Free Fishing Weekend Is This Saturday, June 2 and Sunday, June 3

This weekend is Maine’s free fishing weekend and the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife is encouraging everyone to get outside and enjoy a day fishing with family or friends on one of Maine’s many waters.

Free fishing weekend takes place on Saturday, June 2 and Sunday, June 3, 2018 and any person, including non-residents, may fish for free without a license on Maine’s waterways, except those who have had their license suspended or revoked. All other rules and regulations, including bag and possession limits, apply. For more information on the rules and regulations on your favorite water, please visit mefishwildlife.com/fishinglaws.

https://www.kevindahlkeoutdoors.com/single-post/2018/05/31/Free-Fishing-Weekend-Is-This-Saturday-June-2-and-Sunday-June-3

Migratory Bird Hunting Season Dates Set

Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) today announced the dates for the 2018-2019 migratory bird hunting seasons, which include seasons for ducks, geese, woodcock, snipe, rails, and crows. Specific details on season dates, bag limits, regulations, and other reminders are published in the 2018-2019 Migratory Bird Hunting Guide, which is available at www.ct.gov/deep/hunting. Printed versions can be obtained at DEEP and town clerk offices in the near future.

Reminders for 2018-2019 – The Connecticut Migratory Bird Conservation Stamp, which includes the Harvest Information Program (HIP) permit, costs $17 ($9 for junior hunters ages 12 to 17) and can be purchased at select DEEP offices, town clerk offices, and online at www.ct.gov/deep/sportsmenlicensing.

https://www.kevindahlkeoutdoors.com/single-post/2018/05/31/Migratory-Bird-Hunting-Season-Dates-Set

There’s Still Room in Summer Youth Programs at Owl Brook Hunter Education Center

Free youth day programs are being offered once again this summer at Owl Brook Hunter Education Center in Holderness. These programs give both boys and girls the chance to learn about shooting sports, bowhunting, and other outdoor skills. Sessions will be offered in July and August. Owl Brook is operated by the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department. Sessions are free of charge.

To sign up, visit https://nhfishandgame.com/EventWeb/Event/AllEvents?EventTypeID=169 and select the program/dates you are interested in attending.

https://www.kevindahlkeoutdoors.com/single-post/2018/05/30/There%25E2%2580%2599s-Still-Room-in-Summer-Youth-Programs-at-Owl-Brook-Hunter-Education-Center

DEEP Announces Winner of 2018 Connecticut Duck Stamp Art Contest

In a contest filled with great artwork, a panel of judges recently selected Indiana artist Jeffrey Klinefelter’s depiction of  buffleheads flying across Barn Island Wildlife Management Area as the winner of the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection’s (DEEP) 2018 Connecticut Migratory Bird Conservation (Duck) Stamp Art Contest. Jeffrey is a previous winner of the Connecticut contest, winning in 2015 with his depiction of canvasbacks in front of the Ledge Lighthouse in New London.

Jeffrey’s painting of buffleheads was chosen out of 29 entries submitted by artists from across the country, including a record 18 from Connecticut artists. Paintings were judged in six categories: suitability for reproduction, composition, habitat suitability for that species, anatomical correctness, eye appeal, originality, and whether a recognizable Connecticut landmark or habitat was used. Jeffrey’s painting will be the image for the 2019 Connecticut Duck Stamp.

https://www.kevindahlkeoutdoors.com/single-post/2018/05/30/DEEP-Announces-Winner-of-2018-Connecticut-Duck-Stamp-Art-Contest

KIDS Outdoors New England Class Schedules May 29-June 6

Latest KIDS Outdoors class schedules for the weeks of May 21 – May 30th time frame, Outdoor education classes for the New England States entailing fishing ed, hunters ed, boating ed, ATV ed and others.

https://www.kevindahlkeoutdoors.com/kids-outdoors

Springtime Spinnerbaits for Largemouth Bass

Springtime means that the waters are warming and that in turn draws the fish to the shorelines for those warmer temperature waters as well as they start getting prepared for the coming spawn. Structure objects in the shallow waters are heat absorbers from the suns rays and these areas warm that much more quickly as well.

Certain areas hold more fish than others and finding these locations needs to be done quickly and effectively for having a good day on the water. One way to cover these different areas is to fish different looking areas with a spinnerbait.

https://www.kevindahlkeoutdoors.com/single-post/2018/05/25/Springtime-Spinnerbaits-for-Largemouth-Bass

Bobcat Caught on Game Camera in Brandon VT

This bobcat was caught in a series of photos on a game camera set up under a bridge in Brandon, Vermont.  The cameras are put out as part of a collaborative partnership between Vermont Fish & Wildlife, The Nature Conservancy, and VTrans to better understand wildlife movement around road crossing structures.

“This bobcat passing under the road highlights the fact that wildlife are always on the move,” said John Austin, Vermont Fish & Wildlife’s lands and habitat program manager.  “They need to travel across the landscape to find food or water, to search for mates, or to find places to den or raise their young. Maintaining healthy and connected habitats is one of the most important things we can do to help wildlife continue to thrive in Vermont.”

https://www.kevindahlkeoutdoors.com/single-post/2018/05/25/Bobcat-Caught-on-Game-Camera-in-Brandon-VT

DEEP Completes 2018 Channel Catfish Stockings

Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) today announced that for the twelfth consecutive year, one of the most sought after freshwater game fish species in the country, the Channel Catfish, has been stocked into twenty-four water bodies across Connecticut (see list of locations below.)  DEEP would also like to remind catfish anglers of new daily limits on the number of catfish each angler may keep.

This year approximately 17,000 fish were stocked.  The “cats” stocked include adult fish (about 6,600) averaging 14-18 inches in length and weighing just under 2 pounds; and juvenile fish (about 10,600), averaging 9-11 inches and about ½ pound in weight. Stocking the larger fish provides an immediate summer fishery for a great tasting-high quality fish, while stocking the smaller fish provides a cost-effective investment for great catfish fishing into the future.   “This DEEP program establishes Channel Catfish in lakes where we know there is sufficient habitat to support a population of large gamefish,” said Peter Aarrestad, Director of DEEP’s Fisheries Division. “Anglers have reported taking five-to-ten pound fish from several of the lakes. DEEP believes that the combination of a popular gamefish stocked into waters that are selected based on scientific data is a winning combination. We’ve had great success in using this approach to develop exciting fisheries for Northern Pike and Walleye and now we’re seeing similar results with catfish.”  Each year this fishery has gained popularity and as a result the new daily harvest limit put in place will serve to spread the quality catches among more anglers.

https://www.kevindahlkeoutdoors.com/single-post/2018/05/24/DEEP-Completes-2018-Channel-Catfish-Stockings

http://www.ct.gov/deep/cwp/view.asp?Q=602886&A=4965

Muzzleloader Antlerless Deer Permit Applications Available

Vermont’s muzzleloader season antlerless deer hunting permit applications are now available on Vermont Fish & Wildlife’s website (www.vtfishandwildlife.com).  A link to the information and online applications is on the home page.  
 

The Fish and Wildlife Board met on May 23 and set antlerless deer hunting permit numbers and procedures for the fall deer hunting seasons. 

https://www.kevindahlkeoutdoors.com/single-post/2018/05/24/Muzzleloader-Antlerless-Deer-Permit-Applications-Available

https://vtfishandwildlife.blogspot.com/2018/05/muzzleloader-antlerless-deer-permit.html

Make Plans to Enjoy Free Fishing Day in New Hampshire on Saturday, June 2

Take advantage of New Hampshire’s Free Fishing Day, Saturday, June 2, 2018. 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. Anglers participating in a state-approved fishing tournament that day will still need to purchase a license.

“Free Fishing Day is a great opportunity for anglers to take someone interested in ‘testing the waters’ or for friends and families to plan a day enjoying the outdoors together,” said Jason Smith, Inland Fisheries Chief for the NH Fish and Game Department. “They are sure to be ‘hooked’ after a relaxing day of fishing.”

https://www.kevindahlkeoutdoors.com/single-post/2018/05/23/Make-Plans-to-Enjoy-Free-Fishing-Day-in-New-Hampshire-on-Saturday-June-2

https://nhfishandgame.wordpress.com/2018/05/21/free-fishing-day/

Shorelines are Alive

Water temperatures are getting into the mid 60’s and that means many fish species are moving into the shorelines, big and small. When the smaller fish move shallow that means the larger predators aren’t far behind as well.

This trip was to concentrate on locating crappies along the shorelines and using a 1/16 oz Clam Outdoors Pro Tackle Drop Tg jig with a 2-inch swimbait, casting this to the shores edge and working it back to the boat on a slow steady retrieve.

https://www.kevindahlkeoutdoors.com/single-post/2018/05/22/Shorelines-are-Alive

KID's OUTDOORS - Class Schedule Dates and Times

https://www.kevindahlkeoutdoors.com/kids-outdoors

DEM Announces Freshwater Fishing Workshops

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 and a fly-fishing clinic this spring.

WHAT: Free Fly-Tying Workshops

https://www.kevindahlkeoutdoors.com/single-post/2018/05/21/DEM-Announces-Freshwater-Fishing-Workshops

DEM Environmental Police, Partners Host Free Youth Fishing Event

Environmental police officers from the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) Division of Law Enforcement will participate in a special youth fishing program in Carolina this Saturday.

WHAT: Cops & Bobbers Youth Fishing Program

WHEN: Saturday, May 12 | 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. DEM's Carolina Trout Hatchery, Carolina

https://www.kevindahlkeoutdoors.com/single-post/2018/05/11/DEM-Environmental-Police-Partners-Host-Free-Youth-Fishing-Event

Coming Together for Springtime Crappie

Spring time brings life back into everything that we do in the outdoors, flowers and trees come to life, waters of our lakes start to warm, fish come into the shallows to start their spawning ritual. With the crappies getting into the height of their spring spawn, this brings together 4 anglers from 4 different states, to enjoy a day on the water.

Water temps are getting to the 57-61 degrees and that means that the crappie will soon be making beds and creating the next generation of fish. Having 2 anglers each in 2 different boats, allows for us to cover more water and structure and help each other in having a productive day all around.

https://www.kevindahlkeoutdoors.com/single-post/2018/05/08/Coming-Together-for-Springtime-Crappie

2018 Vermont Fishing Guide & Regulations Available

Vermont is often recognized for having some of the best freshwater fishing in the Northeast.  The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department says one of the best ways to learn about the state’s fishing opportunities is to check out the 2018 Vermont Fishing Guide & Regulations available free from its district offices and license agents throughout the state.  An online version also can be found at www.vtfishandwildlife.com.

The “Fishing Guide” has regulations such as season dates, daily limits and length limits for lakes, ponds and streams throughout the state.  The rules vary by water body which are listed in the Index of Lakes and Ponds and Index of Rivers and Streams.  Both indexes also reference ten general regulation tables near the back of the publication.

https://www.kevindahlkeoutdoors.com/single-post/2018/05/08/2018-Vermont-Fishing-Guide-Regulations-Available

KID's OUTDOORS - Class Schedule Dates and Times

Latest outdoor class dates and times for the New England States for May 7 - May 16th, entailing Hunters Education, Boating Education, ATV Education and many others.

https://www.kevindahlkeoutdoors.com/kids-outdoors

Wondering How Old That Stocked Fish Is? Take A Look At The Fins!

Springtime is when fish culturists at the state’s hatcheries are busy preparing to stock lakes and rivers for anglers.  Many of the fish we stock have had a fin clipped.  IF&W fisheries biologists, fish culturists, and even volunteers have been “marking” fish over the past several weeks by removing a fin or combination of fins in order to identify and age these fish later.

Why do we mark fish by clipping fins?  Fisheries biologists use fin marks to identify a fish’s year of stocking.  Knowing the “mark of the year”, we can easily determine how old a fish is when caught or captured in one of our lake surveys.  Marks used in certain waterbodies can determine age and growth rates from year to year, or provide an indication of how many fish survive from season to season. To view a short video, check this out: https://youtu.be/P0l6b0zls2U.

https://www.kevindahlkeoutdoors.com/single-post/2018/05/07/Wondering-How-Old-That-Stocked-Fish-Is-Take-A-Look-At-The-Fins

Temporary Boat Ramp Closure at Downing's Landing (Lake Winnipesaukee)

The Downing’s Landing public boat access facility in Alton, NH, will be closing for two days to allow for the installation of a temporary floating dock to replace the degraded courtesy docks at the boat ramp. The two-day effort will occur in the period May 15 through May 18, weather permitting. In case of inclement weather, please check NH Fish and Game’s Statewide Public Boat Access Program’s web page at www.fishnh.com/access/index.php for schedule updates.

During the installation, the entire facility will be closed to the public to ensure a safe and effective work site.  The ramp will be closed and there will be no opportunity to launch or retrieve motorized boats, sail boats, canoes, kayaks, or other self- propelled watercraft during this time period.  The parking area for the ramp will be closed to the public and there will be no fishing from the shore.

https://www.kevindahlkeoutdoors.com/single-post/2018/05/07/Temporary-Boat-Ramp-Closure-at-Downings-Landing-Lake-Winnipesaukee

Registration Opening for "Becoming an Outdoors-Woman" Campground Camping

Registration opens May 7 for an exciting weekend of camping at New Hampshire's Pawtuckaway State Park with the Becoming an Outdoors-Woman (BOW) program. The course takes place Saturday, June 23 through Sunday, June 24, 2018. The cost for the workshop is $75 which includes instruction, overnight camping, some equipment, dinner, breakfast, and snacks.  Participants should bring their own lunch for Saturday. We’ll let you know what else to bring once you’re registered.

Participants must register online at www.nhbow.com. Registration is first-come, first-served and space is limited.  All participants must be age 18 or older.

https://www.kevindahlkeoutdoors.com/single-post/2018/05/04/Registration-Opening-for-Becoming-an-Outdoors-Woman-Campground-Camping