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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

Last Updated: 12/20/2007

December 2007

December 17, 2007

Released December 17, 2007

2008 LICENSES AVAILABLE!

2008 hunting, fishing and trapping licenses are now available for purchase online and at license vendors across the state. License fees support MassWildlife's efforts in habitat protection, stocking fish and pheasants, biological projects, education programs and endangered species restoration.

Licenses may be purchased online via the MassOutdoors website. Be sure to choose "the next year" when purchasing 2008 licenses, permits, and stamps. Deer hunters are reminded that they must wait until January 1, 2008 to apply for antlerless deer permits online. Due to documentation requirements, trapping licenses and hunting licenses for minors are not available online.

Licenses are also available for purchase at over the counter license vendor locations throughout the state. Hunting and sporting license buyers are reminded that they must show either a previous hunting license or a hunter safety certificate from any state or Canadian province in order to purchase those types of licenses.

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Released December 17, 2007

WHO IS STUDYING BARRED OWLS?

Over the years, birders (birdwatchers) have reported a seasonal phenomenon in winter where large numbers of owls appear in different areas of Massachusetts, as well as other parts of the country. This is particularly noticeable when Snowy Owls appear in the state, but this scenario is also true for other owl species. Based on current sighting reports, such a large incursion of Barred Owls is occurring this year in the region. Little is known about these unpredictable periodic winter incursions, but a collaborative effort between MassWildlife, Tufts University's Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, and MassAudubon may be helpful in attempting to understand seasonal movements of Barred Owls.

Barred Owls found dead as well as injured owls received by licensed wildlife rehabilitators will be examined at the veterinary school's wildlife clinic in North Grafton by staff from the three cooperating groups. Owls will be weighed, measured, aged, sexed, and examined to determine the cause of death, body condition (fat reserves), and stomach contents. The data collected will be used to understand more about periodic irruptions of Barred Owls.

MassWildlife and the other cooperators are seeking assistance in acquiring as many Barred Owl specimens from this season's incursion as is possible to examine. "Injured owls may lawfully be picked up by members of the public and should be delivered to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator," said Dr. Tom French, MassWildlife's Assistant Director of Natural Heritage and Endangered Species. A listing of "rehabbers" can be found on the MassWildlife website in the Wildlife area.

French asked that if at all possible, carcasses of Barred Owls should be directly delivered to the Tufts Wildlife Clinic in North Grafton. "It is technically unlawful for the public to pick up dead owls," said French, "But this is generally sanctioned if the dead bird is delivered directly to a state or federal wildlife agency, wildlife rehabilitator, nature center, university, or similar organization." Direct authorization can be provided to any individual from an appropriate state or federal wildlife agency employee by phone. The Wildlife Clinic at Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine is located off Westboro Road (Rte 30) in North Grafton. Phone is 508/839-7918. Directions to the campus and wildlife clinic hours of operation.

Requests from educational and scientific organizations who wish to obtain Barred Owl specimens for further research or education can contact Dr. French at tom.french@state.ma.us or call him at 508/389-6355.

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Released December 17, 2007

KEEP AN EYE ON THE ICE!

Winter has made its appearance in Massachusetts, but variable temperatures that have prevailed in the state so far this season mean the condition of ice on the Bay State's waterbodies is unpredictable at best and could be treacherous. MassWildlife urges outdoor enthusiasts to play it safe and check ice carefully before venturing onto ice-covered waters. An ice strength table is posted on the agency website.

How can you tell if ice is safe? There are no guarantees -- always consider ice potentially dangerous. Assess ice safety by using an ice chisel to chop a hole in the ice to determine its thickness and condition. Make sure you continue to do this as you go further out on to the ice, because the thickness of the ice will not be uniform all over the pond or lake. Be aware that ice tends to be thinner on lakes and ponds where there are spring holes, inlets or outlets. Don't venture on to ice bound rivers or streams as the currents make ice thickness unpredictable.

What if you fall through the ice? As with any emergency, don't panic! Briefly call for help. It doesn't take long for the cold water to start slowing your physical and mental functions, so you must act quickly. Air will remain trapped in your clothes for a short time aiding your buoyancy. Kick your legs while grasping for firm ice. Try to pull your body up using "ice pins" that should be hanging around your neck. Once your torso is on firm ice, roll towards thicker ice. This will better distribute your weight. Remember that ice you have previously walked on should be the safest. After you reach safe ice, don't waste precious time because you need to warm up quickly to prevent hypothermia. Go to the nearest fishing shanty, warm car, or home.

If a companion falls through the ice remember the phrase "Reach-Throw-Go" If you are unable to reach your friend from shore, throw him or her a rope, jumper cables, tree branch, or other object. If this does not work, go for help before you also become a victim. Always keep your pets on a leash.

If a pet falls through the ice do not attempt to rescue the pet, go for help. Well meaning pet owners can too easily become rescue victims when trying to rescue their pets.

For other ice safety tips and winter weather preparedness, check the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency website.

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Released December 17, 2007

HELP COUNT EAGLES IN JANUARY

A target date of January 11 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. "As usual our long time partner, National Grid, will be assisting in the survey by providing a helicopter for surveying the Quabbin Reservoir area and the Connecticut River," said Dr. Tom French. Ground teams will also be covering known eagle territories statewide during the day. In 2007, 48 bald eagles were documented in Massachusetts during the one day event. Anyone spotting an eagle from January 1 through 15 is encouraged to report the sighting by email at Mass.wildlife@state.ma.us or by postal service to "Eagle Survey", MassWildlife, Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program, 1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough, MA 01581. Please provide date, time, location and town of eagle sightings, number of birds, juvenile or adult, and observer contact information.

The restoration of bald eagles to Massachusetts is a great success story. Eagles had not nested in the state since 1905 in Sandwich and later vanished from much of the country due to loss of habitat and DDT pesticides. MassWildlife along with many other conservation minded partners began the restoration effort in 1982 after eagles were discovered wintering in the Quabbin Reservoir area. From 1982 -1988, young eagle chicks were transported from wild nests, primarily from Canada to be raised in cages overlooking the reservoir. When the birds were old enough to fly, the cage doors were opened and the birds were free to fly. This method, called hacking, assures that the young birds would view the area as their home base. The hope was that when grown, the eagles would choose the Quabbin area to nest. This occurred, with the first successful fledging of 3 eaglets at Quabbin in 1989. Since that time, eagle nesting activity has spread to at least 25 known nesting territories in the state. The nesting birds are descended from the original hacked eaglets as well as descendants of hacked birds from neighboring states.

Eagle restoration efforts were funded through several sources; major funding came from the former Bank of Boston and hunting and fishing license fees (Inland Fish & Game Fund), the Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Fund, as well as support from National Grid, federal aid from the US Fish and Wildlife Service and the Massachusetts Audubon Society.

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Released December 17, 2007

RESOLVE TO SIGN UP FOR HUNTER EDUCATION

New and novice hunters of all ages are encouraged to make a New Year's resolution to sign up for a Basic Hunter Education Course in the winter and spring months of 2008. Students who successfully pass the course will receive a Certificate of Completion which is acceptable for purchasing a Massachusetts hunting or sporting license. It also allows students 15 years or older to apply for a firearms license at their local police departments. These Certificates of Completion are also recognized in all the United States, Canada and Mexico for the purchase of a hunting or sporting license. Basic courses are being scheduled for the beginning of the year and will be posted by mid-December on MassWildlife's website in the "Education" section.

"Many people fail to consider signing up for a course in the winter or spring months because they aren't thinking about hunting," says MassWildlife Hunter Education Administrator, Susan Langlois. "By completing a course early in the year, new hunters have time to apply for firearms licenses, practice newly acquired skills and scout potential hunting locations." The 15-16 hour course, which is usually scheduled over five or six weekday evenings, is taught by volunteer instructors. Occasionally, courses are conducted on weekends. Students must attend all scheduled sessions as part of the requirement for passing the course. All classes are provided at no charge to the student. The sportsmen and women of the state have already assumed the expenses for the courses.

Information on course locations and schedules will be posted. Course information may also be obtained by calling the Massachusetts Hunter Education Program at 978/632-7648.

Topics covered during the Basic Hunter Education course include: safe handling of hunting arms and ammunition, hunting laws and ethics, wildlife identification, wildlife management, care and handling of game, basic survival skills and first aid. It is the mission of the Massachusetts Hunter Education Program to protect the lives and safety of the public, promote the wise management and ethical use of our wildlife resources, and encourage a greater appreciation of the environment through education. Funding is derived from the sale of hunting and sporting licenses, and from federal excise taxes on firearms and archery equipment. Massachusetts offered its first hunter safety course in 1954, and to date has graduated more than 160,000 students.

Graduates who have lost their Certificates may obtain a duplicate by contacting the Hunter Education office directly or through the MassWildlife website. For more information on courses and duplicate Certificates, contact the Hunter Education Program office in Westminster at 978/632-7648.

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Released December 17, 2007

UPCOMING MEETINGS

Fisheries and Wildlife Board Meeting, Lenox-The December meeting Fisheries & Wildlife Board will be held on Tuesday, December 18 at 11 AM at Shakespeare & Company's Founders Theater on 70 Kemble Road in Lenox. Following the meeting at Noon, Secretary of Energy Environmental Affairs Ian Bowles will be swearing in George Darey to the Fisheries and Wildlife Board. For directions to the meeting, go to www.shakespeare.org or call 413-637-1199. The January meeting has not been scheduled, but will be posted by the first week of January on the agency website.

The next meeting of the Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Advisory Committee will be on will be on Thursday, December 13, 2007 at 1:30 PM at the MassWildlife Field Headquarters in Westborough. Both meetings are open to the public.

Both meetings are open to the public.

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Released December 17, 2007

NEWS & NOTES-Bear Season Totals, Migratory Game Bird Hunters Need to Get HIP!, Junior Duck Stamp Packets Available, Calendar of Events

  • 2008 Bear Season Totals--During the September and November bear seasons, licensed hunters took a total of 143 black bears. During the September season 125 bears were taken and 18 more were taken in the November season. The breakdown of figures is as follows: 71 bears taken in Berkshire County, 33 in Franklin, 9 in Hampden, 28 in Hampshire and 1 in Middlesex County. The bear in Middlesex County is the first bear taken in that county since regulated bear hunting was opened in 1970. No bears were taken in Worcester County. The largest bear weighed 378 pounds and was taken in Northfield by bow and arrow. The second largest bear weighed 364 pounds and was taken in Otis with a rifle. Bear hunters are reminded that 2008 bear permit applications are found on their hunting /sporting licenses and must be mailed in to the Westborough Field Headquarters by July 16.
  • Migratory Game Bird Hunters Need to Get HIP!-MassWildlife reminds waterfowl, woodcock, snipe, rail and coot hunters to obtain their 2008 HIP (Harvest Information Permit) number when planning to hunt at any time in 2008. 2007 HIP numbers expired at the end of December of 2007. In order to get the HIP number, hunters need to first purchase a hunting or sporting license. Call 1-800 WETLAND. Don't forget to buy the 2008 state waterfowl stamp, too! Federal duck stamps purchased since July 2007 last fall are valid until June, 2008.
  • Junior Duck Stamp Packets Available for Educators--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! Educators who wish to involve their students in the Junior Duck Stamp Program can contact MassWildlife Education Coordinator, Pam Landry at 508/389-6310 to request an Educators Packet. On Saturday, February 16, students are encouraged to gain inspiration from a display of 2007 Junior Duck Stamp entries at a special workshop hosted by the Buttonwood Zoo in New Bedford. Details on the workshop are in the Calendar of Events below. Artwork submission deadline is March 15.

Calendar of Events

  • January 12--Black Bear Talk, Amherst--Because bears have been reported visiting backyards in Amherst and surrounding towns, the Friends of the Jones Library is hosting a presentation about black bears on January 12 at the Jones Library Meeting Room from 3-5 pm. The talk will be given by MassWildlife Connecticut Valley District Supervisor, Ralph Taylor. He will focus on conservation and habitat, learning about bear tracks, and how MassWildlife staff tag and collar the animals to follow their movements. Taylor will explain the reasons for their visits and what a homeowner should do in certain situations. This free presentation is suitable for both adults and children. There will be a question and answer period following the talk. The Jones Library is located at 43 Amity St near the center of town. For more details and directions, click on the Jones Library website at: www.joneslibrary.org.
  • February 13--Junior Duck Stamp Workshop and Educator Packets Available--Educators who wish to involve their students in the Junior Duck Stamp Program can contact MassWildlife Education Coordinator, Pam Landry at 508/389-6310 to request an Educators Packet. On Saturday, February 16, students are encouraged to gain inspiration from a display of 2007 Junior Duck Stamp entries at a special workshop hosted by the Buttonwood Zoo in New Bedford. Artist Maura Conron will be leading this workshop designed for prospective student entrants from grades K - 12. The workshop is free with zoo admission. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. More details on hours and registration are available by calling Buttonwood Zoo at 508/991-6178 x22.
  • January 18, 19, 20 - MassWildlife at The Flyfishing Show, Marlboro - Visit the MassWildlife display at the 10th annual Flyfishing Show East at the Royal Plaza Trade Center, 181 Boston Post Road West (Rte 20). MassWildlife staff will be on hand to sell licenses, promote fishing education workshops, provide fish and wildlife related information and answer questions regarding the upcoming fishing season! For more details about the show, go to www.flyfishingshoweast.com.

See a complete listing of wildlife related events at Calendar/Events