NEWS AND NOTES 

Baitfish Reminder-Anglers wishing to catch and use baitfish for personal use are reminded that they may only take and use the following species, dead or alive, as bait: American eel, White sucker, Creek chubsucker, Banded killifish, Mummichog, Pumpkinseed, Golden shiner, Emerald shiner, Spottail shiner, Rainbow smelt (in season) , Yellow perch, Fallfish, Bluntnose minnow, Fathead minnow. The season for river herring (Alewife and Blueback herring) has been closed by the Division of Marine Fisheries, therefore, herring may not be taken or used as bait in the inland waters of the Commonwealth. No other fish species may be used as bait.

Help MassWildlife Count Turkey Families-Sportsmen and women, birders, landowners and other wildlife enthusiasts are encouraged to assist MassWildlife by counting turkey families this summer. MassWildlife conducts an annual wild turkey brood survey from June through August. "The brood survey serves as a long term index on reproduction," explains Jim Cardoza, MassWildlife's Turkey Project Leader. "It helps us determine overall productivity and allows us to compare rates of reproduction over a long period of time." Cardoza also points out that citizen involvement in this survey is a cost-effective means of gathering useful data, and he encourages all interested people to participate. A turkey brood survey form has been posted in the "Wildlife" area of MassWildlife's website. Information needed includes date, town, number of hens seen, and number of poults (young turkeys) and their relative size compared to the hens. Multiple sightings of the same brood should also be noted. The survey period runs from June 1 - August 31. Completed forms should to be mailed to the MassWildlife Westborough Field Headquarters.

Sportsmen's Club Surveys Needed - A survey from MassWildlife requesting information on club activities related to youth and women as well as handicapped accessibility was sent out to sportsmen's clubs last winter. Since then, a number of clubs have responded, but some surveys were returned due to old addresses and other clubs have not responded. A listing of clubs and their status regarding this survey has been posted on the MassWildlife website in the "Calendar/Events" area. Club members are encouraged to check their club's survey status; if a survey has not been returned, members may download the survey, fill it out and send it in. Please return completed surveys as soon as possible to: Ellie Horwitz, MassWildlife Field Headquarters, 1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough MA 01581.508/792-7270.

Club Reminder on Young Adult Pheasant Hunt-MassWildlife reminds sporting clubs that the deadline for participating in the Massachusetts Young Adult Pheasant Hunt Program is June 15. The program provides 12-17 year old hunter education graduates interested in hunting an opportunity to practice firearms safety, develop shooting skills, and participate in a special pheasant hunt with a safe, responsible experienced hunter. Information may be found in the Education area of MassWildlife's website www.mass.gov/masswildlife. Clubs may also contact their MassWildlife District office or call Dr. Mark Tisa at 508/792-7270.508/792-7270.

Camp Edwards Deer Hunt Information-Hunting dates and other hunt details at Camp Edwards (MMR, Otis Air Force Base) on the Cape were established for 2006 deer seasons. Deer hunting will be allowed on the following season dates: Archery--November 13 - 18; Shotgun--November 27 - December 2; Muzzleloader-- December 11 - 16. A required pre-registration form must be filled out and received by the MassWildlife Southeast District Office by November 1. Hard copies of the forms are available at the Southeast District Office in Bourne and the MassWildlife Field Headquarters in Westboro or the "Hunting" area of the MassWildlife website. Hunters should be aware that permission to hunt at Camp Edwards is at the discretion of the Camp Commander. Changes in base security status may result in cancellation of the hunt. For more information, contact the Southeast District Office at 508/759-3406.

Upcoming Public Meetings and Hearing - May 23 - Fisheries & Wildlife Board Meeting and Public Hearing, Martha's Vineyard-The Fisheries and Wildlife Board meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 23, 2006 at 1:00 p.m. at the Tisbury Town Hall, 51 Spring Street, Vineyard Haven, Martha's Vineyard.. A Board vote is anticipated on the endangered species proposals. A Public Hearing will be held at 1:30 P.M. at the same location on Tuesday, May 23, 2006, relative to rules and regulations regarding the hunting of deer on Martha's Vineyard. The Town Hall is within walking distance of the ferry.

June 8 --The Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Advisory Committee Meeting will be held at the MassWildlife Field Headquarters in Westborough from 1:30 - 4:30 PM. All meetings are open to the public.