Category Archives: News

Unsettled weather greeted deer hunters last Monday

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

Hunter Ed

 

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

Picture of Todd Olanyk teaching hunter ed class

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

Happy 20th birthday Berkshire Environmental Action Team (BEAT)

 

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

 

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

Shotgun deer hunting season opens Monday  

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picture provided by MassWildliife

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

 

Hunter Harassment Law

 

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

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

Precious Memories

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Manuel Carballo Governor’s Award

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

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

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

Fish & Wildlife Board elections

 

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

 

Taconic TU Holiday Banquet

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

 

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

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Proposed fur ban

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Forest Conservation and Management Strategies for Climate Mitigation

 

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

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

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

Basic Hunter Education course

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

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

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

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

 

Three benefits of hunting that may surprise you

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The following announcement by MassWildlife noted that you might be surprised to know that hunting is: good for our forests, good for our climate, and helping to alleviate food insecurity in the Commonwealth.  Its nice to see something positive written about hunting for a change.

Common throughout Massachusetts, white-tailed deer are an important part of the ecosystem and a valuable natural resource. Deer densities vary from an ideal range of about 12–18 deer per square mile in most of central and western Massachusetts to more than 30–50 deer per square mile in areas of eastern Massachusetts and on the islands where hunting access is mostly restricted. In places with too many deer, forests can become degraded when deer eat too many tree saplings and seedlings. When forests are damaged by over-browsing, they can no longer provide vital habitat for other types of wildlife.

Forests naturally store a significant amount of carbon dioxide, which is crucial for slowing climate change. When deer prevent regeneration of certain tree species and the composition of the forest is altered, forests become less effective at capturing and storing carbon. Excessive deer browsing can impact forests in other ways including increasing the risk of wildfires. Small dead or dying trees and shrubs can serve as “ladder fuels” that provide a pathway for fire to spread from the ground to the canopy of a forest.

High deer densities are also compounding impacts from climate change on coastal erosion along the shorelines of Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard. When large numbers of deer walk on worn-down trails along cliff edges, weak points are created causing cliff sides to break off. Bedding sites along the beach can damage the vegetation that stabilizes sand and prevents it from being washed or blown away.

Historically, deer populations in Massachusetts were controlled by three main predators: mountain lions, wolves, and humans. Now that mountain lions and wolves are absent from the Commonwealth, regulated hunting provides the main check to the deer population. MassWildlife uses regulated hunting to manage deer abundance across the state. In areas open to hunting, regulated seasons and carefully allocated deer hunting permits are effective ways to maintain deer abundance at levels the landscape can support.

Licensed hunters serve a vital role in conserving Massachusetts forests while providing healthy food to their communities. Each year, harvested venison provides more than 1.8 million family meals to hunters across the Commonwealth with a lean, healthy source of protein and a low carbon footprint. MassWildlife’s new Hunters Share the Harvest Program provides an opportunity for hunters to donate wild game meat to Massachusetts residents in need. After a successful pilot in 2022, in which generous hunters donated more than 1,500 meals of venison, the program is expanding in 2023. The Program now has 3 participating meat processors in Hanover, Fall River, and Groton. Hunters can choose to donate a portion of their harvest, or their entire deer.

Incidentally, anyone can help financially support the program to help cover the processing and packaging costs for donated meat. A donation of $50 will provide about 75 servings of meat for families in need.

Click onto the MassWildlife web site to find out how to donate the venison and/or how to donate funds.

Hunting is a safe and highly regulated activity; all hunters must be properly trained and licensed. Revenue from hunting licenses is used to conserve all wildlife species and their habitats right here in Massachusetts.

 

Upcoming Fisheries and Wildlife Board Meeting 

The October monthly business meeting of the Fisheries and Wildlife Board will take place on Tuesday, October 24, at 11:00 a.m., at the Stationery Factory, 63 Flansburg Avenue, Dalton. Its too late for anyone wishing to be placed on the agenda to speak because notification to the Board must be made in writing 2 weeks prior to the meeting.  But it is nice to see these board meetings being held in different parts of the state again.  It’s a good opportunity to meet some of the Board members, DFW Director and staff, DFG Commissioner and EPOs and find out what they do.

For more detailed information, contact Susan Sacco at susan.sacco@mass.gov.

Beware of Potentially deadly Halloween stuff

Retired schoolteacher Carolyn Villanova of Pittsfield asked me to inform our readers that the material used in Halloween decorations to represent spider webs can be quite dangerous to birds and small animals.  People put it on their lawns and brush to look scary, but unfortunately, the critters could get tangled in it and can die as a result.  If you insist on using this stuff, please be sure to check it frequently.

Also, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service warns us to beware that painted pumpkins can be toxic to wildlife.  Critters will likely eat or nibble on your carved jack-o’-lanterns. Squirrels, raccoons, deer, moose, foxes, mice and insects might feast on the delicious orange porch snack you leave near your front door.

 

Painted pumpkins can make for an easier way to create a funny or creepy jack-o’-lantern. However; a painted pumpkin can potentially be toxic to wildlife if they eat it. If you choose to paint your pumpkin, please keep it indoors and away from any critters who might feast on its painted flesh. You can also explore nontoxic paint options made with natural ingredients when possible.

In recent years, social media users have posted various “tricks” to keep a carved pumpkin from rotting so quickly. Keep in mind that letting nature take its course is always an option. Carved pumpkins are eventually going to decompose one way or another.

Whitetails Unlimited Banquet

 

On Saturday, October 28, Whitetails Unlimited will be hosting the Jack William O’Brien Memorial Chapter Banquet at the Stockbridge Sportsmen’s Club, Rte. 102, Stockbridge.  Raffles and Social hour at 5:30 and dinner at 7:00 pm.  Tickets cost $55.00 each.  For tickets or information contact Bill Bailey at (413) 244-2304, WTU Headquarters at (920)743-6777, or go online at whitetailsunlimited.com.

 

Taconic Chapter of Trout Unlimited Elections

 

On October 12, at its annual meeting at the Stationery Factory in Dalton, the officers and board members of the Taconic TU Chapter were elected.  They are as follows:   President: Justin Adkins of Williamstown, VP Rosanne Mistretta of East Chatham, NY, Treasurer Bruce Collingwood of Pittsfield, and Secretary Fran Marzotto of Pittsfield. Elected as Board Members at large were Lindsay McGinnis of Adams, Bill Travis of Pittsfield, and Marc Hoechstetter of Cummington.

 

Staying with Trout Unlimited, Betsy Clark and Diane Holhubner reported that their Introduction to Fly Fishing for Women event which was held on September 9, was a “huge success.”  Fourteen women joined them in the event which taught them the basics of fly fishing and a chance to get experience on the river.  They hope to offer it again in the spring.

Its nice to see more women getting involved with Trout Unlimited and learning the gentle sport of fly fishing.

Jack Silvernail Field Trial Results

 

The annual Jack Silvernail Fall Sanctioned SPO Field Trial for registered beagles was held on October 7 and 8 at the 90-acre Berkshire Beagle Club in Richmond. Some 37 males and 48 females were entered.

 

On Saturday, October 7, thirteen-inch and fifteen-inch males ran and the winners were:

13” Males – Dog- OT’s SW Ole Dan, owned by John R. Harrington of East Bridge, NY.

15” Males – Dog – JNK’s Donald Trump, owned by Kevin Stanzel of Gloversville, NY.

 

On Sunday, October 8, thirteen-inch and fifteen-inch females ran and the winners were:

13” Females – Dog – Carreau’s Seaside Sawyer, owned by Gerard A. Carreau III of E. Freetown, MA.

15” Females – Dog – Jimmy’s Little Dolly 2, owned by Jimmy Papudopollos, Andrew Jacoby and Mark Jacoby of Corning, NY.

Jimmy’s Little Dolly2. l to r Judge Erick Harrington, owners Jimmy Papudopolos, Andrew Jacoby and judge Scott John Howard Harrington

 

Congratulations to all the winners.

 

Tri Club Skeet Tournament

 

Recently, the Tri Club Skeet Tournament took place.  The three sportsmen’s clubs which participate in the annual tournament are Sheffield, Stockbridge and Lee.  In the tournament, they shot two rounds at each club and took the ten highest scores from each club. The results were as follows (out of a possible score of 1,500):  Sheffield – 1,369, Stockbridge – 1,304 and Lee with 1,201.

 

Jim Warner was the high shooter for Sheffield with Ryan Shimmon and Bill Stanard tied for runner up.

 

Congratulations to the Sheffield club shooters, and to the others, keep “plugging” away.

 

Local MassWildlife firefighter returned from Montana

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Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife (MassWildlife) Western District Stewardship Biologist Jacob Morris-Siegel of Dalton is a member of the MassWildlife Prescribed Firefighter Team. The 43-year older lives in Dalton and has worked in the Dalton office for 16 years.

Jacob Morris-Siegel. Picture provided by Jacob

On August 17 he volunteered to join 89 other members of the Massachusetts Interagency Wildfire Crew going out to Montana to fight their wildfires.  There were 2 people from MassWildlife and 17 from DCR, (mostly DCR forest fire control folks).  They were sent to western Montana to the Bowles Creek area which is 27 miles southwest of Philipsburg or about an hour south of Missoula, MT. It was a 14-day deployment with 2 travel days.

 

He said they stayed in tents at the fire camp which was set up outside of Philipsburg. When they got there the fire activity was very high but then they got rain and it reduced the fire intensity drastically.  For the most part he was not near an active flame at all because of the rain.

 

On the first day they were close to an active line where a burnout operation had recently been completed. Then they did contingency line construction for a couple of days, cutting brush.  After that, they were moved over to a spike camp on the other side of the fire where they were prepping for a burn out.  (A spike camp is a temporary or secondary campsite for the firefighting crew closer to the fire).  They hauled hoses up a mountain (His pack weighed over 60 lbs.) and then did some patrolling along the black doing mop-up of smoldering stuff along the line. (A black is the area already burned.) They patrolled the line putting out smoke and burning materials along it.

 

The rest of the week they ended up doing fire line construction (cutting brush before the fire hits it) and clean-up along roads. They were trying to reduce fuel like brush along the fire lines before the fire got there. They did line construction over half of the trip.

 

For a burnout they have a section of unburned fuel against the line, they burn that essentially trying to get the fire to burn away from the unburned stuff.  That’s generally how they fight most fires.

 

They worked in mountains and valleys, but they were never in a dangerous situation where they could be hurt. For a few days they were on the west side of the fire where it was very hilly with deep terrains, the other side was more gradual. They worked mainly with hand tools and they had to have a certain number of certified chainsaw people in the crew.

 

There was no fire backtrack and, thankfully, he didn’t see anyone suffer any injuries.  After the first couple of days the fire intensity went down with some smoke but nothing terrible.  He wasn’t worried about getting injured because he generally had an idea of what to do. Pretty much he just stuck with his crew.

 

Crew Members came from Cape Cod to the Berkshires.  He was the only person from the Berkshires.

Days were up to 16 hours long.  Sometimes it took an hour to get where they were assigned.  They went to their assigned areas, came back, ate dinner and went to bed.  They had a mess (meals) at the main camp and at the spike camp on the other side of the fire. The main camp had internet, showers, meals provided, medical tent, – everything you might need.

 

As far as animal survival, he didn’t know, for it all depended on how fast the fire was moving.  If its moving really fast, they can’t outrun it.  Regarding future erosion, he said that there will be some, but they are used to it out there.

 

“It wasn’t that exciting, but it was interesting and I learned a bunch.  You get out with a whole group of people for 2 weeks” he said.

 

Fall trout stocking ended last week

 

Unless there was an unexpected change, the following local waters were stocked with trout last week:  Deerfield River in Buckland, Charlemont and Florida; East Branch of the Westfield River in Cummington, Chesterfield and Huntington; Goose Pond, Laurel Lake, Lake Buel, Otis Reservoir, Onota Lake, Stockbridge Bowl and Windsor Pond in Windsor.

 

Many thanks to Deb Lipa, DFW Clerk out of the Dalton Office for taking the time and effort

to prepare the listings of trout stockings for us.

 

Pike stocking

Incidentally, MassWildlife also recently stocked over 2,000 northern pike into Lake Buel and Quaboag Pond. These yearlings averaged 12″ long and will take 2–3 years to reach the 28″ minimum harvest size.

MassWildlife does not have a warm water hatchery in which to rear pike (esocids) but usually it obtains a small number of 3–12″ fish each year from the New Jersey Division of Fisheries and Wildlife through a cooperative exchange program.

Learn To Hunt Programs

 

MassWildlife offers hunting classes and online resources that teach safety and skills to beginning and intermediate hunters.

 

Upcoming programs include:

Virtual Deer Hunting Q&A – Looking for advice about deer hunting? Get answers from a panel of experienced hunters at one of MassWildlife’s virtual mentoring sessions. These events are designed for new hunters. Feel free to join for a few minutes or for the entire session. Register to receive a link to the event. https://www.mass.gov/learn-to-hunt

 

  • Friday, Oct. 20, 12–1 p.m.
  • Thursday, Nov. 2, 6–7:30 p.m.
  • Tuesday, Dec. 5, 6–7:30 p.m.

 

A Small Game Hunting – On-line Class will be presented in January.

A presentation on snakes

 

Tom Tyning, an expert on amphibians and reptiles and an authority on New England’s natural history, will make a presentation entitled “Snakes Are More Interesting Than You Can Imagine.”  It will take place at the Berkshire Green Drinks event on Monday, October 16, in person and online via Zoom.

 

The in-person gathering begins at 5:00 PM at The Barn at Williams Inn, 103 Spring St, Williamstown. The presentation and Zoom meeting start at 6:00 PM. If the weather permits, the in-person gathering will take place outdoors.

 

The life histories, annual behaviors, and evolutionary story of snakes are incredible, fascinating, and remarkable. Tom will focus on our Berkshire/New England snake species, highlighting their diversity, survival complexity, conservation status, and overall natural history. Coupled with that, the remarkable reality of just how little is known about even common species will be covered.

 

Pre-registration is required to attend this event. Learn more and RSVP at: https://tinyurl.com/Oct2023-Berks-Green-Drinks

 

Tom knows his stuff.  He has been a Professor of Environmental Science at Berkshire Community College since 1999. Previously, he was a Field Biologist and Master Naturalist for the Massachusetts Audubon Society for 24 years. Tom also served for 15 years as an Adjunct Professor in the Environmental Studies Program at Antioch New England Graduate School, as well as Springfield College and MCLA. For 25 years, he wrote a weekly Nature column for the Springfield (MA) Union-News. As an authority on New England’s natural history, Tom’s main research interests are amphibians and reptiles. His book, A Guide To Amphibians and Reptiles, is published by Little, Brown and Co. As a member of several professional natural history societies, he served for fifteen years as Managing Editor of the scientific journal Herpetological Review.

 

Tom also received the Berkshire County League of Sportsmen 2017 Outstanding Achievement Award.

 

Brake for Wildlife

MassWildlife reminds motorists to be mindful of increased deer and moose activity, especially during early morning and evening hours. Moose, found in central and western parts of Massachusetts, breed in September and October. White-tailed deer breed from late October to early December.

Moose on the road are especially hazardous. The dark color and height of moose make them difficult to see in low light; moose eyes rarely shine like deer eyes because their eyes are above headlight level. In addition, long legs and heavy top bodies make moose very dangerous to motorists when struck. Observe road signs for moose and deer crossings and slow down. Do not swerve to avoid hitting a deer because it may lead to more risk and damage than hitting the deer. Moose are less likely to move from the road than deer, so stay alert and brake when you see a moose in or near the road.

Deer and moose/vehicle collisions should be reported to the Environmental Police at 1-800-632-8075.

Various hunting seasons are opening soon

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The Woodcock hunting season opens on October 2 and runs to November 22. The bag limit is 3 per day and the possession limit is 9. Because there tends to be some confusion with the woodcock regulations, here is the following:

  • All migratory game bird hunters must register with the Harvest Information Program (HIP) each calendar year. Licensed woodcock and waterfowl hunters must complete a HIP survey online at mass.gov/massfishhunt or anywhere hunting licenses are sold.
  • A woodcock is a migratory game bird so the following regulations apply: Migratory game birds may be hunted with shotguns no larger than 10 gauge, fired from the shoulder. Shotguns capable of holding more than 3 shells may not be used unless plugged with a one-piece filler which limits the gun’s total capacity to 3 shells and which cannot be removed without disassembling the gun.
  • The head and one fully-feathered wing must remain attached to each migratory game bird while it is transported to the hunter’s home or preservation facility.
  • Non-toxic shot is not required for hunting woodcock.
  • Waterfowl stamps are not required for hunting woodcock.

 

Please note:  The column next week will be about my flyfishing trip to the Catskills in early September.  I was hoping for a rematch with that “submarine like” big trout that I tangled with and lost to twice last spring.  (Sorry, no side bets). Therefore, I will touch upon the upcoming small game, upland game and waterfowl hunting in this column a little earlier than usual.

 

Pheasant hunting season opens on October 14 and runs to December 30.  Ruffed Grouse (partridge) season opens on October 14 and runs to November 25.

 

The fall wild turkey hunting season in Zones 1 – 9 opens on October 16 and runs to November 25.

 

Cottontail and snowshoe hare seasons open on October 14 and runs to February 29, 2024.

 

Coyote hunting opens on October 14 and runs to March 8, 2024.

 

Even though the Fish & Wildlife Board recently approved the early extension of archery deer hunting season, such a change will not go into effect until 2024.Therefore, for this year, the season still opens on October 16 in Zones 1 – 9 and ends on November 25.

 

Incidentally, if you use a tree stand, be extra careful.  It seems like every year we hear about a hunter who has fallen to his death or sustained serious injuries caused by falling out of a tree stand.

 

The specific regulations for all of the above hunting seasons are listed in the MA Hunting & Fishing Regulations, commonly referred to as the Excerpts.

Monday, October 9 begins the duck hunting season in the Berkshire Zone and it runs until November 25.  It reopens again on December 11 (after shotgun deer hunting season) and runs until December 30.  The new bag limit for mallards has been increased from 2 to 4 (only 2 can be females).

 

The regular goose hunting season in the Berkshire Zone (except Snow & Blue) runs from October 10 to November 25.  It reopens on December 11 and runs until December 14.  This year the bag limit has been increased from 1 to 3.  The late Canada goose hunting season opens on January 1, 2024 and runs until February 15 with a daily bag limit of 5.

 

It is important that you check the waterfowl regulations for there are a myriad of regulations.

 

All of the above hunting seasons are closed during shotgun deer season except for coyotes   No hunting of any bird or animal is allowed in Massachusetts on Sundays.

 

At the September meeting of the Berkshire County League of Sportsmen, Environmental Police Officer Kolis reminded hunters to abide by the allowed hunting hours. (The 2023 Sunrise-Sunset Table is displayed on page 51 of the MA Hunting & Fishing Regulations.) For example, if you enter the woods earlier than one half hour before sunrise during deer hunting season with a loaded shotgun or an arrow in your cocked bow, you are considered hunting and in violation of the law.  The same with the sunset rule if you are walking out of the woods after one-half hour after sunset with loaded hunting implements.

 

It is the hunters’ responsibility to exercise safe hunting procedures and set-back, tree stand, wanton waste, and other hunting regulations. It is the non-hunter’s responsibility to be cognizant of existing hunter harassment laws.

 

The woods are busy at this time of year so be careful. Bring along a fully charged cell phone as well as a tick protection spray.  The wearing of florescent vests and/or hat is also advisable for hikers and other non-hunters.  Keep your dogs restrained and put florescent colors on them, too.

 

Here’s wishing you hunters out there a safe, successful and enjoyable hunting season.

 

Fall trout stocking has begun in the Berkshires

The following waters were scheduled to be stocked with trout last week.  As usual, it was subject to change:

Deerfield River in Florida, Buckland and Charlemont; East Branch of the Westfield in Chesterfield and Chester, Littleville Reservoir in Huntington, Pontoosuc Lake, Laurel Lake, Goose Pond, Lake Buel, Otis Reservoir, Onota Lake, Richmond Pond, Stockbridge Bowl and Windsor Pond in Windsor.

The up-to-date report can be found at www.mass.gov/trout.

 

Federal funds blocked for schools with archery and hunting programs

The Biden administration’s Department of Education is withholding federal funding from hunting and archery programs in schools, citing a bipartisan law passed last year that tightened restrictions around gun purchases in the wake of a deadly school shooting in Texas.

The prohibition went into effect on June 25, 2022, and applies to all existing and future awards under all Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA). The Department is administering the bipartisan law as written by Congress.  It prohibits federal funds from going to programs that “provide to any person a dangerous weapon or training in the use of a dangerous weapon.”

Organizations like the National Archery in the Schools Program, which boasts 1.3 million students from nearly 9,000 schools, have expressed worries about the negative impact on children’s engagement and access to shooting sports, which can foster valuable skills and relationships. Tommy Floyd, President of the National Archery in the Schools Program, lamented the new restrictions. “It’s a negative for children.  As a former educator of 30-plus years, I was always trying to find a way to engage students. In many communities, it’s a shooting sport, and the skills from shooting sports, that help young people grow to be responsible adults. They also benefit from relationships with role models.”

Several schools here in the Berkshires that have successfully run Archery-in-the-School programs will be affected. Too bad, for it has generally been well received by the school administrators, parents and students.

Dynamic Forest Walk

 

The National Wild Turkey (NWTF) is a national conservation organization based around the wild turkey and preserving the hunting heritage.  In the New England region and Massachusetts specifically, it is focused on providing good nesting and brood rearing habitat for turkeys.  As part of its efforts, it is working with several other conservation partners to promote healthy and resilient forests in MA and the application of forest management to increase the diversity and structure of forests for wildlife, forest products and climate benefits.

 

Healthy forests are important for clean water, wildlife habitat, wood products, and providing climate benefits.

 

On October 8, the Tunxis Club in Tolland MA will be conducting a Dynamic Forests Walk from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm that will be led by foresters and biologists from NWTF, Dept. of Conservation & Recreation, Ruffed Grouse Society and others.  The goal is to show private landowners, Conservation Committee members, and the general public different examples of forest management projects and to explain the benefits of these practices for wildlife, clean water, and even carbon storage and sequestration.

 

You will have the chance to see several different forest treatments that were completed at various points in time over the last 20 years.  They will provide excellent opportunities to see how these woodlands have responded and how these projects complement the larger forest and the needs of wildlife.  It’s a great learning opportunity if you are curious about how forests are managed and how you can approach forest planning on your own woodlot or community forest.

The workshop is free but you are asked to RSVP by contacting Matt DiBona at  mdibona@nwtf.net or call/text 302-943-3239.

Fall trout stocking beginning any time now

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Depending on water conditions, MassWildlife plans to stock over 61,000 trout this fall. Approximately 25,000 rainbow trout over 14 inches, 31,600 rainbow trout over 12 inches, and 5,000 brown trout over 9 inches will be stocked. These fish, coupled with the nearly 470,000 trout that were stocked in the spring, should provide for some great fall fishing, according to MassWildlife. The fall stocking season will wrap up around mid-October.  Once stocking begins, visit mass.gov/Trout for a stocking report that is updated daily.

Dr. Eve Schlüter named MassWildlife Deputy Director

At its August meeting, the Fisheries and Wildlife Board unanimously voted to promote Schlüter to the position.

 

Dr. Everose Schlüter (Eve) has been promoted to Deputy Director of the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife). Schlüter has been with the agency for 16 years and fills the vacancy left when Dr. Jon Regosin retired in March of 2023. This is the first time a woman has been appointed to the role of Deputy Director.

“I’m extremely excited to announce this well-earned promotion,” MassWildlife Director Mark Tisa said after the Fisheries and Wildlife Board approved the promotion. “During her 16 years with MassWildlife, Eve has proven to be an unwavering voice for conservation. Eve’s deep knowledge of science and leadership abilities will be valuable assets to the agency and to all of our constituents.”

Schlüter started working at MassWildlife in 2007 as a reviewer and then advanced to Chief of Regulatory Review in the agency’s Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program (NHESP). After a two-year stint as Assistant Director for the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act Office in the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, she returned to MassWildlife. Since 2019, Dr. Schlüter has been serving as Assistant Director of NHESP. While in this role, she oversaw all aspects of the program including research, habitat management, rare species restoration, data management, and regulatory reviews of proposed projects under the Massachusetts Endangered Species Act. Highlights from her time as Assistant Director include development of the expanded and upgraded BioMap online planning and conservation tool and representing MassWildlife at state and regional committees and working groups on topic ranging from the impacts of mosquito control and offshore wind projects to wildlife diversity and landscape-level conservation.

“I am grateful, humbled, and excited for this opportunity,” said Schlüter. “I look forward to working with Director Tisa and agency staff to continue advancing the conservation and resiliency of all Massachusetts wildlife and habitats, and to ensure that all Massachusetts residents have access to nature and outdoor recreational opportunities.”

Eve grew up in New Jersey. She received a Ph.D. in Biology and a Certificate in Community Environmental Studies from Tufts University in 2003. She lives with her family in Maynard.

Alice Christman is at it again

As her dad Josh Christman of Pittsfield relates to us, 9-year- old Alice Christman has been grinding in search of her pike this year. “On September 4, we got some live bait, filled up the cooler and took the boat out. Using live bait on a slip bobber, she cast out her line.”

“I was on the phone with a friend who had just called when her bobber went under and the (reel) drag screamed. I told her to set the hook like I taught her. She did it perfectly and fought the fish.  Even my buddy who was on the phone that I set down was cheering her on.”

“The pike erupted on the surface and she screamed. I hung off the boat with the net and told her if it runs let it run. (I) couldn’t be more proud of her. I scooped the fish in the net and pulled it up into the boat. I swear you could hear her cheer across the lake. She landed a 42 and a half inch pike weighing 13 pounds, just short of 14lbs.”

It was caught in Berkshire waters. Sorry, I do not disclose the locations of where such big fish are caught; otherwise, no one would tell me about them or show their pictures.

Alice is used to catching large fish.  In recent years she has won numerous bronze and gold pins which have been awarded by MassWildlife through its Freshwater Sportfishing Awards Program. In 2019, she was named Angler of the Year in the Youth Catch & Keep Category.

This fish will also be entered in the Youth Catch & Keep Category. But after this year, Alice is going to catch and release her fish.

According to Josh, the pike did not go to waste as a friend likes pike and filleted it up.

 

Habitat management grant opened September 1

 

Private and municipal landowners of conserved lands can apply for grant funding to support active habitat management projects that benefit wildlife and enhance outdoor recreation opportunities. MassWildlife’s Habitat Management Grant Program (MHMGP) provides financial assistance for projects that:

  1. improve habitat for game species (species that are hunted, fished, and trapped),
  2. manage for State Wildlife Action Plan species (Species of Greatest Conservation Need), with an emphasis on State Endangered, Threatened, and Special Concern species, and
  3. enhance habitat in ecological communities disproportionally susceptible to climate change.

Although MassWildlife and other conservation organizations have made unprecedented investments in land acquisition in Massachusetts, acquisition alone is not enough to guarantee the persistence of biological diversity. Investment in habitat restoration and management is urgently needed on public and private lands across the state. To address this need, MassWildlife and the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs have substantially increased their investment in habitat management on state wildlife lands and are committed to working with partners to promote these efforts on conserved lands across the state. Over the past 8 years, the MHMGP has awarded over $2.8M in funding to 40 different organizations and individuals for 105 habitat improvement projects.

Grant applications will be accepted starting September 1 and are due by October 31, 2023.  Visit the MHMGP webpage time to learn more about the application process and to see examples of funded projects. For general questions about the grant program, contact James Burnham, Program Coordinator.

Experts from across the state to give presentations focused on local biodiversity

Naturalists and scientists from across the state are coming together for the 14th Annual Berkshire Biodiversity Day, or BioBlitz, which is scheduled for September 23–24 at April Hill Education and Conservation Center, the headquarters for Greenagers, on 62 N Undermountain Rd, South Egremont, MA. This year’s program will feature presentations in addition to guided walks and demonstrations led by experts—all free and open to the public. The four slideshow presentations, which range in topics from spiders to fungi, will each last for approximately half an hour and be followed by a Q&A.

Charley Eiseman presents: “Backyard Leafminers” on Saturday, Sept. 23 at 7 PM

Charley Eiseman will speak about leafminers: insect larvae that spend at least part of their lives feeding between the thin, outer (epidermal) layers of leaves. In North America, they include over 2000 species of moths, flies, beetles, and sawflies, belonging to over 50 different families.

John Wheeler presents: “Local Mushrooms and Their Roles in the Ecosystem” on Saturday, Sept. 23 at 3:30 PM

He’ll go over the symbiotic relationship between plant roots and fungi (mycorrhizal fungi) and mushrooms that get their nutrients by digesting dead or decaying organic matter such as leaves, pine needles, and wood (saprobic fungi).

 

Joseph Warfel presents: “What is a Spider and What is Not” on Saturday, Sept. 23 at 1:30 PM

Joseph Warfel will give an overview of spiders and their relatives, including brief life histories of arachnids and their place in nature and the global ecosystem.

Aliza Fassler presents: “Meet the Native Bees of New England” on Sunday, Sept. 24 at 10 AM

In North America, there are approximately 4,000 species of wild bees that are critical for pollinating plants in our forests, gardens, and fields.

 

This year’s event is organized and sponsored by Berkshire Environmental Action Team (BEAT) and Nature Academy of the Berkshires. It’s co-sponsored by Greenagers, Hoffmann Bird Club, Greylock Federal Credit Union, and Panera.

To learn more about this 24-hour biological survey and the scheduled activities, visit www.berkshirebioblitz.org or email team@thebeatnews.org

New proposed gun control draws fire

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You have probably seen lawn signs, banners etc. all over the place with the message to stop Bill HD. 4420.  What’s that all about?  Well there is a proposed bill introduced into the MA House by Representative Michael S. Day of Stoneham and co-sponsored by 33 other state representatives, including Tricia Farley-Bouvier of Pittsfield, which is entitled An Act Modernizing Firearm Laws.

Because I am a hunter and gun owner and write this column, people have asked me to comment on the bill.  I can think of no better way to alienate many of my hunting and gun owner friends than do that, for it’s a no winner. My response has been, – Be careful what you ask for, for there are two opinions regarding this proposal.   I should note that the opinions expressed in this column are not necessarily the opinions of the Berkshire Eagle or my fellow hunters and gun owners.

The bill is huge with 241 sections, countless subsections and 140 pages.  Hey, I’m retired and I don’t have the time to properly research this proposed bill. Therefore, I have looked to the Gun Owner’s Action League (GOAL) and the Massachusetts Sportsmen’s Council, with their lawyers and experts to condense it and help me understand it.

GOAL has labeled HD 4420 The Lawful Citizens Imprisonment Act because it feels that passage of it will make thousands of legal gun owners lawbreakers. In its opinion, this bill would re-write Massachusetts gun-laws to implement the harshest gun-control in the country and severely infringe upon the rights of Massachusetts citizens. The gun laws are already so convoluted and complex that it is extremely difficult for the average citizen to comply with them,” said Jim Wallace, the executive director of GOAL I agree with this assessment.

I believe in the Second Amendment to the US Constitution which ensures my right to defend my family and home from those who would wish to do me harm and to ensure my right to own a gun to hunt.

My father lived through the Great Depression and the food rationing of WWII. One way of providing protein on our dinner table was to hunt, and he taught my brothers and me how to hunt and shoot a gun.  I developed a taste for venison and rabbits at an early age and still hunt them to this day. So, owning a shotgun or rifle is very important to me and the Second Amendment helps ensure that I can do that. I can’t imagine not being able to hunt.

There is no question that something must be done to eliminate the random and mass shootings which are taking place today. People shouldn’t have to worry if their kids are going to come home from school today or from a concert this weekend. After all, we are supposed to be a civilized country,

The question is how to eliminate this problem while still ensuring our Second Amendment rights. More restrictive gun laws do not, nor ever have resolved the problem, simply because the bad guys don’t abide by them……only the responsible, law-abiding individuals do.

A part of the bill states that junior shooters would not be allowed to possess, or use, semi-automatic rifles and shotguns. These types of firearms have been used in junior shooting sports since their invention. They offer much reduced recoil making it more comfortable to learn about and safely use firearms. Also, anyone under 15 would be banned from handling any handgun, semi-automatic rifle, or semi-automatic shotgun, all of which are in common use throughout the junior shooting sports world.  It would ban them from taking part in sanctioned shooting sports and training. A few weeks ago, I did an article on how hunting is declining and that there is a need to get youngsters out hunting because hunters are the greatest conservationists.  I believe parts of this bill will impede those efforts.

Legislators should realize that all semi-automatic guns are not the same.  The semi -automatic shotguns or rifles used by hunters are usually restricted to 3 or 5 shots.  For example, it is illegal to hunt waterfowl with a gun with the capacity to carry more than 3 shots. The bullets are usually contained in a magazine (tube inside the gun).  Contrast that with the semi -automatic with a high- capacity external bullet clip which carry lots of bullets.  That’s an important distinction, but the new proposed law lumps semi-automatics all together which if passed would make the lawful hunter a violator of the law.

However; allowing an 18-year older to be able to purchase a high capacity semi-automatic is something else.  These guns are not generally used for hunting, skeet, trap or target shooting. Delaying the purchase of such guns a couple more years to determine a youth’s moral character is, in my opinion, not necessarily a bad thing. I have a problem being in the woods around someone who possesses a large capacity semi-automatic gun which has the capability of firing off 40 shots a minute.

As noted, there are parts of the proposed gun law that I can live with if properly worded.  Bill 4420 would prohibit those under 21 years of age from buying or handling a semi-automatic gun.   If it’s a high capacity gun, then I agree, but not a sports rifle or shotgun. I for one don’t think an 18-year older should be able to purchase a high- capacity gun capable of firing 40 rounds a minute. If young folks want to use guns like that then may I respectfully suggest they enlist into the armed forces.

I also don’t want the law enforcement community, those charged with our safety, to be outgunned.

I don’t like an aspect of the bill which would require common carrier employees to possess a license to carry (LTC) in order to transport firearms. Potentially every employee in a common carrier facility would have to possess a LTC.  Their carrier facilities would have to have a storage area that meets the new definitions. UPS, FedEx, etc. would have to comply with storage and transportation requirements which would be next to impossible.  In GOAL’s opinion, this would essentially mean that interstate and intrastate commerce of lawful products would cease and eventually mean that all licensed retailers would go out of business, leaving no legal means of obtaining products in Massachusetts.

In the proposal, there is a section (56) which would update the minimum training curriculum required for a LTC to include injury prevention and harm reduction education, active shooter and emergency response training, applicable laws relating to the use of force, and de-escalation and disengagement tactics. It would require all applicants for a LTC to complete live firearm training and pass a uniform written exam created by the State Police and require local licensing authorities attend trainings on their licensing and reporting responsibilities.  Whoa!  We just want a gun for hunting or personal protection.  We’re not joining a SWAT team!

Police chiefs and mayors from across the state are opposed to this proposed regulation.  One is quoted as saying “Massachusetts has great firearms laws. Legislators should focus their efforts on the court system enforcing penalties for these gun laws.”  If you remove guns from folks who have lawful ownership, you are removing” a key deterrent against being victimized by criminals.

Another is quoted as saying, “Although I believe the intent of this legislation means well, in truth the language does nothing to address the issue of illegal guns and ghost guns being used in criminal activity by repeat violent criminal offenders.”

Even the Town of Cheshire sent a letter to State Representative Barrett of North Adams asking him to oppose this proposed legislation.

And, while we are on the subject, what about the “Mandatory Sentencing law which Massachusetts passed in 1974?  Certain offenses are supposed to carry mandatory minimum 1-year sentences for those convicted of illegally carrying a firearm. Why are they allowed to walk the streets shortly after being arrested for such offences.

I hope our legislators are seriously working on solving the gun violence and not simply trying to legislate hunting and gun ownership out of existence. I hope they take the time to read and fully understand its implications.

Now that I have offended fellow gun owners, legislators, and judges, perhaps its time to leave town for a while and do some fishing in the Catskills.

Wild & Scenic Gobble Mountain Hike

 

On Saturday, September 16, from 9:00am to 1:00 pm, there will be a Wild & Scenic Hike with Mammal Specialist John McDonald. Hike up to one of the lookouts along the ridge and enjoy the stories written in tracks and signs that animals leave behind. Hear about the work being done to connect the hill towns along the Highlands Footpath, which will eventually travel up and over Gobble Mountain in Chester, MA to the Keystone Arch Bridge Trail.

 

Registration required via email for meeting location: http://www.westfieldriverwildscenic.org.

Early goose, black bear hunting coming up

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The Early Canada Goose hunting season (statewide) began on Friday, September 1 and runs through September 22.  For Early Canada Goose season only, hunting hours are 1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset.  The daily bag limit is 15 and the possession limit is 45.  The reason for this early season and the large numbers of geese allowed to be taken is to reduce the large local resident population that is befouling our lawns and beaches.  The regular goose hunting season in the Berkshires opens on October 10 and runs through November 25.  It shuts down through the shotgun deer hunting season and then reopens December 11 through December 14.  The daily bag on that season is 3 and the possession limit is 9.

There are many regulations regarding goose hunting and rather than to list many of them out, I direct your attention to 2023 – 2024 SEASON DATES & BAG LIMIT provided at https://www.mass.gov/doc/2023-2024-migratory-game-bird-regulations.

I will note that a 15-goose harvest limit for one day and a 45-bird possessive limit is high. Please make sure the geese won’t go to waste (see wanton waste comments below) and that you or someone else consumes them.  The meat can be tough, so you might want to search out grandma’s old recipes or perhaps you can make goose jerky.

The early Black Bear hunting season opens statewide on September 5 and runs through September 23. Those hunting hours are 1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset.  There are no blaze orange requirements during this season.  Hunting implements allowed during this season are rifles, revolvers, muzzleloaders and archery equipment.  There are also many regulations governing bear hunting and instead of listing all of them out here, I direct your attention to pages 30 and 31 of the Massachusetts Fishing and Hunting laws (commonly referred to as the abstracts).

Please remember:  It is unlawful for hunters to intentionally, or knowingly leave a wounded or dead game animal in the field or the forest without making a reasonable effort to retrieve and use it. Each retrieved animal shall be retained or transferred to another until processed or used for food, pelt, feathers, or taxidermy. This does not apply to animals unfit for consumption or use—animals and their parts that are damaged, destroyed, decayed, rotting, diseased, or infected.

No hunting is allowed on Sundays in Massachusetts.

Here’s hoping you have safe and successful hunts.

Wear your life jackets, it’s the law

 

Although not mandatory until September 15, waterfowl hunters who navigate waters to get to their duck/goose blinds might be well advised to wear their Personal Floatation Devises (PFD’s).  MassWildlife cautions us that all canoe or kayak occupants must wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved PFD from September 15 to May 15, and that includes waterfowl hunters.

Archery deer hunting season opening date

I have been getting calls and messages inquiring as to whether the deer archery hunting season is opening on October 2 this year.  These inquiries were brought about by the recent public hearings regarding the extension of the archery deer hunting season two weeks in Wildlife Zones 1 – 9.

According to DFW Western District Supervisor Andrew Madden, if approved, the regulations would likely go into effect in 2024. There are still steps in the process including a review of comments and decision by the Fisheries and Wildlife Board. If approved by the Board, it would still need additional administrative approval within other branches of State government before it could be officially enacted. That process almost certainly won’t be completed before the season starts so hunters should plan on 2024, if the changes are approved.

He promised that MassWildlife will do its best to keep hunters posted about the process and a timeline if the proposed changes are approved.

 

EPO Lt. Tara Carlow honored

Congratulations to EPO Lt. Tara Carlow who was chosen to receive the Massachusetts 2022 CLECA (Conservation Law Enforcement Chiefs’ Association) Outstanding Officer of The Year Award in Conservation Law Enforcement and Public Safety. The award ceremony took place this past May 16 at MassWildlife Field Headquarters in Westborough.   As the Lieutenant for our region, she oversees 33 towns that are broken down into 6 smaller districts (4-6 towns each) with direct subordinates of 5 officers (only have 3 right now) and 1 sergeant covering those.  There is a Western Captain that oversees all of Massachusetts west of the Quabbin, but the position is currently vacant.

This hardly comes as a surprise to the delegates of the Berkshire County League of Sportsmen who are fortunate enough to have her presence at its monthly meetings.  She makes sure the League, and through its minutes, the area outdoor sports community is kept apprised of any new environmental laws, updates on EPO’s successes in apprehending outlaws, information on any upcoming Boating Safety Classes or ATV classes, and more.  It is so helpful to have Lt Carlow present at those meetings answering any legal questions that we may have.  I have been a delegate in the League for over 20 years now and we never had an EPO regularly attend.

At the risk of embarrassing Lt. Carlow, please allow me to cite some comments about her in a 3-page nomination by another officer, which says it all.  I have changed the term “the nominee” to “she” or “her”.

She is a shining star for all others in Massachusetts Environmental Police (MEP) in regards to attitude and sets a great example. She is continually asked by the Agency to handle more responsibilities, which were accepted with zero complaints; she fully realizes the breath of MEP‘s job and changes their schedule constantly to attend search and rescue, meetings, training, and large scale operations without a single complaint, and explained the reasons for same to their subordinates; she understand the mission statement, their role in carrying it out in a manner that everyone knows the nominees proud to be an EPO .

Whether it is a simple response to a citizens question, ensuring subordinate is carrying out tasking, or a complex multi facet investigation, she excelled at every challenge sent their way; she sets a great example to others in MEP by handling so many various patrol issues, proving self- initiation is often the best way to determine problem areas; she spent a specific amount of time assisting DCR, MassWildlife, and fishing and boating access and documenting numerous violations, and/or problems located on their respective properties. She excels at the hunting enforcement aspect of the job. Any complaint is looked into and she spends significant time ahead of each season researching previous problem areas and providing that information to the Board to allow them the best chance to be successful, multiple baiting cases were made from the intelligence. She continued to excel in making cases involving illegally taken bears; she spearheads one of the better PR programs across a Commonwealth ensuring subordinates are present to assist with their responsibilities; she ensures MEP is well represented, and has a positive and professional image among the region citizens.  If needed for one event on almost any topic she would be the first person I would choose to represent the Agency. She is constantly advising others of new material or technology that comes out involving the job, allowing MEP to better serve the public. The amount of knowledge on the laws on specific subjects. At this point (her) career is well above normal.

“She is exactly what a CLECA nominated officer should be, well rounded, a positive attitude, knowledgeable, self-reliant, professional, caring, and willing to assist subordinates to become their best. MEP is better for them being here.”

Fishing Derby

The Friends of the Berkshire Hatchery in Hartsville-New Marlborough is scheduled to have its last Youth Fishing Derby of this year next Saturday, September 9 from 9:00 to 10:30 am at its Lower Pond at the Berkshire National Fish Hatchery, 240 Hatchery Road, Hartsville, MA.  Children aged 13 and under must be accompanied by an adult.  No child goes away empty handed.

A good way to learn to pheasant hunt

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The Youth Pheasant Hunt is a great way for young adults (ages 12-17) to practice firearms safety, develop shooting skills, and join in a pheasant hunt with an experienced hunter in a friendly environment.

photo provided by masswildlife

 

The Massachusetts Youth Pheasant Hunt Program was developed by MassWildlife to provide an opportunity for Hunter Education graduates aged 12 to 17 to practice firearms safety, develop shooting skills, and participate in a special pheasant hunt under the guidance of an experienced adult hunter.

The program is divided into multiple parts:

  • Seminar and Range Practice: Participants get hands-on instruction in shotgun shooting fundamentals and firearm safety, learn upland hunting basics, and focus on how to have a safe and fun hunt.
  • Pheasant Hunt: Participants get to experience a real pheasant hunt under the supervision of an experienced hunter on 1 of the 6 Saturdays prior to the regular pheasant season. This year, the pheasant hunting season starts on October 14, 2023.

Requirements:

  • Be between the ages of 12 to 17
  • Have graduated from a Basic Hunter Education course (in any state) before the day of the hunt
  • Participants 15 to 17 years of age must have a hunting license, a pheasant/quail permit and a Firearms Identification Card (FID). Steps

Steps

  1. Make sure you meet all the requirements above
  2. Register for the Program by August 31, 2023
  3. Complete the Seminar and Range Practice

Please note, all other regular pheasant hunting regulations apply including bag limits, hunting implements, hunter orange requirements, etc. Be sure to review the pheasant hunting regulations.

The Lee Sportsmen’s Association, located at 565 Fairview Street, is a participating club.  The course will be taught by MassWildlife. The dates and times are as follows:

  1. August 26, from 9:00AM – 11:00AM, September 16, from 9:00AM – 11:00AM, and October 07, from 9:00AM – 12:00PM.

 

Massachusetts wildland firefighters sent out again

The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) and the Department of Fish and Game (DFG) sent a crew of 19 firefighters – 17 from DCR and two from DFG – recently to Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest in western Montana to help battle the large fires that are burning across the state.

This is the third crew of wildland firefighters DCR has deployed to assist in fighting the wildfires raging across the country and neighboring regions this summer. In June, DCR deployed 11 firefighters to assist in fighting wildfires in Quebec, Canada, and in July, in partnership with DFG, the department deployed to the region another crew of 16 wildland firefighters that included two firefighters from DFG. Response efforts are now shifting to the western United States, with more than 80 large fires currently burning more than 534,000 acres in 14 states.

“As these wildfires continue to rage on across the country, burning thousands of acres of forest to the ground, DCR and DFG firefighters have stepped up again to help our partners in need fight these devastating blazes,” said DCR Commissioner Brian Arrigo. “DCR is proud of our dedicated and hardworking firefighters who will be on the frontlines in the Northern Rocky Mountain region over the next two weeks, working to stop further destruction of our natural resources.

 

Included in the group of 19 was Jacob Morris-Siegel from the Mass Division of Fisheries and Wildlife Western District Office located in Dalton.

 

Intro to Fly Fishing for women – taught by women

 

The Taconic Chapter of Trout Unlimited invites women to join Betsy Clark and Diane Holhubner. (both trained at the Wulff School of Fly Fishing) to learn about the basics of fly fishing and get a chance to get experience on the river. The free event occurs on September 9 from 8:30 to 11:00 am on the Hoosic River in Williamstown. No fishing experience is necessary. You will learn about the components of a flyfishing rod, learn about a couple of types of flyfishing flies, and how to do a roll cast.

 

You don’t need to bring anything, for they will provide the rods and tackle to use but they do suggest that you wear comfortable shoes that you don’t mind getting a little wet. If you have river shoes that would be great. A hat and sunglasses might make you feel more comfortable but they are not necessary. They will be on a gravel beach for this event. Bring your own water bottle, they will have herbal tea available as well.

 

This event is for anyone who identifies as a woman.

 

They will meet at the parking lot on Syndicate Road. It is a new lot which doesn’t show on google maps. They will then walk a short distance on a dirt trail down to the river. To register, click onto  https://bit.ly/45ORY2v

 

BEAT celebrates 20th anniversary

 

The Berkshire Environmental Action Team was established in 2003 when a vernal pool at Berkshire Community College was being threatened by the development of soccer fields on the campus. Over the past two decades, BEAT has taken on many fights and projects — often leading them and creating a path for environmental change and progress.

 

BEAT’s mission has remained the same: To protect the environment for wildlife in support of the natural world that sustains us all. But its vision and goals have continuously expanded and evolved. They see a world where communities work together to sustain their environmental health and economic vitality; all people recognize their interconnectedness to, and dependence on, the natural world; the air and water are clean; rivers and streams flow naturally; and there is plenty of interconnected, natural land where wildlife thrive. Its goal is to make all of this happen — and its newly renovated Environmental Leadership & Education Center is one of the first steps in reaching that goal.

 

You are invited to join the folks at BEAT on Saturday, September 2, from 1:00 to 3:00 PM, to see the renovations, hear about what’s to come, and meet BEAT’s staff and board.

 

Executive Director Jane Winn will lead an optional tour of the building at 1:15 PM, and a steam-table demonstration will start at 2:00 PM. They’ll also have finger foods and refreshments for guests.

 

It’s not necessary to RSVP in order to attend, but it would be greatly appreciated.

 

Email team@thebeatnews.org with any questions.

 

Berkshire communities to get culvert replacement grants

 

The Culvert Replacement Municipal Assistance (CRMA) Grant Program is one of the many resources the Healey-Driscoll administration utilizes to help municipalities replace undersized and deteriorating culverts with crossings that meet improved design standards. The grants target culverts whose replacement brings significant ecological and resilience benefits and helps municipalities deal with the increasing aging road infrastructure costs.

 

“With extreme weather becoming more frequent, projects like these are a climate-smart investment to help cities and towns adapt to climate change,” said Governor Maura Healey. “It is important that we upgrade culverts and small bridges to prevent flooding and reduce public safety risks.”

 

The MA Division of Ecological Restoration (DER) is awarding $811,000 in grants to 14 municipalities through the CRMA grant program. Nearly half of an estimated 25,000 small bridges and culverts in Massachusetts act as barriers to fish and wildlife because they are undersized or poorly positioned. Installing culverts that meet the Massachusetts Stream Crossing Standards allows rivers to flow unrestricted, improves access for fish and wildlife, and lowers the risk of flood damage.

 

Berkshire County Grants

Town of Egremont: $48,811awarded for Karner Brook Culvert Replacement

This award will fund design and engineering, permitting, and some construction for a culvert replacement project on Blunt Road to improve stream connectivity of a tributary to Karner Brook.

 

Town of Richmond:  $55,200 awarded for Sleepy Hollow Road Culvert Replacement

This award will fund the design and engineering for a culvert replacement project on Sleepy Hollow Road to improve stream connectivity of Cone Brook and two tributaries.

 

Town of Great Barrington:  $55,933 awarded for Housatonic River Tributary Culvert Replacement

This award will fund the design and engineering for a culvert replacement project on Brush Hill Road to improve stream connectivity of a tributary to the Housatonic River.

 

Berkshire Clean, Cold, Connected Restoration Partnership 

Housatonic Valley Association, awarded $199,899

This Partnership supports a network of organizations, agencies, and communities working for healthy aquatic systems and building climate resiliency in the Hoosic, Housatonic, and Farmington River watersheds.