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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.

May 2009

Released May 5, 2009

LEAVE YOUNG WILDLIFE ALONE!

The arrival of spring means the arrival of newborn and just-hatched wildlife. These youngsters soon venture into the world on shaky legs or fragile wings and are discovered by people living and working nearby. Every year, the lives of many young wild creatures are disturbed by people who take young wildlife from the wild in a well-intentioned attempt to "save" them. Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife) offices are already receiving calls about young wildlife that were picked up by people.

These well-meant acts of kindness tend to have the opposite result. Instead of being left to learn their place in the world, young wildlife removed from the wild are denied important natural learning experiences which help them survive on their own. Most people quickly find that they can't really care for young wildlife, and many of the animals soon die in the hands of well-meaning people. Young wildlife that does survive human "assistance" miss experiences that teach them to fend for themselves. If these animals are released back into the wild, their chances of survival are reduced. Often, the care given to young wildlife results in some attachment to humans and the animals may return to places where people live, only to be attacked by domestic animals or hit by cars. Some animals become nuisances and people have even been injured by once-tamed wildlife.

Avoid these problems by following one simple rule when coming upon young wildlife: If You Care, Leave Them There! It may be difficult to do, but this is a real act of compassion. The young are quite safe when left alone because their color patterns and lack of scent help them remain undetected. Generally the parent will visit their young only a few times a day to avoid leaving traces that attract predators. Wildlife parents are not disturbed by human scent. Baby birds found on the ground may be safely picked up and placed in a nearby bush or tree. Wildlife parents are not disturbed by human scent. Avoid nest and den areas of young wildlife and restrain all pets.

Leave fawns (young deer) where they are found. Fawns are safest when left alone because their camouflaging color helps them remain undetected until the doe returns. Unlike deer, newborn moose calves remain in close proximity to their mothers who, in contrast to a white-tailed doe, will actively defend calves against danger. An adult cow moose weighing over 600 pounds will chase, kick and stomp a potential predator, people included.

Only when young wildlife are found injured or with their dead mother may the young be assisted, but must then be delivered immediately to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. Due to the difficulty in properly caring for them there are no rehabilitators licensed to care of fawns. It is illegal to possess most wildlife in Massachusetts. Information on young wildlife has been posted on line as well as a list of wildlife rehabilitators.


Released May 5, 2009

FAMILY FISHING OPPORTUNITIES

Looking for a way to spend some quality time with your family in the great outdoors and learn a new skill or brush up on your technique? Try a free fishing clinic or family fishing festival near you! MassWildlife's Angler Education Program has teamed up with other agencies, municipalities, organizations and businesses to provide free fishing opportunities and loaner equipment for beginning anglers of all ages. Fishing events for the month of May are below. Go to an updated listing of fishing events.

  • May 9 - Coe's Pond Kids Fishing Derby, Worcester--On the shores of Coe's Pond, cast a line, learn about fish in our waters, safety, ethics, and fishing equipment from 8:00 - 11:00am.This kid-friendly event is sponsored by the Worcester Fish & Game Association. For more information, contact Mike Moss at (508) 865-4828.
  • May 16 -- Disabled American Veterans Fishing Festival, Marlborough--This event is open to disabled veterans only. On the shores of the Marlboro Fish & Game Associations' club pond from 10:00 - 2:00pm, cast a line and learn about fish in our waters, safety, ethics, and fishing equipment. The Massachusetts Angler Education Program is participating in this event in cooperation with the Marlboro Fish and Game Association. Contact Jim Lagacy, Program Coordinator, for more details at (508) 389-6309 or jim.lagacy@state.ma.us.
  • May 16 -- Burlington Family Fishing Festival, Burlington--This event is open to Burlington residents only from 9:00 am- 1:00pm. The Massachusetts Angler Education Program is participating in this event in cooperation with the Burlington Recreation Department. For more information, contact the Burlington Recreation Department at (781) 270-1695.
  • May 17 -- Five Mile Pond Family Fishing Festival, Springfield--On the shores of Five Mile Pond, cast a line and learn about fish in our waters, safety, ethics, and fishing equipment. MassWildlife is participating in this event in cooperation with the Pine Point Community Council and the Springfield Parks and Recreation Department at Five Mile Pond, 9:00 - 2:00pm. Contact Jim Lagacy, Program Coordinator, for more details at (508) 389-6309 or email him at jim.lagacy@state.ma.us.
  • May 27 -- Accessible Fishing Clinic, Gardner--Open to both novice and veteran anglers of all abilities and ages, this clinic will take place at Dunn Pond State Park, a handicapped accessible park from 9:00am - Noon. MassWildlife is participating in this event in cooperation with the Department of Conservation & Recreation's Universal Access Program. Contact Jim Lagacy, Program Coordinator for more details at (508) 389-6309 or email him at jim.lagacy@state.ma.us.
  • May 30 -- Great Falls Discovery Center Family Fishing Day, Turners Falls. This fun-filled family event includes the opportunity to visit a fish ladder used by anadromous (migrating) fish, tying your own fly, casting fly-lines and spin-casting practice, as well as dropping a line in the Connecticut River at Barton Cove from 10:00am - 2:00pm. MassWildlife is participating in this event in cooperation with the Friends of Great Falls Discovery Center and the US Fish & Wildlife Service. Contact Sarah Bevilacqua at (413) 863-3676.
  • May 30 -- Jordan Pond Fishing Clinic, Shrewsbury -- On the shores of Jordan Pond, cast a line, and learn about fish in our waters, safety, ethics, and fishing equipment from 9 am - Noon. MassWildlife is partnering with the Shrewsbury Department of Parks and Recreation. The clinic is free, but pre-registration is required. Contact Gary Grindle at ggrindle@th.ci.shrewsbury.ma.us or call him at (508) 841-8339.

Released May 5, 2009

NEW LOCATION FOR OUTDOORSWOMAN WEEKEND JUNE 5-7

This year, the 13th Annual Massachusetts Becoming an Outdoorswoman Program (BOW) will be held at a new location, the Chimney Corners YMCA Camp on June 5-7, 2009 located in Becket. This beautiful facility is situated on the banks of two lakes which offer wonderful fishing, boating and other outdoor activities. This exciting weekend workshop is open to women 18 and older who want to try new outdoor skills in a supportive environment. Engage in activities such as archery, kayaking, wild edible plants, nature photography, fly fishing, shooting, and more. This weekend experience makes a wonderful gift for Mother's Day or for any special woman in your life. Registration material for this fun-filled "camp for women" are posted.

Released May 5, 2009

WILDLIFE STAMP ARTWORK DEADLINES LOOM

The Division of Fisheries and Wildlife reminds artists who wish to submit entries for three 2009 wildlife stamp competitions to be aware of the deadlines. Both the archery and primitive firearms stamp entries are due May 15, 2009. Waterfowl stamp entries are due June 1, 2009. For details and rules regarding the stamp competitions, hard copies of contest regulations may be obtained from the Westborough Field Headquarters by calling (508) 389-6300 or visit the MassWildlife website.

Released May 5, 2009

MASSWILDLIFE ASKED FOR BOXES, CONSERVATIONISTS ANSWERED

Following a wood duck nest box appeal in early February by the Division of Fisheries & Wildlife (MassWildlife), Boy Scouts, sportsmen, school groups, lumber companies, and other conservationists generously answered the call by building nest boxes, donating or discounting lumber, and contributing cash. As of late April, at least 310 wood duck nest boxes have been built and delivered to MassWildlife facilities across the state. Some offices report that more deliveries will be made over the next few weeks. Cash donations of $820 from 18 donors were sent to the Massachusetts Outdoor Heritage Foundation. These donations were used to purchase materials needed for building, placing or replacing nest boxes in suitable habitat across the state.

H Heusmann, Waterfowl Project Leader expressed appreciation for the generous response. "This was a productive endeavor on the part of many people across the state. The immediate and enthusiastic reaction was very gratifying. Clearly, people are listening and willing to help out when a need like this is reported. The response has allowed MassWildlife to meet nest box needs for 2009 and gives us a major head start going into 2010. We also appreciate the efforts of other groups and individuals who are still building boxes." Heusmann noted that the agency heard from people who indicated that after seeing the nest box request, they built and put out boxes on their own properties.

Local sawmills and lumber companies donating lumber for boxes, much of it from local forests, included: Cowls Sawmill of Amherst; Heyes Forest Products, Inc. of Orange; Bellingham Lumber of Bellingham; and Gurney's Sawmill, Inc. of Freetown. Other companies that were reported offering lumber at a discount to interested groups included Delano Sawmill, Inc. of Dartmouth and Joe's Sawmill in Stoughton.

Answering the call for wood duck nest boxes were sportsmen, Boy Scouts, school groups, and other conservationists. Westborough Field Headquarters received 64 boxes from the Massachusetts State Chapter of Ducks Unlimited, Army Corps of Engineers and several conservation-minded citizens. The Northeast District Office in Acton received 29 boxes from duck hunters, trappers, and other conservationists. In the Southeast, a total of 123 boxes were built and delivered by sportsmen in Lakeville, Boy Scout Troop 170 of Dartmouth, members of the Fin, Fur and Feather Club of Mattapoisett and the Barnstable Natural Resources Department. The Hanson Rod and Gun Club in Hanson, the Standish Sportsmen's Association in Bridgewater and a private citizen donated $250 to Regis Bowen of Halifax who purchased materials, built 35 boxes, and delivered them to Bourne. In addition, a Bridgewater State College student built boxes that he will place in the Bridgewater area. The Central District office in West Boylston reported receiving 15 boxes from sportsmen, along with a donation of 150 board feet of rough cut lumber from individuals in Lancaster and Upton. Additionally, a Boy Scout is building 15 boxes to be erected in Uxbridge. The Connecticut Valley District was the recipient of 71 boxes. Fifty of these boxes were a combined effort of Boy Scout Troop 104 and Cub Pack 414 located in Amherst. The remaining boxes were donated by three individuals. Finally, the Western District office received 23 boxes, the results of efforts by students at the Monument Mountain Middle School's Technical Education Club, Webelos Pack 1 in Lanesborough, and a private citizen who also donated two kestrel nest boxes. A lumber donation of 250 board feet was also made by a Lee Sportsmen's Club member.

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Released May 5, 2009

DIVISION BIOLOGISTS HONORED BY CONSERVATIONISTS

Several biologists from the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife were honored by conservation groups in April. Peter Mirick, MassWildlife biologist and editor of Massachusetts Wildlife magazine, was honored by the New England Outdoor Writers Association with the Dick Cronin, 2009 Sportsman of the Year Award. Ellie Horwitz, MassWildlife Information and Education Chief, received a photography award from the New England Outdoor Writer's Association in the Fauna Category with her image of a leopard. Dick Turner, MassWildlife Biologist at the Southeast District Office, was awarded an Excellence in Service Award, acknowledging Turner's 60 years of service to the Commonwealth by the Massachusetts Sportsmen's Council (MSC). Jim Cardoza, MassWildlife biologist, was also honored by the MSC with a Lifetime Achievement Award. Cardoza was also honored by the New England Chapter of The Wildlife Society with the Professional Achievement Award at the Annual Meeting and Workshop held in Hadley, Massachusetts. Andrew Madden, Western District Office Supervisor, was presented with the Outstanding Achievement Award from the Berkshire County League of Sportsmen, acknowledging his efforts to serve the interests of sportsmen, conserve wildlife and the lands and waters of the Berkshires.

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Released May 5, 2009

UPCOMING EVENTS, MEETINGS AND PUBLIC HEARING

May 9-Annual Taunton River Conference, Dighton - The Taunton River Watershed Alliance will be holding its Annual Conference with the theme "Retaining and Reviving Local Agriculture: Strategies for Preserving Farmland and the Activity of Farming". The conference will be held at the Bristol County Agricultural High School from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon and is sponsored by the Taunton River Watershed Alliance. Dr. Eve Schluter, Endangered Species Review Biologist, will be presenting information about the procedures implemented by Natural Heritage environmental review staff regarding the Massachusetts Endangered Species Act at this conference. This conference will also include a wide range of workshops including land protection options, endangered species, invasives, organic farming and integrated pest management, CPA, starting a farmers market, CSAs, and the Wild and Scenic designation. This event is free and includes complementary morning refreshments and lunch. Please RSVP director@savethetaunton.org or (508) 828-1101. Conference information.

May 14-The Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Advisory Committee will be holding its meeting on Thursday, May 14, 2009 at MassWildlife's Field Headquarters in Westborough from 1:30- 4:30 p.m. This meeting location is handicapped accessible and the meeting is open to the public. For directions, call (508) 389-6360 or go to www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/facilities/westboro.htm.

May 26-Fisheries and Wildlife Board Meeting and Public Hearing, Westborough--The Fisheries & Wildlife Board will hold its May meeting on Tuesday, May 26, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. at the Division of Fisheries & Wildlife Field Headquarters, 1 Rabbit Hill Road, (off North Drive), Westborough. Anyone with a disability or medical condition who would like to request special accommodations or if a person wishes to be placed on the agenda to speak, the Board must be notified two weeks prior to the Board meeting. For specifics contact Julie Delaney at (508) 389-6342. A Public Hearing will be held by the Fisheries and Wildlife Board at the same location on this date at 2 PM relative to rules and regulations regarding the dates of the archery deer hunting season and the length of the shotgun deer season in Wildlife Management Zone 12. Oral and written public comments are invited at this hearing and written comments will be accepted for 14 days following the Public Hearing. This meeting location is handicapped accessible. Call (508) 389-6300 for directions.

May 31-MassWildlife at Marshfield's Yes-Terdays Celebration of History -- Historic and natural history institutions of Marshfield will team up for Marshfield's Yester-Days from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The event is a celebration of the history and culture of Marshfield and an opportunity to visit various sites for free. MassWildlife will staff a display at the Daniel Webster Estate with information and a display to discuss Daniel Webster the avid fisherman, the status of wildlife in Marshfield in Daniel Webster's adult years in the mid-1800's. This was a low point in time for wildlife and natural history of the area and information about MassWildlife's evolution and its present-day efforts with fisheries, aquatic habitat restoration, and wildlife restoration will be included.

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Last Updated: 05/05/2009