Lucky Day for 2010 NH Moose Hunt Permit Winners

CONCORD, N.H. — The adventure of a lifetime is in store for 395 people who have been offered permits to hunt moose in New Hampshire this October. They are the lucky winners in the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department’s annual moose permit lottery drawing, held today.

The names of the 2010 winners and alternates are posted on Fish and Game’s website at http://www.huntnh.com/Hunting/Moose_hunt/2010_Moose_Winners.html. Read more

Moose Lottery Drawing Takes Place Friday, June 18, 2010

CONCORD, N.H. — The annual drawing to select the lucky hunters who will be offered a permit to hunt moose in New Hampshire this fall will be held on Friday, June 18, at 9:00 a.m. at the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, 11 Hazen Drive in Concord, N.H. Fish and Game will issue 395 moose hunting permits this year. The public and interested media are invited to be on hand to watch the excitement as the names are drawn. Winners are selected through a computerized random drawing.

Radio personalities Peter St. James and Ken Cail will broadcast live from Fish and Game headquarters that morning from 6 – 10 a.m., with drawing results starting at 9 a.m. Tune in to radio station WTPL (107.7 FM), which can be heard from Nashua to the Lakes Region; or in the Upper Valley, the broadcast can be heard on 94.3 FM or 1400 AM. The station will also stream the audio on its website, http://www.WTPLFM.com.

Lottery results will also be available online – official lists of winners and alternates will be posted on the Fish and Game website by 11:00 a.m. on Friday, June 18, 2010. (Please be patient; the large spike in web traffic on lottery day sometimes causes download delays.)

Moose-themed Fish and Game merchandise will be available for purchase from 8 a.m. to noon on moose lottery day, including a chance to order the special edition 2010 moose hunt T-shirt. (You don’t have to win the lottery to buy a shirt; an online order form also will be posted on June 18.) The sale is a great chance to get all your “moose wear” – moose-motif T-shirts, hooded sweatshirts, coolers, notepads and more.

More than 14,000 applicants entered the lottery for the chance to win a permit for the 2010 moose season, which runs from October 16 to 24, 2010. In addition, more than 1,100 people will continue to accrue bonus points by submitting an application for a point only but are not included in the lottery this year. The bonus point system improves your chance of winning for each consecutive year you enter and are not selected.

For more about moose hunting in New Hampshire, visit http://www.huntnh.com/Hunting/Hunt_species/hunt_moose.htm.

N.H. Weekly Fishing Report – June 10, 2010

N.H. WEEKLY FISHING REPORT – June 10, 2010

Stocking report 6/1 – 6/4: http://www.fishnh.com/Fishing/fish_stock_current.htm

Find us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/nhfishandgame

Saltwater Angler Registry: https://www.countmyfish.noaa.gov

><> North Country

Recent heavy storms in northern NH have revitalized trout fishing in many areas. Water temperatures have dropped and flows have increased. These conditions have enabled Fish and Game personnel to not only follow the stocking schedule but actually increase numbers where possible. Surplus fish are finding homes throughout the state. – Dianne Timmins, Regional Fisheries Biologist

><> Lakes Region

It seems like our long, dry spell has ended with fronts passing through every couple of days with showers and some pretty wild thunderstorms to boot! These rains were very much needed as small brooks and streams had reached low water conditions early in the season. Lake temperature is now in the high 60s (68 degrees on Winni) and bass nesting has pretty much ended. Look for adult bass roaming the shorelines, as the bass fry (jet black in color) swarm the shores looking for places to hide. This is my favorite time to fish for bass with small panfish poppers. I have caught bass during the middle of the day over rocky shoals with my fly rod and poppers. This is great sport as the bass rise up to smash the popper on the surface!

As the school year ends, it is time to take the kids fishing, and what better species to seek than our ubiquitous sunfish! Sunfish nest after the bass, so look along the shorelines for their nest depressions and drop a small fly or tiny panfish popper over their heads and watch the reaction! Sunfish populations can easily overpopulate small ponds and even some larger waterbodies, therefore, they are a great species to target with the younger set. This a great way to introduce kids to the sport of fly-fishing. – Don Miller, Regional Fisheries Biologist

><> Monadnock/Upper Valley

The smallmouths haven’t gone deep yet. A recent outing to Swanzey Lake in Swanzey and Nubanusit Lake in Hancock/Nelson produced many nice smallmouths. Fish were caught in three to eight feet of water on shaky jig heads and tubes. The fish were mainly along the edges of dropoffs and anyplace there were rocks. The key was definitely rocks; where there were no rocks, there were no fish.

The stocking trucks are still rolling out of the Milford Hatchery. Everything has been stocked at least once this spring and now the hatchery is putting out surplus rainbows. Trout fishing should continue to be good with the much needed rain from last weekend and cooler temperatures this week. – Jason Carrier, Regional Fisheries Biologist

><> Southeast NH/Merrimack Valley

Last week, NH Fish and Game partnered with staff from the Anheuser Busch Facility in Merrimack, the city of Manchester (Department of Public Works and the Urban Pond Restoration Program), the Manchester Fly Fishing Association, Merrimack River Valley Trout Unlimited, NH Department of Environmental Services, NH Rivers Council, and several other volunteers and local businesses to perform a stream and pond litter pickup in Manchester. The stream is located on the western side of the city and despite being seated in a densely developed urban landscape, has a robust wild brook trout population. It is expected that this will be the first step of many to ensure that this species, so important to our heritage and legacy, is able to remain present in our largest city. Additional restoration activities and potential funding sources will soon be prioritized and identified. In three hours, 27 tires, over 25 full contractor trash bags, 3 bicycles, a car gas tank, a home heating oil tank,
2 shopping carts, 2 computers, a television, and close to a ton of rusted metal items were gathered. In the end, we essentially found everything but the kitchen sink…wait a minute, we also found a sink. As interest for this project continues to grow, it is our hope that those who litter develop an understanding of the value of aquatic systems…even in an urban environment. – Ben Nugent, Regional Fisheries Biologist

><> Seacoast Area

So I hope I am not the only one that read my fishing report last week, but I took my own advice and went to Rye Harbor on Sunday. The weather was unarguably wet and cold, but the winter flounder fishing was hot! A friend and I fished for about 3 ½ hours Sunday morning and never left the harbor, but we managed to land 21 winter flounder, only one of which was under the minimum size limit of 12 inches. We took home 14 fish between the two of us, with the biggest at 19 inches, a few over 18, the rest between 15 and 17, and they were a nice rewarding dinner for enduring the rain.

Our staff in the field, speaking with anglers all along the coast and at boat ramps, say they’ve seen the striped bass catch picking up, primarily in the Piscataqua River and Great Bay, and the mackerel are still available for bait.

Finally, the “Mudhole” is still providing giant cod again this year, but it’s a long cast from shore — so use the boat, go with a friend, or get on a charter or headboat before it slows down. – Kevin Sullivan, Marine Biologist

><> Federal Aid: A User-Pay, User-Benefit Program

Researching and managing fisheries and teaching people about aquatic ecosystems are funded by your license dollars and by the Federal Aid in Sport Fish and Wildlife Restoration Program. Your purchases of fishing equipment and motorboat fuels make a difference to New Hampshire’s fisheries. Visit http://www.wildnh.com/SFWR_program/sfwr_program.htm.

Bowhunting/Archery for Girls; Intro to Hunting; for Youth Age13-15

HOLDERNESS, N.H. — Girls age 13-15 have a chance to learn about shooting sports at a free summer outdoor skills day program being offered in July at the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department’s Owl Brook Hunter Education Center in Holderness, N.H. Please spread the word if you know any girls who may be interested in participating.

The Bowhunting/Archery Skills (Girls Only) session for 13-15 year old girls is set for Thursday, July 15, 2010. The one-day program is from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Participants must bring a bag lunch.

Pre-registration is required and is first-come, first-served. Enrollment will be limited to 20 girls. To sign up, call (603) 536-3954.

The “girls only” session is part of a series of hunter education youth day programs offered at Owl Brook Hunter Education Center.

There is also space available in the Introduction to Hunting session for boys and girls (age 13-15) on Thursday July 29, 2010.

To watch a 3-minute video about the summer youth program at Owl Brook, visit http://www.huntnh.com/Hunting/hunter_ed_center.htm.

For more information on the summer youth programs and other activities at Owl Brook, visit http://www.huntnh.com/Hunting/hunter_ed_center.htm.

Activities at Owl Brook Hunter Education Center are made possible by Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration funds.

Last Chance to Enter the 2010 Moose Hunt Lottery; Deadline Is May 28

CONCORD, N.H. – Want a chance to hunt moose in New Hampshire this fall? Then you better get moving! The deadline for entering the 2010 New Hampshire Moose Hunt Lottery is Friday, May 28, 2010. You may be one of 395 lucky hunters who will be drawn for New Hampshire moose hunting permits – a chance for the adventure of a lifetime.

It’s easy to enter. Visit http://www.huntnh.com to apply online or print a mail-in application, or pick up a lottery application from any license agent. The entry fee is $15 for New Hampshire residents and $25 for nonresidents (nonrefundable). Each applicant can enter the moose hunt lottery once each year. You don’t need a current hunting license to enter. Read more

Wild Turkeys, Red Fox, Turtles of NH – All in New NH Wildlife Journal

CONCORD, N.H. – New Hampshire’s wild turkeys, once completely gone from the state, are strutting proud to the tune of 40,000 birds today; can that restoration success be sustained? Read more about it – including how you can help create turkey habitat – in the May-June 2010 issue of “New Hampshire Wildlife Journal” magazine, which features a magnificent gobbler on its cover.

Also in this issue, follow a red fox family through the seasons through the images of wildlife photographer Charles Willey. And learn to identify New Hampshire’s turtles, from the endangered Blanding’s to our most common species, the painted turtle, often seen basking on logs and rocks in wetlands. Modern life presents many hazards to today’s turtles, which is why nearly half of modern turtles worldwide are either threatened with extinction or gone already. Find out what’s being done to help turtles in the Granite State, and how you can help.

The Journal is the state’s only magazine dedicated to fish and wildlife conservation and recreation. Regular columns profile the Eastern hognose snake, new conservation lands to enjoy, a Kid’s Corner, and how volunteers are helping New Hampshire’s state parks.

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 May 31, and we’ll send you the current 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 outside 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.

Moose Lottery Deadline Is May 28 – Don’t Miss Your Chance!

CONCORD, N.H. — Want a chance to hunt moose in New Hampshire this fall? Then get your application in for the 2010 New Hampshire Moose Hunt Lottery by Friday, May 28, 2010! That’s the deadline to enter to win one of 395 New Hampshire moose hunting permits.

It’s easy to enter the moose lottery: just go to http://www.huntnh.com (where you can apply online or print out a mail-in application), or pick up a moose hunt lottery application from any fish and game license agent. The entry fee is $15 for New Hampshire residents and $25 for nonresidents (nonrefundable). Read more

Leave Young Animals Alone — Keep Wildlife Wild

CONCORD, N.H. — With the early spring weather, people are getting outside more, and some are observing young animals. If you encounter wildlife, even young animals that appear to need help, the kindest — and safest — thing to do is to leave them alone and let nature take its course, say officials from the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department.

Reports have already begun coming in to Fish and Game and local wildlife rehabilitators from people who have picked up young animals, often mistakenly thinking they are orphans. “Picking up fawns, baby raccoons or young animals is an error in judgment,” says Fish and Game Lt. Robert Bryant. “People think they’re doing a good deed, but they are often removing the animal from the care of its parents and exposing themselves to the risk of disease. What’s more, these actions may result in the animal having to be euthanized for rabies testing.”

Young wild animals (including mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians) typically have their best chance of surviving when they are in their own natural environment, says Fish and Game Wildlife Programs Administrator Mark Ellingwood. What should you do if you find a young animal? “Give wildlife plenty of space and leave them alone and in the wild, where they belong,” he said.

Ellingwood explains that seeing a deer fawn alone, for example, does NOT mean that it is orphaned or that it needs your help; it is normal for a doe to leave her fawn alone while she goes off to feed in the early morning and evening hours. In many cases, the doe will not return until nightfall. “Fawns are not defenseless creatures. Their cryptic coloration, tendency to stay perfectly still and lack of scent are all adaptations that help them survive,” Ellingwood said. Does are easy to detect because of their size and scent, so they generally keep a distance from their fawns, except during brief nursing bouts, so that predators don’t key in on them. If sympathetic people repeatedly visit a fawn, it only serves to prolong the separation from the doe and delay important feeding.

“This hands-off policy also applies to bear cubs and moose calves,” Ellingwood continued. “It’s also worth noting that sows and cows can and do actively protect their young. In any case, if you’re lucky enough to see a deer fawn, bear cub, moose calf or other wild animal, count your blessings and leave the area.”

Only qualified people with special rehabilitator permits, issued through N.H. Fish and Game, may take in and care for injured or orphaned wildlife. Unless you have these credentials, it is illegal to have in your possession or take any New Hampshire wildlife from the wild and keep it in captivity. For a list of licensed wildlife rehabilitators, go to http://www.wildnh.com/Wildlife/wildlife_rehabbers.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 Announces 2010 Moose Permit Auction

CONCORD, N.H. — The Wildlife Heritage Foundation of New Hampshire officially opens its second annual Moose Permit Auction today. As the official non-profit partner of the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, the Foundation is authorized to auction up to five permits to the five highest bidders. Proceeds from the auction help support critical fish and wildlife conservation and education programs and facilities of the N.H. Fish and Game Department.

“Proceeds from the auction allow the Foundation to both sustain and create important Fish and Game conservation, educational and outreach programs that help preserve our hunting, fishing and wildlife-viewing traditions for the enjoyment of future generations,” said Dr. Donald A. Normandeau, Chairman of the Foundation.

Deadline for receipt of auction bids is August 4, 2010. Bids will be opened on August 6, 2010. To download an official bidder’s packet, go to http://wildnh.com/foundation/moose_auction.html. Packets also may be requested by emailing the Foundation at coordinator@nhwildlifefoundation.org or by calling (603) 545-4873.

The 2010 moose hunting season in New Hampshire runs from October 16 – 24. The largest moose taken in 2009 (940 lbs dressed weight) was registered in Berlin, N.H., by one of the auction bid winners. The 2009 Auction garnered 66 bids from nine states. Bid winners came from New Hampshire, Maryland and Mississippi.

Successful bidders in the 2010 Auction will need to show proof of a previous hunting license or a certificate of completion of an approved hunter education training program. Winning auction permit holders will be able to harvest one moose of either sex in a wildlife management unit of their choice, and will be responsible for purchasing their own 2010 NH hunting license to accompany their moose permit. Individuals who receive a permit in the 2010 New Hampshire moose hunt lottery are subject to the rules of the lottery, and will not be eligible to participate in the auction. A portion of a winning bid may be tax deductible as a charitable donation; potential bidders should check with their tax advisors to determine eligibility.

Additional information on moose hunting in New Hampshire, including rules, permits, licenses and a gallery of photos from successful New Hampshire hunts, can be found at http://www.huntnh.com/Hunting/Hunt_species/hunt_moose.htm.

As a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, the Wildlife Heritage Foundation of New Hampshire raises money and works with wildlife professionals and conservation educators to fund the conservation of wildlife and natural places important to New Hampshire’s family traditions such as hiking, hunting, fishing and watching wildlife. Since its establishment in 2006, the Foundation has supported many Fish and Game projects through grants and sponsorships, including the 2009 National Hunting and Fishing Day Expo & N.H. Tour, Discover WILD New Hampshire Day, and production of WILD TIMES for Kids, a fish and wildlife publication that reaches 30,000 schoolchildren in classrooms across New Hampshire. To learn more about the Foundation and how you can help, visit http://www.wildnh.com/foundation.

Turkey Season; May Hunter Ed;Tips for Hunters on Landowner Relations

2010 SPRING GOBBLER SEASON LOOKS GOOD FOR N.H. TURKEY HUNTERS

New Hampshire’s turkey hunters can expect a productive spring gobbler season, according to New Hampshire Fish and Game Department turkey biologist Ted Walski. The spring season opens Monday, May 3, and runs through May 31 statewide. Last winter was a relatively easy one for turkeys and other wildlife in N.H. Read more at http://www.wildnh.com/Newsroom/News_2010/News_2010_Q2/Turkey_season_041610.html.

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TIPS FOR TURKEY HUNTERS ON GOOD LANDOWNER RELATIONS

Hunters getting out for New Hampshire’s spring turkey season (May 3-31) can do a lot to help promote positive landowner relations, says Charles Miner, Landowner Relations Coordinator for the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department. More than 70% of New Hampshire’s land is under private ownership, so practicing good landowner relations is the key to maintaining access. A few basic strategies can make a world of difference. Read more at http://www.huntnh.com/Newsroom/News_2010/News_2010_Q2/LR_turkey_hunter_tips_041610.html.

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TIME TO SIGN UP ONLINE FOR MAY HUNTER AND BOWHUNTER EDUCATION COURSES

Now is the time to register for Hunter and Bowhunter Education courses, so you can get your hunting license and head for the woods! Many new courses begin in May; dates and locations listed. Read more at http://huntnh.com/Newsroom/News_2010/News_2010_Q2/HE_May_courses_041610.html.

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DON’T MISS YOUR CHANCE TO HUNT MOOSE IN N.H.!

If you want to hunt moose in New Hampshire this fall, enter the lottery and try your luck on the adventure of a lifetime. Read more at http://www.huntnh.com/Newsroom/News_2010/News_2010_Q2/Moose_Lottery_040210.html.

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