application, preferably on a white or bright background. We assume this will allow them to take a photo of it for the files.

• As for fingerprints, there should be no need if there are on file. In any case most are willing to waive that requirement for now.

• Note: Even if you are able to conduct the process remotely you may not receive a physical license or card anytime soon. They are not even sure if the Firearms Record Bureau is currently operating.

Chapter 140, Section 131(i) states: “If the licensee applied for renewal prior to the end of that period, the license shall remain valid after its expiration date for all lawful purposes until the application for renewal is approved or denied.”

Should firearms dealers be considered an essential business?
A recent posting on Pete’s Gun Shop’s (Adams, MA) Bulletin Board gave the following information: The Federal Government, as of (Saturday, March 28), through the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), has published a set of guidelines for essential businesses. Listed therein are all firearms businesses as being essential. As this is merely a guideline, states are still free to set their own limits.
On March 31, Governor Baker announced that they were releasing an updated “essentials” list after reviewing the recent DHS list. When that new Massachusetts list was released it contained the new federal advisory on firearms word, for word.
However; within hours afterward, the Baker Administration edited their list by specifically removing firearm retailers and shooting ranges. When the Governor’s office was queried by the GOAL about the sudden change, they were given a standard answer about protecting people against the virus. Keep in mind, firearm retailers are excluded from state backed financial aid. Pete’s Gun Shop owner Tom Decker and GOAL urge hunters and other gun owners to contact Governor Baker and all of your elected Representatives and Senators if you feel this is wrong.
This may not seem important to some citizens, but if you are a hunter who is planning on taking a youth turkey hunting for the first time later this month and need ammo or hunting supplies, this is a big deal.
Also, I hope the Governor and his advisors are aware of the fact that monies that come from excise taxes on hunting equipment is disbursed by the Federal Aid Program to the states based upon their sales figures. (Pittman Robertson Act). Since 1937, P-R has provided serious funding for wildlife and habitat conservation. The MA DFW relies heavily upon those funds for its wildlife management and habitat projects. So, it is also a big deal to outdoor sportsmen, bird watchers and those who value our open spaces.
Fishing Derby
The Berkshire Hatchery Foundation in Hartsville-New Marlborough has started up its monthly free children’s fishing derbies. They are scheduled to have one next Saturday, April 11 from 9 to 10:30 am at its lower pond. Children aged 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult. These fishing derbies will run once a month through September of this year.

 

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

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

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

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

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

It is only a matter of time!”

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

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

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

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

Be careful while on our frozen ponds

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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!

 

Deer tally lower this year due to all the snow

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Most shotgun deer hunters hoped that they would be dragging their deer out of the woods last Monday morning. Sadly, many couldn’t even get out of their driveways because of the heavy snow that fell the previous day and earlier that morning. Many spent the entire morning clearing their driveways of snow. Too bad for those hunters who took the day off from school or work to go hunting on opening day. Oh well, some thought, they will go hunting on Tuesday. Well, as you know, it was déjà vu with even more snow to clear.
Some hearty souls were able to get out, but with nearly 2 feet of snow in some areas, the walking was tough. Many hunters felt that the deer weren’t moving and just hunkered down for the duration of the storm. Some deer were taken, but the overall deer count was considerably lower than other opening days.
By noontime on Wednesday, 45 or so deer were checked at the DFW Western Regional Headquarters in Dalton. In a normal year, they would have checked 50 deer on Monday alone. A couple of nice deer had been checked in at that time; one was a 206 lbs, 8-point buck taken by Aaron Rocha. Another was a 161 lbs, 12-point buck taken by Joe Hinckley. A black bear was also checked in.
As of mid-afternoon on Wednesday, only 1 deer had been checked in at the Becket General Store. The deep snow was also blamed for the low count, but this was the first year that the store restarted checking in deer and perhaps few hunters were aware of it.
Some 52 deer had been checked in at the Mill River General store as of Wednesday afternoon, which, according to DFW Biologist Nate Buckhout is about half of the normal count. A lot of those hunters had to work, plowing and sanding driveways. The largest deer so far checked in was a 176 lbs, 7-point buck which was taken in Great Barrington. A 150 lbs doe (which is a huge doe) was taken in Sheffield. Two black bears were also checked in.
By the way, all deer weights were field dressed weights.
At the Lee Sportsmen’s Association, some 21 deer had been checked in, at Ernie’s Auto Sales in North Adams, 39 deer and at Papa’s Healthy Food & Fuel in Otis 17 deer were checked in. No detail information was provided on these last three check stations.
As previously suggested, blame the snow for the lower counts on Monday and Tuesday, but I suspect the hunting got better as the week progressed.
While at the DFW Western Regional Headquarters in Dalton getting the deer count, I found District Supervisor Andrew Madden surrounded by a group of Wahconah High School students accompanied by Wahconah Environmental teacher April Lesage. The youths were part of the 50 or so students (three classes) in its Environmental Science Program.
Andrew gave them lots of information about deer, deer hunting, what DFW’s role is in all of it and other information. If kids were interested in deer hunting (and there were a few) he encouraged them to take a hunter education course. The boys and girls were very interested in what he had to say. They had the added thrill of seeing a deer being weighed and aged while they were there. Too bad they had to leave when they did for shortly thereafter a black bear was checked in.
Madden mentioned that 4 classes of BCC students also visit during the first week of shotgun deer season. He gets into the subject a little deeper with them discussing such things as deer population management.
2019 lake trout survey
Each fall, MassWildlife samples the Quabbin and Wachusett Reservoirs to monitor lake trout populations. With the help of DCR, MassWildlife surveys lake trout to examine population characteristics. The 2019 fall sampling is complete and crews on Wachusett Reservoir captured and released 142 lake trout including a 37-inch, 18-pound fish.
Crews at Quabbin Reservoir captured and released 130 lake trout, 34 at Goodnough Dike and 96 at Windsor Dam. The largest lake trout encountered was originally tagged in 2015 and then recaptured in 2017. That fish, pictured above, measured 33.5 inches and 13.3 pounds. In addition to lake trout, several large landlocked salmon were captured at Quabbin weighing between 6 and 7 pounds.
To capture lake trout, field crews set nets on spawning areas starting at sunset and check them about every 20 minutes. Captured fish are removed from the nets and placed in a livewell. Next, biologists record length, weight, and sex and implant a small Passive Integrated Tag (PIT) in the fish. Prior to release, the adipose fin is clipped to provide an external mark indicating that the fish has been captured before. Data collected provide biologists with an understanding of the current condition of lake trout populations. If fish are recaptured from previous tagging efforts, biologists can calculate individual growth rates. Lake trout are long lived and slow growing and it is not uncommon for a tagged fish to be recaptured 10 years later. In fact, the longest recapture interval recorded was 24 years! When other species like landlocked salmon, smallmouth bass, rock bass, and white perch are captured, biologists record information including length, weight, and sex but do not implant PIT tags.
Lake trout typically spawn in late October and November when the surface water temperatures are around or below 50°F. The spawning grounds are typically shallow, rocky waters on windy shores of the Reservoirs; spawning occurs mostly after dusk. Night sampling on big waters can be cold and icy in November, but the information it provides biologists is well worth the effort.

New book out entitled Surfcasting Block Island and Cuttyhunk
Hot off the press, this is the fifth and latest book on striped bass fishing by D.J. Muller. It is a detailed guide to two legendary surfcasting destinations which are considered home to some of the best striped bass fishing in the world.
Block Island, just off of the coast of Rhode Island, is 7 miles long and 3 miles wide. It has some of the richest varieties of surfcasting venues from sand beaches to boulder fields. Muller explicitly details 24 good surfcasting areas on the island (He even provides a map) explaining in detail how to get to them, where to park, what type waters the angler will encounter, when to fish them, what rods, reels and lures to use and more.
He gets into wetsuit fishing off of boulders at night. He related some of his scary experiences such as being washed off of the boulders by large waves, being caught in thick fog at night with no waves hitting the shores thus denying him the ability determine in which direction to wade back to the shore.
Cuttyhunk is 35 miles northeast of Block Island and is the last island in the Elizabeth Islands chain. Arguably, it is one of the most remote and beautiful places to fish for striped bass in the world. It was there in the latter half of the 19th century that surfcasting was born and the angling remains as interesting and challenging as ever. The island is ¾ mile wide and 2 ½ miles long. You cannot bring an automobile onto it.
Muller provides a map of that island, too and the 18 best places to fish it.
He offers advice as to where to stay and eat on both islands. What I found particularly interesting was that he gave histories of both islands going back before being “discovered” by the Europeans.
It is a well written, informative book that you should read before visiting these islands. Be sure to take it along with you as I suspect you will be referring to it often.
The 141-page softcover book, which would make a great Christmas stocking stuffer, is available at bookstores, online book retailers and specialty shops. If you purchase it from the publisher Buford Books at www.bufordbooks.com, it will cost you $18.95 plus $5.00 shipping and handling.
I doubt that your saltwater anglers already have this book as it was just published on November 2, 2019.