Author Archives: Gene

About Gene

Gene was born and raised in Lenox, MA. He grew up on a small family farm where he developed his love for the critters that also lived on that land. At an early age he fished for the wild speckled brookies that were in the brook that crossed his land. After a 4 year stint in the USAF and graduated from college, he returned home to Lenox. Although a banker by trade, he was an avid sportsman and loved hunting and fishing. Among his many accomplishments were: President of the Taconic Chapter of Trout Unlimited (TU), Chairman of the MA/RI Council of TU, received the Stream Champion Award from TU National, received various awards from the Housatonic Valley Assoc., Secretary of the Berkshire County League of Sportsmen. He was the recipient of the 1990 Berkshire County Sportsman of the Year Award, After retiring from his banking career, he began writing a weekly outdoor sports column for the Berkshire Eagle in 2004 and continues to do so to this day. Since becoming an outdoor sports columnist, Gene picked up three more awards: The Berkshire County League of Sportsmen John Zuber Award, the Massachusetts Sportsmen's Council R L Gribbons Award, and the Worcester County League of Sportsmen's "Words of Wisdom" Award.

2023 Berkshire County League of Sportsmen Award winners are announced

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At the February 1 meeting of the Berkshire County League of Sportsmen (BCLS) five area outdoor sportspeople were selected to receive prestigious awards. The awards will be presented at the Annual Silvio O. Conte Memorial Dinner on Saturday, April 13 at the Cheshire Rod & Gun Club.  (More information to come in a later column, such as time and ticket price).

The winners are as follows:

Leanda Fontaine of Bernardston, MA, was selected to receive the Sportsperson of the Year Award. She is the DFW Western District Aquatic Biologist out of the Dalton Office.  Leanda has worked for MassWildlife for 18 years, spending 11 years in the Westboro field headquarters where she worked on the Atlantic Salmon restoration, fisheries population assessment, sampling quality control, and many other programs. She coordinated statewide scheduling of fish sampling in rivers and streams and became an agency expert on fish identification.

Picture of Leanda provided by Leanda

In 2016, Leanda came to the Western District to oversee the District’s fisheries programs. She is responsible for coordinating and executing the distribution of stocked trout each spring and fall, organizing personnel and fish for more than 100 stocking runs each year to maximize fishing opportunity for Western District anglers. Leanda has initiated a successful water chestnut pulling project at Three Mile Pond in Sheffield and Smiley Pond in Egremont. She has been an important participant in MassWildlife’s efforts to protect freshwater mussels, conducting surveys and assessments throughout the District. Leanda is the MassWildlife representative on the interagency scientific dive team. She has been a strong resource advocate on issues surrounding Lake and Pond management in the Berkshires. Leanda serves on multiple R3 (Recruitment, Retention, and Reactivation) committees at MassWildlife focused on the expansion of hunting, shooting, and fishing opportunities. She has organized numerous public trout stocking events and coordinated the Learn to Fish clinics in the Western District.

Rick French of Phillipston, MA was selected to receive the John Zuber Award. He has been coordinating the Northern Berkshire Paraplegic Hunts for the last 37 years.  Each year, he contacts the landowners to see if they will allow the hunts, leads the team that sets up platforms for the hunters to put their wheelchairs on, sets up blinds, stays in contact with the paraplegic hunters while they are hunting, helps track any wounded deer, helps field dress and drag the deer out of the woods, cuts up the deer, shrink wrap them, etc. In short, he helps to ensure that the paraplegic hunters have safe and memorable hunts.

Without fanfare or recognition, he has been responsible for bringing pleasure to hundreds of deer hunters who otherwise would have not been able to enjoy the thrill of the hunt.  That, he will tell you, is reward enough.

Incidentally, this award was established in 2012 to honor the late John Zuber of Pittsfield. He was past president of the Berkshire County League of Sportsmen, past President of the Pittsfield Sportsmen’s Club, the recipient of the BCLS Sportsman of the Year Award and Lifetime Achievement Award, was Secretary of the Massachusetts Sportsmen’s Council and received numerous awards from them.  He was well known throughout the State

The late Richard ‘Rick’ Theilig of Lee was selected to receive the Outstanding Achievement Award posthumously.  Rick was a member of Lee Sportsmen’s Association for many years and he was its President in 1995. He was very talented with

Photo provided by Theilig family

all disciplines of shooting in archery, rifle and skeet shooting. He was instrumental in running its archery program both indoor and outdoor for many years. He ran many archery leagues and tournaments.  He helped build LSA’s youth archery program. In recent years he helped instruct youth archers at the Stockbridge Sportsmen’s Club in its adult archery league. Rick was also a great archery tournament champion traveling all over the country.  He passed away in December, 2023.

Ted Pointek of Housatonic was selected to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award. Ted has been the driving force behind the success of the outdoor pistol program at the Lee Sportsmen’s Association.  Every match requires 4-5 hours of preparation time. Finding the stages online, making sure they work, managing the roster, loading the supplies, preparing targets, purchasing supplies and doing the needed financial paperwork for the club.

On match day, he is always the first to come and last to go, 8:00 am till about 4:00 pm, ensuring the range is in better shape than he found it.  Then Ted pours through the scores and unusually posts them the same night to all the match participants.

Every target and wall stand has been constructed or modified by Ted in his shop. All winter Ted works on making more shooting equipment or something to organize the shooting equipment.

Every match Ted brings an entire tool truck that is used to help set up and break down the match. Recently Ted re-engineered all the steel targets to reduce the possibility of sprawl and ricochets going upward.  He often makes trips to the club on non-match weekends to do ground work or work on the targets or bays.  Considering there are 3 matches, 2 -USPSA matches and 1- steel challenge a month (about 60+ man hours per month), his accomplishments speak for themselves.

James Loughman of Adams was selected to receive the Sportsmen’s Achievement Award.    Jim has been a long-time member, and current Secretary of the Adams Outdoors for Youth (AOFY). He has volunteered at AOFY fishing/ice fishing events and its game dinners for roughly 20 years.

He has also been a member of the Cheshire Rod & Gun Club for nearly as long. He has served on the Board of Directors (including as Newsletter Editor and President) of the former Hoosick Chapter of Trout Unlimited for several years.

He is an enthusiastic fisherman, ice fisherman and forager of wild edibles, Jim is grateful for all of the work that organizations like AOFY do to instill a love of the outdoors in the next generation of sportsmen.

The 40th Annual Springfield Sportsmen’s Show coming soon

The show takes place at the Eastern States Exposition (Big E) 1305 Memorial Ave., West Springfield, MA on February 23 through 25.   The show hours are Friday from noon to 8 :00 pm, Saturday 9:00 am to 7:00 pm and Sunday 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.  Admission:  Adults – $15, Kids 6 to 12 – $5 and under 6 free.

Billed as the largest pure hunting and fishing show in the Northeast, it is filled with hundreds of booths, seminars, and action areas. The show is filled with an outdoorsman’s dream of fishing and hunting gear, outfitters, charter boats and adventure destinations, along with great deals on fishing boats, ATV’s and UTV’s. There will be great attractions and displays such as The Northeast Big Buck Club, Trout Pond, and more.

This year there will be a new bass speaker at the Fishing Seminar lineup.  Spencer Cookson is the owner/operator of Berkshire Bass, which is a tackle shop, guide service and tournament series located in Sheffield. Spencer is going on his 4th season of professionally guiding in the Berkshires for Largemouth and Smallmouth bass on some of the state’s best fisheries. While at the show, you may want to book a trip with him.

Archery Tournament

The Stockbridge Sportsmen’s Club has scheduled a 300 Round Indoor Archery Tournament – Berkshire Championship on February 24 – 25. Shooting times are Saturday February 24 at 6:00 pm and Sunday, February 25, at 9:00 am or 1:00 pm.  The Youth Shoot starts at 11:00 am on Sunday. For more information contact John Mange (518)265-1872 or John Davis (413)446-9012.

Shoots coming up

The Great Barrington Fish & Game Club is having Ham Shoots starting this Sunday, February 18 and running every Sunday until March 24.  Shoots start at noon, call-in signs-up start at 10:00 and walk-ins at 9:30 am.  Cost is $4.00 per shoot.  In addition to ham, prizes include beef roasts, pork loins, and more.  Food will be available at the shoots.

The Lenox Sportsmen’s Club will be holding its Annual Ham Shoots starting on Sunday March 3 and running every Sunday until Easter.  You are invited to enjoy an exhilarating day of target shooting paired with some scrumptious food, exciting raffles and even more.

The Lee Sportsmen’s Association will be holding Turkey Shoots on the following Sundays: March 3, 10, 17, 24, and April 7, from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm.  Prizes include NY strip steaks, turkeys, pork loins, spiral hams, and money shoots. $3/shot-meat & $3/shot-money shoot.  Lunch available for purchase.  Contact President Doug Frank at (413) 822-6490 with any questions.

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Detected in Massachusetts

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The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources’ (MDAR) Division of Animal Health is informing the public that Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) has been detected in Essex County. MDAR and its partner agencies depopulated and disposed of a non-commercial, mixed-species backyard flock (non-poultry) in Essex County due to HPAI. Birds on the affected premises died suddenly without exhibiting any other clinical signs consistent with HPAI and samples tested positive for the disease.

MDAR advises backyard and commercial poultry owners to practice strong biosecurity measures to prevent domestic poultry from having contact with wild birds, their feathers, and droppings. The HPAI virus is continuing to circulate in the wild bird population, particularly in wild waterfowl. Eliminating standing water and preventing domestic birds from having access to ponds, streams, and wetland areas that attract wild waterfowl is of critical importance.

 

Additionally, over the past few days the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife) has received reports of dead and dying wild Canada geese in Essex County and the surrounding coastal areas. These wild birds showed symptoms consistent with HPAI. Several samples have been collected for HPAI testing and results are pending. While humans are rarely infected with avian influenza viruses, humans that have prolonged close contact with sick or dead birds infected with HPAI are at the most risk of becoming infected. Officials are urging the public not to handle or feed any birds suspected of being infected. Pet owners should also prevent their dogs from making contact with wild birds.

 

REPORT sick or dead birds

Domestic birds:   617-626-1795 or online Poultry Disease Reporting Form: https://www.mass.gov/forms/poultry-disease-reporting-form

Wild birds:   Department of Fish and Game, Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife) https://www.mass.gov/forms/report-observations-of-dead-wild-birds

 

Former MassWildlife Director receives top honors

Retired MassWildlife Director Wayne MacCallum was inducted into the National Wild Turkey Federation’s (NWTF) New England Turkey Hunting Hall of Fame alongside five other inductees in late January. The Hall of Fame, established in 2017 by the New England NWTF state chapters, recognizes outstanding individuals for their contributions to wild turkey conservation and to the preservation of New England’s hunting heritage.

MacCallum served as MassWildilfe’s Director for nearly 30 years. During that time, regulated turkey hunting was relatively new and MassWildlife was actively working with partners to restore wild turkeys across the Commonwealth.  Decades after wild turkeys disappeared from Massachusetts, MassWildlife reintroduced them in the early 1970s. During the 1980s and 1990s, turkeys were trapped and relocated to suitable habitat across Massachusetts to support and grow the population. The state’s turkey population is now estimated to be 30,000 –35,000.

Joe Judd, NWTF State Chapter Board Member, presented the award and recalled the early days of turkey hunting in Massachusetts and the partnership between NWTF and MassWildlife. “Wayne was instrumental in supporting our progress with the trap and release program and he fought hard for the dollars needed for equipment and manpower to keep the project moving ahead. When the Massachusetts Chapter started to contribute more dollars, Wayne saw the commitment we were making and welcomed the partnership.” As turkey populations expanded, hunting opportunities also grew.

“Congratulations to Wayne for this well-deserved recognition,” said Mark S. Tisa, current MassWildlife Director. “This award offers a chance to reflect on how far we have come. The partnership between MassWildlife and NWTF is as strong as ever and we look forward to collaborating on our shared conservation goals for years to come.” 

Mr. MacCallum expressed gratitude for the honor. He emphasized that the hardworking and passionate MassWildlife staff, NWTF members, and volunteers were major factors in the success of wild turkey restoration and in championing responsible, safe hunting in the state.

This is the second time MacCallum has been recognized by NWTF. In 2015, he was awarded the Wayne Bailey Lifetime Achievement Award for excellence in conservation. Past Hall of Fame inductees from MassWildlife include retired Turkey Biologist Jim Cardoza, retired Information and Education Chief Ellie Horwitz, and the late Fisheries and Wildlife Board Chairman George Darey.

Fly tying events coming up

Several fly tying events will be conducted in the upcoming weeks.  On February 11 and March 16 at 3:30 pm the Taconic Chapter of Trout Unlimited will be having events at the Wild Soul River, 248 Cole Ave., Williamstown. On February 24 at 6:30 pm, Berkshire Outfitters, located at 169 Grove Street Adams, will have a fly-tying event. Anyone interested in attending the event should contact Chris Sampson at Berkshire Outfitters to reserve a spot.  In southern Berkshires, Peter Paulson is joining Dean Hutson and the folks at the Berkshire National Fish Hatchery, 240 Hatchery Road, New Marlborough, MA for some fly tying classes scheduled for February 17 and March 16 (3rd Saturdays of the month).

Lastly, on March 5 and 7, MassWildlife will be conducting a Beginner Fly Tying Class, at the Cheshire Rod & Gun Club, 310 Curran Road, Cheshire,  from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. There you will learn the basic skills of tying your own flies during this free, hands-on, two-session course.  All tools and tying materials will be provided. It is open to the public, for beginning fly tiers only, with a minimum age of 15.  Pre-registration is mandatory. Contact Jim Lagacy to register at: jim.lagacy@mass.gov or call 508-389-6309.

Ice Fishing Derby

 

The Cheshire Rod & Gun Club and the Adams Outdoorsmen for Youth will be sponsoring an ice fishing derby at the Cheshire Lake North Basin and 2nd Lake on February 18 from 7:00 am to 4:00 pm. Registration at both boat ramps from 7:00 to 10:00 am. Children are free with a paid adult ticket. Kids prizes for the 5 heaviest fish.  There are adult and kid categories.

 

Tickets cost $15.  Advance sales are available at Martin Farrell’s Bait, Cheshire Sporting Goods, Dave’s Sporting Goods, Onota Boat Livery or Shire Bait.  ’Weigh In “channel 7 or call 822-2824.  All fish must be alive, of legal length and weighed by 4:00 pm. Registration Awards and refreshments start at 5:00 pm at the club house.

 

Ice fishing tournament “off the ice”

With everyone’s safety as their top concern, the organizers have decided to move the 2024 Lanesboro Memorial Ice Fishing Tournament off the ice this year. Events will happen behind the Root River Saloon on Saturday, February 17 from 12:00 to -3:00 pm. There will be adult and youth activities and food and beverages.  The proceeds support the Lanesboro Senior Class and other local needs. Watch Facebook for more information.

Thanks Tom Ferguson, you did a wonderful job

 

Recently, Lenox Sportsmen’s Club Board Member Mark Jester announced a leadership transition at the Lenox Sportsmen’s Club, marking the end of Tom Ferguson’s remarkable 43-year tenure as its leader. According to Jester, at the age of 84, Tom, who had previously served as the president of the Lakewood Sportsmen’s Club before its merger with Lenox, has decided to step down. The merger was prompted by an unfortunate arson incident at the old Lakewood Sportsmen’s Club house in 1983.

Jester lauded Ferguson’s work.  “Under Tom’s guidance, Lenox Sportsmen’s Club has thrived, boasting an annual membership of around 650 individuals. Tom played a pivotal role in initiating programs, many of which are still in operation, and consistently advocated for the Berkshire County League of Sportsmen (BCLS). Although his departure leaves a void in leadership, Tom has expressed his continued involvement with the club.”

“Tom’s most recent undertaking was the organization of the club’s annual Venison & Polenta Dinner, a successful event that drew in 150 participants, including men, women, and children. The program generated $4,000.00 in funds, earmarked to sponsor the attendance of four local teenagers at the Massachusetts Junior Conservation Camp this upcoming summer. Despite stepping down from his leadership role, Tom remains an active and valuable contributor to the club’s initiatives.”

It was a tasty fish

Say, remember the article in this column about that big brown trout that was caught out of Stockbridge Bowl a couple of weeks ago?  As you may recall, it was caught by Brian Duffy of Rehoboth, MA.  I asked him what he did with that fish and here is his response, “ We ended up eating the fish. Beautiful filets turned into a few great meals. Smoked the filets with maple, pressure canned the boney sections to dissolve the bones for sandwiches, and boiled down the carcass for an amazing fish, chorizo, corn chowder.  Nothing went to waste!” he wrote.

It’s a shame he threw away the scales.

Study shows trouble for Adirondack brook trout

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There are quite a few local anglers who travel to the Adirondacks to fish.  Some are fly fishermen who fish the rivers, such as the Au Sable, Saranac, Salmon and others.  Some fish the lakes such as Lake Ontario, Lake Champlain, Great Sacandaga, Lake George and others.  A few fish for brook trout in the smaller ponds in the Adirondacks.

Unfortunately, a study recently published by the National Academy of Sciences does not paint a rosy picture for the future of Adirondack brook trout populations in lakes.  The study, titled “Concurrent warming and browning eliminate cold-water fish habitat in many temperate lakes,” explores how trout habitat is impacted by two water quality variables — climate warming and lake browning.   Lake browning occurs when dissolved organic matter from forests turns the water tea-brown, thus making the bottom of most lakes in the Adirondacks unlivable for cold water species such as trout and salmon during the summer.

A research group from Cornell University and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute learned that only about 5% of Adirondack lakes may continue to maintain water that is cold and oxygenated enough to support cold-water species given current trends. That is a significant decrease from the 1980s, when 23% of those lakes contained suitable habitat. The study provides insights into changes in key ecosystem dynamics with potential consequences for the future of temperate lakes in the Adirondacks as well as elsewhere in northeastern North America and parts of Europe.

This is not a problem in lakes categorized as “very clear.”   Little or no browning keeps the water column cool during the critical months of summer. Unfortunately, most lakes in the Adirondacks do not fall into the “very clear” category.

After a few more decades of browning, most Adirondack lakes will become either too warm or too deoxygenated to support trout populations,” said. Dr. Peter McIntyre,  associate professor in the departments of Natural Resources and the Environment and Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. “This is a radical departure from the past, when trout fisheries in numerous lakes were celebrated by locals and tourists alike.”

It’s imperative that we protect the modest number of buffered lakes in the Adirondacks from species invasions, nutrient and salt pollution, and other forms of environmental degradation,” said Stephen Jane. (former Cornell Atkinson Center for Sustainability Postdoctoral Fellow in the Department of Natural Resources and the Environment in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences).

“Increased browning is an unfortunate legacy of a century of acid rain, despite the prominent reduction in new acid inputs over the last few decades. As acidity has declined, ecosystems have become more productive at the same time that soils have suffered reduced capacity to absorb weak organic acids.  This leads to more dissolved plant matter flowing through the watershed into lakes, making them browner. Also, climate change has increased both the frequency of extreme precipitation events and the length of growing seasons, thereby promoting further runoff of organic matter.”

Browner water creates greater heat trapping at the top of a lake, as the sun’s rays are absorbed by the organic compounds in the water, leading to warming. At the same time, brown water blocks those rays from dispersing through the water column, which concentrates all solar heating in a shallow layer of warm, less-dense water that sits on top of the colder water layer below.

“In a recent study, sensors were placed in 15 Adirondack lakes which measured dissolved oxygen and temperature throughout each lake’s water column. The sensors collected measurements hourly from June through mid-October. “That enabled them to get really high-resolution maps of the habitat within the water column that would be suitable for brook trout,” Jane said.

“They measured rates of browning in a set of lakes with decades of historical data. These data enabled them to calculate relationships between browning and the gradients of temperature and oxygen levels with depth during the summer season. They applied their statistical findings to an existing database of 1,467 Adirondack lakes, and calculated which lakes contained potentially stressful conditions for trout over the summer period, based on understanding of the fish’s thermal and oxygen tolerances

For almost 95% of the lakes in the Adirondacks, any further browning is going to be harmful to these cold-water species,” Jane said.

During the summer, the water separates into different zones, with warm water on the surface and cold water on the bottom. The layer suitable for trout is called the oxythermal layer, and it is located somewhere in the middle. Oxythermal means warm and well-oxygenated, and the greater the span of this layer, the better it is for the trout.  The data suggests that future prospects of oxythermal habitat are bleak because deep lakes are rare and dissolved oxygen concentrations in most lakes were high enough to produce a substantial net loss of suitable oxythermal habitat under observed rates of browning.

The researchers determined that lakes are becoming increasingly “squeezed” by browning. This means that the deep, hypoxic bottom layer is expanding upward, cutting into the oxythermal layer and reducing the trout habitat.

According to the report, “Browning-induced heat trapping at the surface of Adirondack lakes has led to surface warming rates more than double the average rates reported for temperate lakes worldwide and more than 180% faster declines in deep-water dissolved oxygen.”

The study suggests that most Adirondack lakes right now are already poorly suited for trout, and further disruption of habitat will continue to threaten the future of trout populations.

Not good news for those beautiful brook trout.

Certain information was obtained from an article written by Krishna Ramanujan of the Cornell Chronicle entitled Most Adirondack lakes will likely become unsuitable for trout.

 

Identifying trees and shrubs in Winter

 

Do you find that identifying a tree during winter time to be a daunting endeavor? With the absence of leaves, flowers, and fruit, it can appear as though there are no distinguishable characteristics to help with identification. But according to Chelsey Simmons of Berkshire Environmental Action Team (BEAT) this is far from true.

 

Chelsey says that winter is an excellent time to learn how to identify woody plant species. The absence of leaves allows for the opportunity to take a closer look at the characteristics that are often overlooked, like the subtle features of a twig, the arrangement of buds, and the overall form and structure of a tree.

 

On Wednesday, February 14 at 6:00 pm, you are invited to join Chelsey for the February Berkshire Green Drinks virtual event to explore the buds, twigs, and bark of common trees seen in our New England landscape.  She will go over the steps to tree identification, break down twig morphology, and give helpful hints on remembering one species from another — all of which will aid in tree and shrub identification year-round.

 

The presentation will be live-streamed via Zoom.   Registration is required to receive the meeting link. Register at: http://tinyurl.com/Feb2024-Berks-Green-Drinks

 

For the past few years, she’s been working on an identification book of trees and shrubs found in western Massachusetts, meticulously drawing and painting each page by hand and sharing those pages with the public through BEAT’s “Tree of the Month” series with the hope of getting people excited about trees and interested in the native species found in our region.

 

Knox Trail Chapter Whitetails Unlimited Banquet

On Saturday, February 10, the Knox Trail Chapter of WU will be holding a fundraiser banquet at the Knox Trail Inn, Rte. 23, East Otis, MA.  Games/drawings/Social Hour begins at 12:00 pm and dinner at 1:30 pm.  Tickets cost $50 each.  The ticket order deadline is February 9. For more information, contact Bill Bailey at 413-244-2304.

The Grassroots Program provides the primary financial support for conservation projects funded by WU, and to date over $125.9 million has been expended on program services that enhance and foster their mission.  The Berkshires has often benefitted from their services.  Tickets can be bought and printed online at whietailsunlimited.com

Ice fishing derby rescheduled

The Lanesboro Volunteer Fire Association’s ice fishing derby which was scheduled for today (February 3) has been rescheduled due to possibly dangerous ice conditions.  It is now scheduled for Saturday, February 24 from 6:00am to 12:00pm on Pontoosuc Lake.  Entry fee is $15 for adults, kids 12 and under enter free.  You must register behind the park on Narragansett Avenue.  The entry fee includes a chance at a door prize.  There will be cash prizes and free coffee and cocoa.  The raffle ticket drawing follows the derby.

Be careful while going out onto frozen ponds

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

  • Tell someone your plans, including where you are going and when you expect to return.
  • Carry a cell phone in case of emergency. Carry ice picks and rope with you on the ice. In case of emergency, drive the nails into the ice and pull yourself to safety while kicking.
  • Wear your life jacket. If you fall in, a life jacket will keep you at the surface and can provide insulation against the effects of cold water.

Ice thickness guidelines

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

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

Falling through the ice

If you fall in:

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

 

If someone else falls in, remember the phrase “Preach-Reach-Throw-Go.”

  • Preach: Call 911 if you can. Shout to the victim to reassure them help is on the way.
  • Reach: If you can safely reach them from shore, extend an object like a rope, jumper cables, tree branch, or ladder to them.
  • Throw: Toss one end of a rope or something that will float to the victim.
  • Go: If the situation is too dangerous for you to perform a rescue, call 911 or go to find help. Untrained rescuers can become victims themselves.
  • Keep pets leashed while walking on or near ice. If a pet falls in, don’t attempt to rescue it, go find help. Well-meaning pet owners can easily become victims themselves when trying to assist their pets.

Nice trout hauled out of Stockbridge Bowl

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

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

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

Ice fishing derbies scheduled next weekend

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

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

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

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

Basic Hunter Education course

 

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

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

 

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

 

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

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

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

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

Annual Pheasant Fundraising Turkey Shoot & Dinner –

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

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

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

New England Fishing Expo

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

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

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

Coldwater Streams

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In the 2024 Massachusetts Hunting and Fishing regulations, you might have noticed a new paragraph entitled Coldwater Streams (page 17) and wondered what that is all about.  It explains what a Coldwater Fish Resource is.

A Coldwater Fish Resource (CFR) is a waterbody (stream, river, or tributary) that contains at least one Coldwater fish species (i.e., Longnose Sucker, Slimy Sculpin, Lake Chub, American Brook Lamprey, Burbot, Rainbow Trout, Rainbow Smelt, Landlocked Salmon, Brown Trout, Brook Trout, or Lake Trout) where reproducing cold water fish are found. These fish are sensitive to increases in temperature and require cold water to fulfill one or more of their life stage requirements.

CFRs are particularly sensitive habitats and changes in land and water use can reduce the ability of these waters to support trout and other kinds of cold water fish.  Protection of cold water habitats is critical for maintaining the overall health of cold water fish species which are ecologically, and in many cases, recreationally important fishes throughout Massachusetts.

Once designated as a CFR, a waterbody is then afforded a greater degree of protection from potential human-caused alterations to their health. Conservation/planning commissions, land trusts, consultants, and town open space committees will find this information useful for conservation planning.

A map and list of currently designated CFR’s can be found at Mass.gov/dfw/cfr.  To get started, find your town using the search box in the map. CFRs are shown in blue, click on a stream for more information. The Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (DFW) maintains a list of waters that are identified as Coldwater Fish Resources (CFR).

New streams are sampled and evaluated yearly. There are more than 11,000 miles of streams and rivers in the Commonwealth, not all of which have been sampled. The CFRs are updated and posted annually to reflect the most current fisheries surveys, but CFR listings may be identified frequently in the interim.

For information on the most updated listings or questions involving CFR water quality or development projects (i.e., environmental review, etc.) that may affect CFRs, contact Adam Kautza (adam.kautza@mass.gov). Requests should include GPS coordinates or location description, stream name and/or SARIS ID number, town, and a brief explanation for your inquiry.

A person may request the DFW to reconsider its designation of a waterbody as a CFR or to designate a waterbody as a CFR. Any such request must be made in writing and provide the basis for the request and include supporting biological data and information.

Incidentally, last August DFW’s Adam Kautza came out to the Berkshires and gave a talk on this subject at the Stationery Factory in Dalton.  At that time, there were 1,277 identified wild trout streams in MA spread out.  DFW finds new ones every year. (While corresponding with him last week, he wrote that they were up to almost 1,300 now).  They try to get back to resurvey streams about every 15 years but some get surveyed more frequently.

He said the vast majority of CFR’s are wild brook trout streams, but there are a fair number of brown trout and a few rainbow streams.  No trout were discovered in 132 of those 1,277 CFRs but that doesn’t mean that those fish are extirpated.  It just means that the most recent surveys didn’t turn up any wild trout – they could be elsewhere in the stream.   Some streams have no current data.

Native Brook Trout are the most abundant trout and they live 2 to 3 years average, rarely 4 years old.  A 10-inch Brook Trout is a trophy in pretty much any wild trout stream in Massachusetts  other than the Swift River or the sea-run stream. Brook trout are relegated to much colder smaller waters.  But some rivers such as the Swift River have a condition of year-round cold water, (caused by bottom cold water discharges from Quabbin Reservoir) and some of those wild brook trout reach 15 to 20 inches.

Brook trout are native to Massachusetts.

Brown trout, which were first introduced in Massachusetts in the late 1800’s have been introduced all over the state in various water bodies but have only become established as wild populations in a few areas, especially in the Connecticut, Housatonic, and Hoosic River basins but also there are scattered populations elsewhere.  Wild Brown Trout live in warmer streams but that is only relative to the temperatures where they generally find Brook Trout. It’s still cold for sure. In the larger streams they can reach 24 to 25 inches and can live to 7,8, or 9 years old.

Rainbow trout were another introduced species and were concentrated in small areas.  They are migratory, There purportedly is a good population of them in Clesson Brook in Franklin County.

I’ll bet that there are a few white-haired folks who are reading this column and are thinking back to the old days when wild “speckled” brook trout were in almost every local stream.  I know that in Lenox, it was hard to find a stream that didn’t have them.  Some of those streams still do.

Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation Banquet

 

The Bay State Chapter Banquet of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation will be holding a banquet on Saturday, January 27, 2024 at 5:00 pm at the Stockbridge Sportsmen’s Club, 24 West Stockbridge Road, Stockbridge. There are a dozen entrance fee scenarios, but a single ticket costs $90, or tickets for a couple cost $145.00.  Dinner is served at approximately 6:30 pm.

 

Prizes include forearms, bows, premium trips and adventures, hand crafted furniture, limited edition art, gifts, gear, and more.

 

Seats and tickets are limited and you can reserve your tickets by registering online.

 

 

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For more details, contact: Gary D. Johnston at  hillroad1101262@gmail.com, or (413)298-3623.

 

Fishing and Hunting Swap Meet

 

The Cheshire Rod & Gun Club (CR&G) will be holding its third annual Fishing and Hunting Swap Meet on Saturday, February 3 at its clubhouse at 310 Curran Road, Cheshire.  The hours are from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm.  Open to the public, the admission cost is $3.00 for adults and kids 12 and under free.

It is an opportunity to buy, sell or trade new and used fishing and hunting gear.  No guns, ammunition, household items; unsold items must be removed.

Breakfast and lunch are available. Table space is still available at $30, which includes admission for one.  To reserve a table, contact Jeff Kruszyna at (413)743-4168.

Truckload of Goodies raffle winners

 

The Cheshire Rod & Gun Club has announced the winners of its Truckload of Goodies Raffle.  Gary Vosburg was 1st place winner, 2nd was Phil Hiser, 3rd was Gary Rochello, and 4th was Josh Rocca.  Congratulations to all!

 

Winter Fly Tying

 

Justin Adkins, President of the Taconic Chapter of Trout Unlimited recommends that you save dates for some great fly tying gatherings this winter. No matter if you are a new or seasoned fly tyer, there is something for everyone. Vises and materials are provided but if you wish, you can bring your own.

Taconic TU fly tying gatherings are scheduled for the Wild Soul River, 248 Cole Ave., Williamstown on January 21, February 11 and March 16 at 3:30pm.

 

Berkshire Outfitters, located at 169 Grove Street Adams, will have a fly tying event on February 24 at 6:30pm. Anyone interested in attending the event should contact Chris Sampson at Berkshire Outfitters to reserve a spot.

 

In southern Berkshires, Taconic TU member Peter Paulson is joining Dean Hutson and the folks at the Berkshire National Fish Hatchery, 240 Hatchery Road, New Marlborough, MA for some fly tying events scheduled for today, January 20.   The next two scheduled tying events will be February 17 and March 16 (3rd Saturdays of the month).

EEA:  Fight climate change by keeping our forests intact

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In June, the Healey-Driscoll Administration launched “Forests as Climate Solutions” to increase the focus on forests and climate by investing in forest conservation, enhancing a network of forest reserves, and developing forest management guidelines based on the latest climate science. The Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) convened the Climate Forestry Committee, a group of scientific experts, to bring their expertise and recommend a climate-centered approach for state lands.

The EEA recently released the Climate Forestry Committee’s report containing its recommendations regarding enhanced climate-oriented forest management practices for Massachusetts, based on the latest climate science.

Noting the critical role forests play in mitigating dangerous climate change, the Committee urged the state to sharpen its land management focus on climate change mitigation and adaptation. EEA is allocating $50 million to support the state’s mandated emissions reduction requirements, including, as set forth in the Clean Energy and Climate Plan, conserving 40 percent of the Commonwealth’s natural and working lands by 2050. EEA will invest this funding in forest conservation and incentives that encourage municipal and private landowners to adopt climate-oriented management approaches.

EEA is now seeking public input on the Committee’s recommendations to inform the state’s implementation of management guidelines for forest lands held by the Department of Conservation and Recreation’s (DCR) Divisions of State Parks and Recreation and Water Supply Protection, and the Department of Fish and Game’s (DFG) Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife). As planned, the six-month temporary pause on timber harvesting projects is over.  During the public comment period, the State will review the paused projects and apply the Committee’s recommendations.

“Healthy forests and wetlands are our best defense against the increasingly dangerous impacts of climate change. Nature—our forests, wetlands, grasslands—sequester huge amounts of carbon. But our forests are in danger—each year we lose more and more as forests are cut for other land uses and the forests themselves are experiencing the effects of more extreme climate impacts, including droughts, fires, heat waves, invasive species, and more intense storms. The Healey-Driscoll Administration made it a top priority to ensure our forest management practices and state policies guiding our forestry programs integrate the best and most current science,” said Climate Chief Melissa Hoffer. “The policy choices and actions we take now will impact future generations.,

Climate Forestry Committee Recommendations

Over six months, the Committee of scientific experts deliberated on recent science about how forests can affect climate change and how they are best managed for carbon storage and sequestration. The Committee centered its recommendations around the idea that forest management ranges along a spectrum from the most passive, hands-off approach, where nature takes its course, to active management, where interventions are targeted to advance specific forest conditions. Its recommendations covered several areas, including carbon stocks and sequestration, soils, natural disturbances, and habitat management, offering climate-centered approaches for each.

In addition, the Committee discussed strategies for maximizing carbon storage. The Committee agreed that carbon storage is greatest in older forests, and the state should allow forests to grow old while balancing goals for active management. The Committee also recommended strategies for pursuing active forest management in a climate-focused manner, including updating Best Management Practices and encouraging EEA to implement its Healthy Soils Action Plan to preserve soil carbon.

The Committee also recommended a reduction in habitat goals for species dependent on young forests, shrublands, and grasslands on MassWildlife lands to increase carbon storage and sequestration. Separately, the Department of Fish and Game will evaluate and update habitat goals for 2030, 2040, and 2050 for Massachusetts.

Additionally, the Committee underscored the importance of natural disturbances for forests, and recommended, wherever possible, that dead trees be left on the ground for their biodiversity benefits – rather than removed.

Recognizing the impact pests, pathogens, and invasive plant species can have on natural and working lands, the Committee recommended that EEA evaluate each circumstance individually including the nature of the invasive pest or pathogen, the tree species impacted, the stage of the invasion, and the likelihood of successful intervention.

Overall, the Committee emphasized the importance of keeping forests intact by enlarging forest reserves, increasing permanent conservation efforts, and reducing the conversion of forests to other uses. It encouraged state agencies to be more specific about the rationale behind forest management projects and their carbon and climate implications, including for water supply protection and habitat management goals. It also called for more investment in data, science, and staffing resources for state forest lands.

Forest and Carbon Data

Understanding the essential role of forests and carbon, the administration has also developed an outline and framework for a publicly available dashboard that will launch this year, highlighting forest carbon metrics and trends. Projects planned for 2024 include engaging an external contractor to investigate where and how wood from Massachusetts forests is being utilized and the impact on carbon storage of use in long-lived wood products.

Landowner and Business Incentives

Working directly with private forest landowners who represent 60 percent of Massachusetts’ forests and forestry business owners representing the state’s $5.4 billion market sectors, EEA will expand its successful Working Forest Initiative program. In 2024, the administration will take actions to increase technical assistance, incentivize practices that protect or enhance forest soils and carbon stocks, and promote forest resilience across private and municipal lands in Massachusetts via technical assistance from licensed foresters to advance climate-oriented forestry practices. In addition, an annual climate forestry event will be launched for all forest landowners and related businesses to exchange ideas, best practices, and innovations.

For more information regarding the “Forests as Climate Solutions” initiative and the Climate Forestry Committee’s report, visit https://www.mass.gov/doc/forest-as-climate-solutions.  The document is 70 pages long.  EEA is seeking public comment on the Climate Forestry Committee’s recommendations through Wednesday, January 24. To formally submit a public comment, you can do so at the same address.

The importance of our forests is finally hitting home – our very existence depends upon them. So we better get it right.  This scribe applauds the Healey-Driscoll Administration for being proactive and taking the initiative to address the climate change issues and proposing enhanced climate-oriented forest management practices for Massachusetts.

However; the Climate Forestry Committee made one recommendation that bothers me. It recommended a reduction in habitat goals for species dependent on young forests, shrublands, and grasslands on MassWildlife lands (WMAs) to increase carbon storage and sequestration.

Does that mean that MassWildlife’s program of clear cutting some sections of WMAs in order to encourage early successional growth, which provides food for wildlife, will be severely reduced or ended?

 

One would think that reducing this source of food for critters (deer, for example), will leave them no alternative but to browse heavily on young saplings which are generated from the mature trees in our forests.   We have seen the effects of over browsing in the forests in the eastern part of our state and other areas.  Over the years, as our forests grow older and trees fall or die off, there may not be any young trees to take their place, as they will have been previously chewed down.  Such forests will eventually die off, which is contrary to the goal of enlarging our forest reserves.

 

In response to my concerns, the EEA’s office noted the following:

 

The Climate Forestry Committee recommended reducing the goal for early successional habitat, given the carbon implications associated with realizing it. Because MassWildlife’s current goals for early successional habitat types are cumulative and up to 25% of the Division’s land, the Committee recommended reducing them to closer to the recent management rate.

 

The Department of Fish and Game (DFG) is currently reviewing existing biodiversity conservation and developing goals and strategies for Massachusetts in 2030, 2040, and 2050, as laid out in the Biodiversity Conservation in Massachusetts Executive Order. During this process, the Department will be reconsidering its goals for early successional habitat.

 

Sportsmen’s club elections

 

Most of the sportsmen’s clubs have elected their officers for the 2024 season.

Here are a couple:  Berkshire Beagle Club officers reelected were:  President – Al Costa of Westfield, MA, VP- Dick Kalisz of Adams, Treasurer – Kate Butler of East Chatham, NY and Secretary – Jeff St John of West Stockbridge.

BCLS 2024 Officer elections:  The following officers were voted on and unanimously approved: Wayne McLain – President, Bob McCarthy – Vice President, Dan Kruszyna – Treasurer and Gene Chague – Secretary.

A look back at 2023 Berkshire Woods and Waters columns

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

 

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

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

 

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

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

 

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

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

 

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

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

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

 

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

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

 

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

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

 

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

 

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

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

 

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

 

Naturewatch columnist Thom Smith retired.

 

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

 

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

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

 

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

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

 

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

 

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

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

picture provided by Peter Paulson

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

Charles Wohl of Lenox was

Charles Wohl photo provided by Gene Chague

awarded Trout Unlimited Crooked Staff Award.

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

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

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

 

Active Military & Veteran waterfowl hunt

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

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

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

 

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

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

picture provided by Peter Paulson

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

The 2024 Marlborough Fly Fishing Show coming up

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

 

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

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

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

Rivers of New England with Ed Lombardo.

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

 

Don’t feed the wild animals

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

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

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

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

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

Happy New Year!

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

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

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

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

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

Defense through the Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration Program and

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

through resilience-focused and nature-based solutions.

 

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

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

related threats

  • Expanding access to the outdoors, particularly in underserved communities

 

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

 

Could deer hunting in January be the solution?

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Onota Lake female bald eagle disappeared

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

T98 female eagle, photo provided by Mark Thorne

 

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

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

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

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

So long #T98, and thanks for the memories.

Preliminary bear harvest numbers

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Bunnies want your used Christmas trees

The Berkshire Beagle Club will once again be accepting used and unsold Christmas trees at its club at 380 Sleepy Hollow Road, Richmond.  There should be an A frame sign by the drop spot, or just put them to the right of the driveway as you pull in. The bunnies nibble on the branches and use them to provide cover from predator raptors.  Please make sure to remove all tinsel, angle hair and other decorations and ornaments because the bunnies have a tendency to eat them and can die from their ingestion. And please no plastic or metal trees.

2024 hunting and fishing licenses are available

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

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Charles Wohl awarded the Crooked Staff

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At its December7, 2023 Holiday Party, the Taconic Chapter of Trout Unlimited (TU) presented to retired doctor Charles Wohl of Lenox its most prestigious award, the Crooked Staff Award. He has been a member of TU for some 40 years or so.    He originally started out as a member of the Konkapot Chapter of TU in southern Berkshire County until it merged with the Taconic Chapter in the 1980s.

In the past Charles has made numerous excellent presentations at the Chapter meetings about rivers that he has fished. He is an excellent fly tier and has conducted fly tying demonstrations over the years in places such as the Berkshire National Fish Hatchery.  In May of 1983 some of his flies were on display at the Berkshire Museum when it held its exhibit “Fly Tying, Fly Fishing: the gentle sport” which ran from April 6 to May 13, 1984.

Over the years, Charles has written fishing articles for The Backcast, the official newsletter of Taconic TU, for the now defunct literary journal The Berkshire Review, and for this Berkshire Eagle column.  I foresee another one of his articles appearing in this column in the future.

Charles Wohl, picture taken by Gene Chague

 

He gave fly tying lessons for a couple of years at the late Fred Moran’s shop Points North in Adams. For fundraisers, various organizations auctioned off fly casting lessons from him and then a day of guided fly fishing on the Housatonic River in Connecticut with a gourmet lunch prepared by his wife Alba. He also participated in teaching fly casting at Casting for Recovery events. (The Mission of Casting for Recovery is to enhance the lives of survivors and thrivers of breast cancer by connecting them to each other and nature through the therapeutic sport of fly fishing and providing oncology medical and psychosocial support at no cost). Over the decades he has also donated generously to TU’s fundraisers.

 

Charles was totally caught off guard, and upon receiving the award was only able to say a few words, mostly about his surprise and his feeling that it was undeserved but much appreciated.  Sorry Charles, but everyone in that room felt that you greatly deserved the award.

 

“I think for me” said Charles, “membership in TU and getting out on the rivers has given me the opportunity to meet so many really nice men and women who are great fishermen and fisherwomen, but, more importantly, dedicated to efforts to preserve cold water environments.  My involvement with TU and fly fishing has, in general, shown me that trout live in very pretty places, including some areas of Europe.”

 

After opening remarks by Chapter President Justin Adkins of Williamstown, the presentation was emceed by Taconic TU Director Marc Hoechstetter of West Cummington.  Mr. Goodrod’s staff and flyrod were presented to Charles by the previous recipient Fran Marzotto of Pittsfield.

 

You may ask, what is the Crooked Staff Award and how did it come to be?

The history of the Crooked Staff has already been featured in this column over the years a couple of times.  With your indulgence, lets one more time refresh our memories of how this award came about and the story behind this rich Taconic TU tradition.

The staff itself was the brainchild of Ken Welch, one of the chapter’s past members who has since moved to the New York State Finger Lakes area and then later to Florida. He related the following story about the origin of the staff which he claimed to be true. However, members wonder if the social hour preceding the meeting when he introduced it affected his veracity.  In any event the moral of the story is still solid:

“Many years ago, there lived a trout fisherman who was the epitome of the ultimate gentleman angler. He was a man who was honest to a fault, one who needed no guidelines such as game laws by which to live. He was a man who always did the proper thing because it was the right thing to do. Mr. Ernest Goodrod was that man.

He would never wade into another man’s pool, he never kept under-sized fish, nor exceeded the lawful limit. In fact, he felt those laws weren’t written for him since he had always practiced “Catch and Release”. Mr. Goodrod stopped to help young anglers that he felt could use his expertise; he never lied about the quantity or the quality of his catches. He was free with his advice and shared the location of favorite fishing holes with strangers. He was truly a gentleman’s gentleman.

In spite of having a heart condition, he fished frequently, and often alone. Being of an advanced age he always had his wading staff tied to his belt with a rawhide tether. It was cut from a strong, straight tree and left in its natural state. Straight, strong, and pure, not unlike Mr. Goodrod.

But alas, the day came when he didn’t return from his favorite stream; his heart had finally failed him. He was found at the Bridge Pool by the local near-do-well, a despicable man who lied cheated and connived his way through life. He was noted for following the trout stocking trucks to take as many trout as possible. When this awful man found Mr. Goodrod, he stripped him of his rod, vest, waders and wading staff. For most of that summer he used his stuff, including the staff, but every time he broke the law the staff would get shorter due to it taking on a coil, and eventually the staff became unusable.

One evening the local game warden arrested the bum, jailed him, and confiscated all his fishing tackle, including the crooked staff. Everyone knew that the staff was once the property of Mr. Goodrod and the story spread that if a real gentleman of Mr. Goodrod’s caliber were to handle the staff it would straighten out to its original splendor.

Ken Welch obtained the staff, but in spite of being a fine gentleman the staff remained crooked. Somewhere Ken had a hidden flaw. He was aware of the fine character of the members at the Taconic Chapter of TU and figured one of its members could remove the coils. Ken suggested that if the staff was presented to the one who most represented the ideals of TU, the staff would be restored, but alas after many, many recipients, it remains crooked. Apparently, each honoree had a hidden flaw in his or her character. Someday the likes of Mr. Goodrod will be found, so it is hoped.”

Well, nearly every year since the mid 1980’s the Chapter’s Board of Directors selected one of its members to receive this coveted award. The person is selected as the member who best represents the ideals of T.U. (conserving, protecting, and restoring North America’s cold- water fisheries and their watersheds).  This member holds the Crooked Staff for the following year until it is either passed on to another deserving member or is held, if none is deemed deserving.

There have been 31 previous Crooked Staff recipients over the years.  Chronologically, they were as follows:  Francis F. Conroy, Ernest Long, Jerry Zink, Ted Giddings, Gene Chague, Ken Welch, Paul and Homer Ouellette, John Kastrinakis, Cy Henry, Michael Shepard, Clem Ferris, Tony Lorio, Dick Bordeau, Paul Knauth, Fred and Marilyn Moran, Herb Rod, Dave Oclair, Karen Karlberg, Marc Hoechstetter, Len Gigliotti, Ron Wojcik, Charles Lahey, Allen Gray, Doug and Gail Yates, John Burns, Bill Travis, Henry Sweren, Fran Marzotto and now Charles Wohl.

In 2016, Taconic TU charter member Homer Ouellette, of Pittsfield, himself a Crooked Staff recipient, passed beyond the riverbend. Unbeknownst to the TU members, he had purportedly gained possession of Mr. Goodrod’s flyrod. Homer’s brother, the late Paul Ouellette of Lanesboro, brought it to a TU meeting hoping that it would be presented to future deserving crooked staff recipients.  On it is inscribed, “Property of Mr. Ernest Goodrod.”  Hence, a new Taconic TU tradition had been formed.