January Snow Moon and a Gray Squirrel

Posted by Wayne G. Barber

  We have seen how the provident chipmunk, imitating the bee's industry, lays up a store of nuts and acorns, and spends the winter far underground. The red squirrel is also a hoarder of winter food- but the big gray squirrel will have nothing of their forsight. Sufficient unto the day is the hunger thereof.
 That is his motto. He is a true winter" Tramp," picking up a handout wherever he may find it.
  So we see him abroad all winter, scampering over the snow, frisking up tree trunks, and peeping around them at us as we take our winter walks in the woods. But he is not aboard merely for exercise. Exercise like his develops an appetite in frosty air; you may depend upon it he is looking for a dinner.
  Watch him a little while and see how he gets it. Now he is bounding over the light snow crust, but now he pauses, sniffs repeatedly, and suddenly begins to burrow in the snow. Now he is lost in sight, but if the snow is not to deep, we may still follow his progress by the crackling and quaking of the surface above the tunnel he is making. A little farther on he suddenly reappears, a small pine cone in his teeth. Away he goes to bite off the scales, and devour the seeds.
  If we approach the spot where he obtained the pine cone under the snow, we shall probably find the surface crust cracked and heaved up in various directions for several feet. The surface breaks indicate the lines of a system of tunnels which our gray forager has made under the snow in his search for and other edibles with which to break his fast.

 Happy New Year to all, and Thank You for reading our  483 Outdoor Scene  Blogs in 2015, Wayne

Rhode Island Winter Trout Stocking

Posted by Wayne G. Barber

DEM STOCKS RHODE ISLAND WATERS WITH TROUT FOR WINTER FISHING SEASON

 

 

Some 1,400 hatchery-raised trout stocked in ponds and rivers throughout state

 

PROVIDENCE – Just in time for the winter fishing season, the Department of Environmental Management (DEM) is stocking ponds and rivers across Rhode Island with some 1,400 brown and brook trout.

 

“We hope families will take time to venture outdoors and experience the thrill of reeling in a trout at one of these prime fishing locations," said DEM Director Janet Coit. "Fishing is a popular winter activity for people of all ages, providing an opportunity to unwind, recharge, and connect with nature.  What a wonderful way to ring in the New Year!” 

 

Stocked waterways include:

 

·        Meadowbrook Pond, Richmond ·        Carbuncle Pond, Coventry ·        Olney Pond, Lincoln ·        Silver Spring Lake, North Kingstown Rhode Island’s recreational fishing industry contributes more than $130 million to the state and local economy annually – based on consumer spending on trips, gear, and other related purchases.  There are an estimated 175,000 recreational anglers (age 16+) in Rhode Island each year, according to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation.   A current fishing license and a Trout Conservation Stamp are required to keep or possess a trout. The daily creel and possession limit for trout, Dec 1, 2015-February 29, 2016 is two. The use of external felt soled or any natural or synthetic porous material capable of absorbing water in any fresh waters in Rhode Island is strictly prohibited.  This includes any waters shared with adjacent states in which Rhode Island Fishing Regulations apply.   Anglers are advised to refer to individual communities regarding safe ice conditions on local ponds before ice fishing.  DEM does not monitor ice conditions in local communities. Ice must have a uniform thickness of at least six inches before it is considered safe; this generally takes at least five to seven consecutive days of temperatures in the low 20s and is determined by a number of factors such as the size and depth of a pond, presence of springs or currents, and local temperature fluctuations. For ice conditions at Olney Pond at Lincoln Woods State Park, call DEM's 24-hour ice safety hotline at 667-6222.  An ice safety guide is available online at www.riparks.com.    Follow DEM on Twitter (@RhodeIslandDEM) or Facebook at www.facebook.com/RhodeIslandDEM for more information on recreational opportunities in Rhode Island as well as other timely updates.

Round Top Ponds, Burrillville Barber Pond, South Kingstown Upper Melville Pond, Portsmouth

Connecticut First Day Hikes on January 1, 2016

Posted by Wayne G. Barber

Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection and America’s State Parks Celebrate the New Year

with First Day Hikes on January 1, 2016

Rejuvenate by taking a family-friendly trek through a state park close to home

Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) joins America's State Parks and all 50 state park systems for free, guided First Day Hike Programs on New Year’s Day 2016. 

 

This year DEEP offers the following guided First Day Hikes:

 

Kellogg Environmental Center, 500 Hawthorne Ave., Derby, 1 PM, moderate, 2.5 mile hike of Osbornedale State Park.  Sponsored by CT State Parks & Public Outreach.  Contact:  Diane Joy, diane.joy@ct.gov, (203) 734-2513.  Awards ceremony at 3PM for winners of the 2015 “Sky’s the Limit” Hiking Challenge. 

 

 

Hammonasset Beach State Park, 1288 Boston Post Rd., Madison, 1 PM, easy, one hour hike, meet at Meigs Point Nature Center. Sponsored by Friends of the Office of State Archaeology and Friends of Hammonasset.  Contact:  Don Rankin, (203) 245-9192

 

 

Mansfield Hollow State Park, Bassett’s Bridge Rd., Mansfield, CT, 11 AM (arrive by 10:45 AM), moderate, 2 hikes - 4.5 mile & 2.2 mile, meet in the Mansfield Hollow Recreation Area parking lot. Sponsored by Friends of Mansfield Hollow.  Contact:  Ron Manizza, 860-428-3667   pedlinron@gmail.com 

 

Scantic River State Park, Melrose Road, East Windsor, 1 PM, moderate, 2.5 mile hike, 2 hours, meet in parking lot at end of Melrose Road off Broad Brook Road. Sponsored by East Windsor American Heritage River Commission.  Contact:  ahriver@sbcglobal.net

Sleeping Giant State Park, 200 Mt. Carmel Ave., Hamden, 1:30 PM (arrive by 1:15 PM), strenuous, 1 ½ hr. & 2 ½ hr. hikes, meet at the bulletin board by the kiosk. Sponsored by Sleeping Giant Park Association.  Contact:  hike_the_giant@yahoo.com

 

 

 

 

State park staff and volunteers will lead the hikes, which average one to two miles or longer depending on the state park.  For details on hikes in all 50 states visit America’s State Parks website, http://www.naspd.org/first-day-hikes-in-americas-state-parks-offer-invigorating-start-to-new-year/       

 

 

“With seasonably cold and dry weather predicted for New Year’s Day --- taking a hike with your family and friends is a great way to begin the New Year,” said Robert Klee, DEEP Commissioner.  “Whether you join DEEP for a guided hike or venture out on your own, you will not be disappointed in the variety of hiking trails that Connecticut has to offer.  Our state has hundreds of miles of trails ready for you as you celebrate the first day of 2016.”

 

“Studies have proven that getting outdoors is one good way to relax and recharge the body, mind and spirit.” stated Lewis Ledford, NASPD’s Executive Director.   “We hope that hiking along a trail in a state park will become part of an individual’s or family’s regular exercise routine.” 

America’s State Parks First Day Hikes offers individuals and families an opportunity to begin the New Year rejuvenating and connecting with the outdoors by taking a healthy hike on January 1, 2016 at a state park.  First Day Hikes provide a great way to get outside, exercise, enjoy nature and welcome the New Year with friends and family.

“Last year, we hosted 41,000 people who hiked 79,442 miles in our state parks across the country when we launched America’s State Parks First Day Hikes,” said Priscilla Geigis, President of the National Association of State Park Directors (NASPD).  “Think of it as the start of a new and healthy lifestyle, for the whole family. Whether you’re staying close to home or traveling, join us at one of America’s State Parks on New Year’s Day.”   

First Day Hikes originated over 20 years ago at the Blue Hills Reservation, a state park in Milton, Massachusetts.  The program was launched to promote both healthy lifestyles throughout the year and year round recreation at state parks.  Last year marked the first time all 50 state park systems have joined together to sponsor First Day Hikes.

CT DEEP joins America's State Parks in their commitment to promoting outdoor recreation in state parks as a way to address obesity, especially among children.  Getting kids outside and unplugged from video games and other electronic media creates a unique connection with nature that promotes physical and mental well-being and encourages creativity and stewardship of our shared resources.

###

The mission of the NASPD and America's State Parks is to promote and advance the state park systems of America for their own significance, as well as for their important contributions to the nation’s environment, heritage, health and economy.   

RI JOINS NATION TO ‘TAKE A HIKE’ ON NEW YEAR’S DAY

Posted by Wayne G. Barber

Guided nature tour kicks off at noon from Kelly House

in Lincoln as part of National First Day Hikes Event

The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) is hosting a guided walking tour of the Blackstone River State Park and Bike Way, on New Year’s Day.  The three-mile tour is part of the fifth annual First Day Hike event organized by the National Association of State Park Directors and will explore one of Rhode Island’s most treasured natural and cultural features, historic Blackstone Valley.  Guided tours will be held in all 50 U.S. states as part of this one-day event.

 

"We are thrilled to participate for the fifth year in the First Day Hikes event and proud to host at Blackstone River,” said DEM Director Janet Coit.  “This event is for everyone – from families with little adventurers to people out for a leisurely stroll; it’s an opportunity to get active while learning about the environment and our amazing network of historic parks and recreational areas in Rhode Island. These venues are beautiful, world-class destinations and vitally important to connecting Rhode Islanders with nature and a safe place to recreate and unwind.  We are excited to highlight Blackstone River State Park and its fabulous Bike Way as part of this event and invite new and old friends alike to come out and join us for a healthy start to the new year.”

 

WHO:     Guided tour led by DEM Parks & Recreation Chief Robert Paquette

 

WHERE:   The Captain Wilbur Kelly House

848 Lower River Road

Lincoln, Rhode Island

                           

WHEN:     Friday, January 1, 2016

12:00 p.m.

Rhode Island is home to a wide array of historic parks, beaches, bikeways and other recreational facilities. The Blackstone River State Park runs from Valley Falls, Cumberland to Hamlet Village in Woonsocket. A distance of nearly 12 miles, the park's principal feature is the Blackstone River Bike Way. Beginning with an elevated boardwalk over the Valley Falls marsh in Cumberland, it follows the tow path of the historic Blackstone Canal at Old Lonsdale in Lincoln before ending at Hamlet Village in Woonsocket. As part of the tour, participants will learn about the wildlife living in the nearby river, meadows, and wooded river banks – in addition to the area’s rich industrial history dating back to the 1700s. 

 

According to the National Association of State Park Directors, more than 41,000 people across the country participated in the 997 guided tours organized last year as part of the First Day Hikes event.  This year’s tour schedule is available online at www.naspd.org.  Tours are free and open to the public.

 

For more information about DEM divisions and programs, visit www.dem.ri.gov. Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RhodeIslandDEM or on Twitter (@RhodeIslandDEM) for timely updates.  Hashtag your hike (#FirstDayHikes) to join the national conversation on New Year’s Day! 

Looking for a winter pastime? Learn how to tie flies!

Posted by Wayne G. Barber

www.uftri.org

www.northernri.tu.org


United Fly Tyers meet on January 6 , 2016 from 6:30pm till 8:30pm

Knights of Columbus Hall, 475 Sandy Lane, Warwick , Rhode Island

The Junior Fly Tying Program for boys and girls from 10 to 16 meets from October through March, and ends with a day on a pond where they are taught to recognize available insects and to fly fish by Ed Lombardo, a prominent fly fishing guide in Rhode Island. 
     An interesting fact to consider: It’s not uncommon for folks to decide to take up fly tying even though they’ve never actually fly fished. The activity itself can be relaxing and can provide a creative outlet as the snow piles up during our long New England winters.

January 6, 2016

6:30- 8:30 pm

Knights of Columbus Hall

475 Sandy Lane

Warwick, RI

January 6, 2016

6:30- 8:30 pm

Knights of Columbus Hall

475 Sandy Lane

Warwick, RI

January 6, 2016

6:30- 8:30 pm

Knights of Columbus Hall

475 Sandy Lane

Warwick, RI

January 6, 2016

6:30- 8:30 pm

Knights of Columbus Hall

475 Sandy Lane

Warwick, RI

January 6, 2016

6:30- 8:30 pm

Knights of Columbus Hall

475 Sandy Lane

Warwick, RI

More than a decade ago, as my passion for fly fishing really began to take off, I spent an enjoyable day on the water with a friend who pulled a fly box out of his vest and offered me a few flies to try.

The flies were lined up in neat rows, and he had a half-dozen or so of each size and pattern. It was a nice selection — more impressive, I thought, because he tied all those flies himself.
In the back of my mind, I told myself that someday I’d learn how to tie flies of my own — maybe.
Complicating matters: Also lurking in the back of my mind was the knowledge that I’m not the craftiest fish in the lake. Not overly handy, either, to tell you the truth.
If I’m making confessions here, I might as well go for broke: In kindergarten, I nearly flunked our unit on “scissors.” Come to think of it, I never really mastered the art of coloring between the lines, either.
My art projects as a young kid typically turned out looking like what you’d get if a drunken baboon had stolen a pile of construction paper, a few pipe cleaners, some glitter and a bottle of glue.
Therefore, the thought of trying to create beautiful — or, for that matter, strictly functional — fishing flies was a bit daunting.
Grab some feathers, a hook, some thread and some fur? Make it into a fly? Cue the drunken baboon
Over time, several early mentors reassured me. One — George Medbury, an accomplished fly-tier — held up his huge paws and showed off fingers that were roughly the size of kielbasa.
“If I can tie with these things, you can tie, too,” he told me.
Then he did me a huge favor — a favor I’m happy to return to you today.
He told me about the United Fly Tyers

of Rhode Island and their beginner’s fly tying classes. I enrolled in the classes, eventually joined in at a few more advanced workshops and learned he was right — more or less. Though I’m no tying artist, I can tie my own flies. They will catch fish.
And, best of all, the activity is a ton of fun.
Here’s the great thing: The United Fly Fishers aren’t alone. In many towns around the state, fish and game clubs, Trout Unlimited chapters and adult education providers offer tying classes at this time of year..

Radio Alert: Sunday Dec. 27 at 9:00 am OUTDOOR SCENE ! WNRI.COM

Posted by Wayne G. Barber

Enter to receive two Tickets to the EXPO at waynewnri@yahoo.com We are giving away 12 Tickets !

Continuing our All-Star guest interview series at 9:10am Tentatively scheduled,

Go-Fish with Dan Kenney will be calling in.

Kenney also is the promoter of the annual New England Sportsman Show coming up from Jan. 29th till Jan. 31st, 2016

Hunting Reports, Ice Fishing Derby Calendar, Tides, Cod Trips, Hiking Trails and so much more.

E-mail form now through the broadcast at waynewnri@yahoo.com with any Questions or Comments for our guest or myself or any question on the OUTDOOR SCENE.

Massachusetts DCR First Day Hikes

Posted by Wayne G. Barber

The Department of Conservation and Recreation invites you to join all 50 states on January 1, 2016

Boston

Pope John Paul Park, Hallet Street, Dorchester, 12 noon 
Meet at the Hallet Street entrance.
Hot chocolate will be available after the hike at the McKeon Post.

Central

Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park, 1:00 pm 
287 Oak Street, Uxbridge
Registration begins at noon.  Meet at the Visitor Center.

North

Bradley Palmer State Park, Asbury Street, Topsfield, 10:00 am 
Meet at headquarters. Reception at Willowdale Estates following the hike.

Breakheart Reservation, 177 Forest Street, Saugus, 12 noon 
Meet at the Visitor Center.  Arrive early to allow time for parking.

South

Blue Hills State Reservation, Hillside Street, Milton, 12 noon 
Meet at the Houghton’s Pond parking lot at 840 Hillside St.
Free soup will be served at noon, hikes begin at 1pm.

Myles Standish State Forest, South Carver, 194 Cranberry Road, 1 pm 
Meet in the Parking Lot near Forest Headquarters, 12:30 pm.

Nantasket Beach Reservation, Route 3A, Hull, 10:00 am 
Meet at the MJM Bathhouse at 204 Nantasket Ave.

Nickerson State Park, RTE 6A, Brewster, 1:00 pm 
Meet at the Main lot near entrance.

Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, Waquoit, 1 pm 
Meet at the Visitor Center, 131 Waquoit Highway(Rt. 28).

  
West

Mt. Greylock Reservation, 30 Rockwell Road, Lanesborough, 12 noon 
Meet at the Visitor Center.

Great Falls Discovery Center , 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, 1:00 pm
Meet in the Discovery Center.

Bow Hunting for Beginners

Posted by Wayne G. Barber

1. Don’t over-bow

“You don’t want to be pulling more than you are comfortable with,”   Straining to draw your bow can cause injuries, lead to accidents and hinder your hunts. “Everyone can pull their bow back when they are calm and relaxed on a warm day, but what happens when the weather gets cold? Hunters should be able to comfortably draw their bow in any situation.” Hunters test their true strength by pulling back their bow when sitting in a chair, with their feet flat on the ground. If it’s difficult, adjust your draw weight to a more manageable level.

2. Don’t gauge yourself by anyone else

“Do what’s best for you as a new hunter and don’t compare yourself to others,”  “Any deer you take with archery equipment is a trophy you should be proud of.” Long time hunters may pass on a five point buck, but their goals may be different than yours. “There’s no need to apologize for harvesting a fawn or a small buck. If you took it humanely, you should be proud.”

3. Don’t base your season off of a kill

“A good experience is not measured in scoreable points.” Hunters should

enjoy their surroundings. “Live in the moment; listen to birds, watch squirrels and take in the beauty of the fall leaves. It’s more about the journey than the destination,”

N.H. Hunting Season Results - Preliminary Totals for Deer, Bear, Turkey

Posted by Wayne G. Barber

CONCORD, N.H. -- The preliminary numbers are in for New Hampshire's fall hunting seasons.

 

NH Deer Hunt

 

The unofficial deer kill for New Hampshire’s 2015 hunting season was 10,912, down 4% from the 2014 final kill of 11,396. Based on this estimate, the 2015 total is very similar to the 20-year average of 10,896. Deer hunting seasons are now closed in the state.

 

"With nearly 11,000 deer taken by hunters, it has been another very good overall season in New Hampshire,” said Dan Bergeron, the N.H. Fish and Game Department’s deer biologist. He noted that the physical condition of the deer he inspected at biological check stations this fall was excellent. The 2015 harvest represents about 11% of New Hampshire's pre-season population of about 100,000 deer.

 

The unofficial deer kill for New Hampshire’s 2015 season by county, with comparisons to previous years, can be viewed at www.huntnh.com/hunting/deer-harvest.html.  The official harvest total will be made available after all deer registration data are entered and verified.

 

Bear Hunt Results

 

Hunters took a total of 749 bears during the 2015 New Hampshire bear season, which was 14% above the preceding 5-year average of 659 bears, and generally consistent (- 5%) with the 2014 tally of 786 bears, according to Fish and Game Bear Biologist Andrew Timmins.

The bear harvest consisted of 436 males and 313 females, resulting in an overall harvest sex ratio of 1.4 males per female.  Method-specific harvest sex ratios included 1.8 m:f for bait hunters, 1.2 m:f for still hunters  and 0.8 m:f for hound hunters.  

 

A breakdown by region and method may be viewed at www.huntnh.com/hunting/bear-harvest.html.

 

The 2015 bear harvest level was the result of several factors including a strong bear population, a continued shift in hunters using methods that yield higher success rates, concentrated fall food sources and extended hunting opportunities in select regions. The two major food sources that bears focused on were beechnuts and apples. Hunters were able to better predict where bears would be, therefore harvest vulnerability increased.   Additionally, most Wildlife Management Units had extended bear hunting seasons that overlapped with a significant portion of deer season, including both muzzleloader and firearms. This provided opportunity for opportunistic deer hunters to take a bear.

 

Fall Turkey Season

 

As of December 14, hunters had taken a total of 948 turkeys during the 2015 fall hunt.  Of these, 677 (71.4%) were taken by shotgun during the five-day fall season, and 271 turkeys (28.6%) were taken by archery.  The fall archery season ended December 15.

 

The 2015 total topped last year’s (2014) fall take of 705 turkeys, representing an increase of 34.5%. Turkeys seemed to be abundant this year, according to Ted Walski, N.H Fish and Game’s turkey biologist. Semi-drought weather during April and May contributed to good hatching success and survival of turkey poults.  The 2015 Summer Brood Survey provided a record 2,302 online brood observation reports from throughout the state.

 

Of the 18 Wildlife Management Units in the state, WMU J2 registered the highest number – 212 turkeys, or 22.4% of the total harvest.  The next highest harvests were:  WMU L (115), WMU K (108), WMU H1 (94), and WMU H2 (90).

The tentative age/sex breakdown of the fall 2015 turkey harvest was 216 adult hens (37.1%), 263 adult males (30.8%), 143 immature males (16.8%) and 131 immature hens (15.4%).  Notable heavy toms included one weighing in at 26 pounds and one at 24 pounds.  There were 18 bearded hens registered.

 

2015 NH Moose Season Summary

 

According to Fish and Game Moose Biologist Kristine Rines, the 2015 moose hunt tallied 74 moose and concluded with a statewide success rate of 69%.

 

[Pictured at right: Kimmy and Glenn Lavoie of Littleton and their 790-pound, 4 1/2 year old bull moose]

 

A total of 108 moose permits were issued. In addition to the 105 permits issued through the lottery (down from 124 in 2014), two auction permits were issued for the Wildlife Heritage Foundation of New Hampshire and one permit was donated to the Hunt of a Lifetime (HOL) program.

 

At 69% statewide success, the moose hunt was only slightly less successful than 2014 (72%). Regional success rates saw some notable changes, including the Connecticut Lakes region, which despite reduced permits, recorded the lowest success rate in its history at 70%.

Conversely, the Central region exhibited the highest success rate in its history at 90%. The low number of permits (10, down from 25) issued in this region likely contributed to this high success rate. In contrast, hunters in the heavily developed Southeast region had zero success (five permits were issued). While some units have had 0% success in the past, this was the first time that an entire region has tallied 0% success.

 

While success rate is interesting to observe, for moose it is a poor indicator of the status of the moose population. That information is best derived from our deer hunter moose sighting index. This year’s sighting information is still being entered and will be reported in the 2015 NH Wildlife Harvest Summary. Based on the 2014 sighting data and the new regional goals, moose populations are slightly above or at goal for all regions. The Connecticut Lakes population has been stable for the past six years, the North and White Mountain populations have shown growth for the past two years, the population in central New Hampshire has declined steadily for six years, and the Southwest and Southeast regions have been stable for one year. This fall’s deer hunter moose sighting rates will tell us how our regional moose populations have fared during this past year.

 

Successful hunters traveled from eight different states to participate in the 2015 New Hampshire moose hunt. Sixty residents and 14 non-residents filled their permits. Permittees were the primary shooter in 48 instances and sub-permittees in 26. Women hunters accounted for 8 of the 74 moose taken this year. Seventy percent of all moose were taken in the first three days of the season. Only rifles were utilized this year and, once again, the 30-06 was the preferred caliber. A gallery of photos and stories from some of the successful 2015 New Hampshire moose hunt participants can be viewed at www.huntnh.com/hunting/moose-hunt-gallery.html.

The heaviest bull was taken by New Hampshire resident John Gibbas in zone D2 on October 18. The animal weighed 810 lbs. completely dressed and had a spread of 51¼ inches. The heaviest cow was taken by non-resident Tyler Sypek in zone B on October 19; his animal weighed 675 lbs. dressed. The largest spread of 54.5 inches was on a bull taken by New Hampshire resident Richard Malasky in zone B. Ten-year-old NH resident Skylar Pelletier was the youngest hunter and the Hunt of a Lifetime permittee, registering a 772 lb. bull with 18 points and a 48.13 inch spread. The oldest hunter participating in the moose hunt this year was Donald Marten, a 78-year-old New Hampshire resident, who took a 630 lb. cow on an antlerless-only tag in C1.

 

Wildlife Harvest Summary

 

Final numbers from all the year's hunting seasons will be summarized in the 2015 New Hampshire Wildlife Harvest Summary, which will be issued in March of 2016.

 

Contributing to New Hampshire's Economy

 

New Hampshire’s successful hunting seasons are a reminder that hunting activities, made possible by science-based wildlife management, contribute significantly to New Hampshire’s economy.  The 2011 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-associated Recreation done by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service reports that hunters generate about $61 million in hunting-related expenditures each year in New Hampshire. In 2014, more than 59,300 hunting licenses were sold in the state.

 

Report a Poacher:  If you are aware of a poaching situation, call Operation Game Thief toll-free at 1-800-344-4262 or report wildlife crime online at www.wildnh.com/ogt.


 

Wolf Pack

"A wolf pack: the first 3 are the old or sick, they give the pace to the entire pack. If it was the other way round, they would be left behind, losing contact with the pack. In case of an ambush they would be sacrificed. Then come 5 strong ones, the front line. In the center are the rest of the pack members, then the 5 strongest following. Last is alone, the alpha. He controls everything from the rear. In that position he can see everything, decide the direction. He sees all of the pack. The pack moves according to the elders pace and help each other, watch each other."
Cesare Brai's photo. Source:

Barbara Hermel Bach

More than 31,000 Deer Harvested During Maryland Firearm Season

Posted by Wayne G. Barber

More than 31,000 Deer Harvested During MD Firearm Season. Maryland has a estimated Whitetail Deer population of 227,000 and counting.

Maryland hunters reported taking 31,390 deer during the popular two-week deer firearm season. Despite mild weather across the state, rain on key hunting days resulted in an eight percent decline in harvest compared to last season. More than 3,200 deer were taken on the Sunday hunting days.

"Scattered rain across the state on opening weekend, combined with warm weather throughout the season, made for challenging hunting conditions this year," Wildlife and Heritage Service Director Paul Peditto said. "With Sunday hunting available in most counties, hunters had more opportunities to adapt to these conditions and achieve the harvest necessary to meet our deer management objectives."

During the firearm season, hunters reported taking 20,041 antlerless white-tailed deer—nearly double the antlered white-tailed deer taken (11,349). Focusing harvest on antlerless deer remains a fundamental component in the effort to manage Maryland's population.

The harvest of sika deer declined with hunters reporting 390 antlered and 581 antlerless deer, compared to 471 antlered and 670 antlerless in 2014. The bag limit for antlerless sika deer was increased in 2014 in response to rising agricultural damage complaints in the region. Hunters have responded favorably by harvesting more antlerless sika deer to help stabilize the population and reduce it to more acceptable levels in problem areas.

Region A hunters reported taking 3,965 white-tailed deer during the season, down slightly from last year's harvest of 4,128. The region's harvest was comprised of 2,643 antlered and 1,322 antlerless deer.

The Region B harvest decreased eight percent from last year's to 27,425 deer. The region total included 8,706 antlered and 18,719 antlerless deer.

Junior hunters reported taking 2,537 deer during the November junior deer hunt weekend, slightly above last year's harvest. Junior hunters registered 1,575 antlered and 962 antlerless deer in 2015.

Hunting dates, regulations and deer registration procedures are located in the 2015-2016 Guide to Hunting and Trapping. Additional information may be found on the Hunting in Maryland webpage.
Preliminary Deer Harvest Totals for the 2015  junior deer hunt weekend (Nov. 14-15) and firearm season (Nov.28 – Dec. 12) shown by county in the table below.

Junior Hunt   Two-Week Firearm County Antlered Antlerless Total   Antlered Antlerless Total Allegany 92 67 159 1,081 494 1,575 Anne Arundel 21 9 30 219 495 714 Baltimore 14 10 24 388 861 1,249 Calvert 19 6 25 169 337 506 Caroline 43 41 84 305 844 1,149 Carroll 102 51 153 713 1,384 2,097 Cecil 45 26 71 378 766 1,144 Charles 60 36 96 361 675 1,036 Dorchester whitetail 74 39 113   363 828 1,191 sika 19 10 29  364 539 903 Frederick 133 78 211 1,117 1,919 3,036 Garrett 233 90 323 1,123 608 1,731 Harford 38 21 59 268 709 977 Howard 19 7 26 180 364 544 Kent 66 31 97 360 811 1,171 Montgomery 46 27 73 376 830 1,206 Prince George's 17 16 33 247 468 715 Queen Anne's 67 56 123 420 1,009 1,429 Somerset whitetail 61 75 136   354 914 1,268 sika 0 0 0   0 5 5 St. Mary's 29 21 50 262 546 808 Talbot 51 26 77 318 930 1,248 Washington 143 82 225 1,078 1,172 2,250 Wicomico whitetail 100 56 156   382 989 1,371 sika 1 0 1   21 29 50 Worcester whitetail 82 80 162  497 1,507 2,004 sika 0 1 1   5 8 13 Total 1,575 962 2,537   11,349 20,041 31,390        Source: The Outdoor Wire

Hunter Education Instructor Training Courses Offered

Posted by Wayne G. Barber
Hunter Education Instructor Training Courses Offered

MONTPELIER, Vt. -- The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department is offering several New Instructor Training Courses for people interested in volunteering to teach Hunter Education, Trapper Education, or Bowhunter Education courses in Vermont. 

 

The courses will take place January 10 in St. Johnsbury, Vt., February 21 in Berlin, Vt., and March 12 in Castleton, Vt.

 

Policies and procedures, field techniques, and teaching methods will all be covered in order to give instructors the tools to teach future Vermont hunters how to have a safe and enjoyable experience. 

 

“The skills and ethics that our instructors impart to their students will serve them for a lifetime,” said Nicole Meier with Vermont Fish & Wildlife’s hunter education program.  “There is no better way for a hunter to give back to the outdoors than by instructing the next generation of hunters.”

 

All applicants who pass the training are required to pass a background check with a warden and shadow a Chief Instructor before they can teach on their own.  Upon completion, they will then receive their full State of Vermont Hunter Education Instructor Certification.

 

“Our hunter education instructors are all volunteers, donating their time to pass on a cherished Vermont tradition,” said Meier.  “The hours our instructors put in will leverage federal dollars that allow the Hunter Education Program to function. Those planning to attend should sign up online at www.tinyurl.com/VTNIT2016 or call 802-828-1193 at least one week prior to the course date.

No Child Left Inside® Winter Events!

Posted by Wayne G. Barber

Winter Events 

Winter is here, but don't let that keep you inside! We will be kicking off 2016 with the 10th anniversary of our Winter Festival on February 6, 2016 at Burr Pond State Park in Torrington!  There are plenty of outdoor activities you can enjoy in December and January no matter what the weather, and some of our Nature Centers will be open! Winter Festival Sunday, February 6, 2016 10 AM - 3 PM Burr Pond State Park 384 Burr Mountain Rd., Torrington, CT FREE!! No Registration required Ice-fishing, fish fry, ice safety presentation, Resources in Search and Rescue, bonfire, winter games, hikes and more! For more information: CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (860) 529-5816 or Teresa Gagnon