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
– – –
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
– – –
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
– – –
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]
