Sportsman’s Corner: Mahar Fish’N Game Club braves the cold

Right now, MassWildlife is actively gathering public input on three hunting-related matters – including Sunday hunting, hunting with crossbows, and the minimum discharge setback distances for hunting in the Commonwealth.

These sessions, which began on Tuesday, are designed to expand hunting access across the state and ensure that public health and a healthy wildlife balance are maintained. Sessions are both virtual and in-person and held across the entire state, with opportunities for language interpretation and accommodations for people with disabilities. Input will be evaluated to inform future recommendations and regulatory changes.

Three sessions were held this week and there are two remaining. One is an in-person session at Mass Maritime Academy in Bourne on Monday and a Zoom session on Tuesday at 1 p.m. This writer took advantage of the chance to comment online, and it was very easy. Go to the MassWildlife website or just Google MassWildlife listening session and follow the instructions. You can comment until Friday, Feb. 6, at 5 p.m.

It is important to understand that these three issues are statutory and require action by the Massachusetts Legislature for there to be changes. That was always confusing. During my tenure on the MassWildlife board, there were always requests to make these changes, but it was beyond the board’s authority. Hopefully, there will a clear response from the public which will influence the legislature to take action.

The deep snow cover that we received in the last week has certainly reminded us what winter is like here in the Northeast. It does have an impact on wildlife, as the snow makes access to food more of a challenge. My bird feeders have been very busy. Both deer and turkeys can struggle, as getting to food covered by two feet of snow is a challenge. Whitetail deer tend to “hunker down” during deep snow and minimize energy expenditure, traveling as little as possible. They can go extended periods without feeding and one deer biologist in New Hampshire used research to determine that up to eight days of “winter conditions” could be survived by deer if they’re not disturbed.

Your unrestrained dog can provide that disturbance. Dogs chasing deer might not result in them pulling down a deer, but the depletion of energy reserves can make a difference in survival. Please do not let dogs run unrestrained. You would be surprised at how many of you have deer wintering close to your homes. A friend shared with me her surprise as finding four “deer beds” close to her home this week. It seems from reports provided by successful hunters that deer harvested this past season had considerable fat and should handle this winter well.

Kansas, and a number of states in the Midwest and Southeast, continue to closely monitor turkey numbers. Again this year, non-residents like this writer have to enter a lottery to obtain a spring turkey tag. In the two years since the lottery began, my number was not drawn the first year, but I did get a permit last year.

My Kansas trips are really visits to my sister – like any good brother – and the first year she was able to connect me with a friend in nearby Missouri. That hunt was successful, so one way or another, that brotherly visit will happen. She sent me some newspaper clippings that detailed efforts by the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks and a significant contribution by the Kansas chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation, which provided $126,000 for habitat enhancement and education. There was also mention of other significant contributions and partnerships in Kansas aimed at addressing this issue.

Speaking of harvesting deer, successful hunters might consider donating some venison, or other game or fish, to the Mahar Fish’N Game Club Game Supper, which will be held on March 14. You can contact a club member or club advisors Evelyn Cunha and William Devine. The easiest way is email ecunha@rcmahar.org or wdevine@rcmahar.org.

Fish’N Game Club members braved the cold this past Saturday for the annual Ice Fishing Derby at Lake Mattawa. Members fished, ate hot dogs, drank hot chocolate and survived the extreme cold. They caught a few fish and enjoyed the challenge of ice fishing. Corbin Brousseau caught the first, a nice 2.34-pound largemouth bass. Henry Poirier had a big day and won the prize for the biggest fish, with a 2.44-pound bass. He also caught the most fish with two bass and a pickerel. Addison Glatczak won the trophy for the smallest fish. All those winners will be recognized at the Game Supper on March 14.

You need to head to the New England Fishing Expo this weekend. It takes place at the Best Western Royal Plaza Trade Center in Marlborough today from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Lots to see and a chance to get the latest tackle for the season.

I would like to give a nod to a couple of local businesses that went above and beyond for me recently. Josh Kirby of Kirby’s Tree Service was highly recommended and did an outstanding job on a tree that was close to my house and sidewalk. Very professional and reasonable. Kudos as well to Lee Gutkopf of Tech One Computers of Athol for helping when my computer was compromised while writing last week’s column. It is so hard to avoid the fraudsters who disguise themselves as legitimate businesses!

Mike Roche is a retired teacher who has been involved in conservation and wildlife issues his entire life. He has written the Sportsman’s Corner since 1984 and has served as advisor to the Mahar Fish’N Game Club, counselor and director of the Massachusetts Conservation Camp, former Connecticut Valley District representative on the Massachusetts Fisheries and Wildlife Board, a Massachusetts Hunter Education Instructor and is a licensed New York hunting guide. He can be reached at mikeroche3@msn.com.