Sadly, COVID-19 is still here, and how long this “devil virus” sticks around is out of our hands. In an effort to take your mind away from it for a moment, here are a few items that might offer a simple reminder about things you may have forgotten, information about what’s going on around the state, and an opportunity to start learning something fun and exciting right from the comfort of you recliner.
If you’re a Massachusetts deer hunter, and haven’t already applied for your Antlerless Deer Permit, time is running out to get it done — the deadline to apply for your ADP is July 16. An Antlerless Deer Permit, or doe tag, is required if you want to hunt antlerless deer this fall. If you end up applying for a permit by the deadline, or if you’ve already done so, you need to check after Aug. 1 to find out if you’ve been awarded the ability to purchase that permit. Visit the MassWildlife website and go to MassFishHunt on your computer or smartphone, to learn more about Antlerless Deer Permits and how you can still apply. You can also learn about the number of permits allocated for 2020. When you do this, you’ll only need a valid hunting or sporting license, and there’s no cost to apply, only a $5 fee if you’re awarded a permit during the instant award period which begins on Aug. 1 at 8 a.m. Your odds of being awarded a permit are the same regardless of when you check your permit status.
Black bears are at it again as MassWildlife has received reports of bear damage to beehives and chicken coops. Properly maintained electric fencing is the only way to protect chickens, beehives, and other livestock from bears. Electric fencing is easy to install and is effective and safe. Be sure to keep weeds from growing and shorting out the fence. Always keep the power on and be sure to regularly check and maintain chargers or batteries. Don’t place fences next to trees as bears will climb the tree and then jump down inside the fence. By placing bacon strips or foil strips with peanut butter or honey on the hot wires of the fence, you’ll teach bears that touching fences carries consequences, as it will deliver a shock to the most sensitive part of a bear, its nose. Be sure to test your fence and ensure it is putting out 6,000 volts. Contact your MassWildlife District Office for advice on electric fencing.
Other tips? Don’t place chicken coops or beehives in abandoned areas or close to wooded overgrown areas. Do not place supplemental food nearby as a distraction, as this can attract bears which becomes counterproductive. Contact a MassWildlife District Office or a local sportsman’s club for help connecting with bear hunters. In some instances, properly permitted houndsmen may use bear hounds to chase them away from crops they are damaging, even though this relief may be only temporary. To learn more about black bears in Massachusetts, go to Mass.gov/bears.
MassWildlife biologists are crisscrossing the state this month visiting peregrine falcon nest sites to band newborn falcon chicks. Thanks to volunteer observers and other conservation partners, a total of 46 territorial pairs have been documented statewide. Most pairs are nesting on man-made sites such as buildings, bridges and quarry cliffs. A few pairs are raising young on mountainside cliffs in more remote parts of the state. Two new nests were confirmed in Springfield, and three historical nests have been reconfirmed in Bourne, Sandisfield and Worcester.
Before restoration efforts, the last active peregrine falcon nest in the Commonwealth was documented in 1955. Peregrine falcon restoration became a MassWildlife “endangered species” project in 1984 and is now the agency’s longest running project to date. The first successful nesting pair in Massachusetts occurred in 1987 on the Custom House Tower in Boston. Since that time, the peregrine falcon’s status under the Massachusetts Endangered Species Act (MESA) has improved greatly. In late 2019, due to continued conservation efforts, the bird’s MESA status was improved from “threatened” to “special concern.”
Want to learn how to fish from the comfort of your own home? Join MassWildlife for a free online introductory fishing class. This beginner’s class will teach you all the basics including what gear you’ll need and how to use it, rigging up your rod, where to find fishing spots, fish ID and anatomy, as well as the basic rules and regulations. There’s still time to register for this cool program. Just go to the MassWildlife website and search for the online “Learn to Fish Class Registration.” You’ll find a brief registration form that is used to sign up for the classes.
Times and dates are as follows:
• July 13 from 4-6 p.m.
• July 21 from 4-6 p.m.
• July 29 from 4-6 p.m.
Joe Judd is a lifelong hunter and sportsman. He is an outdoor writer, seminar speaker, and a 2019 inductee into the N.E. Turkey Hunting Hall of Fame. Joe is also on the Quaker Boy Game Calls and Bass Pro Shops/Cabela’s Pro-Staff.