Category Archives: Deer Hunting

Good news for the Deerfield River brown trout

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Background:  Wild Brown Trout Spawning Studies conducted by the Deerfield River Watershed Chapter of Trout Unlimited (DRWTU) volunteers, under the guidance of Dr. Michael Cole, of Cole Ecological, Inc. of Greenfield, in 2017, and Dr. Erin Rodgers, of Trout Unlimited, in 2018, documented that brown trout were successfully spawning in the upper Fife Brook section of the Deerfield River.

But the studies also revealed that winter conditions were destroying many of the eggs during periods of minimum flow. The irrefutable results in these studies convinced MA Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) that the damage to wild trout from Fife Brook’s winter flow regime needed to be addressed. Thank goodness, the DEP declined to authorize the Water Quality Certificate – mandated in the FERC re-licensing process – until this issue could be resolved.

The outcome was an Agreement negotiated between DRWTU (under the umbrella of Trout Unlimited, Inc), MA Division of Fisheries & Wildlife, MA Division of Natural Heritage and Endangered Species, Brookfield Renewable Power and MA DEP that will benefit the wild brown trout as well as other aquatic organisms in the river. It is noteworthy that DRWTU was the only non-governmental agency that signed-on to be an Intervenor in the process.

An Agreement with Brookfield Renewable Power Company will allow for increased minimum winter flows from their Fife Brook Dam and Bear Swamp Pump Storage Operations on the Deerfield River. The Agreement was approved by MA DEP Commissioner Martin Suuberg on September 27. The Agreement is part of DEP’s Water Quality Certification process, which is directly tied to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s (FERC) Re-Licensing of Brookfield’s Fife Brook Dam and Bear Swamp Pump Storage Operations. In late 2025 or early 2026, the winter minimum flow at Fife Brook Dam will increase from 125 cubic feet per second (cfs) to 225 cfs for the period from November 1 to April 15 every year going forward.

The Agreement also provides for a $125,000 fund, paid by Brookfield Power, for ecological projects on the Deerfield.

“This is a huge victory for the ecology of the river,” said Eric Halloran, president of the DRWTU. “We know from our spawning studies that the lack of water during minimum flows was killing off nearly 40 percent of the trout redds (nests) and eggs over the course of the winter. The eggs suffered as a result of being de-watered, exposed to the air, and frozen. The minor increase in river flow negotiated in this agreement will keep the eggs covered with water throughout the winter and allow more eggs to hatch in the spring. More trout will hatch and increase the number of wild fish in the river.”

Picture provided by Deerfield River Watershed TU

“Achieving Intervenor status gave us a seat at the table and a stronger bargaining position than we could ever have achieved by simply commenting on the outcome from the sidelines.” Halloran noted. “We’re incredibly pleased with this outcome and there were many years of hard work and countless hours of volunteer time that led to this moment.” Halloran specifically praised Springfield attorney Christopher Myhrum, who specializes in environmental law, for volunteering his services to lead the negotiation effort. Halloran also thanked former DRWTU President and Vice-President Kevin Parsons, Esq., and Christopher Jackson, a veteran fishing guide on the Deerfield, for pushing DRWTU’s agenda in the re-licensing process for 10 years.

DRWTU hopes that this historic achievement will be a crucial step in creating the Commonwealth’s first Wild Trout Management Area, where an improved ecosystem will allow fly fishers of today and tomorrow to appreciate a healthy population of wily, wild Brown Trout.”

Personally, I am particularly proud that our local chapter of TU (Taconic Chapter) helped in this effort by contributing funds and volunteer hours during this process. Well that they should, for many local anglers fly fish that river.  But the bulk of the work was conducted by the DRWTU volunteers.  Congratulations fellow anglers for the job well done. You have made Massachusetts’ premier trout river even better.

Time to bone up on our hunting laws

Now that many of the hunting seasons are open, hunters are (or should be) aware of the various regulations governing them.  Laws governing such subjects as daily harvest totals, hunting tags, the type of hunting tools allowed, hunter red requirements, etc. are generally known by hunters and are abided with in order to stay out of trouble with the law.

But tucked away in the abstracts are other not so obvious regulations which can also get you into trouble if violated. Let’s review some:

Tree Stands: Written permission of the landowner (on either public or private lands) is required to construct or use any tree stand which is fastened to a tree by nails, bolts, wire, or other fasteners that intrude through the bark into the wood of the tree, or that is fastened or erected in any manner and is emplaced for a period exceeding 30 days. This includes hang-on tree stands.

Landowner permission:  Hunting, fishing, and trapping are permitted on private land that is not posted against trespass; however, some towns have bylaws that require written permission. As a courtesy, ask the landowner for permission in advance. If you plan to use wildlife/trail cameras on private land, seek permission for that activity as well. Landowners with posted land may provide (written) permission for individuals to access their property. Written landowner permission is required to trap on posted land.

Hunters should check for relevant town bylaws pertaining to any written permission requirements and restrictions on discharge of firearms.

Landowner Liability: Landowners permitting use of their property for recreation without charging a fee are not liable for injuries to recreational users of the property except in cases of willful, wanton, or reckless conduct by the owner.

Careless and negligent use of firearms:   Fines of up to $500 and/or 6 months imprisonment and loss of license for 5 years.  In some cases, licenses could be revoked for one year in addition to other penalties; fines of up to $1,000, restitutions, and/or one year in jail.

Use of handguns:   Handguns are not allowed for deer hunting and may not be in your possession while deer hunting.

Animals tagged for research: Some bear, deer, coyotes, and other animals may have ear tags or radio collars. It is legal to harvest them. If you find or take one of these animals, contact MassWildlife’s Field Headquarters (508) 389-6300 immediately. You will be asked for information that will help biologists determine the source and status of these animals and you will be asked to return the equipment to MassWildlife.

Hunter harassment:  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 shall be a violation for a person to intentionally (1) drive or disturb wildlife or fish for the purpose of interrupting a lawful taking; (2) block, follow, impede or otherwise harass another who is engaged in the lawful taking of fish or wildlife; (3) use natural or artificial visual, aural, olfactory or physical stimulus to effect wildlife in order to hinder or prevent such taking; (4) erect barriers with the intent to deny ingress or egress to areas where the lawful taking of wildlife may occur; (5) interject himself into the line of fire; (6) effect the condition or placement of personal or public property intended for use in the taking of wildlife; or (7) enter or remain upon public lands, or upon private lands without the permission of the owner or his agent, with intent to violate this section.. A person who sustains damage as a result of any act which is in violation of this section may bring a civil action for punitive damages. Environmental protection officers and other law enforcement officers with arrest powers shall be authorized to enforce the provisions.

This section shall not apply to the owners of the lands or waters or tenants or other persons acting under the authority of such owners of the lands or waters.

Wanton Waste:  And, of course, there is the recently enacted Wanton Waste laws where it is unlawful for any person while hunting or trapping to waste an animal. Each retrieved animal shall be retained or transferred to another until processed or used for food, the pelt, feathers, or taxidermy.

Carter’s new deer tracking book is possibly his best

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Local author, Paul C. Carter of Dalton has come out with a new deer hunting book entitled, More Deer Hunts, through a Tracker’s Eyes.  Paul is the author of several other hunting books including:  Tracking Whitetails: Answers to your Questions; Great Shot! A Guide to Acquiring Shooting Skills for Big Game Hunters; Sheep Hunts: One Man’s Journeys to the High Country and Deer Hunts: Through a Tracker’s Eyes.  I have always liked his writing and reviewed most of his books in this column. This last one is arguably his best.

Picture of the cover of Paul’s book

It is a collection of recounted hunting stories like his book Deer Hunts: Through a Tracker’s Eyes,, but chosen for its entertainment value.  It includes successful and unsuccessful hunts as well as humor.

In the beginning of the book, he spells it out.  “Innate skill, in any venture, is never determinative for one’s final station in life.  The wild card is effort: how much time and energy one is willing to dedicate to honing those natural gifts with which we have been blessed.”  Paul has demonstrated that principle throughout the book.

“Tracking” he wrote “means being able to sneak up to a deer within shooting range.”  “Independence, self-sufficiency, and proper mindset are hallmarks of every single tracker who has ever lived. Add to that patience and perseverance, and of course an overwhelming sense of satisfaction when successful. Good deer hunters are not born that way, they are made.”

He noted the importance of comrades and wrote stories involving them.  Important ones in his life include his father Charles Carter, William Drew, and Albert Cady (all deceased) and Paul “John” Dupuis who is still with us.  (Perhaps you knew these people and maybe hunted with them yourself). And, of course, his son Andrew.

He also discussed times when he and his son had tracked and shot deer in areas where they had no choice but to ask local residents if they could drag deer out of the woods onto their private properties.  He mentioned Cindy and Martin Glendon of Windsor and how nice and helpful they were in locating where Paul had probably left his deer and then called fellow Windsor residents Kevin and Debbie Robitaille and secured permission for Paul and Andrew to access their land to drag it out.

I like his “boots on the ground” approach.  It seems as though you are accompanying Paul on these hunts enduring 6 miles of tracking, sometimes in 18 inches of snow.  At times his hunts are like mysteries as you travel with him defining the clues and discussing his tracking strategies to be used.  It’s hard to put the book down until that mystery is solved with success or failure.

He did not take any actions or made any tracking decisions without thoroughly explaining and weighing the options.  For example, he discussed ways to determine the gender of an unseen deer by other means than just the size and characteristics of the track.    Now and then, you share his anguish in the possibility of being wrong (which was rare).

He discussed everything, even how a sudden shift in wind direction or a snapped twig could turn an opportunity to a disaster, something that experienced hunters know only too well.   In his later years, (70’s) Paul still had the tenacity to hunt and track hard and cover miles of terrain.  I liked how he mentioned one day hunting in the back of his house following a heavy snowstorm.  If you knew where Paul lives, you’d know that he is not writing about a hayfield, but rather rugged terrain.  Rugged terrain and winter conditions that local hunters also experience.

I liked how he put this: “A good tracker’s eyes penetrate brush, systematically, one branch at a time, in search of a small piece of your quarry’s body”.

In the final chapter of the book, Paul concludes, “I can only hope that my efforts to convey the true reasons for my bewitchment with tracking have been successful.  If my words prompt some readers to take the plunge, then that’s all for the better.  Potential new recruits aside, I pray I’ve adequately portrayed the essence of tracking deer, a subject both dear to my heart and worthy of wider appreciation”.

Well, you did, my friend, you did.

If you consider yourself a good deer tracker, you might want to pick up his book and compare strategies.  You may learn a thing or two.  (I did.) If you are contemplating taking up this method of deer hunting, you need to read this book.

The soft-covered book which is comprised of 276 pages, including many photos documenting deer kills, deer tracks and other deer signs, costs $20.00 and is available through Amazon. Alternatively, he always enjoys hearing from other hunters and he can sell his books personally.  His email is: jpcarter384@verizon.net and phone number is (413) 684-0634.

Deer Management Program

At the upcoming October 6 meeting of the Berkshire County League of Sportsmen, Martin Freehan, MassWildlife Deer Project Leader, will be giving an overview of its Deer Management program.  It will take place at 7:00 pm at the Cheshire Rod & Gun Club Clubhouse on 310 Curran Road, Cheshire.  The public is welcome.

Beagle Club field trials

On October 8 & 9 the Jack Silvernale Memorial Field Trial will take place at the Berkshire Beagle Club, 380 Sleepy Hollow Road in Richmond.  It will be a SPO sponsored trial on rabbits or hares.  Entry fee is $22.00.  The running order is:  13 and 15-inch males on October 8, and 13 and 15- inch females on the 9th.  They will have a raffle for a Garmin Alpha Collar TT Mini as well as raffles of $500, $300 and $100 for Cabela’s gift cards.  For more information contact Jeffery St John at (413)441-0744.

Active military and veteran waterfowl hunt

The special season opens on October 8.  Check the waterfowl regulations for the details

Be aware of Rabbit Virus

With rabbit and hare hunting seasons approaching in Massachusetts (October 15), hunters should be aware of the following announcement from the VT Fish & Wildlife:

picture provided by VT Fish & Wildlife

“Rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus, a highly contagious virus capable of affecting rabbits and snowshoe hares, is appearing in states close to Vermont and Massachusetts and may show up here according to the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department.

There have been no cases in either state but Connecticut Department of Agriculture recently confirmed an outbreak in Hartford County that killed 14 domestic rabbits. The disease has also been found in New York State and New Jersey.

It is thought to be spreading eastward from the western United States. The virus does not affect other wildlife, humans or pets, except rabbits. It spreads through direct contact with infected rabbits or indirectly through contact with contaminated surfaces.

Sudden mortality in healthy rabbits occurs with this virus, and infected rabbits may be lethargic, reluctant to move, or have blood coming out of the nostrils or mouth.

The disease has caused die-offs in wild rabbits in Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Nevada, Texas and Utah beginning in 2020 and was first detected in domestic rabbits in New York that same year.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the virus is spread through exposure or contact with an infected rabbit’s excretions or blood. It can survive and spread from carcasses, food, water, and any contaminated materials and people can spread the virus indirectly by carrying it on their clothing and shoes.

There is no U.S. approved vaccine although Connecticut approved the sale of an unlicensed vaccine under emergency authorization last year.

The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources recommends isolating pet and domestic rabbits from any possible contact with their wild cousins. Any new or returning rabbits to a colony should be quarantined for 14 days and watched closely; handlers should take sanitary precautions and use separate equipment to prevent any possible contamination between colonies.

When hunters are field-dressing rabbits, wear disposable gloves, securely bag entrails and other remains, and dispose of them in the trash. Do not discard remains where other animals may have access to them.

Fall Turkey Shoots

The Lenox Sportsmen’s Club and the Cheshire Rod & Gun Club are having their fall turkey shoots every Sunday until November 20 at their club houses.  The Lenox Club starts at 12:30 pm and also has pie shoots.  Cheshire shoots start at 1:00 pm

More deer/deer hunting information disclosed

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Last week’s column dealt with a report DFW Moose and Deer Biologist Martin Freehan made at the June 22, 2022 Meeting of the Fish & Wildlife Board.  In addition to the amendment to the Antlerless Deer Permit allocations, he reported the following:

He and other staff continue to work with communities to open more private and municipal lands for hunting, particularly of deer. He noted that the Town of Harvard Conservation Commission has doubled the number of properties open to hunting and that the Town of Brewster approved a 3-week December Archery season in the Punkhorn area, as two examples of recent fruits of those efforts.

He also reported that MassWildlife collaborated with the USDA Wildlife Services to test deer for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies and active-virus during the 2021 Shotgun and Primitive Arms deer seasons as part of a national surveillance program in 28 states.

He reported that MassWildlife staff sampled 558 deer (just over the USDA’s goal of 500 for the state): 86 were positive for antibodies, with the Delta detected as the active variant. He also stated that he will be working again this fall with the USDA on further surveillance.

Mr. Feehan reported that he is planning to disseminate a survey to hunters this summer, in coordination with the USGS’s Coop Unit at UMass/Amherst, to measure baseline knowledge about Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) and about misinformation that might be circulating. This will allow staff to develop an effective communication plan to improve knowledge about CWD and guide future management. He stated that MassWildlife has also joined the SOP4CWD project, to collaborate with states across the country to predict areas of high risk for new invasions of CWD.

Possible Expanded Archery Hunting Season

Feehan commented on the DFW analyses of past deer harvests by sex to show the trends in a couple of sample zones, He then outlined a proposal for the Board’s consideration to unify the Archery deer season statewide by extending the Archery season 2 weeks earlier in zones 1-9 (which includes our area) to match that already established in zones 10-14, with the change to begin with the 2023 season.

He explained that this proposed change simplifies the regulations, the seasons, and enforcement; would allow hunters to spread out their effort and therefore creates more hunting opportunity; and addresses feedback staff receives from many Archery hunters wanting more hunting opportunity.

Discussing the impact of the existing extended Archery season in zones 10-14, Mr. Feehan reported that the extended season in zones 10-14 did not increase the harvest beyond the established trajectory but rather redistributed the harvest based on hunter preference and was very popular with Archery hunters who don’t want to overlap with pheasant season.

Feehan closed his presentation with a request to the Board to endorse the ADP allocations and to direct staff to develop specific regulations that would extend the Archery season statewide to match the current extended season in zones 10-14 and take those proposed regulations to a public hearing for public feedback and comments.

The Board approved the development of specific draft regulations to extend the Archery deer season statewide and take them to a public hearing to solicit comments.

Youth Pheasant Hunt Program

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

The program is divided into multiple parts:

  • Seminar and Range Practice: Participants get hands-on instruction in shotgun shooting fundamentals and firearm safety, learn upland hunting basics, and focus on how to have a safe and fun hunt.
  • Pheasant Hunt: Participants get to experience a real pheasant hunt under the supervision of an experienced hunter on 1 of the 6 Saturdays prior to the regular pheasant season. This year, the pheasant hunting season starts on October 15, 2022.

Requirements

  • Be between the ages of 12 to 17

Steps

  1. Make sure you meet all the requirements above
  2. Register for the Programby August 31, 2022
  3. Complete the Seminar and Range Practice
  4. Have a great day hunting pheasants.  Please note, all other regular pheasant hunting regulations apply including bag limits, hunting implements, hunter orange requirements,

In our area, the Lee Sportsmen’s Association has tentatively scheduled such a course on September 24 from 9:00 am to 11:00 am and on October 8 from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm at its clubhouse on Fairview Street in Lee.

The youth pheasant program is designed to provide young hunters with specialized pheasant hunting training and instruction, as well as reinforce what they learned in Basic Hunter Education. Young hunters will have the opportunity to practice firearms safety, develop shooting skills, and participate in a special pheasant hunt under the guidance of a safe, experienced adult hunter. This program, held by Lee Sportsmen’s Association, is more than just a day in the field pheasant hunting and is divided into multiple parts including hands-on instruction in shotgun shooting fundamentals, a pheasant seminar, and a mentored pheasant hunt. In addition to the seminar and hunt, participants are required to attend mandatory range days. The date and time of these range days will be based on participant’s availability

Keeping with the LSA and pheasants, the Board reported that the pheasant pen located adjacent to the Main Clubhouse has been stocked with about 400-500 pheasants, which LSA raises for the state of Massachusetts.  Every year, MassWildlife stocks an average of 40,000 pheasants on Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) and other lands open to the public.  These birds are stocked for recreational hunting and are paid for by revenue from license fees; however, the cost of raising the pheasants is the responsibility of LSA, and the caretakers are all Club volunteers.  Members are asked to not allow their dog(s) to wander unattended over near the pen, and if you witness any suspicious or abnormal activity in/on/near the pen, to please contact President Doug Frank at (413) 822-0720 as soon as possible.

 

New pheasant hunting regulations take effect this year 

 

Remember, a Pheasant/Quail Permit is now required for resident and non-resident hunters, there is no season bag limit (2-bird daily limit), and hens can be hunted statewide. Registration for Saturday hunting at Martin Burns WMA is no longer required. The permit this year is $4.00 for residents and $6.00 for non-residents.  Don’t forget!

 

Gun Safety Course

 

Pete’s Gun Shop is holding a LIVE FIRE NRA & Massachusetts State Police Certified LTC Safety Course. This will be a one day all inclusive, live fire class on Sunday September 11 at the Cheshire Rod & Gun Club. The class starts at 9:00 am.

 

Call the shop at (413) 743-0780 to inquire availability of a seat. A non-refundable deposit is required to reserve your seat at the time of registration. They do accept credit cards in person at the shop or by phone.

 

This course is a live fire class where time is spent at the range and you get to shoot. You are also given an NRA Basic Pistol Safety textbook which is included in the class cost. This is to qualify MA residents and non-residents alike for the MA License To Carry or FID Card. This will be a hands-on, LIVE FIRE course. You will also receive a $10 gift certificate to Pete’s Gun Shop in appreciation for taking the course. The cost is $100 and covers use of the range firearms, ammo, safety gear, class materials, certificates, and the NRA Safety Textbook.

 

Interested parties are asked to pre-register by calling or stopping in at Pete’s Gun Shop at 413-743-0780, as space is limited. This live fire course fills up very quickly so call or stop in early to pre-register.

 

Growing Massachusetts deer population prompts increase in Antlerless Deer Permits

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The following information was gleaned from the June 22, 2022 Minutes of the Fish & Wildlife Board.  They were approved at the July 18, 2022 Board Meeting. DFW Deer and Moose Biologist Martin Feehan provided much of the following data to the Board.  Let’s start with the 2021 deer harvest figures.

The total statewide 2021 deer harvest was 13,363 indicating a 10.8% decline from the 2020 harvest of 14,766 which was an all-time record year.  The minutes do not indicate a reason for the decline.

We didn’t do too bad here in Western Mass.  The breakdown of our deer harvest (Zones 1 through 4) for 2021 and 2020 are as follows:

Zone 1- (2021) 356 vs (2020) 352; Zone 2- 531 vs 541; Zone 3- 549 vs 578; Zone 4N- 574 vs 611; and Zone 4S-364 vs 367.  The total deer harvested for 2021was 2,374 vs 2,449 or a total drop of 75 deer.

Once again, there were more deer harvested statewide by archery than by shotgun or muzzleloader.  The deer harvest by method of hunting was as follows: 6,432 were taken by archery, 4,282 by shotgun and 2,652 were taken by primitive firearms.

More than 3,000 of the deer taken in Zones 10 and 11 were taken by archers and that doesn’t include deer taken by archers in the shotgun and primitive firearms seasons which is legal.  Probably the main reason is that those zones have high density human populations. Some towns may not allow hunting with firearms in their town/city limits, so some hunters went to the quieter way of hunting, archery.  Just speculating.

Here in Western MA, it appears that we still like our shotguns.  Of the 2,374, deer taken, 866 were by archery, 1,064 were by shotgun and 415 were by primitive firearms. Once again, we don’t know how many deer were taken by archers in the shotgun and primitive firearms season.

Feehan also noted that in-person biological deer checks resumed in 2021, and, to help illuminate trends, staff collected information used for modeling the abundance of deer in each Wildlife Management Zone (WMZ).  Feehan stated that MassWildlife uses a Downing Reconstruction Model for harvest-based abundance estimates, noting that this method does not sample areas closed to hunting and that areas with significant closure are likely to have much higher deer abundance than harvest-based estimates would predict.

Feehan demonstrated through a sequence of graphs showing the DFW’s density estimates in each WMZ that some zones, including zones 2, 4N, and 4S, are maintaining densities well within the Board-approved statewide goal of 12-18 deer per square mile. But data from the other western zones –Zones 1 and 3 – are indicating that densities there are rising and are now slightly above the statewide goal. He demonstrated a similar analysis for Zones 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9, which showed that 5-8 are relatively stable, while Zone 9 is becoming increasingly similar to zones 10 and 11, which are above the statewide goal with high densities and showing persistent growth. Zone 12 is still relatively stable but increasing in density, and in zones 13-14, where densities are very high, the harvest is actually declining.

Given the trends revealed by these analyses and after reminding the Board that MassWildlife sets its Antlerless Deer Permit (ADP) allocations on the assumption that they will be kept stable for the ensuing 3 years so that effects on abundance can be thoroughly studied, Feehan reported that DFW staff proposed changes to the allocations for the next 3 years.  (See chart)Antlerless permits 2022

 

He explained that the proposed allocations marked “No Cap” are functionally unlimited, being set well above the maximum number of ADP permits that are sold each year in those zones.

Mr Feehan’s recommendation for increasing the antlerless deer permits were unanimously approved by the Board.

 

As you can see, with the exception of Zone 4S, antlerless permits in all of the Wildlife Management Zones in Western Massachusetts will increase.  Permits in Zone 1 went up by 100, Zone 2 went up by 40, Zone 3 went up by 150 and Zone 4N went up by 50.  This is certainly good news for deer hunters wishing to supplement their meat diet with healthy venison.

 

Feehan had other interesting comments and recommendations which we will detail in next week’s column.as follows:

So, did you get a permit?

As of August 1, deer hunters can check to see if they were awarded an antlerless deer permit (doe permit).  If you were awarded one, a $10 fee is charged. (Remember, the doe permit fee went up from $5 to $10 this year).

Bad then good news for hunting and show dog owners

Recently, Al Costa, President of the Berkshire Beagle Club informed me that a bill originally intended to address issues with boarding kennels has been expanded to a “meat-cleaver” approach that lumps all breeders into the same category as kennels that sell dogs to pet stores and wholesalers. Senate Bill 2994 was originally drafted to address a few issues concerning problems with doggy daycares that were highly publicized in recent years.

Unfortunately, Massachusetts Senators objected to the clear differences between boarding kennels, hobby breeding kennels and commercial dog breeding businesses. In their effort to “simplify the bill,” Senate Bill 2994 lumped them all together.

I wrote about that bill in this proposed column with the hopes that hunting dog owners would be outraged enough about it to contact their legislators.

Well, the following information was received from the Sportsmen’s Alliance of Massachusetts just before my deadline for submitting this column to the Eagle:

“

Legislation that lumped sporting dog kennels and hobby breeders in with large-scale commercial dog breeding operations died when the Massachusetts House of Representatives adjourned earlier this week. Senate Bill 1322, originally intended as a reform bill to address issues with boarding kennels, was turned into an attack on those who hunt, field trial and show dogs, but who do not breed dogs primarily for sale.”

“The Massachusetts Senate made last-minute changes to S.1322, in response to several high-profile issues at boarding kennels, requiring owners of personal kennels to be licensed and subject to inspections, even in their own homes. Current law recognizes the difference between those who breed dogs for commerce, and those who do so for hobby and sport. The bill would also have made personal kennel owners subject to any change in regulations at both the state and municipal government levels.”

“The Sportsmen’s Alliance alerted Massachusetts sportsmen and directly contacted members of the House of Representatives in opposition to S.1322 as part of a larger effort that included the American Kennel Club and local dog and sporting organizations. Together the effort prevailed as the lower chamber decided not to take up the Senate Bill, instead allowing it to die as the legislature adjourned for the remainder of the 2022 session.”

What is the Sportsmen’s Alliance?  It protects and defends America’s wildlife conservation programs and the pursuits – hunting, fishing and trapping – that generate the money to pay for them. Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation is responsible for public education, legal defense and research.  Its mission is accomplished through several distinct programs coordinated to provide the most complete defense capability possible.

Thanks to those who jumped on this matter and contacted their legislators.  Needless to say, I had no problem scrapping my old bad news article in favor of this good news one.

Berkshire Natural Fish Hatchery Youth Fishing Derby

The Friends of the Berkshire National Fish Hatchery in conjunction with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service will be sponsoring a free fishing derby on Saturday, August 13 at the lower pond of the Berkshire National Fish Hatchery, 240 Hatchery Road, New Marlborough from 9:00 am to 10:30 am for children 13 and under.  They must be accompanied by an adult.

Carp Palooza Derby was a great success

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Carp Palooza is a carp fishing derby that ran on Pontoosuc Lake from 3:00 pm on June 25 until midnight, June 26. Two person teams vied for money and trophies.  Some of the trophy titles were:  Best Combined Weight, Largest Mirror Carp and the Dink Master Award for the smallest carp caught.   Derby rules state that all fish must be weighed and released alive

According to Carp Palooza organizer Joshua Christman, it was a great event with 39 teams participating.  Some of them traveled 3 hours to participate even though it was very hot.   Special thanks go to Steve Bateman for helping to promote the event.

Christman said that it was non-stop fish weighing from his boat. He gave a huge thank you to his friend Brandon Murray of Pittsfield who also weighed fish from his boat. “Without his help it would not have been possible to keep up”’ said Christman

First place was won by Dan Conant and Mark Dimond with a two Carp weight of 30.6 lbs.  Payout for first place was $750.  Second place was won by the team of Austin Harvender and Dylan Ladoucer with a two Carp weight of 30.00 Lbs.  They went home with $400. Third place was won by Jay Pesci and Scott Rozzay Dickey, and they went home with $200.

The Lunker Pool payout was $350, and was also won by the first- place team Dan Conant and Mark Dimond.  They ended up with $1,100.00 in prizes.

The largest Mirror Carp award went to Robert Houghtlin and Payton Quinn. They won two $25 Dicks Sporting Good’s gift cards and two Carp nets.  Even the smallest Carp won a prize.  Rebecca Parlato won the Dink Award with a 6 lbs carp.  She won a unique trophy and a $25 gift card to Dicks Sporting Goods.

There was another winner – The Jimmy Fund.  Some $740 was raised for it and the funds were given to Steve Bateman to remit.  Those funds, when added to the funds raised in the Harry Bateman Fishing Derby totaled over $10,740!  Thanks to the anglers who participated, to Joshua who organized the event and to all the helpers, contributors and sponsors.

Sponsors of the Carp Palooza Derby are as follows:  Private Donations from Christopher Parlato, Becki Grimsley and Ron Mazzeo Jr, Haddad’s (Pittsfield), Wal-Mart (Pittsfield/North Adams), RSI Signs (Pittsfield), Dick’s Sporting Goods (Pittsfield), Undisputed Belt.com, Wristband bros.com, VulgrCo.com and Sticker company.

Josh Christman did a yeoman’s job in putting this derby together.  Incidentally, if his name sounds familiar, he has won numerous MA Freshwater Fishing Awards.  He was named MA Adult Catch and Keep Angler of the Year in 2016, 2020 and 2021.

Joshua is also owner of Christman Charters.

Antlerless Deer Permit applications due by July 16

If you want to hunt antlerless deer this fall, you need an antlerless deer permit, sometimes called a doe permit. If you apply for a permit by the July 16 deadline, you then must check back after August 1 to find out if you have been awarded the ability to purchase the permit.

Hunters can apply online using MassFishHunt on a computer or smartphone. You need a valid hunting or sporting license to apply for an antlerless deer permit. There is no fee to apply; a $5 fee is charged only if you are awarded a permit during the instant award period.

The instant award period begins August 1 at 8:00 a.m. and ends on December 31. Your odds of being awarded a permit are the same regardless of when you check your permit status. You can check the status of your permit through MassFishHunt.

Because this is a new system, I recommend that you not wait until the last minute to apply.  You never know if you will encounter a glitch of some kind.

River Flowers

Author Robert (Bob) Romano has come out with a new book entitled River Flowers.

He is author of at least 6 prior books, most of which I have reviewed in this column, simply because I like his writing.  Most of his books feature stories about fictional people and the entire book follows what happens to them.   They are always based in Western Maine commonly known as the Rangely area.

River Flowers is different in the sense that there are 22 individual short, unrelated stores.  But they are all in a way linked together because of where the stories take place, – the Rangely area of Maine.

Romano did not divert from a talent which I really like.  Although they are fictional stories with fictional characters, the surrounding scenery of which he writes is far from fictional.  When he wrote about the dark forests, the trillium and trout lilies along the pathways, smelling the balsam and spruce and observing the tea -colored streams you know he’s been there, done that.  (Actually, Bob should know what he is writing about for he and his family has owned a seasonal cottage there for 40 years).

So, how do you know?  If you have ever visited and fished that area you have smelled the aroma of those woods and walked the damp pine needled forest floor, yourself.  Not every author can capture and convey those surroundings, but Bob does it perfectly.

Most of his chapters keep you wondering where he is going with the story up until the last page, sometimes the last paragraph.

This book is not for the living room end/coffee table, but rather for your night stand.  The chapters are just long enough to get through and then drop off to sleep.   No, I assure you the book is not so boring that you fall to sleep before finishing a chapter.  But when you nod off after reading a chapter, it almost feels like you are bringing the balsa, spruce and the sound of the flowing rivers into your dreams.

Another thing which strikes me about this book is that even though all ages of readers should enjoy it, it is especially appealing to older (or shall we say experienced) anglers.  Not sure if intended, but he writes about things that older anglers, those who have been around a while and are inching toward the riverbend, can relate.  In one story, I loved how an angler was thrashing through a dense forest trying to get away from the angling crowds heading toward the sound of a bubbling stream somewhere downhill, hopefully containing wild brook trout.  I’m not sure if our younger anglers do that anymore.

But I think the younger generation of anglers will also enjoy this book.  It is a great example of how the old anglers used to fish and how the old- time outdoor writers used to write.

One thing which puzzled me about the book was is its name –River Flowers.  What’s with that?  It wasn’t until nearly the end of the book that he reveals what it is all about.  Pretty slick.  Clue – it has something to do with Henry David Thoreau.

Having read all of Romano’s books, I find this one his best. I’ve already started reading it again.

It is a soft-cover 217- page book containing 22 stories with artwork by his daughter Emily Rose Romano. It is published by West River Media and costs $25.

Pick one up for grandpa, he’ll enjoy it.

Happy 4th

Here’s hoping that everyone has a safe and enjoyable Fourth of July.  As you undoubtedly know, our country has gone through a tough couple of years, with Covid, an insurrection, mass shootings, ridiculous gas and grocery prices and more.

No, we are not a perfect nation, at least not for everyone, but let’s work on that.

Speaking for myself, there is no other place on earth where I would rather live.  How about you?

What do you do if you find a fawn?

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MassWildlife says, leave it alone. The animal may be motionless and seem vulnerable, but this is the normal behavior. Even if you see a fawn alone for several days, leave it alone. The mother is probably feeding or bedded nearby. Does visit their fawns to nurse very infrequently, a behavior that helps fawns avoid detection by predators. It is not uncommon for fawns to be left alone for 6-8 hours at a time. Young fawns are usually quite safe when left alone because their color pattern and lack of scent help them to remain undetected.

A couple of years ago, I wrote about a doe that gave birth on an island in Lake Ashmere, probably to get away from people and predators.  While fishing one early morning, the doe swam past me and went up on the island.  A few minutes later, there they were mother and a tiny happy fawn splashing along its shoreline.

If you have taken a fawn into your care, you should immediately return it to where you found it, or to safer cover nearby (within 200 yards). Then, quickly leave the area to ensure the fawn doesn’t follow you and so the mother feels safe enough to return. The mother will soon return to nurse the fawn, even after it has been handled by humans. Don’t try and feed fawns as they have sensitive stomachs.

If a fawn is visibly injured, call MassWildlife at 508-389-6300. Fawns cannot be cared for by wildlife rehabilitators.

e facts from MassWildlife

  • A fawn that is still and unresponsive. Fawns view humans as predators and will drop their head and freeze to avoid detection.
  • A fawn that is crying. Fawns can bleat (vocalize) in a way that sounds like crying if they are disturbed or are trying to locate their mother.
  • A fawn that is in your yard. Fawns are commonly found bedded in brushy areas with vegetative cover or even in some grassy areas – even in suburban areas close to homes or near roadways. Their mother felt this was a safe place for the fawn. On occasion, a fawn that has been disturbed may wander into a dangerous area or an area where the mother may not feel comfortable going (e.g., onto a road, near people, into a garage, etc.). Only if a fawn is in real danger should you interfere by moving the fawn to nearby forested or shrubby area where there is thick cover. Then leave quickly, so the fawn does not follow, and don’t linger. The mother will not come if you are nearby.
  • A fawn alone for long periods of time. Young fawns remain bedded, alone for most of the day and night. The mother will return several times to nurse briefly. She will not approach if people are nearby.
  • A fawn that looks skinny and weak. All fawns appear skinny, but it’s not an indication that they are abandoned or starving. If disturbed, they may also look like they are weak or having trouble walking. Never feed a fawn; their stomachs are sensitive and the food or milk you give them can be very harmful.

These are all normal things for fawns, and while they may be alarming, you do more harm than good attempting to care for a fawn.

At the June meeting of the Berkshire County League of Sportsmen, MEP Lt. Tara Carlow commented on this subject.  To date, the MEP took only one fawn to a rehabber and that was because the fawn’s mother was dead and the fawn would not leave her.  She noted that in the entire state, there is only one fawn rehabber.

Habitat management grant application opens mid-July

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

  1. improve habitat for game species
  2. manage for State Wildlife Action Plan species, with an emphasis on State Endangered, Threatened, and Special Concern species, and
  3. enhance habitat in ecological communities disproportionally susceptible to climate change.

Although MassWildlife and other conservation organizations have made unprecedented investments in land acquisition in Massachusetts, acquisition alone is not enough to guarantee the persistence of biological diversity. Investment in habitat restoration and management is urgently needed on public and private lands across the state. To address this need, MassWildlife and the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs have substantially increased their investment in habitat management on state wildlife lands and are committed to working with partners to promote these efforts on conserved lands across the state. Over the past 7 years, the MHMGP has awarded over $2.4M in funding to 35 different organizations and individuals for 92 habitat improvement projects.

MassWildlife is offering technical assistance to landowners who want to apply to the MHMGP from now until July 15. If you are interested in speaking to a MassWildlife Habitat Biologist about habitat management on your property or your eligibility for the MHMGP, contact James Burnham, Program Coordinator.

If your project site is within priority habitat, a pre-review of the project is highly encouraged. Email Emily Holt, Senior Endangered Species Review Biologist with a site map and description of the project to begin the pre-review process.  Requests for pre-reviews should be made at least 3 weeks before the MHMGP application deadline.

Grant applications will be accepted starting July 15, 2022 and are due by August 31, 2022. Technical assistance on potential grant application projects needs to be completed by the opening of the application period. Visit the MHMGP webpage at any time to learn more about the application process and to see examples of funded projects. For general questions about the grant program, contact James Burnham, Program Coordinator.

Report wild turkey sightings

MassWildlife encourages all wildlife enthusiasts to contribute to our state’s annual Wild Turkey Brood Survey.

Record and report observations of hens (female turkeys), poults (newly-hatched turkeys), jakes (juvenile males) and toms (adult males). Be especially careful when counting broods, because small poults can be tough to see in tall grass or brush.

Every year from June 1 to August 31, your wild turkey reports help state biologists determine productivity, compare long-term reproductive success, and estimate fall harvest potential. Reports come from all regions of the state, from our most rural communities to our most densely-populated areas. Citizen support for the brood survey is a cost-effective way to gather valuable data. It’s also an additional fun way for people to connect with nature. Please note that turkey nesting success can vary annually in response to weather conditions, predation and predator populations, and habitat characteristics.

The easiest method for reporting your wild turkey observations is online. If you prefer to report on paper, you can download and print a Turkey Brood Survey form, complete it over the summer, and mail it to, MassWildlife Field Headquarters, Attn: Brood Survey,1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough, MA 01581.

Another nice field trial held at the Berkshire Beagle Club

 

According to Berkshire Beagle Club (BBC) Board Member, Jeffrey St John and Club Secretary Pat Barry, they had a good turnout at its Derby Trial last Saturday.  A Derby Trial is for dogs 6 months old, up to the day they turn 2 years old.  The club ran the trial by AKC SPO (Small Pack Option) rules.   There were 25 entries which far exceeded their expectations. The beagles were classified as either 13-inch or 15-inch males and females combined.

The winner of the 13-inch class was Butlers Bilbo owned by BBC member Kate Butler of East Chatham, NY.  The winner of the 15-inch class was OT’s Finnegan Fluffy Cakes owned by Emmelia Elizabeth May and handled by Scott Harrington, both of Cambridge, NY.  BBC President Al Costa’s dog, Timberswamp Miss Lulu, took the Next Best Qualifier (NBQ) honors in the 15-inch class.

 

According to St John, Club members Sal Dabbraceio, Filipe Ribeiro and John Morris put on a delicious feast, with rabbit, pork and turkey in various entrees along with potato salad and beverage.

Darn!  I was unable to attend the trials.  I especially wanted to try Filipe’s rabbit meal of which I heard many positive comments.

The preliminary 2021 deer/bear harvest figures have been released

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In his monthly report to the Berkshire County League of Sportsmen, Western District Supervisor Andrew Madden reported that the statewide preliminary 2021 deer harvest was 13,363. That compares with the 14,766 harvested in 2020.

Preliminary 2021 deer harvest figures by season verses last year figures are as follows:

  • Youth Deer/Paraplegic Hunt Days: 86 vs 131 last year
  • Archery Season: 5,894 vs 6655last year
  • Shotgun Season: 5,008 vs 5138 last year
  • Primitive Firearms Season: 2,375 vs 2842 last year

Although Western Zone harvests were not mentioned, Madden said that they were consistent with 2020 (which was a record year).

He said that harvests in some of the Eastern Zones saw a decrease from 2020, which account for the lower statewide total. Most of the states in the Northeast saw a similar decrease from the previous year. Even with the decrease, the 2021 harvest was still the 4th highest on record in Massachusetts.

Detailed information on past hunting seasons can be found at https://www.mass.gov/service-details/deer-harvest-data.

The 2021 black bear hunting season had a total harvest of 212. That compares with 325 that were taken in 2020, which was had set a new record.

 

Harvest during the November and Shotgun seasons were higher than most years but the September season was below average. Madden suspected the poor hunting conditions, an abundance of early season natural foods, and annual fluctuation likely accounted for the slow September season.  Of the 212 bears taken 30 were east of the Connecticut River.

 

Trout stockings

The following waters were scheduled to be stocked last week.  The schedule was subject to change: Westfield River Mainstem in Huntington, Montgomery and Russell; Westfield River Middle Branch in Chester, Huntington, Middlefield and Worthington, Westfield River East Branch in Chesterfield and Cummington, Hoosic River North Branch in Clarksburg and North Adams, Housatonic River East Branch in Hinsdale and Dalton, Housatonic River SW Branch in Pittsfield, Hudson Brook in Clarksburg and North Adams, Lake Buel in Monterey, Laurel Lake, Norwich Pond in Huntington, Plunkett Reservoir in Hinsdale, Pontoosuc Lake, Stockbridge Bowl and York Lake in New Marlborough.

 

In addition, Tiger Trout were scheduled to be stocked in Stockbridge Bowl, Laurel Lake and the Westfield River East Branch (Chesterfield, Cummington).  Also, some of the large brood stock was scheduled to be released in these locations as well.

 

Spring turkey hunting season opens on April 25

 

But some youths, 12 to 17 years of age, will be out hunting on Saturday, April 23 because that date is the special one-day Youth Turkey Hunting Day. Hopefully they met the eligibility requirements (basic hunter education and the mandatory youth turkey program),  have a mentor and will have a great first day of turkey hunting.  Maybe they will bag a bird early in the day, but if not, they will have until 5:00 p.m. to get one.  Hopefully, they will check themselves for ticks as soon as possible afterwards.

 

Upon harvesting a turkey, the mentor must immediately fill out and attach the paper tag from the permit to the carcass. The bird must remain intact (other than field dressing), with the harvest tag attached until it is reported. It must be reported within 48 hours after which the tag can be removed when it is prepared for food or taxidermy purposes.

On Monday, April 26, the regular spring turkey hunting begins and runs until May 22. Massachusetts residents must have a Hunting or Sporting License, Turkey permit and a green safety sticker.  Non-residents must have a Big Game License, Turkey permit and safety sticker. Stickers are required if hunting turkey with a shotgun or muzzleloader.  In the spring season, the bag limit is 2 bearded birds (2 birds may be harvested on the same day).  Hunting on Sundays is not allowed.

 

The wearing of blaze orange is not required during the spring hunting season.  It is unlawful for hunters to intentionally or knowingly leave a wounded or dead game animal in the field or the forest without making a reasonable effort to retrieve and use it.

Here’s hoping you have a safe and enjoyable spring turkey hunting season.

Incidentally, did you ever see a white wild turkey?  It’s called a Leucitic turkey.    A variety of conditions cause the loss of pigmentation in an animal or bird, causing white, pale or patchy coloration of the skin or feathers. The picture was sent to me from Mike and Sheila Moss of Sutton, MA. It was wandering around in their back yard.

 

Mike was the long-time president of the Massachusetts Sportsmen’s Council (MSC).  He and his wife Sheila have received numerous awards from sportsmen’s clubs all across the state.  In fact, earlier this month Mike received the Sportsman of the Year Award from the Worcester County League of Sportsmen’s Clubs and Sheila received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the MSC for her work as its Secretary for the last 14 years.   She, Mike and current President John Kellstrand have proven invaluable to the MSC.

 

School is out, help stock trout!

The public is invited to help MassWildlife stock trout during school vacation week. Meet MassWildlife fisheries staff, view trout up close, and learn about places to fish near you.

 

A stocking event will take place at 1:30 pm on April 21 at Onota Lake’s Burbank Park on Lakeway Drive in Pittsfield.

 

Youth Artist from Acton Wins Junior Duck Stamp Contest

Andrew Liu won Best of Show in the 2022 Massachusetts Junior Duck Stamp (JDS) Contest. His acrylic painting of a Common Eider in flight was selected from 199 entries. Liu’s award-winning work will move on to 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 will be exhibited throughout Massachusetts in the coming year based on reopening guidelines for host sites.

The Massachusetts JDS Program is sponsored by MassWildlife and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, with support from the MSC. Each time you buy a Junior Duck Stamp, you support the JDS program and wetland conservation. 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.

 

Bird Banding

MassWildlife assisted Green Berkshires in developing a bird banding station at the Jug End Wildlife Management Area in Egremont.  The bird banding effort, which is part of Green Berkshire’s biodiversity mapping of the South Taconic Plateau, should contribute to understanding habitat use on the property and help inform MassWildlife’s management efforts.

Incidentally, Green Berkshires’ mission is to support communities dedicated to protecting our shared natural environment through science, education, and advocacy. Eleanor Tillinghast is its President.

 

A couple of reminders:

After being cancelled for the last 2 years due to Covid, the following two events, which already have been featured in this column this year, will take place on the following date:

The Annual Silvio O. Cone Sportsmen’s Awards Dinner will be held at the Cheshire Rod & Gun Club on Saturday evening, April 23.

The Fly Fishing Show (Royal Plaza Trade Center181 Boston Post Road West Marlborough, MA) will take place on April 22 – 24.

Beagle Club Field Trials

 

Next weekend, April 23 – 24, the Berkshire Beagle Club on Sleepy Hollow Road in Richmond, MA is having its spring field trials.  Some of the best beagles in the northeast will compete at following the scents of snowshoe hares and/or cottontail bunnies. All of the dogs are AKC registered and many already possess championship ribbons won at other field trials.  For beagle lovers, there’s no finer sound than that of a beagle singing its heart out while following the scent of a bunny.

The club welcomes folks to come and just listen to the dogs and observe the judges.  Every now and then, you will hear someone shout “Tally Ho!” to let the judges know that they spotted a bunny or dog on its scent.

There will be food to purchase there as well as a raffle for a Garmin TT15 Tracking System dog collar worth about $300.  (Ticket cost $10 or three for $20.)

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BOW 2021 deer hunt results

Seventeen women deer hunters participated in MassWildlife’s 2021 Becoming-an-Outdoors-Woman (BOW) Deer Hunt Program. On opening day of the shotgun deer hunting season on November 29, they experienced a guided deer hunt with the assistance of volunteer mentors at Fort Devens.

women deer hunters

According to Marion Larson, MassWildlife Chief of Information & Education, nearly all the women saw deer and all participants enjoyed their hunt. Two women harvested their first deer ever.  “Sharing that experience was both exciting and overwhelming. This course was amazing. Thanks to everyone who makes it what it is!” said one of the seventeen novice women deer hunters.

MassWildlife expressed its sincere appreciation to their enthusiastic and dedicated volunteer mentors who shared their knowledge and support with these new hunters.

To prepare for the mentored hunt, the women attended a virtual seminar in October where they learned about deer biology and management, hunting regulations, where to find places to hunt deer, and deer hunting tips. Later in the month, they took part in an in-person field seminar at the Shirley Rod and Gun Club where they learned about proper clothing and other useful hunting gear, spent time on a shooting range, discovered how to look for deer sign, estimated distances and when to shoot or not shoot at a deer, and then followed a blood trail.

In addition to offering shooting skills workshops and hunting seminars designed for adult women, the BOW Program has other workshop offerings such as: basic fishing, beginning shotgun, kayaking, map & compass, reading the woods, archery, pond and stream adventures, nature photography, martial arts, outdoor and game cooking, edible plants and more.

To learn more about MassWildlife’s BOW Program click onto the Becoming an Outdoors-Woman page of the MassWildlife web site.

The Massachusetts Junior Conservation Camp

I’ve written about this camp in the past, but it is such a wonderful program it bears repeating.  The MJCC provides a unique experience of conservation, shooting sports, and outdoor recreation education to young people. The camp’s program introduces them to the ethical responsibilities of hunting and fishing and encourages careful stewardship of our natural resources. It also aims to educate campers about conservation of natural resources and responsible use of the environment. Natural resource professionals from state agencies provide hands-on experiences and demonstrations and lead discussions of wildlife, fisheries, and forest management.

The MJCC program is open to boys and girls aged 13 to 17. The dates for this year’s camp are August 7–19, 2022.  This year, they will host the camp at the Moses Scout Reservation located at 310 Birch Hill Road in Russell, MA.  Applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. (Reservations opened on January 1, 2022).

Although campers may apply on their own, over 85% of them are sponsored.  Each year, the Berkshire County League of Sportsmen (BCLS), sponsors two kids (a boy and a girl) and the Lenox Sportsmen’s Club sponsors four.   (The Cheshire Rod & Gun Club and the Adams Outdoor for Youth kick in funds to both to help defray the costs.)  The cost of the scholarship is $1,100 per youth for the full two weeks which covers lodging expenses, food, and activities.   (Now you know why these clubs hold so many raffles and events – to raise monies to send youths to the MJCC for free.  No better places to spend our funds than on our youth).

The camp reserves the right to limit the number of campers of a particular sex in order to create balanced separate sleeping accommodations.

Campers need to be prepared to function in an environment which requires good behavior, teamwork and attentiveness. Much of the Camp is spent in an educational environment and students are expected to be attentive, courteous and non-disruptive.

A large portion of the instruction is “hands-on,” and all students participate in instruction that includes firearms of several types, bows, arrows, fishing and camping equipment and wildlife interaction. Students are expected to understand the seriousness of handling such equipment and interacting with wildlife.

The happiest campers are those who are interested in the outdoors and in wildlife management programs before attending the MJCC. Teenagers who are sent because a relative is an avid outdoorsman may dislike the camp curriculum, unless they personally have an interest in the outdoors, and will often end up being sent home. For this reason, the BCLS (and probably other clubs) require the youths to write a letter explaining why they want to go to the camp.

If you are unsure of your child’s interest in the camp, it is suggested that you let him or her browse the pictures of the camp program. Or, just ask 15-year old Jerry Conlin.   Last year, the BCLS sponsored him.

Jerry said that what he liked best about the camp was “Probably, the shooting, all types of shooting like the trap, targets for rifles, and archery.  They had some 3-D targets there, too.  It was just really fun.”  They also had some swimming, boating and fishing classes there.

Asked if he learned anything new, he said, “They had one class about plants.  “We were taught about specific plants, those you can and those you should not eat and what they would do to you if you did eat the wrong ones.”

Jerry won some awards.  At the very end of the 2 weeks, there was a camp-wide competition and he won 1st place in the shotgun sporting clays and he took 3rd place in archery.  “The day before the actual competition, shooters had to qualify. Only 3 people in the entire camp qualified for archery, rifle and shotgun, and he was one.

Jerry had a good time. “Being around a group of kids with the same interests is cool”, he said.  He became close friends with basically all of the people in his campsite, and he keeps in touch with them.

If parents would like their child to attend the camp, but need financial assistance, click onto the MassWildlife web site, complete  the Camper Request for Scholarship and send it in as soon as possible. They will do their best to match your child up with groups that have reserved a spot, but do not have a camper.

Is that a vagrant eagle? 

Did you hear about that strange lost eagle?  Well, according to a MassWildlife it’s a Steller’s Sea Eagle (Haliaeetus pelagicus, which is native to Asia, specifically Japan, Korea, China and Russia.  It was first seen in August 2020 in Alaska on the Denali Highway about 4,700 miles away from its native range.  It has since been sighted in New Brunswick and Quebec, Canada in July of 2021, in Nova Scotia in November, 2021 and, guess what, a couple of weeks ago it was spotted on the Taunton River in Massachusetts.

It has a distinctive yellow beak with unique white marking on its wings with large white tail feathers.  A Steller’s Sea Eagle weighs up to 20 pounds and has a wingspan of up to 6 1/2 feet, making it one of the largest raptors in the world.

Birders are confident the same eagle in Nova Scotia was also seen in various parts of North America because of the unique white markings on its wings. The New York Times thinks that it may have been spotted in Texas this year, but they are not positively sure because it was only photographed perched, not with outstretched wings where distinguishing markings would be visible.

Experts say that it is possible for birds to lose a sense of direction when they stray out of range of their normal habitat, potentially due to climate change effects or a navigational error.  Or was it a vagrant, which is not uncommon.  According to Alexander Lees, an avian vagrancy expert at the Manchester Metropolitan University (United Kingdom), vagrancy occurs when a bird veers off course, possibly due to a navigation error, or it may have been blown off course by extreme weather patterns. Vagrancy may also help migratory birds expand ranges, an advantage to their survival as global warming changes suitable habitats for many species.

Experts suspect it may migrate with native bald eagles along the coastline, make its way back to its normal ranges in northeastern Asia or stick around the east coast.

Time will tell.

Stay safe!

Goodbye 2021, good riddance!

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Well, chalk up another dismal year.  At the beginning of 2021 we were hoping that things would be better than 2020, but it wasn’t to be.  We remained a divided nation, arguing over the wearing of masks, getting covid shots, social distancing, the 2020 presidential election and more.  We nearly lost our democracy on January 6, reached 800,000 covid related deaths, were still plagued by one variant after another of covid, experienced the great resignation causing shortages of service and produce, which in turn resulted in high consumer prices.  There were fights on commercial airplanes, etc., etc.  And, oh yes, let us not forget about the devastating fires, floods, tornadoes and hurricanes.

Personally, other than during wartime years, I can’t remember a worse time for our nation.  Day after day, we were besieged with bad news making it difficult to be positive and upbeat.

Hopefully, during the past year, this column got our minds off of some of that negativity which constantly surrounded us.  So, what were some of the more interesting subjects covered last year?  Unfortunately, I can’t cover them all but here are some of the more memorable ones:

To start January off on a positive note, we visited two Berkshire Natural Resources Council properties:  its 550-acre Clam River property in Sandisfield and its Old Mill Trail in Dalton/Hinsdale and recommended readers do likewise.  MassWildlife reported record or near record 2020 deer, bear and wild turkey harvests.  However; during that month we mourned the loss of Raymond “Skip” Whalen a highly respected outdoor sportsman who received many awards from the Berkshire County League of Sportsmen (BCLS) and other sportsmen’s organizations.

In February, we covered several ice fishing stories.  Young Allison caught a 25 ½ inch, 4 lbs 2 oz chain pickerel out of Laurel Lake for which she will definitely receive a bronze pin in the MA Youth Sportfishing Award Category.   Jamie Pollard of Hinsdale caught a 15.8 lbs 32 ¼ inches long brown trout out of Stockbridge Bowl. Surely it will capture the gold pin in the Sportfishing Award Program. There was a big largemouth bass weighing 6 lbs 14 oz caught out of Laurel Lake by eleven- year-old Nolan Bloomrose of Blanford.  He caught it during a Whitetails Unlimited ice fishing derby and he will also win a bronze pin.

In March, MassWildlife announced that there were 13 gold pin winners from the Berkshires in several fish categories in the Sportfishing Award Program.  Joshua Christman of Pittsfield was named the MA Adult Catch and Keep Angler of the Year.  Eight of the 13 gold pins were won by Joshua or his 7 year old daughter Alice or his 5 year old son Gabriel.

I also did a column recalling memorable ice fishing scenes on our lakes last winter highlighting an ice boat and a unicycle rider.

In April we congratulated Henry Sweren for being elected the Chairman of MA/RI Council of Trout Unlimited (TU).  Later that month, we mourned the loss of Paul Ouellette, of Lanesborough, a well-known local flyfisherman and deer hunter.  He had received awards from the BCLS and Taconic TU.  We also did an article on the Keystone Arches in Becket/Chesterfield.

In May there was an article on bald eagles succumbing to rodenticides.  We covered the Wild Acres fishing derby. Young Gabriel Christman pulled out of Laurel Lake a 21 1/2lbs carp.  We covered a trout research program being conducted by MassWildlife on the Swift River.

In June we wrote an article about Mark Markham and the 10 lbs brown trout that he caught out of Onota Lake.  Joshua Christman also hauled a couple others out of there near that same size. There was an article about a rare turkey taken on Mount Greylock by Karen Fachini of Pownal, VT.  It had 7 beards!

In June we did an article on the Youth Outreach Fishing Derby at Reynolds Pond in Cheshire.  There was an article about wild tiger trout swimming in our local waters. Also, a big bowfin fish was taken out of Onota Lake that month by Crystal Taylor.  There was an article entitled “poacher’s paradise”.  It was about the ridiculously low fines and penalties assessed to those who break the fish and game laws.  It was in June when we got a look at the potential MassWildlife license fee increase. A couple of friends and I took a wonderful flyfishing trip to the AuSable River.

In July I did an article about flyfishing the Westfield River years ago and my using the jaw’s harp to try to get another angler out of a fishing hole in which I wanted to fish.   Remember the sounds -“Boing, boing”.  Shame on me! There was an article about a 7 to 9 lbs smallmouth bass, caught by Michael Fabrizio, that came out of Onota Lake.

And then there was Raymour.  He was the duck with the damaged bill that talked Onota Lake shore resident Ron Smith into hand feeding him for about 2 years.  Ironically, that duck disappeared on the very day the article came out.  For 3 weeks people were looking high and low for him but to no avail.  It is believed that he was taken away by a resident bald eagle.  My hopes rose recently when I received a report of his sighting.  But when I heard that the sighting was by a fellow who also said he saw Elvis Presley last fall at a barn dance over in Berlin, NY, well….

In August, there was an article about MassWildlife’s prescribed fires.  Also, there was an article about beginner’s luck by fishermen (Luis Martinez from Ortonville, MI) who caught a record Chinook (King) Salmon out of Lake Michigan.  It weighed 47.86 lbs and measured 47.5 inches.  Unfortunately, that month we received news that another eagle and other birds fell victim to rodenticides/pesticides.

In September, there was a follow-up article on the Keystone Arches.  We received word that MassWildlife had settled on its new license and fee schedule.  There was an announcement of another deer disease spreading across the nation, Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD).  A large carp was taken out of Onota Lake by Anthony Barone. There was an article about the many acquisitions of land and conservations restrictions in the Berkshires by MassWildlife and an article speculating as to why people fish.

In October there were two articles about Yellowstone National Park.  The first was about local anglers Attorney Mike Shepard, Craig Smith, Paul Knauth and me doing some flyfishing out there.  Craig cleaned our clocks by consistently catching the most and largest fish every day.  The second trip was a sightseeing one with my wife Jan and me.  There was a touching bird dog article written by Gary Scarafoni entitled “Angie’s Last Retrieve”.  Also an article about some buddies fishing for large brook trout in Labrador and the possibility of a world record being caught there.  Jeff Vincent hit the “grand slam” while fishing the Salmon River in NY which feeds Lake Ontario.  He caught brown trout, steelhead and King, Coho and an Atlantic Salmon.

In Nov, there was an article about paraplegic deer hunters and that 3 deer were taken by them in the Berkshires. News came out that month that covid was discovered in the nation’s deer population.  A stone bench was created on Lenox Mountain in honor of the late George “Gige” Darey.  George Wislocki proposed a toast in his honor. There was an article about “precious deer hunting memories.” Oh, how they linger.

In December, we received news of how the recently passed Infrastructure legislation will provide funds for, among other things, the removal and replacement of impediments which will help fish migrate upstream to spawn.  We did an article on the hand pulling of water chestnuts in Three Mile Pond by DFW staff. Also, an article about the fight to the death by two large deer that got their antlers hopelessly entangled while fighting.  Sadly, we lost two notable sports columnists, Frank Sousa of the Springfield Republican and Mark Blazis of the Worcester Telegraph and Gazette.

Thanks for taking the time to read the columns last year and hopefully you’ll check them out again this year. Good Lord willing, I’ll still be cranking them out.

Let’s hope and pray that things will be better for us this year.

Happy New Year and be safe!