Check Antlerless Deer Permit award status
If you applied for an Antlerless Deer Permit by the July 16 deadline, you still have to check to see if you were awarded a permit. The easiest way to check is to log into MassFishHunt to check your permit status. If you need more assistance, click here for instructions on how to check your award status. The Instant Award Period begins August 1 at 8 a.m. and ends on December 31. Your odds of being awarded a permit are the same regardless of when you check your permit status. If you are awarded an Antlerless Deer Permit, you must purchase it in order to use it. See 2021 allocation and odds of winning.
Surplus antlerless deer permits
Beginning late September, surplus antlerless deer permits will be available for $5 in select zones until sold out. Surplus permits will be sold by Wildlife Management Zone on the following days:
- Zone 11: Tuesday, September 28 at 9 a.m.
- Zone 10: Wednesday, September 29 at 9 a.m.
- Zone 9 (if available), 13, and 14: Thursday, September 30 at 9 a.m.
Get instructions for purchasing surplus antlerless deer permits here.
Fishing for the perfect summer outing?
Love to fish? Massachusetts offers exceptional freshwater fishing in spectacular settings. Many fishable ponds, lakes, and rivers are located within or very near Wildlife Management Areas that provide opportunities for walking, hiking, and wildlife watching. Click here for the full list.
Spadefoot success at Southwick WMA
Eastern spadefoot (Scaphiopus holbrookii) is a toad-like amphibian that occurs at the northern limit of its geographic range in southern New England. A regionally imperiled species, it is state-listed as threatened in Massachusetts and endangered in both Connecticut and Rhode Island. Its conservation is an especially high priority in the Connecticut Valley region of Massachusetts, where centuries of human activity have altered habitat so extensively that only three local populations are believed to remain. That number may now be four, as MassWildlife recently confirmed breeding activity for the first time at the site of its experimental population introduction at the Southwick Wildlife Management Area (WMA).
With financial support from the Massachusetts Outdoor Heritage Foundation and its partnership with Sanofi Genzyme, MassWildlife’s Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program (NHESP) began its endeavor to establish a new population of eastern spadefoot approximately 6 years ago. Identifying an appropriate site was complicated and required careful consideration of many ecological and operational factors. Eastern spadefoot has strict habitat requirements, not all of which are well understood.
First, the species requires loose or friable soils (sand and fine loams), as it lives most of its life underground and depends on use of a small, spade-like appendage on its hind feet to burrow downward into the soil column. Second, spadefoots require vernal pools in which to breed and deposit eggs. But not just any vernal pool will do—only those that tend to hold water for a few weeks at a time seem to be used.
Ultimately, the Southwick WMA was chosen as the site of the spadefoot introduction, as it appeared to have suitable soils and provide other essential benefits. However, vernal pools were absent and would need to be constructed. During summer 2015, MassWildlife partnered with the Southwick Department of Public Works and students at Westfield State University and Bristol County Agricultural High School (BCAHS) to build three pools. Pool function was monitored the following year to help ensure suitability for spadefoot reproduction, and translocations of eggs and tadpoles from a carefully chosen donor population commenced in 2017.
Eggs and tadpoles from the donor population were introduced directly to pools in 2017 and 2018. In addition, both the NHESP and BCAHS students captive-reared some eggs during 2017–2019 to release as mature tadpoles and young juvenile spadefoots. That practice, termed “headstarting”, is a supplemental strategy to help boost survival rates.
In southeastern states, where the climate supports a longer feeding season, eastern spadefoots reach sexual maturity in approximately 2 years. However, the cooler climate of New England is believed to limit feeding opportunities and delay maturity by an additional year or more. Therefore, determining an outcome of the introduction effort at Southwick would take some patience. Optimism was challenged during the past several years when surveys failed to detect surviving spadefoots, but then again, spadefoots are rather notorious for being elusive.
This year, rains during late spring and early summer sparked some hope for recovery from recent droughts, and the arrival of Tropical Storm Elsa on July 9 motivated spadefoot monitors regionwide to visit their sites with the possibility of a late-season breeding event in mind. NHESP Conservation Scientist Jacob Kubel went to the Southwick WMA with a primary objective to confirm that at least some spadefoots had survived to adulthood and stayed on the site. What he found was even better: spadefoot tadpoles in one pool, followed by at least 30 breeding adults in another. Eggs and recently hatched tadpoles were confirmed at the latter pool 2 days later.
“It was a big night for the project,” said Kubel, “and these early results give us hope that it will be feasible to regain some lost ground in New England through active management.”
Kubel does caution that years of additional study will be needed to determine whether the Southwick WMA spadefoot population has a good chance of being self-sustaining. However, the number of breeding adults observed earlier this month is a very encouraging sign. Biologists throughout the region anxiously await results of several population introduction, pool restoration, and habitat augmentation efforts in Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island. With additional data from a variety of sites and management strategies, the states and their partners will be in better position to identify and fine-tune effective approaches to restore and maintain populations of eastern spadefoot across suitable portions of the New England landscape.
Youth Pheasant Hunt Program offers workshops and mentored hunts this fall
Hunter Education graduates aged 12–17 can participate in the Youth Pheasant Hunt. This exciting program involves shooting instruction and practice, a pre-hunt workshop, and a mentored hunt prior to the regular pheasant season. All young adults between the ages 15 and 17 will need a hunting license and FID card to participate in this program.
The Young Adult Pheasant Hunt takes place on Saturdays in September and October; specific dates vary and are determined by participating sportsman’s clubs. Registration forms must be received by August 29, 2021. For more information and to view participating clubs, please visit the Youth Pheasant Hunt Program page.
COVID-19 information
Clubs will have smaller class sizes this year so spots may fill quickly.
Consistent with guidance provided by the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, the 2021 Youth Pheasant Hunt Program will include additional mandatory safety precautions to help protect against the spread of COVID-19, including a face mask requirement for non-vaccinated participants, social distancing, and not sharing equipment. Once registered, participants will receive an email with guidelines to follow during all Youth Pheasant Program activities, including shooting practice, pheasant seminar, and the mentored hunt. MassWildlife and the clubs running this program are committed to provide a safe and rewarding youth pheasant hunt experience that protects the health of all involved, including participants, instructors, volunteers, and guardians. Get more information about COVID-19 in Massachusetts.
A new view of prescribed fire
MassWildlife safely conducted 17 prescribed fires this spring to improve wildlife habitat. New this year, MassWildlife is using Unmanned Aircraft Systems (aka UAS or drone technology) to monitor habitat conditions before, during, and after fires.
Bird illness update
In late May, wildlife managers in Washington D.C., Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, and Kentucky began receiving reports of sick and dying birds with eye swelling and crusty discharge, as well as neurological signs. More recently, additional reports have been received from Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Indiana. While the majority of affected birds are reported to be fledgling common grackles, blue jays, European starlings, and American robins, other species of songbirds have been reported as well. No definitive cause(s) of illness or death have been determined at this time.
While there is always an increase in reports of dead birds at this time of year due to natural high mortality rates of young birds, MassWildlife is encouraging the public to report any observations of sick or dead birds (with unknown cause of mortality) as a precaution to help track this widespread mortality event. However, the mystery disease is not known to be in any of the New England states at this time. It is not necessary to report dead birds where strong evidence links the mortality to collision with glass or vehicles or predation by cats. Use this online form to report observations and upload photos.
As another cautionary measure, MassWildlife and Mass Audubon are also recommending the public to stop using all bird feeders and bird baths at this time. Birds congregating at bird feeders and bird baths can transmit diseases to one another. MassWildlife, as well as other wildlife agencies in the region, recommend taking the following precautions:
- Cease feeding birds until this wildlife morbidity/mortality event subsides.
- Clean feeders and bird baths with a 10% bleach solution (one part bleach mixed with nine parts water), rinse with water, and allow to air-dry.
- Avoid handling birds unless necessary. If you do handle them, wear disposable gloves and wash hands afterwards.
- If picking up a dead bird, place an inverted plastic bag over your hand to avoid direct contact with the bird. To dispose of dead birds, place them in a plastic bag, seal, and discard with household trash or alternatively bury them deeply.
- Keep pets (including pet birds) away from sick or dead wild birds as a standard precaution.
At this time of year, birds are able to find plenty of natural foods on the landscape without needing bird seed. MassWildlife advises that seed from bird feeders can draw the unwanted attention of squirrels, chipmunks, turkeys, mice, rats, and even black bears. Wild animals that become habituated to human-associated foods like bird seed can become a nuisance, spread disease, and cause problems. You can learn how to attract birds to your yard naturally throughout the year using native plants. Get tips here.
Update July 30: MassWildlife would like to thank the public for their cooperation in removing bird feeders and bird baths, and thank all those who have taken the time to submit reports of dead birds over the past several weeks. MassWildlife biologists have been closely monitoring all reports of sick and dead birds. To date, no large-scale mortality events have been reported in Massachusetts. As the investigation continues in other impacted regions, MassWildlife is asking the public to continue to refrain from feeding birds and putting out bird baths at this time as a precaution to avoid any risk to spreading the mysterious illness. MassWildlife will continue to coordinate closely with our state and national partners on future recommendations. MassWildlife reminds the public that birds have plenty of natural foods available during this time of year. In order to mitigate any potential disease spread, any activity that results in the congregation of birds (such as feeding birds or filling bird baths) should be stopped while more information is collected. You can continue to report sightings of dead birds or birds displaying signs of illness using our online form.
Grant funding available to landowners for habitat management
Would you like to improve habitat for birds or other wildlife on your property but don’t have the money to get it done? If so, you can now apply for a MassWildlife Habitat Management Grant. MassWildlife’s Habitat Management Grant Program (MHMGP) provides financial assistance to private and municipal landowners of conserved lands to enhance wildlife habitat, while promoting public access for outdoor recreation. Over the past 6 years, the MHMGP has awarded over $2.2M in funding to 33 different organizations and individuals for 84 habitat improvement projects. Details on how to apply and examples of successful projects are posted on the Habitat Management Grant Program page. The grant application deadline is August 27, 2021.
The MHMGP encourages landowners to engage in active habitat management on their properties to benefit many types of wildlife, including game animals and species of greatest conservation need identified in the State Wildlife Action Plan. Although MassWildlife and other conservation organizations have made unprecedented investments in land acquisition in Massachusetts, acquisition alone is not enough to guarantee the persistence of biological diversity. Investment in habitat restoration and management is urgently needed on public and private lands across the state. To address this need, MassWildlife and the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs have substantially increased their investment in habitat management on state wildlife lands and are committed to working with partners to promote these efforts on other conserved lands across the state.
If your project site is located within endangered species habitat (check here) a pre-review of the project is highly encouraged. Please e-mail Emily Holt, Senior Endangered Species Review Biologist of MassWildlife’s Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program (NHESP), with a site map and description of the project to begin the pre-review process. Retain copies of the feedback provided as proof of consultation will be needed during the MHMGP application process. Pre-reviews should be submitted to NHESP a minimum of 2 weeks before the MHMGP application closing date.
For general questions about the grant program, contact James Burnham, Program Coordinator.
15th Edition Natural Heritage Atlas released August 1
MassWildlife’s Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program (NHESP) is announcing the availability of the 15th Edition Natural Heritage Atlas, on August 1, 2021. NHESP produces the Natural Heritage Atlas which represents the known geographic extent of habitat for rare plants and animals protected under the Massachusetts Endangered Species Act (MESA) and the Wetlands Protection Act (WPA). These maps are primarily used to determine whether a proposed project or activity must be reviewed by NHESP for compliance with the MESA and the WPA.
The maps in the Natural Heritage Atlas are based on occurrences—within the last 25 years—of MESA-listed species. These maps are re-evaluated every 4 years to reflect these observations, any changes to the MESA species list, an improved understanding of species biology and habitat requirements, and the utilization of improved mapping tools.
Access to Priority and Estimated Habitat maps is provided through a variety of sources:
- An interactive map viewer with address-matching capability is available online
- GIS datalayers for both Priority and Estimated Habitat can be downloaded from MassGIS (appropriate software required for use)
- Large-scale PDF maps for each Town containing Priority Habitat are available for download, viewing, or printing
- A large-scale town map may be purchased from NHESP
Links to the above resources can be found on MassWildlife’s website at:
mass.gov/info-details/regulatory-maps-priority-estimated-habitats