Connecticut Fishing Report 7-27-17

Posted by Wayne G. Barber

FREE FISHING LICENSE DAY

The second 2017 (and final) Free Fishing License Day is Saturday, August 12, 2017 (and also the day of the NCLI/DEEP CARE program Saltwater fishing event at Fort Trumbull State Park – see page 7 for more information on this event). Anyone can obtain a free one-day fishing license to fish this day.

The free 1-day license can be obtained through our mobile friendly site at www.ct.gov/deep/sportsmenlicensing and at the same vendors (Designated vendor (tackle shop), Town Halls and DEEP offices where other licenses are available (DEEP Offices).

LARGEMOUTH BASS fishing continues to be good. Places to try include Congamond Lakes (good night action with a number of fish around 3 lbs, fair to good in the day), , Lake Saltonstall, Lake McDonough, Highland Lake, Winchester Lake, Bantam Lake, Candlewood Lake (work the edge habitat), Ball Pond, Lake Wononskopomuc, Highland Lake (good, catches included a 7.5 lb beast), Batterson Park Pond, Black Pond (Meriden), Beseck Lake (some nice action reported), Lake Lillinonah, Stillwater Pond, Griggs Pond, Lake Waramaug, West Hill Pond, Park Pond, Winchester Lake, Squantz Pond, Wood Creek Pond, Pachaug Pond, Breakneck Pond (great hike in location), Crystal Lake (Ellington), Quaddick Lake, Gardner Lake, Moodus Reservoir, Quonnipaug Lake, Silver Lake (Meriden) and Halls Pond.

Tournament angler reports are from Aspinook Pond (fair, 3.12 lb lunker), Beseck Lake (fair action, 3.76 lb lunker), Lake of Isles (fair, with a 4.43 lb lunker), Mansfield Hollow Reservoir (fair to good for an late afternoon-evening tournament with a 4.13 lb lunker, fair a day tourney with a 3.3 lb lunker), Pachaug Pond (good fishing for one club with a 4.47 lb lunker, slow for two other clubs with 3.37 lb and 2.63 lb lunkers), Candlewood Lake (fair, 3.39 lb lunker), East Twin Lake (fair fishing, 4.55 lb lunker),
 Lake Lillinonah (fair to good action for one club), Connecticut River (launched from Salmon River -very good fishing for one club with lots of limits, all anglers got at least 10 lbs of fish with a 5.56 lb lunker and an average fish weight of over 2.3 lbs apiece, fair to good for an earlier club, with a 4.02 lb lunker).

SMALLMOUTH BASS Remains slow in many lakes and ponds, but action is being found with the best reports from Candlewood Lake (they’re starting to move to deeper spots around humps), Highland Lake, Lake Lillinonah and Colebrook River Lake. Fishing for river smallmouth was good in the Housatonic River (flyfishing with a popper) and the Connecticut River (try the suffield/Enfield area). Tournament angler reports are from Aspinook Pond (few), Pachaug Pond (some caught), Candlewood Lake (fair, 3.6 lb lunker), Lake Lillinonah (some “successful” fishing, with several smallie's over 3 lbs each and a 4.13 lb lunker), and the Connecticut River (some action on smallmouth)

KOKANEE have been spotty at both East Twin Lake (mostly 12 inch fish with some 14 inchers) and West Hill Pond. Try Beads, Mooselook Wobblers, DB Smelt, and Flash King lures (blue & silver); or fishing corn over lights at night.

CONNECTICUT RIVER. The river continues to be comfortable for fishing and boating. Flows continue just enough above typical levels to ease boat access to those hard to get into places, but have become more turbid again. STRIPED BASS are hanging out near the mouth (with schools of bunker - lots) and good action can be found from shore at the DEEP Old Lyme boardwalk or by launching a kayak from Great Island Launch in Old Lyme. CATFISH (up to and over 10 pounds) are being caught throughout the river.

Botanists Rediscover Rare Flower in Vermont

Posted by Wayne G. Barber

‘Winged Loosestrife’ Previously Thought to be Extinct in the State

 

MONKTON, Vt. – A Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department botanist and his wife were out for a weekend hike at Raven Ridge Natural Area in Monkton recently when they discovered a flowering plant that has not been seen in Vermont in decades and was thought to be extirpated, or locally extinct. Everett Marshall was hiking with his wife, Deb Parrella, when she noticed the small purple flowers of winged loosestrife (Lythrum alatum) while crossing a boardwalk through a wet meadow.  Parrella is also a trained botanist. 

 

The native winged loosestrife is closely related to purple loosestrife, which is native to Europe and Asia and is invasive in Vermont.  A small number of winged loosestrife plants were last observed by a botanist in Middlebury in 1979.  Prior to that there were only eight records of the plant in the state, the most recent occurring in 1933. 

 

“Deb noticed a plant that was clearly a loosestrife, but I didn’t think we had the native winged loosestrife in Vermont so we had to go home and use a guidebook to confirm the identification,” said Marshall.  “It’s exciting to see this plant once again recorded in Vermont, and demonstrates why we’re continually working alongside our partners and members of the public to document the diversity of species in the state.”

 

Marshall’s job with the Fish & Wildlife Department is to maintain the state’s Natural Heritage Inventory, which keeps track of all the known locations of Vermont’s rare, threatened, or endangered species and significant natural communities.

 

After the sighting, Marshall returned with biologist Dan Farrell from The Nature Conservancy in Vermont to document the extent of the plant’s robust population for the Inventory.  Raven Ridge Natural Area is a diverse 365-acre property that is owned by The Nature Conservancy.  It is known for housing federally-endangered Indiana bats, along with bobcats and ravens, which thrive on the ridge’s rocky outcroppings.  The plant was found in a wet, marshy meadow that was previously wet pastureland.

 

“We are thrilled that Everett and Deb found this plant,” said Rose Paul of The Nature Conservancy.  “This highlights the importance of conserving land for biodiversity, and also the value of many people accessing our natural areas throughout the year.  You never know what the next exciting discovery might be!”

Vermont 2017 Spring Turkey Harvest Results

Posted by Wayne G. Barber

MONTPELIER, Vt. – A preliminary report from Vermont Fish & Wildlife shows that hunters had a banner season this spring with the highest turkey harvest ever recorded. Hunters brought home 6,570 wild turkeys during the spring hunting season, including 743 turkeys taken during the April youth weekend hunt.

 

“The hunter success rate increased from the previous year of 21 percent to 29 percent of hunters harvesting at least one bird,” said state wild turkey project leader Chris Bernier.  “And, 32 percent of those successful hunters harvested a second bearded bird to fill the two-bird spring bag limit.”

 

A similar number of hunters took to the woods this year with 17,106 turkey hunting licenses purchased, compared to 17,249 in 2016. 

 

Turkeys were hunted statewide with turkeys harvested in 241 of Vermont’s 253 towns.  The central Connecticut River Valley saw the highest number of birds harvested with 720 taken in WMU-J2.  The northern Lake Champlain valley also proved to be a productive region with 675 turkeys taken in WMU-B – a 22 percent increase in harvest from the previous year and a new record harvest for this part of the state.

 

“While the relatively mild winter conditions experienced this year certainly helped,” Bernier said, “the prioritization of high quality spring hunting over fall harvest opportunities in accordance with the 2010-2020 Big Game Management Plan may be the reason.”

 

“The restoration of wild turkeys to Vermont that began in 1969 coupled with the careful management of the population is a wildlife success story we can all be proud of,” added Bernier.  “Vermont continues to be the preeminent state in New England for wild turkey hunting, and the birds are also enjoyed by those who just like to watch them.”

 

Conservation of wild turkey habitat continues to play a key role in the health and vitality of their population.  Bernier notes that a patchwork of fields and forests provide most of what a turkey needs to survive.  “Efforts from private landowners, volunteer based conservation groups like the National Wild Turkey Federation and state agencies to protect habitat go a long way toward ensuring wild turkeys are around in the future.” 

Fly Fishing Vendors, Food Trucks, and Live Music to Highlight 10th Annual Fly Fishing Festival

Posted by Wayne G. Barber

Manchester, Vermont - The American Museum of Fly Fishing's annual Fly Fishing Festival returns for a very special 10th anniversary this August 12 from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. The annual summer celebration will feature fly fishing vendors, casting and fly tying instruction, kids activities, food trucks, and live music.

The event will feature some of today's most exciting fly fishing brands, highlighted by Douglas Outdoors of Phoenix, New York. Douglas will be hosting a fly casting accuracy competition for the third consecutive year, giving away an Upstream pocket water rod to the lucky winner. Festival goers can also browse a collection of fly-fishing gear from the Deerfield Fly Shop. Mike Didonna, owner of the Deerfield Fly Shop, is enthusiastic about becoming a first-time festival exhibitor, saying, "It's very exciting to be invited to this event's 10th anniversary. We are looking forward to experiencing New England's enthusiasm of fly fishing." While Douglas Outdoors, Scott Fly Rods, Finn Utility, Sunny Brook Nets and others bring the modern goods, there will be plenty for vintage tackle enthusiasts and collectors as well. Bob Selb of The Classic Fly Fisherman and Dana Gray of Carlson Rod Company will be selling classic fly fishing equipment and will be available for on-site appraisals.

Casting instruction will be offered throughout the entire day with local legend Paul Sinicki. Patagonia and Scott Fly Rods pro Rachel Finn will host a seminar on "Fly Casting to Trout" at 11:30 followed by a saltwater fly fishing demonstration by Orvis' Pete Kutzer covering casting, tactics, and fish fighting. In addition to casting, there will be a colorful assortment of fly tying gurus on hand as well. Some of the tiers featured throughout the day include pike fishing experts The Vermont Fly Guys, Mike Rice of Mud Dog Flies, and Rhey Plumley, who will hold special demonstrations on how to tie the State Fly of Vermont. Kids can cut their fly tying teeth at the adjacent activities tent tying clown flies, as well as other fish-themed arts and crafts.

There will be many creations by local Vermont companies celebrating our special 10th anniversary. The brilliant minds from Mad River Distillers and Shacksbury

Cider are currently working on a collaborative cocktail that will be featured at the event. Another 10th anniversary exclusive will be the fly-fishing themed "Tie, Fly, Lie" candle by the talented Melissa Klick of Icy Palmer Candle Company of Arlington, Vermont. This special-run candle will only be sold at the festival.

Live music will be provided by Burlington artist, Kelly Ravin. His blue collar country rock will be the perfect pairing with food from Raven's Den Steakhouse, Mio Bistro Mobile and other food vendors. Chef Edward St. Onge of the Raven's Den will also be holding a demonstration on how to shuck shellfish and prepare a variety of seafood sauces at 1 p.m.

What began as a small cookout called the "Battenkill Bash" has become one of our signature public programs at the museum and one that brings hundreds of enthusiastic anglers (and some non-anglers) to Manchester. Whether you are an avid fly angler or just passing through town on the weekend of the Manchester Outlet sidewalk sales, we encourage you to experience this one-of-a-kind event.

For more information about the Museum and its 10th annual Fly Fishing Festival please visit http://www.amff.org/2017-fly-fishing-festival/.

New Massachusetts Freshwater Record 7-25-17

Posted by Wayne G. Barber

NEW STATE RECORD: The new state record holder for bowfin is 16-year-old Tauri Adamczyk! Tauri caught the 7 lb. 14 oz. bowfin out of the Taunton River this week. Congratulations!

Vermont maple syrup production at near record high in 2017

Posted by Wayne G. Barber

Danny Potter checks the consistency of syrup while boiling sap at his family’s sugarhouse in Sharon, on Thursday. Photo by Sarah Priestap/Valley News

Vermont’s maple syrup output this year nearly matched last year’s record, according to the USDA, driven largely by a continuing increase in the number of taps.
The state produced 1.98 million gallons in the most recent season, slightly behind the record last year of 1.99 million, says a USDA report.
Henry Marckres, the Agency of Agriculture’s maple specialist for the past 33 years, said the recent highs in maple production are consistent with a longer trend.
“We’ve had just a huge increase in the number of taps in the last 15 years,” Marckres said. That increase reflects growth among both large producers and smaller operations.
In the early 2000s, Vermont had about 1 million taps, Marckres said.
By 2015, that number rose to 4.55 million, and this year maple sugarers increased the number of taps to 5.41 million taps.
Marckres said the growth in syrup production is due to high demand, especially in the bulk market.
“Right now, the markets are good, both in the U.S. and abroad,” he said. “It’s kind of a good time because people are looking to buy local and buy natural.”
Climatic and technological factors have also contributed to increased production.
The USDA reports shows that Vermont’s sugaring season opened on January 1 each of the past three years. That’s much earlier than when sugaring season traditionally began.
“The old rule of thumb — I used to sugar years ago, too — was that you would tap the day after Town Meeting Day, which would be the first part of March,” Marckres said. “Probably 25 years ago, people started tapping a little bit earlier and a little bit earlier, but in the last five years people have really started tapping early.”
It’s not just warmer winters that are responsible for longer sugaring seasons, though.
Marckres said that the networks of rubber tubing which have replaced the iconic steel buckets in most operations allow sugar makers to put in taps earlier than they did in the past.
Because the tubing is a closed system, he said, the tap holes don’t dry out even if the sap stops flowing for some time. This means syrup producers can take advantage of intermittent bursts of warm weather without needing to put in fresh taps after each time the sap stops flowing.
“If your operation has a 100,000 taps, a couple days of fairly good runs makes a lot of syrup,” Marckres said.
Two other innovations have also contributed significantly.
Vacuum technology has increased sap yield per tap and reverse osmosis filtration systems remove water from sap prior to boiling. Less water in sap means higher sugar concentration, which in turn means sap doesn’t need to be boiled as long, saving time and fuel costs.
Marckres said the slight decline in total syrup production from last year to this year was entirely about conditions.
“It was all weather. Even though we have all the technology in the world today, Mother Nature still rules the production,” he said.
The 2017 sugaring season came during an ongoing outbreak in Vermont’s population of forest tent caterpillars that began last summer.
The caterpillars prefer the leaves of hardwood species, especially sugar maple. Last year the caterpillars defoliated around 25,000 acres of forest in northeastern and north-central Vermont.
Mark Isselhardt, a maple specialist at UVM’s Proctor Maple Research Center, said this year’s defoliation likely won’t be as bad as the peak of the previous cyclical outbreak in 2006, when 310,000 acres were denuded. But he does anticipate a dramatic increase in acreage from last year.
Just how bad that news is for the 2018 sugaring season is unclear, said Isselhardt.
While defoliation doesn’t affect sap flow, Isselhardt said it’s difficult to measure how it affects syrup production. There’s no systematic sampling of sap sweetness statewide, so there’s very little information on the impact of defoliation on the sugar content of sap, which is just as important to syrup production.
Marckres is optimistic that Vermont’s maples will recover before the summer ends.
“The foliage looks fantastic this year,” Marckres said. “Overall, I think we’re going to be in pretty good shape again.”

Don Helstrom is a legendary Maine guide

Posted by Wayne G. Barber

In the photo above is Don, receiving his award at this year’s MPGA banquet. The award was presented by DIF&W Commissioner Chandler Woodcock and U.S. Senator Angus King. Credit; George Smith

Wiggie Robinson was a legendary guide, for sure. I was privileged to know Wiggie, and to fish with some of his famous flies. And I was very pleased when the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife and the Maine Professional Guides Association teamed up to create the Wiggie Robinson Legendary Guide Award in 2009.

Very appropriately, Wiggie was the first recipient of this award, regrettably posthumously. Many of us still miss Wiggie.

Since 2009, more great guides have been privileged to win this award, including Gary Corson, Matt Libby, Don Dudley, and Gil Gilpatrick, all of whom I know and admire.

This year, another great guide and great guy won the award: Don Helstrom of Turnpike Ridge Outfitters in Millinocket and Salmon Pool Camps on the Aroostook River. I’ve known Don for a long time and feel he is very deserving of the special recognition.

For starters, Don has been guiding for 56 years and has been a leader for many years with the MPGA and other groups. I always valued his voice and his participation in key outdoor issues during my years at the Sportsman’s Alliance of Maine.

Having guided thousands of sportsmen and women on all sorts of outdoor adventures, Don focused a lot of his time and energy on bear hunting and has been a key defender of that opportunity. Having grown up in the Millinocket area, Don has a real passion for the outdoors, and I’ve especially admired his focus on introducing kids to the great Maine outdoors and to our hunting and fishing heritage.Congratulations Don! And thanks for all you’ve done for us and our outdoor heritage. Source: George Smith Blog

Phenology Calendar

Posted by Wayne G. Barber

Look at the Season's Main Events

Source: Virginia Barlow

Fourth Week of July

The lovely blue flowers of chicory, a non-native plant often found along roadsides, is more often appreciated than scorned. The dried, ground roots are a coffee substitute and the flowers feed many insects.

Queen Anne's lace will grow to more than five feet tall if on rich, moist soil.

Most moths prefer to fly at night. Not so the hummingbird clear wing moth. Like its namesake, it visits flowers and hovers.

Young nighthawks and whippoorwills are flying.

First Week of August

Monarch adults are not only found on milkweed; they will visit red clover, thistles, and sunflowers, as well.

Live-bearing female garter snakes spend much of the day basking, incubating their developing young at between about 84 and 90 degrees.

Spring peepers have absorbed their tails and are adjusting to life on terra firma. Now they are about one-quarter of an inch long; they will still be small at maturity, reaching just 1.5 inches in length.

Bassmaster Elites To Converge On Picturesque Lake Champlain

Posted by Wayne G. Barber

PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. — The world’s best bass fishermen will be catching mixed bags of fat largemouth and smallmouth while surrounded by some of the country’s most beautiful scenery in upstate New York at the Bassmaster Elite at Lake Champlain presented by Dick Cepek Tires & Wheels out of Plattsburgh, July 27-30.
The last time the Elite Series visited the huge lake was during July 2007, when Alabama’s Tim Horton won with a four-day total of 83 pounds, 10 ounces. The lake forms a border between northeastern New York and Vermont stretching approximately 125 miles in length, 14 miles at its widest and boasting a max depth of about 400 feet.
As the season is winding down, a $100,000 payday is not the only thing on the line. After this derby, there is just one regular-season event remaining on Michigan’s Lake St. Clair. The field of 109 anglers will have their final opportunities to earn valuable Toyota Bassmaster Angler of the Year points.
Point totals in the Top 50 earn an invitation to the Toyota Bassmaster AOY Championship on Minnesota’s Mille Lacs Lake, and from there a possible berth into the 2018 GEICO Bassmaster Classic presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods.
“Tournament catch rates have been very good over recent years on Champlain,” said Bernie Pientka, fisheries biologist with the Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife. “The popularity of both species of bass has been increasing, and a very healthy resource exists thanks to the lake’s dynamic forage base and modern catch-and-release practices.”
Available baitfish include sunfish, yellow perch, golden shiners and alewives, said Pientka.
“Recently, we’ve really seen the bass’ focus shift from traditional prey species like sunfish and perch to a heavier focus on the alewife population,” he said. “As a result, the bass are very healthy and in plentiful numbers. I fully expect to see a smallmouth tip the scales at 5 pounds or better, and a largemouth over 6 pounds.”
He also mentioned that a 20-pound, five-bass limit each day is very likely, which would put the event on par with the one Horton won a decade ago.
“It’s been a cool spring and early summer in this part of the country,” Pientka said. “The water north to south is cooler on average for this time of year, and that will impact how anglers approach their patterns. The bass quality won’t suffer very much, but the fish may be spread out and somewhat unpredictable when compared to years past.”
Overall, Pientka believes Lake Champlain is in fantastic shape and will really show off when the Elite Series anglers begin competition on Thursday, July 27.
Takeoff will occur each morning at 6:15 a.m. ET out of Plattsburgh City Marina, and weigh-in will take place at 3:15 p.m. near the Plattsburgh City Beach.
The event is hosted by the Adirondack Coast Visitors Bureau and the City of Plattsburgh.

MassWildlife Announces Substantial Donation from Revere Business Owner and Sportsman

Posted by Wayne G. Barber

Donation Will Aid Fish and Wildlife Conservation and Restoration Efforts

WESTBOROUGH -- The Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (Mass Wildlife) recently received a large bequest of over $338,000 from the estate of Revere businessman and sportsman Antimo N. DeFilippo.

"This generous gift is an unexpected surprise," said MassWildlife Director Jack Buckley. "It is an incredible endorsement of our mission when a citizen makes a deliberate choice to contribute to a government agency." Buckley noted that DeFilippo's gracious gift, deposited in the Inland Fish and Game Fund, will help support agency fish and wildlife conservation projects, education and outdoor skills programs, and fish and wildlife research.

DeFilippo owned Glenwood Memorials, a monument business in Revere. In an era when most stones are machine cut, "Timo", a master stonecutter, took pride in producing hand-cut stone memorials and gravestones. DeFilippo loved the outdoors, enjoying fishing, hunting, and tending a large vegetable and fruit garden behind his Washington Street shop.

Anyone interested in contributing to further Mass Wildlife's habitat and wildlife conservation efforts across the Commonwealth can consider several options:

• The Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Fund: This fund supports the protection, restoration, and management of endangered wildlife and plants. Make a direct donation by check or contribute on line 33A of the state income tax form.
• The Wildlands Fund: This fund protects important fish and wildlife habitat. The lands remain open to fishing, hunting, trapping, and other wildlife related recreation. Each year, hunting, fishing, and trapping license buyers contribute $5 to this fund. Make a direct donation by check to MassWildlife.
• Massachusetts Outdoor Heritage Foundation: A non-profit organization supporting MassWildlife's efforts to protect and improve fish and wildlife habitat and outdoor recreation. Current supported projects include land and aquatic-based habitat restoration, the National Archery in the Schools Program, and production of educational fish and wildlife publications. Online and direct donations are accepted.

For more information about MassWildlife's fish and wildlife conservation activities and public programs, visit mass.gov/masswildlife.

Vermont F&W Recaptures 48-Year-Old Sturgeon

Posted by Wayne G. Barber

Vermont F&W Recaptures 48-Year-Old Sturgeon

Fisheries biologists remind anglers of sturgeon protection laws

RUTLAND, Vt. – Fisheries staff from Vermont Fish & Wildlife received a pleasant surprise recently while completing survey work on Lake Champlain in the form of a 48-year old lake sturgeon that biologists first studied and tagged nearly two decades ago.

"We first saw this fish in 1998 when it was roughly 29 years old," said Chet MacKenzie, fisheries biologist with Vermont Fish & Wildlife. "It's a really interesting story to see this fish 19 years later, and another great example of the incredible longevity that the species is known for."

The male sturgeon, which weighed 69 pounds and measured 66.1 inches when it was first tagged in 1998, weighed 78 pounds and had a total length of 67.5 inches at the time of the most recent capture in late May.

"We recaptured this fish several times between 1998 and 2002," added MacKenzie. "This year we implanted an acoustic tag which will allow us to follow its movements for up to 10 years."

Sturgeon monitoring activities being carried out by Vermont Fish & Wildlife are part of the Department's Lake Champlain Sturgeon Recovery Plan which was enacted in 2016 and includes efforts to reduce mortality of lake sturgeon, improve spawning and nursery habitat and continue population assessment work.

Lake sturgeon, which are listed as an endangered species by the State of Vermont and are protected from harvest, are only found in Vermont in Lake Champlain and the lower sections of the Winooski, Lamoille and Missisquoi rivers, and Otter Creek. They are a unique, ancient form of fish that were first given complete protection by law in 1967. Lake Champlain has the only lake sturgeon population in New England.
The fish were historically more common in Lake Champlain, but declined rapidly in the 20th century due to over fishing, the loss of spawning and nursery habitat caused by the construction of dams and sea lamprey predation.
"We'd like to remind anglers that sturgeon are fully protected by Vermont law and any sturgeon caught must be released immediately," said MacKenzie. "Harvesting a lake sturgeon would result in the loss of an angler's fish and wildlife licenses in Vermont and most other states for up to three years, in addition to various potential fines."

MacKenzie encouraged anglers to help with the Lake Champlain sturgeon restoration effort by minimizing injuries to any accidentally caught sturgeon.

"If by chance an angler catches a sturgeon, we ask that they leave the sturgeon in the water and remove the hook if the fish is hooked in the mouth, but cut the line and leave the hook in place if the hook is swallowed," said MacKenzie. "Anglers can also help by choosing to change fishing locations or using a different bait in the event that they catch multiple sturgeon in a particular area."

Vermont Fish & Wildlife urges anglers to help population recovery efforts by reporting any sturgeon they catch to the Department at 802-878-1564, or by contacting their local fish and game warden or district office. Information obtained about sturgeon catches can be valuable to the Department's sampling efforts and to monitoring the trend in sturgeon abundance over time.

Anglers and members of the public are also asked to report illegal sturgeon harvest to law enforcement immediately by calling their local warden, a state police dispatch center or Operation Game Thief at 1-800-752-5378.

To learn more about Vermont's fisheries programs, fishing regulations, or to purchase a fishing license, visit www.vtfishandwildlife.com.

Gun Club Purchases $15,000 of Body Armor for Local Police

Posted by Wayne G. Barber

President of MutualOne Bank Mark Haranas, left, and Framingham Police Chief Kenneth Ferguson stand with Officer Philip Hurton and Weston Shooters Club owner Victor Grillo.

WESTON, MA -- Weston Shooters Club of Weston, Massachusetts, is pleased to announce that it has donated $15,000 to purchase body armor for the Framingham (MA) Police Department. With funds provided by Weston Shooters Club, Framingham PD was able to purchase 25 sets of ballistic vests, helmets, and related equipment for its officers.

Through its relationship with Mark Haranas, President of Mutual One Bank of Framingham, Victor Grillo learned that the Framingham Police Department was seeking funds to purchase new body armor for its officers. Victor Grillo, owner of Weston Shooters Club, subsequently jumped at the opportunity to fund the purchase.

Victor Grillo, owner of Weston Shooters Club, said, "Our members are strong supporters of responsible gun ownership and firearms safety. We are pleased to be able to help our friends in law enforcement stay safe as they work to protect our community every day from those who don't share the same gun values we do."

Mark Haranas, President of Mutual One Bank, said, "We have been supporting police efforts for years. Teaming up with Weston Shooters Club has been a great experience."

Kenneth Ferguson, Chief of the Framingham Police Department, said, "We are so grateful when members of the community step up to the plate to fund improvements that keep our officers and community safe. On behalf of everyone at the Framingham Police Department, we thank Weston Shooters Club and Mutual One Bank for their generous donations."

About Weston Shooters Club: Weston Shooters Club, located in Weston, MA, is New England's newest and finest private shooting club. It represents a new format where country club meets gun club, and has enjoyed great support from its members and the surrounding communities since opening in 2014. WSC is the premier provider of firearms safety instruction in the Metro West communities of Massachusetts.

Cabela's stockholders approve sale to Bass Pro Shops

Posted by Wayne G. Barber

Cabela's stockholders approve sale to Bass Pro Shops

SIDNEY, Neb. - Cabela’s Incorporated said Tuesday that its shareholders approved the company's sale to Bass Pro Shops of Springfield, Mo. The vote was Tuesday morning at Cabela's headquarters here.
Bass Pro and Cabela's announced the deal last fall. Bass Pro Shops will pay $4 billion to buy Cabela's. The Federal Trade Commission approved the deal last week. Cabela's shareholders will receive $61.50 per share.
In addition to selling Cabela's stores, website and catalog business to Bass Pro, Cabela's plans to sell its credit card unit.
Bass Pro Shops hasn't said how many of the roughly 2,000 jobs based in Sidney will remain after the sales closes. Johnny Morris and his family own Bass Pro Shops; its headquarters is on East Kearney Street in Springfield.
"The final vote results will be filed on a Form 8-K with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The transaction is expected to close in the third quarter of 2017, subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions," Cabelas' said in its news release.
“We are pleased that our combination with Bass Pro Shops has received the overwhelming support of Cabela’s shareholders,” Tommy Millner, Cabela’s chief executive officer, said in the news release. “Today’s results are an important milestone as we look forward to completing the merger and creating the premier retailer in outdoor sporting goods, with an unparalleled commitment to customer loyalty and satisfaction.”
The two companies sell hunting, fishing, camping, shooting sports, and related outdoor merchandise. Cabela's was founded in 1961. Bass Pro Shops was founded in the 1970s.

DEM, CENTRAL FALLS TEAM UP TO HOST KIDS’ SALTWATER FISHING EXCURSION

Posted by Wayne G. Barber

DEM, CENTRAL FALLS TEAM UP TO HOST KIDS’ SALTWATER FISHING EXCURSION

PROVIDENCE - The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM), in partnership with the City of Central Falls and Progreso Latino, will host a kids’ saltwater fishing excursion aboard the Francis Fleet Charter out of Point Judith on Wednesday. Fifty local children and their families will participate in the free event, spending an afternoon on Narragansett Bay learning to fish and identify marine life in the Bay. 

 

WHAT:       Let’s Go Fishing event aboard the Francis Fleet Charter Boat

 

WHEN:      Wednesday, July 12 | 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

 

WHERE:      Point Judith, Narragansett 

 

** Media interested in joining for the boat trip should contact Gail Mastrati at gail.mastrati@dem.ri.gov by Tuesday, July 11. 

                               

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.

 

The Let’s Go Fishing excursion will be led by instructors from DEM’s Aquatic Resource Education (ARE) program. ARE hosts recreational fishing opportunities for the public throughout the year in addition to offering marine science training to educators. For more information on ARE programs, visit www.dem.ri.gov.  Follow DEM on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RhodeIslandDEM or via Twitter (@RhodeIslandDEM) for timely updates.

DEM HOSTS FREE FLY-FISHING WORKSHOP THIS MONTH

Posted by Wayne G. Barber

PROVIDENCE - The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) – in partnership with Trout Unlimited, United Fly-Tyers of Rhode Island, and the Wood River Fly-Fishing Association – will host a free fly-fishing clinic for women this month.

WHAT:               Ladies Fly-Fishing Day

WHEN:               Sunday, July 16 | 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

   Carolina Trout Pond, Carolina

The fly-fishing workshop, part of DEM’s Aquatic Resource Education (ARE) program, includes instruction on fly-tying, fly-casting and related equipment. Participants will also have an opportunity to fish in a stocked pond. ARE provides a host of recreational fishing opportunities for the public – as well as marine science programming for educators.

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, 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 annually.

All equipment and materials are provided by the ARE program and lunch will be provided, courtesy of Trout Unlimited. Space is limited and registration is required. For more information or to register for the workshop, contact Jessica Pena at Jessica.Pena@dem.ri.gov or at 539-0019. Follow DEM on Twitter (@RhodeIslandDEM) or Facebook at www.facebook.com/RhodeIslandDEM for timely updates.

Gun rights advocate Ronald Amidon named Massachusetts fish & game commissioner

Posted by Wayne G. Barber

Ron Amidon posed with a fresh catch on a fishing excursion. Amidon, an avid sportsman, will be the state's next fish and game commissioner.(Courtesy EEA)

Gun rights advocate and sportsman Ronald Amidon will take over as the Baker administration's fish and game commissioner.
Amidon is president of the Gun Owners Action League (GOAL) and has worked on identifying "cold water refuges for trout and the restoration of upland bird habitat," according to the Baker administration, which on Wednesday announced Amidon's appointment and the retirement of commissioner George Peterson Jr.
"Ron's been around the sporting and outdoor world for an awful long time," GOAL Executive Director James Wallace told the News Service. He said, "He's certainly got his heart into it."
The Templeton resident will succeed Peterson, a U.S. Army veteran who spent about two decades in the House as a Grafton Republican, rising to the position of assistant minority leader. Peterson previously worked as a commercial fisherman.

The Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs credited Peterson with preserving land, assisting the commercial fishing industry with an industry-based survey, and leading construction of a water pipeline and hydropower turbine at the McLaughlin Fish Hatchery in Belchertown.
Amidon's professional experience is in construction management, according to the Baker administration.
For the past few years Amidon has been working at McCourt Construction as a construction superintendent on the Whittier Bridge project along Interstate 95, according to Steve Frick, vice president of operations at McCourt. Frick said Amidon has worked for the company for four years.
A LinkedIn profile for Amidon said he was general manager for Deloury Construction, where he overhauled business processes. The profile said he had management positions at The Case Companies, J. Derenzo Construction, and Marois Bros. in addition to starting his own company.
Wallace said GOAL will hold a meeting soon to select a new president, and he said Amidon has held the top position for less than a year.
"Ron knows the Commonwealth's fisheries and wildlife as well as land protection responsibilities, and I look forward to working with him to continue the Baker-Polito Administration's support of the Commonwealth's wildlife, open spaces, and outdoor educational programs," Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Matt Beaton said in a statement.

Source:By State House News Service                               

Spring Bling for Massachusetts Eaglets

Posted by Wayne G. Barber

This spring, Mass Wildlife staff banded 29 eaglet chicks with two identification leg bands; an orange state band and a silver federal band. Some reports are still coming in, but the estimated number of eaglets fledging (surviving to fly from the nest) is at least 50 birds from 57 known active nests. Mass Wildlife's eaglet banding season ended June 22, a very late date for a very remarkable reason. After a spring storm in early March destroyed their nest and eggs, a pair of eagles in Middlesex County rebuilt the nest in a nearby tree, successfully laid eggs, and hatched two eaglets. This is the first time eagle re-nesting has been reported in the Bay State. Eagle re-nesting is an extremely rare event due to the amount of energy required to rebuild a nest, lay eggs, and hatch chicks. Mass Wildlife tree climbing staff reported that the new nest located in a large pine near the Charles River was about five feet in diameter and solidly built. The few re-nesting reports from other parts of the country indicate that successful re-nesting occurs only when the event happens during the early egg laying period. To support the conservation of Bald Eagles and other rare wildlife, donate to the Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Fund. Contribute by sending a check made payable to Commonwealth of MA: NHESP to Mass Wildlife, 1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough, MA 01581. Learn more: mass.gov/nhesp.

A Place Called Hope Presents “Just Hawks” at Kellogg Environmental Center, Derby,Connecticut

Posted by Wayne G. Barber

Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) invites families to a presentation on hawks on Saturday, July 15 at 11:00 a.m. at Kellogg Environmental Center, Derby.

A Place Called Hope will be on hand to present this special program focused on Connecticut’s daytime raptor, the hawk.  Learn about their special adaptations and compare the various species of hawks up close and personal.  All ages will enjoy meeting two live hawks from the raptor center and examining the collection of mounts found at the Kellogg Environmental Center.  Plan to bring a picnic to enjoy following the program and use the trails and field to spot some raptors in the area.

A Place Called Hope is a Rehabilitation and Education Center for Birds of Prey. Their goal is to heal injured, orphaned, or ill birds and return them to the wild where they belong. Federal permits allow them to house and work with the birds that cannot be returned to their natural world.  Their mission includes sharing the stories of these non-releasable birds with others so that we can better understand their needs and learn to co-exist with them. 

This program is offered free of charge but donations are welcome.  DEEP’s Kellogg Environmental Center is located at 500 Hawthorne Avenue, Derby, CT.  For further information, directions, or to register, please phone the Kellogg Environmental Center at (203) 734-2513 or email donna.kingston@ct.gov