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!

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