VT Fish & Wildlife Celebrates 30 Years of Vermont Duck Stamp Program

The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department is holding a celebration to highlight the successes of the Vermont Duck Stamp Program over three decades at a newly conserved property in Colchester, Vt. The celebration will be at the Mallet’s Creek Wildlife Management Area on Thursday, September 8, from 3:30 to 5:00 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.

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Hunt for the Hungry: 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.

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DEEP Says Avoid Contact With and Fish Consumption From Stretch of Quinnipiac River in Southington

Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) said today that people should not eat fish taken from a stretch of the Quinnipiac River in Southington until results from water quality tests are available to assess the impact of the release of a chemical substance Wednesday from a plant near the river in that town.

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Now is the Time to Spot Shorebirds in Vermont

The final weeks of August and beginning of September mark a unique birding opportunity in Vermont. Shorebirds such as plovers and sandpipers are migrating through the state on their southern journey from northern Canada to the Caribbean and beyond.

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Fall Outdoor Adventure Talks Coming Up at Fish and Game

Get primed for fall hunting seasons 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.

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Fishing Report August 21 2016 Massachusetts

Hot summer, high water temperatures, equals fish are living deep right now. The better quality fish are hanging on deep structure nearing the thermal clime for ...much more comfortable water temperatures for themselves.

The best locations that I am finding right now are deep water humps that have some sparse weed growth as well as other items on the hump. If there are some isolated rocks, this is a key spot on a spot and the fish are always going to be relating to this.

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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, 2016.

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Massabesic Lake - Manchester Water Works Trailer Ramps Closed Due to Low Water Levels

New Hampshire Fish and Game was informed today that the Manchester Water Works are temporarily closing the two public ramps they control for trailered-boat access to Lake Massabesic until further notice.  The ramps are located on (1) Manchester (Candia) Road near the Fair Haven Church and (2) Chester Road (Route 121) near the Auburn Town Offices.  NH Fish and Game does not have any ramps on Lake Massabesic.

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DEEP Announces Closure of Portions of West Branch Farmington and Farmington Rivers to Fishing

Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) announced today that it is closing portions of the West Branch Farmington River and the Farmington River to fishing because of the impact drought conditions and extended periods of very warm temperatures are having on fish in those areas.

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NH Fishing Report - August 19, 2016

We’ve had some temporary relief from drought conditions with recent rainstorms.  Before you know it, cooler temperatures and fall fishing will be here.  Take the kids on a fishing trip before school starts.  Come see the live fish tank at the Fish and Game building at the Hopkinton State Fair in a couple of weeks (Sept 1 - 5). Hang in there, everyone!

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Vermont Bear Hunting Starts Sept. 1, 2016

Vermont’s bear hunting season starts September 1, and hunters can improve their chances if they scout ahead of time to find fall foods such as wild apples, beechnuts, acorns, and berries -- where bears will be feeding.

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Two Surveys for Small Game Hunters -- You Could Win a Quality Firearm

Small game hunting seasons will soon be underway, and hunters are being asked to take part in two NH Fish and Game Department surveys. Participants have a chance to win a quality firearm. Winners from last year’s survey participants were noted at the August meeting of the NH Fish and Game Commission. The Small Game Survey winner was Ronald Hamel of New Gloucester, Maine, and the Grouse Wing and Tail Survey winner was Michael Amicangioli of Dover, NH.

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VT F&W to Hold Small Game Hunting Seminar

Interested in cooking up locally-sourced grouse, squirrel or rabbit in your kitchen this fall? Vermont Fish & Wildlife will be holding a “Small Game Hunting” seminar focusing on bird, rabbit and squirrel hunting.

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Invasive Species: More Than Just a Thorn in the Side

First, invasive species outcompete native species. It’s not a fair fight since invasives have many adaptations that allow them to survive and outcompete the native species. Habitats are diminished by losses of diversity when invasives invade. For example, the bush honeysuckles leaf out much earlier than our native honeysuckle. They usually have flowered before most native shrubs leaf out. This can confuse our native pollinators and lead to poor pollinator survival. Our native bumblebees are extremely important for our native flowering plants and even our garden crops.

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Deer Hunting Basics Class for Women Offered

Women who are thinking about hitting the woods to try hunting the elusive whitetail deer can sign up for a Becoming an Outdoors-Woman (BOW) Deer Hunting Basics class that will take place October 1, 2016, at NH Fish and Game Department’s Owl Brook Hunter Education Center in Holderness, NH. Participants must be 18 years of age or older.

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Hunter Ed Courses Still Being Offered

With most hunting seasons just around the corner, the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department is urging new hunters to sign up now for a hunter education course.

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Public Asked to Report Summer Wild Turkey Brood Sightings through August 31

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:

www.surveymonkey.com/r/2016_Brood_Survey. The survey continues through August 31, and provides data that helps Fish and Game biologists determine the distribution and abundance of wild turkeys throughout the state.

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Hot Weather, Low Water Levels Can Impact Trout and Landlocked Salmon

With much of Maine suffering from below average rainfall and varying degrees of drought-like conditions, anglers are reminded to be prudent when fishing for coldwater fish species such as trout and landlocked salmon. “Maine is known for our coldwater species like brook trout and landlocked salmon,” said IFW’s director of Fisheries Francis Brautigam, “Yet during a summer like this, our waters can get unusually warm and it can impact fish such as trout and salmon.”

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Connecticut DEEP’s Hunting and Fishing Days Franklin Wildlife Management Area – September 10 Sessions Woods Wildlife Management Area – September 24

In honor of the 150th anniversary of the Bureau of Natural Resources, Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) will host two Connecticut Hunting and Fishing Days this year:

September 10, at DEEP Wildlife Division’s Franklin Wildlife Management Area (WMA), North Franklin
September 24, at Sessions Woods Wildlife Management Area (WMA), Burlington.

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Fishing Report August 7 2016 Massachusetts

Species: Largemouth Bass
Water Depth: 8-25 FOW
Water Temperature: 78-80 degrees
Technique: Plastics/Texas rigged
Weather: Sun/Breezy/85 degree air temps

Water temperatures are fairly high at this time of the summer and in the shallow waters, the weed growth is getting out of control with the drought that we are experiencing. By working deep water structure, this is giving you an opportunity at catching better sized fish that many anglers aren’t even bothering.

Many anglers’ fish shallow throughout the open water season and if you understand how to find and fish deep water structure, this is another advantage for you. Finding these structures, if on a new lake, takes idling around and watching your electronics closely for changes in the bottom contours. Once you locate these key areas, set a waypoint on your GPS or throw out a buoy for your reference point.

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Fish & Wildlife Offering Free Fishing Clinics

The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department will be hosting two free fishing clinics in September, both of which are open to people of all ages and levels of experience, including those who are completely new to fishing.

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Be Bear Aware as You Enjoy the Remaining Summer Season

Even though the summer season is starting to wind down and thoughts of autumn hang in the distance, N.H. Fish and Game and the U.S. Forest Service urges homeowners, campers, and the rest of the public to continue to be vigilant and responsible in bear country.  The peak period of conflicts between bears and humans is June and July, however, bear activity in and around human-occupied areas can continue through August and September.  This is particularly true during years of low food abundance, which has been the case in New Hampshire this summer.

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DEEP Designates Saturday, August 13 as

Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) has designated Saturday, August 13, “Free Fishing License” day.

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Educational Seminar for High School Bass Fishing Tournament

With student bass fishing tournaments becoming popular among New Hampshire high schools, the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department is presenting its fourth annual High School Bass Fishing Seminar on Thursday, September 8, 2016, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., at N.H. Fish and Game Department headquarters, 11 Hazen Drive, Concord N.H.

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Great Hosmer Pond Access Closed Aug. 17 and 24

The Fish & Wildlife Department would like to notify anyone who might be planning on launching a motorboat at the public access on Great Hosmer Pond in Craftsbury that there will be temporary closures over the next two weeks.

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Fishing Report August 6 2016 Massachusetts

We like switching up the species that we chase and today we stepped back from the bass and targeted sunfish and crappies. In this particular pond in the spring and winter, these fish are very predictable as to their locations, but in the warmer months, a little searching is always needed.

Since we are experiencing a major drought this summer, our waters are fishing smaller than usual, but these fish still make you work to find them. You are able to catch sunfish in many different areas but finding the nicer sized ones, there were a couple of key locations.

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F&W Seeks Let’s Go Fishing Instructors

The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department is seeking volunteers who would like to become “Let’s Go Fishing” instructors so they can pass on Vermont’s fishing tradition to the next generation of Vermonters.

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Landowner Appreciation Day...September 18, 2016!

Well it’s that time of year again! The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife & the Maine Forest Service will be hosting a statewide clean-up event Sunday, September 18th 2016. This event will be the day when you can show the private landowners of Maine, just how much you really appreciate them!

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Public Meeting on Whipstock Hill WMA

The Vermont departments of Fish & Wildlife, and Forests, Parks, & Recreation are holding a public meeting to discuss future management and use of a Bennington-area wildlife management area.

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NH Fishing Report - August 5, 2016

Drought conditions have undoubtedly been impacting our rivers and streams and to some extent our lakes here in the Granite State.  We’ve had a few fish kills reported in some of the shallower ponds and some blue-green algae bloom too.  Stick to fishing the “twilight hours” and take a siesta during the heat of the day!  Good luck out there!

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Free hunter trainings this month

The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) today announced it is hosting free, hands-on field training for hunters this month. The 90-minute training sessions are open to people who have completed a hunter or bowhunter education course. Space is limited and registration is required.

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Free Workshop on Woodcock and Ruffed Grouse Hunting

Get set for the fall grouse and woodcock season at a free workshop on ruffed grouse and woodcock hunting on Saturday, August 27, 2016, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department’s Owl Brook Hunter Education Center in Holderness. The session will be led by grouse hunting enthusiasts/hunter education instructors Sean Williamson and Dan Keleher. Also Andrew Weik, who is the Northeast biologist for the Ruffed Grouse Society, will give a presentation on ruffed grouse and woodcock and their habitat needs. Pre-registration is required. To sign up, call (603) 536-3954.

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Vermont’s Moose Hunt Auction Closes Aug. 10

Vermont’s auction for five moose hunting permits is open until 4:30 p.m. August 10. Bids will be opened and winners notified on August 11.

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Putney Landing Fishing Access Closed for Repair

The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department will close the Putney Landing Access Area on the Connecticut River starting Monday, August 8, in order to rebuild the boat launching ramp.

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Fishing Report July 31 2016 Massachusetts

Don’t overlook those smaller unpressured bodies of water that you may drive by on a regular basis, especially the ones that may require a little work getting a small boat into for a day of fishing.

We have one of these lakes that we like to fish and getting a Jon boat to the water, takes some time and effort as well. A good type of wagon helps tremendously as we are able to put one end of the boat on that and that is taking a majority of the weight. Plus this allows you to easily getting the trolling motor, battery and gear to the water’s edge.

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2016 VT Moose Hunting Permit Winners Are Drawn

The winners of Vermont’s 2016 moose hunting permits were determined Tuesday, August 2, at a lottery drawing at the Statehouse in Montpelier.

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More than 5,500 Wild Turkeys Harvested in Spring

A preliminary report from Vermont Fish & Wildlife shows that hunters brought home 5,537 wild turkeys during the spring hunting season -- 40 more than the average of the three previous years, including 662 turkeys taken during the April youth weekend hunt.

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August Access at Ossipee Lake Boat Ramp on the Pine River (Route 25)

The N.H. Fish and Game Department is upgrading the trailered boat ramp, kayak/canoe access and dock at the public boat ramp facility located on Pine River (off of Route 25) that provides access to Ossipee Lake in Ossipee, N.H.

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Free fishing fly-tying workshops this month

The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) today announced it is hosting a series of free fishing fly-tying workshops for novice and experienced fly-tiers beginning today.

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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 11, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Umbagog Lake State Park Campground, Route 26 in Cambridge.

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August 6 Declared Hatchery Day in Vermont

Governor Peter Shumlin and officials from the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department today announced the declaration of August 6, 2016, as “Hatchery Day” in Vermont in recognition of the important role the state’s fish hatcheries play toward benefiting Vermont’s environment and outdoor recreationalists.

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2016 NH Moose Permit Auction Bid Deadline Approaching

The deadline is approaching for getting bids in for the 2016 New Hampshire Moose Permit Auction. Official bid guidelines and documents can be downloaded from the Wildlife Heritage Foundation of New Hampshire's website at www.nhwildlifeheritage.org or by calling (603) 496-2778. Sealed bids are due by August 5, 2016.

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Migratory Bird Hunting Season Dates Set

Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) today announced the dates for the 2016-2017 migratory bird hunting seasons, which include seasons for hunting ducks, geese, woodcock, snipe, rails, and crows. Specific details on season dates, bag limits, regulations, and other reminders are published in the 2016-2017 Migratory Bird Hunting Guide, which is available on the DEEP’s website at www.ct.gov/deep/hunting. The print version will be available from DEEP and town clerk offices by mid-August.

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