NEWS & NOTES—Permit Reminders For Deer and Bear Hunters, Help MassWildlife Count Swans, Upcoming Meetings, Calendar of Events

Permit Reminders For Deer and Bear Hunters - Don't Wait in Line, Apply on Time! All bow, shotgun and muzzleloader deer hunters are reminded that in order to take any antlerless deer during any deer hunting seasons, they must possess an antlerless deer permit. The July 16 application deadline is fast approaching. MassWildlife cautions hunters to refrain from assuming large quantities of over-the-counter permits will be available after permits are sent out. Applications are found on paper licenses bought over the counter. Internet license buyers need to access the MassOutdoors website and apply on-line.Bear hunters are reminded that their permits will be mailed out in August. Applications for permits are posted in the Hunting area of the MassWildlife website (www.mass.gov/masswildlife) and are also available at MassWildlife offices.

Help MassWildlife Count Swans—From July 24 and August 14 interested conservationists are encouraged to report locations and numbers of mute swans to MassWildlife. Sighting reports will be accepted only during these dates. MassWildlife staff is conducting a survey (count) of mute swan populations in Massachusetts. The survey  is conducted every three years. Mute swans are an exotic species and have become more numerous throughout the state.  These birds are easiest to count during the dates mentioned because they moult (lose flight feathers) and are unable to fly. Swans may be found in many locations: ponds, wetlands, beaches, golf courses, cemetaries, condominium developments, back yards, and municipal parks. If you know where any mute swans are located, contact Mass.Wildlife@state.ma.us or call Trina Moruzzi at 508/792-7270 x119 to provide the following information: Best address of location (or directions), or body of water where the birds are located, and number of adults and cygnets (young  swans). 

Upcoming Meetings—June 23--Fisheries & Wildlife Board Meeting, Beverly 1 PM--Open to all, these public meetings provide Board members with information from MassWildlife on wildlife and related topics and issues across the state. A presentation on deer population management and antlerless deer permit allocations for the 2005 deer season will be part of the agenda. The meeting will be held at The Trustees of Reservation’s Long Hill facility on Essex Street. For directions call 978/921-1944.  The Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Advisory Committee Meeting will be July 14 at 1:30PM at the MassWildlife Field Headquarters in Westborough. For directions, call 508/792-7270.

Calendar of Events—Check www.mass.gov/masswildlife  for weekly updates to the MassWildlife Calendar

June 25-Reynold's Pond Family Fishing Festival, Cheshire-- This festival is designed to introduce curious or beginning anglers of all ages who have an interest in learning about fishing. On the shores of Reynold's Pond, cast a line, learn about fish in our waters, safety, ethics, and fishing equipment. No equipment is needed, but if you have your own, bring it along! 9AM - 2PM The festival is in cooperation with the Adams Outdoorsman. For more information contact: Jody Goff @ 413-743-5246

July 9-10--Trailblazing for Outdoorswomen, Plymouth. Fear maps no more! This exciting workshop offers an overnight backpacking trip in the backwoods of southeastern Massachusetts, but with one catch; we'll take map and compass and strike out across cross-country, using no trails! The workshop is co-sponsored by the Department of Conservation and Recreation and is limited to 8 Participants. Registration on-line at www.mass.gov/masswildlife

July 14-Project WILD Workshop for Educators, Uxbridge-This workshop is designed for adults who work with kids of all ages and want hands-on, interdisciplinary activities focusing on wildlife, people and the environment. The workshop will be held at the River Bend Farm State Park Visitor Center. Participants experience useful wildlife activities, receive the Project WILD Guide and other wildlife materials. PDP's available to classroom teachers. Pre-registration required. Call Nicole Wenger 508/278-7604.

July 16-Whitman's Pond Family Fishing Festival, Weymouth-- This festival is designed to introduce curious or beginning anglers of all ages who have an interest in learning about fishing. No equipment is needed, but if you have your own, bring it along! 10AM - 4PM The festival is co-sponsored by the Whitman's Pond Association and Weymouth Youth and Family Services. For more information contact: Lorraine Larrabee at 781/335-5863

July 23-Houghton's Pond Family Fishing Festival, Canton-- This festival is designed to introduce curious or beginning anglers of all ages who have an interest in learning about fishing. No equipment is needed, but if you have your own, bring it along! 10AM - 2:30 PM Co-sponsored by the Department of Conservation and Recreation (Blue Hills Reservation) and Decathlon USA. For more information contact the Blue Hills Reservation at 617/698-1802.

July 30-31—Lost in the Woods, Now What? Plymouth—A useful backwoods survival workshop for outdoorswomen at Myles Standish State Forest. Anyone can be lost, isolated from a group, injured or caught by bad weather, even on a short day hike. This is an opportunity to learn valuable skills in an enjoyable setting. No prior outdoor experience is necessary; this weekend is for novices and veteran campers alike. A bonus day of August 1 is also available for those who want to relax, practice their new skills and socialize. Workshop limited to 20 participants. Registration materials on-line at www.mass.gov/masswildlife

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