Category Archives: News

Huge Brown Trout caught by local man out of Lake Ontario

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On the May 21-22 weekend  Eric Kozlowski of Cheshire,  his father, John, and two friends, Kevin Wojtkowski and Kyle Halverson went on a 2 day fishing trip to Lake Ontario.  They had chartered a boat, Trout One Charters, and were sailing out of Mexico Bay, NY.

On the second day of the trip, it was an overcast morning and the lake was “calm, like a pool table”, as John put it.   They were trolling in about 10 feet of water using a stickbait.   At around 6:10 AM, Eric hooked into what everyone thought was a king salmon, because of the fight and all the runs it took. Twenty minutes later, as the fish got closer and could be netted, it turned out to be a monster brown trout. It weighed 22 lbs 4 oz., was 32 inches long with a 25 1/2 inch girth.

It was a trout of a lifetime for Eric. Had he taken that fish during the Spring 2016 LOC Derby, (Lake Ontario Derby) he would have won it hands down, as the largest brown recorded in that prestigious derby weighed 16 lbs 2 oz.   He intends to have the fish mounted.

John charters Trout One every year. On this trip, the group caught 6 brown and 15 lake trout,  with most of them being released.

Up until recently, Trout One Charters was owned and operated by Jim Carpenter, of Adams, MA who chartered on Lake Ontario for many years.

 

Bryan Kopala is an avid outdoorsman who has been fishing on Lake Ontario since he was 12 years old. His love of the lake inspired him to take a position as the first mate on Trout One in 1995 working alongside his mentor and friend Jim Carpenter. In 2000 he became a licensed charter captain through the United States Coast Guard.  He recently bought the business from Carpenter.

Since 1995, Trout One has won several trout/salmon team tournaments including the 2006 and 2011 Oswego County Pro-Am, and the 2007, 2009, and 2013 Little Salmon River Challenge. In addition, Trout One clients have won 1st place in the 2012 Fall LOC Derby salmon division, 3rd place in 2015 Fall LOC Derby salmon division, and 2nd place in the 2007 Fall LOC Derby brown trout division.

 

Congratulations to the Buckshots

The Buckshots, the Lee Sportsmen’s Association youth shooting team, recently brought home medals from the Baystate Games.   Greer Hines placed first and Ben Haddad placed third in their respective Divisions in Double Trap Shooting.  In addition, both also placed third in 16 yard Singles Trap with Hines scoring 83 and Haddad scoring 89. As a result of these wins, they have qualified for the State Games of America to be held in 2017 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Congratulations to them, their teammates Brian DuBois and Alex Kusick and Coach Karl Hines.

 

Paddling the Housatonic River

On Tuesday, July 19, from 3PM to 6PM, the Housatonic Valley Association is leading a 6 mile paddle trip along the Housatonic River through Lee to South Lee. Some paddling experience is preferred as there are sections of quick water and downed trees to negotiate.  Participants can reserve a canoe or register to bring their own canoe/kayak. The cost is $20/ adult (nonmember) or $15/adult (member) or family rate $35 (nonmember families) and $25 (member families.) Preregistration required.  Call HVA at 413-394-9796 or email adixon@hvatoday.org. Program support provided by Housatonic Heritage.

Jack Silvernale

Jack Silvernale, from Millerton, NY is an esteemed member of the Berkshire Beagle Club as well as a highly respected field trial judge known throughout the Northeast.  Jack has judged at least 200 Field trials from Michigan to Maine and as far South as Virginia, and most points in between.  He has acted as Field Trial Chairman at the Berkshire Beagle Club for several years.  His own dogs have won many field championships.

 

Well, recently Jack took a terrible fall at work when scaffolding fell from underneath him at work, 20 feet to the ground.  He was transported to Hartford hospital by LifestarHe was transported to Hartford hospital by LifestarHe was transported to Hartford hospital by LifestarHe was transferred to Hartford Hospital by LifeStar.  In the fall he sustained serious injuries to his ribs, collar bone, neck and back.  He went through surgery on his back and they fused bones in his neck, and put two plates and over 100 pins in his back.  They had Jack up and walking (not very much) but he was happy he was able to just wash his hands.

 

Unfortunately, Jack does not have health insurance and won’t be able to return to work for some time. .  A gofundme (official site for raising funds) has been set up for Jack’s medical bills at https://www.gofundme.com/29kxwxq4.  Any help would be greatly appreciated by Jack and his family.

New water pipeline planned for McLaughlin Fish Hatchery

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On June 24, Governor Charlie Baker and Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Matthew Beaton joined anglers and state and local officials at the McLaughlin Trout Hatchery in Belchertown, MA for a groundbreaking ceremony to celebrate the construction of a nearly mile-long water pipeline and hydropower turbine that will supply six million gallons of water daily to the hatchery, produce renewable energy, and reduce the hatchery’s electric demand.

The McLaughlin Hatchery is located near the Swift River and is the largest of five MassWildlife trout hatcheries.  It is responsible for half of the state’s entire annual trout production, (approximately 225,000 pounds) with a “retail value” exceeding $2 million. The hatchery operation includes an egg-hatching and fry-rearing facility producing nearly 750,000 fry (very young fish) which are then distributed to the other state hatcheries to grow large enough to stock. A staff fish pathologist monitors fish health and water quality for this and the other hatcheries to ensure high quality fish production.  Fish raised at the McLaughlin Hatchery are stocked in nearly 500 rivers, streams, lakes, and ponds throughout Massachusetts.

According to MassWildlife, water for the hatchery is currently pumped uphill from the Swift River to the hatchery resulting in annual electricity costs of approximately $60,000.00. Leaves, snow, ice, and other debris from the river can block the intake screens, and impede water flow to the pumps. If the water flow is blocked, the pumps automatically shut down to prevent damage and hatchery staff must respond within minutes to prevent disruption to hatchery operations.

During the summer when the Quabbin Reservoir discharges surface water into the Swift River, water temperatures can exceed 72oF creating potential problems for the hatchery including fish mortality, disease, and parasite outbreaks. Warm water temperatures lead to decreased dissolved oxygen levels and increased stress for the fish resulting in lower fish growth rates. Administratively, decreased dissolved oxygen levels and warm water temperatures trigger water quality discharge permit concerns.

The new pipeline project will tap water from the Chicopee Valley Aqueduct and provide the McLaughlin Hatchery with a reliable, gravity-fed source of cold water, eliminating the environmental/biological risks associated with the water withdrawal from the Swift River. The result is an energy cost savings of $60,000.00 per year. The project also includes installation of a hydropower turbine on the pipeline. The Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) has received a grant to fully cover the cost of the hydropower unit which will generate almost $53,000.00 in annual revenue for the MWRA. According to MassWildlife, this project is a win – win scenario for the MWRA, the hatchery, and the Commonwealth.

The estimated completion cost, including construction, is $4.4 million with an estimated completion date of the end of 2016 or early 2017.

Mountain Trail Upgrades

By now, you probably know about the proposed mountain trail upgrades on Pittsfield State Forest and October Mountain State Forest which were recently proposed by the DCR.  Reporter Dick Lindsay did an excellent article about them in the Wednesday, July 6, 2006 issue of the Berkshire Eagle “DCR reveals plans for trail upgrades” and there is little I can add.

 

I should emphasis that the DCR is serious about closing, blocking or naturalizing certain illegal off road vehicle trails.  They intend to monitor them and immediately close any re-opened trails or new trails.    They intend to install wildlife cameras and engage DCR Rangers and Environmental Police in sting operations.  They are especially concerned with the illegal trails in the Sykes Mountain area of October Mountain State Forest, north of New Lenox Road.  A word to the wise, they can also follow those illegal trails to their origination points.

 

They intend to enhance public information, education and signage to raise awareness of illegal trail issues and impacts    However; they will work cooperatively with willing stakeholders to create new approved connections, maintain legal trails and monitor trail networks.

 

The draft plan and accompanying maps are available for viewing on the DCR websight.  A hard copy is available for review at the DCR West Regional Headquarters on South Street in Pittsfield, MA.  Public comments on the draft plan will be received until August 1 online or by writing to the DCR.

 

Quabbin Controlled Deer Hunt

Applications for the 2016 Quabbin Controlled Deer Hunt are now available at the DCR deer hunt web page (www.mass.gov/dcr/deerhunt).  Completed applications must be submitted by August 15 to be eligible for the lottery drawing in September. Beginning this year, all applications must be submitted online and there is no longer an application fee.

Applicants can use any computer with internet access, including those at public libraries, to complete the application form. During the application period, staff at the Quabbin Visitor Center (485 Ware Road, Belchertown) will be available to assist hunters with the online application on Saturdays from 9:00 A.M. to noon and Wednesdays from noon to 3:00 P.M.

The 2016 controlled hunt will occur during the state shotgun season in the Pelham, New Salem, Petersham and Prescott sections of the Quabbin Reservation. Applicants may apply in groups with a minimum of two hunters up to a maximum of six hunters on each application. On September 7, approximately 1,100 permits will be drawn based upon hunter’s license numbers and successful applicants will receive written notification from the DCR by early October. For more information, call the Quabbin Visitor Center at (413) 323-7221.

Truckload of goodies raffle winners

Karen Kruszyna, spokesperson for the Cheshire Rod & Gun Club recently announced the winners of its Summer Sizzler Raffle. They are:  First Prize winner of the whole truckload – Angela Swistak of Cheshire, 2nd Prize winner was Missie Baker of Hancock, 3rd Prize – Rick Moffett of Adams, 4th Prize – Carol Daniels of Cheshire and 5th Prize –Ashley Yarmey of Hinsdale.

Mountain trail plans to be discussed

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The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) will be holding a Public Meeting on the Draft Trail Plans for the Pittsfield and October Mountain State Forests on Wednesday, June 29, 2016 from 6:30 to7:30 PM at the DCR West Region Headquarters at 740 South Street, Pittsfield, MA.

 

It will be presenting an overview of the Draft Trail Plan’s contents and recommendations, and inviting public comments. The plan and accompanying maps are available for viewing on the DCR website at http://www.mass.gov/eea/agencies/dcr/public-outreach/public-meetings/. It will also be available for review at the DCR West Region Headquarters on South Street and the DCR Planning Office at 136 Damon Road, Northampton, during business hours, beginning on June 30.

 

Public comments on the plan may be submitted to DCR until August 1, 2016, either online at http://www.mass.gov/eea/agencies/dcr/public-outreach/submit-public-comments/ or by writing to the Department of Conservation and Recreation, Office of Public Outreach, 251 Causeway Street, 6th Floor, Boston, MA 02114.

 

If you frequent these mountains, I recommend that you allow yourself some time to review this plan.  It is 54 pages long, not including the 4 pages of maps.  Take the time to read and digest it. For me, reading about 10 pages a day and writing notes or comments works.    Quite frankly, I am impressed with the work and thought that went into it and it certainly deserves our serious consideration.

 

Youth Outreach Fishing Derby

The Berkshire County League of Sportsmen, with the help from members of the Cheshire Rod  & Gun Club, Adams Outdoor for Youth and others held its Youth Outreach Fishing Derby at Reynolds Pond in Cheshire earlier this month. This year they hosted 25 kids from the “State Street T” group from North Adams.

 

They got to enjoy the fishing experience with local sportsmen helping them bait their hooks, cast lines, catch fish and clean them if they wanted to bring them home to eat. While at the derby, they all had a tasty lunch and later went home with new fishing outfits and great memories.

 

Thanks to Karen Kruszyna of Cheshire for providing the picture of the young lady angler.  It is one of my favorite fishing pictures.

 

Youth Rifle League

The Stockbridge Sportsman’s Club Youth Rifle league will run from July 6 to August 24 on Wednesday nights from 5:00 to 7:00 PM.  Registration will be on July 6 in the banquet hall at the club at 5:00 PM.   This will also be the first night of the league. The cost is $40 per child and they will need their own eye and ear protection. Children do not need to be members of the club in order to join the league. Applications can be found on club website at stockbridgesportmansclub.org.

 

State record lake trout follow-up

I received quite a few comments after last week’s article regarding the record lake trout which was caught out of Quabbin Reservoir recently.  Readers may recall that it weighed 25 lbs 7 oz.  Please allow me to address some of them here:

 

Why no picture of the fish?   Well there appears to have been only one picture taken of the fish with the successful angler William Roy of Palmer, MA.  I forwarded it to the Eagle with the write-up, but unfortunately, the quality was not good (grainy) and the Eagle could not use it.  To see a picture of that fish, click onto the MassWildlife page on Facebook and scroll down to around June 8.    If you are willing to wait to see a better picture of it, I think it will be detailed in MassWildlife’s July newsletter.

 

What was the previous Massachusetts record lake trout?  It weighed 24 lbs 0 oz caught out of Wachusett Reservoir by Michael Sienkiewicz in 2004.

 

Did Roy really catch the fish in 10 feet of water?  No, I worded that wrong.  Roy was trolling the lure at a depth of 10 feet below the surface.  Quabbin Reservoir averages over 50 feet in depth and I’m sure he was trolling in deeper water.  If he was trolling his lure in 10 feet of water, he would have been hooking up on the bottom all day long.

 

How old was that fish?  That’s difficult to say.  It depends on the lake that they live in.  In some lakes like the Great Lakes they grow faster because of the abundance of food fish.  Lake trout on bigger lakes have been reported to reach nearly 70 years of age, although 10-20 is more typical for fish that reach maturity.  Only on larger lakes do lake trout even break the 50-pound barrier and grow bigger than 3.5 feet.  The biggest recorded lake trout weighed 102 pounds and was caught in a gill net on Lake Athabasca, Saskatchewan.

 

Scientists usually gauge the age of fish by the rings on their scales. But since lake trout have small scales, they may have been underestimating their ages for many years. Today experts use the otoliths (inner ear bones) and sections of their fin rays to age lake trout.

 

Thank you for bringing the errors and omissions to my attention.

Bateman derby nets $5,000 for Jimmy Fund

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According to Steve Bateman, organizer of the 23rd annual Harry A. Bateman Memorial Jimmy Fund Fishing Derby, over 220 anglers registered for the event on Saturday, June 4 at the Onota Lake pavilion.  Thanks to them and the numerous sponsors, the derby realized its $5000 goal.    This derby has county-wide support with many sponsors digging deep into their pockets, possibly because so many people’s lives are touched by cancer these days. The weather that day couldn’t be nicer nor the food tastier. Here are the derby winners:

Children’s Heaviest Game Fish Category: 1st Place:  Jason Sweetser – rainbow trout – 2 lbs 5 oz, 2nd Place: Rebecca Stimpson – rainbow trout – 2 lbs 2 oz, 3rd Place:  Rose Proper – rainbow trout 2 lbs 2 oz.

Children’s Heaviest Non-Game Fish Category:  1st Place: Brody Baumgartner – white perch – 9 oz, 2nd Place: Marissa Wendling – bullhead – 9 oz, 3rd Place: Brandon Barde – pumpkinseed – 7 oz.

 

Adult Heaviest Game Fish Category:  1st Place: Alex Kent – Largemouth bass – 3 lbs 8 oz, 2nd Place: Steven Fones Sr. – Largemouth bass – 3 lbs 7 oz, 3rd Place Martin Farrell – Rainbow trout 2 lbs 7 oz.

 

Special Heaviest Fish:  Bass – Tim Lambert largemouth bass 3 lbs 9 oz, Perch/Crappie – Shaun Hereforth  – crappie 1 lb 3 oz, Carp – Matt Clark 11 lbs 1 oz common carp, Trout (adult) – Dave Christman – rainbow trout 2 lbs 10 oz, Trout (child) – Dylan Lambert – rainbow trout 2 lbs 6 oz.

The Sportsman Award, won by 13 year old Angel Sayers, was well deserved. According to Steve Bateman, she was out there all day fishing sometimes over her waist in water.

Dylan Lambert was the winner of the award dedicated in memory of Chris Porter,   Alex Kent was the winner of the award dedicated in memory of John and Thelma Drury.   All passed away in the last year or so.  Six kids won bicycles that day.

 

Report Wild Turkey Sightings Sportsmen and women, birders, landowners, and other wildlife enthusiasts are encouraged to assist with the annual Wild Turkey Brood Survey. MassWildlife conducts a survey from June through August each year to evaluate turkey brood numbers. “The brood survey serves as a long-term index of reproduction,” explains Dave Scarpitti, Turkey Project Leader. “It helps us determine productivity and allows us to compare long-term reproductive success, while providing some estimation of fall harvest potential.”   Turkey nesting success can vary annually in response to weather conditions, predator populations, and habitat characteristics.

 

New this year, they are asking people to record observations of male turkeys, so be sure to count all jakes and tom turkeys that are seen.  Scarpitti also points out that citizen involvement in this survey is a cost-effective means of gathering useful data, and he encourages all interested people to participate.  A new turkey brood survey form is posted on the agency website. You are encouraged to look carefully when counting turkey broods as the very small poults may be difficult to see in tall grass or brush. Multiple sightings of the same brood can also be noted.

 

The survey period runs from June 1 – August 31. Completed forms should to be mailed to: Brood Survey, DFW Field Headquarters, 1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough, MA 01581.

 

New Bowhunting/Archery Workshops

Here in the Berkshires, there has been a need for bowhunting instructors for some time.  Well, MassWildlife is introducing two new archery programs: Explore Archery and Explore Bowhunting.   Educators from town recreation centers, school groups, 4-H, scouting groups, and other community groups looking to provide a new learning opportunity might consider implementing one, or both, of these new programs.

Explore Bowhunting is designed to help instructors teach outdoor skills to students age 11 and older. Using 23 versatile lessons and hands-on activities, students gain confidence interacting with the environment and strengthen their appreciation for wildlife and the woods. MassWildlife trains and certifies instructors and offers all Explore Bowhunting equipment for loan free of charge.

Explore Archery is an international style target shooting program that promotes a lifelong interest in the sport of archery to participants of all ages. Again, MassWildlife trains educators and allows them to borrow equipment free of charge. This allows any certified instructor the ability to create an archery program in their area.

Both programs have a mandatory training course and one can attend either training workshop or both. The local workshop will be held at MassWildlife Western District Office, 88 Old Windsor Road, Dalton on July 18.   The Explore Bowhunting workshop will start at 8:00 am and run until 1:00 pm.  The Explore Archery course will run from 1:00 to 4:00 pm.

For more information about these workshops, check out the MassWildlife Explore Bowhunting and Explore Archery pages.

Encroachment

Are you encroaching on DFW’s Wildlife Management Areas?  If you are, better look out.  They have new tools for spotting encroachment and other illegal activity.  Using aerial photography, GIS surveys and official survey plan anchor points they can see exactly where their boundary lines are.  If you have a shed on their property or are mowing parts of it, etc., they will know and may come knocking at your door.

 

Don’t rely on obtaining ownership through adverse possession.   According to the DFW legal department, there is no adverse possession with state property.

MA Fish & Wildlife Board gets status update on deer

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Bow Hunting Course

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

 

Spring Trout Stocking

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

Jimmy Fund Derby coming up next weekend

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The 24th Annual Harry A. Bateman Memorial Jimmy Fund Fishing Derby will take place on Saturday, June 4, at the Frank Controy Pavilion at Onota Lake in Pittsfield from 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM. No fishing license is required because it is Free Fishing Weekend for the state of Massachusetts.

 

The derby’s purpose is to raise money for the Jimmy Fund – Dana Farber Cancer Institute For Children.  All of the proceeds will be donated to the Jimmy Fund in memory of Harry A. Bateman a former member of Central Berkshire Bowman and I.U.E. Local 255 who was well known throughout Berkshire County and who became a victim of cancer in 1992.

 

Many trophies and prizes will be given out to the adult and youth winners of the fishing derby.   There is even a special category for those fishing with a bow & arrow. All fish must be weighed in at 12:00 PM and can be caught at Onota Lake from boat or shore. Fishing tackle is given with the trophy prizes and 2 prizes for heaviest trout.  A sportsman award is given out to a child which includes a tackle box with over $100 of tackle.

 

Fee is $10 for adults and $5 for children 14 years old and younger and it includes food and beverages. No alcohol is served at this event. All children receive a free gift and they get a chance at winning a mountain bike. The carp shoot is part of the fishing derby because that was something that Harry enjoyed.   Advanced tickets may be purchased at Avid Sports, Dave’s Sporting Goods, Maces Marine and Onota Boat Livery.

 

Readers may recall that the derby organizer, Stephen Bateman recently received the Berkshire County League of Sportsmen’s Lifetime Achievement Award for organizing and running this derby.  It has raised over $25,000 for the Jimmy Fund over the years.

 

Family Fun Day

Also next Saturday, from 10 AM to 4 PM, Mass Audubon at Pleasant Valley welcomes all to its Family Fun Day, its annual day of fun and learning for people of all ages.  There will be live animal demonstrations, music, guided nature walks and talks and hands-on crafts activities, displays and more.  The event is free but food will be available for purchase.

 

There will be kids’ crafts and educational exhibits by Berkshire Environmental Action Team, Housatonic Valley Association, Flying Deer, and Northern Berkshire Beekeepers Association.  At 10:30 AM and 12:15 PM there will be a puppet show “The Twig Family in the Oak Tree; at 11:30 AM a family concert by George Wilson; at 1:30 PM “Birds of Prey” Live Raptor Show and at 3:00 PM Tom Tyning’s “Turtles are Terrific!”

 

MassWildlife’s Anniversary Open House

MassWildlife has been conserving fish and wildlife since 1866.  You are invited to join them in celebrating its 150th anniversary at an open house also next Saturday from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM at its Field Headquarters at 1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough, MA.  There you can experience the breadth of agency programs through interactive displays, demonstrations, and guided walks. This event is family oriented and will feature live animals, guided nature walks, interactive fish and wildlife displays, crafts, and hands-on activities like archery, casting, and simulated target shooting.  Governor Baker plans to be there. Visit www.mass.gov/masswildlife150 to see all anniversary events and information.

 

Lots of things going on next Saturday.  Good excuse to get away from the yard work.

 

Fishing Derby Winners

According to Stockbridge Sportsmen’s Club spokesman Tim Minkler, 78 anglers participated in its fishing derby which was held on May 22 at Stockbridge Bowl.  It was a nice day to fish with a little bit of everything – sprinkles, clouds, sun and then it warmed up at the end to around 60 degrees.  Here are the results:  Largest Trout – Colin Mackie of Becket, 3 lb, 13oz, 20 inch brown trout;  Largest Bass –   Bob Felix of North Adams,  4 lb, 7oz, 19 inches; Largest Pickerel –  Mike Soncini, of Housatonic, 4 lb, 14oz, 27 inches and Largest Bullhead –  Seth Slemp, 1 lb, 3oz, 14”.  Wow!  What great fish!

 

The Age 12 and Under Winners: Largest Pickerel:  First – 12 year old Chris Jordan, Great. Barrington, 1 lb 15oz, 20 ½ inches; Second – 7 year old Mitchell Keenan, Lee, 1 lb, 16 ¼ inches;   Third – 10 year old Collin Parker, West Stockbridge, 14 oz. 16 inches, Largest Bullhead –  Dylan Trumps, Lee, 15 oz, 12 ½ inches; and Largest Rock Bass –  Collin Parker 6 oz, 8 ½ inches.

 

Trout Stockings

The following waters were stocked with trout last week:  Westfield River in Huntington, Chester, Middlefield and Worthington; Littleville Lake in Huntington, Deerfield River in Buckland, Charlemont and Florida, Goose Pond and Laurel Lake.

 

Memorial Day

Last weekend my wife Jan and I were camping at Indian Hollow along the East Branch of the Westfield River in Chesterfield, MA.  The Massachusetts/Rhode Island Council of Trout Unlimited (TU) rented the camping area for the weekend and delegates from all of the  TU chapters were there to conduct business and do a little flyfishing.   Next to our campsite was a group of about 30 men who were part of the Project Healing Waters program.  Some were war veterans who were down on their luck and some were their mentors.

 

I had hoped to write about this group during this Memorial Day weekend, but as you can see, there were a lot of time-sensitive articles which had to get into this week’s column.  I hope to write about the veterans in an upcoming column.  Please remember them and their fallen comrades this weekend.

 

 

 

 

Students release 500 trout into Windsor Lake

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Last Friday the Berkshire County League of Sportsmen sponsored an elementary school trout stocking day at Windsor Lake in North Adams.  The participants included all of the 4th graders in North Adams including students from the Greylock, Brayton and Cole Avenue grammar schools.    MA Division of Fisheries & Wildlife Western (DFW) District Manager Andrew Madden and staff brought 500 beautiful, frisky rainbow trout to be liberated.

 

DFW staff netted a few trout at a time from the hatchery truck tank, placed them into 5 empty gallon buckets and one or two kids ran the buckets to the lake’s edge and tossed the fish out of the pails into the water.  Lofting those fish from a pail can be tricky and sometimes the fish, pail and everything went flying into the waters, as evidenced by the picture.   Some also landed on the ground, but DFW staff immediately picked them up and tossed them into the water unharmed. The kids did a great job and all 500 of the fish were released – shook up, but unharmed.  Even some teachers got into the act by running the buckets of fish to waterfront and releasing them, too.

 

In addition to DFW personnel, there were representatives from the County League, Adams Outdoor for Youth, Cheshire Rod & Gun Club, DCR, MA Angler’s Education, and others.  Environmental Police Officer Terry Davis was there to ensure that no anglers caught any of the fish in front of the kids while they were stocking.  After the stocking, the kids ate their lunches in the pavilion building

 

What a great day for the kids.  What better way for them to spend a school day connecting with nature, especially following a grueling week of exams.

 

Youth Turkey Hunt follow-up

Here are the names of the last week’s successful youth turkey hunters who were sponsored by the Lee Sportsmen’s Association:  Matt Fletcher, Curt Wilton III, Devon Atwell, Sam Harding, Kade Groeber and Miles Houle.

 

Incidentally, according to Astrid Huseby, who heads up this program for the DFW, 73 toms were checked in online statewide.  That doesn’t include any birds checked in at any physical check stations.  Congratulations to all the youth turkey hunters, the clubs that sponsored the programs and to the mentors.

 

Trout stockings

The following waters were scheduled to be stocked with trout last week:  Westfield River in Becket, Chester, Huntington, and Middlefield; Deerfield River in Buckland, Charlemont and Florida; Green River in Alford and Great Barrington, Farmington River in Otis and Sandisfield, Housatonic River in Lee (C/R) and Pittsfield (S/W), Green River in Williamstown, Hemlock Brook in Williamstown, Dry Brook and South Brook in Cheshire, Wahconah Falls Brook in Dalton, Town Brook in Lanesborough, Ashfield Pond, Greenwater Pond, Pontoosuc Lake, Laurel Lake, Lake Buel, Garfield Lake, Otis Reservoir, Richmond Pond Stockbridge Bowl and Windsor Pond.

 

Fishing Derbies

The Berkshire Hatchery Foundation in Hartsville-New Marlborough is having a free children’s fishing derby next Saturday, May 14  from 9 to 10:30am at its lower pond.  Children aged 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

 

The Onota Fishing Club is having a Trout Derby at the Controy Pavilion at Burbank Park on Onota Lake next Sunday, May 15, from 6am to 1pm.  The entrance fee is $10 with kids 12 years and under free.  There will be a 50/50 raffle, prizes for kids, and a cash prize for the biggest fish.  A fish fry will follow which is included with the paid entry, including hot dogs and hamburgers.  The cost is $10 for non entry.

 

Wildlife Walk

Next Saturday, May 14, there will be a Western Mass Woodlands for Wildlife Walk at Haskell Farm in Peru, MA.  You are invited to join MassWildlife’s Habitat Biologist, Marianne Piché, and others for an easy field walk and discussion to highlight forestry and habitat management work done on the Haskell Farm. You will be able to hear songbirds as you tour young forests and grasslands that provide critical food and shelter for birds and other wildlife. Mass Audubon, MA DCR’s Service Forester, and Steve Hayes consulting forester will be on hand to share information about why certain wildlife species are declining, forest management practices that enhance wildlife habitat, and new cost share programs available to help you manage your woods for wildlife. Free and open to all, pre-registration is requested.  Call (413)625-9151 or email melissa@masswoodlands.com for more information, directions, or to register.

 

Bass Information

Tournament bass fishermen can help MassWildlife collect information on trophy bass by submitting bass creel survey forms.  Data such as how long it takes to catch a bass, average weight and the number of trophy bass landed allows biologists to track trends in individual waters.  A copy of the data you submit will be sent to your e-mail address. If you prefer to report your Creel Survey in paper format and mail or fax it to the DFW Field Headquarters address on the bottom of the form.

 

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

 

 

Young turkey hunters experience mild weather, successful hunts

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Along with their mentors, youths took to the woods in the wee morning hours last Saturday morning taking advantage of the special Youth Turkey Hunting day.   The early morning weather couldn’t have been better and lots of gobblers were seen by most. Rick Gale was responsible for teaching the class and organizing the hunts for the Cheshire Rod & Gun Club.   Eleven kids participated with five of them bagging gobblers.   Three others had shot opportunities but didn’t connect.  Successful hunters were 13 year old Grace Krzanik who was mentored by her father Scott.  This was her 3rd season hunting and 1st tom.  She took it at 23 yards and it weighed 19 lbs.  14 year old Bryant Martin, who was mentored by Bill Adelt,  took a 20 lb 12oz tom at 30 yards.  Both were one shot kills. Other successful hunters were Mia Gale, Lucas Jamros and Paolo Kareh, but they did not return to the club after their hunt. At the Stockbridge Sportsmen’s Club, spokesman Mike Buffoni reported that 18 youths went out and 6 of them got gobblers.  All of them saw plenty of turkeys and had a great day.  The largest tom, weighing in at 21 lbs, was taken by Matthew Fletcher of Lenox.   (Sorry, I was unable to get the names of the other successful hunters.)  Buffoni reported that there were a lot of big toms around this year due to the non-existent winter.

At the Lee Sportsmen’s Association, spokesman Matt Ranzoni reported that 6 youths participated and three of them were successful.  The lucky hunters were Owen Bush, Hunter Briggs and Donovan Caccomo.  (Donovan came all the way from Milton, NY to participate.)  All three birds were jakes.  The other hunters also came close to bagging their birds.   It is interesting to note that some of this year’s mentors participated in the Youth Turkey Hunt when they were kids and they are now passing on their knowledge to younger hunters.  Such was the case with Sam Polastri.  He was mentored by his dad John and now that he has turned 18, he was mentoring his younger friend Matt LeProvost this year.

After the hunts, each club provided tasty lunches.  Incidentally, the regular spring turkey hunting season opened the following Monday and runs until May 21.  Turkey hunting is one of the most dangerous types of hunting.  Unfortunately, we had an accidental shooting last week in Williamstown.  If you have youngsters interested in taking up this sport, I strongly urge that you to get them enrolled into next year’s Youth Turkey Hunt program. If you plan  to be a mentor, you might listen in yourself.  Check out the MassWildlife web site to find out which local clubs are involved, how the program works and how to enroll. izes are given away to the winners of the fishing derby 8 trophies for the Children 4 trophies for Adults & 3 trophies that can be won by adults or children, there is even a special category for those fishing with a bow & arrow. All fish must be weighed in at 12:00 p.m. and can be caught at Onota Lake from a boat or the shore. * SCALE WILL BE REMOVED IMMEDIATELY AFTER 12:00 Pm. * Fishing tackle is given with the trophy prizes & 2 prizes for heaviest trout. A sportsman award is given out to a child which includes a tackle box with over $100 of tackle. Fee is $10 Adults $5 for Children 14 years old and younger. Fee includes Food & Beverages. All children receive a free gift and a children 5-14 years old a chance at winning a Mountain Bike boys girls. The carp shoot is part of the Fishing derby because that was something that Harry enjoyed. Food and beverages are provided to all entrants. Hamburg’s hotdogs, coffee, doughnuts, soda. No alcohol is served at this event. Advanced tickets may be purchased at Avid Sports, Dave’s Sporting Goods, Maces Marine & Onota Boat Livery. Everyone still needs to register before all fish can be weighed in

Trout stockings

The following waters were scheduled to be stocked with trout last week:  Westfield River in Chester, Chesterfield, Huntington, Middlefield, Russell, and Worthington; Housatonic River in Hinsdale and Dalton, Hop Brook in Tyringham and Lee, Pelham Brook in Charlemont and Rowe, Sackett Brook in Dalton and Pittsfield, Farmington River in Otis and Sandisfield, Hudson Brook in Clarksburg, Kinderhook Creek in Hancock, Bennett Brook in Hinsdale, Yokun Brook in Lenox, Dunbar Brook in Monroe, Trout Brook in Peru, Windsor and Westfield Brooks in Windsor, Norwich Pond and Littleville Lake in Huntington, Goose Pond, Windsor Lake in North Adams, Big Pond in Otis, Onota Lake, Pelham Lake in Rowe, and Stockbridge Bowl.

 

Pistol shooting

The Lee Sportsmen’s Association will stage a steel fun match at the club on Thursday, May 5, starting at 5:30 pm.  Rim fire and center fire pistols only, 9mm to .45. No Magnums. Steel is 5 consecutive rounds, so it works best if you have 5 magazines that you can change one right after another.  But if you don’t, they can accommodate by having a person reload.  Match cost is $7.

 

Also at the Lee club, the International Defensive Pistol Association (IDPA) is having a mandatory orientation for new shooters on May 7 at 10am prior to its scheduled match.  The match cost is $15, with sign-up by 12pm.  There will be a safety briefing at 12:45pm.  First shot at 1pm.  Cold Range Rules apply, six stages, bring 150 rounds.  There will be a classifier after the Match for an additional cost of $15.00.   For more information on both of the above events, contact Shawn Sullivan at ssullee@icloud.com.

Ducks Unlimited Banquet

The Berkshire Chapter of Ducks Unlimited will be having its annual banquet at the Stockbridge Sportsmen’s Club on Saturday, May 14 from 5 to 9 PM.  There will be general raffle prizes, a silent and live auction.   Proceeds will be used to support wetlands conservation.   Tickets cost $40 and can be obtained from Joe Delsoldato at 413-717-0983 or from JP Murphy at 413-822-3915 or from Dave’s Sporting Goods in Pittsfield.

 

Special events planned for HVA’s 75th anniversary

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Earlier this year, I mentioned in this column that there were some important anniversaries being celebrated this year. The Division of Fish & Wildlife is celebrating its 150th and the Berkshire National Fish Hatchery is celebrating its 100th..   There will be more to come on them in future columns.  Well, there is another big celebration being celebrated this year and that is the Housatonic Valley Association’s (HVA) 75th anniversary.

HVA is dedicated to protecting the entire Housatonic River Watershed which includes 2,000 square miles of land stretching from western Massachusetts through western Connecticut and eastern New York to Long Island Sound. HVA monitors water quality throughout the watershed, conducts educational programs, works to link preserved space with the Housatonic River Greenway of hiking and biking trails and uses computer mapping to help towns measure the impact and benefits of land use and development. HVA’s offices are in Cornwall Bridge, Connecticut; South Lee, Massachusetts; and Wassaic, New York.

In celebration, HVA is organizing a 10-day, 149-mile, Source to Sound Housatonic River adventure starting at Muddy Pond in Washington, MA on Earth Day, which is Friday, April 22. It will end at Stratford Point in the Long Island Sound on Sunday, May 1.  In our area, paddlers will maneuver beaver ponds in the Housatonic Flats, challenging rapids below the Glendale Dam, meandering flood plains of Sheffield and continue on into Connecticut.

The paddlers are led by three expert paddlers: David Sinish, an experienced kayak/canoe instructor, Dennis Regan, HVA’s Berkshire Director and Schuyler Thomson, owner of Thomson Canoe Works in Norfolk, CT. Many partner organizations from the surrounding watershed will join HVA for this historic river adventure.

On day two, Saturday, April 23 in Pittsfield, HVA and Berkshire Environmental Action Team (BEAT) will host the first Earth Day River Festival at the Fred Garner Park starting at 11 a.m. with a park cleanup. Gloves and bags will be provided. Several events, including exploring a restored vernal pool, learning about river bottom critters, and much more will take place.  Food will be available to purchase or participants may bring a picnic lunch.

On day three, Sunday, April 24 from 1 to 3 p.m., a river festival will take place at the Lee Athletic Field at Housatonic Street featuring kid friendly, river oriented activities (on land) that include fly fishing demonstrations. (I hope some volunteer flyfishers help me with this.  I don’t want to pass on my bad fly casting habits).

HVA’s 75th Anniversary Gala will be on Thursday, April 28 at 6:30 p.m. at Bull’s Bridge Inn, 333 Kent Road, Rte 7, Kent, CT. It will feature dinner and entertainment.

Trip sponsors include the NRD Trustees, Connecticut DEEP, Massachusetts EOEEA, USFWS, NOAA, Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation, Berkshire Bank Foundation, Kimberly Clark and many others.

For more information, go to hvatoday.org, call 860-672-6678 or email conn@hvatoday.org. *****

Stocked Waters

The following waters were stocked with trout during the week of April 4:  Clesson Brook in Ashfield and Buckland, South River in Ashfield, Swift River in Ashfield, Cummington and Goshen;  Westfield River in Becket, Chester, Chesterfield, Cummington, Huntington, Middlefield, Savoy and Windsor; Deerfield River in Buckland, Charlemont and Florida;  Chickley River in Charlemont, Hawley and Savoy; Cold River in Charlemont, Florida, and Savoy; Farmington River in Otis and Sandisfield, Stones Brook in Goshen, Town Brook in Lanesborough, Green River and Hemlock Brook in Williamstown, Greenwater Pond in Becket, North Pond in Florida, Mansfield Lake in Great Barrington, Norwich Pond in Huntington, Pontoosuc Lake, Onota Lake and  Otis Reservoir. *****

 

It was anticipated that the following waters would be stocked the week of April 11: Hoosic River in Adams and Cheshire, Green River in Alford, Egremont and Great Barrington; Williams River in West  Stockbridge and Great Barrington, Housatonic River (C&R) in Lee, Konkapot River in Monterey and New Marlborough, Buck and Clam Rivers in Sandisfield, Ashfield Pond in Ashfield, North Pond in Florida, Laurel Lake, Lake Buel, Lake Garfield, York Lake, Otis Reservoir, Richmond Pond, Goose Pond, Windsor Lake and Windsor Pond.

 

Have you ever wondered how DFW gets such fine trout each year?  Well, if you click onto the MassWildlife Facebook page, you will see an excellent film showing how they spawn out the trout in the hatcheries.  Last fall they collected more than 1.7 million trout eggs.   After growing in the hatchery for 1.5 to 2.5 years, the trout will be ready for liberation into state waters.

 

New District Fisheries Manager

Andrew Madden, DFW Western District Manager has recently announced that Leanda Fontaine Gagnon has filled the position of District Fisheries Manager, formerly held by Dana Ohman who moved to Ohio last year. Leanda has been with the DFW for 11 years, most recently as an Aquatic Biologist in the Westboro Field headquarters.  She will be leading the regional stocking programs and aquatic resource inventory efforts.   With the addition of Leanda, the Western District is at full staffing levels for the first time in 2 years.

 

Map, Compass and Survival Course

This is an advanced skills course being offered free of charge by the MA Hunter Education Program.    The next course in the Berkshires is at the DCR Headquarters at 740 South Street, Pittsfield next Saturday from 8a.m. to 5p.m.  Students will be outdoors part of the day, rain or shine. They must come prepared, with a lunch, snacks, water, and a whistle and be dressed for outdoor activities (i.e. sunglasses, long pants, hiking shoes/boots, insect/tick repellent, rain gear and bright-colored outer clothing).    To enroll, call (508)389-7830. *****

Wear life jackets 

MassWildlife reminds us that paddlers are required to wear life jackets from September 15 to May 15.  Remember, most boating fatalities occur when the victim is not wearing a life jacket

Acid rain monitoring still going on

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If you saw someone wearing boots and poking around in a nearby stream during that blustery snowstorm last Sunday, don’t worry.  They were perfectly sane people, called acid rain monitors (ARM’s), collecting their annual spring water samples from select water bodies throughout the Commonwealth.  All statewide sampling must be done on the same day (ARM Sunday).

 

The ARM project is headed up by UMASS which assigns the collection bottles, locations, collection and chain of custody sheets and collection procedures.   The volunteers collect from designated locations every year and must adhere to strict sampling standards to ensure that the data collected are not skewed in any way.

 

The goals of this project are to determine the overall trend of sensitivity to acidification in Massachusetts surface waters and whether the 1990 Clean Air Act Amendment has resulted in improved water quality.  The study provides consistent sampling over a period of years.  The data are analyzed by scientists in order to monitor the effects of acid rain in our waters over a long period of time.

 

Between 1983 and 1985, the ARM Project used as many as 1,000 citizen volunteers to collect and help analyze more than 40,000 samples from 4,100 water bodies.   They also monitored 572 lakes and streams for eight successive years (1985 to 1993) with approximately 300 volunteers. Most of our local sampling was conducted by Trout Unlimited volunteers.

 

The results for the initial phases of the project showed:

  • 6% of lakes and streams in Massachusetts were acidified
  • 57% were sufficiently low in acid neutralizing capacity (ANC) to be considered threatened by acid deposition
  • 37% were not threatened
  • Lakes were slightly more sensitive than streams
  • Geographically, higher ANC was typical of extreme western parts of the state and lower ANC was typical of the north-central and southeastern portions.From 1983 to 1993, ARM surveyed 83% of all named water bodies in Massachusetts.  The project resumed in April, 2001 after an eight-year hiatus. Volunteers currently sample pH and alkalinity (ANC) for 150 lakes, ponds, and streams across the Commonwealth.Some 26 long-term sites are analyzed further for major anions, cations, and color. These sites are revisited as priority sites because historically they were acidified, very low in alkalinity, or demonstrated a significant trend for acidification.Here in the Berkshires, 16 water bodies are currently being analyzed.  They are:  Anthony and Barton Brooks in Dalton, Belmont Reservoir and Bilodeau Brook in Hinsdale, Benton Brook in Otis, Bog Pond in Savoy, Cady Brook in Washington, Cheshire Reservoir (north), Sleepy Hollow Brook in Richmond, Soda Creek in Sheffield, Upper Spectacle Pond in Sandisfield, Walker Brook in Becket, Williams River in West Stockbridge, Kilburn Brook in Peru, Lake Garfield in Monterey, and Long Pond in Great Barrington. A couple of other sites are covered in nearby Hampden County.Currently, there are about 90 volunteer collectors statewide.  We have 8 in the Berkshires: Dr. Richard Greene of Tyringham, Marc Hoechstetter of Cummington, Lauren Gaherty of Pittsfield, Robert Paradyz of Hinsdale, Bob Kross of East Otis, Pat Storey of Tolland  and my wife Jan and me.  Most collectors have been doing so for about 20 years with a couple around 30 years.So were there any changes since 1983?    Here are the results of the most recent analysis from UMASS:
  • While most sites show no significant change in pH or ANC over time, more sites have seen an acidity decrease than an increase since passage of the Clean Air Act in 1990 (pH and ANC are higher now, which is good).

 

  • In 1988, of the 150 sites sampled, 124 sites were categorized Sensitive or worse, with 19

sites listed as Acidified. By 2010, 10 of those 19 sites are no longer Acidified, showing a   marked improvement over the years.

 

  • For the 26 long-term sites, most cations show no significant change except sodium and

chloride have noticeably increased – very likely from road salting practices.

 

  • Sulfate shows a strong decrease for over 2/3 of the sites, a clear consequence of the

Clean Air Act. Nitrate does not show the same trend, because the increase in emissions

from vehicles is greater than the decrease in emissions from industry.

 

The results of our local waters appear to mirror the rest of the state.  Currently, all but one water body have pH factors above 6 with half having readings of 7 or above.  (A pH of 7 is considered neutral).  Belmont Reservoir in Hinsdale still has pH readings of around 5.25, but even that shows some improvement over the years.  In the 1980’s it had pH readings in the 3 and 4 range.

 

More details can be found in the UMASS full report at: http://www.umass.edu/tei/wrrc/arm.

 

The collectors gladly volunteer their time each year on this project because they are concerned about the health of our waters and they know that the data obtained is important.  Over the years they have hiked remote icy wood roads,  negotiated slippery banks, climbed over high snow banks, braved stormy weather and falling limbs (like last Sunday) getting these samples.  They expected nothing in return other than knowing that they were doing something important for our environment.

 

Well, they were pleasantly surprised when in 2013 (30th anniversary of the ARM project) they all received formal Citations from Governor Deval Patrick, “In appreciation of their commitment to ecosystems of the Commonwealth.” *****

 

The Worthington Rod & Gun Club at 458 Dingle Road, Worthington, is conducting a Basic Hunter Education Course on April 18, 19, 21 and 22 from 5:30pm to 9:00pm.  Call 508-389-7830 to enroll. *****

Sometimes I do not receive the most current trout stocking information by deadline.  In such cases, click onto mass.gov/trout for the information, which is updated daily.