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

CLAM PRO TACKLE Blade Spoon

Cover a swath of horizontal territory with the water slicing, random fluttering Blade Spoon. The secret is the flat rhombic triangle front – slices through the water on the upward snap, then contributes to an incredibly realistic, dying baitfish flutter as you let it free-fall on slack line.Unique blade knife-like profile fish haven't seen. Blade cuts through the water column to reach the depths. No way to keep it in the cone angle until it settles back. Call fish in, then yo-yo it in their face to finish the job.

New Product at BWS OutDoors

 

Vermont Moose Check Stations Open Oct. 18-23

The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department reminds moose hunters with permits for the October 18-23 moose hunting season that if they take a moose, they must bring it to one of the five designated biological moose reporting stations within 48 hours.

VT News at BWS OutDoors

N.H. Food Bank Seeks Meat Donations from Hunters

New Hampshire hunters can share their fall harvest with the needy through the “Hunt for the Hungry” program at the New Hampshire Food Bank. Once again this fall, the food bank is collecting donations of whole or processed game animals for distribution to more than 400 food pantries, soup kitchens, homeless shelters and group homes statewide.

NH News at BWS OutDoors

Prime Fall Time Fishing

Many anglers enjoy fishing throughout the summer months and one can’t blame them as the weather is so much more tolerable as opposed to either the spring or fall. But to those that put their boats and equipment away after the Labor Day weekend holiday; these anglers are the ones that are missing the best part of the year for catching quality fish.

As the temperatures are getting cooler with everyday that passes, this will take the temperature of the lake down with it as well. Taking the waters from around 80 degrees down into the low 60’s, this is like a trigger that is being pulled as the fish know that it is time to put the feed bag on and start putting some weight on them before the long winter ahead.

Many fish go into somewhat of a dormant stage in the northern part of the country throughout the winter months. So for them to be able to handle those long northern winters they need to put on more weight so that they will be able to draw from that as each day of the cold season passes. So to put on this extra weight that they will need, these fish are eating and chasing everything in sight.

Continue Article at BWS OutDoors

Bluegill Parmesan

Ingredients:1/4 cup butter, melted1/2 cup dry bread crumbs1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley1 teaspoon salt1/2 teaspoon paprika1/4 teaspoon dried oregano1/4 teaspoon dried basil1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 pound bluegill or crappie

Directions:Place butter in a shallow bowl
In another shallow bowl, combine the bread crumbs, cheese and seasonings
Dip fish in butter, then coat with crumb mixturePlace in a greased 15-in x 10-in x 1-in baking pan
Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 20 minutes or until fish flakes easily with a fork
Yield: 4 servings

Recipes at BWS OutDoors

Halloween Wildlife Festival and Jack-O’-Lantern Hike at Kehoe Conservation in Vermont

Looking for a “wild” family-based adventure for Halloween this year? The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department is inviting families to attend the annual Halloween Wildlife Festival and Jack-o’Lantern Hike at the Education Center of the Edward F. Kehoe Green Mountain Conservation Camp on Point of Pine Road in Castleton on Friday, October 24, from 5 to 8 p.m.

VT Outdoor News at BWS OutDoors

Sunrise/Set Table for Providence Rhode Island

We have updated our sunrise sunset table web page for Providence, Rhode Island for the month of November.

Sunrise/set table at BWS OutDoors

Get the Ice Gear Ready

As fall fades away to winter, the open water season is coming towards an end but not quite yet. For those that are still venturing onto the open waters, there are still fish to be caught. Sure it is getting a little harder to get out there and the weather is getting cooler, but a little preparation will go a long ways in these cooler fall days. Panfish are a great choice of fish to chase as they can be found fairly easily and give a great fight. Many fishers target panfish in the winter months and why not enjoy today catching them as well. This time of year will also allow you to use your ice fishing gear and that is another point at getting ready for the ice season ahead. Take advantage of these fall days of fishing as many other fishers out there are missing out as they are waiting for the ice.

Tips at BWS OutDoors

KIDS OutDoors New England Outdoor Education Classes

We have updated our KIDS OutDoors web page for the upcoming New England Outdoor education classes being offered for the week of October 6-13

KIDS OutDoors at BWS OutDoors

Vermont anglers, hunters and boaters reminded about cold water safety

With the onset of autumn and resulting cold air and water temperatures, the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department is urging anglers, hunters and boaters to take caution and exercise safe practices while on the water this fall.

VT OutDoors News at BWS OutDoors

NH offers Free Outdoor Adventure Talk – Wild Game, from Field to Table

Master game chef Denny Corriveau, founder of the Free Range Culinary Institute, will take the mystery out of cooking venison and other wild game at a free talk on Wednesday, October 8, 2014, at 7 p.m. at the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, 11 Hazen Drive, Concord, N.H.

NH OutDoor News at BWS OutDoors

Baked Haddock

Ingredients:
3/4 cup milk
2 teaspoons salt
3/4 cup bread crumbs
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
1/4 teaspoon ground dried thyme
4 haddock fillets
1/4 cup butter, melted

Directions:
Preheat oven to 500 degrees F
In a small bowl, combine the milk and salt
In a seperate bowl, mix together the bread crumbs, parmesan cheese and thyme
Dip the haddock fillets in the milk
Then press into the crumb mixture to coat
Place haddock fillets in a glass baking dish
Drizzle with melted butter
Bake on the top rack of the preheated oven until the fish flakes easily, about 15 minutes

Saltwater Recipes at BWS Outdoors

BBQ Smoked Pheasant

Ingredients:
Several Whole Birds
Liquid Smoke
Soy Sauce
Garlic Salt
Bacon
Wood Chips and Coals
BBQ sauce
Salt
Pepper
Seasonings

Directions:
Soak birds for 24 hours in a brine of water, soy sauce, liquid smoke, and garlic salt
Remove birds and truss with bamboo skewer
Make slice along breast bone and insert 1/2 piece of bacon along each side
Wrap birds with bacon
Smoke birds over a charcoal smoker for 4 hours at approx 200 degrees or so
Remove birds and completely debone - go ahead and scrape all the meat off
Try not to eat all the breast meat (it will taste good, though) and save some fo remainder of recipe
Place meat in large crockpot with BBQ sauce and your choice of additional seasonings
If you like yours spicy, then throw in some hot sauce
Heat on high until hot, and then turn to low for 4 hours
Stir every 45 minutes or so to break up meat
Game Bird Recipes at BWS OutDoors

Fishing Report September 26 2014 Massachusetts

 

Conditions: Sunny skies, air temperatures mid-50’s to mid-60’s degrees, water temperatures mid-60’s degrees, no wind to start to moderate winds later and best bait – jig/pig

Wanted to fish this lake at least once more this fall to finish mapping what I had left so that we are ready for the ice season ahead. Always is amazing that while idling around mapping with the Lowrance Insight Genesis, you see structures on the lakes bottom that you had never known were there before. Really amazing how the electronics has gotten to where we are today and it will really be something to see what the future will bring.

I started on a new underwater ridge that I had found and there wasn’t much for grass on it but there was definitely a lot of rock and gravel. Fished this area for quite a while with a few different baits, 4 inch plastic worm, crankbait and a sunfish style crankbait, and only had bites from the plastic worm and could tell that they were panfish.

Continue Report at BWS OutDoors

 

 

Fall Fishing

Fall fishing can be some of the best fishing as well as some very tough fishing with the ever changing water temps and fall turnover occurring. The name of the game for a successful fall fishing trip is to cover as much water as possible. Try and locate green vegetation as this is some of the only things that are still putting fresh oxygen into the waters. Green vegetation is a fish magnet and the fish in the lakes are searching out these areas of green vegetation. By covering vast amounts of water, this will allow you to present your bait to more fish in that particular lake. Once an area is found to hold fish, then you can slow down and work that area more meticulously and hopefully catch a number of fish. These areas may have schools of fish in them since fall time the fish are doing more schooling together now as opposed to other times of the year. Get out there and enjoy the fall weather and cover water as much as you can.

More Tips at BWS OutDoors

Another Promising Year for Vermont's Winooski River Salmon

Vermont anglers have something new to smile about. Strong spawning runs of landlocked Atlantic salmon from Lake Champlain have been returning to the Winooski River in the fall. The runs are monitored annually at the Winooski River fish lift, the main feature of a trap and truck fish passage project built into the Winooski One hydroelectric facility above the Salmon Hole in Winooski.

VT OutDoor News at BWS OutDoors

Fall Fish are Shallow

We are getting deep into the fall season here in New England and many anglers have put away their gear for the winter. The anglers that are still out there on the water, these anglers are the ones that are catching nice fish and numbers of fish as well. There is a surprising thing that the angler can take advantage of at this time of year and that is fishing shallow water. The waters are still somewhat warm and there are still green weeds in the shallower waters. Fish are still using these areas to feed heavily as they fatten themselves for the winter ahead. If you are fishing deep in the fall try fishing shallow as well and this may increase your chances of catching some nice fish. If they are not biting shallow, then move out deeper but don’t overlook the shallow bite.

Tips at BWS OutDoors

Connecticut DEEP Announces Opening Days of Upcoming Fall Firearms Hunting Seasons

Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) has announced the Opening Days of the upcoming fall firearms hunting seasons. Peak hunting occurs during early morning and late afternoon, primarily during the period from mid-October through mid-December.

CT OutDoor News at BWS OutDoors

Vermont Big Game Reporting Stations -- Updated

Hunters who take a bear, deer, turkey, or moose during the Vermont hunting seasons must bring the animal within 48 hours to the nearest game warden or to the nearest Vermont Fish & Wildlife reporting station

VT OutDoor News at BWS OutDoors

Bacon Topped Venison Meatloaf

Ingredients:
2 eggs
2 cups soft bread crumbs
1/2 cup chopped sweet onion
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup ketchup
1 tbls cider vinegar
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp worcestershire sauce
1 pound ground venison
1/2 pound bulk pork sausage
4 bacon strips

Directions:In a large bowl, combine the first eight ingredients
Crumble venison and sausage over mixture and mix well
Shape into a loaf in a greased 11-in. x 7-in. baking dish
Top with bacon strips
Bake, uncovered, at 400° for 40-45 minutes or until a thermometer reads 160°
Let stand for 5-10 minutes before slicing
Yield: 6 servings
Recipes at BWS OutDoors

Fishing Report September 23 2014 Massachusetts

 

Conditions: Sunny skies, air temperatures mid 50’s to mid-60 degrees, water temperatures in the upper 60’s, winds light and bait of the day – Rapala Scatter Rap shallow diver

 Have you ever had one of those trips to the lake that you detested going there as you arrived to the boat landing? The lake that I fished today is that lake. I like fishing here in the spring as you can always throw a jig and come up with some large bass but once that time of year has come and gone, this lake is that one that we just cannot figure out.

Continue Fishing Report at BWS OutDoors

Connecticut Tide Chart Addition

We have updated our Tide Chart page at BackWoods Sportsman OutDoors to include the November Tide Charts for Connecticut's waters.

Tide Charts at BWS OutDoors

Vermont Sends An Archery Season Reminder from F&W

The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department reminds hunters that no antlerless deer may be taken in three Wildlife Management Units (WMUs) in the Northeast Kingdom during the 2014 archery season. The boundaries of several of the WMUs also were changed this year.

VT  OutDoor News at BWS OutDoors

Maine's Hunting Report for September 30, 2014

In Region A, October 1 marks the beginning of pheasant season, and IFW biologists and clubs have been busy releasing birds throughout the region.

ME OutDoor News at BWS OutDoors

Connecticut Announces Temporary Closure of Silver Lake State Boat Launch, Berlin

Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) today announced that it will temporarily close the Silver Lake State Boat Launch, Berlin on Wednesday, October 1st for removal of heavy equipment from a completed dredging project

CT OutDoors News at BWS OutDoors

Connecticut Begins Fall Atlantic Salmon Stockings

Connecticut’s Department of Energy & Environmental Protection (DEEP) today announced that its 2014 autumn stockings of broodstock Atlantic salmon have begun. DEEP’s Inland Fisheries Division last week released 500 salmon into the Naugatuck River (150 fish), Mount Tom Pond (100 fish), Crystal Lake (Ellington –125 fish) and Beach Pond (125 fish).

CT OutDoors News at BWS OutDoors