Outdoor Safety Tips from MA Fish and Game

Fall is a wonderful time to be outdoors with its dazzling colors, crisp air and wildlife activity galore. Whether your passion is hiking, hunting, fishing, birding or just taking in the scenery, a few common sense safety reminders will add to your enjoyment during a day in the field.

Know your limits.
Don't take off on a long hike, hunt or bike ride if you're not physically ready. Tell someone where you're going and when you expect to return.

Watch the weather.
New England weather is notorious for quick changes. Be ready with an extra layer of clothing, warm hat and gloves.

http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/recreation/recreation_safety.htm

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RI Cautions Drivers to be Alert for Deer

The Department of Environmental Management is advising motorists to be alert for deer, particularly at dawn and dusk. The deer mating season is currently underway, and will continue through November and much of December. Deer tend to move around more frequently during this time, and November is typically the peak period for road kills.

With shorter daylight hours, many commuters are on area roads during the dawn and dusk hours, when deer tend to be most active. Many of those deer live and roam in suburban and urban areas. Deer dart out suddenly and often travel together, according to DEM, so motorists should watch for any other deer that may try to cross the road, following the first one. DEM cautions that motorists should slow down while driving at dawn and dusk, use high beams when possible, and always use seat belts, since most injuries occur to drivers who are not belted.

http://www.dem.ri.gov/news/2008/pr/1117081.htm

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Fishing Report November 24 2008

It has been quite sometime since I have been able to wet a line, with the cold and windy weather that had overcome New England. Having put the big boat to sleep for the winter it is now time to concentrate on these smaller ponds with my kayak. Typically this time of year I fish out of my kayak using my ice fishing gear. By jigging over the side and watching the electronics, this is getting me in tune for the coming ice fishing season. With many nights in the teens lately, I knew that the waters were going to be cooling but I was surprised when I arrived at the lake to see a skim coat of ice.

Rest of the report:http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/OutDoor_Reports.html

Video of the day:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ZZVf5oXwGw

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Maine Warden Service Says ‘Stay Off The Ice’

The Maine Warden Service is urging people to not venture out onto any ice that may be covering Maine’s waterways.

In some parts of the state, Maine’s lakes and ponds may appear to be frozen, but safe ice conditions cannot be assumed even though temperatures have been below freezing in recent days and at night. Also, any snow covering thin layers of ice acts as insulation and slows the freezing process.

“There are no safe ice conditions anywhere in the state right now. Period,” said Col. Joel Wilkinson, chief warden of the Maine Warden Service.

As the temperatures continue to fall in the coming weeks, and the ice begins to thicken, the Maine Warden Service is recommending that people check the thickness of any ice before venturing out for any activity on frozen water.

http://www.state.me.us/ifw/news_events/pressreleases/11-24-08.htm

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RI Annouces 2008-2009 Shotgun Deer Hunting Season Dates and Regulations

The Department of Environmental Management announces the seasons and general rules for shotgun deer hunting in Rhode Island. The shotgun season for taking either-sex and antlerless deer — female deer or male deer with antlers less than three inches long — on the mainland begins on Saturday, December 6 and continues through December 14. Hunters can utilize both state and private land during that period. The shotgun season continues for taking both either-sex and antlerless deer, on private land only, from December 15 through December 21. Antlerless deer permit holders may also continue to hunt private land on December 27 & December 28, and on January 3 & January 4 this season.

http://www.dem.ri.gov/news/2008/pr/1114082.htm

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Free Ice-Fishing Events Offered

In January, the Connecticut Aquatic Resources Education (CARE) program is offering free ice-fishing classes statewide for families and individuals age 9 and up.

Each spring and fall, CARE offers year-round classes that include a fishing trip, Fishing Tackle and course materials are provided at no charge.

Ice-fishing events are scheduled from 9:30am to noon on Jan 24 at the Bolton Fire House and from 8 to 11am on Jan 31 on Batam Lake in Litchfield.

Pre-registration is required for both events. For the Bolton event, call 1-860-896-0159. For the Litchfield event, call 1-860-424-3474.

If there is safe ice, other classes and fishing derbies may be scheduled. For a full schedule and more information about the program, call 1-860-663-1656. Or visit www.ct.gov/dep and enter "CARE" in the search box.

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Seasons are Changing

These last few days the weather here in New England reminds you of being in the northern tundra, cold. Temps at night lately are in the low 20’s and this is cooling our waters very quickly and if this keeps up, will accelerate the ice coming this season. Driving around yesterday I had noticed that the swamps and small ponds are skimmed over with ice and this is getting me excited. If you are still venturing out onto the waters, definitely take some precautions to ensure that you have safe and enjoyable trip. Here in MA, legally, you are suppose to wear your lifejacket in any small craft and this is going to give you a little extra time to help you get out of the water if you happen to go in. We are in transition period now and there are still waters that can be used so enjoy sometime out there and bundle up as the fish have not gone anywhere and chances are they are getting hungry.

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Vermont's Second Annual Youth Hunting Memories Contest

We want to hear about one of your hunting experiences and why hunting is important to you. Please send us an essay and a photo if you have one.

Your essay will be judged on ethics, landowner relations, appreciation of wildlife, respect for our hunting heritage, and family values.

The contest is open to youth aged 16 and younger, and submissions must be received by December 19, 2008 by 4:30 p.m. The top entry from each Vermont County will win a special prize from the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department. The County winners will be announced at the 2009 Yankee Sportsman Classic Show this January.

The top entries will be considered for an “Archery Only” hunt for two, parent and child (or mentor and child), at Antelope Outfitters in Torrington, Wyoming. The runner-up will receive a two-day hare hunt at Pine Grove Lodge in Pleasant Ridge, Maine. The hunt winners will be announced at the Vermont Big Game Trophy Club Awards Banquet on April 4, 2009.

The contest is presented by Vermont Fish & Widlife Department, Vermont Big Game Trophy Club, University of Vermont 4-H Shooting Sport, and Vermont Agency of Natural Resources. To learn more about the contest rules click here.

To learn more about the department and for a complete listing of staff, visit the About Us section of our web site.

http://www.vtfishandwildlife.com/calendaritems/youth/Youth_Essay_Contest_Flyer.pdf

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Gearing Kids up for Ice

At this time of year, in between fall and winter, kids are not participating much in angling adventures, as the weather turns cool and wet. So to keep their enthusiasm going strong about fishing as we approach the new season of fishing when the ice returns, keep them involved in activities revolving around fishing. Many ice anglers are in the mode these days of getting their ice gear together and ready and you should involve your kids in this process as well. Let them play around some with the ice fishing rod/reel so that they can get a feel for that once again. Have them help you sort through your baits especially the micro plastics, as they will have a fun time looking and touching these. As well as the electronics, you can show and teach them some about the flasher and camera inside your home by actually having them on and explaining what they are seeing on the screen. By keeping them involved in this preparation into a new season, this will keep their enthusiasm high for another great season of fishing ahead.

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Maine's Noteworthy Hunting and Wildlife management Information by Region

The following information is for hunters, naturalists or anyone fascinated by Maine's diverse and plentiful wildlife species. Profiles on moose, bear, deer, turkey, waterfowl, and upland game - hunting tips, management strategies, harvest statistics. It's a one-of-a kind collection of reports from Maine's wildlife biologists and the Maine Warden Service. Find the topic listed below or select a region on the map for the location you would like to visit.

http://www.state.me.us/ifw/hunting_trapping/regional_information/index.htm

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Watch for New "Granite State Outdoors" Program

Next time you're channel surfing, check out your community television station: there's a good chance you'll catch a glimpse of a moose, discover a new place to go paddling, or get some timely fishing advice on Granite State Outdoors, NH Fish and Game's new outdoor television program. This month, public access television stations across New Hampshire will begin airing Granite State Outdoors or "GSO-TV," produced by the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department specifically for community television audiences, featuring local information on wildlife and outdoor recreation in an entertaining format.

"Granite State Outdoors can help outdoor enthusiasts better plan their time spent outside -- whether you enjoy outdoor adventures like moose watching, salmon fishing, turkey hunting or discovering a great new destination by canoe or kayak," said Jon Charpentier, Supervisor of Media & Promotion at NH Fish and Game.

http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Newsroom/News_2008/News_2008_Q4/GSOutdoors_TV_debut_110708.html

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Fishing Report November 3 2008

Since things are slowing way down for me lately, I decided that I needed some water time to clear my head once again. Took the boat over to my favorite bass lake and of course my intermittent motor fuel pump issue showed up again and was unable to get the motor started. Went back home and loaded the kayak and equipment into the truck and headed off to my local crappie pond. This is a little early yet for kayak fishing and me but since I did not have a choice why not.

Rest of the report:
http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/OutDoor_Reports.html

Video of the day:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e5Cx2aENBgs

Vermont Deer Check Stations

Biological Deer Check Stations Open Nov. 8-9

The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department will be conducting 26 biological deer check stations on Vermont's Youth Deer Hunting Weekend, November 8 and 9, to collect information on the age and health of Vermont deer.

The department conducted biological deer check stations during the first weekend of rifle season in the past, but made the change to Youth Weekend to continue gathering data on yearling bucks.

http://www.vtfishandwildlife.com/

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