Jamie Pollard of Hinsdale, was out ice fishing on Stockbridge Bowl last Saturday with a couple of close friends Aaron and his stepfather Billy and his blind springer spaniel hunting dog.  He was fishing 10 feet under the ice, with Arkansas shiners bait and 8lbs test monofilament leaders.   Around 10:00 am his tip-up flag went up and when he set the hook, he thought “Good God,” and he wondered what was on the other end. At first, he thought it might be a monster pickerel. It took 15 minutes before he got the large fish to swim past the hole. He said that his heart almost stopped when he saw the large brown trout swim by.  “Oh, my God!”, he said.  It was another 10 minutes before he got it back near the hole.  “We were doing the “Keystone Cops” said Jamie.   Billy was taking the line off of and putting it back onto the reel as the fish came in and out of sight.  He and his buddies circled the hole about 30 times before he got its head into the hole.  “I was going to send it back.   I was not going to keep the fish, but when I pulled it out, got it onto the ice and got a look at it, I did a quick search and thought maybe I had a chance at the State record”.  His measuring tape showed that the fish was 32 inches while the State record measured 31 inches.

Another reason why he kept it was something that happened to him in Vermont 18 years ago.  Then he had caught a 4+ lbs. yellow perch that was 16 inches long.  The guy at the bait store was a new hire at 15 years old and didn’t suggest he report it to the state fisheries and wildlife as a possible record setter.   The next year when he went up there the youngster said that he had been waiting to see him again because he was pretty sure Jamie beat the all-time state record for the perch in the state of VT. It was too late to do anything by then and now he wishes he had followed up.   This time he didn’t want to mess it up again.

He had a gaff but didn’t use it because he had full intentions of releasing it and didn’t want to seriously harm it.  The fish came out of an 8- inch hole!  They got its head out finally and Aaron got a finger under its gill while Jamie grabbed onto the back of its head/neck, hoisted it out of the hole and onto the ice, saying “Mother of God, look at the size of that thing!”.  They had a small thin tape measure and it measured 32 ¼ inches, had a 21 ¼ inch girth and on the portable scale that they had, it was weighed between 17 and 18 lbs.  I think he did the right thing by keeping it because the Brown inhaled the hook and it was way down in its belly.   Jamie said that after the 25-minute battle, his back was screaming in pain and his bare hands felt like they were frozen.  “That fish had no intentions of getting near the hole,” said Jamie. (I believe the part about frozen hands, for 5 fishing partners and I were ice fishing not very far from where he was that day.  Just a couple of minutes of exposure to the wind and cold and our ungloved hands ached like heck.)

The next day, at the Onota Boat Livery, it weighed in at 15 lbs.8 oz., measured 32 ¼ inches and had a 19+ inch girth. (The difference possibly due to shrinkage as it was measured a full day after catching.)  He had no idea that there were brown trout anywhere in Massachusetts that size.  He will submit pictures and data to MassWildlife and perhaps, he will be awarded a gold pin and plaque through the MassWildlife’s Freshwater Sportfishing Awards Program.  MassWildlife has recognized anglers who catch exceptional freshwater fish across Massachusetts for some 50 years now.  Last year’s winning Adult Catch & Keep Brown Trout has not yet been announced yet, but the winning weight in 2019 was 12 lbs. 2 oz caught out of the Ware River in Ware.

So where did this behemoth come from?  I asked Andrew Madden, DFW Western District Supervisor and himself a fish biologist, what his opinion was.  He said that they stocked broodstock brown trout in the Stockbridge Bowl in 2016, 2017, and 2020.  Their broodstock fish come from either the Roger Reed Hatchery in Palmer or the Sandwich Hatchery on Cape Cod. “These fish typically range in size from 3lbs to 8lbs with sometimes an occasional individual reaching close to 10lbs. The ages can vary but generally they are 3 or 4 years old at the time of stocking” he said. The broodstock are a bonus that they spread throughout our lakes and ponds to provide an opportunity for anglers to catch a lifetime quality fish. “We can’t know for sure, but I would guess that the Stockbridge brown was probably a broodstock from 2016 or 2017. That would likely put the fish around 6-8 years old. Regardless of when it went in, it is an awesome catch and must have been a serious thrill to see it come through the ice”.

“The trout that we stock daily in the spring are numerous and big,” he said, “Its good to see that our local lakes are hanging in there and have some of these large fish”, said Andrew.

Jamie said that he didn’t bring it to my attention to boast about it. (Someone else forwarded the picture that very evening.   News of a big brown trout like that caught in the Berkshires spreads like wildfire.) I’m glad he did contact me as I didn’t know who had caught it.  He said he saw a lot of guys at Onota Lake while weighing it in and showed them the fish not for purposes of bragging, but rather to provide a little brightness on a dark day and it caused guys to put a little spring in their steps as they headed out onto the ice.    He said he is not much of a trout eater and he always releases them.  Someone suggested that he smoke it but instead is going to have it mounted.  Who knows, perhaps if he was able to get it officially weighed right away, it might have gone down as a new Massachusetts State Record.  Perhaps, on Saturday, February 6, 2021 it was.

Incidentally, the Massachusetts record brown trout weighed 19 lbs. 10 oz and measured 31 inches long.  It was caught out of Wachusett Reservoir by Dana Deblois in 1966.

Jamie and his friends fished until 4:00 pm that day and caught two more trout (Rainbows) and a pickerel.  They had quite a memorable day, wouldn’t you say?

Junior Conservation Camp teaches outdoor skills to Massachusetts teens

Designed for teens aged 13–17 who want to try new outdoor activities, improve their current skills, or meet other like-minded peers, the Massachusetts Junior Conservation Camp (MJCC) offers a hands-on curriculum focused on outdoor skills, conservation education, and ethics to girls and boys. Participants will have fun and make friends during the two-week overnight camp. The MJCC will be held at the Moses Scout Reservation in Russell from August 1-13.  Registration is now open at http://juniorconservationcamp.org and will continue through May 1. Conservation groups and sporting clubs who want to sponsor a camper may also register to reserve a spot for a deserving teen.

The MJCC offers varied and educational programs. Professionals from environmental agencies provide hands-on experiences and demonstrations on wildlife, fisheries, forest fire control, and forest management. Experienced and enthusiastic outdoors men and women offer outdoor skills instruction on fishing, camping, wild foods, archery, and firearms safety. Certifications in Hunter Education and Boating Safety are also part of the curriculum. Tuition is $1,000 but the majority of campers receive full scholarships from sporting clubs and conservation organizations across the state. Click onto http://juniorconservationcamp.org/sponsors for more information on groups with camp scholarships.  For an inside look at camp life, check out the No.1, 2020 issue of the Massachusetts Wildlife magazine.

MassWildlife reported that the spring turkey harvest was 3,310 (including 73 on youth day) and that was the highest spring season ever recorded.  They believe this record harvest can most likely be attributed to the increase in hunter effort that resulted from COVID-19 closures. The fall turkey harvest was 256, the highest fall season total in over 20 years. MassWildlife feels that an expanded fall archery season and an increased annual limit likely contributed to the high fall harvest. In total, some 3,566 birds were harvested last year.

Intimidating gobblers 

Now that the black bears are all snuggled up in their dens, or should be, we shouldn’t have to worry too much about other wild critters, right?  Well, not necessarily so says the Massachusetts Division of Fish and Wildlife (DFW).   There are some mean-spirited, aggressive gobblers out there and their numbers are growing (about 35,000 of them) and they may attack people that they view as subordinates.  They are boldly strutting around downtown streets in the eastern part of our state. Local police departments want residents to know that although dangerous, they should not be intimated by aggressive turkeys.

Does that mean that we should strap a holstered pistol or enroll in a self-defense course? Heck no!  Residents should just avoid close encounters with them and don’t ruffle their feathers.  Do not feed them or they could become tame and possibly have angry or wild outbursts.

Here are some recommendations from MassWildlife:

• Keep all bird feeder areas clean — bird seed attracts turkeys and they will flock to the feeder if there is seed on the ground. Remove feeders in the spring as well, as birds will be able to find plenty of natural food.
• Protect your garden and crops — If you use a hose or make loud noises, turkeys that are stealing food will be intimidated and likely leave the crops alone.
• For aggressive turkeys, don’t let them intimidate you —You should threaten or scare bold turkeys using a hose, a leashed dog or loud noises.
• Cover windows and shiny objects — Turkeys will focus on their own reflection or shiny objects. In order to prevent that, be sure to remove shiny objects or cover windows.

Young lady hoists nice pickerel out of hole while ice fishing

On Saturday, January 23, the weather was brutal with wind chill temperatures hovering around 10 below zero.  Young Allison (last name requested not to be disclosed) was fishing with her father and mother when she caught a 25 ½ inch, 4 lbs 2 oz chain pickerel out of Laurel Lake in Lee.  As of this writing (February 3) she is still the current leader in the MA Youth Sportfishing Award Category. She will definitely receive a bronze pin and if it holds up for the entire year, she will receive a gold pin and nice trophy.  Way to go Allison!  Whether or not your large fish holds up for the remainder of the year, it is still a great accomplishment.

Her mom, Jeremia, said that she made Cajun style fish cakes with the pickerel.  Yum, yum.

She said that Allison is now “hooked” on ice fishing.

(Incidentally, pickerel is a very tasty freshwater fish.  The key is getting past the bones, and grinding them up and making fish cakes is one way to do that.)

Basic ice fishing clinic

If you are curious about this family fun wintertime activity now is your chance to learn.  MassWildlife invites you to join them for a 1-hour online ice fishing clinic to learn all the basics of fishing on ice.  Its Angler Education Program will host this online one hour ice fishing clinic on Zoom to give you the confidence to give hard water fishing a try. You will learn what safe ice is, and how to test for it, how to properly dress for the experience, as well as all the necessary gear and tips to get you started.  There is such a clinic on Monday evening, February 22, from 5:00 to 6:00 pm.  Registration is required at http://www.Mass.gov/service-details/angler-education-calendar.

Rescheduled ice fishing derby

Staying on the subject of ice fishing, the Berkshire County Whitetails Ice Fishing Derby that was scheduled for last Saturday (January 30) but was postponed due to the brutal weather.  It has been rescheduled for today.   It runs from 7:00 am to 2:00 pm and weigh-in for the heaviest fish is at the boat ramp at 2:30 pm sharp.  First Place winner gets $750, Second Place gets $500 and Third Place gets $250.  The entrance fee is $25 single and $15 for children aged 15 and under.  For more info, call Bill Bailey at 413-244-2304.

Respect the wilderness

Here are a few simple steps from MassWildlife that you can take to respectfully enjoy the outdoors:

• Plan ahead – Beaches, state parks, and conservation lands might have different regulations you should be aware of like what activities are permitted on the property. Research the rules for the area you plan to visit beforehand. Respect private property and do not trespass on private land. MassWildlife owns and manages over 220,000 acres of Wildlife Management Areas and Conservation Easements that are open to hunting, fishing, trapping, and other outdoor recreation. Prepare for your adventure by visiting the MassWildlife Lands Viewer to customize and print maps of MassWildlife properties.
• Pack out what you pack in – This includes food wrappers and remains, drink containers, and dog waste bags. If you’re hunting or fishing, be sure to take all equipment out with you like discarded fishing line or shotgun shells.
• Give wildlife space – Keep a reasonable distance from wildlife. Use your binoculars and spotting scope rather than your feet, to get “closer” to your subject. If you get too close to an animal, its behavior will change. It may stop feeding, look at you, vocalize, appear nervous or flee. If you note a change in behavior, back off slowly until you’re out of the animal’s “space”. Do not feed wildlife.
• Respect the land – Avoid damaging plants and trees, do not carve into tree bark and be aware of where you are stepping. Follow posted signage to avoid nesting areas and vernal pools. Please stay on trails if they are available.
• Be considerate of other visitors – Many people visit the wilderness to enjoy the quiet and tranquility. Remain a respectful distance away from other visitors, avoid loud noises, and follow regulations for pets.

Wild & Scenic Westfield River Community Grants Announced

The Wild & Scenic Westfield River Advisory Committee announces the availability of community grants ranging from $500 to $20,000 for work conducted through October 2021. Recognizing the important role towns and local groups play in the protection of river resources, the funding supports activities that directly and measurably enhance and protect river resources or build strong local stewardship of the river and its tributaries. Eligible entities include conservation commissions, planning boards, select boards, libraries, historical commissions, recreation departments, schools (including environmental clubs, art programs, science classes, etc.) and other town-sanctioned committees and boards. Community-based nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, such as historical societies, garden clubs, art associations, churches, local land trusts and neighborhood groups, are eligible. Partnerships, between towns, boards, organizations, etc., are encouraged. Individuals interested in applying should partner with either a town or nonprofit organization(s). Eligible towns are Becket, Chester, Chesterfield, Cummington, Huntington, Middlefield, Savoy, Washington, Windsor, and Worthington. Interested parties are strongly encouraged to contact the W&SWR Committee prior to starting the application process to confirm their eligibility. Contact Andrew Petitdemange: Andrew_Petit_de_Mange@nps.gov.

Firearms/ License-to-Carry Course

Avid Sports will be holding its next Firearms Safety Course on Tuesday February 9 at 5:00 pm at its place at 1201 West Housatonic Street, Pittsfield. The course allows one to apply for a Pistol permit or F.I.D. card. You can either Call 413-997-3600 or stop by Avid Sports for more details or to sign up for the course.

The Lenox Sportsmen’s Club will be hosting a LTC and UTAH Firearm Certificate Course on February 13 from 9:00am to 1:30 pm at its clubhouse.  This course is Mass State Police Compliant.  The cost for MA certification is $80, other states cost $125 and a combination of any two states cost $150. Remember, space is limited due to Covid-19 guidelines so you must pre-register.  Contact Tom Nadolny at 413-822-6451 or tnadolny1@gmail.com for more information or to pre-register.

MassWildlife reported that the spring turkey harvest was 3,310 (including 73 on youth day) and that was the highest spring season ever recorded.  They believe this record harvest can most likely be attributed to the increase in hunter effort that resulted from COVID-19 closures. The fall turkey harvest was 256, the highest fall season total in over 20 years. MassWildlife feels that an expanded fall archery season and an increased annual limit likely contributed to the high fall harvest. In total, some 3,566 birds were harvested last year.

Intimidating gobblers 

Now that the black bears are all snuggled up in their dens, or should be, we shouldn’t have to worry too much about other wild critters, right?  Well, not necessarily so says the Massachusetts Division of Fish and Wildlife (DFW).   There are some mean-spirited, aggressive gobblers out there and their numbers are growing (about 35,000 of them) and they may attack people that they view as subordinates.  They are boldly strutting around downtown streets in the eastern part of our state. Local police departments want residents to know that although dangerous, they should not be intimated by aggressive turkeys.

Does that mean that we should strap a holstered pistol or enroll in a self-defense course? Heck no!  Residents should just avoid close encounters with them and don’t ruffle their feathers.  Do not feed them or they could become tame and possibly have angry or wild outbursts.

Here are some recommendations from MassWildlife:

• Keep all bird feeder areas clean — bird seed attracts turkeys and they will flock to the feeder if there is seed on the ground. Remove feeders in the spring as well, as birds will be able to find plenty of natural food.
• Protect your garden and crops — If you use a hose or make loud noises, turkeys that are stealing food will be intimidated and likely leave the crops alone.
• For aggressive turkeys, don’t let them intimidate you —You should threaten or scare bold turkeys using a hose, a leashed dog or loud noises.
• Cover windows and shiny objects — Turkeys will focus on their own reflection or shiny objects. In order to prevent that, be sure to remove shiny objects or cover windows.

Young lady hoists nice pickerel out of hole while ice fishing

On Saturday, January 23, the weather was brutal with wind chill temperatures hovering around 10 below zero.  Young Allison (last name requested not to be disclosed) was fishing with her father and mother when she caught a 25 ½ inch, 4 lbs 2 oz chain pickerel out of Laurel Lake in Lee.  As of this writing (February 3) she is still the current leader in the MA Youth Sportfishing Award Category. She will definitely receive a bronze pin and if it holds up for the entire year, she will receive a gold pin and nice trophy.  Way to go Allison!  Whether or not your large fish holds up for the remainder of the year, it is still a great accomplishment.2020 wild turkey hunting harvest was record setting

Her mom, Jeremia, said that she made Cajun style fish cakes with the pickerel.  Yum, yum.

She said that Allison is now “hooked” on ice fishing.

(Incidentally, pickerel is a very tasty freshwater fish.  The key is getting past the bones, and grinding them up and making fish cakes is one way to do that.)

Basic ice fishing clinic

 If you are curious about this family fun wintertime activity now is your chance to learn.  MassWildlife invites you to join them for a 1-hour online ice fishing clinic to learn all the basics of fishing on ice.  Its Angler Education Program will host this online one hour ice fishing clinic on Zoom to give you the confidence to give hard water fishing a try. You will learn what safe ice is, and how to test for it, how to properly dress for the experience, as well as all the necessary gear and tips to get you started.  There is such a clinic on Monday evening, February 22, from 5:00 to 6:00 pm.  Registration is required at http://www.Mass.gov/service-details/angler-education-calendar.

Rescheduled ice fishing derby

Staying on the subject of ice fishing, the Berkshire County Whitetails Ice Fishing Derby that was scheduled for last Saturday (January 30) but was postponed due to the brutal weather.  It has been rescheduled for today.   It runs from 7:00 am to 2:00 pm and weigh-in for the heaviest fish is at the boat ramp at 2:30 pm sharp.  First Place winner gets $750, Second Place gets $500 and Third Place gets $250.  The entrance fee is $25 single and $15 for children aged 15 and under.  For more info, call Bill Bailey at 413-244-2304.

Respect the wilderness

Here are a few simple steps from MassWildlife that you can take to respectfully enjoy the outdoors:

• Plan ahead – Beaches, state parks, and conservation lands might have different regulations you should be aware of like what activities are permitted on the property. Research the rules for the area you plan to visit beforehand. Respect private property and do not trespass on private land. MassWildlife owns and manages over 220,000 acres of Wildlife Management Areas and Conservation Easements that are open to hunting, fishing, trapping, and other outdoor recreation. Prepare for your adventure by visiting the MassWildlife Lands Viewer to customize and print maps of MassWildlife properties.
• Pack out what you pack in – This includes food wrappers and remains, drink containers, and dog waste bags. If you’re hunting or fishing, be sure to take all equipment out with you like discarded fishing line or shotgun shells.
• Give wildlife space – Keep a reasonable distance from wildlife. Use your binoculars and spotting scope rather than your feet, to get “closer” to your subject. If you get too close to an animal, its behavior will change. It may stop feeding, look at you, vocalize, appear nervous or flee. If you note a change in behavior, back off slowly until you’re out of the animal’s “space”. Do not feed wildlife.
• Respect the land – Avoid damaging plants and trees, do not carve into tree bark and be aware of where you are stepping. Follow posted signage to avoid nesting areas and vernal pools. Please stay on trails if they are available.
• Be considerate of other visitors – Many people visit the wilderness to enjoy the quiet and tranquility. Remain a respectful distance away from other visitors, avoid loud noises, and follow regulations for pets.

Wild & Scenic Westfield River Community Grants Announced

The Wild & Scenic Westfield River Advisory Committee announces the availability of community grants ranging from $500 to $20,000 for work conducted through October 2021. Recognizing the important role towns and local groups play in the protection of river resources, the funding supports activities that directly and measurably enhance and protect river resources or build strong local stewardship of the river and its tributaries. Eligible entities include conservation commissions, planning boards, select boards, libraries, historical commissions, recreation departments, schools (including environmental clubs, art programs, science classes, etc.) and other town-sanctioned committees and boards. Community-based nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, such as historical societies, garden clubs, art associations, churches, local land trusts and neighborhood groups, are eligible. Partnerships, between towns, boards, organizations, etc., are encouraged. Individuals interested in applying should partner with either a town or nonprofit organization(s). Eligible towns are Becket, Chester, Chesterfield, Cummington, Huntington, Middlefield, Savoy, Washington, Windsor, and Worthington. Interested parties are strongly encouraged to contact the W&SWR Committee prior to starting the application process to confirm their eligibility. Contact Andrew Petitdemange: Andrew_Petit_de_Mange@nps.gov.

Firearms/ License-to-Carry Course

Avid Sports will be holding its next Firearms Safety Course on Tuesday February 9 at 5:00 pm at its place at 1201 West Housatonic Street, Pittsfield. The course allows one to apply for a Pistol permit or F.I.D. card. You can either Call 413-997-3600 or stop by Avid Sports for more details or to sign up for the course.

The Lenox Sportsmen’s Club will be hosting a LTC and UTAH Firearm Certificate Course on February 13 from 9:00am to 1:30 pm at its clubhouse.  This course is Mass State Police Compliant.  The cost for MA certification is $80, other states cost $125 and a combination of any two states cost $150. Remember, space is limited due to Covid-19 guidelines so you must pre-register.  Contact Tom Nadolny at 413-822-6451 or tnadolny1@gmail.com for more information or to pre-register

For the first time since 1996, MassWildlife is considering an increase in freshwater fishing and hunting license fees.  The following is from a recent press release from them.  “The Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife) is grateful to the many annual hunting and freshwater fishing license buyers who help the agency ensure the health of wildlife populations, protect habitat, and maintain access for outdoor recreation. License fees are essential to ensuring the continuation of scientific management of fish and wildlife, management of over 226,000 acres of wildlife lands, and popular programs including trout and pheasant stocking, Hunter Education, and Angler Education.

During a January 14, 2021 public presentation to the Fisheries and Wildlife Board, MassWildlife officials noted that expenses have been exceeding revenue for several years. MassWildlife cited contributing factors such as inflation and declining license sales. Additionally, they have taken on increased responsibilities over the last 25 years including stewardship of 226,000 acres of wildlife land, habitat management activities on those lands benefiting wildlife, and administration of the Hunter Education Program. The agency derives its funding primarily from hunting and fishing license sales and federal excise taxes from the sale of hunting and fishing equipment.

The public is invited to ask questions and learn more about MassWildlife’s programs, how they are funded, and why a license fee increase is needed by attending an upcoming virtual information session on the Zoom platform:

• Thursday, February 4, 2021 at 6:30 p.m.
• Saturday, February 6, 2021 at 10:00 a.m.
• Tuesday, February 9, 2021 at 6:30 p.m.

Instructions for joining the information sessions online or by phone can be found on mass.gov/masswildlife-funding.

Information sessions provide an opportunity for the public to learn more about the process and provide input to MassWildlife in advance of any formal proposal to raise fees. MassWildlife anticipates releasing a list of proposed fees at a subsequent Fisheries and Wildlife Board Meeting and holding formal public hearings in the spring.

The public may also provide input using an online form on the above website or by mail to: MassWildlife, Re: License Fee, 1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough, MA 01581.

Some background information from the MassWildlife web site:  Over the past 25 years, MassWildlife has been able to maintain its high level of services and programs through the careful and responsible management of its funds without raising license fees. But with inflation up nearly 67% since 1996; increased agency responsibilities; and steadily increasing state-mandated costs such as payroll taxes and health insurance, revenue has not been meeting expenses for several years. Additionally, hunting and sporting license sales have been declining over time, and an increasing number of license holders are aging and becoming eligible for free licenses. Periodic license increases are an unfortunate necessity to keep pace with inflation and general costs of living. Unless we act now, the Inland Fish and Game Fund is projected to be out of money by 2025.

As noted above. MassWildlife is primarily funded through the sale of hunting, freshwater fishing, and trapping licenses, permits, and stamps, in addition to dedicated federal funds. Dedicated federal funds account for approximately half of MassWildlife’s budget through the Wildlife and Sportfish Restoration grant program. A small remainder of MassWildlife’s budget comes from bond initiatives, donations, and general funds. Unlike other state agencies, MassWildlife receives only a small percentage of its operational budget from state general funds, such as those derived from state income or sales taxes. All funds from freshwater fishing, hunting, and trapping licenses go directly into the Inland Fish and Game Fund, which can only be used for administering programs for MassWildlife.”

“License buyers are MassWildlife’s partners in keeping wildlife populations healthy, protecting habitat, and maintaining access for outdoor recreation. Fees from fishing, hunting, and trapping licenses, permits, and fees provide a variety of services for sportsmen and women, including the scientific management of fish and wildlife, trout and pheasant stocking, habitat management, and educational programs such as Angler Education, Hunter Education, Becoming an Outdoors Woman, Junior Conservation Camp, Teaching with Trout, Junior Duck Stamp, and National Archery in the Schools. All Massachusetts residents and visitors benefit from MassWildlife’s work to conserve wildlife, protect open space, and preserve clean water and air. They manage over 226,000 acres of conserved lands and waters open to the public for fishing, hunting, trapping, wildlife viewing, and other outdoor recreation. Wildlife-related recreation in Massachusetts generates about $2 billion in retail sales annually and supports about 35,000 jobs. Through science-based management and strong educational programs, MassWildlife ensures healthy fish and wildlife populations, abundant natural resources, and scenic landscapes.

“The issue is not complicated” says DFW Western District Supervisor Andrew Madden, “ but that doesn’t mean it’s an easy or enjoyable topic to face.  Our agency has not increased license fees for almost 26 years (and only once in the past 40 years). Meanwhile, we have been facing cost increases associated with significant inflation since 1996, and ever-increasing State-mandated costs (payroll, insurance benefits, retirement, etc). This is coupled with decreases in hunters/hunting license sales and increases in free (70yrs +) licenses. During this time, we have continued the programs that hunters and anglers enjoy and expect, while adding and expanding opportunity. We have greatly increased the days available for hunting deer, turkey, bear, geese, and woodcock. We have improved our fish stocking efficiency and productivity. We have increased our land holdings from 87,000 acres to 226,000 acres (much of that in the Western District). Hunters and anglers should expect this level of service from their fish and wildlife agency. Unfortunately, like any business or organization with increasing costs and flat or declining revenue, eventually you arrive at a point where revenue must be increased.”

“We fully recognize that hunters and anglers in Massachusetts, and throughout the country, have always been the primary contributors to wildlife conservation. We strive to remember that in all our actions and decisions in the Western District. Sportsmen and women carry this charge because it matters to them and all should be very proud to do so. Once again, Massachusetts hunters and anglers will be asked to assert their role as leaders in conservation.”

“I/we understand that paying more for licenses is a big ask, particularly right now. I encourage each of you to read more about the agency’s funding and attend one of the listening sessions for more detail. Hopefully, that will provide some perspective on why we need to ask more of you. We really want your feedback, so please consider tuning into one of the sessions, or filling the online form. If anyone would like to talk to me directly please reach out, I’d be glad to discuss things individually or with a group”.

Mark Jester, former president and currently a delegate of the Berkshire County League of Sportsmen, is also available to discuss the need for a potential license fee increase. He can be reached at 413-822-7243

Outdoor sportsmen probably know that the inflation rise since 1996 alone should warrant a fee increase and many expressed surprise that a fee increase hasn’t happened earlier. In addition to inflation, there is more justification for the increase.  Since 1996, MassWildlife is now stocking more, larger trout; more pheasants, more days to hunt, more land protected, more habitat management -2,000 acres per year, more land stewardship – over 2,200 miles of boundaries, hunter education classes have been implemented as well as the youth pheasant hunt, youth turkey hunt, youth deer hunt, and other projects listed above.  (In the Berkshires, New England cottontail conservation efforts to protect and create habitat on MassWildlife lands for this uncommon native rabbit has been ongoing for a number of years. MassWildlife is also working with adjoining landowners on rabbit habitat restoration through grant funding and technical advice.)

The increase in programs has necessitated increases in staff, which in turn resulted in increased state-mandated costs such as health insurance, retirement, payroll taxes, etc, (20% of the agency’s total costs).  This,at a time when there are declining sales of hunting and fishing licenses.

MassWildlife urges all MA hunters and anglers to attend one of the virtual information sessions.  I already attended one and it was an eye opener.

I hope you have had a chance this winter to get out and check out some of them.  My wife Jan and I visited two of them this past month, both owned/managed by the BNRC.

The Clam River property in Sandisfield is where visitors can explore 1.5 miles along this wild river and see evidence of a time when the stream and its surrounding area were not so wild: traces of a dam, extensive stone walls, and an intact house foundation. The 550-acre property offers three connected trails of 4.3 miles with moderate change in elevation.

Old Mill Trail in Hinsdale /Dalton.   Crane and Company conserved the 127-acre piece of land with MassWildlife and collaborated with the Housatonic Valley Association to build the trail.  The trail follows the clean and fast flowing East Branch of the Housatonic River along Rte 8 as it descends from Hinsdale. This accessible trail is a treat for trail users of all abilities. If you travel past the end of the accessible section and cross Route 8, there is a pathway right at, and even in, the water’s edge.

You probably noted the commonality – both properties contain beautiful rivers which contain trout – a natural draw to me and other anglers. We loved both places and plan to frequently revisit them.

The part of the Old Mill Trail where we were last week was the Accessible Section which is 0.7 miles one way. The trail is beautifully crafted with periodic viewing stations and maintained by the Housatonic River Watershed Association and its partners.

In addition to the river, there was another beautiful sight, at least in my eyes.  It is the BNRC poster.  As you can see, it informs the public that hunting is allowed, recommends that visitors wear hunter orange outerwear, stay on the trails and keep their dogs under immediate control.    It also lists the various hunting season dates (bear, deer and turkey).  Local hunters surely appreciate the efforts that the BNRC and partners have made to conserve the land and make it available to the public while still accommodating the hunters.  Needless to say, the Berkshire County League of Sportsmen enthusiastically supports the BNRC and donates as much funds as its treasury allows each year.  I encourage you to visit the trail and to bring your spikes.  Lots of people are visiting their popular trails and the paths are being packed down and could become icy and slippery.

Baker-Polito Administration Awards Wildlife Habitat Management Grants

The Baker-Polito Administration recently awarded $307,631 to individuals, municipalities and organizations across the state for projects to improve habitat for native Massachusetts wildlife. The grants are provided through the Wildlife Habitat Management Grant Program, administered by the Department of Fish and Game’s Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife), and will support ten wildlife habitat improvement projects totaling 308 acres in nine Massachusetts communities.

“Our administration is making smart investments in wildlife habitat management to ensure protected lands throughout the Commonwealth are ecologically healthy and well-managed,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “These important local projects will result in valuable ecological and

The MassWildlife Habitat Management Grant Program provides financial assistance to private and municipal landowners of conserved lands to improve and manage habitat for wildlife deemed in greatest conservation need and for certain game species. The projects are also designed to complement ongoing habitat management efforts on state lands and promote opportunities for hunting, fishing, wildlife viewing, and other outdoor recreation.

“Conservation science has shown that periodic active habitat management for both common and rare wildlife and plants is necessary to maintain ecological resiliency and diversity, making these projects critical to the preservation of the Commonwealth’s natural resources and their resiliency to climate change,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Kathleen Theoharides. “Through this grant program, we’re able to partner with property owners, municipalities and organizations to improve the environment and quality of life throughout Massachusetts.”

Of the ten statewide projects, South Lee Associates, in conjunction with the Berkshire Natural Resources Council was chosen to receive one.  It will receive $14,887 for work to control invasive species and improve floodplain forest habitats on multiple Housatonic River properties.

No deer hunting fatalities this year

Lieutenant Colonel David Loos of the MA Environmental Police reported that fact to the MA Fish & Wildlife Board meeting on January 14.  That was certainly good news. Following that, he mentioned he had some bittersweet news; there had been a moose road kill recently in our state.  That was bad news, but there was some good news.  The moose meat was delivered to the Wampanoag Tribe on Martha’s Vineyard which greatly appreciated the gift.  Loos said that they have an ongoing positive relationship with the tribe.

So, doesn’t the US Fish & Wildlife Service.  A few years ago, the Berkshire National Fish Hatchery in Hartsville supplied the Micmac tribe with 800 lbs. of lake trout that had to be culled due to space restrictions.  They drove down from Maine with ice boxes and processed the fish onsite.  They then took their 800 lbs. bounty to the elders of the tribe where they ceremoniously reminded their people of the heritage and diet habits of their ancestors.

Remembering Raymond “Skip” Whalen

 Local outdoor sportsmen suffered a serious loss on January 12 with the passing of Skip Whalen at the age of 80.  His obituary, which was noted in the January 16 – 17 Berkshire Eagle listed his many achievements.  In this column, I will focus on his achievements and contributions to the outdoor sportsmen of Berkshire County.  Perhaps there is no better source than the write-up about him when he received the Berkshire County League of Sportsmen’s 2004 Sportsmen of the Year Award.  He was nominated for the award by the Stockbridge Sportsmen’s Club (SSC), Taconic Chapter of Trout Unlimited and the Adams Outdoor for Youth, an indication of the respect he received county wide. A founding father of the current SSC, he was a long-time supporter of sportsmen’s issues.  He chaired a family-oriented ice-fishing derby for over 35 years and ensured that every child who entered the derby received a nice prize to take home.  The derby was subsequently renamed the “Skip Whalen Echo Lake Ice Fishing Derby”.  He worked with Special Olympics, played a key role in getting the SSC parking lot over 500 tons of recycled blacktop, managed the SSC banquet hall for many years, helped with the youth archery program in the club, (often purchasing equipment for the kids with his own money), setting and baiting fish hooks for the fishing derbies and much, much, more.  Our condolences go out to his wife Myra and family.

Where’s the ice?

 Gosh its been a difficult year for local ice fishermen so far.  Our winter just has not been cold enough to make safe ice on which to fish. There was a time not too long ago when our lakes would be covered with ice fishermen on New Year’s Day.  For some it was a tradition.  By this time of year, one could expect to see two feet of ice.  After nearly a month, we waited anxiously for the “January Thaws” so that we could get a reprieve from the frigid weather.  Not anymore.  Never thought I would say this, but I am eagerly awaiting the “January Freezes”.

I have been checking Laurel Lake and Stockbridge Bowl almost daily, and as of this writing, (January 20) it didn’t look safe. The ice that I saw was not that new “clear/blue, hard ice” but the white/snow type, the type that MassWildlife warns us to be careful of or to stay off altogether.

The deer season preliminary tallies are now available.  We should keep in mind that data cards from some physical check stations are still being entered so the numbers will most likely change, said Marion E. Larson, Chief, Information & Education, MA Division of Fisheries and Wildlife.  With the information currently in hand, this is the second highest deer harvest record after the 2018 harvest of 14,516 (2019 harvest: 13,891.  As in the past, the complete breakout of numbers and a summary will not be complete until spring. 

Season                              __2020 _______                                2019__________ 
Youth Deer Hunt                     120                                             89
Paraplegic Hunt:                         2                                                 5
Archery:                               6,552                                          6,149       
Shotgun:                               4,855                                         4,954       
Primitive Arms:                   2,802                                          2,694
State Prelim Total:  14,331                                        13,891

Total statewide harvest beginning in 2015 and ending with 2020 were as follows:  10,142, 12,233, 13,255, 14,513, 13,891and this year’s 14,331. 

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.

David Stainbrook, who was the Deer & Moose Project Leader, moved on to another job.  Presumably whoever replaces him 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 2021 season should 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.

2020 Bear Season Results

The final number for the 2020 bear season numbers was 325, which was another record year.  It broke the high of 283 bears taken in 2016.   Both the September and November seasons were also record high numbers. 

Season                           Harvest Numbers
September                          236
November                            57
December                            32
Statewide total                 325

“One of the silver linings with the pandemic is the extraordinary amount of people who tried out new outdoor activities. This is a great opportunity to recruit and retain “newbies” to outdoor activities, from hiking, birding, and photography to boating, fishing and hunting.” said Larson. 

Large Conservation Restriction purchased by the Commonwealth

The Baker-Polito Administration recently announced that the Department of Fish and Game (DFG) and its Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife) acquired a $3.25 million conservation restriction on 2,038 acres of timberland in Shutesbury, Pelham, and Leverett, Massachusetts.

The property will continue to be owned and maintained by W.D. Cowls, Inc. of North Amherst. The conservation restriction, permanently protects the property which is made up of several large forested parcels. The acquisition will conserve critical wildlife habitat, safeguard water resources, and ensure continued public access to the property for hunting, fishing, hiking, wildlife watching, and other outdoor recreation. This major land protection project was made possible through a partnership with the DFG, Kestrel Land Trust, W.D. Cowls, and the federal Forest Legacy Program. 

More than 95 percent of the Walter Cowls Jones Working Forest, as the property will be called, is identified as Core Habitat or Critical Natural Landscape by MassWildlife’s Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program and is essential for ensuring the long-term survival of rare and common wildlife. Two reptiles listed under MESA will benefit from the conservation of this property, as will forest birds like the scarlet tanager, blackburnian warbler, and Canada warbler. On the property are also white-tailed deer, wild turkey, porcupine, snowshoe hare, and ruffed grouse. This sizeable land acquisition benefits mammals with large home ranges such as black bear, moose, and bobcats. The area also includes headwater tributaries that are valuable habitat to coldwater aquatic wildlife (such as trout).

The announcement stated that protecting this large block of forested lands will help sequester and store carbon and help mitigate climate change. Parts of the property are near other conservation land including the Quabbin Reservation, Town of Amherst watershed land, Montague Plains Wildlife Management Area, and the Paul C. Jones Working Forest. Connecting large blocks of wildlife habitat provides plants and animals improved ability to adapt to changing climate conditions. Supplementing the 3,486-acre Paul C. Jones Working Forest, it will serve to protect water supplies for Boston and other towns, preserve extensive wildlife habitat and promote continued production of timber. The acquisition adds to the more than 220,000 acres of MassWildlife’s Wildlife Management Areas and Wildlife Conservation Easements conserved statewide

The $3.34 million paid for the conservation restriction is $100,000 less than the appraised value, with public funding coming from the Land and Water Conservation Fund, U.S. Forest Legacy Program and the MA DFG (which will hold the conservation restriction) and private funds raised by Kestrel Land Trust from the John T. and Jane A. Wiederhold Foundation and other philanthropists. The conservation restriction precludes future development, including residences, solar arrays, and cell and wind towers.

Scott Jackson, an extension professor at the Department of Environmental Conservation at the University of Massachusetts Amherst and chair of Kestrel Land Trust’s board of trustees, calls the land some of the most ecologically valuable in the Connecticut River Valley.

“Approximately 90 percent of the land is identified as core habitat or critical natural landscape by the Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program’s BioMap2 project,” Jackson said. Part of the $1,650-per-acre conservation deal allows W.D. Cowls to maintain forestry operations while providing financing to finish aspects of the Mill District mixed-use development during the COVID-19 economic downturn.

The conservation restriction surrounds three exclusions that are optioned for solar farm development in Shutesbury, where W.D. Cowls already completed a solar development on 30 acres known as the Wheelock Tract.

Massachusetts Duck Stamp Contest

There is still time to enter the Massachusetts Junior Duck Stamp (JDS) contest. Students from kindergarten through grade 12 can submit original artwork for this fun and educational competition. The entry deadline is February 15, 2021. The process of creating these works of art allows students to appreciate the importance of preserving wetland habitats and the delights and diversity of wildlife. “Even if students do not enter the competition, science and art teachers will value the JDS curriculum as a useful resource,” advises MassWildlife’s Wildlife Education Coordinator, Pam Landry.

The JDS program links the study of wetlands and waterfowl conservation with the creation of original artwork. Students in grades K-12 learn about the habitat requirements of various kinds of ducks and geese and then express their knowledge of the beauty, diversity, and interdependence of these species artistically, by creating a drawing or painting which can be submitted to the JDS art contest. The art is judged in four age group categories in a statewide competition; the entry judged Best of Show moves on to represent Massachusetts in the national JDS competition. Art teachers, science teachers, and parents who home-school can visit the MassWildlife website for an information packet and entry information.

 For more information contact Pam Landry at pam.landry@mass.gov.

If we have any local winners, I will gladly include their duck stamp pictures in this column.

Firearms Safety Courses

• Avid Sports will be holding its next Firearms Safety Course on Tuesday January 26 at 5:00 pm at its place at 1201 West Housatonic Street, Pittsfield. The course allows one to apply for a Pistol permit or F.I.D. card. You can either Call 413-997-3600 or stop by Avid Sports for more details or to sign up for the course.  Its next Firearms Safety Course will be held on Tuesday February 9 at 5:00.

• Pete’s Gun Shop is offering live fire NRA & Massachusetts State Police Certified LTC Safety Courses. The course consists of one evening of classroom and live shooting separately on a Sunday. They are currently having classes on Tuesday and/or Wednesday evenings at 5:30 PM. The classroom portion is held at Pete’s Gun Shop on 9 Grove Street in Adams.  Call the shop at 413-743-0780 to inquire about the availability of a seat. They are presently scheduling March classes.

These are smaller classes due to the state’s limit on gathering size, so they are filling up VERY fast. A non-refundable deposit is required to reserve your seat at the time of registration.

Get ready to go ice fishing

With the cold weather being forecasted for our area next week, it looks like we might be able to get out ice fishing.  But we must be careful to ensure that there is sufficient ice.  Perhaps we should think about fishing our hill town lakes where the ice should be thicker.  MassWildlife has an ice thickness chart and advice to ice fishermen to which we may want to refer.  Surely most ice fishermen have read the chart and recommendations before but please bear with me, for there could be hundreds of inexperienced ice fishermen going out for the first time this year who don’t possess the following knowledge:   

How can you tell if ice is safe?

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 more dangerous.Avoid traveling onto ice-bound rivers and streams. 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.
• Carry a cell phone in case of emergency.  Carry ice picks and rope with you on the ice in order to drive the nails into the ice and pull yourself out. 
• Wear a life jacket. If you fall in, it will keep you at the surface and can provide insulation against the effects of cold water.

Ice thickness guidelines

Use an ice chisel, auger, or cordless drill to make a hole in the ice to determine its thickness and condition at regular intervals. 

If you fall through the ice 

• 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 out.
• Lie flat and roll away toward thicker ice to distribute your weight.
• Find shelter and get warm: Change out of wet clothing and into 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.

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.  Always keep pets leashed while walking on or near ice. 

Biologists rescued iced-in loons from NH lakes

Last month, biologists from the NH Loon Preservation Committee and NH Fish & Game Conservation Officers rescued six iced-in loons from various NH lakes. The loons were examined and treated by local veterinarians, rehabilitated by Maria Colby of Wings of the Dawn Wildlife Rehabilitation.

“Loons are heavy-bodied birds with relatively small wings, which means that in order for them to become airborne, they need a long stretch of open water to act as a runway,” said Harry Vogel, Senior Biologist and Executive Director of the Loon Preservation Committee.  “When lakes ice over rapidly, loons can become trapped. Iced-in loons can starve to death or be preyed on by other animals”, he said.

Vogel said that by this time of year, loons should have already left New Hampshire’s lakes. There are several reasons why these six loons may have remained, he said. “Climate change is one potential explanation — until this recent cold snap, the weather in November and December was warmer than usual. These loons may have remained on our lakes to take advantage of the open water and fishing opportunities and may have been caught off guard by the sudden cold snap,” he said.

Vogel said one of the loons had slightly elevated levels of lead in its bloodstream and fish hook fragments in its digestive tract, and another had a severe fungal respiratory illness. “After receiving veterinary care, five of the six have been released on the ocean,” Vogel said in the news release.

The loons were banded prior to release, so biologists will be able to identify them should they return to New Hampshire’s lakes.  “These ice rescues have already proven to have a positive impact on our loon population,” said Vogel. “In January 2016, we rescued five loons on Lake Sunapee. Four of those loons survived and were released on the ocean, and in recent years, we’ve re-sighted three of them back on our lakes. Two have produced chicks since their rescues, helping to grow our threatened loon population in the state.”

I checked with the MA DFW Western District Supervisor, Andrew Madden to see if the loons that he has been monitoring on a local reservoir made it out ok.  “We haven’t seen or heard about the loons for some time so I’m sure they migrated out of the area. We have never had to do an ice rescue with loons but we have picked a few up over the years that accidentally landed in fields. They can’t take off from the ground so we have had to transport them to large enough bodies of water for them to take off. They need a pretty long stretch of water as a runway,” Madden said.

Call MassWildlife if you see a loon in trouble or at risk of becoming iced-in, do not to attempt to rescue loons, as you run the risk of falling through the ice.

License-to-Carry Course

The Lenox Sportsmen’s Club will be hosting LTC and UTAH Firearm Certificate Courses in the near future.  Due to the high demand, the one scheduled for Sunday, January 17 is already filled up. (Class size limited to 10 due to Covid-19).  Upcoming classes are scheduled for Saturdays, February 13, March 13 and April 17 from 9:00am to 1:30 pm at its clubhouse.  This course is Mass State Police Compliant.  The cost for MA certification is $80, other states cost $125 and a combination of any two states cost $150. Remember, space is limited due to Covid-19 guidelines so you must pre-register.  Contact Tom Nadolny at 413-822-6451 or tnadolny1@gmail.com for more information or to pre-register.

Venison and Polenta Dinner”

On January 15, the Lenox Sportsmen’s Club will hold its 38th Annual Venison & Polenta Dinner.  Tickets are still available but they are going fast. The dinner will be a little different this year due to Covid19 protocols. It will be a Take-Out” dinner.  Tickets cost $20.00 each and the meal consists of Venison, Polenta, Salad and Bread.   You can Pick up your meal between the hours of 5:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.  Raffle tickets will be available when you pick up your meal. The winner will be notified that night. 

Tickets will be for sale online and in person. All tickets must be paid for in advance – walk-ins cannot be sold until the end and are not guaranteed. Tickets can be purchased online securely via PayPal at:  https//Lenoxsportsmensclub.com/venison-polenta-dinner.

Bon appetit!

Did you get a deer this year? If no, sorry, no venison steaks for you this year.  Fortunately, cottontail and snowshoe hare hunting seasons don’t close until February 27.  If you can’t dine on venison how about a delicious meal of wild rabbit fricassee.  There are a couple of good recipes on the internet.

If you are fortunate to own a beagle or two, they have probably been patiently waiting for deer season to end so that they can get out and do their thing. The late Lambert “Mickey” McGinty of Dalton, when he was president of the Berkshire Beagle Club, once commented that although he loved listening to Johann Strauss’ Radetzky March, he would much rather listen to the sound of a beagle running a rabbit.  Now, that’s music to the ears of a rabbit hunter.  If you don’t own a beagle, see if you can go rabbit hunting with someone who does.  You might be in for a thrill.

Hey, it’s still too early to ice fish.  You are not going to hang around the house, are you?

While we are on the subject of rabbits and hares, please know that the NY Department of Environmental Conservation has issued the following warning about Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease:

“Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease (RHD) is a fatal virus that affects rabbits and hares. A new strain, RHDV2, was identified in 2010 and recently, jumped to wild rabbits and hares in the southwestern U.S., where it spread to six states within four months. The virus can infect wild rabbits and hares, in addition to domestic rabbits. RHDV2 is extremely hardy, easily transmitted, and highly lethal to rabbits and hares. It does not infect humans or other animals like dogs or cats. RHDV2 spreads easily through direct contact between rabbits or contact with contaminated environments or objects.

The most likely potential routes of introduction are through transported domestic rabbits, internationally imported rabbit products, or people who travel to outbreak areas in the southwest. Here are some ways you can help stop its spread:

• If you are a hiker, camper, or traveler, and you have been to known RHDV2 outbreak areas (CA, NV, UT, CO, TX, AZ and Mexico), disinfect footwear with a 10 percent bleach solution (1 part household bleach, 9 parts water) before going afield here or in surrounding states.
• If you keep domestic rabbits, prevent them from intermingling with other rabbits. If you get new rabbits, quarantine them for two weeks and use separate equipment and clothing to care for them.
• If you are a wildlife rehabilitator who cares for wild rabbits, do not keep domestic rabbits as pets or have contact with domestic rabbits; maintain good disinfection techniques; and change PPE between rabbit litters or individual rabbits.
• If you are a rabbit or hare hunter, avoid contact with domestic rabbits, and do not bring rabbit carcasses killed in other states to New York (or Massachusetts).
• Report any unusual wild rabbit mortalities you encounter to the DEC Wildlife Health Unit at (518) 478-2203 (or MassWildlife).

Read the RHDV2 factsheet  (Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease – Help Prevent this Threat to New York’s Rabbits & Hares (ny.gov) to learn more about how it spreads, ways to prevent it, and what you can do to help.

Lefty Kreh’s legacy

The American Museum of Fly Fishing, located in Manchester, VT next to the Orvis store has recently announced that its film, Time, made the rounds on the 2020 Fly Fishing Film Tour and is now available to watch for free online.  It is an exploration of Lefty Kreh’s legacy among some of the sport’s greatest living legends as they explore the backwaters of inland Florida – one of Lefty’s favorite fishing areas – and discuss how Lefty’s presence influenced their own trajectories in a life of fly fishing.  Click onto https://amff.org to see the film.

I doubt there is a fly fisherman who hasn’t heard of Lefty.  He was an expert fly fisherman, accomplished photographer, fly casting instructor and an active outdoor writer for more than forty-five years writing for most of the major outdoor magazines. He wrote about 30 flyfishing related books and received many prestigious awards.

During World War II, Lefty served in the Battle of The Bulge and was one of the men who helped take down a bridge from the Germans. After serving in the war, Kreh was one of three US servicemen infected with anthrax, and the only one to survive. The strain he was infected with was named BVK-I.  Interestingly, later in life he was part of the TFO Rod Company and played a key role in the creation of several rods, including the Lefty Kreh series and BVK series (named after the anthrax).   He created the Lefty’s Deceiver, a famous salt water streamer fly.  Kreh passed away on March 14, 2018 at the age of 93.

It was an awful year

Thank God the nightmare year of 2020 is over. A nightmare that featured severe floods, fires, tens of millions of people infected by a pandemic with hundreds of thousands of deaths, massive unemployment resulting in uncounted home evictions and systemic racism.    Hunger was rampant in our country with long lines of people showing up at food banks.   People were shot before our very eyes on nightly TV. You couldn’t hold or be with your loved ones during their last living moments.  Add to that a deadlocked Legislature and an uncaring Executive branch.   Nero fiddled while Rome burned, our emperor played golf during the pandemic.

Attempts were made to overthrow our elections and people who dared to speak the truth were fired and or threatened.  The very tools of our democracy were used to try to destroy our democracy.  We now are subject to dangerous cyberattacks from our adversaries.  Our beloved country and its democracy were like the proverbial snowball rolling for hell, with no way, not impeachment nor 81 million votes being able to stop it.  We came dangerously close to losing our democracy. One couldn’t open Facebook or other social media without encountering vitriolic messages.  I have never seen our country so divided, and I was around in the turbulent 1960’s.

Thank God the US Supreme Court, various State and Federal judicial bodies and the rule of law prevailed.  I truly believe they played an important role in saving our democracy.  Historians will have a field day writing about 2020 and some, I suspect, will not tell it like it was.  It is important that parents remind their children of what they have seen with their own eyes and that they should pass such knowledge on to their children.  In a 1948 speech to the British House of Commons, Winston Churchill paraphrased the Spanish philosopher George Santayana when he said, “Those who fail to learn from history are condemned to repeat it.”  Let’s hope we have learned.

Yet, some exceptionally good things did happen in 2020 that should not be overlooked.  The dedication and self-sacrifice of our health care workers, doctors, first responders and others who risked their lives in order to fight disasters and care for those inflicted with the virus.  The warp speed development of vaccines to fight the virus by the pharmaceutical industry and the many acts of kindness and selflessness of people that we saw almost every night on the TV news.  Oh yes, some people were treated very nicely by the stock market.

Another good thing that perhaps went unnoticed was the mass movement of people to enjoy outdoor recreation.  Mother Nature can’t cure all of our ills, but she can ease the pain. 

Unfortunately, some of the nightmare will extend into 2021.  We will still have Covid-19 with its resulting sickness and death, will still have fires and floods and our adversaries will still try to bring us down. We will probably still have gridlock in Congress and there will still be vitriol.  

Let’s hope we can exercise civility and respect for one another, talk and listen to one another, become united again, love one another again and strive to become an even better country than before.  Let us also resolve to spend more time next year with Mother Nature in our beautiful woods and waters.  And, oh yes, let us ask for guidance from above.

Happy New Year and stay safe!

After stuffing ourselves with all kinds of food and drink yesterday (including that leaden fruit cake) perhaps we should take a walk today to burn off some of those calories.  How about at Gould Meadows.  Gould Meadows, off of Rte 183, is conservation property owned by the Town of Stockbridge.  It is 95 acres of conservation property with 0.6 miles of public trail and 1,125 feet of water frontage on Stockbridge Bowl, It is open to the public.

Recently Tom Ingersoll of Sheffield built an all-natural bridge across the stream on Gould Meadows that crosses the main path to Stockbridge Bowl from its parking lot near Rte. 183.  The logs to support this bridge are hemlock logs from trees that have fallen near the brook and he recycled them.  The smaller planks on top of the hemlock logs are locust obtained from Will Conklin of Sheffield who milled them. They should last a long time.  The pine chips came from Meadow Farm in Lee and were spread with wheel barrows and rakes by Friends of Gould Meadow volunteers. The main purpose of the bridge is to give hikers a second option to cross the brook when there is high water or icy conditions.   

Funding for restoration of Gould Meadows came from two sources:  Town of Stockbridge’s Community Preservation Act (CPA) and the state’s DCR program entitled Community Forest Stewardship Implementation Grants (CGSIG), through DCR’s Working Forest Initiative in cooperation with the Massachusetts Woodlands Institute.   These grants were obtained through the work of a local company known as Native Habitat Restoration, Stockbridge MA. These 75/25 matching reimbursement grants aid communities in putting their forest stewardship into practice and connect the local citizens to all the benefits forests provide including a local source of wood products, clean water, biodiversity and wildlife habitat.  Since 2011, the CFSIG has assisted communities in completing habitat, forestry and outreach projects on nearly 7,500 acres.  For more information about the Working Forest Initiative, contact Michael Downey, Forest Stewardship Program Coordinator at 413-212-3039.

In addition, there is a connector walking trail made available by the Boston Symphony Orchestra between them and Gould Meadows

The Town of Stockbridge and the volunteers of the Gould Meadows Committee have received over $65,000 from two state grant programs, the most recent being the above noted DCR’s Working Forest Initiative.  The three member Gould Meadows Committee (comprised of Tim Minkler, Ron Brouker and Arthur Dutil, all of Stockbridge) worked with Native Habitat Restoration to apply and received grant funding which allowed habitat restoration to be completed over the past 4 years in fields and woods on the property.  All decisions made for the benefit of Gould Meadows are voted on by the 3 of them.  This work augmented the efforts of the countless volunteers who have worked diligently to steward Gould Meadows.

With both woods and open fields, it is great place for a hike or walking your dog, especially if you only have an hour or so of spare time.  And now with the new bridges, it is even better.

Minkler credits George Wislocki and the late George “Gige” Darey and Mary V. Flynn for saving the property from being developed back in 1981.   At that time there were plans to subdivide the 94.8 acre meadow and build 60 mega mansions which could pollute Stockbridge Bowl.    Darey was a member of the Lenox Board of Selectmen and MA Fish & Wildlife Board at the time, Wislocki was the Executive Director of the Berkshire Natural Resources Council and Flynn was a Stockbridge Selectwoman. They, along with the help of State and Federal Funding, donations from the Boston Symphony, Laurel Hill Society, Camp Mah-Kee-Nac, and intervention by the late Henry Williams, Jack Fitzpatrick, US Rep. Silvio O. Conte, State Rep’s Duffin and State Sen Webber and yeoman fundraising by the Gould Meadow Committee, it was possible for the Town of Stockbridge to purchase it.  At a Town Meeting in March, 1981, voters approved the necessary bonding authorization to acquire the property and keep it forever conservation lands.

On August 19 of that year, a ceremony was held at Gould Meadows to honor Selectwoman Mary Flynn’s contribution to the purchase.  A single oak tree was planted in the middle of the meadow and Bishop Leo O’Neil of Springfield blessed it.  Governor King flew in by helicopter and music was provided by a small gathering of Tanglewood musicians.  Beneath the tree a small plaque was installed which read: “This tree shall be known throughout time as the Mary Flynn Oak.  Her wisdom, political skills and love of Stockbridge served to protect these meadows.” The plaque has since disappeared but the oak remains.  Arthur Dutil kept eye on the tree, watering and trimming it, and now it is sturdy and healthy.  Every summer Gary Johnston of Interlaken mows the meadows around it. 

On October 14, 2017 the Gould Meadows Restoration Committee held a ceremony at the waterfront of Gould Meadows on Stockbridge Bowl to dedicate two benches in honor of the two Georges.  Inscribed on plaques on the benches were the following words:   To George “Gige” Darey/George Wislocki, In recognition of (their) work in regard to the purchase and sale agreement from the Gould Family to the Town of Stockbridge in 1981”.

The Gould Meadows Restoration Committee is at the meadow most every Saturday morning doing various tasks.  Volunteer helpers are always welcomed.  Contact Tim Minkler at (413)644-3590 (w) or (413)298-4630 (h) if you wish to help out.

LSA Receives $1,000 Local Community Grant from Walmart

The Board of Directors of the Lee Sportsmen’s Association recently announced that the club has received a Local Community Grant in the amount of $1,000 from Walmart Giving.  Walmart local community grants are awarded through an open application process and provide funding directly from Walmart and Sam’s Club facilities to local organizations in the U.S.  Together, Walmart and the Walmart Foundation have provided more than $1 billion in cash and in-kind to support programs that align with their philanthropic priorities.  “We are proud to be a Walmart grantee, and hope to use this grant to advance our ambitious commitments and goals within the priority areas of opportunity, sustainability, and community”, said the Board.  

Bunnies want your used Christmas trees

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

Incidentally, if you are planning on some day joining the Berkshire Beagle Club, please know that there is currently no membership waiting list.  Just think, your prized beagle could be whooping it up there in a few weeks, if you act soon.  Contact me at the address below if you wish to obtain an application for membership.

Sleepy Time

MassWildlife sent us the enclosed great picture of a mama bear and her young cub with a reminder that it’s bedtime for black bears in Massachusetts.   Black bears typically enter their winter dens at this time of year and exit between March and April. Bears commonly den in brush piles, in mountain laurel thickets, or under fallen trees or rocks. If food is available, bears that are not pregnant may remain active throughout the winter. Cubs are born in the den in mid-to-late January and they remain with the sow mama for about 17 months.

Ice fishing?  Not yet!

Believe it or not, I saw a fellow ice fishing last Wednesday.  The forecasted rain for Christmas day should have put an end to any ice fishing plans for this weekend.  Fellow ice fishermen, this upcoming week is the last one of this terrible, terrible year.    No one wants to read about your breaking through the ice and drowning while ice fishing.  Please wait until there is sufficient ice.  Maybe you can, but I can’t think of a fish worth dying for. 

A tip of the cap to Ryan Ruef of Lee.  On November 21, he was out bowhunting alone in one of his favorite hunting areas in Southern Berkshires.  He was in his climbing stand enjoying the 44-degree weather and watching for a big buck which he knew frequented the area.  He previously spotted it on a trail camera and it appeared to have 18 points!

Around 2:15 pm he saw the buck approaching him and when he got about 40 yards away, Ryan let his arrow fly.  He waited about an hour before beginning to track it. During that time, he saw another big buck, a 12-pointer, chase a doe past his stand.  He had to let it go for he thought that maybe he had limited out (2 bucks limit per year).  He had gotten a smaller deer earlier during archery season.

Finally, he began tracking his deer and luckily, it only traveled about 20 yards.    That was the deer he was waiting for.  Instead of 18 points, it had 15, but he knew it was the same deer for three of the points had been previously broken off probably during the rut while fighting off other bucks. 

After field dressing it, Ryan’s work really began for he had to drag the big buck out of the woods, a distance he estimated to be about 1 ½ miles.  When he got it home, he weighed it and it tipped his reliable scales at 180 lbs. (Live weight, it is estimated to have been about 225-230 lbs.).  The 15 points were, in his opinion, scorable using the Pope and Young scoring criteria, and the” green” beam length was 155 inches.  MassWildlife estimated the deer to be 5 ½ years old. 

Ryan is having the head mounted by Ricky Nelson of Spencer, MA. What a great mount that will be.

He is all done deer hunting for the year and now has to get back to studying for his finals.  He is a senior at Mass College of Liberal Arts.  

Local raised lake trout shipped to Connecticut

Connecticut anglers will have a chance for some late season winter fishing with a recent stocking of close to 500 lake trout across select lakes and ponds in that state.  The CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) stocked them in Bigelow Pond, Coventry Lake, Squantz Pond, Tyler Lake and Winchester Lake.  The fish range between 24 to 36 inches in length and they weigh between 5 and 7 pounds. The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service’s Berkshire National Fish Hatchery in New Marlborough, MA donated the fish to the state. The hatchery raises lake trout for restoration efforts in the Lower Great Lakes.  Officials said they should provide the possibility of filling the state record in the “Catch & Release” category (the largest fish by length) which was created  in Connecticut this year.

Staying with Connecticut trout fishing, local flyfisherman Dr. Charles Wohl, of Lenox, notes that there is still good fishing on the Farmington River.  He was out recently and caught and released “quite a few decent fish” on nymphs, including a 21-inch brown trout on a size 18 zebra nymph.  “I don’t know how much it weighed,” he said, “but when I lifted it out of the water, the river went down by about two inches.”

Westfield River Wild and Scenic River

Congratulations to Outreach Coordinator Meredyth Babcock, and the rest of the Westfield River Wild and Scenic River Advisory Committee for being highlighted in the November 2020 issue of the National Partnership Wild and Scenic Rivers News. The Westfield River watershed offers critical habitat for wildlife as one of the most intact river systems in southern New England. The watershed itself is 517 square miles and includes 636 miles of rivers and streams with over 4,550 acres of lakes and ponds. Being a low population density area combined with the fact that much of the watershed is rural with unfragmented forest, the Westfield is one of the State’s best coldwater fisheries.

Message from Meredyth to all of us: “May the peace, found in a deep pool at the rivers bend, nourish and keep you. The river is open 24 hours a day, singing and reminding one that time passes, seasons change, and water flows towards the sea.”  

MA Fish & Wildlife Board Elections

On November 24, the members of the F&W Board held their annual officer elections.  All three previous officers were reelected for the Year 2021.  They are:  Chairman – Joseph S. Larson, Ph. D of Pelham, Vice Chairman – Michael Roche of Orange and Secretary – Bonita J. Booth of Spencer.  All members of this important board are appointed by the Governor and serve 5-year terms.  The representative for the Western District is Stephen A. Sears of Dalton.

2021 MA Fishing, Hunting and Trapping Regulations available

The regulations are now available at various outdoor sporting goods stores.  There are some new regulations effective in 2021:  A minor hunting license online purchasing option, coyote and fox harvest by hunters must be reported within 48 hours of harvest and wanton waste of game animals and hunting contests for furbearers are prohibited.

Highlighted in the Regulations magazine are MassWildlife’s activities in fiscal year 2020:

“Despite the impacts of COVID 19 in 2020, MassWildlife staff rose to the occasion, continuing their conservation efforts in the fields and forests, on lakes and rivers, at the hatcheries and in-home offices. Another positive note; outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, camping, birdwatching, and other nature-based recreation flourished. Many people less familiar with the outdoors found themselves discovering outdoor spaces and wildlife in their neighborhoods and communities. Seasoned anglers and hunters pulled out their rods and reels, and hunting equipment. Naturalists, birders, and photographers shouldered their dipnets, binoculars, and cameras. MassWildlife and the sporting community has an opportunity to take advantage of this situation by consciously engaging with the novice outdoor newbie and continuing to foster their enjoyment of the outdoors. MassWildlife is committed to do its part to recruit, retain, and reactivate interest in the outdoors and wildlife. At the same time, the agency will continue conservation mission to benefits both wildlife, plants and their habitats.”

• 2,200 acres of critical fish and wildlife habitat acquired. MassWildlife protects over 222,000 acres of property open to hunting, fishing, wildlife viewing, and other nature-based recreation.
• 1,500 acres of habitat actively managed on 13 Wildlife Management Areas. Tree clearing, prescribed burns, invasive plant control, and mowing is benefiting declining or rare wildlife like American woodcock, ruffed grouse.
• 30th anniversary of the Massachusetts Endangered Species Act celebrated. Endangered species were featured in the MassWildlife’s e-newsletter, rare species conservation projects were broadcast online, and a Massachusetts Wildlife magazine issue was devoted to endangered species conservation efforts.
• 449,277 trout stocked in the spring of 2020 in 73 lakes and ponds and 174 rivers and streams in 224 cities and towns. In the fall of 2019, a total of 61,612 trout were stocked in 99 ponds and lakes, and 7 rivers and streams in 94 communities. An improved Go Fish MA! map was launched online.
• 40,000 pheasants released for hunters on Wildlife Management Areas and other lands open to hunting. A new pheasant stocking area web map was launched in fall 2019.
• 23,182 turkey permits purchased. This record number may be due to COVID-19 closures which allowed hunters more time and opportunity to hunt.
• 130 educators attended Project WILD workshops and instructed about 9,750 youths in wildlife conservation. An additional 521 young people participated in general wildlife education programs through community, youth group, and other organizations.
• 338 pieces of artwork submitted for the Massachusetts Junior Duck Stamp Contest by youth artists in grades K–12.
• 1,519 entries for the Freshwater Sportfishing Awards entries. Submit your catch entry online in the Youth or Adult Category.
• 1.5 million visitors – Number of individuals visiting MassWildlife’s web pages. In addition, over 49,000 people follow MassWildlife on Facebook and 81,342 people receive MassWildlife’s monthly e-newsletter and 20,000 subscribe to Massachusetts Wildlife magazine.

Busy folks, ey?

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all and stay safe.