As we round the bend toward September there’s a lot of cool stuff happening, right now, all around us. Here are a few things that got my attention this month and that you just might find interesting as well:
In July, MassWildlife and the Biodiversity Research Institute (BRI) confirmed that a common loon chick hatched in Fall River in the spring, a fantastic discovery, as loons have not hatched in southeastern Massachusetts in over 100 years. According to David C. Evers, leading expert on loon ecology and conservation, “this hatch is a milestone, and we are thrilled that this recent nesting activity produced a chick; visible evidence that breeding Loon populations can be restored to their former habitat.”
In Massachusetts, common loons disappeared completely until 1975. They have since returned to breed in the Quabbin and Wachusett Reservoirs, and a few other north central Massachusetts waters. The hope is that the common loon will continue to take hold in other parts of the state.
The question of the month for deer hunters is, did you get a doe permit this year? If you applied for an Antlerless Deer Permit by the July 16 deadline, you should check to see if you received a permit. Just log onto MassFishHunt to check your status. The award period began Aug. 1 at 8 a.m. and ends on Dec. 31. Your odds of getting a permit are the same regardless of when you check your status. If you did get an Antlerless Deer Permit, you must purchase it to use it. You can also view total statewide allocations and the odds of getting a permit. Also, beginning in late September, surplus Antlerless Deer Permits will be available for $5 in select zones until sold out. Surplus permits will be sold on the following days: Zone 11, September 29 at 9 a.m.; Zone 10, September 30 at 9 a.m.; Zone’s 9, 13, and 14, October 1 at 9 a.m. Check the website for instructions.
Just when you think COVID-19 is the only thing out there to worry about, someone reminds us of another “beast” approaching, which can also wreak havoc — and right before hunting season to boot. EEE is a rare, but serious, viral disease spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. If you’re a hunter, angler, hiker or just planning to spend some time outdoors, you should be aware of Eastern Equine Encephalitis. EEE can affect people of all ages and it can cause severe illness and possibly lead to death in any age group; however, people under age 15 and over 50 are at particular risk. Moreover, based on mosquito samplings so far this year, a high risk of occurrence of human cases currently exists in areas of Massachusetts.
To help minimize the risk of mosquito bites, think about wearing an effective mosquito repellent with DEET, permethrin, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus while outdoors. Always follow the manufacturer’s directions for use. Wear long sleeves and pants, and stay indoors between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active. Also, practice caution when walking your dog because, while they rarely become ill from the virus, they can become infected with EEE simply by the bite of an infected mosquito. If you apply mosquito repellents to your dog, make certain they’re first approved by a veterinarian for use on pets.
Thinking about getting your son or daughter into pheasant hunting this year? The Massachusetts Youth Pheasant Hunt Program, developed by Mass Wildlife to provide opportunities for hunter education graduates aged 12 to 17, teaches firearms safety and helps develop shooting skills, while allowing young men and women the opportunity to participate in a special pheasant hunt under the guidance of safe, experienced, adult hunters. This program is more than just a day in the field and is divided into two or three parts. A pheasant hunting seminar, which includes hands-on instruction in shotgun shooting fundamentals and firearm safety, how to have a safe and fun hunt, and information on upland hunting basics, kicks things off. Participants 15 to 17 years of age, who wish to use a shotgun, must have a Firearms ID Card. The nearest participating club to Franklin County that is sponsoring the event is the Norco Sportsmen Club in Princeton. You must register for the hunt before Aug. 24, so there’s still time. To enroll in this program go to https://www.mass.gov/service-details/young-adult-pheasant-hunt- program. If you have any questions, email youth-pheasant@norco.club.
Finally, The MassWildlife Habitat Management Grant Program (MHMGP) provides financial assistance to private and municipal landowners of conserved lands to enhance wildlife habitat, while promoting public access for outdoor recreation. Over the past five years, the MHMGP has awarded over $1.9M in funding to 31 different organizations and individuals for 74 habitat projects. MassWildlife anticipates the next MHMGP grant application will become available in August. Applications will be due in the early fall. Application information can be found on the MHMGP web pages starting in mid-August.
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.