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MassWildlife
News Release
All Media Inquiries: Contact (617) 626-1809
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.
Mid July 2009
- BATS ON YOUR PROPERTY? REPORT COLONIES TO MASSWILDLIFE
- NEW FACT SHEETS AND BIRD CHECK LIST AVAILABLE
- QUABBIN DEER HUNT APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE
- WOODCOCK AND WATERFOWL HUNTERS MUST GET HIP!
- REMEMBERING ETHAN HOWARD
- FINAL SPRING TURKEY SEASON FIGURES
- ANTLERLESS DEER PERMIT DRAWING JULY 30, PUBLIC INVITED
- SUMMER FISHING FESTIVALS
- SAVE SEPTEMBER 27 FOR THE BIG MOE
- UPCOMING PUBLIC MEETING AND HEARING
Early July 2009
- REPORTING FISH KILLS
- NEW FISH BROCHURE AVAILABLE
- REPORT HERPS!
- MAGAZINE ISSUE TO FEATURE REPTILES
- NEW HUNTERS! SIGN UP NOW FOR COURSES
- ANTLERLESS DEER PERMIT DEADLINE JULY 16
- UPCOMING PUBLIC MEETINGS AND HEARING
- NEWS & NOTES: Regulatory Actions By the Fisheries
and Wildlife Board; Technical Report on River Fish Communities Published;
Help MassWildlife Count Turkeys; Preliminary Figures For Spring Turkey
Season And Youth Turkey Hunt
BATS ON YOUR PROPERTY? REPORT COLONIES TO MASSWILDLIFE
With the onset of hot, humid weather, Bay State homeowners may discover bats residing in their homes. Because Massachusetts and other northeastern states are experiencing a sudden and unexpected decline of bat populations due to a white powdery fungus on bat faces called White Nose Syndrome (WNS), the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife) is asking anyone with a summer colony of ten bats or more on their property to report that information to agency biologists. Little Brown Bats and Big Brown Bats are the most likely species to be found in buildings. Please report the colony's location, what kind of place it is in, and how many bats are in the colony, by calling (508) 389-6300, or email mass.wildlife@state.ma.us. Everyone's response to this call will be greatly appreciated.
Bats with WNS were first found in New York bat hibernacula during the winter of 2006-2007. Mortality was high and aroused concern among the bat conservation community. By winter 2007-2008, the syndrome and associated mortality had spread to many of the largest New York hibernacula and to sites in Vermont and Massachusetts. In the winter of 2008-2009, WNS was found in bats throughout the Northeast and in caves as far south as Virginia and West Virginia.
Although the reasons are not well understood, bats with WNS deplete their winter fat reserves too quickly by the middle of winter. The affected bats exhibit unusual behavior, often moving to cold parts of the hibernacula, leaving the cave or mine during the day and during cold winter weather in an attempt to find food during a time when insects are not available. Wildlife managers are concerned about WNS because bats congregate by the thousands in caves and mines to hibernate during winter months. Bats, and possibly even people, are spreading WNS from one cave to the next.
High bat mortality is a major concern to MassWildlife biologists because bats have a low reproductive rate. Since most bats raise only one pup per year, it can take decades for a bat population to rebound after a large die-off. More information about the work in the region conducted by scientists relating to bats and WNS.
NEW LIVING WITH WILDLIFE FACT SHEETS AND BIRD CHECKLIST AVAILABLE
New Living With Wildlife fact sheets on Deer, Skunks, Raccoons, and Neighborhood Wildlife have been posted on the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife web pages. The Living With Wildlife series fact sheets are designed to provide information about some of the common types of wildlife people encounter and how to live with and enjoy wildlife responsibly. Tips on preventing conflicts are provided. Hard copies of fact sheets will be available at MassWildlife District offices and the Westborough Field Headquarters. Links to the fact sheets.
Bird enthusiasts will also welcome a revised, resized, and updated Birds of Massachusetts Check-list. Compiled by former state ornithologist Brad Blodget, this check-list is larger in size, includes check boxes, information on the listing criteria, and a legend that indicates the status of the 473 bird species that have been recorded in Massachusetts. Veteran birders will also appreciate the extensive bibliography at the end of the check-list. Check-lists can be picked up at MassWildlife offices. To receive a check-list by mail, send a $1.22 stamped 6 x 9 inch envelope to Bird Check-list: MassWildlife Field Headquarters, 1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough, MA 01581.
QUABBIN DEER HUNT APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE
Applications for the 2009 Quabbin Controlled Deer Hunt are available on the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) web page. Water Supply Division staff remind prospective applicants that regardless of the type of firearm used, all applicants must have a valid FID card to be eligible to apply for this hunting opportunity. All applications must be postmarked by August 15 or hand-delivered to the Quabbin Visitor's Center by 4:00 P.M. on that date to qualify for the permit selection process.
Hunters may obtain hard-copy applications at DCR administrative and field offices at the Quabbin and Wachusett Reservoirs and their Boston office at 251 Causeway Street. Applications will be available from MassWildlife offices in Boston, Westborough, and from District Offices. Obtain applications through the mail by sending a self-addressed, stamped, business-sized envelope to: Quabbin Visitor Center, 485 Ware Road, Belchertown, MA, 01007. The Quabbin Controlled Deer Hunt will occur during the statewide deer shotgun season in four areas of the Quabbin Reservation: Pelham and Prescott, on December 3 - 4, and Hardwick and Petersham, on December 10 - 11. Approximately 1,100 permits will be drawn based upon hunters' license numbers on September 9th. Successful applicants will receive written notification from the DCR by early October.
WOODCOCK AND WATERFOWL HUNTERS MUST GET HIP!
The Division of Fisheries and Wildlife reminds all hunters, including non-residents, who plan to hunt woodcock, ducks, geese, and other migratory birds in the state, must register for a 2009 Massachusetts Harvest Information Program (HIP) number after purchasing a valid hunting license. "It's not too early to think about planning for the upcoming migratory game bird seasons," said H Heusmann, MassWildlife waterfowl project leader. "We need to remind woodcock and waterfowl hunters now to prepare for the upcoming hunting seasons this fall. The early goose season will begin in September." Heusmann explained that the Harvest Information Program gathers data from migratory game bird hunters for game bird harvest surveys. The information gathered for the harvest surveys assists state and federal biologists to make decisions on setting sustainable bag limits for future hunting seasons. This year, 1,000 randomly selected Massachusetts 2008 HIP registrants were sent a questionnaire asking their opinions on several woodcock and waterfowl, matters that will be considered in setting Massachusetts 2009 migratory game bird season regulations.
The Massachusetts HIP number is valid for the 2009 calendar year. Hunters who obtained a 2009 HIP in January after purchasing their 2009 Hunting license do not need to re-register. Waterfowlers who continue hunting Massachusetts' waterfowl seasons into the New Year (2010) must re-register with HIP at the beginning of the new calendar year after obtaining their new hunting or sporting license. Massachusetts hunters who hunt woodcock and/or waterfowl in other states are reminded they must comply with those states' HIP requirements.
Woodcock and waterfowl hunters who purchase 2009 licenses at walk-in 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.
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 that will be automatically printed on their license.
Woodcock hunters and those waterfowl hunters who purchase a hunting license online but choose to purchase a 2009 collector's waterfowl stamp must call in for their 2009 HIP number at 1(800) WETLAND (938-5263) 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 online hunting 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 soley for the 2009 calendar year and for hunting migratory game birds in Massachusetts.
REMEMBERING ETHAN HOWARD
Ethan Victor Howard, Jr., 94, of Leverett, died July 3, 2009. A native son and lifelong resident of Leverett, Howard attended local public schools in Leverett and was a graduate of the New Salem Academy, New Salem. Ethan Howard spent his formative years working on the Leverett family farm. In 1949, Howard joined the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife at the University of Massachusetts in Amherst. For many years, he served as a wildlife technician on research conducted as a cooperative partnership between the University, the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, and the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service Cooperative Research Unit based in Amherst. He was actively involved in important research and restoration projects on woodcock, bobcat, beaver, eagles, turkeys, and bears. He served as an advisor and mentor for many wildlife students who are now professionals in state and federal agencies. He could often be found on local roads in his pickup truck with a radio antenna and receiver, gathering signals from the bears he was tracking. Howard's ability to build or fix anything and his knowledge of the habits of wildlife and his hunting and trapping skills were legendary among his colleagues and friends. Howard was called upon as a consultant for the Disney Corporation on wildlife documentaries. In 1998, he was honored with the Massachusetts Conservationist of the Year Award by the Massachusetts Wildlife Federation.
Dr. Joseph Larson, Fisheries and Wildlife Board Member and professor emeritus with the Forestry and Wildlife Department at the University of Massachusetts in Amherst, first met Howard when Larson was a college wildlife student and later a faculty member at the University. Larson said, "Ethan Howard was a master in the ways of woodscraft and the behavior of birds and mammals. His kind, dry, Yankee humor, and patient personality made him an excellent mentor to generations of wildlife students and professionals alike." Larson noted that the late Dr. William G. Sheldon, in his pioneering "Book of the American Woodcock" (University of Massachusetts Press), called Howard "my right-hand field assistant for many years."
Memorial contributions may be made to the Franklin County Home Health Care Corporation in care of the Meals on Wheels Program, 330 Montague City Rd, Turners Falls, MA 01376 or to Hospice of Franklin County, 329 Conway St. Greenfield, MA 01301.
FINAL SPRING TURKEY SEASON FIGURES
Final figures gathered by MassWildlife indicate a record 3,027 birds taken by licensed hunters during the 2009 spring turkey season. "This is the first year in which the Massachusetts spring harvest exceeded 3,000 birds," said Jim Cardoza, MassWildlife Turkey Project Leader. "The excellent weather during the first week of the season and an increase in hunter numbers undoubtedly contributed to the high harvest." In 2008, 2,689 birds were taken by licensed hunters. By county, the breakdown is as follows: 25 turkeys were taken in Barnstable County, 489 in Berkshire County, 140 in Bristol County, 3 in Dukes County (Martha's Vineyard), 107 in Essex County, 434 in Franklin County, 215 in Hampden County, 284 in Hampshire County, 164 in Middlesex County, 83 in Norfolk County, 303 in Plymouth County, and 780 in Worcester County. Non-resident hunters from 12 states took 216 birds.
Turkey enthusiasts are reminded they can assist in estimating the fall population of turkeys by reporting turkey broods (families) in their area now through the month of August. Survey forms are located in the Wild Turkey web pages.
ANTLERLESS DEER PERMIT DRAWING JULY 30, PUBLIC INVITED
The antlerless deer permit drawing will take place at the Hamilton Rod and Gun Club off New Boston Road in Sturbridge. Doors open at 6:30 P.M., at 7:00 P.M. a presentation about deer management will be given, by Sonja Christensen, MassWildlife Deer Biologist, followed by the drawing. The public is welcome, especially families with young people who can help draw the numbers!
SUMMER FISHING FESTIVALS
Summertime freshwater fishing is an enjoyable activity for family and friends to share. Beginning anglers of all ages are encouraged to try this lifetime activity at a free fishing festival where a license is not required. Cast a line, learn about fishing, safety, ethics and fishing equipment. MassWildlife's Volunteer Angler Education Instructors will be on hand with a limited quantity of fishing equipment and bait and be available to assist new anglers. If you have fishing equipment, bring it along.
July 18 - Whitman's Pond Family Fishing Festival, Weymouth - 10:00 A.M. - 3:00 P.M. The MassWildlife Angler Education Program is participating in this event in cooperation with the Whitman's Pond Association and Weymouth Youth and Family Services. Contact Marie Feely at (781) 340-6976 for more details.
July 25 - Houghton's Pond Family Fishing Festival, Canton - 10:00 A.M. - 2:30 P.M. The MassWildlife Angler Education Program is participating in this event in cooperation with the Department of Conservation and Recreation's Blue Hills Reservation. For more information, contact Blue Hills Reservation at (617) 698-1802.
August 15 - D. A. R. State Forest Family Fishing Clinic, Goshen - The clinic is taking place at Upper Highland Lake from 9:00 A.M. - 12:00 P.M. The MassWildlife Angler Education Program is participating in this event in cooperation with the Department of Conservation and Recreation. For more information, contact Vicky Loud at (413) 268-7098.
SAVE SEPTEMBER 27 FOR THE BIG MOE
It's not too early for families, friends, and youth groups to mark their calendars for September 27, 2009, and join the fun at the 13th annual Massachusetts Outdoor Expo (Big MOE) held at the Hamilton Rod and Gun Club grounds in Sturbridge from 9 A.M. - 4:30 P.M. The Big MOE, sponsored by the Facts About Wildlife and Nature Society (FAWNS), is a free, family-oriented event celebrating outdoor skills, nature, art, and wildlife.
This all-day event is free, thanks to co-sponsors MassWildlife, Hamilton Rod and Gun Club, The Weatherby Foundation, and the Worcester County League of Sportsmen's Clubs. Sportsmen's clubs, locally-based, outdoor related businesses, and other conservation groups sponsor a variety of skills stations, craft tables, and other exhibits relating to wildlife and the outdoors. The Big MOE is the perfect opportunity to introduce young and old to outdoor skills and activities.
The Big MOE is also in need of enthusiastic, outdoor oriented volunteers willing to assist at several skills stations or to host a skill station. Clubs and other conservation organizations wishing to host a skill station or assist others at an existing station are welcome. For more information, visit www.fawnsociety.com or contact Gary Zima, (508) 389-6314.
UPCOMING PUBLIC MEETING & HEARING
July 28 - Fisheries & Wildlife Board Meeting & Public Hearing, Easton -- The Fisheries & Wildlife Board will hold its July meeting on Tuesday, July 28, 2009 at 1 P.M. at Borderland State Park Visitor's Center, 259 Massapoag Avenue, North Easton.
A Public Hearing will be held this same day at 3 P.M. at the Borderlands State Park Visitor's Center, relative to rules and regulations pertaining to the dates of the spring turkey hunting season in Zones 11 & 12 (Barnstable, Bristol, and Plymouth counties).
Visit the MassWildlife Events Calendar for a
Complete Listing of Wildlife-related Activities, Talks, Festivals, and Workshops.
REPORTING FISH KILLS
With warm weather warming up lakes and ponds, the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife) has already fielded nearly two dozen reports about fish kills discovered in some bodies of water. Half of these calls have come in since the beginning of June. The sight of dead and dying fish along the shores of a favorite lake or pond can be distressing and trigger concerns about pollution. Fish do act as the "canary in the coalmine," so it's natural to think a fish kill is an indicator of a problem with human caused pollution. However, the vast majority of fish kills reported are natural events.
Natural fish kills are generally the result of low oxygen levels, fish diseases or spawning stress. Depletion of dissolved oxygen is one of the most common causes of natural fish kills. As pond temperature increases, water holds less oxygen. During hot summer weather, oxygen levels in shallow, weedy ponds can further decline as plants consume oxygen at night. This results in low early morning oxygen levels that can become critical if levels fall below the requirement of fish survival. In addition to reduced oxygen levels, late spring and early summer is when most warmwater fish species, such as sunfish (bluegill, pumpkinseed, largemouth bass) begin to spawn. At this time, large numbers of these species crowd into the shallow waters along the shore vying for the best spawning sites. These densely crowded areas become susceptible to disease outbreaks, especially as water temperatures increase. The result is an unavoidable natural fish kill, usually consisting of one or two species of fish.
When a caller reports a fish kill, a MassWildlife fisheries biologist determines if the kill is due to pollution or is a natural event. Generally, pollution impacts all kinds of aquatic life, therefore the most important piece of evidence for the biologists is knowing the number of fish species associated with the fish kill. Fish kills in which only one or two species are involved are almost always a natural event. When it is likely a fish kill is due to pollution, MassWildlife notifies the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). DEP takes the lead on a formal investigation which includes analysis of water and fish samples to determine the source of pollution. MassWildlife provides DEP with technical assistance by identifying the kinds and numbers of fish involved.
To report a fish kill Mondays through Fridays between 8:00 am and 4:30 pm, contact Richard Hartley at (508) 389-6330. After normal business hours or on holidays and weekends, call the Fish Kill Pager at (508) 722-9811 or contact the Environmental Police Radio Room at 1-800-632-8075.
NEW FISH BROCHURE AVAILABLE
A new full color, illustrated brochure of the Freshwater Fishes of Massachusetts is available from the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife). This folding brochure includes pictures of most of the freshwater fish species found in Massachusetts and is packed with information that will be valuable for any conservationist with an interest in ponds, streams or rivers.
“Beginning and experienced anglers will appreciate the tips on identification of game and bait fish, fishing ethics and instruction on how to fillet a fish. They will also find information on Massachusetts’ Angler Education Program and Freshwater Fishing Awards Program. Other conservationists will find useful information on rare, riverine and migratory fish species as well as notes on statewide fish and aquatic habitat restoration efforts,”observes Ellie Horwitz, Chief of Information & Education.
The Freshwater Fishes of Massachusetts brochures are found at MassWildlife’s regional offices located in Acton, Belchertown, Boston, Bourne, Pittsfield, Westborough and West Boylston. MassWildlife’s Hatcheries in Belchertown, Sandwich, Montague and Sunderland will also have brochures. To obtain a copy by mail, send a self-addressed, business sized 61-cent stamped to: Fish Brochure, MassWildlife Field Headquarters, 1 Rabbit Hill Rd, Westborough, MA 01581.
REPORT HERPS!
The Division of Fisheries and Wildlife’s Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program (NHESP) is asking interested conservationists for reports or sightings of certain specific reptiles and amphibians. The species of NHESP interest include: Smooth Greensnake, Eastern Hog-nosed Snake, Eastern Ribbonsnake, Eastern Musk Turtle, Spotted Turtle, and the Northern Leopard Frog. NHESP is particularly interested in sightings of the Eastern Hog-nosed Snake.
These particular species are of interest for a variety of reasons: 1) the species is thought to be rare, declining or vulnerable, but there is insufficient information on the condition, number and size of populations to make a determination; 2) the species was removed from the official regulatory list, but the Program believes it still is in need of some conservation attention; 3) the species distribution and abundance are not well known. Herpetologists want to bring attention to and track reports of these reptiles and amphibian in order to determine whether any of the species listed are appropriate for proposal to the Massachusetts Endangered Species Act list.
Anyone who has seen the above mentioned wildlife are encouraged to submit a Rare Animal Observation Form. Information needed includes date of sighting, specific mapped location and a photo of the observed animal. Submit the form, map and photo(s) to: Data Manager, Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program, MassWildlife, 1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough, MA 01581. More information about this conservation effort.
MAGAZINE ISSUE TO FEATURE REPTILES
Is that a milk snake, a copperhead, or a rattlesnake in the stone wall? The answer to this and other intriguing snake and turtle identification questions will be revealed in a special issue of Massachusetts Wildlife magazine devoted exclusively to reptiles! The Field Guide to the Reptiles of Massachusetts features information on breeding, feeding habits, range, habitat, and conservation issues. It also offers spectacular color photos of the various species including color and pattern morphs of those species with variations and a list of key features that will allow you to identify any native snake, and turtle (except sea turtles) found in the Bay State. This publication will be a must for budding naturalists, curious children, environmental educators, classroom teachers and veteran naturalists. The Reptile issue will be available in August 2009.
Massachusetts Wildlife is printed for its subscribers, so subscribe now to guarantee that you receive a copy of this very special guide. Subscriptions for this quarterly publication are an incredible value: $6 for a 1 year, $10 for 2 years. Each issue is packed with award-winning articles and outstanding photos on just about anything relating to wildlife and the outdoors in Massachusetts.
To subscribe, call 1-800-289-4788 or visit the agency website magazine page. Leave your name, mailing address and your choice of a 1 or 2 year subscription. No credit card information is required. You will be billed by postal mail. You can also send a check payable to Massachusetts Wildlife Magazine and mail it to: Reptile Issue, Massachusetts Wildlife Magazine, Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, 251 Causeway Street (4th floor), Boston, MA 02114.
NEW HUNTERS! SIGN UP NOW FOR COURSES
New hunters of all ages are reminded that it is never too early to sign up for a Basic Hunter Education Course. First time license buyers in Massachusetts are required to show proof that they have taken a basic hunter education course in order to purchase a hunting or sporting license. Basic courses are available across the state and many begin in August and September.
"Many people fail to consider enrolling in a course until the weather turns cool in late September," says Susan Langlois, MassWildlife Hunter Education Administrator. "Unfortunately, most courses have either begun or are full by then and the opportunity to hunt during the fall may disappear." Langlois points out that courses are scheduled through much of the calendar year, including the summer, but most are offered in the spring and early fall. Basic hunter education courses average 15 hours in length and are taught by volunteer instructors. The course is usually scheduled over five or six weekday evenings. Some courses are conducted on weekends. Students must attend all scheduled sessions as part of the requirement for passing the course. All instruction and class materials are provided at no charge to the student. “Today’s hunters are better educated than ever before,” said Langlois. “Completion of the Massachusetts’ Hunter Education program coupled with mandatory use of blaze-orange clothing contributes to the reduction of hunting related firearms incidents in the field.”
Massachusetts offered its first hunter safety course in 1954, and to date has graduated more than 169,000 students. Topics covered during the course include safe handling and storage of hunting arms and ammunition, hunting laws and ethics, wildlife identification, wildlife management, care and handling of game, basic survival skills and first aid. Students who successfully pass the course receive a Certificate of Completion that is accepted for purchasing a Massachusetts hunting or sporting license and for people 15 or older making application for a Firearms Identification Card with their local police departments. The certificates are also accepted in all states and Canadian provinces for the purchase of a hunting license.
Course schedules are posted on line. Graduates who have lost their Certificates may obtain a Duplicate Certificate from the Hunter Education Program.
ANTLERLESS DEER PERMIT DEADLINE JULY 16
Deer hunters, don't wait in line; apply on time! Deer hunters are reminded that in order to take antlerless deer during any deer hunting season, they must possess an antlerless deer permit. The July 16 antlerless deer permit application deadline is fast approaching. Antlerless deer permit applications are found on paper licenses bought over the counter. Internet license buyers need to access the MassOutdoors website at www.sport.state.ma.us and apply on-line. Only online license holders may apply for a permit through MassOutdoors. Antlerless deer permit applications delivered to the Field Headquarters after 4:30 PM or postmarked after July 16 will not be accepted. Due to decreases in the permit allocation in most zones, MassWildlife encourages all hunters to apply for a permit because there will likely be very few zones where permits will be available for purchase over the counter. A table with the number of permits allocated for the 2009 season for each Wildlife Management Zone is posted on the agency website.
UPCOMING PUBLIC MEETINGS
July 9–Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Advisory Committee Meeting. The Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Advisory Committee will be meeting at MassWildlife's Field Headquarters in Westborough from 1:30- 4:30 pm. This meeting location is handicapped accessible and the meeting is open to the public. Directions.
July 28–Fisheries & Wildlife Board Meeting & Public Hearing, Easton--The Fisheries & Wildlife Board will hold its July meeting on Tuesday July 28, 2009 at 1:00 p.m. at Borderland State Park, 259 Massapoag Avenue, North Easton.
A Public Hearing will be held this same day at 3:00 p.m. at the Borderland State Park Visitor’s Center, relative to rules and regulations pertaining to the dates of the spring turkey hunting season in Zones 11 & 12 (Barnstable, Bristol, and Plymouth Counties).
NEWS & NOTES: Regulatory Actions By the Fisheries and Wildlife Board; Technical Report on River Fish Communities Published; Help MassWildlife Count Turkeys; Preliminary Figures For Spring Turkey Season And Youth Turkey Hunt
Regulatory Actions by the Fisheries and Wildlife Board – On June 22, 2009, the Fisheries and Wildlife Board voted to revise the dates of the archery deer season so it will begin on the 6th Monday prior to Thanksgiving, and end on the 1st Saturday after Thanksgiving. This will retain the 6-week archery season while consistently including the Thanksgiving holiday period in the open season. The Board also voted to change the shotgun deer season in Zone 12 from one to two weeks, consistent with the remainder of the state. Both of these regulatory changes will take effect in 2010. The 2009 archery deer season dates are October 12 – November 21. The 2009 shotgun deer season dates in Zone 12 is November 30 – December 5.
Technical Report on River Fish Communities Published—This spring, a technical report entitled Development of Target Fish Communities Models for Massachusetts Mainstem Rivers was published by the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife). The report describes efforts by agency biologists to describe the expected (Target) fish communities for many of the state’s major rivers. The report is now available on the MassWildlife website. Fish communities are used as a indicator of ecosystem integrity. The Target Fish Community method describes the kinds of fish and species proportions that would be expected in a healthy river in southern New England. The report also describes, where enough information in available, the current status of mainstem river fish communities. In these cases, the expected fish community is then compared to the existing fish community in that river. The report describes how the Target Fish Community approach will help resource managers to prioritize fish community restoration actions. Sampling in other major rivers is continuing as part of the Target Fish Community effort. Funding for the research, sampling effort and publication of the report came from the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) as part of the Massachusetts Water Policy.
Help MassWildlife Count Turkeys--Sportsmen and women, birders, landowners and other wildlife enthusiasts are encouraged to assist MassWildlife by counting turkey broods (families) this summer. MassWildlife conducts an annual wild turkey brood survey from June through August. "The brood survey serves as a long term index on reproduction," explains Jim Cardoza, MassWildlife's Turkey Project Leader. "It helps us determine overall productivity and allows us to compare rates of reproduction over a long period of time." Information needed includes date, town, number of hens seen, and number of poults (young turkeys) and their relative size compared to the hens. The survey period runs from June 1 - August 31. Brood survey forms are posted online. Completed forms should to be mailed to: Turkey Brood Count, MassWildlife Field Headquarters, 1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough MA 01581.
Visit the MassWildlife Events Calendar for a
Complete Listing of Wildlife-related Activities, Talks, Festivals, and Workshops.Last Updated: 07/17/2009