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, including waterfowl hunters and anglers, must be WEARING lifejackets. Most boating fatalities in Massachusetts are due to boaters’ failure to wear life jackets in accidents involving small craft in cold water/cold weather situations.

Hunting Opportunity for Paraplegic Sportsmen and Women -- MassWildlife will conduct its annual three day deer hunt for paraplegic sportsmen and women from November 2 - 4. The hunting sites for the licensed hunters are located in the Northern and Southern Berkshires, Quabbin, and Devens. The hunt provides an excellent opportunity to enjoy a quality outdoor experience, renew acquaintances with old friends, make new friends and swap a few deer hunting tall tales. To participate, contact MassWildlife's Trina Moruzzi at 508/792-7270 x119.

Quabbin Hunt Deer Permit Drawing Results -- Winning numbers for the 2006 Quabbin Controlled Deer Hunt were drawn September 6^th in a special drawing at the Department of Conservation and Recreation's Quabbin Administration Building. Licenses ending in the following numbers were drawn for hunting segments in the following order:  Petersham (Dec. 7 & 8) – 03, 13, 43, 73, 83, 023, 123, 223, 723; Prescott (Nov. 30 & Dec. 1) – 18, 28, 38, 48, 58, 68, 78, 88, 108, 308, 408, 508, 608, 708, 808; Pelham (Nov. 30 & Dec. 1) – 1, 85, 95 New Salem (Dec. 7 & 8) – 00, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80.  A total of 1,431 permits were selected from an applicant pool of 1,743 eligible persons.  The selection process issued permits based upon the last digits of all hunting licenses listed on the application.  All successful applicants will receive written notification by early October.  For further information, contact the Quabbin Visitor Center at 413/323-7221.

Upcoming Public Meetings – The Fisheries & Wildlife Board will meet on October 24, 2006 at 11AM at the MassWildlife Field Headquarters in Westborough.  The Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Advisory Committee will hold its next meeting on October 12 at 1:30 PM at the MassWildlife Field Headquarters in Westborough.  All meetings are open to the public.

Calendar of Events— A complete listing of events is at www.mass.gov/masswildlife

September 29 - October 9 -- MassWildlife at the Topsfield Fair -- MassWildlife will be staffing an exhibit in the Wildlife and Sportsmen's Building at the Topsfield Fair. This year's display will feature beaver information, beaver dam and water flow device (beaver deceiver). Pick up an Animal Track card, Massachusetts Wildlife Magazine or an Outdoor Recreation Map for your next wildlife adventure!

October 1-21 -- Quack, quack! Junior Duck Stamp Traveling Art Exhibit at the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, Newburyport -- Bring your family to see top youth entries in the Massachusetts Junior Duck Stamp Contest. The Duck Stamp contest is modeled after the adult versions of both the state and federal duck stamp competitions. For further information on the exhibit, contact: Kate Toniolo at 978/ 465-5753 x210.

October 1 -- MassWildlife at Freetown Forest Fun Day, Assonet -- This annual event at the Freetown State Forest runs from 1-4 PM and features demonstrations, displays and fun activities celebrating forests, wildlife and the environment. Chat with Dick Turner, MassWildlife Biologist, who will be at the event.. For more information, call the Freetown State Forest at 508/ 644-5522.

October 11--The Nightlife in Your Back Yard, Gloucester - The Schooner Adventure Lecture Series has planned a presentation by Colleen Olfenbuttel, MassWildlife Furbearer Biologist. She will talk about furbearers that are active at night. This free program begins at 7 pm at the Sawyer Free Library on 2 Dale Avenue, Gloucester. For more information, contact Joanne Sousa at 978/281-8079.