Wildlife Heritage Foundation of NH Wecomes Three New Board Members

CONCORD, N.H. — The Wildlife Heritage Foundation of New Hampshire, the official non-profit partner of the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, is pleased to announce the addition of three new board members who bring to the organization a wealth of background and experience in hunting, fishing and conservation.

New Wildlife Heritage Foundation of N.H. board members include:

* Angus Boezeman of Concord, an active member of the local chapter of Trout Unlimited and the NH Guides Association and an acclaimed fly fishing guide and instructor.

* Steve White of Concord, who has worked closely with the N.H. Fish and Game Department as a consulting engineer for the Department’s Public Boat Access Program. He has been an avid New Hampshire hunter and angler for 40 years.

* Kathleen Paine of Concord has served on several nonprofit conservation boards, including the N.H. Lakes Association and Five Rivers Conservation Trust. She enjoys fishing and hunting, specializing in upland game, muzzleloader and bow hunting. Paine manages her husband’s veterinary practice in Concord.

“We are excited to welcome these experienced professionals and outdoorspeople to our board, particularly at a time when the Foundation is meeting new challenges and opportunities as a active and growing nonprofit organization,” said Board Chairman Dr. Donald Normandeau.

The new members round out the membership of the Wildlife Heritage Foundation of New Hampshire’s Board of Directors, which represents the broad interests of the Fish and Game Department. Current members include Dr. Donald Normandeau of Goffstown; Donna Cote of Mirror Lake; Ken Wilson of Gilford; Joe Bellavance of Nashua; Charles Barry of N. Haverhill; Thomas Rea of New Castle; and John Monson of Bedford.

The Board guides the efforts of the Wildlife Heritage Foundation of New Hampshire in the mission of creating an enduring natural legacy for future generations through stewardship of all New Hampshire wildlife. Its sole purpose is to secure non-public resources necessary to support the critical conservation and education programs of the N.H. Fish and Game Department.

Donations to the Wildlife Heritage Foundation of New Hampshire help support important fish and wildlife conservation and education programs and centers which otherwise may not be supportable through the NH Fish and Game Department’s traditional sources of income.

Contributions are welcome and tax-deductible. Send to: Wildlife Heritage Foundation of New Hampshire, P.O. Box 3993, Concord, NH 03302-3993.

To find out more about the Foundation, visit http://www.wildnh.com/foundation, or contact Foundation Coordinator Nancy Berliner at (603) 545-4873 or coordinator@nhwildlifefoundation.org .

Public Hearings Set for Proposed Wildlife Rule Changes

CONCORD, N.H. — Proposed rule changes affecting hunting and trapping seasons in New Hampshire for 2010 and 2011 will be discussed at three public hearings being held by the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department on the following dates and locations:

* Monday, April 5, 6:30 p.m. – N.H. Fish and Game Region 1 Office, North Country Resource Center, 629 B Main Street, Lancaster, N.H.

* Tuesday, April 6, 6:30 p.m. – Keene High School, 43 Arch Street, Keene, N.H.

* Thursday, April 8, 6:30 p.m. – N.H. Fish and Game Department Headquarters, 11 Hazen Drive, Concord, N.H.

Hunters, trappers and other interested constituents are encouraged to attend the hearings and offer their input on the proposed rules. Public input is considered during the formulation of final department proposals.

The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department reviews the state’s hunting seasons every two years to ensure that they are in line with wildlife management objectives, including those identified in the state’s Big Game Management Plan. The big game plan guides deer, moose, bear and turkey management in New Hampshire through the year 2015.

Some of the highlights of the new rule proposals, by species, include:

DEER: In response to two preceding severe winters, Fish and Game is recommending a more conservative allocation of either-sex days for the coming season. (To view a chart comparing the proposed either-sex days with the 2009 allocation, visit the online version of this press release at http://www.huntnh.com/Newsroom/News_2010/News_2010_Q1/wildlife_rules_2010.html.) In addition, the Department is proposing that archers during the month of September be restricted to the taking of antlered deer only. Of additional note, Fish and Game is proposing to eliminate the antler point restriction now in place in WMU A and to lengthen the current 9-day muzzleloader season in WMU A to the statewide standard of 11 days (for more background on this issue, visit “The Science Behind the Seasons” on the Fish and Game website at http://www.huntnh.com/Hunting/science_behind_seasons_2010.htm).

In an effort to reduce hunting pressure while still meeting Department objectives for female harvest in WMU M, Fish and Game proposes to allow up to 4,000 hunters to purchase Special Antlerless Deer Permits for Unit M, with the option to purchase a second permit at the time of the initial purchase. (Last year, 6,000 Special Unit M deer permits were available, with hunters being allowed to purchase just one.) Also, in a departure from previous years, Unit M Special Antlerless Deer Permits could not be used during the first two weeks of the archery season. Finally, recommendations are being made relative to the selection of deer registration stations and registration station requirements.

MOOSE: Fish and Game is proposing to issue 395 moose permits statewide for the 2010 and 2011 moose seasons. This represents a reduction from the 2009 allocation of 515 permits. This proposal reflects changes in the state’s regional moose populations relative to existing population goals. A comparison of past and proposed N.H. moose permit allocation by region is posted at http://www.huntnh.com/Newsroom/News_2010/News_2010_Q1/wildlife_rules_2010.html.

BEAR: There are no proposed changes in the regional bear seasons, with the exception that Fish and Game proposes a reduction in the number of bait sites per hunter in the Central Region, from two to one. This leaves the White Mountain Region as the only bear management region in the state that allows two bait sites per hunter. Fish and Game also proposes to eliminate the need for a special permit to take bear with hounds; hound owners would still need a permit to run hounds.

TURKEY: Fish and Game is proposing the addition of four Wildlife Management Units – J1, J2, L and M in the south and eastern parts of the state to the five-day fall shotgun season. This means that both the southwest and southeast portions of the state will be open to fall shotgun hunting for turkeys. This change reflects the continued growth of turkey populations in southeast New Hampshire. No other season changes are recommended to wild turkey seasons. Recommendations for turkey registration stations, similar to those for deer, are also being proposed.

FURBEARERS: Fish and Game is proposing to open the trapping and hunting seasons for certain aquatic furbearers two weeks earlier in WMUs A – F (northern N.H.), to facilitate ice-free trapping. In these units, the trapping season would start on October 15 instead of on November 1, when it opens in the rest of the state. The coyote trapping season is proposed to be extended to April 10 (it currently ends on December 31 in the north and January 15 in the south).

SMALL GAME: Fish and Game is not proposing any changes in the small game seasons.

FOR MORE DETAILS: The complete wildlife rulemaking notice, with original and proposed rule language for these proposals and a number of others, can be viewed on the Fish and Game website. Go to http://www.wildnh.com/Legislative/Notices_summary.htm and click on “Wildlife Rules for 2010-2011”.

Written comments must be received by April 28, 2010. Send to: comments@wildlife.nh.gov. (use subject line “Comments on Wildlife Rules”); or write to Executive Director, N.H. Fish and Game Department, 11 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH 03301; or fax to (603) 271-1438.

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.

Register Now for BOW Turkey Hunting Weekend April 23-25 in Rindge

Interested in turkey hunting? Sign up now for the new “Beyond BOW” Turkey Hunting Weekend Workshop, which will take place Friday-Sunday, April 23 – 25, 2010, at the Woodbound Inn in Rindge, N.H. Participants will learn everything they need to know to set out on a turkey hunt of their own, including calling, habitat, equipment, shotgun patterning, safety, ethics, cleaning/cooking game and participation in a mock hunt. Limited to 14 participants. Cost of $295 includes instruction, materials, use of equipment, meals and two nights lodging.

We will begin accepting applications on Monday, March 8. The registration form is posted now at http://www.nhbow.com. Participation is first-come, first-served, so sign up right away if you’re interested.

New Hampshire’s spring gobbler season starts on May 3, 2010. The youth turkey hunting weekend takes place on May 1-2, 2010. For more information on turkey hunting in New Hampshire, visit http://www.huntnh.com/Hunting/Hunt_species/hunt_turkey.htm.

“Beyond BOW” courses expand the offerings of the traditional Becoming an Outdoors-Woman fall and winter workshops. These in-depth courses are designed to give women the skills to do the outdoor activity on their own. It also gives participants a chance to network with other like-minded women with whom to share these activities.

Watch for notices in the coming weeks about more new spring “Beyond BOW” programs, including an overnight backpacking adventure and a workshop on map and compass skills.

New Hampshire’s Becoming an Outdoors-Woman programs are co-sponsored by the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department (http://www.WildNH.com) and the New Hampshire Wildlife Federation (http://www.nhwf.org).

Landscaping for Wildlife Seminar March 20 in Concord, N.H.

CONCORD, N.H. – Learn how to create wildlife habitat in your yard or residential property at a seminar called “Beautiful Backyard Habitats: Landscaping for Wildlife” being offered on March 20, 2010, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon at the New Hampshire Technical Institute (NHTI) in Concord, N.H. The seminar is being taught by Marilyn Wyzga, a New Hampshire Fish and Game Department wildlife educator and co-author of “Integrated Landscaping: Following Nature’s Lead.” Wyzga also coordinates the Homes for Wildlife program, which helps schools create outdoor classrooms and schoolyard habitat areas. The fee for the class is $49. Registration information may be found at http://www.nhti.edu/businesstraining/registration.html.

“Backyard landscapes can provide valuable habitat for a variety of wildlife. You can enhance this home for birds, butterflies and other creatures using native vegetation and water features, while enjoying the benefits of color, cooling and sound,” said Wyzga. The seminar will guide participants through the process of creating wildlife habitat using presentation and hands-on exercises. You’ll learn wildlife habitat concepts, inventory techniques and plant selections. Bring a sketch map of your site to begin a plan for your yard.

Four ways to register:
Mail: NHTI – Business Training Center, 31 College Drive, Concord, NH 03301-7412
Fax: (603) 271-6667
Phone: (603) 271-6663 (using a credit card)
In Person: The Business Training Center, Farnum Hall, NHTI, Concord

The class is part of a 3-session landscaping series being offered this spring at NHTI. Registration is separate for each class. (See http://www.nhti.edu/businesstraining/community.html#landscape.) Whether you build landscapes professionally, design them or simply enjoy them, this series is designed to help you acquire skills necessary to optimize the functional and visual potential of residential landscape. With the help of experts, you can learn how to improve the value of your property and enjoy the beauty of your outdoor living space.

“Integrated Landscaping: Following Nature’s Lead” is available for purchase on the Fish and Game website at http://www.wildnh.com/Shop/shop_books.htm.

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.

New Hampshire Ice Conditions Very Dangerous

CONCORD, N.H. — Ice is disappearing fast on many New Hampshire waterbodies, creating dangerous conditions in places. With warmer weather expected in the coming days, the situation is likely to become even more treacherous, according to Col. Martin Garabedian, New Hampshire Fish and Game Law Enforcement Chief.

“We’re urging all outdoor enthusiasts to use extreme caution on the ice from this point forward,” said Garabedian. “We’ve had reports that ice conditions are hazardous and changing daily on many larger lakes and ponds, especially around inlets and outlets.”

Fish and Game is strongly encouraging ice anglers not to wait for the April 1 deadline to remove bobhouses from the ice, and to use extreme caution as they do so. “Keep a close eye on ice conditions and get bobhouses off the ice as soon as you can, safely,” said Garabedian.

With ever-changing ice conditions, it is critical to assess ice safety before you go out by using an ice chisel or axe to chop a hole in the ice to determine its thickness and condition. Continue to do this as you get further out onto the ice, as thickness will not be uniform over the waterbody.

Though all ice is potentially dangerous, the Cold Region Research Laboratory in Hanover, N.H., offers a “rule of thumb” on ice thickness: There should be a minimum of six inches of hard ice before individual foot travel, and eight to ten inches of hard ice for snow machine or ATV (All Terrain Vehicle) travel. Keep in mind that it is possible for ice to be thick, but not strong, because of varying weather conditions. Weak ice is formed when warming trends break down ice, then the slushy surface re-freezes. Be especially careful of areas with current, such as inlets, outlets and spring holes, where the ice can be dangerously thin.

Tips for staying safe on the ice include:

* Stay off the ice along the shoreline if it is cracked or squishy. Don’t go on the ice during thaws.

* Watch out for thin, clear or honeycombed ice. Dark snow and ice may also indicate weak spots.

* Small bodies of water tend to freeze thicker. Rivers and lakes are more prone to wind, currents and wave action that weaken ice.

* Don’t gather in large groups on the ice.

* Don’t drive large vehicles onto the ice.

* If you do break through the ice, don’t panic. Move or swim back to where you fell in, where you know the ice was solid. Lay both arms on the unbroken ice and kick hard. This will help lift your body onto the ice. A set of ice picks can aid you in a self-rescue (wear them around your neck or put them in an easily accessible pocket). Once out of the water, roll away from the hole until you reach solid ice.

Ice safety should be paramount for anyone recreating on New Hampshire’s lakes and ponds. Don’t assume ice is safe just because it’s there.

To download a brochure from Fish and Game called “Safety on Ice,” visit http://www.wildnh.com.

Take Your Birdfeeders Down — And Save A Bear!

CONCORD, N.H. — Early spring-like conditions across New Hampshire have caused bears to get a jump start on spring. Recent bear activity has been mostly concentrated in the more southern part of New Hampshire, but reports from the entire state are likely in the coming weeks. Spring marks the period when bears emerge from dens and begin foraging to replenish fat reserves depleted during the long winter denning period. Natural foods are scarce this time of year, so it is critical for homeowners to take action now to reduce the chances of attracting bears.

Denning behavior by bears is primarily a response to periods of food shortage. Bear foods are scare from late fall until spring, which coincides with the typical bear denning season in New Hampshire.
Weather also plays a role, as this behavior allows bears to conserve energy during the winter months. With the lack of snow and recent warming temperatures, it is likely bears will become active earlier this spring.

“To prevent attracting a bear to your residence, it is essential to take down your bird feeders and put them away until next winter, despite the fact that the recommended deadline for taking down feeders is nearly a month away,” says Andy Timmins, Bear Project Leader for New Hampshire Fish and Game. “This isn’t about bird feeders or bird watching, it’s about the safety and well-being of black bears. Bears that frequent homes for easy pickings often have a shorter life expectancy than bears that don’t. Take down your feeders and save a bear.”

Last year, 681 bear complaints were documented in New Hampshire. More than half of these complaints were related to bears causing property damage. “Most of these incidents were caused by the presence of birdseed or garbage at the residence and could have been easily avoided if these attractants were removed,” said Timmins.

During the denning period, bears typically lose 25% of their body weight, and a lactating female with newborn cubs may lose as much as 40%. Bears coming out of their dens are readily attracted to human-related foods.

Homeowners should take action to reduce the chances of a bear visiting their home. Prevent bear visits by taking a few simple precautions:

* Stop all bird feeding by the time bears emerge from their dens, which is happening early this year because of the warm weather.

* Clean up any spilled birdseed and dispose of it in the trash.

* Secure all garbage in airtight containers inside a garage or adequate storage area, and put garbage out on the morning of pickup, not the night before.

* Avoid putting meat or other food scraps in your compost pile.

* Don’t leave pet food dishes outside overnight.

* Clean and store outdoor grills after each use.

* NEVER intentionally feed bears!

These steps will help to ensure that your backyard does not become attractive to bears. This is important because it prevents property damage by bears and because it keeps bears from becoming “nuisance” animals.

For more information on preventing conflicts with black bears, visit http://www.wildnh.com/Wildlife/Somethings_Bruin.htm.

If you have questions about bear-related problems, you can get technical advice by calling the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Wildlife Services, located in Concord, N.H., at the following toll-free number: 1-888-749-2327 (1-888-SHY-BEAR).

USDA Wildlife Services works in partnership with the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department to minimize wildlife-human conflicts, including those associated with black bears. Last year (2009), Wildlife Services fielded 2,062 wildlife-related requests for assistance, almost a full third (32%) of which were related to bears. Each year, Wildlife Services also hires two bear technicians in New Hampshire during May through August, when the majority of bear complaints are received.
These bear technicians, in partnership with N.H. Fish and Game Department field staff, work closely with the general public to educate them about bear behavior and to directly resolve bear-human conflicts.

The statewide black bear population is considered relatively stable — thanks to careful management by Fish and Game — and currently is about 4,800 bears.

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.

“Let’s Go Fishing” Wants YOU to Teach Fishing!

CONCORD, N.H. – Spring is in the air and the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department is looking for experienced anglers to volunteer as fishing instructors for the Let’s Go Fishing program, where you’ll have a chance to pass on the outdoor traditions by teaching basic and/or fly fishing skills to youth and adults.

If you want to become a Let’s Go Fishing instructor, the first step is to get certified by attending two required free training sessions. The first session covers the basics of Fish and Game and the Let’s Go Fishing Program’s policies and procedures, plus CPR certification. The second session will focus on a specific program – either basic fishing or fly fishing; this is a hands-on experience in which prospective instructors are put through an abbreviated “real life” Let’s Go Fishing course. Topics covered include ethics, pond ecology, rules and regulations, equipment and safety. If instructors want to teach both basic and fly fishing courses, they must attend a hands-on training session for each, in addition to the first overview training class.

The Let’s Go Fishing program will hold the first half of the two-part certification training for new fishing instructors on the following dates (it is only necessary to attend one of these two training classes, plus one of the specialty sessions); lunch will be provided:

* Saturday, April 10, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at Fish and Game Headquarters, 11 Hazen Drive in Concord; or

* Sunday, April 25, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at Fish and Game Region 1 Office, 629B Main Street in Lancaster.

Dates and locations for the second half of the certification training are as follows; lunch will be provided:

* BASIC FISHING: Saturday, May 1, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., at Fish and Game Headquarters, 11 Hazen Drive in Concord.

* FLY FISHING: Sunday, May 2 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at the Owl Brook Hunter Education Center, 387 Perch Pond Road in Holderness.

To sign up for the free Let’s Go Fishing instruction certification training, call Lisa Collins at (603) 271-3212 or email aquatic-ed@wildlife.nh.gov; IN ADDITION, you must print out and return a Let’s Go Fishing volunteer application form, which can be found on the Fish and Game website at http://www.fishnh.com/Fishing/lets_go_fishing.htm (or call and request at the number above). Applications must be received by March 26, 2010, to reserve your spot in the trainings.

Please note — a minimum of eight participants is needed for trainings to be conducted. If this minimum is not met, the training will be cancelled and registrants will be notified.

After completing the training, participants have the opportunity to join an existing team of volunteer fishing instructors who present programs across the state. The Let’s Go Fishing program also offers classes in ice fishing, fly tying, saltwater fishing and saltwater fly fishing.

Thousands of children and adults have learned to be safe, ethical and successful anglers through the Let’s Go Fishing program. The program is federally funded through the Sport Fish Restoration Program — a true user-pay, user-benefit program.

The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department works to conserve, manage and protect the state’s fish and wildlife and their habitats, as well as providing the public with opportunities to use and appreciate these resources. Visit http://www.FishNH.com.

Turkey Hunting Workshop – April 10 in Holderness

HOLDERNESS, N.H. — A free workshop covering the basics of hunting wild turkeys is being offered by the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department on Saturday, April 10, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Owl Brook Hunter Education Center on Perch Pond Road in Holderness. Pre-registration is required. Space is limited. To sign up for the workshop, or for more information, call (603)536-3954.

The clinic will be conducted by Fish and Game hunter education instructor Dave Priebe, a member of the professional staff of Quaker Boy, a turkey call manufacturer. The seminar will cover the basics of turkey hunting, turkey calling and turkey hunting safety. Fish and Game wildlife programs supervisor Mark Ellingwood will talk about turkey natural history and behavior. In addition, participants will be given a demonstration on shotgun patterning at the range. No lunch will be served, but there will be a short break for those who wish to bring a bag lunch or snack.

“Whether you’re new to turkey hunting or a veteran looking for some new techniques, this course is for you!” said Tom Flynn, manager of Fish and Game’s Owl Brook Hunter Education Center.

If you’re interested in other course offerings at Fish and Game’s Owl Brook Hunter Education Center, need directions to the center, or would like to volunteer, visit http://www.huntnh.com/Hunting/hunter_ed_center.htm.

New Hampshire’s spring gobbler season runs from May 3 through May 31. The state’s youth turkey hunting weekend will take place May 1-2. Hunting licenses and turkey permits can be purchased online at http://www.huntnh.com.

Big Game Processing Workshop – April 3 in Holderness

HOLDERNESS, N.H. – Learn how you can process your own big game animal from field to freezer at a free workshop being offered at the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department’s Owl Brook Hunter Education Center in Holderness, N.H., on Saturday, April 3, 2010. The workshop will take place from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. To sign up, call the Owl Brook Hunter Education Center at (603) 536-3954.

At the workshop, Rick Warbin, owner of Baker River Deer Farm in Wentworth, N.H., will give participants a basic overview of the steps involved in processing your own big game animal. The workshop will cover topics such as basic field dressing, tips to avoid meat spoilage, skinning and capeing, equipment needs, determining cuts of meat, boning the meat, and packaging tips. The instructor has many years of experience in the butchering business, so bring all your questions.

Please note that this workshop does not include lunch.

For more information on Fish and Game’s Owl Brook Hunter Education Center, visit http://www.HuntNH.com/Hunting/hunter_ed_center.htm.

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.

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