72% of hunters successful in 2014 N.H. Moose Hunt

New Hampshire’s 2014 moose season wrapped up on Sunday, October 26. While hunters have until close of business today to register their moose at N.H. Fish and Game headquarters or regional offices, preliminary figures show that 91 hunters succeeded in taking their moose during the 9-day season. With a total of 127 permits issued, this represents a statewide success rate of 72%.

NH Outdoor News at BWS OutDoors

CWD discovered in Ohio deer

The Ohio Department of Agriculture and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources confirmed on October 23 the first positive case of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in the state in a captive deer herd in Holmes County.

VT Outdoor News at BWS OutDoors

Clam Outdoors Cold Snap Auger Blade Cover

The Patented Cold Snap Blade Protector installs in a "Snap" safely protecting your auger for transport in less than 3 seconds! There's no need to remove your gloves to attach your blade cover to your ice auger! Protects you and your blades.

To Remove your Snap Cap, simply hold the auger upright with the weight down on the cover, and open with your foot. Lift out and you're done. Tested tough. Resistant to snow and ice build-up. Works with Clam Edge Power Auger 8 & 10" augers and with Clam 6” hand Auger Bit. If it's convenient to use, you'll use it.  If it's covered, it's safe!

New Fishing Products at BWS OutDoors

KIDS OutDoors page Updated

We have updated our KIDS OutDoors page at BackWoods Sportsman OutDoors by adding the upcoming New England Outdoor Education classes for 10/27-11/5

KIDS OutDoors at BWS OutDoors

Atlantic Herring Closure for area 1A

Commercial fishermen will be prohibited from landing Atlantic herring taken from Management Area 1A effective 12:01 a.m. on Sunday, October 26, 2014, because herring harvesters are projected to reach 92% of the allowable harvest quota for the period.  The closure will remain in effect through midnight on December 31, 2014.

NH Outdoor News at BWS OutDoors

Learn about Salmon Life Cycle at "Salmon Sunday" Nov 9 at Melvin Village

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 9, 2014, from 1 to 3 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.

NH Outdoor News at BWS OutDoors

Moose hunt update: 59% of NH moose hunters successful so far

As of Wednesday, October 22, 2014, a total of 75 moose had been taken in the 2014 New Hampshire moose hunt (51 bulls and 24 cows). That means that 59% of the 127 hunters holding moose permits had succeeded by the midway point in the state’s moose hunt. Last year (2013), 43% of hunters had gotten their moose by this point in the season.

NH Outdoor News at BWS OutDoors

Black Bear Stew

Ingredients:4 to 5 lbs bear meat cut in 1 inch cubes
1/4 cup flour
1 tbs italian seasoning
4 tbs butter
2 tbs vegetable or corn oil
1 large onion diced
1 8 oz tin beef broth
4 bay leaves (do not eat)
2 lb small potatoes
1 lb fresh mushrooms if button size do not slice
5 carrots sliced
1 turnip cubed (important ingred)
5 parsnip sliced (optional)

Directions:
Preheat oven to 325 Deg
put flour with seasonings in plastic bag and shake until bear meat coated
combine oil and butter in skillet and brown meat and drain off grease from meat
In a large dutch oven add 2 or 3 qts of water and all ingredients
Cook approx 2 to 3 hrs adding water if necessary checking every 30 mins
serve with fresh rolls or italian bread

Recipes at BWS OutDoors

Clam Outdoors Vista Thermal Hub Shelter

Back by popular demand, a 6 x 6 hub shelter in full thermal will now be offered with the NEW Vista Thermal. Roomy enough for two to three anglers. A full thermal skin will keep you comfortable during the next polar vortex! Give the ice angler the best “bang” for their buck for a full thermal hub shelter with the Vista Thermal.

New Products at BWS OutDoors

New Hampshire Marine Rule Hearing November 6, 2014, on Rules for Striped Bass

The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department will hold a public hearing on proposed marine rules on November 6, 2014, at 7 p.m. at the Urban Forestry Center, 45 Elwyn Road in Portsmouth, N.H. The hearing is an opportunity to provide public comment on proposed changes to recreational bag and/or size limits for striped bass.

NH Outdoor News at BWS OutDoors

New Hampshire Opening day for regular firearms deer season is November 12 2014

The archery deer season has been underway in New Hampshire since September 15. The 2014 total deer take as of October 19 of 1,952 represents a decrease of 22% from the 2013 season at the same point.  The harvest remains up significantly from 2009 and 2010 when the September archery season was bucks only

NH Outdoor News at BWS OutDoors

Orange is the NEW camouflage for Vermont hunters

The fashion mags suggest bold prints and the color gray are in this fall, but trendy hunters always choose hunter orange.

VT Outdoor News at BWS OutDoors

Vermont Tips for youth deer hunting weekend Nov 8-9

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

VT Outdoor News at BWS OutDoors

2/7/15-2/8/15 - East Hampton Rod & Gun Club Ice Derby

2/7/15-2/8/15 - Easthampton Rod & Gun Club - Body of Water - OxbowTown: Easthampton
Species: Pike/Muskie,Pickerel,Bass SM&LG,Perch Yellow/White,Catfish,Bullhead,Crappie,Sunfish,Carp
Contact: www.easthamptonrodandgun.com 

Ice Derby's at BWS OutDoors

Maine's Youth Deer Hunting Day Is This Saturday, October 25

“Youth day is an excellent way to introduce a young hunter to a tradition such as deer hunting,” said Governor Paul R. LePage. “Hunting is not only a Maine tradition, it also teaches children conservation, patience, responsibility and respect for our natural resources.”

ME Outdoor News at BWS OutDoors

Vermont's Youth Deer Hunt Weekend Nov 8-9

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 23 biological check stations around the state.

VT Outdoor News at BWS OutDoors

Vermont's Guilmette Fishing Access Area Closed for Improvements

The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department is making improvements to the John Guilmette fishing access area on Lake Champlain in South Hero and will close the area for a minimum of two months while planned upgrades are underway.

VT Outdoor News at BWS OutDoors

Fishing Report October 17 2014 Massachusetts

Conditions: Sunny skies, air temperatures mid 70 degrees, moderate winds, bait of the day – Clam Pro Tackle Time Bomb and Blade Spoon

The last fishing trip out we ran into an issue on the big motor and burned out one of the electronic modules and this time of year, no need to fix it now and get it winterized. Since that will be put away and the ice is not formed, time to do a little kayak fishing ice style.

When I get to this time of year and don’t have the big boat, taking the kayak out allows me to fish a number of different lakes that have no boat access. These lakes as well never really get any pressure from the anglers on the open water, but once the ice comes then things change. So for the next couple of months, this will be the game plan to our fishing.

Continue Fishing Report at BWS OutDoors

Ice Auger Conversion Kit Drill Plate by Clam Outdoors

The Auger Drill Plate by Clam™ converts any 18-volt drill to a lightweight, powerful ice auger. Add Clam’s 6 inch hand auger and you will have power, speed and results with less fatigue. Industrial Ball Bearing absorbs load from the auger so the drill is only used to spin the auger—not to support the auger torque— which greatly extends the life of the drill. Unique, innovative design enables the user to simply remove the “chuck” from the drill and attach the auger bit—similar to a power auger.

New Products at BWS OutDoors

N.H. Moose Hunt Opening Weekend Brings 32% Success

About a third of New Hampshire’s moose hunters were successful during the first two days of the nine-day season, achieving a 32% success rate on the opening weekend of the hunt. On Saturday and Sunday (October 18 and 19), a total of 41 moose were taken by hunters statewide – 29 bulls and 12 cows. Last year, about 18% of moose hunters were successful during the opening weekend.

NH Outdoor News at BWS OutDoors

NH Northern Shrimp Public Hearing/Season-setting Meeting Set for November 5, 2014

The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department will hold a public hearing and specifications-setting meeting for the northern shrimp fishing season, in conjunction with a meeting of the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) Northern Shrimp Section, on Wednesday, November 5, 2014, from 9:30 to 3:30 p.m., in Portland, Maine (at the Holiday Inn by the Bay, 88 Spring Street) to set the specifications and dates for the 2015 harvesting season for northern shrimp. 

NH Outdoor News at BWS OutDoors

Vehicle access to camp Cronin fishing area at Point Judith in Narragansett RI to be restricted during revetment repair project

Visitors to the popular Camp Cronin Fishing Area and overlook site at Point Judith in Narragansett, RI, will have to leave their vehicles behind when visiting the site from late October until mid-May 2015 as construction work is underway to complete the Camp Cronin stone revetment and East Shore Arm breakwater repair project. The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New England District are working together to complete the repair project.

RI Outdoor News at BWS OutDoors

KIDS OutDoors page Updated

We have updated our KIDS OutDoors page at BackWoods Sportsman OutDoors by adding the upcoming New England Outdoor Education classes for 10/20-10/29

KIDS OutDoors at BWS OutDoors

Rhode Island DEM stocking 4000 trout ponds and rivers throughout Rhode Island for fall fishing season

The Department of Environmental Management's Division of Fish and Wildlife has stocked over 4,000 brook, brown, and rainbow trout in selected locations in the state this week for the fall freshwater fishing season. Due to elevated water temperatures and low water conditions, fall trout stocking was delayed until this week, when water conditions improved.

RI Outdoor News at BWS OutDoors

Fishing Report October 14 2014 Massachusetts

Conditions: Cloudy skies, air temperatures upper 60 degrees, water temperatures were 63 degrees, no wind to start but blustery at end and best baits of the day – Rapala Scatter Rap and L & N Jigs

With this unseasonably warm weather we have been having lately here in New England, I have been trying to connect with a friend for a day on the water. Today was to finally be that day and we picked a lake that he fishes frequently and I have been to once before.

Nice fishing during the week and also getting into this fall season as we generally always have the waters to ourselves and don’t need to deal with other boaters. This particular lake is much stained and there isn’t any type of structure that you can key in on. There are a few areas that still had green grass growing and those were the spots for the day.

Continue Report at BWS OutDoors

DEM invites Rhode Islanders to public open house at Rocky Point State park on Sunday October 25

The Department of Environmental Management announces that Rocky Point will be open to the public for the first time in almost two decades on Saturday, October 25, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Residents and visitors will have an opportunity to explore the grounds and see the progress being made in the redevelopment of Rocky Point as Rhode Island's newest coastal state park at this special public open house. The event will take place rain or shine.

RI Outdoor News at BWS OutDoors

Tide Chart Updated

We have updated our Tide Chart page at BackWoods Sportsman OutDoors for the month of December to the state of Massachusetts

Tide Charts at BWS OutDoors

Fishing Report October 9 2014 Massachusetts

Conditions: Sunny skies, air temperatures mid 50 degrees, water temperatures 62 degrees, very windy and best bait – CLAM PRO TACKLE Time Bomb

With the winter season approaching quickly as each day passes, trying to get in as much open water fishing as possible. Wanted to make another run at the city lake we had started fishing this year and go after the bass and crappies that swim in those waters.

At this time of year things really quiet down a lot and there is generally no worries about having to deal with other boaters and especially during the week as well. So I had the lake to myself and it started off weather wise very well with no winds to speak of. But that turned very quickly and the winds really started whipping and was going to be a roller coaster ride finding fish.

Continue Fishing Report at BWS OutDoors

N.H. Moose Hunt Is October 18-26, 2014

For nine exciting days, from October 18 to 26, 2014, lucky moose permit holders and their hunting partners will have the experience of a lifetime taking part in New Hampshire's annual moose hunt. A total of 124 permit holders were drawn in this year's lottery, randomly selected by computer from a pool of more than 10,000 applicants.

NH Outdoor News at BWS OutDoors

Hatchery improvement expected to increase health of Lake Champlain salmon

A significant upgrade at the Ed Weed Fish Culture Station in Grand Isle is expected to pay dividends for the health of the salmon population in Lake Champlain.

VT Outdoor News at BWS OutDoors

Gearing Kids up for Ice

At this time of year, in between fall and winter, kids are not participating much in angling adventures, as the weather turns cool and wet. So to keep their enthusiasm going strong about fishing as we approach the new season of fishing when the ice returns, keep them involved in activities revolving around fishing. Many ice anglers are in the mode these days of getting their ice gear together and ready and you should involve your kids in this process as well. Let them play around some with the ice fishing rod/reel so that they can get a feel for that once again. Have them help you sort through your baits especially the micro plastics, as they will have a fun time looking and touching these. As well as the electronics, you can show and teach them some about the flasher and camera inside your home by actually having them on and explaining what they are seeing on the screen. By keeping them involved in this preparation into a new season, this will keep their enthusiasm high for another great season of fishing ahead.

Fishing Tips at BWS OutDoors

Lake Champlain ranked among top smallmouth bass fisheries in North America

Lake Champlain has received yet another world-class fishing designation. Renowned fishing media outlet, World Fishing Network, ranks Lake Champlain one of the seven best smallmouth bass lakes in North America.

VT Outdoor News at BWS OutDoors

Take a Time Out for Turtles: Volunteers Needed for Nesting Beach Clean Up Day in Vermont

The annual spiny softshell turtle beach cleanup day is on Saturday, October 25, and Vermont Fish & Wildlife is looking for volunteers to help. Participants are asked to arrive at North Hero State Park between 10 and 11 a.m.

VT Outdoor News at BWS OutDoors

Open Water 2014 Picture added

We have updated our Open Water 2014 page at BackWoods Sportsman OutDoors for our fishing trip on October 14

Open Water 2014 at BWS OutDoors

Tide Chart page updated

We have updated our Tide Chart page at BackWoods Sportsman OutDoors for the month of December for the state of Connecticut

Tide Charts at BWS OutDoors

KIDS OutDoors page updated

We have updated our KIDS OutDoors page at BackWoods Sportsman OutDoors by adding the upcoming New England Outdoor Education classes for 10/13-10/22

KIDS OutDoors at BWS OutDoors

Tide Charts Updated

We have updated our Tide Charts page by adding the December Tide Charts for Rhode Island

Tide Charts at BWS OutDoors

Bacon-Wrapped Venison Roast

Ingredients:
4 pounds venison roast
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon sugar
½ teaspoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon ginger
¼ teaspoon cloves
6 thick slices bacon
1 cup red wine
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons breadcrumbs

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350°F
In a small bowl, combine rosemary, salt, sugar, cinnamon, pepper, ginger, and cloves
Rub mixture evenly over venison roast, patting down to adhere
Wrap bacon slices evenly over roast
Place roast in a roasting pan; pour wine over
Roast 2 hours 30 minutes, until meat is very soft and internal temperature reaches 150°F
Remove roast from pan; transfer to a serving platter
Place roasting pan over medium heat on stovetop; add remaining ingredients and simmer, scraping to mix juices, until thickened
Pour over roast and serve

Recipes at BWS OutDoors

Shot Placement Success

As many hunters have entered into their hunting seasons and the time spent practicing with their weapon of choice, a successful hunt comes down to shot placement. Knowing where to place the shot for an effective and quick kill, takes some knowledge as to where to place the shot as well and making sure that the shot is do-able. Where to place the shot is in the vital areas and by looking at the animal’s anatomy through a book or on the internet, the hunter should know where the general area is for a quick kill. The other important factor is being able to get that shot placement without hitting the animal in a non-vital area. If there is not a clear shot at the vitals, or there are obstructions in the way of the shot, the shot should never be placed as this may wound the animal and may never be recovered. Being able to hit the targeted area is very critical and if the hunter is not certain that can be done, then don’t take the shot and maybe the shot will present itself again or you may have to wait for another opportunity. Passing on the shot is better than wounding an animal that may die later and never be found, which would be a waste to the ecosystem….

Tips at BWS OutDoors

N.H. Youth Deer Hunt Set for October 25-26,2014

New Hampshire’s youth deer weekend, Saturday and Sunday, October 25-26, 2014, 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.

NH Outdoor News at BWS OutDoors

Rehabilitated Bald Eagle Released on Island in Squam Lake

A juvenile bald eagle was released into the wild on a Squam Lake island today by N.H. Fish and Game Conservation Officers and wildlife rehabilitator Maria Colby of Wings of the Dawn Bird Sanctuary in Henniker.

NH Outdoor News at BWS OutDoors

Rhode Island Conditional area A and the Conimicut Triangle to reopen to shellfishing at sunrise Saturday, October 11

The Department of Environmental Management announces that Conditional Area A and the Conimicut Triangle in the Upper Bay will reopen to shellfish harvesting at sunrise on Saturday, October 11. The shellfish closure that was already in place was extended on October 8 as a result of a sewage overflow from the Narragansett Bay Commission's and the City of Pawtucket's sewer system.

RI Outdoor News at BWS OutDoors

Fall Fishing Solitude

Fall is one of those seasons that seems to get forgotten in the fishing community. Many sportsmen are dual outdoor activities and when fall comes around, they concentrate their efforts more in the woods than on the water. But for those that stick with the water aspect of the fall time, these anglers are the ones that are going to reap the rewards. Fall fishing is probably one of the best times to catch that trophy of a lifetime and there maybe a number of them caught at that. The fish are feeding heavily to get ready for the long winter ahead and at the same time become very aggressive as well. Fast moving baits are a charm at this time of year as they allow you to cover vast amounts of water in a short period of time. Once you locate an area that has a school of fish using that area, then you can slow down a little and fish it more precisely if that is the case. Fishing in the fall I find is the best as more times than not you will have the whole lake to yourself and what other time of the open water season do you get that.

Tips at BWS OutDoors

Open Water Picture Page Updated

We have updated our Open Water Picture page at BackWoods Sportsman OutDoors for our latest fishing trip on October 9

Open Water Pictures at BWS OutDoors

Maine IFW Biologists Discuss Impact Of Bear Referendum With Biologists From States Where Similar Referendum Passed

With Maine’s bear management program the subject of a statewide referendum, Mainers are hearing a lot about Colorado, Oregon, Washington and Massachusetts, four states that have passed similar measures.

ME Outdoor News at BWS OutDoors

Tide Chart page updated

We have updated our Tide Charts page at BackWoods Sportsman OutDoors for the month of December for the state of New Hampshire

Tide Charts at BWS OutDoors

Rhode Island DEM's Aquatic resource education program offering saltwater fly-fishing workshop and fly-tying programs this fall

The Department of Environmental Management's Division of Fish and Wildlife will hold several fishing programs this fall. With stripers and bluefish plentiful in Narragansett Bay, autumn is one of the best times of the year to fish. Hosted by the Division's Aquatic Resource Education program, the programs include an introduction to saltwater fly-fishing workshop and a series of fly-tying classes. Pre-registration is required for most programs.

RI Outdoor News at BWS OutDoors

Tide Chart Page updated for Maine

We have updated our Tide Chart page at BackWoods Sportsman OutDoors for the month of December for the state of Maine.

Tide Charts at BWS OutDoors

Fall Crankin’ Difference

As the fall season continues on and the water temps keep dropping, fishing with a Crankbait only gets better as times draws nearer to ice up. There are a couple of differences in the cranks that we throw at this time of year and may help increase your hookup success. There are fat bodied and thin bodied Crankbaits on the market and they have their place and time to be fished. The fat bodied cranks have a wide wobble that is attractive to fish in the warmer times or when fish are more aggressive. But the thin bodied cranks really shine at this time of year with a very tight wobble on the retrieve. Fish in the cold waters of fall are a little more lethargic and will react much better to the thin bodied tight wobble Crankbait and should be a part of your tackle at this time of year. This is a reason why the rattle trap will work so well in the fall and spring as well. Try a thin bodied Crankbait the next time you are out there and this may put a few extra fish into the boat for you....

Tips at BWS OutDoors

Fishing Report October 5 2014 Massachusetts

Conditions: Partly cloudy skies, air temperatures mid 60 degrees, water temperatures 63 degrees, high winds and best bait – jig/pig black and blue

Since I was at this lake this previous week and found an area that was holding some nice jig fish, I wanted to give it another try with this technique and find some other areas. Fall time is a great time to be on the water as typically you will have the whole lake to yourself for most of the day. As the day went on, more boats started appearing but the winds were getting relentless and tough fishing some areas.

Continue Fishing Report at BWS OutDoors