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Moose Season 2008
Overall the September and October moose seasons were fortunate to have very good hunting conditions during a majority of the season. In other words, cool, fall weather prevailed with crisp mornings and precipitation overall was scarce.
Moose season is typified by very high participation rates and therefore changes in hunting conditions may be demonstrated by an increase in success rate. For the September-October season, the success rate increased 5 percent over 2007. From 2007 to 2008, there were increased success rates in 8 of 19 WMDs or 42 percent of the districts.
The total harvest was ~2,202 of 2,880 permits. (Note that not all the moose data has been entered in the database.) The 2007 moose harvest was 2,052 so the 2008 season represents an increase harvest of 150 moose, not counting November moose and any September/October registrations that have not been yet accounted for.
The November Moose season, which took place for the first time in WMDs 15, 16, 23 and 26, had mixed results. With a total of 135 permits offered and the registered kill not yet entered into the database, the preliminary numbers appear very low, especially in WMD 26, where as little as 3 out of 45 permits were filled. The November season must be carefully assessed once all the data is in to balance the population objectives for these WMDs as well as ensuring that prospective hunters understand the nature of this hunt, i.e., low success rates, small landownerships, access issues and less moose habitat than in more northern and eastern WMDs.
Deer Season 2008
With deer season over I thought it may be of interest to put this season in context with other jurisdictions. Recall that during the spring permit allocation meeting we figured a fall harvest of ~24,200 deer. This, of course, is based on the deer management system and all the data we use to assess current conditions and ultimately project buck harvest, determine the appropriate harvest prescription, calculate adult doe quotas and expansion factors. After reviewing and gleaning the deer biological data I calculated the predicted fall harvest based on a regression formula using annual biological data collection and the annual registered harvest. This year, using the biological data collection, the predicted harvest looks to be about ~24,100 statewide.
One important point is that this decreased harvest is not unexpected -- a drop of 5,000 deer or 17 percent from 2007, if the prediction holds out -- and Maine is not alone! If we review adjacent jurisdictions -- Quebec, New Brunswick and New Hampshire -- and take a quick look at their 2008 harvest, we will see some striking changes across the board in decreased deer harvests: Quebec Zones 2-4, that are adjacent to Maine WMDs 1, 4, 7 and 8 were down 41, 46 and 22 percent respectively; Coos County, NH (the most northern county) is estimated to be down 19 percent, and Carroll County, just south of Coos and adjacent to Maine WMDs 12, 15, and 20, is down 48 percent. New Brunswick harvest, I believe, is down ~20-25%.
The widespread decrease in deer harvest on a generalized scale reflects the harsh winter conditions and lengthy yarding period experienced across the northeast throughout the 2007-08 winter.
As typical for the various deer hunting seasons spanning across the months of September through December, hunter conditions were highly variable including during the November firearms season. Tracking snow conditions were available in many parts of the state during both the firearms and muzzleloader season, which typically translates in increased hunter participation and potential harvest. However, in a large part of the state influenced by a long winter, deer numbers were down.
Each year a large portion of the harvest is comprised of yearlings. For hunting season 2008, that would be the fawns from 2007. It is widely recognized that during severe winters, fawns are most susceptible to winter mortality and hence the following year, yearling deer show a decline in representation in the harvest. Preliminary numbers in Maine would support this decrease and mortality influence. Actual numbers should be available in the next month or two.
Waterbury, VT – The cold weather and snow we had in much of Vermont during December and January have state wildlife biologists concerned about survival of deer. Conditions during the remainder of the winter will play a major role in Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department hunting season recommendations for next fall.
“Once again, western Vermont has maintained less snow than the rest of the state, at least until mid-February,” said Dr. Shawn Haskell, Vermont’s deer project leader. “Predictions of a cold dry winter seem about half-right. It has been quite cold, but we have received lots of snow to go with it. It could be worse though. Much of the state experienced 20–30 inches of snowmelt in December. Had that not occurred, the deer might be in trouble already.”
Haskell says winter conditions in late March and April are especially critical for deer. At that point, deer may have burned through most of their fat reserves, so very cold temperatures or persistent deep snow depths can push them over the edge.
Adult deer survive such conditions better than fawns, so the full impact to hunting season results can lag a year or two. Even though adult females may survive until mid-April, their body condition may be depleted enough that when fawns are born 4–10 weeks later, they still have too little energy to produce milk needed for twins. So, not only can winter affect last year’s fawn crop, it can affect the upcoming fawn population too.
Haskell points out that Vermont’s deer herd was in pretty good physical condition going into this winter.
“By keeping deer densities within a range that can be well supported by summer and autumn habitats, deer will have a better chance of surviving hard winters. Thus, we hope to minimize boom and bust deer population cycles through carefully regulated hunting seasons.”
The Fish and Wildlife Department is concerned that deer densities in western Vermont are becoming too great to be sustainable in the long-term. Increased antlerless harvests in the 2008 hunting season were focused in western Vermont following the mild winter there last year.
Haskell says if this winter continues to be mild or average for deer in western Vermont, we can expect a similar or greater antlerless harvest there in 2009. In contrast, if this winter continues to be worse than average severity for deer in the Green Mountains and eastward, again, we can expect recommendations for reduced antlerless deer harvest in those areas for 2009.
How well deer populations respond to winter is very dependant on the abundance and condition of deer wintering areas, or deer yards. When severe winter weather occurs, deer need cover from accumulating snow and cold winds, as well as security from harassment.
“In much of Vermont, closed canopy softwood, or mixed-wood, forests provide cover from the elements with reduced snow depths that allow deer to move and forage more freely,” added Haskell. “The department works within its expertise and authority to protect and manage deer yards, but much oversight needs to be provided by local towns and development boards, and we are always willing to help.”
Deer try to maintain a reduced metabolism during winter in order to conserve energy while moving and feeding less. Weather is not the only cause of depleted fat reserves well before spring. Consistent harassment by domestic dogs throughout winter causes local deer die-offs. All dog breeds can be guilty, and chase-related deaths occur whether or not deer are actually caught. Dog owners are reminded that their free-roaming dogs may be chasing deer and may be shot by game wardens as a consequence.
“You can help by keeping your dog under control at all times,” said Haskell. “The Fish & Wildlife Department will be monitoring snow depths and temperatures during the remainder of the winter in order to be ready to prepare our recommendations for next fall’s hunting seasons.”
Results of the Pennsylvania Game Commission?s 2008 Big Game Scoring Program are featured in the February issue of the agency?s monthly magazine, Pennsylvania Game News, which also includes stories of how most of the top deer, bear and elk trophies were taken.
In 1965, the Game Commission and the Pennsylvania Outdoor Writers Association (POWA) started the big game measuring program to showcase the outstanding big game hunting opportunities available in Pennsylvania. There have been 14 measuring sessions since, and the top entries from the 2008 scoring sessions and the hunters who harvested the animals were honored at the September POWA conference.
For more information, please visit the Pennsylvania Game Commission - State Wildlife Management Agency website: http://www.pgc.state.pa.us/pgc/cwp/view.asp?a=11&Q=175857
HOLDERNESS, N.H. - Learn about the exciting sport of snowshoe hare hunting at a free workshop being offered at the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department's Owl Brook Hunter Education Center in Holderness, N.H. The workshop will take place from 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 7, 2009. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. To register, call the Owl Brook Hunter Education Center at (603) 536-3954.
At the workshop, Fish and Game Hunter Education volunteer instructors Edward Vien and Larry Williams, along with their longtime hare-hunting companion Roger Eastman, will introduce participants to one of New Hampshire's finest small-game hunting experiences -- hare hunting with beagles.
The workshop will cover topics such as snowshoe hares and where to find them, equipment needs, dogs and their needs and training, safety considerations, where to find information on hare and rabbit hunting and clubs in New Hampshire that focus on dogs and hare hunting. The instructors have many years of experience and a true passion for their sport, so bring all your questions.
Participants should bring warm outdoor clothing and be prepared to go outside. The first portion of the workshop takes place in the classroom, and then the class moves outside, where the dogs will show their stuff! If you have snowshoes, please bring them, since we may be walking in deep snow. Note that this workshop does not include lunch.
For more information on Fish and Game's Owl Brook Hunter Education Center, visit http://www.HuntNH.com/Hunting/hunter_ed_center.htm.
The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department is the guardian of the state's fish, wildlife and marine resources and their habitats. Visit http://www.HuntNH.com.
WATERBURY, VT – Vermont moose hunting permit applications are available on the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department’s website (www.vtfishandwildlife.com) and at license agents statewide.
On Fish & Wildlife’s website, look under “Hunting and Trapping,” and then click on Lottery Applications.
Lottery applications are $10 for residents and $25 for nonresidents. The deadline to apply is June 2.
Winners of the permit lottery will purchase resident hunting permits for $100 and nonresident hunting permits for $350. Hunters also will have the option to bid on five moose hunting permits in an auction to be announced later.
The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department will propose a regulation including permit numbers for the hunting season at a February 18th meeting of the Fish & Wildlife Board. Vermont issued 1,251 permits in 2008, and hunters took 605 moose in the 2008 hunting season. Proposed 2009 hunting season dates are October 17-22, or October 24 through November 1.
“We expect to recommend a number of permits similar to last year,” said Fish & Wildlife Commissioner Wayne Laroche, “but permit allocations will not be finalized until a regulation is adopted in early summer. We are making the applications available now for hunters’ convenience. If you are concerned about making Wildlife Management Unit choices before permit numbers are set, you may want to wait to apply.”
“We are managing Vermont’s moose population to keep it in balance with available habitat,” said Cedric Alexander, Vermont’s lead biologist on moose. “Carefully constructed hunting regulations enable us once again to enjoy having moose in Vermont on a sustained basis, while their numbers are maintained at levels that fit habitat capacity and the needs of people.”
CONCORD, N.H. -- If you see a flock of wild turkeys in New Hampshire this winter, the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department would like to hear about it. Report sightings of turkey flocks seen from now through the end of March 2009 by filling out a simple electronic survey form at http://www.wildnh.com/turkeysurvey. Please do not report multiple sightings of the same flock.
The Winter Flock Survey will bolster Fish and Game's understanding of the abundance and distribution of turkeys during the challenging winter months. The survey asks participants to report the number of turkeys in the flock; location where they were seen; the type of habitat the birds were observed in; and what the turkeys were feeding on (seed at birdfeeders; silage at farms; fruits such as barberry, rosehips, sumac, apple, etc.).
Each winter, wildlife biologists from Fish and Game's four regional offices record information about wintering turkey flocks they encounter during the course of their normal fieldwork. Members of the New Hampshire Wild Turkey Federation also provide sighting information. However, gaps remain in Fish and Game's data collection efforts.
"For parts of the state, especially eastern and northern New Hampshire, we could benefit by additional information," said Ted Walski, Turkey Project Leader at Fish and Game. "This new reporting system will allow the public to contribute important information to our understanding of winter turkey status in an inexpensive, efficient and, hopefully, enjoyable way."
The Winter Turkey Flock Survey allows biologists to assess the relative abundance and status of wild turkeys in different regions of the state. Winter is the best time to census the birds because turkeys gather in large flocks at this time of year. Knowledge of the status of wintering turkeys is particularly important in New Hampshire, because of the challenges of severe winter weather and limited natural food supplies.
For more information on the flock survey, write to Turkey Project Leader Ted Walski at Fish and Game Region 4 Office, 15 Ash Brook Court, Keene, N.H. 03431; or call 603-352-9669.
The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department is the guardian of the state's fish, wildlife and marine resources and their habitats. Visit http://www.wildnh.com.
BILLINGS, MT: Landowners and outdoor enthusiasts who have for years relied on the United States Geological Survey (USGS) topographic map series now have a new option. MyTopo.com, an innovator in the mapping industry, has created a TopoPhotoTM map, which combines information from the reliable USGS topographic map with a recent color aerial photograph, creating a navigation-ready hybrid map.
"The TopoPhotoTM maps take the best available topographic data and aerial photographs and combines them to create a more updated map, which we think will replace or at least be a useful supplement to the aging USGS topo maps we have relied upon for years," said Toohill. The maps are available now to order via the company's online ordering system, and, like the company's other maps, can be centered any place in the US, printed on large sheets of waterproof or glossy paper, personalized with a name and title, and shipped to the customer?s doorstep within 24-48 hours.
The maps provide the ability to see the elevation contours, roads, buildings, and geographic features labeled on a color aerial photograph taken in 2003-2006. "The TopoPhotoTM maps reveal recent changes on the landscape, including vegetation and development, but they maintain the traditional reliability of the USGS topographic maps," added Toohill.
MyTopo.com specializes in providing an easy and convenient process for outdoor enthusiasts to order large-format printed maps, including topo maps, aerial photos, and the new TopoPhotoTM maps. Customers use a five step process to customize their maps online; the maps are printed and shipped within 24-48 hours. The ordering process allows the customer to center their map any place in the US, choose the map's scale, provide a title, and personalize further with the map owner's name. The maps can be printed in several size choices and on waterproof, glossy or laminated paper. They range in price from $9.95 to $59.95, depending on map type and paper size.
The new TopoPhotoTM maps are available in more than 25 states, with the remaining states becoming available over the next several months. Current customers can reorder previously ordered topo or aerial photo maps in the TopoPhotoTM format by logging into their accounts and selecting the option to "start a new map here." The TopoPhotoTM maps are available in all three sizes and paper types and start at $29.95.
MyTopo.com is a private company based in Billings, MT. The company sells maps directly via www.mytopo.com, and also resells its maps via many popular websites including Whitetail Masters.com, Topozone.com, MapTech.com, Remington.com, Realtree.com, the Digital Map Store and many more mapping and outdoor-related sites. To learn more about the company, visit www.mytopo.com or call 866-587-9015. High resolution product images and logos are available upon request.
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Custom Topos and Aerial Photos
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RESPONSIBILITY AND RESPECT: A CODE OF CONDUCT FOR HUNTERS
A HUNTER'S PLEDGE
Responsible hunting provides unique challenges and rewards. However, the future of the sport depends on each hunter's behavior and ethics. Therefore, as a hunter, I pledge to:
RESPECT THE ENVIRONMENT AND WILDLIFE
- Show respect for the wildlife you hunt by taking only clean, killing shots, then retrieving and properly handling your game. Take only what you will use, even if it is under the legal limit.
- Learn to tread lightly while afield. Use vehicles only on established roads and trails, practice low-impact camping and travel, and pack out your trash, including cigarette butts and spent shell casings.
- Report illegal activities immediately.
RESPECT PROPERTY AND LANDOWNERS
- Always get permission to hunt on private land.
- Close any gates you open. and never damage crops or property, including fences, outbuildings and livestock.
- Alert landowners or land managers about any problems you find on their property.
- Share your game with the landowner, or say thank you in some other way.
SHOW CONSIDERATION FOR NONHUNTERS
- Remember that the future of hunting depends on hunters and nonhunters alike. Be considerate of nonhunters' sensibilities, and strive to leave them with positive images of hunting and hunters.
- Don't flaunt your kill. Treat game carcasses in an inoffensive manner, particularly during transport.
- Be considerate of all outdoor users, including other hunters.
HUNT SAFELY
- Exercise caution at all times.
- Fire your gun or bow only when you are absolutely sure of your target and its background. Use binoculars, not your rifle scope, to identify your target.
- Wear hunter orange whenever appropriate or required while afield.
- Remember that hunting and alcohol don't mix.
KNOW AND OBEY THE LAW
- Obtain proper tags and licenses.
- Hunt only in allowed areas and during designated times and seasons. Read hunting regulations carefully.
- Obey bag and possession limits.
- Use only legal hunting methods and equipment.
SUPPORT WILDLIFE AND HABITAT CONSERVATION
- Provide hands-on and financial support for conservation of game and nongame species and their habitats.
- Learn more about wildlife and habitat issues, and urge policymakers to support strong conservation initiatives.
- Become involved in wildlife conservation organizations and their programs.
- Purchase state and federal wildlife conservation stamps, even if such stamps are not required for hunting.
PASS ON AN ETHICAL HUNTING TRADITION
- Invite a young person or a nonhunter next time you go afield to scout or hunt.
- Attend a hunter education course, and urge others to do the same.
- Set high ethical standards for future generations of hunters to help ensure hunting will continue.
STRIVE TO IMPROVE MY OUTDOOR SKILLS AND UNDERSTANDING OF WILDLIFE
- Know the limitations of your skills and equipment, and hunt within those limits.
- Improve your outdoor skills to become more observant, a better hunter and a better teacher.
- Sight-in your firearm and bow, and practice shooting to ensure a clean kill in the field.
- Learn more about the habits and habitats of game and nongame wildlife and their management needs.
HUNT ONLY WITH ETHICAL HUNTERS
- Take pride in being an ethical hunter.
- Insist that your hunting partners behave in a responsible, ethical manner.
- Compete only with yourself.
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The Hunter's Code of Conduct was created cooperatively by the:
International Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies
Izaak Walton League of America
National Rifle Association
Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation
Tread Lightly Inc.
Sport Fishing Institute
Times Mirror Magazines Conservation Council
U.S. Department of Agriculture - Extension Service
Wildlife Management Institute
The Hunter's Code of Conduct was produced by the Izaak Walton League of America. It may be used freely by any hunter or hunting group.
Copies may be obtained free of charge from the Izaak Walton League of America, 707 Conservation Lane, Gaithersburg, MD, 20878-2983 USA (301) 548-0150.
DEER KILLED WITH KNIFE AFTER CHARGING MAN
A man out for a walk in the woods in Herrin, Illinois killed a deer with a pocket knife after the animal charged him.
Grabbing the six pointer by the antlers with one hand when he was attacked, Paul Cheatham 61 managed to hold the rack with one hand, and pull out his pocket knife with the other. He opened his pocket knife with his mouth, and was able to stab the deer in the rib cage.
Paul wrestled around with the six pointer with his legs wrapped around the bucks neck. He knew the buck would kill him if he let go, so he hung on for his life until the buck was dead.
Cheatham survived this encounter, but received bruises over most of his body.
Deer stories always seem to be the main topic at deer camp. Do you have any great deer hunting stories or news that you would like to share with our readers? Perhaps your story is unique or even funny. This is your chance to revive those memories again so contact us today.
Please email your favorite deer story and include a jpg picture if you like.
Selected articles will be edited for space if necessary. Please keep all articles and pictures submitted suitable for a general audience.
TIP OF THE MONTH
A buck's sense of smell is his number one defense, but he can also beat you with his eyes. A buck will pick up on anything out of place, because he knows his part of the forest as well as you know your rifle.
Use natural cover when selecting a location for your stand. Use this natural cover in relation to where you expect the deer to approach your stand. You may get off the ground when you're in a treestand, but you're not invisible! Deer will look up so keep natural cover between you and where you expect the deer to approach.
Do you have any hunting secrets that you would like to share with our readers on hunting the elusive whitetail deer? Do you have any tips on preparing for a hunt at deer camp or tips on surviving in the wilderness? Published hunting tips will appear here. Submit your tips today.
FEATURED SITE
Located on the Northwest edge of the Black Hills National Forest in the Northeast corner of Wyoming near Devils Tower, America's First National Monument. They exclusively lease approximately 400,000 acres of private working cattle ranches.
There herd is such a high quality that they ask hunters to take a mature 4X4 buck or 14"+ antlers or better.
For more information visit their site today at http://www.whitetailcreek.com
Searching for his path in life, seventeen year old Norman Boyle enlists in the Army in 1949 and finds himself in Korea at the start of the war. As a demolition specialist, he leads a squad on dangerous missions, one to blow up the Pyongyang power plant. This first hand account of the day to day existence of a young man thrown into a war he doesn't understand will resonate with veterans, history enthusiasts and anyone who has wondered about war: the danger, the bonds that form, the death, the honor. The Blue Sand Bags of Korea gives a rare glimpse into the mind of a soldier who is struggling to find his own identity and values in a confusing and foreign world. This story is as gripping today as it was when these true events unfolded.
Buy direct from the author and save! $12.99 (includes shipping)
To order and for immediate delivery: Call 978-249-9169 and send check or MO to Norman Boyle, 106 Coolidge Street, Athol, MA 01331
Bondo's Venison Stew
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2 Tbs. flour 1 tsp. salt 1 tsp. pepper 1/2 tsp. thyme 6 Tbs. oil 1 8 oz can tomato sauce Mix flour with salt, pepper and thyme, and place mixture in shaking bag. Shake cubes of meat in bag until coated with mixture, and set aside. Sauté onions in oil until soft, add venison. Add tomato sauce, brown gravy mix, wine, and water. Simmer covered for about an hour. Add potatoes, carrots, and bay leaf if desired. Simmer for 30 more minutes, or until vegetables are tender.
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1/2 cup red wine 1-1/2 cup water 5 potatoes cut up 3 carrots sliced 1 can green beans 1/3 tsp. garlic powder Hunting all day builds a hearty appetite, and there is nothing better than venison at deer camp after a successful hunt. Do you have a great recipe that you would like to share with our readers? Submit your favorite recipe and if it passes the taste test it will be published here.
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February
Eastern Fising & Outdoor Exposition
http://www.sportshows.com/
Springfield Sportsman Show
http://www.osegsportsmens.com/html/springfield.html
World Fishing and Outdoor Exposition
http://www.sportshows.com/
March
Saltwater Fishing Expo
http://www.sportshows.com/
Pelham Fish & Game Fly Fishing Show
http://www.pelhamfishandgame.com
Annual World Fly Fishing Expo
http://www.sportshows.com/Wilmington/wilmmain.htm
68th Annual Maine Sportsman Show
University of Maine Fieldhouse, Orono, ME
New England Saltwater Fishing Show
Rhode Island Convention Center
http://www.nesaltwatershow.com/
April
State of Maine Sportsman's Show
Augusta Civic Center, Augusta, ME
http://www.augustaciviccenter.org/
5th Annual Tri-State Sportsmen's Expo
Cheshire Fair Ground, Keene, New Hampshire
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