MA Antlerless Deer Allocations will be increased this year
Though Massachusetts is the 3rd most densely populated state in the country, it is a state where quality deer can be found anywhere. MassWildlife biologists estimate that there are over 100,000 deer statewide. Estimated densities range from about 12-18 per square mile in western and central Massachusetts to over 50 deer per square mile on Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket Islands, and certain areas of eastern MA where hunting access is restricted.
MA DFW Deer and Moose Project Leader David Stainbrook presented his annual Deer Review to the MA Fish & Wildlife Board on May 15, 2019. The following information was obtained from the minutes of that public board meeting.
He briefly explained how MassWildlife manages deer in the state, and recommended a management range adjustment in the eastern zones, to 12-18 deer per square mile of forest. He explained that the Board-approved density ranges are meant to be benchmarks to meet the agency’s goal of keeping deer numbers below the point of major impacts to forest, including on the diversity of plant species and the forest’s ability to regenerate, but in balance with public desire and tolerance for deer. Other 2019 deer chart
Noting that the Board had approved an expanded range for zones 1-9 in 2015, he stated that the range for zones 10-14 has not been changed since it was set in 1985, when there were fewer than 5 deer per square mile on most of Eastern Massachusetts. His staff believes that the benchmark of 6-8 deer per square mile for zones 10-14 needs to be updated and aligned with the rest of the state, to 12-18 deer per square mile.
Stainbrook reported that the change would not affect the way they manage deer, because the goal is still the same; the change would instead provide a more realistic benchmark to attain. He explained that the way MassWildlife manages the deer population across the state is through regulated female harvest, and that this is accomplished by allocating antlerless deer permits zone by zone in response to population trends. The number of permits allocated per zone depends on the targeted direction they want deer density to go – Increase, Stabilize, or Decrease – and the previous year’s harvest data and success rates. He then presented the data on the 2018 deer harvest and current trends. (See chart)
Stainbrook reported that some of the reasons for such a high harvest may include increasing numbers of deer in the west and central regions from a period of low permit issuance; increasing numbers in the east from lack of hunting access; good weather for hunting and the presence of tracking snow, which led to high shotgun season harvests; and low food availability, i.e., deer have to move more frequently and further for food.
He presented his deer population analysis by management zone, since, he reported, statewide harvest does not tell them about deer population trends in each region of the state. Using graphs to show the trends in numbers of deer harvested, he stated that it is helpful to break the state into two areas when looking at deer management issues and trends.
In general, in zones 1-9, deer numbers have been kept relatively stable over the past 30 years through careful antlerless deer permit allocations and regulated hunting. Staff has kept antlerless deer permit allocations low over the past 10 years in many of these zones, to allow conservative population growth. Analyzing deer density in the context of the state’s management ranges, Stainbrook reported that they have kept antlerless deer permits low for the past 5-10 years in zones 1-4 (our area) to allow some population growth. Acknowledging that there are highs and lows in areas of any zone, they are seeing increasing deer numbers that are approaching the upper end of the current management range. They are also documenting some forest impacts on their Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) and other lands that are open to hunting, such as state forests. In response, the staff recommended a conservative increase in the allocations to stabilize deer numbers.
In Wildlife Management Zones 5-8, Stainbrook reported that the deer numbers appear to be within their management range to near the upper end in some areas and appear increasing to stable. The Quabbin area also reduced the female harvest over the past 2 years and ‘rested’ more areas from hunting, which will help bring Zone 6 back into the middle of the management range. They are also seeing forest impacts in these zones on their WMAs and other lands that are open to hunting. They recommended a conservative increase in the allocations in zones 5, 7, and 8, with no change to allocation in Zone 6.
There is some variability in Zone 9 relative to development, with lower numbers along the border with zones 5 and 8, and higher numbers along the eastern edge, along I-495. In general, it is at the upper end of the state management range and increasing. Also, they are documenting forest impacts in most of the huntable areas. They therefore recommended an increase in the allocation to stabilize deer numbers and allow for additional permits relative to the Wachusett area hunt.
Stainbrook observed that, on average, the deer population is within the management range in zones 1-9, but there is always variability within each zone, with some areas having lower deer numbers and some with higher deer numbers. The variability typically comes down to hunting access, hunter effort, and habitat quality.
Turning to the Eastern zones, 10-14, deer numbers have gone from very low (when it was rare to see a deer in some areas), to quite abundant, and much of this is related to the lack of hunting access and the discharge setbacks that create a lot of sanctuary areas, which limits harvest. In areas where there has been adequate hunting access, he reported that they have likely kept deer numbers stable to slowly growing, but in areas with limited to no hunting access, deer numbers have been steadily growing. While there is enough hunting access in the west and central zones to afford great management ability, the eastern zones show a quite different story.
Deer numbers can be close to goal levels in areas with adequate hunting access and very high in areas with a lack of hunting access and major restrictions to hunting. Overall, average densities are higher than their management range for all of the eastern zones and they are seeing increasing trends in many areas.
He pointed out that though they typically increase the permit allocations to reduce population, in zones 10, 13, and 14, antlerless permits are essentially unlimited, given how long it takes the surplus permits to sell out in recent years (almost 2 weeks in 2018 in Zone 10; never in zones 13 and 14), so an increase in the allocation will not lead to more deer harvested, just more unfilled permits per hunter. However, he stated that that is not completely the case for Zone 11, which sold out within a few days. Thus, they recommend increasing the allocation of antlerless permits in Zone 11 to help increase antlerless deer harvest.
Mr. Stainbrook then provided recommendations, based on this year’s review. He proposed to update the management range in zones 10-14 from 6-8 to 12-18 deer per square mile of forest, producing one statewide management range and one goal. He also provided the proposed 2019 Antlerless Deer Permit allocations, by Wildlife Management Zone. For context, he also provided the 2018 allocation numbers, indicated the size of the proposed changes, and the desired outcomes. (See chart) Both proposals were approved by the Board.
In a further discussion, Mr. Stainbrook was asked whether it would be advantageous to have smaller set-backs for archery hunting, so that the deer population could be managed more effectively in more areas, and he agreed that it would.
Incidentally, if you want an antlerless permit, the application deadline is July 16.
Big pike caught on trout rod
On May 16, Dan “Durt” Whalen of Berkshire Village was fishing for trout on Onota Lake near the pier. Using his trout rod, his trusty old Garcia Mitchell 300 spinning reel, 6 lb test line and Berkley Power Bait on a size 8 Eagle Claw hook, he was after some trout. It was a cloudy day and he was having decent luck, having caught a couple of Rainbow Trout.
Then he had another hit and when he set the hook, he knew he was into a decent sized fish, perhaps a Carp. He said it put up fierce fight lasting 20 minutes and when he got it close to shore, he could see that it was a Northern Pike. The fish made three runs, nearly spooling him out. Finally, he got it near the shore again but because of the size of the fish, Don knew it would break his line if he tried to beach it (He didn’t have a net). So, he waded into the water nearly up to his waist, grabbed the fish under its gill and carried it into shore.
He laid the fish onto the wet grass and gingerly removed the hook from the fish. He was lucky for it had been hooked on the its skin just outside of its lip, otherwise its sharp teeth would have easily cut the line. He said that when he weighed the fish on his digital scales, it weighed 29 lbs even, was 49 inches long and had a girth of 20 inches.
A man and women were nearby and saw the whole event. Don asked the woman if she would take his picture with the fish using his cell phone, which she did.
Don chose to release the fish and submit an affidavit to MassWildlife attesting to its size. If accepted, he should get at least a bronze pin from the State, perhaps the gold pin, in the Catch and Release category. (A gold pin and plaque are awarded for catching the largest species of a freshwater fish in the state for that year). Don was not interested in keeping the fish to mount as he already has a large Northern Pike hanging on his wall. It was a gold pin fish that he caught in 2001. He said that one weighed 26.9 lbs and was 46 ½ inches long.
Usually pike the size Don recently caught are taken on tip-ups through the ice. It is rare to see one this large taken on a rod and reel. The fact that he caught it on 6 lb test and size 8 hook makes the feat even more remarkable. That and the fact that he caught it on a reel approximately 50 years old.
Good old-fashioned fly fishing
Speaking of old reels and equipment, fishing buddy Paul Knauth of Hinsdale and I recently spent a few days flyfishing for trout on the Ausable River in and around Wilmington, NY (near Lake Placid). This year, we decided to do something different, we would fish with old equipment, stuff right out of the 1940’s and 1950’s.
I chose to use my Heddon Expert bamboo fly rod which was once owned by the late Russell Chenail of North Adams. I purchased it from his niece last year. Out of curiosity, I researched the rod and found out that it was built between 1948 and 1952 and sold by Sears Roebuck. The reel was a Pfluger Medalist Model 1494 ½ which was purchased from Rod Moon’s Sporting Store in the mid 1970’s.
I also brought along my old willow creel that was once owned by my late uncle Alphonse Chague. Lord knows how old that creel it, but I suspect that it is around 80 years old.
Paul brought his Phillipson PaceMaker bamboo rod which was built sometime between 1946 and 1951. Bill Phillipson had been a protégé of Goodwin Granger and then supervisor of the rod shop for the Goodwin Granger Co. up until the time it closed down shortly before World War II. In 1945 he tried to purchase the Granger operation but when that failed, he started his own company, the Phillipson Rod and Tackle Co.
Paul also brought along his creel which was probably as old if not older than mine.
We had a ball fishing with these old flyrods. We are used to fishing with today’s modern graphite flyrods which weigh hardly anything. These rods weigh probably three times the weight of the modern rods. Their actions are quite different, too, they are whippier, and it took a while to adjust to the slower action of these rods. But we did, and we put them through the test of three days of fishing. 
What a thrill fishing, catching and releasing trout on a flyrod that was made over 70 years ago. What stories they could tell. In my case, I was fishing with the Ausable Wulff, a bushy dry fly that was created by the famous Wilmington, NY fly tyer Francis Betters some 55 years ago which only added to the enjoyment. Paul was fishing sub surface mainly with bead head nymphs.
We encountered several old timers on the river, one wading and expertly casting away at 87 years old. His wife, perhaps not much younger, was out in the stream fly fishing with him, looking chic in her chest waders. When they and other older anglers spotted our cane rods, they commented on how they used to fish with them in olden times. The sight of the rods appeared to have brought back fond memories for them.
Unless you are used to them, bamboo rods can pose an endurance challenge. As noted above, they are heavier. Our modern-day graphite rods weigh around 1 ½ oz; whereas these rods weigh about 5 oz. I know it doesn’t sound like much weigh, but when you sling these things around for nearly 10 hours a day you feel it. At the end of the third day, my shoulder ached and I thought my casting arm would fall off into the river and drift away.
In spite of the fact that the river was running high due to recent storms Paul and I had a wonderful, memorable trip, filled with nostalgia. We were fishing in a gorgeous area, the foot of Whiteface Mountain. It doesn’t get much better than that.
Thank you to Cabela’s and Bass Pro Shops
Recently, MassWildlife staff visited Cabela’s in Berlin, MA and Bass Pro Shops in Foxborough, MA to accept donations of over 100 fishing rods and reels. This fishing equipment will be used by MassWildlife’s Angler Education Program to teach families how to fish across Massachusetts. To find upcoming learn-to-fish classes and clinics near you, check MassWildlife’s Angler Education Calendar.
This generous donation is part of a nationwide effort by Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s to get families outside this summer. Bass Pro Shops founder Johnny Morris is challenging families to put down their digital devices and get outside to discover the joys of fishing. To kick off Gone Fishing, the nationwide movement that gets kids and families connected to nature each summer, they are donating more than 55,000 rods and reels nationwide to nonprofit organizations that help kids from all backgrounds connect to the great outdoors.
Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s hosted family-friendly Gone Fishing events over the last two weekends. Kids of all ages were invited to catch their first fish with free catch-and-release ponds, take home a “First Fish” certificate and beginner’s guides, and participate in free seminars, free crafts and free photo downloads. The effort is part of the company’s mission to inspire future generations to enjoy, love and conserve the great outdoors. Since the program’s inception, Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s have donated 400,000 items to youth-focused nonprofit organizations across North America.
Over 300 anglers participated in the Bateman Jimmy Fund Fishing Derby
“We couldn’t ask for a better day.” said Jimmy Fund Fishing Derby Co-Chairman Steve Bateman, “We have had all kinds of weather (in the past) but this day was perfect”.
On this day, Saturday, June 1, 2019 they had a record turn-out 302 registered fishermen plus at least another 30 people, raising a record amount of cash, well over $7,000.
They gave out a record eight bikes. Normally they give out six but a good friend and long-time supporter, John Lacy, donated a boy’s bike so they did something special. They asked if there were any 5 to 6-year old boys that didn’t have a bike. Four boys stepped forward and were given a raffle ticket and a winner was drawn.
On the other bike they called all of the numbers for the boy’s bike 10-14 years old. No one showed up so they called another number and a young man immediately raised his hand. While he was on the way up to accept his bike, the first ticket holder appeared. They gave the bike to the original ticket holder and promised to make things right by giving the second ticket holder a bike also. The family of Mellissa and Leanne Davis, along with their mom and Melissa’s daughter, gave a donation towards a new bike, a very kind gesture on their part. The second ticket holder received his new bike the following next day.
Co Chairman of the Harry Bateman Derby, Stephen Gingras, gave an emotional speech on the fishing derby and how it is more than just a cancer fundraiser but on friendships. They lost one of their childhood friends, Carl DeLuce (1963-2018). Carl was also their biggest supporter. From this year forward they will be giving the Adult Door Prize each and every year in Carl’s memory
They gave out an autographed picture of Dont’a Hightower which was donated by the New England Patriots, and a Coleman Tailgate Grill donated by Injected Solutions Inc. The plaque which bears Carl’s name was donated by ABC Financial. Carl’s family was present including his 94-year old mother, Mrs. Josie DeLuce, and Carl’s wife Tracy pulled the winning ticket. (David Bowers of Lee won it).
The following is a list of the winners: Children’s Heaviest Game Fish Category: 1st place – Largemouth Bass – Kolton Buck – 3 lbs 10 oz; Smallmouth Bass – Braxton Gladu – 2 lbs 2 oz, 2nd Place – Rainbow Trout – Darryn Cassavant- 1 lb 11 oz; 3rd Place – Rainbow Trout Mason Chamberland – 1 lb 10 oz.
Children’s Heaviest Non-Game Fish Category: 1st Place – Bullhead – Julian Smith – 12 oz; 2nd Place – Bullhead – 11 oz; 3rd Place – Crappie – 11 oz
Adult Heaviest Game Fish Category: 1st Place – John Ragoza – Pike – 3 lbs 3 oz; 2nd Place – Tom Archambeault – Smallmouth Bass – 3 lbs 10 oz; 3rd Place – Jennifer Racine – Smallmouth Bass – 3 lbs 3 oz.
Special Heaviest Fish Category First Place Awards: Largemouth Bass – Pul Cuddihy – 3 lbs 13 oz; Crappie – Braxton Gladu – 1 lb I oz; Common Carp – Joe Trybus – 7 lbs 12 oz; Trout (Adult) – Cameron Pularo – Brown Trout – 3 lbs 4 oz; Trout (Children) Mason Kucka – Brown Trout – 2 lbs 1 oz;
The Sportsmanship Award went to Austin Sayers, the Carl Deluce Award went to David Bowers and the Butch Patrick Award went to Jackson Cienciwa.
On a side note Braxton Gladu, who won the Perch/ Crappie Award, was also the second-place winner in the Children’s Gamefish Award. Because one can only win one award in this fishing derby he was removed from the second-place spot and given his first-place award.
Incidentally, this year a bowfin was caught. It is the second time a bowfin has been caught at the Bateman Fishing Derby in 27 years. Unfortunately, it didn’t qualify because no awards were given in that category. The fish weighed in at 3 lbs. 10 oz.”
It is obvious that there is more at play here than winning a fishing derby or raising funds for the Jimmy Fund, as important as they are. There is a sense of community involvement, of getting the kids involved with the outdoors, of remembering those who contributed so much to this derby in the past, of remembering those who have succumbed to cancer.
This community involvement is evident when one considers the number of people involved to put this derby on – the organizers, the ticket sellers, the cooks and, of course, the number of contributors (nearly 60 individuals and companies).
Congratulations to all, and thank you!
Youth Outreach Derby
At the same time 25 kids from the Hillcrest Educational Center and the Northern Berkshire Community Coalition attended the Youth Outreach Fishing Derby which was held on Reynolds Pond in Cheshire. Brandon Hoist brought the Hillcrest kids and Alex Daugherty, Liz Boland and AJ Bostwick brought the Coalition kids.
SONY DSC
Each kid was given a fishing pole and equipment with which to fish and when the day was over, they were able to take them home. Their equipment was all set up by volunteers by the time they arrived and they were provided with the necessary bait. Each time a kid caught a fish, a volunteer would clean it and put it into a plastic zip lock bag to bring home to eat. Around noon time, a meal of burgers, dogs, chips, soda and desert was provided.
The Berkshire County League of Sportsmen sponsors the event, providing the brook trout (which were raised in the Berkshire National Fish Hatchery), equipment, bait, and food. Volunteers from the Cheshire Rod & Gun Club, East Mountain Sportsmen’s Club, Adams Outdoor for Youth, B.A.S.S. and the Ashfield Rod & Gun Club provided assistance and made sure the kids had an enjoyable and memorable day.
Many thanks to Steve Bateman, Co-Chair of the Jimmy Fund Derby and BCLS President Wayne McLain for providing the above information and pictures. This scribe is sorry to have missed both events this year but hopes to join you at next year’s events.
Old Mill Trail event
If you are not doing anything today, you might want to join the Berkshire Natural Resources Council celebrate its festive day at the Old Mill Trail to celebrate and raise support for accessible trails in the Berkshires.
The event takes place from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm at the trailhead on Old Dalton Road in Hinsdale. This “all ages” gathering features guided walks, music, food, and fishing in the clean East Branch of the Housatonic River.
It is free and open to the public and you can drop by anytime for any part of the event.
Any donations will support upgrades and ongoing upkeep of this Berkshire gem. The Old Mill Trail was carefully designed for enjoyment by people big and small—amblers and sprinters—who visit on boots, strollers, chairs, or skis alike!
Here’s the schedule:
10:00am-12:30pm: Fishing for everyone (15+ years need a Massachusetts fishing license). Some gear will be available, but feel free to bring your own too. At 10:15am there will be a Hinsdale/Dalton history walk with nature notes, led by Alison Dixon of Housatonic Valley Association, who created the Old Mill Trail’s interpretive discovery stations.
From 11:00am-1:00pm enjoy some Toe-tappin’ music by Housatonic Philharmonic: Paul Rice, Andy Gordon, and Tim Gray play timeless tunes with a folk, Celtic, and Americana feel.
What makes a trail accessible? See for yourself with BNRC’s outreach coordinator and naturalist Mariah Auman at 11:30 am. From 11:30am-1:00pm Food by Hinsdale Trading Company, to include hot dogs, burgers, grilled veggie sandwiches, smoked pulled pork, and local ice cream.
Special thanks to the remarkable Housatonic Valley Association for its outstanding stewardship of the OMT over the years.
Albert Adams catches a big trout
Frequently this column includes pictures of young kids holding large fish that they caught. There will probably be some more in next week’s column, too, what with the Berkshire County League of Sportsmen Youth Outreach Fishing Derby and the Bateman Jimmy Fund Fishing Derby both of which took place yesterday. Who can resist seeing them with their big smiles. But you know, adults sometimes catch big fish, too.
Albert Adams of Pittsfield landed a beautiful brown trout out of Onota Lake on May 16. It weighed 7 lbs 8 oz on the DFW certified scales. It measured 26 inches and had a girth of 15 ½ inches.
Albert was alone trolling a silver and blue Thomas Buoyant spoon from his boat in about 10 feet of water. The weather was magnificent. When the fish hit his lure, he knew it was a big fish and for a while thought it might be a smallmouth bass or a northern pike. It was when he brought the fish to the boat that he saw that it was a big brown trout. It was at that time that the fish realized what was going on and the battle really began. Albert fought it for a long time and thankfully his equipment held up and he was able to net it. The trout swallowed the lure deep and could not be expected to survive so he kept it.
He weighed it at the Onota Boat Livery, but their scales were not certified. Because the fish might be a State gold pin winner, they suggested that he weigh it at the DFW Headquarters in Dalton. It turned out that the brown trout is the second largest one caught in the state this year so Albert will have to settle for a bronze pin. He was told that the fish was stocked from the Palmer Hatchery.
Albert is having the fish mounted by Greg Gillette’s Taxidermy in Lanesborough.
Trout Stockings
There was only one river scheduled with trout last week. It was the Deerfield River in Buckland, Charlemont and Florida. The rest of the trout stockings were scheduled to take place in the following ponds and lakes: Lake Buel, Laurel Lake, Littleville Reservoir, Onota Lake, Otis Reservoir, Pontoosuc Lake and Windsor Pond.
According to Deb Lipa, Clerk from the DFW Western District Office, the official spring trout stocking season is over. On behalf of all of the local anglers, we thank Deb for providing the up-to-date stocking information for this column. I’m sure It resulted in extra work on her part. And thanks to Leanda Fontaine Gagnon for getting those beautiful trout into our waters. There were a lot of positive comments from anglers as to the size and condition of them.
Well done Mass DFW!
Anglers learn to fly fish through OLLI course
Eight enthusiastic anglers tried out their newly acquired fly fishing skills at the Wild Acres Pond in Pittsfield on May 21.
Marc Hoechstetter teaching Roxanne how to fly cast
They included: Roxanne Suprina, Ed Neumuth, Gail Tardif Frazier, Colleen Budness, Dan Burkhard, Joe Horton, Paul Gniadek and Kevin Boisjolie. They were part of the 14 men and women who had taken a 6 -week course entitled Introduction to Fly Fishing. It was taught by Taconic Chapter of Trout Unlimited board members through the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Berkshire Community College (OLLI).
Teachers included Taconic TU President Henry Sweren and Board Members William Travis, John Burns, Fran Marzotto, Marc Hoechstetter and Richard ‘Dick’ Bordeau., some of the best flyfishers in the Berkshires.
The course included a video about the joys of fly-fishing. Other segments included an introduction to the gear and equipment, macro-invertebrates, fly casting, knots, fly selection, an overview of watersheds, the various fish species that inhabit them and two segments of fly fishing on water. The flies were tied by the instructors, LL Bean donated 3 rods, reels and lines and Orvis donated a rod, leaders and tippets.
It was a sunny but very windy day there at Wild Acres Pond that day. I expected to see line tangled around people’s heads and torsos, including mine. But to the contrary, the pond is somewhat sheltered from the wind and the anglers did surprisingly well in controlling their fly lines. They all appeared to be having a grand time. One angler told me that he had just retired and was interested in trying fly fishing and meeting other fly fishermen. Another person had fly fished in the past and discontinued it but was planning on taking it up again. A few anglers had never tried it before.
I didn’t see any fish caught but not due to lack of the student efforts or trainer skills. The fish just appeared to be sulking on the bottom of the pond. Perhaps they didn’t feel like eating during that wind. Oh well, the new fly fishers had another fly fishing trip scheduled on a river in a week or so. Maybe that is when they’ll get a little respect from those finicky fish.
Perhaps Gayle Tardif Frazier summed up the sentiments of the students best, “my thanks and gratitude for all of the patience, kindness and humor you have all shared to make this class an enjoyable experience! I look forward to seeing folks out fishing!”
There are new Striped Bass regulations
Lots of folks from the Berkshires travel east to Cape Cod annually to fish for stripers. It is a very popular sport, even for us landlubbers. Please be advised that the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries has recently implemented two new striped bass conservation regulations aimed at reducing release mortality
Effective immediately, it is unlawful for any fisherman to gaff or attempt to gaff striped bass measuring less than 28 inches total length, and for a commercial fisherman fishing on an open commercial striped bass fishing day to gaff striped bass measuring less than 34 inches total length.
The prohibition on gaffing undersized striped bass (as opposed to all striped bass) takes into consideration safety concerns associated with expediently removing large striped bass from the water.
Effective next year (2020), recreational anglers not fishing aboard for-hire vessels will be required to use inline circle hooks when fishing for striped bass with whole or cut natural baits. This will include fishing with whole or cut natural baits while in possession of striped bass as well. 
This circle hook mandate will not apply to natural baits attached to an artificial lure to be trolled, jigged, or casted and retrieved (e.g., tube and worm). Nor will the mandate apply to any natural bait affixed to a treble hook and fished using the snag and drop technique.
A hook is considered to be an in-line circle hook only if it is manufactured so the barb of the hook is in-line with the shank and bend of the hook and is turned perpendicularly back to the shank to form a circular or oval shape (see image).
In-line circle hooks are proven to substantially reduce striped bass release mortality compared to other hooks (e.g., j-hooks or offset circle hooks) by being far more likely to hook the fish in the lip or the mouth and not the gut or the gills. The circle hook mandate is targeted at private recreational anglers because this segment of the fishery is primarily hook-and-release and accounts for the vast majority of recreational striped bass catch in Massachusetts.
Why the change? Well, the most recent striped bass stock assessment found the species was being overfished. In addition, it demonstrated that release mortality from the recreational fishery is the single largest source of fishing mortality (48%). Accordingly, these actions have been taken to reduce release mortality in our fisheries. It is expected that the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission will also take action this year to implement coastwide conservation measures for 2020 aimed at reducing overall fishing mortality.
For more information regarding the management of striped bass in Massachusetts, visit the website (www.mass.gov/marinefisheries) or call DMF at 617-626-1520.
Fishing Derby
The Berkshire Hatchery Foundation in Hartsville-New Marlborough is having its next free children’s fishing derby on Saturday, June 8, from 9:00 to 10:30 am at its lower pond. Children aged 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult.
Robert Durand named to Fish and Wildlife Board
Governor Charlie Baker has named Robert A. Durand, president of Durand & Anastas Environmental Strategies, an environmental consulting and lobbying firm, to the Massachusetts Fisheries and Wildlife Board. Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito conducted the swearing-in ceremony for the five-year term last Wednesday at the State House. Chairman of Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture Smitty Pignatelli was one of about 10 Reps and Senators who attended the swearing in. Smitty said some nice words and reminded everyone of how close Bob was to the late George (Gige) Darey.
“I am so pleased and honored to receive this nomination to the board, which has been a part of my life in one way or another for most of my life,” Durand said. “I’m thankful to Gov. Baker and Lt. Gov. Polito for their confidence in me to carry out this vital mission to protect many critical aspects of our natural world, and with it, our quality of life in Massachusetts.”
As one of the seven-member board, Durand will represent the Northeast Region, Middlesex and Essex counties, and replaces Fred Winthrop, who resigned from the board last fall. The board has various duties, including writing and overseeing all hunting and fishing regulations, Natural Resources and Endangered Species Act regulations, and is the appointing authority for the director of MassWildlife.
I would bet that most Massachusetts outdoor sportsmen and conservationists are extremely happy with the Governor’s choice to appoint Durand. Why? Read on.
Durand has been an avid outdoorsman and conservationist his entire life, and in 2011 was recognized as such by the Board when it awarded him the Francis W. Sargent Conservation Award. Prior to forming Durand & Anastas Environmental Strategies, he served four terms as state representative for Berlin and Marlborough, where he lives. He followed that with four terms as a state senator for the Middlesex and Worcester District, during which he chaired the Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture Committee, and four years as Secretary of Environmental Affairs, under former governors the late Paul Cellucci and Jane Swift.
During his career as a public servant, Durand forged new bonds between the outdoor and sporting communities and environmentalists, bringing these advocates together to support initiatives that strengthened both. As a legislator, he wrote the Rivers Protection Act and the Community Preservation Act. As Secretary, he protected 150,000 acres of open space, including major bioreserves open to hunting and fishing, helped usher in the nation’s first state regulations on coal burning power plant emissions and oversaw a vigorous campaign to reduce mercury emissions that bioaccumulate in wildlife and people. He also created Biodiversity Days, an annual event that saw tens of thousands of school children from more than 500 schools fan out across the state to learn about and catalogue plant and animal species, and championed environmental justice and environmental education
Bob has served as the President of the Massachusetts Outdoor Heritage Foundation and served on the Board of Trustees for both The Nature Conservancy/Massachusetts Chapter and the Massachusetts Environmental Trust.
He has received many wildlife and conservation related awards from various organizations, including Mahar Fish ‘N Game Club, Massachusetts Bowhunters Association, Essex and Middlesex County Leagues of Sportsmen, Massachusetts Wildlife Federation, Environmental League of Massachusetts, Ducks Unlimited, Trout Unlimited, Massachusetts Audubon Society, Gun Owner’s Action League and the Nature Conservancy.
Durand is no stranger to the Berkshires. For many years he has come out here to hunt. Ron Smith taught him how to turkey hunt back in the day and Bob frequently hunted turkeys with Gige. He also hunted woodcock, grouse and whitetail with Phil Hiser, Gige and Ginny Akabani and did some carp fishing and trout fishing on the Housatonic with Jay Baver.
Trout stocking
The following local waters were scheduled to be stocked with trout last week:
Rivers and brooks: Deerfield River in Buckland, Charlemont and Florida; Westfield River (East Branch) in Cummington and Chesterfield, Westfield River (Mainstem) in Huntington and Russell, Housatonic River (C&R) in Lee and Stockbridge, and Windsor Brook in Hinsdale.
Lakes and Ponds: Greenwater Pond in Becket, Littleville Reservoir in Chester and Huntington, Pontoosuc Lake, Laurel Lake, Garfield Lake in Monterey, Windsor Lake in North Adams, Onota Lake and Richmond Pond.
Stockbridge Sportsmen’s Spring Fishing Derby
Seventy anglers entered the SSC Spring Fishing Derby last Sunday, which ran from dawn until 3:00 pm at Stockbridge Bowl. For a change, it was rain free with the temperatures near 80 degrees. The results are as follows:
Adults
Largest Trout: Lee Soules, of Lenox, caught a trout that was 16 1/2” long and weighed 2-lbs, 2 oz.
Largest Bass: George Hess Jr. of Washington MA caught a 19 1/2” Bass that weighed 5 lbs. 11 oz.
Largest Pickerel: Travis Santolin of Lee caught a 23” Pickerel that weighed 2 lbs. 15 oz.
Largest Bullhead: James Trumps of South Lee caught a 12 1/2” Bullhead that weighed 1-lb 1 oz.
Age 12 and under Winners:
Largest Bass: Mason Chamberlain (age 6) of Lee caught a 12” Bass which weighed 13oz
Largest Trout: Trentonn Santolin (age 5) of Lee caught a 16 1/2” trout that weighed 2 lbs., 2 oz
Interestingly, for the first time ever they had a tie for the largest trout.
Annual Harry A Bateman Memorial Jimmy Fund Fishing Derby
The 27th annual Harry A. Bateman Memorial Jimmy Fund Fishing Derby will take place next Saturday at the Frank Controy Pavilion at Onota Lake in Pittsfield from 6:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. No fishing license is required because it is Free Fishing Weekend for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The fishing derby is open to the public and its purpose is to raise money for the Jimmy Fund – Dana Farber Cancer Institute for Children. All of the proceeds will be donated to the Jimmy Fund in memory of Harry A. Bateman, a former member of Central Berkshire Bowman and I.U.E. Local 255 who was well known throughout Berkshire County and who became a victim of cancer in 1992.
Fifteen trophies and prizes will be awarded to the winners of the fishing derby, eight trophies for the Children, four trophies for Adults and three trophies that can be won by adults or children. There is even a special category for those fishing with a bow and arrow. All fish must be weighed in by 12:00 noon and must be caught at Onota Lake from a boat or the shore. Don’t be late! The scales will be removed immediately after 12:00 noon.
Fishing tackle is given with the trophy prizes with two prizes for heaviest trout. A sportsman award will be given out to a child which includes a tackle box with over $100 of tackle. The entrance fee is $10 for adults and $5 for Children 14 years and younger. The fee includes food and beverages. All children receive a free gift and a children 5-14 years old will have a chance at winning a mountain bike.
Food tickets will be given for hamburgers, hot dogs and sausages. No alcohol is served at this event. Advanced tickets may be purchased at Avid Sports, Dave’s Sporting Goods, and Onota Boat Livery. Everyone needs to register before fish can be weighed in. Individuals must be wearing wrist bands provided at the registration desk in order to receive food and to weigh in the fish.
Remembering Thomas King
Thomas Michael King passed away on May 16 at the age of 72. He had been a director of the Berkshire Beagle Club, a longtime member of the Cheshire Rod & Gun Club, the Adams Outdoor for Youth and the Night Stalkers Bass Club He was the Beagle Club’s delegate to the Berkshire County League of Sportsmen (BCLS) and was the 2009 recipient of its Sportsmen’s Appreciation Award. He was also a volunteer for the Mass Anglers Education Program.
He was an avid volunteer for the annual turkey shoots, work bees, pheasant and rabbit stocking programs, annual youth fishing events and game dinners. He was always performing Beagle Club tasks such as repairing fences, trimming brush and building boxes. Tom was an avid, ethical sportsman whose goal was always to promote youth interest in hunting and fishing sports. He will be missed.
Memorial Day Weekend
Here’s hoping you have an enjoyable holiday weekend. Whether you are spending it with your friends and loved ones barbecuing burgers and dogs, watching a downtown parade, decorating graves or spending it in solitude fishing a remote trout stream, you might want to take a moment to remember and thank those who gave so much to protect our democracy and ensure our freedoms.
Great turnout at the Wild Acres youth fishing derby
They had decent weather for a change at the Wild Acres Fishing Derby which was held last Saturday, and over 100 anglers took advantage of it. This was the 6th year that the City of Pittsfield Conservation Commission and Lyon Aviation sponsored the event.
Representing the City of Pittsfield were Becky Manship, Recreation Activities Coordinator and Rob Vanderkar, Pittsfield Conservation Agent. Assisting the anglers, cooking the food, etc were the Onota Fishing Club President Fred Ostrander and his team of OLC volunteers. Dave’s Sporting Store provided the worms and some 
equipment, Lyon Aviation donated funds for the event and The Berkshire National Fish Hatchery provided the good-sized brook trout. The City of Pittsfield provided the food which was expertly cooked up by Al Lucier, proprietor of Ozzie’s Steak & Eggs of Hinsdale.
There was a slew of trophies awarded based upon the fish sizes and the age group category of the kids. The results are as follows:
8 and Under Category: 1st Place – Lola Rodriguez (14” – 1 lbs 4 oz, largest fish of the day), 2nd Place – Trenton Scales (13.5” – 1.1 lbs), 3rd Place – Wyatt Underhill (13.5” – 1 lb). The following kids in that age category also received trophies: Easton Tatro, Bryer Farrell, Kaylee Prew, Aiden Brewts, Tarey McDurby, Jace Coco, Griffen Sobolewski, Ryker Farrell, Cora Dicroche, Carmelo Coco, Kaiden Kalinowski, Elise Sobolewski and Declan Gallant.
9 to 11 Category: 1st Place – Austin Sayers (12.75” – 10 oz), 2nd Place – Rebecca Stimpson (12.75” – .8oz), 3rd Place Bella Munson (12.5” – 1 lb). Other trophy recipients: Selena Rodriguez, Noah Wesley and Tyrus Ospellino.
12 to 14 Category: 1st Place – Jimmy Spaniol (14” – 1 lb 1 oz), 2nd Place – Tyler Gaudette (12.5” – .7oz) and 3rd Place – Brett Healey (11.5” – .5 oz).
The kids had a great time. Look at that little girl proudly showing off her fish. A nice sized brook trout in one hand and a lollypop in the other. It doesn’t get any better than that!
Our hats off to Lyon Aviation, the City of Pittsfield and the Onota Fishing Club for providing the kids with a such wonderful day.
Trout stocking
The following local waters were scheduled to be stocked with trout last week:
Rivers and brooks: Beartown Brook in Lee, Chickley River in Charlemont and Hawley, Clesson Brook in Ashfield and Buckland, Cold River in Florida and Charlemont, Deerfield River in Buckland, Charlemont and Florida, Green River (south) in Alford, Egremont and Great Barrington; Hoosic River (north branch) in Clarksburg and North Adams, Hoosic River (south branch) in Adams and Cheshire, Hop Brook in Lee and Tyringham, Housatonic River(SW branch) in Pittsfield, Hudson Brook in Clarksburg and North Adams, Sackett Brook in Dalton and Pittsfield, Walker Brook in Becket and Chester, West Brook in Great Barrington and Lee, Westfield Brook in Windsor and Cummington, Westfield River (East Branch) in Cummington, Chesterfield and Huntington; Williams River in West Stockbridge and Great Barrington and Yokun Brook in Lenox.
Ponds: Big Pond in Otis and Richmond Pond.
Deerfield River trout study
In 2018, MassWildlife and Trout Unlimited launched a project to study Brown Trout in the upper Deerfield River (Fife Brook Dam downstream to Charlemont). If you fish in this section of the river, you can contribute to the study by completing an online form (https://ee.kobotoolbox.org/x/#w9WpYad0) during or after each fishing trip you take. Since 2018, and for the duration of the study, the adipose fins of all hatchery Brown Trout stocked in the upper Deerfield River will be removed. During this spring, a number of Brown Trout already in the upper Deerfield River will be captured and marked with individually-numbered external tags.
You are asked to fill out the form every time you fish in this section of the Deerfield River. Data collected from completed forms will show the ratio of wild to stocked Brown Trout being caught, the number of tagged fish being caught, the general locations that Brown Trout are being caught, and the effort expended by anglers in this section of the river.
The adipose fin is a small fatty fin on the dorsal surface (back) of the trout between the tail and the dorsal fin. Research has shown that the removal of this fin is the least intrusive, detrimental, or painful compared to all other fins on the body. Fin clipping is performed by trained biologists, who then stock the fish in their usual locations in the upper Deerfield. Eventually, all hatchery fish in this section will be marked with a fin clip. Anglers should note that for the next few years, there may be holdover hatchery browns in the system that have not been marked.
This project took shape through a collaborative process involving MassWildlife and Trout Unlimited (in particular, the Deerfield River and Greater Boston Chapters and the Massachusetts-Rhode Island Council), and included input and assistance from a number of other interested parties and individuals from UMass Amherst, US Geological Survey, local Deerfield River fishing guides, and local watershed groups. The study will yield data on important population metrics including abundance, mortality, and growth rates of individual fish. MassWildlife will use this information to more effectively manage the upper Deerfield River Brown Trout fishery.
Free fishing days
Did you know that you can fish in Massachusetts and neighboring states free without having to purchase a fishing license? In Massachusetts and New Hampshire, the free fishing day is Saturday, June 1. In Vermont, it is Saturday June 8. In New York, you can fish free on the weekend of June 29 -30. The free fishing weekend in Maine is June 1 – 2. In Connecticut, there are two days, July 6 and August 31. Sorry, Rhode Island’s free days already went by. They were May 4 and 5.
Residents and nonresidents may fish without a license. All legal fishing methods and limits apply.
Wild & Scenic Westfield River Free Workshops
Next weekend, there will be two free workshops conducted by the Wild and Scenic Westfield River group. On Saturday, May 25 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm there will be a workshop entitled “Insect Tracking” with naturalist Charley Eiseman. You are invited to join them in Chesterfield as they track and admire the tiny critters that live in the forest. What is a Leaf miner and what is making their exquisite eggs?
Then on the next day, Sunday, May 26 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm there will be a workshop on Center Pond in Becket entitled “Lets Pull Together” Center Pond Weed Project & Action Sports Free Hand and Foot pulling training for land owners and community members. At this workshop you will learn to identify and remove invasive plants, and be part of the solution.
For questions and to register, contact Meredyth Babcock, Phone 413 623-2070 or email volunteer@wildscenicwestfieldriver.org.
Old Mill Trail Interpretive Hike
On Wednesday May 22, from 3:30 pm to 6:30 pm, the Housatonic Valley Association (HVA) and Berkshire Natural Resources Council (BNRC) will be conducting a hike along the Old Mill Trail (3 miles) located in Hinsdale and Dalton. You are encouraged to explore the mill history of the area through augmented reality and learn about the natural history of the area.
It is free and open to the public. Meet at the trailhead on Old Dalton Road, Hinsdale. For more information, contact HVA 413-298-7024.
It was a bittersweet youth turkey hunting day
The day started out on a dismal note. Early in the morning, the hunters had to contend with a steady rain downpour. After a couple of hours, the rain stopped and then a cold wind came up. That was followed around noon by a snow storm and snow squalls. Little did we know that things would even get worse that day.
I was at the Stockbridge Sportsmen’s Club hoping to get some pictures and hunting stories from the excited mentored youths. I was glad that I wasn’t out hunting in that miserable weather. Around 11:30 am, the mentors and youth hunters started arriving at the Club to enjoy a delicious casserole lunch prepared by Peter Delgrande. In spite of the bad weather, all of the hunters and mentors had seen, heard, shot at or killed turkeys. The first team in was Jardin Buffoni, hunting with mentor Jay Raifstranger who shot a tom weighing 20.24 lbs. Mark Buffoni, who was mentored by Bob Spence saw 5 turkeys but couldn’t bag any. No problem, for Mark already got one in neighboring NY. Matthew Fletcher hunting with Lori Fletcher saw toms and hens but didn’t shoot any. Bailey Gilmore, hunting with David Gilmore shot at one and saw others. Curt Wilson III, who was hunting with Mike Buffoni and John Mange saw some but couldn’t get one. Elaina Donsbough hunting with her dad Lee Donsbough got one (pictured).
Around 12:30, the food was out and we were waiting for the last stragglers to come in from the hunt. Noticeably not present was Chris Puntin and his mentored youth. It was getting late, people had to go to games and what not, so Mike Buffoni told us not to wait for the others but to eat.
During the meal, we started to get reports of an accident somewhere. I remember thinking as I was driving home, I hope the accident wasn’t a serious one. I didn’t know if it was an auto accident or an accidental shooting. It wasn’t until later that evening that we learned that an apparent accidental shooting occurred and that Chris Puntin passed away.
His wake was held at Bencivenga & Dagnoli Funeral Home on Thursday afternoon, and how sad it was. This scribe has personally never seen such a large wake. The line went out the door down to the rear of the long parking lot and back up on the other side. It was that long when I got there and when I left 3 hours later, it was still that long. Although the wake started at 4:00 pm, people stood for 3 – 3 ½ hours outside in the cloudy, misty but moderate weather well into darkness, with nary a complaint from anyone. Funeral home officials estimated the crowd to be between 1,500 and 1,600 and it ended at approximately 9:45 pm. I can only imagine the crowd that went to the funeral mass at Sacred Heart the following morning.
This should be of no surprise as Chris was well liked and respected as is his family. The Berkshire County League of Sportsmen (BCLS) sent a beautiful spray of flowers, interspersed with turkey feathers. Other sprays had similar feathers and also deer antlers.
MassWildlife also was saddened by the tragedy and extended its heartfelt sympathies to families and friends. To quote words from Andrew Madden, DFW Western District Supervisor, “Chris was well known to us. He was very active with the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF), a Paraplegic Deer Hunt volunteer for MassWildlife, and a good friend to the Agency and the District.”
Chris was an avid hunter and fisherman. He was the local chairman of the NWTF and served on the NWTF State Board. For many years he was a mentor for the youth turkey hunts and was a key organizer at the NWTF fund raisers. He helped in trout stockings and was a member of the Snow Seekers (tending snow mobile trails on October Mountain). He helped on the “Buddy Walks” by driving the tractor for its hayrides in Dalton (The Buddy Walk® was established in 1995 by the National Down Syndrome Society to celebrate Down Syndrome Awareness) and he volunteered as its “grill person”.
Words are hard to come by at times like this. I offer this meek consolation, that even though he was taken from us far too soon, he died doing what he truly loved right up to his last moment, that being getting the youth exposed to the outdoors and all it has to offer. I’m sure I speak for many local and Massachusetts sportsmen and women by offering up our sincerest condolences to his parents Willian and Mary Ellen, his son Nick, his life partner Carla Halley, other family members and friends. He will truly be missed.
Other than the information already provided, local harvest figures for the youth turkey hunt this year were hard to come by. No report was received from north county or from the Lee Sportsmen’s Association.
Travis Delratez (former president of the Pittsfield Sportsman Club) reported that his nephew Tristan Parsons shot a nice Tom on Saturday during the Youth Hunt. He said that it weighed 20+ lbs., had an 8 1/2-inch beard and 1-inch spurs.
Tristan also shot another “long beard” the previous week in the NY Youth Hunt. Tristan has now bagged 5 long beards to date. He took another one in VT a couple of years ago. He has also shot two deer in his hunting career so far. Pretty good, ey? But get this, Tristan is only 13 years old!
According to Marion Larson, Chief, Information & Education, MA DFW, some 44 harvested birds were reported online and there was at least one taken to a check station on Monday. This is only the preliminary number of birds harvested as they need to get further information from check stations on birds checked in on Monday the 29th. Final figures will be available at a later date.
Larson reported that statewide 70 new Youth Turkey Hunt participants completed the Youth Turkey Seminar and Hunter Education this year and 247 youths obtained permits for the youth turkey hunt day. (She doesn’t know how many actually hunted.) Just over 1,000 youths in total have participated in the Youth Turkey Hunt program since its inception in 2009.
Trout Stockings
The following local waters were scheduled to be stocked with trout last week. Rivers and brooks: Westfield River (West Branch) in Becket, Chester, Huntington and Middlefield; Deerfield River in Buckland, Charlemont and Florida; Hubbard River in Granville, Konkapot River in Monterey and New Marlborough, Kinderhook Creek in Hancock, Dry Brook in Adams and Cheshire, Green River (north) in Williamstown, Hemlock Brook in Williamstown, Pelham Brook in Charlemont and Rowe, Dunbar Brook in Monroe and South Brook in Cheshire.
Lakes and Ponds: Windsor Pond in Windsor, Windsor Lake in North Adams, Berry Pond in Hancock, Pelham Lake in Rowe, North Pond in Florida, Littleville Reservoir in Chester and Huntington and Plunkett Reservoir in Hinsdale.
Fishing Derbies
The Stockbridge Sportsmen’s Club is having its Spring Fishing Derby at the Stockbridge Bowl boat ramp next Sunday, May 19, from dawn until 3:00pm. Prizes of $100 will go the heaviest trout, pickerel, bass and bullhead. There will be free lures for all kids 12 and under. Hot breakfast and lunch will be available. Pre-registration fee is $10 and post registration is $15. Tickets are available at the Minkler Insurance Agency, 31 Main Street, Stockbridge, (W)413-644-3590, (H)413-298-4630 or from any club member.
DER Releases New Dam Removal Video
The Department of Environmental Restorations (MA DER) is excited to present Dam Removal in Pittsfield: Different Reasons, One Goal, a five-minute video about the upcoming removal of the Tel-Electric Dam on the West Branch of the Housatonic River. The video features City staff, the dam owners, and local partners. Together they make the case that the dam removal will restore river health, improve public safety, and build community resilience in Pittsfield.
This film is part of a multi-year endeavor, in partnership with the University of Massachusetts Amherst’s Science Media Collaborative. The project has culminated in a six-part film series entitled River Run – A Story of Dam Removal in Massachusetts. The films highlight the efforts by many of DER’s partners to advance river restoration projects across the Commonwealth. Be on the lookout for the additional five films that will be released later in 2019.
Conte banquet honors four
There was a nice crowd at the Silvio O. Conte Awards Banquet at the Cheshire Rod & Gun Club last Saturday night to honor the Berkshire County League of Sportsmen (BCLS) 2018 award winners. Past President, Mark Jester, did his usual yeoman’s job as emcee. As readers may recall from my column of March 31, 2019, four people were selected to receive the awards: Virginia Dubois, Jason Sniezek, Jane Winn and Lou Robesch. There were write-ups of each person’s achievements in that article.
The banquet was also dedicated in honor of George “Gige” Darey who passed away in December, 2018. There was a moment of silence for Gige before the festivities began.
MA Fish & Game Commissioner Ron Amidon gave a short talk about the statewide trout stocking program and the great shape the fish are in this year. He mentioned proposed legislation of interest to the outdoor sportsmen, particularly the “archery setback” change. This change would allow DFW to manage wildlife in places where it hasn’t been able to do so up to now. Excessive deer density is not a problem here in the Berkshires but from Rte. 495 east there is a lot of wildlife out there and (DFW) is having a difficult time managing it because of the existing setbacks. If they are able to change the setbacks to 250 feet in many of the eastern communities it will help control the deer herd as well as open up huntable land.
Virginia Dubois of Lee received the Sportsmen’s Appreciation Award for support, dedication and preservation of the outdoor shooting sports, hunting and fishing. She thanked the BCLS, the Lee Sportsmen’s Association officers, Board of Directors, all of the coaches and the Gala Fundraising committee. ”I couldn’t do what I enjoy doing so much without all of your help and support. I truly get back much more than I give when I see the friendships that I have made and see the smiles on the children’s faces at the wonderful programs that we are so grateful to be able to offer at the LSA.
Jason Sniezek of Adams received the Outstanding Achievement Award for his efforts to introduce the youth of Berkshire County to the vast wonders of the outdoors. He thanked the BCLS, CR&G and particularly Mark Jester and Karen Kruszyna who were instrumental in introducing the National Archery in the School (NAIS)program to Hoosac Valley. He said that this program is a very rewarding class to teach and the students embraced it and enjoyed getting out into the woods. Discussing some of the highlights of the class was a very rewarding class for him and he hopes he can continue that in the future and make it better.
Jane Winn of Pittsfield received the Lifetime Achievement Award. (The award was not just for Jane but also for her hubby Bruce, for BEAT and its team of volunteers). It was awarded for the years of work preserving open space, majestic ridge lines and vulnerable wetlands and streams within Berkshire County. Jane, in her acceptance speech, said that “this award means so much to me. BEAT’s mission is protecting the environment for wildlife and I think a lot of the times environmental groups don’t really understand your (outdoor sportsmen’s) depth of support of wildlife and the part that you all do”.
Incidentally, much of Jane’s staff that evening was at the other end of the state accepting an environmental action award. If I may interject, this shows the importance of BEAT and the wonderful work it does…………to be receiving awards from environmentalists in the eastern and from sportsmen in the western part of the state on the same evening. That really says something about the importance of the work they are doing.
Louis Robesch of Pittsfield received the Sportsman of the Year Award for his lifelong dedication and leadership to the sportsmen and the youth of Massachusetts. In introducing Lou Robesch, Mark Jester commented thatLou has been a hunter education instructor for 45 years teaching in Pittsfield and other locations. In accepting the award, Lou thanked “all of the Berkshire County sportsmen for presenting me this award. I really appreciate it very much and accept it with the most gratitude”.
Trout stocking
The following local waters were scheduled to be stocked with trout last week. Rivers and Brooks: Clesson Brook in Ashfield and Buckland, South River and Swift River in Ashfield, Potash Brook in Russell and Blandford, Westfield River (East Branch) in Savoy, Windsor, Cummington and Chesterfield; Westfield River (Middle Branch) in Cummington, Worthington, Middlefield and Huntington, Westfield River (Mainstem) in Huntington, Montgomery and Russel; Swift River in Cummington and Goshen, Housatonic River in Hinsdale and Dalton, Wahconah Falls Brook in Dalton, Stones Brook in Goshen, Windsor Brook in Hinsdale, Hop Brook in Lee and Tyringham, Goose Pond Brook in Lee; Housatonic River (C&R) in Lee and Stockbridge, Trout Brook in Peru, Buck and Clam Rivers in Sandisfield, Larrywaug Brook in Stockbridge, Windsor Brook in Windsor and Trout Brook in Worthington. Lakes: Pontoosuc, Greenwater Pond, Laurel Lake, York Lake and Norwich Pond in Huntington.
Fishing Derby
The Berkshire Hatchery Foundation in Hartsville-New Marlborough is having a free children’s fishing derby next Saturday, May 11 from 9:00 to 10:30 am at its lower pond. Children aged 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult.
Wild Acres Fishing Derby
The free Wild Acres Fishing Derby for children ages 14 and under will take place on Saturday, May 11 from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm. Bait will be provided, and a limited amount of fishing poles will be available for use on a first come, first serve basis to those who do not own one.
Trophies will be awarded at 12:00 pm to those who catch the largest fish (length & weight).
The event will be hosted by the City of Pittsfield Parks and Recreation Commission with volunteer support provided by the Onota Fishing Club which will assist with dressing fish, providing fishing tips and techniques, baiting, etc. Anyone from the community who needs accommodations for handicapped vehicle access is asked to contact (413) 822-2193.
Art of Concealed Carry
On Thursday, May 9 from 5:00 to 9:30pm, the Lenox Sportsmen’s Club will be hosting a Gun Owner’s Action League (GOAL) training entitled the Art of Conceal Carry. Conducted in the Main Clubhouse upstairs, it costs $90, and you must be a GOAL member to attend. To become a GOAL member or renew your membership, click onto https://goal.org.
The Art of Concealed Carry is a 4-hour concealed handgun seminar designed for individuals who are currently carrying a concealed firearm or those who are considering firearms for self-defense. Please contact Shawn Sullivan at ssullee@icloud.com with any questions or for more information.
Coyote Listening Session
In response to concerns about coyote hunting contests, MassWildlife is holding a Listening Session on May 9 at the Mohawk Regional High School, 26 Ashfield Road in Shelburne Falls from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. The session is designed to share information about coyote management and coyote hunting regulations, and to hear input and concerns from the public.
The Listening Session is an important part of the process that MassWildlife employs when reviewing policy and regulations. As a first step in this review, MassWildlife professional staff will examine the best available science, consult with other outside professionals, solicit input from stakeholders, and if warranted, prepare recommendations for the Fisheries & Wildlife Board to consider.
This is the second in a series of Listening Sessions to be held in the state. The first session was held in early April in Barnstable. These sessions provide more opportunities for the public to share input with MassWildlife staff and the Fisheries and Wildlife Board.
Anyone unable to attend a Listening Session can provide feedback and comments by emailing mass.wildlife@mass.gov or sending written correspondence to: MassWildlife, Attn: Coyote Feedback, 1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough, MA 01581.
Life Jackets
Just a reminder. In Massachusetts, life jackets must be worn by canoeists and kayakers from September 15 through May 15. Youth under 12 years old, personal watercraft users, waterskiers and stand-up paddleboard users must wear them all the time.
Accidental Shooting Death
As you may be aware, there was an accidental shooting death during the Youth Turkey Hunting Day. I hope to have more information/comments on this unfortunate accident in next week’s column.
Spring turkey hunting season opens tomorrow
The season opens tomorrow and runs through May 25. Hunting hours begin ½ hour before sunrise and end at noon. Hunters can harvest up to 2 bearded birds in the spring (1 per day).
MassWildlife predicts this spring turkey season will be a productive one for hunters across Massachusetts. In 2017, there was a record high spring harvest, and 2018 was the third highest spring turkey harvest ever. These continued high harvest years indicate a strong, resilient turkey population across all Wildlife Management Zones.
Spring and summer brood productivity can locally influence turkey populations, but overall brood success has been strong over the last several years. Winter severity may sometimes reduce turkey populations in northern climates, but habitat conditions are very good across the state and help buffer the effects of winter.
But don’t let the high abundance of turkeys fool you, says MassWildlife, it’s still very important to scout pre-season. Turkey hunting is very popular in the spring, especially during the first week of season, so scouting will help you identify multiple areas where hunting may be productive.
As always, remember to be respectful when hunting on private and public lands, watch out for ticks and be careful.
Rainbow trout liberated
The skies were leaden colored and there was a chilly wind which whipped across the lake into our faces, at the Stockbridge Bowl boat ramp on Thursday, April 18. But that didn’t dampen the enthusiasm of the 50 or so people who were gathered there to witness or take part in the great trout liberation. Little tykes along with their siblings, parents and grandparents helped the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (DFW) release about 800 rainbow trout (which had a total estimated weight of approximately 1,000 lbs). 
Everyone was focused on getting those trout into the lake. They were beauties, averaging around 14 inches with brilliant reddish pink bands along their sides
Aquatic Biologist Leanda Fontaine trucked the fish in from the McLaughlin Hatchery in Belchertown, MA. Prior to releasing the fish, she gave a little talk about the DFW and the various functions it provides. She talked about the 5 state hatcheries, the number of fish that are stocked statewide (500,000) and in our area (100,000), how long the stocking will take place this spring and other tidbits of interesting information. The overall reason for the event was to get kids, their parents and the general public aware of MassWildlife and its activities.
Leanda and her boss, DFW Western District Supervisor Andrew Madden then netted some fish from the truck fish holding tank, put them into buckets and had the kids rush them to the water’s edge and toss them into the lake. Some of those kids weren’t much taller than the buckets but there were plenty of adults to help them. When everyone got tired of racing to the water’s edge with the buckets of fish, Leanda and Andrew flushed the remaining hundreds of fish directly from the truck to the water.
I am happy to announce that there were no casualties, all the fish survived the ordeal and no buckets were accidentally tossed into the lake with the fish in them. I’m not sure who had the most fun, the adults or the kids. 
Warning to the parents/grandparents: Many of these kids are old enough to remember where those fish were stocked and you can safely bet that they will be looking to you to bring them back to catch some of them. Perhaps you may want to catch a few yourself.
Look at that cute girl in the photo. The look of joy and excitement in her face tells it all. Don’t you just love seeing happy kids enjoying the outdoors. Who knows, maybe she was so inspired that someday she will become an aquatic biologist.
Trout stockings
The following local water bodies were scheduled to be stocked with trout last week.
Rivers and Brooks: Bronson Brook in Worthington, Depot Brook in Washington, Factory Brook in Middlefield, Green River in Alford, Egremont and Great Barrington; Little River in Worthington and Huntington, Mill Brook in Plainfield, Walker Brook in Becket and Chester, West Branch Brook in Chesterfield and Worthington, Westfield Brook in Windsor and Cummington, Westfield River (East Branch) in Cummington and Chesterfield, Williams River in West Stockbridge and Great Barrington and Yokum Brook in Becket.
Lakes and Ponds: Big Pond in Otis, Lake Buel, Lake Garfield, Goose Pond, Greenwater Pond and Otis Reservoir.
Firearms Safety Course
The Cheshire Rod & Gun Club will be hosting a scheduled live fire NRA & Massachusetts State Police Certified Firearms Safety Course next Sunday, May 5. This is to qualify MA residents and non-residents alike for the MA License-To- Carry or FID Card. It will be a hands-on live firing, one day course. A full lunch and a $10 gift certificate to Pete’s Gun Shop will be provided.
The cost is $100 which covers all ammo, safety gear, class materials, certificates, an NRA Firearms Safety textbook and the food. The class starts at 9:00 am and lasts until about 4:30 pm. 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 and you should call or stop in early to pre-register. They also ask you to be there by 8:45 am to sign in.
New Land Protected
MassWildlife recently acquired 13 acres in the town of Worthington on Sam Hill Road. This small but strategic acquisition provides greatly improved access to the part of the Fox Den Wildlife Management Area which is in Worthington. 
Beware, Sam Hill Road is an unpaved dead-end road which can get very muddy at times.
Map, Compass & Survival Course
On Saturday, May 11, from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, MassWildlife will be conducting a Map, Compass, & Survival course at the DCR/Mass Park’s Visitor Center, 740 South Street, Pittsfield. This course is not recommended for students less than 12 years of age. To enroll call (508) 389-7830 Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 4:00pm.
Let’s not take this anymore!
What’s going on with those aggressive wild animals lately? Not too long ago, a young girl from Norwell was chased into her house by a coyote. It bit her arm and ran off with one of her shoes. Then there was the bear incident in Hinsdale a couple of weeks ago where a family’s small horse was killed. Now comes news of gangs of wild turkeys becoming aggressive, intimidating and pecking people near Boston.
Lock em up! That’s what I say. Build a wall! They’re thugs, bad actors! They’re intimidating us. Let them know that they are not welcomed in our neighborhoods. Round them up and drop them off in a sanctuary town, like Ripton!
Or we could take a more sensible approach by taking down those bird feeders to help keep the bears and turkeys away. We could put our garbage pails near the curbside in the morning instead of the night before. We could cover windows and shiny objects to keep turkeys from responding aggressively to shiny objects and their own reflections while they’re trying to assert dominance within their flock.
Pardon the levity this morning, but I think you get the point.
Mass Sportsmen’s Council names Robert McCarthy its Sportsman of the Year
When Bob McCarthy walked into the American Legion Post in Sutton, MA last Saturday evening, he was looking forward to a tasty meal, winning a few raffle items and honoring a deserving recipient or two at the Massachusetts Sportsmen’s Council’s (MSC)Annual Awards Banquet.
The Berkshire County League of Sportsmen (BCLS) which is a member of the MSC, had purchased a table at the event and four of us were to be seated at it (Bob, and Dan Lawson of Williamstown, Steve Grimaldi of Adams, and me). Bob was pleasantly surprised when his daughter and son-in-law Talitha McCarthy-Johnson and Kyle Johnson of Hancock, showed up and joined us at the table.
The MSC is celebrating its 90th anniversary of serving sportsmen by preserving wildlife habitat and our outdoor sporting heritage, and we were there to help them celebrate it.
Never heard of the MSC? Well it is the umbrella organization for outdoor sportsmen and women across the state. Many individual sportsmen join local sportsmen’s clubs; many of those clubs belong to a county league of sportsmen; many of the county leagues belong to the MSC. So, if you are a Lenox Sportsmen’s Club member, for example, your interests are being lobbied for on Beacon Hill by the MSC.
Getting back to the banquet, it wasn’t until everyone was seated at their tables that the announcement was made that Bob McCarthy, of Williamstown, was named the Sportsman of the Year.
He was nominated by the East Mountain Sportsmen’s Club (EMSC) as well as the BCLS.
Here are some of the words that EMSC/BCLS President Wayne McLain wrote about Bob when he nominated him: “(Bob) is the BCLS’s delegate to the MSC. He exemplifies what a person of true character is. A caring family man, sportsman, conservationist, and environmentalist, Bob was a founding member of the East Mountain Sportsmen’s Club (in Williamstown).
One of his most impressive accomplishments was when, as a young man in his twenties, along with his friend Bob Kaufman, he became a founding member of the Hoosic River Basin Citizen’s Protective Association. We can all thank the efforts of this association for stopping and then beginning the clean-up of the pollution in the Hoosic River.
Through this association, Bob worked to help push through legislation to establish the Fish Kill Response Team. This team investigates the causes of fish kills that occur in our waterways to then help prevent them. All of you fisherman out there owe your ability to enjoy your sport to this team’s hard work.
Bob has been a member of the BCLS for many years. He was selected for the League’s Sportsman of the Year Award in 1987. If a team leader or mentor for any issue is needed, Bob McCarthy is the man to count on. Even now, in his seventies, he is still a leader among us (Currently serving as the BCLS Vice President). (He continues to) push hard to get State Government to approve the Crossbow Bill to allow everyone to have the right to use a crossbow for hunting.”
A plaque was presented by Mike Moss, MSC President Emeritus and John Kellstrand, MSC President to Bob which read: “Given with recognition of his many years of service to the sportsmen of Berkshire County and his leadership on issues affecting sportsmen throughout the Commonwealth of MA.” A State Senate Resolution was also presented to Bob by State Senator Anne Gobi. Congratulations to Bob McCarthy, a most deserving recipient.
Other award recipients that evening: The R L Gribbons Award went to Peter Bernard of Swansea. (He is the MSC Secretary and Bristol County League of Sportsmen President); the Hall of Fame Award went to Kenneth Brown and Frank Leonardo both of the MA Bowhunters Association; and the Special Recognition Award went to John “Jack” Sheppard , who is retiring as Director of Fishing & Boating Access after 46 years.
The Secretary of energy & Environmental Affairs Matt Beaton gave a few words for the gathering. Also, Ross Kessler, Public Access Coordinator, spoke in length about access to salt water fishing and how the money that is raised through the salt water fishing permit system is used.
Bowhunter Education Courses
On Sunday, May 5, from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm a Bowhunting Education Course will be conducted at the Becket Town Hall, 557 Main Street, Becket. This course was developed by the International Hunter Education Association (IHEA) and National Bowhunter Education Foundation (NBEF). It is designed for novice and experienced hunters and topics include the selection of equipment, bowhunting safety, and bowhunting laws. To enroll in this course call (508) 389-7830, Monday through Friday, from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Students under the age of 18 must have written consent from a parent or guardian to attend this type of course. A parent or guardian should be present at the start of the student’s class to complete the student’s registration form or the student can bring a signed permission form with them to the start of their course.
Bowhunter education is not required in Massachusetts and a Bowhunter Education Certificate does not qualify you to purchase a Massachusetts hunting or sporting license. The certificate is accepted in other jurisdictions (i.e. other states such as CT, NH, NY, ME, RI, etc.) that do require archery hunters to show proof of having completed bowhunter education. All courses are free of charge and open to the public.
Trout stocking
The following local water bodies were scheduled to be stocked last week: Chickley River in Charlemont and Hawley, Cold River in Charlemont and Florida, Deerfield River in Buckland, Charlemont and Florida; Green River (North) in New Ashford and Williamstown, Hemlock Brook in Williamstown, Hoosic River (North) in Clarksburg and North Adams, Hoosic River (South) in Cheshire and Adams, Housatonic River (C&R) in Lee and Stockbridge, Housatonic River (Southwest) in Pittsfield, Hudson Brook in Clarksburg and North Adams, Littleville Reservoir in Huntington, Town Brook in Lanesborough, Westfield River (East) in Cummington, Chesterfield and Huntington, Onota Lake and Stockbridge Bowl.
Massachusetts Junior Conservation Camp
The Massachusetts Junior Conservation Camp (MJCC) teaches campers a variety of outdoor skills, including: fishing, hunting, shooting sports, boating and camping. (Campers become certified in Hunter Education and Small Boat Safety.)
The camp 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 on wildlife, fisheries, and forest management. In the evening, campers participate in demonstrations of outdoor recreation topics.
Boys and girls aged 13 to 17 years old who enjoy outdoor activities and want to learn more about the environment are eligible to attend. Enthusiastic outdoorsmen and women today will become tomorrow’s leaders in safeguarding our outdoor heritage.
The Lee, Lenox, Pittsfield and Stockbridge Sportsmen’s Clubs as well as the BCLS reserve slots for campers and sponsor interested teens by paying their full camp tuition. MJCC also offers scholarships. All that is needed are kids to fill those slots. I believe the clubs still have some openings. If one club has already filled its slots, it checks with the others to see if they have any openings. Often prospective campers only need write a letter that explains why they want to attend camp and what they want to learn.
The camp is located at the Horace Moses Scout Reservation, 310 Birch Hill Avenue, Russell, MA. The dates are August 4 through 16. The tuition, which is $950 for the full two weeks, covers lodging expenses, food, and activities. Camp sponsorships are available for prospective campers.
Learn more about the program on the MJCC website https://www.mass.gov/service-details/junior-conservation-camp, or call 508-450-5120. The website should answer just about all of the questions that parents may have. If interested, contact one of the above sportsmen’s organizations.
Donations to the MJCC are always gratefully accepted. Donations are fully tax deductible as it is a non-profit tax-exempt corporation under the IRS code 501(c)3. Donations, which will be acknowledged by mail may be sent to MSJCC, PO Box 306, Northborough MA 01532. If you would like to contribute supplies or equipment, please email (MAJuniorCamp@gmail.com.