FREE FLY-TYING WORKSHOPS KICK OFF NEXT WEEK

Posted by Wayne G. Barber

 The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) announced today a series of free fly-tying workshops, beginning next week, at public libraries in Middletown, Little Compton and Portsmouth. The classes, designed for beginning and intermediate fly-tiers ages 10 and older, will cover techniques for both freshwater and saltwater fishing and will culminate in fishing events to be scheduled this spring. 

 

Scheduled events include:

 

Freshwater Fly-tying:

Middletown Public Library // 700 West Main Road, Middletown

March 20, 27 & April 3

6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

 

Portsmouth Free Public Library // 2658 East Main Road, Portsmouth

March 23, 30 & April 6

6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

 

Saltwater Fly-tying:

Brownell Library // 44 Commons, Little Compton

March 22, 29 & April 5

6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

 

Classes are taught by experienced anglers from DEM’s Aquatic Resource Education program. All equipment and materials will be provided; however, participants are welcome to bring their own materials if desired.  Space is limited and registration is required. To register, contact Scott Travers via email at Scott.travers@dem.ri.gov. 

 

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

 

Things from the Past

Posted by Wayne G. Barber

Standing over one of her many trophy mule deer, subsistence-and-sport huntress “Gusty” Wallihan appears every inch the frontier matron with her dressy bonnet, prairie-pattern cartridge belt, floral-em broidered gauntlets, hunting knife, and Remington-Hepburn rifle.  1895

American Museum of Fly Fishing to Honor Tom McGuane

Posted by Wayne G. Barber

American Museum of Fly Fishing to Honor Thomas McGuane with 2017 Heritage Award

"Thomas McGuane writes better about fishing than anyone else in the history of mankind."–Jim Harrison

Manchester, Vermont (March 14, 2017) - The American Museum of Fly Fishing announced today that it will honor influential author Thomas McGuane with its 2017 Heritage Award. The celebration will take place on April 5 at a public reception held at the Racquet & Tennis Club of New York City. The event committee will be chaired by Bruce McNae.

The 2016 Heritage Award event will begin with a Leadership Circle cocktail
reception at 5:30 in the evening and a general reception at 6:15. During cocktail hour there will be an array of interesting silent auction items for guests to bid on, including travel packages, fly rods, fly reels, and much more. At 7 p.m. dinner and a live auction led by Nick Dawes will take place, immediately followed by the awards presentation. Guests will then be treated to a special interview between our honoree and his good friend and 2014 Heritage Award recipient, Tom Brokaw.

Thomas McGuane has built an impressive literary career, from humble beginnings as the "Humor Editor" at his high school newspaper, The Crane, to becoming one of the most accomplished and diversely talented authors of our generation. He gained acclaim by deftly exploring the depths of human relationships and bringing a decidedly local feel to all of his writing. Whether the context is set in Michigan, the Florida Keys, or the plains of Montana, he deeply understands the environs in which his characters live.

The author of over a dozen novels, screen plays, and short stories, his novel, The Bushwhacked Piano, won the Rosenthal Award from the American Academy of Arts and Letters in 1971 and his novel, Ninety-Two in the Shade was nominated for a National Book Award in 1974. He is also the recipient of the 2009 Wallace Stegner Award, courtesy of the Center of the American West, and is a member of the American Academy of Arts & Letters. An avid outdoorsman who has both won Fly Rod & Reel Magazine's 2010 Angler of the Year and been inducted into the Cutting Horse Hall of Fame (2005), McGuane infuses his works with a rich appreciation of the natural world.

Karen Kaplan, the President of the Board of Trustees, shared her excitement in the announcement saying "Thomas McGuane elevated the field of writing about fishing to new heights with the publication of The Longest Silence in 1999. We are delighted to recognize not only his immense contributions to literature, but also to recognize him as a world class angler and conservationist."

To purchase tickets to this event please visit http://www.amff.org/april-5-2017-heritage-award-honoring-tom-mcguane/or contact Samantha Pitcher spitcher@amff.org.

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

For more information about the Museum and the 2017 Heritage Award please visit our website http://www.amff.org or connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or YouTube.

Let's All Welcome , the Last Green Valley to our Outdoor Scene Family

Posted by Wayne G. Barber

The Last Green Valley, Inc. (TLGV) is a nonprofit charitable organization established in 1995. We are advocates for the fragile and irreplaceable resources of The Last Green Valley. Founded as a grassroots organization, and built upon a proven track record of success and partnerships, TLGV is ensuring a natural and cultural legacy for generations to come.

http://thelastgreenvalley.org/

Great Muskie Ice Fishing

Posted by Wayne G. Barber

Ryan Carpentier with the 14-pound, 38-inch muskie he caught and released in Missisquoi Bay on February 12.  (Photo provided by Ryan Carpentier)

Lake Champlain muskie catches point to restoration progress

 

SWANTON, Vt. – A series of recent muskellunge catches by anglers ice fishing on northern Lake Champlain have provided fisheries biologists from Vermont Fish & Wildlife with added confirmation that muskie stocking and restoration efforts in Missisquoi Bay and the Missisquoi River are proving successful.

 

In a rare occurrence, Vermont anglers Ryan Carpentier and Gage Honsinger both landed muskie through the ice in mid-February at two different locales on the northern end of the lake.  Carpentier’s fish, caught and released in Missisquoi Bay, measured 38 inches in length and weighed 14.1 pounds. Honsinger’s muskie, which measured 35 inches in length, was caught and released in the Inland Sea area.

 

While large, adult muskie have been caught sporadically in northern Lake Champlain over the years, biologists say the two February catches likely indicate a direct link to the department’s recent muskie stocking efforts which began in 2008 and are part of the department’s long-term muskie restoration plan.

 

“Based on known age-at-length data, we estimate these two fish to be between six and eight years old,” said Shawn Good, fisheries biologist with Vermont Fish & Wildlife who has led the muskie restoration program. “Given the age estimate and locations of these two catches in proximity to our muskie stocking sites, there is a strong likelihood that these fish are a product of our initial stocking efforts, which is incredibly encouraging and satisfying to see.”

 

Muskellunge, which can grow to over 50 inches in length and weigh over 50 pounds, are one of four species of esocids (pike family) native to Vermont, along with northern pike, chain pickerel and redfin pickerel. 

 

Although the Lake Champlain muskie population was once widespread, it began to decline in the 1960’s and 1970’s and is thought to have been extirpated completely from the lake by the early 1980’s following a spill of untreated waste from a mill on the Missisquoi River.

Gage Honsinger caught and released this 35-inch muskie in the Inland Sea area off from North Hero on February 22.  (Photo provided by Gage Honsinger)

Since 2008, the department has stocked over 50,000 fingerling muskellunge into the Missisquoi Bay and Missisquoi River area, working to restore the species to northern Lake Champlain.

 

“Our goal is to return the species to Lake Champlain and reestablish its place in the fish community,” said Good. “Muskie are an apex predator that once played an important role in the lake’s aquatic ecosystem. It’s really exciting to see these catches and gather more evidence that the stocked fish are succeeding.”

 

Good, who is reminding anglers that any muskie caught in Vermont must be immediately released based on state law, is also eager for the future recreational opportunities that the fish will provide.

 

“People who have caught them, like Ryan and Gage, will attest to the incredible fight they provide and what an experience it is to catch them,” said Good. “They are known for vicious strikes, powerful runs and acrobatic leaps. It’s an exciting prospect for Lake Champlain sport fishing and we’re thrilled to see progress.”

 To learn more about fishing in Vermont, the department’s fisheries programs, or to purchase a fishing license, visit www.vtfishandwildlife.com.

MARCH PHENOLOGY CALENDAR

Posted by Wayne G. Barber

Second Week of March

Cooper's hawks begin to return to their nesting areas. Still somewhat scarce, they were common before DDT affected the population.

Birds that turned up their beaks at the very thought of sumac a few months ago have changed their minds. Now they flock to these abundant fruits, grateful that they are still available when other fare is scarce.

Red foxes are getting their dens ready for new arrivals. Most fox kits will be born in the next month or so.

Third Week of March

One sweet sound of spring, a very high-pitched song, may now be coming from the brown creeper, a tiny insect-eating bird that spirals upward on tree trunks in search of prey. It might pass a nuthatch on its typical downward spiral.

Painted turtles are basking if it's warm. After they heat up, they will search for food.

First of two litters of red squirrels is born. The little ones will be leaving the nest to look for trouble in about six weeks. Source: Virginia Barlow

Vermont Hunting Meetings

Posted by Wayne G. Barber

-- Hunters, landowners and anyone else interested in wildlife, especially deer and moose, should plan on attending one of the Vermont Fish & Wildlife public hearings being held in late March.

The hearings will include results of Vermont's 2016 deer and moose seasons and prospects for hunting next fall as well as an opportunity for people to provide their observations and opinions regarding deer and moose.

The hearings will also include a review of the proposed 2017 moose hunting season and an opportunity for the public to provide feedback on the number of moose permits recommended for 2017.

The meeting in Middlebury will include an "Open House" discussion of deer, moose, bear, turkey, migratory birds, and habitat management projects.

The hearings are scheduled as follows:

Tuesday, March 21 Brattleboro – 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. -- Brattleboro Area Middle School, 109 Sunny Acres, Brattleboro, Vt 05301

Thursday, March 23 Island Pond – 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. -- Brighton Town Hall, 49 Mill Street, Island Pond, Vt 05846

Saturday, March 25 Middlebury – 12:30 to 5:00 p.m. – Middlebury High School Cafeteria, 73 Charles Avenue, Middlebury, Vt. 05753