The Goffstown Edge

NH Youth Turkey Hunt 2011

New Hampshire's spring gobbler season runs May 3-31, with a youth turkey weekend held just prior to the opening of the spring gobbler season (April 30-May 1, 2011). Last year, (2010), N.H. hunters harvested 3,667 turkeys statewide during the spring hunt.

New Hampshire now has about 40,000 wild turkeys statewide.

The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department said this year's youth turkey hunt will be April 30 and May 1. Young hunters must have a valid turkey permit, which costs $16 for residents and $31 for nonresidents. The adult accompanying them may not carry a firearm or bow and arrow. The adult also must hold either a current New Hampshire hunting or archery license and a turkey permit.

Free Fish & Game Ice Fishing Course

The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department's Let's Go Fishing Program, in partnership with other groups, offers several ice fishing classes open to the public this winter, including one on January 19 with Dave Genz at 7 p.m. at the State Police Standards and Training Building.  Classes are free.  Be sure to call ahead to reserve your space.  Amoskeag Fishways in Manchester is one of six locations to host the classes.  The two-part class is Friday, February 4, from 6 to 8 p.m. and Saturday, February 5, from 9 a.m. to noon.  For details, contact the Amoskeag Fishways at 626-3474.  All the ice fishing classes include a hands-on indoor session where students learn about ice fishing equipment, safety and practices, and winter ecology of lakes and ponds; plus a field trip where students head out to a local pond and put their newly learned skills to the test.  Classes are open to anyone.  However, those 16 and younger are encourage to be accompanied by an adult.  For details on this program, visit the Fish & Game web site.

Time to Sign Up for Snowmobile Safety Class

Winter fun is right around the corner, and now is the time to sign up for snowmobile education classes offered across the state.  Any child under the age of 14 must be accompanied by a licensed adult when operating a snowmobile unless they are on property belonging to their parents, grandparents or guardians.  Additionally, any person over the age of 12 must have either a valid Motor Vehicle Driver's License or have successfully completed an approved Off-Highway Recreational Vehicle (OHRV) Safety Education class taught by Fish and Game-trained volunteer instructors.  Most classes are offered in November and December, with a few in early January.  There is no charge for the class, which is usually completed in a single day.  Parents are encouraged to attend along with their children. 

For a current class schedule, visit www.ride.nh.gov.

"Snowmobiling is a great way for families to get outside and have fun," said Major Timothy Acerno, who coordinates Fish and Game's OHRV Education Program.  "But riders also have a responsibility to obey the rules of the trails, to be courteous and -- most of all -- to ride safely."

Many of the trained volunteer instructors teaching the safety classes are affiliated with one of the more than 100 snowmobile clubs in New Hampshire.  "Joining a snowmobile club is a great way to learn about safe riding and help maintain trails for your own and others' enjoyment," Acerno said, noting that club membership also gives riders a $30 break on snowmobile registration fees.
     
The New Hampshire Snowmobile Association (NHSA) and its member clubs have actively promoted safe and responsible riding since 1969.  NHSA members work with Fish and Game to manage over 6,800 miles of trails in New Hampshire and provide safety education to more than 2,500 young riders each year.  For more information on how to become involved with a snowmobile club, visit www.nhsa.com.  

In addition to safety education, this winter Fish and Game Conservation Officers will continue to use innovative enforcement patrols to detect and apprehend impaired snowmobile operators, and will be conducting enhanced speed enforcement and modified exhaust patrols.  These ongoing initiatives will help to keep the state's snowmobile trails safe for all outdoor enthusiasts during the upcoming season.
 
For snowmobile safety class listings and more, visit www.ride.nh.gov.

CONTACT:
Tracy Feinauer: (603) 271-3129
Maj. Tim Acerno: (603) 271-3129
Jane Vachon: (603) 271-3211

National Forest Free on Veterans Day

In honor of America's veterans and armed services personnel, Veterans Day has been designated as a "Fee Free Day" at national forests, and the White Mountain National Forest will waive all day-use fees on Veterans Day, Thursday November 11.

The Forest Service is working to ensure as many visitors as possible have the opportunity to experience the great outdoors and take advantage of the many recreational activities America's national forests and grasslands have to offer.

"Veterans Day is a great way to connect communities with public lands while honoring the sacrifices made by American's veterans and armed services personnel," said White Mountain National Forest supervisor Tom Wagner.  "This is an opportunity for people to get outdoors and enjoy public land in New Hampshire and Maine."

Day-use fees will be waived across the White Mountain National Forest.  However, fees will remain in effect for overnight camping cabin rentals, permits, reservations and activies offered by concessionaires.

Download Newsrel_20101102_vets_day_fee-free

Goffstown's 62nd Annual Turkey Shoot

The Goffstown Fish & Game Association has announced their 62nd Annual Turkey/Chicken Shoot, the oldest consecutivelyheld turkey shoot in the Granite State!

This year's shoot will be held on Sunday, September 12, 2010 from 9:00 AM until 3:00 PM at the Goffstown Fish & Game Club grounds located off Barnard Hill Road, one half mile off Route 114 in South Weare, NH.  Signs will be posted.

http://www.gonh.org/calendar

 

New Hampshire’s Youth Turkey Weekend – May 1-2, 2010

CONTACT:
Ted Walski: (603) 352-9669
Mark Ellingwood: (603) 271-2461
Jane Vachon: (603) 271-3211
NH Youth Turkey Weekend

New Hampshire’s Youth Turkey Weekend – May 1-2, 2010

New Hampshire’s 2010 youth turkey hunt will take place Saturday and Sunday, May 1-2, 2010, the weekend before spring gobbler season gets underway on May 3.  This year marks the sixth annual youth turkey hunt weekend in New Hampshire.  During the 2009 youth weekend, young hunters took an impressive 570 gobblers, or 14.1% of the total spring turkey harvest in the state (very similar to the previous year).

To participate in the special weekend turkey hunt, youth hunters must be age 15 or younger and must be accompanied by a properly licensed adult age 18 or older.  The adult may not carry a firearm or bow and arrow.  Youth hunters do not need a hunting license, but they must have a valid turkey permit ($16 resident, $31 nonresident). Accompanying adults must hold either a current N.H. hunting or archery license AND a turkey permit.

For more information on the Youth Turkey Hunt in New Hampshire and a link to online license and permit sales, go to Youth Turkey Hunt

B.O.W. Sign-ups

Regisration is now open for the 2010 winter Becoming an Outdoors-Woman (B.O.W.) workshop, a one-day program for women to learn outdoor skills for winter activities.  The workshop takes place Saturday, Feb. 20, at the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department's owl Brook Hunter Education Center in Holderness.
The workshop costs $55, which includes a box lunch.  Participants must be at least 18. Visit nhbow.com for a printable registration form and course descriptions or request an application by calling 271-3212 or email Lisa.M.Collins@wildlife.nh.gov