Tuesday, December 27, 2016

Free Snowshoe Hare Hunting Workshop January 28 in Holderness


Posted byWayne G.Barber

HOLDERNESS, N.H. -- Learn about the exciting sport of snowshoe hare hunting at a free workshop being offered at the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department’s Owl Brook Hunter Education Center in Holderness, N.H. The workshop will take place from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 28, 2017. Space is limited and pre-registration is required.
 
To register, call the Owl Brook Hunter Education Center at (603) 536-3954.
 
At the workshop, instructors will introduce participants to one of New Hampshire's finest small-game hunting experiences -- hare hunting with beagles. Instructors include Edward Vien, Vice President of the New Hampshire Beagle Club and volunteer Hunter Education instructor; along with John Fletcher, President of the New Hampshire Beagle Club; and volunteer Hunter Education instructors Adam Gauthier, Larry Williams and Thomas Williams.
 
The workshop will cover topics such as snowshoe hares and where to find them, equipment needs, dogs and their needs and training, safety considerations, where to find information on hare and rabbit hunting, and clubs in New Hampshire that focus on dogs and hare hunting. The instructors have many years of experience and a true passion for their sport, so bring all your questions.
 
Participants should bring warm outdoor clothing and be prepared to go outside. The first portion of the workshop takes place in the classroom, and then the class moves outside, where the dogs will show their stuff!
 
Please note that this workshop does NOT include lunch.
 
For more information on Fish and Game’s Owl Brook Hunter Education Center, visit www.huntnh.com/hunting/owl-brook.htm

Monday, December 26, 2016

USFWS looks to quadruple size of wildlife refuge over the coming decades

Posted by Wayne G. Barber



A national wildlife refuge with around 26,000 acres in Essex County could expand dramatically over the coming decades, according to a long-range plan by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service now in its final stages.

The move won’t happen overnight, federal forest managers say — what the plan envisions will occur over decades, as landowners choose to sell parcels to the federal government.
The plan is a lengthy, technical and comprehensive.
Andrew French, project leader for the National Wildlife Service’s Silvio O. Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge said that’s in part because “it’s been 10 years in the making.” But the plan is accessible so that readers can find information about affected locations, French said.
The refuge in its entirety spans four states — Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut and New Hampshire — and encompasses 37,000 acres over 22 separate parcels.
The plan, which is known in Fish and Wildlife Service parlance as a Comprehensive Conservation Plan, contemplates expansion of that area to around 197,000 acres throughout the Connecticut River watershed.
The expansion will take place slowly, and perhaps in some form other than what the plan describes, French said.
“It’s a road map for a journey that’s going to take many decades,” he said. Should state, local and federal stakeholders agree they want to change the plan along the way, French said, emendations will require a public process.
Sales of affected land to the federal government will be strictly voluntary, French said.
The plan has already received comments about the federal government allegedly seizing landowners’ property, French said.
“People were concerned their land would be taken from them, and that’s not going to happen,” he said. “That’s not how we operate.
“We like to be able to stand on our record, and we have a very good record,” French said. “We’re not going to take land from anybody.”
Landowners whose property sits within the projected boundaries of the refuge will be affected in only one respect, French said: “All it means is, there’s a potentially willing buyer out there — us, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
“They can sell it, keep it, or do what they want: there’s no impact on what you can do with your land or how you use it, absolutely none,” he said.
The refuge has four goals, French said: conservation, education, recreation and partnership. Partnership can be just as effective a management strategy as land purchases, he said.
“It’s not just buying land,” French said. In fact, the refuge will succeed only if officials manage to work out partnerships with states, businesses and landowners that are mutually beneficial, he said.
Often this means leaving land in the hands of private citizens or businesses, French said. The “working landscape” is a conserved landscape, he said.
“When we’re breaking into a new area, more often than not people are skeptical about us, but over time we typically develop good relationships on the community level,” French said. “Our goal is to be viewed as an asset to the community.”
Essex County, where most of the refuge’s land is located, could see another 6,174 acres added to the 26,605 already under Fish and Wildlife Service ownership.
Sen. John Rodgers, D-Essex-Orleans, is worried that additional federal forest land could imperil residents’ access for snowmobiling, hunting and fishing — in particular, older folks or those who use wheelchairs.
“One of the questions has always been access, and what they do with traditional uses,” said Rodgers said.
Federal land ownership could also hurt tax collections for municipalities, since the United States government compensates towns in lieu of property taxes at a rate much lower than what localities can collect from private entities, Rodgers said.
Positive outcomes from the conserved land are possible, Rodgers said, “if it secures land for the public, as long as they don’t dramatically change what can and can’t be done on it.”
Beyond the Essex County additions, the Fish and Wildlife Service has designs in the plan to establish four new conservation areas.
One, in Vershire, Fairlee and West Fairlee would contain 15,072 acres and would be named the Ompompanoosuc Conservation Focus Area.
In Bridgewater the wildlife area would cover 5,985 acres and would go by the name of Ottauquechee Conservation Focus Area.
Still another would encompass 22,947 acres, located in Londonberry, Windham, Jamaica, Townshend, Newfane and Wardsboro, and would receive the name of West River Conservation Focus Area.
In Killington and Stockbridge a wildlife area known as White River Conservation Focus Area would be comprised of 10,054 acres.
The Silvio O. Conte refuge already holds 285 acres in the Putney Mountain Unit, located in Brookline and Putney.
The plan was originally released in August 2015, with a 90-day public comment period.
Now the proposal is undergoing a final, 30-day public comment period, which ends Jan. 17, 2017. Read the plan here.  Source: VT Digger Mike Polhamus

Saturday, December 24, 2016

Wild Fur Market Update - December 2016

Posted by Wayne G. Barber

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
Please note: Our next Wild Fur Update will be published on Friday, January 27, 2017
Major retail markets continue to be optimistic.  There are 4 or 5 weeks left in China before Chinese New Year begins on January 28, 2017.  In Russia, their orthodox Christmas falls on January 7, 2017.  Compared to last year, both China and Russia are reporting improved sales.  Lower garment prices are obviously helping the retailers.  In China, the North East has seen normal temperatures. Real retail figures will not be available until after Chinese New Year, but the mood continues to be cautiously optimistic.  Our Russian agent is reporting that the top end of the luxury business is holding its own and that Western Lynx Cats with better colored bellies are being used in garments and as trim on Black NAFA mink coats. These items have done well so far and they are expected to continue to sell well throughout the remainder of the retail season, resulting in considerable premiums being paid again for these types of Lynx Cats.  The problem in Russia appears to be in the intermediate priced garments which traditionally were sold to the middle class, who have lost a lot of their purchasing power over the last couple of years.  However, with higher oil prices and the potential of improved relations with the United States, we are hopeful that we will see a return of the Russian fur consumer’s buying power.  This may not happen in the 2017 retail season, but could very well happen in 2018.
So far, reports from all major markets are that Western Coyotes and North American Sable are also doing well. Sable could well see a significant increase by NAFA’s May Sale; already the first sale of Russian sable this month in St. Petersburg saw prices rise by 25% to 30% over last year’s levels, where many feel this item was under-priced.  In China, Muskrat plates have sold well and most buyer/manufacturers are expecting to pay substantially more than last year’s depressed prices.   Oscar Carbonell, NAFA’s International Sales Manager, just returned from China – his third trip there in the last several months.  Oscar reports that right now, the most important buyers of Muskrat believe they will have to pay 40 to 50% more than last year.  According to our field reports, however, Muskrat production will be severely limited due to last year’s low prices pointing to more upside pressure, due to supply and demand. Better Red Fox and Grey Fox are in the hands of the fashion houses and will be on the runways in 2017.  So far, the fashion houses are telling us that these two articles are in fashion and they believe they will have very good sales results, which should show up later in the year in the auction room.  Again, wild fur manufacturers are telling us that the timing of our sales is of real help to them.  We know that for the trappers, selling late is not what they would like and traditionally our February sale has always been one of the best sales for wild fur, however, we have just come out of one of the worst years in the industry and the trade needs time to recover.  From a purely financial point of view, selling later is the best option this year.
In the ranch mink business, the big drop in China’s mink production has resulted in sharply improved prices for commercial mink.  Last year at this time a large percentage of that mink remained unsold – this year the unsold mink from last year as well as the fresh crop has all been sold – a major improvement.  There are also reports that Russian ranched mink have been sold this year to Chinese buyers at prices higher than the auction prices of September 2016.  In addition, there have also been reports that cheaper commercial mink have been selling at an increase of 40-50%. These increased prices for ranched product will greatly help articles like Raccoon and Otter.  Otter, which is quite often sheared and made into garments, can easily compete with other fur products.  Raccoon needs improved prices for other products so that it can find its own price point.
We are continuing to work with fashion houses worldwide to make sure that wild fur is on the runways.  We cannot afford to stop promoting at this critical time.  NAFA is very busy out in all the markets, and Rob Cahill will provide an update of these activities in the New Year. There is light at the end of the tunnel and we expect to see the market begin to recover later in the 2017 season.
In February, we will be offering fresh Coyotes, which are in very strong demand as the trimming market continues to be active, as well as larger size North American Sables and Western Lynx Cats.
We are entering the 2017 selling season with zero inventory from trappers and hunters – a clean sheet so to speak, and we trust that in 2017 we will see improvements for most articles that were severely underpriced last year.
Again, we would like to remind you of the difficulties in market prices for inferior skins.  However, we also understand that in the Province of Ontario, in order to keep their trapping line, trappers have to produce a quota of beaver.
Wishing you and your families all a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Source: Herman Jansen
Managing Director
2016 12 Wild Fur PDF

Friday, December 23, 2016

PHENOLOGY CALENDAR, for Fourth Week of December

Posted by Wayne G. Barber


Fourth Week of December
Hawthorn fruits are nobody's favorite, but they stay on the tree and are valuable emergency food.

Golden-crowned kinglets are the smallest of our winter birds. They are often very tame and can be seen feeding on insects and spiders, usually in softwoods.

After the first deep snow, deer will head for deeryards, usually south- or west-facing slopes with dense softwood cover.

You can confidently blame the porcupine for any extensive barking high in a tree.

Thursday, December 22, 2016

Conditional Shellfishing Area “Conimicut Triangle” Reopens Tomorrow

Posted by Wayne G. Barber


The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) announced today the Conimicut Triangle in Upper Narragansett Bay will reopen to shellfish harvesting at sunrise tomorrow, Friday December 23.  The opening comes more than two days earlier than expected.

The shellfish closure began on Sunday, December 18 - following significant rainfall in the Providence area. Re-opening is permitted once post-storm monitoring data declares it safe. The data used to determine this early opening was collected on Tuesday December 20. A seven-day closure of the area is enacted after a half-inch (0.5") of rainfall.
 
At this time, the conditional area of Greenwich Bay will remain closed to shellfishing through noon on Sunday, December 25. The waters of Greenwich Bay subject to the seasonal closure are scheduled to reopen at sunrise on Sunday, January 1, 2017.
 
For timely updates on shellfish closures, call the DEM 24-hour shellfishing hotline at 401-222-2900. For more information on DEM programs and initiatives, visit www.dem.ri.gov. Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RhodeIslandDEM or on Twitter (@RhodeIslandDEM) for timely updates.

Wednesday, December 21, 2016

NH Recreational Fishing Changes for 2017

Posted by Wayne G. Barber



CONCORD, N.H. -- New Hampshire anglers should be aware of several new rules in effect for 2017.
 
New Freshwater Fishing Rules for 2017:
  • New Hampshire law now prohibits the use and sale of lead sinkers and jigs with a total weight of one ounce or less, regardless of length. This change took effect on June 1, 2016.
  • A winter Free Fishing Day has been established in New Hampshire. The 2017 winter Free Fishing Day will take place on January 21.
  • A freshwater bait dealer’s license now allows the sale of aquatic invertebrates for use as fishing bait.
  • No more than 6 fishing bait traps may be used for personal use to take fishing bait, and all traps, holding boxes or other receptacles shall be plainly marked with the name and address of the owner or user.
  • Starting in 2017, the fee to conduct a fishing tournament will increase to $49; the fee to conduct a fishing tournament that is catch, measure and immediate release shall be $10.
  • It is illegal to tag, brand, fin-clip or otherwise mark any fish prior to release without a written permit to do so.
  • The season for round whitefish is now closed, as it has become a state-listed species.
New Recreational Saltwater Rules for 2017:
  • Changes have been made to the recreational closed season, daily limit, minimum size and minimum fillet size for cod (see page 7 of the NH Saltwater Fishing Digest, available at www.fishnh.com/fishing/publications.html).  This change took effect on August 1, 2016.
  • The recreational closed season and daily limit for haddock have changed (see page 7 of the NH Saltwater Fishing Digest).  This change took effect on May 1, 2016.
Note for Boaters:In order to help prevent the spread of invasive aquatic plants and animals, RSA 487:16-d now requires boaters to drain their boat and other equipment that holds water, including live wells and bilges, when leaving a waterbody (fresh or salt water).
 

 
Copyright © New Hampshire Fish and Game Department. Guardian of the state's fish, wildlife and marine resources for 150 years.
Comments or questions concerning this list should be directed to jane.vachon@wildlife.nh.gov
 

Saturday, December 17, 2016

RI DEM TO HOST GUIDED HIKE OF ROCKY POINT ON NEW YEAR’S DAY

Posted by Wayne G. Barber


Two Mile Tour Part of National “First Day Hikes” Event
 
   The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) is hosting a guided hike of Rocky Point State Park in Warwick on New Year’s Day.  The two-mile tour is part of the sixth annual First Day Hikes event organized by the National Association of State Park Directors and will explore Rhode Island’s newest coastal state park. Guided tours will be held in all 50 U.S. states as part of this one-day event.
 
WHAT:       Free guided nature tour of Rocky Point State Park

WHERE:     Palmer Avenue, Warwick, Rhode Island
**participants should meet in the parking lot across from 415 Palmer Avenue 
                           
WHEN:        Sunday, January 1, 2017 // 12:00 p.m. to 2 p.m.
 
Rhode Island is home to a wide array of historic parks, beaches, bikeways and other recreational facilities. Rocky Point, once a popular amusement park, is now a sprawling green space that looks out over Narragansett Bay.  As part of the tour, participants will take in the sights along the Park’s coastal trail and learn about the history of the park.  
  Opening for the first time in nearly twenty years on October 25th, 2014, Rocky Point State Park now serves as a memory for many Rhode Islanders of generation's past. Over the 150+ years of the property's existence, it has served as a location for nature trails, a ferry pier, an observation tower, hotels, clambakes, restaurants, swimming pool, rides, games, and concerts – but the attraction of 120 acres of land for public use within 10 miles of downtown Providence has been a consistent draw since 1850.
Now as the state's newest coastal state park, visitors can enjoy the property they once made so many memories at, while the younger generations of park-goers can make new ones.

If you are planning to visit the Rocky Point property, please keep in mind that this is now a passive use park, and certain guidelines exist for its preservation. The State of Rhode Island and the City of Warwick ask that you adhere to the following rules:
  1. You are welcome to visit the property, but please realize that there is very limited parking, and you should not park on the neighborhood roads.
  2. The removal of anything (natural or man-made) from the property is strictly prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, historic remains or artifacts, and natural rock material (including fossils & minerals).
  3. For your safety, do not climb any of the structures in the park.
  4. The harming or removing of any plant or animal life is strictly prohibited. This includes hunting, or trapping, or the cutting of plants or trees. Fishing is permitted with a valid license.
  5. Overnight Camping and/or building of fires is not permitted. The property is available for day use only.
  6. The use metal detectors, or any kind of digging tools or equipment, is not permitted.
  7. Leave nothing behind. Do not litter or leave any trace of your visit. Please keep the property clean and pristine so that others may enjoy it as much as you have.
  8. Off road vehicle use is not permitted. The use of motorized dirt-bikes and ATV’s is strictly prohibited.
  9. The use of the property is “at you own risk”. Please remember that this is a very rugged natural area with many hazards and pitfalls. Hiking in the areas off the main path can be dangerous, and should be attempted by capable hikers only.
 
According to the National Association of State Park Directors, over 55,000 people participated nationally in the First Day Hikes event on January 1, 2016.  The local event, held at Blackstone Valley State Park, drew over 350 people.  This year’s national tour schedule is available online at www.naspd.org.  Tours are free and open to the public.
 
Participants are encouraged to dress appropriately for the weather and wear hiking boots. Parking is available across the street from 415 Palmer Avenue.  All vehicles must be removed from the parking lot by 3 p.m. Registration is encouraged but not required.  For more information or to register, contact Felicia Celeberto at Felicia.celeberto@dem.ri.gov.
 
For more information about DEM divisions and programs, visit www.dem.ri.gov. Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RhodeIslandDEM or on Twitter (@RhodeIslandDEM) for timely updates.  Hashtag your hike (#FirstDayHikes) to join the national conversation on New Year’s Day!

Caution; for Ice Safety

Posted by Wayne G. Barber


Pascoag,RI. – The recent arrival of cold temperature has formed early-season ice on New England ponds, lakes and rivers.  The Outdoor Scene reminds winter enthusiasts that ice should never be considered safe and ice conditions vary. 
 
“We are urging all outdoor enthusiasts – people going ice fishing, cross-country skiers, hikers, and snowmobilers -- to be extremely cautious and prepared if they are going to venture out on any ice,” said Wayne G. Barber, host of the Outdoor Scene.  “Ice conditions can vary dramatically on different parts of a lake.  Remember, even though it may look thick enough on the surface, moving water from currents, rivers and springs can cause ice to form unevenly.”
 
“Once we have sustained cold weather to form good ice, activities such as ice fishing can be safe and a lot of fun,” said Barber, “but when we go onto the ice, we need to use good judgment and observe several safety precautions.”
 
·         Leave your car or truck on shore.  Every year several motor vehicles go through the ice on New England lakes, and some people have drowned as a result.
·         Leave information about your plans with someone -- where you intend to fish and when you expect to return.
·         Wear a personal flotation device and don't fish alone.
·         Fish with a friend.  Ice fishing is a great sport to share with family members and friends, and having a partner with you increases both the fun and the safety.
·         Ice varies in thickness and condition.  Always carry an ice spud or chisel to check ice as you proceed.
·         Be extremely cautious crossing ice near river mouths, points of land, bridges, islands, and over reefs and springs.  Current almost always causes ice to be thinner over these areas.
·         Avoid going onto the ice if it has melted away from the shore.  This indicates melting is underway, and ice can shift position as wind direction changes. 
·         Waves from open water can quickly break up large areas of ice.  If you can see open water in the lake and the wind picks up, get off!
·         Bring your fully-charged cell phone with you.
·         Carry a set of hand spikes ( under $10) to help you work your way out onto the surface of the ice if you go through.  Holding one in each hand, you can alternately punch them into the ice and pull yourself up and out.  You can make these at home, using large nails, or you can purchase them at stores that sell fishing supplies.
·         Carry a safety line that can be thrown to someone who has gone through the ice.
·         Heated fishing shanties must have good ventilation to prevent deadly carbon monoxide poisoning.  Open a window or the door part way to allow in fresh air.

Thursday, December 15, 2016

Sugarbush’s Mt. Ellen to Open 100% On Friday

Posted by Wayne G. Barber


Warren, VT (December 12, 2016) – Sugarbush Resort plans to open every trail at Mt. Ellen this Friday, December 16th, in large part thanks to the abundance of natural snow the Sugarbush has received to start the season.
Green Mountain Express will run 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM and upper mountain lifts will run 9:00 AM to 3:45 PM. Mt. Ellen Base Lodge will be serving breakfast and lunch beginning at 7:30 AM, and the Green Mountain Lounge will be open for lunch and après beginning at 11:00 AM. The new bar at the Glen House, Walt’s, will have its grand opening on Friday serving gourmet grilled cheeses, soups, and a new bar.
The resort is also hopeful to open the remainder of its terrain at Lincoln Peak, making all of Sugarbush 100% open. The resort’s hiking/skinning policy will also be in effect on designated routes. For full details on the policy visit www.sugarbush.com.
These plans are subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, consult the resort’s snow report at www.sugarbush.com, or call the snow phone at 802.583.7669.

Monday, December 12, 2016

Vermont 2017 Licenses Available Online Beginning Today (Dec. 12)

Posted by Wayne G. Barber


MONTPELIER, Vt. -- Vermont hunting, fishing and trapping licenses for 2017 will be available on the Fish & Wildlife Department's website (www.vtfishandwildlife.com) on December 12.

"Vermonters really enjoy hunting and fishing," said Vermont Fish & Wildlife Commissioner Louis Porter. "Many people like to purchase their new licenses before January 1 so they will be ready to go ice fishing."

According to a federal survey, Vermonters rank first among residents of the lower 48 states when it comes to participating in fish and wildlife recreation -- with 62 percent of Vermonters going fishing, hunting or wildlife watching, and they led in the New England states in hunting and fishing with 26 percent of residents participating in one or both.

"Our online license sale system makes buying a year-round license as easy as purchasing a movie off Amazon.com and hunting and fishing are way more rewarding, said Porter. "By purchasing a license, you also support conservation statewide."

Porter noted that proceeds from license sales have leveraged federal funding that have provided some of Vermont's greatest wildlife conservation success stories, including restoring common game species such as moose and wild turkey as well as endangered peregrine falcons, bald eagles, loons, and ospreys. These funds also go to managing more than 133,000 acres of conserved land that provide critical habitat for many species as well as recreational opportunities for all Vermonters.

Thursday, December 8, 2016

RI DEM STOCKS PONDS WITH TROUT JUST IN TIME FOR WINTER FISHING SEASON  


Posted by Wayne G. Barber

PROVIDENCE – The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) has begun stocking local waters with trout for the winter fishing season.  Some 2,000 brook trout have been added to four ponds: Barber Pond, South Kingstown; Silver Spring Pond, North Kingstown; and Meadowbrook Pond and Wyoming Ponds, in Richmond. Later this month, additional locations will be announced.   
 
Winter is a popular time of year for shore-side and ice fishing in Rhode Island. 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. 
 
Anglers are reminded that:
 
·       A current Rhode Island fishing license is required, and a Trout Conservation Stamp is required to keep or possess a trout. The daily creel and possession limit for trout is two from December 1, 2016 through February 28, 2017. 
·       State law requires boaters always have personal flotation devices for each person and that they do not drink and operate a boat. Boaters should also be sure their craft is seaworthy before going out on the state's waterways.
·       The use of external felt soled or any natural or synthetic porous material capable of absorbing water in any freshwaters in Rhode Island is strictly prohibited. This includes any waters shared with adjacent states in which Rhode Island fishing regulations apply. 
·       Ice on the ponds must have a uniform thickness of at least six inches before it is considered safe. DEM does not monitor ice conditions in local communities; residents should contact their local recreation departments regarding ice conditions in individual communities. 
·       DEM monitors the thickness of the ice at Lincoln Woods State Park in Lincoln, Goddard Memorial State Park in Warwick, and Meshanticut State Park in Cranston on a daily basis, from Monday through Friday, weather permitting, during the winter months. For the latest information on ice conditions at these three locations, call DEM's 24-hour Ice Information telephone line, 667-6222.
 
For more information on recreational fishing in Rhode Island or to purchase a fishing license, visit www.dem.ri.gov. Follow DEM on Twitter (@RhodeIslandDEM) or Facebook at www.facebook.com/RhodeIslandDEM for more information on recreational opportunities in Rhode Island as well as other timely updates.

Feral Hogs Are Spreading, But You Can Help Stop Them


Feral Hogs Are Spreading, But You Can Help Stop Them - Quality Deer Management Association

Click on Red Highlight for the complete story.

Tuesday, December 6, 2016

Rhode Island's Large Deer Population More Immediate Threat to State's Forests Than Climate Change

Posted by Wayne G. Barber


While climate change gets most of the media attention these days for the dramatic effects it is predicted to have — and, in some cases, is already having — on coastal communities, it has yet to have serious effects on eastern forests.
Eventually, say local experts, climate change will likely cause a shift in the composition of tree species in the region, due in part to southern species moving into the area and the arrival of new pests and pathogens, which may reduce the abundance of currently common species. The predicted drier weather conditions will also likely play a role in altering woodlands.
But Rhode Island’s forests are already facing what some say is an even greater threat than climate change: an overabundance of deer. That’s the warning from foresters, biologists and ecologists from throughout the Northeast, who say that even without climate change, Rhode Island’s forests are in trouble unless the state’s deer herd can be reduced and managed more effectively.
According to forester Marc Tremblay, outreach coordinator for the Rhode Island Forest Conservators Organization, deer have had a dramatic impact on forest understory by feeding on young trees, shrubs and plants.
“They’ve browsed all of the favorable species like oaks and maples, they’ve destroyed our wildflowers, and a lot of the understory plants they like to eat are the ones we rely on for the future stocking of the forest,” Tremblay said. “What’s worse, they don’t like invasive species, so barberry and buckthorn and other invasives are growing like crazy. The end result is a complete alteration of the forest, where the invasives have a leg up.”
The Rhode Island chapter of the Society of American Foresters has issued a position statement noting that the long-term health of the state’s forests are dependent on sufficient tree regeneration to re-occupy openings in the canopy created by timber harvesting, development and natural disturbances.
But “deer herbivory at high population levels limits the amount of regeneration and is a serious problem in many parts of the state that, if not addressed, will continue to impact the forest ecosystem and the ability of the forest to regenerate itself,” according to the Rhode Island chapter.
It’s not just the trees that are suffering, though. The Nature Conservancy has reported that populations of songbirds and other species that live in the forest understory are declining because deer have consumed their habitat.
“Think about all the species you know that utilize the understory — rabbits and other small mammals, hermit thrushes and other birds, lots of things,” biologist Numi Mitchell said. “They’re very vulnerable if you take away that understory. Think what it’s doing to our biodiversity.”
The Rhode Island Natural History Survey conducted a two-year study of deer herbivory at the University of Rhode Island’s W. Alton Jones Campus that illustrated the dramatic impact of too many deer. Fencing out deer from two half-acre, forested parcels clearly showed how deer had reduced the density and diversity of native plants and exacerbated the expansion of invasive species.
Inside the fence, where deer couldn’t gain access, seedlings of oak, sugar maple, hickory and tuliptrees were abundant, while outside the fence few could be found. Jack-in-the-pulpit plants inside the fence were knee high while those outside were browsed to stubble by deer. Native trillium planted decades ago were blooming inside the fence, while none had been seen elsewhere in a decade.
“Deer look for every plant they can eat and they eat it,” Natural History Survey botanist Hope Leeson said at the conclusion of the project. “We have continuous still images showing them looking for the proverbial needle in a haystack — heads down searching for any little tidbit of a native plant they can find. Due to taste or texture, they tend not to eat invasive plants.
“Deer promote the growth of invasive species, which decreases the biodiversity of native vegetation and sets into motion a cascade of effects on the health of the ecosystem.”
Deer overpopulation isn’t just a problem in Rhode Island, however. The scientific community says that forests throughout the Northeast are in a seriously degraded ecological condition as a result of high deer densities. But deer management is the responsibility of each state, so it can’t be addressed by uniform federal regulations.
Brian Tefft, state wildlife biologist responsible for tracking deer statistics for the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, said the state is home to about 16,000 deer, some 15 per square mile, far more than the habitat can support. About 1,000 deer are killed annually in collisions with vehicles, and another 2,000 or so are harvested by hunters.
Using hunting as the primary means of managing the herd isn’t particularly effective when most hunters want to shoot a buck rather than a doe that is likely to give birth to twins the following spring. For the sake of Rhode Island’s forests, most foresters and biologists suggest altering hunting regulations to encourage the harvesting of more does.
Mitchell said the first step is for sport hunters “to not be so sportsmanlike any more. We need to kill as many does as possible. We’ve gotten rid of our predators, so we need to bring the population down with an increased emphasis by humans.”
She also noted that coyotes might be able to help the situation. Mitchell has studied the Aquidneck Island coyote population for more than a decade, and she said that eastern coyotes have about 20 percent wolf genes, which has helped to make them excellent cooperative hunters.
“Coyotes are a piece of the puzzle,” she said. “They can get deer in the suburbs where people aren’t legally able to shoot. I get calls all the time from people saying they have a dead deer in their yard, and I tell them to wait a day or two and the coyotes will eat them.”
The next phase of her research will be to see how coyotes can be used to help manage the state’s deer population.
David Gregg, executive director of the Rhode Island Natural History Survey, said deer are the greater immediate threat to Rhode Island’s forests than climate change, but he also noted that climate change could be even more damaging if the deer problem isn’t addressed first.
“I don’t want to downplay climate change, but certainly one plus one equals three, that’s for sure,” he said.
He pointed to a project his organization is currently undertaking to build resilience into the habitat at Norman Bird Sanctuary and Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge, both in Middletown. The plan was to install a variety of native plants, thinking that a diverse ecosystem will be one that can better withstand the coming climatic changes.
“But what we’re finding is that there is so much deer browse there that we'll be hard pressed to do anything unless it is inside a fence,” Gregg said. “We’re going to need to adapt our strategy a bit.”
Mitchell agreed that the cumulative effect of deer and climate could be catastrophic for Rhode Island’s forests.
“I think climate change is a bigger long-term crisis,” she said, “but deer are our immediate crisis.”
Source: TODD McLEISH/  ECO/RI

Thursday, December 1, 2016

Maryland Deer Hunters Have Successful Opening Weekend

Posted by Wayne G. Barber


24 Percent Harvest Increase Aided by Good Weather Sunday

Hunters reported harvesting 13,488 deer on the opening weekend of the 2016 Maryland firearm season, the state's most popular hunting season. The harvest represents a 24 percent increase over last year's estimate of 10,859 for the same period. The total includes 6,159 antlered and 7,329 antlerless deer with sika deer comprising 224 of the antlered and 232 of the antlerless totals. The two-week deer firearm season runs through Dec. 10.

"Windy conditions Saturday may have slowed the harvest slightly, but hunters took advantage of better weather conditions Sunday to post a strong overall harvest for the opening weekend," said Wildlife and Heritage Service Director Paul Peditto.

Hunters in Region A – mainly western Maryland – reported harvesting 1,110 deer for the weekend, nearly identical to the 1,147 reported last year. In Region B, the antlered deer harvest increased from 3,878 last year to 5,049 this year and the antlerless harvest increased from 5,834 to 7,329 in 2016.

Deer hunters harvested 3,560 deer (1,455 antlered, 2,105 antlerless) Sunday, an increase of 1,146 from last year. Hunting is permitted on select Sundays in 20 counties and has become increasingly popular with hunters across the state. Frederick County led the Sunday harvest with 390 deer taken.

"Sunday hunting continues to afford hunters with more opportunities to share time with family and friends out in the fields and woods," Peditto said. "This additional harvest day clearly provides a valuable tool in managing our statewide deer population for the benefit of all."

Those hunters who use tree stands are strongly advised to wear a full-body safety harness, which should be secured at all times, including while climbing up or down the stand. Using a sliding knot, commonly known as a prussic knot, attached to a line that is tied above the stand allows hunters to be secure from when they leave the ground to their return. For more information on tree-stand safety, please click here.

Maryland Unofficial Opening Weekend Firearm Deer Harvest 11/26-27/16 Saturday 11/26 Sunday 11/27 County Antlered Antlerless Total Antlered Antlerless Total Grand Total Allegany 317 0 317 85 0 85 402 Anne Arundel 85 148 233 26 53 79 312 Baltimore 180 341 521 * * * 521 Calvert 69 106 175 29 35 64 239 Caroline whitetail 169 227 396 58 126 184 580 sika 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 Carroll 397 429 826 125 176 301 1,127 Cecil 139 197 336 51 95 146 482 Charles 144 166 310 44 81 125 435 Dorchester whitetail 172 235 407 61 121 182 589 sika 136 135 271 73 78 151 422 Frederick 548 619 1,167 162 228 390 1,557 Garrett 370 0 370 130 0 130 500 Harford 132 230 362 28 74 102 464 Howard 76 133 209 * * * 209 Kent 194 274 468 86 133 219 687 Montgomery 197 239 436 43 72 115 551 Prince George's 107 151 258 * * * 258 Queen Anne's 174 279 453 52 156 208 661 Somerset whitetail 133 177 310 49 112 161 471 sika 1 0 1 0 0 0 1 St. Mary's 75 151 226 28 58 86 312 Talbot 130 215 345 46 129 175 520 Washington 396 184 580 118 84 202 782 Wicomico whitetail 177 267 444 63 105 168 612 sika 11 13 24 2 4 6 30 Worcester whitetail 174 307 481 96 184 280 761 sika 1 1 2 0 0 0 2 Total 4,704 5,224 9,928 1,455 2,105 3,560 13,488 *Sunday hunting not permitted