Ban On “Actual” Emerald Shiners Won’t Impact Anglers, Will Help Keep Invasive Minnow Species Out Of Maine

A revised law recently banned the sale or use of Emerald Shiners and two other fish species from the list of legal baitfish. The ban on Emerald Shiners has received particular attention, even though it likely will not affect what anglers use for bait.

For many years, the term “Emerald Shiner” has been used by Maine anglers and bait dealers to describe what are actually Eastern Silvery Minnows (Hybognathus regius) or Common Shiners (Luxilus cornutus).

https://www.kevindahlkeoutdoors.com/single-post/2017/11/10/Ban-On-%25E2%2580%259CActual%25E2%2580%259D-Emerald-Shiners-Won%25E2%2580%2599t-Impact-Anglers-Will-Help-Keep-Invasive-Minnow-Species-Out-Of-Maine

Wildlife Biologists Complete Annual Duck Banding

New Hampshire Fish and Game wildlife biologists have completed the annual effort to attach hundreds of metal bands to ducks throughout the state. The pre-season banding effort is conducted in US states and Canadian provinces throughout the Atlantic Flyway in August and September.  This considerable effort provides survival rate data that is used in combination with breeding plot data, parts collection data, and HIP (National Migratory Bird Harvest Information Program) survey data as inputs for the model used to determine annual season regulations in the spring.

http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/newsroom/news.html?news=805

Prepping for Winter Crappie

Many boats have already been put away and the ice gear is at the ready, as the latest cold snap has ice fishing on everyone’s minds. There are still some of us that ice will be a while before we can walk on water again, so we are still taking to the open water in search of crappie.

This time of year, the waters are continually cooling and this effect, has the crappie getting into their schooling patterns. They will hold these patterns right into the ice season and finding them before freeze up, gives you a good starting point once safe ice comes.

https://www.kevindahlkeoutdoors.com/single-post/2017/11/09/Prepping-for-Winter-Crappie

Special Trout Stocking For Veterans Day Weekend

In honor of all veterans, the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) is stocking ponds across Rhode Island with some 4,000 trout in advance of Veterans Day – a popular time for recreational fishing.

The following waters will be stocked this week: Barber Pond, South Kingstown; Carolina Trout Pond, Richmond; Carbuncle Pond, Coventry; Meadowbrook Pond, Richmond; Olney Pond, Lincoln; Silver Spring Lake, North Kingstown; Wyoming Pond, Hopkinton; Wood River, Exeter (Barberville), Hope Valley (Dow Memorial Field), Hopkinton (Mechanic Street and Horseshoe Dam), Richmond (Alton Pond), and Exeter (Deep Pond for fly-fishing only); and the Pawcatuck River, Hopkinton (Bradford) and Charleston (Lower Shannock Brook). Carbuncle Pond, Olney Pond, Silver Spring Lake, and Lower Shannock Brook offer universal fishing access for disabled anglers. For daily updates on stocking locations, follow DEM's outdoor education page on Facebook: www.facebook.com/rioutdooreducation, or call 401-789-0281.

https://www.kevindahlkeoutdoors.com/single-post/2017/11/08/Special-Trout-Stocking-For-Veterans-Day-Weekend

Fall Shoreline Bass

More and more of our lakes are becoming void of activity as the weather is cooling off quickly, hunting seasons are underway and hints of ice fishing is coming very quickly. For those that are still out on the open waters, the fish are feeding and why not take that opportunity at catching them.

https://www.kevindahlkeoutdoors.com/single-post/2017/11/07/Fall-Shoreline-Bass

Join us for "Salmon Sunday"

This weekend, you'll have a chance to 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." The event takes place on Sunday, November 12, 2017, from 12 noon to 2 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.

http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/newsroom/news.html?news=803

Fall is Sampling Time For IFW Fisheries Staff

The sun is bright, the air crisp, and bright leaves crunch under foot.  Sure enough fall has arrived and your local biologist’s thoughts are turning to salmon.   Each fall biologists across the state utilize various fish capture techniques to get their hands on a sample of landlocked Atlantic salmon from a variety of waters to evaluate their growth and condition.

https://www1.maine.gov/wordpress/insideifw/2017/11/06/fall-is-sampling-time-for-ifw-fisheries-staff/

Hunters Eagerly Await Start of Firearms Season

The regular firearms deer hunting season opens November 8 in New Hampshire, a big day for the state's 58,000+ hunters.

The firearms deer season runs through December 3 in most of the state. In the northernmost Wildlife Management Unit (WMU) A, it closes November 26.

https://www.kevindahlkeoutdoors.com/single-post/2017/11/06/Hunters-Eagerly-Await-Start-of-Firearms-Season

Vermont’s Moose Hunt Preliminary Total is 40

The Vermont Fish &Wildlife Department says a preliminary count reveals hunters harvested 40 moose in this year’s regulated hunting seasons.

“A preliminary count on October 31 showed that hunters reported 8 moose being taken by 18 hunters in the October 1-7 archery season and 32 moose taken by 70 hunters in the October 21-26 regular season,” said Cedric Alexander, Vermont’s moose project leader. He said a few additional reports may still be sent in from other reporting agents.

https://www.kevindahlkeoutdoors.com/single-post/2017/11/02/Vermont%25E2%2580%2599s-Moose-Hunt-Preliminary-Total-is-40

68.5% of Hunters Successful in 2017 New Hampshire Moose Hunt

New Hampshire’s 2017 moose season wrapped up with hunters taking a total of 37 moose – 25 bulls and 12 cows – according to preliminary numbers from New Hampshire Fish and Game Department Moose Biologist Kristine Rines.

That means that hunters achieved a 68.5% success rate during the 9-day season. A total of 54 hunters took part in the hunt – 51 lottery permit holders, 1 medical deferment from last year, 1 permit auctioned off by the Wildlife Heritage Foundation of New Hampshire, and 1 Hunt of a Lifetime participant. In 2016, the overall success rate was 72%.

https://www.kevindahlkeoutdoors.com/single-post/2017/11/01/685-of-Hunters-Successful-in-2017-New-Hampshire-Moose-Hunt

Crappies in the fog and winds

The day started out at 38 degrees and very foggy, wind was almost nonexistent and the fish finder was reading 56 degrees for the current water temperature, but getting up to 60 degrees by day’s end.

Kevin made the trip down from Massachusetts to fish with fellow Staff member Michael on CT's largest natural lake, Bantam Lake which is 947 acres, with an average depth of 16 FOW with 26 FOW being the deepest.

https://www.kevindahlkeoutdoors.com/single-post/2017/10/31/Crappies-in-the-fog-and-winds

Deer Season Started Saturday in Maine

This past Saturday, October 28, marked the beginning of the regular firearm season for deer, an eagerly anticipated event for tens of thousands of hunters across the state. With three consecutive winters that were milder than normal across most of the state, Maine’s deer herd is growing, and hunters are likely to see more deer this year throughout the state.

https://www.kevindahlkeoutdoors.com/single-post/2017/10/30/Deer-Season-Started-Saturday-in-Maine

Young Hunters Encouraged to Participate (and Report) in Youth Deer Hunt November 4 and 5

The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department is urging young deer hunters to help scientific management of Vermont’s deer population by bringing the deer they take during the state’s November 4 and 5 youth deer hunt to a biological reporting station. 

“We encourage young hunters to bring their deer to a biological reporting station to get the deer weighed, aged and examined by a state wildlife biologist,” said Vermont’s deer biologist Nick Fortin. “Examining deer during youth deer hunting weekend is our best opportunity to assess the deer herd because young hunters are allowed to harvest any deer on that weekend, including spike bucks.” 

https://www.kevindahlkeoutdoors.com/single-post/2017/10/27/Young-Hunters-Encouraged-to-Participate-and-Report-in-Youth-Deer-Hunt-November-4-and-5

Vermont’s Rifle Deer Season Starts Saturday, Nov. 11

Hunters are gearing up for the start of Vermont’s traditionally popular 16-day rifle deer season that begins Saturday, November 11 and ends Sunday, November 26.

A hunter may take one buck during this season with at least one antler having two or more points one inch or longer. A point must be one inch or longer from base to tip. The main beam counts as a point, regardless of length. Spike-antlered deer, mostly yearlings, are protected during this season.

http://www.vtfishandwildlife.com/cms/One.aspx?portalId=73163&pageId=10994834

CT DEEP Reports Small Die-off in Local White-tailed Deer Herd Hemorrhagic disease confirmed in Middletown deer

Since early September, the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) Wildlife Division has documented in more than 50 white-tailed deer exhibiting symptoms associated with Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHDV-6), primarily in the towns of Middletown and Portland, with a few in Chester, Haddam, and Lyme.

EHDV-6 is transmitted to deer by tiny biting flies (midges). Although the virus has also been detected in other mammals, including mule deer, elk, and domestic cattle, white-tailed deer represent 95% of the affected animals. Once infected, the disease progresses rapidly with deer exhibiting symptoms that include swollen head, neck, tongue, or eyelids with a bloody discharge from the nasal cavity; ulcers on the tongue; and hemorrhaging of the heart and lungs followed by death within three to five days. The virus also creates high feverish conditions, causing infected deer to sometimes be found in or near water sources.

https://www.kevindahlkeoutdoors.com/single-post/2017/10/26/CT-DEEP-Reports-Small-Die-off-in-Local-White-tailed-Deer-Herd-Hemorrhagic-disease-confirmed-in-Middletown-deer

Kevin Dahlke Outdoors

https://www.kevindahlkeoutdoors.com/

Fall Smallmouth Feed

With the falling leaves, the water temperatures are dropping and that means the fish will be putting on their feed bags for the coming winter. Many of our ponds and lakes are drawn down for the winter months, so getting to the water is an adventure in its self.

With the water levels low, this eliminates a lot of the lakes area and does a little more of concentrating the fish. The winds have been fairly strong lately and fishing the windblown shorelines, these areas have more of the baitfish held there and that brings the fish in as well.

https://www.kevindahlkeoutdoors.com/single-post/2017/10/24/Fall-Smallmouth-Feed

N.H. Moose Hunt Opening Weekend Brings 19% Success

New Hampshire’s moose hunters achieved a 19% success rate during the first two days of the nine-day season. During the opening weekend (October 21-22, 2017), a total of 10 moose were taken by hunters statewide -- 8 bulls and 2 cows. In comparison, last year, 25% of moose hunters were successful during the opening weekend.

http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/newsroom/news.html?news=793

Sign Up for Snowmobile Safety Classes

Winter is almost here, and snowmobile education classes are underway across the state. To operate a snowmobile or off-highway recreational vehicle (OHRV) in New Hampshire, any person age 12 or older must have either a valid motor vehicle driver's license or have successfully completed an approved OHRV/Snowmobile Safety Education class taught by volunteer instructors and staff trained by the NH Fish and Game Department. Additionally, all children under the age of 14 must be accompanied by a licensed adult when operating a snowmobile or OHRV, unless they are on property belonging to their parents, grandparents, or guardians.

http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/newsroom/news.html?news=790

"Salmon Sunday" Is November 12 -- Learn About the Salmon Life Cycle

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 12, 2017, from 12 noon to 2 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.

http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/newsroom/news.html?news=791

Life Jackets Increase Chances of Surviving Boating Accidents Especially as Waters Cool in Fall

Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) reminds all boaters that from October 1 – May 31, Connecticut law requires anyone using a manually propelled vessel – such as a kayak, canoe, stand up paddleboard  or rowboat – to wear a proper fitting life jacket at all times.

http://www.ct.gov/deep/cwp/view.asp?Q=597026&A=4918

Fisheries Staff Surveys Remote Ponds

The Native Fish Conservation Group, a section of the Fisheries division that focuses on conservation and restoration of native fish, has completed another successful season of surveying some of Maine’s remote and difficult to access ponds.

https://www1.maine.gov/wordpress/insideifw/2017/10/13/2494/

Vermont Bald Eagles Nest in Record Numbers in 2017

Vermont’s bald eagle population continued its recovery in 2017. Twenty-one pairs of adult bald eagles successfully produced 35 young in Vermont in 2017, a modern-day record in the state according to the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department. The species remains on Vermont’s endangered species list, but another strong year of growth has biologists hopeful for their continued recovery. 

http://www.vtfishandwildlife.com/cms/One.aspx?portalId=73163&pageId=10780248

Introductory Fly Tying Course Offered in Dunbarton

Interested in learning the art of fly tying? The NH Fish and Game Department’s Let’s Go Fishing Program is offering a free four evening introductory course on Tuesday and Thursday evenings in November and December (November 28 and 30 and December 5 and 7) in Dunbarton, NH. Participants must commit to attending all four sessions.

http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/newsroom/news.html?news=786

Report Your Rabbit Sightings

If you see a rabbit, report it! NH Rabbit Reports (nhrabbitreports.org), a new citizen science project sponsored by UNH Cooperative Extension and the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, with support from the Wildlife Heritage Foundation of New Hampshire, is seeking participants to collect data, take photos, and report sightings of rabbits throughout New Hampshire.​

http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/newsroom/news.html?news=787

Fall Striper Bonanza?

Fall time brings on a whole new fishing and exciting time for being on the water, fish are feeding for the winter months and moving towards their winter locations. The Stripers on the East coast are leaving their Maine locations and heading down the coast towards their wintering grounds.

We have been trying a bit more striper fishing this summer and have heard that the fish had been using the canal in southern MA preparing for their fall migration. The canal is setup very fisher friendly meaning, there are bike paths on both sides and you can fish the whole length of the canal that is about 7 miles long.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/blog-reports.html

N.H. Moose Hunt Is October 21-29, 2017

For nine exciting days, October 21-29, 2017, lucky moose permit holders and their hunting partners will have the experience of a lifetime taking part in New Hampshire’s annual moose hunt.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/home.html

Maine Fish Stocking Report

The fish stocking report now features daily updates from hatchery staff. Instead of hearing when and where the hatcheries have stocked well after the season has ended, anglers now will be able to easily locate waters freshly stocked with catchable trout.​

http://www.state.me.us/ifw/fishing-boating/fishing/fish-stocking-report.html

Motorists, Watch for Deer and Moose this Fall​

Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) reminds motorists to be watchful of increased deer and moose activity along roadways, especially during early morning and evening hours.

http://www.ct.gov/deep/cwp/view.asp?Q=596854&A=4918

Boat Ramp Closure at Wellington State Park (Newfound Lake)

The closure of the public ramp facility at Wellington State Park (Newfound Lake) has been confirmed for Friday, October 13, to enable removal of the floating dock and pilings at the boat ramp.

http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/newsroom/news.html?news=784

Fall Fishing Action Heating Up Across Vermont

A recent mix of cool nights and unseasonably warm days has created optimal conditions for fall fishing, and anglers throughout Vermont are reporting that the action is beginning to pick up for both warm and cold-water fish species. 

http://www.vtfishandwildlife.com/cms/One.aspx?portalId=73163&pageId=10692098

Fall is in the Air

Finally, the temperatures are getting to where they are supposed to be for this time of year. That means that the water temperatures are finally going to start dropping and that in turn will get the fish into their fall feeding mood.

Our fish are still relating to the deeper water and haven’t moved towards the shallows yet. Finding structure is key as to where the fish have been positioned and also finding schools of baitfish is a key factor.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/blog-reports.html

DEM, Central Falls Team Up To Host Family Fishing Event At Lincoln Woods This Weekend

The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM), in partnership with the City of Central Falls and Progreso Latino, will host a family fishing event at Lincoln Woods State Park on Saturday. The event is part of DEM's ongoing efforts to promote outdoor recreation and environmental education in communities across the state.

http://www.ri.gov/press/view/31582

Hike Safe on the Trails This Fall

N.H. Fish and Game Department reminds motorists to be extra cautious while traveling Granite State roadways because moose are on the move.

http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/newsroom/news.html?news=781

Brake for Moose -- It Could Save Your Life!

N.H. Fish and Game Department reminds motorists to be extra cautious while traveling Granite State roadways because moose are on the move.

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

Boat Ramp Closure at Wellington State Park to Remove Seasonal Dock and Pilings

The public boat access facility to Newfound Lake at Wellington State Park in Bristol, N.H., will be closing for one day to remove the floating dock and pilings at the boat ramp.  The effort will take place during the week of October 10-13.  Safe-work conditions will be dependent on the weather, so a specific day cannot be determined at this time. The exact day of the closure will be announced as soon as it can be confirmed.

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

Join VT F&W for Bird Banding Week in Addison

Bird-lovers are invited to join the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department at the new Dead Creek Visitor Center in Addison to learn more about bird banding and conservation. The department is partnering with Otter Creek Audubon to host Bird Banding Week with hands-on bird banding demonstrations.

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