Category: New Hampshire

Posted By:
Jerry-Nicholson
Web Member

West Central NH/VT border 11-09-2004 23:27
Sunny & Clear, Winds Calm – 30-34 Degrees – Open Water
My Sunday hunt was quite uneventful. There really is no migration to write home about. A few local ducks blew by me at Mach .9 and I might have had a shot if I was piloting an F-16.

I’m quite surprized that I haven’t seen any migrating V’s of geese so far. Then again, it shouldn’t be a surprize when you look up the current snow/ice cover maps on the NOAA web site and find open water from here to Hudson Bay.

Patience, Grasshopper…

Posted By:
Msg&son
Guest

lancaster area 11-08-2004 19:17
Mostly Cloudy, No Precipitation – 35-40 Degrees
what a differance a day makes froma foot of snow on sat in the diamond deer hunting to a muddy corn field.my son and i set up in a puddle with a few decs,saw a few flocks of mallards but no shots, river is up alot, and no geese, then did some puddle jumping and we got some blacks nice big ones migrants im sure, but stillnot alot of ducks around not sure why will hit it again this weekand before it closes and see what happens. bye for now Mark

Posted By:
Scott-Haight
Guest

Seacoast Inland Zone 11-07-2004 15:29
Cloudy, High Winds – 60-65 Degrees
Well, got out today and hit an inland tidal river. Unfortunately the guy who invited me read the tide calendar wrong. We took his boat which is just an access boat rather than my boat with the blind. We had to hunt from his boat and because of it we had 90% of the birds flare off. Did see many Mallards and Blacks and even a lot of Teal which kind of surprised me for so late. Can’t wait for the Coastal zone to reopen in a couple weeks.

Posted By:
Scott-Haight
Guest

Geese begining to move in? 11-07-2004 05:40
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Finally begining to see a few geese around for the first time since early October. While nothing of the numbers you would expect to see by now they do appear to finally be showing up.

Posted By:
Scott-Haight
Guest

Seacoast NH 11-05-2004 06:38
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The first skim ice of the season has been seen( by me anyway )on the freshwater ponds and swamps. Should be a sign of birds begining to move on in.

Posted By:
Jerry-Nicholson
Web Member

Upper Valley 11-03-2004 17:07
Mostly Cloudy, No Precipitation – 35-40 Degrees
Monday morning brought very little bird action to the Upper Valley. I bagged the lone teal I saw and muffed the shot on a nearly perfect calling/decoying of a flock of local geese.

Still looking for cold weather to get birds moving.

Posted By:
Scott-Haight
Guest

WHERE CAN I HUNT IN N.H.? RESOURCES INCLUDE NEW ONLINE WMA GUIDE 11-01-2004 16:49
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CONTACT:
Charlie Bridges: (603) 271-2461
Liza Poinier: (603) 271-3211
November 1, 2004

WHERE CAN I HUNT IN N.H.? RESOURCES INCLUDE NEW ONLINE WMA GUIDE

CONCORD, N.H. — Longtime hunters have special — often secret — places where they go year after year to try and tag a deer. For those new to hunting, or those whose secret place just became a parking lot, the challenge is deciding where to go. The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department website at http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us has resources to assist hunters in determining where they should do their scouting and hunting.

* The new WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA (WMA) GUIDE. WMAs are one of New Hampshire’s best-kept hunting secrets. Now you can get detailed information about the largest 24 WMAs in New Hampshire on the Fish and Game website. These thousands of acres of undeveloped public land are owned by the N.H. Fish and Game Department and designated as areas for wildlife resource conservation, hunting and fishing.

* FEDERAL AND STATE LANDS. Most state and federal lands in New Hampshire, including the 751,000-acre White Mountain National Forest, allow hunting. Fish and Game has guidelines for which lands are huntable, plus answers to common questions about hunting on state-owned lands. Go to the website and click on “Where can I hunt in N.H.?” from the home page or the Hunting page.

* PRIVATE LANDS, including timber and paper lands. New Hampshire has a strong tradition of public use of private lands. Many landowners generously keep their property open to hunters. Hunters should use courtesy and common sense when hunting on private land: Personally ask for and gain permission before going hunting; treat the land and the landowner with the highest respect; leave no trace of your presence.

The New Hampshire Atlas and Gazeteer from the DeLorme map company, available for purchase from most bookstores and from Fish and Game headquarters, is an indispensable resource for hunters. It shows many conservation easement properties and WMAs throughout the state — look for the shaded green parcels.

So, fire up your computer, get out your Gazeteer, and Hunt New Hampshire — It’s a whole new season!

Posted By:
Scott-Haight
Guest

WILDLIFE REPORT FROM N.H. FISH AND GAME – October 28, 2004 10-29-2004 05:56
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WILDLIFE REPORT FROM N.H. FISH AND GAME – October 28, 2004

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED TO MONITOR WINTERING BALD EAGLES

N.H. Fish and Game and the Audubon Society of N.H. (ASNH) are looking for people who are willing to assist in counting bald eagles and in monitoring known and potential eagle roost sites this winter. Field volunteers who don’t mind being out in the Granite State’s chilly winter weather will be asked to help during two single-day statewide eagle counts (one Saturday each in early January and in late February), and with more intensive surveys (multiple dates in January-February) at known and potential overnight roost sites located primarily in the Merrimack River watershed.

ASNH’s Conservation Department coordinates wintering bald eagle fieldwork and training for N.H. Fish and Game. An indoor volunteer orientation session is scheduled for Wednesday, December 8, 2004, at 7:00 pm at the Massabesic Audubon Center, at 26 Audubon Way in Auburn. Additional outdoor field training sessions will follow in December. For more information, or to sign up to help, please contact ASNH Senior Biologist Chris Martin at 603/224-9909, x317 or at cmartin@nhaudubon.org.

WELCOME TO THE WOOD DUCK’S WORLD

“Wheeee, wheeee.” As you approach, a hen wood duck sounds the alarm to her counterparts, totally concealed in the marsh grass surrounding a secluded beaver pond. Barely perceptible waves, too, give you a clue that the wood duck, or ducks, are secreted along the shore near the beaver lodge, as you stealthily approach the pond.

Despite the grandeur of the male, whose regal looks top all other North American waterfowl, wood ducks are seldom seen. They prefer to tuck themselves into beaver ponds and along seldom-disturbed streams surrounded by trees. You will not find a wood duck begging for handouts at some local park. In fact, wood ducks are quite numerous in New Hampshire, second only to the ubiquitous mallard. In the spring of 2004, Fish and Game biologists conducted the annual breeding waterfowl survey, which showed an estimated 19,496 pairs of breeding wood ducks in New Hampshire.

The bland brown females are cavity nesters, selecting an unused woodpecker or squirrel hole in a tree up to a mile from water. There, she lays a dozen eggs, which incubate for four weeks before hatching in mid- to late-May. The newly hatched young will follow their mother to a nearby secluded pond to devour plant and insects, quickly growing to adult size by late summer. Adults primarily feed on vegetation and will sometimes be flushed from a stand of oaks far from water, where they go to feed on acorns.

Wood ducks are an early migratory bird, as far as waterfowl go. Wood ducks banded in New Hampshire have migrated long distances and have been taken by hunters in places you would least expect – including sites in Florida, Mississippi, Ontario and Arkansas. Our wood ducks do wander!

Fortunately, New Hampshire has an abundant beaver population, which has created thousands and thousands of acres of wood duck habitat since the beavers’ return about 50 years ago. Maintaining wood duck numbers means sustaining beaver populations by providing adequate food supplies around their ponds. Trapping a few beavers from a pond each year will increase by decades the life of the pond by making the forage available around the pond last much longer. Small patch cuts that encourage hardwood regeneration will also increase the lifespan of a beaver pond. Remember to control and feed the beavers to keep wood ducks on your ponds. — Eric Orff, wildlife biologist

NEW SEASON OF WILDLIFE JOURNAL TV

Get set for more great wildlife watching as Wildlife Journal TV launches a whole new season of programming premiering Nov. 4 on New Hampshire Public Television (NHPTV). Ten all-new episodes explore wildlife topics like Ways of the Whitetail and Great Bay’s Wintering Eagles. Visit Wild Places like the Alpine Gardens on Mount Washington and Farrar Marsh Wildlife Management Area in Hillsboro. The award-winning show, produced by Fish and Game in partnership with NHPTV, lets you tag along with biologists, educators, Conservation Officers and others working to manage and maintain New Hampshire’s amazing wildlife and its habitats.

Wildlife Journal airs on Thursdays at 9 p.m. on New Hampshire Public Television. The show is a co-production of Fish and Game and NHPTV. Visit http://www.wildlifejournal.tv.

Posted By:
Scott-Haight
Guest

HUNTERS: YOU CAN HELP NEW HAMPSHIRE\’S HUNGRY 10-28-2004 07:13
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CONTACT:
Jane Vachon: (603) 271-3211
Michele Garron: (603) 669-9725
October 26, 2004

HUNTERS: YOU CAN HELP NEW HAMPSHIRE’S HUNGRY

CONCORD, N.H. — New Hampshire’s hunters can help the less fortunate this season by sharing their fall harvest with the Hunt for the Hungry Program. Donations of whole or processed game animals are being collected by the New Hampshire Food Bank of Manchester, which distributes food to more than 270 food pantries, soup kitchens, homeless shelters and group homes statewide. Last year, Hunt for the Hungry took in more than 1,000 pounds of donated deer, bear, moose, duck and other game meat. The program offers packaging instructions and can pick up your meat donation. To donate game meat to Hunt for the Hungry, call the New Hampshire Food Bank at (603) 669-9725.

“Wild game has historically provided a source of food to hunters, their families and their communities,” said Lee E. Perry, executive director of the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department. “This program is a great way for hunters to give back to their communities by providing needy families with food to help them get through the winter.”

“We thank New Hampshire’s hunters!” says Michele Garron, the food bank’s operations manager. A hunter herself, Garron hopes to be successful in the field this season so she can contribute some venison to the program. She noted that deer meat is both delicious and healthful — high in protein and low in fat. “These donations from hunters make a real difference for the needy in our state.”

The approaching holiday season is an important time to contribute to the Food Bank, but donations are in demand throughout the year, according to Garron.

Posted By:
Msg&son
Guest

upper conneticut valley area 10-25-2004 19:43
Mostly Cloudy, No Precipitation – 30-34 Degrees – Open Water
well on sat set up in a corn field in a puddle left by the rain and got a few shots off at some blacks and some mallards coming into the feilds.only saw one flock of geese 9 in total but did see 3 large flocks of mallards like 30 to 40 flying. not sure where they went but they where around. on sunday set up in a old bever bog,had to break up the like 3/8ths ice on the bog to get my decoys out lol but man got some shooting in on all kinds of greenwing teal wow saw about 30 or so got 3 one flock had 15 in it.must be migrants because they where stupid shoot at them and in like 10 minutes they cam right back to the decoys. was fun but just like on sat after like 10:30 the ducks just dissappered. so no idea no geese at all though. i htink the influx of hunters might have forced them to change their habits and flyway alittle. maybe will try on sun am going deer hutnign on sat so we will see so bye for now and take care all. Mark

Posted By:
Peter-Lester
Field Editor

Strafford County 10-25-2004 09:15
Cloudy, Winds Calm – 45-50 Degrees
Have started to see more geese and saw my first high flying V of migrants on Sunday morning. Goose numbers still seem way down. I had one flock commit to the decoys on Saturday morning that I was able to capitalize on. All other flocks, and there were not too many of them, were on a mission and overflew the field. Saw and talked with two other parties and they did not have any luck decoying a goose on either Saturday or Sunday. Most fields are harvested but some key areas still have standing corn. Duck activity around the corn fields was extremely light. Saturday and Sunday was the youth deer weekend. Saw several kids (with adults) out deer hunting. It is a good idea to have a blaze orange hat or vest with you to use when walking out when waterfowl and deer seasons overlap. Muzzle loading deer season opens next Saturday and looking back the first half goose season was reminiscent of how goose hunting went prior to the three year closure in the mid 90’s. I am hoping for better waterfowling weather and an influx of birds in the 2nd half.

[Edited By Peter-Lester on 2004-10-25 09:19]

Posted By:
Scott-Haight
Guest

FISH AND GAME SEEKS CONSERVATION OFFICER TRAINEES 10-23-2004 04:40
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CONTACTS:
Capt. Martin Garabedian: (603) 271-3128
Jane Vachon: (603) 271-3211
October 22, 2004

FISH AND GAME SEEKS CONSERVATION OFFICER TRAINEES

CONCORD, N.H. — If you’ve thought about becoming a New Hampshire Fish and Game
Department Conservation Officer (CO), this fall may be your chance to try. Fish
and Game is establishing a register of names to be used for staffing current and
future Conservation Officer Trainee vacancies. The closing date for filing an
application is December 10, 2004. The selection process includes a written
examination, a physical agility test and an oral board exam. Applicants must be
at least 21 years of age by December 30, 2004. To see if you qualify as a
candidate, go to the Fish and Game website and view the job description at
http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Inside_FandG/human_resources.htm.

“Being a Conservation Officer is a challenging job that calls for an in-depth
understanding of wildlife, expert knowledge of hunting and fishing skills and
laws, a high level of physical fitness and excellent ‘people skills’,” said Col.
Jeffrey Gray, Chief of Fish and Game’s Law Enforcement Division. “Whether
they’re conducting a wildlife crime scene investigation, teaching a hunter
education class, or helping to stock fish, COs have the satisfaction of knowing
they play a vital role in enforcing state wildlife laws and keeping conditions
favorable for fish and wildlife throughout the state.”

If selected, Conservation Officer Trainees gain experience working with Field
Training Officers in every district of the state during the first year of their
employment. If they successfully complete the yearlong trainee program, they are
then assigned to a permanent patrol area within the state.

The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department’s Law Enforcement Division is
responsible for the enforcement of all laws, rules and regulations pertaining to
fish and wildlife. Conservation Officers prosecute all of their own cases
involving offenders of wildlife law. They also are responsible for search and
rescue operations and for enforcing off-highway recreational vehicle
regulations.

Candidates must submit a State of New Hampshire Application for Employment,
available from the New Hampshire Division of Personnel at http://www.nh.gov/hr,
from the N.H. Fish and Game Department, or from any local office of New
Hampshire Employment Security. For more information on the CO Trainee program,
please call the New Hampshire Fish and Game Law Enforcement Division at (603)
271-3127. The Fish and Game Department is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women
and minorities are encouraged to apply.

Posted By:
Jerry-Nicholson
Web Member

Upper Valley 10-20-2004 11:21
Sunny & Clear, Morning Fog – 30-34 Degrees – Open Water
I set up wrong in a new spot this morning which ended up spoiling the only real shot I had a chance at. Live and learn.

Bird activity was about the same this morning, mostly local wary birds and perhaps a few migrants thrown in.

One thing I forgot to mention on the last report that I witnessed again this morning is the tremendous migration of song birds occurring right now. Like two days ago, I saw huge flocks of birds headed south. This morning was a bit different, however.

Across the marsh from me, maybe a hundred yards away, were thousands of starlings or some such bird roosting in a grove of trees. At sunrise they raised one hellacious racket and kept it up for about 20 minutes. What was interesting was how they departed. All at once, about 200 birds flew off in a flock. 10 seconds later another hundred or two took off. They kept this up until all of the birds had gone. They must have some form of air traffic control so they don’t all leave at once and collide with each other.

So, yes. The migration is on, just not for waterfowl!

Posted By:
Jerry-Nicholson
Web Member

Upper Valley 10-18-2004 13:58
Sunny & Clear, Morning Fog – 35-40 Degrees
I got out this morning for the first time in a while. Sitting in a marsh at sunrise is medicinal. It cures what ails you.

There was clearly some movement afoot today. I was able to observe not only local birds, but apparently some newcomers as well. Several flocks of geese passed overhead in “Chesapeke Bay Here We Come” mode while some locals were headed the other way toward the cut corn. Several large flocks of wood ducks were also seen. These were new birds as well.

I didn’t see any mallards, which was odd. They must all be holed up at the un-huntable Mink Brook setback in Hanover.

Posted By:
Scott-Haight
Guest

Great Bay 10-18-2004 04:27
Sunny & Clear, High Winds – 50-60 Degrees
Well, I did manage to get out for the 1st half closure afterall. Decided to hunt my favorite Bay spot despite a less than ideal , very strong, Southernly based wind. Figured I would give the best long term performance spot a shot rather than pick spot B based on wind as there were no other hunters to be found at the launch.

Ended up being a decent decision. Only heard gun shots from one other party all day but possibly the wind took the sound away? Either way the birds were not being moved on my end of the Bay. When they did move however there were quite a few. Still a lot of Blacks, Mallards, and Widgeon seen despite many reports of no birds on the Bay.

I even got a surprise and saw a very large flock of Scaup at one point that came down the Bay looped and then went back. Was easily a couple hundred birds. Was great to see the Scaup again. They have been very rare the last 8-10 years on the Bay as most of you “Bay Rats” know.

The birds that worked to us were smart and well educated in survival 101 however. The second they spotted a decoy spread or heard a duck call the flared to 747 heights. I have great dekes and know how to call so I know it wasn’t my fault. When the tide came back enough to float the boat again late morning we poled out and pulled all but a small pod of dekes we set to flare birds back to us and I put the call away.

We then had birds come over us the rest of the day and managed a few shots. The very strong winds however( far more than the forecast 25MPH!! )made shooting hard and the birds were really moving on it. Most came over too high to shoot at as well which was frustrating. The Widgeon on the Bay seem to do this more than any other species. They get off the water, go straight up to a level you would think requires oxygen tanks, and then they go to the next spot and then drop like leaves off trees in the fall. No middle ground?

We ended the day with 1 bird each, a huge Black for me and a gorgeous fully plummed drake Mallard for my Brother. I also shot a drake Mallard that glided and crashed quite a ways away on the marsh. I had to walk a real treacherous section of the marsh to get there and it took the dog and I a good 20-25 minutes to reach the fall area. You can imagine my disappointment when the bird jumped up and flew, about 6-8″ off the water, to the other side of the Bay when we neared the spot he had crashed in. All that work only to see the bird fly away clearly injured but healthy enough to get away. I never had a chance to shoot at him either as the gun was on my shoulder( sling )and with the poor footing I doubt I could have got a good shot anyway. Dog was less than happy about it as well.

Had we not readjusted the spread and our tactics I doubt we would have had any shooting. A good lesson for any new guys who happen to be reading. If what you are doing isn’t working out let the birds tell you why and then fix it.

Only saw about 6 geese fly all day. Can only assume it was due to the wind and they went elsewhere. Saw quite a raft on the leeward side of a point while heading in around 2PM.

Hope you all had as good a 1st half as I did. See you all again in November.

[Edited By Scott-Haight on 2004-10-18 04:30]

Posted By:
Peter-Lester
Field Editor

Strafford County 10-16-2004 09:22
Sunny & Clear, High Winds – 45-50 Degrees
Some cornfields have been cut, others not. Geese have started to make their appearance. Saw several small groups and one large one with about 50 birds. Flight activity was the normal time but they avoided the cut field we were hunting and kept right on going to the east.
Not their usual behavior at all. Hunting pressure was light for a Saturday. Several flocks were skybusted west of our location by an overanxious hunter taking 100+ yard shots. These futile attempts help no one and educate the birds needlessly. Duck activity was average to light.
Scott walked and jumped shot a stretch of the river yesterday afternoon, he had some success but the thick leaves allowed more to get away.

Posted By:
Scott-Haight
Guest

WILDLIFE ACTION GRANTS AVAILABLE FOR TEACHERS 10-14-2004 13:50
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CONTACT:
Marilyn Wyzga: (603) 271-3211
Jane Vachon: (603) 271-3211
October 14, 2004

WILDLIFE ACTION GRANTS AVAILABLE FOR TEACHERS
Grant Application Deadline: November 30, 2004

CONCORD, N.H. — Teachers interested in starting wildlife habitat projects can apply to the Homes for Wildlife Action Grant Program at New Hampshire Fish and Game for start-up funds. The program provides mini-grants of up to $300 — or $600 with matching funds — for projects allowing students and educators to enhance habitat for people and wildlife. The deadline for submitting proposals is November 30, 2004. For a proposal packet, write to Marilyn Wyzga, Public Affairs Division, N.H. Fish and Game Department, 11 Hazen Drive, Concord, N.H. 03301; email mwyzga@wildlife.state.nh.us; or call (603) 271-3211.

The Homes for Wildlife Action Grant Program is designed to support student environmental action that can be measured in acres improved or protected for wildlife. Activities can include hands-on schoolyard or community habitat improvement or projects influencing community attitudes about maintaining or protecting wildlife habitat.

The grant program is funded by the Conservation License Plate fund, through the Nongame and Endangered Wildlife Program at Fish and Game. Each applicant may request up to $300, or up to $600 if a dollar-for-dollar match can be provided by the school or organization for any amount over the initial $300. A match is not required for the first $300.

Grants are available to educators working in cooperation with Project HOME or Project WILD. Project HOME is an award-winning schoolyard habitat program coordinated by Fish and Game. Project WILD provides teachers with wildlife materials through interactive, interdisciplinary workshops about wildlife and the environment.

Who can apply for the Wildlife Action Grants?
* Project HOME facilitators;
* Teachers and educators trained in Project WILD; or
* Any teacher with a member of one of these programs on the project team.

“We’re looking for student-driven action projects that will directly benefit wildlife,” says Marilyn Wyzga, coordinator of the Project HOME schoolyard habitat program at Fish and Game. “Projects with the best chance of long-term success involve schools assembling a team of staff, students, community members and resource professionals.”

Examples of past projects funded by Wildlife Action Grants include:

* South Londonderry School replaced a section of blacktop with plants appropriate for creating a wildlife habitat garden and outdoor classroom. This includes fruit-bearing bushes and conifer shrubs and perennials, as well as bird feeders, birdbaths and bat houses.

* The Community School, of Tamworth, developed a Songbird Habitat Improvement Project, with bird nesting boxes, an expanded butterfly and hummingbird garden, fruit trees, a winter birdfeeding station and a water feature.

* The Milan Village School is reestablishing a habitat area that was removed to make way for a new school addition. The new habitat area includes native trees and shrubs, as well as bird boxes, to supplement outdoor classroom elements.

Grant applications will be evaluated by staff from Project HOME and biologists and educators from the N.H. Fish and Game Department. Grant recipients are required to evaluate the progress of their project at the end of the school year. Recipients may apply for grants in subsequent years if additional funding is necessary, and also may apply for funds for new projects.

Posted By:
dpatteson
WFC Sponsor

Strafford County 10-13-2004 07:44
Mostly Sunny, No Precipitation – 45-50 Degrees
Like Peter, have watched lots of corn being cut over the last few days. Checked out several of the usually more reliable spots from Candia to Center Strafford, with nary a goose to be seen. One particularly productive field, last year loaded with Canadas and Snows, has yet to see a singel bird according to the farmer (a moose wandered through while they were cutting though.) I have heard rumors about a decent flock of geese in a local alfalfa field, but haven’t swung by yet.

Some of the smaller water and beaver swamps have been reasonably productive. Opening morning brought us a hooded merg, wood duck and a goose, while a follow on hunt on Sunday (very warm) brought in a nice woodie.

Most of the birds we have seen have been a mix of mallards and woodies. All seem to be resident birds and have been bouncing around in small flocks of 6-8 birds. Most mornings we are seeing 25-30 birds in a couple of hours, with considerably fewer swinging by to check out our spread.

I keep hoping a front will get the flight birds coming through.

Posted By:
Scott-Haight
Guest

News from NH Fish & Game 10-13-2004 06:48
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CONTACTS:
Mark Wamser, Gomez and Sullivan, (603) 529-4400
Grace Levergood, NHDES Dam Bureau, (603) 271-1971
Cheri Patterson, N.H. Fish and Game, (603) 868-1095
October 12, 2004

PUBLIC MEETING OCTOBER 20 TO DISCUSS POSSIBLE REMOVAL OF GONIC DAMS

DURHAM, N.H. — The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) will hold a public meeting on Wednesday, October 20, 2004 at 7:00 pm, in the Roberge Community Center at 6 Bridge Street, Rochester, N.H., to inform the public of a feasibility study investigating the possible removal of two dams in Gonic, New Hampshire: the Gonic Dam and the Gonic Sawmill Dam.

The feasibility study, started in June of 2004, is being conducted to determine the impact that removal of one or both dams could have on sediment, infrastructure, fish passage, wetlands, wildlife and archeological/historic resources. Portions of the study have been completed and evaluated. At the meeting, NOAA and NHDES staff will share the information collected to date, and will provide an opportunity for members of the public to ask questions and express opinions or concerns about the project. This is the first of two planned meetings to discuss the project and obtain public feedback.

Other state agencies, including N.H. Fish and Game, and non-governmental organizations are involved with the study as members of an advisory group.

Questions regarding the meeting should be directed to the consultant conducting the feasibility study, Mark Wamser with Gomez and Sullivan at (603) 529-4400; or Grace Levergood, NHDES Dam Bureau, at (603) 271-1971.
____________________________________________

CONTACT:
Mark Ellingwood: (603) 271-2461
Judy Stokes: (603) 271-3211
October 12, 2004

N.H. BIG GAME POPULATION PREFERENCE TELEPHONE SURVEY UNDERWAY

CONCORD, N.H. — The next time your phone rings, it could be a professional survey firm calling to ask what you think about wildlife populations in New Hampshire. This random public survey has been commissioned by the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department as part of a 15-month planning process to create a 10-year big-game management plan for the state.

“We encourage residents who are called to take 10 minutes of their time to offer their opinions on some important New Hampshire wildlife issues,” said Mark Ellingwood, wildlife programs administrator and one of the coordinators of the project. “We realize that people are being bombarded with survey calls this time of year, but the results of this survey will be essential to our efforts to manage wildlife populations in the state at levels consistent with broad public interests.”

The survey is key for gathering public input on the state’s big-game management plan. The plan will serve as the basis for population management of New Hampshire’s white-tailed deer, black bear, moose and wild turkey from 2006 through 2015. Questions are designed to find out people’s opinions, concerns and desires regarding these four species in the state. The survey results will help wildlife managers to set goals for stabilizing, increasing or decreasing species populations; quantify the extent of change desired; and identify key factors influencing public opinions on wildlife.

The telephone survey is expected to begin on Wednesday or Thursday of this week (October 13-14). A total of about 500 New Hampshire residents will be surveyed. The survey vendor is Responsive Management, Inc., of Virginia, an internationally recognized leader in natural resource surveys.

The planning effort is being assisted by a public working group, consisting of 35 stakeholders, representing interests as diverse as farming, hunting, forestry, sporting goods and wildlife ecology, to name a few.

[Edited By Scott-Haight on 2004-10-13 06:49]

Posted By:
ducksnpucks
Guest

upper conn river valley 10-12-2004 20:43
Sunny & Clear, Morning Fog – –
Hunted Sat.,Sun.,Mon., in the cornfields and setbacks from Dalton to Stratford.Saterday was the most active day with many (40-60) ducks being seen.No geese seen which was a surprise as this was the only cut cornfield in the area.Saw blacks,mallards and a bunch of woodies.Poor shooting led to no birds in the bag.Warm afternoon led to very slow action.Sunday brought calm,clear and mild weather and poor hunting.Saw far less ducks(10-15) and no shots fired.In the afternoon a front started to move in from the northwest.Got the birds moving some and missed my only oppertunity of the day.No geese seen.Monday was the most successful day of the trip with two woodies being taken from the only flock seen.Big surprise when one was found to be banded.Did see 4 hoodies on the river which I thought was strange for this early in the year.Also while fishing the Anderscogin on Friday,spooked two widgion,first ones I’ve seen up there. Pete

[Edited By ducksnpucks on 2004-10-12 20:46]

Posted By:
Peter-Lester
Field Editor

Strafford County 10-12-2004 09:24
Sunny & Clear, Winds Calm – 50-60 Degrees
The cornfields in Strafford County were being rapidly harvested this past weekend. The Geese are in short supply. I have not noticed any migrating V’s and the harvested fields have been empty of both birds and hunters. Scott drove back from PA last friday and reported that fields along the highway that are normally full of birds where empty this year. Very little shooting was heard along one of the bigger fresh water rivers in the county on Saturday and favorite place of mine were the oaks hang over the river did not have any wood ducks hanging around. I heard very few shots being fired by other hunters. Hunter activity is also being reported as light by others that I have talked with. It seems we need a front or two to bring some birds down from the north.

Some folks that I work with that really know about waterfowl reported that the cold front that came through last week combined with the pressure of the open day pushed our local birds south in a big way. It seems we must now wait on the migrants.

[Edited By Peter-Lester on 2004-10-12 09:32]

Posted By:
Msg&son
Guest

conneticut valley area up north 10-11-2004 19:40
Sunny & Clear, Morning Fog – 60-65 Degrees
well first weekand is in the books took fri off to take my son hunting, and that turned out to be the bes t off the 3 days got one woody, saw a few birds and geese but got to hot and mild during the day.sat set up on asand bar on the vermont side omg all day saw 4 ducks and 9 geese no shots fired, heard a few shots but no luck,lots of hunters wow , and for the early season scouting with lots of water and birds they where sure gone in a hurry wow not good at all.sun set up in a field and saw a few duks but all flying high and heard only a few shots if that. on the bright side with it being this bad shouldnt be so many hunters this weekand out there, only the die hards like me and my buddies, i hope. and another good note a land owner is now putting gates up on his fields now so that might cut out the drive bys and help the peopkle who will walk into the fields. so that might be good.well hope every one else had a good weekand. Mark St. Germaine

Posted By:
Scott-Haight
Guest

Stratham, NH 10-09-2004 14:48
Mostly Sunny, No Precipitation – 60-65 Degrees
Had a few hours this AM free so I hit one of the tidal rivers coming out of the Bay. Saw quite a few birds. Blacks, Mallards, and Teal. Unfortunately, as someone was already set where I had intended to go it was time for plan B.

Plan B is fine except for the wind conditions we had today. Had the birds flying 90% of the time in my no fire zone. So, I only fired 4 rounds total( 3 chances )at less than perfect shots. Still was a fine morning.

This will more than likely be my last 1st half NH report. If I go again it won’t be until the last day of the first half( 17th ).

Plenty of birds out there guys. Go get them. As always, be safe and shoot straight.

Posted By:
Scott-Haight
Guest

Brentwood, NH 10-08-2004 05:16
Sunny & Clear, Winds Calm – Over 70 Degrees
Well, with the tides not cooperating, and a real desire to hunt as much as I can this year in and around my overloaded work schedule, I decided to hit a swamp I used to hunt a lot before becoming a saltmarsh rat full time. First time I had hit the swamp in about 3-4 years.

Turns out this area has become a Pheasant release site and thus the waterfowling opportunities are not very good anymore. I was stunned to show up and see so many folks in orange at a place I have seen less than a dozen people total in the last dozen years!

I gave it a whirl anyway and did see a nice flock of Woodies and then had a pair of Blacks work and work and work, as they are notorious for, before they just decided something wasn’t quite right and left for a safer haven. That was it for the 3 hours I was there.

Was still nice to get out and go back in time if you will. It was a nice afternoon out and the walk back after shooting time was very pleasant. NO shots fired but still a good outing.

While I am happy for the upland gunners that they finally got a really good spot to chase their Pheasants I am saddened that the last of the “big 3” great inland spots of old for me is now pretty much gone. The other two have been developed into a trucking business and a Wal-Mart. At least this spot will still have hunting.

Be safe and shoot straight.

[Edited By Scott-Haight on 2004-10-08 05:17]

Posted By:
Jerry-Nicholson
Web Member

Upper Valley – Ct River 10-08-2004 00:35
Sunny & Clear, Morning Fog – 35-40 Degrees
I was so pleased with my pre-season scouting. I had paddled my kayak all over the place, marking birds at various times of day, noting morning and evening flight patterns. This resulted in locating the absolute most fabulous and heady opening day location I have ever found.

Then, the day before the opener, I decided to check on a nagging thought. Sure enough, the tributary setback I wanted to hunt was protected by a moronic urban compact ordinance!

Mink Brook, where it meets the Connecticut River, is a waterfowl haven. There have consistantly been upwards of a hundred ducks and several dozen geese meandering about its confines without a care in the world. Now I know why. Hanover’s stupid ordinances deprive us from waterfowling’s hunting heaven.

On Day 1 my youngest son and I set up a few miles south of Mink Brook. We’ve had a few openers in this spot before and its been hit or miss. We got a few shots but nothing to write home about. The son got some good shooting and thats what opening day is all about to this dad.

Lots of birds were passing through, headed north and south but not much decoying interest. They were all flying fairly high.

On day two the fog was so heavy that I really think it affected the hunt. I had a hard time seeing beyond the end of the canoe.

Its pretty tough at this point determining if there is any migration happening. I saw geese, mallards, woodies, teal, cormorants, blacks and hoodies. I suspect they were pretty much local birds.

Interestingly enough, I saw no other hunters. Usually, this area is crawling with duck hunters, but not this year. I suspect that this coming weekend will compensate for the light opener pressure.

Posted By:
Scott-Haight
Guest

Great Bay 10-07-2004 08:26
Sunny & Clear, Morning Fog – 60-65 Degrees
What a fantastic coastal season opener it was on the Bay! One of the BEST I have had out in many a year! While it was quite dead/calm from around 11-2:30 that was to be expected this early with the warmer temps.

Hunted the Bay from the 6:16AM start of shooting time right through until the 6:18PM end of shooting time. Saw birds moving most of the day and I really don’t believe we went more than 15 minutes most of the day without action of some type. Lots of guys showed for the morning hunt but left early to beat the tide out. They missed a lot of good shooting later in the day!

While I didn’t see many geese which surpised me, after seeing so many while scounting just days before, I did see a TON of ducks of various species( again a surprise as during scounting = none? ). Blacks, Mallards, Widgeon, Pintail, Greenwing Teal, Wood ducks, and Scaup all made trips by my boat blind during the course of the day. I lost count of the number of Black ducks that decoyed in or passed within easy gun range? I am actually beginning to think rumors of the daily bag going to 2 birds may be more than just wishful thinking. Certainly the species is rebounding in a big way at least based on what I have seen the last few years.

I ended the day one bird short of my 6 bird limit with a Black, drake Mallard, drake Woodie, Greenwing Teal, and a GORGEOUS fully mature drake Widgeon. I actually should have had my 6th bird and a limit as I did drop it. The last flock of the day was a group of Widgeon that came over and we dropped 3( 2 for me ). The second bird I dropped was just clipped and evaded us.

With my Lab working on 2 surgically repaired knees these days I have to be really careful. Had he been healthy I know he would have brought the bird to bag as he got on it a couple times but I could not keep up with the leash on the very uneven and overgrown ground. As a note however I spent some 20+ minutes trying to get the bird. You MUST put the effort in and sadly many folks these days don’t.

My Brother who hunted with me managed a Black, drake Widgeon, and Greenwing Teal. Best part was my Brother shot his Black first thing = first bird, first shot, dead! When we picked it up it had jewelery. I think he cheats :-)Been seeing a lot more banded birds these days on the Bay as more and more banding projects are taking place locally and on the breeding grounds for our birds. Your chances at a band have never been better in this area.

Anyway, the tides are TERRIBLE for the rest of the first half. May just have to sneak an inland hunt in which I haven’t done in years.

At least based on what I saw all the talk that the Fed’s are over estimating the bird population is BS! Plenty of birds out there.

Keep safe and shoot straight.

[Edited By Scott-Haight on 2004-10-07 08:33]

Posted By:
Peter-Lester
Field Editor

I wish I was 10-05-2004 10:11
Sunny & Clear, Winds Calm – 40-45 Degrees
I am alive and well and anxiously awaiting initial reports from those who got out for the inland opener. My preseason scouting, disguised as crow hunting, gave me hope for a good season. I saw good numbers of waterfowl moving about. The first half finds me more often than not field hunting for Canada Geese. Most of the huntable cornfields in Strafford County remain unharvested as we start the season, so I am saving my time off until the places I want to hunt are ready. Good luck to all as we kick off the 2004-2005 season!

Posted By:
Scott-Haight
Guest

Opening Day Wishes… 10-05-2004 04:07
– – –
Best wishes for a safe and successful opener for the inland and coastal seasons for all.

As a note – Been scouting Great Bay quite a bit the last few evenings and have seen a LOT of geese but very few ducks. Have seen tons of both ducks and geese on inland ponds and lakes however.

Posted By:
Jerry-Nicholson
Web Member

Hanover Boat Launch 10-04-2004 13:01
Sunny & Clear, Winds Calm – 60-65 Degrees
FYI for any upper valley hunters, the boat launch at the Hanover Water Treatment plant is closed due to construction.

Also, Hanover Town Ordinance 31 prohibits hunting in Mink Brook so we can’t sneak in there, either.

[Edited By Jerry-Nicholson on 2004-10-04 13:01]

Posted By:
Scott-Haight
Guest

WILDLIFE REPORT FROM N.H. FISH AND GAME – GREAT YEAR FOR GEESE 09-30-2004 18:20
– – –
GREAT YEAR FOR GEESE

Keep your eyes on the skies during the next couple of weeks for the high-flying Canada goose migration. In a learned family tradition, all the geese hatched in certain areas travel to the same winter destination. Two different populations of migrating geese pass over the Granite State.

One group, called the Atlantic population, travels down the Connecticut River Valley as they wing their way south from spring breeding grounds in the Hudson and James bays in Canada to their winter home in the Chesapeake Bay. The Atlantic population, with about 175,000 breeding pairs, is doing very well, according to Fish and Game Wildlife Biologist Ed Robinson, who predicts a larger fall flight this year than last.

The second population of migrating geese is called the North Atlantic population, with about 197,000 breeding and non-breeding birds. More of a coastal species, these geese breed during the spring in Labrador in the Maritime Provinces of Canada, and winter in New Hampshire’s Great Bay, as well as in coastal Massachusetts and Connecticut. This population is also flourishing, and an increased number of birds is expected this year.

New Hampshire has still another group of Canada geese – a resident population of about 30,000 birds. Though the same species, this population does not migrate. Our resident Canada geese are more productive than the migrating populations, so can be harvested at different rates by hunters. The resident Canada goose hunting season, with a higher bag limit than the open season, ended on September 25, before the big surges of migrants started coming through the state.

Posted By:
Msg&son
Guest

upper conneticut valley 09-25-2004 20:01
Sunny & Clear, Morning Fog – 45-50 Degrees
well my son got a few feathers which is better than i thought he hit two but dfid not kill them my friend who went with us his daughter got a female woody, which was good to see, saw lots of wood ducks and there is all kinds of water out there so ducks are spead out all over. also did scouting for regular season which is almost upon us. looks good so far so see ya later all.

Posted By:
Msg&son
Guest

upper connicut valley 09-24-2004 19:49
– – –
well tomorrow is the big day my best friend and i are both taking our kids waterfowling tomorrow they have come with us many times but this day will be for them both first time with real guns i told my son if he gets one we will mount it for him lol. so will post somnething tomorow and will also be a good day to scout for 2 wks from now cant wait for that weekand . well be good all and good luck to the youths out there. Mark

Posted By:
Scott-Haight
Guest

YOUTH WATERFOWL HUNTING WEEKEND COMING UP SEPT. 25-26 09-20-2004 16:18
– – –
CONTACT:
Ed Robinson: (603) 271-2461
Jane Vachon: (603) 271-3211
September 20, 2004

YOUTH WATERFOWL HUNTING WEEKEND COMING UP SEPT. 25-26

CONCORD, N.H. — New Hampshire’s 2004 Youth Waterfowl Hunting Days will be held statewide on Saturday, September 25; and Sunday, September 26. To participate, youths must be 15 years of age or younger and accompanied by a properly licensed adult age 18 or older. The adult may not hunt.

“Waterfowl hunting isn’t easy to pick up on your own, so the youth weekend is a way to get kids involved in waterfowl hunting by going with an adult who knows the sport, at a time of year with the maximum number of birds around,” said Ed Robinson, a waterfowl biologist for the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department. “The weather is still warm, and kids get a chance to hunt the birds before the regular season gets underway.”

The daily bag limits are the same as those allowed in the open season. You can print off a list of seasons and bag limits for various waterfowl from the Fish and Game website (visit http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Hunting/Hunt_species/hunt_waterfowl.htm.) Note that for Canada goose, the daily bag limit for Saturday, September 25, is 5 birds (the last day of the September season); on the second youth day, September 26, the bag limit for Canada goose will be the regular-season limit of 2 birds.

The regular inland waterfowl season starts October 5 this year, with coastal hunting starting the next day on October 6. You can purchase hunting licenses and permits online at http://www.nhfishandgame.com, or from license agents statewide

Posted By:
Jerry-Nicholson
Web Member

Ct River Valley 09-20-2004 13:37
Mostly Cloudy, No Precipitation – 60-65 Degrees
Did some scouting yesterday along the river and at some favorite marshes. While I didn’t see any thing that I’d call migration activity I did see a goodly number of local mallards in several different spots.

Saw a big flock of geese on an un-huntable pond in Lyme.

Rick, which side of the river did you cruise? I did the NH side. The Knights of Columbus boat launch in Hanover/Lyme had 20+ mallards feeding in the shallows on both sides of the access road. Can’t hunt there either, but its good to see birds around.

Late in the afternoon we did see a flock of geese at stratospheric altitude, headed south. Seems early, eh?

Posted By:

Conn. River 09-19-2004 20:32
Mostly Cloudy, No Precipitation – 50-60 Degrees
Scouting again this afternoon, Wilder to Piermont and back. Very few numbers. All local birds. Woodies, few teal and mallards. 40+ geese put up south of Orford (off the water). I don’t think the River really matters anymore in this flyway. Hunt where the feed is. They can always find water. Will gun Friday with a big floater spread off the bank way up north where I know the corn is getting cut Thursday. Will post results. Same picture, fatter baastaard.

[Edited By Fat Bastard on 2004-09-19 20:33]

Posted By:
bhoyt
Guest

Littleton 09-18-2004 11:19
– – –
This year the geese seem to be a little better at hiding than last but we have found a few. It seem this year that the geese new when their hunting season opened before the hunters did about a week and a half before the season opened we had lots of geese around but for opening day not a bird to be seen. It has taken a lot more looking to find some birds but we have found a few geese a few more duck ponds so I guess that is good to so far the total is 4 but we hope to better that tommorrow good luck hunting guys

Posted By:
Msg&son
Guest

upper conneticut valley 09-12-2004 13:01
Sunny & Clear, Morning Fog – 60-65 Degrees
well not much to say except foggy and skunked totally not even a honk. theve gotten smart that is for sure. oh well next time.

Posted By:
Msg&son
Guest

upper conneticut river valley 09-11-2004 16:28
Sunny & Clear, Morning Fog – 60-65 Degrees
morning fog was more than morning didnt lift till almost 1100am wow. but on the bright side we did get 4 this morning and the guys i hunted with went out opening day and got 3 also so, so far so good, but it didnt take them long to get educated already this year. didnt see the big flock like we saw during pre season scouting.we will try again tomorrow morning again not supposed to be so much fog.we must have doen somehting right because we brought in two hunters early this morning, good thing one of the guys noticed them or else. hope u all had a good day and a good day tomorrow also bye for now. Mark st. germaine

Posted By:
Jerry-Nicholson
Web Member

Upper Valley area 09-09-2004 22:39
Cloudy, Rain & Thunderstorms – Over 70 Degrees
Early goose season arrived on the 7th but I still haven’t been out hunting! This hasn’t happened in many a year.

In my travels around the Upper Valley I’ve been able to observe good numbers of resident geese feeding in the fields. Cruise the farm country and you’ll find em. You don’t need to be near the Ct. River either. My first choice and most favorite field for early geese is about 20 miles east of the river and just over 1 mile from home.

Posted By:
Mike M.
Guest

NH coast 09-01-2004 16:20
– – –
I surfed in Rye last evening and was happy to see 7 white winged scoters and one immature drake eider fly by while I was bobbing up and down in the surf.

It wont be too long now.