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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
August 2011
- UPDATED OUTDOOR RECREATION MAP AVAILABLE
- 2011 DEER PERMIT DRAWING RESULTS
- EARLY GOOSE SEASON DATES SET
- LAND ACQUISITION CELEBRATED IN NEWBURY
- SAVE SEPTEMBER 25 FOR THE MASSACHUSETTS OUTDOOR EXPO
- CHRONIC WASTING DISEASE UNDETECTED IN BAY STATE DEER
- LAST MONTH TO COUNT TURKEYS!
- UPCOMING PUBLIC MEETINGS
- CALENDAR OF EVENTS
UPDATED OUTDOOR RECREATION MAP AVAILABLE
An updated version of the Massachusetts Outdoor Recreation Map is now available from the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife and the Department of Conservation and Recreation. This map is packed with information for residents and visitors looking for places to enjoy outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, hunting, camping, hiking, wildlife watching, and swimming across the Bay State. The 2010 Massachusetts Outdoor Recreation Map shows conservation lands managed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) and the Department of Fish and Game's (DFG) Division of Fisheries and Wildlife. It also identifies all boat access, sportfishing piers, and shore fishing areas built by DFG's Office of Fishing and Boating Access. There is additional information about outdoor safety and ethics, licensing requirements for fishing and hunting, and web addresses to further information about recreational opportunities on state properties.
The Massachusetts Outdoor Recreation Map is now available to pick up at the DFG office in Boston, all DFW offices in Ayer, Belchertown, Bourne, Dalton, West Boylston, and Westborough. To obtain a map from DFW by postal mail, send a self-addressed 64-cent stamped business-sized envelope to: "Outdoor Recreation Map", DFW Field Headquarters, 1 Rabbit Hill Rd, Westborough, MA 01581. Maps will soon be available at DCR properties across the state and at selected highway information centers.
2011 DEER PERMIT DRAWING RESULTS
The 2011 Antlerless Deer Permit Drawing was held on August 1, 2011,
at the Hubbardston Rod and Gun Club. The event included a deer management
talk by Deer Biologist Sonja Christensen followed by the antlerless
permit drawing. A total of 37,450 antlerless permits were allocated
for the 2011 deer hunting seasons. All hunters who applied for permits
in Wildlife Management Zones (WMZ) 9, 10, 11, 13, and 14 will be eligible
to receive antlerless permits. Winning numbers for all other WMZs are
posted at: www.mass.gov/masswildlife. Successful applicants will receive
a pink postcard in mid-August that must be mailed (or dropped off) at
the DFW Westborough office with a $5 fee. To ensure the arrival of the
antlerless deer permit by the beginning of the archery deer season,
applicants must return the postcard and fee by September 3, 2011 to
"Deer Permit" DFW FHQ, 1 Rabbit Hill Road (off North Drive),
Westborough, MA 01581.
Applicants who were not successful in the drawing will receive a yellow
re-application postcard in mid-August and will have the option to re-apply
for a permit in a Wildlife Management Zone for which permits are still
available. Re-application postcards will be processed on a first-come,
first-served basis, so re-applicants should return postcards as soon
as possible.
Over the counter sales of any remaining permits will occur October 11,
2011. This will be the final opportunity to acquire any antlerless deer
permits in those zones for which permits remain available after the
drawing process has been completed. These permits will be available
at select locations across the state on a first-come first-served basis.
More details on these sales will be available by early October.
EARLY GOOSE SEASON DATES SET
Goose hunters are advised that the early Canada goose hunting season
dates are September 6 - September 24, 2011, with hunters allowed a bag
limit of 7 birds per day. All other migratory bird season dates and
bag limits will be set by the Fisheries and Wildlife Board immediately
following a public hearing on August 25, 2011 at 3 PM at the Newbury
Fire Fighters Memorial Hall. Hunters planning to hunt woodcock, ducks,
geese, and other migratory birds must also register with the Harvest
Information Program (HIP) after purchasing a hunting license. Waterfowl
hunters who obtained a 2011 HIP number to hunt in January and February
do not need to sign up for another HIP number for the remainder of the
calendar year. Hunters purchasing their license and waterfowl stamp
electronically on the MassFishHunt
website will see a "HIP Survey Completed" message on their
hunting/sporting license. For migratory bird hunters who did not purchase
a hunting license on line, the free HIP registration number may be obtained
by calling 1-800-WETLAND or by going on line to www.wetland.net.
Be sure to write the HIP number on the license. Waterfowlers are also
reminded that state
and federal waterfowl stamps are required for hunting ducks and
geese.
LAND ACQUISITION CELEBRATED IN NEWBURY
On July 28, 2011, officials from the Massachusetts Department of Fish and Game's (DFG), Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (DFW), and the Massachusetts Fisheries and Wildlife Board were joined by conservation partners and town officials to celebrate the recent addition of a 24.5-acre parcel to the Commonwealth's Martin Burns Wildlife Management Area (WMA). Located in the Byfield section of Newbury, the new addition adds a key parcel to the 1,600-acre property owned and managed by DFW.
"Not only does this parcel help protect wildlife habitat, it also safeguards an important water supply zone in the Artichoke Reservoir watershed for the city of Newburyport," said DFG Commissioner Mary Griffin. "We truly appreciate the commitment of Governor Patrick and Secretary Sullivan to land protection that made this acquisition possible, as well the contributions of our conservation partners, who provided substantial donations to make this project a reality."
"By securing this parcel, opportunity and access to Martin Burns WMA for hunting, wildlife watching and other wildlife-related recreation has been greatly improved," said George Darey, Chairman of the Fisheries and Wildlife Board. Darey also noted the former landowners worked with DFW to create an access road for planned agency habitat management activities.
"Essex County Greenbelt Association congratulates the Massachusetts Department of Fish and Game on this important new acquisition," said Ed Becker, executive director of the Essex County Greenbelt Association. "Greenbelt was happy to play a small role in its protection, and we greatly appreciate the longstanding partnership in conservation between our organization, Fish and Game and the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife."
The Essex County League of Sportsmen, the Parker River Clean Water Association and officials from the Newbury Board of Selectmen and Conservation Commission were also lauded for their time and effort in working towards a solution benefiting all concerned groups.
The Commonwealth expended $425,000 on the purchase, using a combination
of open space bond funds and Wildlands Land Stamp funds derived from
the sale of fishing and hunting licenses. Private donations totaling
$35,000 from Jim LeBoeuf, Jr. of Northern Ocean Marine, Inc. and the
Essex County Greenbelt Association with the assistance of the Massachusetts
Outdoor Heritage Foundation were included in the final costs for the
project.
2010 DEER HARVEST FINAL NUMBERS AND 2011 DEER PERMIT DRAWING DATE
Deer Project Leader Sonja Christensen reports a total of 10,813 white-tailed deer harvested by licensed hunters during the combined 2010 seasons. By season, the total breaks down to 5 deer taken during the special deer season for paraplegic sportsmen; 3,778 taken in the archery season; 4,846 taken during the shotgun season; 2,068 taken during the muzzleloading season; and 116 deer harvested during the Quabbin Reservation hunt. Christensen noted that 2010 was the highest deer harvest on record for the archery season. "Archery is a vital management tool particularly in suburban areas where deer densities are higher due to limited hunting access." Deer populations are managed according to deer density goals established to maintain healthy deer populations in balance with the environment. Goals are set at levels that allow sustainable deer harvest and deer viewing opportunities for hunters and wildlife watchers, and at levels which minimize impacts on property damage, public health issues, and safety.
The 2011 Antlerless Deer Permit Drawing is scheduled for 7:00 PM, August
1, 2011 at the Hubbardston Rod and Gun Club located at 55 Williamsville
Road, Hubbardston. The event will include a deer management talk by
Deer Biologist Sonja Christensen, and the antlerless permit drawing.
Interested hunters and their families are encouraged to attend this
popular event.
FAMILIES AND YOUTH GROUPS, SAVE SEPT. 25 FOR THE BIG MOE!
It's not too early for families, friends, and youth groups to mark
their calendars for September 25, 2011, and join the fun at the 15th
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
Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, Hamilton Rod and Gun Club, The Weatherby
Foundation, and the Worcester County League of Sportsmen's Clubs. The
Big MOE is the perfect opportunity to introduce young and old to a variety
of 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.
CHRONIC WASTING DISEASE NOT DETECTED IN BAY STATE DEER
Based on data gathered by the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (DFW),
no evidence of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) was detected in Massachusetts
deer and moose. The Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (DFW) recently
received results from a federally certified veterinary diagnostic laboratory
that indicate that all the brain and lymph node samples taken from cervids
(members of the deer family) did not detect the disease. During the
2010 deer hunting season and into early 2011, Division biologists collected
627 samples from hunter-harvested, vehicle-killed, targeted, and clinical
suspect deer from across the state for CWD monitoring and testing. This
was the ninth year of sampling in Massachusetts as part of a nationwide
CWD monitoring and surveillance program. Chronic wasting disease is
a fatal neurological disorder known to affect white-tailed deer, mule
deer, elk, and moose. Red deer and Sika deer are also affected by this
disease. The World Health Organization has concluded that there is no
evidence that people can become infected with CWD. CWD was first identified
in the late 1960's in Colorado and remained located in Colorado, Wyoming
and Nebraska for over two decades. CWD has been found in 19 states and
2 Canadian provinces and most recently in the eastern states of Maryland,
New York, Virginia, and West Virginia.
To protect the health of Massachusetts' wild and captive deer populations,
strict regulations are in place to prevent the disease from entering
the Bay State. It is illegal to import all species of live deer, including
European red deer, Sika deer, fallow deer and reindeer. Importing, processing,
or possessing whole carcasses or parts of deer or elk (from wild or
captive deer herds) from states and Canadian provinces where CWD is
present is also prohibited. The only exceptions to the regulation are
cleaned skull caps, cleaned hides, finished taxidermy mounts, and deer
meat that is deboned. By restricting importation of these deer parts,
specifically bones and neurological tissue --which is where the disease-causing
prions are located -- sportsmen and sportswomen hunting in states with
CWD can still use the deer they harvest. More
information on CWD.
LAST MONTH TO COUNT TURKEYS!
Turkey observers are reminded to report any sightings of turkey broods
(families) for the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife's annual turkey
brood survey. The last day of the survey is August 31, 2011. A brood
survey form to report this information may be found on the MassWildlife
website. Send completed forms to: Turkey Brood Count, MassWildlife Field
Headquarters, 1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough MA 01581.
UPCOMING PUBLIC MEETINGS AND PUBLIC HEARING
August 25, 2011 - Fisheries and Wildlife Board Meeting, Newbury
- The August meeting of the Fisheries and Wildlife Board will take place
at the Newbury Fire Fighters Memorial Hall, 3 Morgan Avenue in Newbury.
August 25, 2011 -- Public Hearing on Migratory Game Bird Seasons,
Newbury - The Fisheries and Wildlife Board will hold a Public Hearing
on Migratory Game Bird Seasons to be held at 3PM at the Newbury Fire
Fighters Memorial Hall, 3 Morgan Avenue in Newbury. As in years past,
migratory bird season dates and bag limits will be set by the Fisheries
and Wildlife Board immediately following the public hearing.
Calendar of Events
August 1-31 - Quack, quack, MA Junior Duck Stamp Traveling Exhibit, Easton - See top youth entries in the 2011 Massachusetts Junior Duck Stamp Contest (JDS) at Borderland State Park, 259 Massapoag Avenue in Easton. Youth of all ages are encouraged to learn about waterfowl and the importance of wetlands through this conservation contest. Winning artwork for 2011 is also posted on line. The Massachusetts Junior Duck Stamp Contest is sponsored by DFW, the Massachusetts Wildlife Federation, the Massachusetts Ducks Unlimited Chapter, and the US Fish and Wildlife Service. For further information on the JDS exhibit contact Ellenor Yahrmarkt at (508) 238-6566.
August 2 - Waquoit Bay Watershed Block Party, Falmouth - This event is hosted by the Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve at 149 Waquoit Highway, Waquoit (Falmouth) from 3 pm - 6:30 pm. Residents and visitors to the area are invited to come and meet your watershed neighbors, including the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, other local organizations and the Reserve's interpretive and research staff. Enjoy an afternoon of activities including netting in the bay, mini-science experiments, games, face painting, and arts and crafts for kids. Free watermelon and ice cream!
August 10 - MassWildlife at Peter Rabbit's Animal Day, Sandwich - This free and family-friendly event is hosted by the Thornton Burgess Society at the Green Briar Nature Center located at 6 Discovery Hill Road, East Sandwich from 10 am - 2 pm. This day of outdoor family fun includes live animal exhibits, a pet rabbit show, story times, and personal appearances by Peter Rabbit, Reddy Fox and Smokey Bear. Refreshments are available.
August 13 & 14 - Outdoors Camping Family Weekend, Carver - There is still time to register for the Becoming an Outdoors Family Camping Weekend at Myles Standish State Park. No prior outdoor experience is necessary as this weekend focuses primarily on families new to camping. Bring your child, grandchild, niece or nephew to learn basic camping and recreation skills to help you and your family to enjoy the outdoors. Registration details and materials are posted. Registration deadline is August 5. This workshop is a joint effort between the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife and the Department of Conservation and Recreation.
August 18 - Wildlife Lands Site Walk, Tyngsborough - This public habitat walk will be held at Dunstable Brook WMA from 6:30 - 7:30 pm. Meet at the DFW parking area on the west side of Dunstable Road in Tyngsborough. This tour will take participants through portions of a 50-acre complex of abandoned fields that that supports state-listed endangered wildlife. Abandoned fields were reclaimed in 2009 and the work included establishment of nesting areas for endangered herps (reptiles/amphibians). Tree clearing of 15 more acres re-connected two separate fields. Biologists will discuss the benefits of directly enhancing rare species habitat and the benefits of re-establishing large open habitat patches to benefit native shrubland birds in special need of conservation. Biologists will also discuss invasive plant control work occurring at the site. DFW encourages landowners interested in managing their own woodlands for wildlife to take advantage of this opportunity to find out more about wildlife habitat management. Dress for the weather; this walk will occur rain or shine. Consider taking insect repellant, sunscreen, binoculars, camera, and sturdy boots.
August 19-28 - MassWildlife at the Marshfield Fair - Visit the
DFW exhibit in the Agricultural Building while you stroll around the
fair. Learn about some of the common wildlife living in your neighborhood
and have your wildlife and outdoor recreation questions fielded by DFW
staff at the display.
More information
about the Marshfield Fair.
August 25 - Wildlife Lands Site Walk, Leyden - This public
habitat walk will be taking place at the Leyden WMA from 6:30 -
7:30 pm. Meet at the DFW parking area on the south side of Glen Road
in Leyden. Tour extensive areas of reclaimed abandoned field habitat
and lowbush blueberry fields and enjoy fine views of the Deerfield valley.
Woodland owners interested in managing their own woods for wildlife
are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to learn more about
wildlife habitat management. Dress for the weather; this walk will occur
rain or shine. Consider bringing insect repellant, binoculars, camera,
sunscreen and wearing sturdy boots.
Last Updated: 08/04/2011