Hopefully you all saw your shadows this morning because that means the sun was shining for you. A lot of attention is always focused on Puxatawny, Pennsylvania, and the famous groundhog, an animal we refer to locally as a woodchuck. No matter what happens in Puxatawny, we all hope winter will soon be a memory and we can move on to spring. A much more sure sign of spring is the hunting and fishing shows.
It was not that long ago that there were shows in Boston, Worcester and Springfield. Economic changes have changed that and today the only one that remains is in Springfield. The Springfield Sportsmen’s Show bills itself as the largest “pure” sportsmen’s show in the Northeast. This outstanding sporting event is taking place this year Feb. 22-24, at the Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield. The show will include the best of hunting, fishing, boating and adventure recreation.
This is a great take for the entire family with lots of stuff to see and buy. The latest and greatest in hunting and fishing gear will be on display and there are dozens of outfitters to choose from for your next trip. All of the Northeast’s state wildlife agencies have booths and there are tons of experts on everything related to hunting and fishing.
At the request of the Fisheries and Wildlife Board and in response to a request submitted by the National Wild Turkey Federation, MassWildlife initiated a review of wild turkey hunting regulations to evaluate potential changes that create new hunting opportunities and increase participation. Turkeys are abundant across the state and harvest numbers have been stable in recent years. All data indicate turkey populations will remain robust statewide with increased harvest limits and expanded seasons. MassWildlife staff suggested several preliminary proposals and is hosting two informational meetings in February to provide the public with an opportunity to give feedback. Two meetings will be held where MassWildlife turkey biologist Dave Scarpitti will make a short presentation on the turkey hunting review and regulation proposals, followed by a Q&A session for the public to give feedback. The meeting dates are: Thursday at 6 p.m. at MassWildlife Field Headquarters (1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough) and Feb. 13 at 6:30 p.m. at the Palmer Public Library (1455 N. Main Street).
If bad weather requires rescheduling or cancellation, we will post a notification here.
Anyone unable to attend the informational meetings may comment on the changes outlined below by going to the MassWildlife website (masswildlife.org) and input can also be mailed to: Turkey Season Feedback, MassWildlife Field Headquarters, 1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough, MA 01581. Public feedback will be considered by MassWildlife staff and provided to the Fisheries and Wildlife Board. Please note that if changes are endorsed by the Board, a formal public hearing and public comment period will be scheduled and publicized.
The following are preliminary suggested turkey hunting regulation changes which are being considered. First, to increase the annual limit to three birds (two bearded turkeys in the spring and one of either sex in the fall). Currently, hunters may harvest either two bearded birds in the spring with no fall birds, or one bearded bird in the spring and one bird of either sex in the fall, for an annual limit of two birds. At this time, 20 percent of successful spring turkey hunters harvest their season limit of two bearded birds and therefore cannot hunt turkeys during the fall season. The proposed change would allow all hunters to take two bearded birds in the spring and an additional turkey of either sex in the fall, increasing the annual bag limit to three birds. Given the overall high population of turkeys, increasing the annual limit will not impact turkey abundance in the state.
A second item to be considered would be to increase the daily bag limit to two per day during the spring season. Currently, turkey hunters may harvest one turkey per day during the spring season. Increasing the daily bag limit to two will allow hunters to take their spring season limit in a more efficient manner.
A third change would be to expand the fall season (for archery only) to coincide with the archery deer season. Currently, the fall turkey hunting season begins the second to last Monday in October and ends the second Saturday thereafter, during which hunters may use a shotgun, muzzleloader, or archery equipment. This proposed change would allow turkey hunters to harvest turkeys with archery equipment during the entire duration of the archery deer season (six to eight weeks depending on zone). Turkey hunters would continue to be permitted to use shotgun, muzzleloader, or archery equipment during the traditional two-week season from the second to last Monday in October through the second Saturday thereafter. In recent years, there has been an increase in fall turkey permits and the number of turkeys harvested with archery equipment; this change will increase opportunity for turkey bowhunters and those deer bowhunters who may want to take advantage of an opportunity to take a turkey while deer hunting.