Category Archives: Hunting

Hunting

2023 deer harvest figures released

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Big buck harvested

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

photo of Matt provided by his family

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hunters share their venison

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

2023 wild turkey harvest

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Small game hunting seasons over

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

photo provided by Josh Christman

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

 

 

Be careful while going out onto frozen ponds

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This is a tricky year ice-wise with freezing weather for a couple of days and then warmth and rains for a couple of days.  Its driving the ice fishing derby organizers and live bait sellers crazy. MassWildlife has some suggestions before heading out onto the ice.  I know you have probably read these MassWildlife recommendations in this column many times, but there’s always a new crop of inexperienced ice fishermen who may not know the possible dangers of ice fishing.

  • 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 case of emergency, drive the nails into the ice and pull yourself to safety while kicking.
  • Wear your life jacket. If you fall in, a life jacket will keep you at the surface and can provide insulation against the effects of cold water.

Ice thickness guidelines

The guidelines below are for clear, blue ice on lakes and ponds. White ice or snow ice is only about half as strong as new clear ice and can be very treacherous. Use an ice chisel, auger, or cordless drill at regular intervals to determine its thickness and condition.

Usually, if the ice thickness is 2” or less, stay off.  You can walk and fish on 4” of ice.  You should have 5” if you ride a snowmobile or an ATV on ice.  There should be 8 to 12” for a car or small pick-up.  A medium truck should not go out onto the ice if there is not at least 12 – 15 inches of ice.

Falling through the ice

If you fall in:

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

 

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.
  • Keep pets leashed while walking on or near ice. If a pet falls in, don’t attempt to rescue it, go find help. Well-meaning pet owners can easily become victims themselves when trying to assist their pets.

Nice trout hauled out of Stockbridge Bowl

On Monday, January 22, Brian Duffy of Rehoboth, MA was ice fishing on Stockbridge Bowl with his buddy Johnny Cullen of Cumberland, RI.  He was jigging with a lure called the “Wonder Bread” (Colors and design similar to Wonder Bread packaging – red, blue and yellow circles).

Around noon, something hit the lure and a heck of a battle ensued.  It really must have been something fighting that fish with his 3-foot jigging rod.  With the help of Johnny, the fish, a beautifully colored brown trout, was finally pulled through the hole. It measured 22 ½ inches long and weighed 4.35 lbs. on the Onota Boat Livery certified scales.

That qualifies Brian to receive a bronze pin in Massachusetts’ Freshwater Sportsfishing Awards program. (An Adult Catch & Keep Brown Trout must weigh at least 4 lbs. to be eligible to receive a bronze pin.)

Ice fishing derbies scheduled next weekend

On Saturday, February 3 from 6:00am to 12:00pm the Lanesboro Volunteer Fire Association will be sponsoring an ice fishing derby on Pontoosuc Lake.  Entry fee is $15 for adults, kids 12 and under enter free.  You must register behind the park on Narragansett Avenue.  The entry fee includes a chance at a door prize.  There will be cash prizes and free coffee and cocoa.  The raffle ticket drawing follows the derby.

The Coles Memorial Hard Water Ice Fishing Derby is scheduled to take place on Goose Pond on Sunday, February 4 from 6:00 am to 2:00 pm.  That’s assuming there is sufficient ice.  Ice updates and ticket sale info will be posted.  They are holding off on selling tickets until they have a better feel for the ice conditions.

If it does take place, prizes and a raffle will follow on the ice near the boat ramp.

Tickets cost $10.00 for adults and free for kids 12 and under.  There will be cash prizes for adults.  All proceeds will go toward a memorial donation to the boat ramp in the name of the late Evan Colbert.

Basic Hunter Education course

 

Basic hunter education is mandatory for all first-time adult hunters. MassWildlife offers Basic Hunter Education in two formats. Each format covers the same material and students take the same final exam.

Blended: Students complete the online MA hunter study guide before attending one in-person Field Day.

 

In-person (traditional): Students attend an entirely in-person, instructor led course that is offered over multiple days.

 

All courses are free of charge and open to the public.

An in-person course is being offered at the Cheshire Rod & Gun Club, 310 Curran Road, Cheshire, on the following Monday and Friday evenings: February 12, 16, 19, 23, 26 and March 1 from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm.  Attendance at all 6 nights is required.

The instructors are: Greg Armstrong and Wayne McLain of North Adams and Mike Denault of Stamford, VT. Mike and Wayne have been teaching the course for 20 years and Greg has been teaching it for 40 years.

To enroll, call 508-389-7830 or click onto:  https://www.mass.gov/info-details/basic-hunter-education-course for all the details.

Annual Pheasant Fundraising Turkey Shoot & Dinner –

The Lee Sportsmen’s Association invites you to its Annual Pheasant Fundraising Turkey Shoot & Dinner being held on Sunday, February 4. The shoot runs from 1:00 pm until 4:00 pm.  Prizes include NY strip steaks, turkeys, pork loins, and spiral hams. The dinner will be from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm.  The cost for adults is $15 and children 12 and under $10.

For more information, contact Secretary John Polastri at (413) 822-8278.

Every year, MassWildlife stocks an average of 40,000 pheasants on Wildlife Management Areas and other lands open to the public. LSA helps raise and release these wonderful birds, which are stocked for recreational hunting and are paid for by revenue from license fees. However, the cost of raising and releasing the pheasants is the responsibility of LSA, and the caretakers are all Club volunteers. So, you are asked to come on out for a day of fun and delicious food, and help support a great cause to ensure our continued legacy of wildlife management and hunting heritage in the Berkshires.

New England Fishing Expo

On February 2 – 4 the New England Fishing Expo will take place at the Best Western Royal Plaza Trade Center, 181 Boston Post Road West, Marlborough, MA.

There will be seminars and demonstrations by celebrities and industry professionals as well as exhibitors from all around New England to show you their newest products.  They have a trout pond, boats on display and bass tank demonstrations.  You are invited to experience the latest innovations in freshwater, ice, saltwater fishing and boating. Try out their best gear, talk to top manufacturers, guides and learn from world class industry professionals.

The hours are as follows:  Friday from 1:00 pm to 8:00 pm, Saturday from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm and on Sunday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.  Entrance fee is $15.00 for adults and children 12 and under free.

A look back at 2023 Berkshire Woods and Waters columns

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The year 2023 is now history.  So, what were some of the major articles this column covered last year?

Well, things started off on a sad note.  In January we learned that local flyfishing legend Fred Moran of Adams passed beyond the riverbend.

More than 700 lbs of venison were distributed and provided meals for people throughout the state in 2022.

A total of 223 black bears were taken during the combined 2022 bear hunting seasons. This was the second highest in the last 5 years and the 6th highest overall. Some 79 bears were taken in Berkshire County. The 2022 deer harvest set a record at 5,853 deer. That harvest highlighted the growing deer abundance statewide and increased access to permits. Some 3,067 turkeys were harvested statewide in 2022, 2,837 in the spring hunt and 230 in the fall hunt.

There was a 3-way tie in the MassWildlife Youth Catch & Keep Angler of the Year 2022, Carter Flagg of Gill, and Logan Middlebrook and Gabriel Christman of Pittsfield. Logan caught the gold pin brown trout weighing 3 lbs. 6 oz out of Onota Lake and Gabriel caught the gold pin 3 lbs. 5 oz rainbow trout out of Stockbridge Bowl.  Gabriel also caught a gold pin white perch weighing 1 lb. 4 oz out of Pontoosuc Lake.

Other gold pin fish that were caught out of Berkshire waters last year were:

  • Adult Catch & Keep Category – A 3 lbs. 5 oz brook trout was caught out of Goose Pond by Allan Armstrong of Lee.
  • Catch & Release Category – Two 44-inch northern pike were caught out of Onota Lake.  One was caught by Seth Davis of Oxbridge and one caught by Jake Burke of Pittsfield. Another gold pin fish caught out of Onota was a 23.25- inch white catfish which was caught by Jason Wingrove of Bernardston.

 

Four area outdoor sportspeople/conservationists received prestigious awards at the Silvio O. Conte Awards Banquet which was sponsored by the Berkshire County League of Sportsmen (BCLA):

  • Stephen Sears of Dalton received the Sportsman of the Year Award.
  • The late Fred Moran received the Lifetime Achievement Award posthumously.
  • Joel Miraglia of Ashfield received the Sportsmen’s Appreciation Award.
  • Eric Dupont of Lee received the John Zuber Award for all that he does for the youth programs at the Lee Sportsmen’s Association.

 

MassWildlife submitted comments to the Secretary of the Executive Office of Environmental and Energy Affairs and MA Environmental Policy Act Office regarding a proposed Pontoosuc Lake drawdown.  MassWildlife’s position is that it alters and causes harm to biological resources without substantive justification or full consideration of alternative approaches with less impact to the biological resources.

Governor Maura Healey made a campaign promise to pause logging on state-owned forest land

 

In March 23, Dan Aitken of Pittsfield caught a 16 lbs 14 oz tiger muskie that measured 45 inches.  Unbelievably, Dan had caught an even heavier fish, a Northern Pike, out of Onota Lake just the week before on March 17. That fish weighed 22 lbs 5 oz and measured 43 inches long.

Local fly fisherman Marc Hoechstetter wrote an article about his experiences fishing the Hideaway Pool on the Deerfield River.

 

Beginning in 2023 two new fish species (Fallfish and White Sucker) were included in the MA Freshwater Sportfish Awards Program.

In May we documented the tale of two youth turkey hunters 13-year old Hunter Lawson of Williamstown and 17-year old Matthew Melito, of Adams.  Both got two turkeys on their first day ever of turkey hunting.

 

In May, Tom O’Shea was appointed Commissioner of the MA Department of Fish & Game replacing outgoing Commissioner Ron Amidon.

MassWildlife added 125 acres in Cummington adjacent to Route 9.  They also partnered with Berkshire Natural Resource Council, DCR, and the Department of Conservation Services to protect more than 750 acres in the towns of Tyringham and Monterey.

A Commemorative plaque was dedicated…. after 49 years.  Appreciation was shown for a land donation which was made to the Town of Lenox in 1974 by the late Robert and Olga Weiss of Lenox

 

Governor Healey’s office announced $500,000 state grants to five coalitions and four individual non-profit watershed organizations across the state to support monitoring water quality. Three local organizations received them, The Housatonic Valley Association – $48,605, The Deerfield River Watershed Chapter of Trout Unlimited – $26,007 and The Farmington River Watershed Association – $13,378.

 “An unforgettable Opening Day on the River.” Bill Hollister, formerly of Pittsfield, narrated how he helped save a man from drowning in the West Branch of the Housatonic River in 1950.

 

MassWildlife led a cleanup of the George Darey Wildlife Management Area as well as certain areas along Roaring Brook Road in Lenox.

Based on studies, we learned that most brown trout in the Deerfield River are wild, not stocked

 

Changes in goose hunting season, one being the extension of its season date which would run from January 1 through February 15.

 

In June, the Pediatric Palliative Care Program, part of Hospice Care in the Berkshire, enjoyed the BCLS sponsored Youth Outreach Derby on Reynolds Pond in Cheshire.

The 2023 Harry A. Bateman Memorial Jimmy Fund Fishing Derby drew about 300 fishermen and raised over $10,000 for the fight against cancer.

 

In June there was an article about Paul Knauth (Hinsdale) and me chronicling a wonderful flyfishing trip to the Catskills and epic battles fought with large trout. None were landed.

 

Naturewatch columnist Thom Smith retired.

 

Wildlife officials wondered whether we could reverse the trend of dwindling hunting and fishing participants.

 

In recognition of his 35 years of dedicated and effective conservation work, an asteroid was named after Dr. Thomas W. French, the founding leader and former Assistant Director of MassWildlife’s Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program (NHESP).

Local recipients of the Culvert Replacement Municipal Assistance (CRMA) Grant Program were: Egremont: $48,811 for Karner Brook Culvert Replacement, Richmond:  $55,200 for Sleepy Hollow Road Culvert Replacement, Great Barrington:  $55,933 for Housatonic River Tributary Culvert Replacement, Berkshire Clean, Cold, Connected Restoration Partnership, Housatonic Valley Association, awarded $199,899.

Environmental Police Officer Lt. Tara Carlow received the Outstanding Officer of The Year Award in Conservation Law Enforcement and Public Safety.

 

New proposed gun control law (HD.4420) drew fire from hunters and legal shooting enthusiasts.

 

Alice Christman of Pittsfield caught a 42 1/2 inch pike weighing just short of 14lbs.

 

It was a great hunting year for young Hunter Lawson.  In addition to the two turkeys that he got earlier in the year, he also got a black bear

 

In October a column heading was “Back to Battle on flyfishing trip to the Catskill.  This scribe’s attempt to catch a big brown trout that defeated him in June.  After it cleaned my clock again, it took on the name of Iron Mike. (Named after Heavyweight Champion boxer Mike Tyson who trained in the Catskills).

In October we learned about local MassWildlife firefighter Jacob Morris-Siegel’s trip to Montana to fight the wildfires.

 

here was an article about a new turkey license plate that is on the horizon.

Sportsmen and women were recognized by New England governors as America’s true conservationists.

 

The 2023 MA paraplegic hunt harvested 10 deer, only 1 in the Berkshires

 

In November, four instructors from MassWildlife conducted a Field Day for its Basic Hunter Education Course at the Stationery Factory in Dalton.  49 students passed the course.

In November over 30 individuals participated in a fly tying/fly fishing event at the Berkshire National Fish Hatchery

picture provided by Peter Paulson

In December, the Healey-Driscoll Administration announced an investment of $25 million to remove eight aging dams in Central and Western Massachusetts, including the abandoned high-hazard Bel Air Dam in Pittsfield

Charles Wohl of Lenox was

Charles Wohl photo provided by Gene Chague

awarded Trout Unlimited Crooked Staff Award.

In December, local photographer Mark Thorne reported that T98, the 21 ½ year old female bald eagle, went missing.

Many thanks for reading this column last year.  I look forward to continuing writing about our woods and waters in the new year.

Deer hunting closing December 30.  With no ice fishing on our lakes, what’ll we do now?  

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It will be interesting to see the total of the deer harvest this year.  It was a good hunting season weatherwise but the lack of snow, made it more difficult to track the deer.  Because of the warmth this hunting season, those who successfully got deer had to process them quicker than usual lest the meat spoiled.

 

It will probably be a few weeks before MassWildlife releases the local and statewide harvest totals.

 

With the lack of ice on our lakes and snow on the ground most of the winter sports will be starting later than usual, if they start at all this winter.  Outdoor sports folks can’t go ice fishing, cross country skiing, skating or snow shoeing yet, so what can they do?

 

Well, with open lakes and rivers, I guess you could still freshwater fish from the shores or in boats, or you could fish the rivers and streams. Please remember, if you fish smaller streams and rivers, the creel limits are different from September 10 through March 31 than during the rest of the year. The daily creel limit drops from 8 trout to 3.

 

If you are into canoeing or kayaking, I suppose you could do that as long as you abide by the regulations requiring the wearing of life jackets or vests from September 15 to May 1.

 

Small game hunters can still hunt cottontail rabbits, snowshoe hares, bobcats, coyotes, fox, opossum and raccoons. (Check out the 2024 Hunting and Fishing Regulations a/k/a abstracts, and remember, wanton waste of birds and animals is prohibited).

 

Thanks to new waterfowl hunting regulation changes, late Canada geese can now be hunted until February 15 in the Berkshires.

 

Trappers can trap beaver, muskrats, opossum, raccoons and skunks during the early part of the year.  There are a whole slew of regulations governing trapping so be sure you know them before you take up this sport. (Pages 50 and 51 of the 2024 abstracts).

 

For the fly fishermen who tie their own flies, the winter months are usually when they sit at their fly tying benches and replace the flies that they lost last year, and perhaps a few new ones they haven’t tried before.

Enjoy the winter, for it will be over before you know it.

 

Active Military & Veteran waterfowl hunt

The second of two statewide Active Military & Veteran Waterfowl Hunting days will take place on January 29, 2024.  (The first was on September, 23, 2023).

The seasons are open for waterfowl hunting by veterans and current members of the Armed Forces on active duty, including members of the National Guard and Reserve on active duty (other than for training). The term “veteran,” is defined, per section 101 of title 38, United States Code, as a person who served in the active military, naval, or air service, and who was discharged or released therefrom under conditions other than dishonorable. Proof of eligibility is required and must be carried on the person while hunting. All regular season waterfowl regulations and bag limits apply.

Fly tying/fishing events at the Berkshire National Fish Hatchery.

 

We received this note from Dean Hutson, former Trout Unlimited (TU) Konkapot Chapter member and Board Member of the Friends of the Berkshire National Fish Hatchery in Hartsville/New Marlboro, MA.  He wrote:

“In 2023, we spread our wings and introduced a fantastic new program to our hatchery—Fly Tying! The response was overwhelming, with a tremendous turnout for our inaugural class and casting sessions at the pond. We strategically launched this program toward the year’s end, allowing us to “get our feet wet” and dive into this exciting venture.”

picture provided by Peter Paulson

“Our first class was led by Peter Paulson, a dedicated advocate of fly tying who willingly shared his knowledge of fly fishing.  The turnout was beyond expectations, with 22 eager individuals, including 8 enthusiastic kids, actively participating in the art of fly tying. Additionally, 30 individuals joined in to learn and refine their casting techniques.”

“This resounding success wouldn’t have been possible without the enthusiastic participation and support from our community. It’s incredible to witness such a vibrant interest in learning and mastering the art of fly fishing.”

“As we move forward into 2024, we’re excited to expand upon this foundation and continue nurturing the passion for fly tying and casting among our community members.”

Peter Paulson who is a relatively new Taconic TU member from West Stockbridge followed up those comments with these of his own, “I’m pretty passionate about teaching (and learning) but by no means an expert.  Also, just a comment, when it’s cold enough for ice to form in the eyes of the rods and 30 people are out there smiling, having fun and sticking with it, that’s pretty amazing”.

Paulson said that in spite of the cold, they caught some nice trout that day.

They are planning on another fly tying session in January.  Also, fly tying classes are scheduled by the Taconic Chapter TU in Williamstown and Adams. Details will be provided as we get closer to the event dates.

 

The 2024 Marlborough Fly Fishing Show coming up

 

On January 5-7 the show will be at the Best Western Royal Plaza Trade Center, 181 Boston Post Rd. West, Marlborough, MA.  The hours are 10 am to 6 pm on Friday, 9 am to 5:30 pm on Saturday, and 9 am to 4:30 pm on Sunday.

 

It purportedly has everything for the fly-fishing angler from new products, seminars, classes, fly tying and fly casting demonstrations, and theater presentations to lodges and vacation destinations.

 

The Fly Fishing Show® admission is $18 for one day, $28 for two days and $38 for three days. Children under age 5 are free as are Boy and Girl Scouts under age 16 in uniform. Children 6-12 are $5. Active military with IDs cost $10. Parking is free.

 

There will be 22 Classes with the Experts including those with Jason Randall, Joe

Cordiero, Alan Caolo, Phil Rowley, and others including Women Only sessions with Sheila Hassan. Classes with Experts registration is $95 and includes admission to the show for that day.

 

There are nine free daily seminars including Randall’s When All Else Fails; Tactics for

Slow Days; Landon Mayer’s Leech Lessons: How to Fish Effective Patterns for Tough Trout;

The World’s Best Trout Destinations with Jeff Currier; and Fly Fishing Some of the Best Tidal

Rivers of New England with Ed Lombardo.

 

More than $30,000 worth of national door prizes will be awarded including fly fishing trips to Alaska, Belize, Chile, Christmas Island, and other prizes. A complete list of door prizes is on The Fly Fishing Show website.

 

The world premiere of the two-hour 2024 International Fly Fishing Film Festival is Friday evening at 6:30pm. Tickets cost $10 in advance or $15 at the door.

 

For a list of all films, classes, seminars, door prizes, and demonstrations visit www.

flyfishingshow.com/marlborough-ma/ or phone (814) 443-3638.

 

Don’t feed the wild animals

There is always the temptation to leave something out for those poor critters left to scavenge for a little grub during the long, cold winter months, but MassWildlife says providing food for wildlife can harm the creatures you aim to help.

“Most wildlife seasonally change their behavior to adapt to cold temperatures and scarce food supplies.” according to MassWildlife, “Supplemental feeding can alter that behavior and have detrimental, and sometimes fatal effects, such as congregating into unnaturally high densities. As a result, the supplemental food can attract predators, spread diseases among wildlife, cause aggression and competition over food, wasting vital energy reserves and impact vegetation and habitat. It teaches them to rely on humans for food, which puts them at a disadvantage for survival and can lead to human/wildlife conflicts.

Another thing to consider is that by drawing wildlife out of the woods to supplemental food supplies, those animals may need to cross roads more frequently, therefore increasing vehicle collisions.

“The best way to help wildlife make it through the winter is to step back and allow the animals’ instincts to take over,” says MassWildlife.

MassWildlife has tips on winter feeding for birds on its website and more suggestions on ways to assist wildlife during the winter and all year.

Happy New Year!

Thank God 2023 is over.  Let’s hope that 2024 has a little more peace and civility.

Massachusetts to receive $3.5 million to improve habitat for imperiled species

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The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) joined by the U.S. Department of the

Interior, through the Fish and Wildlife Service, the U.S. Department of Agriculture through

the Forest Service and Natural Resources Conservation Service, the U.S. Department of

Defense through the Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration Program and

Native Americans in Philanthropy announced 74 new grants totaling $141.3 million

through the 2023 America the Beautiful Challenge (ATBC). The 74 awards leveraged more

than $12.1 million in matching funds from grantees, providing a total conservation impact greater than $153.4 million.

 

The ATBC encourages applicants to develop diverse landscape-level projects that address

priority conservation and restoration needs, showcase cumulative benefits to fish and

wildlife, enhance carbon sequestration and storage, engage with and benefit underserved

communities, connect people with nature, and help safeguard ecosystems and communities

through resilience-focused and nature-based solutions.

 

Specifically, the ATBC funds projects within one or more of the following overarching themes:

  • Conserving and restoring rivers, coasts, wetlands and watersheds
  • Conserving and restoring forests, grasslands and other important ecosystems that serve as carbon sinks
  • Connecting and reconnecting wildlife corridors, large landscapes, watersheds and seascapes
  • Improving ecosystem and community resilience to flooding, drought and other climate-

related threats

  • Expanding access to the outdoors, particularly in underserved communities

 

Of the $141.3 million, the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (DFW) will receive $3,500,000 and when added to $388,900 matching state funds the total amount totals $3,888,900.  The funds will be used for aquatic connectivity for imperiled species in Massachusetts.  They will be used to restore floodplains benches, riparian forests and aquatic connectivity within three river basins in the Appalachian Highlands in Massachusetts. The project will improve habitat and corridors from the southern Berkshires to the Connecticut River Valley, enhance critical connections between two key tributaries and provide critical habitat for numerous imperiled species, including the dwarf wedgemussel and shortnose sturgeon.

 

Could deer hunting in January be the solution?

 

Its no secret that the eastern part of Massachusetts has way too many deer for its own good. According to MassWildlife the ideal number of deer per square mile is 12 to 18.  However; in some areas in the eastern part of Massachusetts and on the islands, the count is around 30 to 50.  Even though they are issuing unlimited antlerless deer permits in zones 10, 11, 13 and 14 not enough deer are being removed from the population to stabilize or reduce deer numbers.

To quote MassWildlife, “When deer numbers exceed human tolerance, they are often viewed as pests and can cause public safety issues and property damage. Additionally, when deer numbers exceed what the habitat can support, forest health can be severely degraded and negatively impact other animals and plants.”

The number of deer/vehicle accidents there must be much higher than around here in the Berkshires as well as the incidences of deer tick related illnesses.  In southeast Massachusetts, farmer’s crops are prime targets and they are petitioning the Fish & Wildlife Board as well as the State Legislators to do something about it such as allowing more deer to be harvested on their lands.

Much of this problem is brought on by the fact that towns are prohibiting hunting which is perhaps MassWildlife’s main tool to control deer numbers. There have been attempts to allow hunting on Sundays to help control the numbers, but so far, the Legislature has failed to act upon them.  Massachusetts and Maine are the only two states which have not repealed the archaic blue laws and still don’t allow Sunday hunting.

One thing which MassWildlife may want to consider is to do what NY is doing.  In Suffolk County (Long Island) they allow firearm and archery deer hunting from Sunday, January 7 through January 31, 2024 including the weekends.  It is applicable only on lands with at least 10 acres in size, with a signed landowner’s endorsement and a town permit where required.  Deer may only be taken with a shotgun using a single slug, a muzzleloading rifle or pistol shooting a single projectile or by archery.

All hunters are required to have a Department of Environmental Conservation-Managed Lands Access Permit to hunt on those properties.

In Tompkins County (near Ithica, NY), they have a  Deer Management Focus Area  (DMFA) season which allows hunters to hunt antlerless deer only (limit 2 per day) during that season from January 13-31, 2024. During the DMFA season, a hunter may use any hunting implement that is lawful during any other deer season in that area.

Perhaps a new hunting season such as this might be something the MA Fish & Wildlife Board and our legislators may want to consider as a way to help get a handle on the serious deer overpopulation in the previously mentioned eastern zones.

Onota Lake female bald eagle disappeared

Local outdoor photographer Mark Thorne of Pittsfield emailed me that “The long reigning queen of the nest, seems to have been “replaced” by a new, younger female.”  Wearing band #T98, she had been here since 2007 and is believed to be 21 ½ years old.   Mark has no idea how it happened and what T98’s status is.  The resident male, wearing gold band  #WR8, that battled for this nest in 2012, is still around and seems to have bonded with the new female.  He is 17-1/2 years old this year. Since the new female is not banded there’s no way to know her age”.

T98 female eagle, photo provided by Mark Thorne

 

Debbie Storie from Lanesboro, who also monitors and photographs these birds, notified Mark around Thanksgiving.  She sent her photos to him and he went this past week and verified it. “We knew it would happen someday, but we may never know what exactly happened to T98 unless someone sees her flying around, or finds her body and reports the band number.” said Mark.

What a legacy she left though.   Mark recorded at least 14 confirmed chicks fledged from this single nest during her tenure from 2007 to 2023, and he’s sure there were more that he missed because his photo records were not reliable for 2008-10 and 2016).

Thank you, Mark Thorne, for sharing the above information.

According to DFW Western District Supervisor Andrew Madden, she was banded as a chick in Dutchess County, NY in 2002.

So long #T98, and thanks for the memories.

Preliminary bear harvest numbers

 

According to bear harvest figures provided by Andrew Madden, the preliminary results of the black bear hunting season show that 245 bears were harvested statewide by hunters in 2023; verses 223 last year.

 

Some 118 of them were taken in the September season which was the 2nd lowest in the last decade for that season. Madden suggests that this was probably due to heat and rainy weekends during that season.

 

In the November season, 50 bears were harvested, which was the second highest for that season. The shogun deer season yielded 77 bears taken which was also the second highest for that season.

 

Overall, 2023 yielded the 4th highest total harvest (combining all seasons). The county breakdown was as follows: Berkshire 80, Franklin 54, Hampden 44, Hampshire 49, Worcester 14, Middlesex 3, Plymouth 1.

 

Madden emphasized that these results are preliminary and there could be several reported at off-line check stations that have not been taken into account.

 

Bunnies want your used Christmas trees

The Berkshire Beagle Club will once again be accepting used and unsold Christmas trees at its club at 380 Sleepy Hollow Road, Richmond.  There should be an A frame sign by the drop spot, or 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 because the bunnies have a tendency to eat them and can die from their ingestion. And please no plastic or metal trees.

2024 hunting and fishing licenses are available

Normally, at this time of year I remind sportsmen and sportswomen to get their new fishing or sporting licenses before going out on their traditional New Year’s Day ice fishing trip. Well, with the climate change going on, it appears those days may be over.  Instead, I guess you could go bunny hunting provided you purchased your hunting or sporting license.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Primitive Firearms Deer Hunting season opens Monday

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The shotgun deer hunting and late bear hunting seasons end this weekend, but the Primitive Firearm deer hunting season opens on Monday, December 11 and ends on Saturday, December 30. During the Primitive Deer Hunting season, hunters must use a muzzleloader firearm or archery equipment, and must comply with abstracts listed in the 2023 MA Hunting, Fishing and Trapping Regulations.

items needed to black powder hunt. Picture provided by MassWildlife

Hunters must use shoulder-fired muzzleloaders .44 caliber to .775 caliber; barrel length 18 inches or more with only one barrel operational. Inline ignition systems are permitted provided the firearm loads from the muzzle. Single projectile only (no buckshot). Sabot rounds, 209 primers, break/hinge-action muzzleloaders, and scopes are permitted. Powder is limited to black powder or black powder substitutes.

A muzzleloader is considered unloaded when the cap or pan powder is removed.

All primitive firearms deer hunters must comply with the 500 square inch blaze orange requirement. A primitive firearm stamp is required.

Hunters may also archery hunt during the primitive firearm season.  There are certain regulations which govern archery hunting, so be sure to review them in the above-mentioned regulations. A primitive firearm stamp is required for archers, too.

Hunters can report their deer harvest online rather than an official check-in station.  It must be reported within 48 hours of harvest.

For some of us, muzzleloader (black powder) deer hunting is even more enjoyable than shotgun hunting.  There is something about it.  Perhaps it’s a link to the hunters of bygone years.  Perhaps it’s the challenge of having only one shot to get the deer.  About the only drawback, other than the cold and keeping the gun powder dry, is the fact that bucks sometimes drop their antlers in late December.  Unless one possesses an antlerless deer permit, it is illegal to shoot them.  An antlered buck, as allowed by the Hunting abstracts, is that at least one antler must be 3 or more inches long.

Sometimes a doe will have antlers causing difficulty in distinguishing it at a distance.  Therefore, it is legal to harvest a doe with antlers but it must be tagged with an antlered deer tag.

Here’s hoping the hunters have a safe, enjoyable primitive firearms hunting season and remember, keep your powder dry.

Some small game hunting resumes on December 11, such as pheasant hunting, which now runs until December 30.  Also, cottontail rabbit, snowshoe hare and gray squirrel hunting seasons resume on the 11th and run until February 29, 2024.  For the hardy waterfowlers, the regular Canada goose hunting season resumes on December 11 and runs until December 14.  The duck hunting season in the Berkshires resumes on December 11 and runs until December 30.  Be sure to check the 2023-2024 Migratory Game Bird Regulations.

Dangerous dam to be removed

The Healey-Driscoll Administration recently announced an investment of $25 million to remove eight aging dams in Central and Western Massachusetts, including the abandoned high-hazard Bel Air Dam in Pittsfield. Removing these hazardous and aging dams will restore fish and other wildlife habitat, increase biodiversity, improve water quality, promote climate resiliency, and make communities safer.

“This summer, we saw firsthand the catastrophic impacts of severe flooding and the stress and pressure it puts on our dams. Our administration recognizes the severe threats these dams pose to our cities and towns, and we are taking swift action to remove these obsolete structures,” said Governor Maura Healey. “This is a lifesaving investment that will protect our residents’ and communities’ safety and security.”

The projects are funded through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). Of the $25 million, $20 million will support the removal of Bel Air Dam, and $5 million will go toward the removal of seven dams located in areas managed by the DFW (MassWildlife), one of them being the Weston Brook Dam in Windsor. Weston Brook, which is located in the Chalet Wildlife Management Area, doesn’t impound much water but is a fish passage barrier on a cold water stream. The project is more about habitat restoration than safety.

This year’s damaging storms emphasized that we have to move with urgency,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. “As we continue to experience more frequent severe weather events, it is vital that we address the infrastructure that is most impacted. We are putting this money to work to make our communities more resilient to climate change.”

“With the extreme rainfall this year, we have seen firsthand how important a well-functioning dam system is for the safety of our communities and preservation of our natural resources,” said DCR Commissioner Brian Arrigo. “This funding to remove the hazardous dam will ensure that we can protect the downstream community, restore the natural environment, and enable us to rededicate our resources to ensuring other dam infrastructure is in good condition.”

“The Department of Fish & Game has a special responsibility to be stewards of our rivers and streams for the fish and wildlife that depend on them,” said DFG Commissioner Tom O’Shea. “Dam removal is greatly beneficial to wildlife and one of the keys to improving native biodiversity.”

“During my administration, we have developed great partners at all levels of government. The Bel Air Dam removal project is another example of what we have been able to accomplish when we are all working towards the same goal. I am grateful for the continued support of the Healey-Driscoll administration as we make improvements to environmental quality throughout Pittsfield,” said Mayor Linda M. Tyer.

The removal of the Bel Air Dam will reduce the risk of downstream flooding related to the dam’s failure. The potential flooding would affect nearly 500 parcels of land, including residential, business, commercial, and industrial areas located within the low-income community downstream, as well as impact five bridges in the inundation area. A dam failure could potentially cause loss of life and substantial damage to buildings, roadways, and other infrastructure in the city. It could also put the health of the community at risk by exposing them to sediment contaminants, including lead and chromium.

As part of dam removal and site restoration, DCR will manage contaminated sediment accumulated at Bel Air Dam and dispose of them off-site to reduce the risk of adverse public health effects in the surrounding community.

Junior 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 to participate in this fun and educational competition. The entry deadline is February 15, 2024. 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 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.

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

 

2024 Massachusetts Freshwater Fishing, Hunting and Trapping Laws are now available

Commonly called “the abstracts” they are available in the usual places. The booklet has a cover picture of a big black bear.

New regulations for 2024 are as follows:

  • The archery deer and fall wild turkey seasons now open two weeks earlier in Wildlife Management Zones 1-9.
  • MA Share the Harvest- With the support of donors, hunters who donate their entire deer pay no processing or packaging fees. Hunters who donate a portion of their deer will pay a discounted processing rate, depending on the amount donated.
  • MA is now part of the Interstate Wildlife Violators Compact. If any individual’s recreational licenses are suspended in any other US state due to the violation of reciprocal hunting, fishing or trapping laws, their privileges in MA are also suspended and vice versa.
  • A Youth Catch-and-Release category has been added to the Freshwater Sportfishing Award’s Program. Also, two new species – fallfish and white sucker – have been added.

Unsettled weather greeted deer hunters last Monday

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Stormy weather greeted The opening day of shotgun deer hunting was an interesting one for me this year.  First it rained so I hung around the house to see what would happen weatherwise.  Then the sun came out and off I went hunting.

I no sooner arrived at my destination in Hancock, when it suddenly got cloudy, raw, and quite windy.  On the way up the mountain, I met a hunter coming down.  He said that he didn’t see a thing, not even a “tweety bird.” We chatted a while and said while deer hunting here, his wife contacted him to tell him that a big buck was standing right in his driveway in Savoy.  After a chuckle, we parted and I continued up the mountain. When I got to a location to my liking, I sat down on a stump which became my deer stand.

Then, all of a sudden, the wind blew in a thick fog and immediately it started to rain.  A few minutes after that, it started sleeting and then hail was pelting my face.  What’s going on?  Then it started to seriously snow and that along with the fog caused a white-out.  I couldn’t see more than 100 feet in front of me. A check of the weather on my cell phone revealed that it was 40 degrees in nearby Pittsfield.

Well, I had learned my lesson in the past about hunting in heavy fog and getting turned around. This day I was glad my deer stand was within sight of the trail on which I walked in.  No way was I going to get turned around and lost in this fog today.  But then I wondered, what if I shoot and wound a deer and he runs some distance and, because of the thick fog, couldn’t find him.  Also, would I even be able to find my way back to the trail?  I decided that If I had a shot at a deer, I would make darn sure I aimed in a vital area and hopefully drop it right there on the spot.

While contemplating all of this, I decided to have a cup of coffee.  My thermos was in my backpack lying on the ground nearby.  Would you believe that even though it’s color is hunter orange, it was completely covered with snow and nearly invisible.  I’ll bet I looked like a snowman sitting on that stump.  It was at that time that I discovered that I had forgotten to bring my lunch.

Around noon, it cleared up a bit and I decided to move around checking for deer signs.  No signs whatsoever – no tracks, no rubs and no scrapes.  It seemed like I was the only person on that mountain which meant there was no one else to get the deer moving.  Perhaps the weird weather scared them away.  So, I decided to call it quits around 1:00 pm.

While driving home, the sun came out and it turned out to be a beautiful day.  Go figure.

Well, I’m glad somebody had some luck.  According to preliminary figures provided by MassWildlife, 325 or so deer were taken in the Western District during the first three days of hunting.  Some 89 deer were taken in South County.  Nate Buckhout, DFW Wildlife Biologist who covered the Mill River General Store check station reported that there were four 10-pointer bucks checked in so far.  Some weights reported were 183, 187, 192 and 193 lbs bucks.

 

Deer checked in at the DFW Fish & Wildlife Headquarters in Dalton included a 178 lbs, 8-pointer taken in Savoy, a 178 lbs, 8-pointer taken in West Stockbridge, a 180 lbs, 10-pointer taken in Becket, a 190 lbs, 8 pointer taken in Cheshire, a 170 lbs, 8 pointer taken in Savoy, a 179 lbs, 8-pointer taken in Hinsdale and a 191 lbs, 7 pointer was taken in Lanesborough.

Those were field dressed certified weights. To determine the estimated live weight, multiply field dressed weight by 1.26.  For example, that above referenced 193 lbs. buck probably weighed around 243 lbs. on the hoof.

Detailed figures for the other deer check stations were not available as of Thursday.

Hunter Ed

 

On Sunday, November 19, from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, four instructors from MassWildlife conducted a Field Day for its Basic Hunter Education Course at the Stationery Factory in Dalton.

Picture of Todd Olanyk teaching hunter ed class

The Basic Hunter Education Course was developed by the International Hunter Education Association and includes the safe handling and storage of hunting arms and ammunition, hunting laws and ethics, care and handling of game, and wildlife conservation.  In order to attend this course, the students had to first prove that they already completed the MA Hunter Study Guide.

Four instructors including Tim Bradbury, DFW Hunter Education and Outdoor Skills Specialist, Todd M. Olanyk, MA DFW Central District Supervisor, Jim Legacy DFW Aquatic Resource Education Coordinator and DFW Seasonal Employee Kevin Yetman along with two interpreters were there.  Some 52 students from across the state, Connecticut and New York took the course.

In the course, the instructors did a quick review of parts of firearms and demonstrated how to safely transfer to and accept a firearm from another person. The students learned how to find their shooting “master eye.  (Your master or dominant eye is the eye that provides a slightly greater degree of input to the visual part of your brain. It also more accurately relays information about the location of objects, important for leading game.)

The students were divided into 3 groups where, among other things, they learned and practiced firearm handling (for pump, bolt, and double barrel shotguns as well as lever action rifles) One lesson introduced students to the knowledge and skills of safe firearm handling and proper loading and unloading practices, crossing obstacles in the woods and fields, and the fundamentals of shooting

Another lesson introduced the students to the fundamentals of rifle marksmanship and elements of range safety. They learned judgement and shot placement. It introduced the students to real world hunting decisions such as determining safe verses unsafe shots and making the best and most ethical shot for the sake of the animal.

Another lesson introduced the students to proper field carries which refers to the how you hold your firearm while you hunt in a group, zones of fire.  Another introduced the students to the safe zones in which they can shoot while hunting in a group. Students were introduced to the knowledge and skills needed to effectively recover big game animals.

They learned about places that are open to hunting in Massachusetts and the importance of good landowner relations.

Environmental Police LT. Carlow and Officer Kolis reviewed the hunting laws and regulations as well as responsibilities of gun ownership.

During the class, they handled rifles and shotguns with blaze orange forearms and stocks.  They were inert, non-firing dummy guns based on real firearms.

 

When the teaching was over, they handed out the tests in 5 different languages.  Some 49 of the students passed the course and are eligible for certification as a MA Hunter Education Graduate.

When asked how many of the students would be hunters and not just gun owners.  Bradbury felt that the vast majority will take up hunting.

It was a very informative and well-run course.  It is so important that such classes be mandatory prior to issuing hunting licenses to ensure that we have hunters and responsible gun owners with knowledge of safe handling and good shooting skills.

Happy 20th birthday Berkshire Environmental Action Team (BEAT)

 

This weekend, BEAT celebrates its 20th Anniversary at its Environmental Leadership & Education Center, located at 20 Chapel Street in Pittsfield. On Saturday, Executive Director Jane Winn showed the new renovations which feature a balcony overlooking the west branch of the Housatonic River, which runs directly behind the building, a fully accessible bathroom, and an accessible sloped walkway that leads to an entryway. There was also a stream-table demonstration

 

BEAT envisions a world where communities work together to sustain their environmental health and economic vitality; all people recognize their interconnectedness to, and dependence on, the natural world; the air and water are clean; rivers and streams flow naturally; and there is plenty of interconnected, natural land where wildlife thrive. BEAT’s goal is to make all of this happen — and their newly renovated Environmental Leadership & Education Center is one of the first steps in reaching that goal.

Shotgun deer hunting season opens Monday  

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picture provided by MassWildliife

Shotgun deer hunting season starts on Monday November 27 and it runs until December 9, (excluding Sundays).  Two bucks can be harvested and if hunters are fortunate to have a valid antlerless deer permit (doe permit) they can also take a doe.  Remember, the buck antlers must be at least 3 inches long.

Don’t forget, during the first week of the shotgun deer season (November 27–December 2), all harvested deer must be brought to a physical check station within 48 hours so MassWildlife biologists can collect biological data. Online harvest reporting is NOT available during this time.  The Western District Check Stations are as follows:

  • MassWildlife Headquarters – Dalton
  • Lee Sportsman’s Club – Lee
  • Mill River General Store – Mill River/New Marlborough
  • Ernie’s Auto Sales – North Adams
  • B&D Variety – Huntington
  • Goshen General Store – Goshen

Shotgun, archery, and muzzleloader implements are allowed. Be sure you are familiar with all the deer hunting regulations listed on pages 26 through 29 of the abstracts.

Also, the shotgun (third) season for bear hunting opens on Monday and also runs through December 9. Regulations governing that season are listed on pages 30 and 31 of the abstracts.

During this week, hunters must wear 500 square inches of blaze orange on head, chest and back. If using a blind during the season or on a Wildlife Management Area with blaze orange requirements, all deer hunters must wear the required amount of orange while in the blind.  MassWildlife recommends that blaze orange be visible on the outside of the blind, too.

If you plan to really get out there and traipse around our beautiful mountains, be sure to let people know where you are going to hunt and when you plan to get out of the woods.  In addition to extra bullets, knife, drag rope, food and drink, etc., carry a fully charged cell phone with the numbers of those you are hunting with, a flashlight with extra batteries, maps and a first aid kit.

 

If your hair is turning a bit white, be realistic about your fitness and skill level.  Don’t overestimate your abilities nor underestimate mother nature’s.  Remember, breaking through fresh snow can be more tiring than regular hiking.

 

Hunter Harassment Law

 

Mass General Law, Part I, Title XIX, Chapter 131, Section 5C states “No person shall obstruct, interfere with or otherwise prevent the lawful taking of fish or wildlife by another at the locale where such activity is taking place”. It then lists 7 specific types of violations. “Environmental protection officers and other law enforcement officers with arrest powers shall be authorized to enforce the provisions of this section.”

Real cases of hunter harassment (meaning those that actually target specific hunters or their equipment and prevent, interfere or obstruct them from hunting) should be reported to Massachusetts Environmental Police statewide dispatch at 1-800-632-8075.

Precious Memories

 

Well, here we go again, another sleepless night thinking about opening day of shotgun deer hunting season.  As usual, sleep will be out of the question and I’ll probably do the same thing I do every year……. toss and turn all night waiting for the 4:00 am alarm to go off.  As usual, thoughts of previous opening days (and there were many) will undoubtedly cross my mind, one after another.  I’ll remember the rainy, foggy, snowy, frigid days, who I hunted with, what gun I used, etc.  I’ll remember the times I erred and allowed a big buck to get away.  Yes, and remember a few nice deer that didn’t get away.

One such memory I will never forget occurred sometime in the late 1970’s. On that opening day, I was hunting with close friend Bob Stanard and Jack Landers both of Lee.

When we entered the woods in Beartown State Forest that morning, we agreed to meet at a certain location at noon.  There we would eat our lunches, and if we hadn’t had any luck, plan our strategy for the afternoon hunt.

The place where we were to meet was on top of a ridge where we had prior luck shooting deer in the past. It was a little nook, in front of us, facing, west was a gradual slope to the rim of the ridge and then a sharp drop down the other side of the mountain toward Icy Glen in Stockbridge.  Behind us was a small hill which dropped down to where we were.  If we sat on a rock there, we were not able to look over the hill behind us.  If we stood up and looked back, our eyes were almost level with the ground. (Kind of like looking out of a cellar window).

When Bob and I arrived at noon, we leaned our shotguns on a little tree 3 or 4 feet away from the rocks on which we sat. We got out our lunches and thermos bottles and while waiting for Jack, we lit up cigarettes (we smoked back then).

It wasn’t long before we heard the rustle of frozen leaves as Jack approached. When he was a short distance away, he appeared to have stopped walking, for we heard no more leaf rustling.  We assumed that he was looking for an easy way to drop down to join us.  After an unduly long period of silence, we looked back to see what he was doing.

There standing not 10 feet away looking down at us was a big buck. Both of us immediately jumped up to grab our shotguns, but it was too late.  The buck immediately bounded off out of sight.

Jack joined us shortly thereafter and said that he never saw that deer which had to be in front of him all along.

I have relived that moment many times over the years, especially the night before opening days. I’m sure my wife Jan wonders what I am chuckling about in the middle of the night.

Manuel Carballo Governor’s Award

The Manuel Carballo Governor’s Award for Excellence in Public Service is presented to employees who selflessly personify a deep commitment to serving the people of the Commonwealth and exemplify the highest standards of public service. This award was established in memory of Manuel Carballo who served as Secretary of Health and Human Services. The award, in his name, is given to an employee, or group of employees, who demonstrate exemplary leadership, innovation, and creativity.

Recently, the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (DFW) staff received recognition for the “Hunter’s Share-the-Harvest Program” and received that award.  In his report to the MA Fish & Wildlife Board Meeting of November 15, DFW Director Mark Tisa noted that it shows the generosity of the hunting community to back and help, particularly with so many food insecurity needs that we have in the Commonwealth.

“It was great to have the Governor make that award and endorse the program” said Tisa.  He then publicly recognized people that were instrumental in that program.  They included DFW Western District Supervisor Andrew Madden and Western District Wildlife Biologist Nate Buckhout.   “Its really a team effort and there are a lot of other employees, too” he said.

Fish & Wildlife Board elections

 

At that same November 15 Meeting, the Board unanimously re-elected the following officers:  Stephen A. Sears of Dalton – Chairman, Bob Durand of Marlborough– Vice Chairman, and Ernest W. Foster of Scituate– Secretary.  The other members of the Board are:  Sasha Dyer of Barre, Emma Ellsworth of Orange, John Organ of Buckland and Matthew Sisk of Braintree.

 

Taconic TU Holiday Banquet

 

The Taconic Chapter of Trout Unlimited is having its Holiday Banquet on Thursday evening, December 7 at 6:30 pm at Mazzeo’s Ristorante, 1015 South Street, Pittsfield.

 

Billed as a great place to support the Chapter and get your holiday shopping done at the same time, there will be auctions and raffles which will include: fly rods, reels, guided fishing trips, flies tied by local fly tyers, waders, books and much more.  (Someone will leave there with a bamboo flyrod, valued at around $1,200, made by the late legendary rod maker Richard “Digger” Degere of Adams).

 

Taconic Chapter’s highest award, the Crooked Staff, will be awarded to a deserving member who most represents the ideals of TU.

 

Tickets which include the meal cost $50  pp, can be purchased at  https://www.paypal.com/pools/c/8ZkUSW5PSj or by check by emailing taconictu@gmail.com

You are urged to buy your ticket by December 1 so they can have a head count for Mazzeo’s.

 

MA paraplegic hunters harvest 10 deer, only 1 in the Berkshires

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MassWildlife holds a special three-day deer hunting season for paraplegic hunters. Staff and volunteers place hunters in safe areas at several hunt locations in the state. When a hunter shoots a deer, volunteers assist the hunter by retrieving the deer, field dressing it, and getting it checked in on site.

 

Each year, about 12-20 paraplegic hunters sign up for the special hunt. For Some of these people, it’s the only opportunity they have to hunt. The hunt is typically held at 5 sites:

  • The Northern Berkshires on private properties
  • The Southern Berkshires at Mt. Washington
  • The Quabbin Reservation
  • Devens Reserve Forces Training Area in Lancaster
  • Otis/Edwards Military Reservation in Falmouth/Bourne

Frequently, hunters see deer and several get the opportunity to harvest a deer.

 

The dates of the 3-day hunt this year were November 2 to 4. Other than being a little chilly, the weather cooperated nicely. Statewide this year some 18 hunters participated, (3 at the Northern Berkshires site, 5 at the Southern Berkshires site, 5 at Quabbin, 1 at Fort Devens, and 4 at Joint Base Cape Cod).

 

Statewide, a total of 10 deer were harvested during the 3-day hunt.  Only one deer, a doe, was harvested here in the Berkshires, that being in the Southern Berkshires, although all the Berkshires hunters saw deer.

 

Two does were harvested at the Quabbin Reservation, both of which were taken by hunters who were new to the special program this year, and the remaining Quabbin hunters all saw deer.  Three deer, a doe, a 4-point buck and an 8-point buck were harvested by the hunter at Devens.  At Otis/Edwards Military Reservation, one adult buck without antlers, a 4-point buck, and two does were harvested by two of the four hunters while the other two hunters saw deer and had shooting opportunities.

 

In the Southern Berkshires, hunters Marc Tartaglia of Barkhamsted, CT, Dan Massaconi of Cheshire, MA, Sidney Eichstedt of Lee, MA, Vito Vyto Sablevicius of Norwood, MA and Timothy Davidson of West Stockbridge, MA participated.

 

Marc Tartaglia got the only deer, a doe.  (He got a doe and a buck at last year’s hunt). On Friday afternoon, he also took a shot at a deer, but it got away. Dan Massaconi came this year with a new shotgun and was eager to get his first deer with it.  While he did not harvest any deer this year, Dan did see quite a few does Saturday afternoon/evening.

 

Timothy Davidson, of West Stockbridge hunted Thursday and Friday evening assisted by his son-in-law Rich Bravman and they saw a pack of six coyotes Thursday afternoon.

 

Each morning the volunteers helped the hunters get to their deer stands, and around noon they brought them in to the DCR Headquarters in Mount Washington and provided them with a warm, home cooked meal prepared by Wendy Lampro.  When I was there on Friday, she had cooked up delicious venison chili, stew and back straps, pork chops, mac and cheese and a tasty dessert.  Her future son-in-law, Dallas Tidwell, grilled some tasty venison burgers.

 

Southern Berkshire volunteers and their years of involvement are as follows: Shaun Smith – 49 years, Marc Portieri – 34, Gregg Arienti – 28, Paul Mullins 28, Matt Roche (DCR) – 16, Fred Lampro – 14, Thomas Dean – 12, Casey Green –3, Dan White – 2, Christel Massaconi –3, Dallas Tidwell – 2, James Dellea – 2, Wendy Lampro – 2, Shamus Daley – 1 and Rich Bravman.

 

MassWildlife Western District Supervisor Andrew Madden was there, as was Wildlife Biologist Nate Buckhout in case any deer needed tagging.  Also, Dan White and Travis Clairmont from the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) were there as were MA Environmental Police Officers Phil Smitts and Nick Stone.

 

Special thanks go out to Cobb of Western Mass, Klan-Cook family, Cobb of River Valley, Shaw Pond Club, Chaffee Construction, Lee Fire Dept., Bossidy-Crerar VFW Post 893 in Lee, James Leahey Excavating of Lee, AMVETS Post 77 and Osden’s Plumbing and Heating of Blandford.

 

Special thanks also go to the DCR for providing the space to gather, eat, and warm up at Mt. Washington Reservation.

In the Northern Berkshires, hunters Shawn Mei of Baldwinville, MA, Dale Bailey of Clarksburg, MA and Dave Alderman of Petersburg, NY participated.

 

All of them saw deer but none were harvested.

 

The volunteers brought the hunters to a central point at lunchtime and provided them with a delicious meal of moose stew cooked up by Ruth French.  I had a bowl of that stew and it was delicious. (It is no coincidence that I visit these places around lunch time).

 

Northern Berkshire volunteers and their years of involvement are as follows:  Rick French – 37 years, Tony Mei – 33, Stacy Sylvester – 35, J. Sylvester – 25, Jim Guiden, Alex Dargie and Joe Benoni.  Sorry, I don’t have the number of years for all of the volunteers. J. Sylvester came all the way from Maine to volunteer for the hunt.

 

Special thanks go out to Jim Guiden for providing the headquarters space and to the Cricket Creek Farm for permitted hunting on their property.

 

Western District MassWildlife staff covering the Northern site location were Ray Bressette, Eli Pease, and Jacob Morris-Siegel.  EPOs Lt. Tara Carlow and Officer Jonathan Kolis periodically stopped in.

 

According to MassWildlife Biologist and state-wide coordinator of this hunt, Susan McCarthy, deer were seen by all participants and feedback was positive from everyone, particularly hunters who were new to the program.

 

According to McCarthy, total statewide, there were 12 MassWildlife employees, 5 MA Environmental Police Officers, 7 DCR staff members, 6 private landowners, 4 military personnel, and 30 volunteers totaling 64 individuals aside from hunters and their family members supporting the program and assisting hunters.

 

As noted in the past, this story is not all about the hunters and their harvests.  There are other components which must occur to make the hunt a success.  One is the volunteering.  As noted, statewide there were 30 volunteers assisting in helping the physically challenged hunters get to ideal hunting spots and who helped them by getting the deer moving, retrieving the deer, field dressing them, and getting them checked in on site.

 

McCarthy noted that, “As always, this hunt would not be possible without our fantastic network of MassWildlife and DCR staff, private landowners in the Berkshires, and our amazing volunteers.”

 

Without Sue McCarthy’s, Andrew Madden’s, Fred and Wendy Lampro’s, and Rick French’s help, the information in this column simply could not be obtained.  Thank you.

 

In the earlier years of this program, there were many more participants, but in later years the numbers have dwindled.  Suggestions have been made to bolster the numbers which I hope to get into in a future column.

 

Incidentally, paraplegic sportsmen and women interested in taking part in the hunt next year should contact Susan McCarthy at (508) 389-6326.

 

No, they’re not boasting off

 

About this time of year, I receive comments chastising the deer hunters for overtly displaying their deer while transporting them.  Some hunters even go to the trouble of displaying parts of the deer outside their car trunks or sticking up over the truck tailgates.  Terrible things for the children to see, they say.

 

Well, the regulations require that part of the deer needs to be displayed prior to it being reported/checked in. If they didn’t, they could be cited. Once the hunter has checked it in, then there’s no need to have it open to view. Page 29 of the hunting and fishing abstracts (laws) spells it out.  One year I transported my deer in the open bed of my pickup truck to check it in at the DFW deer check station in Dalton.  An EPO there told me that I should have had a leg or some part of the deer raised over the closed tailgate making it easier to view.

Sportsmen and women recognized by New England governors as America’s true conservationists

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On September 23, the sporting community celebrated National Hunting and Fishing Day (NHFD) across the country. Thanks to the efforts of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation’s (CFS) regional and federal staff, 38 Governors and the President of the United States, issued proclamations commemorating the day. In New England alone,  Governor’s Sportsmen’s Caucus (GSC) Co-Chair, Governor Chris Sununu (NH), and GSC Members Governor Janet Mills (ME), Governor Phil Scott (VT), and  Governor Maura Healey (MA) all signed proclamations recognizing the contributions of the sporting community and how many of our wild spaces remain because of America’s sportsmen and women.

Held on the fourth Saturday of every September since 1972, NHFD recognizes the contributions of America’s sportsmen and women to conservation and the economic impacts of the sporting community. It was President Nixon who signed the first proclamation of NHFD in 1972 writing, “I urge all citizens to join with outdoor sportsmen in the wise use of our natural resources and in insuring their proper management for the benefit of future generations.” NHFD, a federally recognized holiday, celebrates our traditions of hunting, angling, and the shooting sports at the local, state, and national level. Whether you are new to the sporting community or you have been a life-long sportsman or woman, all are encouraged to participate in increasing public awareness of the connection between hunting, angling, the shooting sports, and conservation. Through self-imposed fees and excise taxes, sportsmen and women have raised more than $57 billion. It is the unique American System of Conservation Funding – a “user pays – public benefits” approach that is widely recognized as the most successful model for funding fish and wildlife management in the world.

 

Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey issued a NHFD proclamation recognizing the conservation and financial contributions of the Bay State’s sportsmen and women. In 2022 alone, more than $23 million was generated to support the Massachusetts Department of Fish and Game. Additionally, more than 540,000 hunters and anglers supported the state’s economy through their spending more than $600 million on outdoor activities. This spending supports over 9,000 jobs and generates $70 million in state and local taxes.

 

That’s wonderful news, but let’s see how much the governor appreciates hunters when a proposed House bill (HB) 4139- An Act Modernizing Firearm Laws, or the Senate’s version of it, reaches her desk.   It’s a massive bill with hundreds of pages.  One disturbing part is that it prohibits the purchase of semi-automatic firearms of any kind for citizens 21 years of age or younger, shotgun and modern sporting rifles, limits young adult sportsmen and women to primitive muzzleloading type firearms and manual pump and bolt action, single shot rifles, or archery equipment for their hunting and recreational shooting pursuits.

 

According to a National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) estimate, “80 percent of Pittman-Robertson excise tax contributions are generated by sales attributed to recreational shooting.” Those recreational shooters are not shooting manual pump shotguns and muzzleloaders alone, which are some of the only firearms that would not be further restricted under this bill.

 

Should these semi-automatic shotguns be prohibited with the passage of HB 4139, individuals would be forced to incur additional costs to continue participating in hunting and the shooting sports if other suitable, if non-prohibited firearms, are not already in their possession.

 

Limiting the options in the marketplace will likely have negative effects on our nation’s conservation funding via the unique “user pays – public benefits” structure known as the American System of Conservation Funding (ASCF). The funds collected through this program are the lifeblood of state fish and wildlife agencies, including the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife) – the primary manager of Massachusetts’ fish and wildlife resources. It is widely recognized that recreational target shooters, who per-capita, spend even more money on firearms and ammunition than hunters, are the financial keystone for the ASCF.

 

Restrictions on firearm sales and use will likely decrease the manufacturer-level excise taxes collected on firearms and ammunition, which then decreases the overall pool of money available to state fish and wildlife agencies (including MassWildlife) through the Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program.

 

Passage of HB 4139 would not only undermine the Second Amendment of our Constitution, and cause great harm to the traditions and conservation efforts of the sporting community in the Bay State.

 

I share the concerns of approximately 50,000 fellow hunters in Massachusetts who are concerned that passage of the bill could make us all lawbreakers.  I also am concerned about the future of hunting in Massachusetts which is indirectly affected by this bill.

 

Proposed fur ban

The MA Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources is hearing on a proposed Fur Ban bill Wednesday, November 8, starting at 1:00 PM.  Bill H. 849 is an act prohibiting the sale of fur products.  It is being sponsored by Rep. Jack Patrick Lewis of Framingham and Rep. Josh S. Cutler of Pembroke.

If this bill passes, throughout the entire state people would not be able to sell or purchase certain fur products.  This does not bode well for Massachusetts trappers.

Personally, I don’t plan to buy a mink coat or a coon skin cap in the near future, but I am a fly fisherman and tie many flies with furs/hairs using muskrat, deer, woodchuck, mink, fox, squirrel, etc.  In fact, recently I wrote about a trout fly I used in the Catskills called “The Usual” which is made up of fur from the snowshoe hare’s feet.  It would become illegal to purchase this fur from a fly shop. (Thankfully, I still have a few of the feet from when I used to hunt snowshoe hares years ago.)

If you, like me, do not think this ban on fur products is right, politely let your local house representative and senator know.

Incidentally, Senate Bill S.590 is basically the same as H.849 and that is being sponsored by Sen. John C. Velis, representing Hampden and Hampshire Counties.

To view the entire bill, type in: The Joint Committee on Environment and Natural resources, click Hearings then scroll down, click Animals and Miscellaneous then look under the bill titleBottom of Form

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Forest Conservation and Management Strategies for Climate Mitigation

 

On November 9, at 6:00 PM you are invited to join the Berkshire Environmental Action Team (BEAT) at the Big Elm Brewery in Sheffield or online for the November Berkshire Green Drinks event with Tom Ryan, a forester with the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR). Tom will touch on several areas within forestry, including an overview of the current state of our forested landscape, a summary of state forestry programs and the existing land use designations for DCR state properties, conservation options for private landowners, forest-climate adaptation and carbon management concepts, landscape-scale habitat restoration efforts, biochar, and supporting local forest products and how this can help mitigate climate change.

This is a hybrid event, taking place in person and online via Zoom. If you plan to join them in person, RSVP: tinyurl.com/Nov2023-INPERSON-Green-Drinks.

Tom Ryan has been a forester with the Massachusetts DCR since 2003. In 2022, he shifted from the service forestry program – working with private landowners and municipalities – to the management forestry program, helping to manage and steward some 314,000 acres of state forest, park, and reservation lands. For questions, email team@thebeatnews.org or call 413-464-9402.

Basic Hunter Education course

Basic hunter education is mandatory for all first-time adult hunters. MassWildlife offers Basic Hunter Education in two formats. Each format covers the same material and students take the same final exam. You can choose the one that is right for you:

  • Blended: Students complete the online MA hunter study guide before attending one in-person Field Day.
  • In-person (traditional): Students attend an entirely in-person, instructor led course that is offered over multiple days.

Upon successful completion, graduates are mailed a certificate of completion recognized in all U.S. states, Canada, and Mexico. All courses are free of charge and open to the public.

A blended course is being offered at the Stationery Factory, 63 Flansburg Ave., Dalton on Sunday, November 19 from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm. Students must complete the online-study guide before registering.  Click onto:  https://www.mass.gov/info-details/basic-hunter-education-course for all the details.