Snowshoe Hare Hunting Workshop - January 28 in Holderness

Learn about the exciting sport of snowshoe hare hunting at a free workshop being offered at the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department’s Owl Brook Hunter Education Center in Holderness, N.H. The workshop will take place from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 28, 2017. Space is limited and pre-registration is required.

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

Conditional Shellfishing Area "Conimicut Triangle" Reopens

The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) announced today the Conimicut Triangle in Upper Narragansett Bay will reopen to shellfish harvesting at sunrise tomorrow, Friday December 23. The opening comes more than two days earlier than expected.



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Trout Stocking Wraps Up Next Week for the Winter Season

The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) announced today it will complete its winter season trout stocking next week. Some 1,200 rainbow and brook trout will be released into Olney Pond, Lincoln Woods State Park in Lincoln; Upper Mellville Pond, Portsmouth; Carbuncle Pond, Coventry; Breakheart Pond, Arcadia Management Area in Exeter; and the Roundtop Ponds in Burrillville.

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

Recreational Fishing Changes for 2017

New Hampshire anglers should be aware of several new rules in effect for 2017.

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

IFW Ice Fishing Report For December 22, 2016

The early season cold has made for some excellent early season ice fishing opportunities in the southern part of the state.

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

2016 New Hampshire Turkey Virus Monitoring Update

This was the fifth year biologists were recording evidence of avian pox virus and Lymphoproliferative disease virus (LPDV) in turkeys.  While turkeys are still being affected throughout the state, numbers with the debilitating clinical lesions in the head/eye area appear minimal.

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

NH Hunting Report - December 21, 2016

The unofficial deer kill for New Hampshire’s 2016 hunting season was 10,702, down slightly (2%) from the 2015 final kill of 10,895. Based on this estimate, the 2016 total represents the 7th highest kill in the last 9 years and is very similar to the 20-year average of 10,912.  Deer hunting seasons are now closed in the state.

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

Report your Winter Wild Turkey Sightings January 1 - March 31

Wild turkeys will soon be gathering at backyard birdfeeders, and the NH Fish and Game Department is asking the public to report sightings of wild turkeys online at www.wildnh.com/surveys/turkey.html starting January 1. Please do not report multiple sightings of the same flock. The state’s Wild Turkey Winter Flock Survey runs through March 31.

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

VT F&W Offers Ice Safety Tips

The recent arrival of cold temperature has formed early-season ice on Vermont ponds, lakes and rivers. The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department reminds winter enthusiasts that ice should never be considered safe and ice conditions vary.

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

2017 New Hampshire Fishing and Hunting Licenses Available

New Hampshire fishing and hunting licenses for 2017 are now available. Purchase yours today and get set for a WILD year of outdoor adventure, from ice fishing this winter to bagging your deer next fall. Licenses are good for the calendar year, from January 1 through December 31, 2017. Purchase online at www.nhfishandgame.com, at the N.H. Fish and Game Department in Concord, or from a Fish and Game license agents across the state.

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

Snow Provides Wildlife Tracking Opportunities

The bountiful snowfall in Vermont’s woods and field this December provides ample opportunities to head outdoors looking for signs of wildlife. Snowshoers, skiers and other winter adventurers are encouraged to keep an eye to the snow for tracks this time of year.

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

Newest Poster Benefits Maine’s Endangered And Threatened Species

The Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife’s newest poster features Maine’s 51 endangered and threatened fish and wildlife, and proceeds from the sale go directly to help these species.

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

Register in January for "Becoming an Outdoors-Woman" Winter Workshop

Registration will open January 9 for New Hampshire’s 2017 Becoming an Outdoors-Woman (BOW) Winter Workshop, a one-day program where women learn outdoor skills to enjoy during the winter months.

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

Stocking Season Nearly Completed!

Stocking season is nearly complete! With snow on the ground, and ice skimming over many ponds and lake, some might say not a moment too soon.

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

Tune up your Ice Fishing at these Free Talks in January

Improve your ice fishing skills by taking advantage of two free ice fishing seminars presented this January at the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, 11 Hazen Drive in Concord. No pre-registration is necessary. Talks begin at 7:00 p.m. See you there!

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

Bird Feeding Basics

With winter weather now taking hold, Vermonters are readying their bird feeders. But before residents put up their avian offerings, Vermont Fish & Wildlife recommends a review of the bird feeding basics.

VT Outdoor News at Kevin Dahlke's BWS Outdoors

Fairfield Man Cited for Deer Poaching

Vermont state game wardens arrested Nicholas Robert, 29, of Fairfield, Vermont on December 6 and charged him with four counts of taking deer during closed season and hunting deer with bait.

VT Outdoor News at Kevin Dahlke's BWS Outdoors

DEM Stocks Ponds with Trout Just in Time for Winter Fishing Season

The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) has begun stocking local waters with trout for the winter fishing season. Some 2,000 brook trout have been added to four ponds: Barber Pond, South Kingstown; Silver Spring Pond, North Kingstown; and Meadowbrook and Wyoming Ponds, in Richmond. Later this month, additional locations will be announced.

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

Registration Opens for Free Winter Indoor Archery Programs

Are you interested in trying archery for the first time?  Or maybe keeping your archery skills in tune once archery season comes to an end? This winter, the N.H. Fish and Game Department is once again offering free archery programs for both beginners and experienced archers who want to learn new skills or improve their current skills. Both programs will be held at Fish and Game's Owl Brook Hunter Education Center, located at 387 Perch Pond Road in Holderness, N.H. Registration is now open.

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

2017 Licenses Available Online Dec. 12

Vermont hunting, fishing and trapping licenses for 2017 will be available on the Fish & Wildlife Department’s website (www.vtfishandwildlife.com) on December 12.

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

Reward For Information: Two Canada Lynx Found Dead

A reward of up to $5,500 is being offered in connection with the recent illegal killings of two Canada Lynx in Maine. The Maine Warden Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service investigators are seeking information regarding two separate Canada Lynx shootings in northern Oxford County and Aroostook County.

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

Multiple New Hampshire Foxes Displaying Symptoms of Canine Distemper

Deceased gray foxes displaying symptoms of Canine Distemper have been reported recently in the Upper Connecticut River Valley and southern New Hampshire. The NH Fish and Game Department and the NH Department of Agriculture, Markets & Food advise the public to be aware of this situation and to be diligent about keeping pet vaccinations current.

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

Changes to Permanent Hunting/Fishing Licenses Coming in 2017

The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department is reminding hunters and anglers of changes to permanent license laws that go into effect starting on January 1, 2017. A permanent hunting and fishing license is currently available to Vermont residents aged 65 and older for a one-time fee of $50. Starting January 1, the eligible age will be raised to 70 and the license will be free.

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

NH Wildlife Officials Warn of Fishing and Hunting License Scam

The N.H. Fish and Game Department is warning consumers of a scam that fools people into paying for a fishing license without actually providing one.

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How the Wild Turkey Contributed to Thanksgiving

One of our native wildlife species historically played an important role on Thanksgiving Day. North America’s native wild turkeys were the ancestors of the Thanksgiving turkey on our dinner table.

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Enjoying The Bounty Of Your Hunt

Deer hunting in Maine is growing in popularity, and one of the reasons is due to the health benefits and fine taste of venison.

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

Public Hearing Set for Proposed Winter Free Fishing Day and Other Fishing Rules

New Hampshire would have an additional free fishing day on the third Saturday in January, under rules proposed by the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department that will be the topic of a public hearing at 1:30 p.m. on December 6 at the N.H. Fish and Game Department, 11 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH.

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

Goose Hunting Season Opens This Weekend

The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) today announced hunting season for Canada goose opens this weekend, running Saturday, November 19 - Sunday, November 27. Goose hunting is also allowed Saturday, December 3 - Monday, January 30, 2017.

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

The 2nd weekend at Deer Camp

Dad, Big Buck Down. “What??” My dad says. Dad, BIG…. BUCK…. DOWN. “I am on my way!”

For many, Deer Hunting consists of family traditions and gatherings and for my family, it is no different. The 2nd weekend of Deer Camp kicks off with the annual Friday Night Prime Rib Dinner down in Aitkin. From there we head off to the McGregor Area to start a weekend full of deer hunting at our Family Cabin.

 

Saturday morning, I settled into my deer stand only to be faced with a very strong SSW wind gusting up to 22 mph. As I wait for the clear night sky to wake up, I sat there reminiscing about all the deer I have harvested from this deer stand that I call “The Grand Stand”. While I hope today will be the day where I can talk about another successful hunt.

 

http://www.hsmoutdoorsllc.com/single-post/2016/11/16/The-2nd-weekend-at-Deer-Camp

General Firearms Deer Season Begins November 16 DEEP Reminds Outdoor Enthusiasts to Be Safe

Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) today issued a safety reminder for outdoor enthusiasts as a variety of hunting seasons are currently underway – most notably the opening of the fall firearms deer season, which begins on Wednesday, November 16. Specific deer hunting season information is available on the DEEP website at www.ct.gov/deep/hunting.

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

Tri-state Snowmobile Weekend Set for January 27-29, 2017

It’s time to start making plans for the New Hampshire-Vermont-Maine reciprocal snowmobile weekend, coming January 27-29, 2017 (Friday through Sunday). The tri-state event gives snowmobile enthusiasts a chance to explore new trails in northern New England.

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

Muzzleloader Antlerless Permits are Mailed

Antlerless permits for Vermont’s muzzleloader deer season were mailed to recipients on November 14, according to the Fish & Wildlife Department.

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2016-17 winter regulations open Mille Lacs walleye fishing

Walleye



 Anglers will be able to fish for and keep walleye at Mille Lacs Lake this winter. The winter walleye regulation will allow anglers to keep one walleye between 19 and 21 inches or one longer than 28 inches. The winter walleye season begins Thursday, Dec. 1, and extends through Sunday, Feb. 26, 2017.

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Fall Presents Deer Hunters with Bird Watching

For many Vermonters, late fall means time spent in the woods hunting deer. Yet, while sitting patiently in deer stands, or sneaking silently through the woods, hunters also see plenty of other wildlife, including a variety of birds.

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

Minor Gel Coat Repair

Anyone that owns a fiberglass boat will unfortunately at some point create a scratch, dig a gouge or put a chip into the gel coat. Gel coat is basically like hard paint that covers the fiberglass on the outside layer of your boat and this gives it that nice shiny finish. If this happens to you, don't worry, here is a way to repair that damage and make your boat look new again.

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How Dock Fishing, Can Make You a Better Ice Angler

Most people these days, have a "flasher" style fish finder that they use for ice fishing, but when the season is over, they put that flasher away and don't think about it until the temps start dropping again the next year.

 

However, when asked, numbers of people will say that, “they don't feel like they know what they are looking at”, when they do use it. I have found that by using mine all season long, I am much more comfortable and also a better angler when the hard water season comes back around.

 

http://www.hsmoutdoorsllc.com/single-post/2016/11/08/How-Dock-Fishing-Can-Make-You-a-Better-Ice-Angler

Report Wildlife Law Violators!

Are you aware of a poaching situation? What about trespassing, destruction of property, littering or theft?  Call Operation Game Thief! If you observe someone taking an over-limit of fish, shooting an animal out of season, hunting without a license, or leaving trash in an area where they have been hunting or fishing, let Operation Game Thief know about it.  

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

Rifle Season Hunters Urged to Help Gather Info.

Hunters participating in Vermont’s 16-day rifle deer season that begins November 12 and ends Sunday, November 27 are being asked to help gather biological data.

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

Watch for Deer on the Roads

Motorists are advised to watch for deer crossing roadways this time of year, especially at dawn and dusk.  Deer are very active right now, as the mating season, or rut, is underway and bucks and does have their minds on other things than traffic!

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

What means the most

November is here and it has ushered in the cool nights, frost in the mornings and the bucks chasing does. Many of you reading this article share the very same fascination from hanging game cameras in July to the last ice in March. Winter sure brings a strong anticipation for us outdoor enthusiasts. If you’re like me, I can’t sleep the entire month of September with the anticipation of ice fishing, then before you know it, April brings May flowers and the process repeats itself.

http://www.hsmoutdoorsllc.com/single-post/2016/11/06/What-means-the-most

Regular Firearms Deer Season Opens November 9, 2016

The opening day of the regular firearms hunting season, a big day for New Hampshire's 58,000+ hunters, will occur on November 9, 2016.  

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

NH Hunting Report - November 3, 2016

According to Deer Biologist Dan Bergeron, deer breeding activity is picking up, so the next few weeks should provide prime hunting opportunities.  With this upswing in breeding activity, some beautiful deer have already been taken in the northern part of the state.  While collecting data at a bio-check station at L.L. Cote in Errol, biologist Andrew Schafermeyer checked several huge New Hampshire deer over the opening muzzleloader weekend.

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

Pre-Rut in MN

In a few days, the men and women in orange will hit the woods of MN in search of the elusive 30 point buck. The week before rifle opener can be full of surprises as young bucks begin to chase does and as an archery hunter, you keep your fingers crossed that the big one might slip up and give you the opportunity you've been practicing for all year.

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Salmon Sunday Reminder - Meet Underwater photographer Bob Michelson!

Come explore the life cycle of landlocked salmon at the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department's annual "Salmon Sunday" at Pope Dam in Melvin Village on Sunday, November 13, 2016, from 12 noon to 2 p.m. Pope Dam is nine miles north of Wolfeboro on Route 109 in the town of Tuftonboro, NH.

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

The 2017 VT Fish & Wildlife Calendar is Available

Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department and Vermont Life Magazine announce the release of the colorful 2017 Fish & Wildlife Calendar. Filled with stunning photos of Vermont wildlife, including moose, snow geese, steelhead rainbow trout, egrets, and whitetail deer, the calendar includes photos by many well-known Vermont photographers including Roger Irwin, Mary Holland, and Kurt Budliger.

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

An October Tradition...In the Marsh

Having been born and raised in Northwestern Ontario, hunting and fishing were natural fits for me considering the endless opportunities for both. I currently have a serious obsession with smallmouth bass, however, that has not always been the case. As a youngster, fall was the time of year I coveted most. The changing of colors and cool North breezes of October meant only one thing; the annual waterfowl migration was about to hit its peak and I’d be waiting in the marsh when it did.

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2016 NH Youth Deer Hunt Weekend Results

Preliminary reports show that young hunters succeeded in harvesting 246 deer during the 2016 Youth Deer Hunt Weekend in New Hampshire, down 37% from the official 2015 total of 391. This unofficial total does not include information from all registration stations.  The 2016 total is below the average since the special youth deer hunt began in 1999.

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

VT’s Rifle Deer Season Starts Saturday, Nov. 12

Hunters are gearing up for the start of Vermont’s statewide traditionally popular 16-day rifle deer season that begins November 12 and ends Sunday, November 27.

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

Deer Stand Safety

All across the country, many areas are either into or getting ready for the annual fall deer hunting season. Lots of excitement and anticipation comes with every new season and there are always things that get over looked.

The deer stands that we use, if left in the woods year after year, need to be looked at before every season as well as every time that you use that location. Many parts of the deer stand can either malfunction or just plain fall apart throughout the days left in the weather.

http://www.hsmoutdoorsllc.com/single-post/2016/10/31/Deer-Stand-Safety

$30,000 in grants available to support Community Tree Programs

The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM), in partnership with the United States Forest Service and the Rhode Island Tree Council, today announced $30,000 is available in matching grants to support local tree programs. A Request for Proposals is now open - with a deadline of December 30, 2016. Over the past 24 years, DEM has awarded more than $5 million in grants under the America the Beautiful Tree Rhode Island program.

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