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Calendar of Events

Looking for a wildlife related workshop, talk, walk or demonstration? Need to find out what seasons are open or closed for game species? When and where is the next Fisheries and Wildlife Board meeting?

Events of all types relating to MassWildlife activities can be found in this area. If your organization, club or association is hosting a speaker or a workshop designed by MassWildlife, we can help you publicize your event.

2008	\| 2009
May \| Jun \| Jul \| Aug \| Sep \| Oct \| Nov \| Dec	\| Jan \| Feb \| Mar \| Apr

(Note: Some calendar links are to files in PDF format and will require PDF reader software such as Adobe Acrobat. Click here to obtain free Acrobat Reader software from Adobe.)

Last Updated: 05/09/2008

MAY 2008

See the MassWildlife Fishing & Hunting Laws page for regulations, bag limits and zone information.

May 1--CANOEING? KAYAKING? YOU MUST WEAR A LIFE JACKET Between September 15 of last year and May 15 of this year, ALL persons in canoes and kayaks must be WEARING lifejackets. Most boating fatalities in Massachusetts are due to accidents in small craft such as this in cold water/cold weather situations. More Boating SafetyInformation.
May 2--Peregrine Falcon Restoration in the Northeast, Pittsfield--Join members of the Hoffman Bird Club during their Annual Meeting for a presentation about successful peregrine falcon restoration efforts in New England and New York from Dr.Tom French, MassWildlife Assistant Director of Natural Heritage and Endangered Species. This free presentation will begin at 7:30 and will be held at Zucchini's Restaurant on Rte. 7 by Pontoosuc Lake.
May 3--MassWildlife at Blackstone Valley Youth Fishing Derby, Northbridge -- Familes are encouraged to take the opportunity to get outdoors, fish, play, and enjoy a memorable day in a relaxed atmosphere. The event will take place at the West Hill Park recreation area from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Prizes will be awarded for various categories of trout- from largest to smallest. In addition, 60 specially tagged trout will be released before the event, each tag representing an additional prize donated by event sponsors. MassWildlife will be staffing a table with information about fish, wildlife and other wildlife related recreation opportunities. Download a registration form from www.bvfishingderby.org or call the Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commmerce at 508/234-9090 or Fin & Feather Sports in Upton at 508/529-3901.
May 5--(Monday!) OutdoorswomanTurkey Hunt, Devens RFTA -- Designed for women 18 and older, you must have taken the Outdoorswoman Turkey Hunt seminar in the past. Hunt participants must have a shotgun, valid Massachusetts hunting or sporting license and proper gun license.Cost includes guide service, field assistance and a light lunch and dinner. Space is limited with preference given to first time participants. This portion of the workshop is now full and a waiting list has started.
May 5--Forest Management Activities Site Walk at Montague Plains WMA, Montague - The public is invited to visit one of MassWildlife's state wildlife management areas to learn how MassWildlife's forest cutting and burning practices on its lands are benefiting many kinds of wildlife. Wildlife researchers, foresters, forest fire control and wildlife managers will be on hand to talk about their activities and findings. Dress for the weather as this is a rain or shine event. Meet at the Power Line crossing on Plains Road in Montague. For more details, contact John Scanlon or Tim Simmons at 508-389-6300. More information on MassWildlife's Habitat Management Activities.
May 9--Go With the Flow on the Childs River, Falmouth - Join MassWildlife Fisheries Biologist Steve Hurley and Riverways staffer Gabrielle Stebbins as they explore the Childs River and talk about the ecology of this property. Hosted by the Waquoit Bay Estuarine Research Reserve. Meet at WBER Reserve HQ - carpool to river site. To register or for further information, call 508/457-0495 x108. Directions and other info at www.waquoitbayreserve.org
May 10 --Closing day of wild turkey season in Zones 11 & 12.
May 10--Coes Pond Family Fishing Derby, Worcester--This event is designed to introduce curious or beginning anglers of all ages who have an interest in learning about fishing. Cast a line, learn about fish in our waters, safety, ethics, and fishing equipment. No equipment is needed, but if you have your own, bring it along! 9 AM - 12 Noon. The Festival is organized in cooperation with the Massachusetts Sportsmen's Council. MassWildlife Angler Education volunteers will be on hand to assist. For more information, contact Mike Moss at 508/865-4828.
Red spotted newts are laying eggs during this time. The adults live in water, but the young, when they hatch crawl onto land, living in moist areas on land from 2-7 years. Look for the bright orange red young called "red efts" after periods of rain, moving about on the forest floor. When they return to the water, they become aquatic, turning green with small bright red spots.
May 17--Shooting Sports Day for Outdoorswomen, Harvard--This workshop is designed from women 18 and over who would like to learn a new outdoor skill. This workshop will be taught by friendly and experienced instructors at the Harvard Sportsmen's Club. The workshop runs from 9 am - 4pm. A special 1 hour session on the Massachusetts Gun Law will follow for those who wish to apply for a Firearms Identification Card (FID) which is required of anyone who wishes to use a rifle or shotgun. Registration deadline is May 5. Fee covers materials, lunch, eye and ear protection and all equipment. You must send in the Registration Form AND the Medical Form with your check.
May 18--Five Mile Pond Family Fishing Festival, Springfield -- This event is designed to introduce curious or beginning anglers of all ages who have an interest in learning about fishing. Cast a line, learn about fish in our waters, safety, ethics, and fishing equipment. Bait and terminal tackle included, bring your own rod and reel! 9 AM - 2 PM. The Festival is organized in cooperation with the Pine Point Community Council and the Springfield Parks and Recreation Department. MassWildlife Angler Education volunteers will be on hand to assist. For more information, contact Jim Lagacy at 508/389-6309.
May 21 --Fisheries and Wildlife Board Meeting & Public Hearings, Greenfield --The May meeting of the Fisheries and Wildlife Board will be held Wednesday, May 21, at 1 PM at the Downtown Campus of Greenfield Community College, 270 Main Street. This meeting and the hearings are open to the public and are handicapped accessible.Two Public Hearings will be held on the same day and location as the Board meeting. The first hearing will be held at 3 pm relative to the listing, delisting, and name changes of certain plants and animals on the Massachusetts list of endangered, threatened, and special concern species. More details on proposed language.The second hearing will be held at 3:30 pm to amend or establish rules and regulations relative to resident minor sporting licenses.More details on proposed language.
May 21--Bats in Peril: Why Disease is Decimating Bat Colonies around New England, Cambridge. The Harvard Museum of Natural History is hosting a presentation by Dr.Tom French, MassWildlife Assistant Director of Natural Heritage and Endangered Species at 6 PM. In recent months, over a quarter million bats in Western Massachusetts, Vermont, and New York have perished from a deadly disease called white-nose syndrome. French will discuss why we should be concerned about this bat mortality and the effect it could have on insect populations and other ecological issues. Free and open to the public at 24 Oxford Street. For more information, directions and parking go to the Harvard Museum of Natural History's website or call Tom Scanlon at 617/495-2773.
May 24--Closing day of wild turkey season in Zones 1-10 and 13.
May 24--Watson's Pond Family Fishing Festival, Taunton--This event is designed to introduce curious or beginning anglers of all ages who have an interest in learning about fishing. Cast a line, learn about fish in our waters, safety, ethics, and fishing equipment. No equipment is needed, but if you have your own, bring it along! 10 AM - 2 PM. The Festival is organized in cooperation with the Taunton Mayors Office & the Taunton Fish Wardens. MassWildlife Angler Education volunteers will be on hand to assist. For more information, contact Jim Lagacy at 508/389-6309.
May 31--Project WILD & Aquatic WILD Workshop for Educators, Chelsea. Chelsea Hall of Science at Chelsea Public Library invites all K-12 educators to participate in an exciting eight-hour interdisciplinary environmental hands-on/minds-on workshop focusing on terrestrial & aquatic wildlife and ecosystems. Participants will actively engage in activities, evaluate materials for unique needs & settings, share experiences with other educators, take home ideas & resources to integrate in to their teaching, and make correlations to national & state content standards. Scout leaders, youth group leaders, after school program leaders, and formal & non-formal educators find the materials & workshop experience very valuable. Hours may be used toward obtaining PDP’s. Pre-registration is required by calling Ron or Leo Robinson at Chelsea Hall of Science (617) 466-4350 x 62103. The Chelsea Public Library is accessible from the MBTA.
May 31-- Family Fishing Day, Sudbury -- Visit the Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge and try your hand at fishing with staff and Mass. Angler Education Program volunteers! Cast a line, learn about fish in our waters, safety, ethics, and fishing equipment.Equipment will be provided, but if you have your own, bring it along! 10 AM - 2 PM. This special event is organized in cooperation with the US Fish and Wildlife Service and MassWildlife. For more information, contact Sue Russo at 978/ 443-4661 x34.

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JUNE 2008

See the MassWildlife Fishing & Hunting Laws page for regulations, bag limits and zone information.

June 1--Horn Pond Family Fishing Festival, Woburn--On the shores of Horn Pond, cast a line, learn about fish in our waters, safety, ethics, and fishing equipment. MassWildlife's Angler Education Volunteer Instructors willl be on hand to assist novices. Equipment will be provided, but if you have your own, bring it along! 9 AM - 1 PM. This special event is organized in cooperation with the Woburn Elks and MassWildlife. For more information, contact Jim Lagacy at 508/389-6309.
June 6 - 8--Becoming An Outdoorswoman Weekend, Lenox -- This weekend offers 25+ separate workshop options plus fun and activities for the full group. Learn about new outdoor skills and recreation opportunities right here in Massachusetts including archery, kayaking, wild edible plants, nature photography, fly fishing, shooting and more. Bring a friend or relative and have a great weekend at "Camp for Women"!!! Limited to 100. Registration forms will be processed on a first-come, first serve basis. Limited scholarships available.
June 7 & 8--FREE FISHING WEEKEND! Take a friend or family member fishing--you won't need a fishing license for these two days! A fishing license is a wonderful investment in your state, the license fees support fisheries research, fish stocking programs, angler education and many other services provided by MassWildlife.
June 7--Family Fishing Day, Montague--The Friends of the Great Falls Discovery Center invite families to participate in a fishing festival with the MassWildlife Angler Education Program. The Festival will be held at the Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A in Turners Falls from 10 AM - 2 PM. Designed to introduce curious or beginning anglers of all ages who have an interest in learning about fishing, cast a line, learn about fish in our waters, safety, ethics, and fishing equipment. No equipment is needed, but if you have your own, bring it along!
June 8--Introduction to Fly Fishing, Shutesbury--This workshop is designed for beginners and is sponsored by the Shutesbury Public Library. Must be 10 years old or older. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Learn some of the basics of fly fishing from MassWildlife's Angler Education Volunteer Instructors. Workshop will be at the Shutesbury Public Library and will be held from 2-4pm. No equipment is needed, but if you have your own, bring it along! Pre-registration is required. Contact the M.N. Spear Memorial Library in Shutesbury at 413-259-1213.
June 21-- Aquatic WILD Workshop for Educators, Berkley. Kettle Pond Farm invites all K-12 educators to participate in an exciting six-hour interdisciplinary hands-on/minds-on workshop focusing on aquatic wildlife and ecosystems. Participants will actively engage in activities, evaluate materials for unique needs & settings, share experiences with other educators, take home ideas & resources to integrate in to their teaching, and make correlations to national & state content standards. Scout leaders, youth group leaders, and formal & non-formal educators find the materials & workshop experience very valuable. Hours may be used toward obtaining PDP’s. Pre-registration is required by calling Nancy Possinger at (508) 824-4814.

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JULY 2008

See the MassWildlife Fishing & Hunting Laws page for regulations, bag limits and zone information.

July 19--Whitman's Pond Family Fishing Festival, Weymouth--This event is designed to introduce curious or beginning anglers of all ages who have an interest in learning about fishing. Cast a line, learn about fish in our waters, safety, ethics, and fishing equipment. No equipment is needed, but if you have your own, bring it along! 10:00 am– 3:00pm. The Festival is organized in cooperation with Whitman’s Pond Association and Weymouth Youth and Family Services. MassWildlife Angler Education volunteers will be on hand to assist. For more information, contact Marie Feely at 781/340-6976 for more details.

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AUGUST 2008

See the MassWildlife Fishing & Hunting Laws page for regulations, bag limits and zone information.

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SEPTEMBER 2008

See the MassWildlife Fishing & Hunting Laws page for regulations, bag limits and zone information.

September 7--Grandparents and Kids Family Fishing Day, Granby--MassWildilfe and the Granby Senior center are encouraging grandparents to bring their grandchildren to this family fishing day at Dufresne Pond from 9:00 – 1:00pm. Learn some of the basics of fishing from MassWildlife's Angler Education Program volunteers. No equipment is needed, but if you have your own, bring it along! Pre-registration is required. Contact Pat Sicard at 413-467-3239.

September 15--CANOEING? KAYAKING? YOU MUST WEAR A LIFE JACKET Between September 15 of this year and May 15 of next year, ALL persons in canoes and kayaks must be WEARING lifejackets. This includes waterfowl hunters. Most boating fatalities in Massachusetts are due to accidents in small craft such as this in cold water/cold weather situations. More Boating SafetyInformation.

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OCTOBER 2008

See the MassWildlife Fishing & Hunting Laws page for regulations, bag limits and zone information.

October 1--CANOEING? KAYAKING? YOU MUST WEAR A LIFE JACKET Between September 15 of this year and May 15 of next year, ALL persons in canoes and kayaks must be WEARING lifejackets. This includes anglers and waterfowl hunters as well as other canoe and kayak users. Most boating fatalities in Massachusetts are due to accidents in small craft such as this in cold water/cold weather situations. More Boating SafetyInformation.
October 1--Opening day of raccoon, opossum season
Fall Trout Stocking ends by Friday following Columbus Day --To find out what waters will be stocked, go to the Stocked Trout Waters List.
October 13--Archery season for deer opens.
Bullfrogs, snapping turtles and garter snakes are going into hibernation.
October 18--Statewide opening day of pheasant, quail, ruffed grouse, coyote. Cottontail rabbit opens in WMZs 1-12. Gray squirrel opens in WMZs 1-9. Snowshoe hare in Zones 1-12.
Juncos, often called snowbirds, begin to arrive from their summer breeding areas in northern New England and Canada.
Brook and brown trout are spawning during this time.
October 27 --Turkey season opens
Woodchucks are beginning to seek out hibernation areas. Their body temperature and breathing rate will drop and they will no longer excrete, an unusual physiological phenomenon.

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NOVEMBER

See the MassWildlife Fishing & Hunting Laws page for regulations, bag limits and zone information.

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DECEMBER

See the MassWildlife Fishing & Hunting Laws page for regulations, bag limits and zone information.

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JANUARY 2009

See the MassWildlife Fishing & Hunting Laws page for regulations, bag limits and zone information.

January 1--Happy New Year! We hope you enjoy and use this calendar for your recreation and educational needs.
SUPPORT WILDLIFE WORK IN MASSACHUSETTS! Buy a fishing or hunting license. Unlike most other state agencies, the Division of Fisheries & Wildlife's budget is approximately 95% funded through license fees and our work benefits all citizens and the wildlife residing in the Commonwealth. Consider this a natural investment in wildlife conservation, research, recreation and education! You can also contribute to the Heritage and Endangered Species Fund which is partially supported by donations as well as license fees and general tax funds. Another valuable way to help wildlife is to donate to the Wildlands Fund--this fund was set up for the exclusive purpose of purchasing important fish & wildlife habitat. The land will also be open to the public, from fishing and hunting, to wildlife watching and hiking.
White-tailed deer are shedding their antlers--shedding begins around mid-December and runs through February. Rodents often chew on the "sheds" which provides them with calcium.
January--MassWildlife Looks for Eagles, Statewide-- A target date will be used for a concentrated survey of major rivers, lakes, reservoirs and the coast by MassWildlife personnel and volunteers across the state. This event is part of a nationwide Midwinter Bald Eagle Survey that is held every year in early January. In 2008, 72 bald eagles were documented in Massachusetts during the one day event.
Breeding begins for several furbearers in this chilly month, including coyote, beaver, opossum and raccoon.
January 31--Last day of hunting season for raccoon and opossum.

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FEBRUARY 2009

See the MassWildlife Fishing & Hunting Laws page for regulations, bag limits and zone information.

February 1--Junior Duck Stamp Contestants Needed!--This conservation education program is designed to stimulate awareness and personal involvement in waterfowl & wetland conservation for students in grades K-12 through a student art project. If you are a student or know of a student who loves to draw, color or paint, this is for him or her! Contact Pam Landry at 508-389-6300 to receive materials and information about the program. Artwork submission deadline is March 15.
Housing for Wood Ducks-With safe ice throughout the state, district and Westboro biologists are replacing old wood duck boxes or installing new ones in wet (frozen) areas throughout the state. Contact the MassWildlife District office closest to you for wood duck box plans!
February 2 --GROUNDHOG DAY Here in New England, what some people call groundhogs are actually woodchucks.
February 5-- Snowshoe hare season closes in Zones 5-14.
February 28-- Snowshoe hare and cottontail rabbit hunting season closes in Zones 1-4. Rabbit season, and fox seasons statewide close on this date. Smelt Season closes. Trapping season for Raccoon, Opossum, Skunk and Muskrat closes.

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MARCH 2009

See the MassWildlife Fishing & Hunting Laws page for regulations, bag limits and zone information.

March 1--CANOEING? KAYAKING? YOU MUST WEAR A LIFE JACKET Between September 15 of last year and May 15, ALL persons in canoes and kayaks must be WEARING lifejackets. Most boating fatalities in Massachusetts are due to accidents in small craft in cold water/cold weather situations and failure to wear personal flotation devices (PFD). Life jackets float, you don't!
Have You Noticed the Wild Things on Your State Tax Form?! Since 1983, Massachusetts tax filers have had the option to donate to the Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Fund while filing their state income tax form.(Line 32) When you contribute to the fund, you help to protect and restore rare and endangered animals, plants, and their habitats. Your past donations have helped conserve and restore in the Commonwealth populations of the Bald Eagle, Hessel's Hairstreak butterfly, the Redbelly Turtle, and the beautiful Eastern Silvery Aster. Donations to the Fund may also be made year round by sending a check made out: Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Fund and sent to: MassWildlife Field HQ, NHESP, 1 Rabbit Hill Rd Westborough MA 01581 Learn more about the work the Fund supports!
March 7, 2009--Last day of Bobcat season.
March 15 -- Deadline for Youth Artists' Submission to the Junior Duck Stamp Program!--This conservation education program is designed to stimulate awareness and personal involvement in waterfowl & wetland conservation for students in grades K-12 through a student art project. If you are a student or know of a student who loves to draw, color or paint, this is for him or her! Contact Pam Landry at 508-389-6300 by this date to get on a mailing list to receive materials and information about the program.
Peregrine falcons return to establish their territories. Peregrines can migrate as far away as South America, but the falcons which nest here in Massachusetts probably don't go very far south.
Garter snakes beginning their breeding season. One of the earliest snakes to emerge from hibernation, the garter snake is probably our most common snake. Generally, these snakes breed at or near their hibernation site.

APRIL 2009

See the MassWildlife Fishing & Hunting Laws page for regulations, bag limits and zone information.

April 1--CANOEING? KAYAKING? YOU MUST WEAR A LIFE JACKET Between September 15 of last year and May 15, ALL persons in canoes and kayaks must be WEARING lifejackets. Most boating fatalities in Massachusetts are due to accidents in small craft in cold water/cold weather situations and failure to wear personal flotation devices (PFD). Life jackets float, you don't! More Boating SafetyInformation.
Help MassWildlife restore Atlantic salmon by volunteering to stock salmon fry (juvenile fish) in the tributaries of the Connecticut River! Due to budget constraints, volunteers are needed to wade up streams and small rivers to bring young fish to a new home throughout mid-April through mid-May. Bring your friends and family! Stocking schedules will be posted when details are finalized.
April 15--SAVE SOMETHING RARE ON YOUR STATE TAX FORM !! Donate to MassWildlife's Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program on your tax form. Don't Forget to Go Wild With Your State Tax Form! Since 1983, Massachusetts tax filers have had the option to donate to the Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Fund while filing their state income tax form.(Line 32) When you contribute to the fund, you help to protect and restore rare and endangered animals, plants, and their habitats. Your past donations have helped conserve and restore in the Commonwealth populations of the Bald Eagle, Hessel's Hairstreak butterfly, the Redbelly Turtle, and the beautiful Eastern Silvery Aster. Donations to the Fund may also be made year round by sending a check made out: Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Fund and sent to: MassWildlife Field HQ, NHESP, 1 Rabbit Hill Rd Westborough MA 01581. Learn more about the work the Fund supports!
Long tailed weasels, are bearing their young at this time. The young were conceived last July or August!
On warm rainy nights, watch for spotted salamanders migrating to vernal pools to lay their eggs. Spring peepers should be in full chorus by now.
Alewives are returning to the rivers where they hatched in order to spawn (lay & fertilize eggs) in the same areas.

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Note: The Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife (MassWildlife) provides external links to the websites of entities mentioned on this page as a public service. The Division does not exercise control over the content of these websites. A link's presence here should not be construed as an endorsement of its contents by MassWildlife.

Last Updated: 05/09/2008