Register in January for "Becoming an Outdoors-Woman" winter workshop

Registration will open the first week of January for the 2015 Becoming an Outdoors-Woman (BOW) Winter Workshop, a one-day program where women can learn outdoor skills to enjoy during the winter months. The workshop will be held on Saturday, February 14, 2015, at the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department’s Owl Brook Hunter Education Center in Holderness, N.H.  A fee of $55 covers the workshop, lunch and most equipment use.  New this year, a discounted registration fee of $25 applies to participants age 18-25. You must be at least 18 years old to take part in BOW programs.

NH Outdoor News at BWS OutDoors

Registration open for women's fly tying course

Women who enjoy fly-fishing and are interested in a new winter hobby can sign up for a fly-tying course with master fly tiers Jim and Kris Riccardi. The N.H. Becoming an Outdoors Woman (BOW) Program and the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department’s Let’s Go Fishing Program are teaming up to offer the course, which will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Wednesday evenings from January 28 through February 25, 2015, at N.H. Fish and Game headquarters, 11 Hazen Drive, Concord, N.H.  Participants must attend all five sessions.

NH Outdoor News at BWS OutDoors

Snowshoe Hare Hunting Workshop

Learn about the exciting sport of snowshoe hare hunting at a free workshop being offered at theNew 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. – 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 10, 2015.  Space is limited and pre-registration is required.  To register, call the Owl Brook Hunter education center at 603-536-3954.

NH outdoor News at BWS OutDoors

Add One More to your Gift Giving List: Private Landowners

New Hampshire people sure do love being outside.  There’s so much to do: hiking, biking, hunting, fishing, camping, snowmobiling, bird watching and the list goes on.  Where do you like to do your favorite outdoor activity?  With over 70% of New Hampshire land in private ownership, it is likely that you recreate on someone else’s land.

NH Outdoor News at BWS OutDoors

Ice fishing safety tips from Vermont F & W

The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department has some ice safety tips for those of you who will be going ice fishing this winter.

Vermont Outdoor News at BWS OutDoors

Vermont birders encouraged to join annual Christmas bird count

This holiday season marks the 115th annual Christmas Bird Count, a favorite tradition among Vermont’s birding community. Birders in Vermont are encouraged to participate in the count, which begins on December 14 and runs through January 5.

VT Outdoor News at BWS OutDoors

Vermont muzzleloader and 2nd archery deer seasons, Dec 6-14

Vermont’s hunters will get one final chance for a deer this year during the muzzleloader deer season and the second part of the archery deer season. The two seasons run at the same time -- December 6-14.

VT Outdoor News at BWS OutDoors

CLAM Outdoors Pro Tackle Blade Spoon

Kevin Dahlke – CLAM Power Stick Pro staff

Clam Outdoors has come out with new bait for this fishing season and it is called the "Blade Spoon". The Blade Spoon is a bladed bait that is triangular in shape and comes with a treble hook. There are a variety of sizes that it comes in and those are 1/16, 1/8 and 1/4 oz sizes, as well as a variety of colors in 6 stunning color combinations.

Tying the Blade Spoon onto the line with a loop knot will give you a lot of extra action that you can make it dance with your rod tip. The action can be very subtle with just jiggling the rod slightly too actually working it very aggressively if that is what were needed.

Continue Article 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 11/24-12/3

KIDS OutDoors at BWS OutDoors

Maine Hunting Report for November 21, 2014

“Hunters are seeing plenty of deer. Some hunters are being selective right now and passing on does or smaller bucks,” said IFW Wildlife Scott Lindsay. “Usually around now, we will start to see more of these hunters taking deer.”

Lindsay said that while numbers may be down a bit from last year as expected, hunters are still seeing good numbers of deer and good size ones as well.

Maine Outdoor News at BWS OutDoors

Clam Pro Tackle Dingle Drop XL Jig

Everything we said about the Drop XL goes for the Dingle Drop XL, too. A lot of times, you want to keep the jig size (and weight) the same, but need a bigger hook. Seriously, when you fish the Clam way, you are going to hook up with big perch, crappies, bluegills, with bonus bass, walleyes, pike and more. Besides letting you fish with larger plastics and multiple live baits, XL hooks are strong enough to stand up to big battles. And the wide gap helps the hook point find a home when you rear back. Made from tungsten, 30% heavier than lead.

Clam's Dingle Drop XL Jig

Fishing Report November 16 2014 Massachusetts

Conditions: Partly cloudy skies, air temperatures low 40's, slight to moderate winds, bait of the day - Clam Pro Tackle Blade Spoon tipped with a Maki Plastic Maki in purple

Since there is still sometime before we are going to be seeing ice here in New England, been spending these days checking out the local ponds. These ponds we frequent quite a bit during the ice season so it is nice to get out there now and see where the fish are holding. Just may make it a bit easier locating them when first ice comes.

This particular pond is rather small and most fishing occurs in the main basin of the lake. Since the winds were blowing fairly well, had to abandon the usual area that we fish and search out some new water. Fished the opposite end of the pond and we generally never make it that far across on our typical trips.

Continue Report 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 November 16

Open Water 2014 at BWS OutDoors

CT General firearms deer season begins November 19

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 19. Specific deer hunting season information is available on the DEEP website at www.ct.gov/deep/hunting.

CT Outdoor News at BWS OutDoors

Fishing Report November 9 2014 Massachusetts

Conditions: Sunny skies, air temperatures 55 degrees, slight to calming winds, bait of the day - Clam Pro Tackle Blade Spoon tipped with a white Maki Plastic

Since we are getting to the end of the open water season, the boat is put away and we spend any time on the water currently in our kayaks. This is allowing us to fish a number of smaller bodies of waters that we can't get the bigger boat into. As well as giving us an idea as to where the fish are currently before the ice sets up.

This particular pond is fairly shallow for two thirds of it and the other third gets to a depth of 16 feet or so. So this is generally the area that we concentrate on as the crappies typically will suspend in this area. Using theVexilar flasher, you are able to differentiate which fish are crappies and which are sunfish.

Continue Report 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 November 9

Open Water 2014 at BWS OutDoors

Deer season update; deer baiting ends November 19 2014 in most WMUs

New Hampshire hunters have taken an estimated 5,102 deer statewide as of November 9, according tothe New Hampshire Fish and Game Department.  Two days remain in the muzzleloader season, and archery deer hunters have been afield since September 15.

NH Outdoor News at BWS OutDoors

Last bowhunter-only hunter education course offered

Due to popular demand, registration has opened for a final bowhunter-only Hunter Education course being offered at the Goffstown Fish and Game Association, 100 Melvin Valley Road in Weare, N.H.  on Friday, December 12, from 6-9 p.m. and Saturday, December 13, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (both sessions required).

NH Outdoor News at BWS OutDoors

CT DEEP advises motorists to use caution in the Cheshire and Prospect area due to moose sighting

Motorists in the Cheshire and Prospect area are advised to use extra caution and be observant while driving due to the sighting of a moose in recent days near Interstate 84.  The moose was last seen in Cheshire near Nathan Hale Court this past weekend and today was spotted on Straitsville Rd in Prospect.

CT 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 11/10-11/19

KIDS OutDoors at BWS OutDoors

2014 NH youth deer hunt weekend results; deer season to date

Preliminary reports show that young hunters succeeded in harvesting 367 deer during the 2014 Youth Deer Hunt Weekend in New Hampshire, down 24% from the 2013 total of 483. This unofficial total does not include information from all registration stations.  The 2014 total is slightly above the average since the youth deer hunt began in 1999.

NH Outdoor News at BWS OutDoors

RI DEM's division of Fish and Wildlife to offer fly-tying program in North Kingstown starting November 17

The Department of Environmental Management's Division of Fish and Wildlife is offering a program this fall for anglers interested in developing and improving their fly-tying skills.

RI Outdoor News at BWS OutDoors

BWS OutDoors Joins CLAM Outdoors and IceArmor

About CLAM Outdoors and IceArmor

For over 30 years Clam Outdoors has stood for the best in outdoor gear. Our customers tell us that the Clam name means dependable, durable, and tough. That’s important, because no one wants to be out in the field or on the ice and have a problem with their gear. Quality is our top priority at Clam, and it’s reflected in everything we make. We started the Ice Fishing Revolution™ when we built the first Fish Trap® shelter over 30 years ago, and we’ve never stopped innovating. Today we offer the largest line of shelters in the business, the IceArmor® by Clam line of jackets, bibs, boots and gloves and all types of accessories – from Dave Genz and Jason Mitchell rods to bait buckets and sled lights. We offer everything you need to be successful out on the ice. And we’ve got you covered after the ice melts too. Our line of Polar ATV/UTV & lawn tractor trailers, summer products like the Clam Six Pack 1660 Mag Screen Shelter & Jason Mitchell Elite Series Rods are built with the same dedication to quality and are made to exceed your expectations.

Clam products have you covered for all seasons!

CLAM Outdoors

CLAM Outdoors IceArmor

BWS OutDoors joins Ice Team

About Ice Team

We were there at the beginning of the Ice Fishing Revolution TM . . . because we started it.

No one has done more to advance the sport of ice fishing than Ice Team.  Since 1997 our Pros have come up with every significant ice fishing method and refinement in history, starting with Dave Genz and the Clam Fish Trap and the Vexilar flasher.  And today our Pros continue to blaze new trails.

But they always circle back to shore to pick up anybody who wants to learn.  This season, Join the Team TM and tap into our Pros’ knowledge.  Let them provide you with up-to-the-minute, cutting edge advice and resources you won’t find anywhere else.

Ice Team

Sunrise/Set Table for Hartford, Connecticut

We have updated our sunrise sunset table web page for Hartford, Connecticut for the month of December.

Sunrise/set table at BWS OutDoors

Tide Chart updated

We have updated our Tide Chart page at BackWoods Sportsman OutDoors adding the January Tide Charts for the state of Maine.

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 11/3-11/12

KIDS OutDoors at BWS OutDoors

CLAM Outdoors IceArmor Women's Lift Suit

The IceArmor LIFT™ Cold Weather Suit is more than just a cold weather suit. Yes, it certainly will protect you from the cold, wind and ice. But more than this, the IceArmor By CLAM LIFT™ Suit includes an internal “lift” lining that provides added buoyancy versus our EDGE™ Suit, giving the angler an extra “lift” when it’s needed. Yielding cutting-edge design, look and function, the bibs and parka have the same great features as the original IceArmor By CLAM EDGE™ blue/black suit.

New Fishing Product at BWS OutDoors

"Let's Go Fishing" program seeks volunteer fishing instructors

Are you an avid angler looking to give back to your community and share your love of fishing?  New Hampshire Fish and Game's "Let’s Go Fishing" program is currently seeking volunteer instructors to teach ice fishing, fly fishing or basic fishing to youth and adults.

NH Outdoor News at BWS OutDoors

VT moose hunters had a successful season

Vermont moose hunters had a successful hunting season according to the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department. A record bull was taken in the October 1-7 archery moose hunt, and the regular moose hunting season was October 18-23.

VT Outdoor News at BWS OutDoors

Vermont's rifle deer season starts Saturday Nov 15

Hunters are gearing up for the start of Vermont’s statewide traditionally popular 16-day rifle deer season that begins November 15 and ends Sunday, November 30.

VT Outdoor News at BWS OutDoors

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