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MassWildlife Monthly April 2024

News from the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife

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School is out, help stock trout!

The public is invited to help MassWildlife stock trout during school vacation week! Meet MassWildlife fisheries staff, view trout up close, and learn about places to fish near you. Join us at one of the following stocking events:

Can't make one of these stocking events? You can still join in on the fun by planning a fishing trip with family or friends to take advantage of spring trout stocking. MassWildlife will stock nearly 500,000 hatchery-raised brook, brown, rainbow, and tiger trout statewide this year. Information about where trout have been stocked is updated daily at Mass.gov/Trout

How to minimize aggressive turkey encounters this spring

March through May is breeding season for wild turkeys and, as a result, there is an increase in turkey activity across the Commonwealth. Some turkeys may act aggressively by pecking, following, or exhibiting other intimidating behavior towards people. Males puff out their feathers, fan their tails, and strut while gobbling and making other vocalizations. This behavior is common during the breeding season and other times of year when turkeys are establishing social dominance or status within the flock.

Wild turkeys live in flocks organized by pecking order. Each bird is dominant over or "pecks on" birds of lesser social status. Turkeys may attempt to dominate or attack people that they view as subordinates, and this behavior is observed most often during breeding season. They may also respond aggressively and peck shiny objects like windows or vehicles, interpreting their own reflection as an intruding turkey.

MassWildlife urges the public to never feed wild turkeys. Aggressive behavior towards people occurs when turkeys become overly comfortable in the presence of humans—usually over several months or even years, in areas where turkeys are fed. Never intentionally leave out food like bird seed or corn in attempts to help or view turkeys. Avoid using bird feeders, as fallen bird seed attracts turkeys and other wild animals which can ultimately lead to negative interactions with wildlife. For those who enjoy viewing songbirds, MassWildlife recommends landscaping with native plants or adding a water feature to attract birds.

“The most effective action people can take to prevent conflicts with turkeys is to stop feeding them,” says Dave Scarpitti, MassWildlife’s Turkey Biologist. “Providing food, whether intentional or not, can cause turkeys to act tame and may lead to bold or aggressive behavior, especially in the breeding season. Once this behavior is established, it can be very difficult to change.”

People are encouraged to scare or threaten bold turkeys with loud noises or water sprayed from a hose. A leashed dog may also be an effective deterrent. Mylar tape, balloons, or pinwheels can be used in and around your property as a deterrent to turkeys. These techniques may not be as successful in areas where turkeys have become highly habituated to humans over months or years. Read more about preventing conflicts with wild turkeys.

MassWildlife also reminds the public that the wild turkey is the state's official game bird and that the 2024 Spring Turkey Hunting Season begins Monday, April 29 and continues through Saturday, May 25. Licensed hunters with a turkey permit can harvest up to two bearded birds in the spring. Learn more about spring turkey hunting.

What to do when you find young wildlife

Do you know what to do if you find a baby bird, a nest of newborn bunnies, or another young animal in your yard this spring?

The arrival of spring means the arrival of young wildlife. Every year, the lives of young creatures are disturbed by people who take young animals from the wild in a well-intentioned attempt to save them, but this often does more harm than good. The Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife) is reminding the public that young wildlife belong in the wild and urging residents to leave young wildlife alone. Finding a young animal alone does not mean it’s been abandoned or needs to be rescued. Adults are often nearby and visit their young only occasionally to avoid detection from predators.

Nearly all wild birds and mammals are protected by law; they may not legally be taken from the wild or kept as pets. Most people quickly find that they can’t properly care for young wildlife, and many animals soon die in the hands of people trying to help. Young wildlife removed from the wild are also denied important natural learning experiences which help them survive on their own. Even if these animals are released back into the wild, their chances of survival are reduced. Often, the care given to young wildlife results in some attachment to humans and the animals may return to places where people live, only to be attacked by domestic animals or hit by cars. With little fear of humans, once-tamed wildlife may become nuisances or injure people.

What you should do:

  • If you find a baby bird: While baby birds may look helpless, they do not need your assistance unless you see clear signs of injury, like a broken wing. If you find a hatchling or nestling (a young bird without feathers) outside the nest, you can try to return it to its nest or create an artificial nest. The parents will not reject it if you touch it. If you find a fledgling (a young, fully feathered bird) outside the nest, leave it alone. While it is spending some time hopping around on the ground learning how to fly, the parents are usually nearby still taking care of it. If you find a fledgling near a road or exposed to danger, it can be moved to a safer, sheltered location nearby. Young birds naturally have a low survival rate, which keeps populations in balance with available resources.
  • If you find a fawn: Young deer are born in late May and early June. Even if you see a fawn alone for several days, you should still leave it alone. The animal may be motionless and seem vulnerable, but this is the normal behavior for a fawn and the mother (doe) is probably feeding or bedded nearby. Fawns are safest when left alone because their camouflaging color helps them remain undetected. Does visit their fawns to nurse very infrequently, a behavior that helps fawns avoid detection by predators. If sympathetic people repeatedly visit a fawn, it can prolong separation from the doe and delay needed feeding. Fawns cannot be cared for by wildlife rehabilitators; if a fawn is visibly injured or found with its dead mother, call MassWildlife at (508) 389-6300. Click here for more information on finding a fawn.
  • If you find bunnies or other young mammals: Generally, young mammals are visited by their mother only a few times a day to avoid attracting predators to the young. For example, a nest of bunnies will only be visited by the adult female twice per day to nurse the young. The young are generally safe when left alone because their color patterns and lack of scent help them remain undetected. In most cases, it’s best to leave young animals alone.
  • Keep pets leashed. Keeping pets indoors or restrained helps wildlife, as pets often like to chase and hunt songbirds and other mammals. This also helps your pets avoid health and safety dangers posed by wild animals, other pets, or automobiles.
  • Contact a wildlife rehabilitator for advice. In almost all cases, it’s best to leave wildlife alone and let nature take its course. In the rare case you find a young animal with a dead parent or if you see visible signs of injury, you can contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator for assistance. An injured wild animal may be assisted, but a person must deliver the animal immediately to a licensed rehabilitator. MassWildlife licenses wildlife rehabilitators who are qualified to care for most injured or truly orphaned wildlife.

For more information on what to do if you find sick, injured, or young wildlife, please click here.

2024 spring turkey season

The 2024 Massachusetts spring turkey hunting season is April 29–May 25; the Youth Turkey Hunt Day is April 27 (restrictions apply).

Get your license and turkey permit

If you’re hunting wild turkeys in Massachusetts, you need a hunting or sporting license as well as a turkey permit. A turkey permit comes with 3 turkey tags. Hunters can take 2 bearded turkeys in the spring and 1 turkey of either sex in the fall. Buy online at MassFishHunt.mass.gov or at a license agent (click here for a map).

Spring turkey hunting tips and regulations

Turkey hunting classes

Harvest reporting

Successful hunters must report their turkeys within 48 hours of harvest. The easiest way to report a harvest is online. Click here to learn more about harvest reporting. 

Youth Turkey Hunt Program

The 2024 Youth Turkey Hunt will be held on April 27. There is still time for existing Basic Hunter Education graduates to participate in the Youth Hunt. Click here to learn about the Program and to register for an online or in-person seminar.

Turkey hunting safety information

  • Always follow the 10 basic rules of firearm safety.

  • Be completely sure of your target and what is beyond it before you shoot. Always practice firearm safety.

  • Don't stalk turkey sounds; it could be another hunter. Sit or stand and call the birds to you.

  • Do not wear red, white, blue, or black; these colors are associated with male turkeys.

  • Protect your back. Set up against a large tree or rock and make sure your view isn't obstructed. Don't hide in a place with an obstructed view.

  • Do not place decoys too close to where you set up. Never carry an exposed decoy or tail fan while hunting; put them in a bag when carrying them in or out of hunting locations.

  • Consider wearing hunter orange when entering or leaving your hunting area.

  • Regulation requires that all hunters place an official green Turkey Safety Sticker on their firearm positioned so it's visible when sighting down the barrel. If you need a new or replacement sticker for your firearm, send a self-addressed stamped envelope to: MassWildlife, Attn: Turkey Safety Sticker, 1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough, MA 01581. To ensure enough time to process and return mail safety stickers prior to opening day, please submit requests by April 14. Requests received after April 14 may not be fulfilled before opening day.

Researching black bears in a mild winter

Every winter, MassWildlife biologists visit bear dens to collect valuable data. This winter’s limited snowfall and higher temperatures presented a new challenge for this decades-long research project.

Did you know Massachusetts has one of the longest running black bear research projects in the region? For the last 40 years, MassWildlife biologists, graduate students, and researchers have been using radio tracking collars to collect essential information from female black bears, known as sows. As of today, MassWildlife has 39 sows in Massachusetts fitted with radio tracking collars. These collars provide data about sow survival, reproduction rates, and cub survival. Thanks to funding from the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT), about half of the collars have GPS units that track bear movement and habitat use. This data helps MassWildlife and MassDOT improve habitat connectivity and minimize road impacts on bears and other wildlife. All of this information is critical to understanding our growing and expanding black bear population. 

Winter Den Research 

As part of this project, MassWildlife biologists visit the dens of collared sows during the winter. Sows may be in their dens alone, with newborn cubs, or with their previous winter’s cubs, called yearlings. Winter dens can be a hollow tree or log, rock crevice, or a ground nest under fallen trees or brush. Once they locate the den, biologists carefully immobilize the sow. When working with the sow, the team documents her body condition and weight. They also evaluate her collar for proper fit and function. If the female has newborn cubs, the cubs are counted, weighed, sexed, and kept warm until they’re returned to the den. If the female has yearlings, the yearlings are immobilized while biologists document the number of yearlings, their body condition, their sex, and their weight. Some female yearlings are fitted with an expandable radio tracking collar to add new bears to the study. 

2024 Bear Den Season Summary 

This winter, MassWildlife biologists visited 30 dens. A summary from this winter’s study includes: 

  • The average newborn litter size was 2.3 cubs per adult female. Three sows had 4 newborn cubs. Of the newborn cubs, there were 24 males and 13 females.
  • MassWildlife confirmed cub survival for 12 sows who gave birth last winter, with 22 of 29 of their cubs surviving their first year.
  • The average weight of yearlings handled was 59.5 pounds. This excludes two male yearlings that weighed 98 and 110 pounds.
  • Sows were in good body condition, weighing between 140 and 298 pounds, with an average of 201 pounds.
  • Many den sites included ground nests in thick vegetation and burrows under blow downs or bases of trees. One notable den was under an unused bucket truck in a construction yard.  

A challenging factor during this year’s den season was the mild winter. While most black bears den for about 5 months without eating, drinking, or excreting waste, they can easily awaken, especially if temperatures are unseasonably warm. Given the string of warm days in early March, there were several signs that even sows with newborn cubs were active earlier than usual when they’re typically the last to emerge from their dens. If average temperatures continue to rise and New England seasons become less distinct, we could see non-pregnant black bears more active throughout the winter and some may forgo denning completely, which is common further south. This could cause an increase in human-bear conflict as bears would be searching for food sources year-round.  

How to help black bears and prevent conflict 

As bear population densities increase in central Massachusetts, and ranges expand east of I-495, it is more important than ever for people to take steps to coexist with black bears. "Please help us protect our bears and don't provide food to bears," said Dave Wattles, MassWildlife's Black Bear Project Leader. "Remove bird feeders, secure garbage, and use electric fencing to protect bees, chickens, and small livestock. When bears feed at these food sources it often ends badly for the bear."

You can help keep bears healthy and people safe by: 

  • Removing bird feeders: Bird feeders teach bears and other wildlife to look around our homes for an easy meal. This makes bears less cautious of people and can lead to human-wildlife conflict. If you enjoy watching birds in your yard, MassWildlife suggests adding a water feature or growing native plants, shrubs, and trees to attract birds.
  • Protecting backyard bees and chickens: Standard coops and chicken wire provide inadequate protection from black bears. Properly installed and maintained electric fencing is the only way to protect chickens or bee hives from bears.
  • Securing other human-associated foods: Store garbage in closed containers in a garage or outbuilding and put it by the roadside the morning of pick up. Secure compost and feed pets indoors. 

Learn more at mass.gov/bears

Click here to see video footage of black bear winter den research.

Fishing awards winners announced

MassWildlife’s Freshwater Sportfishing Awards Program recognizes anglers who catch exceptional freshwater fish from Massachusetts waters that are open to the public. Anglers who catch fish that meet a minimum weight or length can submit proof of their catch and receive a bronze pin. Gold pins are awarded to anglers who catch the largest fish in each species category.

In 2023, MassWIldlife added a Youth Catch and Release category and added 2 new fish species to the Program, giving Massachusetts anglers even more opportunities to test their fishing skills.

Congratulations to the 2023 winners

Angler of the Year awards are given to the person who catches the most species that meet the minimum weight or length requirements in each category.

Highlights from 2023:

  • Cam Tucker of Gill is the Adult Catch and Keep Angler of the Year. He caught 10 of the 24 eligible species.
  • Logan Middlebrook of Pittsfield is the Youth Catch and Keep Angler of the Year. He caught 17 of the 24 eligible species.
  • Andrew Langley of Peabody is the Adult Catch and Release Angler of the Year. He caught 20 of the 24 eligible species.
  • Jack Ostriker of Grafton is the Youth Catch and Release Angler of the Year. He caught 14 of the 24 eligible species.
  • 2 new Catch and Keep state records were set and 7 new Catch and Release state records were set.
     

Check out a complete list of the 2023 top catches by species.

Enter your catch and join the fun!

There is plenty of time to get involved in 2024. Learn more about the Freshwater Sportfishing Awards Program and submit your catch at mass.gov/dfw/sportfishing-awards. 

 

Public Hearing: 2024–2025 Migratory Game Bird Regulations

A public hearing will be held on Wednesday, April 17 at 2:30 p.m., at MassWildlife’s Field Headquarters, 1 Rabbit Hill Road in Westborough, MA. The public can also join the meeting online. Click here to join from a PC, Mac, iPad, iPhone, or Android device with Passcode: 905906. Or join by phone: (929) 205-6099 with Webinar ID: 880 7695 0045 and Passcode: 905906. The hearing will establish rules and regulations relative to the 2024–2025 migratory game bird hunting seasons.

Due to the migratory game bird season filing requirements of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Fisheries and Wildlife Board must vote to finalize and approve the 2024–2025 migratory bird seasons at the close of the hearing. Therefore, please note: There will be no written comment period after this public hearing. Written comments may be submitted prior to the hearing via email to susan.sacco@mass.gov, Subject: Fisheries and Wildlife Board, or by mail to the Fisheries and Wildlife Board, MassWildlife Field Headquarters, 1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough, MA 01581. Written public comments will be accepted until Tuesday, April 16, 2024, 4 p.m.

Click here for full text of proposed rules and regulations. Interested persons can review the proposed changes and provide written comments prior to the hearing and oral comments during the public-comment portion of the hearing. Here is a summary of the proposed changes: 

  • Woodcock Season: October 3 – November 30 
  • Youth Waterfowl Hunts: September 21 and October 5
  • Veteran’s Waterfowl Hunts: September 21 and October 5
  • Early Goose Season (statewide): September 2 – September 21 
  • Regular Goose Season 
    • Berkshire Zone: October 14 – November 16
    • Central Zone: October 12 – November 30 and December 17 – January 4
    • Coastal Zone: October 12 – October 19 and November 26 – January 25
  • Late Goose Season
    • Berkshire Zone: December 18 – February 15
    • Central Zone: January 16 – February 15
    • North Coastal Zone: January 27 – February 15   
  • Duck Season  
    • Berkshire Zone: October 14 – November 30 and December 16 – January 4
    • Central Zone: October 12 – November 30 and December 17 – January 4
    • Coastal Zone: October 12 – October 19 and November 26 – January 25
  • Falconry Season: October 19 – February 19

Fishers: fact vs. fiction

Fishers, sometimes called “fisher cats,” are elusive and often misunderstood creatures. Though they’ve gained a reputation as vicious predators, fishers are shy and solitary, preferring to avoid humans whenever possible. Because they are rarely seen, many people don’t know much about them. This has led to some common misconceptions about their behavior.  Let’s take a closer look at these fascinating predators and separate the facts from fiction. 

Why are they called fishers?

The origin of the name “fisher” is mostly unknown, but there are a few possibilities. The most likely explanation is that European settlers saw their resemblance to a related animal, the “fitch” (polecat), which is native to Europe. Over time, “fitch” became “fisher.” Fishers are opportunistic predators, but fish are not a regular part of their diet. Squirrels, birds, fruit, eggs, carrion, and porcupines are more typical sources of food. 

Some people mistakenly refer to fishers as “fisher cats.” The fisher’s short muzzle, long whiskers, and retractable claws may seem cat-like, but they are actually members of the weasel family (Mustelidae). They are the second-largest mustelid that can be found in Massachusetts. The largest is the North American river otter.

How big are fishers?

Adult males usually weigh between 8 to 16 pounds, which is around the weight of an average house cat or small dog. Female fishers are smaller than males, weighing only 4 to 6 pounds. The nose-to-tail length of the animal is 2 to 3 feet. Their long, bushy tails make up about a third of that total length. 

Many animals appear to look larger in the winter when they grow extra fur to keep them warm. A fisher’s plush winter coat can be 3 inches thick! All that extra fluff, along with their long tail, make fishers appear much larger than they are.

Will fishers attack people or pets?

Despite their fearsome reputation, there are very few instances of fisher attacks on humans. The few attacks that have occurred in Massachusetts were likely the result of a defensive action by a cornered animal.  

Fishers are generally more afraid of people than we are of them, but access to human-associated food sources can lead to bold behaviors. Leaving pet food outdoors, garbage uncovered, or bird seed on the ground can attract fishers and other wild animals to homes and neighborhoods. As they continue to seek food provided by humans, they may lose their natural fear of people. Never intentionally feed or approach any wild animal.  

While fishers are capable of preying upon cats and small dogs, they usually prefer smaller prey items. A study conducted in New Hampshire between 1979 and 1980 found that fishers are blamed somewhat unfairly for the disappearance of outdoor cats. Out of over 1,000 fisher stomachs examined by researchers, only one contained cat hairs. This evidence suggests that cats are eaten by fishers much less often than previously thought.  

It’s still important to take steps to protect cats and other pets from other wild animals, like coyotes. If you keep backyard chickens, you should take action to secure their coops and protect them from predators.

Do fishers scream?

You may have heard the claim that fishers let out a blood-curdling scream before making a kill, but that is not the case. Making too much noise while hunting would alert prey to their presence, decreasing their chances of catching food. It would also let other predators and scavengers know that there is an easy meal to steal nearby. 

While fishers do make a number of sounds, they tend to be quiet creatures. Most of their vocalizations are limited to quiet growls and chuckle-like grunts. They are able to make a screaming sound, but this is a very rare occurrence that only happens when the animals are under extreme stress or in unusual circumstances. 

There are a few other culprits that may be making strange sounds at night.  Check out the audio recordings below to compare! 

Why are fishers important?

Over the past two centuries, the fisher population has made a significant comeback in Massachusetts. Unregulated trapping and agricultural land clearing led to their complete eradication by the 19th century. Thanks to habitat conservation and regulated trapping seasons, fishers are an important part of Massachusetts ecosystems once again.  Fishers are one of few predators that actively hunt porcupines, so a forest without fishers suffers when porcupine numbers begin to rise. Without fishers to keep the porcupine population in check, porcupines overbrowse tender new growth and chew bark away, which harms the trees and can lead to a decline in forest health over time.  

In addition to their ecological value, fishers are an important natural resource. Indigenous people have trapped fishers for centuries, making warm clothing out of their fur. When European colonists arrived in America, they also saw the value of fisher pelts and traded them extensively. Fishers remain a valuable furbearer species to native peoples and licensed trappers today.  

Fishers are a rare treat to observe in nature. Their shy demeanor may add to the mystery surrounding these animals, but it also makes them especially exciting to see. As one of our many wild neighbors, it is important to learn more about these misunderstood creatures and ensure their longevity as a part of the landscape.

Contact   for MassWildlife Monthly April 2024

Online

email Email MassWildlife at Mass.Wildlife@mass.gov
websites MassWildlife Homepage 
MassWildlife Facebook 
MassWildlife Instagram 

Phone

Call MassWildlife at (508) 389-6300

Open M–F, 8 a.m.–4 p.m. (closed noon–12:30 for lunch)

Date published: April 2, 2024

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