New Hampshire Hunting News - Black Bear Blog - Black Bear Blog is for hunters, fishermen, and outdoor enthusiasts.


Archive for the 'New Hampshire Hunting News' Category

Albino Moose Photos

On Saturday when I went to Plant City, Florida to pick up Milt Inman, our chief photographer, I also ran into Sayward Lamb, who is a contributing writer for U.S. Hunting Today. He wanted to show me some photos he had been sent from a friend of a somewhat rare albino moose. He had some concerns about copyright infringements but I had him forward them on to me.

I did a little research on the photos and it didn’t take long to discover the photos have been out for a while and so far claims have the moose in Montana and New Hampshire. The email Mr. Lamb received had stated the photos were taken in New Hampshire as is also claimed at this website.

Looking a bit further, I found the website of KTVB.com in Idaho, stating the photos were taken in Montana. A quick search at Snopes.com turned up nothing. Perhaps the below photos haven’t been around that long.

Either way, thanks to Mr. Lamb, I’ll go ahead and post the photos for your enjoyment.

Albino Moose

Albino Moose

Albino Moose

Albino Moose

Albino Moose

Tom Remington

Technorati , ,

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!

Posted on Monday, March 24th, 2008
Under: New Hampshire Hunting News, Montana Hunting News, Photography | 8 Comments »

Turkey Hunting Workshop April 19, Holderness, New Hampshire

New Hampshire Fish and GameHOLDERNESS, 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 19, from 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Owl Brook Hunter Education Center on Perch Pond Road in Holderness, N.H. Pre-registration is required. Space is limited. To sign up for the workshop, or for more information, call (603) 536-3954.

The workshop will be conducted by Fish and Game hunter education instructor Dave Priebe, a professional staff member of turkey call manufacturer Quaker Boy. The session will cover the basics of turkey hunting, turkey calling and turkey hunting safety. Fish and Game wildlife programs supervisor Mark Ellingwood will talk about the natural history and behavior of wild turkeys. 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 just looking to pick up some additional tips, sign up now!” said Tom Flynn, manager of Fish and Game’s Owl Brook Hunter Education Center.

New Hampshire’s spring gobbler season runs from May 3 through May 31. The state’s youth turkey hunting weekend will take place April 26-27, 2008. For more information on turkey hunting in New Hampshire, visit http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Hunting/Hunt_species/hunt_turkey.htm.

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

New Hampshire hunting licenses can be purchased online at http://www.HuntNH.com.

Posted by Tom Remington

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!

Posted on Tuesday, March 11th, 2008
Under: Turkey Hunting, New Hampshire Hunting News, Hunting Education | No Comments »

Northwoods Sporting Journal To Recognize Skinny Moose Media Bloggers

Northwoods Sporting JournalWith over 40,000 Northwoods Sporting Journal readers throughout the Northeast, with subscribers in all 50 states, John Ward, National Sales Manager of Northwoods Publications, LLC. and co-host of the new Northwoods Sporting Journal Television, thought it would be a terrific idea to gift our tried and true bloggers with a one-year subscription to their magazine.

This is a great opportunity for everyone as the result of a cooperative business spirit between Northwoods Publications, LLC and Skinny Moose Media, LLC. I spoke with my son Steve Remington, President of Skinny Moose Media, LLC., this morning about this and asked him if either he or John Ward perceived each other as direct competitors in the outdoor media business.

“I can’t really speak for John but I don’t see it that way at all. I assume John doesn’t either otherwise I can’t imagine he would make such a generous offer. As far as Skinny Moose Media is concerned, our objective is to reach as many people as we can to strengthen the industry. It’s what’s best for the consumer and that has to pay dividends for both of us. If it involves working closely with other media and related businesses, I think it’s great.”

I communicated with John Ward a few minutes ago and asked him to make a comment on how he perceives an expanded working relationship with Skinny Moose Media.

In this day and age where more and more outdoorsmen rely on the Internet for their communication and information needs, the partnership the Northwoods Sporting Journal has formed with Skinny Moose media and U.S. Hunting Today brings us another step closer to being the complete resource hunters have expected of us for years. Steve Remington and his crew work tirelessly to unite hunters, not only in Maine, but across the country. With the essential need for united grassroots efforts among the sporting community, it is companies like Skinny Moose Media, LLC. that help us to reach out using all of today’s communicative capabilities. Five stars and a dip of the hat to Skinny Moose Media.

Northwoods Sporting Journal, in addition to its regular subscribers, makes their magazine available in over 1,500 stores throughout Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont and Eastern New York. With subscribers in all 50 states and Canada, NWSJ is looking to expand its readership. The NWSJ is also handed out to thousands of readers at dozens of outdoor and sporting shows throughout the Northeast.

With NWSJ’s 40,000 plus readership and Skinny Moose Media’s network-wide visits approaching a half a million monthly, Steve and John hope to be able to drive traffic in both directions strengthening the industry and just as importantly providing outdoor sportsmen with a greater base of valuable resources.

NWSJ’s generosity will put their information and article-filled magazine in the hands of all Skinny Moose Media bloggers who have been at if for at least one year. In return, SMM will strategically place advertisements at selected websites deemed to be appropriate by both parties.

“We were discussing the other day how we could find ways of motivating our bloggers,” said Steve Remington. “We came up with several ideas but this one kind of stuck with me and so I went with it. We are working on other ideas as we speak.”

Skinny Moose Media is always looking for interested bloggers who may want to write about the outdoors including sports. If you or anyone you know, might be interested in blogging, send Steve an email at steve@skinnymoose.com. It’s free and you can actually make money at it.

Tom Remington

Technorati , , , , , ,

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!

Posted on Wednesday, January 23rd, 2008
Under: Maine Outdoor News, Maine Hunting News, New Hampshire Hunting News, Vermont Hunting News, New York Hunting News, Hunting Education, Products / Reviews, Skinny Moose Media Network Blogs, Business | 2 Comments »

New Hampshire F&G Audit Report Suggests Changing To Reflect “Constituency Now Served”

New Hampshire Fish and GameBelow is the press release issued by the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department concerning its latest audit of efficiency. I have highlighted one area of which I will comment on below.

CONCORD, NH — At its monthly meeting today, the Fiscal Committee accepted the Office of the Legislative Budget Assistant Audit Division’s Performance Audit Report of the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department.

According to the report, the purpose and scope of the audit was to “assess the efficiency and effectiveness” of the N.H. Fish and Game Department. The report concludes that New Hampshire state government has assigned responsibilities to the Fish and Game Department in an efficient and effective manner. The report contains 30 observations that address a wide variety of issues, including governance matters associated with the Fish and Game Commission, strategic and operational planning, revenue generation, organizational structure within the Department, and fleet management and controls. Due to the financial situation of the Department, the audit focused on the program areas most dependent on unrestricted revenues.

“The Department concurred or concurred in part with 90% of the audit observations,” said Acting Executive Director Donald S. Clarke. “The overall audit process provided us with an opportunity for self-examination in responding to the observations and, looking ahead, it will give us an opportunity to make changes that will improve our ability to achieve our mission.”

Clarke noted that N.H. Fish and Game will prepare an action plan to address the recommendations. To the extent resources are available, priorities will include:

* Revising Fish and Game’s strategic plan, documenting Department priorities and developing operational plans for the Divisions;
* Conducting a vehicle utilization review with an eye toward efficiency;
* Working closely with the state Office of Information Technology to improve data management through various database improvements; and
* Developing a cost-accounting system for use by all Divisions.

The report suggests that the Legislature may wish to look at a number of issues, including:

*New revenue streams to fund the Department’s work into the coming years;
* A change to the name of the Department to better reflect the broadening responsibilities and constituency now served;
* Making the Fish and Game Commission advisory; and
* Broadening representation on the Commission.

“The Department will work closely and cooperatively with the N.H. Legislature to review the relevant laws and implement the recommendations made by the Audit Report,” Clarke said.

When posted by the LBA, the full report containing the specific observations and responses will be available online at: http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/lba/LBAAuditReports.html.

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 understand, use and appreciate these resources. Visit http://www.WildNH.com.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

New Hampshire, like many other states, has struggled of late to find ways to fund the increasing demands put on it by the state legislature above and beyond the normal duties of a fish and game department. New Hampshire, like many other states, are heading in the wrong direction, in my opinion, if they follow this part of the recommendations suggested by the audit recently completed. (highlighted above)

The recommendations are that New Hampshire consider renaming the Fish and Game Department to better reflect the constituency it represents and herein lies at least one of the problems facing budget problems. I think it would be wrong for New Hampshire to continue down this path of turning their fish and game department into a “natural resources” agency or whatever politically correct name it wants to come up with, as non game related representatives seek to take over the department.

Fish and game department’s purpose should be for what they were originally intended - manage for fish and game to provide opportunities for residents to hunt, trap and fish. The vast difference, as I see it, with managing fish and game as opposed to providing search and rescue, policing the waterways and ATV/snowmobile trails, etc., deals with politics. Managing wildlife is not a political or law enforcement activity, or shouldn’t be anyway. Politics and science are like oil and water. They just don’t mix. Fish and game needs to be as far removed from the usual politics in order for it to function as it was designed.

The other suggestion being made is to change its representation on the Commission to also accommodate non-game services, etc. Once again, these two “opposites” do not attract. Other states have tried this method and failed miserably. Swallowing up fish and game under environmental departments and/or natural resources departments then become governed by heads of department with political agendas and attitudes toward anti-hunting.

Maine’s governor John Baldacci just the other night announced in his State of the State Address, that he will seek to swallow up some of the existing departments into larger departments in order to save money. This is the same thing New Hampshire has been told it should consider.

It is my opinion that states should move in the complete opposite direction. Fish and game departments should be whittled back down to functions that concern only the scientific management of game for the purpose of providing hunting, fishing and trapping opportunities for its citizens. All other activities, many of which are now administered by fish and game, should be moved to other departments like conservation or agriculture. These departments can then come up with creative ways to fund their interests other than placing the demand and responsibility on the shoulders of the license buyers as they have in the past.

Enlarging commissions with this move to better represent the departments function, will further erode the fish and game part of the department. It’s been proven time and time again that when those commissioners, with little or no interest in the activities of fish and game, make decisions, they will work to undermine and take money away from game management. Politics rule the day and fish and game suffers.

We are struggling to find answers and cures to a dwindling hunting and fishing fraternity. Taking away or reducing the effectiveness of the outdoor sportsmen to be able to lobby their fish and game, is another wedge that discourages and drives participants away.

New Jersey, a state whose fish and game is a part of the Department of Environmental Protection, is suffering a great deal due to politics and a governor who is anti-hunting. Appointing a puppet head of the DEP has essentially stripped those within the fish and game department of any say or authority - just as they intend to do. Now, Gov. Corzine and DEP head Liza Jackson, along with other animal rights activists and anti-hunting groups, are lobbying to change representation on the commission to reflect that of New Jersey’s citizenship. This means essentially that if 5% of the population are hunters, they get 5% representation on the commission. This spells trouble. Big Time!!

Some have called this tactic of pushing fish and game departments into “Natural Resources” or “Environment”, incrementalism - a systematic step by step approach at ridding the state of hunting, fishing and trapping and it probably is.

Outdoor sportsmen have battled for years to be able to effectively challenge our fish and game departments to do the jobs they were commissioned to do. Adding another political barrier for us will further erode our power to protect what we all enjoy so much.

Some have argued that the politics already exist and because we are in such dire straights over money, we should change and then allow tax dollars from general taxation to better fund the departments. I argue it will further increase political pressure and in the long run will actually take money away from fish and game projects, with little change and less representation weakening our resolve.

If we can keep our fish and game departments smaller, functioning only for the purpose originally intended and funded totally with fees from licenses, we can maintain our control and have a better, healthier working relationship between outdoor sportsmen and members of fish and game.

Tom Remington

Technorati , , , , , , , , ,

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!

Posted on Tuesday, January 15th, 2008
Under: Maine Outdoor News, Maine Hunting News, New Hampshire Hunting News, Commentary/Opinion, Trapping, New Jersey Hunting News, Hunting Politics | 3 Comments »

New Hampshire Deer Harvest Biggest In 40 Years

New Hampshire Fish and Game DepartmentOver 60,000 deer hunters took to the woods in New Hampshire this fall spending over $80 million dollars in pursuit of the illusive whitetail deer. Officials say because of recent mild winters resulting in more deer and late season snows, 13,416 deer were taken. That compares to 11,766 last year and is projected to be the highest harvest since 1967 when hunters took 14,204.

The harvest rate falls well within goals established by the state’s deer management plans according to Kent Gustafson, Deer Project Leader at the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department.

Follow this link to the New Hampshire Fish and Game website for more statistics on harvest numbers by county.

Tom Remington

Technorati , ,

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!

Posted on Thursday, December 27th, 2007
Under: New Hampshire Hunting News | No Comments »

New Hampshire Fish And Game Upgrade Website To Include Audio/Video Streaming

New Hampshire Fish and Game DepartmentThis is cool and something that should give the Fish and Game website a kick in the pants as well as provide readers with a great resource. It’s exciting to see New Hampshire actively finding ways to promote their natural resources. Here is a press release I got from NHFG.

CONTACT:
Jon Charpentier: (603) 271-3211
Jason Philippy: (603) 271-3211
November 19, 2007

CATCH THE EXCITEMENT OF FISHING, HUNTING AND WILDLIFE WATCHING IN N.H.: NEW AUDIO AND STREAMING VIDEO FROM N.H. FISH AND GAME

CONCORD, N.H. — Click, watch and discover. The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department has entered the era of streaming video and downloadable audio. Capture the excitement of fishing, hunting and wildlife watching in New Hampshire at http://www.wildnh.com/Media. Or log onto New Hampshire Fish and Game’s website at http://www.WildNH.com and click on “TV/Video/Audio” in the menu at left.

The New Hampshire Fish & Game Channel is a new web video feature that helps fish and wildlife enthusiasts get the most out of their next adventure. The program segments offer tips and strategies shared by biologists, guides and other experts. Video is played back through a flash video player, allowing viewers smooth playback of the video content.

Or listen to the award-winning weekly radio show Outdoor Almanac. Peter St. James, an outdoor writer and local radio personality, shares hunting and fishing news, tips and stories about the state’s wildlife and great outdoors. The radio show is carried on more than 15 radio stations and their affiliates throughout the New Hampshire.

“This is only the beginning,” said Jon Charpentier, manager of N.H. Fish and Game’s Broadcast Media and Promotion Unit, “We also plan on adding segments that feature places to fish, hunt and watch wildlife in New Hampshire, to help people who are planning their next trip.”

Fish and Game plans to update the streaming videos and radio programs regularly, so check back often! To sample all of New Hampshire Fish and Game’s audio, video and television programs go to http://www.WildNH.com/Media.

Tom Remington

Technorati , , , , , ,

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!

Posted on Tuesday, November 20th, 2007
Under: New Hampshire Hunting News | 1 Comment »

New Hampshire Kids Rack Up Over 600 Deer During Youth Weekend

New Hampshire Fish and GameCONTACT:
Kent Gustafson: (603) 271-2461
Mark Ellingwood: (603) 271-2461
Jane Vachon: (603) 271-3211
November 7, 2007

OPENING DAY FOR FIREARMS DEER SEASON IS NOVEMBER 14; PRELIMINARY RESULTS FOR YOUTH HUNT WEEKEND

CONCORD, N.H. - Opening Day for New Hampshire’s firearms deer season takes place November 14, 2007.Many of the state’s estimated 60,000 deer hunters will go afield during this season, which runs through December 9, except in WMU A in northern New Hampshire, where it closes on December 2.

“For many New Englanders, the firearms deer season represents a traditional opportunity to get together with family and friends, enjoy our bountiful resources and put natural, healthy meat in the freezer before the onset of our long winter,” said Kent Gustafson, the Deer Project Leader for the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department.

Early indications suggest that an abundant, healthy deer population is providing excellent opportunities for hunters, according to Gustafson.As of November 4, 2007, archery and muzzleloader hunters had taken an estimated 4,518 deer, a 28% increase from 2006 at this point in the season.”That total is the highest we’ve seen since we started keeping in-season records in 1986,” said Gustafson. “The high deer harvest so far certainly bodes well for hunter opportunities for the rest of the fall.”

The 2007 Youth Deer Hunt weekend took place on 27-28 October.Though young hunters did not set a new record this year, they came close to matching last year’s record numbers for their special weekend.The unofficial reported New Hampshire Youth Hunt harvest total for 2007 was 605 deer.”While the final youth kill total and distribution will not be available until the registration slips have been entered and verified, the final total will be in excess of 600 for the second year in a row, in spite of a rainy start to the weekend,” said Gustafson. During the 2006 youth weekend, young hunters took a total of 668 deer, which was a big jump from the previous year’s (2005) total of 326 deer.

Deer hunters should note Wildlife Management Unit- and season-specific either-sex day regulations, available in the 2007-2008 New Hampshire Hunting Digest, which can be
downloaded from http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Hunting/hunting.htm or obtained from Fish and Game license agents around the state.Of particular note this year in WMU A only, a new antler point restriction is in place and both the regular firearm and archery seasons for deer end a week early.For more information on deer hunting in New Hampshire, visit http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Hunting/Hunt_species/hunt_deer.htm.

Hunting licenses can be purchased online anytime (if you’ve bought a N.H. hunting license since 2000) at http://www.HuntNH.com.Licenses also are sold at Fish and Game headquarters and license agents across the state.The basic New Hampshire hunting license costs $22 for residents and $103 for nonresidents. Hunters under age 16 don’t need a license, but must be accompanied by a properly licensed adult at least 18 years of age.

All deer taken by hunters, including deer taken by youth, must be registered at one of many official deer registration stations in the state.

Successful hunters can help the less fortunate by sharing their harvest with the “Hunt for the Hungry” program at the New Hampshire Food Bank.For more information on donating game meat, call (603) 669-9725 or visit http://www.nhfoodbank.org.

In 2006, hunters in New Hampshire registered a total of 11,766 deer during the firearms, archery, youth and muzzleloader seasons. Last year’s harvest represented approximately 14% of the pre-hunt deer population.New Hampshire’s deer population is estimated to be about 85,000 animals, with greater numbers in the southern half of the state.Management of the deer population by the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department is guided by a 10-year Big Game Management Plan.Visit Fish and Game at http://www.HuntNH.com.

Posted by Tom Remington

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!

Posted on Saturday, November 10th, 2007
Under: New Hampshire Hunting News | No Comments »

New Hampshire Bow Hunters Finding Ample Deer

New Hampshire Fish and GameCONTACT:
Kent Gustafson, (603) 271-2461
Mark Ellingwood, (603) 271-2461
Jane Vachon, (603) 271-3211 or 271-5619
October 24, 2007

NEW HAMPSHIRE ARCHERY DEER HARVEST TO DATE IS HIGHEST IN AT LEAST 9 YEARS

CONCORD, N.H. — Early reports from the archery deer season indicate that there are lots of deer in the woods this fall for New Hampshire hunters.The deer harvest through October 21 was the highest in at least nine years, with most counties showing significant increases, according to Kent Gustafson, Deer Project Leader for the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department. Archery deer hunters have taken 2,406 at this point in the season.The archery deer season continues through December 15 (except WMU A, in which it ends December 8).

Many typical fall foods for deer, such as acorns and beechnuts, are in short supply this fall compared to last year, but apples are quite abundant.Pleasant early fall weather conditions have been another plus for hunters. A fairly mild 2006-07 winter meant deer survival was good, as was fawn production and survival last spring.”Deer hunting this fall is definitely providing some excellent opportunities!” said Gustafson.

“The numbers suggest that the state’s bow hunters are taking advantage of decent weather, better visibility and more abundant deer,” Gustafson said. “Youth, muzzleloader and firearm deer hunters should expect a similar good season ahead.”

The successful deer season to date bodes well for the state’s youth deer hunt (October 27-28), which again will provide young hunters under age 16 the opportunity to take a deer of either sex. Youths must be accompanied by an adult at least 18 years of age, with a valid New Hampshire hunting license.

The numbers also are good news for New Hampshire’s firearm deer hunters as they prepare to get out in the field.The state’s muzzleloader deer season is November 3 - 13 in much of the state, and the firearms deer season opens November 14, 2007.For details of the deer seasons by WMU, visit http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Hunting/Hunt_species/hunt_deer.htm or consult the N.H. Hunting Digest.Deer are the most popular quarry for the more than 60,000 hunters who buy licenses in New Hampshire each year.

Statistics gathered so far from New Hampshire’s archery deer hunt are listed below with comparisons to this point in the season in previous years. (Note — these preliminary figures are estimates based on reported deer registrations by county, not necessarily deer killed in that county, and may not include information from all registration stations.)

A comparative county-by-county breakdown of N.H. deer harvest at this point in the season for the past 9 years can be viewed at the online version of this release at http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Newsroom/News_2007/News_2007_Q4/Deer_Harvest_Good_102407.htm

For online hunting license sales and more information on hunting in New Hampshire, visit http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Hunting/hunting.htm.

Hunting activity is important to New Hampshire’s economy, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. In 2006, more than $80 million of hunting-related expenditures were generated 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.

Posted by Tom Remington

Technorati ,

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!

Posted on Wednesday, October 24th, 2007
Under: Deer Hunting, New Hampshire Hunting News | 1 Comment »

New Hampshire Moose Hunt Seeing Moderate Success

Bull MooseCONTACT:
Linda Verville, Wildlife Division: (603) 271-2461
Jane Vachon or Liza Poinier: (603) 271-3211 or (603) 271-5619
October 22, 2007

MOOSE HUNT OPENING WEEKEND BRINGS 28.6% SUCCESS

CONCORD, N.H. — More than a quarter of New Hampshire’s moose hunters were successful during the first two days of the 20th annual New Hampshire moose season, achieving a 28.6% success rate on the opening weekend of the hunt.On Saturday and Sunday (October 20 and 21), a total of 193 moose were taken by moose hunters statewide - 141 bulls and 52 cows.By this same point in the season last year (2006), a total of 200 moose had been taken.

“I’m actually surprised that hunters have done this well so far, in light of the hot weather,” said Kristine Rines, Moose Project Leader for the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department.Moose are equipped with thick coats of hair, which makes them well adapted for cold temperatures; when it’s hot, they tend to seek shade and do not move around much, making it harder for hunters to find them, Rines explained.

The two largest moose taken so far were bulls that weighed in at 880 pounds each (dressed weight); one was shot in Wildlife Management Unit B, and the other was taken in Unit E1.One successful opening weekend hunter reported that he had never even shot a deer before, let alone a moose — guess you could call that beginner’s luck!

New Hampshire’s nine-day moose hunt continues through Sunday, October 28, 2007.

This year, a record 16,779 people entered the 2007 moose hunt lottery, held last spring, for a chance to be offered one of the 675 permits issued to hunt moose in the Granite State.

For more about moose hunting in New Hampshire, visit http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Hunting/Hunt_species/hunt_moose.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.

New Hampshire Fish and Game

Posted by Tom Remington

Technorati , , ,

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!

Posted on Monday, October 22nd, 2007
Under: New Hampshire Hunting News, Moose Hunting | 1 Comment »

Youth Hunts And Rifle Deer Hunting Seasons Opening Many Places

Father and Son Deer HuntingThe excitement level among whitetail deer hunters is at a near frenzied point as bow and rifles hunters polish up their gear ready for opening day. This weekend marks youth hunting opportunities for many states as well. In Maine, kids that are at least 10 years old and younger than sixteen have this Saturday all to themselves.

Hunters who are 10 and older and younger than 16 and possess a junior hunting license (either resident or non-resident) can hunt deer on this day if they are under the direct supervision of a parent, guardian or a qualified adult. Any person who accompanies a junior hunter other than a parent or guardian must be at least 18 years of age, be approved by that youth hunter’s parent or guardian, and this person must hold a valid Maine hunting license or have successfully completed a hunter safety course. The accompanying adult cannot possess a firearm.

There’s no need for an Any-Deer permit because the kids can take either sex.

New Hampshire’s youth hunt runs the last weekend in October on Saturday and Sunday, the 27th and 28th. New Hampshire does things a little bit differently than Maine. There is no minimum age limit.

* Youths must be under 16 years of age to participate; they do not need a hunting license and do not have to complete a hunter education requirement. Both resident and nonresident youth may take part.

* Youths must be accompanied by an adult 18 years of age or older, and the adult must have a valid New Hampshire hunting license.

* Adults who accompany youth hunters may not carry a firearm or assist in taking the deer, other than to supervise.

* Each licensed adult may accompany up to two youths under 16 years of age.

* A deer of either sex is legal statewide during the youth weekend.

* Youths are entitled to their own bag limit of game; any deer taken constitutes the one deer allowed by muzzleloader or regular firearms per year.

* All deer need to be registered, as required during the regular season; youths should tag their deer using the tag found inside the back cover of the 2007-2008 Hunting Digest, available from Fish and Game license agents statewide or on the Fish and Game website at http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Hunting/hunting.htm.

* Youths and accompanying adults must comply with all Fish and Game laws relative to hunting deer.

Also in Maine, adult hunters are preparing for an October 27th opening for the regular firearms season. This date is for residents only and opens to all license holders on Monday, October 29.

Officials are projecting a higher than average deer harvest depending on weather conditions and hunting pressure. Last year hunters took 29,918 and this year they predict similar results.

As deer hunts open up all over, hunters better dust off that gear and polish those bullets and get ready for another exciting hunting season.

Tom Remington

Technorati , , , , ,

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!

Posted on Friday, October 19th, 2007
Under: Maine Hunting News, Deer Hunting, New Hampshire Hunting News, Hunting Tips | 8 Comments »

New Hampshire Moose Hunt Opens October 20

New Hampshire Fish and GameFrom the New Hampshire Department of Fish and Game

CONTACT:
Kristine Rines, (603) 744-5470
Linda Verville, (603) 271-2461
Jane Vachon, (603) 271-3211
October 15, 2007

CONCORD, N.H. — For nine days, from October 20 to 28, 2007, a lucky 675 moose permit holders and their hunting partners will have the experience of a lifetime taking part in New Hampshire’s 20th annual moose hunt. A total of 85 of these permits will be for taking antlerless-only moose in Wildlife Management Units (WMUs) in the northern part of the state, and the remaining 590 permits will be for any moose in specific WMUs across the state.

Each hunter with a moose permit is assigned to hunt in one of 22 wildlife management units throughout the state; most have spent the past several weeks or months scouting out potential hunting spots.Each moose hunter may be accompanied by one partner.Last fall, hunters took a total of 449 moose (168 cows and 281 bulls), for a statewide success rate of 67%. Hunters assigned to northern units typically have the greatest success, because of higher moose densities and excellent access to hunting lands in the North Country. The regional success rate for moose hunters last year ranged from 80% in the North Region to 26% in southeastern N.H.

A record 16,779 people applied for New Hampshire moose hunt permits this year, about two-thirds of them New Hampshire residents. The odds of winning a permit were about 1 in 18 for residents and 1 in 57 for out-of-staters, among the best odds in the nation for moose hunting. Those who are not selected can improve their chances by applying in consecutive years to gain bonus points.

After taking a moose, hunters must have the animals weighed and inspected at one of seven check stations around the state.There, wildlife biologists check each moose to glean information about the overall health of the moose herd.Many of these check stations draw crowds of onlookers, a reminder of the economic and symbolic importance of moose in New Hampshire, particularly in the North Country.

Hunters are reminded to avoid consuming moose liver and kidney.Studies conducted by Fish and Game and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service have revealed high levels of cadmium in some of the moose livers and kidneys sampled.As a result, officials from the Environmental Health Program at the N.H. Department of Environmental Services recommend that no moose kidney be eaten, and preferably no liver.If individuals do choose to eat moose liver, it should be from moose no older than 1.5 years.If the moose is older than that, consumption should be limited to a maximum of two meals (assuming six ounces per meal) of moose liver per year.Biologists at the moose check stations can determine the age of the animal for hunters.Further questions about the issue of cadmium in moose organs may be directed to David Gordon, DES Environmental Health Program: (603) 271-4608.

As part of a sound management strategy, the moose hunt has been an annual event in New Hampshire since 1988.The moose population was only about 50 animals in 1950; it had grown to over 4,100 by the time of the first moose hunt in 1988, when 75 permits were issued.Today New Hampshire’s moose population is estimated at 7,000.

License and permit fees paid by hunters support Fish and Game’s moose research and management programs, including a recently completed study on moose mortality and habitat.Hunting activity also has a positive impact on the state’s economy; according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, more than 60,000 people hunted in New Hampshire in 2006, generating more than $80 million of hunting-related expenditures in the state.

If you’re interested in applying for next year’s moose hunt, visit Fish and Game’s website at http://www.HuntNH.com between February and mid-May 2008, or pick up a moose lottery application during that time wherever fishing and hunting licenses are sold.

Visit a photo gallery from the 2006 N.H. moose hunt — and find out more about moose hunting in New Hampshire — at http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Hunting/Hunt_species/hunt_moose.htm

Posted by Tom Remington

Technorati ,

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!

Posted on Tuesday, October 16th, 2007
Under: New Hampshire Hunting News | 2 Comments »

Hunters Can Help New Hampshire Food Bank Feed The Hungry

New Hampshire Fish and GameFrom the New Hampshire Department of Fish and Game:

CONCORD, N.H. — New Hampshire’s hunters can help the less fortunate by sharing all or part of their fall harvest with the “Hunt for the Hungry” program.Once again this year, the New Hampshire Food Bank, based in Manchester, is collecting donations of whole or processed game animals for distribution to more than 350 food pantries, soup kitchens, homeless shelters and group homes statewide.

Last year (2006), the Hunt for the Hungry program took in 1,280 pounds of donated deer, bear, moose, duck and other game meat - up from nearly 900 pounds donated by hunters in 2005.The program offers packaging instructions and can pick up your meat donation.To donate game, call Food Bank Operations Manager Michele Garron at (603) 669-9725.

If you’re donating a whole deer or moose, you can bring it to Lemay & Sons Beef in Goffstown (603-622-0022), and they will process it for the food bank at no charge.

“Hunt for the Hungry is a great way for hunters to share the harvest to help needy families get through the winter,” said Donald S. Clarke, Acting Executive Director of the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department.”Wild game is a local renewable resource that is high in protein, low in fat and 100% organic - not to mention delicious.”

“We are really counting on hunters and backyard farmers to support the Food Bank,” said Garron.”This year has been particularly difficult for us because there has been a trend over the past two years of decreasing donations.We are really struggling.”Corporate donations to the Food Bank have been down in recent years because increased efficiencies leave less product left over to pass along, Garron explained.Donations of protein foods have been especially hard to come by.

A hunter herself, Garron hopes to be successful in the field this season so she can contribute some venison to the program.

For more information on the New Hampshire Food Bank, visit http://nhfoodbank.org.

For information on hunting seasons in New Hampshire or to purchase a hunting license, visit http://www.HuntNH.com.

- ###-


Copyright 2007 New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, 11 Hazen Drive,
Concord, NH 03301. Comments or questions concerning this list should
be directed to liza.w.poinier@wildlife.nh.gov.

Technorati , , , , ,

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!

Posted on Thursday, September 27th, 2007
Under: Deer Hunting, New Hampshire Hunting News, Hunting Education, Hunting Tips | 3 Comments »

Take N.H. Hunting Survey, Get Chance To Win Rifle

New Hampshire Fish and GameFrom the offices of the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department:

CONCORD, N.H. - Much of New Hampshire’s small game hunting opens on October 1, except the woodcock season, which opens October 6 this year. The most popular quarry for small game hunters in New Hampshire is grouse, which accounted for 61% of small game hunter hours last season, then woodcock, which accounted for 20% of hunter effort.Other small game species in New Hampshire include snowshoe hare, cottontail rabbit and gray squirrel(the gray squirrel season has been underway since September 1).For specific season dates and bag limits, visit http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Hunting/Hunt_species/hunt_small_game.htm.

Annual input sent in by small game hunters for the New Hampshire Small Game Survey plays an important role in helping the N.H. Fish and Game Department biologists manage the state’s wildlife populations.The survey asks hunters to report when and where they hunt and which small game species they see, providing important records on the abundance and distribution of ruffed grouse, woodcock, snowshoe hare, cottontail rabbit and gray squirrel.Each year, the results of the Small Game Survey are compiled into a New Hampshire small game summary report.All survey participants receive a copy.

To encourage participation in the survey, Fish and Game is once again giving hunters a chance to win a Sturm Ruger 10-22 RR hunting rifle, generously donated by Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc.If you’re a small game hunter, be sure to take part in the survey and be entered to win a rifle for next year’s hunting season!

To request a small game survey form, email wildlife@wildlife.nh.gov or call (603) 271-2461; or write to Wildlife Division, 11 Hazen Dr., Concord, NH, 03301.All survey forms must be completed and returned (postmarked by April 15, 2008), to be entered into the raffle.

To view the most recent (2006-2007) N.H. Small Game Summary Report, visit http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Hunting/Hunt_species/hunt_small_game.htm.

Copies of the free report can also be picked up at Fish and Game headquarters in Concord.

New Hampshire hunting licenses and permits can be purchased at http://www.huntNH.com, or from Fish and Game license agents statewide.

- ### -


Copyright 2007 New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, 11 Hazen Drive,
Concord, NH 03301. Comments or questions concerning this list should
be directed to liza.w.poinier@wildlife.nh.gov.

Posted by Tom Remington

Technorati , , , , , , , ,

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!

Posted on Tuesday, September 25th, 2007
Under: New Hampshire Hunting News, Hunting Tips | No Comments »

New Hampshire Puts Antler Restrictions In WMU-A

CONCORD, N.H. — With the start of New Hampshire’s archery deer season on Saturday, September 15, hunters should note new regulations in Wildlife Management Unit A in the North Country. An antler point restriction is in place in this unit, and the number of days available to hunt deer has been reduced, in an effort to improve the “buck age class structure” in WMU-A.In other words, the deer population in the North Country has fewer older, mature bucks than is desired in the herd.

“These measures, made with extensive input from the public, are in place to restore a healthy balance to the herd,” said Kent Gustafson, Deer Project Leader for the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department.”Hunters need to be aware that it is not legal to take spikehorns this year in WMU-A, and deer season dates have been shortened for this area.”

Under the new restrictions, to be legally harvested in WMU-A, an “antlered” deer must have at least one antler three inches long, with at least one point off that antler that is at least one inch long. An “antlerless” deer must be a deer without antlers, or with antlers less than three inches long. “Spike” deer are not legal at any time in WMU-A (unless both antlers are less than three inches in length, in which case they are legally considered antlerless deer). These restrictions do not apply to youth hunters during the youth hunt weekend (October 27-28).

There is also a 7-day reduction in both the archery and firearms hunting seasons in WMU-A; the archery season will end on December 8, and the regular firearm season on December 2, one week earlier than the rest of the state.The muzzleloader deer season begins a few days later in WMU-A than the rest of the state. For specific dates and details, consult the 2007-2008 N.H. Hunting Digest, available at http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Hunting/hunting.htm or from Fish and Game license agents.

The goal of maintaining a desirable sex and age composition in the deer population is the product of a recently completed deer management planning process coordinated by N.H. Fish and Game.In 2005-2006, Fish and Game worked with a 33-member public working group that reviewed the status of the deer herd, considered public input and recommended deer management goals and objectives for the Department’s 10-year Big Game Management Plan.The N.H. Fish and Game Commission adopted the Big Game Management Plan, which guides management through 2015.

“One of the objectives of the plan is to maintain a significant portion of the adult buck population in older, more mature age classes,” said Gustafson.”Since then, we’ve recognized that the age structure in WMU-A has not been meeting this objective, and there is a need to reduce buck harvest and allow a higher proportion to live to older ages.”

To help find solutions to this problem, Fish and Game established an Ad Hoc Deer Management Task Force, made up of people with a wide range of interests, from Unit A hunters to local sporting goods store owners, as well as representatives from the New Hampshire Wildlife Federation and the Quality Deer Management Association, Department staff and Commissioners.This group met four times from September of 2006 through January of 2007, discussing numerous methods of adjusting buck age structure in WMU-A.In the end, the group recommended keeping and expanding reduced season lengths and imposing an antler point restriction.The proposed 2007 deer season rules were based on the input from the Task Force, as well as two public hearings held to receive public comments on the proposal.

For more information on deer hunting in New Hampshire, visit http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Hunting/Hunt_species/hunt_deer.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.

CONTACTS:
Kent Gustafson: (603) 271-2461
Mark Ellingwood: (603) 271-2461
Jane Vachon: (603) 271-3211 or 271-5619

Posted by Tom Remington

Technorati , , , , , ,

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!

Posted on Friday, September 14th, 2007
Under: Deer Hunting, New Hampshire Hunting News, Wildlife Science | 1 Comment »

New Hampshire Is NOT Considering Contraceptives For Deer

New Hampshire Fish and GameContrary to what several media outlets have been reporting today, New Hampshire is NOT considering the use of drugs or birth control injections to control deer populations. The New Hampshire Fish and Game has just released a statement to clear up the matter.

CONCORD, N.H. — The NH Fish and Game Commission voted on September 12, 2007, to move forward with an initiative to regulate the use of drugs by any person for fertility control or growth stimulation in wildlife. The initiative is intended to prevent the use of wildlife fertility control drugs without a permit from the NH Fish and Game Department. The Department has no intent to use such drugs nor to permit their use anywhere in New Hampshire.

The initiative to regulate the use of wildlife fertility control drugs is being pursued because of recent advancements in the development of a single-dose, multi-year drug to prevent pregnancy in deer. While the development of that drug is still ongoing, and the possible federal registration by the US Environmental Protection Agency is pending, Fish and Game officials believe it is important to have clear authority to regulate the use of these drugs if they are approved in the future.

News reports that Fish and Game is considering the use of contraceptives to control the deer population are simply not accurate, according to Steve Weber, Chief of Wildlife for the Department. “The initiative is intended to prevent the use of wildlife contraceptive drugs by anyone without specific permission from the Department,” Weber said. “There are no situations that exist in New Hampshire where the use of fertility control drugs would even be contemplated by the Fish and Game Department.”

CONTACT:
Steve Weber: (603) 271-2461
Jane Vachon: (603) 271-3211

Tom Remington

Technorati , ,

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!

Posted on Thursday, September 13th, 2007
Under: New Hampshire Hunting News, Hunting Science/Technology | 4 Comments »