Trophy Fish Program 2015 Winners

NH Fish and Game’s Trophy Fish Program Coordinator John Viar has announced the winners of the 2015 Trophy Fish Program.  Letters have been sent to advise winners and special certificates of achievement are being prepared. 

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

Permit Numbers Set for 2016 Vermont Moose Hunt

A total of 135 regular firearms moose season permits and 25 archery moose season permits would be issued for Vermont’s 2016 October moose hunt under a proposed regulation approved by the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Board at their February 24 monthly meeting in Montpelier.

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

Fishing Report February 21-22 2016 Vermont, New Hampshire

Seems like the ice season just got started here in Massachusetts and warm temperatures, rain and wind has taken it away just as fast. Our ice is gone for the most part and luckily the gas prices are down as road trips to New Hampshire and Vermont are making up for it.

 

Saturday’s trip was to Vermont and learning new water which is always fun trying to figure out the current patterns. Not a lot of structure or cover in this lake, average water depths and seeing that the fish we...aren’t relating to really anything. Most productive water depths were in the 5-10 foot range and certain areas had some better fish in them.

 

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/Ice_Fishing_Blog_15_16.html

2016 Governor’s Youth Turkey Hunt Event

Youth hunters are encouraged to sign up for the Fourth Annual Governor’s Youth Turkey Hunt this spring. The event is sponsored by the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) and is open to any licensed hunter under the age of 16.

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

Four state record fish caught in Vermont in 2015

The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department has certified four new all-time state record fish, all caught in 2015. New state records were set for the species of yellow perch, redhorse sucker, cisco and bowfin (taken by bow and arrow).

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

NH Fish and Game Commission Approves Bobcat Season Proposal

The New Hampshire Fish and Game Commission today voted 5 to 4 to move forward on a proposal to establish a bobcat hunting and trapping season in New Hampshire.

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

Fishing Report February 14 2016 Massachusetts

Post Cold

Front The weather conditions lately have been frigid with subzero temperatures and accompanying high winds. This is making for unfavorable fishing conditions, but for those that are still searching for that next fish, adjustments need to be made.

Typical approach for finding active biting fish is to use a larger bait and see if there are aggressive fish in the area. Once you start marking fish, let them tell you what they want and how they want it and tailor your enticements to their liking.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/Ice_Fishing_Blog_15_16.html

Fishing Report February 7 2016 New Hampshire

It is nice having the weekend to chase one species of fish one day and then spend the next day chasing another at a different location. This time out, we are in search of largemouth and smallmouth bass and hopefully some jumbo perch as well.

This particular lake has been good to us in the past and that is what we were hoping happens again today. Conditions were perfect with clear sunny skies, somewhat warm and no traffic in the location we were fishing. For the bass we were dead sticking shiners and for the perch, jigging tungsten jigs with plastics as a trailer.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/Ice_Fishing_Blog_15_16.html

Fishing Report February 6 2016 New Hampshire

Searching new waters for crappie is always an adventure and one that I always look forward to. This particular lake has a distinct deep ditch throughout the main part and there was one location where it turned towards shore and that was where we started.

Depth of water in this location was 35 feet deep and it wasn’t long and fish were being marked. Started off with a bigger sized jig and a minnow imitation tail looking for aggressive biters. These fish were always looking at it, but were not committing to taking the bait.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/Ice_Fishing_Blog_15_16.html

Fishing Report January 30 2016 Massachusetts

This past weekend the fish were definitely there, but you had to really work at getting them to bite as we are past the first ice phase of this ice fishing season. We weren’t able to locate those suspending fish so you had to work the fish off of the bottom to your bait.

Luckily the flashers are able to show us what the fish are doing and that is allowing us to adjust to getting them to bite. By changing our jig sizes and adding different attractants, this is giving them a different look and giving us a better opportunity at catching them.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/Ice_Fishing_Blog_15_16.html

Fishing Report January 23 2016 Vermont

This ice season, we are fishing the Champlain Valley Hardwater Tournament Series in Vermont and this is going to be all new water for us to fish. This trail is very well run and all of those involved are all great people and make everyone feel very welcome.

The week prior I made a day trip up there to scout out some areas and try and put together some sort of a plan for tournament day. The fishing in this location is very shallow, as you are fishing in 4-6 FOW and something that we really aren’t use to.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/Ice_Fishing_Blog_15_16.html

Wildlife Events Planned for March

Hunters, landowners and anyone else interested in Vermont’s wildlife should plan on attending one of the three events hosted by the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department in late March.

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

Collaring Complete for Third Year of NH Moose Study

A helicopter capture crew has completed the work of collaring additional moose for the third year of a study being undertaken by the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department in partnership with the University of New Hampshire (UNH).

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

Ice Fishing Festival Draws Record Attendance

The third time’s a charm for Vermont Fish & Wildlife’s 3rd annual ice fishing festival. The festival was held recently at Lake Elmore in north-central Vermont and drew over 300 anglers, a high-mark for the Department’s yearly celebration of ice fishing in Vermont.

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

Special Snow Goose Harvest Opportunity

Vermont’s spring snow goose hunt will be held from March 11 through April 22. Since 2009, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has annually issued a “Conservation Order” to allow the reduction of the population of migrating greater and lesser snow geese as well as Ross’ geese. The numbers of these geese have grown so high that they are destroying habitat for themselves and other species.

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

Introductory Fly Tying Course Offered in Concord NH

Interested in learning the art of fly tying?  The NH Fish and Game Department’s Let’s Go Fishing Program is offering a five-week introductory fly tying course on Wednesday evenings in March (March 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30). To sign up, email the program at aquatic-ed@wildlife.nh.gov or call (603) 271-3212. Participants must commit to attending all five sessions. No experience is required. All materials and equipment will be provided. There is no charge for the program.

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

Maine Free Fishing Weekend Approaches; Ice Safety Reminder

The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife is reminding everyone to take advantage of the upcoming free fishing weekend. On Saturday, February 13 and Sunday, February 14, any person may fish for free without a license on Maine’s waterways, except those who have had their license suspended or revoked. All other rules and regulations, including bag and possession limits, apply.

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

Apply Now for the 2016 Maine Moose Permit Lottery

Hunters who dream about the hunt of a lifetime will be happy to know that Maine moose permit online application process is now open, as the 2016 Moose Permit Lottery is accepting applications.

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

Public Hearing on Proposed Changes in Groundfishing Rules

A public hearing on proposed marine rule changes affecting recreational anglers targeting haddock and/or cod in New Hampshire waters will be held on Thursday, February 25, 2016, at 7:00 p.m. at the Urban Forestry Center, 45 Elwyn Road, Portsmouth, NH 03801.

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

Vermont WMA Undergoes Major Expansion

A wildlife management area in southern Vermont recently underwent a major expansion, according to the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department.

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

NH Fish and Game Launches New Smartphone App

Hunters and anglers now have field information, maps and more at their fingertips using the official New Hampshire Fish & Wildlife Pocket Ranger® Smartphone App for iPhone and Android.

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

Get Your Moose Plate and Support Nongame and Endangered Wildlife

When you register your vehicle this year, show your support for nongame wildlife by buying a New Hampshire Moose Plate. "Moose" conservation license plate funds benefit the NH Fish and Game Department's Nongame and Endangered Wildlife Program in a big way.  Did you know that the moose plate program funds one-fourth of the Nongame Program's work protecting and restoring threatened and endangered wildlife and keeping common species healthy?

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

January 16 2016 Vermont Report

The ice is finally forming in the northeast and this is allowing anglers to finally wetting their lines through an ice hole. Areas are sporadic for safe ice conditions, so anglers have to be cautious no matter where they are fishing.

Our fishing takes us north for finding safe conditions and the ice in most areas were in the 5-6 inch range. Plan for the day was to cover as much water as possible and key thing to look for was finding areas that had weeds.

Most areas you were marking some fish, but the areas that had weeds, those had more concentrations of fish. Was searching for crappies and perch, but they weren’t using these areas but the bluegills were definitely there.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/Ice_Fishing_Blog_15_16.html

2016 Hunting, Fishing, Trapping Lawbook Available

If you are going ice fishing soon, planning a family fishing trip next summer, or want to plan for deer season next fall – you will want to get a copy of the 2016 Vermont Hunting, Fishing and Trapping Laws and Guide, available where licenses are sold and from Vt Fish & Wildlife offices statewide.

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

2016 NH Moose Hunt Lottery Opens

New Hampshire's 2016 moose hunt lottery is now open. Enter today to try your luck on the adventure of a lifetime -- hunting moose in the rugged woods of the Granite State.  Entering the lottery costs $15 for New Hampshire residents and $25 for nonresidents.

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

Waterfowl Blinds Have To Be Removed

Waterfowl hunters who did not remove their hunting blinds from the waters of the state earlier must do so before February 15 on Lake Champlain or May 15 on inland waters according to a reminder from the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department.

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

Sign Up the Kids for Barry Conservation Camp!

Registration is underway for summer youth programs at Barry Conservation Camp in Berlin, N.H. The camp offers weekly, overnight summer camp programs for boys and girls, age 8-17. Barry Camp is operated by UNH Cooperative Extension 4-H in partnership with the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department. Kids who enjoy hands-on learning about outdoor skills and the environment will love Barry Camp. Once again, the popular week for youth interested in learning more about careers as a Fish and Game Conservation Officer will be offered.

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

Discover WILD New Hampshire Day Set for Saturday, April 16, 2016

It might be cold outside, but spring is on the way, and so is Discover WILD New Hampshire Day.  The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department’s most popular free community event of the year is set for Saturday, April 16, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the grounds of the Fish and Game Department at 11 Hazen Drive in Concord, N.H. Save the date!

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

Deer hunting season on Black Rock on Block Island is now open

The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) announced today deer hunting season at Black Rock/Rodman Hollow on Block Island is now open; the season runs through February 12.

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

Vermont’s Free Ice Fishing Day is January 30

Vermont’s third annual Free Ice Fishing Day is January 30, 2016. To celebrate, the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department is holding an Ice Fishing Festival at Lake Elmore State Park in central Vermont.

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

Maine Ice Fishing Report for January 15, 2016

If you haven’t noticed, this is anything but a normal winter throughout the state. Ponds and lakes that are usually frozen and safe throughout are still iffy at best. Before heading out onto the ice on any pond, please check the ice.

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

Free Ice Fishing Talks at Fish and Game

Improve your ice fishing skills by taking advantage of two free ice fishing seminars with New Hampshire fishing guide Tim Moore. These talks are coming up soon at NH Fish and Game headquarters, 11 Hazen Drive in Concord, NH. The talks begin at 7 p.m. No pre-registration is necessary. See you there!

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

Conservation Officer Helps Moose in Slippery Situation

On January 12, 2016, NH Fish and Game Conservation Officer Michael Matson was called to the Deerfield Fairgrounds to assist a moose that appeared to be unable to move and was lying on ice.

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

2015 Vermont Turkey Hunters Had a Successful Year

Vermont wild turkey hunters had safe and successful spring and fall hunting seasons in 2015, according to the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department.

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

NH Offers Variety of Courses for Women to Learn Outdoor Skills in 2016

New Hampshire’s Becoming an Outdoors-Woman Program (BOW) is offering an exciting lineup of courses in 2016 for women interested in learning outdoor skills. Application forms and brochures are published at nhbow.com when registration opens. Sign up as soon as possible after registration opens, as these courses fill quickly. New Hampshire Becoming an Outdoors-Woman programs are sponsored by the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department and the New Hampshire Wildlife Federation. Participants must be age 18 or older.

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

2016 Vt Deer Harvest Reflects Healthy Population

The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department says preliminary numbers show 12,710 deer were taken during Vermont’s 2015 deer hunting seasons.

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

Additional Moose to Be Collared for New Hampshire Study

Residents in northern New Hampshire may spot a helicopter overhead in the coming weeks as approximately 45 moose cows and calves are collared for the third year of a six-year study of moose mortality and productivity.

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

Ice Fishing Safety Tips from F&W

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

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

Bobcat Season Hearing Set

The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department will hold a public hearing on proposed rules to establish a bobcat hunting and trapping season in New Hampshire on Monday, February 1, at 6 p.m. at Representatives Hall in the N.H. State House in Concord.

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

IFW Captures and Collars 70 Moose , Expands Maine’s Moose Survival Study Into Second Area

Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife biologists in northern Aroostook County just finished capturing and radio-collaring moose in a new “northern” study area as part of Maine’s five-year moose study that will provide a greater understanding of the health of Maine’s moose population, particularly factors that affect their survival and reproductive rates, including the impact of winter ticks on moose.

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

Free Snowmobile Weekends Slated for Winter 2016

Tri-State Snowmobile Weekend: This annual three-day event will take place January 29 – 31, 2016 and allows all legally registered Maine snowmobiles to be operated in New Hampshire and Vermont without being registered in those states. This also means that all snowmobiles legally registered in New Hampshire and Vermont can be operated in Maine without a current Maine registration.

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

Vermont Bear Hunters Had a Successful and Safe Season in 2015

The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department reports that bear hunters in Vermont had a safe and successful hunting season in 2015. Preliminary numbers show that hunters took 669 black bears during the 83 days of the two-part ‘early bear season’ and ‘late bear season.’ There were also no hunting-related shooting incidents.

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

DEM stocks Rhode Island waters with trout for winter fishing season

Just in time for the winter fishing season, the Department of Environmental Management (DEM) is stocking ponds and rivers across Rhode Island with some 1,400 brown and brook trout.

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

Winter Children's Programs at Great Bay Discovery Center

The Great Bay Discovery Center in Greenland, NH, is offering a variety of fun and educational programming for children this winter.  Programs are available for pre-school age and home-schooled children, as well as February vacation programs for older children.

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

NH Hunting Season Results - Preliminary Totals for Deer, Bear, Turkey

The unofficial deer kill for New Hampshire’s 2015 hunting season was 10,912, down 4% from the 2014 final kill of 11,396. Based on this estimate, the 2015 total is very similar to the 20-year average of 10,896. Deer hunting seasons are now closed in the state.

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

Hunter Education Instructor Training Courses Being Offered

The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department is offering several New Instructor Training Courses for people interested in volunteering to teach Hunter Education, Trapper Education, or Bowhunter Education courses in Vermont.

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

Free Ice Fishing Talks at Fish and Game in January

Polish up your ice fishing skills by taking advantage of two free ice fishing seminars with New Hampshire fishing guide Tim Moore being offered in Concord this January at the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department. Moore is the owner of Tim Moore Outdoors.  He has ice fished in New Hampshire for more than thirty years and has been featured on NH’s Wildside TV and New Hampshire Chronicle. Moore is an Ice Team Pro, as well as a member of Clam Outdoors, Vexilar, Maki Plastics and Daddy Mac Lures Pro Staffs. The talks will begin at 7 p.m. at Fish and Game headquarters, 11 Hazen Drive in Concord, NH. No pre-registration is necessary.

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

Maine 2016 Hunting and Fishing Licenses Now Available

A new year of hunting and fishing opportunity is just around the corner! The 2016 Maine hunting and fishing licenses are now available for purchase online or at any of the more than 800 licensing agents statewide.

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

Fishing Report December 13 2015 Massachusetts

Waiting for ice

As this mild winter continues on and many of us are still waiting for first ice, shoreline fishing is still happening and with a little searching of local waters this will keep you occupied until the ice finally arrives.

Fishing a local reservoir, I heard that there are large crappie in this water and wanted to see if we could catch them from the shoreline. The reservoirs here typically have an earthen dam setup at the outlet and there usually is a nice wall that offers you access to deep water to fish in.

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

Visit N.H. Fish and Game at Upcoming Outdoor Events

Outdoor enthusiasts are encouraged to stop by the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department booth at these classic New England winter events

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