Category Archives: Deer Hunting

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2016 spring turkey harvest totals are tabulated

MassWildlife’s Wild Turkey Project Leader David Scarpitti reported that preliminary harvest figures indicate 3,054 wild turkeys were taken by licensed hunters during the 2016 spring hunting season. According to Scarpitti, this represents the second highest spring season wild turkey harvest since turkey hunting began in the Commonwealth in 1980.  The highest spring season harvest occurred in 2009 when 3,085 turkeys were harvested. This year, 83 turkeys were reported during the one-day youth season, and 2,971 turkeys were reported during the regular four-week season. Some 346 were harvested in Berkshire County and 577 in the Western District.

Above average brood production in 2015 was likely the biggest factor influencing the near record harvest. In addition, winter conditions in 2015-2016 were quite moderate compared to the previous two winters, which likely further enhanced juvenile turkey survival and recruitment.

The 2016 fall turkey season is October 24 through November 5 statewide (except Nantucket) and open to all hunters possessing a valid hunting or sporting license and a wild turkey hunting permit, provided they didn’t harvest their season limit of two in the spring. More turkey hunting information and regulations are posted on the Wild Turkey Hunting page.

August is the last month to participate in the Wild Turkey Brood Survey where all turkey sightings are listed, including jakes and toms. After August 31, completed forms should to be mailed to: Brood Survey, MassWildlife Field Headquarters, 1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough, MA 01581.

I don’t know about you, but I didn’t see many birds in June, but lately they came on like gangbusters and I am seeing large broods everywhere, some with very small poults for this time of year.

Antlerless Deer Hunting Permits

Hunters who applied for an Antlerless Deer Permit by the July 16 deadline must return to the MassFishHunt licensing system to try to win a permit. The Instant Award Period began on August 1 and continues through December 31. This is NOT a first-come first-served system.

Finding out if you won one is a bit complicated:

Log into the MassFishHunt system with your last name and customer ID, click the Enter Sales button, then click Accept in the Customer Electronic Signature dialog box, then choose Hunting Permits and Stamps from the main menu, then choose Add next to Antlerless Deer Permit, the zone for which you previously applied will appear on the next screen, then click Select to check whether you won a permit.

One of two messages will appear, either “Congratulations! You have been awarded an Antlerless Deer Permit and click check out to purchase it”, OR “Unfortunately you did not win”.

If you won, an Antlerless Deer Permit will be placed in the shopping cart, and you may proceed to check out to complete the $5.00 purchase. These permits will remain in your shopping cart until purchased or expired. Winners should print their permits upon completion of the transaction. All permits expire on December 31.

If you don’t have a computer, visit a MassWildlife office, or a license agent location.  Staff at these locations will help you.

Forest Tours

The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) foresters will be leading pre-harvest forest tours of prepared timber sale areas, discussing forest management techniques, providing a view of the trees designated for harvest, and explaining how harvest operations will take place.  A detailed silviculture prescription for each harvesting operation will be provided to attendees.  These tours culminate a public process that included public meetings and a written comment period on each project.

 

The tours will be conducted rain or shine as indicated below.  Attendees are encouraged to dress for the weather and to wear sturdy shoes.  For additional information about the tours and DCR forest management on State Forests, Parks, and Reservations, please contact William Hill, Management Forestry Program Supervisor, at 413-545-3891.

 

Two tours are scheduled for the Berkshires as follows:

 

Pittsfield State Forest, August 16 from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. DCR Forester Kevin Podkowka will lead a tour of the 97 acre planned timber sale in a northern hardwood forest.  Meet at the parking area in front of the gate, 1 mile south of Rt. 43 on Potter Mountain Road.  Potter Mountain Road is accessed by taking Rt. 20 west past Hancock Shaker Village to Lebanon Springs, NY.  From Rt. 20 in Lebanon Springs turn right and take Rt. 22 north to Stephentown, NY.  From Rt. 22 in Stephentown turn right and take Rt.43 east for approximately 2.8 miles and Potter Mountain Road will be on the right.  Follow Potter Mountain Road for approximately 1 mile south and the parking area will be on the left.

 

Sandisfield State Forest, August 17 from 3:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. DCR Forester Jeff Martin will lead a tour of the 75 acre planned timber sale in a northern red oak forest type.  Meet at the York Lake Day Use Area, from where tour attendees will carpool to the site.  The Day Use Area is .3 miles east from the intersection of Route 183, New Marlborough-Sandisfield Road and East Hill Road in New Marlborough.  The tour of the timber sale will require an approximate 20 minute non strenuous walk to reach the project area.

 

Basic Hunting Course

All first-time hunters who wish to purchase a Massachusetts hunting or sporting license must complete a Basic Hunter Education course. A course will be taught at the Becket Town Hall, at 557 Main Street, on September 12 and 14 from 5:00pm to 9:00pm, and on September 17 from 7:00am to 5:00pm.  Attendance is required at all classes.

 

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

MassWildlife wants to hear from young deer hunters

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If you’re one of the 1,339 young adults who participated in the 2015 Youth Deer Hunt Day, MassWildlife wants you to enter a contest to tell them about it.   If you win the contest, they would like to publish it in the fall 2016 issue of Massachusetts Wildlife magazine. They feel that by sharing your experience of the Youth Deer Hunt Day, you will help others understand why hunting is important and may inspire your peers to try hunting.

If you are interested in submitting your story for possible publication, you are urged to review the content suggestions and parameters listed on the MassWildlife web page. They will select the best story or stories, and the winner(s) will receive a free two-year subscription or two-year subscription renewal to Massachusetts Wildlife magazine and 10 copies of the issue in which your hunting article, or a portion thereof, appears.  If you are currently under the age of 18, they will need the written permission of your parent(s) or legal guardian(s) to print your article and photographs. That permission can be included with your submission.

They offer some article suggestions such as:

  • When did you first become interested in deer hunting and why?
  • Who was your hunting mentor and how did your mentor help you prepare for your hunt?
    • What does it mean to you to be a hunter?
    • Where did your hunt take place?
    • Did you scout the hunting area prior to your hunt?
    • Describe the day of your hunt.
    • If you harvested a deer, write about it, including field dressing it and dragging it out of  the woods        
  • You are encouraged to write about your hunt regardless of your deer harvest success,

 

  • The maximum word count is 1,500 words
  • Submit a photo taken before, during, or after the hunt.
  • The submission deadline is August 31, 2016. Winners will be notified by September 15, 2016.
  • Submit your story and photographs to: troy.gipps@state.ma.us (Include “Hunting Story Contest – Youth Deer Hunt” in the subject of your email). Include your full name, mailing address, email address, and phone number.

If you have any questions, contact Troy Gipps, Editor, Massachusetts Wildlife magazine at troy.gipps@state.ma.us, 508-389-6307.

Who knows to where this contest may lead. Perhaps to a career in outdoor sports writing.  Perhaps someday you may be the editor of the Massachusetts Wildlife magazine or the outdoor sports columnist for the Berkshire Eagle.

While on the subject of the Massachusetts Wildlife magazine, did you know that this year marks its 60th year of publication?  In commemoration of the  anniversary, a variety of historical articles will be published in the next three 2016 issues highlighting its collective conservation history. A reprint of the cover from May/June 1969 will appear on the next issue. Massachusetts Wildlife brings compelling stories about the environment, conservation, fishing, hunting, natural history, and just about everything related to the outdoors in Massachusetts.

 

Massachusetts Wildlife has been one of my favorite magazines for many years.  I read it from cover to cover and have never thrown a copy away.  In fact, I have copies that go back to 1957.  In those days subscriptions were free and all you had to do to get one was to write to the DFW.  They put out 6 issues a year back then.  Over the years, they have been blessed with great writers, photographers and editors such as Ted Williams and Peter Mirick.  Mirick retired last December after 35 years.  His successor is Troy Gripps

 

Upon assuming the position, Gripps recounted how he caught his first large bass at a pond at the Marlborough Fish & Game Club. “Time spent in that boyhood wilderness has led to my life as a hunter and fisherman, outdoor writer and nature photographer, wilderness canoeist, land trust volunteer, and father of two boys — whom I have taken to the shore of a similar Massachusetts pond with fishing poles in hand”, he wrote, “and now, as I begin my editorship of this fine publication, which has entertained and educated its readers for over 60 years, I am both mindful of the tireless efforts of those who came before me and hopeful that through these pages, we can all gain a greater appreciation of the natural world and be moved to preserve, protect and properly steward the environment upon which we all depend for our physical, psychological and spiritual well-being.” We wish him the best of luck.

 

Incidentally, a two-year subscription (8 issues) is only $10.00.  Go to mass.gov/dfw/magazine for subscription information and to view a preview of the forthcoming issue.

 

Basic Hunter Education Courses

All first-time hunters who wish to purchase a Massachusetts hunting or sporting license must complete a Basic Hunter Education course which is designed for first-time hunters. The Pittsfield High School, located at 300 East Street, Pittsfield, will be conducting this course on September 6, 8, 13, 16, 20 and 22, from 6:00pm to 9:00pm. The Lee Sportsmen’s Association (LSA) located at 565 Fairview St., Lee, is having its course on September 12 from 6:00pm to 9:00pm and October 1 from 8:00am to 2:00pm.  To enroll, call 508-389-7830 ASAP as students are enrolled first-come, first-served, and enrollment cannot be processed via email.

 

Gun Safety Course

Firearms safety instructor Rob McDermott will be conducting an all-purpose gun safety course good for License to Carry on Saturday, August 13.  For more information, click onto the SSC website:  www.stockbridgesportsmensclub.org for more information.

 

Steak & Lobster Bake

The LSA is having a Steak & Lobster Bake fundraiser on August 6 at its clubhouse. Doors open at 4pm with dinner served at 5:30pm.  The cost is $50/pp, for ages 17 and under $25/pp.  For tickets call Virginia at 413-446-5404

MA Fish & Wildlife Board gets status update on deer

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The Massachusetts Fish & Wildlife Board conducted its May meeting at the Western District Headquarters of the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife (DFW) in Dalton, MA, on May 26.  At that meeting, DFW Deer Biologist David Stainbrook presented his 2015 deer review and made recommendations for the 2016 Deer Permit Allocations.

 

The Statewide 2016 deer harvest was as follows:  Youth hunt – 146, Archery – 4,187, Shotgun – 4,088 and Primitive Firearms – 1,633, totaling 10,054.  The breakdown was as follows:  5,814 adult bucks, 3,439 does and 801 button bucks.  The total number was down from the 2014 harvest by 6% and the 5 year average by 4%.  Stainbrook noted that last year’s deer hunting season was unique in that due to the lack of snow, there was an abundance of food and the deer didn’t have to move as frequently or far to get to the food.  That could explain why fewer deer were seen and taken this last deer season.  Neighboring states also had similar experiences.  (Use that as your excuse for not getting a deer last year.)

 

Because antlerless harvests vary according to the permits issued, DFW monitors the adult bucks for trends as long as changes in hunting hours, success and reporting rate are factored in. In the Western District (zones 1 through 4S) here is the 2015 breakdown of bucks harvested by all methods:  Zone 1 – 218, up 25% from previous year and up 39% from 5 year average, Zone 2 – 417, up 4% from prior year and up 25% from 5 year average; Zone 3 – 338, up 9% from previous year and down 3% from 5 year average; Zone 4N – 343, down 2% from prior year but up 10% from 5 year average; Zone 4S – 174, up 14% from prior year and up 7% from 5 year average.

 

These figures make up part of the formula for determining deer permit allocations.  Another factor is the age structure.  In our district, 50% of the 2015 harvest was made up of deer 2 ½ years and older.  That tells the biologists that there is no unbalanced age structure and consequently no overharvesting taking place.  These figures have been consistent over time.  In Zone 1 – 3, the population is increasing, in Zone 4 -5 it is stable, in Zones 6 and 8 the population is on the lower end of the desired range.

 

Based upon these statistics and other factors, Stainbrook’s recommendation to the Board was to keep the 2016 antlerless allocations unchanged in all zones except for Zone 6 which will be reduced from 450 to 300, Zone 8 from 2,800 to 2,500 and the Quabbin area reduced to 500.  In our area, Zone 1 allocations will be 400, Zone 2 – 175, Zone 3 – 1,100, Zone 4N – 375 and Zone 4S 275.

 

There will be no changes in the youth permits this year but DFW is closely monitoring them.   Last year (the program’s 1st year) some 1,339 youths participated in the one-day special hunt, bagging 146 deer of which 90 were antlerless.  This year, they expect around 2,000 kids participating.  The numbers of antlerless deer harvested by them may very well affect deer densities in some zones.

 

Last year, the Board was concerned about the effects of the historic 2014-2015 snow totals, especially in eastern Massachusetts, and what impact, if any, they had on the deer population.  To help determine that, deer biologists analyzed dead deer from across the state to determine the causes of death.  A good method for determining if death was caused by starvation is the analysis of the fat content in the bone marrow.  The analyses concluded that the fat contents were about normal and there was no evidence of massive starvation.  There were a few instances where it appeared some died of starvation, but that was in areas of high deer densities in eastern Massachusetts, where some towns closed their borders to deer hunting.

 

Another good indicator is an increase in the direct mortality of fawns over the winter.  Biologists did not see any drop in the 1 ½ year old deer harvested in 2015.  There are other indicators of winter mortality, called indirect mortality.  That is where a deer or fawn survived the winter but their antler mass was less than in normal years; ie not enough protein to grow the body and the antlers.  The 2015 harvest did not indicate any unusually low antler mass.   Also, according to Stainbrook, there was no drop in fawn reproduction across the state last spring.

 

As a result of all of the analyses, it was concluded that the historic winter did not seriously impact the Massachusetts deer population.

 

Bow Hunting Course

There will be a MassWildlife Bow Hunter Education Course at the Worthington Rod & Gun Club, 458 Dingle Road Rte. 112, Worthington, MA on Sunday, June 12 from 8 AM to 4:30 PM.  Students must attend the all day class to successfully complete the course.  Call 508-389-7830 to enroll; classes are filled first-come, first-served, and enrollment cannot be processed via email.

 

Spring Trout Stocking

DFW Western District Manager, Andrew Madden has announced that the spring trout stocking has been completed for 2016.  I must say they outdid themselves this year with large, beautiful fish.  If you have been paying attention to the sizes of the winning trout in the fishing derbies, you have to agree, for it was not uncommon to see trout caught which weighed in excess of 2 lbs.  Now, all that has to be done is for you and the youngsters to catch some.  Tight lines!

DFW announces 2015 deer harvest numbers

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The Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (DFW) reported that the statewide preliminary deer harvest for 2015 (excluding special hunts and any data not yet received) was 10,042.  The harvest figures for the previous four years beginning with year 2011 were as follows:    11,081, 10,938, 11,413 and 11,165.  In the Western District (WD), which includes all areas west of the Connecticut River (Zones 1 – 4), some 1,887 were taken.   For the previous four years beginning with year 2011 the figures were 3,417, 1,626, 1,664 and 1,737.    Zones 10 and 11 in eastern Massachusetts yielded 4,061 deer in 2015.

 

The statewide preliminary archery season harvest was 4,188.  Harvest figures for the previous 4 years beginning with year 2011 were as follows:  3,765, 3903, 4,474 and 4,456.  In the WD, 511 were taken with the bow in 2015.   The WD archery harvests for the previous four years, beginning with year 2011, were as follows: 522, 453, 577 and 505.    Zones 10 and 11 yielded 2,108 in 2015.

The statewide preliminary shotgun season harvest was 4,123.    For the previous 4 years beginning with year 2011 the harvests were as follows: 5,349, 4,950, 4,625 and 4,742.  The WD shotgunners checked in 898 in 2015, which compares with the previous 4 years:  904, 842, 739 and 888.  Zones 10 and 11 yielded 1,324 in 2015.  Note – 784 more deer were taken with the bow out there than with shotgun.

The statewide preliminary primitive season harvest was 1,599.  The previous 4 years beginning with year 2011 were: 1,959, 1,958, 2,314 and 1967.  In the WD, muzzleloaders checked in 320 in 2015, which compares with the previous 4 years as follows:   251, 301, 350 and 344.  Zones 10 and 11 muzzleloaders checked in 629 deer in 2015.

The first statewide preliminary youth hunt harvest was 132.  In the WD youths checked in 58 of them.

The total harvested deer by all methods in the WD were as follows: Zone 1 – 293, Zone 2 – 462, Zone 3 – 486, Zone 4N – 436 and Zone 4S – 210.

While total harvest by zone can be informative, it doesn’t provide the complete picture for monitoring trends in deer density because total harvest is influenced by antlerless deer permit allocations in each zone, as well as annual changes in hunter effort data, weather, etc. The MassWildlife Deer Project Leader analyzes harvest, biological, and hunter effort data, along with hunter success rates, female versus male harvest, and other factors to manage deer populations in each zone. An analysis of this information is now underway for the annual spring deer management review.  A complete harvest summary will be posted on the DFW website shortly after the annual deer review, so check back in May or June.

Hunters should also keep an eye on their email inbox for the annual hunter survey. All hunters who included a valid email address in their MassFishHunt profile will receive a hunter survey by email in February or March. *****

As you are well aware, this winter has been an unusually warm one.  Maybe we will get some winter weather yet, but so far winter sports such as skiing, snow shoeing and skating have been dismal.  The same holds true with ice fishing.  But, as the saying goes, hope springs eternal and some sportsmen’s clubs and organizations are still planning ice fishing derbies.  As of this writing I have information on only one derby.

 

On February 14, the Lee Sportsmen’s Association will have its ice fishing derby at Goose Pond from 6AM to 2PM.  The awards and spaghetti and meatball dinner will take place at the LSA Clubhouse after the derby.  The cost for derby and dinner is $15 for adults and $6 for kids.

 

There will be no Locker Room Ice Fishing Derby on Sunday, February 21 due to ice conditions   but they will still have a pasta dinner and raffle prizes at the Locker Room from 1 to 4 PM.   The cost is $10 for adults and $5 for students.  Proceeds will benefit: the Lee Youth Football program.

 

The Lenox and Cheshire sportsmen’s clubs as well as the Jimmy Fund derbies have been cancelled due to ice conditions.  May I suggest that if any derby is still scheduled, be sure to check with the derby organizers in advance.  Also, satisfy yourself that there is sufficient ice! *****

 

Next Sunday at 1:00 PM the Stockbridge Sportsmen’s Club will be holding a multi-state firearms course.  It includes firearm laws covering licensing, storage, transportation, operation and safe handling of firearms, shooting fundamentals, etc.  Participants will receive a course certificate which will allow them to apply for licenses in Massachusetts, Utah, New Hampshire and Maine.  A Utah firearm permit is honored in 30 states.   The fee for the entire 5 hour course is $140 or one can take just the Massachusetts or Utah segments for $100.   Preregistration is required.   Call or e-mail Robert J. McDermott at (413)232-7700 or robmcdermott@verizon. *****

 

On Monday, February 15, the Lenox Sportsmen’s Club will hold its 33rd annual Presidents Day Rabbit Hunt.  Registration fee is $10 with weigh in at 4:00 PM.  Prizes awarded for heaviest hare and cottontail.  A venison dinner will follow which is included in the registration fee.    Pre-register with Ron Carr @ 413-442-5122 or sign up at the club.  *****