KVD Scores 25th Bassmaster Elite Win at Grand Lake O' the Cherokees

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Kevin Van Dam of Kalamazoo, Michigan, laid further claim to being the top tournament basser of all time with his 25th Elite Series win at Grand Lake O' the Cherokees in Oklahoma Sunday, weighing a four day total of 83 pounds, 4 ounces to win the event and the $100,000 first prize going away. It was Van Dam's second Elite win on Grand Lake.
 

Details of Van Dam's win have not been posted as we go to press, but photos of his final day on the water indicate most of his fish came on small crawfish colored squarebill crankbaits fished around boat docks, rocky shorelines and narrow creeks.

Tommy Biffle was second with 78-2, and Roy Hawk third with 77-0. Most anglers hammered the shorelines for spawning fish.
 

www.bassmaster.com

Wayne G. Barber

Vermont Allocates 13 Moose Hunting Permits for 2018

Posted by Wayne G. Barber

Two special drawings and an auction will be used to distribute permits

 

MONTPELIER, Vt. – The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Board voted on April 25 to have 13 moose hunting permits awarded this year.  By law, five permits will be available to Vermont military veterans and up to three permits will be available for “Special Opportunity” recipients with life-threatening illnesses; the remaining five permits will be auctioned in accordance with regulations. 

 

The hunt will be restricted to bull moose in Wildlife Management Units E1 and E2 in the northeastern corner of the state where the Fish & Wildlife Department recommends the moose population be maintained at its current level to reduce the effects of winter ticks.  The department expects only nine to ten moose to be taken.  The small number of bulls-only permits is not expected to have any impact on Vermont’s moose population.

 

No regular public lottery will be held.  People who have moose hunting bonus points from previous years will have those points “frozen” so that they may be used in future years. 

 

The special priority drawing for five permits for Vermont military veterans will occur on August 1.  Veterans may apply at no cost starting on April 30 on Fish & Wildlife’s website (www.vtfishandwildlife.com) or by mailing downloaded applications.  The deadline to apply is July 6.  Veteran permit recipients may hunt only in the October 20-25 season.  Veterans who have bonus points from previous years must apply in the veteran lottery this year in order to preserve their veteran bonus points.  Those who would like to request a paper application or need assistance applying may call the department’s licensing office at 802-828-1190.

 

Three moose permits will also be available to “Special Opportunity” recipients – people who have life-threatening illnesses and who are sponsored by a qualified charitable organization.  These permit recipients may only hunt in the October 20-25 season. Applications are at no cost and can be received from the department’s licensing office.

 

Hunters also will have the option to bid on five moose hunting permits in an auction to be announced later.  Proceeds from the auction help fund the department’s conservation education programs.  Auction permit recipients may choose to hunt in either the October 1-7 archery season or the October 20-25 season.   

 

 

Vermont’s moose project leader, wildlife biologist Cedric Alexander estimates Vermont has 1,650 moose statewide with the greatest concentration in the Northeast Kingdom.

 

“We are limiting the hunt to the portion of the state where the moose population is stabilizing, and we believe it is in the best interest of moose to keep their density at its current level of one moose per square mile,” said Alexander.  By maintaining moose at this level, research indicates winter ticks will have fewer hosts to feed on.  For the remainder of the state, a no-harvest approach is designed to increase the population.” Source: Vermont Fish and Wildlife Press Release.

Vermont Antlerless Deer Proposal, Hearings May 8 and 10

Posted by Wayne G. Barber

MONTPELIER, Vt. – The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Board voted on the Fish & Wildlife Department’s 2018 antlerless deer hunting proposal on April 25.  Public hearings will be held May 8 in Rutland and May 10 in South Burlington to recap the results of the 2017 deer seasons and review the antlerless proposal.  The December muzzleloader season would have 27,000 antlerless permits, which would result in about 3,914 antlerless deer being taken. 

 

The hearings are scheduled for 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. as follows:

Tuesday, May 8 – Rutland High School, 22 Stratton Rd., Rutland, VT 05701

Thursday, May 10 – South Burlington High School, 550 Dorset St., South Burlington, VT 05403

 

Previous hearings reviewing the 2017 deer hunting seasons were held in Montpelier, Windsor and Orleans. 

 

“We are recommending an antlerless deer harvest this year that is very similar to what was recommended in 2017,” said Nick Fortin, deer project leader for the Fish & Wildlife Department.  “Three consecutive mild to moderate winters have allowed for deer population growth throughout Vermont, and deer populations in some areas now exceed established objectives.  The recommendation is intended to reduce deer numbers in those areas while stabilizing populations in other areas.”

 

The department’s annual recommendation is based on population estimates, biological data, winter severity data, and deer sighting rates reported by hunters, as well as input from game wardens, foresters and the public. 

 

“We expect the statewide deer population to be about 155,000 prior to the start of the 2018 deer seasons,” said Fortin. 

 

Hunting for antlerless deer is proposed statewide for the October 67-November 2 and December 1-9 archery season.  Last year, hunters took 2,649 antlerless deer during the archery season. 

 

One deer of either sex would be allowed for youths during the November 3-4 youth weekend hunt.  Youths took 866 antlerless deer during the 2017 youth weekend hunt.

 

The December 1-9 muzzleloader season would have 27,000 antlerless permits distributed in 18 of Vermont’s 21 Wildlife management Units (WMU), which is estimated to result in 3,914 antlerless deer being taken. 
The antlerless deer hunting proposal for 2018 and the Fish & Wildlife Board’s recommended permits by each WMU are on Vermont Fish & Wildlife’s website (www.vtfishandwildlife.com) under “Board Rules.”  Public comments on the proposal may be emailed to ANR.FWPublicComment@Vermont.Gov  by May 22, 2018.  Source: Vermont Fish and Wildlife Press Release.

WESTERLY TO APPLY MOSQUITO LARVICIDE TO CHAPMAN SWAMP THIS FRIDAY

Posted by Wayne G. Barber

WESTERLY TO APPLY MOSQUITO LARVICIDE TO CHAPMAN SWAMP THIS FRIDAY

PROVIDENCE - The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) today announced the Town of Westerly will begin aerial application of mosquito larvicide across 500 acres of Chapman Swamp and nearby swamplands on Friday, April 27.  Spraying will take place between 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.; rain date is Monday, April 30.    

 

Bti, a naturally-occurring bacterium applied in granular form to control mosquito breeding in swamps and other breeding habitats, will be applied.  It is an environmentally friendly product and does not pose a risk to human health.  Larviciding is recommended as part of the state’s action plan for West Nile Virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) and considered an effective strategy to reduce mosquito populations and related disease risk. 

 

In most communities, the state recommends applying larvicide by hand to roadside catch basins.  In the Chapman Swamp area, aerial application is recommended given the area’s remote location and large footprint. Mosquitoes carrying the EEE virus were found in Chapman Swamp in 1996 and 2003.  Since 1997, the Town has applied Bti to Chapman Swamp to help control mosquito breeding.  Additional dates for spraying may be scheduled by the Town; the targeted areas include portions of Chapman Swamp and swampland adjacent to Hespar Drive.

 

For mosquito prevention tips, visit the Rhode Island Department of Health’s website at  http://www.health.ri.gov/mosquito.  For more information about DEM divisions and programs, visit www.dem.ri.gov.  Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RhodeIslandDEM or on Twitter (@RhodeIslandDEM) for timely updates. Source: RI DEM PRESS RELEASE

Vermont: Dead Creek Visitor Center Opens for Season May 11

Posted by Wayne G. Barber

Vermont: Dead Creek Visitor Center Opens for Season May 11

ADDISON, VT - The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department is announcing that the Dead Creek Visitor Center in Addison, Vermont, will be opening for the season on Friday, May 11.  The visitor center will be open Fridays through Sundays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. through August and will offer a variety of free programs for all ages throughout the spring and summer. Hours will be expanded in the fall.      

The Dead Creek Visitor Center opened in 2017 and is a new educational facility featuring displays highlighting the history of Dead Creek and conservation, fish and wildlife management, conservation partnerships, habitat features, and the many species –particularly birds– that live in the region.

Visitors can take a self-guided tour to learn about local fish and wildlife, the history of Dead Creek, habitat and land management, and the impacts of climate change on the natural world.  Knowledgeable staff or volunteers will be on hand to answer questions, help visitors find a place to see wildlife, or assist with buying a hunting or fishing license or Vermont Habitat Stamp. The center is a great spot for kids and adults to stop and explore the many facets of a Vermont wildlife management area.  

“Dead Creek is beloved by so many and is a great place to experience nature,” says Amy Alfieri, biologist and manager of Dead Creek.  “We are excited to open the visitor center for the season and provide a space for people to learn about the conservation efforts that help this special place continue to thrive. We’ve added some great programming that will help people make a deeper connection with fish and wildlife and the habitat that sustains them.”

For more information about the Dead Creek Visitor Center, see http://vtfishandwildlife.com/dead-creek-visitor-center.html

Fatalities Up, Maryland Takes Steps to Increase Safety

Posted by Wayne G. Barber

ALL New England waters are still very Cold...

Boating accidents have claimed the lives of four people in Maryland so far this year, the deadliest start to a boating season in more than six years. Saturday is the opening of the striped bass fishing season, meaning an increase in boating traffic at a time when water temperatures remain dangerously low.

The Outdoor Scene and its partner agencies are taking steps to increase safety awareness, provide expert assistance and raise the visibility of enforcement efforts.

Priority No. 1: Getting boaters to wear life jackets. None of this year’s victims had a life jacket on. All of them were within sight of shore or a boat and minutes from possible rescue. Last year, none of the nine boating victims were wearing life jackets. A life jacket would have bought them time until help arrived. It only takes 60 seconds for an adult to drown and 20 seconds for a child. Yet, in many cases, life jackets are stowed out of reach or still in their original wrapping.

Life jackets work only when you wear them!

New York: Eel Count in Poughkeepsie , NY for World Fish Migration Day

Posted by Wayne G. Barber

New York: Eel Count in Poughkeepsie for World Fish Migration Day

This is Big Business in the State on Maine.

Curious about eels? Join us on Saturday, April 21st and watch DEC educators count, weigh, and then release baby ‘glass’ eels upstream. The eel count will take place at 12 noon on the Fall Kill creek between the Mid-Hudson Children’s Museum and Upper Landing Park, which can be accessed by taking the elevator from the Walkway over the Hudson. This eel count is part of World Fish Migration Day, a global initiative to create awareness about the importance of open rivers and migratory fish. More than 300 events are scheduled world-wide.

The Hudson River estuary is home to more than 220 species of fish, including several species such as herring, shad, sturgeon, and eels that migrate from the Atlantic Ocean into the river and its tributaries to spawn each spring. Now in its 11th year, the Hudson River juvenile American eel program takes place from early March until May at 10 sites from Staten Island to New Baltimore. Citizen scientists—students, teachers, college interns, and community volunteers—check nets and eel ‘mops’ daily throughout the season, helping guide the conservation of this fish.

Source: New York Fish and Wildlife Press Release and Photo 

Discover Wild New Hampshire Day April 21

Posted by Wayne G. Barber

CONCORD, NH – NH Fish and Game’s biggest event of the year is almost here! Get in on the fun at Discover WILD New Hampshire Day on Saturday, April 21, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the grounds of the Fish and Game Department at 11 Hazen Drive in Concord, NH. Admission is free!

This fun-filled festival explores New Hampshire's wildlife resources and legacy of outdoor traditions, with exhibits by 60-plus outdoor and conservation organizations, plus live animals, demos, and more.  See big trout in the hatchery truck.  Tie a fly with Trout Unlimited.  Meet trained falcons and their handlers.  Try your hand at archery, casting, fly-tying, and shooting at the rifle range. Meet the cast of North Woods Law: New Hampshire. Create your own wildlife crafts, plant a tree, and toast a s’more.  Climb aboard the Bass Pro Shops yacht and cast a line. Check out the latest hunting and fishing gear and gadgets in the expo tent.

Be sure to stop by the Wildlife Heritage Foundation of New Hampshire tent and enter a giant raffle of outdoor gear and other great prizes!  The Foundation raffle drawings will be held at 2:30 p.m.

Discover WILD New Hampshire Day is a "rain or shine" event.  Hunting and fishing licenses will be sold.  Food concessions feature Arnie’s Place food and home-made ice cream, and hot dogs by Puppy Love.

Please note that no dogs, except service and working animals, will be permitted at the event.

Discover WILD New Hampshire Day began in New Hampshire in 1989 as an observance of Earth Day and a celebration of the state's wealth of natural resources and outdoor recreational opportunities. The event is hosted by the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department (www.wildnh.com) and sponsored by the Wildlife Heritage Foundation of New Hampshire (nhwildlifeheritage.org), and media sponsor Binnie Media/NH1 News.
Source: NH Fish and Game Press Release and Photo