KIDS OutDoors page updated at BWS OutDoors

We have updated our KIDS Outdoors page at BackWoods Sportsman OutDoors for the upcoming outdoor education classes offered across New England for June 29 – July 8

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

Lucky Day for 2015 NH Moose Hunt Permit Winners

The adventure of a lifetime is in store for 105 people who have been offered permits to hunt moose in New Hampshire this October. They are the lucky winners in the state's 28th annual moose hunt lottery drawing, held today at New Hampshire Fish and Game Department headquarters in Concord, N.H.

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

KIDS OutDoors page updated at BWS OutDoors

We have updated our KIDS Outdoors page at BackWoods Sportsman OutDoors for the upcoming outdoor education classes offered across New England for June 22 – July 1

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

Vermont’s Moose Hunt Auction is Open

Vermont’s lottery for moose hunting permits closed June 17, but there’s one more opportunity to get a permit for this fall’s moose hunt. Vermont’s auction for five moose hunting permits is open until 4:30 p.m. August 13. Bids will be opened and winners notified on August 14.

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

CT DEEP Designates Father’s Day, Sunday, June 21 As A “Free Fishing License Day”

Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) has designated Father’s Day, this Sunday, June 21, as the first of two “Free Fishing License Days" scheduled for 2015. A second “Free Fishing License Day" is scheduled for Saturday, August 15.

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

Vermont TU's Fly Fishing Camp for Teens

Teens interested in learning the art of fly-fishing or improving their basic skill level alongside some of Vermont’s most accomplished fly anglers, are invited to apply. The 2015 camp is scheduled for Sunday June 21st through Thursday June 25th at Quimby Country Lodge & Cottages, in Averill, Vermont

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

Fishing Report June 13 2015 Massachusetts

The area that we live in there are numerous smaller ponds that we can fish but only a couple of them have a boat landing that we can get our big boat into. So we had fished some of these utilizing kayaks in the years past, but trying to fish out of these is a bit tough especially if there is any kind of wind.

My son is into fishing big time these days and he wanted to have his own boat for fishing so he had gotten himself a 10 foot Jon boat. By having this small boat option now, this has opened up number of new waters that we can fish and also being able to fish in more comfort is always a good thing as well.

We have a list of lakes that we have fished on the ice but never have on the open water so we had picked one of these for this trip and we haven’t really fished at all either. From searching for information about the fishing in this lake, there are reports that there are some large bass here and we figured we would give it a try.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/Fishing_Reports_2015.html

Seen Any Wild Turkey Broods? Report Your Sightings to NH Fish and Game!

The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department is asking for the public's help in tracking wild turkey broods in New Hampshire this spring and summer. It's easy to take part.  If you observe groups of turkeys with young between now through August 31, 2015, report your sightings to Fish and Game at its web-based turkey brood survey at http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/surveys/turkeybrood.html.

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

RI DEM asks public to report wild turkey brood sightings

The Department of Environmental Management is asking Rhode Islanders to assist its Division of Fish and Wildlife's wild turkey project by reporting any sightings of wild turkey hens with (or without) broods of young turkeys (poults). DEM biologists need the information to evaluate this year's reproduction of wild turkeys, the survival of the young, and the population of the state's wild turkey flock.

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

DEM Aquatic resource education program to offer four free recreational clamming classes this summer

Have you ever wondered how those littlenecks ended up behind the seafood window of your local grocery store? Did you know that as a Rhode Island resident you can harvest your own clams recreationally without a license? Here is your chance to learn how to dig for clams, what type of equipment is needed, and about the management strategies that have kept Rhode Island's quahog industry thriving. The program is sponsored by the University of Rhode Island's Sea Grant and features commercial shell fisherman Jody King, who will introduce participants to recreational clamming. Space is limited and registration is required.

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

NH Moose Hunt Lottery Drawing Is Friday, June 26, 2015

The annual drawing to select the lucky hunters who will be offered a permit to hunt moose in New Hampshire this fall will be held on Friday, June 26, at 9:00 a.m. at the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, 11 Hazen Drive in Concord, N.H. Fish and Game will issue 105 moose hunting permits this year. The public and interested media are invited to be on hand to watch the excitement as the names are drawn. Winners are selected through a computerized random drawing.

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

Learn about Seacoast Wild Edibles at “Becoming an Outdoors-Woman” Workshop

Women interested in learning how to forage for wild edible plants and other seacoast delicacies can now sign up for a one-day workshop called Seacoast Wild Edibles, sponsored by New Hampshire’s Becoming an Outdoors-Woman (BOW) program. The session will take place July 25, 2015, at the Great Bay Discovery Center, 89 Depot Road, Greenland, N.H.

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

CT DEEP & MDC Relocate Fish, Enhance Community Fishing Waters

Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) and the Metropolitan District Commission (MDC) captured 262 sportfish from MDC’s West Hartford Reservoir No. 1 and stocked 106 of the captured fish into Mirror Lake in Meriden and 156 fish into Stanley Quarter Park Pond in New Britain. All the relocated fish are of ready-to-fish-for size that anglers can target immediately. The collaborative effort to capture and relocate these high quality fish developed out of the MDC’s need to greatly reduce the water level within the reservoir to facilitate accessing and replacing water control devices within the dam. 

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

KIDS OutDoors page updated at BWS OutDoors

We have updated our KIDS Outdoors page at BackWoods Sportsman OutDoors for the upcoming outdoor education classes offered across New England for June 15 – June 24

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

Vermont bass fishing season opens June 13

Vermont's bass fishing season kicks off on Saturday, June 13 and anglers throughout the state are eager to hit their favorite body of water in search of fun and exciting fishing adventures for largemouth and smallmouth bass.

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

Vermoint Moose Permit Application Deadline, June 17

Vermont Fish & Wildlife is reminding would-be moose hunters that June 17 is the deadline to apply for a permit for next fall’s hunt.
 It’s quickest to apply on their website (www.vtfishandwildlife.com) which automatically enters you to win a new Thompson Center “Triumph” muzzleloader.

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

Fishing Report June 7 2015 Massachusetts

Today’s trip to the lake was going to be more about my son’s experience as this was going to be his first solo fishing trip on his own. With both of our boats loaded, he could fish where he wanted and how he wanted to, while I can keep an eye from a distance from my boat.

He choice to fish along the shorelines and run a shallow crank bait and over time he actually was able to land a few bass on his own. There was a light breeze, enough that would blow you around a bit, this allowed him to learn how to use the trolling motor for keeping him in a location that he was fishing.

As I watched, he was getting good experience at maneuvering his boat near and around docks and fallen trees. It was nice seeing him come along with his boating skills and this is giving me more confidence so that in time this will build his confidence and allow him to venture the waters more on his own.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/Fishing_Reports_2015.html

Owl Brook Hunter Education Center Hosts Free Open House in Holderness NH

Don’t miss the fun this Saturday, June 13, at Owl Brook Hunter Education Center’s Open House from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Bring the family to enjoy hands-on activities related to the shooting sports, hunting and trapping at this one-of-a-kind Fish and Game Department facility. Admission is free.

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

Maine's Swan Island now open for its 50th season

Swan Island is now open for a great 50th season of camping, hiking and wildlife viewing. Several new features are now available here, including a new larger ferry, kayak rentals from the island campground, new interpretive signage, docks at the campground and a 15 & under kids-only trout fishing pond with free equipment loans. Many different events are being held on and around the Island throughout the summer and fall. Check out the event calendar on our website www.maine.gov/swanisland to sign up for one of the many planned programs; or visit to just explore on your own.

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

KIDS OutDoors page updated at BWS OutDoors

We have updated our KIDS Outdoors page at BackWoods Sportsman OutDoors for the upcoming outdoor education classes offered across New England for June 8 – June 17

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

No Evidence of CWD in NH Deer Herd

New Hampshire’s white-tailed deer population once again showed no evidence of chronic wasting disease (CWD), based on monitoring data gathered during the 2014 hunting season. New Hampshire Fish and Game Deer Biologist Dan Bergeron recently received results from a federally certified veterinary diagnostic laboratory that indicate that all the deer tissue samples taken during last fall’s hunting season tested negative for CWD. A total of 423 tissue samples were tested.

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

Saturday, June 6, Is Free Fishing Day in New Hampshire

Take advantage of New Hampshire's Free Fishing Day, coming Saturday, June 6, 2015. 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 on Free Fishing Day, including season dates and bag limits.

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

Vermont Wildlife Course for Educators, July 12-17

Vermont’s popular fish and wildlife summer course for teachers and other educators will be held July 12-17, 2015. 

 The hands-on field course that gets educators out into Vermont’s streams, forests and wetlands with some of the state’s leading natural resource experts takes place at the Buck Lake Conservation Camp in Woodbury.

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

Vermont’s Summer Free Fishing Day is Saturday, June 13

The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department would like to remind the public that Vermont’s annual, statewide Summer Free Fishing Day is set to take place on Saturday, June 13 and will be highlighted by a free Family Fishing Festival in Grand Isle.

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

Register Now for NH “Becoming an Outdoors-Woman” Fall Workshop

Women interested in learning outdoor skills in a beautiful setting can sign up for New Hampshire's fall Becoming an Outdoors-Woman weekend workshop, which will take place September 11-13, 2015, at Rockywold/Deephaven Camps on Squam Lake in Holderness, N.H. The workshop fee of $335 includes lodging for the weekend, plus all meals, instruction and equipment use. Participants must be age 18 or older.

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

Bethel to Host Maine Moose Lottery Festival in June

The 2015 Moose Permit Drawing will take place on Saturday, June 13 as part of the Bethel Maine Moose Festival. The weekend-long event is highlighted by the moose lottery drawing at 3 p.m. on Saturday at the Bethel Common, when the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife will announce the names of those drawn for one of the 2,740 moose hunting permits.

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

KIDS OutDoors page updated at BWS OutDoors

We have updated our KIDS Outdoors page at BackWoods Sportsman OutDoors for the upcoming outdoor education classes offered across New England for June 1 – June 10

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

Maine IFW Fishing Report For May 29, 2015

On Little Sebago, anglers are enjoying the rebuilt launching facility there and enjoying some fine fishing for rainbow and brown trout, as well as smallmouth and largemouth bass.

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

Muzzleloader Antlerless Deer Permit Applications Available

Vermont’s muzzleloader season antlerless deer hunting permit applications are now available on the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department’s website (www.vtfishandwildlife.com).  A quick-link to the information and application is provided on the home page.

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

Outdoor Family Fun on Tap at Owl Brook Hunter Education Center Open House

The Owl Brook Hunter Education Center will host a public Open House on  Saturday, June 13, 2015, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bring the family to enjoy hands-on activities related to the shooting sports, hunting and trapping. Admission is free.

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

Vermont Anglers reminded of lake sturgeon protection and state law

The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department is reminding anglers of the state regulation applying to lake sturgeon, as well as the need to help protect the endangered species through responsible angling practices and by reporting catch information to the Department.

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

Vermont State Parks and Vermont Fish & Wildlife announce “Reel Fun” program for 2015

Vermont State Parks and the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department are teaming up this season to promote and enhance fishing opportunities for campers and visitors at state parks across Vermont through the recently created “Reel Fun” program.

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

Fishing Report May 24/25 2015 New Hampshire/Massachusetts

We had the long Memorial Holiday weekend to get out and do some fishing one day on a Southern New Hampshire lake and another day on a small Northern Massachusetts pond. By fishing two bodies of waters in two different states, the fish are basically in the same mode and pattern.


The air temperatures are getting into the 80’s somewhat more consistently day by day but the water temps seem to still be on the cooler side. Between these two bodies of waters the water temperatures were fairly consistent ranging from 64-67 degrees. There were a few older beds around but could tell that we are getting into the post spawn mode and we had a bit of a tough time fishing this weekend.


We will start with our day on the water in New Hampshire which was on Sunday. Weather wise we were at the 80 degree mark and had fairly high winds to deal with as well. The lake that we fished we fish there quite often and have plenty of locations to hit. Didn’t take long and we were catching fish on crank baits while casting to 5 feet and under water depths but did also notice that these fish were the smaller males that were still in the shallower waters.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/Fishing_Reports_2015.html

Free Fishing in Maine this Weekend

The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife is encouraging everyone to get out on Maine’s waters this weekend to take advantage of free fishing days. Free fishing weekend will take place on Saturday, May 30 and Sunday, May 31, when any person may fish for free without a license on Maine’s waterways, except those who have had their license suspended or revoked.

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

NH Introduction to Rifle and Shotgun Course for Women Offered

Women interested in learning more about firearms can sign up for a Becoming an Outdoors-Woman workshop called “Introduction to Rifle and Shotgun.”  The course will take place on July 11, 2015, from 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. at the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department’s Owl Brook Hunter Education Center in Holderness, NH.  Cost for the workshop is $55, which includes equipment and lunch. The course will be held, rain or shine

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

KIDS OutDoors page updated at BWS OutDoors

We have updated our KIDS Outdoors page at BackWoods Sportsman OutDoors for the upcoming outdoor education classes offered across New England for May 26 – June 3

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

CT DEEP Completes 2015 Catfish Stockings

Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) today announced that one of the most sought after freshwater game fish species in the country, the Channel Catfish, has been stocked into twenty-four water bodies across Connecticut (see list of locations) This marks the ninth consecutive year DEEP has been able to stock Channel Catfish purchased with Federal Sport Fish Restoration Funds.  This year approximately 16,300 fish were stocked.

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

RI Division of Fish and Wildlife to offer freshwater fly-fishing workshops in May and June

Hosted by the Division's Aquatic Resource Education (ARE) program, an introductory workshop on freshwater fly-fishing will be held at the Addieville East Game Farm on Saturday, May 30 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Whether you are a beginner or need a refresher course, this workshop will cover all the basics on freshwater fly-fishing. Top Rhode Island fly-fishing instructors will teach casting techniques, fly-tying, tackle needs, and knot-tying. Participants will also put their skills to work on the water. The workshop is open to everyone 10 years of age and older. All materials and equipment are included with the $15 per-person registration fee. Lunch is not included, so participants should pack a lunch. For additional information and for registration materials, contact Kimberly Sullivan at 539-0037 or via e-mail at or kimberly.sullivan@dem.ri.gov.

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

Ban on Use of Drones, Smart Rifles and Live-Action Game Cameras in Effect in NH

A new rule adopted by the NH Fish and Game Department bans the use of drones, smart rifles and live-action game cameras while hunting or attempting to take wildlife. This rule became effective May 4, 2015.

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

Fishing Report May 15 2015 Massachusetts

Many of the ponds and lakes in our area are typically town water supplies and being that is the situation, they only allow non-motorized boats, kayaks and canoes on the waters. Today’s particular lake is rather large in size and we fish it a lot in the winter months but are only able to get to it a couple of times in the open water.

Lake is basically a large round body of water and there isn’t a day that the winds are not blowing here as this reservoir is elevated for this region creating breezy conditions on most days. Since that is the case, it makes it difficult to fish in our small boats and you have to pick and choice when to fish there. The other stipulation is that it isn’t easily accessible and takes some work getting a Jon boat to the water’s edge.


http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/Fishing_Reports_2015.html

Last Chance to Enter the NH Moose Hunt Lottery

If you haven't submitted an application and want a chance to hunt moose in New Hampshire this fall, then you better get moving! The deadline for entering the New Hampshire moose hunt lottery is Friday, May 29.  The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department has proposed to offer permits to 105 lucky winners for New Hampshire's 2015 moose hunt, which runs from October 17 – 25. Last year's statewide hunter success rate for moose was 72%.

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

Turkey Hunting Report May 16 2015

I have been turkey hunting for a while now and out of the hunts that I do, I find hunting these birds to be the most rewarding hunts. I find that they are very hard to get into gun range and when that Tom comes into your decoy spread that gets your heart beating and blood pumping.

 I haven’t been successful in any hunts that I have been on and that just makes me work harder every season that I am out there. Figuring out where these birds are and where they are going throughout the morning hunt, makes this type of hunting very intriguing.

 This year in particular I had put in a lot of time and finally started patterning the birds in my area and that started with the first hunt of this season. Unfortunately for the first day’s sit, I setup in a field that has had birds in the past and for cover they had just cut some salt marsh hay and had that piled on the field that allowed me to getting myself into that for concealment. Worked the area but this day was a bust and made me want this so much more.


http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/Hunting_Blog_2015.html

KIDS OutDoors page updated at BWS OutDoors

We have updated our KIDS Outdoors page at BackWoods Sportsman OutDoors for the upcoming outdoor education classes offered across New England for May 18 – May 27

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

Deer harvest second highest in the past six years

“Hunters had an unusual year with heavy snow hitting much of the state on opening weekend, and then again during Thanksgiving,” said Kyle Ravana, IFW’s deer biologist. “Those are always two of the busiest weekends of the year for hunters, and it gave many hunters the chance to track and harvest a deer.”

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

Hiking Season is Here! Buy Your Hike Safe Card.

As the summer hiking season gets underway, the NH Fish and Game Department reminds outdoor enthusiasts to buy their Hike Safe card before they hit the trails.  Voluntary Hike Safe Cards are available from the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department. Purchase the card online at https://www.nhfishandgame.com/HikeSafe.aspx to support Fish and Game search and rescue efforts and be exempt from liability for repaying search and rescue costs in New Hampshire (unless caused by reckless or intentional behavior).

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

Be Aware of Endangered Piping Plovers on NH Beaches

Be aware of endangered birds on the beaches this holiday weekend and beyond, as the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department reports there are six pairs of piping plovers nesting along the sandy shores of Hampton and Seabrook. Piping plovers are endangered in New Hampshire and threatened nationally. Their breeding habitat is fenced with yellow roping to indicate the birds' presence to beach-goers and to allow the mating pairs space to nest and raise their young.

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

Boat Ramp Closures Planned

The public boat ramp facility at Otter Lake in Greenfield, N.H., will be closed beginning Monday May 18, 2015, for repairs and improvements. The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department will rebuild the ramp using its precast-concrete plank design. In addition, an enlarged parking area for eight trailer-parking spaces, including one for recreationists with disabilities, will be created. The parking area surface will be constructed with a pervious stone-filled grid to increase stormwater runoff infiltration to control discharges to the lake.

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

Avoid Tempting Bears by Removing Food Sources

People love to see a black bear in its natural surroundings, but when a bear ventures into human territory, problems can occur.

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

Fishing Report May 10 2015 Massachusetts

Today was going to be the day that we finally put the big boat in the water and make sure everything is functioning properly while catching some crappie. The targeted lake holds a great population of 12 inch plus crappie and with the weather we have been having all week, the water temps should be getting up there.
Since this is mother’s day, time will be limited and the morning started of slow and late to get going and the main plan wasn’t an alternative anymore. So we loaded the small boat up and headed to the local pond and see if the crappie there were in full swing yet.
There was a fairly good breeze blowing, with a high hot sun as the air temperatures were at the 80 degree range and this made for a hot day on the water. We headed for the cove that we have found them previously and hoping that they were stacked in there.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/Fishing_Reports_2015.html

KIDS OutDoors page updated at BWS OutDoors

We have updated our KIDS Outdoors page at BackWoods Sportsman OutDoors for the upcoming outdoor education classes offered across New England for May 12 – May 20

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