2016 was a busy year for MassWildlife

Posted on December 16, 2016 by Gene

The following information was taken in part from DFW Director Jack Buckley’s annual message: On June 4, MassWildlife celebrated its 150th anniversary. Over 1,000 people visited the new Field Headquarters on that day to celebrate. The event was an opportunity for staff to highlight its diverse programs from archery for kids to black bear research to butterflies. The day was so successful it is planning a similar event for next year.

During the year, it began construction of a water pipeline that will provide gravity-fed, consistently cold water from the Quabbin Reservoir to the McLaughlin Hatchery in Belchertown. Although a significant investment of angler’s dollars, when completed in 2017, this project will produce long-term benefits through reduction of energy costs, establishment of a long-term stable water source for the hatchery, and result in an improvement in the quality of stocked trout.

During the 2016 trout stocking season MassWildlife launched a new web-based tool for trout anglers that provides daily online trout stocking reports. Anglers are encouraged to check out the new tool during the spring trout stocking season at mass.gov/trout. (For those who aren’t into these new fangled computers, I hope to continue providing timely stocking information in this column.)

Making improvements to the Hunter Education program continued to be a focus of the agency. Its goal is to make hunter education easily accessible and convenient without a wait to sign up for a course. Over the past year new Hunter Education staff members were hired to provide enhancements to the program. The primary objectives of these staff are to schedule, plan and conduct Basic Hunter Education courses across the state, particularly in low service areas, as well as to conduct other courses that are developed and administered by the program.

In 2016, the Hunter Education Program staff concentrated solely on: 1) increasing the number of Basic Hunter Education Courses being offered in underserved areas of the state such as Boston and Springfield, and 2) increasing the number of participating students. This past year, 94 Basic Hunter Education courses were held across the State, a 14.6% increase over the previous year. A total of 3,952 students participated in the basic course representing a nearly 6% increase in attendance.

MassWildlife is implementing the Learn-to-Hunt Program assisting new Hunter Education

graduates in the transition from the classroom to the field. Designed for adult Basic Hunter Education graduates with little or no hunting experience, participants can sign up for a one-day clinic or a 3-day in-depth workshop. Classroom and outdoor exercises help new hunters learn more about the skills and techniques used to hunt different game animals. Taught by Division staff and volunteers from sporting clubs and related organizations, this program utilizes the experience and knowledge of seasoned sportsmen and women. In the first year of this new program, 321 hunters participated.

During the year, it expanded programs in archery and recreational shooting resulting in the development of the Explore Archery Program. This program was created to promote a lifelong interest and participation in the sport of archery to participants of all ages. MassWildlife continued to train and certify instructors from recreation departments, nature centers, Scouting organizations, and schools. Successful completion of this program allows any certified instructor the ability to offer an archery program in their area and to borrow equipment from MassWildlife free of charge.

It has continued its very successful Youth Deer Hunt Day. Beyond the intrinsic benefits, this hunt serves as a great recruiting tool for developing hunting mentors.

In 2017, to complement the above programs, MassWildlife plans to partner with the UMASS Extension 4-H Youth Development Program to launch a 4-H© Shooting Sports Program in Massachusetts. It will focus on youth development and will be designed to empower young people with skills they can use for a lifetime. Young people will develop an understanding of natural resources and conservation ethics while learning marksmanship, the safe and responsible use of firearms, the principles of hunting and archery, and other valuable life skills including self-confidence, personal discipline, responsibility, and sportsmanship.

MassWildlife has updated its logo and has begun re-designing agency publications, signs and web pages for a consistent look and easily recognizable agency identity.

Director Buckley and his staff have got to be proud of the above accomplishments. However; Buckley acknowledges that what the Division does would not be possible without the strong support of hunters, anglers, and trappers. “Although we manage wildlife for the benefit and enjoyment of all citizens of the Commonwealth, the sportsmen and women are the financial backbone of MassWildlife. Your willingness to step up in supporting everything from land acquisition to the conservation of rare and endangered species demonstrates the broad view of the interconnectedness and importance of all wildlife … Thank you!”

Hoosic River Ranger

The mission of the Hoosic River Revival is to reconnect the community to a healthy, scenic, accessible, flood-controlled river, which will enhance North Adams’ recreational, cultural, and economic vitality.

The Hoosic River Revival has collaborated with the North Adams Public School System in the creation of an outdoor education curriculum which focuses on the historical and environmental learning opportunities along the Hoosic River levees at Noel Field in North Adams. This new offering, called “the Hoosic River Ranger” program, is an inter-active, interpretive walking tour for elementary school children.

Supplementing the River Ranger outdoor education curriculum is a new self-guided brochure from the Hoosic River Revival: the “Hoosic River Family Wildlife Walk” brochure. Created by Johanna Wasserman and the River Revival’s Social Media advisor, Bert Lamb, the brochure highlights a half-mile walk from Joe Wolfe Field to Hunter Foundry Road, and is now available in the North Adams Public Library, and at the Colegrove and Brayton schools. The brochure may also be downloaded from the Revival website: http://bit.ly/HRRwildlifewalk

2016 shotgun deer hunting season off to a good start

Posted on December 5, 2016 by Gene

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

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

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

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

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

Coyote Derby

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

Licenses on sale

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

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

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

2016 Guides are available

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

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

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

He got a couple of bucks

Posted on November 20, 2016 by Gene

Last Saturday morning, Nick Lentine of Pownal, VT (formerly of North Adams, MA) left his house at 4 AM and went bowhunting in North Adams.

At 10:20 AM a 4 point buck chased a doe only about 12 yards away from his tree stand. About 20 minutes later a big 8-point buck came by and Nick made a perfect shot with his bow. He sat in his stand about 5 minutes and was getting ready to get down to check on the buck when, to his astonishment, a 13-point buck came by. He quickly grabbed another arrow and made a second perfect shot. (Hunters are allowed to take two bucks in the same day in Massachusetts.)

He said that it took him and his friends 5 hours to get those two deer out of the woods. No wonder for the 8-point buck weighed 198 lbs dressed and the 13-pointer weighed in at 178 lbs. He couldn’t thank his friends enough for dropping what they were doing to come and help and share this special moment with him

As Nick said, “The joy they all shared together will be a memory forever. It was a once in a lifetime (occurrence)! (It is) every hunter’s dream.”

He is getting both heads mounted by Rick LaBlue Taxidermy in North Adams. The Pope & Young “green scores” are: 8-pt – 138 7/8 and 13- pt – 158 3/8 which may put him into the record book.

Many thanks go to Nick’s wife Jocelyn for bringing this story to our attention. She is every bit as excited and proud as he is over his great feat.

Keep CWD away

Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is a contagious neurological disease that is fatal to deer, elk, and moose. It attacks the brains of infected animals, resulting in their becoming emaciated, exhibiting abnormal behavior, and eventually dying. Infected deer may spread the infectious agents through urine, feces, saliva, etc., for months before showing any clinical symptoms.

According to MA DFW Deer & Moose Project Leader David Stainbrook, no CWD infected deer have been found in Massachusetts.

In order to keep CWD from coming into MA, certain restrictions to the movement of deer and deer parts have been put in place. It is illegal to import deer parts from states or provinces where CWD has been detected in OH, MD, NY, PA, VA, WV, and at least 17 other states and two Canadian Provinces. It is legal to import deboned meat, clean skull caps, hides without the head, or a fixed taxidermy mount. No live deer of any species may be brought into Massachusetts for any purpose.

Recently the State of VT joined Arizona, Virginia, Ontario, and parts of Pennsylvania in banning the use of natural deer urine lures by hunters. As previously noted, CWD is spread by deer urine and other bodily fluids. After infected fluid is deposited in soil, it can remain infectious for decades. Deer are able to contract CWD and spread the disease for up to a year before they demonstrate any symptoms of the disease.

Deer can only be tested for CWD after they die. Therefore, facilities may be producing and selling deer urine lures from deer herds that show no symptoms of the disease but are actually infected with CWD. According to the VT Fish & Wildlife, this happened in Pennsylvania – the first case of CWD was recorded in a captive deer facility that claimed to be “CWD-free” and was selling deer urine lures online.

It is impossible to track and recall bottles of lure that have been sold from an infected facility, so hunters could unknowingly continue to use urine that likely contains CWD prions and risk spreading the disease. Even if most captive deer herds are actually “CWD-free, ” urine lures from different sources are commonly mixed so all it would take is one infected herd to create a problem.

Once CWD is established in wild deer herds, no state has been able to control it despite considerable effort and expense. They urge hunters to destroy existing urine lures. Synthetic lures and food-scented lures pose no threat to the herd and are still permitted for use by hunters in Vermont

Stainbrook agrees that the prions can remain infectious in the landscape for years and even be taken up by plants. So adding urine to the landscape can certainly increase the risk of CWD being introduced to new areas and increase disease transmission. There is no cheap or easy way to test for these prions (e.g., to make sure a bottle of urine is CWD free). He suggests using the artificial replacements instead. He said that to date, they do not have a proposal in Massachusetts to ban natural deer urine.

Incidentally, if you see a deer or moose in Massachusetts exhibiting any signs of this disease or any other disease, please contact MassWildlife at 508-389-6300.

An Up-Close Look at Wildlife

The Liebowitz Center for International Studies in Great Barrington will be hosting an event entitled, “An Up-Close Look at Wildlife” on Wednesday, November 30, from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM. The Center is located at the corner of Alford Road and Hurlburt Road in Great Barrington.

You are invited to join them for an evening of photographs and videos of wildlife found in Berkshire County. While we’ve often had bear sightings, do you ever wonder about their behavior beyond the glimpses we get? Dr. Richard Greene, a local outdoors enthusiast, will talk about a technique called “camera trapping,” discuss its use in conservation and science, and show photos and videos that he’s taken using this technique.

This free event is co-hosted by the Sustainability Committee and the Cool Sightings book project. For more information contact Karen at (413)528-7247. Space is limited.

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

Paraplegic Deer Hunt went off smoothly

Posted on November 20, 2016 by Gene

According to Trina Moruzzi, MA Division of Fisheries & Wildlife Paraplegic Deer Hunt Coordinator, twenty one hunters participated statewide in the 3 day paraplegic deer hunt which took place from November 3 through November 5. A total of five deer, one doe and four bucks, were harvested. This translates to a 24% success rate for this year’s hunt. In the past five years, these hunters have averaged around a 25% success rate. Here in the Berkshires, 9 hunters participated this year – 5 in the southern and 4 in the northern Berkshires sites.

The southern Berkshires folks hunted in the Mount Washington area and it was coordinated out of the DCR Headquarters there. The hunters were: Sidney Eichstedt of Lee, Greg Baumli of New Lebanon, NY, Steve Gladding of Westfield, MA, Vyto Sablevicius of Norwich, MA and Erin Ferry of Dighton, MA.

Helpers included: Shaun Smith, Brian Ingerson, Marc Portieri, Greg Arienti, Rick Thelig, Tom Dean, Paul Antonozzi, Fred Lampro, Al Vincent, Paul Mullins and Chuck Pickert, all from the Berkshires or northern Connecticut.

For the 8^th year in a row, Chuck Pickert brought his trailer-mounted smoker/grill and cooked breakfasts and lunches for the three days. Tricia Vollmer made the fish chowder and potato salad and other individuals also prepared the desserts and other food needed for the three day event. A lot of friends who own restaurants and businesses donated food and condiments.

On the day that I was there, the lunch menu was: homemade fish chowder, smoked roast pork loin, smoked Vidalia onion gravy, smoked baked beans, and potato salad as well as the home-made deserts.

So how did the hunt go? No deer were taken that first day. The only thing I saw even remotely resembling a deer was an 8 inch toy African eland that Chuck Pickert’s 4 year old grandson Callen brought with him. However, on a subsequent day, Erin Ferry bagged a spike horned buck.

The 4 hunters at the Northern Berkshires site were: Dale Bailey of Clarksburg, David Alderman of Petersburgh, NY, Fred Klausky of Raynham, MA and Shawn Mei of Baldwinville, MA. Volunteer included Rick French, Jay and Stacy Sylvester and others.

They hunted in the Williamstown area and, Dale Bailey got a doe.

DFW Western District Manager Andrew Madden and his staff of biologists; Nate Buckhout, Tammy Ciesla and Jacob Morris-Siegel were on hand at both sites to help out and check in the deer.

In other areas, two bucks were harvested at the Quabbin site, and one buck was harvested at the Devens site.

“Since 1972, this hunt has provided thousands of hours of recreational opportunities for paraplegic sportsmen and women and I am proud to be part of it.” said Moruzzi. She noted that volunteers are integral to the program and thanked them for their enthusiasm and commitment. If you are a paraplegic sportsman or sportswoman interested in participating in the 2017 hunt, contact Trina Moruzzi at trina.moruzzi@state.ma.us or call (508) 389-6318.

Hunters welcome

According to its website (BNRC.org), The Berkshire Natural Resources Council owns over 10,000 acres where one can hike, snowshoe, geocache, fish, birdwatch, paint pictures, take photos, etc. Local sportsmen love the BNRC because it also welcomes hunters to its properties. One of its principles is that land should be open for passive recreation, which has always included hunting. In fact, BNRC actively manages its properties for wildlife’s increase, including game species. It believes there is room to share the land among those who appreciate what it offers.

However, it has a few simple guidelines to keep everyone safe:

Be aware of the hunting seasons: some type of hunting occurs from mid-October through mid-March; the busiest period is the shotgun deer season, which this year is from November 28 through December 10.
Through the fall hunting seasons, it is important that every visitor (hunters, hikers, and even dogs) wears bright clothing. “Blaze orange” is the color that shows best in all light conditions.
Hikers should stay on marked trails and hunters should make sure they know the location of all trails.
Dog-walkers should be especially careful to keep dogs leashed.
Give hunters their space: State law protects a hunter’s rights to legally take game, and BNRC supports their right.

As BNRC puts it, “Keeping land is not an easy task. We’re constantly in the field, working with landowners who want to donate land, scouting for new acquisitions, and planning, building, and maintaining trails that give you easy access to nature. We put rafts on the ponds so you can swim and fish. We build bridges and boardwalks over the streams and wetlands. We do all of this with you, and for you…..all of you.”

Each year, the Berkshire County League of Sportsmen (BCLS) gladly makes a donation to this most worthy organization. Now you know why.

No Game Dinner

Around this time of year, the Onota Fishing Club usually has its annual game dinner. However, according to Board Member Clem Caryofiles, it has been cancelled this year. No explanation was given, but I suspect the passing of director Chris Porter last December had a lot to do with it. He dedicated a tremendous amount of his time expertly preparing and cooking the wild game. He was posthumously awarded the BCLS 2015 Sportsman of the Year Award for all of his efforts.

It sounds like the Onota Club will resume having this dinner sometime in the future as Caryofiles noted that they are still taking donations of deer and other game.

Deer Hunting Opportunity for Paraplegic Hunters

Posted on November 2, 2016 by Gene

For nearly 45 years, MassWildlife has offered paraplegic sportsmen and sportswomen the opportunity to hunt deer in several locations across the state during a special three-day season. This year’s hunt dates are November 3 – 5. Locations include Devens Reserve Forces Training Area (Harvard/ Lancaster), Quabbin Reservation (Belchertown), two properties in northern and southern Berkshire County, and Otis/Edwards Military Reservation (Falmouth).

MassWildlife staff work with volunteers to help place hunters in areas at several hunt locations. When a hunter successfully shoots a deer, the waiting volunteers assist the hunter by retrieving the deer, field dressing it and getting it checked in with MassWildlife staff on site.

Sportsmen and volunteers alike enjoy this opportunity to spend time together in the great outdoors, counting the hunt as successful if they are fortunate enough to see a deer.

In 1972, the deer hunt was held at the Phillipston WMA and the following year in the town of Rowe. The hunt location then moved to Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket in subsequent years. Due to access issues on the islands, locations in Williamstown and in and around Mt Washington State Forest were utilized for much of the 1980’s and 1990’s with an occasional location in Middlesex County. Since 2000, the Department of Conservation and Recreation has hosted a third site at Quabbin Park in Belchertown. In 2003, a partnership with the US Army at Devens (formerly Fort Devens) resulted in a fourth location for paraplegic sportsmen to try their luck.

Each year, approximately 25-30 paraplegic hunters sign up for the special hunt. In the past five years, these hunters have taken an annual total of 7-8 deer, amounting to a greater than 25% success rate. For a number of these people, it’s the only opportunity they have to hunt, an activity that is an important part of their lives.

According to MassWildlife, last year twenty five hunters with paraplegia participated in the deer hunt from October 29 to 31. Three deer (2 bucks, 1 doe) were taken, which translated to a 12% success rate for the 2015 hunt. Many hunters saw deer and several got the opportunity to shoot. This hunt has provided thousands of hours of recreational opportunities for paraplegic sportsmen and women since 1972. MassWildlife Biologist Trina Moruzzi has been the Hunt Coordinator for the past 15 years. She noted that volunteers are integral to the program and thanked them for their enthusiasm and commitment. DFW Western District Manager Andrew Madden and his staff rarely miss an opportunity to help out. I also enjoy getting a group picture of the hunters for this column annually.

Licensed paraplegic hunters who have an interest in participating in this hunt should contact Trina Moruzzi at (508) 389-6318 or by email at Trina.Moruzzi@state.ma.us for more details. Contact her by October 24 (tomorrow) to ensure you can get your permit in time.

Trail Cam users help scientists study mammals

Trail cameras are used by nature lovers and the sporting community to catch glimpses of Massachusetts’ more elusive, usually crepuscular, wildlife. Hollie Sutherland, a graduate student at UMass Amherst, is studying the feasibility of using a citizen scientist network of trail cameras to study mammals in Massachusetts. Bobcat, mink, moose, and bear are among the seldom seen animals that Sutherland and her colleagues hope to learn more about. In the long run, this citizen science project aims to engage the public in providing photos and videos. Sutherland has developed a survey to determine the level of citizen interest in wildlife, who owns a trail camera, and how they use their trail cameras. She invites anyone over 18 to consider completing a short (5-15 minute) survey. You do not need to own a trail camera to take part. To take the survey, go to http://bit.ly/InterestinNature_TrailCamSurvey. Once completed, you will receive a free Massachusetts Bobcat desktop wallpaper image for completing the survey.

Skeet shooting

In its September newsletter, the Stockbridge Sportsmen’s Club reported that for the 13^th year out of the last 14, its skeet team prevailed in the 2016 Tri-Club Skeet Championships. Heading to the Sheffield Club for the final leg on August 28 they were ahead by a scant bird. When the smoke cleared they added another half dozen or so targets to their lead. Bob Cameron and Gary Harrington scored 49 out of 50 birds, while wheelchair shooter, Frank Kline, showed everyone how to overcome adversity as he posted a score of 48. Jim Johnson, Tom Gansowski and Joe Ary all kicked in with 47’s, while Darren Coffy broke 46 targets. Shaun Sullivan, Bob Krupski and Wayne Slosek rounded out the scoring that gave them a total of 461 out of 500 targets for the day. Fancy shooting indeed.

Fly tying classes cancelled

Readers may recall from my September 25 column that the Berkshire Hatchery Foundation was exploring the possibility of having free fly tying classes beginning on October 12 at the hatchery in Hartsville/New Marlborough. Unfortunately, there was not enough interest and the classes will not take place.

Air pistol team

The American Legion Post 125 is sponsoring an air pistol course at its post at American Legion Drive in North Adams. Designed for ages 10 to 18, it will run the 1^st, 3^rd and 4^th Thursdays of the month. Practice will actually take place at the post, thanks to a back drop built by students from McCann Tech. The American Legion helped in getting the equipment for the course. The course is billed as a way to develop positive life skills of responsibility, integrity and teamwork. It should help prepare the students for Olympic level competition. Instructors are Mary Angelo-Roberts, Pat Blackman and Tom Webb. For more information call Mary at (413)441-7624 or Pat at (413)441-1402.

Wildlife habitat improvement grants available

Posted on October 12, 2016 by Gene

Sporting clubs with an interest in wildlife habitat management may want to apply for grant funding from MassWildlife. The Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs has provided $300,000 for a habitat management grant program that will fund private and municipal efforts to manage conservation lands which benefit native wildlife and related recreation. The MassWildlife Habitat Management Grant Program is managed by the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife). In its second year, the program provides financial assistance to private and municipal landowners of conserved lands to improve and manage habitat for wildlife in greatest conservation need and for game species. The projects will also expand opportunities for hunting, fishing, trapping, and other outdoor recreation, and complement ongoing habitat management efforts on state lands.

Eligible applicants include owners of private or municipal conserved lands. Conserved land is defined as property protected in fee or by a Conservation Restriction, land enrolled in Chapter 61,61A/B, or has a current Landowner Incentive Program covenant. Examples of habitat management practices include: Mowing, brush hogging, heavy chipping, tree clearing, contract grazing, invasive species control, fencing for habitat protection, prescribed burning, woodland improvements, tree planting of species beneficial to wildlife, nest site structure, creation and installation, and more.

Applicants may apply to receive between $10,000 and $50,000 per grant towards their approved habitat management projects. State and federal lands are not eligible. For more information click onto mass.gov/dfw/habitat-grant. Applications must be postmarked by November 15,2016.

HVA improving riparian buffer

Eversource manages a transmission right-of-way in Hinsdale which crosses the Old Mill Trail and the East Branch of the Housatonic River, a state designated healthy cold water stream. The strip of land adjacent to the river under this transmission line will be the site of a restoration project to be coordinated by the HVA thanks to funding received from Eversource and the Central Berkshire Fund of the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation.

Eversource’s maintenance of vegetation under transmission lines is designed to keep vegetation from growing into the overhead electrical lines. Where transmission lines cross a river, this can greatly reduce the amount of river shading which is important for keeping stream temperatures cool. Cool temperatures are especially critical for native brook trout, whose population in recent years has declined considerably. The East Branch of the Housatonic River still has a healthy native brook trout population. When members of the Taconic Chapter of Trout Unlimited expressed concern to HVA about this stretch of river under the transmission line along the Old Mill Trail and its potential impact on the native brook trout habitat, HVA responded and drafted a restoration plan.

With permission from Eversource and the Hinsdale Conservation Commission and necessary funding, the process to create a much healthier riparian buffer has begun. This fall, invasive plants such as Japanese knotweed, barberry and multi-flora rose will be treated or removed. Later on selected native plants will be planted with assistance from Wahconah High School students.

This improved riparian buffer will provide shade, better stabilization of the river bank and also intercept surface runoff thereby trapping any sediment and pollutants before they enter the river. The leaf litter from the vegetation naturally deposited into the stream will provide food for many of the aquatic invertebrates which in turn will provide food for trout and other fish.

In cooperation with the new landowners, Berkshire Natural Resources Council, HVA will ensure future trail management includes manual removal of any woody seedlings that could interfere with the transmission lines. Manual maintenance of this stretch of vegetation under the transmission line could eliminate any need for future herbicide applications between the Old Mill Trail and the river’s edge. Over time, the improved riparian buffer and elimination of invasive species will enhance the wildlife habitat in and along the river. For more information about this restoration project, contact the HVA at 413-394-9796.

Unfortunate cancellation of Big MOE

The Massachusetts Outdoor Expo, (Big MOE), started out with a group of sportsmen and women who wanted to create an opportunity for kids to learn more about outdoor skills, wildlife and conservation. They approached the Hamilton Rod and Gun Club in Sturbridge to host the Expo, due to its central location and facilities. Shortly thereafter, members of the Outdoor Expo group approached FAWNS, (Facts About Wildlife & Nature Society), a non-profit group founded in 1998 to promote the connection of people to the outdoors. They were also interested in promoting educational experiences focusing on the outdoors and a partnership was formed with FAWNS being the organizing entity.

For 19 years the Big MOE continued to operate as a free family event. Its key function was to offer a first, safe, step into the outdoors guided by the certified instructors who oversaw the hands-on activity stations. It provided its participants with the tools to learn about and connect with the many education programs, sporting clubs, and other community pathways to learning more about outdoor activities. The event annually drew several thousand visitors and about 45 activity stations.

This year, with just a few days before the big event, they were unable to secure the necessary liability insurance to protect all involved. Even though it had a perfect, incident free record for the past 19 years, the insurance companies deemed the event a high risk. Consequently, the event, which was scheduled for last Sunday, had to be cancelled. As one organizer said, “Sadly, this is now a reflection of where our society is heading unless we all make an effort to change this attitude”.

Fortunately, they were able to get the word out about the cancellation in time and only 30 cars had to be turned away. People were disappointed but they weren’t angry.

FAWNS is determined to continue Big MOE next year.

Over 60,000 trout to be stocked statewide this fall

Posted on September 27, 2016 by Gene

In his most recent report to the Berkshire County League of Sportsmen, DFW Western District Manager Andrew Madden reported that fall trout stocking season should be beginning this week and be completed by the second week of October depending on water conditions. This fall more than 60,000 rainbow trout that are 12 inches or longer will be stocked in Massachusetts water bodies.

According to MassWildlife’s Chief of Hatcheries, Ken Simmons, the ongoing drought should not have a major impact on fall stocking even if it persists through the fall season. “Drought conditions will likely result in the curtailment of some river and stream stocking due to low flows but we do not anticipate there will be much of an impact on lake and pond stocking,” Simmons said. There are more than 90 lakes and ponds on the fall stocking list and only 14 rivers and streams. MassWildlife fisheries biologists will assess the condition of each waterbody before making a final decision about stocking.

The two rivers in our area that are usually stocked in the fall are the Deerfield River and the East Branch of the Westfield River. According to Madden, stocking in the Westfield River could be iffy unless water conditions greatly improve.

Simmons noted that the drought has made operations at MassWildlife’s five hatcheries more challenging but has not affected the number of fish available for this fall’s stocking. In fact the 60,000 rainbow trout that will be stocked is 10,000 more fish than the original fall goal.

As was the case with the 2016 spring season, anglers will be able to view daily stocking reports this fall by visiting Mass.gov/Trout. They can search for a specific waterbody or town using the sortable list, or explore new fishing spots by using the map feature.

Airboat crew banding waterfowl

During dark nights of late summer and early fall, MassWildlife biologists take to the marshes and rivers in an airboat to capture ducks for banding. This technique, called night-lighting, allows biologist to sample ducks all over the state. Unlike traditional bait trapping, which limits sampling to a few sites, night-lighting with the airboat allows biologists to capture ducks in the Berkshires one night, on the Cape the next night, and in Worcester County the night after that.

Ducks are placed into crates according to their size, then banded and released. Banding records are submitted to the Bird Banding Lab of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The data then become available to state and federal biologists who assess the status of waterfowl populations. It can also be used to monitor movements, wintering areas, and longevity of various species.

The airboat is used to navigate shallow marshes where ducks roost among vegetation at night. The loud noise generated by the 350 horsepower engine and the spotlights onboard confuse the ducks and allows biologist to get close enough to net them. Because of the noise, most sites are visited only once per season and boating rarely goes beyond 11 pm. Successful night-lighting requires a dark sky, so trips are shorter early in the season due to the late sunset. Moonlight is also a factor; airboat trips must be planned to avoid the brightest phases of the moon.

This year, some sampling sites may not be available due to the ongoing drought. While the airboat doesn’t need much water to get around, it needs some. Night-lighting concludes at the end of September but in the meantime, if you hear what sounds like an airplane stuck in a swamp, it just might be the MassWildlife airboat.

Boat safely

Paddlers in kayaks and canoes must wear life jackets from September 15 to May 15 every year. According to the Massachusetts Environmental Police, most boating fatalities in the Commonwealth result when boaters fail to wear life jackets while in small craft in cold water or cold weather. Waterfowl hunters using canoes or kayaks are reminded that this law also applies to them.

Youth Deer Hunt is October 1

It is not too late to get your child enrolled into the Youth Deer Hunt program. The Youth Deer Hunt Day provides young adults aged 12–17 with an opportunity to hunt deer with their own deer tags during a special single-day season that precedes the Commonwealth’s annual archery, shotgun, and muzzleloader seasons. Hunters are reminded that all shotgun deer season regulations apply on the Youth Deer Hunt day. Youth Deer Hunt Permits are free, but must be obtained at a license vendor or MassWildlife office. The permits and tags are only valid for the Youth Deer Hunt day and cannot be used in later seasons. All youth hunters and any accompanying adults must wear a minimum of 500 square inches of blaze orange on their chest, back, and head.

Whitetails Unlimited Banquet

The Berkshire County Chapter of Whitetails Unlimited will be holding a banquet on Saturday, October 1 at the Stockbridge Sportsmen’s Club, Route 102, in Stockbridge. Social hour begins at 5pm and buffet dinner at 6:30 pm. There will be games and raffles. For tickets or information, contact Keith O Neil at (413)717-1945 or buy online at www.whitetailsunlimited.com.

Free fly tying classes

The Berkshire Hatchery Foundation is exploring the possibility of conducting free fly tying classes at the Berkshire Hatchery in Hartsville/New Marlborough, MA. Depending on interest, it will be conducted on Wednesday evenings beginning October 12 at 6 pm. Initially, the class size will be limited to six. Tools and materials will be provided. If interested in enrolling or if you have questions contact Will Regan at willregan3@gmail.com or me at the below address. I will report in a future column if there is enough interest to hold the classes.

Black bear/early goose hunting seasons open this Tuesday.

Posted on September 27, 2016 by Gene

This Tuesday morning the first of three black bear hunting seasons begins. Hunters are reminded that last year there were some changes to the bear hunting seasons. The first season runs from Tuesday September 6 through Saturday, September 24. The second season runs from Monday, November 7 through Saturday, November 26. The third season takes place during shotgun deer hunting season, November 28 through December 10. The regulations are complicated when it comes to determining which hunting implement is legal in which season, so I have once again included a grid which was furnished by MassWildlife and may be of some help.

**Except on Wildlife Management Areas (WMA) stocked with pheasant or quail during the pheasant or quail season.

Hunters are still advised to review page 33 of the 2015 Fish & Wildlife Guide to find out how and when to report the harvest and other important information. Remember, a permit is required to hunt black bears.

Also on Tuesday, September 6, the Early Canada Goose hunting season opens statewide and runs through Friday, September 23. The bag limit is 7 and possession limit is 21. The hunting hours are from 1/2 hour before sunrise to sunset (except on WMAs stocked with pheasant or quail during the pheasant or quail seasons when hunting hours begin at sunrise and end at sunset).

They may be hunted with shotguns no larger than 10 gauge. Shotguns capable of holding more than 3 shells may not be used unless plugged with a one-piece filler.

Each waterfowl hunter 16 years or older must carry on his person a valid federal waterfowl stamp and each hunter 15 years or older must purchase a Massachusetts waterfowl stamp. Stamps are required for hunting ducks and geese but not for hunting woodcock. Non-toxic shot is required for all waterfowl hunting; no lead shot can be in your possession.

Migratory game bird hunters must complete an online Harvest Information Program (HIP) survey each calendar year. If you have not completed the HIP survey, visit a local license vendor, MassWildlife office, or go to www.mass.gov/massfishhunt to be sure you have completed the survey.

This year the Youth Waterfowl Hunt for youths aged 12 to15 takes place on Saturdays September 24 and October 8. Check the 2016-2017 Migratory Game Bird Regulations for all of the regulations dealing with the youth hunt.

Steak & Lobster dinner dance

The Lenox Sportsmen’s Club will be having a steak and lobster dinner dance on Saturday, September 17 at its clubhouse off of New Lenox Road, Lenox. Dinner will be at 6:00 p.m., followed by dancing to music provided by DJ Russ Davi. B.Y.O.B. The ticket cost is $25.00 pp and can be ordered by e-mailing the club at info@lenoxsportsmensclub.com

Their turkey Shoots are scheduled to start Sunday September 18 and will run every week until Sunday Nov 18.

Kids Fishing Derby

The Berkshire Hatchery Foundation is holding a free kid’s fishing derby at their lower pond in Hartsville next Saturday, from 9 to 10:30 AM.

Homer Ouellette

Recently, Homer Ouellette of Pittsfield passed beyond the river bend at age 90. He was an ardent fly fisherman, perch fisherman and deer hunter. I should mention from the start that the comments about Homer also apply to his older brother Paul Ouellette of Lanesborough, who still fishes with us. They were inseparable and when you saw one in an outdoor event, you saw the other.

Homer was a charter member of the Taconic Chapter of Trout Unlimited who eventually became its president and a director. He was an early recipient of Taconic TU’s highest award, the Crooked Staff Award. He was a volunteer in the Atlantic Salmon restoration program, stocking salmon fry in the Westfield River. He helped establish the Friends of the Williams River group by conducting river surveys. He was an excellent fly tyer and fisherman and helped teach it at BCC in the 1970’s/1980’s. In fact, that is where I first met him. He was such a cool and knowledgeable fly tyer/fisherman that I immediately joined TU because of him. I wanted to be just like him.

I treasure the memories of him flyfishing the Westfield River at Indian Hollow and those times when we flyfishermen sat around the evening campfire after a day of fishing. We, listened to the soft music which emanated from his harmonica and enjoyed his stories of flyfishing in the past. It was from him that I first heard the term “fishing beyond the river bend”, when a fly fisherman passed away.

He was also a member of the tongue-in-cheek organization known as Perch Unlimited or PU! While staying at their cottage in Vermont (the Owl’s Nest), they would often ice fish for perch on Lake Champlain and caught many of them. Homer did his share of deer hunting out of that camp, also. (You may recall a couple of articles that I wrote about that camp last fall.)

He was an excellent bowhunter and for many years taught the bowhunting course for the Mass DFW. He, along with his brother Paul, received the Berkshire County League of Sportsmen 1996 Lifetime Achievement Award. To quote the citation, “they have devoted countless hours to stream improvement, salmon fry stocking and bowhunting safety instruction courses. They have been instrumental in instructing thousands of archers in dozens of courses they have hosted as Bowhunting Education Instructors. Every sportsman can think of one or two people who helped spark their passion for the outdoors. Homer and Paul Ouellette have touched many sportsmen’s lives.”

A reminder that hunting seasons are coming up and the club is always looking for game for our dinners. If you want to donate your harvest, please contact the club at info@lenoxsportsmensclub.

MassWildlife wants to hear from young deer hunters

Posted on August 2, 2016 by Gene

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

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

They offer some article suggestions such as:

When did you first become interested in deer hunting and why?
Who was your hunting mentor and how did your mentor help you prepare for your hunt?

What does it mean to you to be a hunter?
Where did your hunt take place?
Did you scout the hunting area prior to your hunt?
Describe the day of your hunt.
If you harvested a deer, write about it, including field dressing it and dragging it out of the woods

You are encouraged to write about your hunt regardless of your deer harvest success,

The maximum word count is 1,500 words

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Basic Hunter Education Courses

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

Gun Safety Course

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

Steak & Lobster Bake

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

Challenging year for the Berkshire National Fish Hatchery

Posted on July 27, 2016 by Gene

The Berkshire National Fish Hatchery in Hartsville-New Marlborough, MA is celebrating its 100^th anniversary this year. Click onto its web page http://www.berksfish.com and click onto the Hatchery Timeline to follow its history from its beginning as a hatchery in 1916.

The hatchery actually shut down in 1994. In 1996, U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) initiated discussions with others to re-open it and in 1999, a Memorandum of Agreement between US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and the Western Massachusetts Center for Sustainable Aquaculture at Hampshire College was signed, paving the way for the facility to be re-opened. The Berkshire Hatchery Foundation formed and signed a formal agreement with the USFWS in 2006.

The Foundation’s mission is “To identify and deliver educational projects, raise funds, and work jointly with the USFWS to maintain, protect and improve fish populations, habitat, watersheds and ecosystems through increased public awareness, appreciation and understanding of the benefits of conservation of these important natural resources”. The Foundation works in cooperation with the USFWS to support research and development of fish species.

In March 2007, the Berkshire National Fish Hatchery was recognized in the nation’s capital as the only federal fish hatchery to be run completely by volunteer staff. George Emmons, LeRoy Thorpe, John Doelman, Phil Gunzinger and others were instrumental in establishing the Foundation. Emmons recently retired and the others have since passed beyond the river bend.

George Emmons served 20 years on the Berkshire Hatchery Foundation Board. He served as its chairman, treasurer and clerk ….simultaneously! He was instrumental in getting the Lobster Fest started, youth fishing derbies, scholarships, etc., established and supervised the Foundation’s day to day operations. He and his wife, Jan, have moved and settled on the South Shore in Mattapoisett to be near their children.

David Ziegler, of Monterey, was elected to serve as the new Chairman, replacing Emmons. He has served on its board for many years and has been heavily involved in set-up arrangements for the Lobster Fests, children’s fishing derbies, etc. Linda Thorpe, also of Monterey, was elected Treasurer/Clerk. She also has been a long time board member and strong supporter of the Foundation.

The on-site USFWS staff, Jeff Mosher and Tom Reeves, maintained the facilities in good condition and of course, spawned out and raised lake and brook trout. The lake trout which are raised in the Berkshire Hatchery play an important role in reestablishing/sustaining lake trout in the Great Lakes. The success ratio of spawned to hatched fish is phenomenal, and is a testimony to the superb water quality bubbling up on Hatchery property. The Hatchery has been raising primarily the Klondike strain of lake trout, but this year it will begin raising the Seneca strain of lake trout.

Over 17,000 brook trout were raised this year and Jeff Mosher has arranged and transported most of them to the 26 fishing clubs which conducted derbies open to the public. The Hatchery cannot solicit sale of fish but the Foundation can receive volunteer donations to help cover costs needed to produce the fish. The receipt of these donations enables it to provide two environmental scholarships to local students, periodically stock nearby rivers with brook trout and conduct outdoor and educational activities.

Mosher has taken on a new position in a USFWS hatchery in Wisconsin. Although the Board was saddened to learn of his departure, it was pleased to hear of his promotion and wish him, his wife Kirsten and their expected baby the very best. He will be missed. Clubs wishing to obtain brook trout from the hatchery in the future should contact USFWS staff member Tom Reeves.

During this past year, the Hatchery supplied the Micmac (North Eastern Native American 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 lb bounty to the elders of the tribe where they ceremoniously reminded their people of the heritage and diet habits of their ancestors.

The Hatchery Foundation will be sponsoring other events during the summer, including monthly fishing derbies, hosting summer camp and Cub Scout camping trips and Monterey Days activities so be sure to periodically check out its web page or Facebook page for details. The next kid’s derby will be on Saturday, August 20 at the lower pond.

With the departure of George Emmons and Jeff Mosher, this year will be a challenging year for the Board of the Hatchery Foundation. Added to that, the USFWS staff will be reduced to one person (Tom Reeves). Although challenged, the Board is committed to continue the above-mentioned successful programs. It could use a few good people to help out.

You might want to celebrate its 100th anniversary and attend its Lobster Fest on August 21 at the hatchery. Catered by The Other Brother Darryl’s seafood store, it will feature a beverage, raw clams and oysters, steamed clams, clam chowder, a lobster, corn on the cob, baked potato, etc. Cost is $65 per person. There will also be one or two guest speakers, to be named later.

Canoe introduction

On Wednesday, July 27 from 3 to 6 PM the Housatonic Valley Association will be conducting a free introduction to canoeing on a flat water stretch of the Housatonic River in South Lee. Canoes and equipment provided. Learn how to safely enter and exit a canoe, the basic strokes, appropriate attire and pre-trip preparation. Enjoy a short paddle upstream to enjoy beautiful views of Beartown State Forest. Families with children 6yrs+ welcome. Program support provided by Housatonic Heritage. Preregistration required. Call HVA at 413-394-9796 or email adixon@hvatoday.org.

Berkshire Outdoorsman

Hunting and fishing in the Berkshires, MA

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