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