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All Media Inquiries: Contact 508/792-7270 July 2006
"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 Released July 27, 2006 BATS IN THE BELFRYWith hot, humid weather in full swing, some Bay State homeowners may discover bats residing in their home! Attics are the most common portion of a house in which bats roost and raise their young. After a few hot summer days, an attic becomes too warm for the bats, forcing them into people's living quarters as they search for cooler places to roost. Inexperienced young bats may fall down a chimney, fly in open windows or down attic stairs. The discovery of a bat flying through the house can create anything from excitement to hysteria. What's a homeowner to do? Fortunately, a single bat flying in a room can usually be dealt with quite easily. Put away that broom or tennis racket, open an outside window or door in the room containing the bat and close off the rest of the room. It's usually only a matter of a few minutes of circling before the bat locates the open window and leaves the house. Bats do not attack people or fly into people's hair. If a bat has landed, it can be assisted out of a house in several ways. For a bat on a curtain, place a jar, coffee can or small box over the bat, carefully working the animal into the container, and cover it. A bat on the floor can be covered with a towel. Another method is to put on leather gloves and simply pick up the bat and release it outdoors-don't use cotton gloves or handle a bat with bare hands. Whatever method is used, don't worry when the bat squeaks loudly while being handled. Take the bat outdoors and release it. If anyone has had direct contact with a bat or if a bat is found in a room with a sleeping person, the bat should be safely captured and not released. Contact local health officials for assistance in evaluating potential rabies risk and submitting the bat to the Department of Public Health for rabies testing. "If a homeowner discovers a bat colony in his or her home there are several options to consider," says MassWildlife Information Biologist Marion Larson. "Little Brown Bats and Big Brown Bats are the most likely species to be found in buildings. In some cases, with small numbers of bats, people don't mind their presence and concentrate on blocking holes and cracks leading into the human living quarters. Where there is a large colony in house walls, biologists recommend that homeowners wait to initiate eviction proceedings until the first week of August through November." Waiting to evict the colony allows time for young bats to mature and leave the house on their own. The do-it-yourself homeowner can learn how to evict bats safely with "A Homeowner's Guide to Bats" booklet available from MassWildlife. This publication contains tips on handling a bat in the house, designs for one-way doors, bat house plans, and a key to identifying the nine bat species in Massachusetts. The booklet is available in a pdf file in the Wildlife area of the agency website at www.mass.gov/masswildlife and is also available in hard copy at MassWildlife District Offices and the Westborough Field Headquarters. To receive a hard copy of the booklet by mail, send a business sized, self-addressed, 63 cent stamped envelope to: Bat Booklet, MassWildlife Field Headquarters, 1 Rabbit Hill Rd, Westboro, MA 01581. Homeowners who wish to hire someone to evict a bat colony can find a list of licensed Problem Animal Control agents in the Wildlife area of MassWildlife's website.
ANTLERLESS DEER PERMITS DRAWNThe annual drawing for Antlerless Deer Permits was held July 25, 2006 at the R.C. Mahar Regional High School in Orange. Selections were made based on last digit of 2006 hunting or sporting licenses. The Antlerless Deer Permit and its attached tag is required to take any antlerless deer during Massachusetts deer hunting seasons. All applicants in Wildlife Management Zones (WMZ) 3, 7 through 11 and WMZ's 13 and 14 inclusive were selected as permit allocations exceeded the number of applications received in those eight WMZs. The results of the complete drawing for all WMZ's. If there is match of the partial number, the number of randomly selected applicants is indicated in the table of winning numbers. By mid-August, pink notification cards will be sent to all successful applicants. Applicants not drawn will receive a yellow reapplication card with the option to select another WMZ where permits are still available. Due to a limited number of permits available in certain WMZs, re-applicants should return their postcards as soon as possible as their cards will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis. To ensure permits are processed and delivered in time for the opening of the archery deer season, all cards and accompanying $5 permit fee must be returned to MassWildlife prior to September 3. Deer hunters who missed the application process and wishing to purchase Antlerless Deer Permits in additional WMZs may visit MassWildlife offices in Westboro, Pittsfield, Belchertown, West Boylston, Acton and Bourne beginning October 10 to buy remaining surplus permits. NEW HUNTERS! SIGN UP NOW FOR COURSESNew hunters of all ages are reminded that it is never too early to sign up for a Basic Hunter Education Course. Effective January 1, 2007, new hunters will be 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. 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. "Many hunters fail to consider enrolling in a course until the weather turns cool in late September," says Susan Langlois, MassWildlife Hunter Education Coordinator. "Unfortunately, most courses have either begun or are full by then and the hunter's 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. The 12-15 hour course is taught by volunteer instructors, and 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 classes are provided at no charge to the student due to funding 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 160,000 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 will 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 of the US and Canada for the purchase of a hunting license. Information on course locations and schedules is posted on the MassWildlife website under "Education" programs. Graduates who have lost their Certificates may obtain a Duplicate Certificate from the Hunter Education Program through the MassWildlife website or by contacting the office directly at 508/792-7434. EARLY GOOSE SEASON DATES SETThe early Canada goose hunting season dates are September 5 - September 23, 2006 with hunters allowed to take 5 birds per day. Hunting hours begin one half hour before sunrise and continue to sunset. "Data collected from agency goose banding activities this summer indicate the early goose hunting seasons have kept populations stable in the central and western parts of the state," commented MassWildlife's Waterfowl Project Leader H Heusmann. "In the eastern part of the state where there are more restrictions on hunting activities, goose flocks continue to grow." Heusmann noted that the rains and cold temperatures of this spring resulted in some nest loss and staggered hatches of geese and other species of ducks. Despite this situation, the early season provides goose hunters with ample hunting and gives landowners an opportunity to allow hunters to reduce the size of nuisance flocks of resident geese. Waterfowlers are reminded that state and federal waterfowl stamps are required for hunting waterfowl. Hunters planning to hunt ducks, geese, woodcock and other migratory birds must also be registered with the Harvest Information Program (HIP) after purchasing a hunting license. This free registration number may be obtained by calling 1-800-WETLAND. If waterfowlers registered with HIP after obtaining their 2006 hunting license in order to hunt the past waterfowl season in early 2006, that number is still good for the fall 2006 season and will not have to be renewed until the 2007 license goes into effect. Other migratory bird season dates will be set by the Fisheries and Wildlife Board following a public hearing in Newburyport on August 31. NEWS AND NOTESQuabbin Lake Trout Vote-At the July meeting in Athol, the Fisheries and Wildlife Board voted to remove the existing "slot limit" for the taking of lake trout in the Quabbin Reservoir, and replace it with a single daily creel (2 fish) and minimum length (18 inches). This regulation change will take effect January 1, 2007. New Beaver Information On-Line--Conservation Commissions, Boards of Health, as well as interested citizens living with beaver are encouraged to visit http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/dfw_beaver_law.htm for several new helpful publications relating to beavers. The first document "Beavers and The Law: A Citizens Guide to Addressing Beaver Conflicts" is a document designed to explain, step by step, how people can seek relief if they have a problem with beavers or muskrats. The second publication, "Living with Beaver" is a flyer intended to provide basic natural history information and basic tips on avoiding and resolving conflicts with beaver. Application forms for emergency permits are also available along with an updated FAQ section on the beaver web pages. "Guidance documents for Boards of Health, Conservation Commissions and Highway Departments can also be found on this website," said MassWildlife Furbearer Biologist Colleen Olfenbuttel. "Some boards and conservation commission members are unaware of these documents, which provide the information officials need in order to respond to a property owner seeking to take action with a problem. MassWildlife has also re-organized the beaver web pages to make it easier for people seeking information." Quabbin and Camp Edwards Hunt Info - Hunters who want to take part in the controlled deer hunt at Quabbin Reservation are reminded the application deadline for applying is August 15. Applications are available at all MassWildlife District Offices, Quabbin Visitor's Center and on-line at www.mass.gov/dcr/waterSupply/watershed/hunt2006.htm For further information, call the Quabbin Visitor's Center in Belchertown at 413/323-7221. Deer hunters planning to hunt at Camp Edwards (MMR, Otis Air Force Base) on Cape Cod are reminded to submit hunt applications to the MassWildlife Southeast Wildlife District by November 1. Deer hunting will be allowed on the following dates: Archery-November 13 - 18; Shotgun-November 27 - December 2; Muzzleloader- December 11 - 15. Hard copies are available at the Bourne MassWildlife Office and the Field Headquarters in Westboro. Application form (pdf). Permission to hunt at Camp Edwards is at the discretion of the Camp Commander. Final Spring Turkey Season Figures--MassWildlife Turkey Project Leader Jim Cardoza reports 2,266 wild turkeys taken by licensed hunters during the 2006 spring season, only 10 birds less than were taken in the 2005 season. Looking at the harvest by county, 7 turkeys were taken in Barnstable, 434 in Berkshire, 62 in Bristol, 1 in Dukes, 84 in Essex, 384 in Franklin, 174 in Hampden, 214 in Hampshire, 107 in Middlesex, 41 in Norfolk, 130 in Plymouth and 628 in Worcester. The first week of spring season yielded 1455 birds harvested. 58 birds were killed by archers, easily surpassing the previous record of 39 birds in 2005. Adult male or "tom" turkeys amounted to 1,434 birds of the kill, while 820 immature males or "jakes" were taken. The remaining 12 birds were bearded hens. "This was an excellent harvest considering the heavy rains late in the season," said Cardoza. "It was in fact the third highest on record, exceeded only by 2005 and the record harvest of 2,363 in 1999." He further noted that 124 birds were taken by hunters from 9 other states. Cardoza estimates the statewide fall turkey population to be around 20,000 birds. Turkey enthusiasts are reminded that they can assist in estimating the fall population of turkeys by reporting turkey broods in their area through the month of August. A survey form is located in the WILDLIFE area. Upcoming Board Meeting and Migratory Bird Hearing -The Fisheries & Wildlife Board will be meeting on August 31, 2006 at 2:00 p.m. at the Elks Lodge, Low Street, Newburyport. At 7 p.m. in the same location, a Public Hearing will held to establish rules and regulations relative to the 2006-2007 migratory game bird seasons and methods of take. The Fisheries and Wildlife Board will vote on the migratory game bird season immediately following the public hearing. MassWildlife Calendar of Events - Check www.mass.gov/masswildlife for weekly updates August 2-- Eagles in Massachusetts, Westport -- Join Jason Zimmer, MassWildlife Southeast District Supervisor, who will speak about nesting eagles in the region and the successful restoration effort to bring the nation's symbol back to Massachusetts. This free, public talk will be held at the Westport Public Library on 408 Old County Road and is sponsored by the Friends of the Westport Library. For further information, call 508/636-1100. August 3-- Bears in Massachusetts, Royalston - Jim Cardoza, MassWildlife Bear Biologist, will give a presentation about black bears in Massachusetts. Hosted by The Trustees of Reservations at the Tully Lake Campground, this program begins at 6 PM. Bring your favorite bear story or bear questions for Jim. For more information, call the Tully Campground at 978/248-9455. August 4-- Moose in Massachusetts, Amherst -- Join Ralph Taylor, MassWildlife Conn. Valley Supervisor, at the Notch Visitor's Center and learn about how moose have come to the Valley and other parts of the state. Find out what to do if you see a moose! The program begins at 7PM and is open to the public. Please call the Notch Visitor's Center located off Rte 116 for more details at 413/253-2883. August 25--Aquatic Project WILD Workshop For Educators, Fall River--Educators, sign up for an Aquatic Project WILD workshop at the Fall River Heritage State Park! This WILD workshop is a series of aquatic based wildlife activities workshops designed for any educators who work with kids of all ages and who want hands-on, interdisciplinary activities focusing on aquatic wildlife, people and the aquatic environment. Scout leaders, youth group leaders as well as classroom teachers find the materials and workshop experience very valuable. PDP's are available to classroom teachers. Pre-registration is required. Contact Karen Silvi, Facilitator at 508/675-5759 August 30 - Celebrating Turtles Picnic, Georgetown-- The Parker River Clean Water Association and MassWildlife's Natural Heritage Endangered Species Program will be hosting a Turtle Picnic open to the public. The picnic will be from 5:00 to 6:30PM at the West Street Athletic Fields, off West Street. Rain date is Aug. 31. Attendees will have an opportunity to learn about and interact with several different types of live native turtles. Bring a picnic supper to enjoy. Turtle cake and watermelon will be served, and a turtle craft will be set up for the children to enjoy! For more information contact Susan Speak at seaspeak@comcast.net. ROMNEY SIGNS LAW CHANGING HUNTING LICENSE PURCHASE REQUIREMENTOn July 6, Governor Mitt Romney signed legislation that changes hunting license purchase requirements by requiring all new hunters to successfully pass a basic hunter education course, a measure that has the strong support of sportsmen and gun owners. "It's important that hunters understand the basic skills and responsibilities that will help them to enjoy the sport safely, and to foster an appreciation of hunting for new generations of young people," said Governor Mitt Romney. Since 1998, most people with Massachusetts gun licenses - a License to Carry Firearms or a Firearm Identification card - have automatically qualified to purchase hunting licenses. With the bill's signing, the gun license qualification has been eliminated. Massachusetts comes into line with the other 49 states requiring all new hunters take a basic hunter education course in order to purchase a hunting or sporting license. The new law provides an exception for adults who held any hunting or sporting licenses prior to January 1, 2007. Further information about the hunting license purchase requirements will be posted in the next few days at www.mass.gov.masswildlife. The Hunter Education program is administered by the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife) and the courses are taught by certified volunteer instructors. The Program's mission is to protect the lives and safety of the public, promote the wise management and ethical use of wildlife resource, and encourage a greater appreciation of the environment through education. Massachusetts offered its first hunter safety course in 1954 and to date has graduated more than 160,000 students. Courses are free and a schedule is posted in the Education area of the MassWildlife website at www.mass.gov/masswildlife. "The sportsmen in our state have a strong legacy of outdoor safety and etiquette in our communities," said Senator Robert A. Antonioni (D-Leominster), chief sponsor of the legislation. "This bill ensures that this legacy will continue for the many aspiring sportsmen and women in our state. It puts the Commonwealth on par with the rest of the country." The legislation was originally proposed by the Worcester County League of Sportsmen, and it was supported by the Gun Owner's Action League (GOAL). "This legislation recognizes the skill and safety of those previously licensed hunters and goes forward to allow new hunters to gain valuable knowledge in safe hunting procedures and practices," said Representative George N. Peterson Jr. (R-Grafton). "We are pleased with the passage of yet another correction of Chapter 180 of the Acts of 1998, which created a confusing standard for acquiring a hunting or sporting license," said James Wallace, GOAL's executive director. "Prior to the passage of this law some eight years ago, hunter education was mandatory for all first time hunters, with no exceptions. While GOAL does not normally support mandatory training, it is our belief that every first time hunter should be exposed to the ethics, safety aspects and laws in Massachusetts regarding hunting before taking to the field for the first time."
SHOTGUN SEASON FOR DEER EXTENDED ON MARTHA'S VINEYARDFollowing a public hearing held on Martha's Vineyard in May, the Fisheries and Wildlife Board voted unanimously on June 27 to establish a 2-week shotgun deer season on the island. With substantial public comment expressed for reducing deer densities and for timely action, the Fisheries and Wildlife Board voted to make the new hunting season dates take effect in the upcoming 2006 deer season. This year, those dates are November 28 - December 9, 2006. The expanded shotgun season dates are in alignment with the shotgun season held throughout Massachusetts except Wildlife Management Zone 12 (Cape Cod) which still has a 1 week shotgun deer season. "Last year over 60% of the deer harvested on Martha's Vineyard were taken during the shotgun season," said Bill Woytek, MassWildlife Deer Project Leader. "The shotgun season is the most effective and efficient means of reducing high deer densities and presents more opportunities for deer hunters on Martha's Vineyard." MassWildlife estimates there are 40-50 deer/square mile on the Vineyard. Woytek noted that every time a hunting season has been extended, the numbers of deer harvested rises. The muzzleloader and archery seasons have been extended several times in the past ten years throughout the state, while the shotgun season on the Vineyard had not been extended. Deer hunters may also use muzzleloaders and archery equipment during this season and must comply with all shotgun deer season rules and regulations. Woytek also pointed out that his recommendation for extending the deer season is part of a two prong approach to deer management on the island; hunter access to private land is also key to successfully reducing high island deer densities. DEER PERMIT APPLICATIONS DUE JULY 16, DRAWING ON JULY 25Last call for antlerless deer permit applications! The July 16 antlerless deer permit application deadline is fast approaching. Hunters must refrain from assuming large quantities of over-the-counter permits will be available after permits are sent out. Applications are found on paper licenses bought over the counter. Internet license buyers need to access the MassOutdoors website and apply on-line at www.mass.gov/massoutdoors. Massachusetts deer hunters and other interested citizens are invited to attend Antlerless Deer Permit Drawing at the Mahar Regional High School on South Main Street (Rte 122) in Orange on Tuesday, July 25, from 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM. This always popular event will include a Deer Management presentation by MassWildlife's Deer Project Leader Bill Woytek, followed by the Antlerless Deer Permit Drawing. Hunting seasons, bag limits, and antlerless deer permit allocations are established to achieve population goal densities set by the Fisheries and Wildlife Board. The presentation will explain how these elements are integrated to manage deer populations in Massachusetts. Nearly 44,000 permits will beallocated to licensed hunters this year. Results from the Antlerless Deer Drawing will be posted on MassWildlife's website the day after the drawing. Permit allocations for each zone are currently posted in the Hunting area of www.mass.gov/masswildlife. Bear hunters are also reminded to get their bear permit applications in by July 16. Applications are on the duplicate certificate this year. Internet license buyers must access the MassOutdoors website to apply on-line. QUABBIN DEER HUNT APPLICATIONS AVAILABLEApplications for the 2006 Quabbin Controlled Deer Hunt are now available through the DCR web page at www.mass.gov/dcr/waterSupply/watershed/hunt2006.htm. Hunters may also obtain hard copy applications at DCR administrative offices at the Quabbin and Wachusett reservoirs, the Division of Water Supply Protection office at DCR headquarters, 251 Causeway Street in Boston, and DCR Quabbin Field Offices in New Salem and Oakham. MassWildlife will also provide applications from their headquarters at 251 Causeway St. in Boston, field office in Westboro, and District offices in Acton, Belchertown, Bourne, Pittsfield and West Boylston. Hunters may 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 2006 Quabbin Controlled Deer Hunt will occur during the statewide deer shotgun season in the New Salem, Pelham, Petersham and Prescott sections of the Quabbin Reservation. Applicants must apply in groups with a minimum of two hunters up to a maximum of six hunters on each application. The application fee is $5.00 per hunter. All applications must be postmarked by August 15th, or hand delivered to the Quabbin Visitor Center by 4:00 PM on that date to qualify for the permit selection process. Approximately 1,100 permits will be drawn based upon hunter's license numbers in a special lottery on September 6th. All successful applicants will receive written notification from the DCR by late September. For further information, please call the Quabbin Visitor Center at 413/323-7221. Return to table of contents BROOK TROUT POPULATIONS IN TROUBLE ACCORDING TO REPORTBrook trout occupy less than half of their original range in Massachusetts. These results reflect the condition of brook trout across their entire eastern United States range, according to an assessment released by Trout Unlimited and a coalition of state and federal agencies. The report, "Eastern Brook Trout: Status and Threats," is the first comprehensive assessment of the status of brook trout in the Eastern United States. These beautiful fish historically thrived in rivers and streams stretching from Maine to Georgia, but land use pressures have relegated the remaining isolated populations to the headwaters of high elevation streams. "Brook trout are the canary in the coal mine when it comes to water quality," said Gary Berti, Trout Unlimited's Eastern Brook Trout Campaign Coordinator. "The presence of brook trout in a watershed indicates that water quality is excellent. Declining brook trout populations can provide an early warning that the health of an entire stream, lake or river is at risk." The few remaining patches of quality brook trout habitat in the state are located in the Berkshire and Taconic mountains and within portions of the Hoosic, Deerfield and Westfield watersheds and several tributaries to the Connecticut River. Brook trout have been eliminated from 7% of their historical range in Massachusetts, and they are greatly reduced in another 28% of habitat that formerly supported brook trout. Population status is unknown across an additional 42% of the historical range. "While these results are sobering, we are already pursuing many opportunities for conservation of remaining high-quality habitat as well as restoration of impaired streams," said Todd Richards, Aquatic Biologist, Massachusetts Division of Fish and Wildlife. "Our collective challenge is to protect the best remaining habitat and restore the rest." "Brookies are quick to respond to habitat improvements," explained Warren Winders, the brook trout coordinator for Trout Unlimited's Massachusetts Council. "We have already seen the results of our work with state and federal partners on the Quashnet River and Red Brook in southeastern Massachusetts. By scaling up these programs throughout the state and region, we will see wild brook trout returning to our streams. And that's great news for all of us who love to fish locally with our families and friends." This assessment represents the first stage of the Eastern Brook Trout Joint Venture's collaborative efforts to restore brook trout habitat. The Joint Venture was initiated in 2002 as a pilot program of the National Fish Habitat Initiative. Participants include fish and wildlife agencies from 17 states, federal partners, conservation organizations and academic institutions. The results of this assessment will be used to develop state-by-state strategies for brook trout conservation and recovery. The full report, as well as state-specific data and maps, are available at www.brookie.org. For more information, contact Warren Winders, Trout Unlimited-Mass. Chapter 781/878-1074. NEWS AND NOTESSign Up For Youth Pheasant Hunt - Young women and men ages 12-17 years old who are interested in pheasant hunting and have successfully graduated from a Basic Hunter Education course can contact sportsmen's clubs that are offering the Young Adult Pheasant Hunt Program. The Young Adult Pheasant Hunt Program was developed by MassWildlife to provide an opportunity for young adults to practice firearms safety, develop shooting skills, and participate in a special pheasant hunt with a safe, experienced hunter in a friendly environment. The program is run by participating sportsmen's clubs in the following towns: Ashburnham, Carver, Concord, Harvard, Hopkinton, Lee, Middleton, Millis, Oxford, Princeton, Salisbury,Sturbridge, West Granville, Williamstown, Worthington. For more details, visit the Education area of the MassWildlife website. Sportsmen's Club Surveys Still Needed - A survey from MassWildlife requesting information on club activities related to youth and women as well as handicapped accessibility was sent out to sportsmen's clubs. A listing of clubs and their status regarding this survey has been posted on the MassWildlife website in the "Calendar/Events" area. Club members are encouraged to check their club's survey status; if a survey has not been returned, members may download the survey, fill it out and send it in. Please return completed surveys as soon as possible to: Ellie Horwitz, MassWildlife Field Headquarters, 1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough, MA 01581.508/792-7270. Quack, quack! Junior Duck Stamp Traveling Exhibits-From July 15 - October 31, you can bring your family to the Western Gateway Heritage State Park in North Adams to see top youth entries in the Massachusetts Junior Duck Stamp Contest. From August 1-31, a selection of artwork will be on exhibit at Borderland State Park in North Easton. On August 5, artwork will also be on display at Allens Pond Wildlife Sanctuary in Westport. The Junior Duck Stamp (JDS) program is modeled after the adult versions of both the state and federal duck stamp competitions. Youth of all ages are encouraged to learn about conservation, waterfowl and the importance of wetlands through this art program. JDS is sponsored by MassWildlife, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Massachusetts Wildlife Federation, Mass. Waterfowler's Association, Ducks Unlimited-Mass. Chapter and other supporters. For further information on the North Adams exhibit contact: Dale Waterman 413/663-6312. For the North Easton exhibit, contact Ellenor Yahrmarkt 508/238-6566. For the Westport exhibit contact Gina Purtell 508/636-2437. The JDS traveling exhibit schedule for the next year is posted in the Education area of MassWildlife's website, www.mass.gov.masswildlife. To request an information packet for 2007, contact Pam Landry, JDS coordinator, 508/792-7270 x 110 Upcoming Meetings -The Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Advisory Committee will meet on July 13 at the MassWildlife Field Headquarters, Westborough. The Fisheries & Wildlife Board will meet on July 25, 2006 at 2:00 p.m. at the Miller's River Environmental Center on 100 Main St (Rte 2A) in Athol. MassWildlife Calendar of Events - Check www.mass.gov/masswildlife for weekly updates July 15-Whitman's Pond Family Fishing Festival, Weymouth -- This festival is designed to introduce curious or beginning anglers of all ages who have an interest in learning about fishing. On the shores of Whitman's Pond, cast a line, learn about fish in our waters, safety, ethics, and fishing equipment. No equipment is needed, but if you have your own, bring it along! 10AM - 2:30 PM The festival is in cooperation with the Whitman's Pond Association, and other local sponsors. For more information contact Marie Feely@ 781/340-6976. July 19-Fishing Clinic at the Library, Northfield - This clinic is designed by MassWildlife's Angler Education Program to introduce curious or beginning anglers of all ages who have an interest in learning about fishing. It will be held at the Northfield Public Library from 4PM - 7PM. For more information, contact Penny Betsold at 413/498-2455. July 22 -- Foraging and Feasting on Wild Edibles for Outdoorswomen, Weston -- Join Russ Cohen, expert forager and author, for a day gathering and enjoying Wild Edibles. This will literally be a "soup to nuts" full day session learning about and gathering wild edibles in the morning, then whipping them up into a delicious dinner later in the afternoon. Participants will sit down to enjoy the delicious results! Limited to 15 adult women participants. Registration materials posted (pdf) July 22 -- Houghton's Pond Family Fishing Festival, Canton -- This festival is designed to introduce curious or beginning anglers of all ages who have an interest in learning about fishing. On the shores of Houghton's Pond, cast a line, learn about fish in our waters, safety, ethics, and fishing equipment. No equipment is needed, but if you have your own, bring it along! 10AM - 2:30 PM The festival is in cooperation with the Department of Conservation and Recreation (Blue Hills Reservation), and Decathlon USA. For more information contact the Blue Hills Reservation @ 617/698-1802. July 25 - Antlerless Deer Permit Drawing and Presentation, Orange -- Join MassWildlife for the annual Antlerless Deer Permit drawing at the R.C. Mahar Regional High School, South Main Street (Rte. 122) in Orange from 7PM - 9PM. Deer Project Leader, Bill Woytek will give a presentation on the deer management program. Interested citizens are encouraged to attend and ask questions. July 28 -- Eagles in the Connecticut River Valley, Amherst -- Join Ralph Taylor, MassWildlife Conn. Valley Supervisor, at the Notch Visitor's Center, Amherst and learn about the successful restoration of bald eagles to the Valley and the rest of the state. He will have photos of eagles, eagle banding and more! The program begins at 7PM and is open to the public. Please call the Notch Visitor's Center located off Rte 116 for more details at 413/253-2883. MassWildlife News Archives- Click here to view previously published issues of MassWildlife News. Archived files go back to 1995. Questions? Comments? Contact: Mass.Wildlife@state.ma.us Last Updated: August 2, 2006 |
