Women’s Intermediate Fly Fishing Workshop — Sept 25-27, 2009

CONCORD, N.H. — Women who have learned the basics of fly-fishing and are looking to build their skills have an exciting chance to learn more about this time-honored sport at a Becoming an Outdoors-Woman (BOW) intermediate fly-fishing weekend workshop on September 25-27, 2009, at Purity Spring Resort in Madison, N.H.

If you are a woman with some fly-fishing experience who wants to gain enough skills and practice to fly fish on your own, this workshop is for you. You’ll learn from expert instructors about the finer points of casting — accuracy, timing, shooting the line; reading the water; picking a proper fly and knowing how to cast it; and what to do when you catch a fish (playing and releasing). Participants will have the opportunity to fish both still and moving water.

This special “Beyond BOW” workshop costs $275, which includes instruction, meals and two nights lodging in the rustic White Mountain charm of Purity Spring Resort. To register and read an itinerary, visit http://www.nhbow.com, or call (603) 271-3212 to request an application by mail. Class space is limited, and registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. Participants must be at least 18 years old.

“It was wonderful to meet new friends with a love of fly-fishing, nature and the water,” wrote a 2008 program participant. Another commented: “The best part of the weekend was fishing the Ellis River, casting from a float tube, the slide show; and the awesome instructors.”

Program participant Emily Brunkhurst added, “It was fun to try fishing in a variety of habitats. The instructors were wonderful, with good humor, patience and an ability to teach in a way that’s easy to remember. I loved the workshop!”

The session is presented by the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department and the New Hampshire Wildlife Federation, with instruction provided by Fish and Game’s “Let’s Go Fishing” program.

The N.H. Wildlife Federation is a nonprofit group dedicated to ensuring wise use and proper protection for the natural resources of New Hampshire and the U.S. Visit http://www.nhwf.org.

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.fishnh.com.

Injured Hiker from Cambridge MA Rescued on Mt. Washington in NH

CONCORD, N.H. — An injured Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) volunteer, Edward Belove of Cambridge, Massachusetts, age 59, was carried to the top of Mount Washington, where he could be transported down the mountain and taken by ambulance to Memorial Hospital in Conway. Belove had been hiking on the Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail. He was alone, about 200 yards from AMC Lake in the Clouds Hut, when he slipped on a rain-slickened rock and broke his leg about 10 a.m. this morning (Friday, July 24, 2009).

New Hampshire Fish and Game Conservation Officers were called in, reaching Belove about 11:45 a.m. Approximately 22 search and rescue personnel worked together to carry him to top of the mountain, arriving about 2:10 p.m. From there, he could be transported down the Mount Washington Auto Road for treatment.

Fish and Game officers were assisted by rescue personnel from the Appalachian Mountain Club, the Androscoggin Valley Search and Rescue Team and the Mount Washington State Park.

No further information is available at this time.

Women’s Intermediate Fly Fishing Weekend Workshop September 25-27

Registration opens Monday, July 27, for a Becoming an Outdoors-Woman intermediate fly-fishing weekend workshop on September 25-27, 2009, at Purity Spring Resort in Madison, N.H. The application is available now at http://www.nhbow.com.

This special “Beyond BOW” workshop costs $275, which includes meals, lodging, materials and instruction. To register and read course descriptions, visit http://www.nhbow.com or call (603) 271-3212 to request an application by mail. Class space is limited, and registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. Participants must be at least 18 years old.

If you are a woman with some fly-fishing experience who wants to gain the skills to fly fish on your own, this workshop is for you. You’ll learn from expert instructors all about the finer points of casting — accuracy, timing, shooting the line; reading the water; picking a proper fly and knowing how to cast it; and what to do when you catch a fish (playing and releasing). Participants will have the opportunity to fish both still and moving water.

Comments from past participants:

“It was wonderful to meet new friends with a love of fly-fishing, nature and the water.”

“The best part of the weekend was fishing the Ellis River, casting from a float tube, the slide show; and the awesome instructors.”

“It was fun to try fishing in a variety of habitats. The instructors were wonderful, with good humor, patience and an ability to teach in a way that’s easy to remember. I loved the workshop!”

The session is presented by the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department (http://www.WildNH.com) and the New Hampshire Wildlife Federation (http://www.nhwf.org). Instruction is provided by Fish and Game’s “Let’s Go Fishing” program.

N.H. Weekly Fishing Report — July 23, 2009

This week, fisheries tech Christopher Perkins offers a tantalizing trout itinerary for those fishing in New Hampshire’s North Country.

Purchase your fishing license online at http://www.FishNH.com, or from any Fish and Game license agent. Kids under 16 fish free in N.H.!

FISH STOCKING: Stocking is complete for the season. Check the stocking page (http://www.fishnh.com/Fishing/fish_stock_current.htm) for sites stocked in 2009.

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

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TROUT AND ABOUT
By Christopher Perkins, Seasonal Fisheries Technician

The relentless rains of June have lifted, and it is finally time to load up the family, dust off the light tackle, and head into the Great North Woods of New Hampshire for cool water and fast fishing.

While heading toward the Kancamagus Highway this weekend, my family decided to break along the East Branch of the Pemigewassett River. While my children played along the bank, I carefully rigged a small plastic power bait jig and tossed it into a nearby shaded hole. To my surprise, it was instantly inhaled by a nice 12-inch rainbow trout! After carefully removing the hook (and giving a quick catch-and-release lesson to my daughter), we decided that it was time to move on to the next spot.

The Kancamagus Highway is stunning this time of year. The mountains are blanketed with soft shades of green and brown and all of its rivers and streams are filled with cool, crystal clear water. There are many stops along the way that get overlooked as productive brook trout fisheries. If you can get to these locations during the week when the crowds are at a minimum, you will reap the rewards.

The Otter Rocks rest area is located on the Hancock Branch and holds a surprising number of fish. It is 5 feet at it deepest point, and there are always numerous fish holding at the base near the highly oxygenated water flow. I caught and released 7 brook trout out of this pool before moving on after just an hour.

As you continue along the highway, the Swift River follows you to your left. The Swift River offers amazing fishing this time of year. You could easily spend all day zipping flies or throwing blue fox spinners (size 1 in gold is my weapon of choice) into all the holes at the lower falls area. I was fortunate to win a light tackle wrestling match with a 16-inch beauty. Yes, you heard me correctly, a 16-inch brook trout. The Swift is heavily stocked with sizeable brook trout every year, and this year there were many additional surplus fish added as well. Life is good in the North Country.

As fantastic summer fishing finally gets underway, it’s difficult to imagine that hunting season is already around the corner. As fly fishermen and light tackle enthusiasts match wits with the Eastern brook trout, bowhunting enthusiasts are changing strings and sighting pins. Well, that’s the New Hampshire outdoors for you. So much to do…so little time.

(Christopher Perkins of Alexandria, N.H. has been employed with Fish and Game for the past 2 years, assisting with the Eastern Brook Trout Joint Venture as a seasonal fisheries technician, and is a volunteer for the various anadromous fish restoration projects.)

Wakefield Drowning Victim Recovered; Sunday Searches in Northern NH

CONCORD, N.H. – It was a busy Sunday for Search & Rescue teams in New Hampshire.

The body of 47-year-old Robert Diaz of East Boston was recovered yesterday afternoon (July 19, 2009) after he presumably drowned in Pine River Pond in Wakefield. Diaz, who had been staying at a relative’s residence in the area, was floating on an inflatable swim raft; according to a friend who witnessed the incident, Diaz had fallen off of the raft about 150 yards from shore. The friend followed Diaz from shore as Diaz attempted to swim back to the raft, which was blowing away in the wind. Unable to catch the raft, Diaz started swimming toward shore, but disappeared from view. The friend called for help at about 3:50 p.m.

Responding agencies were Wakefield Fire and Rescue, Wakefield Police, NH Marine Patrol, and NH Fish and Game. A man on a personal watercraft observed Diaz at the bottom of the pond some 75 yards from shore, in about 10 feet of water, at about 4:30 p.m., at which time rescue personnel recovered Diaz’s body from a boat. The state medical examiner came to the scene. An autopsy will be conducted.

Fish and Game Sgt. Jim Juneau expressed sadness at Diaz’s death. “It’s a sobering lesson in water safety, and a reminder to everyone not to overestimate their swimming abilities,” he said. “If you’re not a strong swimmer, wear a personal floatation device if you’re far from shore or in water over your head. Boaters should always wear PFDs, no matter their paddling or swimming skills,” he added. “Tragedies happen all too often.”

At about 7:00 p.m. that evening, the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office notified Conservation Officers of a hiking situation on Mt. Chocorua in New Hampshire’s White Mountains. According to Sgt. Juneau, a group of 3 adults and 1 juvenile called on a cell phone from a trail descending Mt. Chocorua toward Route 16. The four had become separated from a larger hiking group of 13 after hiking the Champney Falls Trail to the summit of Mt. Chocorua. They did not know exactly where they were and they did not know the whereabouts of the other 9 in their party — including 5 juveniles and one 78-year-old male.

Officers from NH State Police and NH Fish and Game responded to the Champney Falls trailhead on the Kancamagus Highway and the Piper Trail trailhead on Route 16. The 5 juveniles emerged from the Champney Falls Trail, followed after a while by the remaining 4 adults. The 4 hikers who called for help emerged at the Piper Trail trailhead. The entire group, including relatives from Massachusetts, Michigan and California, was reunited and no one was harmed.

As the Chocorua case was resolving around 8:00 p.m., a call came in that 3 teenagers (ages 15-17) from a visiting youth group from Germany were unaccounted for, having become separated from other youths and their chaperones on a hike to Frankenstein Cliffs on the Arethusa Falls Trail at Crawford Notch. Fish and Game Conservation Officers responded to the trailhead. The missing teenagers had ended up on the Ripley Falls Trail and emerged onto Route 302. A motorist gave them a ride to the Arethusa Falls trailhead, where the chaperones were waiting for them.

Sgt. Juneau said, “Members of both hiking groups made a poor decision when they split up. Luckily, everyone’s OK. But all hikers must learn to stay together, have a well-defined plan, carry the right gear, especially a trail map and compass — and know how to rescue themselves if they get in trouble.”

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HIKER RESPONSIBILITY CODE

You are responsible for yourself, so be prepared:

1. With knowledge and gear. Become self reliant by learning about the terrain, conditions, local weather and your equipment before you start.

2. To leave your plans. Tell someone where you are going, the trails you are hiking, when you will return and your emergency plans.

3. To stay together. When you start as a group, hike as a group, end as a group. Pace your hike to the slowest person.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. To share the hiker code with others.

Visit http://www.hikesafe.com to help prepare for your next hike.

Body of Lake Massabesic Drowning Victim Recovered

CONCORD, N.H. – New Hampshire Fish and Game Department divers today recovered the body of 52-year-old Kenneth Fudge, of Derry, N.H., who drowned after overturning his kayak in Lake Massabesic at about 5:00 p.m. yesterday (July 15, 2009). Fudge’s fiancé attempted save him, but he tragically slipped from her arms and sank after she could no longer hold him up. He did not know how to swim and was not wearing a life preserver. Weather was not a factor in the incident.

N.H. Fish and Game coordinated today’s recovery operation. Marine Patrol personnel helped pinpoint the location of the body using a side-scan sonar unit and laid out a grid for Fish and Game divers to use in conducting the underwater search. The lake water is about 20 feet deep in the area of the incident, which is fairly close to the shoreline. Divers reported a difficult search because of poor visibility in the water. Family members were present as the search progressed.

Soon after the incident yesterday afternoon, personnel from the Auburn Fire Department responded to the scene and called in emergency rescue help from the Nashua Fire Department Dive Team. Manchester Fire Department and Department of Safety Marine Patrol staff searched from boats and made additional searches along the shorelines. N.H. Fish and Game Conservation Officers also were called in to provide support of a potential rescue, and subsequently took charge of the recovery operation.

Free Clinic on Crow Hunting Offered – August 8 in Holderness, NH

HOLDERNESS, N.H. — Just in time for the fall crow hunting season, the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department is offering hunters a free workshop on Crow Hunting: The Forgotten Pastime on Saturday, August 8, 2009, from 9 a.m. to noon at the Owl Brook Hunter Education Center in Holderness, N.H. The seminar will be led by crow hunting enthusiast and hunter education instructor Pete Lester. Pre-registration is required. To sign up, call Tom Flynn or Josh Mackay at (603) 536-3954.

The crow-hunting workshop covers the basic pursuit of these challenging birds, from the use of a mouth call to high-tech electronic calling and decoying. Participants also will learn about crow behavior, crow-hunting safety issues, gaining permission to hunt/landowner relations, clothing choices, set-up location, shotgun and ammunition options, creature comforts for an enjoyable hunt and recipes for – you guessed it – eating crow. The session will include a shooting component using Owl Brook’s remote-controlled target throwers to simulate field shooting conditions.

Crow hunting has a split season in New Hampshire. It opens August 15 and runs through November 30; in addition, there is also a short spring season from March 16-31.

For directions to the Owl Brook Hunter Education Center, visit http://www.huntnh.com/Hunting/hunter_ed_center.htm.

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

Four Massachusetts Hikers, Lost after Dark on Mount Chocorua, Return

CONCORD, N.H. – New Hampshire Fish and Game Department Conservation Officers were called in late last night (July 13, 2009) to search for four overdue hikers on the Bolles Trail on Mt. Chocorua in Albany, N.H. The young men, all age 23, were Matthew Mastrogiacomi, Christopher Rowland and Daniel Mastrangelo, all of Weymouth, Mass., and Matthew Elliot of Dorchester, Mass. They were not carrying a trail map, flashlights or hiking equipment.

The hikers had left the Champney Falls/Bolles Brook Trailhead at 6 p.m. Monday and reached the top of Mount Chocorua at about 7:30 p.m. They then continued to walk on Bolles Trail, mistakenly thinking it would loop back to the trailhead. In fact, the trail continues on to Tamworth. As night fell, the hikers began to realize that the trail was not taking them in the right direction, so they turned around. They slowly made their way back to the trailhead in the darkness. At one point they had cell phone reception and, realizing they were in trouble, managed to call a friend, asking him to call for help if he didn’t hear from them in two hours. The friend reported them missing at 11:45 p.m. Authorities asked the caller to go place a note on the hikers’ car windshield explaining that searchers were looking for them, which he did.

Fish and Game Sgt Jim Juneau was the first to respond to the scene, arriving at the trailhead at approximately 12:45 a.m.; two other Conservation Officers were on the way. In the meantime, the overdue hikers had managed to find their way back to the trailhead at about 12:30 a.m. They got in and drove away, not noticing the note on their windshield. They proceeded to turn the wrong way on the Kancamagus Highway, heading in the opposite direction from where they were staying in Albany. Some time later, they turned around and were spotted on the highway by Fish and Game officers.

“These young men were lucky to get back to safety after setting out late in the day without a trail map, an understanding of the trail system, or lights to use on the trail when they did get caught out there after dark,” said Conservation Officer Alex Lopashanksi. “If they had been better prepared, this incident could have been prevented.”

For information and safe hiking tips, visit http://www.hikesafe.com.

Fish and Game Seeks Conservation Officer Trainees

CONCORD, N.H. — If you’ve thought about becoming a Conservation Officer, this could be your chance — the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department is building a new register of names to be used for staffing current and future Conservation Officer Trainee vacancies. The closing date for filing an application is August 21, 2009.

“Being a Conservation Officer calls for an in-depth understanding of wildlife, expert knowledge of hunting and fishing laws, physical fitness and excellent ‘people skills’, ” said Col. Martin Garabedian, Chief of Fish and Game’s Law Enforcement Division. “COs play a vital role in enforcing state wildlife laws and keeping conditions favorable for fish and wildlife throughout the state.”

The selection process includes a written examination, a physical agility test and an oral board exam. Applicants must be at least 21 years of age by the date of the written examination (September 14, 2009). If selected, Conservation Officer Trainees gain experience working with Field Training Officers in every district of the state during the first year of the job. If they successfully complete the yearlong trainee program, they are then assigned to a permanent patrol area within the state.

Find out more about necessary qualifications and how to apply by visiting the Fish and Game website at
http://www.wildnh.com/Inside_FandG/FandG_jobs/HR_CO_Trainees.htm

The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department’s Law Enforcement Division is responsible for the enforcement of all laws, rules and regulations pertaining to fish and wildlife. Fish and Game Conservation Officers prosecute all of their own cases involving offenders of wildlife law. They also are responsible for search and rescue operations and enforcing off-highway recreational vehicle regulations. Visit http://www.wildnh.com.

Stripers, Tidepools, Great Bay Adventures in new NH Wildlife Journal

CONCORD, N.H. — If you haven’t headed for New Hampshire’s seacoast yet this summer, you’ll be yearning for the salt air after reading the July-August 2009 issue of New Hampshire Wildlife Journal magazine — Fish and Game’s annual look at coastal New Hampshire’s wildlife and wild places.

You’ll meet self-styled “Bayman” David O’Hearn, whose leisure time revolves around the life of our beautiful Great Bay Estuary. Whether he’s lobstering, clamming or live-lining pogies, this modern-day adventurer is happiest when he harvesting the bounty of Great Bay.

Saltwater anglers will hit the jackpot with marine biologist Kevin Sullivan’s profile of one of New Hampshire’s most prized sportfish, the striped bass. Find out what brings this predatory fish to New Hampshire waters this time of year (hint – it’s not to spawn), get some striper-fishing basics from the pros, and learn why the rebound of the striped bass population is considered one of the most successful fisheries management programs in recent history.

Then, get an “otherworldly” coastal education in “Pools of Discovery” — a look at the colorful inhabitants of the ever-changing environment of the tidepool.

Also in this issue of the Journal, the state’s only magazine dedicated to fish and wildlife conservation and recreation, be inspired to visit Fort Stark State Historic Site on Newcastle Island; check out a “green paving” demonstration site at Great Bay Discovery Center; and learn about a multi-state effort to conserve rainbow smelt.

Naturalist’s Notebook profiles the Atlantic rock crab. Other regular columns include Warden’s Watch and a special Kids Corner for young readers. Wild Ways showcases the small but mighty oyster – did you know an oyster quietly filters 5 liters of water per HOUR?

Not a subscriber to New Hampshire Wildlife Journal? The magazine is published 6 times a year by the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department. Subscriptions are just $12 for one year — that’s 40% off the newsstand price — or $20 for two years.

To read sample articles, subscribe or purchase gift subscriptions for the outdoor enthusiasts in your life, visit http://www.WildNH.com/Wildlife_Journal/WJ_mag.htm. Subscribe before July 31, and we’ll send you the current seacoast-themed issue absolutely free! Single issues are available for $2.95 each from N.H. Fish and Game headquarters, 11 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH 03301.

New Hampshire Wildlife Journal magazine contains no advertising, and subscription revenue helps N.H. Fish and Game conserve, manage and protect the state’s fish, wildlife and marine resources and their habitats; promote conservation education; and create opportunities for outdoor recreation in the Granite State. Visit http://www.wildnh.com.

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