McClory: Spring trout stocking has begun

Spring trout stocking has begun across the state. Bay State anglers with their 2013 freshwater fishing license can look forward to casting for over 510,000 feisty brook, brown, rainbow and tiger trout.These are sizeable fish; more than 74 percent of the fish are in the 12 inches or longer category with more than 32 percent of the fish in the 14 inches or larger category. Stocking started in the second week of March in southeastern Massachusetts and as weather, water chemistry, and access conditions improved, other MassWildlife District offices were stocking trout by the last week of March.”We’re putting out 295,400 rainbow trout, 84,700 brook trout and 129,400 brown trout,” said Ken Simmons, MassWildlife Hatchery Chief. “In addition, over 3,000 tiger trout weighing more than a pound and measuring over 14 inches will be distributed equally throughout the five districts.”Tiger trout are a cross between a female brown trout and a male brook trout and have become popular with folks lucky enough to hook and land one. Large water bodies will receive the bigger fish while the smaller brooks and streams will receive the majority of the smaller-sized fish.Finally, in addition to the trout, approximately 350 broodstock salmon from the Palmer Hatchery ranging from 2 to 3 pounds will be stocked across the state. Trout stocking schedules will be updated every Friday between March and Memorial Day in May.Freshwater anglers are reminded that the use of lead sinkers and lead jigs weighing less than one ounce, regardless of whether they are painted, coated with rubber, covered by attached “skirts” or some other material, is prohibited.uSince 1983, Massachusetts tax filers have been able to donate to MassWildlife’s “Endangered Wildlife Conservation” fund while filing their state income tax (Line 32a).When you contribute to the fund, you help to protect and restore rare and endangered animals, plants, and their habitats. Your past donations have helped conserve and restore in the Commonwealth populations of the Bald Eagle, Box Turtles, Peregrine Falcons, Northern Redbelly Cooter, and the beautiful Eastern Silvery Aster. Over 20,000 tax filers support the program with over $200,000 in critically-important donations each year. Contribute directly to the Fund by writing a check payable to: “Comm. of Mass-NHESP Fund” and sending it to: NHESP, Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife, 100 Hartwell Street, Suite 230, West Boylston, 01583.UThe spring turkey hunting season opens in Massachusetts on April 29. Don’t forget that in order to legally hunt turkeys, licensed hunters must obtain a turkey permit. With the new electronic MassFishHunt system there is no longer a deadline to apply for a turkey permit.Hunters may simply purchase a permit via home computer or by visiting a license vendor or DFW office to get their permit. A hunting license is required in order to purchase the permit.MassWildlife reminds turkey hunters that the bag limit is: (a) 2 bearded birds in spring season (1 per day) with NO fall bird allowed, 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 season.Turkey hunters are urged to hunt safely. Being completely sure of your target and what is beyond it before you shoot will reduce the chance of hunting accidents and the number of hens mistakenly killed during the spring season. To ensure that turkey hunting will remain a safe and enjoyable outdoor experience for you, don’t stalk birds; sit or stand and call the turkeys to you. Don’t wear red, white, blue or black anywhere as these are colors seen on wild turkeys and don’t hide in a place where your view is obstructed.uCome experience the excitement, the splash, the hottest canoe/kayak event this spring!The New England Paddlesports Show takes place on the campus of the University of New Hampshire in the Lundholm Gymnasium complex April 19-21. Here is your opportunity to see it all under one roof. This is the be