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Outdoor News 

                                    Your latest Outdoor news from various clubs and organizations around NH.  Send us your news!

 

       LET'S GO FISHING

       Camping checklist: What kind of camper are you?  

       2010 NH Saltwater Angler Registry 

         Where can I hunt in NH  

         New Fishing rules for 2010

         2010 Fishing & Hunting Licenses now available   

 

 

LET'S GO FISHING

"LET'S GO FISHING" WANTS YOU TO TEACH FISHING!

CONCORD, N.H. – Spring is in the air and the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department is looking for experienced anglers to volunteer as fishing instructors for the Let’s Go Fishing program, where you’ll have a chance to pass on the outdoor traditions by teaching basic and/or fly fishing skills to youth and adults.

If you want to become a Let's Go Fishing instructor, the first step is to get certified by attending two required free training sessions. The first session covers the basics of Fish and Game and the Let’s Go Fishing Program’s policies and procedures, plus CPR certification. The second session will focus on a specific program – either basic fishing or fly fishing; this is a hands-on experience in which prospective instructors are put through an abbreviated “real life” Let's Go Fishing course. Topics covered include ethics, pond ecology, rules and regulations, equipment and safety. If instructors want to teach both basic and fly fishing courses, they must attend a hands-on training session for each, in addition to the first overview training class.

The Let's Go Fishing program will hold the first half of the two-part certification training for new fishing instructors on the following dates (it is only necessary to attend one of these two training classes, plus one of the specialty sessions); lunch will be provided:

* Saturday, April 10, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at Fish and Game Headquarters, 11 Hazen Drive in Concord; or

* Sunday, April 25, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at Fish and Game Region 1 Office, 629B Main Street in Lancaster.

Dates and locations for the second half of the certification training are as follows; lunch will be provided:

* BASIC FISHING: Saturday, May 1, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., at Fish and Game Headquarters, 11 Hazen Drive in Concord.

* FLY FISHING: Sunday, May 2 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at the Owl Brook Hunter Education Center, 387 Perch Pond Road in Holderness.

To sign up for the free Let's Go Fishing instruction certification training, call Lisa Collins at (603) 271-3212 or email aquatic-ed@wildlife.nh.gov; IN ADDITION, you must print out and return a Let’s Go Fishing volunteer application form, which can be found on the Fish and Game website at http://www.fishnh.com/Fishing/lets_go_fishing.htm (or call and request at the number above). Applications must be received by March 26, 2010, to reserve your spot in the trainings. 

Please note -- a minimum of eight participants is needed for trainings to be conducted. If this minimum is not met, the training will be cancelled and registrants will be notified.

After completing the training, participants have the opportunity to join an existing team of volunteer fishing instructors who present programs across the state. The Let’s Go Fishing program also offers classes in ice fishing, fly tying, saltwater fishing and saltwater fly fishing.

Thousands of children and adults have learned to be safe, ethical and successful anglers through the Let's Go Fishing program. The program is federally funded through the Sport Fish Restoration Program -- a true user-pay, user-benefit program.

The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department works to conserve, manage and protect the state's fish and wildlife and their habitats, as well as providing the public with opportunities to use and appreciate these resources. Visit http://www.FishNH.com.

 

Camping checklist: What kind of camper are you?

Planning a trip to the backcountry? Before you head out to that campsite, consider making a camping checklist that you can use every time you’re getting ready for your next adventure. A little advanced planning will make your camping trip safer, more comfortable and more enjoyable. You can use the list over and over, so you’ll never forget to take important camping supplies. But how much and exactly what should you include? That’s a tough question. Part of the answer lies in figuring out what kind of camper you are, what your comfort level is and what style of camp you want to have. This is the first step to making a comprehensive camping checklist. There are several categories of gear you’ll need: basics, fire building, dining and cooking, lighting and miscellaneous extras you might not think of. We’ll cover all these categories in this article.

Are you a minimalist who can do without creature comforts and a lot of extra (and to you, extraneous) equipment? The minimalist is willing to take the wilderness as it comes, adapting as needed to weather conditions and terrain. Minimalists disdain all the extras favored by other many campers, preferring to sleep on the ground, rather than on camping cots. The minimalist’s camp is sparse, with a fire rather than a stove and small candles rather than lanterns. These campers try their best to experience the outdoors on its own terms. Their camping checklist is short and sparse by choice.

Gear-oriented campers are the people who like to be comfortable and prepared for anything. Their campsites are fully “furnished” with tables, chairs, stoves, cots and other conveniences. While enjoying and respecting the outdoors, gear-oriented campers also prefer the little amenities that make a backcountry trip safe and secure – a home away from home. Their camping checklist will be much more extensive than the minimalist’s. In this article, we’ll focus on the gear-oriented camping list. It’s always easier to remove items from a list than it is to realize you’ve forgotten some crucial piece of camping equipment on a cold rainy night. 

It goes without saying that you’ll need some basic items: a tent (preferably with a rain fly and at least one window), a good-quality sleeping bag, camping stove, camping food and water. Here’s a list of some other gear that can make your campsite more accommodating:

• Plastic sheeting for tent floor
• Air mattress or pad for under sleeping bag
• Large plastic boxes or buckets for food and equipment storage
• Emergency blanket; also called space blanket
• Tent seam sealer
• Folding tables
• Folding chairs
• Outdoor furniture – lightweight aluminum lawn chairs are a good choice
• Stools
• Pillows
• Binoculars
• First aid kit with blister treatment products
• Tarp(s) with grommets – can be rigged for shade or used to keep firewood dry
• Rope and twine or string
• Cots 
• Small shovel
• Sunscreen
• Portable toilet
• Moist towelette or baby wipes
• Personal care items: soap, shampoo, toothpaste, etc.
• Insect repellent
• Tool (such as a hammer or axe) to pound in tent stakes
• Backpack, daypack, or fanny pack
• Towels and washcloths


Sounds easy doesn’t it? Gather some wood and build a fire. If you’ve ever arrived at your campsite on a dreary, rain-soaked day, you know how hard it can be to get a fire going. Even though the outside of the wood may be wet, the inside of larger pieces is probably dry. So bring a small axe and be prepared to split some logs. Also, store your matches in a waterproof container, or better, carry a butane lighter. Dry kindling is harder to find than dry wood. 

While the minimalist is content to rehydrate a pouch of dried field rations, the gear-oriented camper enjoys hearty, camp-cooked meals. There is a variety of easy-to-prepare camping foods available, but many people like cooking from scratch in the outdoors. So, a more elaborate camping stove is required – something with more than one burner and adjustable flame. Or bring some iron bars to rig a pot hanger right over the fire for slow-simmering that 3-alarm chili. You’ll also need a cooler and ice or ice packs for your fresh food. Other equipment for the cooking portion of your camping checklist includes:

• Can opener
• Bottle opener
• Cutlery for food preparation and serving – sharp knife, large spoon, large fork, ladle
• Cookware – cast iron works well
• Messkits or other eating vessels and implements – forks and spoons
• Extra camping stove fuel
• Camping recipes
• Small charcoal or propane grill – a cast-iron hibachi is small and efficient
• Appropriate fuel for grill
• Dishrack and dishwashing detergent
• Pot lifter or pot holders
• Coffee maker
• Cutting board
• Colander
• Tongs
• Thermos
• Tablecloth
• Storage containers
• Plastic cutlery, paper plates, plastic or paper cups
• Paper towels
• Napkins
• Trash bags
• Aluminum foil

Light up the night.

Be sure to bring several flashlights and plenty of extra batteries. A lantern or two will cast some welcome light in camp. Your lamps can run on a battery, liquid fuel or propane. Be sure to have some extra mantles on hand if any of your lights use them. Lighting is important – don’t underestimate its value, especially if there are children in your party. Children should have their own water-resistant flashlights. What child doesn’t remember playing camping games in their tent late at night by the glow of a lantern or flashlight? Kids also enjoy glow sticks.

More essential equipment.

If you’re planning on hiking, you’ll need a backpack, compass, travel guide, map, suitable shoes, extra socks and a hat. Another indispensable piece of camping gear is the multifunction pocket knife. These handy little tools often include:

• Screwdriver – flathead and Phillips
• Bottle opener 
• Can opener
• Corkscrew 
• Scissors 
• Tweezers 
• Awl 
• One or two super-sharp blades. 

One model pocket knife even comes with a reusable plastic toothpick, something you might never think of including on your camping checklist. All backpacks should contain such a knife. If you’re going to swimming or bathing in a lake or stream, which often have rock bottoms, some type of waterproof footgear, like the popular “jellies,” is essential. Other miscellaneous items to bring:

• Duct tape
• Safety pins
• Sewing kit
• Small battery-operated radio
• Camera or camcorder with extra film and batteries
• Reading material
• Playing cards, checkers, chess set, etc.
• Paper and pen
• Battery-operated clock
• Basic tools: pliers, screwdriver, hammer

Camping is great recreation.

From campgrounds that are more like resorts to the challenge of true wilderness camping, you’re bound to find some “level” of camping that’s just right for you. Bringing the right outdoor equipment is the best way to ensure your trip will be a memorable one. 
A camping checklist will streamline your packing and preparation. Although experience is the best teacher, a good, comprehensive checklist can help make the difference between an enjoyable camping trip and a disastrous one. Your checklist will be dynamic – you’ll add items and remove items with every trip. Just be sure to keep it up to date. Whether you’re a minimalist or a gear-oriented camper, camping provides many challenges. A thoughtfully-devised checklist will enable you to sleep dry and warm, build a welcoming fire, enjoy a great camp-cooked dinner, light your camp effectively and handle any miscellaneous small emergencies that might occur. 


 
NEW LAW IN 2010: National Saltwater Angler Registry DURHAM, N.H. -- Starting January 1, most New Hampshire saltwater recreational anglers and spearfishers will need to be registered to fish for anadromous species in tidal waters or for any fish in Federal waters.  New Hampshire anglers will need to register if they fish for or catch anadromous species like striped bass or smelt in tidal waters; or fish in Federal waters more than 3 miles from the ocean shore. Registration is quick, easy, and FREE in 2010. To register, visit http://www.CountMyFish.noaa.gov or call 1-888-674-7411, beginning January 1, 2010. You can register and fish the same day. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) will use the information to create a National Saltwater Angler Registry, which will be used to gather information from saltwater fishermen. It is needed to enhance NOAA’s ability to produce timely and accurate estimates of the catch and harvest of saltwater fish by recreational anglers. “The Registry will vastly improve the quality of recreational catch and harvest information,” said Doug Grout, Chief of Marine Fisheries. “Having accurate estimates of recreational harvest is important in our efforts to work together with NOAA and anglers to protect the long-term sustainability of our oceans and saltwater fishing.” The registry is part of the Marine Recreational Information Program, a new tool being used improve the accuracy of recreational catch and harvest data that is vital to safeguarding the long-term health of our shared marine resources. The focus of the program is on saltwater recreational fishing, which nationally generates an estimated $82 billion in sales and supports over 500,000 jobs annually. There are a few exceptions to the registration requirement. New Hampshire anglers and spearfishers will not need to register if they are under 16 years old; only fish on licensed charter, party or guide boats; hold a Highly Migratory Species Angling permit; or hold and are fishing under a valid commercial license. Out-of-state saltwater anglers who are already registered with NOAA do not need to re-register to fish in New Hampshire. The registry is free the first year, but starting in 2011, a fee will be charged unless states have an approved saltwater recreational fishing license in place. Through legislation passed in 2009, New Hampshire met this requirement by establishing a recreational saltwater license that will take effect in January 2011. At that time, New Hampshire saltwater anglers will purchase the $15 license and be exempt from having to register with the National Saltwater Angler Registry. The new state license will ensure that fees paid by New Hampshire anglers stay in the state to help manage saltwater and anadromous fisheries. For a fact sheet with Frequently Asked Questions about the new angler registry, visit http://www.fishnh.com/marine/Saltwater_Registry_FAQs.html. Want to learn more? Listen in as Marine Chief Doug Grout talks about the new National Saltwater Registry on N.H. Fish and Game’s new podcast at http://blog.wildnh.com. The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department is the guardian of the state’s fish, wildlife and marine resources and their habitats. Learn more about its stewardship of marine resources at http://www.fishnh.com/marine. - ### - -- Copyright 2009 New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, 11 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH 03301. Comments or questions concerning this list should be directed to jane.vachon@wildlife.nh.gov.

 

Where can I hunt in NH

WHERE CAN I HUNT AND SHOOT IN NEW HAMPSHIRE?

ONLINE RESOURCES INCLUDE WMA GUIDE, LIST OF FISH AND GAME CLUBS

CONCORD, N.H. -- Longtime hunters often have their own special places where they go year after year to tag a deer. For those new to hunting or looking for a new area to explore, help is a mouse click away. The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department website, http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us, has several good resources to help you find places to hunt and target shoot:

* New! List of Fish and Game clubs and shooting ranges in New Hampshire. Use this contact list to find a place to practice and meet fellow sportsmen and women. Go to http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Hunting/hunting.htm and click on "Where to Shoot."

* The Wildlife Management Area (WMA) Guide offers detailed information about the largest 24 WMAs in the state. One of New Hampshire's best-kept hunting secrets, these areas include thousands of acres of undeveloped public land owned by Fish and Game and designated as areas for wildlife resource conservation, hunting and fishing.

* Guidelines for hunting Federal and state-owned lands. Most state and federal lands in New Hampshire allow hunting, including the 751,000-acre White Mountain National Forest. The Department of Resources and Economic Development (DRED) owns a total of 201,513 acres (117 state forests, 41 state parks and 63 other tracts). DRED also manages three flood control areas totaling 13,446 acres and has conservation easements on thousands of additional acres. (Note that DRED has closed some state lands this fall because of flooding, so before you head out, check on potential closures by visiting http://nh.gov/dred/divisions/forestandlands.) Fish and Game offers answers to common questions about hunting on state-owned lands at http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Hunting/hunting.htm (click on "Where can I hunt?").

* Tips on hunting private lands. Public lands are an important resource, but more than three-fourths of hunting in New Hampshire occurs on private property. This activity is only possible because of the generosity of many landowners. Always use courtesy and common sense when hunting on any private land, including timber and paper lands. Personally ask for and gain permission before going hunting; treat the land and the landowner with the highest respect; leave no trace of your presence. Be extra careful on wet roads and trails, which are prone to damage this year after record amounts of rain. The Fish and Game website provides a helpful refresher on these and other ideas for keeping up good relations with landowners.

The "New Hampshire Atlas and Gazetteer" from the DeLorme map company, available for purchase from most bookstores and from Fish and Game headquarters, is an indispensable resource for hunters. It shows many conservation easement properties, public lands and WMAs throughout the state -- look for the shaded green parcels - as well as the White Mountain National Forest lands in darker green.

So, fire up your computer, get out your Gazetteer, and hunt New Hampshire this fall.

For online hunting license purchases and hunting season dates and details in New Hampshire, visit the N.H. Fish and Game website at http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us.

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Use of Cusk Fishing Devices: The use of cusk fishing devices is restricted to the following waters: First Connecticut Lake, Second Connecticut Lake, Third Connecticut Lake and Lake Francis (all in Pittsburg); Newfound Lake (Bristol, Alexandria, Bridgewater, Hebron); Silver Lake (Madison); Big Squam Lake (Holderness, Center Harbor, Sandwich, Moultonboro); Little Squam Lake (Holderness, Ashland); South Pond (Stark); Sunapee Lake (Newbury, New London, Sunapee); Lake Winnipesaukee (Alton, Center Harbor, Gilford, Laconia, Meredith, Moultonboro, Tuftonboro, Wolfeboro); and Winnisquam Lake (Belmont, Sanbornton, Laconia, Tilton, Meredith).

Use of a gaff: Use of a gaff (a hand-held metal hook used on large fish) to take fish in any fresh waters of the state is prohibited. 

Manmade Openings: This rule clarifies the definition of "manmade opening" to mean a hole in the ice made by an ice-cutting tool, including, but not limited to, augers, chisels and saws. Manmade openings shall not include areas that remain ice-free because of current and movement created by dock aerators and similar devices. 

Diamond River (Second College Grant): The fishing rules on the Diamond River, from the Dead Diamond River and Swift Diamond River confluences down to the mouth at the Magalloway River confluence will change to catch-and-release regulations. This means there is no closed season, all fish must be immediately released; only single-hook artificial lures and flies can be used; and, all hooks must be barbless or have all barbs pinched.

Dublin Lake (Dublin): The daily limit for brook trout caught from Dublin Lake will be modified to 3 fish or a total of 5 pounds of fish, whichever limit is reached first.

South Pond (Stark): The minimum length for lake trout will be reduced from 18 inches to 15 inches.

Umbagog Lake: The portion of Umbagog Lake north of a straight line between Molls Rock; Errol, N.H.; and the red post between Spillman and Glassby Coves, Magalloway Plantation, Maine, is closed to ice-fishing.

Interstate waters between New Hampshire and Maine: The ice fishing season for all species except salmon will run from January 1 to March 31 in these waters. 

Lower Kimball Pond in Chatham, N.H., and Fryeburg, Maine: During the open season, smelt can be taken up until 12 midnight. 

Horn Pond and Salmon Falls River in Wakefield, N.H., and Acton, Maine: The northern terminus of Horn Pond will be delineated by signage in Wakefield, N.H. and Acton, Maine. The upper reach of the Salmon Falls River in Wakefield, Milton, Rochester, Somersworth and Rollinsford, N.H., and Acton, Berwick and South Berwick, Maine, will be defined as beginning at the outlet dam of Great East Lake (also known as State Line Canal) and extending to a point downstream marked by signage delineating the northern terminus of Horn Pond.

Salmon Falls River in Wakefield, Milton, Rochester, Somersworth, and Rollinsford, N.H. and Acton, Berwick and South Berwick, Maine: The open water season will run from January 1 to December 31.

For more information on New Hampshire fishing rules, consult the 2008 New Hampshire Fishing Digest, available at http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us/Fishing/fishing.htm (click on the blue publication cover) or from license agents across the state.

The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department is the guardian of the state's fish, wildlife and marine resources and their habitats. Visit http://www.FishNH.com.

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2010 Fishing & Hunting Licenses now available

CONCORD, N.H. -- Fishing and hunting licenses are now available; get yours today and be ready to enjoy a full year of outdoor adventure in the Granite State, from winter ice-fishing to April trout fishing to tracking whitetail deer next fall. Good from January 1 through December 31, 2006, licenses can be purchased online at http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us, or from license agents statewide.

Your license is your ticket to the great outdoors - and always a great deal. For New Hampshire residents, an annual fishing license costs $35; basic hunting licenses are $24.50; and combination (hunting and fishing) licenses are $48.50. Nonresidents can buy annual fishing licenses for $53; hunting licenses for $105.50; and combination hunting/fishing licenses for $143.50. Coming to New Hampshire for a shorter visit? One-, three- or seven-day fishing licenses are an option for nonresidents. New in 2006, residents can buy a one-day fishing license for just $10.

Gift certificates for 2006 licenses make a great gift for any hunter or angler on your list. Certificates are available at Fish and Game headquarters on Hazen Drive in Concord, or print an order form out at http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us.

Fishing and hunting licenses are family friendly. Be sure to take the kids along, because children under the age of 16 can fish in New Hampshire without a license. Youths under age 16 also can hunt without a license in the company of a licensed hunter over the age of 18. New Hampshire resident seniors age 68 and older can get a free license to fish and hunt in New Hampshire. Make getting outside a family affair!

Fishing and hunting license fees directly support wildlife and fisheries management and education. For online license sales and a list of local license agents, visit New Hampshire Fish and Game's website at http://www.wildlife.state.nh.us.

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