Friday, July 29, 2016

National Parks 100th Anniversary Producing Record Turnouts

Posted by Wayne G. Barber
On August, we'll be celebrating the National Park Service's one hundredth anniversary. And it seems Americans are recognizing that auspicious anniversary by visiting those parks in record numbers.

National park visitation hit an all-time high last year, but this year's on pace to blow right through those 2015 numbers. That means more than 307-million of us will pass through those entrances around the country.

In fact, a recent American Automobile Association (AAA) survey says 79 percent of Americans are likely to visit our national parks this year. "The demand for national parks is off the charts this year, and it's exciting to see that Americans are poised to take even more national park vacations in the years to come," said Bryan Shilling, managing director of AAA Travel Products and Services. "In times of global uncertainty, many people are turning to domestic vacations and the wide variety of national parks offer something for every traveler to discover."

Eighty five percent of all Americans have visited a National Park at one time or another, and a majority of us still call those parks "must see" destinations. Having visited my first national park (Mammoth Cave) early- and often- in my childhood, I've never missed an opportunity to visit others.

They seldom disappoint -and in this time of global uncertainty, they're viable options for families that might seek their adventure elsewhere in the world otherwise.

"It's not surprising to see that younger generations are particularly interested in visiting national parks," added Shilling. "Travel is part of Millennials' DNA, and they consistently seek experiential travel opportunities, a major draw for national park visitors."

According to the AAA survey, we seem to feel that spring, fall and summer, respectively, are the best times to visit. But you'd do well to remember that there are select dates in honor of the 100th anniversary when you can enjoy discounts. All sites that charge an admission fee, for example, will offer free admission August 25-28, September 4, and November 11.

Before starting our weekend (ours will include a drive through the edge of Great Smoky Mountains National Park), here are some of the "factoids" to consider about our National Parks:

The vast majority of visitors (91 percent) drive to their destinations.
Most of us (66 percent) stay in hotels, but camping, vacation rentals or cabins are popular with the others.
Walking, hiking and sightseeing are the favorite activities, regardless of how you arrive.
If you have the opportunity, check out one of our National Parks this year….for a listing of them, visit: http://www.nationalpark-adventures.com/united-states-national-parks.html

Have a great weekend, and if you're headed outdoors -take along a friend and introduce them to our world.

Tuesday, July 26, 2016

NEW Maine Archery Law for 2017

Posted by Wayne G. Barber

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NEW law requires an archery license when hunting with archery equipment

Hunters should be aware that beginning January 1, 2017, the Department will begin enforcing the requirement that all hunters who wish to hunt with archery equipment in Maine hold a valid Maine archery hunting license.

The law change will no longer allow exceptions to hunt with archery equipment on the firearms hunting license. (Previously an archery license was only required when hunting deer, with bow and arrow during the expanded archery season and special October archery season on deer.) Instead bow hunters must hold a valid archery license.

Anyone wishing to obtain an archery hunting license must show proof of having successfully completed a bow hunter education course or show proof of having held an adult archery license in any year after 1979; (Nonresidents who can show proof of having held a valid archery license in another state after 1979 or who can show proof of completion of a bow hunter education course from another state will be able to purchase a Maine archery license).

To find a bowhunter education course in your area  please visit http://www.maine.gov/ifw/education/safety/

Monday, July 25, 2016

VanDam Clinches Bass Fishing's Elite 8 Bracket Championship on Niagara River

Posted by Wayne G. Barber

BUFFALO, N.Y. — In the final round of the Bassmaster Classic Bracket event on the upper Niagara River, Michigan's Kevin VanDam collected his 23rd B.A.S.S. win in a dramatic ending to this first-of-its-kind tournament.

In today's championship match, VanDam was pitted against Brett Hite of Arizona, and fans were able to watch live on Bassmaster.com as the two Elite Series anglers clashed rods for a berth in the 2017 GEICO Bassmaster Classic presented by GoPro and a $10,000 first-place payday. Unlike the first two elimination brackets of this derby — and traditional Elite Series tournaments — where a five-fish limit was the goal, every legal-size bass caught today was weighed and counted.

VanDam, who was worried about the change in format after it was announced Thursday, had no issues locating and catching enough fish to eliminate Hite, as he landed 11 bass that weighed-in at 20 pounds, 3 ounces.

"I hit a whole lot of spots looking for keepers, but really the key to my weight today was a spot where I caught my biggest fish (Thursday)," VanDam said. His key area was a flat littered with grass and rock that slowly dropped from 5 to 10 feet deep. And there was plenty of current. "Fish spawn here a lot later than people think, and I was sight-casting to a lot of smallmouth."

VanDam swapped between three Strike King baits, including a tube, drop shot and jerkbait. "The drop shot was key on the sight-fish, but being able to cover water with the jerkbait in this crazy Niagara River current was important in connecting with fish."

Hite committed to fishing a bridge on the northernmost boundary of competition waters, where he easily eliminated his first two opponents.

"I identified three pilings in the center of the bridge that were holding nice schools of bass," he explained. "The water was 10 to 18 feet deep and I drop shotted with a Yamamoto Shad Shape worm the whole time."

Unfortunately for Hite, those bass had lockjaw during the championship match. "It was really overcast today, and I think I needed sun to position those fish where I could catch them," he said. "Plus, we had a strong cross-current wind that could have messed 'em up."

He caught a little more than 7 pounds on the bridge during the first five hours of competition.

"I ditched the bridge pattern with an hour left in the match and caught two keepers quickly," Hite said. "And I was fighting a third keeper as the buzzer went off. I made a big mistake by not leaving that bridge earlier." Hite ended with seven bass weighing 13-9.

Friday, July 22, 2016

Decorated Olympian Partners with NWTF to Promote Shooting Sports

Posted by Wayne G. Barber
EDGEFIELD, S.C. — Wildlife conservation and introducing youth to shooting sports are of significant importance to both the National Wild Turkey Federation and Vincent Hancock, the first-ever back-to-back Olympic gold medalist in skeet.

The shared passions led to a partnership for the promotion of the 300-acre Palmetto Shooting Complex at the NWTF.

"I have been involved with hunting and shooting my entire life," said Hancock. "This partnership provides the opportunity to truly embrace the growth that shooting sports are seeing and allows adults and kids alike to experience clay target shooting and conservation efforts all at the same time."

Hancock's role as spokesperson for the Palmetto Shooting Complex includes range appearances, especially during youth clay shooting competitions, and promotion of the facility leading up to and after his trip to Rio for the 2016 Summer Olympic Games.

Hancock also will promote the positive impact shooting sports can have on the growth and discipline of today's youth, something he knows and understands due to the early start he got in shooting sports.

"Vinny is an incredible role model for youth of today, and we know he will have a positive impact on our efforts to recruit the next generation of hunters and shooting sports enthusiasts," said George Thornton, NWTF CEO. "We could not be happier to have him as a spokesperson for our Palmetto Shooting Complex and will be pulling for him to secure an unprecedented third consecutive gold medal next month in Rio."

In addition to back-to-back gold medals, Hancock's career highlights include being a three-time world champion, gold medalist at the 2014 Championship of the Americas, 16-time medalist in World Cup and ISSF World Championship competition and holder of every national, world and Olympic skeet records.

About the NWTF
The NWTF is a nonprofit conservation organization that works daily to further its mission of conserving the wild turkey and preserving our hunting heritage. Through dynamic partnerships with state and federal wildlife agencies, the NWTF and its members have helped restore wild turkey populations across the country, improving more than 17 million acres of wildlife habitat and introducing 100,000 people to the outdoors each year. The NWTF was founded in 1973 and is headquartered in Edgefield, S.C. According to many state and federal agencies, the restoration of the wild turkey is arguably the greatest conservation success story in North America's wildlife history. To learn more, visit www.nwtf.org or call (800) THE-NWTF.

Thursday, July 21, 2016

Connecticut: Bowhunting Course: August 8 and 9 The Institute for American Indian Studies

Posted by Wayne G. Barber

This unique class gives children 11-15 years old the opportunity to complete the current bowhunting requirements and also learn the traditional Native American methods that inspired the bowhunting tradition we enjoy today. DEEP certified instructors will teach proper archery techniques and safety while educators from the Institute for American Indian Studies provide a background in traditional Native American hunting.
 
This two-day class will be conducted at the Institute's Museum and Research Center located in Washington CT, on August 8 and 9. Registration is limited. Visit the CE/FS website today to register.

Fishing Access Areas Not Safe for Swimming

Posted by Wayne G. Barber

MONTPELIER, Vt. – The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department reminds the public not to swim at fishing access areas due to safety concerns.  The primary use of the fishing access areas is for launching and retrieving motorboats. 
 
The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department maintains more than 180 developed fishing access areas on lakes and rivers throughout the state.  These areas have allowed uses determined by law, and swimming is not one of them. 
 
The access areas were purchased and are maintained with funds derived from the sale of fishing licenses and motorboat registrations, as well as a federal excise tax on fishing equipment, fishing tackle, and gasoline for motorboats.  These funding sources explicitly prohibit activities that are in conflict with fishing and boating.
 
Fish & Wildlife regulations prohibit certain uses of fishing access areas including, but not limited to -- swimming, littering, camping, picnicking, making a fire, parking of vehicles not related to priority uses, and commercial activity.
 
“It’s great that people want to get out in the water, but a boat ramp is not the right place to go swimming,” said Mike Wichrowski who oversees the Fishing Access Area Program.  “There’s a reason motorboats aren’t allowed in swimming areas, and swimming isn’t allowed at fishing access areas -- it’s simply not safe.”
 
Vermont game wardens have responded to several incidents in recent weeks involving people swimming at fishing access areas.  In some cases people, including children, were swimming right at the boat ramps while boats were being launched, risking injury or preventing the launching of boats.
 
“We understand that people want to go swimming, especially during hot weather, but we are urging folks to swim at locally approved swimming areas,” said Colonel Jason Batchelder.  “Finding a safe swimming area is easy in most communities.  Just ask at a general store or other place where people gather.”
 
The fine for swimming at an access area is $162

When You Find a Fish Kill

Posted by Wayne G. Barber

Report a Fish Kill - Contact the Massachusetts Environmental Police Radio Room at 1-800-632-8075.


The sight of up to hundreds of dead and dying fish along the shores of your favorite pond or lake can be distressing and often lead to concerns about pollution. But in fact, the  vast majority of the fish kills reported turn out to be natural events.
Natural fish kills are generally the result of low dissolved oxygen levels (anoxia), spawning stress or fish diseases. Dissolved oxygen depletion is one of the most common causes of natural fish kills. This can be the case at anytime of the year but generally occurs during severe winters or late spring/early summer.

Conversely, in the spring and summer, as water temperature increases over time, the water simply cannot hold as much oxygen as when it was cold. During the long hot days of summer, oxygen levels in shallow, weedy ponds can further decline as aquatic plants consume oxygen at night resulting in low oxygen levels in the early hours of the morning. This situation can become critical if the levels fall below that required for fish to survive which is approximately 4-5 parts/million. In addition to the depressed oxygen conditions, late spring and early summer are when most warmwater fish species, such as sunfish (bluegill, pumpkinseed, largemouth bass etc.), begin to spawn. At this time, large numbers of these species crowd into the shallow waters along the shore vying for the best spawning sites. These densely crowded areas are susceptible to disease outbreaks especially as water temperatures increase. The result is an unavoidable natural fish kill, usually consisting of one or two species of fish. Nothing can be done to prevent this; it is a natural occurrence and does not pose a public health risk.

MassWildlife's Response to Fish Kills

Fish kill inspection
So how does MassWildlife know if a reported fish kill is a natural event or the result of pollution? As the lead agency in determining fish kill response, a Division fisheries biologist will review each call and through a series of questions, make a determination on whether the kill is natural or requires a site investigation. Generally, pollution impacts all kinds of aquatic life, therefore the most important piece of evidence for the biologists is knowing the number of fish species associated with the fish kill. Fish kills in which only one or two species are involved are almost always a natural event.
When it is likely a fish kill is due to pollution, MassWildlife notifies the appropriate state agency which takes the lead on a formal investigation including analysis of water and fish samples to determine the source of pollution. MassWildlife provides the investigating agency with technical assistance by identifying the kinds and numbers of fish involved. MassWildlife maintains a 40+ year database which helps track waters with a history of natural kills.

Tuesday, July 19, 2016

Days Out Meeting July 20, 2016

Posted by Wayne G. Barber

DURHAM, N.H. -- The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission's Atlantic Herring Section will hold a meeting on Wednesday, July 20, 2016, at 3:00 p.m., to review the allowable ‘days out’ measures for the 2016 commercial herring fisheries Area 1A seasonal quota due to concerns over current high landings.  The meeting will be held via conference call.
 
The 2016 Area 1A allowable catch was set at 30,102 metric tons with seasonal harvest quotas of 72.8% available from June 1 - September 30 and 27.2% available from October 1 - December 30.
 
Harvesters and other interested parties are welcome to listen in and participate at the Chair’s discretion.  Join the conference call by dialing 1 (888) 394-8197 and entering the passcode 499811 when prompted. Please contact Ashton Harp, ASMFC Fishery Management Plan Coordinator, at (703) 842-0740 aharp@asmfc.org or Renee Zobel, NH Fish and Game Department, at (603) 868-1095 for more information.
 
The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission coordinates the conservation and management of the 15 Atlantic coast states' shared near-shore fishery resources -- marine, shell and anadromous -- for sustainable use.  Visit www.asmfc.org.
 
The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department is the guardian of the state's marine, fish and wildlife resources and their habitats.  The Department's Marine Fisheries Division is located in Durham, N.H.  Visit www.wildnh.com/marine.

Free Fishing Class Offered in Lancaster, NH

Posted by Wayne G. Barber

CONCORD, N.H. -- Calling all anglers!  The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department and UNH Cooperative Extension are teaming up to give you the opportunity to find out all you need to know about a recreational activity that everyone in the family can enjoy: Fishing!  This one-day introduction to fishing program will be held at the North Country Resource Center in Lancaster, N.H., on Monday, July 25th, from 4:00 p.m. until dark.  The class is free, and registration is first-come, first-served. Space is limited so call (603) 788-4961 to reserve your spot.
 
The class is open to anyone, however, those 16 and under must be accompanied by an adult.  All fishing equipment and materials will be provided.  You do not need to have a fishing license to participate.
 
The afternoon will be spent at the North Country Resource Center, learning about equipment, safety, knot tying, fish identification, basic ecology and different casting techniques.  In the evening we will head out on boats to put your newly learned skills to the test on Martin Meadow Pond.
 
New Hampshire Fish and Game’s “Let's Go Fishing” program has taught thousands of children and adults to be safe, ethical and successful anglers. Find out more at www.fishnh.com/fishing/lets-go-fishing.html. The program is federally funded through the Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program.
 
The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department works to conserve, manage and protect the state's fish and wildlife and their habitats, as well as providing the public with opportunities to use and appreciate these resources. Visit www.fishnh.com.

Anglers Can Help Keep Bass Alive this Summer by Following Simple Steps

Posted by Wayne G. Barber

Largemouth bass anglers who practice catch-and-release fishing this summer can follow a few simple steps to ensure the fish they catch today will survive to bite another lure tomorrow.

Summertime heat brings with it higher temperatures and lower dissolved oxygen levels in reservoirs and rivers — conditions that are tough on largemouth bass, which can become more stressed when caught.

To minimize stress on fish, an angler who plans to catch and release the fish should land the fish quickly and handle it as little as possible.

"Try not to remove the fish from the water, even when you're removing the hook from the fish's mouth," said Christian Waters, Inland Fisheries Division chief for the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission. "Handle the fish as little as possible to help reduce the loss of slime coat, which is the fish's main defense against infection and disease."

Waters offers anglers other tips to keep a largemouth bass alive:
  • Wet your hands before you touch a fish;
  • Return the fish quickly to the water if you do not plan to keep it or place it in a livewell; and,
  • Use a knotless nylon or rubber-coated net instead of a knotted nylon net.


Anglers participating in fishing tournaments can minimize fish mortality by maintaining healthy oxygen and water quality in their live wells. A few ways to do this are:
  • Knowing the capacity of the live well and not exceeding a ratio of more than 1 pound of bass per gallon of water;
  • Running a recirculating pump continuously if more than 5 pounds of bass are in the live well;
  • Using aerators or oxygen-injection systems to keep the water's oxygen level above 5 parts per million (ppm); and
  • Keeping live well water about 5 degrees below the reservoir or river temperature by adding block ice.

Waters also recommends that tournament participants fill their weigh-in bags with livewell water, not reservoir or river water, before putting in their catch. They should put only five fish in a bag, fewer if the fish exceed 4 pounds each. Finally, they should limit the amount of time that fish are held in bags to less than 2 minutes.

Fishing tournament organizers can do their part to help keep fish alive by adopting best handling practices at all events. These include staggering weigh-in times to reduce the time fish are held in weigh-in bags, arranging for release boats to return bass quickly to the water and equipping recovery stations with oxygen and recirculating water. Organizers also can provide holding tanks during the weigh-in with water 5 degrees below the reservoir or river temperature and with oxygen levels above 5 ppm. They also can reduce the number of competitive fishing hours.

An alternative to the traditional weigh-in tournament is to conduct a "paper tournament," which doesn't require a weigh-in. "This is an especially helpful strategy during periods of extreme heat," Waters added. 

The Redfish tour came up with a App for some tournaments where all the information was loaded in and stored for the weigh in later in the day with great success.

Friday, July 15, 2016

How To Land Summer Freshwater Bass

Posted by Wayne G. Barber

It's hard to think about fishing on a sweltering summer day, but when the sun sinks toward the western horizon, everything changes. Warm water and direct sun make the bass sluggish during the day, but as evening temperatures cool, the fishing can get hot. Now it's time to grab your bass rods and find the nearest farm pond, state fishing lake or community lake.
  Save a old pair of sneakers and put on a pair of cut-downs or bathing suit to increase your casting distance and remember the Raccoons and Skunks will also share your turf.

Pick a shady shoreline and look for brush, docks, vegetation – anything that provides dark hiding places for bass. Start out with a weed less plastic bait that can be flipped right into the cover. Fish slow and thoroughly, hitting every visible bass lair. Bass are ambush hunters and a slow meal dropped right in front of them can be irresistible.

As daylight fades and the breeze dies, tie on a top water bait just for fun. Jitter Bugs, Hula Poppers, Buzz Baits, Etc. There's nothing like the thrill of a bass exploding on a surface lure. Fish will be more spread out now, so cast along the shore and any weed bed edges. Land the bait as close to the edge as possible, then let it sit for several seconds. Until you cannot see the rings on the water surface.Twitch it tantalizingly several times before beginning to retrieve. And it's a good idea to pause several times during the retrieve. A brief pause can sometimes be too much for a bass watching from below, triggering an explosive strike. The anticipation can also be too much for a bass angler. If the fish keep throwing the lure or just missing, slow your retrieve or in some cases, speed up your retrieve until you find the perfect pattern. When fishing top water, wait until you feel the strike before setting the hook. If you rear back as soon as you see and hear the top water strike, you'll pull the bait right out of the fish's mouth.
 Don't just dream about fishing this summer, take advantage of the cooler evenings and explore a New England farm pond, local community lake or state fishing lake. The bass are waiting.
  Public swimming and boating bodies of water will sometimes shut down during the day and the bass revert to night feeding and if you put the time in you will be rewarded with the thrill of unseen top water explosion that just might leave you wondering just how big was that Bass !
     Fred Arbogast 3/8 oz. Black Jitter Bug is my go to lure. Direct tie, no swivel.


Connecticut Marine Fishing Forcast

Posted by Wayne G. Barber

Weekend Saltwater Fishing Forecast: Fluke are red hot in Eastern Long Island Sound, Bluefish are moving in, and jumbo Striped Bass are still hanging out.


Thursday, July 14, 2016

Vermont’s Moose Hunt Auction is Open

Posted by Wayne G. Barber

MONTPELIER, Vt. – Vermont’s lottery for moose hunting permits closed July 12, but there’s one more opportunity to get a permit for this fall’s moose hunt.  Vermont’s auction for five moose hunting permits is open until 4:30 p.m. August 10.  Bids will be opened and winners notified on August 11.  
 
Auction winners will hunt in one of several wildlife management units (WMUs) open to moose hunting and choose to hunt during the October 1-7 archery season, or in the October 15-20 regular season. 
Vermont’s 2015 Moose Harvest Report on Fish & Wildlife’s website has details on last year’s hunt, including the towns where moose were taken.  Look under moose hunting.   
 
Bids must be entered with a sealed bid form available from Vermont Fish & Wildlife. 
A minimum bid of $1,500 is required, and winning bids are typically at least $4,000.  Bids do not include the cost of a hunting license (residents $26, nonresidents $100) or moose hunting permit fee ($100 for residents and $350 for nonresidents). 
 
Additional information about the auction is on the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department’s website (www.vtfishandwildlife.com).  Moose permit bid packets can be obtained by calling Fish & Wildlife at 802-828-1190 or by emailing (Cheri.Waters@Vermont.Gov). 
 
Proceeds from the moose hunting permit auction help fund Vermont Fish & Wildlife educational programs. 
 
The lottery drawing for 135 regular moose season permits and 25 archery season permits will be held on August 2.      

Wednesday, July 13, 2016

American Museum of Fly Fishing announces Ninth Annual Fly Fishing Festival

Posted by Wayne G. Barber

Manchester, Vermont - The American Museum of Fly Fishing announced today that its ninth annual Fly Fishing Festival: A Taste of the Great Outdoors will take place on August 6, 2016 from 10 am- 4 pm. The museum's signature event of the summer is back showcasing the joy of fly fishing with demonstrations, local vendors, and a gathering of people who are all equally enthused about the sport.

This year, we are taking it a step further and also adding the celebration of local cuisine. Chefs, food trucks, farmers, and eating establishments, both local and from across the state of Vermont, will be in attendance, adding a fun element to an already exiting day. Participants include Pink Boot Farm Store, Tall Cat Coffee Roasters, Goodman's American Pie of Ludlow, and many others. Mad River Distillery will also be on hand providing tastings to those that are of the proper age to enjoy the Green Mountain State's finest bourbons and rums.

Representatives from the fly fishing industry will also have booths at the festival, including Douglas Outdoors, who will be holding a casting tournament on the Museum grounds and giving away a brand new Upstream fly rod to the winner. World class fly tiers Mike Rice of Mud Dog Saltwater Flies, Chris Samson and Brian Price of Vermont Fly Guys, Paul Sinicki, Kelly Bedford, Henry Hall, and Bill Sylvester will be demonstrating how to tie a wide variety of patterns from dry flies to saltwater patterns to big, flashy streamers for pike and muskie. Rhey Plumley will conduct a special demonstration on how to tie the official State Fly of Vermont, the Governor Aiken.

Author Catherine Varchaver will lead a presentation on two books written by her grandparents, legendary Battenkill fly anglers John and Maxine Atherton. Skyhorse has recently published a reprint of John's "The Fly and the Fish", one of fly fishing's most iconic texts, and a previously-unpublished book by Maxine called "The Fly Fisher and the River." Other presentations held throughout the day include rod building, casting, and demonstrations from local chefs on how to cook your catch.

There will be plenty of activities for children as well, including learning to create "clown flies"- a decorative fly tied with feathers and pipe cleaners that introduce children to the basics of fly tying. They will also have a chance to learn how to cast with volunteer Paul Sinicki and experience more fishing fun from the Vermont Fish & Wildlife's "Let's Go Fishing" program.

To cap off the entire event, there will also be live music courtesy of the Dear June band throughout the day. This talented quintet of Berklee trained musicians are making the Museum their first stop in the Green Mountain State.

The American Museum would like to thank our local sponsors R.K. Miles, Mulligans, Finn & Stone Insurance, Vermont Kitchen Supply, and Mrs. Murphy's Donuts for contributing to the success of this event.

Event web address: http://www.amff.org/august-6-fly-fishing-festival/

About the American Museum of Fly Fishing:
The American Museum of Fly Fishing is the steward of the history, traditions, and practices of the sport of fly fishing and promotes the conservation of its waters. The Museum collects, preserves, exhibits, studies, and interprets the artifacts, art, and literature of the sport and uses these resources to engage, educate, and benefit all.
The Museum fulfills this mission through our public programs (including exhibitions, gallery programs, lectures, special events, and presentations), our publications, and our quarterly journal, The American Fly Fisher.

For more information about the Museum and our public programs please visit our website http://www.amff.org or connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

###

Maine To Help Massachusetts With Loon Restoration

Posted by Wayne G. Barber

AUGUSTA, Maine --The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife is partnering on a national restoration effort for the Common Loon designed to strengthen and restore loon populations within their existing and former range in New England.

"Maine is home to 75% of the territorial pairs of loons in New England and New York, making Maine the stronghold for the northeast loon breeding population," says Danielle D'Auria, wildlife biologist with MDIFW. "We are pleased to play a role in the restoration of this species to its historic range in Massachusetts."

IFW and Maine Audubon are assisting Biodiversity Research Institute (BRI) on this program known as "Restore the Call," which will relocate older loon chicks (> 6 weeks old) from areas with dense loon populations in Maine and New York to a release lake in southeastern Massachusetts.

The program is designed to boost the population and number of breeding pairs in Massachusetts. Adult loons are slow to colonize new areas, as they generally stay within 2.5 miles of the previous year's breeding territory and loon chicks usually return to lakes within 7-8 miles of the lake where they were raised. Chicks translocated to southeastern Massachusetts will likely return to that region to breed as adults in 4-6 years, the age at which loons start to claim territories.

In Massachusetts, there are only 45 breeding pairs in the state. The majority of loon pairs that have recolonized Massachusetts are on or near the Quabbin and Wachusetts Resevoir, and few loons have dispersed and formed breeding pairs outside of this region.

"Restore the Call aims to help expedite expansion of the loon population into this formerly occupied area of the state," says Andrew Vitz with Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife. "Without these efforts, establishing nesting loons in southeastern Massachusetts would likely take decades if it happens at all."

Last year, seven loon chicks were successfully translocated from New York's Adirondack population to Massachusetts. This summer, New York and Maine hope to contribute a combined 10 chicks to this project. "No more than 10 chicks would be moved from Maine, which constitutes a small proportion of the total offspring from this healthy population," says D'Auria. "This contribution will not significantly impact the overall viability of Maine's loons." Additionally, chicks will only be translocated from highly productive lakes with a history of successful reproduction.

Once transported to Massachusetts, chicks will be kept in aquatic enclosures on the rearing lake to ensure their safety as they continue to grow and mature. These enclosures allow biologists and wildlife veterinarians to easily monitor their feeding and behavior without being seen by the loons (due to blinds and visual barriers). After several weeks, the chicks will be recaptured and physically examined before being released onto the lake. From that point, the chicks are then visually monitored until they fledge (fly off the lake). The rearing lake and lakes in the region will be monitored for years to come in hopes of detecting the return of these individuals.

Tuesday, July 12, 2016

2016 National Matches at Camp Perry Scheduled Through Aug. 9

Posted by Wayne G. Barber
The 2016 National Matches at Camp Perry began July 10 and run through Aug. 9, 2016, at historic Camp Perry, Ohio.

The National Matches, considered America's "World Series of the Shooting Sports," have been a tradition at Camp Perry since 1907. Each summer, the nation's finest civilian and military marksmen and women square off for five weeks or rifle and pistol competition in a variety of formats, disciplines and events.

The National Matches include the NRA National Pistol and High Power Rifle Championships, and the NRA Junior Smallbore Camp at Camp Perry, as well as the NRA Smallbore Rifle Championships in Bristol, Indiana. The NRA, Civilian Marksmanship Program and the Ohio National Guard conduct the Camp Perry matches jointly. For a complete schedule of events, visit http://thecmp.org/wp-content/uploads/NMCalendar.pdf?ver=20160423.

The National Matches have evolved into a national shooting sports festival, with more then 6,000 participants each year. Shooters come from all backgrounds, from school students and youth competitors, to elite competitive shooting professionals and military sharpshooters.

The National Matches are steeped in American history, having been created through legislation in 1903 aimed at improving military marksmanship and national defense preparedness, of which then-President Theodore Roosevelt, Secretary of War Elihu Root and NRA President Gen. Bird Spencer were ardent supporters. After hosting the event at Sea Girt, New Jersey for the first four years, the National Matches moved to their home at Camp Perry in 1907, where outside of very few exceptions, they have been held ever since.

Support for the National Matches is provided by event sponsors POF-USA, sponsor of the High Power Mid-Range Match; Sierra Bullets, sponsor of the High Power Match; Springfield Armory, sponsor of the Camp Perry M1A Match; and U.S. Secure Coins, sponsor of the Camp Perry Pistol Match.

Additional support for the National Matches is provided by Metalform, the magazine sponsor of the Pistol Phase; and Jake's Golf Carts, official event golf cart provider. In addition to our event sponsors, the NRA thanks all our sponsoring partners for their support of the National Matches.



About the National Rifle Association
Established in 1871, the National Rifle Association is America's oldest civil rights and sportsmen's group. Five million members strong, NRA continues its mission to uphold Second Amendment rights and is the leader in firearm education and training for law-abiding gun owners, law enforcement and the military. Visit http://nra.org.


Monday, July 11, 2016

Announcement event today at 3 p.m., Sharon Audubon Miles Wildlife Sanctuary, 325 Cornwall Bridge Road, Sharon, CT

Posted by Wayne G. Barber

Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) today announced the establishment of five Important Bird Areas (IBAs) in the state – a step taken with Audubon Connecticut to enhance efforts to protect Connecticut’s bird species.
 
At an event at the Audubon Miles Sanctuary, Sharon, Conn., DEEP Commissioner Robert Klee said, “We have long recognized the value of IBAs as a tool for conservation of imperiled bird species across Connecticut.  Establishing these five sites with Audubon Connecticut and building public recognition of their value will help us preserve the habitats these sites provide and the bird species that depend on them.”
 
The identification of these five sites was approved by a technical committee of Audubon Connecticut, and endorsed by DEEP’s Important Bird Area Advisory Committee.  Establishment of the sites is the result of a partnership between DEEP, Audubon Connecticut, other conservation NGO’s, and private landowners who are working together to protect, restore, enhance and increase awareness about these critical areas. 
 
The goal of Audubon Connecticut’s IBA program is to identify a network of key areas in the state that support sustainable populations of birds in greatest need of conservation. For official recognition as an IBA, the site must meet one or more of a set of standardized scientific criteria that were developed by a committee of bird experts from throughout the state. Once an area is identified as an IBA, Audubon Connecticut works with the land owner, other conservation partners, and the public to increase awareness about birds and the importance of the area to greatest conservation need species, improve habitat in the area, and find funding to support these efforts.
 
“Connecticut ranks sixth in the nation in terms of the number of individuals who care about and enjoy watching birds, so it’s important to note that IBA status helps enhance habitat protection for species of global concern, such as the Cerulean Warbler, Saltmarsh Sparrow, and Wood Thrush,” said Stewart J. Hudson, Executive Director of Audubon Connecticut.  “We’re grateful for DEEP’s support and that of our other partners.  Together we can protect these special habitats for birds, and people, for generations to come.”
Identification of IBAs is an essential first step to protecting habitats crucial to birds in Connecticut.  A second, vital step, is public recognition of these sites.  Public recognition benefits IBAs by increasing landowner, local community, and visitor knowledge on the value of the site to birds.  People may visit or live near an IBA and be unaware of its value to birds and other wildlife.  But once engaged, they become familiar with the birds an IBA protects, make an effort to prevent disturbing the birds or their habitat, and may become active stewards.
  
The five landscape level IBAs – which include state-owned as well as privately held lands - being recognized include:
 
·       Mouth of the CT River
o   This area is located in Old Lyme and Old Saybrook.  It includes the Roger Tory Peterson Wildlife Management Area and the Ragged Rock Creek Wildlife Management Area.
·       Lyme Forest Block
o   This area includes lands in several towns within Middlesex and New London Counties.  Among state lands in this IBA are: Devil’s Hopyard State Park, Babcock Pond Wildlife Management Area, Zemko Pond Wildlife Management Area, Eightmile River Wildlife Management Area, Nehantic State Forest, Seldon Neck State Park, and Beckett Hill State Park.
·       Macedonia Forest Block
o   This area is located in Kent and Sharon.  It includes Audubon Sharon and Macedonia Brook State Park.
·       Meshomasic Forest Block
o   This area covers lands in Hartford and Middlesex County, including Meshomasic State Forest and Gay City State Park.
·       Miles Wildlife Sanctuary and Housatonic State Forest Block
o   This area is located in Sharon and Lakeville, and includes Housatonic State Forest and the Audubon Miles Wildlife Sanctuary.
 
 
“Today we are recognizing specific sites as Important Bird Areas – sites that are part of a larger forested landscape that is important to birds,” said Hudson.   “Any landowners that are within the boundaries of these forested landscapes could also be eligible for the benefits of recognizing their property as part of the IBA Complex, including eligibility for IBA small matching grants or utilizing the IBA status as a way to bolster other grant applications.”

Friday, July 8, 2016

Maine Any-Deer Permit Applications Available

Posted by Wayne G. Barber

AUGUSTA, Maine – Applications for 2016 any-deer (antlerless) permit lottery are now available online from the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.

Online applications are due by 11:59 P.M. on August 15, 2016. Paper applications may be submitted in person or by mail no later than 5 P.M. on July 29, 2016. To apply online, or print a paper application to mail, visit www.mefishwildlife.com.

This year, a total 45,755 any-deer permits are proposed for 18 of the state's 29 wildlife management districts across the state, an increase of nearly 60%. Last year, there were 28,770 permits available to hunters. Hunters who do not receive an Any Deer permits are only allowed to shoot an antlered deer. The proposed permit numbers await approval by the IFW advisory council.

WHAT EXACTLY IS MAINE’S WHITETAIL DEER POPULATION?

According to the United States Census Bureau the human population estimate in 2013 was roughly 1,328,302 people in the entire state. The state has roughly 30,842.92 land in area miles, mathematically leaving each person 43.1 square miles to themselves. When it comes to whitetail deer, the average population in the state is roughly around 203,000 animals in the state. The whitetail deer population isn’t remotely close to that of the human population in Maine, but that still doesn’t mean that there is a problem.  If most of the deer come into human habitats and areas, then conflict can occur.

"Last year's winter was more moderate in many areas of the state, and the increase in the number of any deer permits reflect that," said IFW wildlife biologist Kyle Ravana. The proposed increase in permits are in 13 different wildlife management districts that comprise southern, central, and western Maine.

The department uses the any-deer permit system to manage the white-tailed deer population in the state. The ability to enact change in the state's deer populations derives from the ability to increase, or decrease, the number of breeding does on the landscape. White-tailed deer are at the northern edge of their range in Maine, and winter severity is a limiting factor concerning population growth. By controlling the harvest of female deer in the 29 regional wildlife management districts throughout the state, biologists can manage population trends. With last year's winter below average in severity, more permits can be issued.

This year, there are any deer permits proposed for WMDs 7, 12, and 13 after these districts saw no permits last year. Biological data collected as well as field observations by biologists suggest that these WMDs can withstand a light doe harvest. The mild winter provided deer with a lower than average over-winter mortality, as well as increased reproductivity.

Last year, Maine's hunters harvested 20,325 deer. Hunters harvested 14,907 bucks, and 3,615 adult does. For the past 8 years, Maine hunters have been harvesting approximately 20,900 deer annually.

Maine hunters were most successful during the regular firearms season for deer, which accounted for 82% of the total deer kill. Bowhunters accounted for 10%, youth hunters just over 4.2% and muzzleloaders 3.7% of the total deer kill.

Up to half of all any deer permits in each WMD are allocated between Maine landowners who own 25 acres or more (25%) and youth hunters (25%). The remaining permits are then distributed to the remaining hunters who apply for any deer permits. The drawing will be held on September 9, 2016 and results will be posted on the Department's website.

The 18 wildlife management districts where any-deer (antlerless) permits are proposed are 3, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26 and 29. Firearms hunting for deer begins with Youth Deer Hunting Day on Saturday, October 22, 2016. Youth may take a buck statewide or an antlerless deer only in the wildlife management districts where any-deer permits will be issued this fall.

This year, Maine Residents Only Day is on Saturday, October 29, 2016, and regular firearms season for deer runs October 31 through November 26, 2016. Note: this year, a nonresident who owns 25 or more acres of land in Maine and leaves land open to hunting, holds a valid hunting license, and is not otherwise prohibited by law, may hunt deer on the Resident only day.

The regular archery season begins on September 29 and continues until October 28. The expanded archery season is from September 10- December 10 in specially designated areas. The muzzleloading season is November 28-December 3 in all areas of the state, and continues another week ( December 5-10) in southern and central Maine (WMDs 12, 13, 15-18, 20-26 and 29).

For more information, visit www.mefishwildlife.com.

Thursday, July 7, 2016

2016 New York and Vermont Dual State Championship July 23 on the St Lawrence River

Posted by Wayne G. Barber
The Bass Federation (TBF), with our "Partner in Fishing" at FLW, announce the 2016 Student Angler Federation (SAF) New York and Vermont Dual State High School Championship on Saturday, July 23 on the St Lawrence River near Clayton, N.Y.

The state championship is a two person event for students in grades 9-12. Each team can have one member in 7th or 8th grade, if needed. All teams should pre-register online for high school events at HighSchoolFishing.org to avoid onsite late fees. Each team and their "coach," who provides the boat they compete in, will need to check in at 6am EST on July 23 at the Clayton Town Docks. A rules briefing will immediately follow. Take off is at 7am and the weigh-in will begin at 2pm.

"TBF and our partners in fishing at FLW are the only organizations to offer a state championship in every state and Canada," TBF National Youth Director, Mark Gintert, stated. "There's no question our State Championship Series provides the foundation to make SAF the largest high school fishing organization in North America."

Dual State Championship Event Details: Click Here!

To Register: Click Here!

Founded by The Bass Federation (TBF) in 2008 and partnered with FLW, The Student Anglers Federation (SAF) is the recognized leader in high school fishing. It is the oldest and largest, as well as the fastest growing, student angler organization in North America. SAF and High School Fishing are not only about fishing but EDUCATION THROUGH FISHING. Basic life skills such as math, science and language arts, and WHY they are important to fishing or anything else in life are the foundation of all SAF programs, online training and curriculum.

SAF offers high school state championships in 48 US states as well as Canada, 5 conference championships, a National Championship, and the High School Fishing World FInals ... considered the premier event in high school fishing.

For more info visit highschoolfishing.org, call 580.765.9031 or email info@highschoolfishing.org

Dick's Acquires Sports Authority Assets

Posted by Wayne G. Barber
Dick's Sporting Goods has won the race to acquire the intellectual property assets of its bankrupt rival, Sports Authority, along with 31 of the store leases.

The Pittsburgh-based retailer, which boasts 647 stores across the US, was named the successful bidder in the auction and has agreed to pay $15 million for the intellectual property rights, which includes 'highly valuable' customer data, and $8million-plus fees for the right to acquire the store leases.

The data is said to include information on 28.5 million loyalty programme members and a list of 114 million customer files.

The deal needs to be approved by the US Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware at a meeting scheduled for July 15th. Denver-based Sports Authority, which filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy protection in March with more than $1 billion in debt, was a leading supplier of fishing tackle from its 450 stores across the US.

In Dick's first quarter conference call, CEO Edward Stack said that the company will benefit from the demise of Sports Authority and the closure of more than 200 outlets within five miles of its own stores. Within ten miles of a Dick's location, that total rises to more than 350.

He told investors: "Once this consolidation works its way through the system, we are poised to pick up significant market share."

Baas Pro Shops has been in contact with Cabella's about a possible take over for months.

Wednesday, July 6, 2016

Connecticut Freshwater Fishing Report July 6,2016

Posted by Wayne G. Barber
Latest Bites

NEW! The Weekend Fishing Forecast is being posted on our CT Fish and Wildlife
Facebook page each Friday.

Blackfish (Tautog) season opened July 1 and will remain open until August 31, 2016. The minimum size for this tasty marine fish is 16" and there is a 2 fish per person per day limit.  Try fishing rocky areas, piers, or pilings with crabs or clams.  Good luck!

459 People took part in our the first free fishing license day of 2016.  Held on Father's Day, June 19, 2016 the response was overwhelmingly positive with most people experiencing excellent fishing with family and friends.

Tuesday, July 5, 2016

Maine: Coast Guard Rescues Seven Kayakers

Posted by Wayne G. Barber
Our Great Grand Daughter, Miss Natalie Spink

Coast Guard rescue crews recovered seven stranded kayakers from Burnt Porcupine Island, Maine, Sunday.

The seven were on a guided tour when high afternoon winds, ranging from 15 to 25 miles per hour, prevented them from returning. Rather than risk it, they located the nearest island, made landfall, and awaited recovery.

With no local assets available, Bar Harbor Fire Department contacted Coast Guard Sector Northern New England in Portsmouth at 12:15 p.m. There, Coast Guard watch standers diverted a 47-foot Motor Lifeboat crew from Station Southwest Harbor, already underway from another case.

The boat crew arrived at the island, steadied up on the leeward side, and brought the seven people and their kayaks aboard at 2:15 p.m. Roughly ten minutes later, they were all safely at the pier in Bar Harbor.

There were no injuries reported.

"These folks did the right thing," said Chief Petty Officer David Lebrecht, command duty officer at the Sector Northern New England command center.

He said the wind was calm in the morning, but increased as the air temperature warmed in the afternoon, which is typical for the area.

"When the weather changed, they were smart to call it quits and call for help, instead of pushing on against the elements," he said.

Vermont: "Reel Fun" Tackle Loaner Program in Full Swing

Posted by Wayne G. Barber
MONTPELIER, Vt. – The "Reel Fun" program is in full swing across Vermont for the second year running, meaning even more fishing opportunities for campers and visitors at state parks throughout the state.

Created in 2015 through a joint effort by Vermont Fish & Wildlife and Vermont State Parks, "Reel Fun" is designed to make fishing more accessible to the public by providing park visitors with free, loaner fishing equipment to use at any of the participating state parks.

"Reel Fun" has quickly become a favorite of fishing enthusiasts and novice anglers alike since its inception, and with the addition of two new participating parks as well as various on-site "Let's Go Fishing Clinics" in 2016, program coordinators are optimistic about its continued growth.

"What makes the 'Reel Fun' program great is that it makes fishing so easy to try for park visitors," said Chris Adams, information specialist with Vermont Fish & Wildlife. "The rods, reels, tackle and even informational guides for fishing at each park are all provided, making fishing incredibly accessible and enjoyable to anyone interested in wetting a line."

With the addition of Button Bay and Burton Island state parks, the program is now available at 12 different state parks around Vermont. Other participating state parks include: Grand Isle, Lake Carmi, Stillwater on Groton Lake, Branbury on Lake Dunmore, Silver Lake, Wilgus on the Connecticut River, Half Moon, Lake St. Catherine, Woodford on Adams Reservoir and Brighton on Spectacle Pond.

"Reel Fun Vermont" will be bolstered this summer by expanded instructional fishing clinics which will be held at many of the participating parks by "Let's Go Fishing" program instructors and trained park staff.

The family-friendly program also continues to benefit from the excellent fishing locations offered by the 12 state parks.

"Vermont is fortunate to have incredible fishing for a wide range of fish species, and these quality opportunities can be found right at the twelve 'Reel Fun' parks," said Adams. "From bass, pike, panfish and trout, to non-traditional species like bullhead and freshwater drum, you just never know what you might catch at many of these fishing spots."

Similar to 2015, the program will also include a "Reel Fun VT" photo contest where visitors can submit photos of themselves fishing at state parks to either Vermont State Parks or Vermont Fish & Wildlife. At the end of the summer, three winners will be chosen and will receive prizes ranging from complete starter fishing kits to Vermont State Parks camping and season passes.

"We're excited about another great summer of fishing fun in Vermont State Parks," said Rochelle Skinner, park sales and service manager with Vermont State Parks. "Whether you want to fish from shore or take out one of our canoes, kayaks or paddleboats, we think you'll really enjoy fishing at a Vermont State Park."

Visitors can submit "Reel Fun VT" photos via email to fwinformation@state.vt.us or parks@state.vt.us, or can use #ReelFunVT to tag photos on Twitter.

To find out more about Vermont State Parks, make a camping reservation or learn about day use, visit http://www.vtstateparks.com/index.htm.

Monday, July 4, 2016

Womens Fly Fishing

Posted by Wayne G. Barber
Women's Fly Fishing
 Saturday, July 9, 2016
 9 AM to 3 PM
 Carolina Trout Hatchery - Carolina, RI
Space is Limited; REGISTRATION REQUIRED  
Contact: Kimberly Sullivan, RIDEM – Fish and Wildlife 401-539-0019 or kimberly.sullivan@dem.ri.gov  

Women's Fly Fishing
 Saturday, July 9, 2016
 9 AM to 3 PM
 Carolina Trout Hatchery - Carolina, RI
Space is Limited; REGISTRATION REQUIRED  
Contact: Kimberly Sullivan, RIDEM – Fish and Wildlife 401-539-0019 or kimberly.sullivan@dem.ri.gov  

Women's Fly Fishing
 Saturday, July 9, 2016
 9 AM to 3 PM
 Carolina Trout Hatchery - Carolina, RI
Space is Limited; REGISTRATION REQUIRED  
Contact: Kimberly Sullivan, RIDEM – Fish and Wildlife 401-539-0019 or kimberly.sullivan@dem.ri.gov  
July 9: Women's Fly Fishing Workshop 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. // Carolina
DEM, Wood River Fly Fishing, and Narragansett Trout Unlimited host a fly-fishing workshop for women only. The program will focus on equipment, fly-tying, fly-casting, and highlight fishing areas across Rhode Island. Lunch and equipment provided.

DEM also offers group fishing training at the ARE training pond in Richmond, Rhode Island. The training pond welcomes school, scout, senior, and youth groups to learn to fish in a safe, wheelchair-accessible area. Bait, rods, tackle and training are provided. Reservations are required, and there is no cost to participate.

According to the Outdoor Industry Association, outdoor recreation in Rhode Island generates $2.4 billion in consumer spending and supports 24,000 jobs. As part of a larger network of recreational opportunities in the state, fishing plays an important role in connecting people with nature, promoting health, attracting tourism, and supporting a treasured tradition for Rhode Island families. According to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, there are approximately 175,000 recreational anglers (age 16+) in Rhode Island. And recreational fishing contributes more than $130 million to the economy each year.

Space is limited and registration is required for all clinics. To register, contact Kimberly Sullivan at 401.539.0019 or via email at Kimberly.sullivan@dem.ri.gov.

Women's Fly Fishing
 Saturday, July 9, 2016
 9 AM to 3 PM
 Carolina Trout Hatchery - Carolina, RI
Space is Limited; REGISTRATION REQUIRED  
Contact: Kimberly Sullivan, RIDEM – Fish and Wildlife 401-539-0019 or kimberly.sullivan@dem.ri.gov  

Women's Fly Fis
 Saturday, July 9, 2016
 9 AM to 3 PM
 Carolina Trout Hatchery - Carolina, RI
Space is Limited; REGISTRATION REQUIRED  
Contact: Kimberly Sullivan, RIDEM – Fish and Wildlife 401-539-0019 or kimberly.sullivan@dem.ri.gov  
Women's Fly Fishing
 Saturday, July 9, 2016
 9 AM to 3 PM
July 9: Women's Fly Fishing Workshop 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. // Carolina
DEM, Wood River Fly Fishing, and Narragansett Trout Unlimited host a fly-fishing workshop for women only. The program will focus on equipment, fly-tying, fly-casting, and highlight fishing areas across Rhode Island. Lunch and equipment provided.

DEM also offers group fishing training at the ARE training pond in Richmond, Rhode Island. The training pond welcomes school, scout, senior, and youth groups to learn to fish in a safe, wheelchair-accessible area. Bait, rods, tackle and training are provided. Reservations are required, and there is no cost to participate.

According to the Outdoor Industry Association, outdoor recreation in Rhode Island generates $2.4 billion in consumer spending and supports 24,000 jobs. As part of a larger network of recreational opportunities in the state, fishing plays an important role in connecting people with nature, promoting health, attracting tourism, and supporting a treasured tradition for Rhode Island families. According to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, there are approximately 175,000 recreational anglers (age 16+) in Rhode Island. And recreational fishing contributes more than $130 million to the economy each year.

Space is limited and registration is required for all clinics. To register, contact Kimberly Sullivan at 401.539.0019 or via email at Kimberly.sullivan@dem.ri.gov.
 Carolina Trout Hatchery - Carolina, RI
Space is Limited; REGISTRATION REQUIRED  
Contact: Kimberly Sullivan, RIDEM – Fish and Wildlife 401-539-0019 or kimberly.sullivan@dem.ri.g