NEWS AND NOTES
PFD Reminder: Canoeists and Kayakers MUST Wear Life Jackets -- Between September 15 of this year and May 15 of next year, ALL people in canoes and kayaks must be WEARING lifejackets. Most boating fatalities in Massachusetts are due to accidents in small craft such as this in cold water/cold weather situations. This law applies to waterfowl hunters, anglers and all other paddlers.
Young Artists Wanted for JDS -- The arts and science may seem to be an unlikely combination, but when blended within the context of the Junior Duck Stamp Program, art makes science come alive. The program links the study of wetlands and waterfowl conservation with a national waterfowl art project. Students in grades K-12 learn about the habitat requirements of various species of ducks and geese and then depict the birds through original artwork. The art is judged in four age group categories during a statewide competition with the entry judged Best of Show moving on to represent Massachusetts at the national level. The Massachusetts Junior Duck Stamp Program is sponsored by MassWildlife, Massachusetts Wildlife Federation, Boston Duck Tours, Massachusetts Waterfowler's Association, Ducks Unlimited-Mass. Chapter, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Registration packets are now available for the 2005 Junior Duck Stamp Program. Artwork submissions are due by March 15. For more information on how schools, scouts, homeschoolers, educators and other individuals can be involved, contact MassWildlife Education Coordinator, Pam Landry, 508/792-7270 x110.
Check Station Lists Updated -- Hunters, do you know where to check in your game? Turkey, deer and bear hunters can find updated lists of check stations and hours in the Hunting & Fishing area of the MassWildlife website www.masswildlife.org or they can call the appropriate MassWildlife District office: Northeast District-Acton 978/263-4347; Southeast District-Bourne 508/759-3406; Central District-West Boylston 508/835-3606 Connecticut Valley District-Belchertown 413/323-7632; Western District-Pittsfield 413/447-9789.
Autumn Safety Reminders -- Fall is a fantastic time to be outdoors with dazzling colors, crisp air and wildlife activity galore. Whether your passion is hiking, hunting, fishing, birding or just taking in the scenery, a few common sense safety reminders will add to your enjoyment during a day afield.
 | Know your limits. Don't take off on a long hike, hunt or bike ride if you're not physically ready. Tell someone where you're going and when you expect to return. |
| Watch the weather. New England weather is notorious for quick changes. Be ready with an extra layer of clothing, warm hat and gloves. |
| Expect the unexpected. No one expects problems while spending a day outdoors, but having a fanny pack with a few first aid items, matches, water, Swiss army knife, cell phone, map, compass, whistle, extra food and flashlight can help prevent small problems from becoming big ones. |
| Respect the water. Canoeists and kayakers are required to wear life jackets from September 15 to May 15 but all water enthusiasts, especially anglers who wade our larger rivers, would be wise to wear floatation devices now that water temperatures are low. |
| Share the outdoors. Mountain biking, horseback riding, wildlife watching, hunting and hiking are not mutually exclusive activities. Know the seasons and who is likely to be sharing the woods and waters with you. Wear blaze orange for visibility, keep dogs under control and respect others' rights to enjoy our open spaces. |
Finally, licensed sportsmen and women are reminded to take the basics of hunter safety to heart. Treat every firearm as it were loaded, keeping the muzzle pointed in a safe direction at all times. Positively identify your target and what's beyond. Outdoor activities are among the safest recreational pursuits available. By using a little common sense, they'll stay that way.
Click Here To Return To The Previous Page
