USA Archery Nominates 2017 World Archery Championships Team Massachusetts, Thomas Stanwood, Raynam,Mass and Braden Gellenthien, Hudson, Mass

Posted by Wayne G. Barber

USA Archery Nominates 2017 World Archery Championships Team

NEWBERRY, Florida - The World Archery Championships - U.S. Team Trials concluded Monday with round robin matches for the top eight archers in each division after qualifications at the AAE Arizona Cup and the Easton Foundations Gator Cup. Archers competed in round robin matches, where they shoot a head to head match against each of the other archers in their division. Archers then earned points based on qualification scores, matches won, and a three-arrow average score. The wind was very strong today and many slots came down to final arrows to determine the team.

Mackenzie Brown (Flint, Texas) out and out won the recurve women's division, clinching the top spot with a wide margin. Khatuna Lorig (Denver, Colorado) also locked down her spot on the team, while the third slot was much more hotly contested between LaNola Shepherd (Lehi, Utah) and Eliana Claps (Everett, Washington). The two were so tight in the rankings through the last match of the day. Ultimately, the two were ranked evenly and had to do a tie-breaker match. Still, incredibly close, the match went to a 5-5 tie and a one arrow shoot off. Claps took the win, marking her first senior U.S. World Team.

The compound women's team is a younger squad, with Paige Pearce Gore (Red Bluff, California) locking up the top spot, followed by Lexi Keller (Omro, Wisconsin) and Cassidy Cox (Albuquerque, New Mexico). Cox just competed last weekend at her first outdoor Archery World Cup, and will join friend Keller and Gore in Mexico City, Mexico for the Championships this fall.

An experienced men's squad of Brady Ellison (Globe, Arizona), Jake Kaminski (Gainesville, Florida) and Thomas Stanwood (Raynham, Massachusetts) will round out the recurve team after a tight match for the final slot. Coming down to the last match, Matt Requa (Houston, Texas) and Steve Sun (Alhambra, California) were also incredibly close, while Sun took the alternate slot after the final arrows.

Braden Gellenthien (Hudson, Massachusetts) leads the compound men's team of Steve Anderson (Bountiful, Utah) and Kris Schaff (Billings, Montana), who were all clear leaders in the trials today. Armless Archer Matt Stutzman (Stockport, Iowa) made a strong run at the team, finishing 5th after tying Reo Wilde (Pocatello, Idaho), who locked up the alternate slot with a higher three arrow average.

"I'm happy to see great archers selected to the team," commented National Head Coach Ki Sik Lee. "The women's divisions were really heated and I'm especially excited by the young women's group for the compound archers. There is a lot of potential there. I'm excited to see our country do well, and overall happy to see all the archers performing well in these hard weather conditions. I feel good about our team for the World Championships."

Complete results from today's matches are available here. Standings from the trials are available here.  For more, follow USA Archery on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.


About USA Archery
USA Archery is the National Governing Body for the Olympic sport of archery in the United States. USA Archery selects and trains Olympic, Paralympic, World Championship, and World Cup teams, as well as developing archery at the grassroots level across the United States. For more information, visit http://www.usarchery.org.

PHENOLOGY CALENDAR

Posted by Wayne G. Barber  Photos from Wayne G. Barber Collection

First Week of June

Adult emerald ash borers begin to emerge around the time that black locust blooms; all eyes are open.

Only two non-native butterflies have become widespread in the U.S. and both are flying now: the cabbage white and the European skipper.

Porcupines aren't as destructive in summer, as their diet shifts from bark to include leaves, fruits, and grasses. Basswood leaves are a top choice now.

Deer antlers are growing rapidly - about one-quarter inch a day.

Second Week of June

It's hard to know how to think about eastern newts. They are native, cute, and, in their pre-adolescent red eft stage, they bravely venture onto land. In ponds, however, they eat salamander, toad, and frog larvae by the gazillion.

Bitterns frequent dense vegetation and their excellent hearing and loud calls enable them to hear and be heard by possible mates who are far away.

Black flies are among the many insects that are pollinating blueberry flowers. Source; Virginia Barlow

Outdoor Scene Special Guest on 5-28-17

Posted by Wayne G. Barber

News, Stockings, Fishing Reports. Spring Turkey Reports. Conn. Catfish Stockings

 and Interviews Too !

Tentatively Scheduled for 9:10am will be Turkey Hunter Chad Parker and his story of completing the 49 State Grand Slam.

Email from now through the broadcast at waynewnri@yahoo.com with any Congratulations, Comments or Questions.

DEEP COMPLETES 2017 CATFISH STOCKINGS

Posted by Wayne G. Barber

DEEP COMPLETES 2017 CATFISH STOCKINGS

Channel Catfish provide great fishing opportunities all summer long!

 

Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) today announced that for the eleventh consecutive year, one of the most sought after freshwater game fish species in the country, the Channel Catfish, has been stocked into twenty-four water bodies across Connecticut (see list of locations below.)

This year approximately 15,800 fish were stocked.  The “cats” stocked include adult fish (about 5,800) averaging 12-18 inches in length and weighing just under 2 pounds; and juvenile fish (about 10,000), averaging 9-12 inches and about ½ pound in weight. Stocking the larger fish provides an immediate summer fishery for a great tasting-high quality fish, while stocking the smaller fish provides a cost-effective investment for great catfish fishing into the future.

“This DEEP program establishes channel catfish in lakes where we know there is sufficient habitat to support a population of large gamefish,” said Bill Hyatt, Chief of DEEP’s Bureau of Natural Resources. “Anglers have reported taking five-to-seven pound fish from several of the lakes. DEEP believes that the combination of a popular gamefish stocked into waters that are selected based on scientific data is a winning combination. We’ve had great success in using this approach to develop exciting fisheries for northern pike and walleye and now we’re seeing similar results with catfish.”

Just over half of the locations stocked are part of DEEP’s Community Fishing Waters Program (CFW). Community fishing waters are located in municipal parks that are in close proximity to hundreds of thousands of Connecticut residents. Many of these waters are located along bus stops enabling willing anglers to ride the bus to fish. The intent of the Community Fishing Water program is to create and enhance year-round fishing opportunities in highly populated areas by combining trout stocking (in the spring), catfish stocking (in late spring or early summer), or both. This program began in 2007 and has expanded to now include fourteen lakes or ponds.

“Connecticut has a diversity of fishing opportunities, freshwater and marine, all within a short drive or bus ride from most citizens. Stocking catfish in urban areas provides excellent family recreational opportunities close to home for the many local residents,” said Bill Hyatt. “The Community Fishing Program is one of our many efforts to promote fishing throughout the state and to provide opportunities for all to enjoy the great outdoors.”

Tips on fishing for Channel Cats and how to prepare a delicious meal with your catch are easily found with a quick internet search. There is currently no minimum size for harvest or daily catch limit for catfish in Connecticut. DEEP strongly encourages anglers to enjoy fishing and catching this great gamefish, but please only take those fish you intend to eat.

All anglers can find fishing regulations in the 2017 Connecticut Angler’s Guide, found online at www.ct.gov/deep/anglersguide. Print version of the guides are available at more than 350 locations statewide, including many town halls, bait & tackle shops and other vendors selling outdoor equipment, DEEP facilities, and commercial marinas and campgrounds, or by contacting DEEP’s Fisheries Division (860-424-FISH). Additional fishing and fisheries related information can be found on the DEEP web site at: www.ct.gov/deep/fishing and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CTFishandWildlife.

Silver Lake	Berlin-Meriden	1,320	juvenile fish
Bunnells Pond (Beardsley Park Pond)*	Bridgeport	750	adult fish
Birge Pond*	Bristol	450	adult fish
Lake Kenosia	Danbury	550	juvenile fish
Picketts Pond*	Derby	400	adult fish
Freshwater Pond*	Enfield	400	adult fish
Batterson Park Pond	Farmington-New Britain	285	juvenile fish
Hopeville Pond	Griswold	1,300	juvenile fish
Lake Wintergreen*	Hamden	1,275	juvenile & adult fish
Keeney Park Pond*	Hartford	250	adult fish
Quinebaug Lake	Killingly	800	juvenile fish
Center Springs Park Pond*	Manchester	275	adult fish
Mirror Lake (Hubbard Park Pond)*	Meriden	300	adult fish
Black Pond	Meriden-Middlefield	670	juvenile fish
Rowans Pond (Butternut Park Pond)*	Middletown	200	adult fish
Stanley Quarter Pond*	New Britain	275	adult fish
Beaver Park Lagoon (North)*	New Haven	350	adult fish
Spaulding Pond (Mohegan Park Pond)*	Norwich	550	adult fish
Maltby Pond #2	Orange-West Haven	165	juvenile fish
Maltby Pond #3	Orange-West Haven	200	juvenile fish
Stillwater Pond	Torrington	940	juvenile fish
Burr Pond	Torrington	800	juvenile fish
Lakewood Lake*	Waterbury	1,300	juvenile & adult fish
Scoville Reservoir	Wolcott	1,120	juvenile fish

*Community Fishing Water

**Juvenile fish are in the 9-12 inch range, adult fish are in the 12-18 inch range (with some larger).

Maine: ATV Riders Reminded of Max Width Limit on Portions of ATV Trail Network

Posted by Wayne G. Barber

AUGUSTA, Maine -- Maine has a 6,000 mile ATV trail system, the largest in New England, thanks to the generosity of private landowners who allow the use of ATVs on their land.

This private landowner support has allowed Maine's recreational ATV industry to grow and prosper, from a fledgling recreational industry to economic catalyst in many rural parts of the state.

Maine registers nearly 70,000 ATVs annually, and ATV riding contributes hundreds of millions of dollars to Maine's economy. In 2002, there was just over 2,000 miles of trails and less than 50,000 ATVs registered in the state.

The backbone of the ATV economy are private landowners who have worked with the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (ACF) and the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (IFW) to create a vast network of trails that allows for ATV recreation while protecting private property.

Since 2005, this agreement was based on a maximum width of 60" for ATVs. Maine's ATV trail system is designed for use by ATVs that size as trail widths, water crossings and trail entrances are designed for an ATV 60" wide or smaller. ATV trails maps and brochures clearly mark the ATV size requirement. Agreements with landowners that allowed the trail system to be built are based on that size.

With side-by-side ATVs growing both in size and popularity, there has been an increase in the number of complaints associated with oversized ATVs damaging private property, bridges, and trails.

IFW and ACF are reminding ATV riders about the 60" maximum width limit on many trails within the Maine State ATV Trail Network. Over the next few weeks, signs will be posted on certain ATV trails reminding ATV riders of the size limit. The Maine Warden Service and The Maine Forest Service will also be enforcing the maximum width limit on state trails where these signs are posted as well.

Private landowners, in conjunction with the state, have supported an industry and created an ATV trail network that is instrumental in supporting not only those who enjoy ATV riding, but business and jobs that support ATVing. Please support all landowners by observing all signs and respecting private property when riding an ATV.

Cicada's 17 year schedule out of kilter ?

Posted by Wayne G. Barber 

Cicadas, commonly called “locusts” in the United States seem to have a calendar problem.  These amazing Rip Van Winkles of the insect world spend 17 years as nymphs underground, emerge in enormous swarms, mate, and start the process all over again.  The last major “brood” hatched in 2004 and the numbers reached the millions, probably billions.  I can remember seeing the dead insects when I starting doing some research on the subject for a Outdoor Scene story.
Some city dwellers consider the intense hum of cicada wings a nuisance, yet I can remember the first time I heard them and then again two days ago with this early heat wave in New England.
 Some cicada species occur annually and you can often hear their unique wing beat that begins in a pulsating sound, escalated to a crescendo and abruptly ends.  Multiply that sound by a million and you have a roar of wings, a sound in nature like no other.
Unlike the Emerald Ash Beetle that will kill millions of ash trees across the nation and cause billions in lost timber values, Cicadas don’t bite people and they don’t eat the leaves from trees like Gypsy moths that completely defoliate forests.  When cicada die, they fall from their lofty tree perches and litter the ground.  Some report that they make good fish bait, yet the sheer volume of bugs in the water should fill most fish completely.  Since the dead creatures are expired protein, they may make good fertilizer for plants.
The first cicada swarms are just beginning to emerge and only time will tell if this is a true brood hatch or just a small population with an errant alarm clock.
“We don’t know exactly why this happens. All we know is that it does happen,” said University of Maryland entomologist Mike Raupp.

There are numbers of theories, Raupp said, including that it might be associated with climate change: This latest outbreak is expected to grow as temperatures rise throughout the week.

The “periodical” cicadas that are emerging might belong to Brood Six, first documented in the early 1900s. Raupp said they also could be early arrivals of the massive Brood X that’s expected in 2021.

The bloom of cicadas will feed lots in the environment. “They’re going to be a phenomenal nutrient source for many, many different kinds of vertebrates: birds, foxes and skunks,” Raupp said.

Dogs, cats and even some people enjoy eating cicadas that are considered a low-carb, low-fat snack. Don’t worry if your pets eat a few.

“Just don’t let them eat too many,” Raupp warned. “They can cause a few digestive problems.”
Source; Kristi King and Joe Byers

14 USA Shooting Team Athletes Ready for Munich World Cup Test

Posted by Wayne G. Barber

2016 Olympic Gold Medalist Ginny Thrasher competing at the recent 2017 National Junior Olympic Shooting Championships.The biggest International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) World Cup series event is already upon us in 2017 and 14 USA Shooting Team athletes, including five Olympians, are set for the challenge that begins Friday in Munich, Germany. More than 750 athletes from 80 nations are expected to compete.

Munich is hosting an ISSF World Cup stop for the seventh-straight year at the well-known Olympic Shooting Range in Hochbrück. The historic venue hosted the Olympic Shooting events of the Games of the XX Olympiad held in 1972 and where Lones Wigger and John Writer each earned gold that year.

This is the first and only World Cup action of the year for America's rifle and pistol athletes and headlining the squad is 2016 Air Rifle Olympic Champion Ginny Thrasher (Springfield, Virginia). USA Shooting coaches chose not to participate in the opening World Cup of the year in India and won't participate in the final World Cup of the year in Azerbaijan. Thrasher's previous two international events have proven successful considering she earned Team USA's first Olympic gold medal of the 2016 Olympic Games and earned a bronze at the World Cup Finals to close out a spectacular 2016 performance. She made her first career appearance in a World Cup final at the Munich range in lead-up to Rio last season, finishing seventh in Air and fourth in Three-Position Rifle.

Most recently, Thrasher finished second (Three-Position Rifle) and seventh (Air) at the NCAA Rifle Championships and second in those same events at the 2017 National Junior Olympic Shooting Championships.

Other Olympians competing include three-time Olympian Keith Sanderson (Rapid Fire Pistol/Colorado Springs, Colorado),pistol athlete Will Brown (Twin Falls, Idaho),Air Rifle competitor Lucas Kozeniesky (Fairfax, Virginia) and 2012 pistol Olympian and rifle convert Nick Mowrer (Butte, Idaho).

Alex Chichkov (Temple Terrace, Florida) is the only other pistol athlete participating and will compete in both Air and Rapid Fire events. Other rifle athletes competing include: Dempster Christenson (Sioux Falls, South Dakota); Lauren Phillips (Seabeck, Washington); Emily Stith (Colorado Springs, Colorado); Bryant Wallizer (Little Orleans, Maryland); Tim Sherry (Highlands Ranch, Colorado); Elizabeth Marsh (Searcy, Arkansas); Hannah Black (Richmond, Virginia); and Emily Holsopple (Wilcox, Pennsylvania).

Thrasher and Kozeniesky were coach selections for participation at the Munich World Cup while other athletes were selected based upon results as well as Performance Standard Score (PSS) qualification from the recent Spring Selection Match in Fort Benning, Georgia.

The OLYMPIC CHANNEL will be livestreaming the ISSF World Cup in Munich, so tune in here: http://bit.ly/2pFsqFh. Check for results and other streaming options courtesy of the ISSF website.
Schedule:

Friday, May 19 – M/W Air Rifle Qualification + Final

Saturday, May 20 – Men's Prone Rifle Elimination; Rapid Fire Pistol Stage 1

Sunday, May 21 – Men's Prone Rifle Qualification + Final; Rapid Fire Pistol Stage 2 + Final

Monday, May 22 – Men's Air Pistol Qualification + Final; Women's 3P Rifle Qualification + Final; Men's 3P Rifle Elimination

Tuesday, May 23 – Women's Air Pistol Qualification + Final; Men's 3P Rifle Qualification + Final

New England Fishing Report 3-25-2014

Bobcats are making a big comeback in New England

Posted by Wayne G. Barber 

  There has been a lot of social media activity on Bobcat sightings though out Rhode Island and Connecticut.The forests of New England have been home to bobcats for centuries.   Although their reclusive nature makes them a rare sighting, every so often they can be observed hunting in backyards or walking across a street.  We had a resident population on Cooper Hill, Mapleville in the late 1950's and my grandfather use to run into them Hare hunting in the Buck Hill woodlands Pascoag and East Douglas State forest with his beagle hounds in the 1960's and then would have to break the dogs of bad habits.  As of 2017 their are NO  much larger Lynx in our tri-state region and are only reported in the State of Maine

Bobcats are the most numerous and widely distributed wild felids in North America. They can be found in the boreal regions of Canada, almost every state in the U.S., and even down into southern Mexico. Over time, this species has adapted to live in a variety of habitats, including swamps, grass or shrub land, forest, mountains and agricultural land. 

There are several sub-groups which vary slightly in habitat, appearance and prey selection. Those found in New England (Lynx rufus rufus) average between 13 and 30 lbs. and measure between 32 and 34 inches long. Their fur is reddish to tawny brown with black spots and stripes along their body; large white spots adorn the back of their tufted ears. The tail is “bobbed” and only about four inches long on average, although it can be a bit longer. Individuals found in the Northeast tend to have less spotting on their coat than bobcats in other parts of North America, causing them to be mistakenly reported as mountain lions.

In New England, the bobcat’s diet relies mostly on cottontail rabbits and snowshoe hares, but they will also eat small mammals such as wild turkey poults and jakes, meadow voles, ferrell cats, snakes, mice, chipmunks and birds. They will even kill and eat a white-tailed deer, attacking it while it is bedded down. 

The mating season begins in February or March, and birthing will begin in May or June, when a female will have 2 to 5 kittens and rear them by herself. As they are primarily solitary animals, the only time they spend in groups is during the mating season, or when a mother is with her kittens. The kittens will often stay with the mother through their first winter, sometimes until the breeding season. The young males tend to leave the maternal home range earlier than their female siblings.

Recent research suggests a nationwide increase in bobcat populations. In 2009, 40 states reported evidence of stable or increasing bobcat populations.  Florida was the only state which reported a decreasing population, which may be correlated with land development and habitat loss, Source:(Roberts and Crimmins, 2010).
          Rhode Island seems to be witnessing a continued increase in population of bobcats. The Division has been monitoring bobcat sightings since 1999 and since then, there have been zero sightings in Bristol County, 20 in Kent County, 3 in Newport County, 37 in Providence County and Washington County received the most, with 57 reliable reports, often accompanied by photographs. Somewhat surprisingly, the most reports were from South Kingstown with 25 total reported sightings, more than twice as many as Westerly, which received the second highest number of reports. 
 The e-mails that I receive as host of the award winning Outdoor Scene on wnri.com and this web-site have exploded in the past two years after our reports on the Bobcat legislation trapping debates in New Hampshire and our live interviews with trapper New Hampshire, Jeff Traynor, Live Free and Trap moderator.
  The largest reports coming from the Nutmeg State are from the Canterbury region and not to far from our Rhode Island borders.
     There could be many reasons why there have been more bobcat sightings; habitat loss and fragmentation in their historic ranges could force them to live and hunt closer to people, or it could be that reports are more likely to be made in areas where people do not expect to see bobcats, such as the less-forested, coastal   neighborhoods. Bobcats have large home ranges,requiring them to cross roads frequently, potentially causing them to be seen more often.
 With the popularity of the new style phones with camera's up to 40 pixial's the amount of Facebook photos is staggering. The new style Trail Cams are filming all the Bobcat movement daily.

Rhode Island is fortunate to have such a beautiful and important animal living within its borders. It is essential that we properly manage this apex predator for the health of our wildlife communities and ecosystems.  If you alarmed by one or more close to your property just bang two pans together or the small firecrackers which are available in most retail stores.
  If you spot a bobcat in your area, or if you have questions about them, please e-mail us at waynewnri@yahoo.com  Source: Roberts N. M. and S. Crimmins. 2010. Bobcat Population Status and Management in North America: Evidence of Large-Scale Population Increase. J. of Fish and Wildlife Mgmt: 1(2). Young S. P. 1978. The Bobcat of North America. Wildlife Management Institute Publishing. 1st ed 
The Outdoor Scene radio program archives.

RI DEM Quahog Transplants

Posted by Wayne G. Barber 

PROVIDENCE – As part of continued efforts to support a strong shellfish industry in Rhode Island, the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) is conducting two quahog transplants this week. Some 80,000 pounds of adult clams will be transplanted in an effort to enhance shellfish stocks in Narragansett Bay. Licensed shellfish harvesters are invited to participate. 

When:                 Wednesday, May 10, 2017 | 12:00 p.m.

Where:           Harvest from Greenwich Cove for stocking in Greenwich Bay Shellfish Management Area/Potowomut Spawner Sanctuary 

When:                 Thursday, May 11, 2017 | 12:00 p.m.

Where:               Harvest from Bristol Harbor for stocking in Bristol Harbor Shellfish Transplant Area

Rhode Island is known for its food and diverse food cultures. The state’s booming local food sector supports more than 60,000 jobs and continues to attract and inspire the imagination of entrepreneurs and innovators. The local fishing industry has been, and continues to be, a vital part of the equation. Last year, more than 100 million pounds of seafood arrived to a local port – with an export value over $1 billion.A significant contributor to Rhode Island’s commercial fishing industry, wild harvest shellfish support the livelihoods of hundreds of fishers year-round and provide nourishment and enjoyment to Rhode Islanders and tourists.More than 28 million quahogs were harvested from Narragansett Bay and local coastal waters last year, contributing some $5.5 million to the economy; a value that increases significantly as the product hits the market. In recognition of the economic and cultural value of shellfish, last month, Governor Raimondo, along with many partners, launched the Rhode Island Shellfish Initiative.  Through it, state agencies, industry, academia, and community partners will further efforts to sustainably manage local shellfish stock, promote economic growth and jobs, and celebrate Rhode Island’s unique food cultures. 

Clams harvested during the transplants will enhance shellfish stocks throughout the Bay – as well as support winter harvest opportunities for shellfishermen. As part of the effort, protected broodstock will also be placed in spawner sanctuary to help promote juvenile clam recruitment and increase shellfish numbers in adjacent beds, promote juvenile clam recruitment in fishable areas and support future shellfishing opportunities in adjacent beds.

Licensed shellfishermen interested in taking part should report to the on-scene DEM enforcement vessel by 8 a.m. on the day of the transplant.  DEM environmental police officers will collect fishing licenses, and participants will be paid $7.00 for each 50-pound bag of quahogs harvested.  Those who assist in stocking the clams will be paid $10.00 for each 50-pound bag. Fishermen will dig the quahogs and take them to the transplant staging area for accounting.

Transplanted shellfish will be unavailable for harvest until December 2017. This temporary closure will allow the shellfish to spawn and contribute toward replenishing the immediate vicinity and adjacent areas. The shellfish transplant program is a cooperative effort of DEM, Narragansett Bay Commission (NBC), Rhode Island Department of Health, and the shellfish industry. Previous transplant efforts have enhanced shellfish stocks in Narragansett Bay and in the South County coastal ponds.  Funding for the transplants is provided through NBC.

VT Antlerless Deer Proposal, Hearings May 11 and 16

Posted by Wayne G. Barber

MONTPELIER, Vt. – The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Board recently voted on the Fish & Wildlife Department's proposal for antlerless deer hunting for 2017. Public hearings will be held May 11 in Randolph and May 16 in Manchester.

"We are recommending an increase in muzzleloader season antlerless deer permits this year to account for the increase in the deer population following another mild winter in 2017," said Nick Fortin, deer project leader for the Fish & Wildlife Department. "Much of Vermont has experienced two consecutive very mild winters. As a result, the recommendation is intended to stabilize or reduce deer densities in some parts of the state while allowing for moderate population growth 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 157,000 prior to the start of the 2017 deer seasons," said Fortin.

Hunting for antlerless deer is proposed statewide for the October 7-November 3 and December 2-10 archery season. Last year, hunters took 2,595 antlerless deer during the archery season.

One deer of either sex would be allowed for youths during the November 4-5 youth weekend hunt. Youths took 885 antlerless deer during the 2016 youth weekend hunt.

The December 2-10 muzzleloader season would have 24,500 antlerless permits distributed in 18 of Vermont's 21 Wildlife management Units (WMU), which is estimated to result in 3,608 antlerless deer being taken.

The Fish & Wildlife Department's antlerless deer hunting proposal for 2017 and the Fish & Wildlife Board's recommended permits by each WMU are on Vermont Fish & Wildlife's website (www.vtfishandwildlife.com). Public comments on the proposal may be emailed to ANR.FWPublicComment@Vermont.Gov by May 23, 2017.

The department held three deer hunting public hearings earlier and will hold two more in May. The meetings will be held 6:30-8:30 p.m. on Thursday May 11 at Randolph Union High School, 15 Forest Street, Randolph, VT 05060 and on Tuesday May 16 at Burr and Burton Academy, 57 Seminary Avenue, Manchester, VT 05254.

DEM SEEKS INPUT ON DRAFT REGULATIONS FOR FISHING, HUNTING, FALCONRY, RECREATIONAL AREAS

Posted by Wayne G. Barber

DEM SEEKS INPUT ON DRAFT REGULATIONS FOR

FISHING, HUNTING, FALCONRY, RECREATIONAL AREAS

 

PROVIDENCE – The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) will hold a public workshop and public hearing this month to discuss proposed changes to regulations governing freshwater fishing, falconry, hunting, and parks and management areas.  

 

WHAT:            Public workshop on draft regulations for recreational fishing, hunting, falconry and parks

 

WHERE:         DEM Headquarters | Room 300

235 Promenade Street

Providence, Rhode Island

 

WHEN:           Monday, May 8, 2017 | 5:30 p.m.

 

 

WHAT:            Public hearing on draft regulations for recreational fishing, hunting, falconry and parks

 

WHERE:         Warwick Police Department | Community Room

99 Veterans Memorial Drive

Warwick, Rhode Island DEM Headquarters

 

WHEN:           Wednesday, May 17, 2017 | 7:00 p.m.

Phenology Calender for May

Posted by Wayne G. Barber

First Week of May

Yellow-rumped warblers pass through our region in droves and some nest here. Formerly called myrtle warblers, they are also known as butter butts because of their bright yellow rumps.

Deer mouse population is on the rise as the first of several litters is born, each consisting of three to seven babies.

Male and female chickadees both excavate the nest cavity, but just the female builds the nest and incubates the eggs. She will be fed by her mate.

Second Week of May

Snapping turtles begin to wake up in early May and eggs begin to develop in the females. Eggs will be laid in a month or so.

Black swallowtail butterflies are flying. Their offspring will feed on members of the carrot family, pupate, and become part of the next generation of adults flying around in mid-July.

 Dandelion leaves taste best when picked before the flowers come out.

As soon as leaves come out, insects will be there to feed on them.

Source: Virginia Barlow