ABOUT US
The PCL meets monthly on the third Wed. of the month from Sept. to June with July and August off.
The league has thirteen member clubs who send their delegates to discuss issues that affect sportsmen.
The league is a member of the Mass. State Council of Sportsmen which has thirteen member counties in Massachussetts
INFORMATION (Click the links below)
Fishing and Hunting Protection Bill
Introduced in the U.S. Senate
MSC Scholarship Qualifications
MassWildlife NewsCommonwealth of Massachusetts – Division of Fisheries and Wildlife |
Phone: (508) 389-6300, Fax: (508) 389-7890, Email: Mass.Wildlife@state.ma.us |
Media Inquiries: Call (617) 626-1052
1/3/12 #1
HISTORIC HABITAT PROTECTION PROJECT IN LEVERETT AND SHUTESBURY
OUTDOOR USERS: THANK A LANDOWNER TODAY
EAGLE COUNT DATE CHANGE
MASSWILDLIFE AT HOME SHOWS AND SPORTSMENS SHOWS
HOUSING APPEAL FOR WOOD DUCKS IN MASSACHUSETTS
2011 PRELIMINARY ARCHERY AND SHOTGUN DEER SEASON RESULTS
UPCOMING PUBLIC MEETINGS
HISTORIC HABITAT PROTECTION PROJECT IN LEVERETT AND SHUTESBURY
In late December, the Commonwealth’s largest private land conservation deal since the 1920's was finalized, resulting in the protection of 3,486 acres of working forest land in the towns of Leverett and Shutesbury. A conservation restriction acquired by the Department of Fish and Game (DFG) and its Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife) from North Amherst-based W.D. Cowls for $8.8 million is the largest on a contiguous block of privately owned land in Massachusetts. The 5.4 square mile area encompasses almost all of Brushy Mountain and some other nearby parcels of property.
“This successful and historic land conservation initiative is the result of a unique partnership that will protect this treasure for generations,” said Governor Deval Patrick. “This land will forever be home to iconic wildlife, while remaining a productive working forest that supports local jobs and allows hunters, anglers and hikers to enjoy the great outdoors.” The Kestrel Land Trust and Franklin Land Trust worked closely with DFG, to accomplish this historic land protection effort.
The property will be known as the Paul C. Jones Working Forest in honor of Cowls’ recently deceased 8th generation family leader. Mr. Paul C. Jones, who for four decades spearheaded the company’s forestry and lumber manufacturing operations, also promoted public sportsman access on thousands of acres of timberland throughout his lifetime. “We're obviously in it for the long run and this conservation achievement demonstrates how commercial forest management can complement open space conservation and recreation,” said Cinda Jones, 9th generation co-owner and president. “My dad was really proud that we were making this happen and I’m so proud that we’re naming the conserved forest after him.” Cowls will continue to own and manage the woodland and conduct sustainable forestry operations under a state-approved Forest Stewardship Plan. Simultaneous with selling the restriction, Cowls added Forest Stewardship Council Green Certification to its existing Tree Farm and Chapter 61 certifications on the property.
“I am pleased to support this truly unique conservation opportunity with a $1 million grant through my new Landscape Partnership program. This is exactly the type of collaborative effort we want to encourage. This acquisition protects a very large, unfragmented forest ecosystem - an important climate change adaptation strategy,” said Secretary Sullivan. “Equally important, it protects a vital working landscape that supports a sustainable, local forest industry. Statewide, forestry operations contribute $600 million annually to local rural economies in Massachusetts.”
“Many kinds of wildlife, including wide ranging mammals such as black bear, moose, and bobcat, and forest birds such as the Scarlet tanager, Blackburnian warbler, and Canada warbler, require large, intact forests to thrive,” said DFG Commissioner Mary Griffin. “We are grateful to W.D. Cowls for the opportunity to protect this incredible habitat for wildlife while maintaining sustainable forestry operations and providing public recreational access to an area with outstanding natural resources.”
“This project is an example what can be achieved when state and federal agencies, local and national conservation organizations, and sportsmen come together to work on a common conservation goal,” said Wayne MacCallum, Director of the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife. Approximately $3 million of the total is state funding, comprising DFG’s investment of over $1.4 million from the Commonwealth’s open space bond authorization and $500,000 in Wildland Stamp funds from the sale of fishing and hunting licenses, as well as $1 million awarded to DFG and the land trusts by EEA’s new Landscape Partnership Grant Program. The two land trusts secured $5 million toward the purchase through the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Forest Service’s Forest Legacy Program, which receives funding from the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). The land trusts also successfully secured $839,600 through two grants from the Open Space Institute (OSI) -- the Western Massachusetts Land Protection Fund and Saving New England’s Wildlife--which were made possible with grants from the Kohlberg Foundation and Doris Duke Charitable Foundation respectively.
“In addition to a significant conservation project, this acquisition is also a tribute to the Cowls’ family dedication to creating a lasting conservation legacy,” said George Darey, Chairman of the state Fisheries and Wildlife Board. About 70 percent of the project area is recognized by MassWildlife as BioMap2 Core Habitat, and 97 percent of the property is characterized as critical natural landscape – defined as an area that is well suited to support ecological processes, disturbances, and wide-ranging species. Core Habitat identifies key areas to ensure the long-term persistence of wildlife species of conservation concern, exemplary natural communities, and intact ecosystems across the Commonwealth.
The Paul C. Jones Working Forest abuts a mosaic of 630 acres of additional permanently protected open space and is located between several significant protected public lands: the Mt. Toby State Demonstration Forest, the Quabbin Reservoir, the Montague Plains Wildlife Management Area, and the Wendell and Erving State Forests. Combined, these areas provide a critical core and corridor for wildlife living and moving through these protected areas and larger forested regions. For a map of the property visit the Energy and Environmental Affairs web link at: www.mass.gov/dfwele/press/paul_c_jones_working_forest_map.pdf
OUTDOOR USERS: THANK A LANDOWNER TODAY
With the New Year just beginning and our fishing, hunting, or wildlife watching adventures are becoming fond memories, it's time to remember the private landowners who, through their generosity, helped to make these experiences possible. "Access to fishing, hunting, hiking, or watching wildlife is a privilege provided by landowners," says Marion Larson, MassWildlife Outreach Coordinator. "Let them know you appreciate it. If you have been recreating on local land trust or other private non-profit conservation lands, be sure to include those groups on your thank-you list." Larson offers the following suggestions for hunters, anglers, and other outdoor users when thanking private property owners who allow access for outdoor recreation:
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Be thoughtful and personal in expressing your appreciation, treating the landowner as you would like to be treated. If you are mentoring a new or young hunter, angler, birder or naturalist, include him or her in the process of thanking the landowner.
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Visit the landowner at the end of the season to express your appreciation in person; if possible, provide him or her with some of your fish and game harvest, share images, or a list of the wildlife you saw on their property.
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Send a personal note or card thanking him or her for the opportunity to use their land. Consider giving a small gift such as a certificate to a local restaurant, a gift basket, or a subscription to Massachusetts Wildlife magazine. In the case of a non-profit landowner, make a donation to their organization.
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Offer to assist with tasks around the property that would be helpful, or identify, clean up, and properly dispose of any illegal dumping that has occurred.
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Assist the landowner in protecting the property by documenting and reporting suspicious or illegal activities to the Environmental Policeat (800) 632-8075.
"Hunting, fishing, birding, and other wildlife-related activities are traditions that will continue only if everyone follows the basic principles of being a responsible outdoor recreationist," Larson said. "Take a few moments to reflect on our outdoor traditions, including the importance of access to private lands in maintaining these traditions, and what you can do in 2012 to ensure that these recreational opportunities will continue to be available to you and future generations of outdoor users."
EAGLE COUNT DATE CHANGE
Friday, January 13, 2012 will bethe new date for a concentrated survey of major rivers, lakes, reservoirs and the coast by staff from the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife and volunteers across the state. Originally the date was set for January 6, 2012. In 2011, a record 107 bald eagles were documented in Massachusetts during the one-day event.This event is part of a nationwide Midwinter Bald Eagle Survey that is held every year in early January.
Anyone spotting an eagle from January 4, 2012 - January 18, 2012 is encouraged to report the sighting by email at Mass.wildlife@state.ma.usor by postal mail to "Eagle Survey" MassWildlife, Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program, 1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough, MA 01581. Please provide date, time, location and town of eagle sightings, number of birds, juvenile or adult, and observer contact information. The best eagle viewing locations at this time of year include:
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Belchertown - Enfield Lookout at Quabbin Reservoir. Eagles can be viewed at a long distance.
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West Boylston, Clinton, Sterling, Boylston - Wachusett Reservoir. Eagles can sometimes be viewed at a long distance from Routes 140 or Route 70.
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Lakeville - Long Point Road on the causeway between Pocksha Pond and Great Quitticas Pond. Eagles can be viewed at a long distance.
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Newburyport - Merrimack River at Cashman Park Boat Ramp or at Deer Island off Rte 1A (from the chain bridge). These are both good areas for eagles to be seen fairly close without the need of a spotting scope.
MASSWILDLIFE AT HOME SHOWS AND SPORTSMENS SHOWS
In January and February consider visiting with Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife) staff at home shows and sportsmen’s shows across the state. Learn about the common wildlife in your neighborhood at the home shows and share your latest fish story or hunting adventure or buy your license at the sportsmen’s shows. The Boston Home Show at Suffolk Downs kicks off the show season January 27–29, 2012 (www.thebostonhomeshow.com). The following weekend MassWildlife staff will be at the Eastern Massachusetts Home and Landscape show at the Royal Trade Plaza in Marlborough on February 4-5, 2012 (www.homeshownet.com/30701.html). This year, sportsmen should note that the Eastern Fishing and Outdoor Exposition at the DCU Centre in Worcester begins on Friday, February 10 and ends Sunday, February 12, 2012 (www.sportshows.com/worcester/index.html). The following weekend, February 18–19, MassWildlife staff will greet visitors at the Crowne Plaza in Danvers, which is hosting the Essex County Home Show (www.homeshownet.com/116838.html). And, in the last weekend of February, the Springfield Sportsmen’s Show will begin Thursday, February 23 and ends on Sunday February, 26, 2012 (www.osegsportsmens.com). Look for listings in the agency’s web Calendar of Events and next month’s newsletter for additional shows coming up in March.
HOUSING APPEAL FOR WOOD DUCKS IN MASSACHUSETTS
There is a wildlife housing need in Massachusetts that conservationists of all kinds can support! The Division of Fisheries and Wildlife is welcoming donations of constructed wood duck boxes or lumber for building boxes. Wood ducks are one of the few kinds of waterfowl (ducks and geese) that nest in cavities or holes in trees. There are not enough natural cavities available in the state for nesting, but constructed boxes have filled the gap. While wood ducks are wintering in warm, southern climes, Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (DFW) biologists and technicians will soon be braving chilly winter temperatures on icy ponds, marshes, and other wetlands evaluating the condition of wood duck boxes and replacing boxes that are missing or in disrepair. “Wood duck hens will return to the same box to nest year after year,” said H Heusmann, DFW Waterfowl Project Leader. “Imagine the plight of a wood duck hen coming back from wintering down south and finding her nesting site gone.”
Heusmann noted that in 2009 when an appeal for wood duck boxes went out, the public response was gratifying. Within a month, of the call for wood duck nest boxes sportsmen, Boy Scouts, school groups, and other individual conservationists built and donated over 200 boxes, or the lumber to make wood duck boxes. This filled the immediate need for 2009 and was a very helpful boost for the 2010 season. Wood duck box plans are posted on the Division’s website at: www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/wildlife/facts/birds/waterfowl/wood_duck_box.htm. Heusmann points out that these specific plans should be used as the design makes it simple to swap out parts and to place the boxes. Duck boxes need to be constructed with rough-cut pine, making the box easy to transport, and allowing newly-hatched ducklings a more secure foothold as they scramble up and out of the box for their first swim. Completed wood duck boxes can be dropped off at any of the five district offices located in Pittsfield, Belchertown, West Boylston, Acton, and Bourne, or the DFW Field Headquarters in Westborough during business days and hours. Depending on the weather, the window of opportunity for safe, strong ice to put up new boxes closes by late February, therefore, box delivery by early February would be ideal for this year’s need. Unused boxes will be kept in storage and used in the following season.
For those interested conservationists don’t have the time or ability to build a box but want to support this project, the Massachusetts Outdoor Heritage Foundation, Inc., a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, is also partnering with the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife in this appeal by accepting donations of money and materials that will go directly toward wood duck nest box construction. Mail a check to P. O. Box 47, Westborough, MA, 01581or pay through the Foundation’s website at www.massoutdoorheritage.org. Gifts to the Foundation are tax-deductible.
For more information about this project, see the Great Outdoors Blog on wood duck placement written last winter at: http://environment.blog.state.ma.us/blog/2011/01/field-report-duck-boxes-on-ice-needs-photo.htmlor contact H Heusmann at (508) 389-6321.
2011 PRELIMINARY ARCHERY AND SHOTGUN DEER SEASON RESULTS
Preliminary information on the archery and shotgun deer season results have been compiled though some check stations have yet to report their tallies. For the 2011 archery deer season, a preliminary statewide total of 3,689 deer were checked in at official deer check stations. The Western District office tallied 397 deer while Connecticut Valley District office reported 430. Central District stations checked 657 deer; Northeast District, 995; and Southeast District checked 1,210 deer. During the statewide shotgun season, licensed deer hunters checked in 5,343 deer. The breakdown of deer checked by District check stations were: Western District, 688; Connecticut Valley District, 725; Central District, 1,038; Northeast District, 910; and Southeast District, 1,982. In addition to the shotgun season total above, the DCR Quabbin Reservation Hunt yielded 73 deer. All reported figures are preliminary; the final harvest numbers will not be available until spring.
UPCOMING PUBLIC MEETINGS
January 12 --Natural Heritage Advisory Committee Meeting, Westborough-- The next meeting is scheduled for January 12, 2012, 1:30 - 4:30 pm at the DFW Field Headquarters, 1 Rabbit Hill Road (off North Drive), in Westborough.
January 18 -- Fisheries and Wildlife Board Meeting, Westborough-- The Fisheries and Wildlife Board will hold its January meeting on Wednesday, January 18, 2012 at 1PM at the DFW Field Headquarters, 1 Rabbit Hill Road (off North Drive), in Westborough. The inclement weather date will be Thursday, January 19 at 1 PM at the same location.
Both meetings are open to the public and the building is handicapped accessible. Directions to the Field Headquarters can be found at: www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/facilities/westboro.htmor by calling (508) 389-6300.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS — A complete listing of wildlife related events, meetings and talks can be found at www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/calendar/calendar.htm. Wildlife workshops for educators, ice fishing events for kids and an advanced fly-tying session are among the events coming up in January and February.
EOEEA FISCAL YEAR 2013 BUDGET HEARING
The Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EOEEA) will hold 2 hearings to allow interested parties to provide their comments as part of our Fiscal Year 2013 recommendation process.
BOSTON: Thursday, December 1, 2011
2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
100 Cambridge Street, Boston, 2nd floor
Conference Room C-D (please bring a picture I.D. for
building security)
PITTSFIELD: Thursday, December 15th, 2011
5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
DCR’s Regional Headquarters Building
740 South Street, Pittsfield, Main Conference Room
Written comment is encouraged prior to the hearing. Interested parties may also submit written comments at the hearing or through the close of business on December 22. Please address them to:
Richard K. Sullivan, Secretary
Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, 100 Cambridge Street, Suite 900 Boston, MA 02114
ATTENTION: FY 13 Budget
CHANGES IN PURCHASING 2012 SPORTING LICENSES AND CHECKING GAME
MassWildlife moves to all-electronic sales of licenses in 2012 and adds opportunity to check harvested game online with MassFishHuntsystem.
To eliminate paperwork, save postage and printing costs, and to provide sportsmen and sportswomen with 24-hour licensing and game reporting services, the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (DFW) is announcing that all licenses and permits will be obtained electronically from either a home computer, participating license vendor, or from a DFW office. Licenses, stamps, and permits for the 2012 calendar year will be available for purchase in early December.
“The Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (DFW) has been selling licenses, permits, and stamps online for over a decade,” said Wayne MacCallum, Director of the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife. “By replacing the traditional handwritten licenses with MassFishHunt,sportsmen get one-stop immediate online purchase of licenses, stamps, and most game permits and easy reprinting of damaged or lost licenses, tags, permits, and stamps.” MacCallum noted that license buyers with a computer, printer, and access to the internet will experience additional benefits: purchasing and printing of licenses, permits, or stamps any time of day or night; reporting game harvest online; receiving important updates and messages; and participating in sportsmen’s surveys from the Division via email.
Online computer users can visit MassFishHunt atwww.mass.gov/massfishhunt at any time of day or night to make their purchases. A credit card, access to a printer, and plain white paper for printing is all that is needed. Licenses, stamps, and permits will also be available for sale at DFW district offices, the Westborough Field Headquarters and the DFW Boston office, as well as participating license vendors, including all Wal-Mart and Dick’s Sporting Goods stores in Massachusetts. Some municipal clerks and other local businesses will also continue to sell licenses. The difference at these traditional venues is that the license will be computer generated. Lists of 2012 license vendors are available at DFW offices and online atwww.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/recreation/licensing/vendors/license_vendors.htm. “If the purchase venues mentioned are inconvenient, consider visiting a public library to purchase your license, permits, and stamps,” says Marion Larson, DFW Outreach Coordinator. “If you don’t own a computer or use one, your community library most likely provides computers and printers with internet access. Knowledgeable library staff often assist people unfamiliar with using computers. All you need is your credit card.” One final suggestion from Larson, “Be a good sport by offering to help your computer–phobic friend or family member to purchase their license online. That way you can ensure that everyone will ready to enjoy the great outdoors together throughout the year!” Minors ages 15-17 may obtain their free fishing license (new legislation effective for 2012) online, but due to certain documentation requirements, can only purchase a hunting or sporting license at a DFW office or official license vendor. Sportsmen and women over 70 also can obtain their licenses online, through a license vendor, or at a DFW office. Lost or destroyed your license? You can either go online at home or to any license vendor or DFW office to access your, customer account and reprint your license.Anyone who purchases licenses, permits, or stamps from an online computer will be charged a convenience fee of $1.50 per license plus a 3% credit card handling fee. The convenience fee pays for the development and maintenance of the MassFishHunt system. If purchases are made from any license vendor (except DFW offices) only the $1.50/license fee will be charged. No convenience or commission fee is charged when purchasing a license at DFW offices. Credit cards are not accepted at DFW offices. As in the past, if purchasing a license from a participating license vendor or town/city hall, license buyers may be charged a separate commission. Public libraries usually charge a nominal fee for printing.Archery, primitive firearms, and waterfowl stamps will no longer be produced as “stamps”. With MassFishHunt, the collector-style stamps will no longer be produced. Instead a notation on hunting and sporting licenses will include information that the required “stamps” were purchased. Bear and turkey hunters will have the ability to immediately print out their permits and tags when they purchase their license, whether online or at a license vendor. Antlered deer tags are printed out automatically with a hunting/sporting license purchase. Antlerless deer permit applications must still be electronically submitted by July 16 either online or at any license vendor. In addition, applicants will have to go back online or to a license vendor during a designated random instant awards selection and sales period to see if they are selected for an antlerless permit. More details on the antlerless deer permit selection process will be provided later in 2012. The MassFishHunt system eliminates having to mail in an application and wait for permits to arrive via postal mail. Woodcock and waterfowl hunters are still required to complete a Harvest Information Program (HIP) survey. The traditional telephone survey will no longer be offered, instead the survey will be administered online or survey questions will be asked by the license vendor. Hunters will not be assigned a HIP number; instead a “HIP Survey completed” notation will be printed on the hunting/sporting license. This notation is all that is needed to show proof that the survey was completed.Finally, the last change for 2012 involves a new method to report or check in game. Successful hunters will have the option to report deer, turkey, bears, or furbearers either electronically (online or at a license vendor) or at a traditional check station. If game is checked at a traditional check station, an official seal will be attached to the animal. The seal must remain on the animal until it is butchered, skinned, or otherwise processed. If checking or reporting using the online MassFishHunt system, hunters can check in or report their harvest from any online computer (home, library, etc.) with internet access. Using this system the DFW anticipates that in 2012 hunters will fill out an online form asking the same information sportsmen have always been asked to provide at traditional game check stations. A number will immediately be generated for that animal which must be written by the hunter on the tag attached to the animal. This is the “official seal” required by law. One exception to this process will be during the shotgun season for deer, when harvested deer will be required to taken to a traditional check station for DFW biologists to gather biological data. More details on new checking/reporting procedures will be available in time for the 2012 hunting season. “There will be some adjustments for all of us during this time of transition,” said Wayne MacCallum. “The Division will monitor the new system and make necessary changes and improvements over time. The MassFishHunt system strikes a balance by accommodating and offering benefits to the sportsmen and women of the Commonwealth. We appreciate the support and understanding of sportsmen and women during this period of change, and look forward to improving service to license holders while continuing to provide sound stewardship of our state’s fish and wildlife populations and the habitats on which they depend.”Questions and further details about these changes for 2012 can be answered at DFW District offices located in Ayer (978) 772-2145; Belchertown (413) 323-7632; Bourne (508) 759-3406; Dalton (413) 684-1646; West Boylston (508) 835-3607; or by calling the Westborough Field Headquarters (508) 389-6300 or Boston office (617) 626-1590. Details are also available on a Frequently Asked Questions link at www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/recreation/licensing/faqs_licenses_harvest.htm.