CONNECTICUT STATE LIBRARY

APR 2 1 1969

WILDLIFE CONS-=~TION~N-NECTIL'Ur

Volume 15, No. 1 Hartford, Connecticut January-February, 1969 Conservation Workshop IT'S FLAT TIME The White Memorial .Foundation in By Louis Bayer, Conservation Officer Litchfield will be headquarters for a Conservation Workshop sponsored by The time is now. As late winter and early spring suns warm the waters of the Federated Garden Clubs of Con­ our estuaries and bays, winter flounder feel the mge to move out of the bottom necticut, in cooperation with Eastern and mud where they have wintered. The same warming seems to give the Connecticut State College. Dates of same urge to move to a small am1y of knowledgeable fishermen. the workshop, which carries three Each selects a pole, picks up a doz- semester hours of undergraduate or en sandworms and heads for the par­ credit, are June 23 through July 11. ticular spot which he ( or she) knows The course description reads­ has been most productive of succu­ ''Daily field trips. Field study of na­ lent, one pound, early season flats for tural resources and examples of re­ many years. Fishing sites picked may source use. Initial work involves stud­ be on the Thames, Niantic, Mystic or ies of regional geology, soil, soil con­ Pawcatuck Rivers, Bakers Cove in servation and mineral values. A study Groton, Stonington Harbor, Little of water problems, including supplies, arragansett Bay or some other area, uses, pollution and flood control is its whereabouts carefully guarded. followed by a study of plant life in Most of the early, stout-souled an- relation to agriculture and forestry. A glers do their fishing from the shore, study of animal life relates to recre­ or from bridges and tressles. They Big flats, called "snowshoes" and ation, hunting and fishing. A field trip know that the flats start moving in to running to five pounds are often to the Connecticut shore to study spawn in February and have long ago picked up by party boats fishing for problems unique to that region is of learned the flavor of winter flounder cod at Montauk Point or Block Island, outstanding interest. roe. However, by about mid-March, but are seldom taken inshore. "The problem of exploding human when fishing starts to really get hot, Starting usually in May, as waters populations, as it relates to natural most shore boat liveries have opened warm, winter flounder move out into resource matters, is integrated into all for the season and boat fishing seems deeper waters. Catches continue to be topics under investigation. to be the preferred method. made inshore, but these are mostly "The problems of conservation are Anglers use about any type of light smaller fish. The big ones are taken explored through increased under­ spinning tackle with monofilament early. standing of ecology. line and one, two or three ounce sink­ Preparation for cooking and cook­ "Science background is not essen­ ers, depending on the run of the tide. ing preferences vary. Usually the tial for successful attendance." They tie on two number six, eight or smaller flats are simply cleaned, Total cost of the workshop is $135, ten "chestertown" hooks, rigged either scaled and fried, the larger ones fil­ of which tuition subsidies of up to with a spreader or high and low. leted. But some claim that un-filleted $90 from the Federated Garden Clubs Favored baits are a one inch piece fish taste better. In any event, the fish of Connecticut are available to teach­ of sandworm or a chunk of clam, but are there for the taking, and whether ers, student teachers and youth group nightcrawlers also take their share. it's fishing action or a table treat that leaders. Most productive fishing hours are you're after, they're willing to bite. For subsidy information, contact one hour before the incoming tide un­ As a P.S., if anyone should have a Mrs. Richard McCallister, Town Farm til it's about half-way out, and don't taste for six to eight inch smelt, the Rd., New Milford, Conn. 06776. bother going for flats after dark. Of spring run in the Thames River starts For further information on the course luck isn't always good. One about March first, and local fishermen workshop, contact: Dr. Bryce E. proven way to improve success is to in the Norwich area have found that Smith, Eastern Connecticut State Col­ load a weighted onion sack with a spinning rod armed with sinker and lege, Willimantic, Conn. 06226; or crushed mussels or clams, or even cat 1/ 0 treble hook at the business end Mrs. Priscilla Mauro, White Memorial food, and lower it over the side. will snag a meal in short time. Foundation, Litchfield, Conn. 06759. 2 The Connecticut Wildlife Conservation Bulletin

The CONNECTICUT Oil-Troubled Waters A minute error in navigation, a weary guard watching the seemingly end­ Wildlife Conservation less flow of oil from tanker to storage bin, a broken measuring guage, a BULLETIN faulty fuel line, and suddenly the nightmare of oil running uncontrolled occurs again. JOHN N. DEMPSEY Governor This is not a new problem. It has been with us as long as oil tankers have Department af Agriculture and Natural Resources been working the coast. In fact, it was only a short time ago that washing JOSEPH N. GILL the bilges of oil tankers within a short distance from shore was a common Commissioner practice. These controllable abuses are now pretty much things of the Published bi-monthly by the past, but accidents are another problem and one that will be increasingly Board of Fisheries and Game Hartford with us as more and larger tankers are built to satisfy demands for oil. Commissic,ners It is not necessary to describe the effect which a mat of oil has on the PATRICK J. WARD Chairman ····-·······-·--·-·· Hartford water and the creatures that use it. The unpleasant facts were well docu­ DR. WILLIAM A. ELLIS Vice Chairman _ West Hartford RUDY FRANK _ _ West Haven mented as the Santa Barbara incident unfolded. NORMAN C. COMOLLO Manchester MICHAEL J. STULA The impact of an oil spill strikes most of us not in its totality but rather Colchester affects us most deeply through isolated incidents. Who can forget the THEODORE B. BAMPTON image of the bright and dancing eye of a sea bird dulled by impending Director death from ingested oil, the helpless floundering of a merganser pinnioned MALCOLM H. BRINTON Editor by oil-soaked wings, or the throbbing body of a grebe, sleek, smooth and Subscription fee: fifty cents per year. uniformly black in its encasing coat of bunker oil. Who can forget the de­ Send all communications to THE light of watching the magnificent exuberance of a flock of birds pitching CONNECTICUT WILDLIFE CON­ SERVATION BULLETIN, State Office into a companion flock on the water below or erase the horror when the Building, Hartford, Conn. decoys turn out to be birds trapped in an oil slick and suddenly the joyous Contributions and photographs of wildlife conservation interest are wel­ descent becomes a grotesque dance in slow motion as one by one the drop­ comed, and proper credit will be given ping birds feel the stickiness of the oil and attempt to check their fall. for material used. Information in this bulletin may be reproduced or re­ printed without permission, unless It is here that many of us approach the problem of oil spillage. The birds otherwise indicated. Second-class postage paid at Hartford, have been hurt and we want to cure them. The cold and cruel fact is that Connecticut. in most cases we cannot. Notify us immediately of address change. Material mailed second class is not forwarded. If you wish to try to save a bird despite the odds against success-and most people do--you must first remove the oil. A gentle detergent" or one of the lanolin-based hand creams will be useful. Lacquer thinner, kerosene and turpentine will cut the oil, but these are extremely harmful to the bird, causing irritation and burning of the skin. These solvents may also damage It's The Law the thin-walled respiratory sacs that aid in delivering oxygen to the tissues.

A sport fishing license is re­ After the oil has been removed, and remember-all of the oil must be quired for anglers fishing those removed since even a small amount coating the digestive tract can be lethal-the bird must be kept warm and dry for an indeterminate period portions of coastal streams until the natural oils are restored to the feathers. which lie within the inland dis­ trict, even when fishing for The Board of Fisheries and Game has no facilities to keep and tend birds saltwater species. Demarcation that require this type of care. Our attitude toward the situation must be lines between marine and in­ hard and calloused. The work load of our personnel does nol' leave time to spend salvaging birds whose chance for survival is so slim. It has been land districts are listed on the a regretful and difficult decision to make, one with which our hearts cannot last page of the Board's Ab­ concur, but one which our minds tell us is correct and proper. We cannot stract of Laws and Regulations. respond personally to the hundreds of calls we receive each time an oil spill occurs. We would like to, but it is impossible. January-February 1969 3 Whooping Crane Population: 50 Wild, 18 Captive With this year's migration to the Texas wintering area apparently com­ plete, the world's population of wild whooping cranes is 50, according to the Interior Department's Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife. The rare birds spend the winter at Aranas National Wildlife Refuge or adjacent Matagorda Island, south of Austwell, Texas. Of the 50 whoopers, 6 are young-of-the-year-easily dis­ tinguished by some buff coloration of head, neck, and wings. Forty-nine whoopers arrived be­ tween October 13 and November 25; a lone adult showed up on December 14, just a week before the latest ar­ rivals ever recorded at Aransas. The count, made by aerial survey, exceeds last year's record of 48 ( 39 adult and 9 young). Wild whoopers numbered just 15 in 1941, exceeded 30 in 1947 and topped 40 in 1964. T hirteen yea r old Fred W e ngn:ynek is prese nted his Hunter Safety certifica tion by Chief Conservation Office r Leslie W illiamson. Fred is the 100th graduate of the course sponsored There are presently 18 of the birds by the Colcheste r Fish and Gome Club. Others in photo o re, 1.-r., Sta te Re presentat ive Rubin in captivity, 12 at the Bureau's Patux­ Cohe n, Club Vice Preside nt; proud father Matty Wengrzynek; Hunter Safety Instructor and Club Preside nt Michael Popek; and Michael J. Stulo, o me mber of the Boo rd of Fisheries ent Wildlife Research Center near and Gome. Laurel, Maryland. All but two of the Patuxent birds are from egg pickups in the Canadian wilds the past two years involving "PROVIDE HABIT AT" IS THEME United States and Canadian biologists. Of the five cranes hatched success­ FOR NATIONAL WILDLIFE WEEK fully from the 1967 expedition, three The urgent need for the protection and development of wildli fe remain in good health. One died of habitat will be the theme for the 1969 observance of National W ild­ a dietary problem in 1967. The fifth, life Week, scheduled for Morch 16-21 . The National Wildlife Feder­ which died last month, is being given ation, sponsor of the observance in association with its affiliates in a pathological examination by special­ 49 states, has selected this slogan to remind Americans of the need ists at Patuxent and the University of for conservation: "Provide Habitat-Places Where Wildlife Live." Maryland to determine cause of death. The "Provide Habitat" theme was selected because of the constantly Of 10 chicks resulting from the 1968 mounting threat to natural areas in all parts of the nation. Traditional expedition, 2 died from disease and 1 wildlife areas are being damaged or destroyed through building ex­ from injury last summer. The other 7 pansion, water and air pollution, highway construction, and even remain in good condition. modern agricultural practices. Other captive whoopers are at zoos The presence of wildlife is one of the indicators of the quality of in San Antonio and New Orleans. our environment. In areas where the natural landscape has not been damaged, animal populations have an opportunity to survive. How­ ever, where the land has been misused, wildlife probably cannot Ice fisherman, Julius Boguslaw­ exist. If we can afford progress of this type, we also can afford some ski, Thomaston, recently took a 20 protection for our great wildlife heritage. inch white sucker at Mudge Pond, The Wildlife Week observance has been sponsored annually since Sharon, while jigging with a stream­ 1938, when the event was launched by a proclamation by President er fly. Fishery Biologist Anthony Franklin D. Roosevelt. It is scheduled each year to include the first Cantele reports that the fish had day of Spring and promotes a timely conservation issue or resources definitely taken the fly and not been problem. snagged. Suckers are a frequent an­ The National Wildlife Federation and its affiliates direct the ob­ noyance to trout fishermen in warm­ servance in cooperation with citizen groups, public officials, youth er weather, but normally don't bite organizations, public agencies, and nationwide press and radio-TV in winter. (Our first report of one media. from an ice fisherman.) 4 The Connecticut Wildl ife Conservation Bulletin Wildlife of Connecticut Part 58 of a series COMMON SNIPE (Formerly called Wilson's snipe) Capella gallinago delicata

The breeding range of the common snipe is trans­ continental, extending to ewfoundland and New Bruns­ wick in the north and southward to northwestern Penn­ sylvania. Some of these birds spend the winter months as far north as unfrozen ground can be found, but the bulk of the population winters in the southern states, the West Indies and in northern South America. As soon as the frost has gone out of the ground and the spring rains have softened the earth, the snipe moves north to the moist meadowlands, soggy pastures and muddy willow and alder thickets where it will make its summer home. Its choice of habitat, although similar to that of the woodcock, does not include wooded wetlands. Finding this quiet bird is not always easy, for the snipe is a rather solitary creature, most active during the shaded hours of dusk and dawn, the dimly lighted night of the full moon, and the dark gray overcast of sunless days. In addition, the buffy-white, longitudinal stripes on the back and head form a pattern that closely resembles the prostrate stalks of fallen weeds; while the breast, spotted with pale and dark browns, and the sides and back with feathers of brownish-black and chestnut brown, margined with buff, produce a pattern of light and dark, not unlike the cast shadows and flecks of sun that flicker through the ground-level environment. The combination of streaking and spotting, of light and dark, and of straw-colored stripes renders the bird nearly in­ visible as it moves among the grasses and bushy thickets of its chosen habitat, probing and prodding the mud for worms, crustacea, insects and molluscs. So well do these colors meld into the background of dried grass and sedge that the ten and one-half to eleven inch snipe crouching motionless and pressed close to the ground in fear is rarely seen until it springs into the air right under­ foot, uttering a rasping nasal cry as it dashes off in a cray erratic manner, darting, twisting and turning in a frantic effort to elude pursuit. Although generally characterized as an erratic flier, the snipe can be as steady and sedate in flight as any of its sandpiper relatives, for the wild twisting and turning are usually a by-product of fear. The courtship performance of the common snipe occurs in late April and early May and may be performed at any time of day, although it is most regularly carried out at dawn and dusk. Some of the display takes place near the ground, as the male struts proudly with spread tail and drooping wings, showing the rufous rump and tail to best effect while occasionally rising into the air in short, graceful spirals. More easily seen and far more exciting to watch, however, is the aerial courtship dance carried out 250' or 300' above the earth. Here the snipe, and it has been sug­ gested that both sexes make these flights, flies in wide irregular circles, sometimes making loops a half mile or more in diameter, while executing a series of long, undulating swoops. At the beginning of each swoop the wings, partly closed, seem to quiver, while at its ending, a succession of rapid wing beats carries the bird upward toward its origin­ al height. A peculiar rolling series of syllables uttered during the downward swoops merge with a loud, penetrating, trem­ ulous sound resembling the whistle of rapidly beating duck wings as the ascent is made. Unfortunately, snipe "winnow­ ing" ·areas are not as easy to locate in Connecticut as are woodcock "peenting" areas, and the experience of seeing and hearing this flight song is only rarely enjoyed. The nest of the common snipe is usually found in wet, marshy areas, amid low brush and grass tussocks. It con­ sists of a shallow depression lined with a loose mass of dried grasses and weeds. The nest may be raised as little as an inch from the water or as much as a foot. Four tan or olive-buff eggs, boldly blotched with brown, are deposited in mid-April to be incubated for 18-20 days. January-February 1969 5 The precocial young emerge from their egg in a down coat of velvety black, chestnut and amber brown, spotted with small round dots on the upper parts that not only pi:oduces a beautiful effect of color contrasts, but also provides a surprisingly effective camouflage for the youngsters during the short period it is worn. The downy period is quite brief, and in 15 to 18 days the down coat has been replaced by enough juvenal feathers for the young bird to make its first flights. Until this time, both parents have been feeding the chick, but by the 18th to 20th day-, the slowly developing bill has attained a length sufficient to allow the youngsters more independence, and the parents are re­ leased from the major portion of family responsibility. The juvenal plumage, which continues to develop for the next few weeks, is quite like that of the adults, except that the longitudinal stripes on the back are narrower and whiter, and the breast and sides of the head and neck are more rusty. A molt in late August or early September produces a feather coat almost identical to the adults.

RECORD OF FISH AND GAME PROSECUTIONS

Symbols: AI-Arrested in KOCSIS, Joseph L., Torrington; AI-Cornwall; O­ fireanns within 500 ft. of building; J-Matzkin; O-Arresting Officer(s) Beeman, Sondrini, Deane; V-hunting w / o license, F-S25; S-6 mos. V-Violation poss. rifle larger than .22 cal. on state forest; }­ PASSARDI, Charles, Stafford Springs; AI-Tolland; J-Judge Casale; F -$50; S-6 mos. O-DeBella; V-poss of ammo. larger than #2 on F-Fined KOWAL, Michael, Bristol; Al-Forestville; O-F. state forest; J-Armentano; F-$25 for. bond; S- S-License privilege suspended by Pogmore; V-hunting w / o license, hunting on Sun­ 4 mos. - Board (dependent upon past record day; J-Lacey; F-$30; S-4 mos. SANFORD, Edward R., Jr., Thomaston; AI­ of violator, record of the case, etc.) KUMPITSCH, Paul M., Niantic; AI-Niantic; O­ Litchfield; O-Pepe; V-carrying loaded rifle in Van Ness; V-poss. female lobster with ova or ADDONA, Domenico, Watertown; AI-\.Vatertown; motor vehicle; J-Casale; F-$50; S-6 mos. spawn attached, poss. female lobster with ova or SA VINO, Michael, Bristol; AI-Forestville; O-F. 0 -Stevenson; V -hunting w / o license; J-Lexton; spawn removed; J-Owens; F-$7,5; S-2 yrs. F-$35; S-6 mos. Pogmore; V-hunting w / o license, hunting on Sun­ LAMAY, Lauriston G., Granby; AI-East Hartland; APPi, Angelo J., East Haven; AI-East Haven; O­ day; }-Lacey; F-$30; S-4 mos. 0 -Anderson; V-loaded rifle in motor vehicle; J­ TREADWELL, Gordon B., East Hampton; AI­ Stula; V - hunting on permit-required area w / per­ Matzkin; F -$20; S-6 mos. mit; J-Savitt; F -$35; S-6 mos. East Hampton; O -Dows, DeBella, Huntley; V­ LASSEN, Alfred S., Jr., New Britain; AI-East AUGERI, Frank M., Middletown; Al-Cromwell; jacklighting deer; J -Eielson; F-$400; S-1 yr. Hampton; O-Dows; V-hunting w / o license, hunt­ ZAKLUKIEWICZ, Bernard A., Middletown; Al­ O-F. Pogmore; V- hunting ducks during closed ing on Sunday; J-Savitt; F-$25; S-4 mos. season; Eielson; F-$50; S-10 mos. Cromwell; 0 -F. Pogmore; V-hunting ducks dur­ LEPRI, Robert J., Waterbury; AI-Sharon; O­ ing closed season; J-Eielson; F-$50; S-10 mos. BAILEY, Newell A., Goffstown, N.H.; AI-East Sondrini; V-poss. shotgun ammo. larger than #2 Hampton; O-Dows, DeBella, Huntley; V-hunting on state forest; }-Casale; F-$25; S-6 mos. w/o license; J-Eielson; F-$50; S-1 yr. MACAIONE, Anthony, Westerly, R.I.; Al-No. BARBIERI, Federico, Waterbury; AI-Oxford; O­ Stonington; O-Lebuis; V-hunting w / o license; ) ­ Stevenson; V-bunting during closed hours; J­ Santaniello; F-S10; S-4 mos. Law Enforcement Matzkin; F-$15; S-6 mos. Mc.KINNON, Carleton L., Portland; AI-Colchester; Summary BORELLI, Peter S., Torrington; AI-Cornwall; O­ O-R. Pogmore, Buyak; V-poss. loaded shotgun in Beeman, Deane; V-hunting w / o license, poss. rifle motor vehicle; J-Cramer; F-$15; S-4 mos. using ammunition larger than .22 cal. rimfire on 1968 state-owned land; }-Casale; F-$50; S-6 mos. MUSKA, Howard J., Broad Brook; AI-Ashford; O ­ Andersen; V-poss. shotgun ammo, larger than #2 Sportsmen BRYER, Arnold G., New Milford; AI-Warren; O­ on permit-required area; J-Armentano; F-S40; Checked Arrests Warnings Carpenter. Caputo; V- hunting on Sunday. failure S-1 yr. to carry license; }-Casale; F-$30; S-6 mos. 51,126 527 1,130 NIELE, Ronald S., Naugatuck; Al-Southbury; 0- BURDICK, Delbert M., Jr., Killingly; Al-Wood­ Robmson, Hennessey, Stevenson; V-disc:ha rging stock; O-Rice, Groh; V-carrying loaded rifle in motor vehicle; }-Quinn; F-$75; S-1 yr. CAPALBO, Joseph J. Westerly, R.I.; Al-No. Ston­ ington; 0-Lebuis; V- hunting w/o license; J­ Santaniello; F-$10; S-4 mos. HERPETOLOGICAL SOCIETY FORMED CARRIER, Dale B., New Britain; AI-Canton; O­ Stula, F. Pog1nore; V-fishing in stream during closed season; J-Yesukiewicz; F-$10; S-4 mos. Reptiles and amphibians, their habits, identification and conserva­ COOKE, John P., Goshen; AI-Goshen; O-Kimball; tion are a major interest of a group of persons who gathered in V-trapping w / o written permission of landowner, failure to have name legibly stamped on or at­ October, 1968 to form the Connecticut Herpetological Society. Their tached to traps; }-Casale; F-$30; S-6 mos. other interests are decidedly varied, as the society, which at this COOLBETH, Kenneth H ., Marbledale; AI-War­ ren; O-Carpenter, Caputo; V-hunting on Sunday, writing numbers 60 members, is made up of businessmen, veterinari­ hunting w/ o license; J-Casale; F -$35; S-6 mos. DAIGNEAULT, Ronald E., Plainfield; AI-Plain­ ans, lawyers, nature center workers, teachers and students as well as field; O- Overturf; V- loaded shotgun in motor professiona I herpetologists. vehicle; J-Quinn; F-$15; S-4 mos. D'AMBROSIO, John A., Waterbury; AI-Water­ bury; O-Lovich; V-hunting w /o license, altering Principle founder and president of the group is Richard C. Peterson a hunting license; J-Casale; F-$35; S-6 mos. of Canton. Its professional adviser is Dr. Normon J. Scott of the Uni­ DECAROLIS, Vincent J., Waterbury; Al-Sharon; 0-Sondrini; V-poss rifle larger tlmn .22 on state versity of Connecticut, described as that school's "first full-time work­ forest, loaded rifle in motor vehicle, hunting w /o license; }-Casale; F-$70; S-1 yr. ing herpetologist." DEGENNARO, John B., New Haven; AI-Middle­ town; 0-Stula; V-hunting on permit-required The goals and objectives to which the society is dedicated are­ area w /o permit; J-Savitt; F-$35; S-6 mos. DIONNE, Robert J., Waterbury; AI-Thomaston; O-Lovich; V-hunting w/o license; J-Sponzo; F­ "To enhance the education of the members and the general public $15; S-4 mos. in herpetology through the facilities of the Society. DOYLE, Michael E., Plymouth; AI-Litchfield; O­ Pepe; V-carrying loaded rifle in motor vehicle; }­ Casale; F-$25; S-6 mos. To promote conservation of all wildlife in general and of herpeto­ FEENEY, Gerald J ., Southington; AI- Bristol; O­ A born; V-hunting within 500 ft. of building oc­ fauna in particular, whenever and wherever possible. cupied by people; J-Lacey; F-$20; S-4 mos. FISHER, Bradford E., Bantam; AI-Litchfield; O­ To provide information for the advancement of herpetology. Lovich; V-hunting w/o license; J-Casale; F-$15; S-4 mos. FRANCHI, Joseph J., New Haven; Al-Middletown; To achieve a closer cooperation and understanding between ama­ 0-Stula; V-hunting on permit-required area w/o teur and professional herpetologists, so that they may work together permit; J-Savitt; F-$35; S-6 mos. GARAFALO, Frank P., Jr., Norwalk; AI-Norwalk· for the common cause of Science." O - Johnson, Kimball; V-hunting waterfowl fro~ ~'.:'-4e~is~at while underway; J-Levister; F-$25; Membership is invited. · For information, write Patricia A. Vesper, KELLY, Wayne R., New Britain; AI-East Hamp­ Secretary, 16 White Street, Rockville, Connecticut 06066. ton; 0-Dows; V-hunting w/o license, hunting on Sunday; J-Savitt; F-$24; S-4 mos. 6 The Connecticut Wildlife Conservation Bulletin

Picture yourself hauling in this six pound, 12 ounce smallmouth bass, held, and taken, through a hole in the ice, at Beach Pond by John Crockett of Gratan. ·

Donald Thompson of Hartford disploys his eight pound, nine ounce shad, taken at the Enfield Dam shad fishing area. Mr. Thompson's fish is a new stote record for American shad.

Sporting License Sales Continued Up

The upward trend in the pur­ read: 1964-140,102; 196S-142,- chase of hunting and trapping and 2S9; 1966-149,0S9; 1967-160,- sport fishing licenses continues in 723; 1968-178,026. Connecticut. In 1968 a total of The bulk of each year's increase 178,026 such licenses were issued, resulted from sales to residents. In an increase of 17,303 over 1967. Ronald Felker of North Stonington with his 1964 non-residents purchased S, 172 seven pound, nine ounce chain pickerel Over a five year span the totals licenses; in 1968, 5,966. taken at Long Pond, through the ice. TROPHY FISH AWARDS-1968 FISHERMAN SPECIES WEIGHT WHERE WHEN HOW Kenneth Malinowski, Norwich Largemouth Bass 7 lb., 11 oz. Bog Meadow Reservoir 5/23 Spin fishing Robert C. Lickwar, ew Britain Largemouth Bass 7 lb., 10 oz. Batterson Park Pond 11/16 Live bait Leslie P. Emhaut, New Preston Largemouth Bass 7 lb., 8 oz. Waramaug Lake 5/17 Spin fishing Charles P. Haines, Branford Largemouth Bass 7 lb., 8 oz. Branford Supply Pond 4/21 Spin fishing William Greenleaf, Jr., Groton Largemouth Bass 7 lb., 7 oz. Pataganset Lake 7/12 Spin fishing George Konow, No. Franklin Largemouth Bass 7 lb., 6 oz. Carlson Pond 1/13 Ice fishing William D. Toole, Thompsonville Largemouth Bass 7 lb., 5 oz. Winchester Lake 10/5 Spin fishing _Tohn St. Onge, East Hartford Largemouth Bass 7 lb., 3 oz. Moodus Reservoir 9/4 Spin fishing Robert J. DeGaetano, East Lyme Largemouth Bass 7 lb. Pataganset Lake 6/1 Bait casting Thomas Egan, East Haddam Largemouth Bass 7 lb. Moodus Reservoir 5/25 Spin fishing Felix Zaniewski, Franklin Largemouth Bass 7 lb. Carlson Pond 6/7 Spin fishing Paul 0. Breault, Bristol Largemouth Bass 6 lb., 15 oz. Monce Pond 1/28 Ice fishing Barton A. Tanner, Mystic Largemouth Bass 6 lb., 15 oz. Lake of Isles 5/14 Spin fishing Alferie 0. Spencey, Putnam Largemouth Bass 6 lb., 14 oz. Roseland Lake 7/13 Bait casting Daniel J. Shea, Willimantic Largemouth Bass 6 lb., 12 oz. Williams Pond 7/21 Spin fishing William H. Shelton, Waterbury Largemouth Bass 6 lb., 11 oz. Transylvania Pond 10/16 Spin fishing Allan R. Sieger, New London Largemouth Bass 6 lb., 10 oz. Bog Meadow Reservoir 9/8 Spin fishing George Staugaitis, Waterbury Largemouth Bass 6 lb., 10 oz. Wononscopomuc Lake 6/19 Live bait George L. Clementino, Windsor Largemouth Bass 6 lb., 7 oz. Happy Acres Pond 9/15 Bait casting Paul Johnson, Guilford Largemouth Bass 6 lb., 6 oz. Lake Quonnipaug 10/12 Spin fishing Carlton Kenyon, Versailles Largemouth Bass 6 lb., 5 oz. Moosup Pond 5/7 Spin fishing Paul L. Johnson, Guilford Largemouth Bass 6 lb., 4 oz. Lake Quonnipaug 7/7 Spin fishing Henry L. McDermott, Jr., Wapping Largemouth Bass 6 lb., 4 oz. Crystal Lake 4/28 Spin fi_shing Henry McLaughlin, Ansonia Largemouth Bass G lb., 4 oz. Lake Zoar 9/11 Spin fishing David F. Foltz, Ledyard Largemouth Bass 6 lb., 3½ oz. Croton Pond 7/17 Spin fishing Duane R. Gilbo, Norwich Largemouth Bass 6 lb., 3 oz. Pachaug Pond 9/24 Spin fishing Roland Gibeault, Rogers Largemouth Bass 6 lb., 2 oz. Rogers Pond 4/30 Bait casting Duane Gilbo, orwich Largemouth Bass 6 lb., 2 oz. Red Cedar Lake 9/ 19 Spin fishing Bruce Seger, Elmwood Largemouth Bass 6 lb., 2 oz. Shenipsit Lake 6/22 Spin fishing William A. Samp on, Jr., Groton Largemouth Bass 6 lb. Amos Lake 6/16 Bait casting Otto G. Smogie, Trumbull Largemouth Bass G lb. Candlewood Lake 7/6 Spin fishing Gabrielle Voghel, Griswold Largemouth Bass 6 lb. Pachaug Pond 8/24 Spin fishing Gary Zibluk, Seymour Largemouth Bass 6 lb. Swan Lake 6/21 Spin fishing John Crockett, Croton Smallmouth Bass G lb., 12 oz. Beach Pond 2/23 Ice fishing Merlin K. Heno, orwich Smallmouth Bass 5 lb., 7 oz. Gardner Lake 5/13 Bait casting Ernest W. Greig, lvoryton Smallmouth Bass 5 lb., 4 oz. Gardner Lake 9/14 Spin fishing Otto C. Smogie, Trumbull Smallmouth Bass 5 lb., 4 oz. Waramaug Lake 7/13 Spin fishing Cari Johnson, Manchester Smallmouth Bass 5 lb. Coventry Lake 7/14 Spin fishing Stephen Palmieri, Southington Smallmouth Bass 4 lb., 10 oz. Hitchcock Lake 2/18 Ice fishing Alferie 0. Sponcey, Putnam SmalLnouth Bass 4 lb., 10 oz. Alexander Lake 6/7 Bait casting John J. Brautigam, Darien Smallmouth Bass 4 lb. , 9Jf oz. Candlewood Lake 4/20 Live bait Thomas McVeigh, Bolton Smallmouth Bass 4 lb., 8 oz. Lower Bolton Lake 7/10 Spin fishing William A. Lee, Jr., Middletown Smallmouth Bass 4 lh., 6 oz. Pocotopaug Lake 7/5 Spin fishing Thomas J. DeLuca, Watertown Smallmouth Bass 4 lb., 3 oz. Waramaug Lake 4/27 Live bait Jerry Pollcnder, Holyoke, Mass. Smallmouth Bass 4 lb., 1 oz. Compensating Reservoir 8/8 Spin fishing Alferie 0. Sponcey, Putnam Smallmouth Bass 4 lb. Alexander Lake 6/3 Bait casting Albert Jarish, East Hartford Brown Trout 16 lb., 4 oz.• Mashapaug Lake 5/11 Trolling Thomas J. Farone, Wallingford Brown Trout 12 lb., 8 oz. Wononscopomuc Lake 4/20 Trolling John Doelling, Bridgeport Brown Trout 11 lb., 8 oz. Wononscopomuc Lake 8/26 Trolling Edward Samatoski, Bridgeport Brown Trout 8 lb., 8 oz. Saugatuck Reservoir 5/13 Spin fishing Armand LaStage, Waterbury Brown Trout 8 lb. Wononscopomuc Lake 4/20 Fly fishing James Wilbraham, West Hartford Brown Trout 7 lb., 12 oz. Wononscopomuc Lake 5/18 Trolling Charles R. Grasse!, Jr., New Preston Brown Trout 7 lb., 8 oz. West Hill Pond 6/29 Fly fishing Emil Tillona, Wethersfield Brown Trout 7 lb. West Hill Pond 6/30 Bait casting Henry L. McDermott, Jr., Wapping Brown Trout 6 lb., 14 oz. Crystal Lake 5/25 Live bait Richard F. Zalenski, Windsor Brown Trout 6 lb., 5 oz. Crystal Lake 6/8 Live bait Edward Armonat, Naugatuck Brown Trout 6 lb., 2 oz. Wononscopomuc Lake 6/12 Bait casting Felix J. Gurdak, Winsted Brown Trout 5 lb., 2 oz. West Hill Pond 7/7 Trolling Emil Tillona, Wethersfield Brown Trout 5 lb., 1 oz. West Hill Pond 5/30 Bait casting Thomas Fauci, Stamford Brown Trout 5 lb. Mianus River 6/8 Spin fishing Eugene T. Lonewski, Windsor Brown Trout 5 lb. West Hill Pond 6/3 Trolling Albert J. Deloge, Taftville Brown Trout ( Sea Run) 9 lb., 10 oz. Niantic River 3/26 Spin fishing Chris Vizvarie, Southbury Brook Trout 2 lb., 6 oz. Pootatuck River 5/24 Spin fishing Chris Vizvarie, Southbury Brook Trout 2 lb. Pootatuck River 5/24 Spin fishing Cary J. Normand, Canton Rainbow Trout 4 lb., 11 oz. Fannington River 4/21 Spin fishing Donald Thompson, Hartford Shad 8 lb., 9 oz. 0 Connecticut River 5/7 Spin fishing Robert S. Zarchen, West Hartford Shad 7 lb., 5 oz. Connecticut River 5/11 Spin fishing Donald A. Morgan, West Hartford Shad 7 lb., 4 oz. Connecticut River 4/23 Spin fishing Allen E. Meyers, Meriden Shad 7 lb. Connecticut River 5/19 Spin fishing Raymond Etienne, East Hartford Shad 6 lb., 13 oz. Connecticut River 5/19 Spin fishing Thomas C. Hopper, Middletown Shad 6 lb., 10 oz. Connecticut River 5/7 Spin fishing George A. Greenspon, West Hartford Shad 6 lb., 8Jf oz. Connecticut River 5/30 Spin fishing Robert Pogmore, Wallingford Calico Bass 2 lQ ., 14¼ oz. Pataganset Lake 5/23 Spin fishing Jay Allgood, Norwalk Calico Bass 2 lb., 4 oz. Silvermine River 6/30 Live bait Jay Allgood, Norwalk Calico Bass 2 lb., 2 oz. Silvermine River 6/23 Live bait Jimmy Allgood Calico Bass 2 lb., 2 oz. Silvermine River 6/30 Live bait Robert P. Drozek, Lyme Calico Bass 2 lb., 2 oz. Rogers Lake 5/4 Spin fishing Jay Allgood, orwalk Calico Bass 2 lb., 1 oz. Silvermine River 6/30 Live bait Robert P. Drozek, Lyme Calico Bass 2 lb. Rogers Lake 4/27 Spin fishing Ronald M. Felker, o. Stonington Chain Pickerel 7 lb., 9 oz. Long Pond 1/21 Ice fishing Frank J. Wojtcuk, Jewett City Chain Pickerel 6 lb., 1m oz. Snake Meadow Brook 7/4 Spin fishing Carl Schoech, Kensington orthem Pike 15 lb., 12 oz. Salmon River 6/8 Spin fishing William Maura, Wethersfield orthem Pike 11 lb., 8 oz. Wethersfield Cove 4/20 Spin fishing William Poyerd, Norwich White Catfish 5 lb., 8 oz. Pachaug Pond 4/17 Live bait Albert E. Podzunas, Jr., Wolcott Brown Bullhead 2 lb., 14 oz. Pritchard Pond 5/4 Bait casting Dennis Blasco, Meriden Bluegill I lb., 4 oz. Broad Brook Reservoir 5/12 Fly fishing John A. Allgood, orwalk Bluegill 1 lb., 1 oz. Silverrnine River 5/30 Spin fishing D. Carolyn Allgood, Norwalk Yellow Perch 2 lb., 8 oz. Silverrnine River 6/30 Live bait 0 New State Record 8 The Connecticut Wildlife Conservation Bulletin Mid-Winter Waterfowl Count

Connecticut's 1969 mid-winter wa­ terfowl inventory was conducted on January sixth. Biologists in two low­ flying planes covered th~ shore and the Connecticut River to survey and count wintering waterfowl, including sea ducks, dabbling ducks and geese.

This year's total count, 30,390 birds, was 35% higher than the figure for 1968 and nearly equal to average of the past five years.

Data from these inventories go back to 1948. The highest and lowest counts since then were 129,637 in 1950, and 17,775 in 1966.

The figures obtained in each year's count are used as Connecticut's con­ tribution to the inventory of the con­ tinental supply of waterfowl, initiated by the U.S. Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife. Neither this state's num­ ber alone, nor those of any other This is only the second largest brown trout entered for a trophy fish award in 1968, but Thomas Farone of Wallingford has no cause to be ashamed of his 12 pound, eight ounce single state, no matter how accurate, beauty from Wononscopomuc Lake. show much about the overall water­ fowl population. However, when all counts are totalled and compared to Bonanza for Ice Fishermen brown trout are furnishing many previous years, a yardstick is obtained Fishermen have been experiencing happy angler faces. Recent catches include fish weighing six and one­ to enable the Bureau of Sport Fish­ some extra incentive for braving the icy winds at West Hill Pond, New half pounds; six pounds, three ounces; eries and Wildlife to set its annually­ Hartford-Barkhamsted, during this ice six pounds; five pounds; four pounds, revised framework of waterfowl hunt­ fishing season. Fishery Biologist John 10 ounces and numerous fish in the ing regulations. Orintas reports that smelt-feeding two-three pound class.

THE Connecticut SECOND CLASS POSTAGE PAID AT HARTFORD, CONN. WILDLIFE CONSERVATION Bulletin CONN. STATE BOARD OF FISHERIES AND GAME HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT