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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

January 2010

Released January 4, 2010

OUTDOOR USERS: THANK A LANDOWNER TODAY

As the year comes to a close and our fishing, hunting, or wildlife watching adventures become fond memories, it's time to remember the private landowners who, through their generosity, helped to make these experiences possible. "Access to fishing, hunting, hiking, or watching wildlife is a privilege provided by landowners," says Marion Larson, Outreach Coordinator for the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife. "Let them know you appreciate it. If you have been recreating on local land trust or other private non-profit conservation lands, be sure to include those groups on your thank-you list." Larson offers the following suggestions for hunters, anglers, and other outdoor users when thanking private property owners who allow access for outdoor recreation:

  • Be thoughtful and personal in expressing your appreciation, treating the landowner as you would like to be treated. If you are mentoring a new or young hunter, angler, birder or naturalist; include him or her in the process of thanking the landowner.
  • Visit the landowner at the end of the season to express your appreciation in person; if possible, provide him or her with some of your fish and game harvest, share images or a list of the wildlife you saw on their property.
  • Send a personal note or card thanking him or her for the opportunity to use their land. Consider giving a small gift such as a certificate to a local restaurant, a gift basket or a subscription from Massachusetts Wildlife magazine, or in the case of a non-profit group, make a donation to their organization.
  • Offer to assist with tasks around the property that would be helpful, or to identify, clean up and properly dispose of any illegal dumping that has occurred.
  • Assist the landowner in protecting the property by documenting and reporting suspicious activities to the Environmental Police at (800) 632-8075.

"Hunting, fishing, birding, and other wildlife-related activities are traditions that will continue only if everyone follows the basic principles of being a good neighbor," Larson said. "Take a few moments to reflect on our outdoor traditions, including the importance of access to private lands in maintaining these traditions, and what you can do in 2010 to ensure that these recreational opportunities will continue to be available to you and others for future generations."

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Released January 4, 2010

KEEP AN EYE ON THE ICE!

Winter has made its appearance in Massachusetts but at this stage of the season the condition of ice on the Bay State's waterbodies is unpredictable and could be treacherous. The Division of Fisheries & Wildlife urges outdoor enthusiasts to play it safe and check ice carefully before venturing onto ice-covered waters. Foot traffic on a layer of 4" ice is a good safe thickness. A link to an ice strength table and safety tips.

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 because 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 or picks" 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; you need to warm up quickly to prevent hypothermia. Go to the nearest fishing shanty, warm car, or house. Don't drive home in wet clothes!

If a companion falls through the ice remember the phrase "Reach-Throw-Go." If you are unable to reach your friend, 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. Pet owners should keep 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 victims themselves when trying to save their pets. Links to winter weather related preparedness tips and a video on ice safety from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources can be found at www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/recreation/safety/ice_safety.htm.

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Released January 4, 2010

HELP COUNT EAGLES

A target date of January 8, 2010 will be used for a concentrated survey of major rivers, lakes, reservoirs and the coast by staff from the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife and volunteers across the state. This event is part of a nationwide Midwinter Bald Eagle Survey that is held every year in early January. "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 2009, a record 81 bald eagles were documented in Massachusetts during the one day event. Anyone spotting an eagle from December 30, 2009 - January 14, 2010 is encouraged to report the sighting by email at Mass.wildlife@state.ma.us or by postal mail 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 best eagle viewing locations at this time of year include:

  • Belchertown - Enfield Lookout at Quabbin Reservoir. Eagles can be viewed at a long distance.
  • West Boylston, Clinton, Sterling, Boylston - Wachusett Reservoir. Eagles can sometimes be viewed at a long distance from Routes 140 or Route 70.
  • Lakeville - Long Point Road on the causeway between Pocksha Pond and Great Quitticas Pond. Eagles can be viewed at a long distance.
  • Newburyport - Merrimack River at Cashman Park Boat Ramp or at Deer Island off Rte 1A (from the chain bridge) Newburyport. These are both good areas for eagles to be seen fairly close without the need of a spotting scope.

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Released January 4, 2010

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 2010. 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 for the beginning of 2010 are posted.

"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 a firearms license, 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 participating students.

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 175,000 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 Ayer at (978) 772-0693.

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Released January 4, 2010

OUTDOORSWOMAN WORKSHOPS PLANNED

Women interested in learning some outdoor skills might want to save some dates for workshops scheduled in 2010. A tentative schedule of Becoming An Outdoors Woman (BOW) workshops is now posted on the Division's website. All sessions are designed for novice outdoorswomen 18 years old to 80! Highlights of the upcoming year include:

  • January 22-24 - Women's Wellness Weekend, Becket-Sponsored by the Chimney Corners YMCA at Camp Becket, Becoming An Outdoorswoman is providing instructors for ice fishing and a winter survival session for this very enjoyable and comfortable weekend experience. Registration details are on the YMCA website.
  • February - Winter Workshop (Location & Dates TBA) Ice Fishing, Staying Warm in Winter, and Fly-tying and one or two other skill sessions are planned.
  • April/May - Turkey Hunt Seminar and Hunt, Shirley -- This is part one of the Turkey Hunt for Outdoorswomen consisting of a 1 day seminar in early April and a 1 day turkey hunt to be offered in early May.
  • April 24 - Fly-fishing and Fly-tying, Belchertown -- This is a terrific opportunity to learn the basics of flyfishing on the banks of the Swift River. You'll also learn how to tie your own fly.
  • June 4-6 - The Mass. Outdoorswoman Weekend Workshop, Becket -- Mark your calendars and ask for the Outdoorswoman weekend event as a holiday, birthday, or Mother's Day gift! Gift certificates are available by calling Sue Fritze at (508) 389-6329.
  • July (Date & Location TBA) - Lost in the Woods, With Your Walking Stick, Plymouth -- No one plans to get lost, but what if you did find yourself "turned around"? Instructors will share their knowledge and skills that will help keep you comfortable, safe and eventually, found. Walking stick self-defense instruction will also be part of the experience.
  • August (Date & Location TBA) - Basic Camping for Outdoor Families - An experience open to families who want to try out camping, learn some useful skills and spend time together. This workshop will be held in partnership with the Department of Conservation & Recreation.
  • September - Shooting Sports Day, Hanson - This is a day devoted to learning about firearms and archery equipment. You'll have an opportunity to shoot shotguns, bows and arrows, rifles and handguns under the watchful eye of expert and friendly instructors.
  • November/December - Deer Hunting Seminar and Hunt, Shirley -- This is a 2-part workshop, consisting of a 1-day seminar and a 1-day deer hunt.

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Released January 4, 2010

UPCOMING PUBLIC MEETINGS

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, January 14, from 1:30- 4:30 PM.

The Fisheries and Wildlife Board will meet on Tuesday, January 26, 2010 at 11:00 AM at the Division's Westborough Field Headquarters located off North Drive. In case of inclement weather, the Board meeting will be held the following day at the same location. Both meetings are open to the public and the building is handicapped accessible.

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Released January 4, 2010

NEWS AND NOTES

Winter Broodstock Salmon Stocking -- Approximately 1,800 retired broodstock salmon from the Connecticut River Atlantic Salmon Restoration Program were released by the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife into lakes and ponds across the Commonwealth in December. This is in addition to an October stocking of approximately 460 fish. Another 100 fish will be stocked in early January. A list of the waters stocked with these huge fish is now posted at www.mass.gov/masswildlife. The majority of fish come from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's White River National Fish Hatchery in Vermont and the remainder from MassWildlife's Roger Reed Salmon Hatchery in Palmer. Fish were evenly distributed to each District and range in weight from 4-18 pounds-with the average fish weight of 7 pounds. Dr. Ken Simmons, Chief of Hatcheries, expressed appreciation to MassWildlife district and hatchery staff in getting the fish out in December. "Anglers may not realize this but our people put in many hours and miles to get the fish from Vermont and stock them in Massachusetts."

Sportfish Awards Deadline January 10 -- Anglers with big fish to enter in the 2009 Freshwater Sportfishing Awards Program have until January 10, 2010 to submit their entries. Gold pin award winners will receive notification by the end of January. For 2010 entries, a new affidavit for the Program is posted on the agency website at www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/recreation/fishing/pdf/sportfish_affidavit.pdf.

Great Outdoors Blog-See The Great Outdoors blog launched by the Energy and Environmental Affairs Office and dedicated to engaging and informing Massachusetts residents and visitors about the Commonwealth's outdoor activities and events, wildlife, state parks, and local agriculture. The Great Outdoors blog at www.mass.gov/blog/environment includes posts from staff in the Departments of Fish and Game (DFG), Agricultural Resources (DAR), Conservation and Recreation (DCR). Look for reports from biologists, animal inspectors, agricultural experts and park personnel. "There are spectacular locations across the Commonwealth for hunting, fishing, boating and observing wildlife," said DFG Commissioner Mary Griffin. "We hope this blog will help outdoor enthusiasts, families, individuals and visitors discover these special local places and get outside and enjoy them."

Outdoor Show Schedule--The Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife) is participating in a number of outdoor oriented shows in January and February. At most of these venues, licenses will be sold and sporting information and wildlife recreation opportunities will be made available to show attendees. This is a great opportunity for families, youth groups and other outdoor oriented people to meet agency staff and pick up some of the latest outdoor and sporting information.

  • January 23 - 24, 2010 - Southeastern Massachusetts Sportsmens Show, Standish Sportsmen's Association in East Bridgewater on 1 Burr Lane. MassWildlife staff will sell licenses at this show and offer information on outdoor recreation opportunities and safety. For more information about the show, contact Hugh Hurley (508) 588-9327 or check the Standish Sportsmens Association website.
  • February 12-14, 2010 - Eastern Fishing and Outdoor Exposition at the DCU Centre in Worcester. MassWildlife staff will be on hand to sell licenses and offer recreation information. The agency's Angler and Hunter Education programs will also be providing information and schedules at this show. Check out MassWildlife's Freshwater Sport Fishing Awards Ceremony on Saturday, February 9, 2009, at 4PM and see the youth and adult anglers who caught the biggest fish in 2008. The ceremony will be held near the casting pool. For information about the Eastern Fishing and Outdoor Exposition, visit or call (603) 431-4315.
  • February 18-21, 2010 - Sportsmen Show in West Springfield at the Big E. Visit with MassWildlife's Angler Education Program, buy a sporting license, or chat with the Environmental Police who will be set up nearby. For specific information about this show check the Sportsmens Show website or call (413) 467-2171.

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Last Updated: 03/23/2010