NH Hunting Season Results - Preliminary Totals for Deer, Bear, Turkey

The unofficial deer kill for New Hampshire’s 2015 hunting season was 10,912, down 4% from the 2014 final kill of 11,396. Based on this estimate, the 2015 total is very similar to the 20-year average of 10,896. Deer hunting seasons are now closed in the state.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/NH_News.html

Hunter Education Instructor Training Courses Being Offered

The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department is offering several New Instructor Training Courses for people interested in volunteering to teach Hunter Education, Trapper Education, or Bowhunter Education courses in Vermont.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/VT_News.html

Free Ice Fishing Talks at Fish and Game in January

Polish up your ice fishing skills by taking advantage of two free ice fishing seminars with New Hampshire fishing guide Tim Moore being offered in Concord this January at the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department. Moore is the owner of Tim Moore Outdoors.  He has ice fished in New Hampshire for more than thirty years and has been featured on NH’s Wildside TV and New Hampshire Chronicle. Moore is an Ice Team Pro, as well as a member of Clam Outdoors, Vexilar, Maki Plastics and Daddy Mac Lures Pro Staffs. The talks will begin at 7 p.m. at Fish and Game headquarters, 11 Hazen Drive in Concord, NH. No pre-registration is necessary.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/NH_News.html

Maine 2016 Hunting and Fishing Licenses Now Available

A new year of hunting and fishing opportunity is just around the corner! The 2016 Maine hunting and fishing licenses are now available for purchase online or at any of the more than 800 licensing agents statewide.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/ME_News.html

Fishing Report December 13 2015 Massachusetts

Waiting for ice

As this mild winter continues on and many of us are still waiting for first ice, shoreline fishing is still happening and with a little searching of local waters this will keep you occupied until the ice finally arrives.

Fishing a local reservoir, I heard that there are large crappie in this water and wanted to see if we could catch them from the shoreline. The reservoirs here typically have an earthen dam setup at the outlet and there usually is a nice wall that offers you access to deep water to fish in.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/Fishing_Reports_2015.html

Visit N.H. Fish and Game at Upcoming Outdoor Events

Outdoor enthusiasts are encouraged to stop by the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department booth at these classic New England winter events

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/NH_News.html

Habitat Management Leads to Landowner Hunting Success

When David Boocock of Montgomery enrolled in a program with the state to improve his land for wildlife, he was hoping the enhancements would boost his odds during the fall deer hunting season. But he never realized that the payoff would come so quickly, or be so impressive.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/VT_News.html

Snowshoe Hare Hunting Workshop - in Holderness, January 9

Learn about the exciting sport of snowshoe hare hunting at a free workshop being offered at the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department’s Owl Brook Hunter Education Center in Holderness, N.H. The workshop will take place from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 9, 2016. Space is limited and pre-registration is required.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/NH_News.html

Fishing Report December 6 2015 Massachusetts

Searching open water crappie with electronics

We have never had a year that we are still fishing from the boat on open water, especially getting to the mid of December. Water temperatures were still around 43 degrees and the lake is void of other boats, this is making it very difficult for winterizing the boat for this season.

Object for locating these schools of crappies, is to idle around the lake and keep your eyes glued to the graph on your console. These schools will show up as clouds, especially on a color screen and if you are running any type of down scan imager, you can actually see the fish in the schools.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/Fishing_Reports_2015.html

Preliminary Moose Hunt Numbers Are Up For 2015

With the preliminary numbers in, it looks as though moose hunters were more successful in 2015 than in 2014, and Maine’s moose population looks healthy.

“We had a number of moose that weighed in excess of 1,000 pounds,” said Kantar. “The moose we examined looked very healthy, with good percentage of body fat stored for the winter.”

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/ME_News.html

Vermont’s Free Ice Fishing Day is January 30

Vermont’s third annual Free Ice Fishing Day is January 30, 2016. To celebrate, the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department is holding an Ice Fishing Festival at Lake Elmore State Park in central Vermont. The festival will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event is free and families with kids are encouraged to attend.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/VT_News.html

Fur, Feathers, and Ferns Program and Hike at Kellogg Environmental Center, Derby

Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) invites families, friends, scouting groups and other organizations to participate in a Fur, Feathers, and Ferns Hike Wednesday, December 30, 2015 beginning at 10:00 am and concluding at 1:00 pm. at the Kellogg Environmental Center, Derby.  Please bring a beverage and an eco-friendly lunch which is one that uses recyclable or reusable items for containers.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/CT_News.html

Authorities Seek Information In Identifying Moose Poacher

On December 6, 2015, Conservation Officers from the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department responded to an anonymous tip regarding a dead moose that had been found approximately three-quarters of a mile from the end Smokey Camp Brook Road in Errol, N.H.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/NH_News.html

Muskie Fishing Success Binds Three Generations of Vermonters

When Alex Beebe of Swanton recently reeled in the first muskie caught above Swanton Dam on the Missisquoi River in nearly four decades, he took his place in the fishing lore of Vermont. In 2013, the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department began stocking muskellunge, or ‘muskie,’ along this upper stretch of river with the hopes of continuing to restore this native fish species. Alex’s catch is a sign that this conservation effort may be working.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/VT_News.html

NH Hunting Report

"Statewide, it has been another relatively successful season. Current numbers are only slightly below last year’s and we are on track to finish near the 15 year average total harvest (2000-2014) of between 10,000 to 11,000 animals. Average total harvests in the preceding 15 years (1985-1999) were between 8,000-9,000 animals. The most notable thing to me this year has been the excellent physical condition of the deer I inspected at biological check stations," said Bergeron.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/NH_News.html

Fishing Report November 29 2015 Massachusetts

While many of the HSM Outdoors staff are either on the ice or will be shortly, the group of us on the East Coast are still fishing open water. Cool temps at night, but the day temps still getting into the 40’s and the water temperatures are still in the mid to low 40’s.

Couple of lakes that I have been targeting this late fall, the crappie are hanging in the same general area and those are deeper depressions in the lakes contours. Anywhere you come off of an underwater point or long flat, the schools of crappie are hanging right out in front in the deeper drop-offs.

The better sized school a month ago were positioned in a saddle and in only 9 feet of water but now that they have moved to the above locations, they are hanging in 16 feet of water and are positioned anywhere from the bottom up to 11 feet down.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/Fishing_Reports_2015.html

Vermont Muzzleloader and 2nd Archery Deer Seasons, Dec. 5-13

Vermont’s hunters will get one final chance for a deer this year during the muzzleloader deer season and the second part of the archery deer season. The two seasons run at the same time -- December 5-13. A muzzleloader hunter may take one legal buck anywhere in the state. In addition, a hunter who received a muzzleloader antlerless deer permit may take one antlerless deer in the Wildlife Management Unit (WMU) designated on the permit.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/VT_News.html

The Wild Turkey Contributed to Thanksgiving

One of our native wildlife species historically played an important role on Thanksgiving Day. North America’s native wild turkeys were the ancestors of the Thanksgiving turkey on our dinner table. Originally found only in the wild, turkeys now exist as meat-producing domesticated derivatives -- the broad breasted white, broad breasted bronze, white Holland, bourbon red, and a host of other breeds – all of them descended from our native wild turkey.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/VT_News.html

Fishing Report November 22 2015 Massachusetts

Cold weather in New England, seems to be eluding us for a while yet so no point in putting the boat away and enjoying the late fall fishing. Water temperatures were still around the 47 degree mark, light winds, overcast and threatening rain.

Idling around the lake searching for the schools of crappies and finding that the fish are back into their bigger schools again. Previously, the schools were broken and much more scattered all around and more difficult to locate and catch as well.

Today’s bait of choice was going to be the Salmo Fishing Lures - Chubby Darter in the size #3 which is 1.3 inches long and 1/8 oz in weight that was fished on 3 lb line. This is a go to bait for ice fishing but also works very well on the open water while vertical jigging on the side of the boat.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/Fishing_Reports_2015.html

Hunters Reminded to Provide Deer Teeth

The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department is reminding hunters who harvest a deer during the November rifle season to provide a middle incisor tooth from the deer so its age can be determined.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/VT_News.html

NH Hunting Report - November 19, 2015

Hunters have enjoyed perfect fall weather for the first week of the regular firearms deer hunt in New Hampshire. Congratulations to Jessie Tichko of Canterbury, who took a 180-pound, 8-point buck on opening day. Good luck to everyone heading afield!

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/NH_News.html

Fishing Report November 15 2015 Massachusetts

Many anglers these days, have their minds on walking on water again, as the days are getting shorter and cooler as well. But, for those that haven’t put their boats away yet, they know that the fishing is still going on with some good catches still happening.

Latest trip out, the air temperatures were at 30 degrees and the water temperatures are slowly dropping as well to 44 degrees. This particular lake the last time there the active fish were concentrated in a back cove and in 12 feet of water.

That is the area that I started this trip at and there they were still in the same location but actually a bit shallower at 10 feet deep while being suspended at 6 - 8 feet down. The schools of fish are not as massive as they had been in the past and are a bit more scattered out.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/Fishing_Reports_2015.html

Trout Stocked for Winter Anglers

Winter anglers in New Hampshire have had some trout stocked especially for them this fall. The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department stocks trout every year during the fall months, mostly to bolster the winter ice fishery. This should translate into some exciting action for winter anglers, according to Inland Fisheries Division Chief Jason Smith.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/NH_News.html

Fishing Report November 8 2015 Massachusetts

After having a great bite the last time to this lake for the crappies, hopes were high for another great bite on the water. Started at the location where the better fish were located and seeing that the water temperatures were still in the mid to low 50’s.

Started checking the waypoints where the schools were at and started noticing right away that today wasn’t going to be the same at all. After motoring around a bit, finally found a small school of crappies but the size of the school was quite a bit smaller.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/Fishing_Reports_2015.html

Fishing Report November 1 2015 Massachusetts

The use of electronics in fishing is vital right now as the pan fish are congregating in anticipation of the coming ice season. By idling around the basins of your lakes, keep your eyes glued to your graphs, as when you go over these schools of fish, the screen is going to be totally filled. Throw out a buoy marker where they are and circle back and put your Vexilar flasher to use. Once you are over them and seeing on your flasher what level of the water column they are in, it will be fish after fish being caught.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/Fishing_Reports_2015.html

Watch for Deer on the Roads

Motorists are advised to watch for deer crossing roadways this time of year, especially at dawn and dusk.  Deer are very active right now, as the mating season, or rut, is underway and bucks and does have their minds on other things than traffic!

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/NH_News.html

SonarPhone Tbox Mapping Capabilties

The lake waters are cooling a bit every day as the night temperatures keep going below the freezing mark. This is getting all of the ice anglers very excited for that first ice once it arrives. You have looked over all of your ice fishing equipment and figured that you are set for that first trip to the ice, but, there may be one item that you are neglecting that may put you onto more fish this winter.

We are talking about having a current lake depth map. Vexilar has come out with the SonarPhone that is allowing you to using your smart device and the Navionics application for mapping the waters that you always fish. The Navionics app on your smart device may already have a map of your fishing lake, but if you use the Sonarphone and map that lake yourself, you are going to find out that there is a lot of new information that you never knew was even there.

This is what we are currently doing right now until the ice comes. We have made a list of the lakes that we fish that have no mapping information for them. These are typically smaller waters and requires using our Jon boat for obtaining this information. By running your smart device with the Navionics app and the SonarPhone Tbox, we are creating live information about our fishable waters.

The SonarPhone Tbox is very reasonably priced but for what you get back in the form of lake depth information, you will wonder why you never started using this earlier. It is simple to use and there may only be a few more weeks left for being able to do this, so you owe it to yourself to take a look at the SonarPhone Tbox.

The examples from our mapping this past weekend, in the one picture, this is the typical Navionics map and the other is the SonarPhone overlay on the same map and as you can see the biggest difference between them.

Vermont’s Rifle Deer Season Starts Saturday, Nov. 14

Hunters are gearing up for the start of Vermont’s statewide traditionally popular 16-day rifle deer season that begins November 14 and ends Sunday, November 29.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/VT_News.html

NH Hunting Report - November 10, 2015

The opening day of regular firearms hunting season is always a holiday for deer hunters, but this year it is doubly so, as the season opener falls on November 11, 2015, which is also Veteran’s Day.  With that in mind, hunters are encouraged to call ahead to make sure deer check stations are open; a full list of New Hampshire deer check stations, with contact information, can be found at www.huntnh.com/hunting/deer-check-stations.html. With the opening of the regular firearm season and the increasing number of hunters afield, hunters are reminded to wear blaze orange. New Hampshire has more than 59,000 licensed hunters age 16-68.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/NH_News.html

CT DEEP Reminds Motorists to Watch for Deer this Fall

Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) Wildlife Division reminds motorists to be watchful of increased deer activity along roadways, especially during early morning and evening hours. Late October through December is the peak of the breeding season (also known as "the rut") for white-tailed deer which increases deer activity and the likelihood of deer crossing roads.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/CT_News.html

Maine IFW Hunting Report for November 6, 2015

Despite some warmer weather, deer season is off to a strong start in southern Maine, where registration numbers at area tagging stations are strong. “Right now, we have a higher proportion of younger deer, and starting next week, we will start to see more mature bucks,” said IFW Wildlife Biologist Scott Lindsay.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/ME_News.html

2015 Reel Fun Vermont photo contest winners announced

Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department and Vermont Department of Forests, Parks & Recreation today announced the winners of the 2015 Reel Fun Vermont photo contest, a component of the recently-created Reel Fun Vermont fishing program aimed at making fishing in Vermont State Parks more accessible to park visitors.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/VT_News.html

2015 NH Youth Deer Hunt Weekend Results

Preliminary reports show that young hunters succeeded in harvesting 368 deer during the 2015 Youth Deer Hunt Weekend in New Hampshire, down 8% from the official 2014 total of 398. This unofficial total does not include information from all registration stations.  The 2015 total is slightly above the average since the special youth deer hunt began in 1999.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/NH_News.html

Atlantic Herring Closure for Area 1A

Commercial fishermen will be prohibited from landing Atlantic herring taken from Management Area 1A effective 12:01 p.m. on Monday, November 2, 2015, because herring harvesters are projected to reach 92% of the allowable harvest quota for the period.  The closure will remain in effect through midnight on May 31, 2016.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/NH_News.html

Deer Season Starts Saturday For Residents, Monday For Nonresidents

Maine’s firearm deer season begins this Saturday. Even with last year’s long winter, Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife biologists are expecting that the 2015 deer will be a successful one for many hunters. The tradition of deer hunting in Maine continues to increase in popularity. Resident hunting license sales have increased each year since 2005 and non-resident licenses sales have also increased each of the past three years.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/ME_News.html

Hunters Asked to Help Collect Deer Biological Data

Ever wonder how old the buck was you took in deer season? Vermont hunters who harvest a deer during the November rifle season will have the opportunity to find out, if they submit the proper tooth from their deer.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/VT_News.html

Fishing Report October 25 2015 Massachusetts

The weather these fall days, can be very nice one day and the next it will do a 180 degree turn on you and when these happen you need to adapt to those conditions. This trip was one of those days with much cooler temperatures, fairly high winds and also some light rain falling.

Over the next month, we will be fishing a number of our smaller ponds for locating the resident fish before first ice sets in. This will allow us a better opportunity of having a successful first ice outing once it comes. We are utilizing our winter tactics right now in the boat as we are vertical jigging with the use of our Vexilar FLX-28 flasher.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/Fishing_Reports_2015.html

Deer Season Update: Opening Day for Regular Firearms Deer Season 11/11

Deer hunters in New Hampshire are gearing up for the firearms seasons. The popular muzzleloader season runs from October 31 through November 10, 2015. Opening day for New Hampshire’s regular firearms deer season is November 11, a date anticipated with great enthusiasm by hunters statewide.  The firearms deer season runs through December 6 in most of the state, except in Wildlife Management Unit (WMU) A in northern New Hampshire, where it closes November 29. New Hampshire has more than 59,000 licensed hunters age 16-68.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/NH_News.html

Vermont Moose Hunters Had a Successful Season

Vermont moose hunters had a successful hunting season according to the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department. A record bull was taken in the October 1-7 archery moose hunt, and the regular moose hunting season was October 17-22.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/VT_News.html

Young Hunters Encouraged to Participate (and Report) in Youth Deer Hunt November 7 and 8

With youth deer weekend just around the corner, young hunters are encouraged to take to the field to hone their skills and to also help Fish & Wildlife biologists by reporting their deer at one of 23 biological reporting stations around the state.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/VT_News.html

Moose Hunt Update: 59% of N.H. Moose Hunters Successful So Far

As of Wednesday, October 21, 2015, a total of 64 moose had been taken in the 2015 New Hampshire moose hunt (41 bulls and 23 cows). That means that 59% of the 108 hunters holding moose permits had succeeded by the midway point in the state’s moose hunt. This percentage is exactly the same as last year (2014) at this point in the season.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/NH_News.html

Youth Deer Day is Saturday, October 24

This Saturday, youth deer hunters across the state get their own day to hunt deer.
“Youth day is a wonderful way to introduce a young hunter to Maine’s deer hunting heritage,” said Chandler Woodcock, Commissioner, Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. “Hunting is an ideal tool to teach children about conservation, responsibility, patience and respect for our natural resources.”

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/ME_News.html

New Hampshire Hunting Report - October 21, 2015

Hunters harvested 1,993 deer in New Hampshire through October 18, 2015, according to Fish and Game Deer Project Leader Dan Bergeron. This represents an increase of 2% from harvest at the same point in the 2014 season.  The kill remains up significantly from 2010 and 2011, when the September archery season was bucks only. The harvest to date is the third highest in the last nine years and is only below 2007 and 2013, when the state’s second and fourth highest total deer kills occurred.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/NH_News.html

Fishing Report October 18 2015 Massachusetts

Schooling Crappies before freeze up

The main goal for today’s trip was to try and locate the crappie pods, as they are preparing for the coming winter season and schooling up. After searching the main lake basin and only finding scattered fish, waters were still a balmy 58 degrees, was seeing that they weren’t doing what they were supposed to be. So I had a change of plans and went bass fishing for a while instead.

Ran the shorelines casting shallow running crankbaits and the bass were very aggressive and biting in a number of locations. There weren’t any big ones caught but the ones that were, were hard fighters and a lot of fun.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/Fishing_Reports_2015.html

N.H. Moose Hunt Opening Weekend Brings 33 percent Success

A third of New Hampshire's moose hunters were successful during the first two days of the nine-day season, achieving a 33% success rate on the opening weekend of the hunt. On Saturday and Sunday (October 17 and 18), a total of 36 moose were taken by hunters statewide – 24 bulls and 12 cows.  The total number of hunters was 108 (105 lottery permit holders, two permits auctioned off by the Wildlife Heritage Foundation of NH to generate important conservation funding, and one Hunt of a Lifetime participant). In comparison, last year, 39% of moose hunters were successful during the opening weekend.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/NH_News.html

Emergency Morning Closure of All NH Pheasant Stocking Sites October 22-23, 2015

Under an emergency measure implemented today by the NH Fish and Game Department, no one shall discharge a firearm at a pheasant stocking site in New Hampshire from 7:00 a.m. to 12 noon on October 22 and 23, 2015. Those are the last two days that Fish and Game stocks pheasants this year.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/NH_News.html

Learn About Salmon Life Cycle at "Salmon Sunday" - November 8, 2015

Bring the kids and explore the life cycle of landlocked salmon, fish prized by anglers on New Hampshire's big lakes, at the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department's annual "Salmon Sunday" event on Sunday, November 8, 2015, from 12 noon to 2 p.m. at Pope Dam in Melvin Village. Pope Dam is nine miles north of Wolfeboro on Route 109 in the town of Tuftonboro, N.H.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/NH_News.html

Fishing Report October 12 2015 New Hampshire

Target Species: Crappie
Location: Southern New Hampshire
Depth: 27-30’
Air Temp: 73 degrees
Water Temp: 60 degrees
Wind: none
Conditions: Sunny skies
Baits: Clam Outdoors Pro Tackle Maggot and Duckbill Jigs tipped with Maki Plastics Jami and Mousi in White
 
If you don’t do a lot of fishing, right now is the time of year to get onto the water and search for the schooling crappies. The crappies are converging in the staging areas and once you find one, there are many more that want to bite your bait.

Our plan was to fish a New Hampshire lake that was known for having nice sized crappie and we had never fished for them here before. The objective was to search the deeper basin of the lake and see if the fish were schooling up and if you could find them, they will show up as a cloud on your electronics.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/Fishing_Reports_2015.html

Record Moose Taken by Fairfax Woman Bowhunter

Pre-season scouting in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom paid off on the second morning of the state’s archery moose hunt for Tammy Miller of Fairfax, Vermont.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/VT_News.html

DEM stocks Rhode Island waters with trout for fall fishing season

Just in time for Columbus Day weekend, the Department of Environmental Management announced it is stocking ponds and rivers across Rhode Island with some 6,600 brown and brook trout.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/RI_News.html

NH Moose Hunt Is October 17-25, 2015

For nine exciting days, from October 17 to 25, 2015, lucky moose permit holders and their hunting partners will have the experience of a lifetime taking part in New Hampshire’s annual moose hunt.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/NH_News.html

NH Youth Deer Hunt Set for October 24-25

New Hampshire’s youth deer weekend, Saturday and Sunday, October 24-25, 2015, is the perfect time to take a youngster hunting. This special weekend gives young people age 15 and younger the opportunity to go deer hunting with an adult mentor, without the pressure of competing with thousands of adult hunters.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/NH_News.html

Free Outdoor Adventure Talk October 14: Hunting Dominant Bucks

Get an edge on that big buck in the woods this fall by coming to a free deer hunting talk by local hunting expert Dave Priebe on Wednesday, October 14, 2015, at 7 p.m. at the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, 11 Hazen Drive, Concord, N.H. No pre-registration is required.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/NH_News.html

Maine IFW Hunting Report For October 2

October marks the beginning of pheasant season in southern Maine, and IFW biologists and local rod and gun clubs were out earlier in the week, releasing birds at a variety of sites.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/ME_News.html

NH Hunting Report - October 2, 2015

Greetings, hunters.  We’re glad to bring you the first report from New Hampshire’s archery deer season and more news on the bear hunt. Small game and upland bird seasons start October 1.
http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/NH_News.html

Leashed Tracking Dogs for Recovery of Game

The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department is providing the following list of certified leashed tracking dog owners who will help locate deer, bear or moose that have been shot during hunting season but not yet recovered. The leashed tracking dog owners must pass an extensive exam administered by Fish & Wildlife in order to be certified and licensed to provide their services.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/VT_News.html

Fishing Report September 27 2015 Massachusetts

Target Species: Largemouth Bass
Location: Northern Massachusetts
Depth: 4’-18’
Air Temp: 36-60 degrees
Water Temp: 69 degrees
Wind: none
Conditions: Sunny skies
Baits: jig/pig, crankbait, texas rig worm and dropshot

This morning is definitely feeling like we are getting very close to getting the waters ready for the coming ice season. Air temperatures were in the mid 30’s and that had us dawning our Ice Armor jacket to ward off the cool temps. Upon arriving at the lake you could really tell that the water was so much warmer than the air with all of the steam rising.

When seeing this you just have to stop and stand there looking as it doesn’t last long once the sun gets higher and the warmer temperatures arrive. The birds weren’t doing a lot of moving

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/Fishing_Reports_2015.html

Hunters Reminded of Rules on Importing Deer, Elk

Hunters traveling outside Vermont to hunt deer or elk need to keep in mind that the regulation designed to protect Vermont's wild deer from chronic wasting disease remains in effect, according to a reminder from the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/VT_News.html

Vermont’s Big Game Reporting Stations for 2015

Hunters who take a bear, deer, turkey, or moose during the Vermont hunting seasons must bring the animal within 48 hours to the nearest game warden or to the nearest Vermont Fish & Wildlife reporting station. Below is a list of wardens and reporting stations for 2015. The list also appears on Fish & Wildlife’s website (www.vtfishandwildlife.com).

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/VT_News.html

Free Outdoor Adventure Talk October 7: Deer Hunting Basics

If you're thinking about hunting deer this fall, come learn how to get started at a free talk called "Deer Hunting Basics" on Wednesday, October 7, 2015, at 7 p.m. at the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, 11 Hazen Drive, Concord, N.H. No pre-registration is required.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/NH_News.html

Annual Migratory Bird Conservation Stamp Artistic Competition Begins

Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is once again inviting artists to enter their waterfowl artwork in Connecticut’s annual Migratory Bird Conservation (Duck) Stamp Art Contest. DEEP continues to encourage local artists to submit entries that contain Connecticut specific imagery. The winning entry in this contest will be featured on the 2017 Connecticut Migratory Bird Conservation Stamp.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/CT_News.html

DEEP Announces Opening Days of Upcoming Fall Firearms Hunting Seasons

Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) has announced the Opening Days of the upcoming fall firearms hunting seasons. Peak hunting during these seasons occurs during early morning and late afternoon, primarily during the period from mid-October through mid-December.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/CT_News.html

Brake for Moose -- It Could Save Your Life!

Wildlife officials from N.H. Fish and Game Department remind motorists to take extra care while traveling Granite State roadways at this time of year, because moose are on the move looking for mates.  Kristine Rines, Fish and Game’s longtime Moose Project Leader, says that drivers should be prepared to see and react quickly to moose on or near the road.  While moose vehicle collisions happen at all times of the year, fall is a time of increased activity and accidents. In 2014, over 130 moose were killed by vehicles in New Hampshire.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/NH_News.html

Hunters Urged to Wear Orange

Keep up Vermont’s new hunting tradition: wear hunter orange. The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department points out that last year was the second time in three years there were no hunting-related shootings in the state. So far, 2015 is also accident-free and smart hunters can help keep this flawless record going by choosing to wear fluorescent “hunter orange,” according to the department.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/VT_News.html

Fishing Report September 20 2015 Massachusetts

Target Species: Crappie and Sunfish
Location: Northern Massachusetts
Depth: Shorelines
Air Temp: 65-70 degrees
Water Temp: 75 degrees
Wind: High
Conditions: Sunny skies
Baits: Northland Fire-Fly and Impulse Slug Bug

Since September is half over, our fishing is changing to more of getting ready for the coming ice season and checking out our current lakes and ponds as well as exploring waters that we haven’t been to fish yet. Having a small boat now opens up a lot of our options at the smaller waters that we were only able to fish from shore.

Many of our waters here in New England don’t have any type lake map of any means and now that we are using the Vexilar SonarPhone TBox, this is giving us a lot more information that we previously didn’t have. The SonarPhone TBox allows you to create instant lake maps on your smartphones utilizing the Navionics mapping app.
http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/Fishing_Reports_2015.html

Muzzleloader Antlerless Deer Permit Winners Announced

Deer hunters who applied for a Vermont muzzleloader season antlerless deer permit by the August 28 deadline can now go to the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department website (www.vtfishandwildlife.com) to see if they will be receiving a permit in the mail.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/VT_News.html

NH Hunting Report - September 22, 2015

Hunting seasons are underway in New Hampshire. This report includes an update on the bear season from biologist Andrew Timmins, the Department’s Bear Project Leader. The archery season for turkey and white-tailed deer opened on September 15. Squirrel hunters have been enjoying a warm September, and small game and upland bird hunters are eager to get into the field October 1. Be sure to wear an article of blaze orange clothing.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/NH_News.html

Be Alert to Avoid Moose on the Highway

Drivers need to be alert and cautious because moose are on the move, according to the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department. Moose are more likely to be crossing roadways at this time of year, especially after dark or early in the morning. The peak of their breeding season is late September and the first two weeks of October.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/VT_News.html

N.H. Youth Waterfowl Hunt Weekend - September 26-27, 2015

New Hampshire's 2015 Youth Waterfowl Hunting Weekend will be held statewide on Saturday and Sunday, September 26-27, 2015. To participate, youth must be age 15 or younger and must be accompanied by a properly licensed adult age 18 or older. The adult may not hunt. The youth does not need a hunting license or duck stamp.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/NH_News.html

N.H. Pheasant Season Opens October 1

New Hampshire's hunting season for pheasant gets underway on October 1 and continues through December 31. There will be 70 stocking sites in 46 towns. This fall, 12,200 adult ring-necked pheasants will be released in all 10 counties during the three-month season, an average of 140 birds per site. Pheasant hunters have a daily bag limit of 2, and a season limit of 10 birds.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/NH_News.html

DEM monitoring Pawtuxet Cove Seekonk River following reports of stressed schools of fish in these waters

Scientists from the Department of Environmental Management are investigating reports of stressed schools of adult and juvenile menhaden in the Seekonk River and Pawtuxet Cove near the Pawtuxet Falls. Based on seine data and menhaden school spotter flights, this has been a good year for menhaden in the Bay. As such, we expect schools of this species to continue to be found throughout the Bay, including areas that may be stressful to the fish in terms of water temperature and oxygen levels.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/RI_News.html

N.H. High School Bass Fishing Tournaments

A qualifying tournament with 41 registered schools will take place on Thursday, September 24, out of Lee’s Mills on Lake Winnipesaukee. The top third of the schools from the qualifying round will move onto the state finals tournament on Saturday, October 3, on Lake Winnisquam. There will be one reigning state champion and individual medals will be awarded at the final tournament for the largest total catch (eight fish maximum), and for the largest largemouth and largest smallmouth bass caught.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/NH_News.html

DEM's division of fish and wildlife's aquatic resource education program hosts its final "come clam with me" class for the season

About 30 adults and children will spend a late summer afternoon today at Spink's Neck Beach in North Kingstown, where they will learn to dig for quahogs and see chefs prepare the freshly-harvested shellfish during a cooking demonstration. Participants in today's 'Come Clam With Me' workshop, which is sponsored by DEM's Aquatic Resource Education program and the Rhode Island Sea Grant, will be able to bring home a half bushel of quahogs, so they will be doing their best to fill their pails with plenty of this favorite variety of Rhode Island shellfish.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/RI_News.html

Tree Stand Safety Tips for Hunters

Tree stands get hunters out of sight and smell of wary deer, but they can also get hunters into trouble. Here are some tips from the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department to help stay safe and get the most out of your tree stand hunting experience.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/VT_News.html

DEM to offer waterfowl training workshop for youths age 12-15 on Sunday September 20

The Department of Environmental Management's Division of Fish and Wildlife, in partnership with Ducks Unlimited, will offer a youth waterfowl training workshop from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, September 20 at the Division's Great Swamp Field Headquarters in West Kingston. The workshop will provide an overview of rules and regulations, firearm safety, waterfowl identification, hunting with dogs, and the proper gear, equipment and clothing needed for waterfowl hunting.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/RI_News.html

Connecticut Hunting & Fishing Day at Sessions Woods Wildlife Management Area -- September 26

Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) will host a FREE day of outdoor activities Saturday, September 26th at the Sessions Woods Wildlife Management Area and Education Center, Burlington to celebrate Connecticut Hunting and Fishing Day. Activities will run from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. The event recognizes the contributions that hunters and anglers have made to the conservation of Connecticut's natural resources.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/CT_News.html

Fall Archery Deer and Turkey Seasons Open September 15

Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) reminds sportsmen that the 2015 fall archery hunting season for deer and wild turkey is open from September 15 to December 31, 2015 in Deer Management Zones 1-10; and from September 15, 2015 – January 31, 2016 in Deer Management Zones 11 (Fairfield County area) and 12 (Connecticut shoreline towns).

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/CT_News.html

NH Fishing Report - September 10, 2015

Let’s hope the heat of summer is far behind us now.  Fish like lake trout and crappies will be setting up in their "fall mode" so try deep water jigging for them.  As air and water temperatures cool, trout action should pick up a little, provided some much needed rain arrives.  It is "terrestrial time" for the avid fly angler so give those hopper, beetle, and ant imitations a try.  This will likely be our last report of the year, so have a great fall and winter angling season!

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/NH_News.html

Public Hearings on Proposed ATV Rule, Sept. 16 and 24

Two public hearings will be held to receive comment on a new rule proposed by the Agency of Natural Resources that would allow the Agency Secretary to designate connector trails for use by all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) on public lands owned by the Agency of Natural Resources.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/VT_News.html

Vermont Youth Waterfowl Hunting, Sept. 26, 27

A youngster’s first hunt can mark the beginning of a lifelong passion for the outdoors and a commitment to wildlife conservation. There is no finer time to begin this journey than during Vermont’s upcoming youth waterfowl hunting weekend on September 26 and 27.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/VT_News.html

VT Fish & Wildlife Seeks Bear Teeth from Hunters

The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department is reminding successful bear hunters to make every effort to submit a bear tooth so wildlife managers can collect critical information on Vermont’s bear population.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/VT_News.html

Public Hearings in September on Proposed Fish and Game License Fee Increases

A series of public hearings in late September offer a chance to give your input on proposed changes in hunting and fishing license fees for 2016.  The State Legislature authorized the N.H. Fish and Game Department to make fee increases earlier this year.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/NH_News.html

Junior Pheasant Hunt Events Planned for Fall 2015

Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) and several local sportsmen’s organizations will be hosting pheasant hunt events for junior hunters during September and October. Saturday, October 10, is the designated Junior Hunter Training Day for pheasants on private land only. Additionally, four events are being held this year for junior hunters to hunt with a certified hunter safety instructor.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/CT_News.html

Fall Outdoor Adventure Talks - Deer Hunting and More: Sept. 16 - Oct. 21, 2015

Get primed for deer hunting and more at a series of outdoor adventure talks being offered on Wednesday evenings this fall at the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, 11 Hazen Drive, Concord, N.H.  The talks begin at 7 p.m.  Admission is free.  No pre-registration is required.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/NH_News.html

Enjoy Dead Creek Wildlife Day on Sat., Oct. 3

If you enjoy wildlife be sure to make plans to attend the annual Dead Creek Wildlife Day in Addison, Vermont on Saturday, October 3.
Activities at Dead Creek Wildlife Day are especially for people who enjoy hunting, fishing, birdwatching, or learning about Vermont’s diverse wildlife. The event will be held at the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department’s Dead Creek Wildlife Management Area (WMA) on Route 17 west of Route 22A.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/VT_News.html

KIDS OutDoors page updated at BWS OutDoors

We have updated our KIDS Outdoors page at BWS OutDoors for the upcoming outdoor education classes offered across New England for September 8 – September 16

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/Kids_OutDoors.html

DEM's aquatic resource education program offering freshwater and saltwater fly-fishing workshops and fly-tying programs this fall

The Department of Environmental Management's Division of Fish and Wildlife will hold several fishing programs this fall. Hosted by the Division's Aquatic Resource Education program, the programs include introductory workshops on freshwater fly-fishing and saltwater fly-fishing, as well as a series of fly-tying classes. Pre-registration is required for most programs.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/RI_News.html

New Hampshire Sporting Expo at Bass Pro Shops in Hooksett

Get set for the fall hunting and fishing seasons at a big New Hampshire Sporting Expo at Bass Pro Shops in Hooksett, N.H., on Saturday, September 19, 2015, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Admission is free.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/NH_News.html

Hot Hole Pond Ramp (Concord, NH) Is Repaired and Open to the Public

The NH Fish and Game Department just completed a major renovation of the boat ramp at Hot Hole Pond in Concord, NH. The ramp had been in a state of disrepair, including wide spacing between planks that had developed from damaging winter ice floes. The conditions made launching of boats difficult.  

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/NH_News.html

Educators: Schedule a Fall Classroom Wildlife Program

Educators who want to introduce their students in grades 3-6 to New Hampshire’s wildlife and wetland resources – or reinforce related lessons – have until September 28 to request fall 2015 Wonders of Wildlife (WOW) presentations by New Hampshire Fish and Game Department volunteer docents.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/NH_News.html

Hunters Looking Forward to Start of Vermont’s Archery Deer Season Oct. 3

Hunters are enthusiastic about Vermont’s upcoming October 3-25 and December 5-13 split archery deer hunting season, according to the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/VT_News.html

Wanted: Small Game Hunters - Take a Survey and Win a Gun

The small game hunting season will be here before you know it.  Ruffed grouse, woodcock, snowshoe hare and squirrel are exciting to hunt and make excellent table fare.  Small game hunters have two N.H. Fish and Game Department surveys to participate in and possibly win a gun.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/NH_News.html

Statement of DEEP Concerning Search for Sessions Woods Bear

The bear that exhibited bold and aggressive behavior toward a hiker at Sessions Woods Wildlife Management Area, Burlington, last Friday was euthanized today.
The male bear was shot and killed on the grounds of Sessions Woods at around 1:45 p.m.  The bear was taken in the same area where it interacted with the hiker last week.  It was also again accompanied by a second, larger bear – which is unusual.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/CT_News.html

Statement of CT DEEP Concerning Bear at Sessions Woods, Burlington

The encounter Friday afternoon between a bear and a woman hiking at the Sessions Woods Wildlife Management Area is raising important questions about how DEEP is managing a growing bear population.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/CT_News.html

Conditional shellfish areas in upper Narragansett bay to re-open four and one-half days early as a result of acceptable post-storm monitoring data

The Department of Environmental Management announces that the Conimicut Triangle conditional area in Upper Narragansett Bay will re-open to shellfishing beginning at sunrise on Saturday, August 29 - four and one-half days earlier than the scheduled opening at noon on September 2. The shellfish closure was enacted on Wednesday, August 26 as a result of rainfall recorded at NOAA's TF Green Airport weather station.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/RI_News.html

KIDS OutDoors page updated at BWS OutDoors

We have updated our KIDS Outdoors page at BWS OutDoors for the upcoming outdoor education classes offered across New England for August 31 – September 9

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/Kids_OutDoors.html

NH Food Bank Seeks Meat Donations from Hunters

New Hampshire hunters can share their fall harvest with the needy through the “Hunt for the Hungry” program at the New Hampshire Food Bank.  Once again this fall, the food bank is collecting donations of whole or processed game animals for distribution to more than 400 food pantries, soup kitchens, homeless shelters and group homes statewide.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/NH_News.html

Bear Season Starts Monday, Youth Bear Hunting Day is Saturday

Maine’s bear season begins on Monday, August 31 at 5:26 a.m. throughout the state of Maine, and this year, licensed junior hunters get their own day on Saturday, August 29. Last year, 11,345 hunters purchased a permit to hunt bear, the fourth straight year permit sales have increased, and the highest number of permits since 11,912 in 2008.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/ME_News.html

New Hampshire Hunting Report - August 28, 2015

New Hampshire's hunting seasons get rolling September 1 with the opening of bear and gray squirrel seasons, followed by the early season for resident Canada geese September 1-25 (statewide). Check out Fish and Game’s new mobile-friendly website at huntnh.com/hunting to read hunting forecasts by New Hampshire biologists, find links to Wildlife Management Areas, see the new Hunting Digest and more.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/NH_News.html

New Hampshire Hunting Seasons Start September 1

New Hampshire's hunting seasons kick off on September 1 with the opening of black bear and gray squirrel seasons. Archery seasons for turkey and white-tailed deer get underway September 15. The statewide resident Canada goose hunt runs September 1-25.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/NH_News.html

Controlled Waterfowl Hunt Application Deadline is Sept. 14

Applications are available for controlled waterfowl hunting permits to be used at two Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department wildlife management areas.
The applications may be downloaded from Fish & Wildlife’s website (www.vtfishandwildlife), and printed applications will be available at Vermont Fish & Wildlife offices in Montpelier, Essex Junction, Addison, Barre, St. Johnsbury, Springfield and Rutland.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/VT_News.html

Successful Season for Piping Plovers in NH

It was a successful summer for the state-endangered and federally-threatened piping plover on Hampton and Seabrook Beaches this year. This summer, three pairs nested on Hampton Beach with five chicks fledged (25+ days old). On Seabrook Beach, five pairs of plovers fledged seven chicks, including one on Harborside Beach. Last year, six pairs of plovers nested and fledged only two chicks, and the previous season high was seven nesting pairs.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/NH_News.html

RI DEM approves plan to repair flat river reservoir dam

The Department of Environmental Management has approved a plan submitted by the Quidnick Reservoir Company, owner of the Flat River Reservoir Dam in Coventry, to make repairs to the dam. The work involves repair of the dam's three low-level outlets.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/RI_News.html

NH Days Out Meeting: August 26, 2015

The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission's Atlantic Herring Section will hold a meeting on Wednesday, August 26, 2015, at 2:30 p.m., to review the allowable “days out” measures for 2015 commercial herring harvesters.  The meeting will be held via conference call.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/NH_News.html

KIDS OutDoors page updated at BWS OutDoors

We have updated our KIDS Outdoors page at BWS OutDoors for the upcoming outdoor education classes offered across New England for August 24 – September 2

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/Kids_OutDoors.html

Fishing Report August 13-17 2015 Minnesota

Target Species: Largemouth Bass, Crappie, Sunfish and Pike
Location: Minnesota
Depth: 4’ to 18’
Air Temp: 65-90 degrees
Water Temp: 78 degrees
Wind: Moderate
Conditions: Mix
Baits: Jig and plastic trailer, Rattle Traps, Plastic Baits, Maki Plastics

Being from the state of Minnesota, I always look forward to the time that we are able to get back again as for the locations that we fish, Minnesota offers you so many opportunities. Being that we are visiting family we are fortunate that my parents live on a lake and we have access to fishing at our door step. This works out great since we travel by air, this gives us access to a boat and also some relaxing dock fishing also for the whole family.

The lake that we are on is a smaller lake and has a good population of largemouth bass, sunfish and crappie and these were the targets that we were after. The lake is very healthy and has an abundance of cabbage weeds which is something that we really don’t have any more on the east coast. There are a few flats that we fish and one major underwater hump that we target very heavily.
http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/Fishing_Reports_2015.html

Successful Moose Permit Auction for Wildlife Heritage Foundation of NH

The Wildlife Heritage Foundation of New Hampshire announces another successful year for the Moose Permit Auction.  The 2015 Auction raised $28,002, with all money going to grants supporting programs of the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/NH_News.html

Seminars Announced for First-Time Deer Hunters

Few connections between the land and food are more authentic than hunting. But if you lack friends or family who hunt or the skills to butcher a deer, the solo path from woods to table can be intimidating. To make this journey easier, the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department is sponsoring four “Getting Started in Deer Hunting” and four “Venison: Field to Table” seminars throughout the state this September.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/VT_News.html

Vermont’s Migratory Bird Hunting Seasons Are Announced

The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Board approved the 2015 migratory bird hunting season dates at its August 12 meeting in Montpelier. 

A printable copy of the regulations can be downloaded from the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department website (www.vtfishandwildlife.com). A printed version also will be available from license agents and post offices in early September.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/VT_News.html

NH Waterfowl Hunting Seasons Set

The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department has set final season dates and bag limits for the 2015-2016 waterfowl hunting season, after considering comments from sportsmen at the recent public meeting.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/NH_News.html

Maine 2015-2016 Hunting Regulations Now Available

The 2015-2016 Hunting and Trapping Law Book is now available from licensing agents throughout Maine. Bowhunters should be aware that the dates for the expanded archery season were printed incorrectly on page 19 of the law book.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/ME_News.html

Sunday Deer Hunting Allowed on Private Land During Archery Season In Most Parts of State Beginning October 1, 2015

Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) announced today that bow hunting on Sundays during the private land archery deer season will be permitted in most deer management zones in the state – except for those in north central Connecticut.

“This new opportunity for hunters will support DEEP efforts to maintain healthy deer populations and ecosystems,” said Rick Jacobson, DEEP Wildlife Division Director.  “When the density of the deer population in a given area is too high – as it is in much of the state – it is not healthy for deer, other species, or forest lands.”

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/CT_News.html

Fishing Report August 9 2015 Massachusetts

Target Species: Largemouth Bass
Location: Massachusetts
Depth: 4’ to 18’
Air Temp: 65 degrees
Water Temp: 78 degrees
Wind: Moderate
Conditions: Heavy Cloud Cover
Baits: Jig and plastic trailer

Today the weather is feeling a lot more like a fall day and not the beginning of August as the temperature is in the mid 60’s, the winds are blowing and there is heavy thick cloud cover. Back at our home lake and out searching for largemouth bass and going to be a test for finding the fish with the weather the way it is.

I am not one that likes to run the shorelines looking for fish as what a majority of anglers do here but would rather fish the deep water structure that the lake offers. There is a rather large piece of structure in the middle of the lake that will top out at 4 feet deep in certain areas and chose this location

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/Fishing_Reports_2015.html

Fishing Report August 8 2015 Massachusetts Stripers

Target Species: Striper
Location: Massachusetts
Depth: 4’ to 18’
Air Temp: 65 degrees
Water Temp: 62 degrees
Wind: Light/Variable
Conditions: Sunny
Baits: Inline spinners and Daddy Mac DM Minnow

We were fortunate for having a friend give us a call as they wanted to go out and try some striper fishing and asked us to go along. We brought a variety of baits along to give these fish a wide array of choices as we go out in our search. We had sand worms, minnows, eels and Daddy Mac lures along and between the four of us everyone had a different choice to fish with.

Living here for 16 years this saltwater fishing has me really scratching my head as I can’t seem to figure this out at all. I am noticing though that fishing either from a boat or the beach front, it is a bit more consistent on the boat as I have not been able to figure out the beach surf casting for these fish.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/Fishing_Reports_2015.html

Educational Fishing Seminar for High School Bass Fishing Tournament Participants

With student bass fishing tournaments becoming popular among New Hampshire high schools, the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department is scheduled to present its third annual "High School Bass Fishing Seminar Series" on Wednesday, August 26, 2015, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Bass Pro Shops, 2 Commerce Drive, Hooksett, NH 03106.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/NH_News.html

Chocolate as Bear Bait Banned in New Hampshire

An important new rule now in effect bans the use of solid chocolate or candy containing chocolate when baiting bear in New Hampshire. In 2016, the use of baked goods containing chocolate will also be prohibited.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/NH_News.html

Fishing Report August 8 2015 Massachusetts

Target Species: Crappie and Sunfish
Location: Massachusetts
Depth: 4’ to 6’
Air Temp: 75-80 degrees
Water Temp: 80-82 degrees
Wind: Light/Variable
Conditions: Sunny
Baits: Northland Fire-Fly Jig with a Rocket Bobber

We have many small lakes and ponds in our area that we ice fish quite frequently and can also now open water fish with one of our smaller boats. Lack of boat accesses for large boats has been a huge hindrance for us for really learning these waters but now we have a new item that is allowing us to really understand what it looks like below that water’s surface.

We have mounted the SonarPhone SP200 WiFi box and transducer into our Jon boat as the waters here in New England have very poorly made maps as well as most of them there is no map. Nice thing about this setup is that once the two items are mounted into your boat, you can utilize your tablet or smartphone for being able to use them as a depth finder and now being able to map these waters as well.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/Fishing_Reports_2015.html

KIDS OutDoors page updated at BWS OutDoors

We have updated our KIDS Outdoors page at BWS OutDoors for the upcoming outdoor education classes offered across New England for August 10 – August 26

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/Kids_OutDoors.html

Free Introduction to Fishing Class Offered at Umbagog

Calling all want-to-be anglers!  The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department’s “Let’s Go Fishing” Program, the Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge, and the New Hampshire Division of Parks and Recreation are teaming up to give you the opportunity to find out all you need to know about a recreational activity that everyone in the family can enjoy.  Fishing! This one-day introduction to fishing program will be held on Thursday, August 13, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Umbagog Lake Campground, Route 26 in Cambridge.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/NH_News.html

Interest Continues To Grow in Hunting, Fishing and ATVing in Maine

Fishing, Hunting and ATV riding are increasing in popularity in Maine, and while the exact numbers are not finalized, funds from the sale of hunting and fishing licenses, ATV registrations and the moose lottery have increased over last year by nearly three-quarters of a million dollars ($700,250). “The increased revenue shows a rising interest in fishing, hunting and ATVing,” said Governor Paul R. LePage. “Maine’s natural resources are unequalled in the east, and the rising interest in these outdoor sports shows that more people are enjoying all that Maine offers.”

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/ME_News.html

Public Asked to Report Summer Wild Turkey Brood Sightings

Got turkeys?  If so, the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department wants to know!  Report your sightings of hen turkeys, with or without young, through Fish and Game’s web-based survey at http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/surveys/turkeybrood.html. The survey continues through August 31, and provides data that helps the Department determine the distribution and abundance of wild turkeys throughout the state.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/NH_News.html

Moose Hunt Auction Closes Aug. 13

Vermont’s auction for five moose hunting permits is open until 4:30 p.m. August 13. Bids will be opened and winners notified on August 14.  Auction winners will hunt in one of several wildlife management units (WMUs) open to moose hunting and choose to hunt during the October 1-7 archery season, or in the October 17-22 regular season.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/VT_News.html

Getting-to-Know Crossbows Seminars

Although the new Vermont regulation on crossbows does not go in effect until 2016, now is the perfect time for would-be crossbow hunters to become acquainted with them.  Vermont Fish & Wildlife is sponsoring four free Getting-to-Know Crossbows seminars in August and September.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/VT_News.html

Summer is Time for Hunter Education!

Hunting season will soon be here. If you need a hunter education class, sign up now to get into a class this summer or early fall. You can register online at www.huntnh.com/hunting/hunter-ed.html. Browse the calendar for the best date and location, then select the course of your choice and complete the online registration to join the class. Walk-ins are accepted on a space-available basis, but there are no guarantees; pre-registration is highly recommended.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/NH_News.html

DEEP Designates Saturday, Aug 15 as "Free-Fishing License Day"

Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) has designated Saturday, August 15, as the second of two “Free Fishing License” days scheduled for 2015.

As a result of Public Act 14-201, DEEP can designate up to two dates per year as a “Free Fishing License Day.”  To fish on these days, anyone – resident or non-resident – can obtain a free one-day fishing license good for both the inland and marine districts through the DEEP online sportsmen licensing system (www.ct.gov/deep/sportsmenlicensing) or at any venue that sells fishing licenses.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/CT_News.html

Fishing Report August 1 2015 Massachusetts

Target Species: Largemouth Bass
Location: Massachusetts
Depth: 4’ to 13'
Air Temp: 68-75 degrees
Water Temp: 80-82 degrees
Wind: Light/Variable
Conditions: Sunny
Baits: Jig/Pig Combination

Some days you only have very limited time for fishing and having small ponds near your home always allows you to be able to get a few hours in. Plus with the heat that we are having this summer, making these early morning fishing trips is getting to be a regular scenario for beating the heat of the day.

There has been a technique that I have been employing quite a bit this summer and that combination is the jig and pig (plastic trailer). Every season I typically pick a couple of techniques to concentrate on utilizing throughout the season so that I can learn the aspects of fishing that particular lure combination in a variety of situations.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/Fishing_Reports_2015.html

Antlerless Application Deadline Aug 28

The deadline to apply for a Vermont muzzleloader antlerless deer hunting permit is fast approaching – August 28. Hunters can apply on the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department’s website (www.vtfishandwildlife.com). A quick-link to the information and application is provided on the home page. Or, they can apply with a paper application available from license agents.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/VT_News.html

Public Hearing on Proposed Marine Rules

A public hearing on proposed marine rule changes affecting haddock fillet length, white perch sale, and oyster rakes, will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 1, 2015, Urban Forestry Center, 45 Elwyn Road, Portsmouth, N.H. 03801.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/NH_News.html

New to Bear Hunting Seminar Being Held on Aug. 22 in St. Albans

The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department will hold a “Getting Started in Bear Hunting” seminar at the Stone House in St. Albans Town Park on Saturday, August 22. The department says the free course is designed to provide new or aspiring bear hunters with the information they need to be successful in bear hunting.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/VT_News.html

KIDS OutDoors page updated at BWS OutDoors

We have updated our KIDS Outdoors page at BackWoods Sportsman OutDoors for the upcoming outdoor education classes offered across New England for August 3 – August 12

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/Kids_OutDoors.html

Waterfowl Season Meeting Set for August 17, 2015

The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department will hold a public meeting on proposed regular season dates and bag limits for the 2015-2016 waterfowl hunting season on Monday, August 17, 2015, at 6:00 p.m., at the N.H. Fish and Game Department, 11 Hazen Drive in Concord, N.H. Comments made at the meeting will be considered in finalizing New Hampshire’s 2015-2016 waterfowl season dates.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/NH_News.html

New Hampshire Fishing Report - July 30, 2015

Find the cold water and you’ll find the fish. The heat is on and you may have to modify your fishing pattern to cope with it for success on the water. Get those lures down to the “thermocline” in the deep lakes where the baitfish and their predators (trout, salmon) are hanging out. This is the area in lakes where most rapid change in temperature occurs (about 25-30 feet in the bigger, deeper lakes). Try night fishing for bass if you’ve never done it. Bass move into the shallows at night to feed on newly hatched fish fry, frogs, mice, hoppers, and whatever else may fall into the water. The strikes can be sudden and violent so be prepared!

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Rhode Island DEM monitoring fish kill in the Seekonk and Providence rivers

Scientists from the Department of Environmental Management are monitoring a large fish kill of adult menhaden in the Seekonk and Providence Rivers. Based on field observations and water quality measurements, the ongoing incident is being caused by low oxygen levels in the bottom waters.

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Fishing Report July 25 & 26 2015 Massachusetts

This past weekend’s fishing trips entailed a couple of different tactics for fishing where one was live lining live bait and the other was probing the deeper depths with jigs. My son goes to a day camp on a lake and he spends a lot of his time fishing while there. He sees and attempts to catch a number of largemouth bass and has one particular one that has become his goal of catching this summer.

So we loaded his small boat and headed off to this lake and the way that he has been catching them is by using live-bait. We brought a number of minnows along and had set off for his little honey hole in search of the giant that has been haunting him. You are not able to use the camp’s docks when the camp is not being used so we had to position the boat as best as we could so that he was able to make good casts to where he felt the fish was going to be positioned.

We had a decent amount of wind, air temperatures were only in the upper 60’s and the skies were very cloudy. He was casting his bait into an inside corner of the dock and wasn’t long and he had a fish on that dived into the thick lily pads and had popped the hook off. Re-baited and kept working this small area and didn’t take long for getting either the same fish or another fish on but wasn’t able to get a good hookset into that fish.
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