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MassWildlife
News Release
All Media Inquiries: (508) 389-6300
MassWildlife News is published 1-2 times/month. If you are interested in receiving the MW News electronically, send an e-mail to the following address: Join-MassWildlife.news@listserv.state.ma.us
April 2007
- 2008 WILDLIFE STAMP ART CHANGES
- VERNAL POOL SEASONAL NOTES AND PUBLICATIONS
- SALMON FRY STOCKING REMINDER
- BOAT SMART FROM THE START, WEAR YOUR LIFE JACKET!
- TAGS N' TROUT
- RABIES AWARENESS
- UPCOMING PUBLIC MEETINGS
- CALENDAR OF EVENTS
2008 WILDLIFE STAMP STAMP ART CHANGES
Artists who wish to submit entries for three 2008 wildlife stamp competitions need to know about new entry deadlines and design changes. Each year, the Commonwealth issues three wildlife recreation stamps: an archery stamp, a primitive firearms stamp and a waterfowl stamp. All three of the stamps feature artwork selected through open competition.
Beginning this year, separate entries for the archery stamp and primitive firearms stamp will be required. In the past, the same artwork was used on both stamps, with a minor color variation between the two. One design for both stamps sometimes led to confusion on the part of license sellers and buyers. Not only will the different designs aid license vendors in issuing the proper stamp, but artists will have an additional opportunity to submit artwork for the competition. For the archery stamp, the subject is the artist's choice but must relate to bows and/or bowhunting for deer. For the primitive firearms stamp, the subject is again the artist's choice and the design must relate to muzzleloaders and/or muzzleloader hunting for deer. The deadline for submitting artwork for both the archery stamp and primitive firearms stamp is May 31, 2007.
The waterfowl stamps, most popular of the three stamps, were first issued in 1974. The new deadline for submitting an art entry for the Waterfowl stamp competition is June 30, 2007. The stamp design features decoys crafted by deceased Massachusetts decoy makers.
Wildlife stamps are critical to wildlife management in Massachusetts. These stamps generate about $300,000 annually, which is used to enhance vital wildlife habitat. The stamps are are issued both in beautiful full color hard copy and in a black and white stamped version for those who choose to purchase their licenses on line. The stamps are required for hunters and are collected by hunters, other conservationists, and stamp collectors.
Through the competition, MassWildlife wins the right to generate and reproduce a stamp using the winning artwork. The winner receives an engraved plaque, maintains ownership of the original artwork and prepares prints which are of very specific interest to members of the Massachusetts Bowhunters' Association, Ducks Unlimited, and to sportsmen and women and conservationists throughout the Commonwealth and beyond. Full sets of stamps are on display at MassWildlife's Field Headquarters in Westborough. A detailed history of the waterfowl stamp program is available in a book published by the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem.
For details and regulations regarding the stamp competitions, visit the Hunting and Fishing area of www.mass.gov/masswildlife, and click on Stamps and Permits. Hard copies of the regulations may be obtained from the Westborough Field Headquarters by calling 508/389-6300.
VERNAL POOL SEASONAL NOTES AND PUBLICATIONS
Despite the current cold temperatures, the season for amphibian movements is upon us. Salamanders, spring peepers, wood frogs, and toads will be ambling and hopping across Bay State roadways on warm wet nights, heading to vernal pools and other wetlands to mate and lay their eggs. The height of spring amphibian activity comes during warm, rainy nights when spring peepers are heard calling. Thousands of frogs, salamanders, and toads move across roadways during these conditions and many amphibians are squashed by vehicles traveling after dark. Some local communities and conservation groups host salamander crossings where traffic is slowed to allow for safe progress of amphibians. Other local groups meet at known "Big Night" crossings or look for new road crossings to share this seasonal phenomenon with the public or to document the presence of nearby vernal pools. Consider doing your daily errands before dark or during dry evenings as a way to reduce amphibian traffic mortality.
A revised poster on vernal pools and the creatures that depend on them is now available from MassWildlife's Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program (NHESP). "Vernal Pool Life: A Race Against Dryness" is a beautiful color poster using twenty-six images to depict the many animal species which depend on vernal pools. The poster's images and text have been updated and serves as a wonderful educational aid. Support for the production and distribution of this poster has been provided by NHESP, Sweet Water Trust, the Vernal Pool Association, EnviroNet, and Tuft's Wright Center for Education. The poster is available for free when picked up at MassWildlife District offices and the Westborough Field Headquarters.
To find out much more about what vernal pools are, what they look like, and what is found in them in Massachusetts, order a Field Guide to the Animals of Vernal Pools published by MassWildlife's Natural Heritage Program and the Vernal Pool Association. Beautiful photographs and descriptive text are combined to aid in the identification and study of amphibians, reptiles and many invertebrates. The Field Guide may be ordered by sending a $12 check made out to NHES Fund and mailed to Vernal Pool Guide, MassWildlife, 1 Rabbit Hill Rd, Westborough MA 01581. Visit the MassWildlife website at www.mass.gov/masswildlife and click on the Natural Heritage button for other information about ways to certify and protect vernal pools. Another useful website with information on vernal pools, crossing signs, and additional educational materials can be found at the Vernal Pool Association website, www.vernalpool.org.
SALMON FRY STOCKING REMINDER
Volunteers from schools, sporting clubs, civic groups and others with a passion for rivers, fish or fishing are needed to assist MassWildlife in stocking over a million salmon fry (juvenile fish) for the Atlantic salmon restoration program. According to Dr. Caleb Slater, MassWildlife's Anadromous Fish Project Leader, stocking dates are planned from April through early May to release salmon fry into dozens of Connecticut River tributaries. The fry will come from MassWildlife's Roger Reed Hatchery in Palmer and the White River National Fish Hatchery in Bethel, Vermont. Dr. Slater offers some tips for potential volunteers, "You will get wet! A change of clothes is a good idea. You will be walking on slippery stream and river beds, so waders or other waterproof footgear is useful." There are a few waders to loan. Volunteers will also be climbing up and down steep stream banks and should be in very good physical condition. For more information on dates, meeting locations and times for fry stocking check out www.MassWildlife.org or contact Dr. Caleb Slater at 508/389-6331.
BOAT SMART FROM THE START - WEAR YOUR LIFE JACKET!
Lakes and ponds are shedding their winter ice, rivers are swelling with flood waters and the boating season is just around the corner. If in a canoe or kayak, you are required by law to be wearing a Personal Flotation Device (PFD) from September 15 - May 15. After May 15, wearing a PFD is not required, but it must be in the craft with you. The Environmental Police can write a $50 ticket for violating this law. All boaters are urged to wear their life jackets. The majority of boating fatalities in Massachusetts involve small boats. In over 80% of recreational boating fatalities the victims were not wearing lifejackets. Sign up for a Boating Safety class scheduled by the Environmental Police Boat Safety Bureau. For course schedules, go to: http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dle/courselist.htm or contact the Environmental Police Boat and Recreational Vehicle Safety Bureau at 508/759-0002.
TAGS 'N TROUT
You could catch some outdoor recreation merchandise in the ponds and lakes of Massachusetts! All that is needed to claim some of this treasure is a fishing license, fishing rod and a little luck! It's MassWildlife's Tags `n Trout Program, sponsored by area sports shops, recreation departments and sportsmen's clubs. Anyone catching a trout with a white tag may redeem the tag with the sponsor and claim a nice prize. The following sponsors have worked with MassWildlife to tag fish stocked in the water bodies indicated:
- Ashfield - Ashfield Lake (10 fish), Ashfield Rod & Gun Club, 413/625-8196
- Blackstone - Mill River (25 fish) Blackstone Recreation Department, Blackstone 508/883-2083
- Haverhill - Lake Pentucket (10 fish) Merrimac Sports, Merrimac 978/ 346-8835
- Haverhill - Saltonstall Lake (10 fish) Merrimac Sports, Merrimac 978/ 346-8835
- Hopkinton - Hopkinton Reservoir (10 fish); Fin & Feather, Upton, 508/529-3901
- Lynn - Sluice Pond (20 fish) Lynn Fish and Game Club, Lynn 781/598-0682
- Orange - Millers River (10 fish) Flagg's Tackle, 978/544-0034, Orange
- Quabbin Reservoir (40 fish) - North Worcester County Quabbin Anglers, 978/724-6603
- Shelburne - Deerfield River (15 fish) Davenport Sports Shop, 413/625-9544, Shelburne
- Uxbridge - West Hill Dam, West River, (10 fish); Fin & Feather, Upton, 508/529-3901
- Westfield - Westfield River (15 fish) B.G. Sporting, 413/568-7569, Westfield,
- Worcester - Lake Quinsigamond (20 fish) Fin & Feather, Upton, 508/529-3901
- Wrentham - Lake Pearl (25 fish), Robin's Bait & Tackle, Dedham 508/384-2986
RABIES AWARENESS
MassWildife, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) and other animal and public health entities want to remind all Bay State residents about the importance vaccinating their pets against rabies and about ways to reduce the risk of animal bites and other potential rabies exposures. Rabies is a fatal disease for all mammals. According to DPH reports about wildlife testing, 135 raccoons, 40 skunks, 34 bats, 12 cats, 1 coyote, and 1 otter tested positive for rabies in 2006.
Officials emphasized that keeping vaccinations current on dogs and cats, including indoor cats, is crucial to rabies prevention. Pets can act as a bridge between a rabid wild animal and a person, acquiring the virus through a bite and then bringing the virus into the household. Testing is warranted when there is contact between a potentially rabid animal and a person or pet. Rabies has been documented in the majority of Massachusetts cities and towns, including Cape Cod. No part of the state is free from the risk of rabies.
MassWildlife receives many calls annually from people looking for information on the potentially fatal virus.Prevention and avoidance are important when dealing with wildlife. Raccoons and skunks are attracted to developed areas across the Commonwealth and capitalize on artificial food sources such as garbage, compost, gardens, bird feed and pet food. Skunks are particularly fond of white lawn grubs, the larvae of Japanese beetles. Many animals also take advantage of man-made shelter such as crawl spaces under garden sheds or decks, with raccoons frequently denning in chimneys and attics that are not capped or sealed. Refrain from using or installing pet doors as they also provide entry for wildlife. Critter proof your home by repairing screens, vents, capping chimneys and other areas where wildlife may gain access. By eliminating both artificial food sources and shelter, the chances of encountering raccoons and skunks around the home and yard will be greatly reduced.
If an animal inflicts a bite or scratch, wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water for 15 minutes and call a physician. If possible, capture the suspected animal with care and/or call your local Board of Health and Animal Control Officer for details on testing protocol. Use caution with a pet you suspect may have been in a fight with a wild animal. Handle the pet with gloves and contact a veterinarian. If you find a bat in the house and suspect you or a family member may have been bitten or scratched, capture the animal in a large coffee can and call your doctor and local public health officials. "A Homeowners Guide To Bats" pamphlet is available on MassWildlife's website in the Publications area. For more information on rabies, visit the DPH website at www.mass.gov/dph/cdc/epii/rabies/rabies.htm
UPCOMING PUBLIC MEETINGS
The Fisheries & Wildlife Board will be meeting on April 17, 2007 at 1:00 PM at the Essex Agricultural & Technical High School, Smith Hall Conference Room, 562 Maple Street, Danvers (Hathorne). This meeting is open to the public and media. A presentation on deer management by Bill Woytek, MassWildlife Deer Biologist is planned.
The Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Advisory Committee will meet on May 10 at 1:30PM at the MassWildlife Field Headquarters in Westborough. For directions, check the MassWildlife website in About MassWildlife (www.mass.gov/masswildlife) or call 508/389-6360. Both meetings are open to the public.
Calendar of Events
Check mass.gov/masswildlife for a complete listing of MassWildlife Events
- April 22 (Earth Day) - Kids Casting Program, Springfield - This activity will be part of the Springfield Museum's Earth Day Festival held from 11:00 - 4:00pm. Open to the Public - Contact the Springfield Science Museum 413/263-6800 x325.
- April 26-Coyotes and Other Neighborhood Wildlife, Malden - Sponsored by the Town of Malden's Animal Control Office, MassWildlife's Tara Wooley will be giving a talk about coyotes at Malden's City Hall 200 Pleasant Street at 7pm. This talk is free and open to the public. For more information, call 781/ 397-7141.
- April 28-Project WILD Workshop For Educators, Uxbridge--The Project WILD workshop is a series of wildlife activities workshops designed for all educators who work with kids of all ages and who want hands-on, interdisciplinary activities focusing on wildlife, people and the environment. Participants experience useful wildlife activities, receive the Project WILD Guides and other wildlife materials. Scout leaders, youth group leaders as well as classroom teachers find the materials and workshop experience very valuable. PDP's are available to classroom teachers. Workshops are led by MassWildlife's Project WILD volunteer facilitators. Pre-registration is required. Contact Viola Bramel 978/ 318-8417 or viola.m.bramel@usace.army.mil.
- May 3, 10, 24, 31- Basic Freshwater Fishing Course, Turner's Falls (Montague)-- Open to beginning anglers of all ages, this free course is co-sponsored by the US Fish and Wildlife Service and will be held from 6:00-8:00 PM at Great Falls Discovery Center. Equipment is provided but if you have equipment, you are welcome to bring it along! MassWildlife's Angler Education Volunteer Instructors will be teaching this free clinic. Weather permitting, a local trip to fish will be planned. To pre-register, contact Sue Russo at 413/863-3676.
- May 10-Sportsmen as Conservationists Lecture Series, Groton -- The Nashua River Watershed Association is hosting Part 1 of a lecture series. A panel consisting of an outdoor writer (Bill Biswanger, Lowell Sun), bowhunter (Ken Brown, Mass. Bowhunters Association), NRWA Education Consultant George Moore and MassWildlife's Chief of Information and Education Ellie Horwitz will be discussing this topic. The program is free and starts at 7PM at the NRWA office on Rtee 119. (Just .2 miles east of the Nashua River boat ramp.)
CLICK HERE FOR FAMILY FISHING EVENTS FOR APRIL & MAY!