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

Steelhead Rainbow Trout Runs Are Happening Now

One of Vermont’s premier wildlife watching opportunities is happening right now.  The steelhead rainbow trout have started their upstream migration, leaping up waterfalls in a spectacular display of determination on their way to their spawning grounds.

The best place to spot steelhead is at Willoughby Falls just outside Orleans in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom.  Other places to see migrating steelhead include Coventry Falls on the Black River in Coventry and Lewis Creek Falls in North Ferrisburgh, though Willoughby Falls remains the best viewing opportunity.

https://www.kevindahlkeoutdoors.com/single-post/2018/05/04/Steelhead-Rainbow-Trout-Runs-Are-Happening-Now

Be Alert to Avoid Moose on the Highway

Drivers need to be alert and cautious because moose are on the move, according to the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department.   Moose are more likely to be crossing roadways at this time of year, especially after dark or early in the morning as they move from wintering areas to spring feeding locations.

More moose are hit by motorists in the spring than at any other time of the year.  There is another peak of activity in September and October, the breeding season for moose.

https://www.kevindahlkeoutdoors.com/single-post/2018/05/03/Be-Alert-to-Avoid-Moose-on-the-Highway

DEM Stocks Six Rhode Island Ponds With Golden Rainbow Trout For Free Freshwater Fishing Days May 5th And 6th

The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) announces that Saturday, May 5, and Sunday, May 6, are Free Fishing Days in Rhode Island. Rhode Islanders and visitors alike can fish in the state's freshwaters on both days for all species of freshwater fish, without a fishing license or trout conservation stamp. The free fishing weekend does not apply to saltwater fishing or saltwater licenses.

"We hope families will take time to venture outdoors and head out to a favorite fishing spot during free fishing weekend to experience the excitement of reeling in a trout," said DEM Director Janet Coit. "We're proud to support freshwater fishing through our stocking program so that anglers can experience our beautiful freshwaters and have fun catching beautiful hatchery-raised trout. You might even catch one of the gorgeous golden trout stocked specially for this free event!"

https://www.kevindahlkeoutdoors.com/single-post/2018/05/02/DEM-Stocks-Six-Rhode-Island-Ponds-With-Golden-Rainbow-Trout-For-Free-Freshwater-Fishing-Days-May-5th-And-6th

Vermont’s Catch-and-Release Bass Fishing is Underway

Vermont’s catch-and-release bass fishing season is underway with some of the hottest bass fishing action in the region happening right now.

“The spring catch-and-release season is a really special time to be on the water in Vermont, and the fishing can be truly spectacular,” said Bernie Pientka, state fisheries biologist with Vermont Fish & Wildlife.  “Combine warming weather, minimal boat traffic and feeding largemouth and smallmouth bass, and spring bass fishing is hard to beat.”

https://www.kevindahlkeoutdoors.com/single-post/2018/05/02/Vermont%25E2%2580%2599s-Catch-and-Release-Bass-Fishing-is-Underway

Beginners Weekend Fly-Fishing Programs Offered

The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department's Let's Go Fishing Program is hosting its free "Fly-Fishing A-Z" workshop at two locations this spring. These two-day programs are designed primarily for first-time fly anglers. The program will cover the basics of equipment, fly casting, stream ecology, knot tying, safety, and fish identification. The highlight of this program will be on Sunday when we'll pull on our waders and head out to a local fishing pond to put new skills to use.

Participants are required to attend both days of this no-cost program. All equipment is provided to the participants and no fishing license is required to participate.

https://www.kevindahlkeoutdoors.com/single-post/2018/05/01/Beginners-Weekend-Fly-Fishing-Programs-Offered

Fishing & Fish Processing Seminars May 23-24 & 30

Learning how to properly prepare the fish you catch for the table is easiest when you can watch someone else do it well.  Two upcoming seminars presented by the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department are designed to show how it’s done.

May 23-24: The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department is presenting a two-day “Introduction to Fishing and Fish Processing” seminar at the Intervale Center, 180 Intervale Road, Burlington, VT, 05401. 

https://www.kevindahlkeoutdoors.com/single-post/2018/05/01/Fishing-Fish-Processing-Seminars-May-23-24-30