Two Record Fish Caught in Vermont in 2016

Vermont Fish & Wildlife today announced that two fish caught in 2016 have been certified as new state records, marking the 14th and 15th state records that have been set for individual species of fish since 2010. 

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

Ice Safety Awareness Urged as School Vacation Weeks Get Underway

With the start of Massachusetts and New Hampshire school vacations over the next two weeks, thousands of snowmobilers, ice anglers and other outdoor enthusiasts will be recreating in the Granite State.

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

Free Fishing Weekend Approaches

The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife is reminding everyone to take advantage of the upcoming free fishing weekend.

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

Proposed Number of Permits for 2017 NH Moose Hunt Announced

The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department has proposed to reduce statewide moose hunt permit issuance from 71 in 2016 to 51 in 2017. The initial proposal was approved by the Fish and Game Commission at its February meeting. This begins the state’s rulemaking process, which will include development of a rule-making notice, scheduling of public hearings, and the opportunity to submit written comments. Hearing dates will be announced as soon as they become available.

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

A Reminder to Remove Ice Shanties

Vermont state law requires that ice fishing shanties be removed from the ice before the ice weakens, according the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department.

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

Apply Now For The 2017 Maine Moose Lottery

Hunters who dream about the hunt of a lifetime will be happy to know that the 2017 Maine moose permit lottery application process is now open.

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

Introductory Ice Fishing Course Offered in Lancaster

Interested in learning how to ice fish? Then register for a free ice fishing program with the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department’s Let’s Go Fishing program. This program is being offered on Saturday, February 18, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the North Country Resource Center, 629 Main Street, Lancaster, NH.  This program is jointly sponsored by the NH Fish and Game Department and UNH Cooperative Extension 4-H.

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Moose Fatalities Can Take Many Different Forms in the Maine Woods

The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (MDIFW) recently entered its 4th year of a moose mortality study in western Maine (west of Moosehead Lake).  This study aims at improving our understanding of mortality factors, mortality rates, calf survival and recruitment, just to name a few.  To gain this understanding, moose are equipped with a radio collar that communicates information to wildlife biologists via satellites.  Our findings thus far have been interesting and intriguing, and on December 18, 2016, that was especially the case.

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

For A New Generation, Are These The Good Old Days Of Deer Hunting?

I grew up in southern Maine in the 1960s. Nobody in my immediate family hunted. That said, my father grew up in Depression-era Arkansas and Oklahoma and hunted small game to help put food on the table. Later, with the exception of ports of call in foreign countries during WWll, he never again picked up a gun until I was 11 years old. I became interested in learning to shoot a gun, so after completing a hunter safety course at the Windham Rod and Gun Club, he started me with squirrels down back of the house in Gorham. This soon followed with deer hunting in the Kezar Falls area, 25 miles west of Portland.

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DEEP Selects Winning Photo for Cover of Annual Angler’s Guide - Avid Avon Angler

Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) has selected a photo of Derek Angel, of Avon, for the cover of the 2017 Connecticut Angler’s Guide.  In the photo, Angel is shown holding a Bluefish, which he caught while fly-fishing at Silver Sands State Park, Milford. 

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

DEM Invites Rhode Islanders To Explore The Outdoors During February School Vacation Week

The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) is hosting a series of events throughout February school vacation week to encourage families to get outdoors and explore Rhode Island. Opportunities include guided hikes, seal and birdwatching, and a visit to a trout hatchery. The program is part of the State's broader efforts to promote outdoor recreation and healthier lifestyles among Rhode Islanders.

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Wildlife Violator Compact Helps Deter Poachers

Anyone thinking of violating Vermont’s fish and wildlife laws needs to keep in mind that they cannot just hunt, fish or trap in another state if their licenses are revoked here. Vermont is one of 45 states belonging to the Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact (IWVC), which recognizes fish and wildlife related license suspensions of member states. 

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

2017 Camp North Woods Lottery Now Open

Camp North Woods is back for another great summer of learning in the Maine outdoors! The Department created Camp North Woods in 2015 to provide opportunities for youth and their families to learn lifelong outdoor skills as well as the importance of sustaining Maine’s natural resources.

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

Ice Safety comes first

Many areas across the ice belt have been experiencing very abnormal warming lately and that has jeopardized the conditions of the ice. With that being said, many are still ice fishing and the need of “ice safety” needs to be reminded about again.

By taking precautions and having the right safety equipment with you, is key to having an enjoyable day on the ice. Common sense and being aware of your surroundings, is always vital any time that you step foot onto the ice.

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