massachusetts & 2013

wildlifeguide to hunting freshwater fishing and trapping , , Online Game Checking is Here!

Page 8

Page 24 Page 48 A Sportsmen's Guide to Land Conservation Benefits Bay State Snakes Wildlife and Outdoor Recreation

– official massachusetts hunting, fishing, and trapping regulations – Hunt Wide Open Excursion® Series Binoculars See more game; see more game on your wall! Excursion® EX binocs feature magnum powered brightness and clarity that’ll blow the eyecups off any competitor in their price range. • Fully multi-coated optics and high-performance BaK-4 prisms with PC-3® Phase Coating • Rugged, lightweight housing •100% waterproof/nitrogen purged Run Away with the Game Trophy Cam™ Feature for feature, no other trail camera matches up! • One-year battery life and quick trigger speed • 8 MP high-quality full color resolution • Day/night autosensor • External power compatible

The World’s Favorite

X-Rap® Fisherman’s Gloves Salt Water Lures • Non-slip, machine washable • Designed to be cast or trolled • Designed to float • Textured Translucent Body • 3D Holographic Eye Stainless Steel Pliers th • Easy one-hand operation • Side cutter to cut thin leaders

75 Est.1938 75 Rte 1 Kittery, ME / Mon-Sat 9-9, Sun 10-6 / 888-587-6246 / ktp.com / ktpguns.com See our instant $25 OFF coupon on page 54! Features 8 Online Game Checking is Here! 23 Try Fishing the Connecticut! 24 A Sportsmen's Guide to Bay State Snakes 48 Land Conservation Benefits Wildlife and Outdoor Recreation

Contents General Fishing...... 16–23 Hunting...... 26–42 From the Director...... 2 Fishing Regulations...... 16 General Hunting Regulations...... 26 Offices and Facilities Directory Bait Regulations...... 17 Non-resident Hunters...... 26 and Location Map...... 6 Catch-and-Release Areas...... 17 Wildlife Management Area Licenses, Permits, and Stamps...... 12 Fish Consumption Advisories...... 18 (WMA) Regulations...... 27 License and Permit Fees...... 14 Free Fishing Weekend...... 18 Hunting Hours...... 30 Wildlife Management Zone Map...... 28–29 Interstate Ponds...... 18 Hunting Prohibitions...... 32 Massachusetts Gun Laws...... 30 Marine Fisheries Information Hotline...... 18 Special Hunts...... 39 Outdoor Skills and Wildlife Fishing Prohibitions...... 18–19 Game Regulations...... 33–42 Education Programs...... 50 Boat and RV Registration Information...... 19 Black Bear...... 33 Office of Law Enforcement Directory...... 52 Common Fish of Massachusetts...... 20–21 Upland Game Birds...... 34 Sunrise-Sunset Table...... 57 Freshwater Sportfishing Deer...... 37–39 Awards Program...... 22 Rabbits and Squirrels...... 40 Reptiles and Amphibians...... 41 Furbearers...... 42

Trapping...... 44–47 Furbearer Regulations...... 44 Furbearer Check Stations...... 45 Problem Animal Control Licensing...... 46 Trapping Prohibitions...... 46

HAVE A QUESTION? NEW FOR 2013: VISIT OUR WEBSITE www.mass.gov/masswildlife, or • Expanded Statewide Fall Turkey Hunting Season, Fall Turkey e-mail us at [email protected] Zones, and Ammunition Size, see Page 34. The Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & • New falconry and baitfish regulations are now in effect, see Wildlife is an agency of the Massachusetts pages 4 and 17. Department of Fish & Game.

• DFW Field Headquarters has temporarily moved from On the Cover Westborough, MA to 100 Hartwell Street, Suite 230, The Brook Trout is one of our most popular West Boylston, MA 01583. native gamefish and judged by many to be the most beautiful of all North American • Possession limit of unchecked deer increased in Zones 13 and fish. While the DFW raises and stocks 14, see page 38. thousands of brook trout in our waters each year for “put & take” fishing, it is also constantly working to conserve the coldwater habitats that support native Brook Trout populations and the many other species that depend on these precious aquatic environments. From the Director The past winter of 2011-12 was a huge disappointment to ice fishermen (and heating fuel companies) across much of Massachusetts, as our normally frigid and snowy weather was virtu- ally non-existent. With the exception of the higher elevations of western and northern Massachusetts, there was very Commonwealth of little snowfall, and many lakes and Massachusetts ponds never even froze over completely, DEVAL L. PATRICK, Governor let alone developed safe ice. However, every cloud has a silver lining, and the Executive Office of Energy abnormally warm and snowless winter & Environmental Affairs meant that there was no winter stress Richard K. Sullivan Jr., Secretary on deer, setting the stage for excellent winter deer survival and abundant fawn production last spring. Department of Fish and Game MARY B. GRIFFIN, Commissioner The lack of snow combined with extensive periods of above-freezing tempera- tures also created optimum conditions for our trout hatcheries, consequently we produced a phenomenal number of large, beautiful trout for spring stocking in Division of Fisheries & Wildlife 2012. Specifically, two-thirds of the 595,000 trout we stocked were larger than WAYNE F. MacCALLUM, Director 12 inches, and of those, an astounding 255,000 were 14 inches or larger! Adding to the good fortunes of our trout anglers, excellent fishing conditions occurred early: March temperatures were close to those normally associated with mid-May, FISHERIES & WILDLIFE BOARD early insect hatches abounded, and with no heavy rains and snowmelt, there GEORGE L. DAREY, Chair (Lenox) was no stream flooding. This allowed our stocking trucks to distribute the fish FRED WINTHROP (Ipswich) earlier than usual, and anglers across the state found the trout fishing excellent JOHN F. CREEDON, Esq. (Brockton) right from the very start. As a result, we sold about 10,000 more fishing licenses JOSEPH S. LARSON, Ph.D. (Pelham) in 2012 than were sold in 2010. Bonita J. Booth (Spencer) MICHAEL P. ROCHE (Orange) The 2012 transition to a completely electronic licensing system accessible 24 BRANDI VAN ROO, Ph.D. (Douglas) hours a day, 365 days a year, may also have contributed to the increase in fish- ing license sales (especially if the choice to go fishing was a spur-of-the-moment decision made on a weekend). Many sportsmen and sportswomen have told me NATURAL HERITAGE & ENDANGERED they like the convenience of this system. The public’s embrace of it appears to be SPECIES ADVISORY COMMITTEE age-driven, however: our senior license buyers are less comfortable using com- KATHLEEN S. ANDERSON, Chair (Middleborough) puters than younger folks, and some miss not being able to buy a license from MARILYN J. FLOR (Rockport) their traditional source at the town hall (only 22 town clerks chose to continue JOSEPH S. LARSON, Ph.D. (Pelham) to issue licenses under the new system). However, as the hunting and fishing MARK MELLO (South Dartmouth) GLENN MOTZKIN (Shutesbury) public becomes more familiar with the electronic system, I have no doubt they THOMAS J. RAWINSKI (Oakham) will become more appreciative of the convenience it provides – especially when JONATHAN A. SHAW (Sandwich) they are able to check turkey and other game electronically (except during the shotgun deer season when we need to physically examine deer for the biological Associate Members data necessary to allocate antlerless deer permits). William E. Brumback (Framingham) Andy Finton (Boston) The electronic licensing system also enables license buyers to make a donation Timothy Flanagan (Lenox) to the Division of Fisheries & Wildlife (DFW), and I am thankful to report that Wayne R. Petersen (Hanson) over $23,000 was donated in this manner. This is really not surprising: Sports- Mark Pokras (North Grafton) men and sportswomen have been willingly taxing themselves to support fish and Bryan Windmiller (Concord) wildlife management since the establishment of licenses (user fees) in the early 1900s. In fact, 2012 marked the 75th Anniversary of the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act, commonly referred to as the “Pittman-Robertson Act” after its chief sponsors. This legislation imposed a 10%, federally-collected excise tax on sporting arms and ammunition, with the resulting funds used solely by the Visit the Division of Fisheries & Wildlife on-line at www.mass.gov/masswildlife Continued on page 4. 2 www.mass.gov/masswildlife MA Division of Fisheries & Wildlife $ TAKE 10 OFF YOUR NEXT HUNTING, FISHING AND CAMPING PURCHASE OF $50 OR MORE Limit one coupon per customer. Minimum purchase of $50 before sales tax. Total amount of coupon must be redeemed at one time. Cannot be combined with any other offers, coupons, team discounts or Guaranteed In-Stock markdown, or used for licenses or previously purchased merchandise. Coupon valid on in-store purchases only. Not redeemable for cash, gift cards or store credit. No reproductions or rain checks accepted. Returns or exchanges where a ScoreCard Rewards Certificate or other discount was applied may result in an adjusted refund amount. Excludes firearms, ammunition, Shimano, St. Croix, G. Loomis, fishing electronics, trolling motors, outboard motors, Jansport, Under Armour, The North Face, Patagonia, Ugg Australia, Merrell, Burton, Keen, Marmot, Spyder, Mountain Hardwear, Columbia, Quiksilver, Roxy, Billabong and Volcom. Some additional exclusions may apply. See store for details. Valid 11/1/12 through 4/30/13.

P00012250

TO FIND A STORE NEAR YOU: 1.866.819.0038 | DICKSSPORTINGGOODS.COM massachusetts From the Director (continued) & 2013 states and only for the restoration and management of wildlife. Since passage of

and trapping freshwater fishing, wildlifeguide to hunting, this Act in 1937, Massachusetts has received some $138+million in Federal Aid Online Game dollars from the excise taxes paid by sportsmen. These excise tax monies can be Checking is Here! used only for the exclusive wildlife purposes stated above, and in combination with our license sales income, angler fuel tax revenue, and donations, provide Page 8 all of the DFW’s operational funds.

Since the 1990 passage of the sportsmen-initiated legislation that requires the purchase of a $5.00 Wildlands Conservation Stamp when buying a fishing, hunt-

Page 48 ing, or trapping license, the amount of Division-owned Wildlife Management Page 24 Land Conservation Benefits A Sportsmen's Guide to Bay State Snakes Wildlife and Outdoor Recreation lands has increased from less than 50,000 acres to just about 200,000 acres. This regulations – hunting, fishing, and trapping – official massachusetts incredible success has been achieved by pooling Wildlands Conservation Stamp monies with Open Space bond monies administered through the Department. The protection of open space has been one of the priorities of the Fisheries and Wildlife Board, Governor Patrick, Secretary Sullivan and Commissioner Griffin. About this Guide In the six years of the Patrick Administration, over 100,000 acres have been This high-quality regulation guide is offered to protected (31,000 DFG/DFW, 20,000 DCR, 8,000 Dept. of Agricultural Resources, you by the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and 40,000 municipal/land trusts). This investment in open space reflects the & Wildlife through its unique partnership with strong support of the public and the proactive leadership of the sporting/con- J.F. Griffin Publishing, LLC. servation/environmental community in effectively advocating for investing in J.F. Griffin is an award winning publishing house public land protection. that specializes in producing state fish & wildlife regulation guides. J.F. Griffin supports the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife’s There are very few changes in the fishing and hunting regulations for this year. staff in the design, layout, and editing of the guides. These are as follows: They also manage the marketing and sales of advertising to appropriate businesses within the • Zones open for fall turkey hunting have been expanded to include WMZs 10, guide. 11, and 12 (Zones 1-13 now open); the season length has been expanded to two The revenue generated through ad sales weeks in all Zones; and permissible shot size has been expanded to include significantly lowers production costs and generates numbers #4-#7 shot. savings. These savings translate into additional funds for other important wildlife and habitat • Falconry – removal of the requirement that a licensed falconer must get a programs. propagator’s permit to sell a raptor; elimination of the restriction on flying a If you have any feedback or are interested in raptor within a ¼ mile of a sanctuary or refuge; allow possession of up to 5 advertising, please contact us at 413.884.1001 raptors; allow capture of a juvenile from August 21 - January 11; and adjust- or online at www.JFGriffin.com ment of raptor-taking reporting to require it within 5 days, consistent with federal regulations. Designers: Jon Gulley and Evelyn Haddad • Allow the taking of only tagged, reconditioned Atlantic salmon broodstock in the Merrimack River. • The possession limit of unchecked/unreported deer was increased from 2 to 4 deer for Zones 13 and 14. 430 Main St. Suite 5 | Williamstown, MA 01267 Also please note that the Westborough Field Headquarters staff has temporarily moved to 100 Hartwell Street, West Boylston. The Westborough building is being replaced by a new state-of-the art energy-neutral building. We expect to be in the new building back in Westborough in the fall of 2014.

Notice As always it is important to reiterate that it is the goal of the Fisheries and Wildlife This Guide contains a summary of Board to make the most efficient use of the funds that you, the sportsmen, provide the laws and regulations in place as of to the Division through your donations and license purchases. The excellent state October 15, 2012. Any changes in law of our fish and wildlife resources is directly attributable to the willingness of our or regulation enacted after October 15 license buyers to shoulder the costs of our wildlife conservation programs. We are publicized through releases to the are ever mindful of this and thank you for your continuing support. news media, 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. Wayne F. MacCallum, Director

4 www.mass.gov/masswildlife MA Division of Fisheries & Wildlife RuggED AnD READY fOR EVERYTHIng. Load it up for hunting. Then swap out your guns for rods and tackle bags when the fish start biting. Whatever your pastime, and wherever it takes you, GRIZZLY® Jon boat packages feature all-welded hulls, a VERSATRACK® accessory-mounting system, livewell, storage, BEARHIDE® non-skid liner and more to provide all the ruggedness and versatility you need.

TRACKERBOATS.COm Call 888.442.6337

When you’re stocking up for a hunt, or just preparing for a morning fishing trip, Bass Pro Shops® is the first and only place you’ll need to stop. Against a stunning backdrop of wildlife displays and outdoor scenes, our showrooms house a huge selection of gear from all the industry’s top brands. We also stock all the tournament-quality marine products needed to keep your boat in tip-top condition.

Follow us on: facebook.com/bassproshops WE PROVIDE THREE WAYS TO SHOP twitter.com/bass_pro_shops Scan to BP121693 online at For a FREE catalog For an adventure in itSelF find out more BaSSPro.com 1-800-BaSS Pro viSit our StoreS nationwide 1-800-227-7776

One Bass Pro Drive, Foxborough, MA 02035 • (508) 216-2000 Hours: Mon–Sat 9am–9pm, Sun 10am–7pm y Salisbur

Merrimac y AmesburNewbur% G ypor% Division of Fisheries & Wildlife est t y W ewbury Haverhill N G G Newbur G Groveland Clarksburg Monroe Leyden Bernar getown G G G Nor G G Methuene Bo Geor wley G North Rowe xf Ro Heath theld Townsen Adams dston Warwick Royalston Ashby G DunstableG Lawrenc AndoveNor or lorida Colrain G % G I gh Dracut d % Ipswich F G G d rou th Williamstown G G G bo C I inchendonI Pepperell s Andover d Rockport har r ter Adams lem Shelburne G I W Tyng Lowell G s ont Gill G I L G Chelm T Middl Hamilto G New I G Ashburnham unenburg ewksbur % Erving g I Essex Ashford T Groton We TopselW n Savoy empleton G enham louce y % G Hawley Buckland Greeneld Orange st s rth eton G G G I Gardner I ford fo y No Manchester e G Montague Phillipsto r d ReadingLy DanversBeverly G Athol Fitchbur Ayer Cheshir Wendell Shirle Billerica nnel Deer G Littleton ilmington Peabody Lanesborough L G W Windsor Plaineld Asheld n Carlisle Conway eld G Leominster Reading I G Westminster d d GI vard or Wakeeld Stoneham All DFW lands and facilities are open Dalton G Saugus Salem Hancock x- I G y n Marblehead G I G G Hubbardston % I Har Bo Acton Bedf Burlington Lynn G Goshe G New G borough d Le obur n Petersham W ter Swampscott to anyone without regard to race, color, Pittseld G Cummington G Princeton xingto G G L Leverett Salem Lancaster oncor inches Melrose Hinsdale W G G d C W d illiamsbur G Sterling ln or Nahant G G Sunderland Bolton Arlington creed, sex, handicap, or age. G Peru Worthingto Whately Shutesbur G Stow ynar Malden ChesteI G G Medf Revere G G G Ma Linco n Bel % Rutland y m Somer W o Everett G Barre Clinton n Cambridge reld Hateld G Bo t ville Chelsea Lenox Middleeld Pelham est Berlin Hudson Washington G G g G ylston lthamWatert Winthrop Richmond n G Oak Sudbur own G Hardwick I ham Nor yland Wa ough eston Newton G Holden ylston borough Marlbor Fr DFW Offices th- Wa W G Hadley line Amherst New amingham G n Northampton G G Paxt Bo est L bridge Lee y kbridge Belcher Braintree on Shrewsbur W Chester G GG BrookeldNor South- llesle Brook ▲ Fish Hatchery Tyringham Becket Boston G - BrookeldW G G Natick We Hull esthampton est th - borough Stock G I Stoc G G Ware Worcester W townG est Ashland Needham G Southampton East y W Dedham y Huntingto Granby Mont W ● I Spencer borough Sherbor estwood Wildlife Management Area t I G G Brookeld ilton EgremonAlford hampton South n Dover M Quinc Grea Hadley I gomer East G G m ohasset Scituate G G L eicester n G ton Hopkinton

% G C Barrington G G Warren G G L y R Braintree ✪ Monterey I I Brookeld ubur andolph Wildlife Sanctuary Otis Blandford y Ludlow A Graf wood Hingha Holyoke Palmer G illbur Nor M Upton Holliston Millis G G M eymouth Norwell t Canton Rock G SpringeldW G illf ay W G Chicopee Medeld Hol- W G I est or Medw ■ Wildlife Conservation Easement ashington th- Hopedale

Moun I Russell Westeld A H Marsheld on brook Wilbraha Charlton Oxford Sutton Nor G d alpole Stough- bingt anov G Brimeld No W land

New Springeld m Sturbridge bridge Mendon rf Av er She€eld G olk ton o G Marlborough Tolland G G m lin n t Sandiseld Monson G k Sharon Granville East Hampden G ha Hanson G W ran x- Whitman incetown Southwick Agawam ebsterG F Duxbur Prov Long- Long- G - Fo BrocktonBridgewaterEast G meadowmeadow ales South- Dudley Uxbridge W Holland G G Douglas enthamborough embroke bridge illville Black P y T Belling Wr Easton G rur est M stone G ville W Kingston o Plain Manseld G Bridgewater th G Bridgewater Halifax Nor Norton Ra ell‹eet ynham W Attleborough Plympton G McLaughlin Fish Hatchery G Attleborough Taunton GMi Plymouth ddleb I 90 East Street, Belchertown 01007, (413) 323-7671 Carver G % oroughG G Rehoboth • Jim Hahn, Supervisor Hunter Education Program Dighton Berkley Eastham Lakeville G Seekonk G G 51 Groton-Shirley Road, Ayer 01432, t G Wareham Orleans rse Rochester e Field Headquarters Swansea m Freetown G (978) 772-0693 So IG L Dennis Brewster Marion 100 Hartwell St., Suite 230 West Boylston 01583, G Sandwich Fall River G th • Susan Langlois, Administrator d Bourne u

cushnet Mattapoisett Harwich or o (508) 389-6300 A I BarnstableG Chatham

G New Mashpee Yarm t Bedf Fairhaven I • Dr. Robert D. Deblinger, Deputy Director, Field Operations Western Wildlife District % G tmouth

estpor

Dar Falmouth • Dr. Thomas W. French, Asst. Director, 88 Old Windsor Road, Dalton 01226, (413) 684-1646 W G Natural Heritage & Endangered Species • Andrew Madden, District Supervisor • Thomas K. O’Shea, Asst. Director, Wildlife

Connecticut Valley Wildlife District Gosnold y • Dr. Ken Simmons, Chief Fish Culturist s isbur 341 East Street, Belchertown 01007, (413) 323-7632 T • Dr. Mark Tisa, Asst. Director, Fisheries % West Oak BluŒ • Ralph Taylor, District Supervisor Tisbury Edgar town • Marion Larson, Chief, Information & Education Chilmar

HeadGa k Central Wildlife District y Boston Office 211 Temple Street, West Boylston 01583, (508) 835-3607 251 Causeway Street, Ste. 400, Boston 02114, (617) 626-1590 Nantucket • Bill Davis, District Supervisor • Wayne F. MacCallum, Director • Jack Buckley, Deputy Director, Admin. Northeast Wildlife District • Kris McCarthy, Chief Financial Officer 85 Fitchburg Road, Ayer 01432, (978) 772-2145 • Craig MacDonnell, Chief of Wildlife Lands • Patricia Huckery, District Supervisor Visit us at www.mass.gov/masswildlife DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME OFFICE Southeast Wildlife District 251 Causeway Street, Ste. 400, Boston, 02114, (617) 626-1550 195 Bournedale Road, Buzzards Bay 02532, (508) 759-3406 Questions? • Mary Griffin, Commissioner • Jason Zimmer, District Supervisor Contact us at [email protected] GRIZZLY 550 EPS

™

GRIZZLY 700 EPS

GRIZZLY 450 EPS

* your hunt for the ** ultimate atv is over. Ready for some straight shooting? The difference between tough and Real World Tough is the difference between a machine that’s bolted together from some parts and one that’s engineered to be more than the sum of its parts. And they’re impressive parts indeed: On-Command® 4WD, Ultramatic® transmission, electric power steering and more – making the 700 EPS #1 both in durability and off-road capability. Don’t need that much firepower? Set your sights on the Grizzly 450 EPS or 550 EPS. Sorry, all you competitive ATVs, you just To learn more about the Grizzly Family, visit yamaha-motor.com don’t measure up. Tough luck. 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 don’t 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.

ARCHIE’S CYCLE, INC. BILLERICA YAMAHA C & E YAMAHA OF MIDDLEBORO 489 ASHLEY BLVD 6 RIVEREDGE ROAD 201 W. GROVE ST. NEW BEDFORD, MA 02745 NORTH BILLERICA, MA 01862 MIDDLEBORO, MA 02346 (508) 995-9751 (978) 667-1518 (508) 947-1217

CYCLE DESIGN, INC. CYCLES 128 MOTORSPORTS INTERNATIONAL 305 STATE ROAD 107 BRIMBAL AVE. 444 WASHINGTON ST. PHILLIPSTON, MA 01331 BEVERLY, MA 01915 AUBURN, MA 01501 (978) 249-2244 (978) 927-3400 (508) 832-9494

PARKWAY CYCLES PERFORMANCE CYCLES RONNIES CYCLE SALES & SERVICE, INC. 1865 REVERE BEACH PKWY. 939 BOSTON TURNPIKE RT 9 150 HOWLAND AVE. EVERETT, MA 02149 SHREWSBURY, MA 01545 ADAMS, MA 01220 (617) 389-6998 (508) 842-1068 (413) 743-0715

All recreational vehicles must be registered (MGL Ch 90). Written landowner permission is required to operate on land of another. RV’s (defined in MGL Ch 90B) are limited in opera- SPRINGFIELD MOTOR SPORTS VALLEY MOTORSPORTS, INC. tion to specific DCR properties on designated and specifically marked trails within the season which begins no later than 11 HARVEY ST. 216 N. KING ST. May 1 and ends no later than the last Sunday in November. SPRINGFIELD, MA 01119 NORTHAMPTON, MA 01060 RVs are prohibited on DFW lands, unless a specific permit (413) 783-2528 (413) 584-7303 has been issued. For more information, call the Office of Law Enforcement (617) 626-1650.” Online Game Checking is Here! Last year marked a major milestone for MassWildlife and the sports- men and women of the Commonwealth as we made a complete and successful transition to the electronic issuance of licenses, permits, and stamps through the MassFishHunt system. One of the new devel- opments it brought was Instant Award of antlerless deer permits. This meant that, for the first time, deer hunters could apply electronically for antlerless deer permits when (or anytime after) they purchased their hunting license, and could then purchase their permits instantly after the application period deadline. Many sportsmen have told us they appreciate the convenience of this process.

Starting with the 2013 spring turkey season, successful hunters will be able to experience the convenience of yet another new development: online game checking! At the time of the writing of the 2012 Guide to Hunting, Freshwater Fishing and Trapping, MassWildlife anticipated that online game checking would become available to hunters starting with the 2012 spring turkey season. However, the process to establish new regulations to allow online game checking, as well as the need for continued refinement and testing of the system, took additional time to ensure as smooth and trouble-free a transition as possible. We believe that hunters will find the results worth the wait.

The establishment of a new regulation now allows you to report your harvest online. The plan is the same – suc- cessful hunters will have two options for checking in deer, turkey, bear, and most furbearers:

1. Bring the animal to a traditional check station, where personnel will assist you, or

2. Use the online MassFishHunt system and complete the process on your own.

Here is a quick summary of the regulatory requirements for tagging and reporting your harvest online:

For Black Bear, White-tailed Deer, or Eastern Wild Turkey:

1. Attach the paper tag from your permit or license for black bear, deer, or turkey to the carcass immediately upon harvesting the animal.

2. Report the harvest of black bear, deer, or turkey online within 48 hours of harvest. Keep the animal intact (ex- cept for field dressing/gutting) until step 5 below.

3. After answering the online game checking questions, you will receive an online confirmation number. This number must be written on the tag attached to the animal.

8 www.mass.gov/masswildlife MA Division of Fisheries & Wildlife Award-Winning Hunters who are successful during the Archery or Primitive Firearms deer seasons now have Taxidermy the option of checking their deer online.

Shoulder Mounts · Lifesize 4. The confirmation number is the official specific confirmation number issued for seal issued by MassWildlife. It takes the each particular pelt or carcass, until the Fish · Prime Birds place of the traditional metal seals we carcass is prepared for mounting by a have used for this purpose in the past. taxidermist, or the pelt is sold or tanned. 802.368.7874

5. The tag must remain attached to the 5. Confirmation numbers are non-trans- animal until the game is skinned, butch- ferable to other animals. ered, or otherwise prepared for food 5825 Route 100 purposes; or for mounting by a taxi- For bobcat and otter: dermist. Whitingham, VT 1. Bobcats and otters are CITES (Conven- 6. Confirmation numbers are non-transfer- tion on International Trade in Endan- able to other animals. You cannot use gered Species)-listed species, so federal the confirmation number for any other law requires these species to have a spe- game animals except the one for which cific CITES seal attached to their pelts. it was issued. Bobcats and otters must therefore be CP’s Guiding Service checked at a traditional check station 7. Any deer harvested in Wildlife Manage- so that an official CITES seal can be -at ment Zones 13 or 14 (Martha’s Vineyard, tached to the pelt. You cannot report Nantucket, and Elizabeth Islands) must these animals online. be sealed with either an official metal seal from a traditional check station, Printing of Tags or a confirmation number written on a Tags for deer, bear, and turkey are printed tag affixed to the deer, before it can be along with your license at the time of pur- transported off-island. chase. Some hunters have expressed concern Offering New York’s Best Sporting & that plain paper licenses and tags will not last Outdoor Service Year ‘Round.... For furbearers: under field conditions, but commercial plastic license holders or simple Ziploc-type bags 1. Report the harvest of beaver, coyote, have proven reliable protectors under tough fisher, fox, and mink online within 4 field conditions. Using them will help ensure working days of the end of the trap- that tags affixed to game are protected and ping season. readable during transport and early posses- sion (before butchering/mounting). Keep in 2. After answering the online game check- mind that your ability to reprint or produce ing questions, you will receive an online copies of licenses, permits, and tags does confirmation number for each animal NOT authorize you to use more than the legal you have checked. number of tags issued to you. 4-Day Guided Deer/Bear Combo 3. The confirmation number is the official How to Check Game Online $700/Person, includes Meals & Lodging seal issued by MassWildlife. It should be Reporting your game harvest online can written on a tag of your own making and save you travel time (and fuel) to a tradi- Spring Turkey Special attached to the animal and/or its pelt. tional game check station and can be done $650/Person, 3-Day Guided Hunt at any hour of the day or night. It is easy to 4. Confirmation numbers must remain report your harvest through the internet us- 315.360.7113 affixed to all pelts/carcasses, with the ing online game checking. Once you are in the www.BigGameHuntingNY.com P.O. Box 1526 | Richfi eld Springs, NY | 13439

2013 Guide to Hunting, Fishing and Trapping 9 license and vehicle registration information. MassWildlife biologists will also have in- stant access to game harvest reports, en- abling 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 data cards every year. With on- line reporting, they will receive the data more quickly and in a form they can readily analyze, thus reducing data entry costs and speed- ing the release of harvest data to the public. Accurate harvest information is important for biologists to manage populations for the benefit of hunters and wildlife enthusiasts, yet balance the population with the habitat and minimize wildlife-human conflicts. It’s a win-win situation for hunters, biologists, and law enforcement officers. To help get the word to all hunters, please tell your hunting friends who may not get this MassFishHunt system, here are the 5 quick number written on it must remain on the ani- message. We would appreciate it if you could steps to report a harvest: mal until it is butchered, skinned, or other- publicize it to the members of any sportsmen’s wise processed. The tag with the confirmation clubs to which you may belong, as well as 1. Enter your customer profile page by typ- number will show proof that you are in legal through newsletters, e-mails, and whatever ing in your last name and customer ID possession of the game and have fulfilled the forms of social media you may use. number. requirements of checking the animal within 48 hours after harvest. As with metal or plastic Deer Shotgun Season – The Exception 2. Click on the “Report a Harvest” button. seals, confirmation numbers are non-trans- Biological data on deer will be collected by ferable to other game. biologists during the shotgun deer season, 3. Click to add the particular harvest report Although tags for furbearers are not issued meaning deer taken during this season cannot option (for example, 2013 Spring Turkey). with the license, all furbearer pelts must be be checked online. Althoughv harvested deer accompanied by the specific confirmation can be reported online during the archery 4. Answer the harvest report questions. number issued for each particular pelt or car- and primitive firearms seasons, online game cass when it is reported. We suggest that you checking for deer will be closed during the 5. Click “Submit” after completely an- write it on a tag of your own making, or print deer shotgun season. All deer hunters will be swering the questions. After you click out your harvest report summary, highlight required to check their deer at a traditional “Submit” you will receive a confirmation the confirmation number of the correspond- check station during the shotgun season. number. Write this confirmation number ing animal, and attach the tag or highlighted on the tag attached to the game. The harvest report summary to that animal or pelt. Checking Game at a Traditional confirmation number must stay with Check Station the animal until skinned, butchered, or Benefits of Online Game Checking If you check your game at a traditional check otherwise processed, and in the case of Reporting your harvest online should prove station, an official metal or plastic seal will be a furbearer, must remain affixed to the a great convenience, as it can be conducted attached to the animal. As always, hunters pelt until it is tanned or sold. from home or anywhere else an online com- have 48 hours to check deer, bear, and turkey. puter is available. This option can save fuel and The seal must remain on the animal until it The questions that you will be asked to travel time – a real savings given increasing is butchered, skinned, or otherwise processed. answer online are essentially the same ones fuel prices. Traditional check stations may also Check station locations can be found in two sportsmen have always been asked at tra- choose to use the online system in order to ways: check the MassWildlife link at www. ditional game check stations. For example, eliminate conventional paperwork, and Mass- mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/recreation/hunting/ if you check in a turkey, you may be asked Wildlife will assist those stations that would check_station_home.htm or call your Mass- to measure and report the spur length and like to use the MassFishHunt system. If you Wildlife District office in Ayer, (978) 772-2145; indicate if the bird is an adult or a juvenile. check your game at a MassWildlife office, the Belchertown, (413) 323-7221; Bourne, (508) The DFW will provide helpful guides online online game checking system will most likely 759-3406; Dalton, (413) 684-1646; or West on how to measure and collect this biological be used. Boylston (508) 835-3607. information. In addition to saving the sportsmen time After you completely answer the online and money, online game harvest reporting Requirements for reporting a harvest game check questions, a confirmation number also benefits our MassWildlife biologists and at a check station: will be issued to you for that animal. Writing the Environmental Police. For example, once 1. Attach the appropriate printed paper the confirmation number on the paper tag the hunter submits the game harvest report, a tag for black bear, deer, or turkey to the from your permit or license (which should law enforcement officer in the field can call in animal immediately upon harvesting the already be attached to the animal) will con- or access the computer database for an instant animal. stitute the official “seal”. Like an official metal enforcement check in a way very similar to or plastic seal, the tag with the confirmation how a traffic police officer can check driver’s

10 www.mass.gov/masswildlife MA Division of Fisheries & Wildlife 2. Report the harvest of black bear, deer, 2. Keep the official seal attached to the or turkey within 48 hours of harvest by above furbearers until the carcass is bringing the intact carcass (not skinned prepared for mounting by a taxider- or butchered) of the animal to a check mist or the pelt is tanned or sold. station where an official metal or plastic seal will be attached to the animal. Requirements for Meat Processors and Taxidermists 3. Keep the official (metal or plastic) seal Meat processors and taxidermists can only attached to the animal until it is butch- possess bear, beaver, bobcat, coyote, deer, ered, brought to a meat processor, or fisher, fox, mink, otter, or wild turkey if the delivered to a taxidermist to be prepared animal or furbearer pelt has an official metal for mounting or tanning. or plastic seal attached,or if a confirmation number, written on a tag, is attached to the Requirements for reporting a harvest carcass or furbearer pelt. It is illegal to ac- of furbearer species at a check station: cept any of the above listed game animals 1. Report the harvest of beaver, bobcat, coy- without an attached official seal or confir- ote, fisher, fox, mink, and otter by bring- mation number written on an attached tag. ing the carcass or pelt to a check station within 4 working days of the end of the trapping season. A plastic seal will be at- tached to the pelt or carcass at the station.

v

2013 Guide to Hunting, Fishing and Trapping 11 Licenses Hunting, Freshwater fishing, & Trapping licenses For a list of bear, coyote, deer, furbearer Licenses are valid from January 1 through December 31 and turkey check stations, visit the DFW (except for limited term licenses). Licenses, stamps and permits website at www.mass.gov/masswildlife. may be purchased on-line at www.mass.gov/massfishhunt. A list of furbearer check stations is also Licenses are also issued by some city and town clerks, all provided on page 45. DFW offices and other selected sporting outlets.

Licenses are required for all persons 15 years of age and over Consent Letter. To trap on the land of another, a minor must for hunting any bird or mammal; and/or for fishing the in- also have a trap registration number which requires proof land waters of Massachusetts. Hunting, fishing, sporting, and of completion of a Massachusetts Trapper Education course. trapping licenses must be carried on your person and shown on demand to any officer empowered to enforce these laws, Residency Requirement: To obtain a resident license, applicant and to landowners or lessees while on their property. Practice must reside in Massachusetts for six consecutive months courtesy and leave a good impression if you want to continue immediately prior to purchase. hunting, fishing, or trapping. Hunting or Sporting licenses for anyone aged 18 years or older can be purchased only if (1) proof Non-residents: A valid Massachusetts non-resident license of a previous hunting license issued prior to 2007 from any (hunting, fishing and trapping) is required of non-residents. jurisdiction is provided; (2) proof of a certificate of completion A big game license (license Class H5) is required to hunt deer, of a Basic Hunter Education course issued by any jurisdiction bear and wild turkey. For more information, see page 26. in North America is provided; or (3) an affidavit stating that the applicant has either a Basic Hunter Education Certificate Trap registration numbers are required to trap on the land or has purchased a Hunting/Sporting license prior to 2007 is of another and may be obtained from the Permit Section, provided. Minors see below. Boston Office (617) 626-1575 after completing a Trapper A hunting, fishing or trapping license is not a permit to Education course. trespass or intrude on private land, posted or not. Remember, your privilege to enter on private land is a courtesy extended FURBUYER LICENSES to you by the owner. A furbuyer is any person who buys or sells raw furs. A valid No freshwater (inland) fishing license is required on the Massachusetts furbuyer license is required for any person Merrimack River seaward of the first upstream bridge (north- who is receiving, buying, or bartering the raw pelts of wild bound traffic) of Route 495 in Haverhill. animals. This includes persons handling green pelts (pelts A trapping license is required for persons aged 12 years that have not been dried or tanned) or raw pelts (pelts, includ- and over. Please see additional information on trapping, ing green pelts, which have been dried, fleshed or cured). A pages 44-46. permit is not required if a skin or skins are purchased from a licensed furbuyer, hunter, or trapper for the personal use of the Minors 15–17 years of age must be licensed and have required purchaser and not for sale. stamps and permits to hunt any bird or mammal. To obtain Licenses are valid from January 1 to December 31. Furbuyers a hunting or sporting license a minor must have a letter of receive a reporting book in which they must record transac- consent from a parent or guardian, and either a Basic Hunter tions of pelts received as they occur. Log books must be open Education Certificate or a letter signed by a parent affirming to inspection by Environmental Police Officers (EPOs) or any that the minor will be accompanied by a person 18 years of agents of the Division of Fisheries & Wildlife (DFW) at any age or older. Minor hunting and sporting licenses can only reasonable time. be purchased from DFW offices or license vendors, not from Furbuyer annual report forms from record books must be a personal computer, as vendor must verify the minor has a initialed by an EPO and submitted yearly to the Division Consent Letter and either a Basic Hunter Education Certificate no later than April 1. or an "adult accompaniment" letter. Minors must carry their Applications for furbuyer licenses, or a listing of current Hunter Education Certificate while hunting. If gun hunting, furbuyers can be obtained by calling (617) 626-1575, or by a Firearms Identification card (FID) is required. writing the Boston office of the Division of Fisheries & Wildlife. Minors between 12 and 14 inclusive may hunt when ac- companied by a duly licensed adult, provided that a single Permits bag limit shall be observed and only one firearm/bow is Special Licenses or Permits are necessary for possession or possessed by the two. Only one minor per adult is permitted. release of certain fish, baitfish, wildlife, and for fur dealers, No Firearms Identification (FID) card is needed by the minor. propagators, wildlife rehabilitators, taxidermists, and/or Minors 12–17 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 A hunting license is required of anyone purchased from DFW offices or license vendors,not from a practicing falconry in Massachusetts. personal computer, as vendor must verify the minor has a

12 www.mass.gov/masswildlife MA Division of Fisheries & Wildlife Licenses fur buyers. Apply to the DFW Boston office, Permit Section (617) 626-1575. Contact Field Headquarters in West Boylston (508) 389-6300 about permits for crossbows, falconry, problem animal control, or shooting preserves.

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. turkey season through any license vendor Primitive Firearms: ($5.10), required to or online computer. Fee is $5.00. hunt deer during the primitive firearms ANTLERLESS DEER PERMIT is required season Dec. 16–Dec 31. to take antlerless deer during archery, Harvest Information Program (H.I.P.): shotgun, and muzzleloader seasons in Woodcock, rail, coot, snipe, and water- Massachusetts Waterfowl: ($5.00), all zones. The deadline to apply for an fowl hunters must complete a Harvest required of all waterfowl hunters aged 15 antlerless deer permit is July 16 and must Information Program (H.I.P.) survey when and over. Stamp is not required for hunting be done through the MassFishHunt system they purchase their license and/or the woodcock, snipe, American coot or rails. through any license vendor or online Massachusetts waterfowl stamp through via a computer. Only one application per any license vendor or online computer. Federal Migratory Game Bird Stamp: person. The application is free. To obtain Once the survey is completed, that fact In addition to a hunting license and a a permit, applicants must return to the is printed on the license, providing proof Massachusetts Waterfowl Stamp, any MassFishHunt system during the Instant the survey has been completed. No H.I.P. waterfowl hunter aged 16 or older, must Award period (Aug. 1 – Dec. 31) and try number is required, and the former phone have a Federal Migratory Bird Stamp. These to draw an antlerless deer permit for the survey is no longer available. stamps are available at National Wildlife zone they applied for; notification of Refuges, at select offices of the U.S. Postal whether the applicant was successful or Stamps Service, by mail from the U.S. Postal not will be instant. Selection is random Archery: ($5.10), required to hunt deer Service, or from select private vendors, or and the odds of drawing a permit remain during the archery season Oct. 21–Nov. 30. on-line at http://www.fws.gov/duckstamps/ the same throughout the instant award Stamps.htm. period (instant award permit issuance is NOT first-come-first-served). The odds of drawing a permit depend on the number of antlerless deer permits issued for a given zone and the number of hunters that applied for that zone. Successful applicants ST P THE SPREAD will be assessed $5.00 fee and may print the permit immediately or at a later date. of Nuisance Aquatic Plants and Animals Permits for undersubscribed zones (fewer applicants prior to July 16 than permits allocated) will go on sale in October (see website in late September). Boaters, anglers, and other lake and river users are reminded that many unwanted, invasive species can be transported and inadvertently Bear Permit: Required to hunt bear. Hunters introduced to new waters by hitchhiking undetected on your boat, may purchase this permit when purchasing their hunting/sporting license or at any trailer, motor, waders, diving equipment, and other fishing gear. Please time prior to the end of the second segment drain your boat, motor, and live well(s); clean and decontaminate your of the bear season through any license boat, motor, trailer, ropes, and gear; and make sure your equipment vendor or online computer. Fee is $5.00. is thoroughly dry before entering any body of water. This is especially Turkey Permit: Required to hunt turkey. important if you have been boating in western Massachusetts, New York, Hunters may purchase this permit when Vermont or Connecticut. For more information contact Massachusetts purchasing their hunting/sporting license DCR Lakes and Ponds Program at (617) 626-1250 or www.mass.gov/ or at any time prior to the end of the fall lakesandponds.

2013 Guide to Hunting, Fishing and Trapping 13 Licenses 2013 License, Stamp & Permit Fees NOTE: Fee for first resident license, and all non-resident licenses include a $5.00 fee for the Wildlands Conservation Class License Fee Stamp. Fee for second resident license in calendar year does not F1 Resident Fishing $27.50 include the $5.00 fee for the Wildlands Conservation Stamp. City and town clerks must add an additional one dollar ($1.00); F2 Resident Minor Fishing (Age 15–17) FREE and other sales agents may add up to an additional one dollar F3 Resident Fishing (Age 65–69) $16.25 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 Resident Fishing (Age 70 or over FREE F4 or paraplegic, blind, mentally impaired) all licenses purchased through a sales agent. The same service fee, plus an additional 3% internet handling charge on the F6 Non-resident Fishing 37.50 total transaction, is applied to all online license purchases. F7 Non-resident Fishing (3 day) 23.50 There are no service fees or internet handling charges for licenses purchased at offices of the Division of Fisheries and F8 Resident Fishing (3 day) 12.50 Wildlife, where only cash or checks are accepted. F9 Non-resident Fishing (Age 15–17) 11.50 Quabbin One Day Fishing (Quabbin only) 5.00 F10 (sold by DCR and Connecticut Valley District only) H1 Resident Citizen Hunting 27.50 H2 Resident Citizen Hunting (Age 65–69) 16.25 H3 Resident Hunting, Paraplegic FREE H4 Resident Alien Hunting 27.50 Non-resident Hunting, Big Game 99.50 H5 (Deer, Bear, Turkey and all other game species) Non-resident Hunting, Small Game 65.50 H6 (Small game only) Non-resident Commercial Shooting Preserve 10.00 H7 (1 day) H8 Resident Minor Hunting (Age 15–17) 11.50 H9 Resident Commercial Shooting Preserve (1 day) 10.00 S1 Resident Citizen Sporting 45.00 From September 15 to May 15 all canoe S2 Resident Citizen Sporting (Age 65–69) 25.00 or kayak occupants MUST WEAR a Resident Citizen Sporting (Age 70 or over) S3 FREE U.S. Coast Guard approved Personal (includes trapping) Flotation Device. S4 Resident Minor Sporting (Age 15–17) 13.00 T1 Resident Trapping 35.50 T2 Resident Minor Trapping (Age 12–17) 11.50 SALTWATER FISHING Permit REquired T3 Resident Trapping (Age 65-69) 20.25 Saltwater anglers in Massachusetts are required M/N 1 Archery Stamp 5.10 to purchase a state recreational saltwater fishing permit. This state-issued permit takes the place M/N 2 Waterfowl Stamp 5.00 of a more expensive federal registration that M/N 3 Primitive Firearms Stamp 5.10 would otherwise be required. The fee for this permit is $10 and will be the same cost for all W1 Wildlands Stamp, Resident 5.00 anglers, including non-residents. Anglers who W2 Wildlands Stamp, Non-resident 5.00 are younger than 16, or disabled, or who fish only on charter boats or "headboats" are exempt Trap Registration Number (Boston Office) 5.00 from this requirement. Anglers age 60 and older Trap Registration Number Renewal will need to obtain a permit, but the saltwater 5.00 (Boston Office) permit is free. The permit is available on-line, by Non-resident Trapping Permit mail, and in person at Massachusetts Division of 200.00 (West Boylston Office) Marine Fisheries offices in Gloucester, Boston, Resident Furbuyer 30.00 and New Bedford. For more information on the permit go to: www.mass.gov/marinefisheries. Non-resident Citizen/Alien Furbuyer 90.00

14 www.mass.gov/masswildlife MA Division of Fisheries & Wildlife Bring your Hunting & Fishing Guide into Yankee Custom for exclusive deals on ACCESS® Covers and Accessories!

Protect all your outdoor gear from the elements with an ACCESS® Literider® roll-up cover.

LOCATIONS: 1. EZ- Retriever® II 477 Westbrook St., S. Portland, ME (207) 799-7800 2. LED Truck 512 Amherst St., Nashua, NH Bed Light (603) 882-8868 3. TrailSeal® 2 1139 N. Montello St., Brockton, MA (508) 588-1018 1 100 Broadway, Route 1N, Saugus, MA Smart Pack Coupon 3 (781) 233-3900 $99 Installed 1271 Main St., Tewksbury, MA Bring this to Yankee Custom (978) 851-9024 for this special price!

WWW.YANKEECUSTOMTRUCK.COM

Hunters and Anglers “ St. Lawrence County has a greater variety of true trophy angling Welcome and Wanted... than any place on earth.” — Don Meissner, nationally-recognized angler and TV host

We own 48 forests in the state of Massachusetts totaling more than 7,400 acres.

Come hunt, fi sh and help us conserve land by joining the New England Forestry Foundation!

We need your support. Join New England Forestry today!

Call us at 978.952.6856 or visit us online at More than 200 Lakes, Ponds and Streams... NewEnglandForestry.org the St. Lawrence River...and Waddington, a National Ultimate Fishing Town Winner. St. Lawrence County. Fishing Like It Used To Be.

Plan your trip at FISHCAP.net or contact the St. Lawrence Chamber of Commerce

at 877-228-7810. ® P.O. Box 1346 · Littleton, MA · 01460 ®NYSDED, used w/permission.

15 Fishing Open season (All Dates Inclusive) Daily Creel minimum Length 1 TROUT 2 Lakes, ponds, major rivers 3, 5, 6 Jan. 1 – Dec. 31 3 — Housatonic River 4 Jan. 1 – Dec. 31 1 20" Apr. 1 – Sept. 10 8 All other rivers and brooks — Sept. 11 – Mar. 31, 2013 3 LAKE TROUT Wachusett Reservoir 6 (see note 6) 3 — Quabbin 6 (see note 6) 2 18" SALMON (landlocked) Jan. 1 – Dec. 31 2 15" SALMON (broodstock) 7 Jan. 1 – Dec. 31 2 15" AMERICAN SHAD Jan. 1 – Dec. 31 6 — CHAIN PICKEREL Jan. 1 – Dec. 31 5 15" BLACK BASS (Largemouth and Jan. 1 – Dec. 31 5 12" Smallmouth, singly or combined): NORTHERN PIKE Jan. 1 – Dec. 31 1 28" TIGER MUSKIE (Muskellunge) Jan. 1 – Dec. 31 1 28" WALLEYE Jan. 1 – Dec. 31 5 14" Jan. 1 – Feb. 28 — SMELT 8 — May 16 – Dec. 31 ALL OTHER FRESHWATER SPECIES 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 these rare fish to the water!

1 Minimum length is measured as the straight line (not curved over (508) 835-4816 or (978) 365-3800. Quabbin Reservoir and its tributary the body) from the tip of the snout to the tip of the tail. The tips of streams within the Quabbin Reservation are closed to all fishing except any forked tail may be squeezed together for the final measurement. during the open season as set by the Department of Conservation and Recreation. The Wachusett/Sudbury/West Waushacum fishing season 2 Trout applies to Brook, Brown, Rainbow, and Tiger Trout (a cross normally opens the first Saturday in April and closes Nov. 30, but the between a female brown and a male brook trout). From Apr. 1 to Sept. DCR/DWSP may alter those dates depending on ice conditions. At 10, no more than 8 trout (as defined) may be taken daily, and only 3 Wachusett Reservoir, shoreline fishing only is allowed from Gate 6 on of those trout may be from lakes, ponds, or major rivers 3. From Sept. Route 70 to Gate 36 on Route 110. 11 to Mar. 31, no more than 3 trout (as defined) may be taken daily. 7 The harvest of broodstock 3 Major Rivers: Childs, Coonamessett, Deerfield, Farmington, Green salmon (Atlantic salmon) is (Colrain), Green (Great Barrington), Ipswich, Jones, Mashpee, Millers, lawful in all inland waters Nissitissit, North (Colrain), North (West Branch), Parker, Quaboag, of Massachusetts except Quinapoxet, Quinebaug, Seven Mile, Santuit, Scorton Creek, Shawsheen, in: the Connecticut River Squannacook, Stillwater (Sterling, Princeton), Swift (East Branch), and all its tributaries;

Swift (Winsor Dam to Ware River, except as posted), Tully (East and and the Merrimack River ©Des Colhoun West Branches), Ware, Ware (East Branch), Westfield (all branches). downstream of the Essex Dam in Lawrence, MA. Photo of floy tag in an Atlantic salmon. 4 Mainstem Housatonic only, from the confluence of the East and Only Atlantic salmon Color of tags may vary. West Branches to the MA–CT line, exclusive of the catch-and-release marked with a floy tag below the dorsal fin (see example in picture) areas where no trout may be kept. may be harvested in the Merrimack River upstream of the Essex Dam in Lawrence, MA and all of its tributaries upstream of the Essex Dam. 5 Special Brown Trout water: South Pond (Quacumquasit), Brookfield. The possession of Atlantic salmon (including broodstock salmon) while Total daily creel is 3 trout but only 1 may be a brown trout and it must fishing in the Connecticut River and all of its tributaries, and in the be at least 15". Merrimack River downstream of the Essex Dam in Lawrence, MA, is prohibited. The possession of Atlanic salmon (including broodstock 6 Quabbin and Wachusett Reservoirs: Opening and closing dates salmon) without a floy tag below the dorsal fin while fishing in the are set by the Department of Conservation and Recreation. For Merrimack River upstream of the Essex Dam in Lawrence, MA is Quabbin Reservoir visit www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/central/quabbin.htm prohibited. or call (413) 323-7221. For Wachusett / Sudbury Reservoirs visit www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/central/wachRes.htm or call 8 Smelt may be taken by hook and line only. 16 www.mass.gov/masswildlife MA Division of Fisheries & Wildlife Bait Permit required to take baitfish for purpose of sale; see Permits on page 12. 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) 2½ 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 cir- cular 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 Banded killifish Bluntnose minnow Creek chubsucker Emerald shiner Fallfish Fathead minnow Golden shiner Mummichog Pumpkinseed Rainbow smelt* Yellow perch Spottail shiner White sucker * 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 15—Aug. 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-round); Rte. 9 to Cady Lane, catch- and-release July 1–Dec. 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 John’s Pond to the sign 0.1 mile below Rte. 28.

2013 Guide to Hunting, Fishing and Trapping 17 Fishing Fish Consumption Advisories The MA Dept. of Public Health (MDPH), has issued a statewide advisory for pregnant women, nursing mothers, women who Spears, Bow and Arrows may become pregnant, and children under 12 to refrain from May be used to take suckers, carp and consuming fish caught in freshwater due to elevated levels eels only. Fishing license required. 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 advi- FISHING PROHIBITIONS sories, contact MDPH, Bureau of Environmental Health, at • Explosives (617) 624-5757 or www.mass.gov/dph. • 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 FREE FISHING WEEKEND that weighs less than 1 ounce, and any lead jig (meaning any lead-weighted hook) that weighs less than 1 ounce, June 1 & 2, 2013 — No license needed! is prohibited for use in all inland waters of the Common- wealth. 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, Interstate Pond LICENSE REGULATIONS and lead-core or other weighted fishing lines. Wallum Lake, Douglas: Fishing permitted by persons duly • More than two hooks for fishing or more than five hooks licensed in Massachusetts or Rhode Island. Rhode Island when ice fishing. A hook is defined as an angling device regulations apply. attached to a fishing line that is designed to take one fish at a time but is not limited to devices commonly called Lake Monomonac and Robbins Pond, Winchendon; Long spinners, spoons, bait harnesses, lead head jigs, or plugs. Pond, Tyngsboro and Dracut; Bent Pond, Warwick; Tuxbury Pond, Amesbury: Fishing permitted by persons duly licensed in Massachusetts or New Hampshire. New Hampshire regu- lations apply. Keep It Quiet With a Honda Colebrook Reservoir, Tolland; Perry Pond, Dudley; Muddy Pond, Southbridge; Breakneck Pond, Sturbridge; Congam- ond Lake, Southwick; Hamilton Reservoir, Holland: Fishing permitted by persons duly licensed in Massachusetts or Con- necticut. 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. BF30

Marine Fisheries An Agency of the We offer complete service on all Honda Massachusetts Dept. of Fish and Game outboards and take pride in providing the kind of customer satisfaction that you Have any questions regarding salt water expect from Honda. BF40 fishing regulations? DON’T MISS ANOTHER SEASON! BF2.3

Call the Massachusetts Division of Marine Nault’s Powersports POWERED BY Fisheries information hotline at (617) 626-1520 naultspowersports.com • 1-800-366-7220 or visit www.mass.gov/marinefisheries 420 Second Street, Manchester, NH 03102 or email [email protected] *Always wear a personal flotation device while boating and read your owner’s manual.*

18 www.mass.gov/masswildlife 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 LEAD FREE Northern Redbelly Dace is illegal! If caught, release im- mediately. This means remove hook or cut line and return fish to water immediately—do not pose for photographs, Fish Safer. Fish lead free. place on a stringer, hold in a net, or delay in any way the immediate return and release of the fish to the water. We at Timmy Tom’s understand the needs for safer • Poisons fi shing tackle. We only off er the highest quality • Releasing fish or spawn into inland waters, except by permit. lead free jigheads. • Rubbish in inland waters. • Sale of freshwater fish without a permit. OUR PRODUCTS ARE AS FOLLOWS: • Snagging • Ball Heads • Shakey Head • Transporting live fish (except bait for personal use) • Minnow Heads • Weighted without a permit. • Barbed Ball Swimbait Hooks • Weedless • Tip Up Jigs • Jiggle Jig Boat, ATV & Snowmobile Registration Information Timmy Tom’s Jig Co. (617) 626-1610 or 401 E. Forest St. www.mass.gov/dfwele/dle/elereg.htm Huntington, AR 72940 MADE IN THE U.S.A. WWW.TIMMYTOMS.COM

Powderhorn Outfitters 210 Barnstable Rd Hyannis, MA 02601 (508) 775-8975 Fax (508) 771-8856 Mark Cohen, Proprietor www.powderhornoutfitters.com

• FISHING BAIT & TACKLE

• GUNS & AMMO “It’s not just catching... it’s a total fi shing experience.” • ANTIQUE WEAPONS

• RELOADING EQUIPMENT

• ARCHERY SUPPLIES

• LAW ENFORCEMENT

2013 Guide to Hunting, Fishing and Trapping 19 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.

Atlantic Salmon Temperature Preferences of Fish Temperature preferences are different for many fish. Though The anadromous form of this species lives in the open ocean fish cannot always find their exact preference, they are usu- but ascends freshwater rivers to spawn. The landlocked form ally foundTemperature in water closest Preferences to their preferred of Fish temperature. lives in deep, cold, freshwater habitats and spawns in tributaries. Anadromous form grows to 20 lbs; landlocks average 2–4 lbs. 80 Landlocked populations occur in the Quabbin and Wachusett < Catfish Family Reservoirs; attempts to restore sea-run populations to the 75 < Bluegill / Pumpkinseed Connecticut and Merrimack Rivers continue. < Largemouth Bass 70 < Calico Bass (Crappies) < Esocids (Pike/Pickerel/Muskellunge), Smallmouth Bass 65 < Perch Family (Yellow Perch/Walleye) 60 < Brown Trout 55 < Landlocked Salmon, Rainbow/Brook Trout 50 Smallmouth Bass < Lake Trout 45 Less common than largemouths, these cool-water gamefish are found in clear, rocky habitats. Average size is 1–2 lbs, but can reach up to 8 lbs. This species often jumps spectacularly when hooked.

Largemouth Bass Brook Trout A warm-water gamefish found in lakes, ponds and slow moving This beautiful native char thrives in clean, cold, well-oxygenated rivers associated with weeds and structure. Typically 1–3 lbs, waters. It is found in high gradient streams and slow moving but can reach up to 15 lbs. Dark line along each side is a good beaver flowages. Wild brookies average 6–8 inches, but stocked identification mark. specimens are typically 10–12 inches or larger. Considered by many to be the most beautiful fish in North America.

Brown Trout Rainbow Trout This trout thrives in heavy cover and deep pools of cold, well- These trout thrive in cold, well-oxygenated, fast moving water. oxygenated water. Typically stocked at 10–14 inches with larger Typical hatchery fish are 12–16 inches, with larger specimens to 20+ specimens to 20+ inches. Many wild populations exist in small inches. Profusely speckled and usually has a pink line along each side. to medium-size streams.

20 www.mass.gov/masswildlife MA Division of Fisheries & Wildlife Fishing

Brown Bullhead Chain Pickerel Our native “horned pout” catfish thrives in warm-water habitats A native cool-water gamefish found in shallow, vegetated areas associated with muddy bottoms and aquatic vegetation. Average of fairly clear lakes, ponds and rivers. Typically 15–20 inches but size is 8–12 inches, but larger ones are not uncommon. Handle larger specimens are not uncommon. Respected for its sharp teeth this fish (and all catfish) with care, as spines in the dorsal and which can easily cut most fishing lines and inflict minor wounds. pectoral fins can inflict painful wounds.

Bluegill Pumpkinseed A sunfish that prefers shallow, weedy, warm-water habitats. A native sunfish, this pretty little “kivver” is found in weedy, warm- Typically 4–7 inches in length with larger specimens to 10 inches. water habitats. Most are 4–7 inches, but can get up to 8–9 inches. Identified by the solid black flap on gill cover and a dark patch Look for blue "warpaint" on the face and a red/orange-tipped near the back, bottom edge of the dorsal fin. gill flap. USFWS; Atlantic Salmon illustration by Ellen Edmondson. Ellen by illustration Salmon USFWS; Atlantic

/ Yellow Perch Black Crappie A native cool-water panfish found in the vegetated areas of lakes, This "calico" sunfish is found in weedy, warm-water habitats. It ponds, slow streams, and almost any open water with moderate often forms schools in submerged structure, especially brush vegetation. Typically 8–10 inches but larger fish are not uncommon. piles and fallen trees. Typically 5–12 inches, but larger specimens A schooling fish, it is safe to assume that if you find one, there not uncommon. are others in the vicinity. Illustrations by Duane Raver Duane by Illustrations

2013 Guide to Hunting, Fishing and Trapping 21 Fishing Freshwater SPORTFISHING AWARDS Awards for freshwater fish are offered in 22 categories. Each Fish must meet minimum weight requirements listed below, qualified entry receives a bronze pin. Largest fish in each and must be weighed on any scale certified by the Massachu- category each year receives a “gold” pin and plaque. There is setts Division of Standards or a town official. Please check also an annual “Angler of the Year” award for the person who our website for a list of weigh stations and/or to download an has taken the greatest variety of “pinfish” during the year. affidavit. This information is also available at DFW offices.

C urrent Minimum Weights Spc e ies Adult Youth Broodstock salmon 10 lbs. 0 ozs. 5 lbs. 0 ozs. Brook trout 2 lbs. 0 ozs. 1 lb. 0 ozs. Brown trout 4 lbs. 0 ozs. 2 lbs. 0 ozs. Bullhead 2 lbs. 0 ozs. 1 lb. 0 ozs. Carp 15 lbs. 0 ozs. 10 lbs. 0 ozs. Chain pickerel 4 lbs. 8 ozs. 3 lbs. 0 ozs. Channel catfish 6 lbs. 0 ozs. 5 lbs. 0 ozs. Crappie 1 lb. 8 ozs. 1 lb. 0 ozs. Lake trout 7 lbs. 0 ozs. 5 lbs. 0 ozs. Landlocked salmon1 4 lbs. 0 ozs. 3 lbs. 0 ozs. Largemouth bass 7 lbs. 0 ozs. 4 lbs. 0 ozs. Northern pike 15 lbs. 0 ozs. 10 lbs. 0 ozs. Rainbow trout 3 lbs. 0 ozs. 2 lbs. 0 ozs. Shad 5 lbs. 0 ozs. 3 lbs. 0 ozs. Smallmouth bass 4 lbs. 8 ozs. 3 lbs. 0 ozs. Sunfish2 0 lbs. 12 ozs. 0 lbs. 8 ozs. Tiger muskie 10 lbs. 0 ozs. 7 lbs. 0 ozs. Tiger trout 2 lbs. 0 ozs. 1 lb. 0 ozs. Walleye 4 lbs. 0 ozs. 2 lbs. 0 ozs. White catfish 4 lbs. 0 ozs. 2 lbs. 0 ozs. White perch 1 lb. 8 ozs. 1 lb. 0 ozs. Yellow perch 1 lb. 8 ozs. 1 lb. 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.

M Assachusetts FRESHWATER SPORTFISHING RECORDS Spc e ies Weight Water Year American shad 11 lbs. 4 ozs. Connecticut River 1986 Broodstock salmon 22 lbs. 15 ozs. Lake Mattawa, Orange 1997 Brook trout 10 lbs. 0 ozs. Ashfield Lake, Ashfield 2008 Brown trout 19 lbs. 1 0 ozs. Wachusett Reservoir 1966 Bullhead 6 lbs. 4 ozs. Forest Lake, Methuen 2008 Carp 44 lbs. 2 ozs. Connecticut River 1993 Chain pickerel 9 lbs. 5 ozs. Laurel Lake, Lee 1954 Channel catfish 26 lbs. 8 ozs. Ashfield Lake, Ashfield 1989 Crappie 4 lbs. 10 ozs. Jake’s Pond, Plymouth 1980 Lake trout 24 lbs. 0 ozs. Wachusett Reservoir 2004 Landlocked salmon 10 lbs. 2 ozs. Wachusett Reservoir 1985 Largemouth bass 15 lbs. 8 ozs. Sampson Pond, Carver 1975 Northern pike 35 lbs. 0 ozs. South Pond, Brookfield 1988 Rainbow trout 13 lbs. 13 ozs. Wachusett Reservoir 1999 Smallmouth bass 8 lbs. 2 ozs. Wachusett Reservoir 1991 Sunfish 2 lbs. 1 ozs. South Athol Pond, Athol 1982 Tiger muskellunge 27 lbs. 0 ozs. Lake Pontoosuc, Pittsfield 2001 Tiger trout 9 lbs. 7 ozs. Peter’s Pond, Sandwich 2004 Walleye 11 lbs. 0 ozs. Quabbin Reservoir 1973 White catfish 9 lbs. 3 ozs. Baddacook Pond, Groton 1987 White perch 3 lbs. 5 ozs. Wachusett Reservoir 1994 Yellow perch 2 lbs. 1 2 ozs. South Watuppa Pond, Fall River 1979

22 www.mass.gov/masswildlife MA Division of Fisheries & Wildlife Fishing Try Fishing the Connecticut!

ever qualified for awards through the Mas- sachusetts Sport Fishing Awards Program, making it second only to Quabbin Reservoir for producing heavyweight catches. The Connecticut River offers miles of public access for shore fishing along both of its banks, plus numerous boat launching facilities both public and private. Favored fishing locations are around and under bridges, and especially around the mouths of major tributaries (see list). Whether you want to fish it intensively casting lures or flies from a boat, or relax on Anglers are always looking for new waters on region, including hundreds of thousands of the shore and watch a propped up, baited rod which to test their skills. Whether you enjoy American shad that run up the river to spawn on a summer evening when the catfish are dunking bait, tossing lures, or targeting a wide every spring, a seasonal population of striped biting, there are few waters that can offer the variety of trophy fish, you should have the bass, plus abundant, resident populations quality, abundance, and diversity of this fish- Connecticut River on your list of fishing desti- of northern pike, smallmouth bass, channel ery. So pick a spot or a boat ramp, grab your nations. The longest and largest river in New catfish, carp, walleye, crappie, bowfin, brown equipment and fishing partners, and see if you, England, it supports a greater diversity of fish and rainbow trout, and various panfish. It has like so many others every year, can make the species than almost any other water in the produced 10% of the trophy fish that have Connecticut give up its piscatorial treasures…

Fish the Tribs! The mouths of the Connecticut River’s tributaries are always favored spots for finding fishing action. This is a list of the major tribs that enter the Connecticut in Massachusetts. You can find information on all of these rivers online just by looking them up on Wikipedia. Westfield River Manhan River (Northampton) Sawmill River (Montague) (West Springfield & Springfield) Mill River (Northampton) Deerfield River Mill River (Springfield) Fort River (Hadley) (Deerfield & Greenfield) Chicopee River Mill River (Hatfield) Fall River (Greenfield & Gill) (Chicopee & Springfield) Mill River (Amherst) Millers River (Millers Falls)

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 water’s 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

2013 Guide to Hunting, Fishing and Trapping 23 A Sportsmen’s Guide to Bay State Snakes Anyone who spends as much time outdoors as If you encounter a listed (rare) species, please take a clear photograph of the animal, note the exact sportsmen do will eventually encounter snakes. If location, and visit www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/nhesp/species_info/report_rare_species.htm you can identify the animal and be certain it is not venomous, there is no need to fear it. There are only 14 species of snakes native to the Commonwealth, and it is not difficult to learn to identify them. Many are quite small as adults, and even the larger species are typically only 3 - 5 feet in length. Some are common and well distributed, while others are endangered and found only in very limited areas (including our two venomous species). Some lay eggs; others give birth to live young. Young snakes are entirely independent at birth; snakes do not protect/defend their young or their mates. Photo © Tom Palmer Photo © Bill Byrne Depending on the species, our snakes may feed on insects, worms, slugs, fish, frogs, toads, Timber Rattlesnake* Copperhead* salamanders, rodents, eggs, and young birds. Their Crotalus horridus Agkistrodon contortrix chief predators are birds – including songbirds that A heavy-bodied, live-bearing, venomous snake A rare, venomous snake limited to just a few lo- equate small snakes with worms. Snakes try to avoid with keeled scales, broad head, variable yellow cations in Norfolk and Hampden counties, this confrontation with people and pets, and if left alone, or black pattern, black tail with rattle. Limited to species has a light/dark banded pattern with are entirely harmless. They should be enjoyed as a few locations in Berkshire, Hampden, Hamp- the dark bands narrow on back, broad on sides. attractive, interesting animals that fill important shire, and Norfolk counties. Secretive, largely A secretive, mostly nocturnal live-bearer with nocturnal, 2-5 feet, vertical pupils. vertical pupils, adults are 24-40 inches. ecological roles as both predators and prey.

Photo © Anne Stengle Photo © Bill Byrne Photo © Bill Byrne Eastern Wormsnake* Ring-necked Snake Dekay’s Brownsnake Carphophis amoenus Diadophis punctatus Storeria dekayi A small, glossy, burrowing snake, brown to black A small, smooth-scaled, woodland snake, slate A small, brownish/grayish snake with keeled above, with bright reddish-pink on lower sides gray to bluish-black above, with bright yellow scales, a light belly, and often a double row of and belly. Hard point on tail. Resembles a worm, belly and unmistakable ring just behind the head. small spots down the length of the back. Com- its principle food. Egg layer, 7-14.5 inches. Known A harmess egg-layer, it is found statewide and mon in all mainland counties, this adaptable live- range in MA limited to southern Connecticut ranges from 9-20+ inches. Feeds primarily on bearer rarely exceeds 12-14 inches, and feeds River Valley. insects and small salamanders. mostly on worms, slugs, and insects.

Photo © Bill Byrne Photo © James Condon Photo © Bill Byrne Red-bellied Snake North American Racer Eastern Ratsnake* Storeria occipitomaculata Coluber constrictor Pantherophis alleghaniensis

A small, brownish/blackish snake with keeled An alert, diurnal hunter, this smooth-scaled Rare and local in distribution, this muscular, plac- scales, a very distinctive red or orange belly, and egg-layer has declined in abundance in recent id, often arboreal constrictor reaches a length of usually three light spots behind the head. Locally decades. Solid black except for white chin; 5-6+ feet. Adults are black with a white forebelly. common in all mainland counties, this secretive young display saddlemark pattern. Feeds on ro- Lightly keeled scales on top of back. Lays eggs; live-bearer rarely exceeds 12 inches, and feeds dents, birds, and other snakes. Rattles tail when feeds on rodents, birds, and eggs. Young have mostly on slugs and worms. alarmed. Adults typically 4-5+ feet. saddlemarks.

All species marked with an asterisk (*) are fully protected and may not be killed, collected, or held in possession without a permit.

24 www.mass.gov/masswildlife MA Division of Fisheries & Wildlife Enjoy Shooting Sports? Why not turn your enthusiasm into a rewarding sales career?

Lew Horton Co., a leading distributor of the biggest brands in American-made fi rearms and hunting-related accessories, is looking Photo © Tom Tyning Photo © Bill Byrne for motivated individuals to join the sales staff Milksnake Eastern Hog-nosed Snake* in our Westboro, MA offi ce. Responsibilities Lampropeltis triangulum Heterodon platirhinos will include 60+ sales calls per day to fi rearms dealers across thecountry, servicing current This harmless, common, egg-laying snake has Associated with sandy, scrub oak/pine habitats, accounts and developing new customers. smooth scales and a beautiful saddlemark pat- this 20-40 inch egg-layer eats toads. Black and Knowledge of shooting sports is essential. tern, with each saddle having a narrow black out- yellowish band/spot pattern; sometimes solid Sales experience is a plus. line. Adults are 2-4 feet and often enter buildings black. Upturned, pointed nose. Spreads hood in search of mice; generally nocturnal. Vibrates and puts on spectacular, hissing “bluff” dispay For more information, visit its tail rapidly when alarmed. when alarmed, but is harmless. LewHorton.com/Jobs.html or call 508.366.7400

Photo © Gail Hansche Godin Photo © Bill Byrne Common Gartersnake Eastern Ribbonsnake Thamnophis sirtalis Thamnophis sauritus

Common statewide, this adaptable live-bearer Slender and alert, with three bold yellow stripes, typically has a greenish-yellow stripe down this long-tailed, live-bearing snake grows to 18- the center of the back, with black and yellow 36+ inches. Usually associated with shallow wet- stripes to either side, but pattern is highly vari- land habitats, it feeds primarily on frogs, small able. Grows 18-40 inches. Feeds on amphibians, fish, and salamanders. Flees across the surface worms, and insects. of the water when alarmed. Open Year Round! Saltwater / Freshwater — Rod & Reel Repair 508.394.1036 RiverviewBaitandTackle.com 1273 Rt. 28 · South Yarmouth, MA · 02664

Make Hunting & Fishing Photo © Anne Stengle Photo © Bill Byrne Dreams Come True! Smooth Greensnake Northern Watersnake Opheodrys vernalis Nerodia sipedon Hunt of a Lifetime is a nonprofi t organization Bright green with a light belly, this 1-2 foot snake This common, 2-4 foot, heavy-bodied snake is that grants hunting and is simply unmistakable. Found statewide; usually usually found in wetland habitats where it feeds fi shing dreams to children, associated with grasslands and open, vegetated on fish and frogs. Distinct banded pattern of age 21 and under, who shorelines. Feeds primarily on spiders and soft- young often fades to solid dark brown in adult- have been diagnosed with bodied insects. Lays eggs. Populations have hood. Gives birth to live young. Not venomous, life threatening illnesses. declined in recent decades. and not a “water moccasin”! If you are interested in helping a child live their dream, please contact us for more information.

Toll Free 866.345.4455 HuntofaLifetime.org

2013 Guide to Hunting, Fishing and Trapping 25 Hunting General HUNTING REGULATIONS Accidents: All hunting-related injuries or deaths MUST be reported to state or local police and to the Environmental Police.

Archery: Poisoned arrows, or explosive tips, or bows drawn by mechanical means, except for crossbows as permitted, are prohibited. Mechanical releases are permitted. Arrows and blank cartridges are used or possessed. No sporting or used on deer, bear or turkey must have well-sharpened steel hunting license is necessary. During the shotgun deer season, broadhead blades not less than ⅞ inches in width. Expanding dogs may be used for waterfowl hunting on coastal waters broadheads are legal for deer, bear, or turkey hunting. All only. Hunting bear or bobcat with dogs, or training dogs on bows, except permitted crossbows, used for hunting (recurve, those species, is prohibited. long, and compound) must have at least 40 lbs. pull at 28 inches or peak draw weight. No arrows may be released Tree stands: Must have written permission of the landowner within 150 feet of, or across, any state or hard-surfaced (on either public or private lands) to construct or use any highway, and hunting is prohibited within 500 feet of any tree stand which is fastened to a tree by nails, bolts, wire, or dwelling or building in use, unless authorized by the owner other fasteners that intrude through the bark into the wood or occupant thereof. of the tree, or that is fastened or erected in any manner and A firearms license (FID or LTC card) is not required for is emplaced for a period exceeding 30 days. This includes bowhunting. Archers shall not possess firearms on their lock-on tree stands. person or use dogs while hunting deer. (See deer regula- tions on page 37.) Archers may hunt with a bow and arrow during the shotgun and muzzleloader deer seasons, but must comply with all regulations of those seasons, NON-RESIDENT HUNTERS: including the hunter orange and Primitive Firearms Stamp requirements. Crossbows may be used by certain • Must have a valid Massachusetts non- permanently disabled persons by permit only. For regula- resident hunting license in order to hunt. tions and an application, visit www.mass.gov/masswildlife • Must have proof of a Basic Hunter Education or contact DFW at (508) 389-6300. course certificate or previous license from any jurisdiction in order to purchase Hunter Orange: No person shall hunt during the pheasant a Massachusetts hunting license. Non- or quail season on public shooting grounds or WMAs where resident minors (ages 15–17), see MINORS, pheasant or quail are stocked without wearing a “hunter page 12. Each license includes a $5.00 orange” cap or hat except while night-hunting for raccoons charge for a Wildlife Conservation Stamp. or opossums, or while hunting waterfowl from a blind or boat. During the period when it is legal to hunt deer with • Must obtain the same stamps and permits a shotgun, all hunters, except waterfowl hunters hunting as residents. Permit and stamp fees are within a blind or from a boat, must wear, in a conspicuous the same for residents and non-residents. manner on chest, back, and head, a minimum of 500 square Non-resident migratory game bird inches of “hunter orange” clothing or material. During the hunters must complete a Massachusetts muzzleloader season, all deer hunters must comply with the H.I.P. survey to hunt. 500 sq. inch hunter orange requirement. • May not purchase ammunition in Massachusetts (including materials used Hunting Dogs: May be trained at any time (except during the shotgun season on deer) provided that only pistols or revolvers in black powder firearms). • While travelling into or through Massachusetts must have their firearms FEDERAL WILDLIFE unloaded and enclosed in a case. LAW INFORMATION • No gun license (FID) is needed to possess or transport long guns. Please note that fishing and hunting laws on • Must contact the Massachusetts Criminal federal parks, refuges, and reservations, History Systems Board (CHSB) Firearms such as those controlled by U.S. Fish Support Services, 200 Arlington St., Suite & Wildlife Service or the National Park 2200, Chelsea, MA 02150, tel. (617) 660-4780 Service, may differ from state regulations. for information on handgun permits. Contact the agency in question.

26 www.mass.gov/masswildlife MA Division of Fisheries & Wildlife Hunting WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA REGULATIONS for the shooting of captured fur-bearing mammals by a The Division of Fisheries & Wildlife owns 144 Wildlife Man- licensed trapper. agement Areas (WMAs), 13 Wildlife Sanctuaries, and other 10 No person shall hunt before sunrise or after sunset on properties. Maps are available for many properties on the any WMA where pheasant or quail are stocked during DFW website and at all DFW offices. the open season on pheasant or quail, Oct. 19 – Nov. 30, except for the hunting of raccoons and opossums between 1 No person shall possess any alcoholic beverage except un- 9pm and 3am. der permit, or dump or discard any can, bottle, or rubbish. 11 No person shall hunt during the pheasant or quail season 2 No person shall remove vegetation, soil, or stones from on WMAs where pheasant or quail are stocked without any WMA except under permit. wearing a ”hunter orange“ cap or hat except while night 3 No person shall use excessive speed in driving a vehicle. hunting for raccoons or opossums or while hunting from 4 No person, unless under permit, shall drive or possess any a blind or boat. vehicle except on roads or trails maintained for public 12 No person, except under permit, shall dig or disturb any vehicular traffic. artifact or archaeological remains. 5 No person shall deface or tamper with any sign, build- 13 The Director may make special regulations to handle ing, or equipment. special situations peculiar to any WMA. Controlled hunts 6 No person shall build or maintain a fire without written are in effect at certain times on Martin Burns, Delaney, permission from the Director of the DFW or his designee. and Ludlow WMAs. Contact District Supervisor for details. 7 No person shall camp within any WMA without written permission from the Director or his designee. 8 No person shall engage in target practice without written Youth & Women Hunters permission from the Director or his designee. For special outdoor skills education 9 No person shall use any means other than shotgun or opportunities for youth and women hunters, bow and arrow during the pheasant and quail season on see pages 50 and 51. areas stocked with pheasant or quail except for hunting raccoons and opossums between 9pm and 3am, or except

The Massachusetts regulations guide is now available online!

Full-featured website iPad, iPhone and smartphone accessible Share with friends on

View it online today at: www.eRegulations.com/MA/huntingandfishing

2013 Guide to Hunting, Fishing and Trapping 27 Salisbur y Merri- mac y AmesburNewbur port y- Wildlife Management Zones y st ur Haverhill We Newb y Newbur Clarksburg Monroe Groveland Leyden etown Bernardston Northfield g y Methuen BoxfordGeor North Rowe Royalstonstonton Rowle Warwick Ashby Law- AndoverNorth Adams Townsend Dunstable 3 rence Florida Heath Colrain Dracut Ipswich ugh Williamstown Adams 31 Pepperell Andover Rock- CharCha WinchendonW ngsboro T port lemont Shelburne Ty Lowell ewksburwks 8 Gill Ashburnham M Hami NeN w o d Orange field ving Lune bur id lton cester Er ops Essex AshforAshfA ryy d T W T Westford 4 le enham Savoyvoy Buckland empletonemp Groton to Glou- Greenfield Montagu 2A nbur d h n Man- HaHHawley y NortNoN k ReReading Danvers chester ck Cheshire Fitchburg L Beverly DeerfieldDeerfie Wendell Athol Phi g Ayer Chelmsfor ngton ynnfield Conwa Gardner llipston Billericarica Peabody wa e Shirle Littleton LanesboroughLanesboroLa 1122 y New Leominsterinste WilmingtonWilmi Hancock PlainfieldPlainfie Westminster Carlisle adi Windsoror gg- e Wake- SalemSale 32 vard d Reading Ashfieldfieldldd n Stone-St field Salem Cummington Burling-Burlin to S Hubbardston Box- Bedford au Marblehead Pittsfield ryy Har Lynn Dalton borough Acton Lex oburn ham g Swampscott W Mel- us Petersham Princeton in ch- Goshen Leverett 62 LancasterL g n 20 9 shen Sunderland Wi ster rose WilliamsbWilliW Barre Concord to e ely n Peru 143 Chesterfield WhatelWhat Shutesbur Bolton Arling- Med- Malden Nahant Hinsdale W am May- Stow nard ton ford - orthington SterlingSterling Ever Revere Housatonic d ClintonCl Lincoln Bel- Somer - u y mont ett el a M r Hatfield W g Rutland Boylston m Cambridgeville Ch se Lenox River Middlefield Pelhamm est Berlin Hudson ha Richmond i y Water Winthrop d 31 alt town- Washington d Hardwick 32 Oakham Marlborough Sudbur W North- eston Westfield le borough Framingham yland Newton W 66 Hadle Amherst New Boylston 495 Wa est B Holden River Chester W r Paxton 20 . Braintree y Brookline Northampton Belchertown Shrewsbur

Stockbridge ellesle Becket Huntington esthampton North South- Natick W Boston Stockbridge W Brookfield Hull T Brookfield Lee W 9 est borough yringham 20 Worcester y Needham East- West- Ashland y Granby to Dedham Southampton are borough Sherborn Alford t Montgomer hampton W W Milton South SpencerSpeS estwood Quincy Hadle Grea 9 Brookfield Dover 228 o h Egremon 128 t

8 East Cohasset ingt Warren Hopkinton u Scituate LeicesterLeiL BarrBaBarrington t y Braintree LudlowLudlolooww Nor- Randolph mo Monterey y Otis y e Grafton Blandfordandford Holyoke 67 Auburn wood 3 Hingham

Palmer Holliston We t Brookfield Millbur Millford Millis Norwell Upton Medfield 1A Canton Marlboroug RussellRussRuR W Springfield Chicopee Hol- Sandisfield est Medway Rockland W New Westfield Brimfield Hopedale brook Hanover Marshfield ashington Mount Oxford

WilbrahaWilbra Sutton North- N alpole Stough- von Springfieldd ham Mendon orfolk W A Abing- Tolland 19 CharltonCharlton bridge ton ton Sheffield Monson m Sharon

h Uxbridge ha Whit- Agawam East Hampden Hanson Province- W Brockton man town GranvilleGranvillille Long- Long- ales Sturbridge ebster Duxbur South- Franklin Fox- BridgewaterEast meadow meadow W Holland Dudley Douglas

bridge 146 Black- borough Pembroke y

g lin

Southwick Bel 121 Wrentham Easton est Millville stone W Kingston Plainville Mansfield Bridgewater Connecticut River Truro Bridgewater North Halifax Norton W Zone 1: Northerly by the Vermont border; westerly Zone 4 South: Northerly by Zones 2 and 4N; Zone 8: Northerly by Zone 5; southerly by the Raynham Attleborough Plympton ellfleet by the New York border; southerly by a line running westerly by Zone 3; southerly by the Connecticut Connecticut and Rhode Island borders; easterly by ham MiddleborougMid along Rte. 20 to the junction with Rte. 7 in Pittsfield; Border; and easterly by the Connecticut River. the following: Rte. 31 in Princeton south to Rte. 56 Attleborough m north on Rte. 7 to Rte. 9 and east on Rte. 9 to the in Paxton, Rte. 56 south to Rte. 9 in Leicester, Rte. 9 Taunton junction of Rte. 8; and easterly by a line running Zone 5: Northerly by the New Hampshire border; east to Cambridge Street in Worcester, Cambridge Carver Plymouth from the Vermont border south along Rte. 8 to Rte. westerly by the Connecticut River; southerly by a Street east to Rte. 146, Rte. 146 southeast to the Berkley

9 in Pittsfield. line running from the intersection of the Connecticut Rhode Island border, westerly by Zones 6 and 7. h Eastham Seekonk

River and Rte. 9 at the Northampton/Hadley line east Rehoboth Lakeville Dighton Zone 2: Northerly by Vermont border; westerly along Rte. 9 to Rte. 116 in Hadley, north along Rte. Zone 9: Northerly by the New Hampshire border; Orleans by Zones 1 and 3; southerly by the Massachusetts 116 to Rte. 63 in North Amherst, east along Rte. 63 southerly by the Rhode Island border; easterly by the Rochester Wareham Swansea Freetown Turnpike (I-90) from the intersection with the and Pine Street to State Street, northeast along State following: Rte. 3 from New Hampshire southeast to Dennis Brewster Housatonic River in Lee, east to the intersection Street and East Leverett Road to Cushman Road, Rte. I-495 south to Rte. 121 in Wrentham, Rte. 121 SandwichSandwich Marion (dead end) with Bonny Rigg Hill Road in Becket; and along Cushman Road to Shutesbury Road in East southwest to the Rhode Island border; westerly by Fall River Bourne uth Harwich

easterly by a line running from the Vermont border Leverett, east on Shutesbury Road and Leverett Road Zones 5 and 8. Acushnet Mattapoisett BarnstableB o Chatham rm

south along Rte. 112 to Rte. 143 in Worthington, to Wendell Road in Shutesbury Center, north along New Ya Somerset Bedford along Rte. 143 west to the intersection with the Wendell Road to Locks Pond Road, north on Locks Zone 10: Northerly by the New Hampshire border; Fair- MashpeeMashMa haven as Middle Branch of the Westfield River, then south Pond Road to Lake View Road, northeast on Lake westerly by Zone 9; southerly by a line running pee along the Middle Branch of the Westfield River View Road to Locks Village Road, north along Locks from the intersection of Rte. 1A and Rte. 27 in the estport

Dartmouth Falmouth to the intersection with the East Branch of the Village Road to Depot Road in Wendell, north on town of Walpole northeast along Rte. 1A to the W Westfield River, south along the East Branch of Depot Road to Rte. 2A in Wendell Depot, east on Rte. intersection with Rte. 128 in the town of Dedham, the Westfield River to Rte. 20 in Huntington, west 2A to Rte. 32 in Athol, south on Rte. 32 to Rte. 62 in east on Rte. 128 to the intersection with Rte. 3 in the along Rte. 20 to Bonny Rigg Hill Road in Becket, Barre, and east on Rte. 62 to the intersection with town of Braintree, east on Rte. 3 to the intersection south on Bonny Rigg Hill Road to the intersection Rte. 31 in Princeton; and easterly by a line running with Rte. 228 in the town of Rockland, and north on with the Massachusetts Turnpike. north on Rte. 31 to the New Hampshire border. Rte. 228 to the Atlantic Ocean at the intersection of

Rte. 228 and Nantasket Avenue in the town of Hull; y Gosnold s Zone 3: Zone 6: isburisb fs Northerly by Zone 1; westerly by the New York Northerly by Zone 5; westerly by Zone 5; and easterly by the Atlantic ocean. T

k Bluff border; southerly by the New York and Connecticut southerly by a line running from the intersection ak B Oak Bluffs borders; and easterly by a line running south along of Rte. 9 and Rt. 116 in Hadley, east along Rte. 9 to Zone 11: Northerly by Zones 9 and 10; southerly WWeestst the Housatonic River from the junction with Rte. 9 the intersection with Rte. 32 in Ware; and easterly by Buzzard's Bay and the Cape Cod Canal; easterly EdgartownEdga Tisbursburyy garart in Pittsfield to the junction with Rte. 20 in Lee, east by a line running from the intersection of Rte. 32 by the Atlantic Ocean; westerly by the Rhode Chilmark along Rte. 20 to the junction with Rte. 8 in West and Rte. 62 in Barre, south along Rte. 32 to the Island border. arkrk HeadGa Becket, and south on Rte. 8 to the Connecticut border. intersection with Rte. 9 in Ware. y Zone 12: Northerly, southerly and easterly by the Zone 4 North: Northerly by the Vermont border; Zone 7: Northerly by Zones 5 and 6; southerly by Atlantic Ocean; westerly by Zone 11. westerly by Zone 2; southerly by a line running north the Connecticut border; easterly by a line running Nantucketantuuccketketk from the intersection of Rte. 20 and the East Branch from the intersection of Rte. 9 and Rte. 32 in Ware, Zone 13: Dukes County (i.e. Martha's Vineyard of the Westfield River in Huntington along the East east along Rte. 9 to the intersection with Rte. 67, and Elizabeth Islands). Branch of the Westfield River to the intersection southwest along Rte. 67 to the intersection with with Rte. 66, along Rte. 66 to the intersection with Rte. 19 in Warren, and south along Rte. 19 to the Zone 14: Nantucket. Rte. 9 in Northampton, to the intersection with Connecticut border. the Connecticut River at the Northampton/Hadley town line; and easterly by the Connecticut River. 28 www.mass.gov/masswildlife MA Division of Fisheries & Wildlife Salisbur y Merri- mac y AmesburNewbur port y- Wildlife Management Zones y st ur Haverhill We Newb y Newbur Clarksburg Monroe Groveland Leyden etown Bernardston Northfield g y Methuen BoxfordGeor North Rowe Royalstonstonton Rowle Warwick Ashby Law- AndoverNorth Adams Townsend Dunstable 3 rence Florida Heath Colrain Dracut Ipswich ugh Williamstown Adams 31 Pepperell Andover Rock- CharCha WinchendonW ngsboro T port lemont Shelburne Ty Lowell ewksburwks 8 Gill Ashburnham M Hami NeN w o d Orange field ving Lune bur id lton cester Er ops Essex AshforAshfA ryy d T W T Westford 4 le enham Savoyvoy Buckland empletonemp Groton to Glou- Greenfield Montagu 2A nbur d h n Man- HaHHawley y NortNoN k ReReading Danvers chester ck Cheshire Fitchburg L Beverly DeerfieldDeerfie Wendell Athol Phi g Ayer Chelmsfor ngton ynnfield Conwa Gardner llipston Billericarica Peabody wa e Shirle Littleton LanesboroughLanesboroLa 1122 y New Leominsterinste WilmingtonWilmi Hancock PlainfieldPlainfie Westminster Carlisle adi Windsoror gg- e Wake- SalemSale 32 vard d Reading Ashfieldfieldldd n Stone-St field Salem Cummington Burling-Burlin to S Hubbardston Box- Bedford au Marblehead Pittsfield ryy Har Lynn Dalton borough Acton Lex oburn ham g Swampscott W Mel- us Petersham Princeton in ch- Goshen Leverett 62 LancasterL g n 20 9 shen Sunderland Wi ster rose WilliamsbWilliW Barre Concord to e ely n Peru 143 Chesterfield WhatelWhat Shutesbur Bolton Arling- Med- Malden Nahant Hinsdale W am May- Stow nard ton ford - orthington SterlingSterling Ever Revere Housatonic d ClintonCl Lincoln Bel- Somer - u y mont ett el a M r Hatfield W g Rutland Boylston m Cambridgeville Ch se Lenox River Middlefield Pelhamm est Berlin Hudson ha Richmond i y Water Winthrop d 31 alt town- Washington d Hardwick 32 Oakham Marlborough Sudbur W North- eston Westfield le borough Framingham yland Newton W 66 Hadle Amherst New Boylston 495 Wa est B Holden River Chester W r Paxton 20 . Braintree y Brookline Northampton Belchertown Shrewsbur

Stockbridge ellesle Becket Huntington esthampton North South- Natick W Boston Stockbridge W Brookfield Hull T Brookfield Lee W 9 est borough yringham 20 Worcester y Needham East- West- Ashland y Granby to Dedham Southampton are borough Sherborn Alford t Montgomer hampton W W Milton South SpencerSpeS estwood Quincy Hadle Grea 9 Brookfield Dover 228 o h Egremon 128 t

8 East Cohasset ingt Warren Hopkinton u Scituate LeicesterLeiL BarrBaBarrington t y Braintree LudlowLudlolooww Nor- Randolph mo Monterey y Otis y e Grafton Blandfordandford Holyoke 67 Auburn wood 3 Hingham

Palmer Holliston We t Brookfield Millbur Millford Millis Norwell Upton Medfield 1A Canton Marlboroug RussellRussRuR W Springfield Chicopee Hol- Sandisfield est Medway Rockland W New Westfield Brimfield Hopedale brook Hanover Marshfield ashington Mount Oxford

WilbrahaWilbra Sutton North- N alpole Stough- von Springfieldd ham Mendon orfolk W A Abing- Tolland 19 CharltonCharlton bridge ton ton Sheffield Monson m Sharon

h Uxbridge ha Whit- Agawam East Hampden Hanson Province- W Brockton man town GranvilleGranvillille Long- Long- ales Sturbridge ebster Duxbur South- Franklin Fox- BridgewaterEast meadow meadow W Holland Dudley Douglas

bridge 146 Black- borough Pembroke y

g lin

Southwick Bel 121 Wrentham Easton est Millville stone W Kingston Plainville Mansfield Bridgewater Connecticut River Truro Bridgewater North Halifax Norton Raynham W Attleborough Plympton ellfleet ham MiddleborougMid Attleborough m Taunton Carver Plymouth Berkley

h Eastham Seekonk

Rehoboth Lakeville Dighton Rochester Wareham Orleans Swansea Freetown Dennis Brewster SandwichSandwich Marion Fall River Bourne uth Harwich

Acushnet Mattapoisett BarnstableB o Chatham rm

New Ya Somerset Bedford Fair- MashpeeMashMa haven as

pee

estport

Dartmouth Falmouth W

y Gosnold s isburisb fs T

k Bluff ak B Oak Bluffs WWeestst EdgartownEdga Tisbursburyy garart Chilmark arkrk HeadGa y

Nantucketantuuccketketk

2013 Guide to Hunting, Fishing and Trapping 29 Hunting MASSACHUSETTS GUN LAWS Possession: For hunting, resident citizens ages 15 and over must have a Firearms Identification Card (FID) to possess a low- capacity 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 Hunter Harassment Open Seasons as defined in MGL Ch. 140, Section 121, Hunter harassment is against state law. The following species may be taken or their ammunition. However, an LTC or Report violations to the Mass. Environ- year-round (except during shotgun FID is required to purchase all ammunition mental Police (800) 632-8075 or to state deer season) by licensed hunters with including black powder and Pyrodex. or local police. Be prepared to provide a no daily or seasonal bag limit: English description of violators and/or a descrip- sparrow, flying squirrel, red squirrel, Caution: Massachusetts public safety tion and license plate number of the car. chipmunk, porcupine, skunk, starling, laws define primitive arms differently weasel, woodchuck. from the laws and regulations of the DFW. Closed Seasons Travel: Rifles, shotguns, and Hunting seasons are closed throughout Hunting hours muzzleloaders may not be carried on the year on all birds and mammals not Hunting hours are from ½ hour before public ways unless the person is lawfully mentioned herein or in Massachusetts sunrise to ½ hour after sunset on each engaged in hunting. When transported Migratory Bird Regulations published day of open season (see Sunrise-Sunset in a motor vehicle, rifles, shotguns, and each September. During shotgun deer table, page 57) except for: muzzleloaders must be unloaded and in season all hunting seasons are closed an enclosed case. A large capacity firearm except for deer, coyote, and waterfowl. must be carried unloaded and contained within a locked trunk or in a locked case or other secure container. Landowner Liability Storage: State law requires that Any landowner permitting use of his or her property for whenever a gun is not under your direct recreation without charging a fee is not liable for injuries to control, it must be kept in a locked recreational users of the property except in cases of willful, container or equipped with a tamper- wanton or reckless conduct by the owner. (MGL Ch. 21 § 17C) resistant mechanical lock. Muzzleloaders are exempt from this requirement.

Penalties: License revoked for one year in addition to other penalties; fines of Massachusetts Gun Laws up to $1,000; restitutions; and/or 1 year in jail. Careless and negligent use of For more information on Massachusetts gun laws, contact the firearms: fines of up to $500 and/or 6 CHSB, Firearms Support Services, 200 Arlington St., Suite 2200, months imprisonment and loss of license Chelsea, MA 02150, tel. (617) 660-4780. for 5 years.

30 www.mass.gov/masswildlife MA Division of Fisheries & Wildlife Hunting

Important Real Estate Decisions?

Let us put our experience to work for you!

ERNEST W. FOSTER JR. Critters of REAL ESTATE Massachusetts “Experience You Can Trust” “Critters of Massachusetts” is a pocket guide designed for kids but useful for anyone wanting Sales and Leasing Brokers concise information about • Rabbit, hare, fox, and coyote hunting, mammals, birds, and Serving Massachusetts which close at midnight, except during reptiles of Massachusetts. the shotgun deer season when coyote 508-835-3136 hunting closes ½ hour after sunset. Available at any DFW • Spring turkey hunting (see page 34). office or send $5.00 RESIDENTIAL— COMMERCIAL— INDUSTRIAL plus $1.50 postage OFFICE & WAREHOUSE SPACE AVAILABLE • Raccoon and opossum hunting (see and handling to the page 42). DFW Field Headquarters, • WMA Reg. #10 (page 27) which states 100 Hartwell St., Suite 230, that no person shall hunt before sunrise OUTDOORS INSURANCE West Boylston, MA 01583. or after sunset on any WMA where OUTDOORSINSURANCE.COM, INC. pheasant or quail are stocked during the Make checks payable to Call a Sportsman pheasant or quail season (Oct. 19 – Nov. Comm. of MA—DFW. About Insurance • General Liability 30) except for the hunting of raccoons • Director’s & Officer’s Liability • Excess/Umbrella Liability and opossums between 9pm and 3am. • Property (Building & Contents) (3-D Targets - Equipment) • Migratory game bird hunting, which • Hunting Clubs is 1/2 hour before sunrise to sunset. (Owned and Leased) • Sportsman’s Clubs • Rod & Gun Clubs • Sporting Clays & Wing Shooting Checking or Reporting Game • Archery & Bowhunting Clubs Hunters who harvest a deer, bear or TRANSPORT • Guides & Outfitters turkey are required to check their game • Hunting Preserves OF FISH AND • Pro Shops within 48 hours of killing the animal • 3-D Ranges WILDLIFE • National & (see pages 8-11). For a complete State Organizations list of official checking stations visit the It is a violation of Federal P.O. Box 6336 • Wheeling, WV 26003 DFW website www.mass.gov/masswildlife. Law to transport illegally 866-695-9040 or 800-552-9925 (Evening) • Fax: 304-905-0187 Online checking of game will be available taken fish or wildlife www.outdoorsinsurance.com this year starting with the spring turkey across state lines. For season. Check website for instructions/ additional information forms. For general furbearer checking contact the U.S. Fish & orth Shore requirements see page 45. Wildlife Service, Office N Firearms of Law Enforcement, Michael Sheppard (978) 777-5151 (617) 889-6616. Email: [email protected] www.northshorefirearms.com 251 South Main Street (Route 114) Middleton, MA 01949

2013 Guide to Hunting, Fishing and Trapping 31 Hunting Hunting Prohibitions • Artificial lights for hunting any bird or mammal except It is illegal to hunt moose. raccoon and opossum. • Baiting migratory game birds, wild turkey, bear or deer during or within 10 days of the start of the season. This • Possession of rifles, handguns, or dogs in any woodland or does not apply to the hunting of crows. field, or use of same on any game, is prohibited during the • Careless or negligent use of firearms. shotgun deer season except that the use of dogs is lawful for hunting waterfowl on coastal waters. • Choke traps, leghold traps or nets for taking any bird or mammal. • Power or sailboats for hunting birds except when beached or tied to a blind or for retrieving injured birds. • Crossbows are allowed for certain disabled persons only (see Archery, page 26). • Removal of any mammal from walls, or holes in trees, ground, or logs. • Decoys for hunting deer. • Rifles chambered to take ammunition larger than .22 cali- • Discharge of any firearm or release of any arrow upon or ber long rifle rimfire, and pistols and revolvers chambered across any state or hard-surfaced highway, or within 150 to take ammunition larger than .38 caliber, between the feet of any such highway, or possession of a loaded firearm, hours of ½ hour after sunset and ½ hour before sunrise. discharge of a firearm, or hunting on the land of another within 500 feet of any dwelling or building in use, except • Sale of all species of mammals and birds or parts thereof, as authorized by the owner or occupant thereof. See page except heads, hides and hooves of deer. 30 for additional firearms regulations. • Shotgun ammunition: except as provided below, no species • Electronic calls for hunting migratory game birds, wild other than deer, coyote, or waterfowl may be hunted or turkey, or deer. This does not apply to the hunting of crows. taken with shot larger than #1 birdshot. Except during the prescribed open season when deer may be hunted lawfully • Ferreting: it is unlawful to hunt with a ferret. Possession with a shotgun, a person shall not have in his possession a of non-vaccinated/unneutered ferrets/fitches without a shotgun shell loaded with a rifled slug, single ball, buckshot permit is unlawful. of any size, or any shot larger than or equal to air rifle shot • Firearms other than shotguns and bows and arrows are in any place where birds or mammals may be found except prohibited on WMAs stocked with pheasant or quail during on a skeet, trap, or target range between sunrise and sunset, the pheasant and quail season. or except for the hunting of coyotes (a) during the prescribed • Hunting on posted land without permission. open season for coyotes with shot not larger than FF; or (b) • Hunting on Sunday. during the shotgun deer season when coyotes may be hunted only with archery, muzzleloader, or shotgun—using slugs, • Importation, transportation, liberation, or possession of buckshot, or shot of any size; or, except as specified in the any live vertebrate protected under MGL Ch. 131 except annual Migratory Game Bird Hunting Regulations. under permit from the Director. • Swivel or pivot guns for hunting any bird. • It is illegal to import, process, or possess whole carcasses or parts of any cervids (members of the deer family) from • Taking nests, destroying or disturbing eggs or nests of states or provinces where Chronic Wasting Disease has been birds protected by law. detected (includes NY and PA). It is legal to import deer • Target shooting on Sunday except on one’s own property meat that is de-boned, cleaned skull caps, hides without or on a recognized trap, skeet or rifle range. the head, or a fixed taxidermy mount. No live deer, of any • Traps for taking birds except under permit. All traps ex- species, may be brought into Massachusetts for any purpose. cept cage or box traps and common mouse or rat traps are • Intoxication and drugs: no person under the influence of unlawful for the taking of fur-bearing mammals. intoxicating liquor or drugs shall hunt, target shoot, carry • Vandalism or damage to property or livestock. a firearm, bow and arrow, or other weapon. Penalties: License revoked for one year in addition to other • Loaded shotgun or rifle in or on any motor vehicle, recre- penalties; fines of up to $1,000, restitutions, and /or 1 year ational vehicle (including snowmobiles), aircraft or motor in jail. Careless and negligent use of firearms; fines of up boat, except as stated in the Migratory Game Bird Hunting to $500 and /or 6 months imprisonment and loss of license Regulations. for 5 years. • Machine guns, fully-automatic firearms, any tracer or incendiary ammunition for hunting. • Motor vehicles, recreational vehicles (including snowmo- It is illegal to shoot HAWKS, EAGLES, OWLS biles), and/or aircraft for hunting any bird or mammal. or any other bird not specifically mentioned • Possession of any protected wildlife and/or wild plants, in this Guide or in the Massachusetts dead or alive, taken from the wild, except by permit. Migratory Game Bird Regulations.

32 www.mass.gov/masswildlife MA Division of Fisheries & Wildlife Hunting Open season Daily BAG possession season (All Dates Inclusive) limit limit limit

Sept. 3 – Sept. 21 Black Bear Zones 1-9 See "Black Bear," below. 1 Nov. 4 – Nov. 23 Bear hunting closed during shotgun deer season.

BLACK Bear Permit required (see page 13). Limit one bear per year. Massachusetts Outdoor Hunting allowed in Zones 1–9 ONLY. Hunting only with rifle Recreation Map .23 caliber or larger, muzzleloader .44–.775 caliber, bows with 40 lb. pull or greater, or revolvers .357 Magnum or .40 caliber The Massachusetts Outdoor or larger. Revolvers permitted during September season only. Recreation Map features Use of shotguns and use of dogs for training or hunting is information on Wildlife prohibited (see Hunting Dogs on page 26). Baiting of bears Management Areas, State is prohibited. Hunting hours close ½ hour after sunset except Forests and Parks and Boat as noted in WMA Reg. #10 (page 27). Successful hunters Launch sites statewide. Massachusetts Outdoor must fill out tag (attached to permit/license) and immediately Copies may be obtained R ec r e at io n (prior to moving) attach tag to bear, and then must check/ MAP from DFW Offices. report their harvest within 48 hours by EITHER 1) bringing the bear to an official check station where an official metal seal will be affixed, or 2) reporting online and writing the assigned confirmation number on tag attached to the bear (see How Old is That Bear? pages 8-11 for details). Bear can only be field dressed, must not be concealed (bear or part of bear must remain open If you harvest a bear the DFW requests that you submit to view during transport), and must remain intact or whole a tooth for aging. Please follow the instructions below. (do not skin, butcher, or take to a taxidermist for mounting) 1 Remove the first premolar (see until it has been checked/reported. photo), or ask a DFW staff mem- ber 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. 2 Using a small sharp knife, or a sharp ¼-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 Bill Byrne 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 ½-inch (or less) in length. Go easy and do not break it. ANIMALS Tagged for Research 3 Put the tooth in a small envelope, and mark it with Some bear, deer, coyotes and other your name and the seal number of your bear. Put the animals may have ear tags or radio small envelope in a regular mailing envelope and send collars. It is legal to harvest them. If you it to: Bear Project, Division of Fisheries & Wildlife, find or take one of these animals, contact 100 Hartwell St., Suite 230, West Boylston, MA 01583. DFW’s West Boylston Field Headquarters Be sure that you enclose your name and mailing (508) 389-6300 immediately. You will address. be asked for information that will help 4 All bear teeth from both segments of the season are biologists determine the source and status sent out for processing in January. The ages are then of these animals AND you will be asked to received by the Division of Fisheries & Wildlife in return the equipment to the DFW. Thank you May or June, and you will be notified of the age of for your cooperation. your bear at that time.

2013 Guide to Hunting, Fishing and Trapping 33 Hunting Open season Daily BAG possession season (All Dates Inclusive) limit limit limit U PlanD GAME BIRDS* Spring: Zones 1–13 Apr. 29 – May 25 Wild Turkey Fall: Zones 1–13 Oct. 21 – Nov. 2 See "Wild Turkey," below. Youth Hunt: Zones 1-13 April 27 (special restrictions apply**) Jan. 1 – Apr. 10 Crow — — — Jul. 2 – Apr. 10, 2014 Oct. 19 – Nov. 30 2 4 6 Pheasant Youth Hunt See page 51. Quail Zones 11–14 only Oct. 19 – Nov. 30 4 8 20 Ruffed Grouse Oct. 19 – Nov. 30 3 6 15 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).

Cor w May be hunted on Fridays, Saturdays, and Mondays only during the open season. Electronic calls, rifles, and bait are W aterfowl Consumption Advisory permissible. Hunting hours close ½ hour after sunset except The Massachusetts Department of Public as noted in WMA Reg. #10 (see page 27). Health (DPH) has issued a waterfowl consumption advisory for the Housatonic P heasant River due to PCBs. For more information Cocks and hens may be hunted on all WMA’s statewide. Only call the DPH at (617) 624-5757 or visit cocks can be hunted eastward of the zone from the New Hamp- www.mass.gov/dph. shire border south on I-95 to I-495, south on I-495 to I-95, north on I-95 to I-93/128, east on I-93/128 to Rt. 3, south on Rt. 3 to Rt. 228, north on Rt. 228 to the Hull town line, including the town of Hull and also in Dukes and Nantucket counties. See WMA Reg. #10 (page 27). SPEL CIA UPLAND BIRD HUNTING OPTION Quail Licensed hunters may submit an application Zones 11–14 only. See WMA Reg. #10 (page 27). to DFW District offices for a free 1 day permit that allows the private purchase, liberation, Ruffed Grouse and hunting of ring-necked pheasants and/ See WMA Reg. #10 (page 27). or bobwhite quail on selected WMAs from Wi ld Turkey January 1–March 31. If purchasing birds Permit required. Official green safety sticker must be adhered to from out of state, a separate importation firearm such that it is visible to the hunter when sighting down permit is required. Permits are issued on a the barrel (typically placed on the tang). If new or replacement first-come first-served basis; only one party sticker is needed, send self-addressed stamped envelope to any may schedule a hunt on each specific WMA DFW office. Spring hunting hours: ½ hour before sunrise to per day. There is no minimum or maximum 12:00 noon. Fall hunting hours: ½ hour before sunrise to ½ stocking limit, or daily/season bag limit. For hour after sunset except as noted in WMA Reg. #10 (page 27). a complete list of procedures and locations Bag Limit: Annual limit of 2 wild turkeys total, only one available for this permit, contact any DFW turkey may be harvested per day; EITHER (a) 2 bearded District office: birds in spring season (1 per day) with NO fall bird allowed, Crane WMA, Southeast District 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 Erwin Wilder WMA, Southeast District season. Hunting only with shotguns no larger than 10 gauge Martin Burns WMA, Northeast District or .775 caliber smoothbore muzzleloading shotguns using #4- Bolton Flats WMA, Central District #7 size shot, and with archery equipment (see ARCHERY pg. 26). Use of electronic calls, dogs, bait, and driving turkeys Winnimusset WMA, Central District is prohibited. Successful hunters must fill out tag attached to Herm Covey WMA, CT Valley District permit and immediately (prior to moving) attach it to turkey, Housatonic Valley WMA, Western District and must check/report their harvest within 48 hours. See pages 8-11 for details.

34 www.mass.gov/masswildlife MA Division of Fisheries & Wildlife Hunting Differentiating hens (females) from Toms (males) during the However, their loss reduces the reproductive potential of spring hunting season: A small proportion of female turkeys the turkey population. To avoid misidentification, use the may have a beard and therefore can be legally harvested. following features to positively identify a tom from a hen.

Tom Feature Hen Red, blue, or white colors with snood Head Blue-gray, no snood Dark, brown-black Body Light, rusty brown Long bristle/filament like beard Beard Usually no beard Present Spurs Usually absent Gobble, drum Calls Yelps, clucks, cuts Strut with tail fan and wing drop Strut Do not strut

1 2 Larger than hen Size ⁄2 to ⁄3 size of gobbler

MIGRATORY BIRD REGULATIONS Quail Ridge ALL migratory game bird Kennel & Preserve 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 Northern Plains Outfitters, Inc. is nestled in the your license, or whenever you rolling prairies and vast corn fields of beautiful www.QuailRidgeKennelandPreserve.com purchase your state waterfowl Northeast South Dakota. We offer some of the stamp. H.I.P. numbers will no finest Pheasant Hunting, Archery Whitetail We offer German Shorthair pups from high quality bloodlines, occasionally longer be issued; instead, a Hunting and South Dakota Bison Hunting to started or fi nished dogs are available.

"waterfowl stamp" or a “H.I.P. be found anywhere in the World! Custom guided hunts on our exquisite Survey Completed” notation shooting preserve guarantee a satisfying will appear directly on your yield of pheasant and chukar partridge. license. A separate H.I.P. Boarding and professional training survey must be completed for services offered. 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 605-380-9971 September. www.NorthernPlainsOutfitters.com Contact Steve Hopko for details 860.684.2252

2013 Guide to Hunting, Fishing and Trapping 35 Hunting

Massachusetts manages 435 species of rare Help save rare plants and animals animals and plants. Census, inventory, and research are high priority needs for these on your state tax return! species.

The DFW’s 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 MA—NHESP and mail to: NHESP FUND, DFW Field Headquarters, 100 Hartwell St. Suite 230, West Boylston, MA 01583. Thank you!

36 www.mass.gov/masswildlife MA Division of Fisheries & Wildlife Hunting Open season Daily BAG possession season (All Dates Inclusive) limit limit limit

Archery Oct. 21 – Nov. 30 2 Antlered deer See "Deer," below and pages + antlerless Deer Shotgun Dec. 2 – Dec. 14 38–39. deer Primitive Firearms Dec. 16 – Dec. 31 by permit

Deer served). The odds of drawing a permit official metal seal will be affixed, or 2) Hunting hours begin ½ hour before sunrise depend on the number of antlerless deer reporting online and writing the assigned and close ½ hour after sunset except as permits issued for a given zone and confirmation number on the tag attached to noted in WMA Reg. #10 (page 27). the number of hunters that applied for the deer (see pages 8-11 for details). that zone. Successful applicants will be Deer can only be field dressed, must not Antlered deer: Any deer with at least 1 assessed a $5.00 fee and may print the be concealed (deer or a part of the deer antler 3 inches long measured on a straight permit immediately or at a later date. Any must be open to view during transport), line from the center of the anterior (front) permits for undersubscribed zones will go and must remain intact or whole (do not base of the antler burr to the tip. on sale in October (with details announced skin, butcher, or take to a taxidermist for in September). mounting) until checked/reported. Online ANTLERLESS DEER: A permit is required reporting for deer will be available during to take antlerless deer during any deer NOTE: Antlerless deer permits are valid the archery and primitive deer seasons, season in all zones (see page 28). The during any deer season in the specified but all deer harvested during the 2-week deadline to apply for an antlerless deer zone only and must be in the hunter’s shotgun season must be brought to an permit is July 16 and application must possession while deer hunting. Each official check station for biological data be submitted through the MassFishHunt antlerless deer permit is valid for one collection. system through any license vendor antlerless deer. A hunter may possess or online via a computer. Only one antlerless deer permits for more than During shotgun deer season hunters may application per person. The application is one zone (e.g., drew a zone 5 with use shotguns not larger than 10 gauge, free. To obtain a permit, applicants must instant award and purchased an bows and arrows, or muzzleloaders not return to the MassFishHunt system during additional antlerless deer permit for an smaller than .44 caliber, or larger than the Instant Award period (Aug. 1 – Dec. undersubscribed zone, such as zone 14). .775 caliber. Hunters may use modern 31) and try to draw an antlerless deer muzzleloaders, hinge action muzzleload- permit for the zone they applied for (the Tagging and checking requirements: ers, muzzleloaders with telescopic sights, notification of whether the applicant was Successful hunters must fill out tag (from and sabot rounds. Rifled barrel shotguns successful or not will be instant). Selection permit/license) and immediately (prior are legal during shotgun deer season. is random and the odds of drawing a to moving) attach tag to deer, and then All hunters, including bowhunters, permit remain the same throughout the must check/report their harvest within must wear a minimum of 500 square Instant Award period (Instant Award 48 hours by EITHER 1) checking the inches of “hunter orange” on their permit issuance is NOT first-come-first- deer at an official check station where an head, chest, and back during shotgun

Diagonally- ported specialty chokes for turkey, deer, duck and clays.

Kick’s Industries 925 Waynesboro Highway Sylvania, GA 30467 800-587-2779 • 912-829-4383 (fax) www.Kicks-Ind.com

2013 Guide to Hunting, Fishing and Trapping 37 Hunting and muzzleloader seasons. Cap and vest loaders .44 caliber to .775 caliber; barrel must be checked/reported within 48 hours will suffice. length 18 inches or more with only one of being killed. The possession of rifles, handguns, or barrel operational. Inline ignition sys- dogs in any woodland or field, or use of tems are permitted providing rifle loads Season Limit: Two antlered deer, and as same on any game, is prohibited during from the muzzle. Single projectile only many antlerless deer as the hunter has the shotgun deer season except that the (no buckshot). Sabot rounds, 209 prim- valid permits for, provided that: use of dogs is lawful for hunting waterfowl ers, break/hinge-action muzzleloaders, • Hunters may purchase additional ant- on coastal waters. and scopes are legal. Powder limited to lerless deer permits for available zones. black powder or black powder substitutes. • Hunters may take a maximum of 2 deer DURING ARCHERY DEER SEASON Firearm is considered unloaded when cap archers in the Quabbin Reservation. Antlerless or pan powder is removed. Primitive Fire- shall not possess firearms on their per- deer taken in the Quabbin are not con- arms Stamp required. Archers may hunt son or use dogs. Arrows must be well- sidered part of the statewide bag limit. during the muzzleloader firearms season sharpened steel broadhead blades no less Antlered deer taken in the Quabbin but must purchase a Primitive Firearms than 7/8 inches in width. Expanding are considered part of the statewide Stamp and wear at least 500 square inches broadheads and mechanical releases are bag limit. legal. Archery stamp required. All bows, of hunter orange on head, back, and chest. except permitted crossbows, used for Driving deer while hunting is lawful. hunting deer (recurve, long, and com- Daily bag: The daily bag limit is determined by the number of valid tags or permits a pound) must have at least 40 lbs. pull BAITING OF DEER is prohibited during any hunter possesses and whether or not the at 28 inches or peak draw weight. Blaze deer season and any bait made available hunter has checked/reported any deer. No orange is not required except as noted to deer must be removed 10 days prior to hunter may have more than 2 unreported in WMA Reg # 11 (page 27). See page the opening of the archery deer season. 26 for more archery information. deer in possession at any time, with the exception of zones 13 and 14, where no Importation of deer parts from states or During muzzleloader deer season hunt- hunter may have more than 4 unreported provinces where Chronic Wasting Dis- ers may use only shoulder-fired muzzle- deer in possession at any time. All deer ease (CWD) has been detected is illegal. Hunting 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, Falconry of any species, may be brought into Mas- Hunting with Falcons is allowed under a special permit from sachusetts for any purpose. the DFW; see dates and regulations in the Migratory Bird Regulations issued each September. 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. SPECIAL HUNTS Paraplegic Sportsmen's Hunt: There is a • Quabbin Controlled Deer Hunt, see page 39 special deer hunt for paraplegic sportsmen • Paraplegic Sportsmen's Deer Hunt, see page 39 Oct. 31 – Nov. 2 2013. Contact DFW Field Headquarters (508) 389-6300 or visit the • Youth Pheasant Hunt, see page 51 DFW website (www.mass.gov/masswildlife) • Youth Turkey Hunt, see page 51 for more information. • Youth Waterfowl Hunting Dates, see Migratory Game Bird Hunting Regulations (available in September) • Special Upland Game Bird Hunt, see page 34

HUNTERS TRADING POST, LTD.

OVER 500 GUNS IN STOCK www.MassFirearmsSchool.com

THE LARGEST FIREARMS SCHOOL IN THE STATE FIREARMS TRAINING FOR THE GOOD GUYS™

INDOOR GUN RANGE WITH MEMBERSHIP, GET FREE ACCESS TO OVER 100 FIREARMS

 Firearms Bought & Sold  Hunting & Shooting Supplies RETAIL STORE The Ammunition Shooter’s Check-In StationShop LOWEST PRICES IN THE STATE  Black Powder  Gunsmithing Services 00 BUCKSHOT $3.83/BOX 100 Kuniholm Drive · Holliston, MA · 01746 781.331.1151 | [email protected] | www.htpltd.com

(800) 308-6212 · Email info@massfi rearmsschool.com · ·

2013 Guide to Hunting, Fishing and Trapping 39

Zero Winter Street Weymouth, MA 02188 Hunting Open season Daily BAG possession season (All Dates Inclusive) limit limit limit RABBITS & SQUIRRELS Jan. 1 – Feb. 28 Zones 1-12 5 10 — Cottontail Oct. 19 – Feb. 28, 2014 Rabbit Jan. 1 – Feb. 28 Zones 13 and 14 5 10 — Nov. 15 – Feb. 28, 2014 Jan. 1 – Feb. 28 Zones 1–4 2 4 — Oct. 19 – Feb. 28, 2014 Jan. 1 – Feb. 5 Snowshoe Hare Zones 5–12 2 4 — Oct. 19 – Feb. 5, 2014 Jan. 1 – Feb. 5 Zones 13 and 14 2 4 — Nov. 15 – Feb. 5, 2014 Jackrabbit Zone 14 Nov. 15 – Dec. 31 1 2 — Zones 1–9 Sept. 9 – Jan. 2, 2014 5 10 — Gray Squirrel Zones 10–14 Oct. 19 – Jan. 2, 2014 5 10 — Rabbit, jackrabbit, hare, and squirrel hunting are closed during shotgun deer season.

Gray Squirrel Rifles and handguns of any caliber permitted in Zones 1-9, prohibited in Zones 10-14. No trapping or netting. Shotgun or bow and arrow only during the pheasant and quail seasons NO HUNTING ON SUNDAY on WMAs stocked with pheasant or quail (see WMA regula- tion #9, page 27). Hunting hours ½ hour before sunrise to ½ hour after sunset except on Wildlife Management Areas where pheasant or quail are stocked during the open season on RECREATION VEHICLES pheasant and quail (Oct. 19 – Nov. 30), when hunting hours are from sunrise to sunset (see WMA regulation #10, page 27). (ATVs, OHVs, dirt bikes, etc.) Recreation vehicles are inherently RABBIT, HARE, AND JACKRABBIT damaging to most environments in which Hunting hours 1/2 hour before sunrise to midnight except on they are operated. It is illegal to operate certain WMAs (see WMA regulation #9 Page 27). any motorized vehicle on any WMA or other property owned or controlled by the DFW; on most state park and state Cottontail rabbit forest lands; and it is illegal to operate them on private lands without the written Cottontail rabbit hunters and other permission of the landowner. Moreover, conservationists can help DFW study the legislation enacted in 2010 (Chapter 202 of distribution of cottontail rabbits across the Acts of 2010) strengthens the regulation the state by participating in the cottontail collection survey. For over 50 years, DFW of these recreation vehicles, increases has conducted periodic assessment of the penalties for violations, prohibits the distribution of the New England cottontail and unauthorized use of recreation vehicles on Eastern cottontail through a review of hunter/ public property; imposes new operator citizen collected specimens. Successful age restrictions, which may be further hunters can bring harvested cottontails to modified by the MA Environmental Police a DFW District Office (See page 6 for (MEP) through regulation; and establishes locations) or the DFW Field HQ in West a fund to support riding opportunities and Boylston. Submission of cottontails killed by law enforcement and regulatory activities. cars, pets, lawn equipment, etc., is also highly For more information, contact the Safety encouraged. Please include your contact Bureau in MEP at (508) 759-0002, or go to information, date of harvest or kill, precise www.state.ma.us/dfwele/dle and click on location of the animal, and method of hunting harvest if applicable. the Safety Bureau link.

40 www.mass.gov/masswildlife MA Division of Fisheries & Wildlife Hunting Open season Daily BAG possession season (All Dates Inclusive) limit limit limit Reptiles & Amphibians Bullfrog and Green Frog Jul. 16 – Sept. 30 12 24 — Snapping Turtle Jan. 1 – Dec. 31 — — —

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 Share your is 6 inches. exciting product REPTILES AND AMPHIBIANS: Hunting, taking, or possessing alive any state-listed (MA Endangered Species Act) species, spotted or service turtles, eastern hog-nosed snakes, four-toed salamanders, spotted salamanders, northern leopard frogs, or spring with the Massachusetts salamanders is prohibited. Possession limit of 2 on all other species except bullfrog, green frog, and snapping turtle. sporting community!

For advertising inquiries, please call Bring the excitement of Massachusetts' wildlife to your home by subscribing (413) 884-1001 to Massachusetts Wildlife magazine — see page 45.

LOWLANDS WHITETAILS HUNTING RANCH

8961 Number Three Road Lowville, NY 13367

Maybe your dream is to have a 200 SCI point buck hanging on your wall...

or is your dream to watch your child take a trophy buck you can both be proud of...

Please call us with your dream and let us make it a reality! We have big-bodied bucks ranging up to and over 250 B&C!

Muzzleloader, Rifl e or Archery · No License Required Lodging is Free While You Hunt

315.376.2190 LowlandsWhitetails.com Email [email protected]

2013 Guide to Hunting, Fishing and Trapping 41 Hunting Open season Daily BAG possession season (All Dates Inclusive) limit limit limit FURBEARERS Jan. 1 – Mar. 8 Bobcat Zones 1-8 — — — Dec. 20 – Mar. 8, 2014 Jan. 1 – Mar. 8 Coyote — — — Oct. 19 – Mar. 8, 2014 Jan. 1 – Feb. 28 Fox (red or gray) — — — Nov. 1 – Feb. 28, 2014 Jan. 1 – Jan. 31 Raccoon 3 — — Oct. 1 – Jan. 31, 2014 Jan. 1 – Jan. 31 Opossum — — — Oct. 1 – Jan. 31, 2014

Bobcat remain attached to all pelts/carcasses, Outdoor Books for Kids! Hunting hours ½ hour before sunrise to with the specific confirmation number Discover the great outdoors and the joys of hunting ½ hour after sunset. Hunting is limited issued for each particular pelt or carcass, and fishing through these fun adventure books! to Zones 1-8. It is illegal to use dogs until the carcass is prepared for mount- for bobcat hunting. All bobcats taken ing by a taxidermist, or the pelt is sold or salvaged must be checked/reported or tanned.

NOW JUST within 4 working days of the end of It is legal to hunt coyotes, but not $12.95ea. Plus S&H the season (see page 45) at an of- fox, during the shotgun deer season; ficial check station. Bobcats cannot be however the following additional regu- ...or buy ALL THREE for $30! To order, call or visit us online! reported online. lations apply: (The Fishing Trip, Deer Camp, Turkey Season ) Shipping & handling charges will vary. 716-553-8548 Find out more about this book and others at: Coyote & Fox • Hunting hours begin ½ hour before outdoorbooksforkids.com Hunting hours begin ½ hour before sunrise and end ½ hour after sunset. sunrise and end at midnight, except 1) • Use of manual or electronic calls and on WMAs stocked with pheasant or quail dogs are prohibited. during the pheasant and quail season • Rifles and handguns are prohibited. Catskill when hunting hours begin at sunrise and end at sunset and, 2) when hunting coyote • Shotguns and muzzleloaders loaded Pheasantry during the shotgun deer season (see be- with slugs, single balls or buckshot low). Coyote and fox may be hunted with are permitted. shotguns, muzzleloaders, and archery, as • Hunters must wear a minimum of 500 · Automated Sporting Clays & Five Stand well as rifles and handguns with special square inches of hunter orange on their nighttime restrictions (see page 32). head, chest, and back. · Rifle/Pistol Range Coyotes may be hunted with shotguns · Cabins/Lodging using numbered or lettered birdshot (≤ Raccoon 0.230 inch pellet diameter; up to FF), Limit of 3 raccoons from sunset of 1 day 845.887.4487 except during the shotgun deer season to sunset of following day by 1 person; www.CatskillPheasantry.com (see below). Fox may be hunted with limit of 6 by 2 or more persons hunting numbered birdshot only (≤ 0.160 inch in same group. Night hunting on WMAs pellet diameter). It is legal to hunt coyote (except Delaney and Flint Pond WMAs) is and fox using bait, decoys, electronic or permitted from sunset to sunrise except manual calls, and dogs. Artificial lights from Oct. 19 – Nov. 30 on areas stocked are prohibited. Coyote and fox pelts/car- with pheasant or quail, when raccoon casses must be checked/reported within may be hunted only from 9pm to 3am. 4 working days of the end of the season by either 1) checking them at an official Opossum Low Cost Insurance—Boat & Equipment check station (see page 45) where an No bag limit on opossum. Night hunt- Agreed Value coverage Tournament coverage official seal will be affixed, or 2) report- ing on WMAs (except Delaney and Flint Fishing equipment coverage Broad cruising area ing them online and writing the assigned Pond WMAs) is permitted from sunset to Optional fishing guide coverage confirmation number on a tag of your sunrise except from Oct. 19 – Nov. 30 on For a free quote call 866-532-1829 own making, then attaching the tag to WMAs stocked with pheasant or quail, mention priority code 4888 or at BoatUSAngler.com the carcass or pelt (see pages 8-11 when opossum may be hunted only from Policies subject to limits and exclusions. for details). Confirmation numbers must 9pm to 3am.

42 www.mass.gov/masswildlife MA Division of Fisheries & Wildlife Fishing Regulations_MA_4c_2.25x2.indd 1 9/17/12 2:58 PM

Trapping COASTAL Law Enforcement: INLAND law enforcement: Open season (All Dates Inclusive) Mass. Environmental Police Mass. Environmental Police Office of Law Enforcement Office of Law Enforcement Furbearers – Trapping Attn: Trap Loss Attn: Trap Loss Bobcat*, Coyote*, Fox*, Weasel Nov. 1 – Nov. 30 Bldg. #45, 349 Lincoln St. 183 Milk Street Fisher* Nov. 1 – Nov. 22 Hingham, MA 02043 Westborough, MA 01581 Nov. 1 – Dec. 15 Mink*, River Otter* Staking is not a recognized practice and conveys no special Jan. 1 – April 15 trapping privileges. Beaver* Nov. 1 – April 15, 2014 Muskrat, Opossum, Jan. 1 – Feb. 28 Raccoon, Skunk Nov. 1 – Feb. 28, 2014 Bobcat Bobcat may be taken by trapping or salvaged in Wildlife * Pelt sealing required; see page 45. Management Zones 1–8. All bobcats taken or salvaged must be checked within 4 working days of the end of the season (see page 45) at an official check station. Bobcats cannot Mandatory trapper education be reported online. The trapper education course is mandatory for: • all first-time trappers before they may obtain a trap SALE OF PELTS registration number or trap on the land of another. Exporting raw furs: When shipping raw fur pelts by any • all first-time Problem Animal Control Agents. carrier, the contents of the package and the shipper’s hunting or trapping license number must be listed on the outside of • anyone planning to use a Bailey or Hancock trap. Bailey the package. and Hancock traps may not be used, set, tended, or placed The destruction or removal of any identifying tag or label unless the trapper has successfully completed a training that is attached to a container in which skins are shipped course in their use. The Bailey and Hancock certificate is unlawful. must be carried when using such traps. All river otter and bobcat require CITES tags to be lawfully exported for sale. Contact DFW District office for these tags. Trapper Education course must be taken in Massachusetts. To be notified about Trapper Education courses call the Pelts of coyote, wild fox, wild mink, gray wolf, bobcat, lynx, Hunter Education program at (978) 772-0693 or fill out a fisher, marten, river otter, or beaver may not be sold in Mas- course notification form online at the DFW website. sachusetts unless tagged by the state or province of origin.

Trap types LAW ENFORCEMENT AND REPORTING VIOLATIONS The only traps that may be used for the taking of fur-bearing Know the current laws and regulations before you trap. mammals are cage or box type traps and common rat traps. If you are aware of illegal trapping activities, or suspect Hancock and Bailey traps may be used only when the trap- a violation of any wildlife law, Environmental Police per has been trained in their use, and may be used only for Officers can be reached at (800) 632-8075 (toll free) taking beaver. A trapper using these traps must possess a or (617) 727-6398. certificate of course completion. Common rat traps may be used for the taking of weasels only. Violations and Penalties: Trapping licenses can be revoked Steel-jaw foothold traps, padded jaw traps, body-gripping for one year in addition to other penalties and fines as well (Conibear) traps (see below), snares, deadfalls, and any traps as restitutions of up to $1000 and/or six months in jail. other than those specified above are prohibited. Such traps Traps and other equipment can be seized and forfeited to may not be set, tended, used, or possessed in the field. the Commonwealth. In addition, Problem Animal Control There is a detailed procedure for obtaining a special per- Licenses and/or Furbuyer licenses can be revoked, plus fines mit to use a body gripping (Conibear) trap for certain types and penalties assessed, and additionally, fur products can be of wildlife damage. Contact your local DFW District Office seized and forfeited to the Commonwealth. for details.

Reporting stolen traps: A trapper must report the loss or Trap Registration theft of a trap in writing to the Office of Law Enforcement All traps used on the land of another must have a valid reg- within 48 hours of the loss or theft, or remain responsible istration number embedded or cut into the trap. The assigned for its use. The report should include the number and type number, including letter and figures, must be at least ⅛ inches of traps, the date, time, place and circumstances of the loss high and legible at all times. The trap must also have attached or theft. Such reports must be signed under the pains and a metal tag bearing the owner’s name, town and registration penalties of perjury. Stolen traps should be reported to: number. Once obtained, your registration number is yours

44 www.mass.gov/masswildlife MA Division of Fisheries & Wildlife for life, but must be renewed every two years. To trap on another's land, a trapper must maintain a current certifica- tion 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 MA—DFW.

Pelt checking/reporting Beaver, bobcat, coyote, fisher, fox, mink, and river otter Bill Byrne pelts/carcasses must be checked/reported within 4 working days of the end of the season by either 1) checking them at an official check station (see below) where an official seal FURBEARER CHECK STATIONS will be affixed,or 2) reporting them online (except bobcat and river otter, which cannot be reported online) and writ- Check stations are open Monday–Friday ing the assigned confirmation number on a tag of your own (excluding holidays). Call check stations making, then attaching the tag to the carcass or pelt (see prior to bringing pelts in for sealing. Some pages 8-11 for details). Official seals or confirmation deer check stations may also check coyotes. numbers must remain attached to all pelts/carcasses, with The following are Division furbearer check the specific confirmation number issued for each particular stations: pelt or carcass, until the carcass is prepared for mounting by a taxidermist, or the pelt is sold or tanned. Western District—Dalton (413) 684-1646

Conn. Valley District—Belchertown (413) 323-7632

Furbearer Check Stations Central District—West Boylston (508) 835-3607 Check stations are located at all Wildlife District offices, Bitzer Northeast District—Ayer (978) 772-2145 and Sunderland State Fish Hatcheries, and West Boylston Field Headquarters (Monday–Friday excluding holidays). Coyotes Southeast District—Buzzards Bay (508) 759-3406 may be reported/checked online or at other locations; visit our Sunderland Hatchery—Sunderland (413) 665-4680 website at www.mass.gov/masswildlife or call West Boylston Field Headquarters. See list of DFW check stations at right. Bitzer Fish Hatchery—Montague (413) 367-2477 Call check station prior to bringing animals for sealing.

Four Issues Per Year TRADITION: Fifty years at the forefront of superb wildlife reporting. BEAUTY: Exceptional nature photography. VARIETY: From Cape Cod beaches to the Berkshire Hills. ACTION: Tips on hunting, fishing, wildlife viewing; follow biologists in the field. VALUE: Four Issues for $6 — Eight Issues only $10!

Photocopy, or Clip and Mail! Subscribe today to your outdoor magazine. Yes! I want Massachusetts Wildlife! Send check or money order to: Start my subscription with the next issue. Massachusetts Wildlife Name Division of Fisheries & Wildlife 251 Causeway St., Suite 400, Boston, MA 02114 Address Attn: Magazine Sales City State Zip (make checks out to Comm. of MA–DFW–magazine) AB2011

2013 Guide to Hunting, Fishing and Trapping 45 Trapping PROBLEM ANIMAL 5 Possess or have under control the of such authorization including the CONTROL Agents registered trap of another, unless he name and trapping license number Problem Animal Control (PAC) agents has entered into a trapping partner- of the person so authorized shall be are private individuals licensed by the ship through the Boston Office as given to the regional Environmental Division of Fisheries and Wildlife to provided in M.G.L. c131 § 80 and 321 Police Officer and to the Director assist the public in situations involving CMR 3.02(5)(e)14. within 24 hours of the giving of such sick animals or animals causing property 6 Trap on posted land of another without authorization. damage. If you are experiencing wildlife the written permission of the owner 15 Set, use, place, locate, tend, or main- damage and wish to contract with a PAC or tenant of such land. tain a trap not bearing on a metal tag agent, a listing can be found on the DFW 7 Trap in a public way, cart road, path the name, town of residence, and trap website www.mass.gov/masswildlife in or other way commonly used as a registration number of the person or the Wildlife area. Individuals interested passageway for human beings or persons using the same in a manner in becoming a PAC agent can obtain domestic animals. as to be legible at all times. Said regis- information on the permitting process tration number shall be permanently 8 Tear open, disturb, or destroy a musk- from this same area, or call DFW Field embedded in or marked on the traps rat lodge, beaver lodge or beaver dam, Headquarters at (508) 389-6300. with letters and figures not less than except as provided in 321 CMR 2.08. 1 Catch of any species other than beaver ⁄8 inches high in such a manner as or muskrat while trapping with a 10 day 9 Use poison or trap with a trap designed to be legible at all times. emergency permit must be turned over to take more than one mammal at 16 Trap fur-bearing mammals with any a time. to the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife. trap other than a cage or box type 10 Trap on land with a Bailey or Hancock trap, or a common rat trap. beaver trap or other suitcase type 17 Possess any road-killed furbearers Trapping Prohibitions— cage trap of similar design, except during the closed season, or possess It is illegal to: when set upon a beaver dam or beaver road-killed furbearers during the 1 Trap before 6:00am on opening day lodge, snag, stump, rock, or other open season without a valid hunting of any trapping season. above-water protrusion entirely or or trapping license as appropriate to 2 Possess or have under control a trap substantially surrounded by water, that species and season. on land of another in any place where or, when the pan of such trap is not fur-bearing mammals might be found completely submerged. 18 Alter, tamper with, or reapply a furbearer tag or seal, or possess any between April 16 of any year and 11 Trap with a Bailey or Hancock beaver altered or resealed tag, or possess any 6:00am on the following November 1. trap or other suitcase type cage trap pelt bearing an altered or resealed 3 Possess the green pelt of any fur-bear- of similar design without having tag or seal. ing mammal or any part of such pelt completed a training session and except during the open season for such having been issued a certificate of mammal and for ten days thereafter. completion as provided for in 321 4 Possess or have under his control an CMR 3.02(5)(c)2., or to fail to carry RABIES unregistered trap on land of another. such certificate on one's person when using such traps. Rabies in wild mammals 12 Fail to visit all traps staked out, set, has been confirmed in all R & J OUTFITTERS used, tended, placed, or maintained, counties in Massachusetts Affordable trophy whitetail hunts in N.W. Missouri and remove all animals trapped except Dukes and at least once in each calendar day Nantucket. Wear rubber between the hours of 4:00am and gloves when skinning 10:00pm. furbearers. If you believe 13 Destroy, mutilate, spring, or remove you have been exposed the trap of another. to a rabid animal, scrub 14 Take any fur-bearing mammal from the area thoroughly with soap and water and 176 B&C the trap of another unless he has on his person a specific written authori- seek medical advice 5-Day, Fully Guided, Fair Chase Hunts zation to do so, signed by the owner immediately. If possible, with Lodging start at only $1,700.00! of such trap. The owner of traps may isolate and preserve Thousands of private acres. give such authorization to any person the dead animal by No trophy fees or hidden charges. licensed to trap under M.G.L. c. 131 for refrigeration as soon as YES YOU CAN! a period not to exceed one week from possible. Contact your Ray: 786-319-1367 John: 786-394-3536 the day the traps were last tended, local Board of Health. www.randjoutfitters.com provided that notice of the giving

46 www.mass.gov/masswildlife MA Division of Fisheries & Wildlife HARBOR FREIGHT TOOLS LIFETIME WARRANTY Quality Tools at Ridiculously Low Prices ON ALL HAND TOOLS!

FACTORY DIRECT SUPER SUPER COUPON! FREE! COUPON! TO YOU! WITH ANY PURCHASE 20% How does Harbor Freight Tools sell high 3-1/2" SUPER BRIGHT quality tools at such ridiculously low NINE LED ALUMINUM ANY FLASHLIGHT SINGLE prices? We buy direct from the factories ITEM! Item 65020 OFF ITEM 65020/69052/69111 shown LIMIT 1 - Save 20% on any one item purchased at our store. Coupon good at our who also supply the major brands and REG. PRICE $6.99 stores or website or by phone. *Cannot be used with other discount, coupon, gift cards, Inside Track Club membership, extended service plans or on any of sell direct to you. It's just that simple! LIMIT 1 - Cannot be used with other discount, coupon or prior purchase. the following: compressors, generators, tool storage or carts, welders, fl oor Coupon good at our stores or website or by phone. Offer good while supplies jacks, Towable Ride-On Trencher (Item 65162), open box items, in-store event See for yourself at one of our 400 Stores last. Shipping & Handling charges may apply if not picked up in-store. Original or parking lot sale items. Not valid on prior purchases after 30 days from original coupon must be presented. Non-transferable. Original coupon must be purchase date with original receipt. Non-transferrable. Original coupon must Nationwide and use this 20% Off Coupon presented. Valid through 3/12/13. Limit one coupon per customer per day. be presented. Valid through 3/12/13. Limit one coupon per customer per day. on one of our 7,000 products*, plus pick up a Free 9 LED Aluminum Flashlight, a $6.99 value. We stock Shop Equipment, Hand 9 FT. 6" x 7 FT. 4" 12" RATCHET Tools, Tarps, Compressors, Air & Power SUPER CAMOUFLAGE TARP SUPER BAR CLAMP/SPREADER Tools, Woodworking Tools, Welders, Tool LOT NO. LOT NO. 46807 / COUPON! 46411 COUPON! 68975/69221/ Boxes, Generators, and much more. 69222 • Over 20 Million Satisfi ed Customers! $ 99 Item REG. • 1 Year Competitor's Low Price Guarantee 4 46807 $ 99 PRICE • No Hassle Return Policy! SAVE REG. PRICE $7 .99 SAVE shown 1 $5.4 9 • 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed! 37% 63% • Over 400 Stores Nationwide LIMIT 8 - Good at our stores or website or by phone. Cannot be used with other discount or coupon or LIMIT 9 - Good at our stores or website or by phone. Cannot be used with other discount or coupon or prior purchases after 30 days from original purchase with original receipt. Offer good while supplies last. Non- prior purchases after 30 days from original purchase with original receipt. Offer good while supplies last. Non- Nobody Beats Our Quality, Service and Price! transferable. Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 3/12/13. Limit one coupon per customer per day. transferable. Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 3/12/13. Limit one coupon per customer per day. RECIPROCATING SAW MECHANIC'S GLOVES SUPER WITH ROTATING HANDLE SUPER 29 PIECE TITANIUM SUPER LARGE X-LARGE COUPON! COUPON! NITRIDE COATED LOT NO. LOT NO. LOT NO. COUPON!Item 93640/60447 93641 /60448 5889 DRILL BIT SET 93640 shown YOUR SAVE REG. CHOICE! $ 49 SAVE $ 99 PRICE SAVE LOT NO. 60% $24 .99 50% 65570 $ 99 9 56% REG. 3PRICE $7.99 19 REG. PRICE $39 .99 LIMIT 8 - Good at our stores or website or by phone. Cannot be used with other discount or coupon or LIMIT 5 - Good at our stores or website or by phone. Cannot be used with other discount or coupon or LIMIT 7 - Good at our stores or website or by phone. Cannot be used with other discount or coupon or prior purchases after 30 days from original purchase with original receipt. Offer good while supplies last. Non- prior purchases after 30 days from original purchase with original receipt. Offer good while supplies last. Non- prior purchases after 30 days from original purchase with original receipt. Offer good while supplies last. Non- transferable. Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 3/12/13. Limit one coupon per customer per day. transferable. Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 3/12/13. Limit one coupon per customer per day. transferable. Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 3/12/13. Limit one coupon per customer per day. PORTABLE 8" HUNTING/ 18 PIECE T-HANDLE SUPER FISH FINDER SUPER SURVIVAL KNIFE SUPER BALL POINT AND HEX KEY COUPON! Requires four AA batteries LOT NO. COUPON!SAVE LOT NO. 90714 COUPON! WRENCH SET (sold separately). 94511 41% SAVE 33% LOT NO. 96645 REG. $ 99 $ 99 PRICE REG. $49 .99 6 $ 99 PRICE SAVE 34 REG. PRICE $11 .99 11 $17.99 30% LIMIT 4 - Good at our stores or website or by phone. Cannot be used with other discount or coupon or LIMIT 9 - Good at our stores or website or by phone. Cannot be used with other discount or coupon or LIMIT 6 - Good at our stores or website or by phone. Cannot be used with other discount or coupon or prior purchases after 30 days from original purchase with original receipt. Offer good while supplies last. Non- prior purchases after 30 days from original purchase with original receipt. Offer good while supplies last. Non- prior purchases after 30 days from original purchase with original receipt. Offer good while supplies last. Non- transferable. Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 3/12/13. Limit one coupon per customer per day. transferable. Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 3/12/13. Limit one coupon per customer per day. transferable. Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 3/12/13. Limit one coupon per customer per day. 10/2/55 AMP, 6/12 VOLT 12,000 LB. ELECTRIC WINCH SUPER SAVE BATTERY CHARGER/ SUPER 3 GALLON, 100 PSI SUPER WITH REMOTE CONTROL AND 53% ENGINE STARTER OILLESS PANCAKE COUPON! Item 66783 COUPON! COUPON! AUTOMATIC BRAKE "Badland's 12,000 Lb. Winch Voted shown AIR COMPRESSOR THE BEST DEAL IN WINCHING" CC Rogers, Off-Road Magazine LOT NO. 66783/60581/60653 LOT NO. 95275/ DECEMBER 2011 Item 60637/69486 SAVE LOT NO. 68142 REG. 95275 SAVE $ 99 PRICE shown $200 27 $59 .99 50% $3999 $29999 REG. PRICE $79.99 REG. PRICE $499.99 LIMIT 4 - Good at our stores or website or by phone. Cannot be used with other discount or coupon or LIMIT 3 - Good at our stores or website or by phone. Cannot be used with other discount or coupon or LIMIT 5 - Good at our stores or website or by phone. Cannot be used with other discount or coupon or prior purchases after 30 days from original purchase with original receipt. Offer good while supplies last. Non- prior purchases after 30 days from original purchase with original receipt. Offer good while supplies last. Non- prior purchases after 30 days from original purchase with original receipt. Offer good while supplies last. Non- transferable. Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 3/12/13. Limit one coupon per customer per day. transferable. Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 3/12/13. Limit one coupon per customer per day. transferable. Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 3/12/13. Limit one coupon per customer per day. NO GAS REQUIRED! 6.5 HP OHV 90 AMP FLUX SAVE HORIZONTAL SHAFT SUPER SUPER $80 SUPER FIVE DRAWER COUPON!WIRE WELDER COUPON! GAS ENGINES (212 CC) COUPON!700 LB. LOT NO. 68887 LOT NO. 68120/69730/ 60363 CAPACITY TOOL CART LOT NO. 95272/69397 LOT NO. 68121/69727, SAVE $ 99 CALIFORNIA ONLY SAVE REG. REG. $ 99 PRICE $60 89 PRICE $130 $299 .99 REG. PRICE $149 .99 Item $ 99 169 68120 $179 .99 shown 99 Item 95272 shown LIMIT 3 - Good at our stores or website or by phone. Cannot be used with other discount or coupon or LIMIT 4 - Good at our stores or website or by phone. Cannot be used with other discount or coupon or LIMIT 5 - Good at our stores or website or by phone. Cannot be used with other discount or coupon or prior purchases after 30 days from original purchase with original receipt. Offer good while supplies last. Non- prior purchases after 30 days from original purchase with original receipt. Offer good while supplies last. Non- prior purchases after 30 days from original purchase with original receipt. Offer good while supplies last. Non- transferable. Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 3/12/13. Limit one coupon per customer per day. transferable. Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 3/12/13. Limit one coupon per customer per day. transferable. Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 3/12/13. Limit one coupon per customer per day. GRAND Huntington Park, CA N. Hollywood, CA Brookfi eld, CT St. Louis, MO OPENINGS La Mirada, CA San Jose, CA Madison Heights, MI Richmond, VA FALL RIVER, MA (508) 674-4136 AMHERST, NH (603) 579-0658 BRAINTREE, MA (781) 849-0276 35 Mariano Bishop Blvd. 123 Route 101A, Unit 3 727 Granite Street WORCESTER, MA (508) 754-1712 NATICK, MA (508) 655-0726 MEDFORD, MA (781) 393-1976 50 Mill Street 321 Speen Street, Suite 3A 30 Commercial Street, Unit 2 ATTLEBORO, MA (508) 761-7891 DANVERS, MA (978) 774-3208 HYANNIS, MA (508) 775-3104 287 Washington Street, Suite 6 4 Newbury Street, Space B 640 Iyannough Road

hft_mahunting_1112_M-REG18852.indd 1 10/24/12 3:27:31 PM their land to the Commonwealth. Land Conservation During FY12, DFG/DFW utilized and re- ceived funding from federal, state, and private grant programs for land protection projects. Mitigation funds were another new funding Benefits Wildlife and source for two acquisition projects. During a period when few state govern- ments are capable of responding to favorable Outdoor Recreation opportunities in the real estate market, this year’s land conservation projects added sig- nificant opportunities for sporting and other Massachusetts is the third most densely popu- Habitat acquisition efforts involve the De- wildlife related recreation access across the lated state in the country. Six million people partment of Fish and Game, the Division of state. In FY 2012 (July 1, 2011 – June 30, 2012), share five million acres of terrestrial and fresh- Fisheries and Wildlife, and the Fisheries and 5,629 acres of fish and wildlife habitat were water habitats with over 80 different mam- Wildlife Board, as well as land trusts and other acquired bringing the total amount of land mals, 460 birds, 29 reptiles, 21 amphibians, conservation partners. Every year, potential acreage currently under the care and control and 57 types of freshwater fish. These num- acquisitions are reviewed and prioritized by of DFG and DFW to over 195,000 acres. More bers obviously don’t include insects, mollusks, a Lands Committee that determines each than 500 acres were acquired in the Berkshires, and quantities of other invertebrates breeding property’s resource and recreational value. close to 3,700 acres in the Connecticut Valley, or moving through the state. These numbers Technical input is provided by the DFW Dis- about 800 acres in central Massachusetts, and pose a significant challenge for wildlife con- tricts and a representative from Section staff approximately 640 acres in eastern Massachu- servation. Habitat —food, water, shelter, and in Fisheries, Wildlife, and Natural Heritage setts. Forty-two acquisitions were completed in space— is key to the existence of wildlife. Since and Endangered Species. DFG also provides 32 towns across the state for a total investment the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (DFW) legal, fiscal, mapping, and technical support of nearly $14 million. More than $5.2 million is charged with the stewardship of wildlife in for the habitat acquisition program. came from open space bond fund, $975,000 Massachusetts, including endangered kinds of Funding for the land acquisition program in Wildlands stamp funds with an additional wildlife and plants, habitat protection is one of comes from several sources. The primary $7.7 million leveraged from outside sources the highest priorities for both the Department funding mechanism is the Commonwealth’s such as state, federal and private grants and of Fish and Game (DFG) and the Division of open space bond authorization. Fishing, hunt- mitigation funds. In addition, gifts of land by Fisheries and Wildlife. To address the chal- ing, and trapping license buyers also contrib- landowners totaled just over 243 acres. lenge, a land acquisition program was created ute a $5 fee, known as the “Wildlands Stamp,” All these lands are open to the public for with the following goals: to the Wildlands Fund for wildlife habitat ac- hunting, fishing, bird watching, hiking, cross- quisition, with annual revenue $1 - 1.5 million country skiing, and other passive wildlife- • protect and perpetuate ecosystems dollars. Wildlife enthusiasts and other conser- related recreation activities. A listing of the containing important fish and wildlife vation-minded people support the agency’s FY12 acquisitions and funding sources can resources and natural communities, habitat conservation efforts by donating to be found on the DFW website at: www.mass. the Wildlands Fund. Landowners who want to gov/dfwele/dfw/habitat/land/land_acquisi- • preserve the biological diversity of the keep their land undeveloped sometimes gift tions.htm. state’s fish and wildlife, and

• ensure public access to the Common- wealth’s lands and waters for wildlife- related recreation.

48 www.mass.gov/masswildlife MA Division of Fisheries & Wildlife All habitat acquisitions are important but Another 3,640 feet of frontage protects two Total Acreage by Area Type some projects stand out. In FY 12, of par- intermittent tributaries to Mill Brook, a primary ticular significance was the completion of the tributary that drains into Lake Wickaboag. The (as of June 30, 2012) Commonwealth’s largest private land conser- WMA was acquired with a land trust partner, Area Type Acreage vation deal since the 1920s. A partnership be- the East Quabbin Land Trust (EQLT) which was Wildlife Management tween DFG/DFW, Kestrel Land Trust, Franklin instrumental in facilitating the state’s acquisi- 135,331.66 Areas - 147 Land Trust, and North Amherst-based W.D. tion. EQLT pre-acquired the property from the Cowls, Inc. resulted in the protection of 3,486 McRevey Family Trust, then the property was Wildlife Sanctuaries - 13 1,197 acres of working forest land in the towns of purchased by the DFW/DFG using $570,000 Fish Hatcheries - 5 534.30 Leverett and Shutesbury. Now known as the of open space bond funds. Paul C. Jones Working Forest, it is the largest In the southeastern part of Massachusetts, Game Farms - 3 382.1 conservation restriction on a contiguous block a new WMA consisting of about 15 parcels of River Access - 35 3,044.05 of privately owned land in Massachusetts’ his- land make up the Poor Meadow Brook WMA Salt Marsh - 7 774.7 tory. The 5.4 square mile area encompasses in East Bridgewater. The property is a mosaic Lake, Pond and almost all of Brushy Mountain and includes of red maple swamps, hardwoods, and areas 295.6 additional adjacent parcels. The conserva- of open, fresh meadow. It contains Priority Coastal Access - 27 tion restriction ensures that the property Habitat and Critical Natural Landscape and is Fisheries & Wildlife 515 will remain undeveloped, protecting critical home to two rare plants. This acquisition is Areas - 6 wildlife habitat and providing public access for designed to protect the area surrounding the Natural Heritage hunting, fishing, hiking, and other recreation. brook of the same name that flows southward 2,728.5 The majority of funding for this $8.8 million along a corridor of municipal watershed land Areas - 33 dollar project was provided by a $5 million toward Robbins Pond where the Office of Fish- Wildlife Conservation grant from the federal Forest Legacy grant ing and Boating Access has a heavily-used car- Easements – 63 35,352.13 program. An additional $1 million in funding top boat access area. These parcels include (Some acreage included in WMAs) came from the Executive Office of Energy and 2,000 of frontage on Poor Meadow Brook and Other 652.85 Environmental Affairs Landscape Partnership 1,500 feet of frontage on the Satucket River, grant program, together with $839,600 in pri- an important tributary of the Taunton River. TOTAL 195,807.95 vate grant funding from the Open Space Insti- A Great Blue Heron heronry is located here. tute, $500,000 in DFW land stamp funds, and The herons are frequently observed feeding $1,460,400 in DFG open space bond funds. at nearby Burrage Pond WMA and flying to A new WMA located in West Brookfield and and from Poor Meadow Brook. ing WMAs. Examples include 137 acres New Braintree is the 320-acre Whortleberry On the other end of the geographic spec- added to the Hubbard Brook WMA in Shef- Hill Wildlife Management Area (WMA). This trum, a new 2.5 acre North Egremont WMA is field; 93 acres at the Townsend Hill WMA, property has been has been operated as a farm a small but significant property on the Green Townsend; 104 acres at Hockomock Swamp since 1896 and provides varied habitats of River. The new WMA provides excellent fishing WMA in Bridgewater; and 109 acres added to managed hayfields, wet meadows, old or- access to the public and protects a small but sig- Winchendon Springs WMA in Winchendon. chards, mature upland forests, and brushy nificant stretch of river frontage on the Green Anyone who enjoys the great outdoors is field habitats. Many wildlife species includ- River containing Priority Habitat for state-listed encouraged to use and enjoy the opportuni- ing white-tailed deer, wild turkey, black bear, species, BioMap2 Core Habitat for Species of ties available on all these properties. With otter, mink, black ducks, mallards, Virginia Conservation Concern, as well as Aquatic Core continued support from sportsmen and rail, mallard, song birds, diverse insects, and Habitat. The WMA also provides an important women, land trusts, other environmental amphibians all use the land. This acquisition connection across the river to a 20-acre parcel partners, and the current administration, also conserves 6,800 feet of frontage on owned by the Egremont Land Trust with a con- significant progress towards protection of the Mill Brook a coldwater fishery hosting servation restriction held by DFG/DFW. 200,000 acres of wildlife habitat may be a a native population of Eastern Brook Trout. In many cases, acquisitions add to exist- goal achieved by 2014.

2013 Guide to Hunting, Fishing and Trapping 49 Outdoor Skills & Wildlife Education Programs

The Division of Fisheries & Wildlife offers mailing list visit the Division's website at attending or hosting a workshop, call a wide range of educational and skills pro- www.mass.gov/masswildlife and follow (508) 389-6310. grams. With suitable lead time, programs the prompts to the education area. For can be adapted to the needs of virtually more information, call (508) 389-6300. Junior Duck Stamp Program: Connecting any group. Children with Nature through the Arts. Mass. Junior Conservation Camp: A two Students in grades K-12 participate in Hunter Education Program: Provides week residential program for boys and a dynamic art and science education courses in the safe handling of firearms, girls ages 13–17 that provides a solid program designed to teach wetland and other outdoor activities related to grounding in outdoor activities and habitat and waterfowl conservation. hunting and firearm use. Designed for skills. Participants learn about fisheries, Artists communicate visually what they novices, courses in Basic Hunter Edu- wildlife, forestry, and camping, and gain have learned by creating an entry for the cation, Bowhunter Education, Trapper proficiency in the use of shotgun, rifle, JDS contest. Download guidelines and Education, and others are offered state- archery equipment, map and compass, entry form at www.fws.gov/juniorduck. wide throughout the year. Certificates and more. Participants also complete Co-sponsored by the USFWS and the in certain courses satisfy hunting li- the state’s Basic Hunter Education and Massachusetts Wildlife Federation. For cense requirements for Massachusetts Boat Safety programs. Program is held more information, call (508) 389-6310. as well as other states and Canadian in August. Phone (508) 389-6300. 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 (508) 389-6309. may be used toward obtaining PDPs. Co-sponsored by Massachusetts Wildlife Becoming an Outdoors-Woman: This is Federation. For more information, call a program for women ages 18 and up (508) 389-6310. that introduces them to outdoor skills in a safe, friendly, and non-competitive GROWING UP WILD: EXPLORING NATURE Viviana Hanley, JDS 2011 Best of Show environment. It provides a venue to WITH YOUNG CHILDREN (ages 3-7 years) learn skills related to fishing, hunting, Professional development workshop SPECIAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR camping, and hiking under the guidance for early childhood educators provides YOUNG HUNTERS of expert instructors. There is one full activities that build on children’s sense The traditions and values of hunting weekend of activities plus many single- of wonder about nature and invites them and our outdoor heritage were and day events providing an opportunity to to explore wildlife and the world around are an integral part of sustaining our sample activities from archery to wildlife them. Educators experience a wide range conservation ethic. However, changes photography and from kayaking to fly- of activities that provide a foundation for in lifestyles, leisure time, family activi- fishing. Notices are sent through an developing a child’s positive impression ties, and access to the outdoors present e-mail distribution network. To get on the about nature. For information on significant challenges to passing this

50 www.mass.gov/masswildlife MA Division of Fisheries & Wildlife Archery in the Schools The National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) is an international style target shooting program for students in grades 4–12 that can improve students’ self confidence, motivation, behavior, concentration, focus, and interest in going to school. Taught through Physical Education 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 in Massachusetts, call 508-389-6305.

heritage on to future generations. • Instruction on how to clean and pre- Youth Waterfowl Hunt: Two days are set Young people today do not have the pare game. aside prior to the waterfowl hunting seasons same opportunities to shoot or hunt as did • A safe, supervised hunt under the guid- especially for young hunters ages 12–15. All the youth of a generation ago. The days ance of an experienced, responsible youth must be accompanied by a licensed of walking down the road to the nearby adult hunter. adult hunter with a valid Massachusetts farm or woodlot to hunt after school are waterfowl stamp. The young hunter and • Application of field techniques learned all but gone except in the most rural accompanying adult may have only one in the hunter education course. communities. Many youth growing up in firearm between them. The adult may not urban or suburban communities do not Youth Pheasant Hunts are offered though hunt and may carry the firearm only when have access to suitable hunting lands and sportsmen's clubs throughout the state it is unloaded and cased. No license or stamp many grow up in families that lack the and may be conducted on one of the six needed for youths ages 12–14. License and outdoor skills and knowledge that they Saturdays prior to the start of the regular Massachusetts waterfowl stamp needed for seek. Not only are opportunities for youth pheasant hunting season. In 2013, these youths age 15. No federal stamp required. to learn and access open areas limited, will be the six Saturdays prior to October All other hunting regulations apply. but there are many competing options 15, 2013. for ways to spend their limited leisure time including the internet, video games, Youth Turkey Hunt: The youth turkey organized sports and school activities. hunting program was developed through For these reasons, the Division of Fish- a partnership between the DFW, the eries & Wildlife has joined in partnership National Wild Turkey Federation, and with sportsmen’s clubs across the state participating sportsmen's clubs. In order and with conservation organizations to to participate in the mentored youth offer special hunting opportunities for turkey hunt, youths age 12–17 must young hunters. attend and successfully complete a pre- Est. 1954 Sportsmen’s clubs conduct multiple hunt youth turkey program workshop. Hunt Prime Land in day program workshops leading up to This is an educational workshop that Barbour & Bullock Counties. an actual hunt in which each participant stresses firearm and hunting safety, · Highest deer density in Alabama. hunts under the watchful eye of a mentor. turkey hunting techniques, equipment, regulations, ethics, and sportsmanship. Hogs, coyotes and bobcats. No charge. No limit. The DFW provides the necessary training · 6,000 acre family-owned plantation. NO LEASED LAND. Youth hunt workshops are held at various materials as well as a hunting safety kit · 50 Food Plots with elevated shooting houses for each participant. These free programs sportsmen's clubs. After completion of surrounded by pines and oak bottoms. are open to any club or organization the pre-hunt workshop, a special permit · New cottages with private bedrooms and baths. wishing to participate. will be issued to the participating youths First class lodge. All meals included. that allows for a mentored hunt on the · Great family hunting experience with Youth Pheasant Hunt: This program Saturday prior to the last Monday in April true southern hospitality. includes: (April 29, 2013). This permit remains valid for the regular spring turkey • Instruction on firearms safety in the season following the special one day field. hunt. To find a participating sportsmen's • Safe, supervised shooting instruction club or for more information, call your and practice prior to a hunt. local club or check the DFW website at • Lessons on hunting ethics and behavior. www.mass.gov/masswildlife, and click • Training on hunting regulations and on "Education." Visit us at www.pa-ko.com safety. To plan your hunt, call J. Paul Taylor at 877.539.5699

2013 Guide to Hunting, Fishing and Trapping 51 Office of Law Enforcement—Environmental Police

To Report Violations South Coastal Enforcement Headquarters Fall River Radio Room Captain Patrick Moran 218 South Main Street, 3rd Floor (800) 632-8075 Coastal Deputy Bureau Chief Fall River, MA 02721 (508) 992-8321 (508) 679-8287 www.mass.gov/ole (508) 992-8323 fax (508) 679-0060 fax 93 State Pier Hyannis New Bedford, MA 02740 60 Perseverance Way, Suite 101 Office OF LAW Hyannis, MA 02601 ENFORCEMENT(Boston) SPECIAL OPERATIONS: (508) 771-8382 Colonel Aaron Gross, Director boat and RECREATION (508) 771-2334 fax Lieutenant Colonel Chris Baker, VEHICLE SAFETY BUREAU and Springfield Deputy Director MARINE THEFT bureau 165 Liberty Street, Lower Level (617) 626-1650 Captain Merri Walker Springfield, MA 01103 (617) 626-1670 fax State Boating Law Administrator (413) 733-1642 251 Causeway Street, Suite 100 Inland Office: (508) 366-6537 (413) 733-2154 fax Boston, MA 02114 Boat & Recreation Vehicle Office: (508) 564-4961 Worcester 67 Millbrook Street Inland Law Enforcement Sgt. Scott Maher Suite 350, 3rd Floor Inland Bureau Headquarters Marine Theft Bureau Worcester, MA 01606 Major Wilton F. Gray III 251 Causeway Street, Suite 101 (508) 753-0603 Inland Bureau Chief Boston, MA 02114 (508) 752-6132 fax Captain Robert Forsythe (617) 626-1666 Inland Deputy Bureau Chief (508) 366-1176 (508) 366-6537 Environmental CRIMES (508) 366-1182 fax Strike Force 183 Milk Street Sergeant David Loos Westborough, MA 01581 (617) 727-2200 (617) 727-5755 fax 1 Ashburton Place Salvage of Coastal LAW Enforcement Boston, MA 02108 Coastal Bureau Headquarters Deer & Moose Major Len Roberts ROAD-KILLED DEER may be Coastal Bureau Chief Boat AND Recreation kept by a Massachusetts driver (781) 740-2577 Vehicle OFFICE or passenger of vehicle killing (781) 740-2442 (508) 564-4961 said deer if reported to Law (781) 740-1163 (508) 564-4962 Enforcement at (800) 632-8075 (781) 740-4113 fax (508) 564-4963 immediately and then tagged 30 Shipyard Drive, Building 45 (508) 564-4964 fax at a DFW or Environmental Hingham, MA 02043 5202 Ent Steet, Police office within 24 hours. Buzzards Bay, MA 02542 North Coastal Enforcement Headquarters ROAD-KILLED MOOSE may not Captain John Tulik be kept by a Massachusetts Coastal Deputy Bureau Chief Offices for boat, ATV, and driver or passenger of the (978) 283-7764 Snowmobile Registration vehicle killing the moose. (978) 283-1162 The disposition of any moose Boston (978) 283-6729 fax carcass is only at the discretion 251 Causeway St., Suite 100 2 State Fish Pier of the Environmental Police Boston, MA 02114 Gloucester, MA 01930 or the Division of Fisheries (617) 626-1610 & Wildlife. To report a road- (617) 626-1630 fax killed moose, call the DFW at (508) 389-6300. www.mass.gov/ole

52 www.mass.gov/masswildlife MA Division of Fisheries & Wildlife Hunting Products

Paradox Rifled Shotgun Barrels

Current Inventory at

www.HastingsBarrel.com 570.553.1651 | www.RSTshells.com

Phone 717.524.5301 Check Out Our Email [email protected] Shoot with Weekly Specials Body the Best! Product Spotlight 360° Daily Arrivals Guard Mixed Cases Don’t Get Busted, Use Scent Suppression! Measure your shot in FEET.....NOT YARDS! Available www.galleryofguns.com BodyGuard360.com Game Processing Buildings SAGENSAW RAISE Small • Lightweight • Incredibly Tough CHICKENS? 100% AMERICAN MADE. Safely and quickly cuts the pelvis and We have a wide selection of the rib cage while protecting the bladder finest handcrafted coops and colon during fi eld dressing. Recommended by the NAHC. to fit anyone’s budget. SagenSaw I $20.95 + S&H Best for deer, antelope, sheep, hogs & black bear SagenSaw II $27.50 + S&H 30% larger and longer than the original. Specifi cally made for larger animals. Call Us Now for Pricing & Information! 701-873-5065 www.sageninc.com 1.866.411.SHED

Charity

Making Hunting & Fishing Dreams Come True for YoungsTers, 21 & unDer, with LiFe-THreaTening iLLnesses Toll Free: 866-345-4455 www.HuntofaLifetime.org

Land Management

DEER LAND MANAGEMENT BLOCK Deer Love Sugarbeets! Sugarbeets are a hardy vegetable that make a great addition to any wildlife plot.

HerdGuard.com Animals Can’t Resist!

If you want to attract more deer to your food plot, call 1-888-331-8997 Ext. 101 or visit www.bucklunch.com 53 Taxidermy Guides & Outfitters Al West Taxidermy LaBLUE’S In-State 40 years’ Sport Fishing Charters experience TAXIDERMY in African and North American big game.

• Largest in the Area • Specializing Sailing out of Plymouth Harbor for the Northeast’s best in Deerheads fishing, without the Cape Cod traffic. We make sure that you have a great day at sea. Excellent option for trips of 4, AL WEST TAXIDERMY Over 40 Years Experience 5 or 6 anglers. Comfortable for corporate/business client 268 Dresser Hill Rd fishing. Tuna Trips, Shark, Striped Bass, Cod & Haddock. Rick and Phyllis LaBlue // 413.743.5668 Southbridge, MA 121 Alger Street // Adams, MA 01220 508-765-9800 LaBluesTaxidermy.com 508-747-1577 www.PlymouthWatersport.com Fellow Hunters! Full-time Taxidermy Studio 3 Arrow BAYMEN GUIDE SERVICE, INC. Competitive pricing, reasonable Taxidermy Studio turnaround: N. American, African, Exotics, Award-Winning Taxidermy Birds, Fish, Freeze Dry Taxidermy Vincent Kersey 66 Chapin Street Ludlow, MA | 01056 Classic 413.262.6628 TAXIDERMY Capt. David Bitters, U.S.C.G. Licensed Middleton, MA reeArrowTaxidermy.com P.O. Box 366 · Duxbury, MA · 02331 · [email protected] Call Rick Page (781) 934-2838 · BaymenCharters.com 888-412-7851 Bow Hunting

Visit our website! www.classictaxidermy.com MASSBOWHUNTERS.COM Learn what the MBA has done and is doing for you! Bald Peak Mountain Award-Winning SINCE 1977 TAXIDERMY Taxidermy Every Member Counts Specializing in Quality Deer & Fish Join Today Online! 1-800-BOWHUNT Skin & Reproduction Mounts • Antler Repairs Shoulder Mounts Lifesize · Fish · Birds 85 Reimers Rd · Monson, MA · 01057 Hunting Dogs & Kennels John Candage · 413.267.0284 · Cell 203.410.9174 5825 Rt. 100 · Whitingham, VT · 802.368.7874 Kartel Brittanys, Inc. AKC Brittany Puppies! Hunting & Family Pets Taxidermy for the South Shore “Find a big rack and mount it” Reserve Now! 207.345.3258 207.345.1160 Karen orne #F434 Friend us on Facebook www.BrittanyDog.com “From Our Home, To Yours, With Love” 54 Guides & Outfitters Out-Of-State

HUNT $500 per night, VALLEY’S PATEY AND SONS LTD. No limits, NEW YORK Newfoundland, Canada GUIDE SERVICE STATE! No trophy fees. We supply Leo Valley ammo, optics NYS Licensed Guide and weapons. You bring a 315.783.0164 cooler, fl ashlight and camera! Deer Eastern End of 229-669-9748 and Lake Ontario P.O. BOX 1056 LEESBURG, GA 31763 We equip you Turkey with state of the Hunts art handheld 98–100% SUCCESS RATE! thermal optics to locate hogs Complete Packages for Deer Starting at $400 Big Game Out tters and AR-15’s Night Salmon and Ice Fishing Available for moose, caribou with thermal and black bear in scopes mounted Newfoundland’s to harvest them with. It doesn’t Northern Peninsula get any better Three Rivers than that!! GUIDE SERVICE (709) 225-3221 www.BigGameOut tting.com www.HogSwat.com Drift Trips on Maine’s Trophy Elk Hunting Premier Smallmouth Bass Rivers Deer & Hog High in the Pennsylvania Mountains! Combined Hunt 207.441.0678 These elk live wild www.ThreeRiversGuideService.biz 3 Days $1095 in our forests, not in small pens. Contact Richard Behr, Registered Maine Guide Includes Meals and Stay at Executive Lodge All hunters get a Hunt South Carolina’s video recording Low Country for Deer, of their hunt at no additional Retailers Turkey & Hog charge, usually showing the actual shot. Morse Sporting Goods 96% Success Rate! Archery Pro Shop • Hunting/Fishing Supplies New/Used Guns/Ammo Hunting North Mountain WILD-ELK-RANCH 3D Course • Clothing/Boots Season Aug. 15 – 85 Contoocook Falls Road • Hillsboro, NH 03244 Not A “Canned” Hunt. Fair-Chase Conditions. 603-464-3444 Jan. 1 Harvest Fees for Nice Bulls (up to 5x5 rack) 9–6 Monday–Saturday • 9–noon Sunday start at $3,250, but only if you get one! www.morsesportinggoods.com 727.505.7047 SouthCarolinaTrophyWhitetails.com 877-724-4108 www.elkworld.com John Corliss, Proprietor (603) 239-4032 Rte. 10, Winchester, NH 03470 The Southeast's Oldest & Largest MASTER RACK LODGE Alabama’s #1 Hunting Destination Largest Inventory of New & Used Guns Hunting Lodge • 9,000 Acres of Prime in the Greater Keene Area! Big Timber Woods • 2 Bucks Per Trip, 2 Does Per Trip • 3 Day Hunts from Richie’s Sporting Supply $1,395 to $1,895 217 Mouse Mill Road · Westport, MA · 02790 • Private Lodging, 931-277-3113 Awesome Food Hunting & Fishing Supplies • Father/Son and Family Discounts Trip Planning | Gunsmith Services 931-277-3113 Moun tCrossville,ain Gui Tennesseede low Ser • Union Springs, AL www.caryonah.comige • [email protected] 508.636.3395 RichiesSportingSupply.com B Wild Boar • Ram • Elk • Deer • Exotics 334.474.3600 MasterRackLodge.com

Hunters Rendezvous/Royal Marine Whitetail Deer Rte. 119 (South Road) • Pepperell, MA • 01463 Bigelow Mountain Russian Boar www.huntersrendezvous.com GUIDE SERVICE Fallow Deer (978) 433-9458 Elk & Exotics Muzzle Loading Firearms Traditional Archery Equipment All Inclusive Private Hunts on 300 Acre Reserve Maritime Skiff Boats • Malibu Fishing Kayaks Moose & Baited Bear Hunts — Home of Killbuck Scents Deer Lure — Fresh & Saltwater Fly Fishing Equipment Kevin Tiberi [email protected] 508.545.1772 716-965-2146 · CreeksideOutdoors.com 55

Sunrise-Sunset 2013 Sunrise-Sunset Table for WORCESTER, Massachusetts

January February March April May June July August September October November December Day Rise Set Rise Set Rise Set Rise Set Rise Set Rise Set Rise Set Rise Set Rise Set Rise Set Rise Set Rise Set AM PM AM PM AM PM AM PM AM PM AM PM AM PM AM PM AM PM AM PM AM PM AM PM 1 7:16 4:25 7:01 5:01 6:22 5:38 5:29 6:14: 4:42 6:47 4:13 7:18 4:15 7:27 4:41 7:06 5:13 6:20 5:45 5:28 6:21 4:40 6:57 4:16 2 7:16 4:26 7:00 5:02 6:20 5:39 5:27 6:15 4:41 6:48 4:13 7:18 4:15 7:27 4:42 7:05 5:14 6:19 5:46 5:26 6:22 4:39 6:58 4:16 3 7:16 4:27 6:59 5:03 6:19 5:40 5:26 6:16 4:39 6:49 4:12 7:19 4:16 7:27 4:43 7:04 5:15 6:17 5:47 5:24 6:23 4:38 6:59 4:15 4 7:16 4:28 6:58 5:05 6:17 5:41 5:24 6:17 4:38 6:50 4:12 7:20 4:16 7:27 4:44 7:02 5:16 6:15 5:48 5:23 6:25 4:36 7:00 4:15 5 7:16 4:29 6:57 5:06 6:15 5:43 5:22 6:18 4:37 6:52 4:12 7:20 4:17 7:26 4:45 7:01 5:17 6:13 5:49 5:21 6:26 4:35 7:01 4:15 6 7:16 4:30 6:56 5:07 6:14 5:44 5:21 6:19 4:36 6:53 4:11 7:21 4:18 7:26 4:46 7:00 5:18 6:12 5:50 5:19 6:27 4:34 7:02 4:15 7 7:16 4:31 6:55 5:09 6:12 5:45 5:19 6:20 4:34 6:54 4:11 7:22 4:18 7:26 4:47 6:58 5:19 6:10 5:51 5:18 6:28 4:33 7:03 4:15 8 7:16 4:32 6:53 5:10 6:10 5:46 5:17 6:21 4:33 6:55 4:11 7:22 4:19 7:25 4:48 6:57 5:20 6:08 5:53 5:17 6:30 4:32 7:04 4:15 9 7:16 4:33 6:52 5:11 6:09 5:47 5:16 6:23 4:32 6:56 4:11 7:23 4:20 7:25 4:49 6:56 5:21 6:07 5:54 5:14 6:31 4:31 7:05 4:15 10 7:15 4:34 6:51 5:13 6:07 5:48 5:14 6:24 4:31 6:57 4:10 7:23 4:21 7:24 4:50 6:54 5:22 6:05 5:55 5:13 6:32 4:30 7:06 4:15 11 7:15 4:35 6:50 5:14 6:05 5:50 5:12 6:25 4:30 6:58 4:10 7:24 4:21 7:24 4:51 6:53 5:23 6:03 5:56 5:11 6:33 4:29 7:06 4:15 12 7:15 4:36 6:48 5:15 6:04 5:51 5:11 6:26 4:29 6:59 4:10 7:24 4:22 7:23 4:52 6:52 5:25 6:01 5:57 5:09 6:35 4:28 7:07 4:15 13 7:15 4:37 6:47 5:16 6:02 5:52 5:09 6:27 4:28 7:00 4:10 7:25 4:23 7:23 4:53 6:50 5:26 6:00 5:58 5:08 6:36 4:27 7:08 4:15 14 7:14 4:38 6:46 5:18 6:00 5:53 5:07 6:28 4:27 7:01 4:10 7:25 4:24 7:22 4:54 6:49 5:27 5:58 5:59 5:06 6:37 4:26 7:09 4:16 15 7:14 4:40 6:44 5:19 5:58 5:54 5:06 6:29 4:26 7:02 4:10 7:26 4:24 7:22 4:55 6:47 5:28 5:56 6:01 5:05 6:38 4:25 7:09 4:16 16 7:13 4:41 6:43 5:20 5:57 5:55 5:04 6:30 4:25 7:03 4:10 7:26 4:25 7:21 4:56 6:46 5:29 5:54 6:02 5:03 6:40 4:24 7:10 4:16 17 7:13 4:42 6:42 5:22 5:55 5:57 5:03 6:32 4:24 7:04 4:10 7:26 4:26 7:20 4:57 6:44 5:30 5:53 6:03 5:01 6:41 4:23 7:11 4:16 18 7:12 4:43 6:40 5:23 5:53 5:58 5:01 6:33 4:23 7:05 4:10 7:27 4:27 7:19 4:58 6:43 5:31 5:51 6:04 5:00 6:42 4:23 7:11 4:17 19 7:12 4:44 6:39 5:24 5:52 5:59 4:59 6:34 4:22 7:06 4:11 7:27 4:28 7:19 4:59 6:41 5:32 5:49 6:05 4:58 6:43 4:22 7:12 4:17 20 7:11 4:46 6:37 5:25 5:50 6:00 4:58 6:35 4:21 7:07 4:11 7:27 4:29 7:18 5:00 6:40 5:33 5:47 6:06 4:57 6:45 4:21 7:13 4:18 21 7:10 4:47 6:36 5:27 5:48 6:01 4:56 6:36 4:20 7:08 4:11 7:27 4:30 7:17 5:01 6:38 5:34 5:45 6:08 4:55 6:46 4:20 7:13 4:18 22 7:10 4:48 6:34 5:28 5:46 6:02 4:55 6:37 4:19 7:09 4:11 7:28 4:31 7:16 5:02 6:37 5:35 5:44 6:09 4:54 6:47 4:20 7:14 4:19 23 7:09 4:49 6:33 5:29 5:45 6:03 4:53 6:38 4:19 7:10 4:11 7:28 4:32 7:15 5:04 6:35 5:36 5:42 6:10 4:52 6:48 4:19 7:14 4:19 24 7:08 4:51 6:31 5:30 5:43 6:05 4:52 6:39 4:18 7:11 4:12 7:28 4:33 7:14 5:05 6:34 5:37 5:40 6:11 4:51 6:49 4:19 7:14 4:20 25 7:08 4:52 6:30 5:32 5:41 6:06 4:50 6:41 4:17 7:12 4:12 7:28 4:34 7:13 5:06 6:32 5:38 5:38 6:12 4:50 6:50 4:18 7:15 4:21 26 7:07 4:53 6:28 5:33 5:39 6:07 4:49 6:42 4:16 7:13 4:12 7:28 4:35 7:12 5:07 6:30 5:39 5:37 6:14 4:48 6:52 4:18 7:15 4:21 27 7:06 4:54 6:27 5:34 5:38 6:08 4:48 6:43 4:16 7:14 4:13 7:28 4:36 7:11 5:08 6:29 5:40 5:35 6:15 4:47 6:53 4:17 7:15 4:22 28 7:05 4:56 6:25 5:35 5:36 6:09 4:46 6:44 4:15 7:14 4:13 7:28 4:36 7:10 5:09 6:27 5:42 5:33 6:16 4:45 6:54 4:17 7:16 4:23 29 7:04 4:57 6:23 5:37 5:34 6:10 4:45 6:45 4:15 7:15 4:14 7:28 4:37 7:09 5:10 6:25 5:43 5:31 6:17 4:44 6:55 4:16 7:16 4:23 30 7:03 4:58 5:32 6:11 4:43 6:46 4:14 7:16 4:14 7:28 4:38 7:08 5:11 6:24 5:44 5:30 6:18 4:43 6:56 4:16 7:16 4:24 31 7:02 5:00 5:31 6:12 4:14 7:17 4:40 7:07 5:12 6:22 6:20 4:41 7:16 4:25

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

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

2013 Guide to Hunting, Fishing and Trapping 57 EPA est. 25 HWY MPG based on Ram V6 4x2. Actual results may vary. Ram Laramie V8 with EPA est. 20 HWY MPG shown. See dealer for a copy of the powertrain limited warranty. Ram, Pentastar, and Guts. Glory. Ram. are registered trademarks of Chrysler Group LLC.

50246_RAM1102_MassHunt.indd 1 9/28/12 11:05 AM 11/2 Massachusetts Hunting and Fishing LDBFPG