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MassWildlife
News Release
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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: 12/29/2008
December 2008
November 26, 2008
- MAKE CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNTS YOUR NEW HOLIDAY TRADITION
- EXOTIC PETS ILLEGAL IN MASSACHUSETTS
- 2009 LICENSES AVAILABLE BY MID-DECEMBER
- WOODCOCK AND WATERFOWL HUNTERS MUST GET HIP!
- CITIZEN SCIENTISTS CAN HELP COUNT EAGLES
- RESOLVE TO SIGN UP FOR HUNTER EDUCATION
- UPCOMING STORIES IN MASSACHUSETTS WILDLIFE MAGAZINE
- NEWS AND NOTES--Public Meetings Scheduled; Wildlife Habitat Grant Deadline Approaches; Results From 2008 Deer Season For Paraplegic Hunters
MAKE CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNTS YOUR NEW HOLIDAY TRADITION
From December 14, 2008, through January 5, 2009, thousands of bird
enthusiasts across the nation will be armed with binoculars and spotting
scopes to count birds in specific circular-shaped areas. Initiated in
1900, the Christmas Bird Count (CBC) is probably the oldest wildlife
survey in existence. Here in Massachusetts, 33 "circles" in
the state are peopled with teams of birders, naturalists, scientists,
and families who brave the elements to count the variety and number
of bird species spotted within their group's assigned circle. Wildlife
agencies and other conservation organizations use data collected in
this wildlife census to assess the health of bird populations and to
help guide conservation action. To join a local group of birders in
Massachusetts, check out the MassBird website at www.massbird.org
for information regarding local counts and birding clubs in your area.
If your backyard bird feeder is within a CBC circle you can report the
birds you see to your local CBC coordinator.
EXOTIC PETS ILLEGAL IN MASSACHUSETTS
If you think an exotic animal like a monkey, alligator, or sugar glider would make a great pet or holiday gift, think again. Massachusetts has very strict regulations governing the possession of both native and exotic wildlife by the average citizen. "Many people assume that any animal they can purchase in another state or over the Internet is legal to possess in Massachusetts," said Dr. Tom French, Assistant Director of the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife's Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program. "This is simply not true. Our regulations are restrictive to the point that we publish only what you may possess, rather than what you may not. Only museums, nature centers, or educational institutions are granted permits for many kinds of wildlife. The goal of these regulations is to protect both the interests of wildlife and the public." Before making any purchase, consult with a veterinarian to determine what pet is suitable for your abilities, lifestyle, and commitment to pet care, as well as the legal status of owning such an animal in Massachusetts.
Dr. French recommends doing business with established and reputable
pet shops rather than surfing the Internet or scanning the classifieds
where sellers are not necessarily concerned with or aware of the laws
that might affect potential buyers. "Store owners keep up with
the laws," he notes. "The store owners were an effective lobby
for making domestic ferrets a legal pet in Massachusetts and know their
livelihood depends on doing business by the book. They'll be happy to
sell you reptiles, amphibians, birds, fish, and mammals that conform
to state laws, and they'll tell you if something you ask about is illegal."
Anyone with knowledge of an illegal wild or exotic animal kept as a
pet should contact the Environmental Police at 1 (800)632-8075 on any
day of the week, or MassWildlife at (508) 389-6300 on weekdays during
business hours. An abstract of the regulation, titled "Keeping
Captive/Exotic Wildlife" is available in the "Wildlife"
area of the MassWildlife website.
2009 LICENSES AVAILABLE BY MID-DECEMBER!
Hunting, fishing and trapping licenses for 2009 will be available for purchase online and at license vendors across the state by mid-December. The Division of Fisheries and Wildlife's efforts in habitat protection and management, wildlife data collection and monitoring, fish and pheasant stocking, endangered species conservation and education programs are primarily supported by fishing and hunting license fees.
Licenses may be purchased online via the MassOutdoors website. Online license buyers are reminded to be sure to choose "the next year" button when purchasing 2009 licenses, permits, and stamps. Deer hunters will have must wait until January 1, 2009 to apply for antlerless deer permits online. Due to documentation requirements, trapping licenses and hunting licenses for minors are not available for purchase online.
Licenses will be available for purchase at over the counter license
vendor locations throughout the state. Hunting and sporting license
buyers must show a previous hunting license from any year, state or
Canadian province or a hunter safety certificate of completion from
any state or Canadian province in order to purchase a hunting license.
WOODCOCK AND WATERFOWL HUNTERS MUST GET HIP!
The Division of Fisheries and Wildlife reminds all woodcock, waterfowl, and other migratory bird hunters that they are required to obtain a 2009 Massachusetts Harvest Information Program (HIP) number in order to hunt during the 2009 seasons. A valid 2009 Massachusetts hunting license is needed in order to register for the free HIP number. HIP numbers for 2009 will be available by phone on December 29, 2008. Do not call for a 2009 HIP number before December 29 as the system will automatically assign callers a 2008 HIP number. The purpose of HIP is to gather data from migratory bird hunters for harvest surveys. The information gathered for the harvest surveys assists state and federal biologists make decisions on setting sustainable bag limits to ensure future hunting opportunities.
Woodcock and waterfowl hunters who purchase 2009 licenses at license vendor locations must call 1(800) WETLAND (938-5263). Hunters will be directed to complete a voice survey of any past migratory bird hunting activities before receiving their HIP number. Hunters must then write that number on their hunting license on the line just below their signature.
All woodcock hunters as well as waterfowl hunters who purchase a hunting license online but choose to purchase a collector's waterfowl stamp must call in for their 2009 HIP number and complete a voice survey of past migratory hunting activities before a HIP number is assigned. Hunters must then write their HIP number in the space next to the imprint of the Wildlands Stamp on their hunting license.
Waterfowl hunters who purchase their hunting license and waterfowl stamp online through the MassOutdoors system complete a HIP survey on the site and are assigned a HIP number which will be automatically printed on their license.
Non-resident hunters are reminded they must obtain a Massachusetts
HIP number in order to hunt woodcock, waterfowl and other migratory
game birds in Massachusetts even if they have an HIP number from another
state. The Massachusetts HIP number is valid only in Massachusetts for
the calendar year.
CITIZEN SCIENTISTS CAN HELP COUNT EAGLES
A concentrated survey of major rivers, lakes, reservoirs, and the coast will take place January 9, 2009 by Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife) personnel, cooperators, and volunteers across the state. This event is part of the nationwide Midwinter Bald Eagle Survey that is held every year in early January. "As usual, our longtime 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 of MassWildlife's Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program. Ground teams will also be covering known eagle territories statewide during the day. In 2008, 71 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 & Endangered Species Program, 1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough, MA 01581. Please provide date, time, location, and town of eagle sightings, number of birds, whether juvenile or adult, and, observer's contact information.
The restoration of bald eagles to Massachusetts is a great success story. MassWildlife, along with many other conservation partners, began the restoration effort in 1982 after eagles were discovered wintering in the Quabbin Reservoir area. 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. From 1982 -1988, young eagle chicks were transported from wild nests, primarily in 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 set free. This method, called hacking, assures that the young birds will 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 three eaglets at the Quabbin Reservoir in 1989. Since that time, 26 eagle nests have been established in known nesting territories in the state with 300 chicks fledged. The nesting birds are descended from the original hacked eaglets as well as descendants of hacked birds from neighboring states.
Eagle restoration efforts received major funding from: the former Bank
of Boston, hunting and fishing license fees (Inland Fish & Game
Fund), the Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Fund, as well as
additional support from National Grid, the Massachusetts Audubon Society
and federal aid from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
RESOLVE TO SIGN UP FOR HUNTER EDUCATION IN 2009
New and novice hunters of all ages are encouraged to make a resolution for 2009 to sign up for a Basic Hunter Education Course in the coming winter and spring months. Students who successfully pass the course receive a Certificate of Completion that 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. 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 at www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/education/hed/hed_basic_listing.htm.
"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's Hunter Education Administrator, Susan Langlois. "By completing a course early in the year, new hunters have time to apply for a firearms license, practice newly-acquired skills, and scout potential hunting locations." The 15-16-hour courses are taught by volunteer instructors. Course schedule formats vary, from courses scheduled over five to six weekday evenings, a combination of week nights and a full weekend day, or intensive two-day weekend classes. Participants must attend all scheduled sessions as part of the requirement for passing the course. Funding for these free courses is derived from hunting license fees and a tax collected on all hunting equipment purchases.
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. Demonstrations, discussions, and hands-on exercises in 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. Massachusetts offered its first hunter safety course in 1954, and to date has graduated more than 169,000 students.
Massachusetts graduates who have lost their Certificates may obtain a duplicate by contacting the Hunter Education office directly or through the website at www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/education/hed/hed_duplicates.htm. The Hunter Education Program office in Westminster can also be reached by phone at (978) 632-7648.
UPCOMING STORIES IN MASSACHUSETTS WILDLIFE MAGAZINE
The next Massachusetts Wildlife magazine, due out in late December, will feature stories on a variety of outdoor recreation and conservation topics such as how to go "pass shooting" for ducks and Brant; what biologists are doing to manage wildlife in a time of climate change; tips from a world record holder on how to fish for Northern Pike; and all you need to know about the medicinal Pipsissewa Plant. You won't want to miss the following issues either, with articles coming up on the deadly White Nose Syndrome in bats, the most mysterious wildlife disease outbreak in decades; pollinator conservation in your own backyard; vernal pool ecology; and a special issue on the reptiles and amphibians of Massachusetts that will be a wonderful field reference for years to come. There are always multiple feature stories for every wildlifer, as well as the ever-popular "Correspondents" page where readers share a short story, comment on past articles, or send images of a plant or animal to identify. Don't receive the magazine? Subscriptions are a real bargain with a 1-year subscription priced at $6, and 2-year subscriptions at $10. They make great gifts for every outdoorsperson among your friends and family. To subscribe to the magazine, internet users can visit the magazine home page at www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/publications/mwmag/mwmag_home.htm. After filling out a subscription form you will be billed at a later date via postal service. A colorful gift card may be downloaded for announcing gift subscriptions. Callers or visitors to any MassWildlife office may leave their name, address, and a check or cash for the subscription, or ask to be billed later. Gift subscriptions must be pre-paid.
NEWS AND NOTES-- Public Meetings Scheduled; Wildlife Habitat Grant Deadline Approaches; Results of 2008 Deer Season For Paraplegic Hunters
PUBLIC MEETINGS SCHEDULED--The Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Advisory Committee will meet at the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife's Westborough Field Headquarters located off North Drive in Westborough on Thursday, December 11, 2008, from 1:30- 4:30 PM. The Fisheries and Wildlife Board will meet on December 16, 2008 at noon at the Division's Westborough Field Headquarters located off North Drive. Details are posted on the agency website. Both meetings are open to the public and the building is handicapped accessible.
WILDLIFE HABITAT GRANT DEADLINE APPROACHES--Private landowners who want to actively manage their property to benefit wildlife habitat must apply through MassWildlife's Landowner Incentive Program (LIP) by December 19, 2008. Individual landowners, land trusts, sportsmen's clubs, and other conservation organizations are invited to apply for funding through the program. Local, county, state or federal government agencies are ineligible for this program. For more information, or call Tracy Grazia at (508) 389-6387 or Marianne Piche at (508) 389-6313.
RESULTS OF 2008 DEER SEASON FOR PARAPLEGIC HUNTERS--In late October, 23 sportsmen participated in the annual deer hunt for paraplegic hunters at four locations in central and western Massachusetts. Eight deer (one buck and seven does) were taken for an overall success rate of 35%. The hunt is coordinated by MassWildlife with assistance from state agencies, military personnel, and volunteer sportsmen and women. Hunt locations included Quabbin Park in Belchertown, South Post in Devens, private land in Williamstown, and property in and around Mount Washington State Forest.
"Despite two chilly mornings, participants across the state were
fortunate to hunt in excellent weather conditions this year," said
Trina Moruzzi, MassWildlife Biologist and Hunt coordinator. "The
generous support of the many friends, volunteers, Department of Conservation
and Recreation staff, U.S. military personnel and Environmental Police
Officers make this a special experience for paraplegic sportsmen and
-women." Moruzzi noted that almost every participant saw deer,
which added to the overall hunting experience.
MassWildlife has been offering interested paraplegic hunters the opportunity
to hunt deer during a special 3-day season since 1972. When a hunter
successfully shoots a deer, volunteers assist the hunter by retrieving
the deer, field dressing it and getting it checked in with MassWildlife
staff on site. Hunters and volunteers alike enjoy this opportunity to
spend time together outdoors. Next year's hunt will be held October
29 - October 31, 2009. Paraplegic sportsmen and women interested in
participating in next year's hunt can contact Trina Moruzzi at (508)
389-6318.
See a complete listing of wildlife related events at Calendar/Events