massachusetts

wildlife
guide to hunting, freshwater fishing and trapping

&

2012

Online Licensing and Game Checking

A New Era Begins | 10

26 A Sportsman's Guide to Bay State Turtles 52 Give Ice Fishing a Try!

official massachusetts hunting, fishing and trapping regulations

Features
10 26 52 56 O nline Licensing and Game Checking: A New and Better Way A Sportsmens Guide to Bay State Turtles Give Ice Fishing a Try! Lead Sinkers and Loons

Contents
GeNerAL
From the Director............................................2 Wildlife Lands .................................................4 Offices and Facilities Directory and Location Map .......................................8 Licenses, Permits and Stamps ....................14 License and Permit Fees ..............................16 Wildlife Management Zone Map ........ 2829 Landowner Liability .....................................32 Office of Law Enforcement Directory ...... 48 Sunrise-Sunset Table ...................................49 Outdoor Skills and Wildlife Education Programs ................ 50

FIShING .......................................1825
Species Regulations ......................................18 Bait Regulations ............................................19 Catch and Release Areas..............................19 Fish Consumption Advisories .....................20 Free Fishing Weekend ..................................20 Interstate Ponds.............................................20 Marine Fisheries Information Hotline ......20 Fishing Prohibitions .....................................20 Boat and RV Registration Information .....21 Common Fish of Massachusetts .......... 2223 Freshwater Sportfishing Awards Program .......................................24

huNTING .................................... 3044

General Hunting Regulations .....................30 Non-resident Hunters ...................................30 Wildlife Management Area (WMA) Regulations .................................31 Massachusetts Gun Laws ............................32 Hunting Hours ............................................... 33 Hunting Prohibitions ...................................34 Special Hunts .................................................41 Species Regulations ...............................3544 Black Bear ................................................35 Upland Game Birds.................................36 Deer ....................................................3940 Rabbits and Squirrels.............................42 Reptiles and Amphibians ......................43 Furbearers ............................................... 44

TrAppING .................................. 4547

Species Regulations ......................................45 Furbearer Check Stations ............................46 Problem Animal Control Licensing ...........47 Trapping Prohibitions ..................................47

NeW FOr 2012:

Lead fishing sinkers and jigs less than 1 ounce are prohibited in all inland waters of the Commonwealth effective January 1, 2012. See page 56. Break-action muzzleloaders now legal for deer hunting during primitive firearms deer season. Special turkey permit issued for 12-14 year olds participating in the Youth Turkey Hunt now valid for entire season. Resident Minor Freshwater Fishing License (ages 15-17) is Free!

hAVe A QueSTION? VISIT Our WeBSITe

www.mass.gov/masswildlife, or e-mail us at mass.wildlife@state.ma.us The Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife is an agency of the Massachusetts Department of Fish & Game.

ON The COVer
The Ruffed Grouse is one of our most famous and popular native game birds. The DFW is working to increase the percentage of young forest habitat in Massachusetts to enhance populations of this and dozens of other wildlife species dependent on earlysuccessional habitats. (Photo by Bill Byrne)

From the Director

In the past decade the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife has been moving towards a completely electronic licensing system. The transition to such a system began in 2000 and will be completed January 1, 2012. If you have purchased your 2012 license you know that there is no longer any preprinted paper license or any preprinted permits, stamps, or tags. These are all generated at the time of purchase by computer printer. The convenience and benefits of issuing everything electronically is substantial. In addition to providing the opportunity to purchase a license 24 hours a day, the new system will also allow hunters to electronically comply with mandatory game checking requirements for turkey, bear, deer, and certain furbearers. A detailed description of the new licensing system can be found on page 10. There is one significant and two minor regulatory changes that go into effect on January 1, 2012. The significant change is that Massachusetts is joining the northern New England States and the Canadian government in restricting the use of certain lead sinkers and jigs to protect the Common Loon. Loons are ingesting small lead sinkers and jigs, and subsequently dying from lead poisoning. Following a public hearing, the restrictions on small lead sinkers and jigs were put in place July, 2009, with the provision that the regulations were not to take effect until January 1, 2012. This delay gave the manufacturers and angling public two and a half years to adjust to these changes. For more information on lead sinkers and loons in Massachusetts, see the article on page 56. The minor regulatory changes are: (1) that the hinged or break-open breech muzzleloaders can now be used during the primitive firearms deer season (please note that an FID card is required to possess a break-open or hinged breech muzzleloader), and (2) youth turkey hunt permits will now be valid for the regular turkey seasons. I am happy to report that our conservation programs and services remain in good shape. We continue to stock more pheasants and quail than all the other New England states combined. We continue to meet our quality trout stocking goals of 400,000 plus pounds, and the statewide deer harvest continues to exceed more than 10,000 deer annually. This past year another 3,000 acres of wildlife lands were acquired using wildlands conservation stamp revenue and open space bond monies allocated to the Department of Fish and Game by Governor Patrick. In just over 20 years the Divisions land holdings have nearly quadrupled from 50,000 acres in 1988 to 190,000 acres as of June 30, 2011. The support of sportsmen and women provided by their license and wildlands conservation land stamp purchases, plus their political support for open space bond bills, has been key to our success in adding to our wildlife management areas. These are lands that will be forever open to fishing, hunting, and trapping. The transition of our society from paper to electronic or digitized formats for paying bills, payroll deposits, photo and information transmittal and storage, reading the newspaper and the like has been incredibly rapid. Please bear with us Continued on page 4. www.mass.gov/masswildlife mA Division of Fisheries & Wildlife

COmmONWeALTh OF mASSAChuSeTTS
DEVAL L. PATRICK, Governor

exeCuTIVe OFFICe OF eNerGy & eNVIrONmeNTAL AFFAIrS

Richard K. Sullivan Jr., Secretary

DepArTmeNT OF FISh AND GAme

MARY B. GRIFFIN, Commissioner

DIVISION OF FISherIeS & WILDLIFe

WAYNE F. MacCALLUM, Director

FISherIeS & WILDLIFe BOArD

GEORGE L. DAREY, Chair (Lenox) FRED WINTHROP (Ipswich) JOHN F. CREEDON, Esq. (Brockton) JOSEPH S. LARSON, Ph.D. (Pelham) BONITA J. BOOTH (Spencer) MICHAEL P. ROCHE (Orange) BRANDI VAN ROO, Ph.D. (Douglas)

NATurAL herITAGe & eNDANGereD SpeCIeS ADVISOry COmmITTee

KATHLEEN S. ANDERSON, Chair (Middleborough) MARILYN J. FLOR (Rockport) JOSEPH S. LARSON, Ph.D. (Pelham) MARK MELLO (South Dartmouth) GLENN MOTZKIN (Shutesbury) THOMAS J. RAWINSKI (Oakham) JONATHAN A. SHAW (Sandwich)

ASSOCIATe memBerS
WILLIAM E. BRUMBACK (Framingham) ANDY FINTON (Boston) TIMOTHY FLANAGAN (Lenox) WAYNE R. PETERSEN (Hanson) MARK POKRAS (North Grafton) BRYAN WINDMILLER (Concord)

Visit the Division of Fisheries & Wildlife on-line at

www.mass.gov/masswildlife

MASSACHUSET TS

WIL

AND TRAPPING FRESHWATER FISHING GUIDE TO HUNTING,

&LIFE D
2012
A New Era Begins | 10

FrOm The DIreCTOr (continued)

as we modernize our licensing system. The implementation of electronic licensing reflects the inevitable technological advances and innovations that have been the hallmark of our great country. It is the goal of the Fisheries and Wildlife Board to make the most efficient use of the funds that you provide to the Division through your donations and license purchases. The excellent state of our fish and wildlife resources is directly attributed to the willingness of our license buyers to shoulder the costs of our wildlife conservation programs. We are ever mindful of this and thank you for your continuing support.

Online Licensing and Game Checking

26 A Sportsman's Guide State Turtles to Bay 52 Give Ice Fishing a Try!

OFFICIAL MASSACHUSETTS HUNTING, FISHING
AND TRAPPING REGULATIONS

About this Guide

This high-quality regulation guide is offered to you by the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife through its unique partnership with J.F. Griffin Publishing, LLC. J.F. Griffin is an award winning publishing house that specializes in producing state fish & wildlife regulation books. J.F. Griffin supports the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlifes staff in the design, layout, and editing of the guides. They also manage the marketing and sales of advertising to appropriate businesses within the book. The revenue generated through ad sales significantly lowers production costs and generates savings. These savings translate into additional funds for other important wildlife and habitat programs! If you have any feedback or are interested in advertising, please contact us at 413.884.1001 or online at www.JFGriffin.com
Designers: Jon Gulley and Evelyn Haddad

Wayne F. MacCallum, Director

WILDLIFe LANDS
The acquisition of key parcels of wildlife habitat is an important part of the DFWs and the Department of Fish & Game's management programs. Wildlife is a product of the land and without good habitat wildlife populations cannot exist. Last year, land agents secured just over 3,000 acres of open space, bringing the total of lands owned by the Commonwealth and managed for wildlife and for recreation by the DFW to 190,178.76 acres. Wildlife Management Area regulations (see page 31) apply to all DFW lands except Wildlife Sanctuaries and Game Farm properties. These lands are grouped as follows:

DIVISION OF FISherIeS & WILDLIFe LANDS TOTAL ACreAGe By AreA Type (6/30/11) AreA Type
Wildlife Management Areas Wildlife Sanctuaries

# OF AreAS
144 13 5 3 35 7 27 6 33 59 1

ACreS
133,320.72 1,197.0 534.30 382.1 3,044.05 774.7 295.6 515 2,728.5 31,733.88 15,000.0 652.85

430 Main St. Suite 5 | Williamstown, MA 01267

Fish Hatcheries Game Farms River Access

Notice
This Guide contains a summary of the laws and regulations in place as of September 1, 2011. Any changes in law or regulation enacted after September 1 are publicized through releases to the news media, town clerk's offices, all license sales outlets, and on our website. These are not the complete laws and regulations. Laws and regulations (MGL Ch. 131 and 321 CMR) are subject to change.

Salt Marsh Lake, Pond and Coastal Access Fisheries & Wildlife Areas Natural Heritage Areas Conservation Easements (Some acreage included in WMAs) Mass. Military Reservation Other GRAND TOTAL

190,178.76

www.mass.gov/masswildlife

mA Division of Fisheries & Wildlife

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2 3 4

**

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Shown with optional accessories. ATVs over 90cc are recommended for use only by riders age 16 years and older. Yamaha recommends that all ATV riders take an approved training course. For safety and training information, see your dealer or call the ATV Safety Institute at 1-800-887-2887. ATVs can be hazardous to operate. For your safety: Always avoid paved surfaces. Never ride on public roads. Always wear a helmet, eye protection and protective clothing; never carry passengers; never engage in stunt riding; riding and alcohol/drugs dont mix; avoid excessive speed; and be particularly careful on difficult terrain. Specifications subject to change without notice. Professional rider depicted on a closed course. *Based on Polk CYE 2010 total U.S. new ATV registrations in the Yamaha-defined Big Bore Utility ATV segment. **Based on ADP competitive comparison study of CVT belt components reported in warranty and non-warranty repair order records for 2007-2010 model year CVT belt-driven 4x4 ATVs 400cc and above. 2011 Yamaha Motor Corp. U.S.A. All rights reserved.
ARCHIES CYCLE, INC. 489 ASHLEY BLVD NEW BEDFORD, MA 02745 (508) 995-9751 PARKWAY CYCLES 1865 REVERE BEACH PKWY. EVERETT, MA 02149 (617) 389-6998 C & E YAMAHA OF MIDDLEBORO 201 W. GROVE ST. MIDDLEBORO, MA 02346 (508) 947-1217 PERFORMANCE CYCLES 939 BOSTON TURNPIKE RT 9 SHREWSBURY, MA 01545 (508) 842-1068 CULLEYS RANCH 339 SEVEN BRIDGE RD. LANCASTER, MA 01523 (978) 368-6600 RAYS CYCLE CENTER, INC. 332 WELLS ST. GREENFIELD, MA 01301 (413) 773-8718

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CONNeCTICuT VALLey WILDLIFe DISTrICT 341 East Street, Belchertown 01007, (413) 323-7632

NOrTheAST WILDLIFe DISTrICT 85 Fitchburg Road, Ayer 01432, (978) 772-2145

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BOSTON OFFICe 251 Causeway Street, Ste. 400, Boston 02114, (617) 626-1590

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CeNTrAL WILDLIFe DISTrICT 211 Temple Street, West Boylston 01583, (508) 835-3607

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FIeLD heADQuArTerS 1 Rabbit Hill Rd., Westborough 01581, (508) 389-6300

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Nantucket

VISIT uS AT
www.mass.gov/masswildlife

Dr. Robert D. Deblinger, Deputy Director, Field Operations Dr. Thomas W. French, Asst. Director, Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Thomas K. OShea, Asst. Director, Wildlife Dr. Ken Simmons, Chief Fish Culturist Dr. Mark Tisa, Asst. Director, Fisheries

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WeSTerN WILDLIFe DISTrICT 88 Old Windsor Road, Dalton 01226, (413) 684-1646

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Online Licensing
A New and Better Way
Computers and the internet have transformed how businesses and government serve their customers. Anyone with online access can now shop for almost anything, register a vehicle, or purchase a fishing/ hunting/trapping license instantly right from home. Approximately 72% of Massachusetts residents now use the internet, and about 66% can access it at home. The Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (DFW) has been selling licenses, permits, and stamps online for over a decade, but current tech-

and Game Harvest Reporting:

nology now allows us to offer expanded convenience to our license buyers while saving more funds for wildlife research and management. Like many other state fish and wildlife agencies, the DFW is going fully electronic in 2012. This means that all licenses, stamps, and permits will be obtained electronically, through an online computer. The transition to this new technology is necessary. The agency recognizes that 28% of the states residents dont use the internet, however, hence we have worked diligently to maintain traditional methods while adopting new technology and procuring the great benefits it offers to all sportsmen and women.

Benefits of the MassFishHunt System

Starting in 2012 all licenses, permits and stamps will be sold electronically. MassFishHunt is a one-stop shopping automated license and game harvest reporting system that can be accessed from any online computer and will be available at participating retail stores, town/city halls, DFW offices, local libraries or from home. By replacing the traditional license system with the electronic system, MassFishHunt offers new features and conveniences to all sportsmen and women in the Commonwealth even those who dont use computers or the internet. Among those new features are: One-stop, online purchase of licenses, permits, and stamps As in a grocery store, you can select the items you would like to purchase, add more, or remove some from your shopping cart at any time before you pay for them. If you decide later that you want to buy additional items, you can always go back to the store. Print electronic licenses, tags, stamps and permits immediately You will no longer receive these items in the mail. Simply print your license, tags and permits from the computer. Duplicate certificates eliminated Lost or damaged your license or permit? All you have to do is visit any license vendor and ask for a re-print, or simply re-print from home or anywhere you have access to the internet and have a printer. Need a record of your purchases? You can check your account history if you have access to an online computer or visit any license vendor. More permit sales locations With MassFishHunt you wont have to drive to a DFW office to purchase turkey, bear,

10

www.mass.gov/masswildlife

mA Division of Fisheries & Wildlife

or antlerless deer permits. You can buy them directly through any license vendor or online computer. No more waiting for the mail! The MassFishHunt system will provide quick and easy purchase of all your permits and stamps. License buyers with a home computer, printer, and access to the internet will experience additional benefits: Purchase and print licenses, tags, permits, or stamps any time of day or night Save fuel and travel time to game check stations by reporting your harvest online. Receive important messages and updates from the DFW at your email address. The new MassFishHunt system also provides benefits to the DFW, including improved data collection for our biologists, new communications options with license buyers, efficient license revenue collection and payment processes, and instant access to license and permit data for law enforcement. All of these new features and benefits mean changes to the way some things have been done in the past. Change is always a little disconcerting, and it is likely there will be some unforeseen challenges in adjusting to the new system for all of us. But we will be monitoring the system, and we expect to make further improvements and adjustments as needed.

Changes to Buying your 2012 Fishing, Hunting, Sporting, and Trapping License

for life. Those who have purchased licenses electronically in the past already have one. Use this number at any time to find your customer and purchase information and to purchase future licenses. If you purchase your online license either from a home computer or from any license vendor or location other than a DFW office, you will be charged a service fee by Active Outdoors, the provider of this electronic licensing service. The fees pay for the development and maintenance of the MassFishHunt system and the new benefits it provides. The service fee includes a $1.50 charge for each license purchased by the customer, plus a 3% internet handling charge on the total transaction. Prior to the processing of your payment, the Active Outdoors service fee will be itemized and clearly identified. Also, if you purchase a license from a participating license vendor or town/city hall, you may be charged a separate commission. No service or commission fees will be charged if you purchase your license at any DFW office. Some hunters have expressed concern that plain paper licenses and tags will not last under field conditions, but commercial plastic license holders or simple Ziploc bags have proven reliable protectors under tough field conditions. Using them will help ensure that tags affixed to game are protected and readable during transport and possession. Keep in mind that your ability to reprint or produce copies of licenses, permits, and tags does NOT authorize you to use more than the legal number of tags issued to you. Other nearby states (New Hampshire, Vermont, New York, Connecticut) have successfully transitioned to plain-paper licenses and tags which can be printed from home, and based on their experiences, we do not anticipate any significant enforcement issues related to the MassFishHunt system

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You do not need to know how to use a computer or the internet to purchase a license. You will still be able to purchase your license at participating retail stores, town/city halls, and DFW offices, and agents will be trained to use the system. The changes are that your purchase will be electronic, your license will be printed immediately from a computer, and your information will be entered into the MassFishHunt system. When you purchase your license, you will also be able to purchase permits and stamps. Stamps will not appear as actual stamps, but will instead be listed on your license as among the items purchased. An obvious difference with your 2012 license is that it will be printed on plain paper, and it can be reprinted whenever necessary. When you purchase your first online license, you will be issued a customer identification number. This is your unique, personal license number, and it will be yours

Changes to Buying your 2012 Bear, Turkey, and Antlerless Deer Permits

There will no longer be any need to mail a bear or turkey permit application. Now you can purchase these permits when you buy your license, or at any time up to and during the regular season. Likewise, for antlerless deer permits, you will no longer mail your permit application. Instead, you will follow a simple, two step process: 1) Apply for the permit online. You can do this when you buy your license, or at any time prior to the traditional July 16th application deadline. As always, you can apply for only one deer management zone. You are then eligible for a chance to draw a permit for that zone. 2.) At any time during a prescribed sales period after the application deadline has passed, you access the online system again to enter a random instant award process and find out immediately if you have drawn a permit. The dates for the sales period for entering the instant award

No minimum order. No end date.

8005812323
llbean.com

2012 Guide to hunting, Fishing and Trapping

MAHF_2012annual_llbean.indd 1

9/13/11 10:59 AM

11

diately notify you if you were selected for a permit. If selected, you may pay for your permit immediately, or at any time until the end of the instant award process period. Issuing these permits through an automated, online process makes the system fair and efficient while eliminating the need to mail an application and wait for notification.

Tagging, reporting, and sealing deer, turkey, black bear, or furbearers provides valuable harvest and biological data as well as physical evidence of legal possession of game for law enforcement officers. DFW biologists have used these data for decades to track and monitor harvest trends and to manage and conserve game species. Tagging Game: As always, hunters must process have not been set as of this writing, tag the same game species as in the past imbut will be announced when the details are mediately after killing the animal. Tags are finalized. As always, your chances of drawing printed along with your license at the time a permit are based on the number of appli- of purchase. cants and the number of permits allocated for Reporting and Sealing Game: There are that zone. changes to how hunters and trappers will reRemember: You must enter the MassFish- port and seal their harvest. Starting with the Hunt system during the instant award process 2012 spring turkey season, you will have two period for a chance to draw an antlerless deer options for reporting and sealing harvested permit. The instant award process will imme- game: 1) Bring your deer, turkey, bear, or furbearer to a traditional check station location, or 2) Report your harvest online by using the MassFishHunt system. If you bring your game to a traditional check station, an official metal or plastic seal will be attached to the animal. As currently required, the seal must remain on the animal until it is butchered, skinned, or otherwise processed (Note: Otter and bobcat pelts must be checked at a traditional check station. See specific requirements for pelt sealing, page 46). If you report your game online, a confirmation number will be issued to you for that animal. Writing the confirmation number on the paper tag where specified will be the seal. You will also be able to print an updated summary of your harvest report which will show the confirmation number. Reporting your harvest online should prove a great convenience, as it can be conducted from home or anywhere else an onHunters who elect to report their harvested line computer is available. Traditional check game online will be asked to collect some basic stations may also choose to use the online biological information; in this case the spur length of a male wild turkey. system to eliminate conventional paper-

Changes to Tagging, Reporting, and Sealing Game

work, and the DFW will assist those stations who would like to use the MassFishHunt system. If you check your game at a DFW office, the online game reporting system will most likely be used If you choose to use the online game harvest reporting system yourself, you will see a form asking for basic information: the same information sportsmen have always been asked to provide at traditional game check stations. For example, if you check in a turkey, you may be asked to measure and report the spur length and indicate if the bird is an adult or a juvenile. The DFW will provide helpful guides/information online on how to collect this biological information. Biological data on deer, however, will only be collected by biologists. Although harvested deer can be reported online during the archery and primitive firearms seasons, online checking will be closed during the deer shotgun season. All deer hunters will be required to check their deer at a traditional check station during this season. In addition to saving the sportsmen time and money, online game harvest reporting also benefits DFW biologists and the Environmental Police. For example, once the hunter submits the game harvest report, a law enforcement officer in the field can call in or access the computer database for an instant enforcement check, much as a police officer can check driver license and vehicle registration information. DFW biologists will also have instant access to game harvest reports, enabling a significant increase in the efficiency and speed of harvest data collection. Under the traditional system, biologists have had to enter and analyze data from over 15,000 handwritten kill cards every year. With online reporting, they will receive the data more quickly and in a form they can readily analyze, thus reducing data entry costs and speeding the release of harvest data to the public. Its a win-win situation for hunters, biologists, and law enforcement officers.

Waterfowl and Woodcock Hunter Harvest Information Program (H.I.P.) Survey

All woodcock, waterfowl, and other migratory game bird hunters are required to complete a Harvest Information Program (H.I.P.) Survey. This survey will only be available on the MassFishHunt system. The traditional telephone survey will no longer be offered and you will not be assigned a H.I.P. number. Once you have completed the H.I.P. Survey online (typically when you are buying your license and/or a Massachusetts waterfowl stamp) a H.I.P Survey completed notation will appear on your hunting/sporting license. This is all you will need to prove that you have completed the survey.

12

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mA Division of Fisheries & Wildlife

Transition to the Future Managing Wildlife while Adapting to Technology

tem strikes a balance by accommodating and offering benefits to ALL the sportsmen and With all these changes, the challenge is to em- women of the Commonwealth. We apprecibrace the best of the new while retaining the ate your support during this period of techbest of the old. We expect there will be some nological advancement, and look forward to growing pains as we transition to the new sys- improving our service to you while continuing tem, and to ensure the success of this change, to provide sound stewardship of our states the DFW will monitor the system and make fish and wildlife populations and the habitats necessary refinements and improvements on which they depend. over time. We believe the MassFishHunt sys-

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DO yOu WANT TO kNOW Where TO GO FIShING Or BOATING?

Public Access to the Waters of Massachusetts is a 146 page map booklet that provides information about current public access sites. Send $8.00 payable by check to:
Office of Fishing & Boating Access Department of Fish & Game 1440 Soldiers Field Road Brighton, MA 02135 For more information call (617) 727-1843, or see www.mass.gov/dfwele/pab/index.htm
2012 Guide to hunting, Fishing and Trapping

13

Licenses
huNTING, FreShWATer FIShING & TrAppING LICeNSeS
Licenses are valid from January 1 through December 31 (except for limited term licenses). Licenses, stamps and permits may be purchased on-line at www.mass.gov/masswildlife. Licenses are also issued by some city and town clerks, all DFW offices and other selected outlets.
LICeNSeS Are reQuIreD for all persons 15 years of age and over

For a list of bear, coyote, deer, furbearer and turkey check stations, visit the DFW website at www.mass.gov/masswildlife. A list of furbearer check stations is also provided on page 46.
reSIDeNCy reQuIremeNT: To obtain a resident license, applicant must reside in Massachusetts for six consecutive months immediately prior to purchase. NONreSIDeNTS: A valid Massachusetts non-resident license

for hunting any bird or mammal; and/or for fishing the inland waters of Massachusetts. Hunting, fishing, sporting, and trapping licenses must be carried on your person and shown on demand to any officer empowered to enforce these laws, and to landowners or lessees while on their property. A hunting, fishing or trapping license is not a permit to trespass or intrude on private land, posted or not. Remember, your privilege to enter on private land is a courtesy extended to you by the owner. Practice courtesy and leave a good impression if you want to continue hunting, fishing, or trapping. Hunting or Sporting licenses can be purchased only if (1) proof of a previous hunting license issued prior to 2007 from any jurisdiction is provided; (2) a certificate of completion of a Basic Hunter Education course issued by any jurisdiction in North America is provided; or (3) an affidavit stating that the applicant has either a Basic Hunter Education Certificate or has purchased a Hunting/Sporting license prior to 2007 is provided. Minors see below. No freshwater (inland) fishing license is required on the Merrimack River seaward of the first upstream bridge (northbound traffic) of Route 495 in Haverhill. A trapping license is required for persons 12 years and over. Please see additional information on trapping, pages 45-47.
mINOrS 1517 years of age must be licensed and have required stamps and permits to hunt any bird or mammal. To obtain a hunting or sporting license a minor must have a letter of consent from a parent or guardian, and either a Basic Hunter Education Certificate or a letter signed by a parent affirming that the minor will be accompanied by a person 18 years of age or older. Minor hunting and sporting licenses can only be purchased from DFW offices or license vendors, not from a personal computer, as vendor must verify the minor has a Consent Letter and either a Basic Hunter Education Certificate or an "adult accompaniment" letter. Minors must carry their Hunter Education Certificate while hunting. If gun hunting, a Firearms Identification card (FID) is required. Minors between 12 and 14 inclusive may hunt when accompanied by a duly licensed adult, provided that a single bag limit shall be observed and only one firearm/bow is possessed by the two. Only one minor per adult is permitted. No Firearms Identification (FID) card is needed by the minor. Minors 1217 may obtain a trapping license. To obtain a trapping license a minor must have a letter of consent from a parent or guardian. Minor trapping licenses can only be purchased from DFW offices or license vendors, not from a personal computer, as vendor must verify the minor has a Consent Letter. To trap on the land of another, a minor must also have a trap registration number which requires proof of completion of a Massachusetts Trapper Education course.

(hunting, fishing and trapping) is required of non-residents. A big game license (license Class H5) is required to hunt deer, bear and wild turkey. For more information, see page 30.
TrAp reGISTrATION NumBerS are required to trap on the land

of another and may be obtained from the Permit Section, Boston Office (617) 626-1575 after completing a Trapper Education course.

FurBuyer LICeNSeS
A furbuyer is any person who buys or sells raw furs. A valid Massachusetts furbuyer license is required for any person who is receiving, buying, or bartering the raw pelts of wild animals. This includes persons handling green pelts (pelts which have not been dried or tanned) or raw pelts (pelts, including green pelts, which have been dried, fleshed or cured). A permit is not required if a skin or skins are purchased from a licensed furbuyer, hunter or trapper for the personal use of the purchaser and not for sale. Licenses are valid from January 1 to December 31. Furbuyers receive a reporting book in which they must record transactions of pelts received as they occur. Log books must be open to inspection by Environmental Police Officers (EPOs) or any agents of the Division of Fisheries & Wildlife (DFW) at any reasonable time. Furbuyer annual report forms from record books must be initialed by an EPO and submitted yearly to the Division no later than April 1. Applications for furbuyer licenses, or a listing of current furbuyers can be obtained by calling (617) 626-1575, or by writing the Boston office of the Division of Fisheries & Wildlife.

permITS
SpeCIAL LICeNSeS Or permITS are necessary for possession or

release of certain fish, baitfish, wildlife and for fur dealers, propagators, wildlife rehabilitators, taxidermists, and/or fur buyers. Apply to the DFW Boston office, Permit Section (617) 626-1575. Contact Field Headquarters in Westborough (508) 389-6300 about permits for crossbows, falconry, problem animal control, or shooting preserves.

A hunting license is required of anyone practicing falconry in Massachusetts.

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Licenses
AGrICuLTurAL LANDOWNerS: If you own or lease land that is principally used for agriculture and you are domiciled on said land, then you do not need a basic hunting, fishing or trapping license to hunt, fish or trap on that land. Permits and stamps are still required. ANTLerLeSS Deer permIT is required to

take antlerless deer during shotgun, archer y, and muzzleloader seasons statewide. Hunters may apply for this permit when they purchase their hunting/ sporting license, or at any time prior to July 16 through any license vendor or online computer. Selection is by a random, instant award process that will be available during a prescribed sales period after the application deadline has passed (see MassFishHunt article, page 10). Successful applicants will be assessed a $5.00 fee. Additional permits, if available after the end of the instant award sales period, will be issued until the overall quota for each zone is reached. Check website for details.

prImITIVe FIreArmS: ($5.10), required to Massachusetts Waterfowl Stamp, any hunt deer during the primitive firearms waterfowl hunter aged 16 or older, must season Dec. 10Dec 31. have a Federal Migratory Bird Stamp. These stamps are available at National mASSAChuSeTTS WATerFOWL: ($5.00), Wildlife Refuges, at select offices of the U.S. required of all waterfowl hunters aged 15 Postal service, by mail from the U.S. Postal and over. Stamp is not required for hunting Service, or from select private vendors, or BeAr permIT: Hunters may purchase this woodcock, snipe, American coot or rails. on-line at http://www.fws.gov/duckstamps/ Stamps.htm. permit when purchasing their hunting/ sporting license or at any time prior to FeDerAL mIGrATOry GAme BIrD STAmp: the end of the second segment of the In addition to a hunting license and a bear season through any license vendor or online computer. Fee is $5.00.

Turkey permIT: Hunters may purchase this permit when purchasing their hunting/ sporting license or at any time prior to the end of the fall turkey season through any license vendor or online computer. Fee is $5.00. hArVeST INFOrmATION prOGrAm (h.I.p.):

ST of Nuisance Aquatic Plants and Animals P THE SPREAD

Boaters, anglers, and other lake and river users are reminded that many unwanted, invasive species can be transported and inadvertently introduced to new waters by hitchhiking undetected on your boat, trailer, motor, waders, diving equipment, and other fishing gear. Please drain your boat, motor, and live well(s); clean and decontaminate your boat, motor, trailer, ropes, and gear; and make sure your equipment is thoroughly dry before entering any body of water. This is especially important if you have been boating in western Massachusetts, New York, Vermont or Connecticut. For more information contact Massachusetts DCR Lakes and Ponds Program at (617) 626-1250 or www.mass. gov/lakesandponds.
15

Woodcock, rail, coot, snipe, and waterfowl hunters must complete a Harvest Information Program (H.I.P.) survey when they purchase their license and/or the Massachusetts waterfowl stamp through any license vendor or online computer. Once the survey is completed, that fact is printed on the license, providing proof the survey has been completed. No H.I.P. number is required, and the former phone survey is no longer available.

STAmpS
ArChery: ($5.10), required to hunt deer during the archery season Oct. 15Nov. 24.

2012 Guide to hunting, Fishing and Trapping

Licenses
2012 LICeNSe, STAmp & permIT FeeS
CLASS
F1 F2 F3 F4 F6 F7 F8 F9 F10 H1 H2 H3 H4 H5 H6 H7 H8 H9 S1 S2 S3 S4 T1 T2 T3 M/N 1 M/N 2 M/N 3 W1 W2

LICeNSe
Resident Fishing Resident Minor Fishing (Age 1517) Resident Fishing (Age 6569) Resident Fishing (Age 70 or over or paraplegic, blind, mentally impaired) Non-resident Fishing Non-resident Fishing (3 day) Resident Fishing (3 day) Non-resident Fishing (Age 1517) Quabbin One Day Fishing (Quabbin only) (sold by DCR and Connecticut Valley District only) Resident Citizen Hunting Resident Citizen Hunting (Age 6569) Resident Hunting, Paraplegic Resident Alien Hunting Non-resident Hunting, Big Game (Deer, Bear, Turkey and all other game species) Non-resident Hunting, Small Game (Small game only) Non-resident Commercial Shooting Preserve (1 day) Resident Minor Hunting (Age 1517) Resident Commercial Shooting Preserve (1 day) Resident Citizen Sporting Resident Citizen Sporting (Age 6569) Resident Citizen Sporting (Age 70 or over) (includes trapping) Resident Minor Sporting (Age 1517) Resident Trapping Resident Minor Trapping (Age 1217) Resident Trapping (Age 65-69) Archery Stamp Waterfowl Stamp Primitive Firearms Stamp Wildlands Stamp, Resident Wildlands Stamp, Non-resident Trap Registration Number (Boston Office) Trap Registration Number Renewal (Boston Office) Non-resident Trapping Permit (Westborough Office) Resident Furbuyer Non-resident Citizen/Alien Furbuyer

Fee
$27.50 FREE $16.25 FREE 37.50 23.50 12.50 11.50 5.00 27.50 16.25 FREE 27.50 99.50 65.50 10.00 11.50 10.00 45.00 25.00 FREE 13.00 35.50 11.50 20.25 5.10 5.00 5.10 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 200.00 30.00 90.00

NOTe: Fee for first resident license, and all non-resident licenses include a $5.00 fee for the Wildlands Conservation Stamp. Fee for second resident license in calendar year does not include the $5.00 fee for the Wildlands Conservation Stamp. City and town clerks must add an additional one dollar ($1.00); and other sales agents may add up to an additional one dollar and fifty cents ($1.50) service fee to the price of each license sold. An additional service fee of $1.50 per license is applied to all licenses purchased through a sales agent. The same service fee, plus an additional 3% internet handling charge on the total transaction, is applied to all online license purchases. There are no service fees or internet handling charges for licenses purchased at offices of the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife.

From September 15 to May 15 all canoe or kayak occupants MUST WEAR a U.S. Coast Guard approved Personal Flotation Device.

SALTWATer FIShING permIT reQuIreD

Saltwater anglers in Massachusetts are required to purchase a state recreational saltwater fishing permit. This state-issued permit takes the place of a more expensive federal registration that would otherwise be required. The fee for this permit is $10 and will be the same cost for all anglers, including non-residents. Anglers who are younger than 16, or disabled, or who fish only on charter boats or "headboats" are exempt from this requirement; Anglers age 60 and older will need to obtain a permit, but the saltwater permit is free. The permit is available on-line, by mail, and in person at Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries offices in Gloucester, Boston, and New Bedford. For more information on the permit go to: www.mass.gov/marinefisheries

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Hunters and Anglers

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FISHING BAIT & TACKLE GUNS & AMMO ANTIQUE WEAPONS RELOADING EQUIPMENT ARCHERY SUPPLIES LAW ENFORCEMENT 2012 Guide to hunting, Fishing and Trapping

17

Fishing
OpeN SeASON (All Dates Inclusive)
TROUT 2 Lakes, ponds, major rivers 3, 5, 6 Housatonic River
4

DAILy CreeL
3 1 8 3 3 2 2 2 6 5 5 1 1 5

mINImum LeNGTh 1
20"

Jan. 1 Dec. 31 Jan. 1 Dec. 31 Apr. 1 Sept. 10 Sept. 11 Mar. 31, 2012 (see note 6) (see note 6) Jan. 1 Dec. 31

All other rivers and brooks LAKE TROUT Wachusett Reservoir 6 Quabbin
6

18" 15" 15" 15" 12" 28" 28" 14"

SALMON (landlocked) SALMON (broodstock) AMERICAN SHAD CHAIN PICKEREL BLACK BASS (Largemouth and Smallmouth, singly or combined): NORTHERN PIKE TIGER MUSKIE (Muskellunge) WALLEYE SMELT 8 ALL OTHER FRESHWATER SPECIES
7

Jan. 1 Dec. 31 Jan. 1 Dec. 31 Jan. 1 Dec. 31 Jan. 1 Dec. 31 Jan. 1 Dec. 31 Jan. 1 Dec. 31 Jan. 1 Dec. 31 Jan. 1 Feb. 28 May 16 Dec. 31 Jan. 1 Dec. 31

STRIPED BASS and HERRING: For season, size, and possession limits call the Division of Marine Fisheries at (617) 626-1520, or visit their website at www.mass.gov/marinefisheries. POSSESSION OF: Sturgeon (all species), American Brook Lamprey, Atlantic (sea-run) Salmon7, Bridle Shiner, Burbot, Eastern Silvery Minnow, Lake Chub, Longnose Sucker, and Northern Redbelly Dace is illegal! If caught release immediately. This means remove hook or cut line and return fish to water immediately do not pose for photographs, place on a stringer, hold in a net, or delay in any way the immediate return and release of the fish to the water! 1 Minimum length is measured as the straight line (not curved over the body) from the tip of the snout to the tip of the tail. The tips of any forked tail may be squeezed together for the final measurement. 2 Trout applies to Brook, Brown, Rainbow, and Tiger Trout (a cross between a female brown and a male brook trout). From Apr. 1 to Sept. 10, no more than 8 trout (as defined) may be taken daily, and only 3 of those trout may be from lakes, ponds, or major rivers 3. From Sept. 11 to Mar. 31, no more than 3 trout (as defined) may be taken daily. 3 Major Rivers: Childs, Coonamessett, Deerfield, Farmington, Green (Colrain), Green (Great Barrington), Ipswich, Jones, Mashpee, Millers, Nissitissit, North (Colrain), North (West Branch), Parker, Quaboag, Quinapoxet, Quinebaug, Seven Mile, Santuit, Scorton Creek, Shawsheen, Squannacook, Stillwater (Sterling, Princeton), Swift (East Branch), Swift (Winsor Dam to Ware River, except as posted), Tully (East and West Branches), Ware, Ware (East Branch), Westfield (all branches). 4 Mainstem Housatonic only, from the confluence of the East and West Branches to the MACT line, exclusive of the catch-and-release areas where no trout may be kept. 5 Special Brown Trout water: South Pond (Quacumquasit), Brookfield. Total daily creel is 3 trout but only 1 may be a brown trout and it must be at least 15". 6 Quabbin and Wachusett Reservoirs: Opening and closing dates are set by the Department of Conservation and Recreation. For Quabbin Reservoir visit www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/central/quabbin.htm or call (413) 323-7221. For Wachusett / Sudbury Reservoirs visit www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/central/wachRes.htm or call (508) 835-4816 or (978) 365-3800. Quabbin Reservoir and its tributary streams within the Quabbin Reservation are closed to all fishing except during the open season as set by the Department of Conservation and Recreation. The Wachusett/Sudbury/West Waushacum fishing season normally opens the first Saturday in April and closes Nov. 30, but the DCR/DWSP may alter those dates depending on ice conditions. At Wachusett Reservoir, shoreline fishing only is allowed from Gate 6 on Route 70 to Gate 36 on Route 110. 7 The harvest of broodstock salmon (Atlantic Salmon) is lawful in all inland waters of Massachusetts except in: the Connecticut River and all its tributaries; and the Merrimack River downstream of the Essex Dam in Lawrence, MA and all its tributaries downstream of the Essex Dam in Lawrence, MA. The possession of an Atlantic salmon (including broodstock salmon) while fishing in the Connecticut River and all its tributaries and in the Merrimack River downstream of the Essex Dam in Lawrence, MA and all its tributaries downstream of the Essex Dam in Lawrence, MA is prohibited. 8 Smelt may be taken by hook and line only.

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BAIT
Permit required to take baitfish for purpose of sale; see Permits on page 14. Individuals trapping fish for personal use as baitfish may use only one trap. Individuals trapping baitfish under a commercial license may use more than one trap. Frogs (except leopard frogs) 2 inches or less snout to vent may be used as bait; 10 daily, 10 in possession; may not be sold. Baitfish may be taken by licensed anglers at any time (except for purposes of sale) with a rectangular net not exceeding 36 square feet of net area or by a hoop or circular net not exceeding 6 feet in diameter or with a fish trap with openings not exceeding one inch. The following species may be taken for personal use as bait by licensed anglers. Only the fish species listed below may be used as bait, live or dead. American eel Creek chubsucker Fathead minnow Pumpkinseed Spottail shiner Banded killifish Emerald shiner Golden shiner Rainbow smelt* White sucker Bluntnose minnow Fallfish Mummichog Yellow perch

* Smelt may be taken only by hook and line. Possession or use of smelt as bait in inland waters other than during the smelt season is prohibited. Herring: For current regulations on the use, possession, and taking of herring contact the Division of Marine Fisheries, (617) 626-1520 or www.mass.gov/marinefisheries.

CATCh-AND-reLeASe AreAS
Artificial lures only. No bait in possession. Housatonic River: From the Rte. 20 bridge in Lee downstream to Willow Mill Dam AND from Glendale Dam downstream to the RR bridge. No fishing from June 15Aug. 31 inclusive within 100 feet of the mouths of posted tributaries: Beartown Brook; Goose Pond Brook; Hop Brook; and Mohawk Brook. Red Brook: From the outlet of White Island Pond to the inlet of Buttermilk Bay. Nissitissit River: From the New Hampshire border to the Prescott St. Bridge. FLY FISHING ONLY. Swift River: Winsor Dam to Rte. 9, catch-and-release FLY FISHING ONLY (year around); Rte. 9 to Cady Lane, catchand-release July 1Dec. 31 (artificials only). Deerfield River: Fife Brook Dam to Hoosac Tunnel, and the section extending from Pelham Brook to the Mohawk Campground. Westfield River, East Branch: Immediately below the Chesterfield Gorge parking lot in Chesterfield to the gate north of the Corps of Engineers parking lot at Knightville in Huntington. Millers River: Templeton/Athol RR bridge to dam in Athol and from Wendell Rd. bridge in Orange to the breached dam in Erving center. Quashnet River: From the outlet of Johns Pond to the sign 0.1 mile below Rte. 28. 2012 Guide to hunting, Fishing and Trapping

19

Fishing
FISh CONSumpTION ADVISOrIeS
The MA Dept. of Public Health (MDPH), has issued a statewide advisory for pregnant women, nursing mothers, women who may become pregnant, and children under 12 not to consume fish caught in fresh water due to elevated levels of mercury in fish. MDPH has also issued fish consumption advisories for the general public on selected bodies of water primarily due to PCB and mercury contamination. For more information or a list of waters with fish consumption advisories, contact MDPH, Bureau of Environmental Health, at (617) 624-5757 or www.mass.gov/dph.

SpeArS, BOW AND ArrOWS

May be used to take suckers, carp and eels only. Fishing license required.

FIShING prOhIBITIONS
Explosives Jug, toggle or trot line fishing. Lead Sinkers, Lead Weights, and Lead Jigs Weighing Less Than an Ounce. Any sinker or weight made from lead that weighs less than 1 ounce, and any lead jig (meaning any lead-weighted hook) that weighs less than 1 ounce, is prohibited for use in all inland waters of the Commonwealth. The term lead sinker shall not include any other sinkers, weights, fishing lures or fishing tackle including, but not limited to, artificial lures, hooks, weighted flies, and lead-core or other weighted fishing lines. More than two hooks for fishing or more than five hooks when ice fishing. A hook is defined as an angling device attached to a fishing line which is designed to take one fish at a time but is not limited to devices commonly called spinners, spoons, bait harnesses, lead head jigs, or plugs.

FreShWATer FIShING WeekeND

June 2 & 3, 2012 No license needed!
INTerSTATe pOND LICeNSe reGuLATIONS
Wallum Lake, Douglas: Fishing permitted by persons duly licensed in Massachusetts or Rhode Island. Rhode Island regulations apply. Lake Monomonac and Robbins Pond, Winchendon; Long Pond, Tyngsboro and Dracut; Bent Pond, Warwick; Tuxbury Pond, Amesbury: Fishing permitted by persons duly licensed in Massachusetts or New Hampshire. New Hampshire regulations apply. Colebrook Reservoir, Tolland; Perry Pond, Dudley; Muddy Pond, Southbridge; Breakneck Pond, Sturbridge; Congamond Lake, Southwick; Hamilton Reservoir, Holland: Fishing permitted by persons duly licensed in Massachusetts or Connecticut. Connecticut regulations apply to Colebrook Reservoir, Breakneck Pond, Perry Pond and Muddy Pond. Massachusetts regulations apply to Congamond Lake and Hamilton Reservoir. Sherman Reservoir, Rowe: Massachusetts regulations apply and MA license required in MA. Vermont regulations apply and VT license required in VT.

mArINe FISherIeS
An Agency of the massachusetts Dept. of Fish and Game
Have any questions regarding salt water fishing regulations? Call the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries information hotline at (617) 626-1520 or visit www.mass.gov/marinefisheries or email marine.fish@state.ma.us

Its not just catching... its a total shing experience.

20

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mA Division of Fisheries & Wildlife

 Possession of: Sturgeon (all species), American Brook Lamprey, Atlantic (sea-run) Salmon, Bridle Shiner, Burbot, Eastern Silvery Minnow, Lake Chub, Longnose Sucker, and Northern Redbelly Dace is illegal! If caught, release immediately. This means remove hook or cut line and return fish to water immediatelydo not pose for photographs, place on a stringer, hold in a net, or delay in any way the immediate return and release of the fish to the water. Poisons Releasing fish or spawn into inland waters, except by permit. Rubbish in inland waters. Sale of freshwater fish without a permit. Snagging Transporting live fish (except bait for personal use) without a permit.

LEAD FREE
Fish Safer. Fish lead free.
We at Timmy Toms understand the needs for safer shing tackle. We only oer the highest quality lead free jigheads.

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2012 Guide to hunting, Fishing and Trapping

21

Fishing
FISheS OF mASSAChuSeTTS
More than 80 kinds of fish live in the inland waters of the Commonwealth. Pictured is a small sample of some of the most popular species commonly taken by anglers. For a more complete list, pick up a copy of our brochure Freshwater Fishes of Massachusetts at any DFW office.

TemperATure preFereNCeS OF FISh

Temperature preferences are different for many fish. Though fish cannot always find their exact preference, they are usually found in water closest to their preferred temperature. Temperature Preferences of Fish

ATLANTiC SALMON The anadromous form of this species lives in the open ocean but ascends freshwater rivers to spawn. The landlocked form lives in deep, cold, freshwater habitats and spawns in tributaries. Anadromous form grows to 20 lbs; landlocks average 24 lbs. Landlocked populations occur in the Quabbin and Wachusett Reservoirs; attempts to restore sea-run populations to the Connecticut and Merrimack Rivers continue.

80 75 70 65 60 55 50 45

< Catfish Family < Bluegill / Pumpkinseed < < < < Largemouth Bass Calico Bass (Crappies) Esocids (Pike/Pickerel/Muskellunge), Smallmouth Bass Perch Family (Yellow Perch/Walleye)

< Brown Trout < Landlocked Salmon, Rainbow/Brook Trout < Lake Trout

SMALLMOUTH BASS Less common than largemouths, these cool-water gamefish are found in clear, rocky habitats. Average size is 12 lbs, but can reach up to 8 lbs. This species often jumps spectacularly when hooked.

LARGEMOUTH BASS A warm-water gamefish found in lakes, ponds and slow moving rivers associated with weeds and structure. Typically 13 lbs, but can reach up to 15 lbs. Dark line along each side is a good identification mark.

BROOk TROUT This beautiful native char thrives in clean, cold, well-oxygenated waters. It is found in high gradient streams and slow moving beaver flowages. Wild brookies average 68 inches, but stocked specimens are typically 1012 inches or larger. Considered by many to be the most beautiful fish in North America.

BROWN TROUT This trout thrives in heavy cover and deep pools of cold, welloxygenated water. Typically stocked at 1014 inches with larger specimens to 20+ inches. Many wild populations exist in small to medium-size streams.

RAiNBOW TROUT These trout thrive in cold, well-oxygenated, fast moving water. Typical hatchery fish are 1216 inches, with larger specimens to 20+ inches. Profusely speckled and usually has a pink line along each side.
mA Division of Fisheries & Wildlife

22

www.mass.gov/masswildlife

Fishing

BROWN BULLHEAD Our native horned pout catfish thrives in warm-water habitats associated with muddy bottoms and aquatic vegetation. Average size is 812 inches, but larger ones are not uncommon. Handle this fish (and all catfish) with care, as spines in the dorsal and pectoral fins can inflict painful wounds.

CHAiN PiCkEREL A native cool-water gamefish found in shallow, vegetated areas of fairly clear lakes, ponds and rivers. Typically 1520 inches but larger specimens are not uncommon. Respected for its sharp teeth which can easily cut most fishing lines and inflict minor wounds.

BLUEGiLL A sunfish that prefers shallow, weedy, warm-water habitats. Typically 47 inches in length with larger specimens to 10 inches. Identified by the solid black flap on gill cover and a dark patch near the back, bottom edge of the dorsal fin.

PUMPkiNSEED A native sunfish, this pretty little kivver is found in weedy, warmwater habitats. Most are 47 inches, but can get up to 89 inches. Look for blue "warpaint" on the face and a red/orange-tipped gill flap.

YELLOW PERCH A native cool-water panfish found in the vegetated areas of lakes, ponds, slow streams, and almost any open water with moderate vegetation. Typically 810 inches but larger fish are not uncommon. A schooling fish, it is safe to assume that if you find one, there are others in the vicinity.

BLACk CRAPPiE This "calico" sunfish is found in weedy, warm-water habitats. It often forms schools in submerged structure, especially brush piles and fallen trees. Typically 512 inches, but larger specimens not uncommon.

2012 Guide to hunting, Fishing and Trapping

23

Illustrations by Duane Raver / USFWS; Atlantic Salmon illustration by Ellen Edmondson.

Fishing
FreShWATer SpOrTFIShING AWArDS
Awards for freshwater fish are offered in 22 categories. Each qualified entry receives a bronze pin. Largest fish in each category each year receives a gold pin and plaque. There is also an annual Angler of the Year award for the person who has taken the greatest variety of pinfish during the year. Fish must meet minimum weight requirements listed below, and must be weighed on a scale certified by the Massachusetts Division of Standards or a town official. Please check our website for a list of weigh stations and/or to download an affidavit. This information is also available at DFW offices.

CurreNT mINImum WeIGhTS

SpeCIeS
Broodstock salmon Brook trout Brown trout Bullhead Carp Chain pickerel Channel catfish Crappie Lake trout Landlocked salmon1 Largemouth bass Northern pike Rainbow trout Shad Smallmouth bass Sunfish2 Tiger muskie Tiger trout Walleye White catfish White perch Yellow perch

ADuLT
10 lbs. 0 ozs. 2 lbs. 0 ozs. 4 lbs. 0 ozs. 2 lbs. 0 ozs. 15 lbs. 0 ozs. 4 lbs. 8 ozs. 6 lbs. 0 ozs. 1 lb. 8 ozs. 7 lbs. 0 ozs. 4 lbs. 0 ozs. 7 lbs. 0 ozs. 15 lbs. 0 ozs. 3 lbs. 0 ozs. 5 lbs. 0 ozs. 4 lbs. 8 ozs. 0 lbs. 12 ozs. 10 lbs. 0 ozs. 2 lbs. 0 ozs. 4 lbs. 0 ozs. 4 lbs. 0 ozs. 1 lb. 8 ozs. 1 lb. 8 ozs.

yOuTh
5 lbs. 1 lb. 2 lbs. 1 lb. 10 lbs. 3 lbs. 5 lbs. 1 lb. 5 lbs. 3 lbs. 4 lbs. 10 lbs. 2 lbs. 3 lbs. 3 lbs. 0 lbs. 7 lbs. 1 lb. 2 lbs. 2 lbs. 1 lb. 1 lb. 0 ozs. 0 ozs. 0 ozs. 0 ozs. 0 ozs. 0 ozs. 0 ozs. 0 ozs. 0 ozs. 0 ozs. 0 ozs. 0 ozs. 0 ozs. 0 ozs. 0 ozs. 8 ozs. 0 ozs. 0 ozs. 0 ozs. 0 ozs. 0 ozs. 0 ozs.

1 Landlocked Salmon are recognized only from Quabbin and Wachusett Reservoirs. 2 Sunfish category includes bluegills, pumpkinseeds, redbreast sunfish, green and rock bass.

mASSAChuSeTTS FreShWATer SpOrTFIShING reCOrDS

SpeCIeS
American shad Broodstock salmon Brook trout Brown trout Bullhead Carp Chain pickerel Channel catfish Crappie Lake trout Landlocked salmon Largemouth bass Northern pike Rainbow trout Smallmouth bass Sunfish Tiger muskellunge Tiger trout Walleye White catfish White perch Yellow perch

WeIGhT
11 lbs. 4 ozs. 22 lbs. 15 ozs. 10 lbs. 0 ozs. 19 lbs. 10 ozs. 6 lbs. 4 ozs. 44 lbs. 2 ozs. 9 lbs. 5 ozs. 26 lbs. 8 ozs. 4 lbs. 10 ozs. 24 lbs. 0 ozs. 10 lbs. 2 ozs. 15 lbs. 8 ozs. 35 lbs. 0 ozs. 13 lbs. 13 ozs. 8 lbs. 2 ozs. 2 lbs. 1 ozs. 27 lbs. 0 ozs. 9 lbs. 7 ozs. 11 lbs. 0 ozs. 9 lbs. 3 ozs. 3 lbs. 5 ozs. 2 lbs. 12 ozs.

WATer
Connecticut River Lake Mattawa, Orange Ashfield Lake, Ashfield Wachusett Reservoir Forest Lake, Methuen Connecticut River Laurel Lake, Lee Ashfield Lake, Ashfield Jakes Pond, Plymouth Wachusett Reservoir Wachusett Reservoir Sampson Pond, Carver South Pond, Brookfield Wachusett Reservoir Wachusett Reservoir South Athol Pond, Athol Lake Pontoosuc, Pittsfield Peters Pond, Sandwich Quabbin Reservoir Baddacook Pond, Groton Wachusett Reservoir South Watuppa Pond, Fall River

yeAr
1986 1997 2008 1966 2008 1993 1954 1989 1980 2004 1985 1975 1988 1999 1991 1982 2001 2004 1975 1987 1994 1979

24

www.mass.gov/masswildlife

mA Division of Fisheries & Wildlife

Fishing
2011 FreShWATer SpOrTFIShING AWArD WINNerS (2012 data not complete at press time)
ADuLT GOLD pIN WINNerS SpeCIeS
Broodstock salmon Brook trout Brown trout Bullhead Carp Chain pickerel Channel catfish Crappie Lake trout Landlocked salmon Largemouth bass Northern pike Rainbow trout Shad Smallmouth bass Sunfish Tiger muskie Tiger trout Walleye

yOuTh GOLD pIN WINNerS WeIGhT

16 lbs. 8 ozs. 2 lbs. 2 ozs. 4 lbs. 6 ozs. 4 lbs. 10 ozs. 23 lbs. 8 ozs. 6 lbs. 6 ozs. 14 lbs. 10 ozs. 3 lbs. 5 ozs. 12 lbs. 0 ozs. 7 lbs. 3 ozs. 6 lbs. 4 ozs. 15 lbs. 14 ozs. 3 lbs. 8 ozs. 4 lbs. 8 ozs. 5 lbs. 8 ozs. 1 lb. 5 ozs.

WeIGhT
18 lbs. 6 ozs. 3 lbs. 6 ozs. 13 lbs. 1 oz. 3 lbs. 14 ozs. 31 lbs. 3 ozs. 6 lbs. 14 ozs. 18 lbs. 3 ozs. 3 lbs. 5 ozs. 17 lbs. 5 ozs. 8 lbs. 4 ozs. 8 lbs. 10 ozs. 29 lbs. 8 ozs. 4 lbs. 12 ozs. 5 lbs. 3 ozs. 6 lbs. 11 ozs. 1 lb. 7 ozs. 16 lbs. 5 ozs. 3 lbs. 12 ozs. 7 lbs. 7 ozs.

WATer
Comet Pond, Hubbardston Walden Pond, Concord Walden Pond, Concord Round Pond, Haverhill Connecticut River, Hatfield Wachusett Reservoir, West Boylston Connecticut River, Hadley Indian Hill Reservoir, West Newbury Wachusett Reservoir, West Boylston Quabbin Reservoir Johns Pond, Mashpee Onota Lake, Pittsfield Comet Pond, Hubbardston Indian Head River, Pembroke Quabbin Reservoir Mattawa Lake, Orange Spy Pond, Arlington Sheep Pond, Brewster Connecticut River, Montague Mashpee-Wakeby Pond, Mashpee Middle Pond, Marstons Mills Shubael Pond, Marstons Mills

WINNer
Dave Ago, Worcester Brian Marchand, Tyngsboro Chastity Puchtler, Waltham Roger Aziz, Jr., Methuen Richard Banasieski, Hatfield Kimberly Beauchesne, Spencer Kerry Fisher, Jr., Chicopee Bret Twombly, Rowley Samuel Lent, Millbury Thomas Watson, Chicopee Matthew LeBlanc, Rockland Jason Sniezek Andy Femino, Barre Allan Scally, Plymouth Evan Brown, Ware Adelino Goncalves, Chicopee John Wallace, Arlington Philip Henderson, North Attleboro Kenneth Welch, Chicopee Eddie Lemieux, Acushnet Jeff Capute, Centerville Jeff Capute, Centerville

WATer
Comet Pond, Hubbardston Nine Mile Pond, Wilbraham Mashpee-Wakeby Pond, Mashpee Sawdy Pond, Westport Connecticut River, Montague Laurel Lake, Lee Connecticut River, Hatfield Connecticut River, Hatfield Quabbin Reservoir Quabbin Reservoir Pratt Pond, Upton Onota Lake, Pittsfield Quabbin Reservoir Connecticut River, Springfield Wachusett Reservoir, West Boylston Long Pond, Lakeville no youth entries

WINNer
Benjamin Benoit, Templeton Jack Calcidise, East Longmeadow Shawn Deane, Forestdale Brandon Costa, Fall River Logan Emerson, Greenfield Michael Wheaton, Jr., Pittsfield Douglas Enko, Haydenville Matt Ziomek, Amherst Joe Roman, Holland Chloe Wright, Athol Mason Consigli, Upton Austin Cancilla, Pittsfield Haley Jean, New Salem Eliot Madison, West Springfield Brenden Fuller, Millbury Zachary Lemieux, Acushnet

3 lbs. 4 ozs. 6 lbs. 10 ozs.

Peters Pond, Sandwich Connecticut River, Montague Charles River, Boston

Matthew Crowther, Somerville Trevor Lapinski, Montague Danny Grafton, Jr., Weymouth Alex Avila, Sandwich Thaddeus ODell, Barre

White catfish

6 lbs. 11 ozs.

3 lbs. 13 ozs.

White perch Yellow perch

3 lbs. 0 ozs. 2 lbs. 8 ozs.

3 lbs. 1 oz. 1 lb. 12 ozs.

Santuit Pond, Mashpee Wequaquet Lake, Barnstable

2012 Guide to hunting, Fishing and Trapping

25

A Sportsmens Guide to Bay State Turtles

Sportsmen spend a lot of time in the outdoors enjoying the simple pleasures offered by our woods and waters, and most have discovered that learning the identity of the various plants and animals we encounter while pursuing our activities adds a great deal to the quality of our experiences and the telling of our fishing and hunting stories. With this thought in mind, we decided it might be useful to offer this field guide that should allow anyone to learn and correctly identify our 10 species of native turtles, plus one established exotic. Turtles are in trouble across the globe due to a host of reasons, many of which are related to loss of habitat; but a growing demand for turtle meat in certain Asian countries and an increasing market for exotic pets worldwide are also factors in the decline of some species. Here in the Commonwealth, where more than half of our turtles are now uncommon enough to have warranted protection under our state Endangered Species Act (MESA), the main threats our turtles face aside from habitat loss and fragmentation are road mortality (due to ever-increasing road and traffic density) and illegal, incidental collection as pets. Because most turtles have very low reproductive rates (due to high predation/mortality of eggs and young) and require years (typically a decade or more) to reach maturity and grow the armor to thwart most natural predators, any significant increase in the loss of adults (all of which have the potential to live for decades; some for half a century or more) has the potential to reduce populations to a point from which they cannot naturally recover. The DFW is responsible for the conservation of all our native wildlife, and has long pioneered, conducted, and funded a host of research and restoration programs designed to conserve healthy populations of all our turtle species. The DFW protects all but three of our species from collection, yet recognizes that those three common species (snapping, painted, musk) remain abundant and therefore allows budding naturalists and aquarists to catch and keep up to two of each. If you choose to catch and keep one of these turtles, we recommend that you take only a hatchling or a young turtle under 3 inches long, and that you keep it for a year or less. Watch, study, and enjoy the turtle, making sure it has adequate space, light, shade, a basking site, recommended food, and clean water (turtle care information is available from many websites); then take it back and release it where you found it so it can rejoin and support its population. The snapping turtle, perhaps our most abundant species due to its highly aquatic habits and high reproductive potential, is our

Photo Bill Byrne

Photo William Fournier

Photo Bill Byrne

Musk Turtle (Sternotherus odoratus)

A small, locally common turtle with a domed, somewhat narrow shell, 3 - 5.5 inches, often covered with algae. Two yellow stripes, often faint, run from nose to neck. Highly aquatic, nocturnal, walks on bottom. Statewide in rivers, ponds and streams.

Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina)

Our largest turtle, 15 - 60 pounds, found statewide. Shell is 8 - 18 inches, deeply serrated at rear. Long neck and tail. Aggressive on land, but can be safely moved by grasping base of tail and sliding other hand under belly to support weight.

Eastern Box Turtle* (Terrapene carolina)

Helmet-like shell is 4.5 - 6.5 inches with variable black and yellow/orange pattern. Belly is hinged and turtle can close its shell tightly. Range nearly statewide, but population density is extremely low other than in certain scrub oak-pitch pine habitats.

Photo Bill Byrne

Photo Bill Byrne

Photo Bill Byrne

Bog Turtle* (Glyptemys muhlenbergii)

A small turtle with large orange or yellow patch on each side of head/neck. Shell is 3 - 4 inches, light or dark walnut in color. Found only in Berkshire County; lives in extremely shallow, flowing wetlands called fens. State-listed Endangered Species.

Blandings Turtle* (Emydoidea blandingii)

Big, helmet-like shell is 6.5 - 9 inches with yellow flecking overall; hinge on bottom. Distinctive yellow chin and throat; long neck. Lives in shallow wetlands, primarily in eastern Massachusetts. State-listed as a Threatened Species.

Northern Red-bellied Cooter* (Pseudemys rubriventris)

A large basking turtle with a dark shell, 10-12 inches. Belly is typically coral red; head, neck, and legs black and unmarked. A federally-listed and state-listed Endangered Species, it is found only in ponds and rivers in Plymouth County.

All species marked with an asterisk (*) are fully protected and cannot be held in possession without a permit.

26

www.mass.gov/masswildlife

mA Division of Fisheries & Wildlife

largest turtle (the state and world record is 76.5 pounds) and the only one of our reptiles classified as a game species. But other turtles need our help. Because sportsmen spend so much time outdoors in the same habitats that turtles inhabit, its probably safe to say that we encounter turtles at much higher rates than the most people. As a result, sportsmen have been and remain one of our best sources of data on the location of rare turtle populations, and we encourage you to photograph and report any sightings of the MESA-listed species shown here. Meanwhile, anytime you can safely help a turtle crossing a road (by bringing it directly across in the direction it was heading and releasing it on site), be aware that such an action is probably one of the most altruistic and useful acts of conservation anyone can perform.

Gorilla Tough On A Roll

Photo Bill Byrne

Diamondback Terrapin* (Malaclemys terrapin)

A coastal turtle with a light gray to almost black shell, 4 - 8.5 inches, often with concentric rings and fingerprint designs. Skin is gray with numerous black spots. This species lives in brackish water and saltmarshes in southeastern Massachusetts.

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Painted Turtle (Chrysemys picta)

Very common sun turtle has a smooth shell, 4.5 - 7 inches, edged in red and black. Belly is yellow, and there is a yellow spot behind each eye. Neck has yellow and red stripes; front legs have red stripes. Statewide in most wetlands.

Wood Turtle* (Glyptemys insculpta)

Warm-brown shell, 5.5 - 8 inches, that resembles carved wood. Neck and front legs washed with orange. Belly yellow, with black blotches around margin. Statewide except southeastern area. Typically associated with shallow rivers and streams.

Photo David Taylor Photo Bill Byrne

Spotted Turtle* (Clemmys guttata)

A locally common turtle, found statewide, with a dark shell typically patterned with a few to a hundred or more small, yellow spots. Skin also often spotted. Usually associated with shallow wetlands and vernal pools. Shell is 3.5 - 4.5 inches long.

Red-eared Slider (Trachemys scripta elegans)

A non-native pet store turtle with a distinctive red spot or slash behind eye. Shell is marked with irregular dark stripes and spots, 7 - 11 inches. May be found statewide due to illegally released specimens; please capture and turn over to any DFW District office. We do not want this non-native species to become established.

2012 Guide to hunting, Fishing and Trapping

27

Wildlife management Zones

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Connecticut River
ZONe 1: Northerly by the Vermont border; westerly
by the New York border; southerly by a line running along Rte. 20 to the junction with Rte. 7 in Pittsfield; north on Rte. 7 to Rte. 9 and east on Rte. 9 to the junction of Rte. 8; and easterly by a line running from the Vermont border south along Rte. 8 to Rte. 9 in Pittsfield.

ZONe 4 SOuTh: Northerly by Zones 2 and 4N; westerly by Zone 3; southerly by the Connecticut Border; and easterly by the Connecticut River. ZONe 5: Northerly by the New Hampshire border; westerly by the Connecticut River; southerly by a line running from the intersection of the Connecticut River and Rte. 9 at the Northampton/Hadley line east along Rte. 9 to Rte. 116 in Hadley, north along Rte. 116 to Rte. 63 in North Amherst, east along Rte. 63 and Pine Street to State Street, northeast along State Street and East Leverett Road to Cushman Road, along Cushman Road to Shutesbury Road in East Leverett, east on Shutesbury Road and Leverett Road to Wendell Road in Shutesbury Center, north along Wendell Road to Locks Pond Road, north on Locks Pond Road to Lake View Road, northeast on Lake View Road to Locks Village Road, north along Locks Village Road to Depot Road in Wendell, north on Depot Road to Rte. 2A in Wendell Depot, east on Rte. 2A to Rte. 32 in Athol, south on Rte. 32 to Rte. 62 in Barre, and east on Rte. 62 to the intersection with Rte. 31 in Princeton; and easterly by a line running north on Rte. 31 to the New Hampshire border. ZONe 6: Northerly by Zone 5; westerly by Zone 5;
southerly by a line running from the intersection of Rte. 9 and Rt. 116 in Hadley, east along Rte. 9 to the intersection with Rte. 32 in Ware; and easterly by a line running from the intersection of Rte. 32 and Rte. 62 in Barre, south along Rte. 32 to the intersection with Rte. 9 in Ware.

ZONe 8: Northerly by Zone 5; southerly by the

Connecticut and Rhode Island borders; easterly by the following: Rte. 31 in Princeton south to Rte. 56 in Paxton, Rte. 56 south to Rte. 9 in Leicester, Rte. 9 east to Cambridge Street in Worcester, Cambridge Street east to Rte. 146, Rte. 146 southeast to the Rhode Island border, westerly by Zones 6 and 7. southerly by the Rhode Island border; easterly by the following: Rte. 3 from New Hampshire southeast to Rte. I-495 south to Rte. 121 in Wrentham, Rte. 121 southwest to the Rhode Island border; westerly by Zones 5 and 8.

ZONe 2: Northerly by Vermont border; westerly

by Zones 1 and 3; southerly by the Massachusetts Turnpike (I-90) from the intersection with the Housatonic River in Lee, east to the intersection (dead end) with Bonny Rigg Hill Road in Becket; and easterly by a line running from the Vermont border south along Rte. 112 to Rte. 143 in Worthington, along Rte. 143 west to the intersection with the Middle Branch of the Westfield River, then south along the Middle Branch of the Westfield River to the intersection with the East Branch of the Westfield River, south along the East Branch of the Westfield River to Rte. 20 in Huntington, west along Rte. 20 to Bonny Rigg Hill Road in Becket, south on Bonny Rigg Hill Road to the intersection with the Massachusetts Turnpike.

ZONe 9: Northerly by the New Hampshire border;

ZONe 10: Northerly by the New Hampshire border;

ZONe 3: Northerly by Zone 1; westerly by the New York border; southerly by the New York and Connecticut borders; and easterly by a line running south along the Housatonic River from the junction with Rte. 9 in Pittsfield to the junction with Rte. 20 in Lee, east along Rte. 20 to the junction with Rte. 8 in West Becket, and south on Rte. 8 to the Connecticut border. ZONe 4 NOrTh: Northerly by the Vermont border;
westerly by Zone 2; southerly by a line running north from the intersection of Rte. 20 and the East Branch of the Westfield River in Huntington along the East Branch of the Westfield River to the intersection with Rte. 66, along Rte. 66 to the intersection with Rte. 9 in Northampton, to the intersection with the Connecticut River at the Northampton/Hadley town line; and easterly by the Connecticut River.

westerly by Zone 9; southerly by a line running from the intersection of Rte. 1A and Rte. 27 in the town of Walpole northeast along Rte. 1A to the intersection with Rte. 128 in the town of Dedham, east on Rte. 128 to the intersection with Rte. 3 in the town of Braintree, east on Rte. 3 to the intersection with Rte. 228 in the town of Rockland, and north on Rte. 228 to the Atlantic Ocean at the intersection of Rte. 228 and Nantasket Avenue in the town of Hull; and easterly by the Atlantic ocean. by Buzzard's Bay and the Cape Cod Canal; easterly by the Atlantic Ocean; westerly by the Rhode Island border.

ZONe 11: Northerly by Zones 9 and 10; southerly

the Connecticut border; easterly by a line running from the intersection of Rte. 9 and Rte. 32 in Ware, east along Rte. 9 to the intersection with Rte. 67, southwest along Rte. 67 to the intersection with Rte. 19 in Warren, and south along Rte. 19 to the Connecticut border.

ZONe 7: Northerly by Zones 5 and 6; southerly by

ZONe 12: Northerly, southerly and easterly by the

Atlantic Ocean; westerly by Zone 11.

ZONe 13: Dukes County (i.e. Martha's Vineyard). ZONe 14: Nantucket.

28

www.mass.gov/masswildlife

mA Division of Fisheries & Wildlife

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2012 Guide to hunting, Fishing and Trapping

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29

hunting
GeNerAL huNTING reGuLATIONS
ACCIDeNTS: All hunting-related injuries or deaths MUST be

reported to state or local police and to the environmental police.

ANTLerLeSS Deer permIT: Required to take antlerless deer in any zone during any deer season, in addition to a hunting or sporting license. See page 39 for more details. ArChery: Poisoned arrows, or explosive tips, or bows drawn by mechanical means, are prohibited except for crossbows as permitted. Mechanical releases are permitted. Arrows used on deer, bear or turkey must have well-sharpened steel broadhead blades not less than inches in width. Expanding broadheads are legal. Recurve or long bows for deer, bear or turkey hunting must have at least 40 lbs. pull at 28 inches or at peak draw weight for compound bows. No arrows may be released within 150 feet of, or across, any state or hardsurfaced highway, and hunting is prohibited within 500 feet of any dwelling or building in use, unless authorized by owner or occupant thereof. A firearms license (FID or LTC card) is not required for bowhunting. Archers, while hunting deer, shall not possess firearms on their person or use dogs. (See deer regulations on page 39.) Archers may hunt with a bow and arrow during the shotgun season and muzzleloader season but must comply with all other shotgun or muzzleloader season regulations. Crossbows may be used by certain permanently disabled persons by permit only. For regulations and an application, visit www.mass.gov/masswildlife or contact DFW at (508) 389-6300. huNTer OrANGe: No person shall hunt during the pheasant or quail season on public shooting grounds or WMAs where pheasant or quail are stocked without wearing a hunter orange cap or hat except while night-hunting for raccoons or opossums, or while hunting waterfowl from a blind or boat. During the period when it is legal to hunt deer with a shotgun, all hunters, except waterfowl hunters hunting within a blind or from a boat, must wear, in a conspicuous manner on chest, back, and head, a minimum of 500 square inches of hunter orange clothing or material. During the muzzleloader season, all deer hunters must comply with the 500 sq. inch hunter orange requirement. huNTING DOGS: May be trained at any time (except during

the shotgun season on deer) provided that only pistols or revolvers and blank cartridges are used or possessed. No sporting or hunting license is necessary. During the shotgun season on deer, dogs may be used for waterfowl hunting on coastal waters only. Hunting bear or bobcat with dogs, or training dogs on those species, is prohibited.
TreeSTANDS: Must have written permission of landowner to construct or use any treestand held in place with nails, bolts, etc., or in place for more than 30 days.

NON-reSIDeNT huNTerS:
Must have a valid Massachusetts nonresident hunting license in order to hunt. Must have proof of a Basic Hunter Education course certificate or previous license from any jurisdiction in order to purchase a Massachusetts hunting license. Nonresident minors (ages 1517), see MiNORS, page 14. Each license includes a $5.00 charge for a Wildlife Conservation Stamp. Must obtain the same stamps and permits as residents. Permit and stamp fees are the same for residents and non-residents. Non-resident migratory game bird hunters must complete a Massachusetts H.i.P. survey to hunt. May not purchase ammunition in Massachusetts (including materials used in black powder firearms). While travelling into or through Massachusetts must have their firearms unloaded and enclosed in a case. No gun license (FiD) is needed to possess or transport long guns. Must contact the Massachusetts Criminal History Systems Board (CHSB) Firearms Support Services, 200 Arlington St., Suite 2200, Chelsea, MA 02150, tel. (617) 660-4780 for information on handgun permits.

FeDerAL WILDLIFe LAW INFOrmATION

Please note that fishing and hunting laws on federal parks, refuges, and reservations, such as those controlled by U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service or the National Park Service, may differ from state regulations. Contact the agency in question.

30

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mA Division of Fisheries & Wildlife

hunting
WILDLIFe mANAGemeNT AreA reGuLATIONS
The Division of Fisheries & Wildlife owns 144 Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs), 13 Wildlife Sanctuaries, and other properties. Maps are available for many properties on the DFW website and at all DFW offices.
1 2 3 4 10 No person shall hunt before sunrise or after sunset on

any WMA where pheasant or quail are stocked during the open season on pheasant or quail, Oct. 15 to Nov. 26, except for the hunting of raccoons and opossums between 9pm and 3am.
11 No person shall hunt during the pheasant or quail season

No person shall possess any alcoholic beverage except under permit, or dump or discard any can, bottle, or rubbish. No person shall remove vegetation, soil, or stones from any WMA except under permit. No person shall use excessive speed in driving a vehicle. No person, unless under permit, shall drive or possess any vehicle except on roads or trails maintained for public vehicular traffic. No person shall deface or tamper with any sign, building, or equipment. No person shall build or maintain a fire without written permission from the Director of the DFW or his designee. No person shall camp within any WMA without written permission from the Director or his designee. No person shall engage in target practice without written permission from the Director or his designee. No person shall use any means other than shotgun or bow and arrow during the pheasant and quail season on areas stocked with pheasant or quail except for hunting raccoons and opossums between 9pm and 3am.

on WMAs where pheasant or quail are stocked without wearing a hunter orange cap or hat except while night hunting for raccoons or opossums or while hunting from a blind or boat.
12 No person, except under permit, shall dig or disturb any

artifact or archaeological remains.

13 The Director may make special regulations to handle

5 6 7 8 9

special situations peculiar to any WMA. Controlled hunts are in effect at certain times on Martin Burns, Delaney, and Ludlow WMAs. Contact District Supervisor for details.

yOuTh & WOmeN huNTerS

For special outdoor skills education opportunities for youth and women hunters, see pages 50 and 51.

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31

hunting
mASSAChuSeTTS GuN LAWS
pOSSeSSION: For hunting, resident citizens

ages 15 and over must have a Firearms Identification Card (FID) to possess a lowcapacity rifle or shotgun. A License To Carry (LTC) (age 21 and over) is needed to possess large capacity rifles and shotguns and all handguns. These permits are issued by local Police Departments. Non-residents with a valid Massachusetts non-resident hunting license do not need an LTC or FID to possess or carry a rifle or shotgun, but must carry their firearms unloaded and in a case while traveling in their vehicles. Non-residents may not purchase guns or ammunition in Massachusetts. To obtain a non-resident License To Carry or a non-resident permit to possess handguns, contact the CHSB (Criminal History Systems Board), Firearms Support Services (see below). No gun license is needed by bow hunters, nor by minors 12-14 years old hunting with a duly licensed adult, nor for the possession of primitive rifles or shotguns as defined in MGL Ch. 140, Section 121, or their ammunition. However, an LTC or huNTer hArASSmeNT FID is required to purchase all ammunition Hunter harassment is against state law. including black powder and Pyrodex. Report violations to the Mass. Environmental Police (800) 632-8075 or to state CAuTION: Massachusetts public safety laws or local police. Be prepared to provide a define primitive arms differently from description of violators and/or a descripthe laws and regulations of the DFW. tion and license plate number of the car.
TrAVeL: Rifles, shotguns and muzzleloaders

each September. During shotgun deer season all hunting seasons are closed except for deer, coyote, and waterfowl.

OpeN SeASONS

may not be carried on public ways unless the person is lawfully engaged in hunting. When transported in a motor vehicle, rifles, shotguns, and muzzleloaders must be unloaded and in an enclosed case. A large capacity firearm must be carried unloaded and contained within a locked trunk or in a locked case or other secure container.
STOrAGe: State law requires that whenever

The following species may be taken year-round (except during shotgun deer season) by licensed hunters with CLOSeD SeASONS no daily or seasonal bag limit: English Hunting seasons are closed throughout sparrow, flying squirrel, red squirrel, the year on all birds and mammals not chipmunk, porcupine, skunk, starling, mentioned herein or in Massachusetts weasel, woodchuck. Migratory Bird Regulations published

LANDOWNer LIABILITy
Any landowner permitting use of his or her property for recreation without charging a fee is not liable for injuries to recreational users of the property except in cases of willful, wanton or reckless conduct by the owner. (MGL Ch. 21 17C)

a gun is not under your direct control, it must be kept in a locked container or equipped with a tamper-resistant mechanical lock. Muzzleloaders are exempt from this requirement.
peNALTIeS: License revoked for one year

in addition to other penalties; fines of up to $1,000; restitutions; and/or 1 year in jail. Careless and negligent use of firearms: fines of up to $500 and/or 6 months imprisonment and loss of license for 5 years.

mASSAChuSeTTS GuN LAWS

For more information on Massachusetts gun laws, contact the CHSB, Firearms Support Services, 200 Arlington St., Suite 2200, Chelsea, MA 02150, tel. (617) 660-4780.
mA Division of Fisheries & Wildlife

32

www.mass.gov/masswildlife

hunting
CPs Guiding Service

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CrITTerS OF mASSAChuSeTTS
Critters of Massachusetts is a pocket guide designed for kids but useful for anyone wanting concise information about mammals, birds, and reptiles of Massachusetts. Available at any DFW office or send $5.00 plus $1.50 postage and handling to the Westborough Field Headquarters, One Rabbit Hill Rd., Westborough, MA 01581. Make checks payable to Comm. of MADFW.

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huNTING hOurS
Hunting hours are from hour before sunrise to hour after sunset on each day of open season (see Sunrise-Sunset table, page 49) except for: Rabbit, hare, fox, and coyote hunting, which closes at midnight. Spring turkey hunting (see page 36). Raccoon and opossum hunting (see page 44). WMA Reg. #10 (page 31) which states that no person shall hunt before sunrise or after sunset on any WMA where pheasant or quail are stocked during the pheasant or quail season (Oct. 15Nov. 26) except for the hunting of raccoons and opossums between 9pm and 3am. Migratory game bird hunting, which is 1/2 hour before sunrise to sunset.

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TrANSpOrT OF FISh AND WILDLIFe
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CheCkING Or repOrTING GAme

Hunters who harvest a deer, bear or turkey are required to check their game within 48 hours of killing the animal. For a complete list of report stations visit the DFW website www.mass.gov/masswildlife. Online checking of game will be available this year starting with the spring turkey season. Check website for instructions/ forms. For general furbearer checking requirements see page 46. 2012 Guide to hunting, Fishing and Trapping

Reloading Supplies
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33

hunting
huNTING prOhIBITIONS
Artificial lights for hunting any bird or mammal except raccoon and opossum. Baiting migratory game birds, wild turkey, bear or deer. This does not apply to the hunting of crows. Careless or negligent use of firearms. Choke traps, leghold traps or nets for taking any bird or mammal. Crossbows are allowed for certain disabled persons only (see Archery, page 30). Decoys for hunting deer. Discharge of any firearm or release of any arrow upon or across any state or hard-surfaced highway, or within 150 feet of any such highway, or possession of a loaded firearm, discharge of a firearm, or hunting on the land of another within 500 feet of any dwelling or building in use, except as authorized by the owner or occupant thereof. See page 32 for additional firearms regulations. Electronic calls for hunting migratory game birds, wild turkey, or deer. This does not apply to the hunting of crows. Ferreting: it is unlawful to hunt with a ferret. Possession of non-vaccinated/unneutered ferrets/fitches without a permit is unlawful. Firearms other than shotguns and bows and arrows are prohibited on WMAs stocked with pheasant or quail during the pheasant and quail season. Hunting on posted land without permission. Hunting on Sunday. Importation, transportation, liberation or possession of any live vertebrate protected under MGL Ch. 131 except under permit from the Director. It is illegal to import, process or possess whole carcasses or parts of any cervids (members of the deer family) from states or provinces where Chronic Wasting Disease has been detected. It is legal to import meat that is de-boned, cleaned skull caps, hides without the head, or a fixed taxidermy mount. No live deer, of any species, may be brought into Massachusetts for any purpose. Intoxication and drugs: no person under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs shall hunt, target shoot, carry a firearm, bow and arrow, or other weapon. Loaded shotgun or rifle in or on any motor vehicle, recreational vehicle (including snowmobiles), aircraft or motor boat, except as stated in the Migratory Game Bird Hunting Regulations. Machine guns, fully-automatic firearms, any tracer or incendiary ammunition for hunting. Motor vehicles, recreational vehicles (including snowmobiles), and/or aircraft for hunting any bird or mammal. Possession of any protected wildlife and/or wild plants, dead or alive, taken from the wild, except by permit. Possession of rifles, handguns, or dogs in any woodland or

it is illegal to hunt MOOSE.

field, or use of same on any game, is prohibited during the shotgun deer season except that the use of dogs is lawful for hunting waterfowl on coastal waters. Power or sailboats for hunting birds except when beached or tied to a blind or for retrieving injured birds. Removal of any mammal from walls, or holes in trees, ground, or logs. Rifles chambered to take ammunition larger than .22 caliber long rifle rimfire,and pistols and revolvers chambered to take ammunition larger than .38 caliber, between the hours of hour after sunset and hour before sunrise. Sale of all species of mammals and birds or parts thereof, except heads, hides and hooves of deer. Shotgun ammunition: except as provided below, no species other than deer, coyote, or waterfowl may be hunted or taken with shot larger than #1 birdshot. Except during the prescribed open season when deer may be hunted lawfully with a shotgun, a person shall not have in his possession a shotgun shell loaded with a rifled slug, single ball, buckshot of any size, or any shot larger than or equal to air rifle shot in any place where birds or mammals may be found except on a skeet, trap, or target range between sunrise and sunset, or except for the hunting of coyotes (a) during the prescribed open season for coyotes with shot not larger than FF; or (b) during the shotgun deer season when coyotes may be hunted with archery, muzzleloader, or shotgun onlyusing slugs, buckshot, or shot of any size; or, except as specified in the annual Migratory Game Bird Hunting Regulations. Swivel or pivot guns for hunting any bird. Taking nests, destroying or disturbing eggs or nests of birds protected by law. Target shooting on Sunday except on ones own property or on a recognized trap, skeet or rifle range. Traps for taking birds except under permit. All traps except cage or box traps and common mouse or rat traps are unlawful for the taking of fur-bearing mammals. Vandalism or damage to property or livestock.
peNALTIeS: License revoked for one year in addition to other penalties; fines of up to $1,000, restitutions, and /or 1 year in jail. Careless and negligent use of firearms; fines of up to $500 and /or 6 months imprisonment and loss of license for 5 years.

it is illegal to shoot HAWkS, EAGLES, OWLS or any other bird not specifically mentioned in this Guide or in the Massachusetts Migratory Game Bird Regulations.
mA Division of Fisheries & Wildlife

34

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hunting
OpeN SeASON (All Dates Inclusive)
Sept. 4 Sept. 22 Nov. 5 Nov. 24

DAILy BAG LImIT

pOSSeSSION LImIT

SeASON LImIT

Black Bear

Zones 1-9

See "Black Bear," below.

BLACk BeAr
Permit required (see page 15). Hunting allowed in Zones 19 ONLY. Hunting only with rifle .23 caliber or larger, muzzleloader .44.775 caliber, bows with 40 lb. pull or greater, or revolvers .357 Magnum or .40 caliber or larger. Revolvers permitted during September season only. Use of shotguns and use of dogs for training or hunting is prohibited (see Hunting Dogs on page 30). Baiting of bears is prohibited. Hunting hours close hour after sunset except as noted in WMA Reg. #10 (page 31). Successful hunters must tag bear immediately (with tag attached to permit) and must check/ report their bear at a DFW check station or online within 48 hours. Limit 1 bear per year.

mASSAChuSeTTS OuTDOOr reCreATION mAp

The Massachusetts Outdoor Recreation Map features maps and information on Wildlife Management Out do Areas, State Forests and Parks and Recreator ion Boat Launch sites statewide.
Massa chuset ts MAP

Copies may be obtained from DFW and selected Department of Conservation & Recreation offices.

If you harvest a bear the DFW requests that you submit a tooth for aging. Please follow the instructions below.
1

Remove the first premolar (see photo), or ask a DFW staff member to collect the tooth. This is a very small tooth, just behind the large canine tooth. It does not matter if you take the left or the right tooth. However, the root is the most important part. Do not break the tooth. Using a small sharp knife, or a sharp -inch wood chisel, slide the blade down the side of the tooth and cut or separate the gum tissue where it sticks to the tooth. Using a small needle-nose pliers or the pliers on your multi-tool, wiggle the tooth slightly until you can pull it out of the jawbone and the gum. The tooth is only about -inch (or less) in length. Go easy and do not break it. Put the tooth in a small envelope, and mark it with your name and the seal number of your bear. Put the small envelope in a regular mailing envelope and send it to: Bear Project, Division of Fisheries & Wildlife, 1 Rabbit Hill Rd., Westboro, MA 01581. Be sure that you enclose your name and mailing address. All bear teeth are sent for processing in January, after all teeth from both the September and November parts of the season are received. The ages are then received by the Division of Fisheries & Wildlife in May or June, and you will be sent the age of your bear at that time.

Bill Byrne

ANImALS TAGGeD FOr reSeArCh

Some bear, deer, coyotes and other animals may have ear tags or radio collars. it is legal to harvest them. if you find or take one of these animals, contact DFWs Westborough Field Headquarters (508) 389-6300 immediately. You will be asked for information that will help biologists determine the source and status of these animals AND you will be asked to return the equipment to the DFW. Thank you for your cooperation.
2012 Guide to hunting, Fishing and Trapping

35

hunting
OpeN SeASON (All Dates Inclusive)
upLAND GAme BIrDS* Crow Pheasant Quail Ruffed Grouse Spring: Zones 113 Wild Turkey Fall: Zones 19; 13 Youth Hunt: Zones 1-13 Jan. 1 Apr. 10 Jul. 2 Apr. 10, 2013 Oct. 13 Nov. 24 Youth Hunt See page 51. Oct. 13 Nov. 24 Oct. 13 Nov. 24 Apr. 30 May 26 Oct. 29 Nov. 3 April 28 (special restrictions apply**) See "Wild Turkey," below. 4 3 8 6 20 15 2 4 6

DAILy BAG LImIT

pOSSeSSION LImIT

SeASON LImIT

Upland game bird hunting is closed during shotgun deer season. * Migratory game birds (includes waterfowl, woodcock, snipe, rails): Seasons set annually. see Migratory Bird Abstracts. ** Must have completed the youth turkey hunt program (page 51).

WATerFOWL CONSumpTION ADVISOry

CrOW
May be hunted on Fridays, Saturdays and Mondays only during the open season. Electronic calls, rifles, and bait are permissible. Hunting hours close hour after sunset except as noted in WMA Reg. #10 (see page 31).

pheASANT
Zone from the New Hampshire border south on I-95 to I-495 south to I-95, north on I-95 to I-93/128, east on I-93/128 to Rte. 3, south on Rte. 3 to Rte. 228, north on 228 to the Hull town line. Cocks and hens may be hunted west of the zone line and on all WMAs. Cocks only may be hunted east of the zone line including Hull and in Dukes and Nantucket counties. See WMA Reg. #10 (see page 31).

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) has issued a waterfowl consumption advisory for the Housatonic River due to PCBs. For more information call the DPH at (617) 624-5757 or visit www.mass.gov/dph.

SpeCIAL upLAND BIrD huNTING OpTION

Licensed hunters may submit an application to DFW District offices for a free 1 day permit that allows the private purchase, liberation, and hunting of ring-necked pheasants and/ or bobwhite quail on selected WMAs from January 1March 31. if purchasing birds from out of state, a separate importation permit is required. Permits are issued on a first-come first-served basis; only one party may schedule a hunt on each specific WMA per day. There is no minimum or maximum stocking limit, or daily/season bag limit. For a complete list of procedures associated with this permit, contact a DFW district office. WMAs currently designated for hunting under this special permit are: Crane WMA, Southeast District Erwin Wilder WMA, Southeast District Martin Burns WMA, Northeast District Bolton Flats WMA, Central District Winnimusset WMA, Central District Herm Covey WMA, CT Valley District Housatonic Valley WMA, Western District
mA Division of Fisheries & Wildlife

QuAIL
Zones 1114 only. See WMA Reg. #10 (page 31).

ruFFeD GrOuSe
See WMA Reg. #10 (page 31).

WILD Turkey
Permit required. Official safety sticker must be adhered to firearm in such a manner as to be visible when hunter is sighting down the barrel. If new or replacement sticker is needed, send self-addressed stamped envelope to DFW's Field Headquarters office. Spring hunting hours: hour before sunrise to 12:00 noon. Fall hunting hours: hour before sunrise to hour after sunset except as noted in WMA Reg. #10 (page 31). Bag limit: (a) 2 bearded birds in spring season (1 per day) with NO fall bird allowed, OR (b) 1 bearded bird in spring season, and 1 bird of either sex in fall season. No hunter may take 2 birds in the fall season. Hunting only with shotguns no larger than 10 gauge (.775 caliber for smoothbore muzzleloaders) and restricted to shot sizes #4#6, or with bows 40 lbs. pull or greater. Electronic calls, dogs, bait, driving prohibited. Successful hunters must tag bird immediately and check/report the bird within 48 hours.

36

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hunting
DIFFereNTIATING heNS (FemALeS) FrOm TOmS (mALeS) during the spring hunting season: Up to 8% of female turkeys may have a beard and may be legally harvested. However,

their loss reduces the reproductive potential of the turkey population. To avoid misidentification, use the following features to positively identify a gobbler from a hen.

GOBBLer
Red, blue, or white colors with snood Dark, brown-black Long bristle/filament like beard Present Gobble, drum Strut with tail fan and wing drop Larger than hen

FeATure
Head Body Beard Spurs Calls Strut Size
1

heN
Blue-gray, no snood Light, rusty brown Usually no beard Usually absent Yelps, clucks, cuts Do not strut 2 to 23 size of gobbler

mIGrATOry BIrD reGuLATIONS

ALL migratory game bird hunters must complete a Harvest information Program (H.i.P.) survey for each calendar year. This includes woodcock, rail, snipe, and coot hunters. Complete the survey when you purchase your license, or whenever you purchase your state waterfowl stamp. HiP numbers will no longer be issued; instead, a HiP Survey Completed notation will appear directly on your license. A separate HiP survey must be completed for each state in which you hunt migratory game birds. Migratory Game Bird Hunting regulations do not appear in this publication. They are published separately each September.

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2012 Guide to hunting, Fishing and Trapping

hunting
Funding the Future of Massachusetts Wildlife

A Proud Partner with The Division of Fisheries & Wildlife in Protecting and Restoring Wildlife Habitat in Massachusetts
The Massachusetts Outdoor Heritage Foundation, Inc., is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization started by sportsmen, sportswomen, and conservationists to raise funds for wildlife habitat protection, management, and restoration and outdoor education in Massachusetts. You and your family can play a major role in sustaining the legacy of open fields, wooded hillsides, and cool streams that we have inherited from past generations by making a donation today, and by including your Outdoor Heritage in your tax and estate planning.
Stafford Hill Wildlife Management Area

Please call us at 413-230-4945 today, or visit or write for more information: www.massoutdoorheritage.org | info@massoutdoorheritage.org

Help save rare plants and animals on your state tax return!

Massachusetts manages 435 species of rare animals and plants. Census, inventory, and research are high priority needs for these species. The DFWs Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program protects these species and their habitats to preserve the biological diversity of the Commonwealth. As a citizen of Massachusetts you can help protect these rare animals and plants by contributing on your state income tax form, or by donating directly to:

NATURAL HERITAGE & ENDANGERED SPECIES FUND

Please make checks payable to the Comm. of MANHESP and mail to: Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program, Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife, 1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough, MA 01581. Thank you!

38

www.mass.gov/masswildlife

mA Division of Fisheries & Wildlife

Photo Bill Byrne

hunting
OpeN SeASON (All Dates Inclusive)
Archery Deer Shotgun Primitive Firearms Oct. 15 Nov. 24 Nov. 26 Dec. 8 Dec. 10 Dec. 31 See "Deer," below and pages 3940.

DAILy BAG LImIT

pOSSeSSION LImIT

SeASON LImIT
2 Antlered deer + antlerless deer by permit

NOTe: Each antlerless deer permit is Hunting hours begin hour before sun- valid for one antlerless deer, increasing rise and close hour after sunset except the seasonal bag limit for anyone as noted in WMA Reg. #10 (page 31). possessing an antlerless deer permit. If you hunt during the archery, shotgun, ANTLereD Deer: Any deer with at least 1 or muzzleloader seasons, you must have antler 3 inches long measured on a straight a permit to take an antlerless deer. The line from the center of the anterior (front) number of deer a hunter may harvest base of the antler burr to the tip. statewide depends on the number of antlerless deer permits purchased. A ANTLerLeSS Deer: A permit is required hunter may possess antlerless deer to harvest antlerless deer during any permits for more than one zone. For season in all zones (see pages 30). Only example, if a hunter applies for a permit one application per person. Application for Zone 5 and receives a permit, he/she must be made online through any license may purchase additional permits for vendor or personal computer no later a zone that has permits available (e.g. than July 16. The DFW will announce Zone 14). Permit availability depends a sales period following that date when on permit allocation and the number of applicants must go online again to enter applicants. Permits for undersubscribed a random, instant award process that will zones will go on sale in October, 2012 on immediately determine if the applicant a first-come-first-served basis. has drawn a permit for the zone applied for. If the applicant is successful, the TAGGING AND CheCkING reQuIremeNTS: zone-specific permit and tag can be Immediately upon killing a deer and prior purchased and printed immediately. to moving it (during any deer season), Additional permits may be available for the tag portion must be separated from certain zones. Permits are valid in any the license or antlerless deer permit, deer season, and must be in the hunters filled out, and attached to the deer in possession while hunting. a conspicuous manner. Deer must be

Deer

checked within 48 hours. Deer must not be possessed, transported, or under a person's control unless the deer, or a part of the deer, is open to view. However, after the deer has been checked/reported, the deer may be concealed. Deer may be checked/reported online except during the shotgun season, when they must be reported at an official check station.
DurING ShOTGuN Deer SeASON hunters

may use shotguns not larger than 10 gauge, bows and arrows, or muzzleloaders not smaller than .44 caliber, or larger than .775 caliber. This includes modern muzzleloaders, hinge action muzzleloaders and muzzleloaders with telescopic sights, and permits the use of sabot rounds. Rifled barrel shotguns are legal during shotgun deer season. All hunters, including bowhunters, must wear a minimum of 500 square inches of hunter orange on their head, chest, and back during shotgun and muzzleloader seasons. Cap and vest will suffice. The possession of rifles, handguns, or dogs in any woodland or field, or use of same on any game, is prohibited during

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2012 Guide to hunting, Fishing and Trapping

39

hunting
the shotgun deer season except that the use of dogs is lawful for hunting waterfowl on coastal waters.
DAILy BAG: The daily bag limit is determined by the number of valid tags a hunter possesses. However a hunter possessing 1 unchecked deer may take only 1 additional deer before checking/reporting the first deer. No hunter may have more than 2 unsealed deer in possession at any time. All deer must be checked/reported within 48 hours of being killed. SeASON LImIT: Two antlered deer, and as many antlerless deer as the hunter has valid permits for, provided that: Hunters may purchase additional antlerless deer permits for available zones.

from the muzzle. Single projectile only (no buckshot). Sabot rounds, 209 primers, break/hinge-action muzzleloaders, and scopes are legal. Powder limited to black powder, pyrodex or other approved substitutes. Firearm is considered unloaded when cap or pan powder is removed. Primitive Firearms Stamp required. Archers may hunt during the muzzleloader firearms season but must purchase a Primitive Firearms Stamp and wear at least 500 square inches of hunter orange on head, back, and chest.
DrIVING Deer while hunting is lawful. ImpOrTATION OF Deer pArTS from states or provinces where

Hunters may take a maximum of 2 deer in the Quabbin Reservation, both of which may be antlerless, provided the hunter obtains a second antlerless deer permit after checking the first antlerless deer at a Quabbin check station. Antlerless deer taken in the Quabbin are not considered part of the statewide bag limit and antlered deer taken in the Quabbin are considered part of the statewide bag limit.
DurING muZZLeLOADer Deer SeASON hunters may use only shoulder-fired muzzleloaders .44 caliber to .775 caliber; barrel length 18 inches or more with only one barrel operational. Inline ignition systems are permitted providing rifle loads

Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) has been detected is illegal. It is legal to import meat that is de-boned, cleaned skull caps, hides without the head, or a fixed taxidermy mount. No live deer, of any species, may be brought into Massachusetts for any purpose.
QuABBIN CONTrOLLeD Deer huNT: Call the Department of Conservation and Recreation at (413) 323-7221 in July for information. Must submit an application by Aug. 15. pArApLeGIC SpOrTSmeN'S huNT: There is a special deer hunt

for paraplegic sportsmen Nov. 13, 2012. Contact DFW Field Headquarters (508) 389-6300 or visit the DFW website (www.mass.gov/masswildlife) for more information.

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mA Division of Fisheries & Wildlife

hunting
FALCONry
Hunting with Falcons is allowed under a special permit from the DFW; see dates and regulations in the Migratory Bird Regulations issued each September.

NATurAL ShOreLINeS Are GOOD FOr FIShING

By keeping shorelines natural, you can help protect water quality and improve fish habitat. A shoreline without trees and shrubs can get washed away, making the water muddy and unsuitable for fish. if you live near a lake or a river, plant a buffer strip along the waters edge using trees, shrubs, wildflowers or other native plants. Trees and other vegetation filter pollution and provide shade, shelter, habitat, and food critical for bass, trout, and other fish to thrive and reproduce. keep your favorite fishing spots well vegetated! For more tips and information, visit: http://water.epa.gov/type/lakes/index.cfm

SpeCIAL huNTS
Quabbin Controlled Deer Hunt, see page 40 Paraplegic Sportsmen's Deer Hunt, see page 40 Youth Pheasant Hunt, see page 51 Youth Turkey Hunt, see page 51 Youth Waterfowl Hunting Dates, see Migratory Game Bird Hunting Regulations (available in September)

available online!
Full-featured website iPad, iPhone and smartphone accessible Share with friends on
View it online today at: www.eRegulations.com/MA/huntingandshing
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The Massachusetts regulations guide is now

brought to you by

2012 Guide to hunting, Fishing and Trapping

hunting
OpeN SeASON (All Dates Inclusive)
rABBITS & SQuIrreLS Cottontail Rabbit Zones 1-12 Zones 13 and 14 Zones 14 Snowshoe Hare Zones 512 Zones 13 and 14 Jackrabbit Gray Squirrel Zone 14 Zones 19 Zones 1014 Jan. 1 Feb. 29 Oct. 13 Feb. 28, 2013 Jan. 1 Feb. 29 Nov. 15 Feb. 28, 2013 Jan. 1 Feb. 29 Oct. 13 Feb. 28, 2012 Jan. 1 Feb. 4 Oct. 13 Feb. 2, 2013 Jan. 1 Feb. 2 Nov. 15 Feb. 2 , 2013 Nov. 15 Dec. 31 Sept. 10 Jan. 2, 2013 Oct. 3 Jan. 2, 2013 5 5 2 2 2 1 5 5 10 10 4 4 4 2 10 10

DAILy BAG LImIT

pOSSeSSION LImIT

SeASON LImIT

Rabbit, jackrabbit, hare and squirrel hunting are closed during shotgun deer season.

GrAy SQuIrreL
Rifles and handguns are permitted in Zones 19; prohibited in Zones 1014. No person shall hunt by any means other than shotgun or bow and arrow during the pheasant and quail seasons, on areas stocked with pheasant or quail (see WMA regulation #9 page 31). Hunting hours for gray squirrel are from hour before sunrise to hour after sunset except that no person shall hunt on Wildlife Management Areas where pheasant and quail are stocked during the open season on pheasant and quail (Oct. 15 Nov. 26) except for the hunting of raccoons and opossums between 9pm and 3am.

NO huNTING ON SuNDAy reCreATION VehICLeS

(ATVs, OhVs, dirt bikes, etc.)
Recreation vehicles are inherently damaging to most environments in which they are operated. it is illegal to operate any motorized vehicle on any WMA or other property owned or controlled by the DFW; on most state park and state forest lands; and it is illegal to operate them on private lands without the written permission of the landowner. Moreover, legislation enacted in 2010 (Chapter 202 of the Acts of 2010) strengthens the regulation of these recreation vehicles, increases penalties for violations, prohibits the unauthorized use of recreation vehicles on public property; imposes new operator age restrictions, which may be further modified by the MA Environmental Police (MEP) through regulation; and establishes a fund to support riding opportunities and law enforcement and regulatory activities. For more information, contact the Safety Bureau in MEP at (508) 759-0002, or go to www.state.ma.us/dfwele/dle and click on the Safety Bureau link.
mA Division of Fisheries & Wildlife

COTTONTAIL rABBIT
Cottontail rabbit hunters can help MassWildlife study the distribution of cottontail rabbits across the state by participating in the head collection survey. For over 50 years, MassWildlife has conducted a periodic assessment of the distribution of cottontails through a review of hunter collected specimens. Successful hunters can bring harvested cottontail heads to the local district office (see page 8 for MassWildlife office locations) or to the Field Headquarters in Westborough. information that will be collected includes date of harvest, method of hunting, and location of harvest.

42

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hunting
OpeN SeASON (All Dates Inclusive)
repTILeS & AmphIBIANS Bullfrog and Green Frog Snapping Turtle Jul. 16 Sept. 30 Jan. 1 Dec. 31 12 24

DAILy BAG LImIT

pOSSeSSION LImIT

SeASON LImIT

BuLLFrOG, GreeN FrOG, SNAppING TurTLe

No license required. Minimum size for frogs is 3 inches snout to vent. Minimum carapace (shell) width for snapping turtles is 6 inches.
repTILeS AND AmphIBIANS: No open season on state-listed species, spotted turtles, eastern hog-nosed snakes, four-toed salamanders, spotted salamanders, northern leopard frogs, and spring salamanders; hunting, taking, possessing alive prohibited. Possession limit of 2 on all other species except bullfrog, green frog and snapping turtle.
Massachusetts W ildlife
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No. 2, 2011

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39

Inside This

Issue:

LOWLANDS WHITETAIL PRESERVE

315-376-2190 www.lowlandswhitetails.com Maybe your dream is to have a 200 B & C point buck hanging on your wall.... Maybe its being able to relax in a dense woods watching for a perfect shot....
We at Lowlands Whitetail Preserve can help you. We have big bodied shooter bucks ranging from 150 class to a buck with the potential of 190 to 200 class.
Please call with your dream and let us see if we can help make it a reality! 8961 Number Three Road Lowville, NY 13367

Muzzleloader, Rifle or Archery No License Required

2012 Guide to hunting, Fishing and Trapping

43

hunting
OpeN SeASON (All Dates Inclusive)
FurBeArerS Bobcat Coyote Fox (red or gray) Raccoon Opossum Zones 1-8 Jan. 1 Mar. 8 Dec. 20 Mar. 8, 2013 Jan. 1 Mar. 8 Oct. 13 Mar. 8, 2013 Jan. 1 Feb. 29 Nov. 1 Feb. 28, 2013 Jan. 1 Jan. 31 Oct. 1 Jan. 31, 2013 Jan. 1 Jan. 31 Oct. 1 Jan. 31, 2013 3

DAILy BAG LImIT

pOSSeSSION LImIT

SeASON LImIT

Outstanding NY Deer Properties for Sale Created by Countrys Top Deer Property Experts Access roads and secure boundaries Food plots, browse areas, sanctuaries Locations with established deer herds Affordable, nancing, references

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BOBCAT
Hunting hours hour before sunrise to hour after sunset. Hunting is limited to Zones 1-8. All bobcats taken must be checked/reported within 4 working days of the end of the season (see page 46).

COyOTe & FOx

Hunting hours begin hour before sunrise and end at midnight, except 1) on WMAs stocked with pheasant or quail during the pheasant and quail season when hunting hours begin at sunrise and end at sunset and 2) when hunting coyote during the shotgun deer season (see below). Coyote and fox may be hunted with shotguns, muzzleloaders and archery, as well as rifles and handguns with special nighttime restrictions (see page 34). Coyotes may be hunted with shotguns using numbered or lettered birdshot ( 0.230 inch pellet diameter), except during the shotgun deer season (see below). Fox may be hunted with numbered birdshot only ( 0.160 inch pellet diameter). It is legal to hunt coyote and fox using bait, decoys, electronic or manual calls and dogs. Artificial lights are prohibited. Coyote and fox pelts must be checked/reported within 4 working days of the end of the season (see page 46). It is legal to hunt coyotes, but not fox, during the shotgun deer season; however the following additional regulations apply: Hunting hours begin hour before sunrise and end hour after sunset. Use of manual or electronic calls and dogs are prohibited. Rifles and handguns are prohibited. Shotguns and muzzleloaders loaded with slugs, single balls or buckshot may also be used. Hunters must wear a minimum of 500 square inches of hunter orange on their head, chest and back.

We also purchase land: call 315-331-6959 www.northcountrywhitetails.com

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Classes held every day some of the most experienced instructors in the state! Get your Mass LTC Class A, B & FID OR a 30 State License to Carry

rACCOON
Limit of 3 raccoons from sunset of 1 day to sunset of following day by 1 person; limit of 6 by 2 or more persons hunting in same group. Night hunting on WMAs (except Delaney and Flint Pond WMAs) is permitted from sunset to sunrise except from Oct. 15 to Nov. 26 on areas stocked with pheasant or quail, when raccoon may be hunted only from 9pm to 3am.

OpOSSum
No bag limit on opossum. Night hunting on WMAs (except Delaney and Flint Pond WMAs) is permitted from sunset to sunrise except from Oct. 15 to Nov. 26 on WMAs stocked with pheasant or quail, when opossum may be hunted only from 9pm to 3am.

Phone (781) 559-3064 www.MassFirearmsSchool.com

44
www.mass.gov/masswildlife mA Division of Fisheries & Wildlife

Trapping
OpeN SeASON (All Dates Inclusive)
FurBeArerS TrAppING Bobcat*, Coyote*, Fox*, Weasel Fisher* Mink*, River Otter* Beaver* Muskrat, Opossum, Raccoon, Skunk * Pelt sealing required; see page 46. Nov. 1 Nov. 30 Nov. 1 Nov. 22 Nov. 1 Dec. 15 Jan. 1 April 15 Nov. 1 April 15, 2013 Jan. 1 Feb. 29 Nov. 1 Feb. 28, 2013

BOBCAT
Bobcat may be taken by trapping in Wildlife Management Zones 18. Pelts must be reported/sealed within 4 working days of the end of the season.

SALe OF peLTS
expOrTING rAW FurS: When shipping raw fur pelts by any carrier, the contents of the package and the shippers hunting or trapping license number must be listed on the outside of the package. The destruction or removal of any identifying tag or label that is attached to a container in which skins are shipped is unlawful. All river otter and bobcat require CITES tags to be lawfully exported for sale. Contact DFW District office for these tags. peLTS of coyote, wild fox, wild mink, gray wolf, bobcat, lynx,

Catch of any species other than beaver or muskrat while trapping with a 10 day emergency permit must be turned over to the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife.

TrAp TypeS
The only traps which may be used for the taking of furbearing mammals are cage or box type traps and common rat traps. Hancock and Bailey traps may be used only when the trapper has taken the Trapper Education course and may be used only for taking beaver. A trapper using these traps must possess a certificate of course completion. Common rat traps may be used for the taking of weasels only. Steel-jaw foothold traps, padded jaw traps, body-gripping (Conibear) traps (see below), snares, deadfalls, and any traps other than those specified above are prohibited. Such traps may not be set, tended, used, or possessed in the field. There is a detailed procedure for obtaining a special permit to use a body gripping (Conibear) trap for certain types of wildlife damage. Contact your local DFW District Office for details.
repOrTING STOLeN TrApS: A trapper must report the loss or theft of a trap in writing to the Office of Law Enforcement within 48 hours of the loss or theft, or remain responsible for its use. The report should include the number and type of traps, the date, time, place and circumstances of the loss or theft. Such reports must be signed under the pains and penalties of perjury. Stolen traps should be reported to: COASTAL LAW eNFOrCemeNT: INLAND LAW eNFOrCemeNT:

fisher, marten, river otter, or beaver may not be sold in Massachusetts unless tagged by the state or province of origin.

LAW eNFOrCemeNT AND repOrTING VIOLATIONS

Know the current laws and regulations before you trap. If you are aware of illegal trapping activities, or suspect a violation of any wildlife law, Environmental Police Officers can be reached at (800) 632-8075 (toll free) or (617) 727-6398.
VIOLATIONS AND peNALTIeS: Trapping licenses can be revoked

for one year in addition to other penalties and fines as well as restitutions of up to $1000 and/or six months in jail. Traps and other equipment can be seized and forfeited to the Commonwealth. In addition, Problem Animal Control Licenses and/or Furbuyer licenses can be revoked, plus fines and penalties assessed, and additionally, fur products can be seized and forfeited to the Commonwealth.

TrAp reGISTrATION
All traps used on the land of another must have a valid registration number embedded or cut into the trap. The assigned number, including letter and figures, must be at least inches high and legible at all times. The trap must also have attached a metal tag bearing the owners name, town and registration number. Once obtained, your registration number is yours for life, but must be renewed every two years. To trap on another's land, a trapper must maintain a current certification of that registration number. Registration numbers are available from the Boston office of the DFW. The annual fee for trap registration is $5.00. Renewal fee is $5.00. Make check payable to Comm. of MADFW.

Mass. Environmental Police Office of Law Enforcement Attn: Trap Loss Bldg. #45, 349 Lincoln St. Hingham, MA 02043

Mass. Environmental Police Office of Law Enforcement Attn: Trap Loss 183 Milk Street Westborough, MA 01581

STAkING is not a recognized practice and conveys no special trapping privileges.

2012 Guide to hunting, Fishing and Trapping

45

Trapping
peLT CheCkING/repOrTING
Beaver, bobcat, coyote, fisher, fox, mink, and river otter pelts must be checked/reported within four working days of the end of the season. Pelts may be reported at a check station or reported online and sealed on location. Online reporting/ checking is not available for bobcat and river otter; these species must be checked/reported at a furbearer check station.

FurBeArer CheCk STATIONS

Check stations are located at all Wildlife District offices, Bitzer and Sunderland State Fish Hatcheries, Newbury WMA Headquarters, and Westborough Field Headquarters (MondayFriday excluding holidays). Coyotes may be reported/checked online or at other locations; visit our website at www.mass.gov/masswildlife or call Westborough Field Headquarters. See list of DFW check stations at right. Call check station prior to bringing animals for sealing.

Bill Byrne

FurBeArer CheCk STATIONS

Check stations are open MondayFriday (excluding holidays). Call check stations prior to bringing pelts in for sealing. Some deer check stations may also check coyotes. The following are Division furbearer check stations:
Western DistrictDalton ..............................(413) 684-1646 Conn. Valley DistrictBelchertown ............(413) 323-7632 Central DistrictWest Boylston ..................(508) 835-3607 Northeast DistrictAyer ...............................(978) 772-2145 Southeast DistrictBuzzards Bay ...............(508) 759-3406 . Sunderland HatcherySunderland............(413) 665-4680 Bitzer Fish HatcheryMontague ................(413) 367-2477 Martin Burns WMA HqtrsNewbury .........(978) 465-8012 . DFW Field HqtrsWestborough ................(508) 389-6300

mANDATOry TrApper eDuCATION

The trapper education course is mandatory for: all first-time trappers before they may obtain a trap registration number or trap on the land of another. all first-time Problem Animal Control Agents. anyone planning to use a Bailey or Hancock trap. Bailey and Hancock traps may not be used, set, tended, or placed unless the trapper has successfully completed a training course in their use. The Bailey and Hancock certificate must be carried when using such traps. Trapper Education must be taken in Massachusetts. To be notified about Trapper Education courses call the Hunter Education program at (978) 772-0693 or fill out a course notification form online at the DFW website.

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46

www.mass.gov/masswildlife

mA Division of Fisheries & Wildlife

Trapping
17 Possess any road-killed furbearers beaver trap or other suitcase type during the closed season, or possess cage trap of similar design, except road-killed furbearers during the Problem Animal Control (PAC) agents when set upon a beaver dam or beaver open season without a valid hunting are private individuals licensed by the lodge, snag, stump, rock, or other or trapping license as appropriate to Division of Fisheries and Wildlife to above-water protrusion entirely or that species and season. assist the public in situations involving substantially surrounded by water, 18 Alter, tamper with, or reapply a sick animals or animals causing property or, when the pan of such trap is not damage. If you are experiencing wildlife furbearer tag or seal, or possess any completely submerged. damage and wish to contract with a PAC altered or resealed tag, or possess any agent, a listing can be found on the DFW 11 Trap with a Bailey or Hancock beaver pelt bearing an altered or resealed website www.mass.gov/masswildlife in trap or other suitcase type cage trap tag or seal. the Wildlife area. Individuals interested of similar design without having in becoming a PAC agent can obtain incompleted a training session and formation on the permitting process from having been issued a certificate of this same area, or call the Westborough completion as provided for in 321 Field Headquarters at (508) 389-6300. CMR 3.02(5)(c)2., or to fail to carry rABIeS such certificate on one's person when Rabies in wild mammals using such traps.

prOBLem ANImAL CONTrOL AGeNTS

10 Trap on land with a Bailey or Hancock

TrAppING prOhIBITIONS IT IS ILLeGAL TO:

1 2

12 Fail to visit and remove all animals

Trap before 6:00am on opening day of any trapping season.

4 5

Possess or have under control a trap on land of another in any place where 13 Destroy, mutilate, spring, or remove fur-bearing mammals might be found the trap of another. between April 16 of any year and 6:00am on the following November 1. 14 Take any fur-bearing mammal from the trap of another unless he has on Possess the green pelt of any furhis person a specific written authoribearing mammal or any part of such zation to do so, signed by the owner pelt except during the open season of such trap. The owner of traps may for such mammal and for ten days give such authorization to any person thereafter. licensed to trap under M.G.L. c. 131 for Possess or have under his control an a period not to exceed one week from unregistered trap on land of another. the day the traps were last tended, provided that notice of the giving Possess or have under control the of such authorization including the registered trap of another, unless he name and trapping license number has entered into a trapping partnerof the person so authorized shall be ship through the Boston Office as given to the regional Environmental provided in M.G.L. c131 80 and 321 Police Officer and to the Director CMR 3.02(5)(e)14. within 24 hours of the giving of such Trap on posted land of another without authorization. the written permission of the owner or tenant of such land.
15 Set, use, place, locate, tend, or main-

trapped in, at least once in each calendar day between the hours of 4:00am and 10:00pm, all traps staked out, set, used, tended, placed, or maintained.

has been confirmed in all counties in Massachusetts ExCEPT Dukes and Nantucket. Wear rubber gloves when skinning furbearers. if you believe you have been exposed to a rabid animal, scrub the area thoroughly with soap and water and seek medical advice immediately. isolate and preserve the dead animal by refrigeration as soon as possible. Contact your local Board of Health.

Trap in a public way, cart road, path or other way commonly used as a passageway for human beings or domestic animals. Tear open, disturb, or destroy a muskrat lodge, beaver lodge or beaver dam, except as provided in 321 CMR 2.08. Use poison or trap with a trap designed to take more than one mammal at a time.

tain a trap not bearing on a metal tag the name, town of residence and trap registration number of the person or persons using the same in a manner as to be legible at all times. Said registration number shall be permanently embedded in or marked on the traps with letters and figures not less than 1 8 inches high in such a manner as to be legible at all times.
16 Trap fur-bearing mammals with any

trap other than a cage or box type trap, or a common rat trap. 2012 Guide to hunting, Fishing and Trapping

47

Office of Law enforcementenvironmental police

TO repOrT VIOLATIONS radio room (800) 632-8075
www.mass.gov/dfwele/dle

INLAND LAW eNFOrCemeNT

Inland Bureau Headquarters

mArINe TheFT/BOATING SAFeTy

Merri Wlaker, Lieutenant (617) 626-1666 (617) 626-1605 fax 251 Causeway Street, Suite 101 Boston, MA 02114

mAIN OFFICe (Boston)

Colonel Aaron Gross, Director Lieutenant Colonel Chris Baker, Deputy Director (617) 626-1650 (617) 626-1670 fax 251 Causeway Street, Suite 100 Boston, MA 02114

W. F. Gray III, Captain (508) 366-1176 (508) 366-6537 (508) 366-1182 fax 183 Milk Street Westborough, MA 01581 Eastern Massachusetts W. F. Gray III, Captain Michael Casper, Sergeant (781) 293-4745 (781) 293-4746 fax 11 Hawks Avenue, P.O. Box 88 Hanson, MA 02341 Western Massachusetts W. F. Gray III, Captain John Pajak, Lieutenant (413) 367-0016 (413) 367-0032 fax 316 Turners Falls Road Montague, MA 01351

BOATING & reCreATIONAL VehICLe SAFeTy

Merri Walker, Lieutenant (508) 759-0002 (508) 759-2257 (508) 759-3393 (508) 759-3357 fax 1 Trowbridge Road, Suite 325 Bourne, MA 02532

OFFICeS for BOAT, ATV & SNOWmOBILe reGISTrATION Boston

251 Causeway St., Suite 100 Boston, MA 02114 (617) 626-1610 (617) 626-1630 fax

eNVIrONmeNTAL STrIke FOrCe

Gail Larson, Lieutenant (617) 727-2200 (617) 727-5755 fax 1 Ashburton Place Boston, MA 02108

Fall river
218 South Main Street, 3rd Floor Fall River, MA 02721 (508) 679-8287 (508) 679-0060 fax

COASTAL eNFOrCemeNT
North Coastal Enforcement Headquarters

hyannis
60 Perseverance Way, Suite 101 Hyannis, MA 02601 (508) 771-8382 (508) 771-2334 fax

John Tulik, Captain (781) 740-2577 (781) 740-2442 (781) 740-1163 (781) 740-4113 fax 349 Lincoln Street, Building 45 Hingham, MA 02043 John Tulik, Captain (978) 283-7764 (978) 283-1162 (978) 283-6729 fax 2 State Fish Pier Gloucester, MA 01930
SOUTH COASTAL ENFORCEMENT HEADqUARTERS

SALVAGe OF Deer & mOOSe

ROAD-kiLLED DEER may be kept by a Massachusetts driver or passenger of vehicle killing said deer if reported to Law Enforcement at (800) 632-8075 immediately and then tagged at a DFW or Environmental Police office within 24 hours. ROAD-kiLLED MOOSE may not be kept by a Massachusetts driver or passenger of the vehicle killing the moose. The disposition of any moose carcass is only at the discretion of the Environmental Police or the Division of Fisheries & Wildlife. To report a roadkilled moose, call the DFW at (508) 389-6300.

Springfield
165 Liberty Street, Lower Level Springfield, MA 01103 (413) 733-1642 (413) 733-2154 fax

Worcester
67 Millbrook Street Suite 350, 3rd Floor Worcester, MA 01606 (508) 753-0603 (508) 752-6132 fax

Len Roberts, Captain (508) 759-4889 (508) 759-7774 fax 1 Trowbridge Road, Suite 325 Bourne, MA 02532

www.mass.gov/dfwele/dle

48

www.mass.gov/masswildlife

mA Division of Fisheries & Wildlife

Sunrise-Sunset
2012 SuNrISe-SuNSeT TABLe for WOrCeSTer, massachusetts
January Day 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 Rise AM Set PM February Rise AM Set PM March Rise AM Set PM April Rise AM Set PM May Rise AM Set PM June Rise AM Set PM July Rise AM Set PM August Rise AM Set PM September Rise AM Set PM October Rise AM Set PM November Rise AM Set PM December Rise AM Set PM

7:16 4:25 7:16 4:26

7:01 5:01 6:22 5:38 5:29 6:14: 4:42 6:47 7:00 5:02 6:20 5:39 6:17 5:41 6:14 5:44 6:12 5:45 6:10 5:46 6:09 5:47 6:07 5:48 6:05 5:50 6:04 5:51 5:27 6:15 5:24 6:17 5:21 6:19 5:17 6:21 5:14 6:24 4:41 6:48 4:39 6:49 4:38 6:50 4:37 6:52 4:36 6:53 4:33 6:55 4:31 6:57 6:19 5:40 5:26 6:16 6:15 5:43 5:22 6:18

4:13 7:18 4:13 7:18 4:12 7:19 4:12 7:20 4:12 7:20 4:11 7:21 4:11 7:22 4:11 7:22 4:11 7:23 4:10 7:23 4:10 7:24 4:10 7:24 4:10 7:25 4:10 7:25 4:10 7:26 4:10 7:26 4:10 7:26 4:10 7:27 4:11 7:27 4:11 7:27 4:11 7:27 4:11 7:28 4:11 7:28 4:12 7:28 4:12 7:28 4:12 7:28 4:13 7:28 4:13 7:28 4:14 7:28 4:14 7:28

4:15 7:27 4:15 7:27 4:16 7:27 4:16 7:27 4:17 7:26 4:18 7:26 4:18 7:26 4:19 7:25 4:20 7:25 4:21 7:24 4:21 7:24 4:22 7:23 4:23 7:23 4:24 7:22 4:24 7:22 4:25 7:21 4:26 7:20 4:27 7:19 4:28 7:19 4:29 7:18 4:30 7:17 4:31 7:16 4:32 7:15 4:33 7:14 4:34 7:13 4:35 7:12 4:36 7:11 4:36 7:10 4:37 7:09 4:38 7:08 4:40 7:07

4:41 7:06 4:42 7:05 4:43 7:04 4:44 7:02 4:45 7:01 4:46 7:00 4:47 6:58 4:49 6:56

5:13 6:20 5:45 5:28 5:14 6:19 5:15 6:17 5:16 6:15 5:17 6:13 5:18 6:12 5:19 6:10 5:46 5:26 5:47 5:24 5:48 5:23 5:49 5:21 5:50 5:19 5:51 5:18

6:21 4:40 6:57 4:16 6:22 4:39 6:58 4:16 6:23 4:38 6:59 4:15 6:25 4:36 7:00 4:15 6:26 4:35 6:27 4:34 6:28 4:33 6:30 4:32 6:31 4:31 6:33 4:29 7:01 4:15 7:02 4:15 7:03 4:15 7:04 4:15 7:05 4:15 7:06 4:15 7:07 4:15 7:08 4:15 7:09 4:16 7:09 4:16 7:10 7:11 7:11 7:12 7:13 7:13 7:14 7:14 4:16 4:16 4:17 4:17 4:18 4:18 4:19 4:19

7:16 4:27 6:59 5:03 7:16 4:28 6:58 5:05 7:16 4:29 6:57 5:06 7:16 4:30 6:56 5:07 7:16 4:31 6:55 5:09 7:16 4:32 6:53 5:10 7:16 4:33 6:52 5:11 7:15 4:34 6:51 5:13 7:15 4:35 6:50 5:14 7:15 4:36 6:48 5:15 7:15 4:37 6:47 5:16 7:14 4:38 6:46 5:18 7:14 4:40 6:44 5:19 7:13 4:41 7:13 4:42 6:43 5:20

5:19 6:20 4:34 6:54 5:16 6:23 4:32 6:56 5:12 6:25 4:30 6:58 5:11 6:26 4:29 6:59 4:28 7:00 4:27 7:01

4:48 6:57 5:20 6:08 5:53 5:17 5:21 6:07 5:54 5:14 4:50 6:54 5:22 6:05 5:55 5:13 4:51 6:53 5:23 6:03 5:56 5:11

6:32 4:30 7:06 4:15

4:52 6:52 5:25 6:01 5:57 5:09 6:35 4:28 4:53 6:50 5:26 6:00 5:58 5:08 6:36 4:27 4:54 6:49 4:55 6:47 5:27 5:58 5:59 5:06 6:37 4:26 5:28 5:56 6:01 5:05 6:38 4:25 6:41 4:23

6:02 5:52 5:09 6:27 6:00 5:53 5:07 6:28

5:58 5:54 5:06 6:29 4:26 7:02 5:57 5:55 5:04 6:30 4:25 7:03 4:24 7:04

4:56 6:46 5:29 5:54 6:02 5:03 6:40 4:24 4:57 6:44 5:30 5:53 6:03 5:01 4:58 6:43 4:59 6:41 5:31 5:51 6:04 5:00 6:42 4:23 5:32 5:49 6:05 4:58 6:43 4:22

6:42 5:22 5:55 5:57 5:03 6:32

7:12 4:43 6:40 5:23 5:53 5:58 5:01 6:33 4:23 7:05 7:12 4:44 6:39 5:24 7:10 4:47 5:52 5:59 4:59 6:34 4:22 7:06 4:21 7:07 4:19 7:09 4:19 7:10 4:18 7:11 4:17 7:12 4:16 7:13 4:16 7:14 4:15 7:14 4:15 7:15 4:14 7:16 4:14 7:17 7:11 4:46 6:37 5:25 5:50 6:00 4:58 6:35 7:10 4:48 6:34 5:28 5:46 6:02 4:55 6:37 7:09 4:49 6:33 5:29 7:08 4:51 7:08 4:52 6:30 5:32 5:45 6:03 4:53 6:38 5:41 6:06 4:50 6:41 6:31 5:30 5:43 6:05 4:52 6:39

5:00 6:40 5:33 5:47 6:06 4:57 6:45 4:21 5:01 6:38 5:34 5:45 6:08 4:55 6:46 4:20 5:02 6:37 5:05 6:34 5:35 5:44 6:09 4:54 6:47 4:20 6:10 4:52 6:48 4:19 6:11 4:51 6:49 4:19 6:12 4:50 6:50 4:18 6:14 4:48 6:52 4:18 6:15 4:47 6:53 4:17 6:16 4:45 6:54 4:17 6:17 4:44 6:55 4:16 6:18 4:43 6:56 4:16 6:20 4:41 5:37 5:40 5:04 6:35 5:36 5:42 5:06 6:32 5:38 5:38 5:07 6:30 5:39 5:37 5:08 6:29 5:40 5:35 5:09 6:27 5:11 6:24 5:12 6:22 5:42 5:33 5:44 5:30 5:10 6:25 5:43 5:31

6:36 5:27 5:48 6:01 4:56 6:36 4:20 7:08

7:14 4:20 7:15 4:21 7:15 4:21 7:15 4:22 7:16 4:23 7:16 4:23 7:16 4:24 7:16 4:25

7:07 4:53 6:28 5:33 5:39 6:07 4:49 6:42 7:06 4:54 6:27 5:34 5:38 6:08 4:48 6:43 7:05 4:56 6:25 5:35 7:04 4:57 6:23 5:37 7:03 4:58 7:02 5:00 5:36 6:09 4:46 6:44 5:34 6:10 5:32 6:11 5:31 6:12 4:45 6:45 4:43 6:46

Table is EASTERN STANDARD TIME. Add 1 hour for daylight savings time, if and when in use. BOSTON subtract 3 minutes; SPRINGFIELD add 3 minutes; PITTSFIELD add 7 minutes. Source: U. S. Naval Observatory, Astronomical Applications Department, Washington, D.C. 20392-5420

CAMO YOUR OWN GEAR

with this

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Sugarbeets are a hardy vegetable that make a great addition to any wildlife plot.

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Many camo patterns to choose, any hard-surfaced partwood grains, carbon fibers, other prints
If you want to attract more deer to your food plot, call 1-888-331-8997 Ext. 101 or visit www.bucklunch.com

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2012 Guide to hunting, Fishing and Trapping

49

Outdoor Skills & Wildlife education programs

The Division of Fisheries & Wildlife offers a wide range of educational and skills programs. With suitable lead time, programs can be adapted to the needs of virtually any group. www.mass.gov/masswildlife and follow JuNIOr DuCk STAmp prOGrAm: Connecting the prompts to the education area. For Children with Nature through the Arts. more information, call (508) 389-6300. Students in grades K-12 participate in a dynamic art and science education mASS. JuNIOr CONSerVATION CAmp: A two program designed to teach wetland week residential program for boys and habitat and waterfowl conservation. girls ages 1317 which provides a solid Artists communicate visually what they grounding in outdoor activities and have learned by creating an entry for the skills. Participants learn about fisheries, JDS contest. Download guidelines and wildlife, forestry, camping, and gain entry form at www.fws.gov/juniorduck. proficiency in the use of shotgun, rifle, Co-sponsored by the USFWS and the archery equipment, map and compass, Massachusetts Wildlife Federation. For and more. Participants also complete more information, call (508) 389-6310. the states Basic Hunter Education and Boat Safety programs. Program is held in August. Phone (508) 389-6300.

huNTer eDuCATION prOGrAm: Provides courses in the safe handling of firearms, and other outdoor activities related to hunting and firearm use. Designed for novices, courses in Basic Hunter Education, Bowhunter Education, Trapper Education and others are offered statewide throughout the year. Certificates in certain courses satisfy hunting license requirements for Massachusetts as well as other states and Canadian provinces. For more information, call (978) 772-0693. prOJeCT WILD: Interdisciplinary, hands-on workshops for educators of K-12 students ANGLer eDuCATION prOGrAm: Teaches focusing on terrestrial and aquatic people of all ages, especially children, wildlife and ecosystems. Encourages about fish and their environment. The problem-solving and decision-making program focuses on freshwater fishing skills concerning the environment. skills, basic safety techniques, outdoor Scout leaders, youth group leaders, ethics, and aquatic ecology through homeschoolers, and both formal and workshop sessions and family fishing non-formal educators find the materials festivals. For more information, call and workshop valuable. Hours spent may (508) 389-6309. be used toward obtaining PDPs. For more information, call (508) 389-6310. BeCOmING AN OuTDOOrS-WOmAN: This is a program for women ages 18 and up GrOWING up WILD: expLOrING NATure which introduces them to outdoor skills WITh yOuNG ChILDreN (AGeS 3-7 yeArS) in a safe, friendly, and non-competitive Professional development workshop environment. It provides a venue to for early childhood educators provides learn skills related to fishing, hunting, activities that build on childrens sense camping, and hiking under the guidance of wonder about nature and invites them of expert instructors. There is one full to explore wildlife and the world around weekend of activities plus many single- them. Educators experience a wide range day events providing an opportunity to of activities that provide a foundation for sample activities from archery to wildlife developing a childs positive impression photography and from kayaking to fly- about nature. For information on attending fishing. Notices are sent through an or hosting a workshop, call (508) 389-6310. e-mail distribution network. To get on the mailing list visit the Division's website at

Jenna Richards, JDS 2010 Best of Show

SpeCIAL OppOrTuNITIeS FOr yOuNG huNTerS

The traditions and values of hunting and our outdoor heritage were and are an integral part of sustaining our conservation ethic. However, changes in lifestyles, leisure time, family activities, and access to the outdoors present significant challenges to passing this heritage on to future generations. Young people today do not have the same opportunities to shoot or hunt as did the youth of a generation ago. The days mA Division of Fisheries & Wildlife

50

www.mass.gov/masswildlife

ArChery IN The SChOOLS The National Archery in the Schools Program is an international style target shooting program for students in grades 412 that can improve students self confidence, motivation, behavior, concentration, focus, and interest in going to school. Taught through PE departments, the program also highlights social studies, physics, and mathematics. This program is a partnership between the DFW, National Archery in the Schools, the Archery Trade Assn. and local schools. There are currently 10 pilot schools in Massachusetts. For more information about NASP contact Tom OShea at (508) 389-6327 or by email at tom.oshea@state.ma.us.

of walking down the road to the nearby farm or woodlot to hunt after school are all but gone except in the most rural communities. Many youth growing up in urban or suburban communities do not have access to suitable hunting lands and many grow up in families that lack the outdoor skills and knowledge that they seek. Not only are opportunities for youth to learn and access open areas limited, but there are many competing options for ways to spend their limited leisure time including the internet, video games, organized sports and school activities. For these reasons, the Division of Fisheries & Wildlife has joined in partnership with sportsmens clubs across the state and with conservation organizations to offer special hunting opportunities for young hunters. Sportsmens clubs conduct multiple day program workshops leading up to an actual hunt in which each participant hunts under the watchful eye of a mentor. The DFW provides the necessary training materials as well as a hunting safety kit for each participant. These free programs are open to any club or organization wishing to participate.
yOuTh pheASANT huNT: This program

includes: Instruction on firearms safety in the field. Safe, supervised shooting instruction and practice prior to a hunt. Lessons on hunting ethics and behavior. Training on hunting regulations and safety. Instruction on how to clean and prepare game.

A safe, supervised hunt under the guid- yOuTh WATerFOWL huNT: Two days are set ance of an experienced, responsible aside prior to the waterfowl hunting seasons especially for young hunters ages 1215. All adult hunter. Application of field techniques learned youth must be accompanied by a licensed adult hunter with a valid Massachusetts in the hunter education course. waterfowl stamp. The young hunter and Youth Pheasant Hunts are offered though accompanying adult may have only one sportsmen's clubs throughout the state firearm between them. The adult may not and may be conducted on one of the six hunt and may carry the firearm only when Saturdays prior to the start of the regular it is unloaded and cased. No license or stamp pheasant hunting season. In 2012 these needed for youths ages 1214. License and will be the six Saturdays prior to October Massachusetts waterfowl stamp needed for 15, 2012. youths age 15. No federal stamp required. All other hunting regulations apply. yOuTh Turkey huNT: The youth turkey hunting program was developed through a partnership between the DFW, the National Wild Turkey Federation, and participating sportsmen's clubs. In order to participate in the mentored youth turkey hunt, youths age 1217 must attend and successfully complete a pre-hunt youth turkey program workshop. This is an all encompassing educational workshop Let us put our experience to that stresses firearm and hunting safety, work for you! turkey hunting techniques, equipment, regulations, ethics and sportsmanship. Youth hunt workshops are held at various ERNEST W. sportsmen's clubs. After completion of JR. the pre-hunt workshop, a special permit will be issued to the participating youths that allows for a mentored hunt on the Experience You Can Trust Saturday prior to the last Monday in April (April 28th this year). This permit remains valid for the regular turkey seasons following the special one day hunt. To find a participating sportsmen's club or for more information, call your Sales and Leasing Brokers local club or check the DFW website at Serving Massachusetts www.mass.gov/masswildlife, and click on "Education."

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2012 Guide to hunting, Fishing and Trapping

51

Give Ice Fishing a Try!

Ice fishing is becoming an increasingly popular sport in Massachusetts as more and more people seek inexpensive excitement, outdoor exercise, and enjoyable recreation for all ages during the coldest months of the year.
Looking for a way to motivate yourself and your family to get outdoors this winter? Ice fishing might be just the thing. A relatively inexpensive form of winter recreation that continues to increase in popularity, ice fishing offers the benefits of exercise, fun for all ages, enough challenge to please the most competitive angler, and yet is easy enough that even a 5-year-old (with adequate supervision) can readily experience the excitement of catching fish through the ice. It can be pursued as a simple, solitary sport with minimal equipment and a high degree of mobility, or it can be enjoyed as a highly social activity with day-long encampments, portable chairs and shelters, outdoor cooking, and all the latest technological fishing gadgetry. Ice fishing offers excellent chances for catching trophy fish: Our Sportfishing Awards records indicate, for example, that 96% of largemouth bass over 8 pounds, 80% of yellow perch over 2 pounds, and 77% of northern pike over 20 pounds are taken through the ice. The best part, however, is that once you acquire the skills, you can often return home at the end of the day with enough fish for a tasty family dinner. The first requirement to enjoy ice fishing is warm clothing. Its hard to enjoy anything outdoors in winter if you arent comfortable, and this is particularly true for kids. Heavily insulated rubber boots or pac boots with removable felt liners are generally recommended for footwear, as these will not only keep your feet warm, but are also waterproof to resist the slush and water that often sits on the surface after heavy snow storms and temporary thaws. The rest of the clothing should be layered: long underwear, wool sweater, insulated pants or bib overalls, jacket/ coat, and perhaps a vest and windbreaker. This allows you to take a layer or two off to stay cool while cutting holes and dragging equipment, and to replace them and stay warm while sitting and waiting for action. Top it all off with a pair of wool gloves and a hat with the option to cover your ears. A small towel for drying hands after baiting/handling fish, and a pair of warm, heavy mitts that can be slipped on even when hands are damp are very useful extras. Dont forget sunscreen, sunglasses, lip balm and skin moisturizer: cold, dry, ultra-bright conditions make all four welcome accessories. We also recommend bringing along a supply of disposable hand/foot/ body warmers for use when needed. Fishing equipment starts with a tool for cutting holes in the ice. When the ice is less than 6-8 inches thick, an ice chisel or spud is perfectly adequate for the job, but when the thickness increases, an ice auger (drill) is the way to go. Spuds generally cost $25-$50, depending on quality, while hand augers range from around $45 to $100. The more expensive models are better designed and most anglers agree are worth the added cost. Most anglers use a 6- or 8-inch auger, although a jig fisherman who will be cutting dozens of holes in a day may want to go with a 4- or 5-inch model. The smaller the hole, the easier and faster the cutting, but remember we have some big fish out there and a trophy bass or northern pike wont fit through a small hole. Power augers (gas- or battery-operated, $300-$600) are unnecessary in most situations, heavy to transport, and often prone to mechanical problems, but there are those who swear by them. They are probably the best option for those after big fish, because if you want a large-diameter hole (typically 9-12 inches) when the ice is over a foot thick, it is the only efficient option. Whatever tool you use to cut your holes, you will need an ice skimmer (basically a coarse sieve attached to a handle) to clean the hole of slush after you open it. Skimmers are available with a small chipper blade in the handle, a very useful tool for keeping holes open on cold days. Once you have a way to reach the fish through the ice, all you need is the equipment to catch them. There are two main types: jigging rods and tip-ups. Jigging rods are simply short rods, usually around 18 inches long, equipped with a small spinning reel. Fill the spool with light monofilament or thin braided line; bait with a small, flashy jig that can be sweetened with a bit of earthworm, mealworm, or a perch eye; and you are ready to actively target perch, trout, bass, and panfish. Tip-ups, also known as tilts, are the standard stationary form of ice-fishing gear. There are many variations of tip-up designs, but they are all basically made to straddle an ice hole, hold a bait at a specific depth, and signal (usually with a small flying flag) whenever a fish takes the bait. Since Massachusetts anglers are allowed to have up to five hooks in the water when ice fishing, you should initially purchase a set of five or six tip-ups (having a spare on hand is always a good idea). Once you have some fully-rigged tilts, the only other equipment you need will be a bait bucket (to carry shiners); a sounding weight; and a sled, toboggan or pack basket of some kind to carry all your gear. Jigging technique typically involves dropping the jig to the bottom and slowly moving it up and down until a biting fish is detected. Then the hook is set and the fish is reeled or hauled in. When trout or crappie fishing, jigging near the surface is often more productive than fishing near the bottom, where the perch and bass are usually found. When fishing with tilts, put 30-50 yards of braided or squidding line on the spool for backing (large-diameter line is easier to handle). Tie a barrel swivel to the end of the backing line, and then tie a 3-4 foot length of monofilament to the other end of the swivel. Most anglers prefer 6-8-pound test for the leader, but if the target is pike a heavy mono or wire leader may be necessary, and trout (especially brown trout) can be so leader-shy that you may have to drop to 4-pound test to fool them. Tie on a hook appropriate in size to the bait you are using, place a non-toxic split shot a foot above the hook to get the bait down quickly (optional), and you are ready to go. Send your sounding weight down to the bottom on your hook, and mark the depth on your line with a tiny bobber or button so you can get to the same depth again without sounding every time. Then re-spool your line, bait the hook, and set your tip-up so the bait will end up a foot or two off the bottom. Most anglers fish with 2-5-inch shiners, hooked either through the lips or just behind the dorsal fin. Now all you need to do is set the hook when a fish strikes, and play it well enough to slip it topside through the hole! Finding a productive water to fish is never difficult in Massachusetts. A visit to our website (www.mass.gov/masswildlife) will provide maps and fishing information on hundreds of lakes and ponds offering easy public access. The site also includes information on ice strength and safety tips. Make sure ice conditions are safe (waiting until you see other anglers on the ice is always prudent) before you go, and never take chances with thin (less than 4 inches thick) or questionable (partially melted) ice. To make the most of a family fishing outing, try to pick a day when winds will be light; wind (or rather the lack thereof) is the greatest predictor of how pleasant fishing conditions will be. Enjoy!

52

www.mass.gov/masswildlife

mA Division of Fisheries & Wildlife

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2012 Guide to hunting, Fishing and Trapping

53

TAxIDermy

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mA Division of Fisheries & Wildlife

9/28/11 2:48 PM

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55

Lead Sinkers and Loons in Massachusetts

Background
The Fisheries and Wildlife Board has taken a regulatory action prohibiting the use of certain lead sinkers and jigs. This environmentally responsible action was taken primarily as a conservative loonprotective measure. Beginning January 1, 2012, the use of lead sinkers and jigs of less than one ounce in all inland waters of Massachusetts is prohibited. The regulation was mainly implemented to protect the small population of the Common Loon (Gavia immer) in the state, a listed Species of Special Concern in the Commonwealth. The Common Loon nested in Massachusetts historically, but was extirpated in the late nineteenth century. In 1975, however, a pair of loons was discovered nesting in Quabbin Reservoir. The population has increased since then, and today approximately 32 territorial pairs can be found on 14 lakes, ponds, and reservoirs in the Commonwealth. Common Loons reach the southern limits of their North American breeding range in Massachusetts. Large piscivorous birds that rely on sight to capture their prey, loons require relatively large nesting territories and water of high clarity; hence their population growth here is limited by the availability of this habitat. The Quabbin and Wachusett reservoirs support the core of the states total loon population, with 16 and 4 pairs, respectively.

The use of lead fishing sinkers and lead jigs weighing less than 1 ounce is now prohibited in all inland waters of the Commonwealth. In terms of this regulation, lead sinker or lead weight means any sinker or weight made from lead that weighs less than 1 ounce. The definition of lead sinker shall not include any other sinkers, fishing lures, and/or fishing tackle including, but not limited to, artificial lures, hooks, weighted flies, lead-core or other weighted fishing lines. Lead jig means any lead-weighted hook that weighs less than 1 ounce.

Lead Poisoning

Ingestion of lead fishing gear is the single largest cause of mortality for adult loons in New England. Veterinarians at Tufts Universitys School of Veterinary Medicine have examined 483 dead adult loons from fresh water since 1987 and determined that approximately 44% of these birds died as the result of lead poisoning. Their research documented that ingestion of lead sinkers and jigs accounted for approximately 79% of the lead objects recovered from the loons that died from lead toxicosis in fresh water. A single lead sinker or split shot can poison a loon. A bird with lead poisoning will exhibit physical and behavioral changes, including loss of balance, gasping, tremors, and impaired ability to fly. The weakened bird is more vulnerable to predators and may have trouble feeding, mating, nesting, and caring for its young. It becomes emaciated and often dies within 2 to 3 weeks after ingesting the lead.

How do loons ingest lead sinkers?

There are at least two ways loons ingest lead sinkers and lead jigs. One is when loons take minnows hooked as bait on fishing line. In eating the minnow, the loon breaks off the line and then swallows the hook, line, swivel, and sinker or jig. A second ingestion method apparently occurs when loons ingest small pebbles from lake bottoms to help grind food in their gizzards. It appears they may inadvertently swallow lead sinkers and jigs while engaged in this activity, or are perhaps actively selecting them for some reason (possibly because of their unique size, shape, or shine).

Safe Fishing Sinkers

Ecologically safe alternatives to lead sinkers and lead jigs (such as steel and tin) are now readily available from many sources and come in a wide variety of styles, shapes, weights, and sizes to meet every type of fishing need. Through this new conservation regulation it is possible to reduce the chance of lead poisoning of loons, a goal all sportsmen should support. Most anglers who have experienced the presence of loons would agree that sightings of these magnificent birds and the enjoyment of their iconic, eerie calls adds greatly to the quality of any fishing experience.

56

www.mass.gov/masswildlife

mA Division of Fisheries & Wildlife

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