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

Tuff Tube Crappies - The Northland Fisherman Ep. 40

Team Northland Pro Kevin Dahkle talks about the Mimic Minnow® Tuff Tube. These tubes are 10X tougher than any other tube on the market. Here Kevin shows you their effectiveness on crappies but these tubes are great for all species. Available in 12 colors and 4 sizes. See them Spring 2018.

VT Big Game Reporting Stations

Vermont hunters who take deer, bear or turkeys must bring them to a reporting station within 48 hours. 

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

DEM Stocks Local Waters With Trout For Columbus Day Weekend

The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) is stocking ponds across Rhode Island with some 10,000 trout in advance of Columbus Day weekend – a popular time for recreational fishing. The number of waterbodies stocked will be limited given current drought conditions; if conditions improve, additional stocking will take place this fall.

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

Take a Young Person Hunting -- N.H. Youth Deer Hunt Set for October 21-22

New Hampshire's youth deer weekend, Saturday and Sunday, October 21-22, 2017, is the perfect time to take a young person hunting. This special weekend gives young people age 15 and younger the opportunity to go deer hunting with an adult mentor, without the pressure of competing with thousands of adult hunters.

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

DEEP Announces Opening Days of Upcoming Fall Firearms Hunting Seasons

Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) has announced the Opening Days of fall firearms hunting seasons. Peak hunting during these seasons occurs during early morning and late afternoon, primarily during the period from mid-October through mid-December.

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

N.H. Pheasant Season Opens October 1

New Hampshire's hunting season for pheasant gets underway on October 1 and continues through December 31. This fall 11,780 adult ring-necked pheasants will be stocked in all 10 counties with an average of 140 pheasants per site.

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

Wear Blaze Orange When Heading Afield

Hunters and other outdoor enthusiasts are encouraged to put on a bright orange article of clothing when they head afield this fall. Wearing a fluorescent orange hat, vest, or jacket makes you highly visible, one of several key safety precautions for hunters, hikers, and others enjoying the autumn woods. Several hunting seasons are already underway in New Hampshire (see www.huntnh.com/hunting/hunt-dates.html).

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

Ruffed Grouse and Woodcock Seasons Start October 1

The hunting season for ruffed grouse -- New Hampshire's most sought-after upland game bird -- starts October 1 and runs through December 31. Karen Bordeau, Fish and Game’s Small Game Project Leader, notes that better than 64% of small game hunting effort in New Hampshire is directed towards ruffed grouse, and that over half of that effort takes place in the North Country.

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

Muzzleloader Antlerless Deer Permit Winners

Deer hunters who applied for a Vermont muzzleloader season antlerless deer permit by the August 24 deadline can now go to the Vermont Fish & Wildlife website (www.vtfishandwildlife.com) to see if they won a permit.

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

Moose Season Set To Begin Monday

On Monday, September 25th, over 700 moose hunters will enter the Maine woods seeking Maine’s most majestic mammal. This is the 37th year of Maine’s modern moose hunt, a hunt which resumed in 1980 after being closed since 1936.

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

Biologists Seek Input on Snake Sightings

Biologists are asking the public to report snake sightings this fall to the Vermont Reptile and Amphibian Atlas to help document the extent of the state’s eleven snake species. 

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

Outdoor Adventure Talk: Fall Turkey Hunting

Learn about tactics, techniques, equipment, and calls that can help you seal the deal on your fall New Hampshire turkey. Experienced turkey hunters Fred Bird and Carter Heath will present a seminar on fall turkey hunting on Wednesday, September 27, at the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, 11 Hazen Drive, Concord, N.H.  The talk begins at 7 p.m. Admission is free. No pre-registration is required.

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

Hunters Reminded of Rules on Importing Deer & Elk

Hunters traveling outside Vermont to hunt deer or elk need to keep in mind that a regulation designed to protect Vermont's wild deer from chronic wasting disease remains in effect, according to a reminder from the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department.

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

Fall Crappies are Starting to Setup, almost GO Time

Fall time fishing is a magic time that we anglers look forward to after a seemingly endless hot summer. Waters are cooling, the fish are starting to heavily feed for the upcoming winter and this in turn puts these fish into a bit more of predictable locations.

Once these waters get to those lower temps, 50-60 degrees and lower, the crappies start schooling together and roaming the basins of the lake for forage. Once you start fishing for these fish, you understand where they come together and stage for the coming winter season.

http://www.backwoodssportsman.com/reports-1.html

Outdoor Adventure Talk: Fall Turkey Hunting

Learn about tactics, techniques, equipment, and calls that can help you seal the deal on your fall New Hampshire turkey. Experienced turkey hunters Fred Bird and Carter Heath will present a seminar on fall turkey hunting on Wednesday, September 27, at the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, 11 Hazen Drive, Concord, N.H.  The talk begins at 7 p.m. Admission is free. No pre-registration is required.

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

VT F&W Urges Hunters to Help Keep Deer Healthy

The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department is reminding hunters of a law designed to help keep Vermont deer healthy by not using any type of deer urine-based or deer body fluid attractant scents. 

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

Tree Stand Safety Tips for Hunters

Tree stands get hunters out of sight and smell of wary deer, but they can also get hunters into trouble. Here are some tips from the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department to help stay safe and get the most out of your tree stand hunting experience.

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

Baiting or Feeding Deer, Bear is Prohibited

The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department reminds us that baiting or feeding deer and bear is prohibited at all times in Vermont. 

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

Share the Harvest - Hunt for the Hungry

New Hampshire hunters can share their fall harvest with the needy through the "Hunt for the Hungry" program at the New Hampshire Food Bank. Once again this fall, the Food Bank is collecting donations of whole or processed game animals for distribution to more than 425 food pantries, soup kitchens, homeless shelters, and group homes statewide.

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