Antlerless Deer Proposal Voted on by F&W Board

The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Board voted on the Fish & Wildlife Department’s proposal for antlerless deer hunting for 2017 at its meeting on April 26 in Montpelier. 

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Turkey Season Starts Monday Throughout The State

Spring turkey season starts on Monday, May 1 throughout the state, and youth hunters have their own day this Saturday, April 29. IFW biologists believe that hunters are in for a successful season.

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Spednic Lake, Maine

In addition to overseeing Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs), the Management Section of the Wildlife Division also oversees other lands owned either in fee or that are included as Conservation Easements.   Spednic Lake is one such location where both lands owned in fee and conservation easement s are in place.  Several acquisition efforts over the last 25 years have resulted in the creation of the Booming Ground WMA (650 acres), 16 miles of shoreline held in fee, and an additional 14.4 miles of shoreline held in a conservation easement.  The shoreline conservation efforts are 500 feet deep and are intended to restrict future development.  As part of these conservation efforts, MDIFW has also acquired 12 islands in Spednic Lake.

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Reminder: Bring Your Family to Discover WILD New Hampshire Day, April 29, 2017

Get in on the fun at Discover WILD New Hampshire Day on Saturday, April 29, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the grounds of the Fish and Game Department, 11 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH. Free admission!

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DEM Stocks Ponds With Golden Trout For Free Fishing Weekend

The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) today announced Free Fishing Weekend will take place Saturday, May 6 – Sunday, May 7. As part of the event, the public is invited to fish without a fishing license or trout conservation stamp in the state's freshwaters. Six local ponds will be stocked with over 6,000 rainbow trout and 4,000 golden trout for the event.

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Vermont Walleye Fishing Season Opens May 6

The Vermont walleye fishing season is set to open up on Saturday, May 6, marking the return of some of the best walleye fishing in New England. 

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Moose Lottery Deadline is May 26, 2017

Whether you're applying online or with a paper application, don't wait until the last minute to apply! The deadline for entering the New Hampshire moose hunt lottery is May 26, 2017. It costs just $15 for residents and $25 for non-residents to enter the lottery (non-refundable). A total of 51 permits are proposed to be issued this year. The state's moose hunt will run from October 21 - 29, 2017. Last year, the statewide hunter success rate was 72%.

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Access to Ossipee Lake Boat Ramp (Pine River/Route 25) Remains Closed

The trailered boat ramp, kayak/canoe access and dock at the public boat ramp facility on Pine River (off Route 25) that provides access to Ossipee Lake in Ossipee, NH, will remain closed while the NH Fish and Game Department finishes refurbishments.  The ramp is currently closed, with no opportunity to launch or retrieve boats. 

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Vermont’s Catch-and-Release Bass Fishing

Vermont’s celebrated catch-and-release bass fishing season is underway with some of the hottest bass fishing action in the Green Mountain State happening right now. 

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DEEP Reminds Residents to Be Bear Aware

Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) reminds residents to take steps to reduce encounters and potential conflicts with black bears. These steps are increasingly important because Connecticut’s bear population continues to grow and expand and bear activity increases in early spring. In 2016, approximately 6,700 bear sightings from 134 of Connecticut’s 169 towns were reported to the DEEP Wildlife Division.

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2016 NH Wildlife Harvest Summary Available

As hunters gear up for the fall season in New Hampshire, a rich source of information available to them is the 2016 New Hampshire Wildlife Harvest Summary, which presents final data summarized by wildlife biologists from the 2016 New Hampshire hunting seasons. This annual publication provides a complete breakdown of hunting season statistics, including some information by town and Wildlife Management Unit (WMU).

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IFW Fishing Report For April 21, 2017

Region A – Sebago Lakes Region

“It’s prime time for salmon right now,” says IFW fisheries biologist Jim Pellerin, who added that in most of the lakes in the Sebago Lakes region, the smelt runs have just ended or are about to end. As a result, the salmon are feasting.

“The ice is out on nearly all our lakes, except for Kezar Lake in the northwest corner of our region,” said Pellerin. Anglers have been out and are reporting good catches of landlocks on Thompson and Sebago, and a few on Auburn Lake.

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New Hampshire Waterfowl Hunting Seasons Set

The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department has set final season dates and bag limits for the 2017-18 waterfowl hunting season, after considering comments from sportsmen at a recent public meeting.

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Fish Stocking Underway Across Vermont

The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department has kicked off fish stocking work across the state, an effort that will ultimately result in over 1 million fish being distributed into Vermont waters in 2017. 

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Spring Turkey Season Opens 4/24: Hunting Reminders and Safety Tips

The spring turkey hunting season opens in Massachusetts on April 24, 2017 and runs through May 20, 2017. MassWildlife offers the following information for turkey hunters regarding regulations, harvest reporting, and safety.

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Public Asked to Participate in Moose Photo Survey from May 1 through May 15

As part of its ongoing efforts to monitor New Hampshire's moose, the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department is asking the public to participate in a spring moose survey and submit photos of moose taken in New Hampshire from May 1 through May 15, 2017.

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Read the latest NH Fishing Report

Welcome to the first issue of our 2017 New Hampshire Fishing Report. We've been working on updating and improving our format to bring you more fishing news -- the "what's biting where" info that you can really use.

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Young Wildlife Belong in the Wild

Watching wildlife is enjoyable, especially when young animals appear in the spring. But it’s best to keep your distance. Picking up young wildlife can do more harm than good, according to the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department. It’s also against the law. 

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Free Fishing Day in New Hampshire - Saturday, June 3

Take advantage of New Hampshire's Free Fishing Day, Saturday, June 3, 2017. On Free Fishing Day, you can fish anywhere in New Hampshire -- freshwater or saltwater -- without a fishing license. Plan to get out and enjoy the day fishing with your family and friends. Both state residents and nonresidents may participate. All other fishing regulations must be followed, including season dates and bag limits.

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Steelhead Rainbow Trout Runs Are Happening

One of the state’s premier wildlife watching opportunities is happening right now in Vermont. The steelhead rainbow trout have started their upstream migration, leaping up waterfalls in a spectacular display of determination on their way to their spawning grounds. 

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Reminder - Youth Turkey Weekend is April 29-30, 2017

New Hampshire’s 2017 youth turkey hunt is coming up on Saturday/Sunday April 29-30, the weekend before spring gobbler season gets underway on May 3.

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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 as they move from wintering areas to spring feeding locations.

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Now Is The Time To Head Out To Your Favorite Small Pond For Brook Trout

Some of the best of the Downeast Maine’s small brook trout pond fishing is now upon us! These ponds are the first to warm up and higher inshore water temperatures activate insect activity that attract trout. Whether you fish from shore or from a boat spin casting, worm dunking or fly fishing, this is the time year you can have great trout action.

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CT DEEP invites outdoor enthusiasts to become volunteers

Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) invites environmental stewards who enjoy wildlife and the outdoors to get involved in protecting important species and preserving habitat by becoming volunteers for DEEP.

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Free Outdoor Adventure Talk: Turkey Hunting 101

Join seasoned turkey hunters Carter Heath and Fred Bird for a special Turkey Hunting 101 seminar at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 19, 2017, at the N.H. Fish and Game Department, 11 Hazen Drive, Concord, N.H. No pre-registration is required.

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VT F&W to Host Free Bass Fishing Clinic

The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department is reminding anglers that it will be hosting a free “Introduction to Bass Fishing” clinic in late April. 

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GPS Collars On Lynx Provide Valuable Information As Maine’s Lynx Population Grows and Expands Its Range

Between 1999 and 2011, the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife researched lynx in northwestern Aroostook County in order to assess demographic rates and sources of mortality.

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New Hampshire's Turkey Hunting Season Approaching

N.H. Fish and Game Turkey Biologist Ted Walski predicts a possible record harvest in the upcoming 2017 spring gobbler season. The spring turkey hunt opens on Wednesday, May 3, and runs through Wednesday, May 31, statewide.

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Hunt Safely This Turkey Season

Hunting safely during turkey season is easy if you follow tips issued by the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department. 

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2017 Spring Wild Turkey Hunting Season Opens April 26

Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is reminding hunters that the 2017 Connecticut spring wild turkey hunting season runs from April 26 through May 27.

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Creel Surveys Provide Fisheries Biologists Insight Into Many Favorite Fisheries

Creel Surveys are an essential tool for IFW fisheries Biologists. These short, interactive surveys with anglers provide our biologists with the essential information they need to maintain or create a healthy fishery.

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CT DEEP Advises Boaters to Be Safe on Waterways

With warmer weather arriving, Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) reminds all boaters that even though the air temperatures are rising, the State’s waters are still in the mid to upper 40’s – which is considered “cold” water. The real danger of cold water boating is often masked by the anticipation and joy of spending a wonderful day on the water.

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DEM Reminds Residents To Remove Potential Food Sources As Black Bears Emerge From Hibernation

The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) reminds residents to remove potential food sources from their properties as black bears emerge from hibernation. Increasing bear populations in the region have led to more frequent sightings – especially in rural areas of Providence, Kent and Washington counties.

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VT Bass Fishing Featured on World Fishing Network

Well-known among local and regional anglers for years, Vermont’s spring catch and release bass fishing opportunities will soon receive a boost in national and international attention as they will be the focus of the Canadian-based television show, “Outdoor Passion”, scheduled to air on the renowned World Fishing Network (WFN) in mid-April. 

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Registration Opens for "Becoming an Outdoors-Woman" Deep Sea Fishing Adventure

Registration opens April 10 for an exciting day of deep sea fishing off New Hampshire's coast with the Becoming an Outdoors-Woman program. The trip takes place on Sunday, June 4, 2017. The cost for the day is $75, which includes instruction, bait and rod rental.  Participants should bring their own lunch.

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Designated Trout and Fly-Fishing-Only Ponds Open April 22

Fishing in New Hampshire's designated trout ponds and fly-fishing-only ponds opens on the fourth Saturday in April -- this year's opening day is April 22. Fishing is allowed through October 15 (a few ponds managed under wild trout regulations are open only through Labor Day). These waters are managed specifically for trout and offer anglers the chance to experience exciting fishing in some of the Granite State's most scenic surroundings.

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Opening Day is this Saturday, April 8th Connecticut ready for trout season, 306,000 trout stocked for Opening Day

Opening Day of the trout fishing season is this Saturday -- April 8th -- and Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) has the state’s rivers, streams, lakes and ponds stocked and ready. Over 306,000 trout have already been released this spring into nearly 100 lakes and ponds and more than 120 rivers and streams located throughout Connecticut and are awaiting Opening Day anglers. DEEP’s spring trout stocking effort began in late February and will continue through mid-May. When the spring stockings are completed, DEEP expects to have stocked approximately 530,000 trout.

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DEM Urges Anglers To Avoid Fishing In Rivers This Weekend; Nearly 60 Stocked Ponds Available For Opening Day

The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) is advising anglers to avoid rivers and use caution as the trout fishing season kicks off at sunrise on Saturday. Due to recent heavy rainfalls, rivers across the state are experiencing dangerously high waters – with some expected to be in flood stage by this weekend. Anglers are encouraged to fish at one of the nearly 60 stocked ponds around the state.

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Vermont Moose Hunting Applications Are Available

Vermont moose hunting permit applications are now available on the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department’s website (www.vtfishandwildlife.com). 

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Beginning Fly-Fishing Class Offered in Concord

An upcoming fly fishing program offers a chance to learn about the traditional and timeless sport of fly-fishing.  The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department’s “Let’s Go Fishing” Program is hosting its “Fly-Fishing A-Z” on Saturday, May 6, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Sunday, May 7, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Fish and Game Headquarters in Concord , N.H. You must attend both sessions. There is no charge for this program.

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DEM Seeks Information About Person(s) Setting Illegal Coyote Traps; Reminds Public To Avoid Interactions With, Feeding Wildlife

The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, Division of Law Enforcement (DLE) is seeking information about two recent incidents on Aquidneck Island of coyotes with illegal leg-hold traps. Anyone with information on who set these traps is asked to contact DLE at 401-222-3070.

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Vermont’s Spring Turkey Hunting Starts Soon

It’s almost time for spring turkey hunting in Vermont. Youth spring turkey hunting weekend is April 29-30 this year, and the regular spring turkey season is May 1-31.

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Vermont Trout Season Opens April 8, 2017

Vermont’s traditional trout fishing season is set to open on Saturday, April 8, and despite extended cold weather across the state in recent weeks, officials from Vermont Fish & Wildlife say anglers can be successful early in the season by following a few basic tips. 

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Outdoor Adventure Talk: Get to Know NH Raptors

Learn about birds of prey at a free talk with Kevin Wall of New Hampshire Audubon on Tuesday, April 11, 2017, at the N.H. Fish and Game Department, 11 Hazen Drive, Concord, N.H. The talk begins at 7:00 p.m. No pre-registration is required.

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Take a Kid Hunting on Youth Turkey Weekend

New Hampshire’s 2017 youth turkey hunt will take place Saturday, April 29, and Sunday, April 30, the weekend before spring gobbler season gets underway. During the 2016 youth weekend, young hunters took 484 turkeys or 12.5% of the spring season’s take.

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Free Turkey Hunting Seminar This Month

The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) today announced it is hosting a free informational seminar on wild turkey hunting this month. The program is designed to educate hunters of all ages and experience on safe, successful hunting practices. The turkey hunting season opens April 27.

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

Spring Fish Stocking Underway

With the welcome arrival of spring, NH Fish and Game Inland Fisheries Chief Jason Smith can’t help but get excited about open water angling, especially trout fishing. Fish culturists at New Hampshire's six state trout hatcheries have been holding on, waiting for Mother Nature to provide conditions favorable for spring stocking. The good news is that stocking trucks are now rolling! New Hampshire hatcheries have close to one million catchable-size trout ready for this season.  See a short video at: https://youtu.be/Z-NI1rPKrww.

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