2018 Spring Wild Turkey Hunting Season Opens April 25

Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is reminding hunters that the 2018 Connecticut spring wild turkey hunting season runs from April 25 through May 26.

Spring Turkey Junior Hunter Training Days will be held on state and private land from Saturday, April 14 through Saturday, April 21 (excluding Sunday, April 15). On these days, licensed junior hunters (12 to 15 years of age) may hunt turkeys when accompanied by a licensed adult hunter 18 years of age or older who must remain within physical contact and in a position to provide direct supervision and instruction. Training days provide junior hunters with an opportunity to learn safe and effective hunting practices from experienced hunters.

http://www.ct.gov/deep/cwp/view.asp?Q=601826&A=4965

Environmental Police Urge Anglers To Put Safety First On Opening Day Of Trout Fishing Season

With the trout fishing season opening on Saturday, April 14, the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) is reminding anglers – particularly those fishing from a boat – to exercise personal safety precautions while in pursuit of their first trout of the season. Anyone going out in a boat, canoe, kayak, or vessel of any kind should wear a life jacket to help ensure they enjoy a safe Opening Day fishing experience.

After a long winter, even on a warm day, water temperatures can linger in the low to mid-50s. According to a U.S. Coast Guard report, a boating accident is five times more likely to be fatal if the water is colder than 60 degrees. The Coast Guard also notes that eight out of 10 boaters who drowned were using vessels less than 21 feet in length. Using small, unstable vessels like canoes and kayaks in water that's deceivingly cold puts anglers in a very dangerous situation. In 2016, the number of recreational boating deaths involving paddlecrafts such as kayaks more than doubled in Northeast waters, according to the Coast Guard.

https://www.kevindahlkeoutdoors.com/single-post/2018/04/09/Environmental-Police-Urge-Anglers-To-Put-Safety-First-On-Opening-Day-Of-Trout-Fishing-Season

When Angler Numbers And Habits Change, Regulations Change To Enhance A Fishery

When I started work for MDIFW in the mid-1980s, fishing activity was at its peak.  Angler use was at an all-time high and I used to cringe the Monday of Memorial Day Weekend seeing the steady stream of traffic heading south all loaded with fish (in my mind anyway) from my favorite trout ponds.  Back then, we frequently crafted more restrictive regulations to limit harvest to protect the wild fish resources. It was rare to liberalize regulations. Doing so would have certainly led to overharvest and the depletion of the popular trout and salmon fisheries in the region.

But now, things are much different.  Overall, fewer people are fishing and those that do practice catch and release at a much higher rate than in the 1980s. This has led to a number of cases where we now have too many fish in some waters.  Chesuncook Lake is a glaring example of the pitfalls of too little harvest.

https://www1.maine.gov/wordpress/insideifw/2018/04/06/angler-numbers-habits-change-regulations-change-enhance-fishery/

Registration Opens Soon for BOW Deep Sea Fishing Adventure

Registration opens April 9 for an exciting day of deep sea fishing off New Hampshire's coast with the Becoming an Outdoors-Woman program. The trip takes place on Saturday, June 2, 2018. The cost for the day is $95, which includes instruction, and bait and rod rental.  Participants should bring their own lunch.

Participants must register online at www.nhbow.com on or after April 9. Registration is first-come, first-served and space is limited.  All participants must be age 18 or older.

https://www.kevindahlkeoutdoors.com/single-post/2018/04/06/Registration-Opens-Soon-for-BOW-Deep-Sea-Fishing-Adventure

Watchaug Pond, Indian Lake Boat Ramp Improvements To Get Underway In April

The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) announces that construction of freshwater boat ramp improvements will begin on April 16 at Watchaug Pond in Charlestown and Indian Lake in South Kingstown.

The existing ramps at both sites will be replaced by new concrete boat ramps, measuring 12 feet in width. As an added amenity, DEM will also install a new, six-foot by 20-foot timber floating dock at each site.

http://www.ri.gov/press/view/32917

Deer Ages Available on F&W Website

Hunters who provided the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department with a tooth from their deer last year can now find out how old their deer was by visiting the department’s website, www.vtfishandwildlife.com. 

 
Hunters submitted 2,808 teeth from the bucks they took during the November rifle deer season.   Combined with the 1,207 deer examined by biologists at reporting stations during the youth and rifle seasons, biologists were able to get accurate ages for 4,015 deer.

https://vtfishandwildlife.blogspot.com/2018/04/deer-ages-available-on-f-website.html

DEM Stocks Rhode Island Waters In Advance Of April 14th Opening Of Trout Fishing Season

The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) announced today it is stocking some 80,000 brook, brown, and rainbow trout into Rhode Island ponds and streams in preparation for the freshwater fishing season. Opening day of the season, set for April 14, is celebrated annually by more than 40,000 anglers across the state. New this year, hatchery-raised tiger trout are being stocked at four of Rhode Island's most popular fishing locations. These beautiful and aggressive tiger trout are a hybrid of a brown and brook trout and provide an exciting angling experience.

"I hope anglers of all ages will reconnect with the outdoors and head out to a favorite fishing spot on Opening Day to experience the thrill of reeling in the first trout of the season," said DEM Director Janet Coit. "After the long and cold winter we've had, nothing could be more fun than joining the generations of Rhode Islanders who get out at the crack of dawn on Opening Day in search of the beautiful brook, brown, and rainbow trout raised in DEM's hatcheries. And this year, the gorgeous and feisty tiger trout we're stocking in local ponds will bring added excitement to this time-honored Rhode Island tradition."

https://www.kevindahlkeoutdoors.com/single-post/2018/04/05/DEM-Stocks-Rhode-Island-Waters-In-Advance-Of-April-14th-Opening-Of-Trout-Fishing-Season

Keep Wildlife Wild -- Leave Young Animals Alone

With the arrival of spring, many species of wildlife are giving birth to their young. Finding young wildlife can be exciting, but in most cases, even if it appears abandoned, the mother is not far off. If you encounter young wildlife -- even young animals that appear to need help -- the kindest and safest thing to do is to leave them alone and let nature take its course.

“Young wild animals (including mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians) typically have their best chance of surviving when they are in their own natural environment,” explains N.H. Fish and Game Wildlife Biologist Dan Bergeron.

http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/newsroom/news.html?news=910

Registration Opens April 1 for Summer Youth Programs at Owl Brook Hunter Education Center

Free youth day programs will be taking place this summer at the Owl Brook Hunter Education Center in Holderness. These programs give youth (boys and girls) ages 10-15 the chance to learn about shooting sports, bowhunting and other outdoor skills. Sessions will be offered in July and August at Owl Brook, which is operated by the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department.

Pre-registration is required and will be conducted on a first-come, first-served basis.  Space is limited – enrollment is limited to 20 youth per day – so please register early.

https://www.kevindahlkeoutdoors.com/single-post/2018/04/04/Registration-Opens-April-1-for-Summer-Youth-Programs-at-Owl-Brook-Hunter-Education-Center

Enter the New Hampshire Moose Hunt Lottery

If you want to hunt moose in New Hampshire this fall, now is the time to enter the lottery and try your luck on the adventure of a lifetime. Applications for the lottery cost $15 for residents and $25 for non-residents (non-refundable) and are available online at www.huntnh.com or from any Fish and Game license agent. A total of 51 permits are proposed to be issued in this year’s lottery.

Apply now by visiting N.H. Fish and Game at www.huntnh.com/hunting/moose.html, where you can apply online or print out a mail-in application. Lottery applications for 2018 must be postmarked or submitted online by midnight Eastern Time on May 25, 2018, or delivered to N.H. Fish and Game headquarters in Concord before 4:00 p.m. that day. Applicants are encouraged to apply online and early, so there is less chance of submitting an incomplete application.

https://www.kevindahlkeoutdoors.com/single-post/2018/04/03/Enter-the-New-Hampshire-Moose-Hunt-Lottery

Hop Into Spring and Submit Your Rabbit Sightings to NH Rabbit Reports

As springtime nears and Easter approaches, put aside those chocolate bunnies and set your sights on real rabbits. It’s nesting season for rabbits in New Hampshire, and that means the time is right to submit your rabbit sightings to NH Rabbit Reports at nhrabbitreports.org.

NH Rabbit Reports is a 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. The project is collecting data, photos, and sighting information to help researchers better understand the distribution and potential abundance of rabbit species in the Granite State.

https://www.kevindahlkeoutdoors.com/single-post/2018/04/02/Hop-Into-Spring-and-Submit-Your-Rabbit-Sightings-to-NH-Rabbit-Reports

Remove Bobhouses from Ice by April 1

Attention ice anglers: According to state law, all bobhouses (also known as ice shanties), must be removed from the ice no later than the end of the day on April 1.  Please remember to use all precautions to ensure your safety when taking bobhouses off lakes and ponds.

Once bobhouses are removed to the shoreline, take care to move the structure to your own property.  Do not leave bobhouses on public or private property without permission -- that is also a violation of state law.

https://www.kevindahlkeoutdoors.com/single-post/2018/03/30/Remove-Bobhouses-from-Ice-by-April-1

Salmon Fishing On Bog Lake Improves With New Public Access Site

Maine’s fisheries biologists are charged with preserving, protecting, and enhancing the inland fisheries resources of the state for all to enjoy here in Maine. One important piece of the fisheries management puzzle is public access to state waters. This was certainly evident at Bog Lake in Northfield where for 12 years the public lost access to this 826-acre water.

Located just 10 miles north of Machias in Washington County, Bog Lake supports cold-water species and is known historically as a great salmon fishery. When public access was lost, the fishing drastically changed.

https://www1.maine.gov/wordpress/insideifw/2018/03/29/salmon-fishing-bog-lake-improves-new-public-access-site/

Ice Season Winding Down

The ice season here is on its way out, if not already in certain areas, and trying to take advantage of these last days with northbound road trips.

Typically, this time of year, the fishing is outstanding as they are grouping up and once you find those roaming schools, it can be fish after fish catching. This year just isn’t setting up that way and finding the fish has been a real challenge.

https://www.kevindahlkeoutdoors.com/single-post/2018/03/29/Ice-Season-Winding-Down

Vermont Trout Season Opens April 14

Vermont’s traditional trout fishing season is set to open on Saturday, April 14, and despite recent cold weather and lingering snow cover across the state, officials from Vermont Fish & Wildlife say anglers can be successful early in the season by following a few basic tips.

“Just like any other time of year, anglers fishing early in the spring should adjust their tactics based on the conditions,” said State Fisheries Biologist Bret Ladago.  “Given the cold weather and runoff from recent storms and snow melt, water levels will be high, flows will be faster than normal and water temperatures will be cold. 

https://vtfishandwildlife.blogspot.com/2018/03/vermont-trout-season-opens-april-14.html

VT Fish & Wildlife to Host Turkey Hunting Seminar in Brattleboro Area on April 15

The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department is holding a free Turkey Hunting Seminar in Guildford, Vermont on April 15, 2018.  This seminar is in addition to the two turkey hunting seminars being held on April 7 at Barre Fish and Game Club and April 8 at the Hartland Fire Department.

The seminar will be held at Sportsman’s Inc. Fish and Game Club, 2081 Creamery Road in Guilford from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.

https://www.kevindahlkeoutdoors.com/single-post/2018/03/28/VT-Fish-Wildlife-to-Host-Turkey-Hunting-Seminar-in-Brattleboro-Area-on-April-15

Tips To Prevent Nuisance Problems With Black Bears As Their Populations Increase

The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) reminds residents to remove potential food sources from their properties as black bears emerge from hibernation. Increasing bear populations in the region have led to more frequent sightings – especially in rural areas of Providence, Kent, and Washington counties.

Given the scarcity of food in the spring, black bears may visit bird feeders, beehives, chicken coops, rabbit hutches, and compost piles in search of food. Black bears are generally shy and will avoid interactions with humans. However, they can become dependent on backyard food sources, if readily available, and quickly become a nuisance. Black bears have an excellent sense of smell and will investigate odors they identify as an easy meal – and will regularly frequent a site once a food source is identified.

http://www.ri.gov/press/view/32825

Launch of 2018 No Child Left Inside Great Park Pursuit

Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) announced that registration for the 2018 No Child Left Inside® Great Park Pursuit – Connecticut State Parks Family Adventure is now open at www.NoChildLeftInside.org through Friday, May 4, 2018.

 

“The No Child Left Inside program has been an important part of Connecticut summers for more than a decade,” said DEEP Commissioner Robert Klee. “As the father of two boys, who both love the natural world, the No Child Life Inside program is always a summer highlight for us. I encourage families across the state to get outside and enjoy the fresh air, sunlight and share in those moments that will create memories for parent and child alike.”

http://www.ct.gov/deep/cwp/view.asp?Q=601544&A=4965

Landlocked Salmon and Lake Trout Fishing Opens April 1

April 1 marks the start of the open-water fishing season on New Hampshire's large lakes managed for landlocked salmon and lake trout, including Big Squam, Sunapee, and the "Big Lake" -- Winnipesaukee.  Along with these well-known water bodies, New Hampshire Fish and Game also manages 11 other lakes for landlocked salmon, including Big Dan Hole Pond, First and Second Connecticut Lakes, Conway Lake, Lake Francis, Merrymeeting Lake, Newfound Lake, Ossipee Lake, Little Squam Lake, and Winnisquam Lake.  Pleasant Lake in New London is also managed for landlocked salmon, but is classified as a designated trout pond, with a 2018 opening date of April 28.

https://www.kevindahlkeoutdoors.com/single-post/2018/03/27/Landlocked-Salmon-and-Lake-Trout-Fishing-Opens-April-1

Ruffed Grouse and American Woodcock

NH Fish and Game Small Game Project Leader Karen Bordeau will present information on the status of New Hampshire ruffed grouse and the American woodcock on March 27, 2018



https://www.kevindahlkeoutdoors.com/single-post/2018/03/26/Ruffed-Grouse-and-American-Woodcock

Report Your Wild Turkey Sightings Through March 31

The N.H. Fish and Game Department reminds wildlife watchers to report sightings of wild turkeys.  The Department’s Wild Turkey Flock Survey is open through March 31.  The public is encouraged to report turkey sightings online at www.wildnh.com/surveys/turkey.html.  Please do not report multiple sightings of the same flock.

The survey is designed to fill gaps in Fish and Game’s existing winter flock data collection efforts, adding to the Department’s understanding of the abundance and distribution of turkeys during the winter months. Participants are asked to report: the number of turkeys in the flock; where they were seen; the type of habitat the birds were observed in; and what the turkeys were feeding on (for example, acorns, beechnuts, seed at birdfeeders, or corn silage).

https://www.kevindahlkeoutdoors.com/single-post/2018/03/23/Report-Your-Wild-Turkey-Sightings-Through-March-31

Outdoor Adventure Talks at NH Fish and Game

Try a new outdoor adventure this spring! Free talks being offered by the NH Fish and Game Department in April will give you some great ideas. The talks (except film festival) take place at 7:00 p.m. at Fish and Game Headquarters, 11 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH. Get inspired by the outdoor world!

April 5: Raptors of New Hampshire: See live birds of prey, like owls, peregrine falcon, or red-tailed hawk. Kevin Wall, Director of Education at NH Audubon. Learn about the adaptations that helped establish these raptors as some of New Hampshire’s top predators. Raptors play a unique role in our ecosystem. At this entertaining presentation, you’ll learn how NH Audubon assists in protecting raptors, and how you can help.

https://www.kevindahlkeoutdoors.com/single-post/2018/03/22/Outdoor-Adventure-Talks-at-NH-Fish-and-Game

Dakota Lithium Batteries, A Portable GPS’s Best Friend

21st century technology in the fishing industry is simply amazing. To have the gear available like we do today for getting on fish spots is outstanding.

Areas like Rainy Lake and Lake of the Woods offer plenty of structure oriented fishing opportunities in the winter months. It can be a challenge to find the spot on the spot through a sheet of ice in winter to accurately fish a piece of structure.

https://www.kevindahlkeoutdoors.com/single-post/2018/03/21/Dakota-Lithium-Batteries-A-Portable-GPS%25E2%2580%2599s-Best-Friend

Winner of the Annual Angler’s Guide Cover Photo Contest

Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) today announced the winner of the Fifth Annual Angler’s Guide Cover Photo Contest. This year’s cover features a photograph submitted by Jeanne Wadsworth of Tolland. The winning photo, captured by Sandy Vinton, shows Jeanne posing with a largemouth bass she caught while fishing at Breakneck Pond in Nipmuck State Forest located in Union.

 

“I had been out there fishing a few times before and had caught several good-sized fish, but this was by far the largest I had caught there. My kayak was being towed around, and with only 8lb line on, I didn't think I had a prayer at landing it,” Jeanne recounted. “Fortunately, the fish wrapped itself around a stump, and I was able to get it out of the water for a couple of quick shots before I released it. It was such an awesome experience.”

http://www.ct.gov/deep/cwp/view.asp?Q=601376&A=4965

Creating Backyard Habitat for Bees And Butterflies

Many of us have heard about widespread declines of some pollinator species.  Not only do bees and butterflies play a critical role in natural ecosystems and in agriculture by pollinating plants, but they’re pretty cool to look at too!  While the causes for pollinator declines are not fully understood, there are some simple steps that you can take to help provide habitat for these remarkable insects.  And unlike some wildlife species, even folks with a small, urban backyard can have a positive impact.

https://www1.maine.gov/wordpress/insideifw/2018/03/20/creating-backyard-habitat-bees-butterflies/