New Hamphire Weekly Fishing Report – April 30, 2009

In today’s report, fisheries biologist Gabe Gries offers some new info and favorite locations for fishing in southwest NH.

But first…several fishing-related announcements:

STOCKING TRUCKS ARE ROLLING… 165+ sites were stocked with fish last week! Visit: http://www.fishnh.com/Fishing/fish_stock_current.htm

YES, the stocking of brood stock Atlantic salmon is well underway in the Merrimack and Pemigewasset rivers, though snowmelt has the rivers running high this week!

Know any 10 – 16 year olds looking for something fun to do July 5-10? Check out Aquatic Adventures Week at Barry Conservation Camp in Berlin, NH. Novice anglers learn the basic skills and equipment needed to start fishing, while campers with more experience work on improving their fishing skills and explore the finer details of the angling world. $450 fee includes lodging, food, instruction and equipment for the 6-day session. Info & registration: http://www.fishnh.com/Newsroom/News_2009/News_2009_Q1/Barry_Camp_021309.html

Or…Know someone who wants to learn to fish? Tell them about our free “Let’s Go Fishing” class for beginners on Saturday, May 9, at the Harris Center for Conservation Education in Hancock. Registration info: http://www.fishnh.com/Newsroom/News_2009/News_2009_Q2/LGF_basic_hancock_042909.html

Kayak Fishing Weekend Workshop for Women – Great Mother’s Day gift or a treat for yourself! – June 12-14, at Purity Spring Resort in Madison. This “Beyond BOW” workshop is for experienced kayakers with some spin fishing experience. The cost of $275 includes instruction, program materials, use of some equipment, most meals and lodging at Purity Spring Resort. More info: http://www.fishnh.com/Newsroom/News_2009/News_2009_Q2/bow_kayak_fish_041309.html

Purchase your fishing license online at http://www.FishNH.com, or from any Fish and Game license agent. Don’t forget — kids under 16 fish free in N.H.!

All NH fishing page: http://www.fishnh.com/Fishing/fishing.htm.

If you know someone who might like to sign up for the Fishing Report, send them to http://www.fishnh.com/Inside_FandG/join_mail_list.htm.

Fish New Hampshire and relax… We have what you’re looking for.

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May’s Top Picks for Fishing in the MONADNOCK/UPPER VALLEY Region
By Gabe Gries, Fisheries Biologist, Region 4/Keene

Walleye are still biting well in the Connecticut River below the Bellows Falls and Vernon Dams. (Check out our weekly walleye creel survey updates at http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Fishing/fisheries_management/walleye_survey.html.) As the water continues to warm, catches are quickly becoming a mixture of walleye, smallmouth bass, northern pike, and an occasional brown trout. This is an exciting time for anglers to be on the river! Speaking of the river, black crappie should be headed near-shore for spawning any day now; target coves and set-backs off the main river. A bobber, small jig-head and tube, or just a small minnow on a hook will do the trick. Look for newly downed trees or other shoreline cover. The largemouth bass are also starting to hit pretty good at the Connecticut River setbacks in Hinsdale.

By the time you read this, trout fishing should be in full swing, with the opening of trout ponds on April 25 and continued stocking of streams as water levels decrease. I have already heard of some impressive catches of rainbow trout at Silver Lake (Harrisville) and Granite Lake (Stoddard). Anglers are catching these trout while trolling from boats using streamers and spoons. Shore anglers are also doing well with worms, small shiners, and power bait. Trout are still typically within the upper 15 feet of the water column during this time of the year, so you can still keep your trolling setups simple at this point.

Trout anglers have also been doing well at Otter Brook (Sullivan/Keene) for rainbows and brook trout. I spoke with the friend of an angler who reported he caught several rainbows and a 6-lb. lake trout at Nubanusit Lake (Hancock/Nelson) this week.

My top picks this week for trout fishing destinations include: Dublin Lake (Dublin), Sand Pond (Marlow), Swanzey Lake (Swanzey), Gustin Pond (Marlow), Contoocook River (Peterborough/Greenfield/Jaffrey), Mont Williams Pond (Weare), Nissitissit River (Brookline), French Pond (Henniker), S.B. Piscataquog River (New Boston), Laurel Lake (Fitzwilliam), and Willard Pond (Antrim).

We hope you enjoy fishing this year in the Monadnock/Upper Valley Region and don’t forget to take a kid fishing anytime you can. We are always happy to talk to you about fish and fishing so please contact us at Region 4 (352-9669; reg4@nhfgd.org) if you have any questions. For a list of popular water bodies to fish for by species, please consult the Suggested Fishing Locations for the Monadnock Region/Southwest N.H, which can be found at http://www.fishnh.com/Fishing/fishing_forecast/Locations_Southwest.htm.

Still Time To Enter The New Hampshire Moose Hunt Lottery

CONCORD, N.H. — If you want a chance to hunt moose in New Hampshire this fall, then get your application in for the 2009 New Hampshire Moose Hunt Lottery by the Friday, May 29, 2009 deadline! Enter to win one of 515 New Hampshire moose hunting permits at http://www.HuntNH.com, (you can apply online or print out a mail-in application) or pick up an application from any license agent.

Applicants are encouraged to apply online, since there is less chance of submitting an incomplete application. The entry fee is $15 for New Hampshire residents and $25 for nonresidents (nonrefundable). Read more

Lost Teen Hiker Found Safe In White Mountains

CONCORD, N.H. – At approximately 10:35 this morning, April 28, 2009, a search team on foot found 17-year-old hiker Scott Mason of Halifax, Mass., who had been lost in New Hampshire’s White Mountains since Saturday. Mason is reportedly in good condition. His family is in the area awaiting his return to the base of Mt. Washington.

Mason was found on the Sphinx Trail in the Great Gulf Wilderness, headed west back toward the summits of the Presidential Range. The search team will hike with Mason back to the summit of Mt. Washington, where he will then ride a Sno-Cat down the auto road. Because of where Mason was located and conditions on the ground, this is the only prudent exit from the mountain.

Conditions in the White Mountains became increasingly treacherous over the course of the search, because rain and rapid snowmelt made many small streams impassable. Search teams needed to use rope traverses to cross raging waters. Yesterday’s search crews were exhausted, and additional personnel were sent out this morning.

The NH Fish and Game Department coordinated the search. Trained staff and volunteers from Mountain Rescue Service, Androscoggin Valley Search and Rescue, Pemigewasset Valley Search and Rescue and the Appalachian Mountain Club participated in the search. A Maine Forest Service helicopter conducted an aerial search on Monday afternoon, and a Vermont National Guard helicopter did an aerial search this morning.

Mason was missing for three days, having left the Appalachian Mountain Club’s Pinkham Notch Visitor Center at about 8:30 on Saturday morning, intending to complete a 17-mile hike in one day. Mason was hiking alone. His plans included hiking to the summits of Mount Washington and Mount Madison, then returning to the Pinkham Notch Visitor Center.

No further information is available at this time.

For information on being safe while hiking, visit www.hikesafe.com.

Search Ongoing For Mass. Teen Missing In White Mountains

CONCORD, N.H. – A search in New Hampshire’s White Mountains has been ongoing since Sunday for a missing 17-year-old. Scott Mason of Halifax, Mass., left the Appalachian Mountain Club’s Pinkham Notch Visitor Center at approximately 8:30 on Saturday morning, intending to do a 17-mile hike. Mason was hiking alone. His plans included hiking to the summits of Mount Washington and Mount Madison, then returning to the Pinkham Notch Visitor Center. Mason’s plan was to complete the trip in one day. It is unknown what type of clothing and gear he is carrying.

The conditions in the high country currently include waist-deep snow with the potential for avalanches. Heavy rains overnight Sunday and Monday morning have added to the difficulty of the search, with resulting high water making stream crossings extremely difficult. The temperatures have been mild, remaining in the 40s overnight.

Currently the NH Fish and Game Department is coordinating the search. The U.S. Forest Service, Appalachian Mountain Club, Mountain Rescue Service and Androscoggin Valley Search and Rescue are rendering additional assistance.

No further information is available at this time.

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The hikeSafe Hiker Responsibility Code (below) applies to all those enjoying New Hampshire’s outdoors. It says, you are responsible for yourself, so be prepared:

* With knowledge and gear. Become self-reliant by learning about the terrain, conditions, local weather and your equipment before you start.
* To leave your plans. Tell someone where you are going, the trails you are hiking, when you’ll return and your emergency plans.
* To stay together. When you start as a group, hike as a group, end as a group. Pace your hike to the slowest person.
* To turn back. Weather changes quickly in the mountains. Fatigue and unexpected conditions can also affect your hike. Know your limitations and when to postpone your hike. The mountains will be there another day.
* For emergencies. Even if you are headed out for just an hour, an injury, severe weather or a wrong turn could become life threatening. Don’t assume you will be rescued; know how to rescue yourself.
* To share the hiker code with others.

For further information on being safe while hiking, visit http://www.hikesafe.com.

Milford Fish Hatchery Featured On WMUR’s “N.H. Chronicle” April 27-May 1

CONCORD, N.H. — New Hampshire’s MILFORD HATCHERY will be featured next week on NH Chronicle! Check out WMUR (Channel 9) at 7:30 each weeknight from April 27 through May 1, for a glimpse of the springtime action at one of the state’s premiere fish-raising facilities.

NH Chronicle hosts the show from the Milford Hatchery all week, starting Monday, April 27. You’ll meet Hatchery Superintendent Tom Givetz, see fish stocking in progress, and marvel at some of the “Walters” – trout reminiscent of the famed big fish of the movie “On Golden Pond” – that routinely are grown and stocked out of the Milford Hatchery. Be sure to tune in and learn the secret of Milford’s special strategy for pleasing the fishing public.

Milford Fish Hatchery is one of six hatcheries operated by the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, which together raise nearly a million trout each year for stocking in the state’s ponds, lakes, rivers and streams. The stocking trucks are already rolling this spring, to the delight of anglers. Get the latest stocking updates at http://www.fishnh.com/Fishing/fishing.htm.

Fish New Hampshire and relax. We have what you’re looking for.

New Hampshire Weekly Fishing Report – April 23, 2009

In today’s report, Mark Beauchesne makes plans for a stunning summery weekend on the water.

STOCKING TRUCKS ARE ROLLING! More than 100 sites were stocked with fish last week. Visit: http://www.fishnh.com/Fishing/fish_stock_current.htm

Do you know any 10 – 16 year olds looking for something fun to do July 5-10? Check out Aquatic Adventures Week at Barry Conservation Camp in Berlin, NH. Novice anglers learn the basic skills and equipment needed to start fishing, while campers with more experience work on improving their fishing skills and explore the finer details of the angling world. $450 fee includes lodging, food, instruction and equipment for the 6-day session. Info & registration: http://www.fishnh.com/Newsroom/News_2009/News_2009_Q1/Barry_Camp_021309.html

GOT TV? New Hampshire’s MILFORD HATCHERY will be featured all next week on NH Chronicle! Check out WMUR (Channel 9) at 7:30 each weeknight starting April 27. http://www.wmur.com/chronicle/19252374/detail.html

Designated trout and fly-fishing-only ponds open this Saturday, April 25. These ponds are managed specifically for trout and fishing is allowed through October 15. Info and suggested locations: http://www.fishnh.com/Newsroom/News_2009/News_2009_Q2/trout_ponds_040809.html

Purchase your fishing license online at http://www.fishnh.com, or from any Fish and Game license agent. Don’t forget — kids under 16 fish free in N.H.!

All NH fishing page: http://www.fishnh.com/Fishing/fishing.htm.

If you know someone who might like to sign up for the Fishing Report, send them to http://www.fishnh.com/Inside_FandG/join_mail_list.htm.

Fish New Hampshire and relax… We have what you’re looking for.

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YOU CAN’T NOT GO FISHING THIS WEEKEND!
By Mark Beauchesne, Marketing and Promotions Coordinator

Two weeks ago, the ice fishing gear was stored for the season — and then the boat came out of mothballs. I felt the overwhelming urge to get out and go fishing.

A week later I had my chance — just a short lunchtime visit to Turtletown Pond in Concord. Typically, this is the first waterbody I fish in spring — mostly because it’s close to home and provides a great opportunity for some shorebank bluegill fishing. Nothing fancy needed this time of the year; just single tackle and good old worms. I was not disappointed; after all, I had the pleasure of sharing the trip with my father and niece. It was difficult deciding who had the bigger smile.

One of New Hampshire anglers’ favorite days is this Saturday (April 25), the opening day of trout ponds. No doubt early risers will be out in force, getting coffee and making final preparation for this great day of fun. Traditionally, I find myself at one of these fabled trout ponds. The buzz around here is Clough Pond in Loudon. The biologists showed me some photos of the tremendous browns netted out of Clough last fall. Put some time in here and you could catch the trophy of your dreams.

Close to home for me is Stirrup Iron Pond in Boscawen. This small fly-fishing-only pond is ideal for getting my opening day fix. But, with more-than-ideal — you could even say “June-like” — stream and river conditions, you will more than likely find me on the Contoocook River. These great conditions are unusual. I’m all over it. Now, that will be Saturday.

I still have one more day. A look at the weather forecast shows highs in the low 80s. Only one thing for me to do… head west to the Connecticut River. I’m confident that the pike will be terrorizing the river. No doubt I will take advantage of this.

The season is just starting. I encourage you to venture off the beaten path this year and try a new pond or river. It just may surprise you. Start your adventure with a trip to the Fish and Game web site and check out the stocking report. Hint, hint…

Great fishing!!!
Mark

P.S. WALLEYE FANS: Weekly walleye creel survey updates are posted at: http://www.fishnh.com/Fishing/fisheries_management/walleye_survey.html

2008 Wildlife Harvest Summary Available

CONCORD, N.H. — Wildlife biologists from the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department have finished crunching the numbers for the 2008 hunting seasons, and the numbers are available in the 2008 New Hampshire Wildlife Harvest Summary, online at http://www.huntnh.com/Hunting/hunting.htm (click on publication cover at right).

The report provides a complete breakdown of 2008 hunting season statistics, including totals by town, Wildlife Management Unit and more, making it a valuable reference both for biologists and for hunters scouting for their 2009 hunts.

The report confirms that the severe winter of 2007-08 contributed to a reduced deer harvest in 2008; the total take was 10,916 deer, a 19% decrease from the near record harvest of 13,559 deer in 2007. Above-average winter mortality, reduced fawn production and reductions in either-sex hunting days in many Wildlife Management Units (WMUs) all contributed to a reduced deer harvest in 2008.

Despite a reduction in harvest, the Harvest Summary indicates that New Hampshire’s deer herd remains in good shape and is poised to rebound given average to mild winters. Reductions in either-sex hunting days in many WMUs this past fall will help offset last year’s higher than average winter mortality by reducing the doe kill and allowing more rapid population recovery. Despite population and harvest decreases, the statewide adult buck kill in 2008 was the 5th highest since 1962.

Hunters took 439 black bears in New Hampshire during 2008. Although this represented a 29% decrease from the 2007 harvest of 615 bears, the 2008 harvest was consistent with target bear harvest objectives. During most years, hunters harvest between 8 and 10% (400-500 bears) of the total bear population. The widespread abundance of acorns and other natural fall foods during the fall of 2008 contributed to the reduced harvest.

Moose hunters took 333 moose during the nine-day season in 2008, a 65% success rate. Moose hunters enjoyed ideal weather conditions for the hunt. Moose were actively rutting during the season and many hunters found they could call in bulls, while others were fortunate enough to watch bulls sparring and wooing cows. Due in part to the large number of antlerless-only permits issued in the White Mountain region, the statewide success rate was down from 71% in 2007. Hunters traveled from 17 states and one foreign country (Scotland) to participate in the 2008 moose hunt in New Hampshire.

Turkey hunters registered a total of 4,107 turkeys from 232 towns during the 2008 May spring season and Youth Hunt weekend. The Youth Hunt weekend tallied 579 gobblers, a 27.5 % increase over the previous year and 14.1% of the total spring harvest.

During the 2007/08 trapping season, New Hampshire trappers continued to provide valuable benefits to our citizenry. The activities of trappers, under the guidance of carefully regulated trapping programs, help maintain furbearer populations at desired levels. Trappers provide important data to furbearer management programs and provide a valuable public service in their capacity as damage control specialists. The Harvest Report indicates that New Hampshire furbearers remain abundant and widespread. A total of 452 trappers held licenses in N.H. last season, down from 515 issued the previous year. Average pelt values declined for most species. The value of the 2007/08 fur harvest was $109,758.

A limited number of print copies of the 2008 N.H. Wildlife Harvest Summary are available for pick-up at Fish and Game headquarters in Concord and at the Department’s regional offices in Durham, New Hampton, Lancaster and Keene.

The first major hunting season of 2009, the spring gobbler season, is almost here. The season runs from May 3-31, preceded by the youth turkey weekend on April 25-26. For more information on turkey hunting in New Hampshire, visit http://www.huntnh.com/Hunting/Hunt_species/hunt_turkey.htm.

Hunting activity has a positive impact on New Hampshire’s economy; according to the most recent figures from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, more than 60,000 people hunted in New Hampshire in 2006, generating more than $80 million of direct hunting-related expenditures in the state.

The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department is the guardian of the state’s fish, wildlife and marine resources and their habitats. Visit http://www.huntnh.com.

June 6th Is Free Fishing Day In New Hampshire

CONCORD, N.H. — Free Fishing Day is coming on Saturday, June 6, 2009, so make plans to get out and try your luck on New Hampshire’s ponds, streams and lakes. State residents, and nonresidents, too, can fish any inland water in the Granite State that day without a fishing license. Take advantage of the event to hit the water for a relaxing day of fishing with your friends and family. Bring your camera, because fish sure are photogenic!

“Most people who hook a fish once can hardly wait for the chance to do it again. Free Fishing Day is your chance to give it a try!” says Karina Walsh, New Hampshire Fish and Game’s Let’s Go Fishing program coordinator.

Free Fishing Day kicks off 2009 National Fishing and Boating Week in New Hampshire (June 6 – 14, 2009), a nationwide observance encouraging families to have fun together on the water.

Free Fishing Day is the perfect chance to introduce non-angling friends and family to the sport, especially if you fish for something easy to catch, like bluegills or yellow perch. “Make an adventure out of it, grab your rod and make a picnic lunch you’ll surely have a great time catching these fish,” Walsh says. “For just a few dollars, you can buy an inexpensive rod and reel and a few hooks and nonlead sinkers to get started on an activity people of all ages can enjoy.”

Adults just get one day to fish free in the Granite State, but kids under 16 do not need a license to fish in New Hampshire. Season dates, limits and all other fishing regulations must be followed on Free Fishing Day. Anglers fishing for brood stock Atlantic salmon in the Merrimack and lower Pemigewasset rivers must have a fishing license and a special permit.

For specific details on fishing rules, consult the 2009 New Hampshire Freshwater Fishing Digest available at http://www.fishnh.com/Fishing/fishing.htm, or wherever fishing licenses are sold. The Fish and Game website http://www.fishnh.com has tackle tips, lake depths, info on where fish have been stocked, and fishing forecasts for various parts of the state.

The website also has regional fishing guides with suggestions on where to fish from the shoreline, currently available for Manchester/Nashua, the North Country and southwestern N.H.

If you get hooked on Free Fishing Day, enjoy the fun year round. Licenses are available online at http://www.fishnh.com or from any of 250 friendly local license agents statewide.

Fish New Hampshire and relax. We have what you’re looking for.

$1.72 Million Awarded To Protect New Hampshire Wildlife

CONCORD, N.H. –The N.H. Fish and Game Department has received two of 13 State Wildlife Grant Competitive Program awards from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, totaling $1.72 million, or 25% of the grant funds available nationally. Together, the grants crystallize two innovative habitat conservation partnerships. One project, spearheaded by The Nature Conservancy of New Hampshire, targets Northern Forests spanning the Adirondack and White Mountains. The other, to be led by the Wildlife Management Institute, focuses on the imperiled New England cottontail rabbit, ranging from the lower Hudson River to the Gulf of Maine. The unprecedented dual award marks national recognition of New Hampshire’s wildlife conservation leadership, and would not have been possible without the partnership of The Nature Conservancy and the Wildlife Management Institute.

The aim of the State Wildlife Grant program is to pre-empt the need to federally list endangered wildlife through voluntary conservation action. To that end, the project entitled “Staying Connected in the Northern Appalachians” ensures habitat connectivity for 41 wide-ranging and forest-dwelling species of concern across the Northern Forest. The “Rangewide New England Cottontail Initiative” will restore early-successional habitats — a top priority in the Wildlife Action Plans of all the New England states, since many of the region’s most imperiled wildlife are dependent on them.

The Northern Appalachians ecoregion, also known as the Northern Forest, spans two countries, four states, four provinces and 80-million acres; it contains rare alpine vegetation, at-risk species, old-growth forests, very large unfragmented forest blocks, high quality rivers and streams, and 5.4 million people. The Nature Conservancy (TNC) will manage implementation of the project and will provide most of the funds matching the $992,000 award. TNC will work directly with other partners, including New Hampshire Audubon and Two Countries One Forest, a bi-national collaborative focused on forests and natural heritage from New York to Nova Scotia.

“The Northern Appalachian ecoregion is unique: we know of very few places in the world where such a large and intact temperate mixed and deciduous forest is located so close to so many people,” said Mark Zankel, Deputy State Director for The Nature Conservancy in New Hampshire.

Early-successional habitats, once abundant in a landscape reverting from agriculture, are at risk because natural regenerative processes, like flooding, fire, and beaver activity, have been replaced with controlled human environments. Among the habitats of concern are coastal scrub, riparian brush, pine barrens, shrub wetlands, and young aspen-birch stands. It is widely recognized that these patchy habitats support the highest level of animal diversity in the Northeast. The cottontail project will restore up to 1,200 acres of habitat to reverse the path toward extinction for the rabbit, but the project will benefit many imperiled animal species.

“The Rangewide New England Cottontail Initiative is an innovative public-private project that will not only create habitat for widely recognized animals like rabbits and woodcock, but will also benefit 70 species of butterflies and moths, three species of beetles, 40 species of birds, three amphibians, 11 reptiles, and nine mammals,” said Scot Williamson, Vice President of the Wildlife Management Institute. The Institute will assist the states with implementation, and will work in concert with NH, MA, and CT provide funds to match the $732,000 award.

The two projects rely on integrative relationships among key agencies. Transportation agencies from across the region will be active participants to help identify and incorporate recommended Northern Forest connectivity improvements as part of road maintenance/upgrade work planned for 2009-2014. For the cottontail initiative, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and the Natural Resources Conservation Service are working with the states to implement programs to expedite funding for work on private lands. For both projects, implementation will build on complex computer modeling initiated at N.H. Fish and Game. The proactive and innovative approach taken by all of the partners for both projects are timely in the face of looming environmental challenges.

“Securing the habitat connectivity of our Northern Forests will provide a critical buffer against climate change and habitat loss for some of our most valued wildlife, including moose, Canada lynx, American marten, wolf, black bear, and bobcat,” said Dr. Steven Fuller, a wildlife biologist at the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department. “It is unacceptable for us to witness the next mammalian extinction in our backyards or to allow the continued impoverishment of the most diverse fauna in the Northeast.”

In a statement announcing the nearly $9 million awarded nationwide through the State Wildlife Grants Competitive Program, Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar said, “The projects funded by these grants target some of the most imperiled species and habitats in the United States. They’re also among the most effective, because they are tied to well thought-out conservation plans that identify the highest priorities in each state — as well as the areas where we can make the biggest difference for imperiled species.” For more information, visit http://www.fws.gov.

The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department is the guardian of the state’s fish, wildlife and marine resources and their habitats. The Department works in partnership with the public to conserve, manage and protect these resources and their habitats. Visit http://www.wildnh.com.

The Nature Conservancy is a leading conservation organization working around the world to protect ecologically important lands and waters for nature and people. To date, the Conservancy and its more than one million members have been responsible for the protection of more than 18 million acres in the United States and have helped preserve more than 117 million acres in Latin America, the Caribbean, Asia and the Pacific. Since 1961, The Nature Conservancy in New Hampshire has helped protect more than 265,000 acres of ecologically significant land and currently owns and manages 28 preserves across the state. Visit The Nature Conservancy on the Web at http://www.nature.org/newhampshire.

The Wildlife Management Institute is a professional conservation organization that works to improve the professional foundation of wildlife management. Visit http://www.wildlifemanagementinstitute.org.

Fish And Game Commission Honors Four For Commitment To Conservation

CONCORD, N.H. — Four New Hampshire citizens and organizations have been recognized by the New Hampshire Fish and Game Commission with Awards of Excellence for their efforts in the conservation field in support of the N.H. Fish and Game Department’s mission.

“These annual awards allow us to recognize outstanding efforts to further the work of the Fish and Game Department in conserving and managing our fish, wildlife and marine resources,” said N.H. Fish and Game Commission Chair Robert Phillipson Jr.

The 2009 Commission Award of Excellence recipients:

H. MEADE CADOT, JR., of Hancock won the Ellis R. Hatch Jr. Commission Award of Excellence. Cadot has been a fixture in New Hampshire’s conservation community since the early 1970s, as an educator, pioneer in land protection and communicator about the importance of protecting our state’s rich natural heritage. The Fish and Game Commission honored Meade for his work in conservation education and protection of ecologically significant lands, both pursuits of keen interest to the namesake of the award, Ellis Hatch.

Cadot’s passion for conservation has had influence throughout the state and beyond — but his greatest success has been in the Monadnock region, where he has lived and worked for some 33 years. His land protection leadership has resulted in what Cadot has named a supersanctuary of more than 20,000 acres in cooperation with other conservation organizations in New Hampshire.

Cadot’s success in environmental education and habitat protection furthers the basic principles of Fish and Game’s mission. He is dedicated to helping children and adults alike develop a deep respect for the natural world. Those who have been touched by his lessons will be among the future leaders of conservation in New Hampshire.

ROBERT C. WASHBURN of Concord, “Hunter’s Corner” columnist for the Concord Monitor, won the Communication award. Washburn is a favorite with local readers — both hunters and non-hunters — for his columns featuring the latest in wildlife happenings, equipment updates and stories about his time spent outdoors. He reaches out to a variety of different people, from Fish and Game staff to sporting goods stores to industry representatives, to get the latest information.

For many readers, Washburn provides an exciting glimpse into the outdoors; he has surely led people to try new outdoor activities, supporting New Hampshire traditions that remain the mainstay of the Fish and Game Department. “I’ve enjoyed two decades of writing this column, which focuses on my passions for hunting and the outdoors,” Washburn said after accepting the award. Washburn and his fellow outdoor writers are important partners in communicating Fish and Game’s work and promoting participation in hunting and fishing, as well as awareness of safety and environmental/habitat issues. With a diminishing number of newspaper pages dedicated to outdoor pursuits, efforts of columnists like Washburn have become key to representing outdoor interests in the mainstream media.

The NEW HAMPSHIRE WILDLIFE FEDERATION won the Conservation Organization award, based on its work to keep land open to hunting and fishing in New Hampshire.

Founded in 1933 as the Federated Sportsmen’s Club of New Hampshire, the New Hampshire Wildlife Federation is one of the oldest and most effective conservation organizations in New Hampshire. Throughout the organization’s 75-year history, the Federation has worked with and supported Fish and Game. As the state’s first and primary advocate of hunter and angler access, the Federation has long been at the forefront of these efforts.

Recognizing the significance of access to private land to the future of hunting, the Federation became the first organization to become a partner in Operation Land Share, Fish and Game’s newest Landowner Relations Program initiative, which serves as the foundation of the agency’s efforts to work in partnership with hunters and landowners to maintain and increase hunting access to private lands. NHWF participating as the first partner donated $1,000 to this effort.

As a conservation organization and advocate for New Hampshire hunters, the Federation has been instrumental in efforts to maintain access for present and future generations of New Hampshire hunters. It has also been an invaluable partner in N.H. Becoming an Outdoors-Woman and other Fish and Game projects.

“We’re honored and humbled to be recognized for our conservation efforts and working with Fish and Game,” said Bob Dufresne, the Federation’s communications director. He was joined in accepting the award by Federation president Sam Demeritt; conservation committee chair Alan Lutz; and board member Richard Olson. All four are also volunteer Hunter Education instructors for Fish and Game.

MICHAEL MORRISON of Swanzey won this year’s Volunteer award. Morrison serves as a volunteer instructor for Fish and Game’s hunter education and trapper education programs, and has helped in many other capacities at Owl Brook Hunter Education Center in Holderness and at Discover WILD New Hampshire Day.

In addition, Morrison has done some extraordinary work in his region. He established one of the few student hunting and fishing clubs in the state, at the Monadnock Regional High School, and has been able to provide hunting and trapping education programs in a school setting, almost unheard of in recent years. Working with the school, Morrison has brought in experts to teach fly tying and casting; taken students on field trips to fish or shoot; and taken students to local Conservation Commission meetings to learn more about conservation at the local level.

Morrison’s own enthusiasm and enjoyment of the outdoors has inspired the students. He served as an advisor to student senior projects that re-established vegetation along the Ashuelot River and replanted trees in an area that was recently excavated, all for the benefit of habitat and N.H. fish and wildlife.

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This is the fourth year for the New Hampshire Fish and Game Commission Awards of Excellence. There are seven award categories, and nominations must be submitted by December 31 of each year. For a description of the awards and award categories, as well as profiles of past winners, go to http://www.wildnh.com/Inside_FandG/commission_awards.html. The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department is the guardian of the state’s fish, wildlife and marine resources and their habitats. Visit http://www.WildNH.com.

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