Young Artists Wanted, Preliminary 2006 September Bear Season Numbers, Fall Broodstock Salmon Stocking, Deer Hunt For Outdoorswomen, Deer Hunting Season Extension in Dukes County, Upcoming Public Meetings

Young Artists Wanted-- Art and science may seem to be an unlikely combination, but when blended within the context of the Junior Duck Stamp (JDS) 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 potential for a future career in wildlife art may be another opportunity! This year a former JDS top honors winner, Mark Shulz,of Osterville, was chosen the winning artist this year in the adult Massachusetts Waterfowl Stamp Program.

One way to learn more about the Program is to see top youth entries in the Massachusetts Junior Duck Stamp Contest this month. A traveling exhibit of youth artwork can be viewed in November through December at the US Fish and Wildlife Service Regional Office in Hadley.  Contact Valerie Crane at 413/253-8643.  Another exhibit will be on display at the Great Falls Discovery Center in Turners Falls. Contact Susan Russo at 413/ 863-3676. The Massachusetts Junior Duck Stamp Program is sponsored by MassWildlife, the Massachusetts Wildlife Federation, Massachusetts Waterfowler's Association, Ducks Unlimited-Mass. Chapter, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Registration packets are now available for the 2007 Junior Duck Stamp Program. Artwork submissions are due by March 15, 2007.  To receive a packet of program materials, contact MassWildlife Education Coordinator, Pam Landry, 508/792-7270 x109.

Preliminary 2006 September Bear Season Numbers--Licensed black bear hunters took to the woods of western and central Massachusetts during the September 5–23 early season and emerged with 125 bruins. A male bear weighing 382 pounds was taken with a bow and arrow in Holyoke and a sow (female bear) weighing 298 pounds was taken with a bow and arrow in Sandisfield. Last year, 98 bears were taken in the September season.

Preliminary figures indicate the Western District office checked in 66 bears. The three check stations in the Connecticut Valley checked in a total of 55 bears. The Central District checked 3 bears, and the Westboro Field Headquarters checked 1. Rifles, muzzleloaders, archery equipment and certain handguns were permitted during the September season. Bear hunters are reminded that the November portion of the bear season is now three weeks long. The expanded second season begins November 6 and ends November 25, 2006.

Fall Broodstock Salmon Stocking -- Fall stocking of 458 retired broodstock salmon by MassWildlife from the White River National Fish Hatchery was recently completed. At least one waterbody from each district has received fish. The salmon weigh approximately 4 -18 lbs. To date, fish were stocked in the following waters: Western District - Windsor Pond, Windsor; Valley District - Lake Metacomet, Belchertown; Central District - Comet Pond, Hubbardston; Southeast District - Peters Pond, Sandwich; Long Pond and Little Pond, Plymouth; Northeast District - Forest Lake, Methuen, Baddacook Pond, Groton. Stocking will commence again in December after spawning has been completed. 

Deer Hunt For Outdoorswomen -- Held on November 5 and December 2, this two part workshop is designed for adult women who would like to learn more about or to try deer hunting. The November seminar (Part A) will cover deer ecology, behavior and Massachusetts management of deer populations. Deer hunting strategies, evaluating your hunting gear and sighting in your shotgun with expert assistance will also be included.  If you haven't taken the seminar in the past, you must take it if you wish to participate in the December 2 deer hunt at Devens. Part B, on December 2, is the Deer Hunt at Devens. Participants must have a valid 2006 hunting or sporting license, a shotgun (slugs only) and warm, layered clothing and comfortable hiking/hunting boots. Registration materials and more details may be found in the Education area of www.masswildlife.org or call 508/792-7270 x131. Priority is given to new hunters for this experience.

Deer Hunting Season Extension in Dukes County – Deer hunters are reminded that the shotgun season for deer in Wildlife Management Zone 13 (Dukes County) is now two weeks. The Fisheries and Wildlife Board approved the new season dates after a public hearing held on Martha’s Vineyard. The new season dates are effective for the 2006 shotgun season for deer. This year, those dates are November 27 – December 9, 2006. The expanded shotgun season dates are the same as the shotgun season held throughout Massachusetts except Wildlife Management Zone 12 (Cape Cod) which still has a 1-week shotgun deer season.

Upcoming Public Meetings – The Fisheries & Wildlife Board will meet on November 21, 2006 at 11AM at the MassWildlife Field Headquarters in Westborough.  The Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Advisory Committee will hold its next meeting on November 9 at 1:30 PM at the MassWildlife Field Headquarters in Westborough.  All meetings are open to the public.