Remove Bobhouses from Ice by April 1

Attention ice anglers: According to state law, all bobhouses (also known as ice shanties), must be removed from the ice no later than the end of the day on April 1.  Please remember to use all precautions to ensure your safety when taking bobhouses off lakes and ponds.

Once bobhouses are removed to the shoreline, take care to move the structure to your own property.  Do not leave bobhouses on public or private property without permission -- that is also a violation of state law.

https://www.kevindahlkeoutdoors.com/single-post/2018/03/30/Remove-Bobhouses-from-Ice-by-April-1

Salmon Fishing On Bog Lake Improves With New Public Access Site

Maine’s fisheries biologists are charged with preserving, protecting, and enhancing the inland fisheries resources of the state for all to enjoy here in Maine. One important piece of the fisheries management puzzle is public access to state waters. This was certainly evident at Bog Lake in Northfield where for 12 years the public lost access to this 826-acre water.

Located just 10 miles north of Machias in Washington County, Bog Lake supports cold-water species and is known historically as a great salmon fishery. When public access was lost, the fishing drastically changed.

https://www1.maine.gov/wordpress/insideifw/2018/03/29/salmon-fishing-bog-lake-improves-new-public-access-site/

Ice Season Winding Down

The ice season here is on its way out, if not already in certain areas, and trying to take advantage of these last days with northbound road trips.

Typically, this time of year, the fishing is outstanding as they are grouping up and once you find those roaming schools, it can be fish after fish catching. This year just isn’t setting up that way and finding the fish has been a real challenge.

https://www.kevindahlkeoutdoors.com/single-post/2018/03/29/Ice-Season-Winding-Down

Vermont Trout Season Opens April 14

Vermont’s traditional trout fishing season is set to open on Saturday, April 14, and despite recent cold weather and lingering snow cover across the state, officials from Vermont Fish & Wildlife say anglers can be successful early in the season by following a few basic tips.

“Just like any other time of year, anglers fishing early in the spring should adjust their tactics based on the conditions,” said State Fisheries Biologist Bret Ladago.  “Given the cold weather and runoff from recent storms and snow melt, water levels will be high, flows will be faster than normal and water temperatures will be cold. 

https://vtfishandwildlife.blogspot.com/2018/03/vermont-trout-season-opens-april-14.html

VT Fish & Wildlife to Host Turkey Hunting Seminar in Brattleboro Area on April 15

The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department is holding a free Turkey Hunting Seminar in Guildford, Vermont on April 15, 2018.  This seminar is in addition to the two turkey hunting seminars being held on April 7 at Barre Fish and Game Club and April 8 at the Hartland Fire Department.

The seminar will be held at Sportsman’s Inc. Fish and Game Club, 2081 Creamery Road in Guilford from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.

https://www.kevindahlkeoutdoors.com/single-post/2018/03/28/VT-Fish-Wildlife-to-Host-Turkey-Hunting-Seminar-in-Brattleboro-Area-on-April-15

Tips To Prevent Nuisance Problems With Black Bears As Their Populations Increase

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.

Given the scarcity of food in the spring, black bears may visit bird feeders, beehives, chicken coops, rabbit hutches, and compost piles in search of food. Black bears are generally shy and will avoid interactions with humans. However, they can become dependent on backyard food sources, if readily available, and quickly become a nuisance. Black bears have an excellent sense of smell and will investigate odors they identify as an easy meal – and will regularly frequent a site once a food source is identified.

http://www.ri.gov/press/view/32825

Launch of 2018 No Child Left Inside Great Park Pursuit

Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) announced that registration for the 2018 No Child Left Inside® Great Park Pursuit – Connecticut State Parks Family Adventure is now open at www.NoChildLeftInside.org through Friday, May 4, 2018.

 

“The No Child Left Inside program has been an important part of Connecticut summers for more than a decade,” said DEEP Commissioner Robert Klee. “As the father of two boys, who both love the natural world, the No Child Life Inside program is always a summer highlight for us. I encourage families across the state to get outside and enjoy the fresh air, sunlight and share in those moments that will create memories for parent and child alike.”

http://www.ct.gov/deep/cwp/view.asp?Q=601544&A=4965

Landlocked Salmon and Lake Trout Fishing Opens April 1

April 1 marks the start of the open-water fishing season on New Hampshire's large lakes managed for landlocked salmon and lake trout, including Big Squam, Sunapee, and the "Big Lake" -- Winnipesaukee.  Along with these well-known water bodies, New Hampshire Fish and Game also manages 11 other lakes for landlocked salmon, including Big Dan Hole Pond, First and Second Connecticut Lakes, Conway Lake, Lake Francis, Merrymeeting Lake, Newfound Lake, Ossipee Lake, Little Squam Lake, and Winnisquam Lake.  Pleasant Lake in New London is also managed for landlocked salmon, but is classified as a designated trout pond, with a 2018 opening date of April 28.

https://www.kevindahlkeoutdoors.com/single-post/2018/03/27/Landlocked-Salmon-and-Lake-Trout-Fishing-Opens-April-1

Ruffed Grouse and American Woodcock

NH Fish and Game Small Game Project Leader Karen Bordeau will present information on the status of New Hampshire ruffed grouse and the American woodcock on March 27, 2018



https://www.kevindahlkeoutdoors.com/single-post/2018/03/26/Ruffed-Grouse-and-American-Woodcock

Report Your Wild Turkey Sightings Through March 31

The N.H. Fish and Game Department reminds wildlife watchers to report sightings of wild turkeys.  The Department’s Wild Turkey Flock Survey is open through March 31.  The public is encouraged to report turkey sightings online at www.wildnh.com/surveys/turkey.html.  Please do not report multiple sightings of the same flock.

The survey is designed to fill gaps in Fish and Game’s existing winter flock data collection efforts, adding to the Department’s understanding of the abundance and distribution of turkeys during the winter months. Participants are asked to report: the number of turkeys in the flock; where they were seen; the type of habitat the birds were observed in; and what the turkeys were feeding on (for example, acorns, beechnuts, seed at birdfeeders, or corn silage).

https://www.kevindahlkeoutdoors.com/single-post/2018/03/23/Report-Your-Wild-Turkey-Sightings-Through-March-31

Outdoor Adventure Talks at NH Fish and Game

Try a new outdoor adventure this spring! Free talks being offered by the NH Fish and Game Department in April will give you some great ideas. The talks (except film festival) take place at 7:00 p.m. at Fish and Game Headquarters, 11 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH. Get inspired by the outdoor world!

April 5: Raptors of New Hampshire: See live birds of prey, like owls, peregrine falcon, or red-tailed hawk. Kevin Wall, Director of Education at NH Audubon. Learn about the adaptations that helped establish these raptors as some of New Hampshire’s top predators. Raptors play a unique role in our ecosystem. At this entertaining presentation, you’ll learn how NH Audubon assists in protecting raptors, and how you can help.

https://www.kevindahlkeoutdoors.com/single-post/2018/03/22/Outdoor-Adventure-Talks-at-NH-Fish-and-Game

Dakota Lithium Batteries, A Portable GPS’s Best Friend

21st century technology in the fishing industry is simply amazing. To have the gear available like we do today for getting on fish spots is outstanding.

Areas like Rainy Lake and Lake of the Woods offer plenty of structure oriented fishing opportunities in the winter months. It can be a challenge to find the spot on the spot through a sheet of ice in winter to accurately fish a piece of structure.

https://www.kevindahlkeoutdoors.com/single-post/2018/03/21/Dakota-Lithium-Batteries-A-Portable-GPS%25E2%2580%2599s-Best-Friend

Winner of the Annual Angler’s Guide Cover Photo Contest

Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) today announced the winner of the Fifth Annual Angler’s Guide Cover Photo Contest. This year’s cover features a photograph submitted by Jeanne Wadsworth of Tolland. The winning photo, captured by Sandy Vinton, shows Jeanne posing with a largemouth bass she caught while fishing at Breakneck Pond in Nipmuck State Forest located in Union.

 

“I had been out there fishing a few times before and had caught several good-sized fish, but this was by far the largest I had caught there. My kayak was being towed around, and with only 8lb line on, I didn't think I had a prayer at landing it,” Jeanne recounted. “Fortunately, the fish wrapped itself around a stump, and I was able to get it out of the water for a couple of quick shots before I released it. It was such an awesome experience.”

http://www.ct.gov/deep/cwp/view.asp?Q=601376&A=4965

Creating Backyard Habitat for Bees And Butterflies

Many of us have heard about widespread declines of some pollinator species.  Not only do bees and butterflies play a critical role in natural ecosystems and in agriculture by pollinating plants, but they’re pretty cool to look at too!  While the causes for pollinator declines are not fully understood, there are some simple steps that you can take to help provide habitat for these remarkable insects.  And unlike some wildlife species, even folks with a small, urban backyard can have a positive impact.

https://www1.maine.gov/wordpress/insideifw/2018/03/20/creating-backyard-habitat-bees-butterflies/

Don't Be the Cause of a Bear Conflict -- Take Down Bird Beeders Earlier This Spring

As the winter season winds down and spring approaches, it is important to recognize that bears will become increasingly active throughout the state.  Officials are asking the New Hampshire public to be both proactive and responsible and remove bird feeders and secure other backyard attractants.  Although March 31 is the traditional deadline for ending winter bird feeding activity, more mild winters and the earlier arrival of spring conditions warrant modifications.

“During recent years, den emergence by bears appears to be a couple of weeks earlier as compared with historical trends, which is a direct result of  milder winters and decreased snow pack,” said Andrew Timmins, Bear Project Leader for the NH Fish and Game Department. “The strong spring sunshine, longer days, warmer temperatures, and receding snow level stimulate many wildlife species, including hungry bears, to start searching for available food.  As bears start to get active, let it serve as a reminder that it is time to put the bird feeders away until next fall."

https://www.kevindahlkeoutdoors.com/single-post/2018/03/20/Dont-Be-the-Cause-of-a-Bear-Conflict----Take-Down-Bird-Beeders-Earlier-This-Spring

Free Turkey Hunting Seminar In April

Youth/Paraplegic Turkey Season Opens April 21, followed by Spring Turkey Regular Season Opening on April 26

The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) today announced it is hosting a free informational seminar on wild turkey hunting next month. The program is designed to educate hunters of all ages and experience on safe, successful hunting practices. A special season for youth and paraplegic hunters will be open on April 21-22, followed by the opening of the regular turkey hunting season on April 26.

https://www.kevindahlkeoutdoors.com/single-post/2018/03/19/Free-Turkey-Hunting-Seminar-In-April

Don't Put Off That Hunter Education Class

If you need a hunter education class, sign up now to get into a class this spring or summer. Register at www.huntnh.com/hunting/hunter-ed.html. Select "Find a Hunter Education Course," select a traditional or online class, then complete the registration to join. Walk-ins are accepted on a space-available basis, but there are no guarantees; pre-registration is highly recommended.

"Spring and summer are your best bets to be sure of getting into a course," says N.H. Fish and Game Hunter Education Coordinator Josh Mackay.

http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/newsroom/news.html?news=894

Volunteers Needed to Help Create Habitat for New England Cottontails

NH Fish and Game and the University of New Hampshire (UNH) Cooperative Extension are seeking volunteers to help restore the habitat of the endangered New England cottontail rabbit. Volunteers will plant native shrubs, which the rabbits use for shelter, at Bellamy River Wildlife Management Area in Dover on Saturday, April 21, 2018, from 9:00 a.m. to noon or 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

“Volunteering to plant shrubs is a great way to spend time outdoors while working to help create important habitat for an endangered wildlife species,” said Haley Andreozzi, UNH Cooperative Extension Wildlife Outreach Coordinator.

https://www.kevindahlkeoutdoors.com/single-post/2018/03/16/Volunteers-Needed-to-Help-Create-Habitat-for-New-England-Cottontails

Environmental Police Join National "Spring Aboard" Campaign To Promote Boating Education Next Week

The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) is teaming up with the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) next week as part of the Spring Aboard campaign to encourage boaters to enroll in a boating education course. An informed and knowledgeable boat operator is much more likely to recognize hazardous conditions on the water and avoid a boating mishap.

"Once again this year, DEM is working in partnership with state boating officials throughout the country to encourage boaters to Spring Aboard and take a safety course," said Lieutenant Steven Criscione, boating safety coordinator for DEM's Division of Law Enforcement. "All boaters have a duty to be responsible for themselves and for those on their vessel. This spring, while you're getting your boat readied for the water, prepare yourself for a safe boating season by taking a boater education course. With the wide variety of classroom and online offerings, there's a program to fit every boater's schedule."

http://www.ri.gov/press/view/32729

New Trout & Salmon Stamp Now Available for Purchase

Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) announced that the Trout & Salmon Stamp is available for purchase for the 2018 Fishing Season. The Trout & Salmon Stamp is now required for anglers fishing in any designated Trout Management Area, Wild Trout Management Area, Trout Park, or Atlantic Salmon Broodstock Area and for anglers harvesting trout or salmon anywhere throughout the state. The fees for the Trout & Salmon Stamp are $5.00 for resident anglers who are 18 and older, $3.00 for CT residents ages 16 or 17 and $5.00 for nonresident anglers age 16 and older.

“The new Trout and Salmon Stamp will help provide additional financial support for the DEEP Bureau of Natural Resources, which is responsible for overseeing important programs including the state’s three fish hatcheries,” said Bill Hyatt, Chief of the Bureau of Natural Resources. “Each year over 4.4 million fishing days are spent on the water by anglers across Connecticut, making it one of our most popular outdoor activities. Our fish hatcheries ensure that Connecticut anglers have an opportunity to experience excellent trout fishing throughout the state.”

http://www.ct.gov/deep/cwp/view.asp?Q=601282&A=4965

Community Fly-Tying Workshops Kick Off Next Week

The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) announces a series of free fly-tying workshops, beginning next week, at public libraries in Charlestown, Middletown, Portsmouth and Little Compton. Participants will learn how to make their own freshwater flies over several weeks and will have an opportunity to fish using the flies they created at a special fishing event in June. The classes are designed for beginning and intermediate fly-tiers ages 10 and older and will cover techniques for freshwater fishing.

https://www.kevindahlkeoutdoors.com/single-post/2018/03/15/Community-Fly-Tying-Workshops-Kick-Off-Next-Week

Vermont Holds Public Hearings on Moose and Deer

The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department is holding three public hearings about Vermont’s moose and deer in March, with two focused on deer later in May.

The March 19, 21, and 22 hearings will include results of Vermont’s 2017 deer and moose seasons as well as prospects for the fall.  Included will be a review of the proposed 2018 moose hunting season with opportunity for public comment.  The March meetings will occur before the board’s vote on the proposed 2018 moose season on April 25, 2018.  Those who cannot attend can email comments to ANR.FWPublicComment@vermont.gov

https://vtfishandwildlife.blogspot.com/2018/03/vermont-holds-public-hearings-on-moose.html

Hearings Set for Proposed Off Highway Vehicle and Snowmobile Rules

The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department will hold two public hearings on proposed re-adoptions of Chapter Fis 1500, the rule that governs the Off Highway Recreational Vehicle (OHRV) and snowmobile program at Fish and Game

http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/newsroom/news.html?news=888

2017 Trophy Fish Program Winners Announced

The winners of the 2017 New Hampshire Trophy Fish Program were recently announced by John Viar, Region 2 Fisheries Biologist and Trophy Fish Program Coordinator.  Award certificates signed by NH Fish and Game’s Executive Director and the Commission Chairman will soon be distributed to the winners of each species category.  A list of all qualifying entries is posted on Fish and Game's website at www.fishnh.com/fishing/trophy.html.

“Anglers of all ages are out there enjoying fishing anyway.  When they share their catch information on a Trophy Fish application and get a few bragging rights – it adds to their experience. Meanwhile, we receive valuable data on fish populations not normally reported to us," Viar said.  “There are hundreds of waterbodies throughout the state; these anglers are extra eyes in the field.  It’s fun for them and useful information for us.”

https://www.kevindahlkeoutdoors.com/single-post/2018/03/14/2017-Trophy-Fish-Program-Winners-Announced

Big Game Processing Workshop - April 7, 2018, in Holderness

Learn how you can process your own big game animal from field to freezer at a free workshop being offered at the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department’s Owl Brook Hunter Education Center in Holderness, N.H., on Saturday, April 7, 2018. The workshop will take place from 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. 

This year, registration for the workshop will be completed online. To register, visit www.huntnh.com/hunting/owl-brook.html. Under “View Classes at Owl Brook,” select “Learn to Hunt” and select “Big Game Processing Workshop.”

https://www.kevindahlkeoutdoors.com/single-post/2018/03/12/Big-Game-Processing-Workshop---April-7-2018-in-Holderness

Vermont Wildlife Course for Educators, July 15-20

Vermont’s popular fish and wildlife summer course for teachers and other educators will be held July 15-20, 2018. 

The hands-on field course that gets educators out into Vermont’s streams, forests and wetlands with some of the state’s leading natural resource experts takes place at the Buck Lake Conservation Camp in Woodbury. 

Now in its 33rd year, “Wildlife Management and Outdoor Education Techniques for Educators,” is a one-week, three-credit graduate course taught by Vermont Fish & Wildlife and other Agency of Natural Resources (ANR) staff through Castleton University. 

https://vtfishandwildlife.blogspot.com/2018/03/vermont-wildlife-course-for-educators.html

F&W to Host Turkey Hunting Seminars April 7 & 8

The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department is hosting two free turkey hunting seminars this spring – one on Saturday, April 7 at the Barre Fish and Game Club and the other on Sunday, April 8 at the Hartland Fire Department.  Both seminars will be held 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

A shotgun patterning clinic will be held at the Barre seminar.  Participants should bring their own shotgun and ammunition and keep them in their vehicles until instructed to bring them to the range.  If you do not have your own firearm, shotguns and ammunition will be provided.  Eye and ear protection will be available.

https://www.kevindahlkeoutdoors.com/single-post/2018/03/09/FW-to-Host-Turkey-Hunting-Seminars-April-7-8

First Time Lake Trout

This winter’s ice fishing has been about trying to catch different fish species than what we typically catch and trying new waters along the way. Recently, was asked by fellow Clam Pro, Chuck Fritz, to come up and try fishing for Lake Trout and hopefully White Perch as well.

Without hesitation, quickly accepted and planned for a day on the ice. Having never fished for either of these fish, anticipation was high and really looked forward to the trip.

https://www.kevindahlkeoutdoors.com/single-post/2018/03/07/First-Time-Lake-Trout