CONCORD, N.H. -- The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department has set final season dates and bag limits for the 2012-2013 waterfowl hunting season. After considering comments from sportsmen at the August public meeting, New Hampshire’s proposed waterfowl season is much like last year’s, with a 60-day duck season with a 6-bird daily limit, and a 60-day Canada goose season with a 2-bird daily limit.
Fish and Game will continue split seasons for both ducks and Canada geese in the inland and coastal zones to allow early and late hunting opportunities. This year, there will also be a straight season in the new Northern Zone, where marshes and ponds tend to freeze over earlier than in areas south of the White Mountains. A map of the state's waterfowl zones can be viewed at http://www.huntnh.com/Hunting/Hunt_species/hunt_waterfowl.htm.
Following are the seasons for each zone:
* The Inland Zone waterfowl season will open on October 2 and run through November 4; then reopen November 21 through December 16, 2012.
* The Coastal Zone waterfowl season will open on October 3 and run through October 14; then reopen November 21 through January 7, 2013.
* The Northern Zone waterfowl season will open on October 2 and run straight through November 30, 2012.
To hunt waterfowl in New Hampshire, you must have a New Hampshire hunting license, a New Hampshire Migratory Waterfowl License and a federal duck stamp. You also are required by federal law to register for the National Migratory Bird Harvest Information Program (HIP). Separate HIP permits are needed in each state you hunt. Licensed hunters should call 1-800-207-6183, or go to http://www.huntnh.com and click on "Buy a License Online"; you can receive a permit number at this site (there is no charge). Write the permit number on your hunting license. Each year, a random selection of hunters is asked to complete a voluntary harvest survey.
Hunters are asked to report all banded birds using the toll-free phone number, 1-800-327-BAND or go to http://www.reportband.gov.
For more information on waterfowl hunting in New Hampshire, visit http://www.huntnh.com/Hunting/Hunt_species/hunt_waterfowl.htm.
Showing posts with label NH Fish and Game. Show all posts
Showing posts with label NH Fish and Game. Show all posts
Friday, August 17, 2012
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Brake for Moose: It Could Save Your Life
CONCORD, N.H. – Remember to brake for moose when traveling New Hampshire roadways. There were 146 reported moose/vehicle collisions in New Hampshire in 2011; in the last five years the state has averaged 184 per year. June is a high-risk month for encountering moose on the roads, because moose are moving from winter to spring habitats and coming out to the roads to eat salt. The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department is working to make people more aware of the danger of moose/vehicle collisions. Step number one is to learn what you can do to reduce the chance of being involved in an accident with a moose.
“Moose are an important and much loved part of our state, but it can be dangerous to encounter them on the road,” said N.H. Fish and Game Moose Project Leader Kristine Rines. “By following a few simple rules, motorists can greatly reduce their chance of a moose/vehicle collision or the severity of personal injury if they do hit a moose.”
When driving on New Hampshire roads, keep these points in mind:
* New Hampshire’s moose herd is approximately 5,000 strong.
* Moose vehicle collisions happen statewide on all types of roads.
* Moose collisions happen most often from the months of May through November.
* While collisions can happen at any time of day, they occur most frequently at dusk and during the night.
* Moose are dark brown and hard to see against pavement.
* Don’t depend on “eye shine” to alert you to a moose’s presence. Moose don’t always look at an approaching vehicle.
* To reduce the chance of a collision – or the severity of occupant injury if you do hit a moose:
* Drive no faster than 55 mph, and wear your seatbelt;
* Scan the sides of the road;
* Be able to stop within the zone of your headlights;
* Use high beams whenever possible;
* If you see a moose, slow down or stop if necessary, until you have passed it or it has left the road.
New Hampshire residents and visitors love to see moose and enjoy sharing the state with these largest denizens of the forest. Make sure your moose encounters are safe for you and the moose: Brake for Moose – It could save your life!
The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department is the guardian of the state’s fish, wildlife and marine resources and their habitats. For more safety tips on avoiding moose collisions, visit http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Wildlife/brake_for_moose.htm.
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“Moose are an important and much loved part of our state, but it can be dangerous to encounter them on the road,” said N.H. Fish and Game Moose Project Leader Kristine Rines. “By following a few simple rules, motorists can greatly reduce their chance of a moose/vehicle collision or the severity of personal injury if they do hit a moose.”
When driving on New Hampshire roads, keep these points in mind:
* New Hampshire’s moose herd is approximately 5,000 strong.
* Moose vehicle collisions happen statewide on all types of roads.
* Moose collisions happen most often from the months of May through November.
* While collisions can happen at any time of day, they occur most frequently at dusk and during the night.
* Moose are dark brown and hard to see against pavement.
* Don’t depend on “eye shine” to alert you to a moose’s presence. Moose don’t always look at an approaching vehicle.
* To reduce the chance of a collision – or the severity of occupant injury if you do hit a moose:
* Drive no faster than 55 mph, and wear your seatbelt;
* Scan the sides of the road;
* Be able to stop within the zone of your headlights;
* Use high beams whenever possible;
* If you see a moose, slow down or stop if necessary, until you have passed it or it has left the road.
New Hampshire residents and visitors love to see moose and enjoy sharing the state with these largest denizens of the forest. Make sure your moose encounters are safe for you and the moose: Brake for Moose – It could save your life!
The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department is the guardian of the state’s fish, wildlife and marine resources and their habitats. For more safety tips on avoiding moose collisions, visit http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Wildlife/brake_for_moose.htm.
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Trout Take Flight – to New Hampshire's Remote Ponds
CONCORD, N.H. – Trout literally took flight this month, as the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department delivered fingerling fish to some of the state's most remote waters. Every year in June, a helicopter hired by Fish and Game stocks remote ponds from Sunapee to Pittsburg. During this one-day event, which this year took place on June 13, some 48 remote New Hampshire ponds were stocked with brook trout fingerlings raised in Fish and Game's New Hampton Hatchery.
The stocking of remote ponds in the backcountry of New Hampshire provides a unique opportunity for anglers seeking a true wilderness experience. While the trout delivered during the current year by air are small, those stocked last June should have reached 5-6 inches in most areas, and 2-year-old fish may reach 12 inches or better.
"It’s time to grab your Float Tube
, a light-weight fly rod
and rubber boots
and pack a lunch for a day on a remote pond," said Fish and Game Hatcheries Supervisor Jason Smith. "Brook trout that were stocked last year should be well into their summer diets of mayflies. Evening trips in late June and early July can private dry fly enthusiasts one last great opportunity for catching fish on the surface. As we get into July, even these high elevation ponds will heat up enough to where many of the trout will seek thermal refuge in the deeper waters.”Serene, remote ponds not only produce beautiful brook trout with high catch rates, but also give the outdoor enthusiast an opportunity for wildlife viewing, hiking, camping or just simple solitude. Many of these remote ponds are located off popular hiking trails. As with any hiking excursion, be sure to follow hiking safety guidelines (visit http://www.hikesafe.com).
A few of these remote ponds are designated as “fly fishing only,” so be sure to check the regulations prior to your trip. For the list of remote ponds that are stocked, check the Fish and Game website at http://www.fishnh.com/Fishing/trout_aerial.html.
The aerial trout stocking program is made possible through fishing license sales and with assistance from the Wildlife Heritage Foundation of New Hampshire. To contribute to this effort, visit http://www.nhwildlifefoundation.org and designate your donation for aerial trout stocking.
For an exciting, in-depth look at the experience of aerial stocking, check out an Associated Press video from this year's helicopter trip at http://youtu.be/fFhnlvoCE08
and the accompanying story as it appeared in today’s Concord Monitor: http://www.concordmonitor.com/article/337527/state-uses-helicopters-to-stock-lakes-ponds.
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Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Increased Black Bear Activity: Safety Tips
News from the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department
Phone: (603) 271-3211
Email: info@wildlife.nh.gov
For information and online licenses, visit http://www.wildnh.com
* * * * * * *
CONTACT:
Mark Ellingwood: (603) 271-1742
Rob Calvert: (603) 223-6832
Andy Timmins: (603) 788-3164
Liza Poinier: (603) 271-3211
June 20, 2012
BEAR ACTIVITY HIGH: HOMEOWNERS AND CAMPERS SHOULD TAKE PRECAUTIONS
CONCORD, N.H. -- Bears seem to coming out of the woodwork in New Hampshire these days. The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department is dealing with numerous bear complaints from around the state, many of them involving female bears with cubs.
Last Saturday (June 16, 2012), a Grafton, N.H., woman was injured after encountering a bear with cubs on her deck while letting her dog out. Female bears are often protective when cubs are present, or when approached by a dog.
Because a person was injured in the Grafton incident, Fish and Game responded by setting a culvert (live bear) trap near the woman's house for three nights, as protocol requires, to try to capture the bear if it returned. As of Wednesday morning (June 20, 2012), the bear had not returned and the trap has been removed. Wildlife officials consider it unlikely that the bear will return to the site. No additional trapping is planned at this point in time.
June is often a busy month for bear activity, but this year is unusually so, according to USDA Wildlife Damage Specialist Rob Calvert. "The early spring has fast-forwarded these bears into July feeding behaviors, but the wild berry crop won't be ready for another month," said Calvert. "So they are panhandling – coming out of the woods, often with cubs, to seek out easy sources of food near houses and farmyards for themselves and their young."
Early summer represents a somewhat lean time for bears, according to Andy Timmins, Fish and Game bear biologist. Last fall's acorns have turned into woody sprouts. Lush spring vegetation has hardened off and is less valuable to bears. Most of the summer fruits that provide food for bears will not be available for a few weeks. "This period of low food abundance causes bears to search out high-quality, readily available foods provided by humans, and is the main reason why the majority of bear complaints in New Hampshire occur during June and July," says Timmins.
The high level of bear activity this year means it is more important than ever to remove any bear attractants from your property. Although black bears are generally shy and usually avoid humans, they are opportunistic and will search for human food supplies when natural foods are not available. Birdseed, unsecured garbage and pet food all can be big temptations for bears.
Many backyard chicken operations in New Hampshire have been targeted by bears this year, too. "If you've got chickens, you need to protect them by using electric fencing or a very sturdy enclosure," said Calvert.
"Above all, the public must understand that it is illegal to intentionally feed bears in New Hampshire," said Timmins. "Intentional feeding can cause problems in residential areas and can result in fines. It also threatens the life of the bear, which may have to be destroyed if it becomes a nuisance animal habituated to human food sources. It's unfortunately often true that 'A fed bear is a dead bear.' So if you love bears, don't feed them."
The No. 1 rule for avoiding conflicts with bears while hiking and camping is to maintain a clean campsite. All food, garbage and aromatic items (like toothpaste and other toiletries) should be stored out of reach of bears. Do not store these items in your tent. If car camping, keep all food and coolers in a building or vehicle with the windows rolled up. If camping at a remote site, bring rope to properly hang these items. Use food canisters at remote sites when available. To assist visitors, the Androscoggin Ranger District in Gorham has a limited number of bear-resistant food canisters that are available on a first-come, first-served basis for up to five days. For more information on this program, go to http://www.fs.fed.us/r9/white.
Fish and Game recommends that people take the following action to reduce the chances of a bear visiting your home or campsite:
* Stop all bird feeding by April 1 or as soon as snow melts.
* 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.
* Do not leave food, grease or garbage unsecured around campsites.
* Store food and coolers in a closed vehicle or secured area while camping.
* Finally, never intentionally feed bears!
"During these challenging times, we don’t want to forget the amazing ecological, cultural and recreational values that bears represent to our state and citizenry," said Ellingwood. "Our ability to maintain bears in a positive light is largely impacted by the behavior of people. Anything the general public can do to keep our wild bears wild will contribute to the future well-being of this invaluable wildlife resource."
If you have questions about bear-related problems, you can get advice by calling a toll-free number coordinated jointly by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Wildlife Services and the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department: 1-888-749-2327 (1-888-SHY-BEAR). For more information on preventing conflicts with black bears, visit http://www.wildnh.com/Wildlife/Somethings_Bruin.htm.
-### -
Phone: (603) 271-3211
Email: info@wildlife.nh.gov
For information and online licenses, visit http://www.wildnh.com
* * * * * * *
CONTACT:
Mark Ellingwood: (603) 271-1742
Rob Calvert: (603) 223-6832
Andy Timmins: (603) 788-3164
Liza Poinier: (603) 271-3211
June 20, 2012
BEAR ACTIVITY HIGH: HOMEOWNERS AND CAMPERS SHOULD TAKE PRECAUTIONS
CONCORD, N.H. -- Bears seem to coming out of the woodwork in New Hampshire these days. The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department is dealing with numerous bear complaints from around the state, many of them involving female bears with cubs.
Last Saturday (June 16, 2012), a Grafton, N.H., woman was injured after encountering a bear with cubs on her deck while letting her dog out. Female bears are often protective when cubs are present, or when approached by a dog.
Because a person was injured in the Grafton incident, Fish and Game responded by setting a culvert (live bear) trap near the woman's house for three nights, as protocol requires, to try to capture the bear if it returned. As of Wednesday morning (June 20, 2012), the bear had not returned and the trap has been removed. Wildlife officials consider it unlikely that the bear will return to the site. No additional trapping is planned at this point in time.
June is often a busy month for bear activity, but this year is unusually so, according to USDA Wildlife Damage Specialist Rob Calvert. "The early spring has fast-forwarded these bears into July feeding behaviors, but the wild berry crop won't be ready for another month," said Calvert. "So they are panhandling – coming out of the woods, often with cubs, to seek out easy sources of food near houses and farmyards for themselves and their young."
Early summer represents a somewhat lean time for bears, according to Andy Timmins, Fish and Game bear biologist. Last fall's acorns have turned into woody sprouts. Lush spring vegetation has hardened off and is less valuable to bears. Most of the summer fruits that provide food for bears will not be available for a few weeks. "This period of low food abundance causes bears to search out high-quality, readily available foods provided by humans, and is the main reason why the majority of bear complaints in New Hampshire occur during June and July," says Timmins.
The high level of bear activity this year means it is more important than ever to remove any bear attractants from your property. Although black bears are generally shy and usually avoid humans, they are opportunistic and will search for human food supplies when natural foods are not available. Birdseed, unsecured garbage and pet food all can be big temptations for bears.
Many backyard chicken operations in New Hampshire have been targeted by bears this year, too. "If you've got chickens, you need to protect them by using electric fencing or a very sturdy enclosure," said Calvert.
"Above all, the public must understand that it is illegal to intentionally feed bears in New Hampshire," said Timmins. "Intentional feeding can cause problems in residential areas and can result in fines. It also threatens the life of the bear, which may have to be destroyed if it becomes a nuisance animal habituated to human food sources. It's unfortunately often true that 'A fed bear is a dead bear.' So if you love bears, don't feed them."
The No. 1 rule for avoiding conflicts with bears while hiking and camping is to maintain a clean campsite. All food, garbage and aromatic items (like toothpaste and other toiletries) should be stored out of reach of bears. Do not store these items in your tent. If car camping, keep all food and coolers in a building or vehicle with the windows rolled up. If camping at a remote site, bring rope to properly hang these items. Use food canisters at remote sites when available. To assist visitors, the Androscoggin Ranger District in Gorham has a limited number of bear-resistant food canisters that are available on a first-come, first-served basis for up to five days. For more information on this program, go to http://www.fs.fed.us/r9/white.
Fish and Game recommends that people take the following action to reduce the chances of a bear visiting your home or campsite:
* Stop all bird feeding by April 1 or as soon as snow melts.
* 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.
* Do not leave food, grease or garbage unsecured around campsites.
* Store food and coolers in a closed vehicle or secured area while camping.
* Finally, never intentionally feed bears!
"During these challenging times, we don’t want to forget the amazing ecological, cultural and recreational values that bears represent to our state and citizenry," said Ellingwood. "Our ability to maintain bears in a positive light is largely impacted by the behavior of people. Anything the general public can do to keep our wild bears wild will contribute to the future well-being of this invaluable wildlife resource."
If you have questions about bear-related problems, you can get advice by calling a toll-free number coordinated jointly by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Wildlife Services and the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department: 1-888-749-2327 (1-888-SHY-BEAR). For more information on preventing conflicts with black bears, visit http://www.wildnh.com/Wildlife/Somethings_Bruin.htm.
-### -
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Girl rescued after almost going over waterfall at Swift River
12-year old swept about 150 feet down river
ALBANY, N.H. - Authorities say a 12-year-old girl is safe after falling into a river and getting swept to the top of a 15-foot waterfall in Albany on Monday.
New Hampshire Fish and Game says the girl, who is from Milford, was at the Swift River on Monday when she slipped off a rock and was swept about 150 feet down river to the top of Lower Falls.
She was able to grab onto a rock and hold on long enough for a bystander, James Barnhouse of Dover, Ohio, to reach her. Another bystander notified the caretaker at a nearby campground, who radioed the Carroll County Sheriff's office for help.
Conway fire personnel and Fish and Game officers reached the stranded pair and helped them to safety.
Source WMUR9: http://ow.ly/bGMrr
ALBANY, N.H. - Authorities say a 12-year-old girl is safe after falling into a river and getting swept to the top of a 15-foot waterfall in Albany on Monday.
New Hampshire Fish and Game says the girl, who is from Milford, was at the Swift River on Monday when she slipped off a rock and was swept about 150 feet down river to the top of Lower Falls.
She was able to grab onto a rock and hold on long enough for a bystander, James Barnhouse of Dover, Ohio, to reach her. Another bystander notified the caretaker at a nearby campground, who radioed the Carroll County Sheriff's office for help.
Conway fire personnel and Fish and Game officers reached the stranded pair and helped them to safety.
Source WMUR9: http://ow.ly/bGMrr
Thursday, January 12, 2012
NHF&G News: Need a Wildlife Talk? Call on the Fish and Wildlife Stewards!
Thu, Jan 12, 2012 9:45:21 PM
NEED A WILDLIFE TALK? CALL ON THE FISH AND WILDLIFE STEWARDS! CONCORD, N.H. -- Does your organization or community group need a speaker on a wildlife topic? Thanks to the support of a federal grant, volunteer Fish and Wildlife Stewards are now available to present free wildlife-related programs to adult groups statewide. These wildlife enthusiasts have been trained by the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department to present public programs to clubs, libraries, conservation groups or any interested organization. Currently, groups can choose from two presentations: "Black Bear Happenings in New Hampshire" and "Understanding Bobcats in New Hampshire." Another talk about trout habitat in New Hampshire is in the works and will be available in late spring. Each presentation explores the natural history of our native wildlife, related research and management activities, and the Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program that makes the work possible. Presentations last about 30-45 minutes. To request a program for your adult organization or group, complete the program request form available at http://www.wildnh.com/fwstewards and mail to: Fish and Wildlife Stewards Program, N.H. Fish and Game, 11 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH 03301; or email as an attachment to mary.goodyear@wildlife.nh.gov. For questions about the Fish and Wildlife Stewards Program or the presentations offered, contact Mary Goodyear, a N.H. Fish and Game Wildlife Educator, at 603-271-6649. The Wildlife Stewards Program was created to help increase public awareness of the federal Sport Fish and Wildlife Restoration programs and the important Fish and Game projects they fund. Now in its 75th year, the Sport Fish and Wildlife Restoration program is funded by your purchase of fishing tackle, firearms, ammunition and motorboat fuels. Learn more at http://www.wildnh.com/SFWR_program/sfwr_program.htm. - ### -
-- New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, 11 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH 03301. Comments or questions concerning this list should be directed to jane.vachon@wildlife.nh.gov. |
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