The Big Pond

Fishing will often test your limits physically and more so emotionally. There is nothing worse than looking down at your graph knowing you see the fish and not getting it to bite.

 

Big ol’ Mille Lacs was a tough one on this windy fall day. That didn’t stop my fishing partner Zach Scully and I from fighting the bitter south wind. The constant cloud cover made for a gloomy morning and, a solid 4-6 mph wind stayed all morning and reminded us winter is truly coming.

 

http://www.hsmoutdoorsllc.com/single-post/2016/10/29/The-Big-Pond

This Hunting Season, Be Prepared Before You Head Into the Woods

Like thousands of hunters, you have likely spent months anticipating the November firearms season in Maine and now it’s finally here! You have scouted your favorite hunting spot, prepared your hunting equipment and gear, and now you’re ready for the hunt. As the first day nears, the Maine Warden Service reminds you to take a few extra moments to plan for any unexpected endeavors in the Maine woods.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/state-news-1.html

Moose Permit Auction Brings $33,009 to Benefit Eight Grant Awards to NH Fish and Game Programs

The Wildlife Heritage Foundation of New Hampshire had another successful year for its annual Moose Permit Auction.  The 2016 Auction raised $33,009, with the money earmarked for eight grants supporting programs of the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department. 

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/state-news-1.html

Firearm Season For Deer Begins Saturday, October 29

This Saturday, October 29, marks the beginning of the regular firearm season for deer, an unofficial holiday for tens of thousands of hunters across the state. The regular firearm season for deer opens on Saturday, October 29 for residents, and Monday, October 31 for nonresidents. The Firearms Season for deer concludes on Saturday, November 26.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/state-news-1.html

Trout Stocked for Fall/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/state-news-1.html

VT October Archery Deer Season Closes Friday 10/28

The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department issued a reminder to hunters that the October portion of the archery deer season ends Friday, October 28.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/state-news-1.html

Don't Forget Your Fishing Accessories

A couple of days ago, I decided to bring my wife out for some shore fishing at Pactola and enjoy the nice weather that the Hills have had recently.  While I would prefer some colder weather to get here soon, it is much easier to enjoy some quality time fishing with my wife when the weather is nicer.  Recent reports had suggested that bluegills were biting on the south side of the lake so I decided to head there so that she could maybe catch a few gills while I cast for perch.

http://www.hsmoutdoorsllc.com/single-post/2016/10/27/Dont-Forget-Your-Fishing-Accessories

72% of Hunters Successful in 2016 New Hampshire Moose Hunt

New Hampshire’s 2016 moose season wrapped up on Sunday, October 23. While hunters have until close of business today to register their moose at New Hampshire Fish and Game headquarters or regional offices, preliminary figures show that 52 hunters succeeded in taking their moose during the 9-day season. With a total of 72 permits issued, this represents a statewide success rate of 72%.  That compares with last year's (2015) overall success rate of 69%.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/state-news-1.html

Vermont Bald Eagles Nest in Record Numbers in 2016

Bald eagles produced 34 successful young in Vermont in 2016, smashing the most recent record of 26 in 2013 according to the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department. The birds remain on the list of species protected under Vermont’s state endangered species law, but this strong year has conservationists hopeful for their continued recovery.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/state-news-1.html

Northern MN Grouse

I had long anticipated heading to Northern MN, to Beltrami State Forest, to get my labs out for the first time chasing grouse. Normally, we hit this part of the state in the fall for bear hunting, but with my tag already filled from another area, and reading that bird numbers in the state were up, I wanted to get out and try some trails. In previous years we would see several ruffed and spruce grouse in the area and would often times have our limit while out setting baits.

http://www.hsmoutdoorsllc.com/single-post/2016/10/27/Northern-MN-Grouse

Waterfowl Weekend

Well over the long weekend, we spent our time out in Western MN waterfowl hunting. Hoping to get under a few birds, we were pretty confident.

We hunted ducks the first morning, lots of ducks entered the little lake we were hunting but didn't want to decoy as well as we were hoping, so, we made the decision every water fowler avoids to make at the early hours of the morning, we pulled the decoys and moved to where the birds wanted to be.

http://www.hsmoutdoorsllc.com/single-post/2016/10/25/Waterfowl-Weekend

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Finesse or Not

With many more states starting to regulate the lead use in our fishing tackle, more time is spent finding these alternative material baits. There are a few flavors that are popping up lately these days, but the tried and true ones, that are leading the pack, are the Tungsten jigs.

These jigs come in a variety of sizes and colors and with Kenders Outdoors covering them, with their sizes of 3mm, 4mm and the larger 5mm. Having these three different sizes, this allows you to cover the spectrum from a very light, finicky to almost nonexistent bite to the fast and aggressive fishing action.

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

Tips for Youth Deer Hunting Weekend, Nov. 5-6

A first deer hunt can mark the beginning of a lifelong passion for the outdoors and a commitment to wildlife conservation.

 

 

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/state-news-1.html

Lower Narragansett Bay, Nearby Waters Closed To Shellfishing

A shellfish harvesting closure is in effect for lower Narragansett Bay and a portion of Rhode Island Sound. A closure is also in effect for lower Sakonnet River. The closures are due to preliminary toxic shellfish findings associated with the harmful algae bloom being monitored in Rhode Island waters. The closures include carnivorous snails, such as whelk and moon snails.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/state-news-1.html

2017 Migratory Bird Conservation Stamp Reproductions Now Available

Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) today announced that prints of the 2017 Connecticut Migratory Bird Conservation Stamp created by nationally renowned artist Mark Thone are now available in limited quantity.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/state-news-1.html

Vermont’s Moose Hunt Preliminary Total is 73

The Vermont Fish &Wildlife Department says a preliminary count reveals hunters took 73 moose in this year’s regulated hunting seasons.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/state-news-1.html

Maine’s Herons Reveal Their Wintering Grounds

Did you ever wonder where Maine’s great blue herons go in the winter?  You are about to find out!  This spring, biologists from the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (MDIFW) tagged five adult great blue herons with GPS transmitters as part of an ongoing effort to better understand the state’s great blue heron population.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/state-news-1.html

"Let's Go Fishing" Program Seeks Volunteer Instructors

Are you an avid angler looking to give back to your community and share your love of fishing?  The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department's "Let’s Go Fishing" program is currently seeking volunteer instructors to teach ice fishing, fly fishing or basic fishing to youth and adults. Sign up for a training this fall and get started!

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/state-news-1.html

Lynx Spotted in Southern Vermont

A lone Canada lynx was photographed in the southern Vermont town of Londonderry this June, marking the first confirmed evidence of lynx in Vermont outside the Northeast Kingdom in decades. Lynx are listed as ‘threatened’ under the federal Endangered Species Act and ‘endangered’ in the state of Vermont.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/state-news-1.html

Lower Sakonnet River closed to shellfishing

A shellfish harvesting closure is in effect for lower Sakonnet River, Harvester Tagging Area 5C, until further notice. The closure is due to a preliminary toxic shellfish finding associated with the harmful algae bloom being monitored in Rhode Island waters. The closure includes carnivorous snails, such as whelk and moon snails.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/state-news-1.html

New Hampshire Hunting Report - October 20, 2016

Through October 17, a total of 1,690 deer were harvested by NH archers.  This represents a decrease of 15% from last year at the same point in the season.  See a breakdown by county and more hunting updates in the latest NH Hunting Report.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/state-news-1.html

Youth Deer Hunting Day is Saturday, October 22

On Saturday, October 22, young hunters across the state get their own day to hunt deer. “Hunting is a wonderful way to learn about conservation, responsibility, patience and respect for our vast natural resources,” said Chandler Woodcock, Commissioner, Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, “And youth deer hunting day gives all hunters an opportunity to share that with a young hunter.”

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/state-news-1.html

Hubbard Farms Wildlife Management Area and Cartop Boat Access to Be Gated Due to Vandalism

The NH Fish and Game Department will erect a gate near the entrance of the Hubbard Farms Wildlife Management Area (WMA), located in North Walpole, NH. The gate will be installed during the first week of November and will remain closed until further notice, restricting vehicular access to the WMA. As the property also provides access to the Connecticut River for paddle craft, parking for three to four cars will be created near the road to afford continued access for pedestrians and paddle craft activities. American's with Disabilities Act-compliant access will be available around the gate.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/state-news-1.html

Fall Panfish on Tungsten Baits

Fall fishing means water temperatures are dropping and the fish are going into a feeding mode in preparation for the upcoming winter. These fish are roaming and searching for available food and that is key for finding these feeding fish.

Once you have an area scoped out, bait presentation becomes key for being successful on the water and in turn, making for an enjoyable day. A bait combination that has been working well on catching these fall panfish is the Northland Mitee Mouse Jig and Impulse Water Flea.

http://www.northlandtackle.com/fall-panfish-on-tungsten-baits

Public Hearing on Revisions to NH's Threatened and Endangered Species Lists

The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department will hold a public hearing on proposed changes to the lists of threatened and endangered species in New Hampshire.  The proposal also affects wildlife control operators and limits on the take of certain fish.  The public hearing will be held on Thursday, November 3, 2016, at 6:00 p.m., at Fish and Game Department Headquarters, 11 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH 03301. The public is welcome to attend and to offer comments on the proposed rule changes.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/state-news-1.html

Fishing Report October 15, 16 2016 Massachusetts

Fall time fishing can go either way when the waters start dipping into the 40’s, one day they are feeding and other days, you can’t buy a bite. But with the conditions right now, most water temperatures are in the low 60’s to upper 50’s and that means the feed bags are on.

Since we are still in these ranges, this allows us to target a couple of different species with crappies to start one day and moving onto the bass the next. So far this fall season, we haven’t had that many cold days or nights and this is keeping the waters warmer and the fish more active.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/reports-1.html

Youth Deer Hunting Weekend November 5 & 6

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 24 biological reporting stations around the state. 

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/state-news-1.html

N.H. Moose Hunt Opening Weekend Brings 26% Success

New Hampshire’s moose hunters achieved a 26% success rate during the first two days of the nine-day season. Opening weekend (October 15 and 16) saw a total of 19 moose taken by hunters statewide -- 18 bulls and one cow.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/state-news-1.html

Fishing Report October 8 2016 New Hampshire

The word is out that the crappie are putting on their feed bags and the schools are definitely forming. As these fish start preparing for winter, finding the schools with better sized fish is key and always makes for a great day of fishing.

First task on any body of water is finding the schools and searching with your electronics helps pinpoint their locations. Idling around, watch your electronics and when you go over a school of fish, a cloud will appear on the screen and that means time to fish.

 

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/reports-1.html

Halloween Wildlife Festival & Jack-O-Lantern Hike

Looking for a “wild” family-based adventure for Halloween this year? The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department is inviting families to attend the 5th annual Halloween Wildlife Festival and Jack-O’Lantern Hike at the Edward F. Kehoe Green Mountain Conservation Camp Education Center on 636 Point of Pines Road in Castleton. The event takes place on Friday, October 28, from 5 to 8 p.m.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/state-news-1.html

IFW's Shooting Area In Fryeburg to Open Friday

Beginning Friday, October 14, the Shooting Range on the Major Gregory Sanborn Wildlife Management Area in Fryeburg will open under a new schedule. The shooting area is now open on scheduled days under the supervision of a range safety officer.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/state-news-1.html

Motorists, Watch for Deer and Moose this Fall

Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) reminds motorists to be watchful of increased deer and moose activity along roadways, especially during early morning and evening hours. September through October is the peak of the breeding season for Connecticut's small but expanding moose population in the northern part of the state. The breeding season (also known as "the rut") for white-tailed deer closely follows the moose breeding season, running from late October through late December.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/state-news-1.html

DEEP Begins Fall Atlantic Salmon Stockings

Connecticut’s Department of Energy & Environmental Protection (DEEP) today announced that its 2016 autumn stockings of broodstock Atlantic salmon have begun. DEEP’s Inland Fisheries Division this week released 1,000 salmon into Crystal Lake (Ellington/Stafford – 500 fish) and Mount Tom Pond (Morris/Litchfield/Washington, 500 fish).

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/state-news-1.html

NH Moose Hunt Is October 15-23, 2016

For nine exciting days, from October 15 to 23, 2016, 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/state-news-1.html

"Salmon Sunday" Is November 13 -- Learn About the Salmon Life Cycle

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 13, 2016, 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/state-news-1.html

Seminar on Hunter Access for Vermont Landowners

The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department is holding a free seminar for landowners interested in learning more about hunting, wildlife management, and conservation. The seminar is co-hosted by the nonprofit Vermont Coverts.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/state-news-1.html

West Mountain Shooting Range Opens to the Public

The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department says a newly developed West Mountain Shooting Range in Ferdinand, Vermont, is now open for public use.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/state-news-1.html

NH Youth Deer Hunt Set for October 22-23, 2016

New Hampshire’s youth deer weekend, Saturday and Sunday, October 22-23, 2016, 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/state-news-1.html

Rhode Island waters stocked with Trout for Columbus Day weekend

The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) is stocking ponds across Rhode Island with some 6,000 trout in advance of Columbus Day weekend – a popular time for recreational fishing. Because of the extreme drought conditions present in many of the state's freshwaters, the number of waterbodies being stocked is limited; if conditions improve, additional stocking will take place this fall.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/state-news-1.html

Reminder Regarding Pheasant Season Closures

With the start of the pheasant hunting season on October 1, the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department reminds pheasant hunters that due to safety concerns, all pheasant stocking sites will be closed to pheasant hunting until noon statewide on both Thursday and Friday of the first three weeks of the season. The specific dates on which all pheasant sites will be closed until noon are October 6-7, 13-14, and 20-2, 2016. No pheasant hunting within our stocked sites should occur before noon on those dates.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/state-news-1.html

Fall is Prime Time for Fishing in Vermont

As water temperatures cool across Vermont, the fishing action is heating up and the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department has assembled a list of some of the top fall fishing opportunities in all corners of the state to help anglers get started toward a successful fishing trip.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/state-news-1.html