Category Archives: Deer Hunting

2023 deer harvest figures released

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Big buck harvested

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

photo of Matt provided by his family

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hunters share their venison

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

2023 wild turkey harvest

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Small game hunting seasons over

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

photo provided by Josh Christman

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

 

 

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.

Primitive Firearms Deer Hunting season opens Monday

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

items needed to black powder hunt. Picture provided by MassWildlife

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dangerous dam to be removed

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Junior Duck Stamp contest

There is still time to enter the Massachusetts Junior Duck Stamp (JDS) contest. Students from kindergarten through grade 12 can submit original artwork to participate in this fun and educational competition. The entry deadline is February 15, 2024. The process of creating these works of art allows students to appreciate the importance of preserving wetland habitats and the delights and diversity of wildlife. “Even if students do not enter the competition, science and art teachers will value the JDS curriculum as a useful resource,” advises MassWildlife’s Education Coordinator, Pam Landry.

The JDS program links the study of wetlands and waterfowl conservation with the creation of original artwork. Students in grades K-12 learn about the habitat requirements of various kinds of ducks and geese and then express their knowledge of the beauty, diversity, and interdependence of these species artistically, by creating a drawing or painting which can be submitted to the JDS art contest. The art is judged in four age group categories in a statewide competition; the entry judged Best of Show moves on to represent Massachusetts in the national JDS competition.

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

 

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

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

New regulations for 2024 are as follows:

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

Unsettled weather greeted deer hunters last Monday

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

Hunter Ed

 

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

Picture of Todd Olanyk teaching hunter ed class

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

Happy 20th birthday Berkshire Environmental Action Team (BEAT)

 

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

 

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

Shotgun deer hunting season opens Monday  

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picture provided by MassWildliife

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

 

Hunter Harassment Law

 

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

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

Precious Memories

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Manuel Carballo Governor’s Award

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

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

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

Fish & Wildlife Board elections

 

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

 

Taconic TU Holiday Banquet

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

 

Surplus Antlerless Deer Permits go on sale next Tuesday

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Unlimited surplus Antlerless Deer Permits (ADP) will be available for Zones 10, 11, 13, &14 starting on Tuesday, September 26.  A limited number of ADPs for Zones 3, 9, & 12 will go on sale on a first come, first served basis on Wednesday, September 27.  They cost $10 and you will need a hunting license in order to purchase one. The easiest way to buy a license or a surplus permit is online through MassFishHunt. In-person sales are also available at select license vendor locations and MassWildlife offices.

 

I hope things go better for Larry Sheedy of Pittsfield this year.  Last year he was on his computer and ready to submit his application for Zone 3 (South/Southwest Berkshires) on the day and time they were to be available. All his information was put in and he was only waiting to hit “submit” for his application.

 

Surprisingly and unfortunately the 350+ applications flashed on the screen and before he could move his hand to hit submit, all 350 were removed/unavailable. These were available and then unavailable in less time it took to blink his eyes.

 

He waited for 30-40 minutes hoping some would become available but none ever came along. During this time, he was able to see the other permits being taken in each of the other zones; so, it appeared the system was working.

 

“These Zone 3 permit applications were gone far, far faster than tickets go for a Taylor Swift concert and I find it utterly inconceivable that the MassWildlife online system could process more than 350 applications in time that was quicker than he could move his hand and hit submit.” wrote Sheedy.

 

While frustrated he contacted MassWildlife and they apologized but, in Larry’s opinion, these apologies all seemed disingenuous (and they) tried to infer he was late applying, and that was most definitely not the case.

 

He will be ready to submit his application on September 27 before 9:00 am. He only hopes the permits actually are available and this application is not a waste of time since the permits will be “available” for less than 1 second.

 

I passed his comments onto the Mass Division of Fisheries & Wildlife. Martin Feehan, Deer & Moose Biologist who responded as follows:

“There were significant issues last year with the surplus ADP sales including the sales starting early, going offline for a few minutes, and duplicates sales due to incorrect coding by the license vendor. The number of permits available ticking down was working correctly, but it accounts for unclaimed permits and the demand was high enough that they were being claimed faster than people were adding them. The 351 permits last year sold out by 9:07 am.”

 

“The programming issues have been resolved by the license vendor and it should go much smoother this year as was the case with the ADP drawing on August 1st. The permits will still sell out very quickly. There are only 210 permits available this year and they will likely sell out in less than 5 minutes based on the high demand”.

 

“It is important to be ready to add them to your cart and have payment information ready to go. Once customers add them to their cart, they must check out within 10 minutes or the permit will be opened back up for someone else to purchase it. With such high demand there is no guarantee that all customers available at 9:00 am will be able to purchase them. There will likely be more than a thousand customers trying to purchase a couple hundred permits.”

 

Youth Deer Hunt Day is next Saturday

MassWildlife created Youth Deer Hunt Day to allow young hunters to hunt deer with their own permit. The hunt occurs on a special one-day season before the state’s annual deer hunting seasons. This year it is September 30.  Shotgun deer season regulations apply during the hunt.

License and permit requirements:

12–14 years old – Each child must obtain a Free Youth Deer Permit, and be with a licensed adult. Only one minor per licensed adult is permitted. The adult may not use a hunting implement.

15–17 years old (Residents) – A minor hunting license is required as is the Free Youth Deer Permit.

15–17 years old (Non-residents) – A Massachusetts Non-resident Big Game License is required as is the Free Youth Deer Permit

Free Youth Deer Permits can be obtained online at MassFishHunt beginning August 1 or in-person at an authorized license vendor. The Permit is valid only for September 30. Only one hunting implement is allowed and the bag limit is one deer of either sex.

 

All youth hunters and any accompanying adults must wear at least 500 square inches of blaze orange on their chest, back, and head.

Young hunters must fill out the tag from the Youth Deer Permit and attach it to the deer before moving it. Do not use any other deer tags. You must report your deer harvest within 48 hours.

 

Be sure to check pages 24 and 25 of the Hunting & Fishing Regulations which deal with youth hunters.  On the MassWildlife website, you can download tips for mentors and parents.

 

Berkshire Beagle Club field trials

 

On October 7 and 8 the Berkshire Beagle club will host its annual Jack Silvernail Fall Sanctioned SPO field trial for registered beagles.  (SPO designates small pack option which means the field trial organizers can adjust the size of the pack depending on the number of dogs trialing. Small packs are no larger than 9 dogs at a time).

 

On Saturday, October 7, thirteen-inch and fifteen-inch males will run.  On Sunday, October 8, thirteen-inch and fifteen-inch females will run.  They will be judged for consistency and precision while trailing game.

 

Entry fees are $25 per dog.  There will be a raffle of Cabela’s/Bass Pro gift cards of $500, $300, and $100. The kitchen will offer breakfast and lunch.

For raffle information, contact president Al Costa at alcosta@comcast.net or 413-562-1006.  For other trial questions, contact Chris Wilser at 1cwilser@gmail.com (845) 489-6554.

 

It’s been a great hunting year so far for young Hunter

 

Hunter Lawson of Williamstown just turned 14 years old a few weeks ago. He took Wayne McLain’s Hunter Education course in March of this year and since then, he bagged 2 turkeys this spring, (featured in this column’s May 5, 2023 issue entitled  A tale of two youth turkey hunters).

 

He had been practicing for the upcoming black bear hunting season with a .243 and a .30-06 caliber rifle.  He opted for the .30-06. (Youngsters aged 12-14 can hunt with a licensed adult, using one firearm).

 

Hunter runs cross country for Mount Greylock, but unfortunately, he hurt his toe and couldn’t practice. After a few weeks of no practice, his dad Dan Lawson told him that when he is better and able to practice, he would take him bear hunting using his bear permit.

 

Within a few days he was feeling better, so after practice, they had a quick bite to eat, then off to the woods.  They were hunting a friend’s property in Williamstown for only a half hour when they saw a bear. Hunter brought it down with one shot at 80 yards.

 

Dan showed him how to dress out the animal and tag it. The bear dressed out at 150 lbs. After they got ice into it to cool it down and keep it cool, Dan had a butcher friend of his process it.

 

LaBlue’s Taxidermy in Adams is going to mount it for Hunter.

Dan and Hunter’s grandfather Bob McCarthy are so happy for him. According to Dan, “Hunter is one happy camper.  The look on Hunter’s face was priceless.  He has been talking to his friends about hunting and showing them the pictures. It sounds like some of them want to get their Hunter Education course and get out into the woods, too. To get the kids off video games and into the outdoors keeps the sport going.”

 

Hunter is now looking forward to the Youth Deer Hunt coming up.

 

Anybody want to take bets that he won’t get a deer?

 

Incidentally, the first season of black bear hunting in Massachusetts ends this weekend, September 23.  The second season opens on November 6.

Deer hunters still have a chance to obtain an antlerless deer permit

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By now Massachusetts deer hunters should know if they were selected to receive an antlerless deer permit (ADP), also known as a doe permit.  If not, they can simply click onto the MassFishHunt web page to find out.  Of course, they had to apply for the permit by July 16 to be eligible.

 

If selected, Massachusetts residents need to pay the $10.00 fee to purchase the permit.  The permit fee costs $15.00 for non-resident deer hunters.

 

It’s a lottery system, and not every hunter who wanted one in the wildlife management zone of their choice got one.  The difference between allocation and demand determines the odds of winning an ADP. The exceptions are those who applied for permits in Zones 10, 11, 13, and 14 where everyone who applied got one.  There are too many deer in those zones and MassWildlife is trying to reduce the herd to desirable numbers where there is sufficient food and habitat to sustain them.

There still is a chance to get a permit. Surplus ADPs will go on sale as follows:  A limited number of permits for Zones 3, 7, 9 and 12 will go on sale on a first-come, first-served basis starting 9:00 am on September 27. The limit is one ADP per zone per day until sold out.

 

Permits for Zones 10, 11, 13 and 14 will go on sale at 9:00 am on September 26. There is no season purchase limit for these zones and they are available throughout the 2023 deer season.

 

Hunters with a valid hunting or sporting license can buy Surplus ADPs even if they did not previously apply for a permit.

 

I live in Zone 3 and the deer in my neighborhood have become a real nuisance, especially where my vegetable garden is concerned.  I’ve always known they relish cabbages, beans, peas, carrots, corn, etc., so I put a 5-foot fence around those veggies.  It doesn’t matter.  They simply jump over it and devour the succulent plants.  What really gripes me now is that they are developing a taste for my other vegetables.  Never did I ever have to fence in my onions, leeks or potatoes, but now I do. When some of my neighbors told me that they had seen deer chomping away in those sections, I didn’t believe them until I saw the deer tracks.

 

For dessert, they like to raid my wife Jan’s raspberry patch.

 

What they don’t eat, the black bears do, especially our corn crop.  They seem to know exactly when to raid it, usually a day or so before it’s ripe enough to pick.

I haven’t even mentioned the wild turkeys that fly over the fencing into the garden and peck away at our tomatoes, or the bunnies and woodchucks that sneak in, the voles that attack the root veggies, or the crows that pull up the young corn and bean plants.  Like Rodney Dangerfield, we get no respect.

 

Ah, my father never had that problem.  Back in the 1950’s we never had bears or turkeys and rarely saw a deer track within a mile of our place because there were so few of them around.   I have to admit, since then MassWildlife has done a wonderful job of managing and increasing their numbers.  I just wish they would tell them to stay away from our gardens.

Nice event at the Hatchery

There was a nice turnout for the Berkshire National Fish Hatchery Kid’s Derby in Hartsville/New Marlborough last Saturday morning.  According to Dave Ziegler, the Friends of the Berkshire National Fish Hatchery Board Chairman and official fish measurer, over 45 youths participated in the free derby. Counting parents, grandparents, relatives and friends, about 100 people showed up.

Walter and Dan Stubbs

Members of the Berkshire Bass, Taconic Chapter of Trout Unlimited, MassWildlife Western District, US Fish & Wildlife Service, Lee Sportsmen’s Association, Berkshire County League of Sportsmen, and others were there to help teach the kids how to fish, remove the hooks from the fish, etc.  They kids had the option of keeping or releasing them.

Dave was kept busy measuring fish after fish with about 120 of them being measured in the 1 ½ hour derby span.

Catching the largest fish was 5-year old Walker Stubbs of Sandisfield.  He caught a brook trout measuring just over 14½ inches.  2nd place went to Lucy Siebert with a 14¼ inch trout. 3rd place went to Josh Bell with a trout just shy of 14¼ inches and 4th place went to Lilly Labeau with a 14-inch trout.  They won some neat fishing tackle.  Actually, all the kids went home with a prize

After the derby was over, people had a chance to tour the hatchery and check out its newly installed 270-gallon display fish tank, have a free snack, learn how to cast or tie a fly, and visit the various booths manned by the Friends of the Berkshire National Fish Hatchery, Lee Sportsmen’s Association, MassWildlife, Berkshire Bass, US Fish & Wildlife Service, Boy Scouts, and Taconic TU.

The open house was coordinated by Board member Dean Hutson.

Asteroid named for retired MassWildlife leader

The following article was taken from the MassWildlife August 2023 Newsletter:

 

In recognition of his 35 years of dedicated and effective conservation work, an asteroid measuring 2 to 5 kilometers in diameter was recently named after Dr. Thomas W. French, the founding leader and former Assistant Director of MassWildlife’s Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program (NHESP). Unlike comets, which are usually named after their discoverers, asteroids are named for mythological figures and geographical places—or for renowned scientists, explorers, poets, composers, novelists, and other prominent figures.

 

The Paris-based International Astronomical Union (IAU) officially named minor planet 1991 PN2 as “(20010) Tomfrench”. The IAU’s 15-member Working Group for Small Bodies Nomenclature (WGSBN) is the sole scientific organization with the authority to assign names to small solar system bodies like asteroids, comets, and satellites of minor planets.

Imelda B. Joson and Edwin L. Aguirre, both former editors of Sky & Telescope magazine, have known Dr. French for 16 years and proposed the naming to the IAU. The couple first met French in 2007 in Lowell, where they volunteered to monitor peregrine falcons.

“This is a completely unexpected and humbling honor,” said Dr. French. “I hope that recognizing me with this honor is a validation of how important it is for all of us to help conserve the health and natural diversity of our world.”

The naming of the asteroid recognizes Dr. French’s contributions to wildlife restoration, protection, and conservation. The citation, which was published in the IAU’s WGSBN Bulletin on July 3, 2023 reads:

Thomas W. French (b. 1950), a biologist and former assistant director of MassWildlife’s Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program, led the successful reintroduction of peregrine falcons and bald eagles in Massachusetts after their native populations were wiped out due to extensive use of the insecticide DDT from the 1940s to 1972.

“We are so happy that the international astronomical community has recognized Tom’s contributions to advancing our knowledge of the natural world as well as informing the public on the importance of preserving our planet’s biodiversity,” says Aguirre.

“Tom is a true gentleman scientist, and his experience, passion, dedication, knowledge and professionalism are exceptional,” added Joson. “We’re glad to know that a huge chunk of real estate bearing Tom’s name is now floating out there in space!”

Asteroids are small, rocky bodies left over from the birth of the solar system about 4.6 billion years ago. According to the WGSBN Bulletin, asteroid (20010) Tomfrench was discovered on August 2, 1991, by the European Southern Observatory in La Silla, Chile. Asteroid (20010) Tomfrench takes 3.9 years to complete one orbit around the Sun. It is currently about 480 million kilometers from Earth, shining very dimly in the constellation Taurus. One would need a fairly large telescope and sensitive CCD camera to record its faint, starlike image.

During his career with MassWildlife, Dr. French oversaw field research, habitat restoration and management, rare species restoration, permitting the possession of wildlife for research and education, data management, and regulatory reviews of proposed projects under the Massachusetts Endangered Species Act. He has published 78 technical papers in peer-reviewed journals, given hundreds of lectures to universities, state agencies, ornithological societies, and conferences, and received numerous professional awards.

2023 antlerless (doe) permit numbers announced

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According to the MassWildlife web page, the number of 2023 antlerless deer hunting permits is the same as it was in 2022. Also, there have been no changes in the permit numbers in the individual wildlife management zones.  The allocated permits are as follows in the various zones.  Note, Zones 1 through 4 are the zones in our area:

 

Zone 1 – 800 allocations, Zone 2 – 400, Zone 3 – 2,050, Zone 4N – 800, Zone 4S – 600, Zone 5 – 1,950, Zone 6 – 400, Zone 7 – 3,000, Zone 8 – 3,100, Zone 9 – 7,200, Zones 10 and 11 – no cap, Zone 12 – 1,350, Zones 13 and 14 no cap.

 

It’s obvious that in zones 10, 11, 13 and 14, in the eastern part of the state with no caps on antlerless harvests, they are still having troubles getting the deer population down to targeted deer densities.

 

Deer hunters should be aware that the deadline for applying for an antlerless deer permit is July 16. All three Massachusetts deer hunting seasons—Archery, Shotgun and Primitive Arms, are ‘bucks only’ if you do not possess this permit for the zone in which you are hunting.

 

According to MassWildlife, Massachusetts deer management is built on the harvest of does to regulate the population. Any deer with at least one three-inch antler is classified as a buck and your Massachusetts hunting license contains two antlered deer tags. You may take as many bucks as you have tags for on the same day.

 

Antlerless deer tags are allocated by zone based on population goals in that zone. Most hunters apply for their permit when they purchase their Massachusetts hunting license, but you can also apply online by going to MassFishHunt or in person by going to one of the MassWildlife District Offices or the MassWildlife Field Headquarters in Westborough.

 

If you apply for an antlerless deer permit by the July 16 deadline, you still must check to see if you have been awarded the right to purchase the permit.

 

The award period begins August 1 at 8:00 am and ends on December 31. Your odds of obtaining a permit are the same regardless of when you check your permit status. You can check the status through MassFishHunt or by visiting a MassWildlife office or license agent location. There is no fee for the application, but those who are successful are required to pay a $10 fee.

 

At the June meeting of the Berkshire County League of Sportsmen, DFW Western District Supervisor Andrew Madden suggested that hunters verify that they already applied for an Antlerless Deer Permit before the July 16 deadline. I’m glad he did.  All along I thought that I had an application in because I applied for one when I bought my 2023 sporting license in December.  Well, it turned out that I didn’t have an application on file or it wasn’t recognized. I immediately reapplied.

 

Just to be on the safe side, hunters might want to verify that they have their applications in by checking their records through MassFishHunt.  Madden suggested that you contact the District Office in Dalton if you need assistance.

 

Basic Hunter Education|

 

Basic Hunter Education is mandatory for all first-time hunters. If you held a hunting license prior to 2007 or have successfully completed a Basic Hunter Education course from any jurisdiction, you already qualify to buy a Massachusetts hunting license.

 

If you are 18 years of age or older and you want to purchase your first-ever hunting license, you must complete a Basic Hunter Education course. Those wishing to obtain only a firearms license do not necessarily need Basic Hunter Education.

 

A Basic Hunter Education courses will be offered at the Worthington Rod and Gun Club on 458 Dingle Road (Route 112), Worthington on the following dates:

Monday, July 31, Tuesday, August 1, Thursday, August 3, and Friday, August 4.  All classes run from 5:30 to 9:00 pm and attendance at all 4 nights is required.

 

To enroll, call (508)389-7830.

 

Pittsfield Sportsmen’s Youth Derby

 

There were about 30 children who attended the Pittsfield Sportsmen’s Club kid’s fishing event last Saturday at the Reynolds Pond in Cheshire.  According to club spokesperson Sandra Bushey, everyone caught fish and had a wonderful time.  Only one of the five tagged fish was caught.  A girl named Isabella caught the tagged trout and won a fishing pole.  Several of the PSC directors volunteered and everyone that was there had a fun day.  Fortunately, it poured rain right after they finished at 1:00 p.m.

Isabella is on the left holding the bag. Picture provided by Sandra Bushey

 

Kid’s Fishing Derby

 

Bring your children aged 13 and under next Saturday, July 8 to the monthly Friends of the Berkshire National Fish Hatchery youth fishing derby at the Hatchery’s Lower Pool at 240 Hatchery Road, New Marlborough.

 

It runs from 9:00 to 10:30 am.  Watch them learn to fish and compete for prizes.  No child goes away empty handed.

 

Massachusetts Junior Duck Stamp Contest

Jasmine Wang from Lexington won Best of Show in the 2023 Massachusetts Junior Duck Stamp (JDS) Contest. Her colored pencil drawing of a black-bellied whistling duck was selected from 185 entries. Wang’s award-winning work will represent Massachusetts at the National JDS Contest.

Students from kindergarten through grade 12 from across the Commonwealth submitted original works of art depicting waterfowl in appropriate wetland habitat, demonstrating both artistic talent and a knowledge of the value of wetlands for wildlife. In March, MassWildlife held the judging, at which time the top winning artists were selected. Combinations of the top artworks are being exhibited throughout Massachusetts.

The Massachusetts JDS Program is sponsored by MassWildlife and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, with support from the Massachusetts Sportsmen’s Council. You can support the JDS Program and wetland conservation by purchasing Junior Duck Stamps featuring national winners from previous years. Stamps can be purchased at duckstamp.com.

To learn more about the Massachusetts JDS Program, and to access the traveling exhibit schedule, visit mass.gov/dfw/jds.

 

Picture not what it appeared to be

 

Last week I featured a picture of a big brown trout that Lawrence “Skip” Dean, of Becket, caught out of Lake Buel earlier this year.  He didn’t measure it but released it as soon as possible to fight another day.

 

If you looked closely at that picture, you probably saw blood on both of Skip’s hands and on the fish and thought, as I did, no way would that fish ever survive.  Most anglers know that it is a foregone conclusion that if your fish is bleeding, it will die shortly thereafter.

 

Well, Skip called me last week because he thought that some people would not believe that fish survived. It was not the fish’s blood on his hands, he said, it was his own.  While removing the lure from the fish’s mouth, it thrashed around and its sharp gill shield and teeth cut his hands.

He said that when he returned the fish to the water, he held the fish near its tail so that it would get reoriented.  After a while, the fish gave a sharp flip of its tail and shot off for deeper water.  It is probably lurching around in Lake Buel today albeit a little smarter.

 

Happy 4th of July

 

Here’s hoping you have a great holiday.  But after the hustle and bustle of the parades, picnics, visitors, and fireworks are over, you owe yourself a little peace and quiet.

 

In the Summer 2023 issue of Mass Audubon’s Explore magazine, there’s an article entitled Picturesque Ponds.  “Take a beat from your busy summer” it says, “to sit by a peaceful pond and ground yourself in nature.  Listen to the chirps of nearby birds or the kerplunk of a turtle jumping into the water.”  It goes on and lists a few favorite ponds that “will have you feeling calm and reconnected in no time.”

 

Pleasant Valley in Lenox being one of them listed.

 

“Walk on the newly constructed All Persons Trail at Pleasant Valley, which follows a scenic stretch of the Pike’s Pond shoreline.  Flanked by tall pines and other trees, this pond is a perfect place to get your water and forest fix.  Sit on the boardwalk bench to try and spot the bobbing heads and flat tails of beavers cruising the pond at dawn or dusk.”

 

Sounds nice, ey?

More 2022 deer harvest information

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More information has become available regarding the 2022 deer harvest.  As readers may recall, some 15,853 deer were harvested statewide last year.  The breakdown by harvest sex:  9,076 were adult bucks, 5,516 were does and 1,261 were buck fawns.

The following is the breakdown by Wildlife Management Zones and by seasons.  I am listing only the figures for the area west of the Connecticut River (WMZs 1 through 4), our area.

Zone 1: 4 deer were taken by paraplegics or youth (P/Y), 110 by archery, 139 by shotgun and 119 by primitive arms for a total of 372.

Zone 2:  13 taken by P/Y, 193 by archery, 234 by shotgun and 160 by primitive arms for a total of 600.

Zone 3:  5 taken by P/Y, 168 by archery, 283 by shotgun and 197 by primitive arms for a total of 653,

Zone 4N:  14 taken by P/Y, 210 by archery, 286 by shotgun and 148 by primitive arms for a total of 658.

Zone 4S: 8 taken by P/Y, 158 by archery, 140 by shotgun and 79 by primitive arms for a total of 385.

Just to give you an indication of how large the deer herd is in the eastern part of the state, Zone 9 yielded 1,414 deer, Zone 10 yielded 2,793 and Zone 11 yielded 4,259.

2022 wild turkey harvest

Based upon information listed on the MassWildlife web site, some 3,067 turkeys were harvested statewide last year, 2,837 in the spring hunt and 230 in the fall hunt.

The spring totals were as follows:  2,240 adult males, 508 jakes, and 10 bearded hens.  (Hunting the normal hens is prohibited in the spring hunt).  Those numbers were based upon the spring estimated harvest which was estimated to be 2,758 at the time. When final figures came in, the count was subsequently jacked up to 2,837. Some 365 of them were estimated to be from the Berkshires.

The harvest was nearly identical to the 10-year average of spring turkey harvest.

Young hunters harvested some 76 turkeys (49 adult males, 26 jakes, 1 bearded hen) statewide on the Youth Turkey Hunt Day.

Sex breakdowns were not available for the fall harvest nor how many were taken in the Berkshires.  Of the total 230 statewide fall harvest, 118 were toms and 112 were hens.

A talk on Mustelids

On Wednesday, March 8 at 6:00 pm local MassWildlife biologist Nathan Buckhout will make a presentation on mustelids, otherwise known as the weasel family—and go over some common characteristics of the diverse group.

river otter photo provided by MassWildlife

The talk will be at the March Berkshire Green Drinks gathering at the Shire Breu-Hous inside The Stationery Factory, 63 Flansburg Ave, Dalton, MA, and online via Zoom.

 

Mustelids are a family of carnivorous mammals, which include weasels, minks, otters, fishers, martens, and wolverines, among others. They’re an incredibly diverse family that comprises a vast number of individual species. Nathan will briefly discuss each species presently in Massachusetts, as well as species that have disappeared from the region. He will also discuss some common misconceptions and human-mustelid-related issues that commonly occur.

 

Additionally, Nathan is an expert on bears and enjoys discussing all types of wildlife.  He welcomes all questions about any wildlife during the Q&A session.

The in-person gathering begins at 5:00 pm at Shire Breu-Hous. The presentation will take place upstairs in a venue space of The Stationery Factory at 6:00 pm. RSVP to the in-person event at https://March-2023-Berks-Green-Drinks.eventbrite.com

Pre-registration is required to attend the virtual presentation. Register at https://tinyurl.com/March-2023-Berks-Green-Drinks

Berkshire Green Drinks (formerly Pittsfield Green Drinks) is an informal gathering on the second Wednesday of the month. A guest speaker talks for about 30 minutes beginning at 6:00 pm, and the presentation is followed by a discussion and Q&A. These nights are free and open to everyone with any environmental interest. The drinks aren’t green but the conversations are. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to join and bring along questions

First time out ice fishing

I don’t think anyone forgets the first time they went ice fishing. Five-year old Cameron and three-year old Colin Phillips of Groveland, MA surely won’t forget their first ice fishing experience.  They were out ice fishing on Onota Lake last Sunday with their mom and dad Nicole and Shaun Phillips and their grandparents Elaine and retired Pittsfield Deputy Fire Chief Keith Phillips. Shaun grew up in Pittsfield and fishing on Onota Lake but now resides in Groveland. Elaine and Keith Phillips still reside in Pittsfield.

Fishing on about 8 inches of ice, Cameron hauled in a 3 lbs. 10 oz smallmouth bass.  According to Shaun, Cameron pulled it in himself, his first time catching one while ice fishing. It will earn him a youth bronze pin from the state, and if no one catches a larger one this year, he may get a gold pin.

Cameron and Colin Phillips picture provided by family

They kept the bass this time and plan to have it mounted so Cameron has one on the wall next to his dad’s bass, which he caught when he was about the same age as Cameron.  Shaun says it kept him fishing throughout his life

Teaching Shaun and now Cameron was their grandfather Keith who was present to witness both catches.  I’d say he did a good job of teaching, don’t you think?

Some small game hunting ends next week

Tuesday marks the end of the cottontail rabbit, snowshoe hare, squirrel and fox hunting seasons until this fall.  Oil up your guns and safely lock them away in the gun cabinet. Remember to lock your ammo in a separate location. The next time hunters will probably be picking up their shotguns again is in April, when the Spring Wild Turkey hunting season opens on April 24.

Let’s help those that are endangered

Is pulling junk out of our rivers not your forte?  Are you too busy to help eradicate the invasive hardy kiwi plant? Feeling guilty about not doing more to protect our environment and the critters that inhabit it, especially the endangered ones?

Well, one possible way to alleviate the guilt is to support the endangered at tax time. By adding a donation to line 33A on your State income taxes, you can help Massachusetts endangered animals and plants thrive.

 

According to MassWildlife, more than 430 plants and animals are listed under the Massachusetts Endangered Species Act. These rare species play an important role in keeping the Commonwealth’s natural communities thriving. You can make a difference by supporting endangered species conservation while filing your taxes this year. Remember, look for Line 33A on your state tax form and write in any amount. Your meaningful donation will go to the Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Fund which is dedicated specifically to the conservation of rare species in the Commonwealth.

 

Good time to tie some flies

 

With ice fishing almost over, the hunting seasons closed, little or no snow for snowshoeing, too early to start scouting for wild turkeys, what are the outdoors folks going to do now?  Go shopping?  Nope, you don’t want to hang around a mall all day. I don’t know about you, but my legs get more tired there than traipsing through the woods all day or climbing a mountain.

 

If you are a fly fisherman, you have no problem.  This time of year is traditionally the time to sit down at the fly tier’s desk and start winding the thread, furs, feathers, tinsel, etc. onto the hooks.  For many, it’s the only time of the year they have to do this.  They will probably restock the reliable, time-tested old flies like the Woolie Bugger, the Hendrickson, the Gold Ribbed Hare’s Ear, etc., that they lost during last year’s season, either in fish, snags or branches.  Or maybe they will tie up variations of those trusted old flies by changing the color, size, etc., just to see how they’ll work in the upcoming fishing season.

 

By the time that they are done fly tying, it will be springtime with our lakes and streams full of hungry trout ready to gobble them up………..or totally reject them.