The early Canada goose season, designed to help reduce the number of geese in the state, opened Tuesday statewide.
This goose season will run through Sept. 25 with a 15-bird daily limit. Black bear season, which recently underwent some changes from segments to one continuous season, opens Monday. With the changes, the new season runs through Dec. 12, but there are restrictions as to what implements may be used during certain segments of the bear hunting season.
From Sept. 7 to Oct. 3, you may hunt with a rifle, revolver, muzzleloader or bow. From Oct. 5 to Nov. 28, rifles, muzzleloaders or bows are permitted. From Nov. 30, when the shotgun deer season begins, shotguns, muzzleloaders or bows are allowed. Massachusetts archery season opens locally on Oct. 5 and squirrel hunting season starts Oct. 8.
The regular waterfowl season opens in the central zone on Oct. 10. Migratory bird hunting seasons are set by the states within a framework established by the U. S, Fish and Wildlife Service. A combination of more plentiful waterfowl and fewer hunters has resulted in some liberalization in waterfowl seasons and bag limits. Duck hunters may take six ducks per day, with that limit including up to four mallards (but only two hens), three wood ducks and two black ducks.
Species identification on the wing is important to duck hunters. In the Berkshire Zone, the regular goose season has been expanded from 30 to 45 days and the daily bag increased from one to three. Annual migrating flights of ducks and geese continue to reflect a strong continental population of most species, but some, like pintails, blue-winged teal, and scaup, are declining.
This writer really enjoyed waterfowl hunting in his younger days when he could hunt ducks before and after work and there was a cadre of locals who enjoyed waterfowl hunting. That influenced my taking a leave from my teaching job at Mahar Regional and working for Ducks Unlimited for four years as regional director for the state of Massachusetts. It was a great job and led to meeting many great conservationists who served as volunteers, and a number remain as great friends.
The upland bird hunting season in Massachusetts will be starting up, with woodcock season opening Oct. 1 and grouse and pheasants Oct. 17. New York and Vermont get things started this month. This writer will be in northern Vermont for that state’s grouse and woodcock opener on Sept. 26. New Hampshire grouse and woodcock open Oct. 1 and Maine grouse and woodcock start Sept. 26.
After Vermont, my plans are still somewhat up in the air. Some distractions have put me way behind and days have been spent on “other things” instead of running the dogs, shooting and getting the upland gear and clothes in order and the truck set up for the season.
In truth, this writer has more than enough upland hunting clothing. There are at least five pairs of gloves, ranging from my favorite Bob Allen lightweights to a pair of Orvis cold weather gloves. At least six upland vests hang on the rack with two new strap-style vests acquired in the past two years. My favorite is still an L. L. Bean upland vest that is at least 40 years old and looks it! Nothing has proved equal, but the pockets are all so worn from the years of brush contact that I have to use duct tape to stop the shells from falling through. Pants are another “hard to change” habit, with two pairs of L. L. Bean upland pants that continue to serve me well in all seasons and covers, but my favorite pair needs a pocket patch as well.
At grouse camp in New York, a lot of hunters pass through and it is interesting to see who wears what and why. Many are “serious bird hunters” who have the means to buy whatever they want. It is interesting to notice some who stick with “seasoned” well-worn clothing, while others sport the “latest and greatest.”
One brand that has made a splash in recent years is Pyke Gear. Their upland pants in particular have shown up on guys who hunt hard. With two perfectly good pairs, there was no reason for this writer to change and the pants, like all quality hunting clothing, are not cheap. When a Pyke Gear gift certificate was in the silent auction at the Western Mass Ruffed Grouse Society fund-raising dinner this spring, my bid was the winner and that led to my buying a pair of Pyke Tongass Extreme Upland Pants.
It was immediately obvious that these were not like anything this bird hunter had worn. They are extremely lightweight, while still made of waterproof material that handles briers. Small details like zippered pockets for the things that fall out and expansion zippers for flexibility immediately impressed. Can’t wait to get them out in the brush!
The prep for hunting season will now begin with a cleaning and outfitting of the Silverado and the dog boxes getting set up. It has been what seems like forever waiting, but hunting season is now officially here!
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, has been a Massachusetts Hunter Education Instructor for over 40 years and is a licensed New York hunting guide. He can be reached at mikeroche3@msn.com.