Full text of "Mass. Div. of Fisheries and Game Annual Report. 1962-1975"

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THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS

'■.Deffri e^ Nodvi^Q. (&So*ne* '.DIVISION OT ttSKSKKS ^ND CAME,

73 TREMONT STREET, BOSTON 0

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COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
DIVISION OF FISHERIES AND GAME

Ninety- seventh Annual Report
July 1, 1961 to June 30, 1962

TABLE OF CONTENTS

The Board Reports -_--.-----»--------,-.* j_

Fisheries Program ------------------- 6

Game Program --------------------- -^3

Information and Education Program ----------- 21

Land Acquisition Program --------------- 24

Massachusetts Cooperative Wildlife Research Unit - - *■ 25

Administration

Table: How the Sportsman's Dollar was Spent - - - 27

Appropriations and Expenditures ----- 2#

Summary of Fish and Game Income ----- 29

Receipts from Fishing, Hunting and

Trapping Licenses ------- 30

Analysis of Special Licenses - ^ - - - - - 31

Legislation --------,.------ 32

Summary of Outstanding Regulations - - - - 33

Publication Approved by State Purchasing Agent #9

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THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
DIVISION OF FISHERIES AND GAME
73 Tremont Street, Boston 8

His Excellency, John A. Volpe, Governor of the Commonwealth,
the Executive Council, the General Court, and the Board of
Fisheries and Game.

Sirs:

I heve the honor to submit herewith the Ninety-
seventh Annual Report of the Division oi Fisheries and Game,
covering the fr'scal year from July 1, 1961 to June 30, 1962.

Respectfully submitted,
^ to

K^iufJl,

CHARLES L. MCLAUGHLIN,
Director

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ANNUAL REPORT OF THE FISHERIES AND GAME BOARD
July 1, 1961, through June 30, 1962

While detailed reports of all activities of the
Division of Fisheries and Game will be found in the following
pages, the Board of Fisheries and Game wishes to comment as
f ollows :

Funds

The Board considers the most important problem facing
it at the present time concerns revenue with which to operate
the Division of Fisheries and Game and continue giving the
public the outstanding service that has marked Division*, operations
since establishment of the Board form of adminstration a number
of years ago.

At the close of the fiscal year on June 30, 1962, the
Inland Fisheries and Game Fund showed a balance of $169,434,04.
This was $54 > 470. 95 under the balance of the previous year.

Your Board believes it is sound management to retain
a balance of approximately $200,000 to help absorb fluctuations
in revenue and to provide a reserve for use in other emergencies,
such as natural disasters, that might damage Division installations
The amount we have dropped below this desired reserve approximates
the amount our revenue has decreased in the past year from a
drop in license sales. If this trend continues, the Division may
be in serious straits in another year.

Additional income from the marine gasoline tax (see
section on legislation) may help solve this problem to some
extent .

Your Board also feels an important problem is the
matter of key personnel constantly being enticed away by better
salaries in other states and the federal services. Over the
years, a number of top personnel with several year's experience
in Massachusetts have left for better income. Some of these men
have been leaders who developed and led the Division's programs
during the past ten years, bringing the Division from a back-
ward status to its present prominence among state fish and game
agencies. We believe that Massachusetts must realize it is
competing with the rest of the country for top personnel, and
place itself in a position to attract and hold the best tcon
available.

It should be noted that economy of the strictest
kind is being employed throughout the Division. Through the
use of improved management methods including tighter controls,
a policy of filling only the most essential vacancies, institution
of automatic laborsaving devices where possible, and by having
much of the basic research done by the University of Massachusetts
Wildlife Research Unit and through funds from an outside grant,
we have actually managed to provide increased and improved
services on a total budget slightly less than last year.

(1)

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Legislation

Several bills to facilitate Division operations, or
to provide for important aspects of hunting and fishing, were
passed in the 1961-1962 legislature. Most notable among the
several items of legislation secured was the bill to earmark
a portion of the unrefunded gasoline tax received from gasoline
sold for use by boats toward establishment of public access
sites on great ponds and the seacoast. Portions of the total
funds will be allocated under this new law to the marine
fisheries and boating programs of the Commonwealth, but a
substantial amount is earmarked for acquisition and development
of public access and a sum is also assigned to the general
budget of the Division of Fisheries and Game • Receipt and
expenditure of these funds will commence in the fiscal year
beginning July 1 , 1963 .

Another most important item of legislation secured
was the bill to provide for licensing of commercial shooting
preserves in Middlesex, Essex and Norfolk counties. While
this means that hunters who use such facilities will have to
pay commercial operators for the privilege, such areas should
go a long ways toward providing additional hunting opportunity
in these counties, our most heavily populated and posted areas.

Regulations

Your Board, acting on the advice of technical
personnel of the Division of Fisheries and Game, and after
two public hearings, established a split opening for the
fishing season. The results were experienced during the last
fiscal year. All available reports indicate that the plan,
to have the opening day on streams follow the opening on ponds,
produced more enjoyable fishing for all who participated,
besides giving Division personnel time to do a more effective
job of stocking and reducing the pre-fishing season loss of
stocked trout in streams.

Land Acquisition

A sizeable area in Huntington, Worthington and
Chester was acquired in the past year for addition to our
system of public hunting grounds. Smaller portions were
purchased as additions to the Northeast Area, and eminent
domain proceedings were instituted to clear title to an area
purchased in Phillipston. Expired leases on several public
fishing areas were renewed.

This program is the smallest in expenditure of
any major program of the Division, not because of choice but
because of legislative appropriations. Your Board hopes to
expand land acquisition in the future, since a place to hunt
or fish is the basic problem facing sportsmen.

Property owners who might wish to sell or donate
land to the Division are invited to contact the Board or any
employee of the Division. They will be assured of their
property remaining forever in the public trust as a con-
servation area, devoted to multiple conservation uses for
public benefit.

(2)

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Such areas as now exist are heavily utilized
throughout the year for many forms of outdoor recreation be-
sides hunting, without charge to the users. Bird watching,
blueberrying , target practicing, camping, horseback riding,
nature walks, and conservation-education field trips, are all
popular ways of enjoying and utilizing the Division of Fish-
eries and Game public hunting grounds. None of these uses
contribute one cent to area acquisition and upkeep; the entire
cost is borne by the Inland Fisheries and Game Fund, which
is derived principally from sportsmen's licenses and federal
excise taxes on firearms, ammunition and fishing tackle.

Fisheries Program

Our second major river reclamation project was
completed this year, with reclamation of 13 miles of the
Squannacook River.

The Squannacook reclamation, in which feeder streams
were also treated, should produce good fishing for a longer
period as reinfestation of trash fish species will be
correspondingly delayed. In addition, ten trout ponds and
four warmwater ponds were reclaimed. Results from the first
major river to be reclaimed for fisheries management in Mass-
achusetts, the Deerfield, indicate that the project was
thoroughly successful although somewhat modified by our in-
ability to reclaim the feeder streams.

Trout propagation resulted in a larger poundage and
a larger number of ' catchables1 (trout six inches or more)
being released. A decrease from last year in the total number
of all sizes released in open waters is attributed to finger-
lings . Significantly larger numbers of trout six to nine
inches long and trout over nine inches were released this year,
and a number of the fish were given "wild" coloration by special
additives in the hatchery diet.

A three -year grant of $12,000 per year from the U.S.
Public Health Service is being used to establish and operate
a laboratory at Westboro to determine pesticide and insecticide
residue levels in aquatic and terrestial animals, fish and
birds, and to determine tolerance to these poisons of certain
species of fish.

The Sunderland hatchery, our largest installation,
was converted to a wholly yearling production schedule, in an
effort to control a recurring disease problem.

Innovations such as plastic egg-hatching jars,
selective fish toxicants used in reclamation, automatic feeding
devices and other means, contributed to increasing efficiency
and decreasing costs.

Game Program

The game program was marked by a record production
of cock pheasants, totalling 5^,450. A total of 72,93^ birds
of both sexes were produced and released during the year.
The average per-bird cost of pheasant production has been
significantly reduced.

(3)

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Management work to improve public hunting grounds
(also called wildlife management areas) continued, with hundreds
of acres of new land being cleared, food patches planted and
thousands of shrubs and trees planted to provide optimum cover
and to retard successiin of unproductive forest growth. Hunter
usage of public hunting grounds increased 19 percent over the
previous year. One ecomomical result of such management work
was approximately 50,000 board feet of lumber produced for use
in Division installations.

Turkey introductions for the most part seem to be
doing as expected. Those made with wild stock have reproduced
in our covers while those made with game farm stock have not
been as successful. It is too early to say whether these
introductions will result in birds which may be trapped and
transferred to other covers and thus result in a huntable sur-
plus.

Waterfowl aerial census showed significant increases
in the important species of ducks wintering in Massachusetts.
Efforts continued to gain recognition at the federal 1 evel,
where waterfowl regulations are initiated, for separate and
more liberal waterfowl regulations for the northeastern states.
Established procedures through the Atlantic Waterfowl Council
have been made for several years in the effort to gain federal
acceptance. At" the close of the year, Massachusetts joined
with other states in the northeast in a direct appeal to the
federal government .

Information arid Education Program

This program to acquaint our citizens with the wild-
life resources of Massachusetts, and their conservation and
utilization, and to familiarize the public with the policies
and programs of the Division, continued on an expanded basis.
A growing part of the program concerns provision of infor-
mational aids such as laws and regulations, printed guides to
hunting and fishing areas, and other information of value to
sportsmen.

A record number of news stories were issued during
the year, averaging close to three releases a week. The use of
television as an information medium continued to increase,
with 31 separate feature shows presented, including one over
a national network. The Division's television effort was
honored with receipt of a first -place national award for
excellence, awarded by the American Association for Conservation
Information in June.

This association also held its annual 21st international
conference, at Provincetown, in June, with Massachusetts and the
other New England states acting as combined hosts.

The circulation of Massachusetts Wildlife , free bi-
monthly magazine published by the Division, continued to grow.
Net gain for the year was 4,019 subscribers, for a total at
the close of the fiscal year of 36,676. Magazines are estimated
to be read by an average of three persons including the
subscriber, which would place our magazine's estimated reader-
ship at more than 110,000. This is about or slightly above
the average for similar magazines published by most states.

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The Junior Conservation Camp came under the Division's
full supervision during the year, and operation at the new
site in central Massachusetts proved to be considerably
improved, both from economic and curriculum viewpoints.

With all these various formal mediums for spreading
the message of conservation, the Division does not overlook the
importance of personal contact between its personnel and the
public. Most of such contact is maintained by District
personnel, who alone participated in more than 2^2 meetings with
sportsmen's clubs, civic groups, youth organizations and other
gatherings, as well as hundreds of uncounted contacts with
individuals in the normal course of duties. Other personnel
ranging from Board members, to staff officers, to employees
at all levels, also attended many similar meetings and had
personal contact with the public on many occasions. The
increasing numbers of visitors to our pheasant farms and trout
hatcheries providers many opportunities for contact.

Board Personnel

Mr. Roger D. Williams, Natick, was elected Chairman,
and Mr. Bert B. Wietupski, Hampden, was elected Secretary, at
the meeting on March 2#, 1962 at the University of Massachusetts.

There were no changes in Board personnel during the
fiscal year.

The Board expresses its sincere thanks to all
Division personnel for their continued exemplary performance
of duties.

Respectfully submitted,

s/ Roger D. Williams, Chairman
Bert B. Nietupski , Secretary
Harper L. Gerry, Member
Lawrence Barbieri, Member
F. Stanley Mikelk, Member

(5)

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FISHERIES PROGRAM

A 'good deal of the emphasis in fisheries management
undertaken during the 1962 fiscal year was placed upon the
evaluation phase of previous reclamations. Ten ponds re-
claimed during the past year had been reclaimed in the past.
Four ponds totaling 193 acres were subjected to rotenone
treatment as the first step toward proper warmwater management .
A total of 192,969 trout, mostly fingerlings, were used to
restock waters newly-reclaimed for these species, while 72,897
warm-water fish of assorted species, predominantly largemouth
bass, were used to restock managed warmwater ponds.

The Squannacook River, and its tributaries, was also
reclaimed for trout management. Approximately 13 miles of river,
totaling 100 acres, were treated and restocked. Trout which had
been liberated as fingerlings in the fall of 1961, following the
reclamation, made a substantial contribution to fishermen's
creels during the spring of 1962. Population samples made toward
the end of the reporting period indicated a high rate of trout
survival and a slow return of undesirable species.

The three year evaluation phase of the Deerfield River
reclamation was completed and required reports were submitted.
The reclamation proved to be a success. Recontamination from
un-reclaimed feeder streams is resulting in shortening the period
in which the benefits of the reclamation show up in fishermen's
creels. However the reclamation produced sustained fishing, a
better quality of fish, and more fish in the creel, at a cost
less than the same harvest would have been provided by stocking
alone. The fisheries population of 49 ponds was checked by use
of rotenone, electric shocking equipment, or both, and the re-
sults analyzed to determine a basis for future management.

Considerable time was expended by district personnel
on the compilation of data to be included in the rights-of-way
and access surveys of great ponds in Hampden, Hampshire,
Franklin, and Worcester counties. Routine maintenance of
physical plants and equipment continued to demand a large number
of man-hours. Other time-consuming duties included stocking,
reclamations, population spot checks, fish kill investigations,
creel census, fish salvage, stream and pond surveys, public
relations work involving club meetings, access problem work,
and administration.

Sterlization and Sex Reversal Studies:

Experimental work on the use of hormones and cas-
tration agents to produce sterility in freshwater fishes was
completed during the past period. A thorough screening of all
probable compounds proved negative; the development

(6)

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of such a technique must be considered a failure when applied
to field conditions. The future usefulness of information
gleaned during the project cannot now be evaluated, but may-
become apparent from the work of federal laboratories who
have begun studies along similar lines, following Massachusetts'
lead.

A new technique developed and now in general use is
the selective poisoning of certain species of fish in unbalanced
ponds . The material in use has been shown to virtually
eradicate sunfish from treated areas while not affecting other
fishes. A technical paper regarding Massachusetts" work in
this field was presented at an international wildlife meeting.

A comprehensive '■ Trout Stream Management in Massachusett;
bulletin, was published and is available to interested sports-
men. It may be obtained from district, field, or administrative
offices of the Division.

Laboratory facilities at Field Headquarters, expanded
to provide space for a rapidly-growing analytical program,
are being used in bio-assay and chemical analyses. Water
quality determinations with regard to industrial and domestic
pollution are presently being carried out. A $12,000 grant
from the U. S. Public Health Service implemented the insec-
ticide study already in progress, and allowed for the pro-
jection of this work over the Assabet, Concord, and Sudbury
river drainages. Samples of soil and water, as well as
tissues from fish, game, and humans, are being analyzed to
determine residual levels of insecticides. The laboratory has
furnished this information fo sportsmen's clubs, conservation
organizations, the University of Massachusetts, and interested
individuals.

Creel Census Activities :

Regular fisherman interviews were conducted during the
past year on eight managed ponds within the Commonwealth, in-
cluding Quabbin Reservoir. The latter, the only water of the
group not on a reclaimed status, showed a decrease in total
anglers. All others showed both an increase in fishermen and
an increase in harvest . The census at Chaunce3r Pond showed
irrefutable proof that the experimental stocking of walleye
pike was a definite success.

Reclamation Program:

During the past fical year, 14 great or state-owned
ponds were rehabilitated for sport fishes, as follows:

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■IRQIQL BOMBS EEGLAIMEU

Pond

Town

Area in Acres

Little Pond
Mary's Pond
Shubael Pond
Hoosicwhisick
York Pond
Little Coachlace
Scargo Lake
Spectacle Pond
Grews Pond
Lovells Pond

Plymouth

Rochester

Barnstable

Milton

New Marlboro

Clinton

Dennis

Sandwich

Falmouth

Barnstable

Total

WARMWATER PONDS RECLAIMED

Sherman Pond
Long Pond
Johns Pond
Little Sandy Pond

Brimfield

Yarmouth

Carver

Plymouth

43
Si
56
23
35
9
53
91
13

400

Total

S6
55
23

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During the past fiscal year, 5 £,931 largemouth bass
and 3, £66 chain pickerel were reared for initial stocking in
the reclaimed warmwater ponds listed, and for corrective
stocking in previously-managed areas.

Marine Sport Fisheries Inventory :

The Marine Sports Fisheries survey continued its
inventory of marine sports fishing in Massachusetts' coastal
waters. Results of the inventory indicate a continuing in-
crease in the number of active small boats with fisherman
success a little better than, that of the previous year. A
report on the current year, 'in conjunction with and com-
parison to the previous year's results, is nearly complete
and will be published soon.

Project personnel have started an ecological study
of shallow water areas, creeks, bays, and tidal inlets in
relation to winter flounder.

Trout Propagation

Trout releases from the five state fish hatcheries,
including additions from the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service,
totalled 1,672,683 trout. Of these, Massachusetts liberated
1,63B,100 trout, of which over 162,000 catchables had been fed
a special diet to improve their coloration.

The federal hatcheries at Pittsford, Vermont;
Nashua, New Hampshire; and Kartsville, North Attleboro,
Massachusetts, released 234,5^3 trout to areas designated by
this Division.

Change -Over Program

In a change-over to an all-yearling production of
brook and brown trout at the Sunderland Hatchery, all brood
stock and two-year-old fish were liberated, accounting for the
increased poundage reported last year. The hatchery was
completely disinfected to eliminate a disease problem that had
plagued the hatchery for several years.

Method of Incubation

The Sandwich Hatchery initiated a new method of
incubating trout eggs by using plastic egg-hatching jars six
inches in diameter in place of 12-foot rectangular hatching
troughs. Each jar contains approximately 35,000 eggs and two
will hold more than one trough. This method has simplified
the care of trout eggs by saving space in the hatchery building,
as well as helping in the control of fungus. The monetary
saving is considerable; fifteen jars can be purchased for the
price of one trough.

Nutrition

The Cortland formula was revised to include 'full
fishmeal?' which contains all the dried fish solubles in the
same proportions as originally produced from the raw fish.
Toasted soybean oil meal was substituted for cottonseed meal
because it is cheaper, contains a high protein content, and has

less fat. This formula can be used for pelleting or as a
mix to supplement meat feedings.

Research feeding was carried on at all of the
hatcheries with several brands of self-sustaining fish pellets.
The success of this work varied with temperature, quality,
and quantity of water. It was found that meat, added to the
pellet diet, promotes growth during low water-temperature
periods,

Colo ration

Experimentation was continued again this year at
the Montague Hatchery, using all three species of trout.
Various paprika brands containing 194 to 229 mgs. of calculated
total carotene per pound were selected. Using a two percent
concentration, trout were given essentially * wild4' coloration
for approximately two cents per pound. By starting paprika
additives in late fall, fish could be colored for spring
stocking. Egg fertility and fry quality appeared to improve
with the addition of paprika.

Water Resojurces_

The most important factor in the growth of trout is
water temperature. Growth is nearly nil in water from the
freezing point up to 3$° and increases rapidly as the temperature
is increased. Personnel are constantly looking for additional
well water which maintains a constant water temperature year-
round.

A 600-gallon capacity turbine water pump was
installed to increase the water supply at Sunderland during
periods of drought. This unit was placed at the opposite end
of an existing water line and had to be used extensively from
January through June because of a record' shortage of raiafall.

Vermin Control

The number of raccoons and predatory birds increased
this year with noticeable losses of trout at all of the
stations. Personnel are presently working with the U. S. Fish
and Wildlife Service on a satisfactory method of control.

Re construction

Reconstruction this year at Sunderland was limited
to cementing two raceways used in rearing brook trout. A new
furnace was installed in addition to other general maintenance
work.

(10)

The Palmer Station was used years ago chiefly for
bass culture o During the past few years personnel have been
engaged in reducing the surface area by filling in the sides
of the ponds and building dikes for separation to raise trout.
This work was continued this year.

Most of the construction fund3 allotted to Sandwich
were used for the reconstruction of another series of eight
rearing raceways, #0' x 10* x 3' » with cement walls, dams
and connecting drains, A few wells were salvaged and more
were sunk to supply the added pond area. Four earthen pools
at East Sandwich were sheathed with native pine.

Rebuilding of raceways above the supply pond at
Sutton was completed this year. Repairs were made to the
sorting house and troughs installed for efficient use of that
facility. A building on a hill to the north of the big pond
was torn down and the materials salvaged. The hill on which
the building stood was bulldozed into one-half of the big
pond. Several 2" free-flowing wells were developed that
materially helped in increasing production by 7*465 pounds
over that of last year. This additional well water made
conversion possible during the winter which accounts for the
larger fish released from Sutton this year.

The Montague Hatchery reduced the surface area of
two large rearing ponds for better water circulation. The
larger of the two units was separated by a cement dam to
facilitate better management. Cement sides were built in
the catch-pond on the back-stream system now used for rearing
fingerlings.

(11)

TROUT DISTRIBUTION IN MASSACHUSETTS FROM STATE AND FEDERAL

HATCHERIES

JULY 1, 1961 TO JUNE 30, 1962

BROOKS BROWNS

RAINBOWS

finder 6" Over 6W Under 6,? Over 6jf

Under 6" Over 6"

TOTAL TROUT

210,095 546,742 256,500 492,314

133,200 228,832

1,872,633

Total Trout Distributed 6-9 '

7&B,723

Total Trout Distributed 9" plus

479,165

... 1,267,888

Total Fingerlings (6" minus)

604,795

,. 1,872,683

POUNDAGE STOCKED

BY STATIONS

STATION

Montague

Palmer

Sandwich

Sunderland

Sutton

TOTAL LBS

73,913
38,795
66,894
157,596
23,381

State Poundage 360, 579

North Attleboro

Berkshire

Nashua, New Hampshire

Pittsford, Vermont

17,234

6,958

15 , 844

15,016

Federal Poundage

55,052

GRAND TOTAL 415,631

(This table does not show fish retained for brood stock)

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GAME PROGRAM

The game program continued as in past years*.
Emphasis has always been in giving the hunter the most for his
money. This includes not only stocking birds and animals to
provide the best return, but altering the open seasons to take
advantage of changes in the production of game species in the
wild. Land is being acquired by lease or purchase as fast as
money allows and multiple use of this land is being encouraged
Division personnel are constantly combatting the ?i closed
town!; problem by advising town officials and interested in-
dividuals .

The bulk of the research and management program is
financed 75 percent by Federal Aid Funds (Pittman-Robertson)
and is so designated in this report .

FEDERAL AID PROJECTS

W-9-D — Statewide Development Project

As in the past, work on this project was done only
on state-owned or leased management areas. These are the
public hunting grounds which are located in the towns of
Falmouth, Plymouth, West Bridgewater, Newbury, North Andover,
Sudbury, Ayer, Westboro, Uxbridge, Hubbardston, Barre,
Phillipston, Winchendon, Huntington, Chester, Peru, and
Williamstown. The objectives are to make these areas accessible
to the hunter; to provide best possible release sites for art-
ificially reared game; and to encourage reproduction of in-
digenous species.

Maintenance : Headquarters buildings, storage sheds,
and grounds were maintained by painting, cleaning, mowing, etc.
Water control structures at Birch Hill, Hubbardston, and West-
boro were checked regularly to keep them in proper operating
condition. Bridges at Birch Hill and Hubbardston were checked
for condition of planking and railings. Well over 50 miles
of roads in all managment areas were maintained by gravelling,
grading, snow plowing, and mowing or spraying the edges. Over
1000 signs marking roads, entrances, and boundaries were
erected or maintained. In addition, over 10,000 signs were
erected marking safety zones. Over 230 acres of perennials
such as hay and lespedeza were maintained. Over 900 wood duck
nesting boxes were maintained or replaced.

Development : Using a bulldozer, tractor-mounted
brush cutters, herbicides, chain saws and axes, over 330
acres of land were cleared for future food patches or to
encourage natural succession. Over 18,000 trees and shrubs
were planted as field borders and dividers and, in groups,
to provide protective cover and food. Over 200 acres of annuals
and perennials were planted for food patches during the
spring and fall.

Selective thinning in mature forests to encourage
natural reproduction produced about 50,000 board feet of

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lumber for Division use. The growth and fruiting of abandoned
or wild apple trees was encouraged by release cutting and
pruning.

Work continued on the Westboro beagle training
grounds. Block cuttings were made in a grid pattern. Annual
plantings of hay mixture and clover were top dressed. Trees
and shrubs were planted to supply protective cover and food.
Trapping was done to determine the current rabbit population.
There was continued utilization of the area for training and
trials.

^J3J>^jl~Game PoB3ilatJ:PiL Jfeejad_ jmd_ _HarvgA% jjlgygiy

Stj.tewi.de_ Be e r_ Harye s t_ .and^ Jierd. J^P-ffiPOS^iPi* 5 ^ur ^nS
the 1961 deer season ( November* *14 t'o""December' 8) a a total of
3?0$4 deer were reported taken by hunters. Archers accounted
for 45 deer during the archery season (November 14 to December
S). During the shotgun week (December 3 to December &) , hunters
reported taking l,56l bucks, 1,517 does and 6 deer were reported
with sex not listed. Although the reported kill was IB percent
less than the 14-year average , it was 5 percent better than the
I960 season. A total of 6&L deer -were processed at the checking
stations, which represents a 22.5 percent sample of the reported
kill. The sex ratio of 1.0 males to 1.0 females has remained
constant for a 15~year period. A seven percent decline in the kill
was noted for the fawn class while a slight increase in the kill
of 2- J year and older deer was noticed. Deer weights by age
classes were the same as in previous years. An analysis of the
deer kill in the towns surrounding the Quabbin area indicated
that the protected Quabbin herd has little effect on the outside
kill. The kill in those towns fluctuates similarly to the
statewide kill and does not stay at an abnormally high level.

Spring Quail Census and, J? pjp oila t i 0 n Comj>^>si£ions County
quail call indices" in I96T showed a significant decrease in the
Plymouth County population as compared to I960. This decrease
may have been influenced by the winter of 1960-1961 which was
the most severe in 60 years. Barnstable and Bristol county
populations showed no significant changes from I960.

jgfinter Waterfowl Census and Harye s_t : Inventory
flights made "along Yhe^ Massachusetts coast between October 16
and December 2& showed a pattern of waterfowl distribution
and population increase similar to those of I960. Increases were
noted in all important species of waterfowl. The winter
inventory, which was flown on January £, 9 and 10, showed an
increase in total waterfowl recorded of 44 percent over 1961.
Elack ducks were 29 percent higher than in 1961 and 31 percent
higher than in i960. Canada geese were 41 percent higher than
in 1961 and 64 percent higher than they were found to be

(14)

■9

in I960. All puddle ducks were 2& percent higher than in 1961
and 27 percent higher than in I960. All diving ducks were 51
percent higher than in 1961 and 15 percent higher than in I960,

The I960 postal survey sampled approximately six
percent of all waterfowl hunters in Massachusetts 0 The total
estimated kill was 55? 054 waterfowl of which 70 percent were
bagged and the remainder were crippled and lost. This is a
six percent decrease from 1959. There were fewer hunters , but
they hunted more often. Seasonal success per hunter was the
same, 2. $3 birds , but daily success was down about 1& percent.
Black ducks made up 46 percent of the duck kill (comparable to
1959) s but the estimated harvest was seven percent lower than
in 1959 • The wood duck harvest was 56 percent lower than in
1959. The scoter harvest was up 26 percent. The Canada goose
harvest was up 10 percent. The harvest of all puddle ducks was
down 13 percent and the harvest of all diving ducks was up four
percent.

Hunter Use of public. Hunt in& ^Grounds 1 i3s t ima te d
usage on alTpublic~Tmnting areas was 47,d£)0 hunter trips in
1961. Usage on ten comparable areas snowed an increase of
19 percent over I960 and 32 percent over 1959 • Peak hunting
pressure was on the first two Saturdays followed by opening
day and succeeding Saturdays. The majority of hunters came
from within a 20 mile radius of the hunting grounds except
in three areas where the majority came from a radius of 20
to 50 miles (Northeast, Fort Devens, Myles Standish). Hir.ting
pressure during the week is noticeably higher on days after
stocking has taken place. Pheasants and quail are killed in
the greatest number, followed by cottontail rabbit, grouse,
gray squirrel, white hare, woodcock and ducks.

WqpJ._JDuck^JestJ.ngc Juccessj The check of nesting
boxes in 19&. indicated that the resident breeding population
of wood ducks has remained at a low level. While there has
been no further decline in the recorded usage of nesting boxes,
it is still far below the average number found in the yef^s
prior to 1959.

A trapping and banding program was carried out at
Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge during September, 19 61.

A total of 113 wood ducks were captured,
consisted of 53 adults and 60 immatures,
survival.

The trapped sairple
indicating poor brood

Nesting boxes were refurbished and relocated during
the winter in an effort to encourage better nesting succec. :->.

■ I

■

■Experimental. Turkey Stock ingj A summary of
survival and reproduction"of wild turkeys released in Quabbin
Reservation follows : Five hens and three toms were released
in April , I960, and seven poults were produced that spring,.
Mine additional hens were released in the fall of I960, and
three toms and two hens in the spring of 1961. A minimum of
16 wild turkeys , 12 hens and 4 toms, were present in the spring
of 1961, and over 60 poults were produced., 4& of which survived
until at least the first of September. The known population
at that time was 64 birds. The turkeys became widely scattered
and difficult to locate during the fall of 1961. Known
mortality during the winter totaled ten turkeys. By April
1962, 17 wild turkeys could be located within Quabbin., leaving
37 unaccounted for. Unconfirmed reports suggested a portion
of the 37 were still in the vicinity of the reservation in May
of 1962.

Eleven wild turkeys , three toms and eight hens, were
released in Mount Washington in January , 1961. By Septembers
the population consisted of two adult toms, four broodless
hens, and one hen with four poults. These birds are still
present.

Twelve wild turkeys s three toms and nine hens, were
released in April, 1961, in October Mountain State Forest.
Two hens are known to have died. Two toms and five hens were
located in June, 1962. A hen with three poults was reported
during the summer. No information has been received on winter
survival.

On October 11, 1962, a release of 16 wild turkey
poults, six toms and ten hens, was made near Otis. A hen
and torn were known to have died before December 5« Reports
suggest the birds moved south towards Connecticut, but nothing
is known of over-winter survival.

Mourning Dove Census; Data from 24 call-count routes
in the spring of 1961 showed a breeding population index of nine.
The 1962 survey, just completed, showed an index of ten. The
average breeding index for states in the Eastern Management Unit
was 7o3 in I960 and 7 61 in 1961.

The number of doves counted in the fall was dis-
appointingly low. On all management areas except in the south-
east, doves were counted in the tens with a maximum of 47 seen
on any day. Counts reached 500 at one area in the southeast
and almost 200 at another. There was one observation during
the day of about 500 doves on the Northeast Area. On the regular
count, however, six days later, only 40 birds were reported.

(16)

** I

ACTIVITIES SPONSORED ENTIRELY EY STATE FUNDS

Stocking,

Surplus pheasant brood stock was released in Hay
and June. Cocks and hens of the year were stocked at twelve
weeks of age in August. Adult cocks were released the week
before and during the upland season on huntable private land,,
Cocks were released twice a week on wildlife management areas
throughout the season,.

White hare were released after the season throughout
the state to supplement brood stock .

W&ite, jlare^ j3^udy,

The objective of this study was to determine
feasibility of holding and conditioning imported white hare
at the game farms; to compare hunter success and survival
data of conditioned hare versus unconditioned hare; to determine
the feasibility of 'put and take'- hunting of snowshoe hare on
public hunting grounds; and to evaluate the survival of
imported hare.

During the winter of 1961-1962 , the Division
purchased 2,500 white hare which were imported from New
Brunswick at a delivered price of ^3»35 each. All hare received
were tagged with numbered ear tags» In addition, those hare
released on the public hunting areas were further marked by
toe clippings.

Approximately 300 hare were weighed on arrival .
Weights ran from 2.1 pounds to 3°7 pounds, with an average
of 2»c5 pounds. The average weight of a native hare is 3»2
pounds. Personnel at the game farms fed the hare a variety of
foods including commercial rabbit pellets, horse feed, alfalfa
meal, whole oats, and fresh apples. The period of time the
animals were held ranged from 17 to 46 days.

In general, all hare that were held regained
lost weight and reached the average native hare weight of
3«2 pounds within 14 to 17 days.

Two experimental releases of hare were made during
the open season. Half of the hare released were conditioned
and the other half were released directly upon receipt from
the dealer. The stocking success was checked by contacting
rabbit hunters and by live trapping . Hunters were interviewed
and ear tags were collected in the release areas each weekend
during the hare season. Out of 30 hares released on the Birch
Hill area, eight conditioned hares and four unconditioned
hares were shot during the period January 9 to February 3, 1962.

(17)

In addition, eleven native hares were reported taken in the
same covers. Only one conditioned hare was accounted for by
gunning at the other release area, in Hopkinton,

Intensive box trapping after the close of the
season at the Birch Hill are an resulted in capture of 2$ hare
of which three were conditioned, two unconditioned , and 23 native.
From the compiled data,, it is possible to account for 73 percent
of the conditioned hare and 40 percent of the unconditioned
hare at this area,

Dama^^JJom^aints

District personnel checked 57 beaver complaints.
These were handled by live trapping, by dynamiting, or by
issuing permits to landowners to destroy the beaver. Live
traps were issued to clubs and individuals to take care of
rabbit complaints,

PJ^J?Xi£iL Stations

Five beaver pelt checking stations were maintained
for two days at the close of the trapping season. A total
of 669 pelts were examined.

Surveys

Three woodcock census routes were run to determine
the spring breeding index,

iSmergency Feeding

Personnel from the Northeast District assisted
in ground feeding waterfowl during a period of emergency.

Field Trials

Improvements were made to field trial grounds
at Westboro and rfillowdale State Forest and aid was given in
running trials,

Communi ty_ Conse r va t ion Planning

Considerable time was spent supplying information to
professional town planners. Numerous conferences were held
with other State and Federal agencies such as Soil Conservation
Service, Corps of Army Engineers, and the United States Fish
and Wildlife Service, to plan cooperative programs. Sportsmen's
clubs, town conservation commissions, schools, and individuals
were assisted in planning their conservation programs.

(IS)

.M I

■

Land Acquisition

District managers aided in the land acquisition
program by examining land offered for sale and in gathering
preliminary engineering data.

Game Propagation

An all-time high of 5&}450 cock pheasants were
distributed during this fiscal period of July 1, 1961 to June
30, 1962. The increase in production was utilized by more in-
season stocking and to satisfy increased hunting pressure on
the Division's public shooting grounds. At the same tiire, there
was an increase in the number of public hunting grounds that
were made available to the sportsmen in Massachusetts, thus
calling for more birds .

Economy is still the keyword in game propagation how-
ever. Unit costs have been considerably reduced by applying
stringent controls and better methods . Routine maintenance
continues to be a necessity with new pen construction and
replacement of wire an annual chore . Enlargement and im-
provement of the Sandwich and Wilbraham game farms has the
priority over all new construction. A new brooder house was
constructed at the Wilbraham Game Farm, using, for the first
time on a Division game farm, an automatic self-feeder which
should result in lower labor costs.

Three farms participated in the white hare program
described elsewhere in this report in cooperation with wild-
life technicians to streamline the annual white hare holding
program.

A total of 2,566 Bobwhite quail were reared for
release only on public hunting grounds. A small number of
Coturnix quail were raised for field trial purpose? .

(19)

,.,. ,,—J,

GAMS DISTRIBUTION
July ls 1961 - June 30, 1962

Pheasants Hens

Adults; Spring and summer liberations 4,762
Young; "A" stocking (12 weeks of age) 9,111

■B;

•C", "PG- stockings (17-25 weeks old) 135

"SR"" program

„JfcgO

14,463

Cocks Total

S19 5,5&vl

£,430 17,541

41,526 41,663

5B,450 72,936

Quail

Adults; Spring and summer liberations

Young; October and November liberations

Bob white Coturnix Total

14 3B5 399

JUSSSi 2 2,554

2,566 3^7 2,953

White H are

Northern varying, purchased

2,500

(OS)

■

INFORMATION AND EDUCATION PROGRAM

The Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Game, like
its sister agencies in every state, uses publications, news
services, films, radio, television, exhibits, youth programs,
and personal contact to increase public understanding of the
needs and methods of conservation. Provision of helpful
information such as printed guides to hunting and fishing areas,
regulations, etc, is an essential part of the program, and
all personnel are also concerned with improving public
understanding of and cooperation with the policies and programs
of the Division o

Following are enumerated activities of the information
and education program for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1962:

News Services

The public was kept informed throughout the year by
press, radio and television, all of which have free access to all
news sources within the Division, and receive the regular
releases issued by the I&E section and district managers*,

A total of 146 different news stories were issued
during the reporting period via the following means: statewide
releases from I&E - 58; area releases from district managers - 31;
television news strips from I&E - 21; photo-feature releases by
I&E and districts - 30.

A number of feature articles, ranging from local
stories to articles in national magazines, resulted from or
were aided by assistance from Division personnel.

Mas 3 achuse 1 1 sJWildl if e

Circulation of this bi-monthly free magazine showed a net
gain for the year of 4»019 subscribers, with a total mailing
list at the close of the reporting period of 36,6760 Most
similar publications are estimated to be read by an average of
three persons per copy, which would place M as s > achuse st ts Wildlife 's
estimated total readership at more than 110,000* In addition,"
approximately 2000 copies of each issue are distributed as
single pamphlets in reply to inquiries that can be answered by
information contained in the magazine.

Audio-Visual Aids

During the year, the audio-visual office prepared
and presented 35 television programs. Nineteen of these were
25-minute presentations on the "Dateline Boston1' series over
WHDH-TV, 12 were "Critter Corner" programs over WBZ-TV, and
two were presented on the "RFD 3" program over WTIC-TV in
Hartford. In addition, film was loaned to the ABC-TV network
for presentation on "Editors Choice".

The "Dateline Boston" series of programs prepared by
the Division of Fisheries and Game received a first place

(21)

national award as the "best television program produced in
cooperation with a state or provincial agency in 1961''. The
program, viewed by the judges of the American Association for
Conservation Information, concerned pollution in Massachusetts
streams.

During the reporting period the Division continued its
cooperation \«ath radio stations in the Commonwealth through
personal contact and tape recordings by personnel in the wildlife
districts and other installations.

One new film "A Place to Hunt'', was added to the film
library. This film shows some of the work that goes into the
management of a public hunting area and ends with a quail and
pheasant hunt on Cape Cod,

A total of 414 films were loaned to groups from the
Division film library. These films were viewed by approximately
33s 150 people.

Ten exhibits at sportsmen's shows and fairs were
assisted, primarily through provision of literature and live
specimens by the district managers and I&E. Panel exhibits
prepared by the I&iS Section were used on several occasions.

Publications

New publications added to the list maintained for
free public distribution were Trout Stream Management in
Massachusetts , a 94-page treatise on this complex subject,
and the Sport Fishing Institute's Conservation Chart. A number
of publications which had become depleted were recorded.

The current year's Annual Report, Stocked Trout Waters
Guide 0 Fish and ^Jjjan^J^aws, Closed Towns List, Sportsmen's
Organization List and Migratory Game Regulations were compiled
and published.

Tours and Demonstrations

District personnel conducted eight "Show Me5' tours
wherein members of the press and prominent individuals were
taken on conducted tours of Division activities. District
personnel also conducted four field demonstrations for scout
and sportsmen's groups, including one major public demonstration
to promote fishing in Lake Monponsett, which was attended by
over 300 people.

Meetings

District personnel attended or participated in 2#2
meetings of sportsmen's clubs, civic groups, fraternal
organizations, youth groups, etc. Other personnel throughout
the Division participated in many similar meetings. Several
personnel spoke at public school gatherings and other meetings
as a conservation-education effort.

(22)

I »*7

The 21st annual international conference of the
American Association for Conservation Information was held at
Province town in June., I&E personnel coordinated the program,
assisted by the southeast, northeast and central wildlife districts

Conservation Education

I&E personnel continued to assist in functions of the
State Advisory Committee for Conservation Education.

The 13th annual session of the Massachusetts Junior
Conservation Camp, its first year under direction of the I&E
Section, was run at Thompson?s Pond, Spencer. A total of 119
boys completed the two-week course. The new installation
provides housing, messing , training and recreational facilities
superior to the former site in the Berkshires. It also made
possible a far more efficient operation, and improvement in the
quality of the training given was evident even during this first
year at the new site. At the close of the reporting period,
plans for the 1962 camp were rapidly being completed. They
included an expanded staff, increased number of campers ,
improved equipment, expanded and better coordinated instruction
program, and the innovation of measurement and achievement
tests.

Printing^ Posters , Misc.

I&E continued to handle all editing, printing and
publishing functions for the Division.

Approximately 11,000 '"Safety Zone" posters were
distributed to landowners through the districts and direct
from I&E, and the program of erecting metal highway signs
calling attention to hunting safety zones was expanded by an
additional 200 signs.

(23)

■

During the year the Division took title to a thousand-
acre tract of land in the towns of Huntington, Worthington and
Chester thus opening up a new sizeable public hunting area.
This area was acquired primarily for hunting and is near the
mile-long tract of Little River purchased a few years ago.

Negotiations were all but completed for the purchase
of more land adjoining the Phillipston Area. Another tract
adjoining this area, which did not have title acceptable to
the state, was in the process of being acquired by right of
eminent domain . The purchase price was agreed upon but eminent
domain was the only way for the Division to acquire good title
to the property,, The General Court passed bills filed by the
Division asking for the right to use eminent domain in the
acquisition of the above mentioned land and two parcels adjacent
to the Peru area, which were in the same category-

More small parcels were added to the Northeast area
and negotiations were under way for che acquisition of a
sizeable addition to this area.

Many parcels varying in size from a few acres to
sizeable tracts, which were brought to the attention of the
Division as being on the market, were investigated but in all
cases the asking price was beyond the means of the Division,.
Negotiations to reduce the asking price to a figure more in
keeping with our budget failed to succeed.

A detailed ownership map of land along the Millers river
was completed and attempts were made to purchase isolated parcels.

Leases which expired on the public fishing grounds
were renewed and ownership maps brought tip to date.

Surveys were made of some of the Division holdings
to establish boundary lines.

The Realty Section handled all correspondence with
other public agencies regarding lands owned by the Division
and other related subjects, giving assistance whenever possible.

(24)

■

-y,fw\

MASSACHUSETTS COOPERATIVE WILDLIFE RESEARCH UNIT

General:

Dr0 Earl S. Deubler, Jr. was employed by the
Department of Forestry and Wildlife Management, University of
Massachusetts, as Associate Professor of Fisheries Biology .

The new Natural Resources Building on the campus is
more than half finished and the Department should move in within
the next year.

Wild Turkey Project;

Production of poults from wild turkey stockings has
been very successful this year.. At least sixty known poults
were produced in June, and survival in September has been good.
One flock of fourteen turkeys on the East side of Prescott
Peninsula has been observed* It is not known what parent stock
is involved in this flock, but they may well be of pure West
Virginia strain. A few birds were transferred from Mount
Washington to October Mountain, and at least seventeen turkeys
are on October Mountain.

New England,, Cottontail, Study :

A graduate student working on the productivity of
the two species of cottontails found in Massachusetts is
completing his thesis in absentia. This study is being
continued on an island in Quabbin Reservation.

C adwell_ forest, Study :

A number of roads in Cadwell Forest were fertilized
and seeded to clover by the previous investigator. These roads
were receiving heavy utilization by deer, rabbits and grouse
in the late summer. Two graduate students worked on this
forest all summer experimenting with methods for clearing open
areas in the second growth forests.

Pe s t i c ide -Wildl i f e Pro je c t :

A second contract with the Bureau of Sport Fisheries
and Wildlife (United States Fish and Wildlife Service) was signed
at the beginning of the fiscal year. A graduate student will
conduct exhaustive laboratory tests to ascertain the rate of
absorption and excretion of DDT in Towhees. It is hoped that
some of these findings may be correlated with field observations
and collections of the area.

Woodcock Project:

A second draft of a manuscript of twelve years of
woodcock research was completed .

(25)

■

Bird Control Project;

Dr. David Wetherbec of the Bureau of Sport Fisheries
and Wildlife who is assigned to the Cooperative Unit at the
University, has been continuing intensive work on gulls,
starlings and red-winged blackbirds,

Wetherbee, David K„ & N, S* Wetherbee, 1961* Artificial

Incubation of 3ggs of various Bird Species, and some
Attributes of Neonates. Bird Banding, 32: 141 - 159c

Sheldon, William G. & F. Greeley, 1962. Woodland as Wildlife
Habitat. Publication 3$9, Forestry Series Mo. 9>
Cooperative intension Service, College of Agriculture,
University of Mass., Amherst.

Sheldon,, William G. & JS, M. Pollack, 1962c Woodcock and Grouse -

An Earlier Season, Mass. Wildlife, July-August, Vol
, No. 4<

XIII 9 No.

Meanley, Brooke & D. K. Wetherbee, 1962. Ecological Notes on

Mixed Populations of King Rails and Clapper Rails in
Delaware Bay Marshes, Auk 79. 453-457 «

Wetherbee, David K. & L. M. Bartlettj 1962. *Sgg Teeth and Shell
Rupture of the American Woodcock, The Auk: 79, 117c

(26)

GENERAL ADMINISTRATION
HOW THE SPORTSMAN'S DOLLAR WAS "SPENT
Fiscal Year July 1, 1961 to June 30, 1962

ADMINISTRATION 3304-01

Administration •

Fish and Game Board. . . . .

Information & Education

0 0000000*0000000

000000

$33,309.79

695.00

0000000

FISHERIES MANAGMENT

Fish Hatcheries 3304-42

Management 3304-42
Striped Bass & Marine

Fisheries Investigation 3304-46*

Fish Restoration Projects 3304-47*

Management 3304-51

105,321.73

9,372.53
39,346.05
71U?6J^

$39,004'. 79 7$
66,354.60 5*

317,274c 53 24*

226,416.39 17%

WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT

Game Farms
Management
Wildlife Coop. Unit
Wildlife Restoration

LAND ACQUISITION

3304-51

3304-51 71,376.43
3304-44 7,990.33
3304-53* 123,351.03

3304-53*

259,674.57 19*

203,217.39 15*
27 , 290.00 2*

LAW ENFORCEMENT

3303-05* 6,737.35
3303-07 3,411.44
1003-03 137,607.72 152,307.01 11*

^Continuing accounts

Expenditures under:

3304-46

3304-47

3304-53
reinbursed 75* by-
Federal funds

$1,347,540.33 100*

RESERVE IN INLAND FISHERIES AND GAME FUND
AS OF JUNE 30, 1962 - $169,434.04

(27)

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SUMMARY OF FISH & GAME INCOME
July 1P 1961 to June 30. 1962

Fishings Hunting & Trapping Licenses

Special Licenses 3 Trap Registration & Tags

Alien Gun Permit

Rents

Misco Sales & Income

Pittman-Robertson Federal Aid

Dingell-Johnson Federal Aid

Court Fines

Refunds Prior Year

Archery Stamps

1,146, 633.00*
4,945.16**

33*25

3,373-50

7,994.65

SO, 101 .26

50,824.24

6,830.20

41.36

4,475.00

* See Detail Sheet #1
** See Detail Sheet #2

$1,305,352.12

(29)

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Detail Sheet #2

ANALYSIS OF SPECIAL LICENSES ISSUED UNDER SECTIONS 48, 68A, 102-
3-4„ 5-6-7 and 112-A, Chapter 131, Go L. during the FISCAL YEAR
ENDED — June 30, 1962

TYPE OF LICENSE

NUMBER ISSUED

RECEIPTS

Trap Registrations:
Initial
Renewal

114
640

$274.00

Fur Buyers:

Resident
Non-Re sident

$270o00

Taxidermists:
Propagators:

(Special Fish)

Initial

Renewal

19
193

$255 o 00
$231 o 00

(Fish)

Initial
Renewal
Duplicate

S3
1

$289 o 50

(Birds & Mammals)

Initial

Renewal

230

$1,215.00

(Dealers)
Initial
Renewal
Additional

£4
373

$635.00

(Indo Bird or Mammal)

Initial

Renewal

23
55

$55.50

Shiners for Bait
Duplicate

247

$1,235.50

Field Trial Licenses

$30.00

Quail for Training Dogs:
Initial
Renewal

Tags :

Game
Fish

13
31

2,583
16,751

$158.00

$296.66

TOTAL:

(3D

$4,945.16

LEGISLATION

The following laws directly affecting the Division of
Fisheries and Game were enacted during the legislative session
of 1962,

CHAPTER 145, ACTS, 1962:

CHAPTER 171, ACTS, 1962:

CHAPTER 379, ACTS, 1962:

CHAPTER 43#, ACTS, 1962:

CHAPTER 441, ACTS, 1962:

CHAPTER 451, ACTS, 1962:

CHAPTER 507, ACTS, 1962:

CHAPTER 620, ACTS, 1962:

CHAPTER 715, ACTS, 1962:

CHAPTER 66, Re solves, 1962

CHAPTER 731, ACTS, 1962:

An Act increasing the fine for the
taking of Wild Turkeys.

An Act requiring the wearing of a
daylight fluorescent red or orange color
clothing or material while hunting during,
the deer season.

An Act further defining the powers of
the Director of the Division of
Fisheries and Game relative to the
propagation of fisho

An Act permitting hunting on legal
holidays.

An Act authorizing the Director of the
Division of Fisheries and Game to acquire
certain lands in the town of Petersham.

An Act authorizing the Director of the
Division of Fisheries and Game to
acquire certain lands in the town of
Peru.

An Act authorizing the Director of the
Division of Fisheries and Game to
convey certain land in the town of
Mashpee .

An Act authorizing the Director of the
Division of Fisheries and Game to issue
permits for commercial shooting preserves.

An Act relative to the promotion and
development of Marine Fisheries of
the Commonwealth.

Resolve providing for an investigation
and study by the Division of Fisheries
and Game relative to the feasibility
of issuing free certificates or licenses
to fish, hunt or trap to certain persons.

An act authorizing the commonwealth to
grant easements over, under, across and
upon certain land, for the transmission
of electric power, to Western Massachusetts
Power Company.

(32)

■

SUMMARY OF OUTSTANDING REGULATIONS; AND REGULATIONS PROMULGATED BY
THE DIRECTOR OF FISHERIES AND GAME DURING FISCAL YEAR ENDED JUNE
30, 1962.

August 4» 1943 o Rules and regulations for the artificial
propagation and maintenance of fish*

August k3 194^0 Rules and regulations for the artificial
propagation of birds and mammals 0

July 14s 1952, Rules and regulations for hunting with
bows and arrows.

August 12, 1953» Rules and regulations governing sale of
protected fresh water fish by licensed dealers in Massachusetts.

March 26, 1954» Rules and regulations governing the
display of sporting, hunting, fishing, and trapping licenses in
Massachusetts, effective April 9» 1954.

January 2&, 1955° Rules and regulations relative to public
fishing grounds in Massachusetts.

April 3s 1956. Rules and regulations governing the taking
of fish in interstate ponds lying between Massachusetts and New
Hampshire, effective April 10, 1956.

February 14» 1957 • Rules and regulations relating to the
taking of carp and suckers for the purpose of sale.

February 15, 1957 « Rules and regulations relative to the
tagging of deer in Massachusetts.

October 20, 1959 ° Rules and regulations for public shooting
grounds and wildlife management areas in Massachusetts.

October 20, 1959o Rules and regulations relating to the
hunting of pheasants, quail and ruffed grouse in Massachusetts.

November 1, 1959 • Rules and regulations relating to the
hunting of deer in Massachusetts.

September 10, i960. Interstate fishing regulations on
Wall urn Lake.

September 10, I960. Rules and regulations relating to the
hunting and trapping of mammals in Massachusetts,

September 10, I960. Rules and regulations relating to the
hunting of hares and rabbits in Massachusetts,

September 10, i960. Rules and regulations relating to the
hunting of gray squirrels in Massachusetts.

August 30, 1961. Migratory game bird regulations I96I-.I.962*

(33)

■

wh1

October 1, 1961. Rules and regulations relating to
hunting of pheasants, quail and ruffed grouse in Massachusetts.

December 23 » 1961. Rules and regulations regarding Lake
Garfield in the town of Monterey.

April 16, 1962. Rules and regulations relating to the
taking of certain fish in Massachusetts.

May 10, 1962. Rules and regulations relating to the
taking of shad in the inland waters of the commonwealth.

PERSONNEL

Retirements 9 1962 fiscal year

J. Albert Torrey, Chief Game Culturist, May 31, 1962,

(34)

DIVISION OF FISHERIES AND GAME
73 TttEMOWT STREET, BOSTON S

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His Excellency, Bndicott Peabody, Governor of the
Commonwealth, the Executive Council, the General
Court, and the Board of Fisheries and Game.

Sirs:

I have the honor to submit herewith the Ninety-
eighth Annual Report of the Division of Fisheries and
Game, covering the fiscal year from July 1, 1962 to
June 30, 1963.

£~*& Respectfullv^submitted,

1 FRANCIS Wo SARGENT*
\ DIRECTOR

:W-'

■ I

COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
DIVISION OF FISHERIES AND GAME

Ninety-eighth Annual Report
July 1, 1962 to June 30, 1963

TABLE "OF CONTENTS

In Memoriam — — . .— — _-*.— .-- 1

Report of The Fisheries and Game Board — 2

Game Program — — — ■ ■ —«——_— 6

Fisheries Program — ■ — — — — -— • 13

Land Acquisition Program — — .-„.— lg

Massachusetts Cooperative Wildlife Research Unit - 20
Information and Education Program ■ — — 22

Administration

Table: How the Sportsman* s Dollar was Spent- 26

Appropriations and Expenditures 27

Summary of Fish and Game Income — — — 28
Receipts from Fishing, Hunting and — 29
Trapping Licenses

Analysis of Special Licenses 30

Legislation 31

Summary of Outstanding Regulations — 33

Publication Approved by State Purchasing Agent #9

■

IN MMORIAM

CHARLES L. McLAUGHLIN

Director of the Division of Fisheries and Game,
passed away on January 4* 1963, as a result of
injuries sustained in an auto accident.

He began his career with the Division in 1940,
working on pheasant research while a graduate student
at the University of Massachusetts, After receiving
his BS and MS degrees, McLaughlin served four years
with the U, S. Marines. He returned to the Division
in 1946 to work on deer studies, then left for three
years as an instructor at the University of New
Hampshire. McLaughlin returned to Massachusetts
in 1949 as federal-aid coordinator. He was appointed
Chief Game Biologist in 1954 and Director of the
Division of Fisheries and Game in 1955 •

LEWIS A. BRYANT

Veteran culturist in charge of the Marshfield
state game farm since September, 1941* passed away
as a result of a heart attack on January 12, 1963.

Beginning his career with the Division of
Fisheries and Game at the Wilbraham game farm in 1930,
Bryant was appointed assistant fish and game culturist
in 1936 and remained in that capacity until his
appointment and transfer as culturist in charge of
the Marshfield game farm.

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■

REPORT OF THE FISHERIES AND GAME BOARD

In past years it has been the custom to devote this
portion of the annual report to a summary of some of the
more important highlights of the year's operations, other-
wise reported in complete detail under the various section
headings 6

This year, however, your Board feels that there
are certain fundamental problems, and our approach to
solution of those problems, which should take precedence
in the Board's report.

The functions of the Division, also true for other
modern fish and game agencies in states across the country,
include such responsibilities as the acquisition and
management of land and water areas for a multitude of
different forms of outdoor recreation besides just
hunting and fishing; vital wildlife research, reclamation
of public waters to improve sport fishing, propagation
of game birds and fish, education of youths and adults
alike to the importance of wise use of all natural
resources, establishment of sound conservation laws,
providing technical guidance to private landowners, other
conservation agencies, to town conservation commissions,
community planners and highway construction agencies.

It is important to realize that the total budget of
this Division is almost entirely borne by sportsmen.
Except for relatively limited funds from marine gasoline
taxes and the federal accelerated public works program,
this Division's revenue comes entirely from sale of
fishing, hunting and trapping licenses, related permits,
and federal-aid reimbursements accruing from federal
excise taxes on firearms, ammunition and fishing tackle.

Despite the fact that this Division's program is
supported by sportsmen, all the citizens of Massachusetts
share directly in its benefits. For example, 19 wildlife
management areas are owned or controlled by this Division,
all of which are open to public uses all year long. While
hunters utilize these areas only during the short hunting
seasons, picnickers, campers, hikers, school classes,
youth organizations and a host of other re creationists can
and do use the areas throughout the year. On one such
area alone, last year, the number of recreation trips by
the general public exceeded the number of trips by hunters
by about 25 percent J This non-sportsman usage contributed
nothing to the cost of acquiring and maintaining these areas,

The aesthetic and economic importance of wildlife
of all types to our citizens has been well established. It
is sufficient to note that the Commonwealth's responsibility
to maintain and manage our wildlife population for the
benefit of all citizens is entirely charged to the Division

-2-

I '

of Fisheries and Game.

Obviously the two major problems affecting our
discharge of this responsibility are land and money.
We cannot give a glowing report of land acquisition since
this Division has never received sufficient funds for this
purpose. We have been able to acquire several parcels by
acquisition and the use of others through agreements with
other agencies of the State and Federal governments, but
the program is much too far behind the increasing need.
The time is long past when the Commonwealth can safely
ignore the rapidly increasing demand for public
recreational areas and particularly for wildlife
management areas and access sites to our ponds and streams.
Hunter usage of wildlife management areas, for example,
increased 7 percent last year and 21 percent over I960.

A closely related problem, that of adequate
funds to continue the Division's programs, is of prime
importance. Accordingly, every effort has been made to
closely analyze all operations of the Division. All
budget requests of the Division are closely scrutinized
and only the most essential items are retained. The
Division's annual budget requests are basic, essential
budgets without any luxuries whatsoever. Once a budget
is appropriated, every expenditure is closely watched.
Through the use of improved management methods, institution
of labor-saving devices where possible, and through
cooperative agreements with other agencies, we have
actually managed to provide increased and improved services
on a total budget considerably less than in former years.

In the propagation field, we have greatly increased
the number of pheasants reared and released. Our production
of cock pheasants totalled 62,217 for the fiscal year just
ended, about twice that of ten years ago plus 14,456 hens.
Our production of trout totalled 1,667*706 fish including
174,401 received from federal sources. This totals about
a third of a million more than ten years ago. It is
important to note that both records have been set with
no increases in personnels at lower unit costs, and by
facilities which are many years old and in need of repair
and modernization.

On January 4, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
lost a dedicated, unusually accomplished public servant
in the unfortunate death of Fisheries and Game Director
Charles L. McLaughlin.

On March 1 of this year we were extremely fortunate
to secure as director; Francis W. Sargent, an experienced
administrator. Sargent has been Director of Marine
Fisheries and Commissioner of Natural Resources in
Massachusetts, and returned to Massachusetts from a four-
year assignment as Director of the Outdoor Recreation
Resources Review Commission in Washington, D. C. He
immediately instituted, with the Board's approval, three
separate studies of key problems affecting the Division.

-3-

■ i

They are: A management analysis of the license
structure, issuance, and sales procedures; a review of
the salary and organizational structure of the Division;
and a study of the needs and possible methods of
increased land acquisition.

The first of these, the license study, has been
completed and a report filed with the Board o We have
already adopted the first recommendation of this study,
which is to convert our 14 different printed license
forms to two simpler, basic forms. We anticipate an
estimated savings of nearly $10,000 a year in printing costs
from this one step. Other recommendations to improve the
public service, through making these licenses more easily
available to the public and by other changes in the
licensing system, are under consideration.

The study of Division salaries and organization is
extremely important. The Division has been steadily
losing its best professional personnel to other agencies
both state and federal. We are faced with making replace-
ments in key positions without any reservoir of professional
personnel on which to draw. We have found that Division
salaries are below the national average for similar
positions in other states and extremely far below those
for similar positions in the Federal service.

The problem of acquisition of land for public
recreation, fishing and hunting access is the subject
of the third study. This is perhaps the most difficult
of the three studies, and is just beginning to get underway.
While the need for such areas is almost axiomatic,
possible methods of financing their acquisition and
development within the financial capabilities of the
Division are not so easy to determine.

Legislation Under Consideration

Two major items for legislation are being considered
for submission to the 1963-64 General Court. The first
of these will be a proposal to change appropriate sections
of Chapter 131 to provide authority for the Director of
the Division of Fisheries and Game to appoint additional
outlets for the sale of hunting, fishing, sporting and
trapping licenses.

It has been determined that Massachusetts is the
sole state in the nation which does not sell even one
of its various classifications of sportsmen's licenses
through outlets other than town and city clerks and its
main office in Boston. While the town and city clerks
have performed and are performing excellent service,
many of them frequently arising at early hours to provide
licenses, your Board believes that additional outlets
will not only help relieve some of this pressure on the
clerks but will also improve the public service by making

-4-

WHM

licenses more readily available, and serve also to secure
some of the revenue that is now being lost through failure
to accomodate the casual license buyer.

The second item concerns disposition of the game
farm at Marshfield. This farm is many years old and
was originally intended for the rearing of waterfowl,
rather than pheasants. It is extremely limited in land area,
without room for expansion or improvement. In fact it is on
the main street of the town, practically in the center.
Your Board believes that it is an uneconomic operation
without promise for the future, and proposes to dispose
of the property. The annual production of this farm
and its permanent personnel can be readily absorbed
elsewhere in the Division without loss and in fact at
considerable savings.

The Board wishes to express its sincere appreciation
to all personnel of the Division for their continued
exemplary performance of duties, and wishes also to
express its appreciation to the Governor, Executive
Council, General Court, and to those other departments,
agencies, members of public information media and the
general public who have assisted and supported our programs
in the past year.

Board Personnel

Mr. Roger D. Williams, Natick, was re-elected
Chairman, and Mr. Bert B. Nietupski, Hampden, was re-elected
Secretary, at the meeting on March 21, 1963, at Westboro
Field Headquarters.

The term of Mr. Harper L. Gerry, Shelburne Falls,
expired October 6, 1962.

Mr. fforry C. Darling, East Bridgewater, was
appointed to the Board by Governor Volpe on December
13, 1962.

Respectfully submitted,

S/Roger D. Williams, Chairman
Bert B. Nietupski, Secretary
F. Stanley Mikelk
Harry C. Darling

-5-

GAME PROGRAM

The bulk of the game research and management program
is financed 75 percent by Federal Aid Funds (Pittman- Robertson )•
Propagation and other management activities are financed
entirely by state funds.

Federal Aid Pro.iects

W-^rD Statewide Development Pro.lect

This project is devoted to the development of our
wildlife management areas. The program was similar to that
of past years with emphasis on making the areas accessible to
the hunter, encouraging reproduction of native game species
and providing suitable sites for stocking our game farm
pheasants and quail. This is our biggest project and occupies
our district game management crews for about 60 percent of
their time. Specific activities, well reported in previous
years, were divided between maintenance of established
buildings, bridges, roads, signs, etc. and the development
of the land area itself.

Multiple use of these areas has been encouraged
during periods of the year other than the hunting season.
Field trials were held both for bird and rabbit dogs. Target
ranges have been established on some areas and shooting is
allowed by permit. Camping has not been encouraged but large
groups of Boy Scouts have been accommodated for Council
Camporees. More and more thought is being given to multiple
use where it will not interfere with the original intent of the
areas.

W-35-R Game Population Trend and Harvest Survey

Statewide Game Harvest: Fifteen hundred postal cards
representing 1.3 percent of licensed hunters were sent out to
determine the kill of small game and deer. There was a 79.0
percent return of questionnaires. Data were expanded to
include the total estimated hunters. Each report equals 9#.0
hunters.

The majority (65.9%) of
and 70 percent were successful.

licensees contacted did hunt

The kill of pheasants, grouse, quail, white hare,
cottontail rabbit, raccoon, gray squirrel, and black ducks
declined from I960. The kill of woodcock and other ducks
increased.

-6-

,nV

In regard to hunting pressure (preference)*
pheasants were first, followed by grouse, cottontail
rabbit, white hare, gray squirrel, woodcock, other ducks,
black duck, quail and raccoon.

For hunter success, those taking raccoon were first,
followed in order by cottontail rabbit, gray squirrel,
pheasant, black duck, grouse, white hare, woodcock, other
duck, and quail •

A majority (69.5%) of gunners reported hunting only
on private lands, while $.& percent hunted only state
management areas and 21.7 percent hunted both.

The expanded sample indicated that there were
52,03& deer hunters who reported a mean kill of ,0753 or
total calculated kill of 3>91& deer. The reported kill
directly after the season was 2,533 which is about 65
percent of the calculated figure. In the past, it has
been estimated that the reported kill was only about
60 percent of the actual kill. The calculated figure
(3»9lS), therefore, may be very close to the true kill.

Statewidg__Deer Harvest: The 1962 reported deer kill

figure T2,53<5y was 34 percent less than a ten-year average
figure (3,371). A total of 2,53& deer was reported taken
by hunters. Of these, 1,269 were males and 1,264 were
females, plus 5 which were reported with no sex indicated.
The even sex ratio of 1.0 males to 1.0 females has been
a constant figure for 15 years. The gunners accounted
for 2,516 white tails while the archers collected 22 deer.
The reason for the reduced kill figure for 1962 was not
determined. Kill figures for ten towns surrounding
the 100,000 acre Quabbin watershed showed that this area
has little influence on the statewide deer kill.

Mortality data compiled for a ten-year period
(1953 to 1962) for deer killed by means other than hunting
show that an average of 5$7 deer are removed annually
from the herd. Of the 5#7 deer, an average of 376 (64%)
are killed by cars, 99 (17%) are killed by dogs, and 112
(19%) are disposed of by drowning, illegal kill, injury,
etc.

Deer Herd Composition: During the 1962 (shotgun)
season, a total of 657 deer were processed at the deer
checking stations. These deer represent a 26 percent
sample of the 2,53$ deer reported killed. A decline of
546 deer was noted from the 1961 kill figure of 3>0#4 deer.

A summary of age data shows the deer kill was
composed of 2S percent fawns, 25 percent in the 1-1/2 year
class, 19 percent in the 2-1/2 year class, 14 percent in the
3-1/2 year class and the remaining 14 percent in the 4-1/2
and older classes. This is comparable to the harvest of
previous years.

-7-

An average male fawn weighed &3 pounds while the
average 3- h year old male weighed 133 pounds. The weight of
bucks increases roughly 40 to 50 pounds per year up to age
3-i years. Eight to ten pounds are added annually by males from
3-1 "to 5-i years. The average 5-i year old male weighs 200 pounds

Female fawn weights averaged 7$ pounds. The does
showed the greatest weight gain during the first year, adding
roughly 40 pounds and weighing 117 pounds at 1-i years old.
Weight gains in subsequent years are relatively slow, averaging
about three pounds per year. The average 5-i year (and older)
female weighed 146 pounds.

Shotgun and ammunition size data showed that 69
percent of the successful hunters used a 12-gauge gun; 26 percent
of the hunters used a 16-gauge ; the 20-gauge gun was used by 4*5
percent; and .5 percent used . 410, 2# and 10-gauge guns.

Fifty-four percent of the hunters used slugs to kill
their deer. Those using buckshot amounted to 26 percent and 20
percent used both slugs and buckshot.

Waterfowl
percent

Census: The total 1963 waterfowl count was
down 13 percent from 1962. Black ducks were down IS percent.
All puddle ducks were down 17 percent. Scoters, eiders and old
squaws were down 7 percent. Other diving ducks were down 17
percent. Canada geese were down 20 percent. In every case,
except baldpate and scaup, the 1963 count was above the nine-
year average figure (1955-1963).

Mourning; Dove Census: The 1962 spring call count

produced a breeding index of 11. There was an average of 5.4

doves heard per route. The 1961 index was 9 with an average of
4.3 doves per route.

The fall count resulted in fewer birds seen than in 1961
when the figures were disappointingly low. The maximum number
seen on any management area was 400 and the majority of
observations were less than 100. Counts on private land produced
even fewer than on management areas.

Wood Duck Nesting Success and Brood Survival: During
January of 1962,"* all of the old nesting boxes at Great" Meadows
Refuge were removed and 100 new boxes erected at previously marked
sites throughout the marsh. Despite this refurbishment of the
boxes, the nesting usage failed to show any improvement this
year. Out of 97 boxes available, there were 43 nesting attempts
of which 32 were successful, producing 322 ducklings. On the
statewide sample check, the usage was 35 percent compared to 37
percent in 1961 and 54 percent average for a seven-year period
prior to 1961.

-8-

»v

A trapping and banding program was carried out at
Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge during the month of
September 1962. A total of 144 individual wood ducks were .
captured. The trapped sample consisted of 46 immature s
and 9# adults. This is the most dismal juvenile to adult
ratio ever encountered at Great Meadows and is symptomatic of
the declining population.

Samples were taken at Great Meadows Refuge for
spectrophotometry analysis to determine if insecticide
residues were present. Five wood ducks, ten soil samples,
a golden shiner and a bullfrog were collected. The ducks
and frog tested were negative but the golden shiner
showed 14«2 p. p.m. of DDT. The soil samples have not yet
been analyzed.

Experimental Turkey Stocking: A wild turkey
restoration experiment was instituted in Massachusetts in
I960 with the objective of determining if a huntable
population could be established. Twenty-two wild turkeys
were released in Quabbin Reservation, crintral Massachusetts,
during I960 and 1961. Reproduction in 1961 resulted in 4#
poults surviving until September 1961 when the total
population was estimated to number 62 turkeys. Only 17
turkeys could be located in the spring of 1962. Reproduction
in 1962 amounted to 34 poults surviving until September
1962 when the total population was estimated to be 50
turkeys. Fifteen turkeys could be located in the spring of
1963.

Twelve wild turkeys were on Mount Washington in the
spring of 1962. Over 20 poults hatched during the summer.
Fifteen turkeys were moved to October Mountain State Forest
during the summer of 1962. Twelve turkeys remained in
the spring of 1963 .

No more than five turkeys were in October Mountain
State Forest in the spring of 1962. Seventeen additional
turkeys were released during the summer of 1962. Two to
seven turkeys remained in the spring of 1963*

Sixteen turkeys released near Otis, Massachusetts
in the fall of 196I evidently failed to establish a
population.

Utilization of Public Hunting Grounds: Hunter usage
on eleven areas was estimated at §0,000 man days in 1962
which is a 7 percent increase over 1961. On ten areas
which are comparable, usage in 1962 was up 21 percent over
I960 and up 30 percent over 1959. The majority of hunters
came from within a 20-mile radius of the management areas.
Hunting pressure during the week was noticeably heavier
on days after areas were stocked. A chjck of multiple
use from April to October showed considerable usage
falling into 29 different categories. None of these

-9-

r ,>.*;

uses interferes with the original intent of the area

and does not increase the work load of project personnel.

Activities Sponsored. .Entire!^

Stocking; Surplus pheasant and quail brood stock
was released in May and June,
were stocked at twelve weeks
cocks were released the week
season on private lands open
and quail of both sexes were
on wildlife management areas,

Cocks and hens of the year
of age in August . Adult
before and during the upland
to hunting. Cock pheasants
released throughout the season

In connection with the Sportsmen ?s Club Pheasant
Rearing Program, district personnel inspected club rearing
pens and delivered pheasants to the 50 clubs participating.

White hare were released after the season throughout
the state to supplement brood stock.

White Hare Study; Tag returns of 2,442 imported hare
liberated during 19&2-63 in Massachusetts covers were
tabulated. Only 60 tags were returned which represents a
2.4 percent return on a state-wide basis.

From the small sample of tag returns (25) it was
possible to show that 14 or 56 percent of the liberated
hare moved two or more miles from the release sites
and generally in a northerly direction. Eleven or 44
percent were shot within two miles of the release site.

A box trap census and hunter survey indicated that
native hare had a 41 percent survival from 1962 to 1963
contrasted with a three percent survival for imported hare.

After the close of the 1963 hare hunting season on
February 5, 2,215 tagged hare were liberated. Of these, 1,199
were conditioned or held on the game farms for an average of
22 days. The remaining 1,016 were released on the date of
arrival. To date, conditioning of hare has been an added
expense and has not yet proven to be beneficial to survival.

Two in-season experimental releases (1962-1963) of
30 hare each have shown that hunters do not shoot out a
hare population.

The Division plans to stock hare in 1964.

-10-

Damage Complaints: District personnel handled
an increasing number of "beaver complaints from both town
officials and individuals. Complaints were solved by
trapping and transplanting, issuing permits to destroy
or destroying by dynamiting.

Rabbit damage complaints were answered by supplying
live traps and transplanting those taken. Advice was
offered to many on how to cope with this frequent problem.

Checking Stations: Five beaver pelt checking stations
were maintained for two days at the close of the trapping
season. A total of 5$9 pelts was examined.

Surveys: Three woodcock consus routes were run to
determine the spring breeding index. Woodcock wing
envelopes were distributed to hunters for the collections
of wings from fall-shot birds.

Field Trials: Improvements were made and assistance
given for running trials on the Westboro and Crane Wildlife
Management Areas.

Community Conservation Planning: Considerable
information and assistance was given to professional town
planners and town conservation commissions and school groups.
Many interagency conferences were attended to assist
cooperative programs with the Soil Conservation Service,
Corps of Army Engineers and the United States Fish and
Wildlife Service.

Game Bird) Propagation: Of major importance was the
severe we^aTTnlTrconditions during the month of February
which caused extensive damage to our game farms, especially
at the Wilbraham Game Farm where heavy, wet snow destroyed
the majority of the covered pheasant pens. This resulted
in costly repairs and replacements. Nevertheless total
pheasant production for the 1963 season will not suffer.

The last fiscal year showed an all-time high release of
62,217 cock pheasants and 14,456 hen pheasants.

Much progress has been made in converting many old oil
brooders to modern gas brooders. In an effort to improve
the hatchability and live ability of our present brood stock,
new bloodlines were introduced through the cooperation of
the New Jersey Division of Fish and Game. It should be
noted that this is an experiment in an effort to improve,
if possible, our present ringneck pheasant strain.

During this period, white hare were again held at
three of the game farms for conditioning prior to release.

Other routine maintenance was conducted.

-11-

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FISHERIES PROGRAM

During the 1963 fiscal year the evaluation of fisheries
management practices was continued. A significant amount of
time was spent on testing new techniaues and the further
development of basic tools. Among these were an assessment
of the practicability of aerial application of fish control
chemicals, the sophistication of electrical collection gear,
the refinement of field water analysis and the further
testing of selective fish eradication chemicals.

The major emphasis of the fish management section was
directed toward providing immediate sport fishing. The
reclamation program (Table 1) was continued and trout
stocking was implemented in conjunction with hatchery
personnel, A study to determine areas suitable for trout
both in streams and ponds was carried out by all fisheries
units. During this period, 34»700 large -mouth bass were
stocked in rehabilitated waters, as were 2,700 chain pickerel-
These fish were procured from the Merrill Pond and Harold
Parker rearing systems. Twenty-five thousand fish were
restocked in the systems for the 1964 season.

In addition to the aformentioned field activities
and the following described major projects, it should be
noted that District personnel perform a multitude of so
called "trouble -shooting" tasks that are in many ways
routine and yet which are in fact of great importance in
fulfilling the duties and obligations of this Division to
both the resource and the sportsmen. Among these are the
constant efforts on the part of field units to further the
development of access areas; their contributions to keeping
the sporting public informed on matters vital to their
sport; the constant checking and reporting of fish kills
caused by numerous factors; and many mundane maintenance
and administrative tasks that preserve the efficiency of
the physical plants.

Creel Census, Activities :

During the last year regular fisherman interviews
were continued on the eight ponds set up as an investigation
unit. At Quabbin Reservoir a creel census was carried on
at the three launching areas. The data for the previous
year was analyzed and prepared in report form. During this
period 64,000 trout fingerlings were stocked in the reservoir,
as were 3&,650 marked yearling brown trout, 7,400 yearling rain-
bows and 53,213 fingerling lake trout. This phase of the
project will continue in order that the most profitable
stocking rates, time and species combinations can be obtained.

•13-

Four trout ponds on Cape Cod and three warm-
water ponds in central Massachusetts were subjected to
a creel census during the past year, including the
ice-fishing season.

Pesticide Studies;

Laboratory facilities at Westboro have been expanded
to meet the growing demand for readily available analysis
of polluted water, with the major emphasis on pesticides.
The U. S. Department of Public Health increased its grant
to the Division to $15,000.00 per year. During this past
year the Massachusetts Audubon Society provided the
Division with a gas chromatography laboratory for the rapid
screening and identification of pesticide residues. The
University of Massachusetts contributed monies and equipment,
as did the New England Interstate Water Pollution Control
Commission, the Connecticut River Watershed Council, the
Farmington River Watershed Association, and the Westfield
River Watershed Association.

Water Quality Surveys:

During this period a state-wide project aimed at
determining thereasons for variable stocking success of
fresh-water fishes was undertaken. There is reason to
believe that this variance is related directly to the
chemical characteristics of the water stocked. Since a
large proportion of fisheries funds in Massachusetts are
expended on stocking activities, it is important that
factors which have a bearing on stocking survival be
thoroughly investigated.

Copies of all technical reports concerning any
phase of fisheries research projects are available through
the Division.

-14-

■

TABLE # 1
TROUT WATERS RECLAIMED JULY 1, 1962 - JUNE 30, 1963

Pond

Chi cope e Reservoir
Factory Hollow Pond
Mill River
Fearing Pond
Rf>cky Pond
Lout Pond
Stiles Pond
Pleasant Pond
Lake Massapoag *

Town

Area in Acres

Chicopee

Amherst

Plymouth

Boxford

Wenham

Sharon

353

Warm-water Ponds Reclaimed

Lake Snipatuit -

Rochester

710

Long Pond

Rochester

Widgeon Pond

Plymouth

Sassaquin Pond

New Bedford

Warner Pond

Hadley

Campus Pond

Amherst

* Two-story management

-15-

Trout Propagation

Trout releases from the five state fish hatcheries,
including additions from the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service,
totalled 1,667,706 trout, of which Massachusetts liberated
1,493,305 trout.

The federal hatcheries at Pittsford, Vermont;
Nashua, New Hampshire; Hartsville and North Attleboro,
Massachusetts, released 174,401 trout to areas designated
by this Division.

In November, 1962, we received 200,000 lake trout
eggs from the New York Conservation Department in exchange
for eyed brook trout eggs. These lake trout eggs were
reared at our Montague and Sunderland Hatcheries and the
ressulting fry were stocked in the Quabbin Reservoir.

We obtained 51#,000 early brown trout eggs which
were taken from breeders kept under artificial lighting from
the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service Hatchery in Cortland,
New York. The results of these early eggs will be compared
with our stock for future consideration.

Water Resources

We have found it advisable to check temperatures more
closely to show the water resources at each station. Graphs
of daily air and water temperatures are being compiled to
give us a better understanding of growth potential. As a
result of the extremely cold winter, some of our hatcheries
failed to obtain normal growth in the brown trout species.
Lack of precipitation during spring and summer greatly reduced
the supply of water, necessitating the constant use of
pumps.

Trout Coloration

An experiment for brightening colors in trout was
set up at the Sunderland Hatchery using canthaxanthin (a
synthetic coloring material). This product had been used
successfully in coloring broilers when supplemented by yellow
corn and dehydrated alfalfa meal. We were able to procure
ten grams of canthaxanthin in beadlet form which we had
incorporated into a medium-sized pellet at a 5 mg/lb level by
our feed manufacturer. Three separate lets of 3,000
each brook trout fingerlings 3-J* average length and each
with independent water supplies were set up on October IS,
1962. The first group labeled A was fed canthaxanthin, group
B acted as a control and group C was fed paprika at a three
percent level. Our photography department took slides of
fish selected at random from each group in the beginning when

-16-

*:?.■>*•

the experiment was set up, and then again on January 15th,
March 14th and April 1st. Production sheets were
maintained to record growth as well as visible color change.
It was noted that group A, containing canthaxanthin, showed
a slight increase in growth over groups B and C. After six
months research there was no visible color change using
canthaxanthin.

Color research was continued at the Montague
Hatchery using paprika containing 194 mgs. calculated total
carotene per pound, incorporated into pellets at a three
percent level. Observations indicate that the brown trout
converted the yellows in paprika equally as well as brooks
and rainbows transformed the red xanthophyll (a yellow
vegetable pigment, C40H66O2, occurring in grain or leaves;
oxygenated derivatives of carotene hydrocarbons).

Warmwater Trout

Personnel at the Palmer Hatchery have been keeping
brook trout in shallow ponds during the summer when high
water temperatures prevail. These brook trout have produced
excellent eggs and the resulting fry and fingerlings will be a
welcome addition to the pond stocking program.

Change-Over at Sunderland

Sunderland recently completed a full year of producin
only yearlings for distribution. All brood stock and two-
year-olds were liberated in the spring of 1962 with the
understanding that the hatchery personnel would have three
years to completely sterilize the hatchery to eradicate a
disease problem. This program was instituted on the advice
of the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service Disease Laboratory
in Leetown, West Virginia. However, the hatchery personnel
were unable to complete the sterilization program and are once
again raising two-year-old of 9"+ size which will be stocked
in the spring of 1964. The holding of 100,000 yearling trout
which would have been liberated in the spring of 1963, and
the fact that all trout were liberated in 19o2 accounts for
the drop in poundage from this station.

Construction

Limited cons-
Palmer and Sunderland,

Sandwich and Sutton. Six concrete raceways #0' x 10 * x 3V with
connecting drains were
wells were constructed
series of eight wooden
the use of a big open
A 10'* transite sewer 1:
upper ponds when being

struction was carried on at Montague,
with the bulk of funds going to

completed at Sandwich and several new
to supply these pools. At Sutton a
raceways were constructed to replace

pond to allow better hatchery management.

.ine was installed to divert water from
sterilized.

-17-

TROUT DISTRIBUTION IN MASSACHUSETTS FROM STATE AND FEDERAL HATCHERIES

JULY 1, 1962 TO JUNE 30, 1963

BROOKS BROWNS RAINBOWS

Under 6" Over 6" Under 6" Over 6" Under 6" Over 6" TOTAL TROUT
161,679 554,243 221,775 418,023 139,650 122,326 1,667,706

Total Trout Distributed 6-9" 753,044

Total Trout Distributed 9" plus 167,157

Total Federal Trout Distributed 6" plus 174,401

Total Catchables (6yr plus) • 1,094,602

Total Fingerlings (6!? minus) 573,104

Grand Total 1,667,706

■ '.■ BssaasasaqaBssaa asnq tssaatafssssssassssmasBaam eaa ■ t an , ea m bc— ■ ■■■ ■

STATION POUNDAGE

STATION TOTAL LBS.

Montague 66,225

Palmer 30,745

Sandwich 71,194

Sunderland 67,128

Sutton 22,641

State Poundage 257,933

North Attleboro 10,466

Hartsville 11,274

Nashua, New Hampshire 12,921

Pittsford, Vermont 5,o36

Federal Poundage ♦ 40 , 497

Grand Total 296,430

(This table does not show trout retained for brood stock)

LAND ACQUISITION PROGRAM

During the past year leases for the continued use of
a strip of land along the three branches of the Westfield
River, the Farmington and Squannacook Rivers were renewed.
Where possible, new leases were obtained. There was a natural
loss of leased land along the Middle Branch of the Westfield
River due to the taking of land by the Federal Government
for the Little ville Flood Control project.

Approximately seventy-five acres were added to
the Wildlife management area known as West Meadows, located
in West Bridgewater. Approximately 130 acres were added to
the Peru wildlife area and a sizeable tract was added to
the Phillipston area.

At the close of the year signed options for the
purchase of two sizeable tracts of land were held by the
Division. Both of these areas will be beneficial and important
in the overall plan of the Division to provide adequate fish
and wildlife management areas throughout the state.

Several other possible acquisitions were checked into
some feeirg considered unsuitable either because of their size
and the difficulties which would be encountered in adding more
to the original area or because of price.

The Division is trying to operate in a highly
competitive land market. If it hopes to continue to add to
the areas now under its control or add new areas, more funds
will have to be made available for this purpose.

The public fishing grounds program which has been
in operation since 1932 has proven to be a sound and beneficial
operation to the licensed fishermen of the state as well as
the landowner. The landowners who have, through the years,
leased their land to the Division certainly merit a well
deserved thank you from all fishermen. Their compensation is
small and their headaches many. Let us hope that they, in
the years to come, will continue to cooperate with the Division
and let us also hope that all fishermen will show their
appreciation by making every effort to respect and protect
the rights and property of these public spirited people.

We regret that we cannot give a glowing report
of land acquisition because this Division has never received
sufficient funds for this purpose. We have been able to
acquire several parcels by acquisition and the use of others
through agreements wi£h other agencies, but the program is

-IS-

much too far behind the increasing need. The time is long
past when the Commonwealth can safely ignore the rapidly
increasing demand for public recreational areas and
particularly for wildlife management areas and access sites
to our ponds and streams. Hunter usage of wildlife
management areas, for example, increased seven percent last
year and 21 percent over I960.

An intensive study of this problem is currently
underway. While the need for such areas is so obvious as
to be axiomatic, possible methods of financing their
acquisition and development within the financial capabilities
of the Division are not so easy to determine.

-19-

MASSACHUSETTS COOPERATIVE WILDLIFE RESEARCH UNIT

The new Natural Resources building, known as
Holdsworth Hall, neared completion during the reporting
period. The new facilities for research and teaching
wildlife and fisheries biology probably are unexcelled in
the country.

Wild ; Turkey Pro.je ct ;

A very severe winter caused considerable
mortality among turkey flocks in central Massachusetts
during the past year. However, surviving birds should
represent the hardiest stock, and production was
excellent during the spring. High survival of poults
has been recorded. At least one brood was reared on
October Mountain. The relatively tame flock on Mt.
Washington apparently has had poor production this year.

A number of very reliable reports indicate that
some turkeys in the central part of the state have dispersed
to other possible ranges outside of Quabbin Reservation.
Actual estimates of number can only be made after snowfall*

New England Cottontail Study;

An experimental study of the productivity of the
Eastern and New England Cottontail on an island in Quabbin
Reservoir is still in process. A number of each species
were released during the spring and there has been production
from both.

Ca dwell Forest Areaj_

Tabulation and cost of the most efficient method
of clearing areas in second-growth hardwood forest of poor
quality has been carried out. Definite effect on wildlife must
await further clearings and planting. This is a long-range
project.

Pesticide-Wildlife Project :

Laboratory experiments feeding various doses of DDT
to a captive colony of Towhees as well as intensive field
collections of this species in sprayed areas have continued.
Initial findings suggest that migratory passerine birds
are more vulnerable to DDT in the spring than in the fall.

-20-

Chemosterilant Studies:

Dr. David K. Wetherbee and Dr. Bernard C. Wentworth
have conducted basic research on the effect of chemicals,
dyes, radiation and virus disease as agents to control
populations of nuisance bird species. One dye proved
effective in inhibiting hatching of Herring Gull eggs on Milk
Island. Wetherbee *s work has received national recognition,
not only for initial accomplishments but because of the
pioneering aspects of his research. This is entirely
supported by the Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife and
the Atomic Energy Commission.

Woodcock Manuscript;

The second draft of a woodcock manuscript has

been edited and reviewed by a number of biologists, and a

third draft is being completed for what is hoped to be
a final review.

21-

INFORMATION AND EDUCATION PROGRAM

Like modern conservation agencies in every state,
the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Game recognizes
that public understanding and support of, and participation
in conservation measures are basic necessities.

As do its sister agencies in every state, this
Division uses publications, news services, films, radio,
television, exhibits, youth programs and personal contact
to serve both the public *s need for information as well as
the Divisions need for public understanding, cooperation
and support <, The program is planned and directed within
the information and education section and implemented
primarily through the section and the district wildlife
managers. All personnel of the division are expected to
participate regularly in information and education activities.

Following are enumerated activities of this
program for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1963:

News Services

A total of 151 separate stories, (five more than
last year) were released as follows: statewide releases
from I&E-&4; television news strips from I&E-16; area
releases by district managers- 51 • In addition, almost
constant contact with media representatives by I&E and
district personnel resulted in a minimum of 35 feature
articles outside of rod and gun columns. Assistance to
free lance authors was given in the case of several national
magazine articles.

Massachusetts Wildlife

Circulation of this bi-monthly free magazine showed
a net gain for the reporting period of 5,443 subscribers,
with a mailing list at the close of the reporting period
of 42,119. Circulation growth, entirely by personal request
of the individual desiring the magazine, continues at a rate
of over 900 new names per issue. Additional methods of
mailing list control are currently under study.

Audio-Visual Aids

I&E prepared and presented a total of 40 television
programs, including 16 " Dateline Boston'' half-hour shows,
30 ''Critter Corner" 15 minute shows, and four special shows.
The section also supplied film used on the CBS network
special show ''Silent Spring of Rachel Carson.'''

The audio-visual supervisor was the only producer
of a public service program asked by channel five to load
a production session at a seminar held by channsl five for
public service television personnel.

-22-

A number of radio recordings and other interviews
were made by various personnel.

The fifteen titles carried in the film loan library-
were booked a total of 741 times before 59, 280 viewers. New
films added during the year included "Our Wildlife Heritage"
and a copy of the "Silent Spring" CBS show. Film usage
this year was nearly double that of previous years, made
possible by the addition of a clerk to the audio-visual
office. Work was begun on a film on pheasant propagation.

Seven exhibits at sportsmen's shows and fairs
were participated in by district personnel in cooperation
with I&E.

Publications

The publications inventory has been deliberately
exhausted, to make way for replacement in the future by a
limited number of specific titles of more widespread public
information value. At the close of the reporting period,
work was underway on a new publication on the pheasant
in Massachusetts.

The current year's Annual. Report^ Stocked Waters
List, Fish and Game Laws Abstracts. Closedi Towns~Tist. "
and Migratory Game Regulations were compiled and published
by I&E.

Tours and Demonstrations

The Northeast District conducted three "Show Me"
trips with members of the press, a field demonstration of
fisheries activities for the Massachusetts Federation of
Sportsmen's Clubs, and a demonstration of electric shocking
equipment for a town conservation commission and forestry
commission.

The Central District took press representatives
on three field trips, conducted two "show me" tours for
sportsman's officials, participated in a three-day
conservation education program for 500 scouts of the Mohegan
Council, demonstrated trout stocking for the Mahar Regional
High School rod and gun club, and demonstrated use of hunting
dogs for the Leominster Jr. Sportsmen.

The Western District made two tours with members of th,
press and conducted three "show me" tours for the public.

The Southeastern District made six tours with
members of the press and conducted three field demonstrations
on fisheries management for sportsmen's groups and boy scouts.

I&E conducted a number
groups of high school youths and
connection with career guidance.

-23-

of special programs for
guidance counsellors in

District personnel attended or participated
in 327 meetings of sportsmen 9s groups, civic and fraternal
organizations, youth and church groups, etc., besides
numerous unrecorded meetings with individuals and various
local groups to advise directly on wildlife management matters.

Both I&E personnel and others throughout the
Division participated in numerous unrecorded meetings as
usual.

The I&3 chief served during the year as secretary-
treasurer of the American Association for Conservation
Information, and was elected 2nd Vice President at the annual
meeting in Nebraska in June.

Conservation Education

The I&E chief continued to assist in functions
of the State Advisory Committee For Conservation Education.
The I&E section works closely with the supervisor of
conservation education in the Department of Education.

The 14th annual session of the Massachusetts Junior
Conservation Camp was conducted by I&E with the help of
other Division personnel at Thompson¥s Pond, Spencer. A
total of 123 campers were graduated. A 100-question test
was devised and administered to the campers, and later
administered to a control group of youth of the same age who
had not attended this camp. The average scores of campers
were about 20 percent higher than those of the control group,
and the camper*s scores ranged from 96 percent to 45 percent with
the majority in the &0?s.

Sportfishing Award Program

The I&E section inaugurated the Massachusetts
Freshwater Sportfish Awards program with the beginning of
fishing season last spring. Under this program, anglers
reporting catches which equal or exceed specified size
or weight minimums are awarded a bronze pin memorializing
their catch. Plans are to award a special pi-i •forV't-he*- fyyp
fish in each category at the end of the calendar year.
All qualifying entries become part of the official records.

Through this program, the angler receives official
proof of his catch, but more important, the Division is able
to establish a record of the better than average fish caught
in Massachusetts. The record is useful both for rranagement
purposes and to generally promote fishing in Massachusetts.
Extensive and continous publicity is given the program and
its results throughout the calendar year.

-24-

Immediate reaction to the new program was
evidenced, with numerous reports of surprisingly large
fish coming in by the end of the reporting period. For
example, a 12-pound bass and a 12-pound trout were among
the reports recorded by June 30. For the first time,
official records are in existence to demonstrate that
Massachusetts produces fishing of a quality that requires
no apologies*

Miscellaneous

I&E continued to handle all editing, printing
and publishing functions for the Division.

Approximately 19>000 "Safety Zone'1 posters were
distributed free to landowners by the districts and i&Eo

Twenty towns have permitted erection of metal
highway signs calling hunter's attention to the safety zone
law.

-25-

- I V". Jjr J

June 30, 1963

GENERAL ADMINISTRATION
How The Sportsmen's Dollar Was Spent

ADMINISTRATION

Administration 3304-01

Fish and Game Board "

Information - Education n

FISHERIES MANAGMgNT

Fish Hatcheries 3304-42

Management 3304-42
Striped Bass & Marine

Fisheries Investigation 3304-46

Fish Restoration Projects 3304-47*

Management 3304-51

WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT

Game Farms
Management
Wildlife Coop. Unit
Wildlife Restoration

LAND ACQUISITION

LAW ENFORCEMENT

Deer Damage

Public Hunting Grounds
Conservation Officers -
Salaries & Expenses

3304-51
3304-51
3304-44
3304-53*

3304-53*

3303-05*
3303-07

$90,931.26

1.225.00 $92,156.26 7-1/5^
63,933.40 5-1/3*

101,073.73

10,673.33
26,225.13
69,962.

303,179.35 23-2/3%

207,945.14 16-1/5%

257,377.93 20-1/10'
69,962.46
7 932.59
127^072!l0 204,967.15 16*

2,500.00 1/5*

9,323.63
7,343.20

1003-03 123,256.42 144,923.30 11-3/10J

*Continuing Accounts

Expenditures under:

3304-46

3304-47

3304-53
reimbursed 75$ by Federal Funds.

$ 1,232,433.03 100*

RESERVE IN INLAND FISHERIES AMD GAME FUND
AS OF JUNE 30, 1963 - $ 232,754.46

-26-

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-27-

SUMMARY OF FISH & GAME INCOME

Fishing 9 Hunting & Trapping Licenses

Special Licenses , Trap Registration & Tags

Alien Gun Permits

Rents

Misc. Sales & Income

Pittman-Robertson Federal Aid

Dingell Johnson Federal Aid

Court Fines

Refunds Prior Year

Archery Stamps

$ 1,179^792.34 *
5,412.61 **

94.50

J*
■' 3,412.00

3,503-28

62,333.40
37,025.51

5,362.00
44.37

4,661.60

* See Detail Sheet #1
## t» « >< &2.

$ 1,307,696.61

-23-

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-29-

■

DETAIL SHEET #2

ANALYSIS OF SPECIAL LICENSES ISSUED UNDER SECTIONS 4$, 68A, 102-3-
4-5-6-7 and 112-A, Chapter 131, G. L. during the FISCAL YEAR ENDED
JUNE 30, 1963

TYPE OF LICENSE

NUMBER ISSUED

RECEIPTS

Trap Registrations:
Initial
Renewal

Fur Buyers:

Resident

Taxidermists:

Propagators:

(Special Fish)
Initial
Renewal

(Fish)
Initial
Renewal

(Birds & Mammals)
Initial
Renewal

(Dealers)
Initial
Renewal
Additional
Duplicate

(Ind. Bird or Mammal)
Initial
Renewal

Shiners for Bait:

Field Trial Licenses:

Quail for Training Dogs :
Initial
Renewal

Tags :

Game
Fish

Commercial Shooting Preserve Tags

" ,s " Posters

Commercial Shooting Preserves:

632

$ 276.50

270.00

295.00

197

223.00

14
81

313.00

64
305

1,235.00

386

637.50

47.50

246

1,230.00

70.00

11
35

160.00

2,498
17 , 8 46

1,550
485

405.11

250.00

TOTAL: $5,412.61

.30-

M^sHM!

LEGISLATION PASSED

The following laws directly affecting the
Division of Fisheries and Game were enacted during the
legislative session of 1963»

CHAPTER 346, ACTS, 1963:

CHAPTER 3&L, ACTS, 1963:

CHAPTER 291, ACTS, 1963:

CHAPTER 102, ACTS, 1963:

An act relative to the placing
of poison for the purpose of
killing certain mammals and birds.

An act providing that permits issued
by the Director of the Division of
Fisheries and Game for commercial
shooting preserves shall expire
annually.

An act relative to the molesting,
attacking or killing of deer by dogs
in Hampshire County and the towns
of Hardwick, Barre, Petersham and
Athol in Worcester County „

An act providing that the Director
of the Division of Fisheries and
Game be a member, ex officio, of the
Pesticide Board in the Department
of Public Health.

CHAPTER 107, ACTS, 1963: An act relative to the possession of

certain firearms in motor boats.

CHAPTER 509, ACTS, 1963:

CHAPTER 45S, ACTS, 1963:

An act directing the Director of
the Division of Fisheries and Game
to prepare plans and specifications
for a Fish Hatchery at the Quabbin
Reservoir.

An act authorizing the Director of
the Division of Fisheries and Game
to take by eminent domain certain
land in the town of Petersham and
Phillipston.

-31-

■

LEGISLATION UNDER CONSIDERATION

Under consideration for submission to the next
General Court is an enabling act to provide for authority
for the Director to appoint additional outlets for the
sale of hunting, fishing, sporting and trapping licenses,
Massachusetts is the only state in the nation which does not
sell any of its licenses through outlets other than town
and city clerks and its main office. It is believed that
establishing additional outlets will improve the public
service by making licenses easier to purchase, by easing the
burden on present outlets, and by a potential increase in
revenue.

Also under consideration
to provide for disposal of the Mar
the highest possible financial
Fisheries and Game. This farm
It is no longer in a favorable
of its product, and. being small
larftT for expansion and by reason of being in the town
center, it no longer is considered an economic operation
Production and permanent personnel of the farm will be
absorbed by other installations.

is an enabling act
hfield game farm at
return to the Division of
will be closed in the fall,
location for the distribution
and restricted by lack of

•32-

-»..*•

RULES AND REGULATIONS PROMULGATED BY THE DIRECTOR OF
FISHERIES AND GAME DURING FISCAL YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 1963,
AND StJMMARY OF OUTSTANDING REGULATIONS,

August 49 194$ • Rules and regulations for the artificial
propagation and maintenance of fish.

August 1+9 194&o Rules and regulations for the artificial
propagation of birds and mammals.

July 14s 1952. Rules and regulations for hunting with
bows and arrows .

August 12, 1953o Rules and regulations governing sale
of protected fresh water fish by licensed dealers in
Massachusetts,,

March 26, 1954* Rules and regulations governing the
display of sporting, hunting, fishing, and trapping licenses
in Massachusetts, effective April 9, 1954.

January 2&, 1955. Rules and regulations relative to
public fishing grounds in Massachusetts.

April 3 9 1956. Rules and regulations governing the
taking of fish in interstate ponds lying between Massachusetts
and New Hampshire, effective April 10, 1956.

February 14* 1957. Rules and regulations relating to the
taking of carp and suckers for the purpose of sale.

February 15 » 1957. Rules and regulations relative to the
tagging of deer in Massachusetts.

October 20, 1959. Rules and regulations for public
shooting grounds and wildlife management areas in Massachusetts.

September 10, i960. Interstate fishing regulations on
Wallum Lake.

September 10, i960. Rules and regulations relating to the
hunting of gray squirrels in Massachusetts.

December 23, 1961. Rules and regulations regarding
Lake Garfield in the town of Monterey.

April 16, 1962. Rules and regulations relating to the
taking of certain fish in Massachusetts.

May 10, 1962. Rules and regulations relating to the
taking of shad in the inland waters of the commonwealth.

1963.

August 24? 1962o Migratory game bird regulations 1962-

October 1, 1962. Rules and regulations relating to hunting
of pheasants, quail, and ruffed grouse in Massachusetts.

-33-

January 1, 1963. Rules and regulations relating
to the hunting of deer in Massachusetts*

January 1, 1963. Rules and regulations relating to the
hunting of hares and rabbits in Massachusetts.

June 1, 1963. Rules and regulations relating to the
hunting and trapping of mammals in Massachusetts

ij/t ;|; sj« >;c i\t

-34-

£ Oh

MASSACHUSETTS .DIVISION

OF
FISHERIES AND DAME

1964

James M. Shepard, Director
73 Tremont Street
Boston, Massachusetts

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Y////S

His Excellency, Endicott Peabody, Governor
of the Commonwealth, the Executive Council,
the General Court, and the Board of the
Division of Fisheries and Game.

Sirs:

I have the honor to submit herewith the
Ninety-ninth Annual Rgpor-txcf. the: Division
of Fisheries and Game, covering the fiscal
year from July 1, 1963 to June 30, 1964.

Respectfully submitted,

JAMES M. SHEPARD
DIRECTOR

THE BOARD REPORTS

The last fiscal year has been marked by a number of events of
great significance to the future of hunting and fishing in Massachu-
setts, indeed to the whole future of our wildlife resources.

Perhaps most significant both immediately and in years to come
was the Board's decision to sponsor a greatly accelerated program of
land acquisition. Recognizing that wildlife habitat in Massachusetts
is rapidly diminishing in the face of onrushing suburbia and its attend-
ant housing developments, industrial expansion and creation of new
highways, the Board voted at its January, 1964 meeting to adopt a pro-
gram of wildlife land acquisition.

Under this program, citizens who benefit by preservation of wild
areas and enhancement of our wildlife populations, but who do not buy
hunting or fishing licenses, would contribute at least indirectly to
the program, while hunters, fishermen, and trappers would contribute
directly. This will be achieved by establishing a continuing fund,
earmarked solely for land acquisition, approximately one-half of which
would come from the Commonwealth's General Fund and the remainder from
an additional fee of $1.00 on all hunting, fishing, and trapping lic-
enses. This legislation is being entered in the 1965-1966 legislature,
and deserves your support, if you value the wildlife resources of
Massachusetts .

Another significant piece of legislation- proposed this year, and
also entered in the coming legislature, is' the' bi'll to authorize appoint-
ment of additional license sales agents. At present, Massachusetts is
the only state in the Nation which does not sell even one type of sports-
man ' s license through commercial outlets. All othet states sell one or
more types through places such as sporting good stores, service stations,
etc., but Massachusetts still restricts sales to only the Division's
Boston office and the offices of city and town clerks. It is believed
that this enabling legislation will reap considerable benefits both in
revenue to the Division, and in tourist expenditures accruing to the
economy of the Commonwealth.

Sportsmen themselves are showing an increased sense of responsibil-
ity for land acquisition activities. Of particular note was receipt by
the Division this year of the deed to the Squannacook River land, being
purchased by the Middlesex County League of Sportsmen's Clubs using don-
ations from hundreds of individuals. The Board commends the Middlesex
County League for this most unselfish and forward-looking action, and
expresses its appreciation to all who have contributed to the project
in any way.

The Division received international recognition during the year,
when several of its information and education materials placed highest
in overall competition among the states and Canadian provinces.

(1)

Significant help to needed construction and habitat improvement
activities was received through the federal Accelerated Public Works
program. Using federal funds, habitat work was done on the Downfall
area, Myles Standish area and in the Fall River-Freetown state forest
wildlife management area. Construction of needed facilities was ac-
complished at the Wilbraham game farm and at the Andover rearing sys-
tem, and a water control structure was constructed on the West Meadows
area.

Long range planning documents were completed for both the fish-
eries and game programs, preparatory to qualifying for additional fed-
eral recreation funds in the future. A most significant point made by
both these studies is the fact that the population of Massachusetts may
be expected to double within the lifetime of many of us. This can only
mean increased demand for outdoor recreation, with fewer available land
and water areas to produce the wildlife which is at the very core of
most outdoor recreation. This poses the urgent necessity for aggressive,
effective programs now, such as that proposed for the wildlife land
acquisition account. As a step in this direction, the Board authorized
establishment of a new Realty Section this year utilizing personnel and
equipment already in existence, and thus bringing into one office all
the records and responsibility for the vital land program.

Another excessively dry year is now behind us, and this year was
no exception in that district crews and hatchery trucks were heavily
involved in assisting fire personnel in prevention and suppression of
forest fires. The problem of water supplies at several of our hatch-
eries was particularly acute, and demonstrates the need for additional
land acquisition to protect watersheds, continuance on development of
the proposed Quabbin fish hatchery, and other measures to insure future
production of fish for Massachusetts' more than half-a-million anglers.

Despite their difficulties, hatchery personnel produced a record
total of 1,679,620 trout of all three species, with 1,047,045 of them
in excess of six inches.

This year for the first time, all fish released from state hatch-
eries possessed "wild" coloration, achieved through special additives
to the hatchery diet. This one factor reflected most creditably upon
our propagation personnel's foresight and imagination in turning out a
most attractive product.

Pheasant production at our four game farms was again high, 69,905
birds being released, of which 58,570 are legal cocks. Game farm per-
sonnel have performed most creditably in producing large, well-feathered,
hard-flying birds, in numbers not even speculated upon a few years ago.

The hunting safety record in Massachusetts is constantly improving.
The reporting period completed our second hunting season without a sin-
gle accident involving a hunter either being mistaken for game or from
being unseen in the line of fire. This fine record can be attributed
directly to the wearing of fluorescent orange, a development for which

(2)

Massachusetts can take full credit.

Pesticides and pollution are continual problems under study by
your Division of Fisheries and Game. A total of 2,148 samples were
processed in the pesticides laboratory at Westboro, in a process
greatly speeded up by special equipment donated through the Massachus-
etts Audubon Society. Personnel have also been actively working with
the Department of Public Health in classification of streams and other
factors involving pollution.

Director Francis W. Sargent resigned effective December 30, 1963
to accept appointment as Associate Commissioner of the Department of
Public Works. The sportsmen of Massachusetts and this Board owe a
debt of gratitude to Mr. Sargent for his outstanding record during the
short time he was with us as Director. On January 6, 1964, former
wildlife district manager James M. Shepard was appointed as director.
Mr. Shepard is a career veteran of the Division of Fisheries and Game
with 14 years' service, and the Board feels extremely fortunate that
it was not only able to appoint a man so eminently qualified, but also
that he should come from the ranks of outstanding division employees.

The board accepted with regret the resignation of Allan S. Kennedy,
Superintendent of the Bureau of Wildlife Research and Management, on
June 30, 1964.

Roger D. Williams, Natick, was re-elected Chairman of the Board,
and Harry C. Darling, East Bridgewater, was elected Secretary at the
meeting on March 31, 1964, at Westboro. Lawrence Barbieri, Great
Barrington, resigned due to pressure of business activities on July 24,
1963, and Edward Tierney of Pittsfield was appointed to fill his unex-
pired term on May 21, 1964. Martin Burns of Newbury was appointed by
Governor Peabody on November 27, 1963.

The board of the Division of Fisheries and Game expresses its sin-
cere appreciation to all personnel of the division for their continued
exemplary performance of duties, and wishes also to express its apprec-
iation to the Governor, Executive Council, General Court, and to those
other departments, agencies, members of public information media and
the general public who have assisted and supported our programs in the.
past year.

Respectfully submitted;

Roger D. Williams, Chairman
Harry C. Darling, Secretary
F. Stanley Mikelk
Martin Burns
Edward J. Tierney

(3)

INFORMATION AND EDUCATION PROGRAM

The Division of Fisheries and Game has long recognized that it can
manage the wildlife resource of the Commonwealth for the good of all the
people, and of the resource itself, only as effectively as the people
themselves understand and appreciate the need for sound management, and
in proportion to the degree of public confidence inspired by the Division

Such understanding and support depends to a large degree upon an
effective information and education program, such as that conducted by
every state fish and game agency in the United States. While the pro-
gram in Massachusetts is relatively small in terms of staff and budget,
it annually produces informational and educational materials of quality
and quantity comparable to that coming out of many other states with
much larger operations. During the past fiscal year, the information
and education program of the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and
Game scored highest of any entry in international competition for
awards judged by professionals in the public relations, education, pub-
lishing, news services and audio-visual fields. Two first places and
one second place in annual competition conducted by the American Assoc-
iation for Conservation Information were received.

The purpose of the program is to develop and maintain a state of
public concern and effective action on behalf of all natural resources,
with emphasis on those resources affecting wildlife. The commonly
accepted public information media are used, plus youth education pro-
grams in cooperation with educational agencies.

While many time-consuming activities of the section cannot be
numerically reported (the I&E section has the busiest telephone of
any unit at field headquarters) certain activities can be numerically
evaluated.

Among these is the processing of mail. A one-year tabulation re-
vealed that the I&E section produced over twice as much first class
mail, exclusive of news releases and magazine mailings, as the other
two staff sections at field headquarters added together. The volume
of other classes was also proportionately higher. This is only natural,
as most public inquiries are directed to the information office.

In addition, information and education policy recognizes that cer-
tain informational activities must be and are conducted on either a
formal or an informal basis by most other units. The major units other
than I&E engaged in I&E work are the four wildlife districts, although
their efforts mainly take the direction of personal contact, working
with organizations, press contacts, tours, giving technical advice and
similar activities which usually defy accurate tabulation.

(4)

Following are enumerated activities of this program for the fiscal
year ending June 30, 1964.

News Services

A total of 161 separate news stories were processed and distributed
to all media as follows: I&E Section news releases - 97; I&E Section
television news films - 28; and area news releases by district managers -
36.

Continual contact with press representatives (170 such contacts
were reported by the districts alone; I&E keeps no records since such
contacts are almost daily) , resulted in more than 50 special columns
and feature articles. Assistance to free lance writers was given in
connection with several national magazine articles.

An outstanding article, written by the I&E chief, was published in
a national magazine circulated to members of the National Federation of
Women's Clubs. This article presented the case for hunting as an im-
portant part of the total wildlife conservation picture, stressed the
unique financial contribution of the nation's hunters to wildlife con-
servation, and pointed out the fact that sound wildlife conservation
depends upon continued, properly managed hunting. To our knowledge
this is the first time that a national women's publication has carried
a pro-hunting article.

Photos were furnished to media on a number of occasions.

Evaluation of News Clippings

A count of news clippings received for the year shows that receipts
increased 1,118 for a total for the 1964 fiscal year of 3,800 individual
clippings. This is well above average returns.

This is a raw count of individual clippings without regard for
placement or size. The practice of evaluating in terms of column inches
is valueless, since a paragraph with the right message is worth infin-
itely more than a column of indifferent material. Further, it bears
only a slight relationship to the number of news releases issued. The
total of 3,800 during the year was achieved with 133 stories issued
(161 less 28 TV films), while the previous year's total of 2,682 was
gained with 135 stories issued (151 less 16 TV films).

What the division does in its programs, which creates news, has
more effect than anything else on publicity received. During the re-
porting period there was a change of directors, adoption of a new land
acquisition program, a new fishing promotion program, and a number of
newsworthy special events, and the results are evident in increased
usage of releases plus publicity not directly received from releases.

(5)

However, I&E increased its effort, releasing 97 stories and 28
TV news strips as compared to last year's 84 stories and 16 TV news
strips, while districts decreased from 51 stories in the 1963 fiscal
year to 36 for this reporting period. Plans are under way to conduct
an inservice newswriting course for district managers and certain other
personnel in an attempt to improve this part of the program. However,
it should be noted that much of the publicity achieved by districts is
accomplished by personal contact with the press rather than by formal
releases .

Massachusetts Wildlife Magazine

Subscriptions for this bi-monthly magazine stood at 48,344 as of
the end of the fiscal year, a net gain of 4,909 for the year. The net
gain reflects list-cleaning operations routinely conducted during the
year. Since 2,962 undeliverable names were pulled, this means that
7,871 new subscribers applied for the magazine during the year.

During the year a study of methods of mailing list control was
conducted, with reference to the various methods available, costs, and
probable affect on subscriptions. The experience of other states and
commercial publishers with similar subscription growth problems and
attendant financial conditions plus consideration for personnel work
loads indicates that the most applicable system for Massachusetts
might well be to adopt a periodic subscription, to be renewed after
a definite period of time. This should effect a continual process of
cleaning of the mailing list with minimum deleterious effects on the
budget and personnel requirements, and is currently under active con-
sideration. In the meantime, the routine process of removing from the
mailing list all names for which an undelivered copy has been returned
by the post office will continue.

Audio-Visual Aids

The I&E section prepared and presented 18 "Dateline Boston" half-
hour television programs and 14 "Critter Corner" 15-minute programs,
and participated in five "Western Massachusetts Highlights" programs
during the year.

A new film, "Their Heritage", was completed during the year. This
film depicts the benefits derived from wildlife management areas by the
general public.

A number of radio recordings were made with various stations by
I&E personnel, and the districts reported participating in six programs

The 16 film titles carried in the film loan library were booked
a total of 742 times before 59,360 viewers.

(6)

Seven exhibits at sportsmen's shows and fairs were participated in
by district personnel in cooperation with the I&E section.

staff

Hundreds of management photos were processed for the technical

Publications

Three new publications were added to the stock maintained for pub-
lic distribution. These included "The Pheasant in Massachusetts", an
updated edition of the "Wildlife Management Area Guide", and a brochure
promoting the land acquisition program, entitled "Their Heritage". This
last item was designed as a companion piece for the film of the same
title.

Work was begun on instituting an entirely new system of indexing
and stocking the publication library, to greatly facilitate servicing
of requests for information. It is now possible for a clerk to find,
out of hundreds of titles, all publications, magazine articles or other
bulletins on any one subject in a matter of seconds, thus speeding up
the process and greatly simplifying the work load.

The annual routine publications including the annual report, stock-
ed waters list, fish and game laws abstracts, closed towns list, and
others were compiled, published and distributed by I&E. As usual, I&E
was wholly responsible for much of the writing or rewriting, editing,
processing through printing, and distribution of all popular publica-
tions.

Fishing, Hunting and Trapping Licenses

The I&E section completed an exhaustive study of license design,
procedures and sales methods during the year. While many recommenda-
tions involving public relations, IBM methods, etc., were made, the
immediate effect of this study was a newly designed license, which re-
sulted in a savings in printing costs of $8,687 for the first year alone,

In actual use, certain minor deficiencies in the design became
apparent, and work was done on correcting these for next year's licenses

Another major recommendation of the study was that the director
should be authorized to appoint license sales agents in addition to
city and town clerks, and legislation was entered to accomplish this.
Failing of passage, it will be entered again in the next legislature,
with certain ramifications to make it more acceptable to the city and
town clerks. It was found in the study that Massachusetts is the only
state in the Nation which does not sell any type of sportsman's lic-
ense whatsoever through outlets such as sporting goods stores, and

(7)

that such a move should greatly improve public service as well as
enhance revenue to the Commonwealth both in operating funds for the
division and in the form of tourist expenditures accruing to the
economy of Massachusetts.

I&E routinely handles distribution of the plastic license holders
to city and town clerks, with the assistance of field headquarters
maintenance personnel. During the year, a new system of determining
the size of shipments was initiated by the simple method of requiring
clerks to order the specific number they might need for the next year.
A survey found that about half the towns had more than one year's sup-
ply on hand, while a few never received enough under the system used
by the office formerly handling this job. The new system resulted in
a savings of about $3 000 this year, as fewer supplies had to be ordered

Conservation Education

The Massachusetts Junior Conservation completed its 15th year
with 13 8 boys completing the course in Spencer. Under supervision
of the I&E chief for the past four years, the camp has grown in pop-
ularity, evidenced by the waiting list that grows every year. This
year the camp was filled in January, six months before it was scheduled
to run.

During the year the I&E chief received evidence of interest in
financing building of an entirely new facility expressly designed for
the camp. As a consequence, considerable time was spent in selection
of a potential site and designing both building and site requirements.
A portfolio setting forth all requirements including design of build-
ings and other facilities, complete costs and other data, was com-
pleted, and is currently under consideration by those interested.

The I&E chief was active throughout the year in cooperating with
the Department of Education, participating in both the Massachusetts
Advisory Committee for Conservation Education, and the Conservation
Education Editorial Board. He was appointed to these by the State
Board of Education.

Sportfish Awards Program

The first full year of the sportfish awards program was completed
at the midpoint in the reporting period, with the following State
Fishing Records established:

(8)

Yellow Perch 16^ inches

Calico 16% inches

Walleye 5 lbs. 4 oz.

White Perch 16 inches

Brook Trout 19 inches

Largemouth Bass 12 lbs. 1 oz

Chain Pickerel 6 lbs.

Bullhead 22% inches

Lake Trout 13 lbs. 1 oz .

Brown Trout 16 lbs. 12 oz.

Catfish 25 3/4 inches

Rainbow Trout 6 lbs. 13 oz.

Smallmouth Bass 6 lbs. 6 oz.

Bluegill 10% inches

All winners were presented gold pins and plaques at the annual
banquet of the New England Outdoor Writers1 Association in January.
This program is definitely proving its worth as a means of changing
the image of Massachusetts to that of a true "fishing state". Ben-
efits in terms of public relations, license revenue, and general pro-
motion of fishing are already accruing.

Meetings

District personnel attended or participated in 330 meetings of
sportsmen's groups, civic and fraternal organizations, youth and
church groups, etc., besides numerous unrecorded meetings with indiv-
iduals and various local groups to advise directly on wildlife mana-
gement matters. A study by the University of Massachusetts of town
conservation commissions revealed that the Division of Fisheries and
Game led all other states and federal agencies in the number of in-
stances of cooperation with the commissions. Both I&E and others
throughout the division participated in numerous meetings with organ-
izations as usual.

The I&E chief serves currently as First Vice President of the
American Association for Conservation Information, having being elected
to this office at the annual conference in Texas last June, and also
serves as the professional association's newsletter editor.

Public Relations Programming

More effective use of information and education means has been
evident during the past year, with better coordination of efforts
throughout the Division, in joint efforts to establish worthwhile
conservation programs. A case in point is the effort launched at
the year's mid-point to establish a Wildlife Land Acquisition Fund,
in which every conceivable media and method is being used to obtain
public understanding and support. Beginning with public meetings
with key groups last January and later meetings, tie-ins with National

Wildlife Week releases, letters to key individuals, production of the
"Their Heritage" film and brochure as a tie-in specifically directed

(9)

to urban populations, magazine articles, staff meetings to acquaint all
personnel with the program, use of releases and public appearances at
every opportunity, TV programs and other measures strategically planned
and executed, the program should be a classic example of wise use of
information and education to achieve a desirable purpose.

Tours and Demonstrations

The western wildlife district conducted two tours of district
activities for rod and gun clubs, and two tours for groups from summer
camps.

The central wildlife district conducted two tours, one of the
Swift River property for delegates of the state council and county
league of sportsmen's clubs, and another of a wildlife management area
for representatives of the Audubon Society and groups of high school
students .

The northeast wildlife district conducted groups of sportsmen on
tours of the Newbury Wildlife Management Area, and demonstrated the
electric fish shocking boat to a group at the Harold Parker bass ponds.

The southeast wildlife district conducted five demonstrations of
activities in that district for public groups.

Internal Communications

As a means of informing all employees of current major activities
and items of importance, the publication of "TOPICS" was continued. Six
issues were published, in this the first full year of publication. "TOP
ICS" was begun in the previous reporting period.

The annual Division-wide employee's workshop was conducted in Feb-
ruary with all sections cooperating.

These two methods of keeping all employees informed and enabling
an exchange of ideas throughout the Division, plus other improvements
in the routine daily channeling of reports and other information through-
out the Division, have contributed considerably to morale and effective-
ness.

Special Events

Special events were utilized by the I&E section on several occas-
ions. In May, opening ceremonies for the first public access site es-
tablished by the New Public Access Board were conducted in cooperation
with the central district.

(10)

Through January, February and March, the I&E Chief served as pub-
licity chairman for the annual National Wildlife Week observance and
all releases were slanted to the land acquisition needs of the Division,

In January, the annual banquet of the New England Outdoor Writers'
Association was utilized as a means of securing additional publicity
for the sportfish awards program.

In August, John Starret of the Division successfully swam the
English Channel, and the I&E Chief was on hand to welcome him upon
his return to the States, on behalf of the Governor and the Division.
Releases and pictures concerning Starret were furnished to media both
before and after the event.

The annual telephone information service on the opening day of
deer season was conducted as usual, and the same system of providing
spot news to media was instituted this year on the opening of fishing
season.

Miscellaneous

I&E continued to handle all editing, printing and publishing
functions for the Division.

Approximately 12,000 "Safety Zone" posters were distributed free
to landowners by the districts and I&E.

An additional 43 metal highway signs calling attention to the
importance of sportsmen's observance of the safety zone law were
erected by the districts.

(ID

GAME PROGRAM

Dry weather and a forest fire danger caused the woods to be closed
last fall, resulting in confusion about the opening of the waterfowl
season and delaying the start of the upland season for about nine days.
Despite this, all seasons were successful, and were extended after the
deer season to make up for the loss.

After many years of research, we feel that our pheasant and quail
stocking programs have been developed to the point where we are getting
the most return for the money spent. Studies of the white hare stocking
program indicate that more value would be received if hare were released
only during the season. Plans were made to reappraise the deer data
collected during the past fifteen years to find clues to the decline in
deer harvests since 1958. Providing a place to hunt is still considered
the principal object of the Game Section. Acquisition of land for man-
agement was accomplished to the extent of the limited funds available.
Multiple use of Division lands was encouraged as much as possible with-
out interference with the regular program.

The bulk of the research and management program is financed 75 per-
cent by Federal Aid Funds ( Pittman-Robertson) , and such projects are so
designated in this report.

FEDERAL AID PROJECTS

W-9-D - Statewide Development Project

The majority of the game section's time and effort is spent on
this project. It consists of developing our wildlife management areas
for public hunting, and is a year-round program, although activities
are somewhat curtailed during the late winter on areas in the Berkshires.
The work is broken down into the following categories: maintenance of
office and storage buildings; construction and maintenance of water con-
trols; maintenance of bridges; construction and maintenance of roads;
maintenance and new posting of boundaries, entrances and special manage-
ment signs; planting of wildlife trees and shrubs; spring and fall plant-
ing of annuals and perennials for wildlife food and cover; thinning and
clearing of woodland; control of undesirable plant species; encourage-
ment of natural fruiting species; and maintenance of wood duck nesting
boxes. In addition to cutting and planting on the Westboro Beagle
Training Area, a yearly census is made of the cottontail population
there .

The management areas are located in Williamstown, Peru, Chester,
Huntington, Winchendon, Hubbardston, Barre, Philiipston, Oxford, Uxbridge,
Westboro, Newbury, Sudbury, Plymouth, West Bridgewater, Falmouth, and

(12)

Freetown. Emphasis is on pheasant hunting, but all areas provide other
farm and forest game, and waterfowl are taken in limited numbers. Other
sportsman uses are for field trials, dog training and target shooting.
Although the areas are developed primarily for sportsmen, there has
been a continual increase in year-round usage by the general public -
a great deal of recreation is provided them by sportsmen's dollars. It
is planned that this program will be increased many- fold to perpetuate
the privilege of public hunting.

W-3 5-R - Game Population Trend and Harvest Surve

Statewide Deer Harvest. During the 1963 Massachusetts deer hunting
season (November 11-23 archery; December 2-7 shotgun), hunters reported
taking 3,072 deer. Archers killed 24 deer and shotgun hunters reported
taking 3,048 deer. The total kill was 18 percent lower than an eleven-
year average of 3,750 deer. Although good to excellent hunting condi-
tions prevailed throughout the shotgun season, there were only 534 more
deer reported killed than during the 1962 season.

The even sex ratio of 1.0 males to 1.0 females for the reported
kill has remained constant for sixteen years.

For the first time in the history of this project, Worcester County
ranked number one for deer kills with 674 reported. Barnstable County's
deer kill was 50 percent below an eleven-year average.

Motor vehicles and dogs were the largest causes of deer mortalities
other than hunting.

A comparison of checking station and statewide reported kill data
shows a high kill (44%) on the first day reported at checking stations.
The statewide high kill (39%) was recorded the last day of the season.

Deer Herd Composition. The reported deer kill for 1963 was 3,072
deer. Of these, 690 deer representing a 22.5 percent sample were pro-
cessed at eight checking stations.

The sex ratio of deer checked was about even, males to females.
The herd composition summary showed that 89 percent of the deer were
found to be in the first four age classes. The fawn and 1-1/2 year age
classes (55.5%) were similar with 28.0 and 27.5 percent respectively.
The 2-1/2 year class made up 20 percent of the kill while the 3-1/2
year deer accounted for 13.5 percent. The remaining 11 percent included
the 4-1/2 and older age classes.

The average male fawn weighed 81 pounds and the 1-1/2 year old
buck weighed 127 pounds. Weights tend to level off for males at the
3-1/2 year age class when they average 188 pounds. Up to this weight,

(13)

the bucks show an increase of 3 0 to 40 pounds per year. The weight
increase of 4-1/2 year and older deer for 1963 was only two pounds.

Doe fawn weights averaged 76 pounds. Female deer weights appeared
to increase slowly after the 1-1/2 year class (117 pounds) and level
off at the 3-1/2 year class (135 pounds).

Winter Waterfowl Census. The winter inventory was flown on Jan-
uary 6 and January 8, 1964. The flight included the whole coast from
the New Hampshire line to the Rhode Island line and the islands of
Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard. The total count of 130,700 ducks and
geese was 25 percent higher than in 1963 and 46 percent higher than the
ten-year average (1955-1964). Black ducks were up 13 percent over 1963
and 26 percent over the ten-year average. Canada geese were up 64 per-
cent over 1963 and 93 percent over the ten-year average.

Mourning Dove Census. The 1963 spring count produced a breeding
population index of 8. This is a 27.3 percent decrease from 1962. There
was an average of 3.8 doves per route. There were 45 doves seen in 1963
as compared to 32 in 1962, an increase of 40.6 percent. Because of low
populations, no fall counts were attempted in 1963.

Wood Duck Nesting Success and Brood Survival. In 1963, a total of
forty-three nesting attempts by wood ducks were recorded at Great Mead-
ows Refuge in Concord. This is similar to the usage obtained over the
last five years, but hardly more than one-half the nests recorded on
the average in the five years preceding 1959. The percentage of nests
which hatched successfully and the number of ducklings produced were
somewhat lower than last year, but this can be attributed to the unavoid-
able disturbance which resulted from increased project activity. Pro-
ject personnel resumed the banding of incubating females which had last
been done in 1959. Thirty-six females were captured in the nesting
boxes. Of these, 14 were found to be already banded. Definite inform-
ation on the age ratio of the breeding population and the proportion
of first-year nesting females cannot be determined until the nesting
check of 1964. A total of 229 ducklings was web-tagged in the nesting
boxes at Great Meadows and an additional ten ducklings were web-tagged
on Buttrick's Pond.

Banding traps were operated five days a week at Great Meadows from
July 15 to September 27. A total of 379 new birds were banded and re-
trap data indicated a large proportion of the resident population had
been captured. Only 24 percent of the tagged ducklings were traced to
flight stage and this suggested poor brood survival. A majority of the
young birds trapped at Great Meadows had not hatched from nests on the
refuge and must have originated from natural tree cavities in the surr-
ounding areas. The age ratio shown by the September trapping was 1.9
immatures per adult. Although this is an improvement over the ratio
obtained in the last few years, it is still unsatisfactory and rein-
forces other indications of poor brood survival.

(14)

Each duckling was web-tagged and the allanantoic membrane from
the hatched remains of each nest were inspected for symptoms of incip-
ient omphalitis. The very few incidents of protruding navel or hemorr-
hage in the allantoic network appeared to preclude any likelihood that
omphalitis could be a major mortality factor.

A total of 13 5 wood duck eggs were collected from nests at Great
Meadows Refuge and cultures were prepared from them to test for the
presence of paratyphoid bacillus. In addition, 67 fecal swabs were
taken from wood ducks at the refuge but neither the eggs nor the swabs
revealed any of the causative agents of paratyphoid.

Eggs collected at Great Meadows, the Sudbury-Concord Valley and
two sites in central Massachusetts were analyzed for D.D.T. contamina-
tion. They included 176 wood duck eggs, 27 black duck eggs, three blue-
winged teal eggs, two hooded merganser eggs, and four Canada goose eggs.
Thirty-six percent of the wood duck eggs from Great Meadows contained
D.D.T. and 60 percent of those collected in the Sudbury-Concord Valley
were contaminated . The wood duck eggs from central Massachusetts were
negative. Over 90 percent of the black duck eggs from the Sudbury-
Concord Valley were positive and contained on the average three times
as much D.D.T. as the Great Meadows wood duck eggs. Evaluation of the
data collected indicated that the insecticide was being picked up on
the local breeding areas. Further study is needed to determine the sig-
nificance of this contamination and its effect on the survival of young
wood ducks .

Experimental Turkey Stocking. A wild turkey restoration experiment
was initiated in Massachusetts in 1960. Twenty-two wild turkeys were
released in Quabbin Reservation, central Massachusetts, during 1960 and
1961. The over-winter survival in the winter of 1960-1961 was 62 per-
cent. Good reproduction during 1961 and 1962 was followed by an over-
winter survival of 27 percent in 1961-1962 and 32 percent in 1962-1963.
An artificial feeding program was tried on an experimental basis during
the winter of 1963-1964 and 60 percent of the fall population survived
the winter. Eight turkeys were transplanted to the Holyoke Range in
Hampshire County on February 26, 1964. One hen was returned to the
Quabbin Reservation on May 15 when it appeared that the hen would not
otherwise have been bred. Including the above hen, there were 19 tur-
keys present in May, 1964.

Twelve wild turkeys were at Mount Washington in the spring of 1963.
Only six poults produced during 1963 survived until fall when eleven
adults were also present. Fifteen turkeys remained in the spring of
1964.

Two to seven turkeys were present in the vicinity of October Moun-
tain State Forest in the Spring of 1963. One or possibly two broods
were hatched during the summer. At least four turkeys were present in
the spring of 1964.

(15)

A release of 16 turkeys near Otis, Massachusetts in 1961 did not
establish a population.

3304-21 Accelerated Public Works Program

During the fiscal year funds were made available to provide fac-
ilities and conduct habitat improvement on wildlife management areas,
and to modernize and expand a state game farm to maintain production
necessary to assuage hunting demand and wildlife management needs.

Five specific jobs were undertaken with this capital improvement
program, each of which was awarded to an outside contractor on the basis
of the lowest bid received. They were:

1. On the Downfall Wildlife Management Area in Newbury, 3 0 acres
were marked for clearing. A combination office and storage building was
planned and construction initiated there.

2. Plans and specifications were prepared by the Soil Conservation
Service for construction of a low-level dike and water control structure
for a small marsh management program at the West Meadows Wildlife Man-
agement Area in West Bridgewater. It is expected that work on this job
will commence during the next fiscal year.

3. In the Myles Standish Wildlife Management Area in Plymouth,
plans were formulated to clear-cut a strip 500 feet wide and one mile
long in an old burn area; about 15 acres within the planned cutting
area had been previously cleared. Total acreage of habitat improvement
amounted to 50 acres.

4. A new wildlife management area is being developed in the south-
ern portion of the Fall River-Freetown State Forest under this project.
Plans specified clearing of 36 three-acre blocks with 15 miles of 20-
foot wide access trails, and construction of four one-half acre parking
areas on the periphery of the 1,000 acre tract.

5. Plans and specifications were prepared by division personnel
to construct two brooder houses (1321 X 14' ) and exterior runway pens,
an open- front storage building (45* X 20') and loading platform, and

a covered pheasant driving pen (2,540' X 36') connecting covered pens
with enclosed open range.

White Hare Study

In 1961, the Division started an evaluation of white hare and hare
stocking projects. To date, the study shows that it is not necessary to
condition hare on the various state game farms. Survival data suggested
that there was no difference between conditioned hare (held in pheasant
pens for a minimum of fourteen days) and hare released on date of arriv-
al.

(16)

During January of 1964, a total of 1,136 white hare were released
on the date of arrival. After the close of the hare season, February 5,
a total of 1,347 hare were released. All 2,483 hare were ear-tagged.

Many sportsmen expressed the opinion that such releases in season
would be shot within a short period. Conversely, the tag return data
show that only nineteen hare out of the 1,136 liberated were reported
taken by gunners.

Tag returns also showed that of the 2,215 hare released in 1963,
only 3 7 tags were returned during the 1963-1964 hunting season.

Division personnel will continue to compile hare data for a min-
imum of six years to fully evaluate the hare stocking program.

Wildlife District Activities

Non-federal aid game projects in the districts are of numerous
varieties. The one single project that consumed most of the time in
the districts was the stocking of pheasants, quail, and white hare in
the appropriate months.

In other activities, the district crews controlled beaver, worked
with sportsmen's clubs on various programs, aided in field trials, pro-
vided technical assistance to town conservation commissions as well as
to individuals, aided in writing town plans, operated deer checking
stations during the shotgun season, and performed a host of other re-
lated duties.

Game Farms

In an economy move, the number of division game farms was reduced
from four to three with the closing of the Marshfield game farm at the
end of the past rearing season. This closure was effected after care-
ful investigation revealed that the division's entire game bird require-
ments could be reared by the other three farms.

In an effort to improve the present strain of ringneck pheasant,
new brood stock was acquired. It was thought by many that other varie-
ties could produce a larger, less cannibalistic, more disease-resistant
bird. However, after extensive research, it was noted that our own
variety of ringneck was superior to any available in other states or
from private game breeders.

The Wilbraham game farm system was greatly improved through con-
struction of two brooder houses, storage sheds and covered pens. Their
completion will greatly enhance the value of the farm in terms of pro-
ductivity and efficiency.

(17)

Pheasant and quail production this year was above average; figures
are shown in the table below.

Routine maintenance work was carried out on all farms.

GAME DISTRIBUTION
July 1, 1963 - June 30, 1964

Hens Cocks
Spring and summer liberations 6, 167 771
August liberations (12 weeks) 4,345 8,540

Pheasant
Adults:
Young :

October-November liberations
(17-25 weeks)

Sportsmen's Club Pheasant
Rearing Program

214 43,118

609 6, 141

Totals

11,335 58,570

Total

6,938

12, 885

43, 332

6, 750
69,905

Quail

Coturnix Bobwhite Total

Adults: Spring and summer liberations
Young : October-November liberations

0
24

707

731

3, 329 3, 329
4,036 4,060

White Hare

Northern varying, purchased

Total

2,483

(18)

FISHERIES PROGRAM

During the past fiscal year the fisheries section continued
to conduct its research and management activities through internal
revenues from license sales and outside monies for federal aid
projects.

Seven federal-aid projects were directed by personnel at the
field headquarters in Westboro. Three of these were involved in
research; the Quabbin Reservoir investigation, harvest studies on
managed ponds, and the effect of water chemistry on fish survival.
One project, statewide reclamations, was a development project,
and one a coordination project; fish management coordination. The
remaining two federal-aid projects were land acquisition programs,
one on the Swift River, the other on the Squannacook River.

(19)

»>..

Quabbin Reservoir Investigations:

The tenth year of study at Quabbin Reservoir ended with the close
of the 1963 fishing season and subsequent analysis of data collected.
The creel census agent, working at the three boat launching areas, inter-
viewed 10,884 fishermen during the six months from April to October.
Population studies were carried out by rotenone and gill net sampling
to supplement creel census information. Conclusive evidence of lake
trout reproduction obtained in the creel census was confirmed by pop-
ulation studies. Recommendations for the coming season include out-
lines for a life history study of this exotic fish which was introduced
by yearly stocking from 1952 to 1957. Trout stocking consisted of
20,000 yearling brown trout and 42,500 fingerling lake trout.

Creel Census Project;

In a creel census of three warm-water ponds in Central Massachusetts,
an agent interviewed 565 anglers from April to October and 608 anglers
from December to February. In a creel census of four reclaimed trout
ponds on Cape Cod, an agent interviewed 1, 221 anglers from April to Oct-
ober. Harvest data from successive years has been studied to determine
the success of management techniques in warm-water and trout pond man-
agement. To determine differential recovery on stocked trout of var-
ious sizes a total of 50, 000 brown and rainbow trout were marked and
released.

Statewide Reclamation Project;

Ten trout ponds totaling 484 surface acres were completely reclaim-
ed, and one trout pond of 203 surface acres was partially reclaimed from
the surface to the thermocline. Rotenone in powdered and emulsifiable
form was used. These ponds were subsequently restocked in October and
November with 44,000 fingerling, brook, brown and rainbow trout, and in
March and April with 22,370 catchable-sized trout of the same species.

Water Quality Survey;

The statewide project initiated to determine the reasons for var-
iances in the stocking success of fresh-water fish was enlarged in
scope. Chemical constitutents of our natural waters were intensely
sampled and analyzed in an effort to determine seasonal variations.

A review of literature was undertaken to establish lethal concen-
trations of toxic materials in soft waters. Designed to correlate our
work with related studies being done throughout the United States, the
research helped in determining which chemical constitutents are deemed
important in maintaining adequate fishable populations.

A total of 493 water samples were obtained from 51 ponds through-
out the state. Taken on a monthly basis, these were analyzed for pH,

(20)

total alkalinity and iron content. Included in these water samplings
were the five state fish hatcheries and Quabbin Reservoir. Analysis
of this data shows marked variations during the four distinct seasons
of the year.

Plans for more detailed studies of the chemical make-up of our
natural waters include the acquisition of an atomic absorption spect-
rophotometer which determines the amount of metallic ions in water.
Other complex equipment will be purchased to aid project personnel in
determining any limiting factors to stocking success.

Swift River Acquisition:

Options to buy approximately 170 acres, including almost two miles
of stream frontage, were obtained from three landowners. Options in-
cluded outright purchases of stream banks and adjacent areas and, in
one case, included a fishing easement 25 feet wide along approximately
1,000 feet of stream bank. The option on the largest tract (104 acres)
was exercised during the year; the other two options are still outstand-
ing. This project was conceived and initiated principally by the man-
ager of the central wildlife district who also represented the division
in negotiations with the landowners.

Pesticide-Insecticide Study;

Laboratory facilities at Westbcro, although greatly expanded, have
hardly been able to meet the ever-increasing demands for pesticide analy-
sis. During the past year a total of 2,148 samples were processed. Sam-
ples of many varieties came from a wide range of sources: fish and game
specimens from Connecticut, New Hampshire, and New Jersey; samples from
the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries; lake trout tissue for
presence of insecticide residues; birds and fish suspected as victims
of the careless use of pesticides, and others. Many of the samples
were derived from several studies conducted: laboratory experiments to
determine toxicity levels and concentrations of insecticides in various
tissues; studies of the effects of pesticides on the biota of the Sud-
bury, Assabet and Concord River systems, and from the Westfield, Farm-
ington and Connecticut River systems.

The cumbersome method of analysis using the spectrophotometer to
determine insecticide content was largely replaced by the use of an
electron-capture gas chromatograph provided by the Massachusetts
Audubon Society.

Financial assistance from the University of Massachusetts has tak-
en the form of salaries of personnel and loans of equipment for conduct-
ing studies to reveal the presence of DDT in songbirds and to show the
effects of DDT on waterfowl.

(21)

TROUT WATERS RECLAIMED JULY 1, 1963 - JUNE 30, 1964

POND

Lake Saltonstall
Millvale Reservoir
Lake Pentucket
Dug Pond
White Pond
Lake Lorraine
Five Mile Pond
Goose Pond
Peters Pond
Deep Pond
Ashumet Pond

Total

TUWN

ACRES

LB/ACRE*
60

Haverhill

Natick

125

Concord

107

Springfield

112

Springfield

Chatham

Sandwich

121

Falmouth

127

Mashpee

203

partial

687

*Estimated carrying capacity based on pounds recovered and percent of

killed fish picked up.

Millvale Reservoir was not completely picked up due to remoteness of
the pond.

(22)

Other contributions of money to be used for salaries and equipment
in pesticide studies were received from the New England Interstate Water
Pollution Control Commission, the Farmington River Watershed Association,
the Connecticut River Watershed Council and the Westfield River Watershed
Association.

Long Range Planning;

In the best interests of Massachusetts citizens and in conformity
with our fisheries policy of attempting "to supply the best possible
fishing for the largest number of people over the longest period of
time", and additionally, in cooperation with the Federal Bureau of Out-
door Recreation, an intensive study has been initiated. This study
entitled "Long Range Planning" is an endeavor to provide accurate in-
formation upon which to base plans for developing a progressive and
meaningful program for Massachusetts inland sport fisheries that will
best meet the future needs and desires of our citizens.

This study includes an inventory and appraisal of our surface wat-
ers, their quality, area, type, productivity, availability and access-
ibility. It relates the present resource to current fishing utiliza-
tion and to potential future use. It reviews prior trends and manage-
ment activities and projects past and current patterns so that future
evaluations may be made. A survey of students in Massachusetts public
schools, grades six through twelve, has been completed and the results
analyzed. It is evident, based upon this survey and other data, that
demands on Massachusetts sport fishing resources will be increased many-
fold in the next 30-40 years. Finally, conclusions are drawn and recom-
mendations made to direct division efforts into programs that will re-
ward the Massachusetts angler seeking recreational satisfaction in the
years ahead.

Full consideration has been given to an expected Massachusetts
population increase of 100% by the year 2,000, to predicted additional
leisure time, more disposable income, better facilities for travel to
recreational areas, and to a public more cognizant of the values inher-
ent in fishing and other recreational pursuits than ever before in
history.

Trout Propagation

State and Federal Hatchery Production

A grand total of 1,679,620 brook, brown and rainbow trout weighing
344, 844 pounds were distributed to Massachusetts public fishing waters
during the past year.

Production of the five state hatcheries totalled 1,465,973 trout
weighing 300,440 pounds. Of this number, 833,398 fish were "catchables"
(six or more inches in length). In addition, 42,452 lake trout finger-
lings were reared from eggs obtained from the New York Conservation
Department and released in Quabbin Reservoir.

(23)

TROUT DISTRIBUTION IN MASSACHUSETTS FROM STATE AND FEDERAL HATCHERIES

JULY 1, 1963 to JUNE 30, 1964

BROOKS

Under 6" Over 6"

301,875 464,957

BROWNS

Under 6" Over 6"

197,000 449,976

RAINBOWS

Under 6" Over 6"

133,700 132,112

TOTAL TROUT

1,679,620

Total Trout Distributed 6" - 9"
Total Trout Distributed 9" plus
Total Federal Trout Distributed 6" plus

538, 290
295, 108
213,647

Total Catchables 6" plus 1, 047, 045

Total Fingerlings 6" minus 632, 575

Grand Total 1, 679, 620

STATION

Montague

Palmer

Sandwich

Sunderland

Sutton

State Poundage

North Attleboro

Hartsville

Nashua

Federal Poundage

STATION POUNDAGE

TOTAL LBS

69, 151
42,464
74, 196
95,658
18,971

22, 000
10, 533
11,871

300,440

Grand Total

44, 404
344, 844

(This table does not show trout retained for brood stock)

(24)

State hatchery releases were supplemented by 213,647 trout weigh-
ing 44,404 pounds received from three federal hatcheries.

Early Spawned Federal Hatchery Trout:

Incubation of eggs at the Palmer Hatchery was discontinued in fav-
or of receiving early-spawned fry and fingerlings from the federal hatch-
ery at Attleboro.

Lake Trout Program:

Since research conducted at Quabbin Reservoir has revealed that a
self-sustaining lake trout population now exists there, state hatchery
facilities will no longer be required to produce lake trout for main-
tenance stocking. This discontinuance of lake trout rearing will pro-
vide much needed room for brook, brown, and rainbow trout.

Cold Water Temperature Studies:

Hatchery graphs compiled on water temperatures proved most helpful
in evaluating our growth potential at all installations. Research was
iniated at Sunderland by holding a small number of fry in specially
constructed tanks inside one of the buildings. The growth of these
fry was compared to a similar number of trout placed in outside pools.
The experiment proved the need of having modern indoor facilities to
advance growth in early spring.

Trout Coloration:

Through the years much experimentation has been carried on to
improve commercial feeds for trout. Among these experiments are those
involving the "brightening" of the colors in trout. Our trout were fed
on dry self-sustaining pelleted feed enriched with paprika for three
months. The paprika product contained a minimum of 194 mgs. calculated
total carotene per pound, incorporated into fish pellets at a 3% con-
centration. Hatchery personnel commenced feeding paprika January first
so that all trout liberated last spring had essentially "wild" colora-
tion at very little expense to the division.

The experiment on a synthetic coloring additive, Canthaxanthin, was
continued at the Sunderland hatchery. A trial lot of 2,750 brook trout
was fed fish pellets containing 10 grams/ton Canthaxathin for six months
The experiment was dropped in April after very little visible color
change was noted.

Construction

The rebuilding of eight ponds 75' X 10* X 30" with eight inch
concrete- walls heavily reinforced with H" rods was completed at the

(25)

Montague hatchery. The Palmer hatchery reconstructed four fingerling
rearing ponds with concrete walls and new cement dams. Drainage was
rearranged to provide continued operation of this section. Additional
repair work consisted of installing wood siding in several other ponds
at the Palmer hatchery.

The Sandwich hatchery completed two concrete raceways connecting
upper and lower sections of the hatchery for better use of existing
water supplies. In addition, several new wells were installed in other
sections of the hatchery. The back rearing ponds at Sunderland were
completely rebuilt with new concrete dams, transite siding and drainage
Many rearing units were repaired. Damage caused by a wind storm was
cleaned up and all usable timber was salvaged. The Sutton hatchery
installed additional wells and made changes in their trout sorting
facilities.

District Activities:

Wildlife district management activities included stocking of trout
and warm-water fish, care and maintenance of the two culture pond systems,
public fishing areas and other state property, and stream improvement on
the Mashpee River. District personnel investigated pollution and fish
kill reports, represented the division at fairs and shows and in meetings
with sporting groups and civic organizations, advised individuals and
groups in matters of fish pond management and weed control and cooperated*
with clubs in projects designed to supplement hatchery production of
trout by contributions of additional club-reared fish. In late spring,
routine duties were encumbered by the necessity to furnish tank trucks
and drivers to counteract an unusually severe forest fire situation.
Investigational work conducted by the districts included fish population
checks in 49 ponds, a survey of streams and the Connecticut River, devel-
opment of access to public waters and a survey of town-owned property
in the Southeast.

The successful operation and maintenance of the two culture pond
systems was almost entirely a district accomplishment. The Harold
Parker State Forest pond system in North Andover, cared for by personnel
of the Northeast Wildlife District, yielded approximately 2,335 pounds
of adult yearling and fingerling largemouth bass and about 15 pounds of
smallmouths for release in public fishing waters. The Merrill pond sys-
tem in Sutton, attended by personnel of the Central Wildlife District,
produced about 475 pounds of pickerel and 75 pounds of large mouth
bass which were released in public waters.

Accelerated Public Works Program

Utilizing Accelerated Public Works funds, construction of a new
fish sorting and holding building was initiated at the Harold Parker
pond culture system in Andover. Plans call for razing an existing wood-
frame structure and construction of a new reinforced concrete building
with concrete block gable ends and aluminum roof. Charles Construction
Company of North Andover, low bidder, was awarded the contract for this
job.

(26)

REALTY PROGRAM

The Swift River in Belchertown is one of the best trout streams
in the state. During the year, a sizeable tract of land along its
banks was acquired by this division, making a good start in insuring
this river's availability to sportsmen in the future.

Other tracts of land were acquired in Petersham and Winchendon.
At the close of the fiscal year, the division held options on two
more sizable tracts along the Swift River and also held options on
five other parcels throughout the state.

A land ownership study was made along the Squannacook River in
Townsend, Shirley, and Groton.

While manager of the northeast wildlife district, Director
Shepard conducted a detailed and thorough study of the future land
needs of the division and sportsmen for wildlife and fisheries
resource management and utilization. The Realty Section worked in
cooperation with the director on this vital project.

Leases which expired on public fishing grounds during the year
were renewed.

(27)

MASSACHUSETTS COOPERATIVE WILDLIFE RESEARCH UNIT

Wild Turkey Project

A mild winter resulted in less mortality to turkey flocks than has
occurred since stocking began in 1960. Eight turkeys, 2 gobblers and 6
hens were trapped and stocked on the Holyoke Range; results of this
transplant appear unsuccessful. Several broods have been produced on
Prescott Peninsula. Many of the groups are wild, and accurate counts
have not been made. At least one brood of 11 was observed on October
Mountain.

Pesticide-Wildlife Project

Field and laboratory work on the effect of DDT on Rufous-sided
Towhees was completed. Results of this study are dependent on com-
pletion of chemical analyses of specimens at the Division's wildlife
laboratory in Westboro.

Cottontail Rabbit Project

Experimental stocking of both species of Massachusetts Cottontail
Rabbits ( Sylvilagus f loridanus and J>. trans itiona lis) on an island in
Quabbin Reservation was unsuccessful. At the end of the winter all
rabbits had disappeared.

Mourning Dove Study

Graduate student Allan P. Richards has completed his Mourning
Dove study and is writing his thesis Jj^ absentia . Several hundred
doves were banded, over 100 nests studies, and distribution in the
western part of the state (on the basis of coo counts) will be report-
ed when Richards' thesis is completed.

Chemosterilant Studies

Studies by Dr. David K. Wetherbee on gull control have borne
fruit this year. A black dye ingested by gulls gives promise of a
practical method of controlling productivity in this species as well
as in blackbirds and other nuisance birds. The embryo in the egg
dies. This is a pioneer finding which may eventually become of
great importance.

Woodcock Project

A new and highly efficient method of capturing woodcock on
breeding grounds with mist nets was developed. The co-author of the
woodcock manuscript withdrew during the year. This has necessitated
extensive revision and rewriting of the manuscript which will be
completed in the fall.

(28)

MASSACHUSETTS COOPERATIVE FISHERY UNIT

Quabbin Reservoir Projects

Life History of the White Perch

White perch were sampled during the summer and fall of 1964 for
age and growth, feeding habits and condition factor data. The various
sampling gear used included: gill nets, fyke nets, and hook and line.
Certain concentrations of white perch were found, but collecting adequate
samples proved very difficult. Some young of the year fish were finally
located and captured by fyke nets late this fall. The project leader
has become familiar with the area and problems involved in sampling
and will begin an intensive sampling program this coming spring.

Life History of the Rock Bass

The very abundant rock bass in Quabbin Reservoir were readily col-
lected during the 1964 field season. Fyke nets produced over 80 percent
of the 1000 fish sampled. Fish ranging in size from several inches to
nearly 12 inches were taken. However, most fish were less than seven
inches in length. Basic life history data are currently being recorded
for these specimens. A detailed stomach analysis has been initiated.
Emphasis next summer will be placed on studies involving local popula-
tion estimates and possible migratory behavior.

Brown Trout Studies

In a preliminary study 39 adult brown trout were collected and
tagged in the Quabbin Reservoir from October 28 to November 20. A
spaghetti type plastic bag was inserted in the backs of the larger
fish, while a subcutaneous tag was placed in the belly of 17 smaller
(117-220 mm.) immature trout seined from the tributary, Hop Brook.
More effort will be made to tag trout next year in the tributaries and
in the main reservoir as a full-fledged research project. The main goal
of the project will be to obtain some information on the size of the
brown trout population, their distribution and movements, homing tenden-
cies, age and growth and relative success of their natural reproduction.

Connecticut River Project

Biological and Physical Survey of the Connecticut River

A biological survey of the Connecticut River was initiated late in
the fall of 1964. The two graduate students assigned to the survey will
collect fish by various sampling means for species composition and dis-
tribution. In addition, samples will be taken of the flora and fauna,
water chemistry, bottom types and organisms, and some tagging of the
important game species to obtain information on migration and movements.
Mr. Leonard's project will concern the composition and distribution of
the vertebrate biota of the river while Mr. Armour's project will con-
cern the general ecology of the river.

(29)

GENERAL ADMINISTRATION

HOW THE SPORTSMAN'S DOLLAR WAS SPENT

ADMINISTRATION

Administration 3304-01
Fish & Game Board

Information-Education "

FISHERIES MANAGEMENT

Fish Hatcheries 3304-42

Management "
*Fish Restoration Projects 3304-47

Management 3304-51

Plans Quabbin Hatchery 3 304-54

WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT

Game Farms 3304-51

Management 3304-51

Construction & Improvements 3304-21

Wildlife Coop. Unit 3304-44

*Wildlife Restoration 3304-53

LAND ACQUISITION

LAW ENFORCEMENT

*Deer Damage
Public Hunting Grounds
Conservation Officers-
Salaries & Expenses

*3304-53

3308-05
3308-07

1003-03

$ 86,283.47
622.60

108, 840.26
41, 542.58
80,960.17
20,000. -

80,960.17

30, 004.44

7,475.84

135, 520.51

86,906.07 6%
88,719.14 6%

317,651.10 22%

251,343.01 18%

258,606.62 18%

253,960.96 18%

17,349.- 1%

7, 897.49
9,218.20

136,166.06 153,281.75 11%

$1,427,817.65 100%

* Continuing Accounts
Expenditures under:

3304-21 50% reimbursable by Federal Funds, APW Program

33 04-47 75%

3 304-53 75%

RESERVE IN INLAND FISHERIES AND GAME FUND

AS OF JUNE 30, 1964 -

$131, 101. 58

(30)

ACCOUNT NO.

{304-01

1304-42

5304-51

5304-54

5304-21*

)304-47**

5304-53**

COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
DIVISION OF FISHERIES & GAME

Fiscal Year July 1, 1963 to June 30, 1964

TITLE

Administration

Fisheries Management

Wildlife Management

Plans for Fish Hatchery
Quabbin Reservoir

EXPENDITURES
APPROPRIATION & LIABILITIES

$ 176, 561.
474,692.
444, 020.

20, 000.

$ 175,625.21
426,491.36
420, 526.96

20, 000.

REVERTED
$ 935.79
48, 200.64
23,493.04

$1,115,273. $1,042,643.53 $ 72,629.47

CONTINUING
APPROPRIATIONS EXPENDITURES

BALANCE
FORWARD

Construction & Improv-
ments to Fish Hatcher-
ies, Game Farms and
Wildlife Management
Areas (Accelerated
Public Works)

Fish Restoration
Projects
(Dingell- Johnson)

142,414

30,004.44

112,409.56

108. 183.99

Wildlife Restoration
(Pittman-Robertson)

219, 711. 1Q

41, 542.58

152.869.51

66,641.41

66, 841 .59

$ 470,309.09 $ 224,416.53 $ 245,892.56

50% reimbursable by Federal Funds

75%

■I ii

(31)

SUMMARY OF FISH AND GAME INCOME
July 1, 1963 to June 30, 1964

Fishing, Hunting and Trapping Licenses

Special Licenses, Trap Registrations & Tags

Alien Gun Permits

Rents

Misc. Sales and Income

Pittman-Robertson Federal Aid

Dingell-Johnson Federal Aid

Court Fines

Refunds Prior Year

Archery Stamps

$ 1, 145,313.50 *
5,367.77 **

96.75

3, 729.00

4, 738.93

55, 131.85

15, 348.02

8, 234.28

1,683.14

3, 621.10

$ 1, 243, 264.34

* See Detail Sheet #1

** ••

(32)

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(33)

DETAIL SHEET #2

ANALYSIS OF SPECIAL LICENSES ISSUED UNDER SECTIONS 48, 68A, 102-3-4-
105-6-7 and 112-A-B-C, Chapter 131, G.L. during the FISCAL YEAR
ENDED

June 30, 1964

TYPE OF LICENSE

NUMBER ISSUED

RECEIPTS

Trap Registrations:

Fur Buyers:
Taxidermists :
Propagators :

Initial
Renewal

Resident

(Special Fish)
Initial
Renewal

(Fish)
Initial
Renewal

(Birds & Mammals)
Initial
Renewal

(Dealers)
Initial
Renewal
Additional

(Ind. Bird or Mammal)
Initial
Renewal

Shiners for Bait:

Duplicates

Field Trial Licenses:

Taking of Carp & Suckers for Sale

Quail for Training Dogs:

Initial
Renewal

Commercial Shooting Preserves:

Tags

Tags:

Game
Fish

107
613

197

5
85

77
301

372

233
2

11
32

5
500

5592
18, 342

$ 260.25
250.00
295.00

235.00

280.00

1, 288.00

629.00

45.50

1, 166.00
20.00
10.00

151.00

250.00
25.00

279.60
183.42

TOTAL

$ 5,367.77

LEGISLATION

The following laws affecting the Division of Fisheries and Game were
macted during the legislative session of 1964.

:HAPTER 145: ACTS, 1964

An act prohibiting the altering of any license or
permit issued by the Division of Fisheries and
Game.

:HAPTER 156: ACTS, 1964:

ZHAPTER 192: ACTS, 1964:

An act relative to the taking of Shad.

An act making certain provisions of law relative
to the closing of the hunting season by Proclam-
ation of the Governor applicable to hunting on
coastal waters.

IHAPTER 390: ACTS, 1964

An act permitting the Division of Fisheries and
Game to issue permits for the trapping of certain
birds.

ZHAPTER 438: ACTS, 1964

ZHAPTER 445: ACTS, 1964:

ZHAPTER 52 7: ACTS, 1964

:HAPTER 48:RESOLVES, 1964

IHAPTER 62:RESOLVES, 1964

An act authorizing the Public Access Board to
provide public access to certain inland waters.

An act authorizing the Director of the Division
of Fisheries and Game to sell and convey certain
property in the town of Marshfield.

An act authorizing agents of the Division of
Fisheries and Game of the Department of Natural
Resources to remedy certain conditions caused
by beavers.

Resolve providing for an investigation and study
by a special commission relative to the inland
conservation laws.

Resolve providing for an investigation and study
by the Department of Natural Resources, the Div-
ision of Fisheries and Game and the Metropolitan
District Commission relative to the hunting of
deer and to the poisoning of feeder streams of
the Quabbin Reservoir.

(35)

RULES AND REGULATIONS PROMULGATED BY THE DIRECTOR OF FISHERIES AND
GAME DURING FISCAL YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 1964, AND SUMMARY OF OUTSTANDING
REGULATIONS.

August 4, 1948. Rules and regulations for the artificial propa-
gation and maintenance of fish.

August 4, 1948. Rules and regulations for the artificial propa-
gation of birds and mammals.

July 14, 1952. Rules and regulations for hunting with bows and
arrows.

August 12, 1953. Rules and regulations governing sale of protected
fresh water fish by licensed dealers in Massachusetts.

March 26, 1954. Rules and regulations governing the display of
sporting, hunting, fishing, and trapping licenses in Massachusetts,
effective April 9, 1954.

January 28, 1955. Rules and regulations relative to public fishing
grounds in Massachusetts.

April 10, 1956. Rules and regulations governing the taking of fish
in interstate ponds lying between Massachusetts and New Hampshire, effect-
ive April 10, 1956.

February 14, 1957. Rules and regulations relating to the taking of
carp and suckers for the purpose of sale.

February 15, 1957. Rules and regulations relative to the tagging
of deer in Massachusetts.

October 20, 1959. Rules and regulations for public shooting grounds
and wildlife management areas in Massachusetts.

December 23, 1961. Rules and regulations regarding Lake Garfield
in the town of Monterey.

May 10, 1962. Rules and regulations relating to the taking of
shad in the inland waters of the Commonwealth.

January 1, 1963. Rules and regulations relating to the hunting of
deer in Massachusetts.

January 1, 1963. Rules and regulations relating to the hunting of
hares and rabbits in Massachusetts.

August 24, 1963. Migratory game bird regulations 1963-1964

(36)

i a UL'

October 1, 1963. Rules and regulations relating to hunting of
pheasants, quail, and ruffed grouse in Massachusetts.

October 10, 1963. Rules and regulations relating to the hunting
of gray squirrels in Massachusetts.

October 21, 1963. Rules and regulations relative to the use of
poison in killing mammals or birds

December 15, 1963. Rules and regulations relating to the hunting
and trapping of mammals in Massachusetts.

January 1, 1964.

Interstate fishing regulations on Wallum Lake.

April 10, 1964. Rules and regulations relating to the taking
of certain fish in Massachusetts.

(37)

RETIREMENTS - 1964 FISCAL YEAR

Aug. 31, 1963

Joseph Slaby, Conservation Helper,
at Palmer Fish Hatchery-

June 30, 1964

Allan S. Kennedy, Supt., Bureau of
Wildlife Research & Management

(38)

COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
DIVISION OF FISHERIES AND GAME

Ninety- ninth Annual Report
July 1, 1963 to June 30, 1964

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Report of the Fisheries and Game Board 1-3

Information and Education Program 4-11

Game Program 12-18

Fisheries Program 19-26

Realty Program 27

Massachusetts Cooperative Wildlife Research Unit 28

Massachusetts Cooperative Fishery Unit 29

Administration

How the Sportsman's Dollar Was Spent 30

Appropriations and Expenditures 31

Summary of Fish and Game Income 32

Receipts from Fishing, Hunting and Trapping

Licenses

Analysis of Special Licenses 34

Legislation

Summary of Outstanding Regulations 36-37

Retirements 3 8

Publication Approved by Alfred C. Holland, State Purchasing Agent #9

t-i/V^t^-w^

yn.

1965

nua

feport

James M. Shepard, Director

Government Center

100 Cambridge Street

Boston, Massachusetts

ITS

SMITE

R5ASS. OFFICIALS

(Q&£

73 <Jnvrwnt> Sfiveet, ^eM&w 02/ffl

His Excellency, John A. Volpe, Governor of the Common-
wealth, the Executive Council, the General Court, and the
Board of the Division of Fisheries and Game.

Sirs:

I have the honor to submit herewith the One-Hundredth
Annual Report of the Division of Fisheries and Game,
covering the fiscal year from July 1, 1964, to June 30,
1965.

This marks a most significant year in the century-long
tradition of public service of this agency which is charged
with managing and perpetuating the wildlife resources of
the Commonwealth for the benefit and enjoyment of its
more than five million citizens. I think it is most fitting
as this agency marks its official Centennial Observance,
that this report indicates both a continuance of this tradi-
tion as well as major consideration for the future.

I trust you will find it most informative and worthy.

Respectfully submitted

VJjAMES M

'JAMES M. SHEPARD

DIRECTOR

THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
DIVISION OF FISHERIES AND GAME
One Hundredth Annual Report
July 1, 1964 June 30, 1965

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Fisheries and Game Board 1-3

Fisheries Program . 4-12

Massachusetts Cooperative Fisheries Unit 13

Game Program 14-21

Massachusetts Cooperative Wildlife Research Unit 22

Realty Program 23-24

Information and Education Program 25-29

General Administration

How the Sportsman's Dollar Was Spent 30

Appropriations and Expenditures 31

Summary of Fish and Game Income 32

Receipts From Fishing, Hunting and Trapping Licenses 33

Analysis of Special Licenses 34

Legislation 35

Rules and Regulations Promulgated 36-37

Publication of this Document Approved by Alfred C. Holland, State Purchasing Agent

800-3-66-942332 Estimated Cost Per Copy: $1.27

FISHERIES AND GAME BOARD

The 100th annual report of the Division of Fisheries and Game does more than just
mark completion of another year, it also marks the end of a century (and the beginning of
another) of public service by this state agency charged with properly managing wildlife
resources of the Commonwealth for the benefit of its more than five million citizens.

This report summarizes a number of outstanding achievements. While reported on in
more detail in the various sections of this report, the Board wishes to comment on certain
items of special importance.

Early in the centennial year, the director wisely decided that unusual expenditure
merely to observe a 100th birthday was not warranted. Accordingly, observance of the event
was held to special activities which could be readily worked into existing activities with
little added expense. In addition to publicity on the event through routine information means,
a number of large brook trout were tagged with special tags, for the return of which each
successful angler received a handsome, signed certificate. Similar plans were prepared
for tagging a number of cock pheasants during the next fiscal period. Other similarly in-
expensive observances are planned.

Natural reproduction of lake trout at Quabbin Reservoir appears to be an accom-
plished fact, foretelling continued good fishing for this species.

Perseverance and dedication of our hatchery personnel again produced a large number
of trout for stocking throughout the Commonwealth. This was in the face of the fourth year
of continued drouth which produced tremendous water problems at all hatcheries. State pro-
duction during the reporting period totalled 1, 981, 570 trout weighing 315, 258 pounds. When
added to federally produced fish, this meant a total of 2, 111, 164 trout weighing 343, 793 pounds
available to Massachusetts anglers throughout the season.

An outstanding achievement was realized in April, when nearly 15, 000 landlocked
salmon were stocked in Quabbin Reservoir. A gift of the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service,
these fish may become the nucleus of a salmon fishery in Massachusetts, something that
has not existed almost from the start of the division's 100-year history.

Production of pheasants at our game farms continued high, with 68, 574 birds released
to open covers throughout the state. Of this total, 51, 443 were cock birds. In addition,
3, 020 quail and 2, 500 varying hare were released.

Studies reveal that 76 percent of Massachusetts hunters succeed in taking game, and
that harvests during the reporting period are on the increase. This speaks well for the
quality of hunting in the Commonwealth, maintained in the face of decreasing wildlife habitat
and hunting area.

Waterfowl inventories along the coast during the winter months established that there
were 37 percent more ducks wintering in Massachusetts than the average of the past ten
years.

Wild turkey introductions at Quabbin, Mount Washington and October Mountain appear
to be holding their own. It appears that the population is remaining remarkably stable, but

( 1)

is not producing an increase at this time which could allow hunting.

All personnel have been involved in providing conservation services to private indivi-
duals and organizations to a greater degree than formerly. As the Commonwealth's chief wild-
life conservation agency, the division is feeling increasing interest in wildlife on the part
of the public, and is striving to meet this demand with the particular type of counsel and
assistance that only this division can supply.

Studies reveal that 58. 8 percent of Massachusetts hunlers hunt only on private land,
while 34. 9 percent hunt both private land and division-controlled areas. The remainder
hunt only division areas. However, the future is obvious; the time is not far off when
hunters will depend more than ever on publicly owned areas. Accordingly, the division
continued to seek ways and means of establishing more areas while alleviating pressure on
private lands. Properties were added to the Swift River area, the Phillipston-Petersham
area, Birch Hill, the Northeast Area, and the Podick hatchery. A tract was acquired on
the Quaboag River, and two gifts, one a tract in Northboro, and the other a right-of-way to
Knopp's Pond, Groton were received.

Despite an 18 percent decrease in its budget, the information and education program
continued its efforts to arouse public sentiment in favor of conservation and to acquaint the
public with operations of the division. At the year's end, 52, 281 people were regularly
receiving the division's magazine.

International recognition of the division's program was received when the I&E Chief
was unanimously elected president of the American Association for Conservation Information,
an international professional association in the field. This action reflects the esteem in
which this program is held by its peers in other states and Canada.

A record number of youth were scheduled for the 17th annual junior conservation
camp, with 150 boys completing the course. This program is unique in that it does not draw
on the budget, being totally financed by tuition fees paid by the boy's sponsors.

Division television programs received their third first-place award in international
competition in the past four years.

Division news releases, of which 143 were issued during the reporting period, con-
tinued to be well received by the press, radio and television stations, who made wide use of
them.

Despite the fact that the end of the fiscal year showed a reserve of $250, 193. 61 in the
Inland Fisheries and Game Fund, the Board does not feel that the division is in a particularly
favorable financial condition. It is our policy to retain at least $200, 000 in reserve to cover
emergencies and to provide for periods when revenue drops. In addition, increasing ex-
penses for routine programs, the need for new programs to meet increased demands on our
wildlife resources, and a recent history of poor finances make further demands upon our
financial resources.

At this time our legislation to secure matching funds for a much-needed land acqui-
sition program has not been secured. Even if passed, this measure will not mitigate
financial problems facing the division since these funds will be earmarked for a specific
purpose and will contribute nothing to other activities of the division. However,

(2)

rwn

the division does appear to be in a better financial condition than in recent years, due
largely to extensive economics practiced at all levels, and to increased efforts to promote
greater interest in hunting and fishing in the Commonwealth.

Mr. Roger D. Williams, Natick, resigned as Chairman at the meeting on April 27,
1965, due to his plans to move from the state. Mr. Harry C. Darling, East Bridgewater,
was elected Chairman, and Mr. Edward Tierney, Pittsfield, was elected Secretary at this
same meeting. There were no changes in Board membership during the reporting period.

The Board of the Division of Fisheries and Game expresses its sincere apprecia-
tion to all personnel of the division for their continued exemplary performance, and wishes
also to express its sincere appreciation to the Governor, Executive Council, General Court,
and to those other departments, agencies, members of public information media and the
general public who have assisted and supported our programs in the past year.

Respectfully submitted,

Harry C. Darling, Chairman
Edward J. Tierney, Secretary
Roger D. Williams
F. Stanley Mikelk
Martin Burns

(3)

FISHERIES PROGRAM

Introduction

Research and management activities were continued with emphasis being directed
toward establishment of ground work data for future reference and inclusion of this data
for successful management of game fishes. Three research projects, Quabbin Reservoir
Investigations, Harvest Studies on Managed Ponds and Effect of Water Chemistry on
Fish Survival, were continued, as well as one development project, namely, Statewide Re-
clamations. Newly created projects include: Stream Development, Connecticut River
Survey, Warmwater Research, and one land acquisition project at Sandy Pond, Plymouth.
Continuation of two access projects, Swift River Acquisition and Squannacook River Land
Acquisition, were incorporated in the activities.

Projects were increased in scope to bring problem areas under study, to develop
suitable habitat and successful stocking programs. Areas where information is lacking
were taken under study to lend credence to heretofore accepted measurements and to
delineate limiting factors in fish production.

(4)

Quabbin Reservoir

The eleventh year of study at Quabbin Reservoir has been completed. The creel
census agent interviewed 10, 066 fishermen from April to October, representing 53, 498
angler trips. During this period, a total of 40, 259 pounds of fish were harvested. The
most heavily harvested fish was the brown bullhead, followed by white perch, yellow perch,
lake trout, largemouth bass, brown trout, sunfish, chain pickerel and rainbow trout.
Changes in the trout catch were significantly noted with all other species of trout giving
way to the growing lake trout population. Lake trout releases of illegal size fish increased
3.2-fold due to the entrance of naturally spawned fish into the catch data.

Sampling of test coves was conducted to obtain information on the composition of
fish populations not indicated by angler census.

Information concerning the life history of lake trout, the number and age of spawning-
adults, sex ratios, food habits, and residual DDT was gathered and analyzed.

Physical and chemical characteristics of the water and basin were taken to deter-
mine the suitability of habitat for successful expansion of this fishery at the reservoir.

Stocking included 258 brood stock and two-year-old rainbow trout and 20, 000 brown
trout. Indications of a developing and expanding lake trout fishery through natural repro-
duction curtailed stocking of this species.

Biological reconnaisance indicated that the reservoir possessed ecological niches
suitable for the introduction of land-locked salmon without decimating the existing lake
trout population. Accordingly, on 21 April, 1965, a total of 14,420 fingerlings were obtained
from Craig Brook National Fish Hatchery, East Orland, Maine and stocked in Quabbin
Reservoir. The possibility of transporting these fish long distances was established.
Mortality was negligible with only two fish succumbing. Biologists are continuing their
investigations to determine the survival rates of this initial stocking but expect no signifi-
cant reproduction or establishment of a self-sustaining fishery.

■

* -v.

Water Chemistry Survey

The statewide project to determine the effects of dissolved minerals on aquatic life
was continued. The chief factors under study, which influence chemical equilibrium, are
temperature, concentration of reactants and the specific chemical nature of the reacting
substances.

Research was undertaken to derive the theoretical accuracy of the anayltic processes
and the probable rates of reaction occurring under natural conditions which affect aquatic
life.

Water samples from 157 stations were analyzed with an atomic absorption spectro-
photometer and other quantitative equipment. Analyses of Quabbin Reservoir and the five
state fish hatcheries were completed. Marked variations occur between winter and summer
sampling. Limnogeographical maps are being prepared to assist biologists in planning
stocking and aiding research.

■

Plans for more detailed studies involving analysis of bottom types, ground water

( 5)

supplies and run-off are contemplated.

Pesticide-Insecticide Study

During the past year over 3, 000 samples of various fish and game species were
analyzed for pesticide residues. The bulk of the investigations were concerned with a
monitoring program, initiated in 1962, on the biota of the Sudbury, Assabet and Concord
rivers.

Incidental short-range investigations were carried out for the State of New Jersey,
the University of Massachusetts, and various watershed organizations. Personnel from the
Waltham Field Station served as apprentices in the laboratory prior to the establishment
of a similar laboratory at Waltham.

The use of an electron- capture gas chromatograph provided by the Massachusetts
Audubon Society was continued. A cooperative program to study the effects of the insecticide
"Sevin" on aquatic populations was undertaken with the Department of Natural Resources
during their gypsy moth spraying program. A total of 480 samples were analyzed for this
project.

Financial assistance was received from the University of Massachusetts for personnel
and equipment necessary to the implementation of studies on DDT and its relation to song-
birds and waterfowl.

The U.S. Department of Public Health granted the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries
and Game a grant of $20, 000, renewable for three years, to establish a statewide stream
monitoring program in the field of pesticide pollution.

Statewide Reclamations

Two warmwater ponds totaling 108 acres and three trout ponds totaling 178 acres
were reclaimed. These ponds were subsequently restocked with trout fingerlings and with
bass and pickerel yearlings reared in the state hatcheries and culture systems. Stocking
was based on information obtained from the research project which evaluated harvest data
of Cape Cod and central Massachusetts ponds. One additional pond was given a partial
reclamation.

Stream Access and Improvement Project

This project was initiated to create fisherman access to streams by cutting stream-
side trails, creating new roads, and improving existing roads for vehicle access. Four
areas currently under improvement are: Birch Hill, Westville, West Hill and Swift River.

Improvements are to be brought about through facilitating access in vehicles and on
foot, and through betterment of fish populations by habitat improvement.

District Activities

Wildlife district management activities included care and maintenance of two culture
pond systems, stocking of trout and warm-water fishes, maintenance of public fishing areas
and habitat improvement.

(6)

An intensive creel census was conducted on opening day using ground and aerial
counts.

District personnel investigated fish kills, advised groups in fish pond management
and cooperated with sportsmen's clubs in projects designed to provide increased interest
in conservation.

The Harold Parker State Forest Pond System in North Andover, cared for by the
Northeast District, yielded approximately 1, 785 pounds of adult yearling and fingerling
bass and a small amount of smallmouth bass. The Merrill Pond System in Sutton, attended
by the Central Wildlife District, produced about 550 pounds of chain pickerel and 450 pounds
of largemouth bass. All were released in public waters.

(7)

POND RECLAMATIONS

POND

Plunkett Pond
Benedict Pond
Whalom Pond
Uncas Pond
Jamaica Pond
Wright's Pond

TOWN

Hinsdale

Monterey

Lunenburg

Franklin

Bo ston

Medford

ACRES
73
35
99
18
61
24

LBS. /ACRE
76
126
105
132
138
105

(8)

TROUT PROPAGATION

State and Federal Hatchery Production

A grand total of 2, 111,164 brook, brown and rainbow trout weighing 343, 793 pounds
were distributed in Massachusetts public waters during the past year.

Production of the five state hatcheries totalled 1, 981, 570 trout weighing 315, 258
pounds. The total number of catchables (six inches and over) were 1,467, 449. In addi-
tion an inventory of 5, 100 lake trout fingerlings and yearlings were released in the Quabbin
Reservoir in the fall of 1964 and spring of 1965.

State hatchery releases were supplemented by 129, 594 trout weighing 28, 535
pounds were received from three Federal hatcheries.

Water Resources

The drouth which has prevailed in the northeast did affect many of our hatchery
installation during, the past year by reduced water flows through the hatchery systems.
However, the installation of aerators and pumps and the re-use of some water made
it possible for our fish culturists to attain a normal liberation of fish for the stocking
programs.

Lake Trout

In 1962 it appeared that the lake trout introduced into Quabbin Reservoir during
1952 - 1957 would not sustain themselves through natural reproduction therefor lake trout
eyed eggs were again requisitioned through the Conservation Department of the State of
New York for incubation at our Sunderland and Montague fish hatcheries. The resulting
fingerlings were stocked in the Reservoir as previously reported.

A similar request was again made early in 1963 for eyed lake trout eggs in an effort
to promote the lake trout fishing. However, creel census returns in late 1963 revealed that
the lake trout had finally become available in promising number for the fishermen.

In view of the commitment to receive the eggs it was decided to incubate them and
the resulting inventory of 34, 900 fingerlings was liberated in Quabbin during October, 1964,
and a balance of 5, 100 was wintered at the Sunderland hatchery and planted in the Quabbin in
June 1965. These fish were fin clipped for identification from the native population in the
Reservoir.

Nutritional Research

During the past several years we have carried on research feeding with brands of
pelletted fish food other than Silver Cup to determine their comparable results with the rations
presently being fed at our hatcheries. On November 30, 1964, all feeding research was
dropped due to low blood count and general losses from the two brands of food other than
Silver Cup.

(9)

Coloration Work Continued

The original intent of continuing this work was to provide the fishing public with
more attractive catches. Research proved that colder waters failed to allow the fish
to assimilate the food on an equal basis with hatcheries having warmer well water.
Therefor, the additive Paprika which was incorporated into the pellets at a 3% level and
fed three months starting in January was reduced to a 2% level and fed throughout the year.
The change provided stocking fish of equal appearance from all hatcheries.

We are continuing an interest in paprika containing a minimum of 194 mgs. of
carotene per pound because of the concentration of vitamins discovered in this product
and because this additive, when incorporated into the diet of brood stock, seems to
effect fertility of eggs and results in more fry production.

Construction

The Montague hatchery completed two concrete raceways approximately 100 feet
each, with an outlet for cleaning and water control. This work completes the section from
the roadway down to the railroad tracks.

The Palmer hatchery completed a series of cement raceways to accommodate the
early advanced brook, brown and rainbow fingerlings from the U. S. Fish and Wildlife
Service. Repairs were made to several existing ponds. Several 2" wells were driven for
emergency water pumping. Due to the closing down of hatching operations the crew were
busy through the winter trimming trees to reduce fire hazard.

The Sandwich hatchery undertook construction of another block of six cement ponds
which, when completed, will finish work in the area opposite the administration buildings
and provide much needed parking area for visitors.

A 10" gravel packed well was installed at East Sandwich complete with pump and
supplied with three phase current. Some repair work was undertaken at the station with
lumber from Birch Hill. Many new 2" wells were installed at both the hatcheries.

The Sunderland hatchery reconstructed five south-center section ponds with concrete
dams, with cleanouts and cement sides. Also two long ponds next to the lower roadway
were reconstructed with concrete and cleanouts. Several new 2" wells were installed at
both of these stations.

The Sutton hatchery water system to the sorting house was completed by installa-
tion of a new cement distributing box and new piping to the troughs. Many oak trees were
salvaged for lumber and fuel for the hatchery. Several small wells were installed because
of the continued drouth.

Equipment

Several new trucks were purchased; many new pumps and water aerators were
acquired to keep our hatcheries in operation.

( 10)

Hartsville Hatchery

The Federal fish hatchery at Hartsville will be operated by the Massachusetts
Division of Fisheries and Game beginning July 1.

Fish and Game personnel will continue the operation under the temporary dir-
ection of a U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service supervisor. The U. S. F. W. S. is also leaving
most of the fish stock and equipment there to expedite state operation.

The Hartsville station has an annual production capacity of about 18, 000 pounds of

trout.

( ID

TROUT DISTRIBUTION FROM STATE AND FEDERAL HATCHERIES

JULY 1, 1964 TO JUNE 30, 1965

BROOKS BROWNS RAINBOWS

Under 6" Over 6" Under 6" Over 6" Under 6" Over 6"

314,000 691,242 220,715 458,324 109,000

317, 883

TOTAL TROUT

2, 111, 164

Total Trout Distributed 6-9" 1, 017, 764

Total Trout Distributed 9" plus 320, 091

Total Federal Trout Dist. 6" plus 129, 594

Total Catchables (6" plus)

Total Fingerlings (6" minus)

GRAND TOTAL

1,467,449

643,715

2, 111, 164

STATION POUNDAGE

STATION TOTAL LBS.

Montague Hatchery 77, 134

Palmer Hatchery 41, 909

Sandwich Hatchery 65, 379

Sunderland Hatchery 115, 084

Sutton Hatchery 15, 752

State Poundage

North Attleboro 11, 345

Hartsville 6, 222

Nashua, New Hampshire 10, 968

Federal Poundage

GRAND TOTAL

315,258

28, 535
343,793

(This table does not show trout retained for brood stock)

( 12)

MASSACHUSETTS COOPERATIVE FISHERY UNIT

In conjunction with the Division of Fisheries and Game, the University of Massa-
chusetts has initiated research projects involving Quabbin Reservoir, the Connecticut River
and small artificial ponds in central Massachusetts.

At Quabbin, 1, 600 specimens of both white perch and rock bass were studied with
emphasis placed on age and growth, breeding habits, embryology and fecundity.

The Connecticut River survey is designed to evaluate the recreational potential of
that river. The feasibility of using aerial photographs to indicate present and potential land
use for recreational development is being studied.

Ecological, geological and physical survey of the river are coordinated with the
Division of Fisheries and Game biological sampling and creel census work.

Utilization of small artificial ponds in Massachusetts has increased in the postwar
period. This study is designed to increase our present knowledge of the importance of
these impoundments to develop a sound fish management program in this area.

( 13)

ANNUAL REPORT

GAME PROGRAM

We have attempted to conduct a balanced game program during the past year. Pro-
pagation of pheasants and quail was still the largest budget item. Management of Division
controlled lands for public hunting was the next highest. There was an increase in money
spent on game research. Here again we tried to maintain a balance between basic and applied
research. Acquisition of game management lands was at the bottom of the list in financial
expenditure, but high in planning. With such limited acquisition funds, many areas were
considered, but only a few could be given purchase priority. We were fortunate to have the
bulk of our upland season during the regular period in spite of a woods closure in the
middle of November due to extreme forest fire conditions.

As reported in the past, the bulk of game research, management and land acquisition
was financed 75 percent by Federal Aid Funds (Pittman-Robertson). Those projects are
so designated in the following report.

( 14)

FEDERAL AID PROJECTS

W-9-D - Statewide Development Project

The development of wildlife management areas for public hunting was done on this
project. It had a budget of $117, 000. 00. Work was done on 14 areas located in the towns of
Williamstown, Peru, Chester, Huntington, Winchendon-Royalston-Templeton, Hubbardston,
Barre, Oxford, Uxbridge, Westboro, West Newbury, Ayer-Shirley-Lancaster, Plymouth,
Falmouth and Freetown. This work was scheduled for the entire year and consisted of:
maintenance of office and storage buildings (94 man days) ; maintenance of water controls
(3 man days); maintenance of bridges (25 man days); development and maintenance of roads
(185 man days); posting of boundaries, entrances, roads etc. (272 man days); planting
wildlife trees and shrubs (73 man days); planting herbaceous wildlife food and cover (371 man
days); clearing land by bulldozer, brush cutter, axe and chain saw and spraying herbicide
(634 man days); controlling undesirable plant species (6 man days); encouragement of
natural fruiting species (5 man days); maintenance of wood duck nesting boxes (108 man days)
In addition, about 30 man days were spent cutting and planting on the Westboro Beagle
Training Area along with the annual census of the cottontail rabbit population located there.

W-35-R - Game Population Trend and Harvest Survey
Small Game and Waterfowl Harvest

A return of 1089 postal cards or 73. 9 percent was obtained from the initial mailing
of 1500 questionnaires. Each return was calculated to represent 100. 32 hunters. It was
assumed that data from non-respondents would have been similar to that of the respondents.

The majority (69 percent) of 1963 licensees did hunt in 1964 and 76 percent of them
were successful in taking some species of game. Ten percent of those who hunted spent
their time in pursuit of deer only.

Grouse, quail, white hare, raccoon, woodcock, gray squirrel, black duck and other
duck all showed an increased kill over 1962. The pheasant kill was almost the same but the
cottontail rabbit kill declined.

In regard to hunting pressure (preference), pheasants were first, followed by grouse,
cottontails, woodcock, white hare, gray squirrel, black duck, other ducks, quail and
raccoon.

For hunter success, the species were ranked in the following order: gray squirrel,
other ducks, black duck, cottontail, rabbit, pheasant, grouse, white hare, woodcock, quail
and raccoon.

The majority (58. 8 percent) of the hunters reported using private land only for their
sport. About 6 percent (6. 3) hunted only on state management areas. Approximately 35
percent (34. 9) used both private land and state areas.

There was a calculated total of 48, 856 deer hunters in 1964. The mean deer kill
was . 0472 which gave a calculated total kill of 2306 deer compared with 2277 reported during
the deer season. The greatest percent (30. 5) of deer hunters reported they hunted the
whole week. Those hunting one day (Monday or Saturday) were next (29.4 percent). Next

( 15)

were those hunting two days (21. 4 percent) of which one day was Monday or Saturday. The
remaining 19 percent hunted from three to five days. Those gunners who hunted all week
were most successful followed by those who hunted only Monday or Saturday.

Statewide Deer Harvest

During the 1964 deer season, Massachusetts hunters reported killing 2277 deer.
Shot gun hunters harvested 2260 deer of which 1063 were males and 1, 191 were females.
Six hunters neglected to report the sex of the deer. Archery hunters bagged 17 deer (10
males and 7 females). For the first time in 16 years, the sex ratio of the reported kill changed
from an even ratio of bucks to does to a heavier kill of does (100 males: 112 females).

A single factor that may have affected the 1964 deer kill was the severe ice conditions
that persisted throughout most of the shotgun season.

The reported kill per county fluctuated with Franklin County holding number one
position. Berkshire County remained second and Worcester County dropped from number
one position (for 1963) to number three position.

Archers had a split season due to forest fire danger in the middle of November.

The 1964 reported deer kill was 38 percent less than the average kill for the twelve,
previous years. The largest percent of deer mortalities other than by legal hunting is
caused by motor vehicles and dogs.

Determination of the Quantity of Deer Range in Massachusetts

All acreage was considered deer range after subtracting the amount used for human
needs and activities such as homes or other dwellings, factories, airports, parks, roads
and highways, market gardens, etc. Reported deer range does not necessarily signify the
presence of a deer population. The final acreage figure will be further refined when such
things as closed towns are considered.

Deer range data are on file at Westboro for 351 towns and cities. From the cover
survey data compiled in 1952, the estimated deer range in Massachusetts amounted to
3, 955, 192 acres. The location of deer range per town or city has not been plotted on maps.

Determination of the Removal Rate of Deer in Massachusetts

Mortality data from kills caused by other than legal hunting are recorded by conser-
vation officers. These were tabulated for the years 1961 through 1964. In order of impor-
tance, motor vehicles (61%) and dogs (24%) caused 85 percent of the mortalities. The remain-
ing 15 percent were made up from illegal gun kills; crop damage kills; unknown causes and
miscellaneous causes.

The average kill from all causes other than hunting was 446 deer per year.

The average ratio of known sex deer kills for a four-year period, 1961 to 1964, was
100 males to 117 females. Kills per month showed high female mortality in all months
except during October and November.

( 16)

Deer were reported killed in 270 (77%) of the 351 towns and cities in Massachusetts.

No evidence was found of deer deaths due to disease or starvation.

Determination of Deer Hunting Pressure in Massachusetts

Results of a deer hunter survey were analyzed. Due to the method used to conduct
the survey, a statistical analysis was not possible. The calculated number of Massachusetts
deer hunters was 48, 700. Roughly 50 percent of the 445 hunters interviewed reported
killing a deer. Only ten hunters said they had wounded a deer. The average age of 443
deer hunters was calculated to be 34 years. Married hunters outnumbered the unmarried
hunters at a ratio of 100 to 38. Factors affecting the amount of time spent deer hunting
are listed in order of importance: work; none (or nothing); finances; school; family;
weather; health.

The deer hunters interviewed hunted an average of three days. The computed minimum
average number of miles traveled by those deer hunters was 95 miles round trip. Roughly 55
percent (243) of 444 hunters interviewed had hunted deer for one to ten years. Successful
hunters (301) reported killing 1, 443 deer or roughly five deer per successful hunter during
that period. A large percent (73%) of Massachusetts deer hunters (326) said they shot the
first deer they saw. Only 27 percent (116) indicated they were selective. When questioned
on shooting preference the hunters' answers, in numerical order, were: 228-none (no pre-
ference); 200-buck; 73-doe; 59-buck or doe; 3-fawn.

The most popular deer hunting method in Massachusetts is the stand or still method.
This method is followed in preference by stalking, tracking, drive and a combination of all
four methods. Most deer hunters (81%) hunted in or with a party. The average party size
was three hunters. Deer hunters used an average of one vehicle per party.

During the 1964 deer week, the deer hunter spent an average of $26. The 419 hunters
interviewed reported a total expenditure of $10, 856. 18. Deer were reported seen by 258 (58%)
of the 445 hunters interviewed. A total of 600 deer were seen by 256 hunters or an average of
two deer per hunter. Only 54 (12%) of the hunters interviewed reported killing a deer in 1963.

Winter Waterfowl Census

The winter inventory was flown on January 5 and January 6, 1965. The flight included
the whole coast from New Hampshire to Rhode Island and the islands of Martha's Vineyard
and Nantucket. The total count was 132, 500 ducks and geese which is 1.4 percent higher
than 1964 and 37 percent higher than the ten- year average (1956-1965). Black ducks were up
13. 7 percent over 1964 and 35. 2 percent over the ten-year average. Diving bay ducks (scaup
golden-eye, buffle-head) were down 23. 9 percent from 1964 but up 3. 6 percent from the
ten-year average. Diving sea ducks (scoter, eider, oldsquaw) were up 18. 1 percent over
1964 and 62. 1 percent over the ten-year average. Canada geese were down 25. 9 percent
from 1964, but were up 33. 3 percent over the ten-year average.

Mourning Dove Census

The 1964 mourning dove call count survey showed a breeding population index of ten.
This is an increase of 25 percent over 1963 (eight). An average of 5. 0 doves per route was
heard.

(17)

There were 37 doves seen in 1964 compared to 45 seen in 1963.

Spring Quail Census

The 1964 spring census of quail in Barnstable, Plymouth and Bristol Counties
showed no significant difference (. 05) from 1961 or a four-year average, 1958-1961.
Apparently the quail population in southeastern Massachusetts is fairly stable. Although
the index in Barnstable County is somewhat lower than previous years, it is not enough
to be considered serious at this point.

Wood Duck Nesting Success and Brood Survival

In 1964, there were 38 nesting attempts by wood ducks at Great Meadows Refuge of
which 31 were successful. These produced 364 ducklings. The banding of incubating fe-
males was continued and 35 nesting hens were handled. An additional four females were
checked and banded on boxes at Buttricks ponds. Twenty-six of these 35 birds were known to
be old females and only four were known to be yearling birds. The five remaining hens were
unbanded and untagged and may have been young birds which had originated from natural
cavities outside the refuge. The disproportion of old birds indicates a failure in recruitment
of young birds to the resident, breeding population.

Dual incubation in a nesting box was recorded when a male and a female wood duck
were found to be simultaneously occupying the same box. The male persisted in incubation
with the female until the eggs hatched.

Project personnel collected 190 wood duck eggs from eight sites in the Sudbury-Con-
cord area and central Massachusetts for D.D.T. analysis.

In connection with the insecticide studies, 98 ducklings, were hatched at the Univer-
sity of Massachusetts, hand-reared to four or five weeks of age and then released at Great
Meadows Refuge. These ducklings, web-tagged at hatching, were leg-banded on release,
and their survival and development traced through the summer trapping and banding pro-
gram.

Eighty-five percent (311) of the 364 ducklings which hatched on Great Meadows were
web-tagged before they left the nesting box. Banding traps were operated five days a week
from July 14 to October 2. Eighty-seven or 28 percent of the ducklings tagged at Great
Meadows were recaptured. Of these, 71 or 23 percent of the total (311) were traced to flight
stage. Twenty-six of the hand-reared birds were recaptured and traced to flight stage or
beyond. The September age ratio of only 1. 5 immatures for each adult again indicated poor
brood survival.

A comparison with the table of development constructed during the previous study
(1952-1954) showed that the hand- reared birds exhibited normal growth and development
after release on the marsh, but the wild- reared population was stunted. It was surmised
that a lack of readily available insect food might have been responsible for the stunted growth
of ducklings at Great Meadows.

( 18)

Experimental Turkey Stocking

A wild turkey restoration experiment was initiated in Massachusetts in 1960.
During 1960 and 1961 a total of 22 wild turkeys were released in Quabbin Reservation. The
population has not increased since 1961, but has exhibited remarkable stability. During
the summer of 1964, the number of poults produced, and the survival of poults from hatching
to fall, was the lowest since stocking was terminated in 1961. Over- winter survival, how-
ever, was the highest recorded to date. A winter feeding program was probably partly re-
sponsible for the higher fall to spring survival. Twenty-one turkeys were present in April
1965.

At Mount Washington, eleven turkeys were released in 1961. This population has
also exhibited no growth. Fifteen turkeys were present in September. Fifteen turkeys were
observed in February, 1965 and most, if not all, probably survived the winter. This pop-
ulation has been fed by residents of the area almost continuously since 1961.

Twenty-nine turkeys were released on October Mountain State Forest in Washington
during 1961 and 1962. One torn and three hens were present in April, 1964. At least two
broods were produced. A minimum of 16 turkeys were present in September. Fourteen
were fed during the winter. At least twelve turkeys were present in April 1965.

Sixteen turkeys were released at Otis in 1961. There is no evidence that any turkeys
have survived in the area.

Eight wild turkeys were transplanted from Quabbin Reservation to the Holyoke Range
in 1964. There apparently was no reproduction. Two hens were trapped and returned to
Quabbin. One hen was killed by an automobile. The fate of the other five turkeys is un-
known.

Several effluent seepages in central Massachusetts were sampled during the summer
of 1964 and the winter of 1964-1965. Fifty-one kinds of plants were found in 28 seeps
during the summer. The estimated amount of plant material per square foot of seep during
the winter was 16. 1 grams.

Non- Federal Aid Work

District personnel were involved in many game management activities which were
financed entirely by state funds. Starting in the spring, they checked the pens of all clubs
who applied for birds on the club rearing program. They delivered the six-week-old
pheasants to those approved clubs. During the early summer there was the distribution of
surplus brood stock. In the late summer and fall there were pheasants and quail to be re-
leased following a pre-arranged schedule. White hare were stocked during December,
January and February.

There were numerous requests for conservation services. From spring to late fall,
there were continual beaver complaints to answer. Traps were supplied for rabbit and raccoon
damage complaints. Advice was given to many clubs, towns and individuals on conservation
planning for their lands. Many wildlife management areas have target ranges. These were
continually serviced and permits were issued for their use. Limited camping in conjunction
with fishing and hunting trips was encouraged on some management areas. Permits were

( 19)

issued for this activity.

All district personnel were deputized and spent many man-days patrolling manage-
ment areas during the upland season and deer week. They were alerted for duty during the
fire season and provided both labor and equipment to combat forest fires.

All beaver trappers are obliged to bring in their pelts to be counted, measured and
tagged. District game crews manned those checking stations. In cooperation with the
United States Fish and Wildlife Service, they ran census routes to determine the spring
population of woodcock in Massachusetts.

Many hours were spent assisting the Realty Section in land acquisition for game
management areas. Land offered for sale was inspected. Priorities for acquisition were
made. Negotiations were made with the landowners for options and with the town and city
officials for permission to purchase.

During the year forest game management plans were prepared for the major state
forests. The purpose of these plans is to provide general guidance for an overall wildlife
management project for forest game species.

Game Farms

The 1965 pheasant production was slightly below previous years due primarily to
above normal rearing losses. Quail production was normal.

New construction was limited. A new incubator cellar at the Sandwich State Game
Farm will aid greatly the rearing program. Only a few pens were constructed but annual
maintenance of previously built pens and buildings was continued.

Investigations of newer and more economical methods of game bird propagation was
conducted at all three game farms.

Game bird disease research was coordinated with the Massachusetts Cooperative Wild-
life Research Unit, University of Massachusetts, in an effort to eliminate a few existing rearing
problems.

GAME DISTRIBUTION
July 1, 1964 - June 30, 1965

Pheasant

Totals:

Adults:
Young:

Spring and summer liberations
August liberations (12 weeks)
October-November liberations (17-25 weeks)
Sportsmen's Club Rearing Program

Hens

Cocks

Total

5, 574

839

6,413

10,419

103

13, 522

225

40,

575

40, 800

913

926

7, 839

17,131 51,443 68,574

Quail

Adults:
Young:

Totals:

Spring and summer liberations
Fall liberations

(20)

484

2, 536

3, 020

White Hare

Northern varying, purchased
White Hare

2, 500

Between the period of January 1, 1965 and February 28, 1965, a total of 2, 500 hare
were purchased by the Division of Fisheries and Game for release in Massachusetts covers.
All hare were ear tagged with numbered tags which were also stamped with a return address.
The hare appeared to be in good physical condition. Some hare were released during the
open gunning season. To date, tag returns have been minimal.

The cottontail rabbit population appears quite high,
apparently did not inhibit the cottontail population.

The drought conditions of 1965

Fur Report

The 1964-1965 fur harvest as reported by twenty-one fur buyers is as follows:

Muskrat

34,

235

Mink

914

Otter

Skunk

Raccoon

Weasel

855
16

Red Fox

Grey Fox

Beaver

196

Field Trials

Field trials held on division areas
Beagle trials held on division areas
Miscellaneous trials held on division areas

12
5
4

( 21)

MASSACHUSETTS COOPERATIVE WILDLIFE RESEARCH UNIT

Wild Turkey Project

Although there was good survival of turkeys during the winter of 1963-64, there was
low survival of poults. Approximately 21 turkeys in central Massachusetts were alive in
September. A good brood was produced at October Mountain, with 14 turkeys alive in early
fall. Fifteen turkeys were present in late summer at Mount Washington.

Mourning Dove Study

Allan P. Richards has completed the first draft of his thesis on mourning doves and
the final report should be available next year.

Woodcock Study

The manuscript of the woodcock book is now in the hands of a publisher.

Chemosterilant Studies

A field pilot study on Nantucket of the gull reproductive inhibitor, Sudan Black, was
initiated. Field work was transferred from Cape Ann to Nantucket and Muskeget Islands.

Effect of DDT on Wood Ducks

A pilot study on the effect of DDT on wood ducks was initiated. Difficulties in keeping
ducks suggest that results will not be reliable.

Black Duck Productivity on Beaver Ponds

Graduate student Philip B. Stanton began a study of black duck productivity on beaver
ponds of different ages. Final results will be completed and reported in 1965.

(22)

REALTY PROGRAM

Prior to the start of the fiscal year Director Shepard submitted a new realty policy
to the Administrative Board for its consideration. This policy was subsequently approved by
the board and put into operation.

Basically its purpose was to concentrate all land and water acquisition and leasing pro-
grams in one place in the organizational set-up of the division. The new realty policy as
adopted by the board called for the establishment of a Realty Section equal in status to the
other sections in the division and charged with the entire responsibility of expeditiously ex-
ecuting a program of land and water acquisitions contingent on appropriations made by the
General Court. Purchase of land and water areas for fish and game purposes has become
increasingly important in the last few years and at the same time increasingly difficult to
accomplish. The director, fully cognizant of these facts, felt that the placing of all real
estate activities of the division in one section would solidify the basic structure of the division
and produce for sportsmen more land and water for each dollar spent.

The realty policy as adopted also made provisions for a Realty Advisory Committee.
This committee is composed of employees of the division and a representative from the Depart-
ment of Natural Resources. The duties and responsibilities of this committee are to fully
investigate, thoroughly discuss and consider all proposed land and water acquisitions filed with
the realty chief and determine those deemed most advantageous to the needs of the division.

These judicious actions have now manifested themselves in a step-up of acquisitions
and a cutting down of the time between option and purchase.

During the year the division received two very important gifts. One was a parcel of
the land and the other a right-of-way to a pond. Mr. and Mrs. Jameson D. MacFarland of
Northboro were the donors of approximately 80 acres of land in Northboro. How do we ade-
quately thank people like Mr. and Mrs. MacFarland? This might best be left to the generations
of wildlife, which will have a better home, more food and more protection because the Mac-
Farlands were thoughtful and generous. Donations of land or water areas are always welcome
and appreciated by the division. Willing to the division of lands or waters owned by one who
loves and appreciates the outdoors and the vast world of nature will guarantee to future gener-
ations a place to nuture their inherent right to know and love wildlife and to do their part to
perpetuate its myriad of species and forms.

The other gift to the division was a launching site and parking area on Knops Pond in
Groton. This very valuable piece of property was given by the Squannacook Sportsman's Club.
If there is one category of land which rates high on the priority list it is access points on
ponds or rivers. The Squannacook Sportsman's Club is to be congratulated for their unselfish-
ness in giving up the ownership of this launching site so that all fishermen can make use of
and enjoy it.

During the year, the division added two more parcels to its holdings on the Swift River,
added to its Phillipston-Petersham area, to the Birch Hill area, to the Northeast area and a
very important parcel to the Podick Hatchery holdings in Sunderland. At year's end, tran-
sactions were completed for the purchase of a550-acre tract along the Quaboag River in Brook-
field and West Brookfield, to be known as the Quaboag Valley Wildlife Management Area.

(23)

Also in various stages of completion were tracts in Berkshire, Essex, Middlesex,
Norfolk, Hampshire, Plymouth, Bristol and Worcester counties.

The Realty Section handled many requests from other segments of the division for
engineering and related work, and made preliminary investigations on many parcels which
were offered for sale to the division but were ultimately refused because of title complications
or other related reasons.

(24)

INFORMATION AND EDUCATION PROGRAM

The Information and Education Program of the Division of Fisheries and Game con-
tinued with its 17th year of operation, spearheaded by the Information and Education Section
and assisted by other personnel throughout the division. Of particular note among those
whose duties regularly include information and education functions are the four wildlife
management districts, on whose collective shoulders fall most of the meetings with sports-
men's clubs and other groups, working with various organizations, conducting information
tours, giving technical advice to the public and to conservation groups, and carrying on con-
siderable personal contact work.

Purpose of the overall program is to develop and maintain a state of public concern
and effective action on behalf of natural resources, particularly those affecting wildlife.
That this program and others like it in every state have been successful is axiomatic - never
before in the history of this country has so much public and private concern for the condition
of our natural resources and the natural beauty of our country been expressed. From White
House to the residence of John Doe, America is concerned, and what's more important, be-
ginning to act.

This could only have happened as the logical result of years of public information and
conservation education programs by those agencies concerned with resource management.
But the job is not done; it can never be done. The pace must be maintained and expanded so
that millions of new citizens each year become properly acquainted with the importance of
conservation. In fact, there are many areas, many subjects and many mediums for the spread
of information that have not been touched because information and education budgets and
staffs have traditionally been too small.

During the reporting period, the following activities which lend themselves to enum-
eration were conducted:

News Services

A total of 143 separate news stories were distributed to media as follows:

I & E Section news releases: 97
I & E Section television news films:
District news releases: 14

An innovation by the I & E Section late in the fiscal year was a weekly series of
"spots;" short items to be used as spot announcements on radio and tv and as fillers by
newspapers. These were sent out in addition to regular news coverage. Initial results
from newspapers have been very gratifying, particularly among the weekly papers. However,
radio and tv usage has been difficult to determine. A mere handful of radio stations have
replied to inquiries; a very few broadcasts have been heard by various employees. This does
not mean that the spots are not being used, only that these media are impossible to monitor
in the same degree that the newsclipping service monitors newspapers. The I & E Section
has a standing weekly commitment to provide tapes of spots to one radio station. These
have been well received.

(25)

A survey of newsclips resulting from division releases shows that 2, 838 clippings
were received, a drop from last year to just above average usage. However, it should be
noted that usage bears only incidental relation to the number of releases made. The news
value of the story, its timing, and credence placed in it by the press still determine its
usage.

Continual personal contact with press personnel by districts and I & E personnel
resulted in 12 feature articles and 42 columns in addition to those resulting from releases.
I & E furnished additional pictures, information and writing assistance on numerous
occasions to feature writers both in state newspapers and national magazines.

Massachusetts Wildlife Magazine

A total of 52,281 subscribers were receiving the magazine at the close of the reporting
period, a net gain of 3,937. Nearly twice this number applied for the magazine, the net gain
being influenced by the more than 3000 routinely dropped as "undeliverables" by reason of in-
accurate address. Subscription promotion, never an active project, was discouraged during
the reporting period as plans were underway to screen the full mailing list. The gain achieved
represented solely those individuals who personally wrote to, or appeared at, the office of the
magazine. Readership of the magazine is conservatively estimated in excess of 150,000.

During the reporting period a complete study of mailing list control methods was
completed. Recommendations to adopt a re-subscription method similar to those used by
magazines for which a subscription fee is charged, were adopted. By the end of the next
reporting period, the entire individual list will have been offered an opportunity to re-sub-
scribe. Those who do not return the subscription coupon found in their magazine will be
summarily dropped from the list. This process will be repeated every three years.

Publications

I 'N

No new publications were added to the stock maintained for public distribution due to
lack of printing funds, but work was continued and funds encumbered for a forthcoming ex-
haustive treatise on the wood duck in Massachusetts.

Routine publication by the I & E Section of the annual report, stocked waters list,
fish and game law abstracts, closed town list, license forms and archery stamp was ac-
complished.

Advertising and Promotion Out of State

During the reporting period the I & E chief completed a study of advertising and pro-
motion needs and possibilities and made recommendations in a report to the director. This
is presently under consideration by the Department of Commerce.

Basically a choice of two programs was proposed. One would cost $199, 846 a year
to bring in an estimated $551, 250 revenue in new license sales plus an estimated $10, 500, 000
in additional business and tax benefits. The other would cost $77, 199 a year to bring in an
estimated $183, 750 revenue in new license sales plus an estimated $3, 500, 000 in business
and tax benefits.

(26)

Either program would involve advertising in out-of-state newspapers and magazines
in the basic market area, out-of-state promotion through all news media, exhibitions at
travel and sports shows out-of-state, provision of promotional literature, film circulation,
and other promotion measures. The difference between the two programs would be largely
a matter of extent of activity and staffing required to carry out the program.

Conservation Education

A total of 148 boys completed the 17th annual Junior Conservation Camp program,
which is planned and directed by the I & E chief in cooperation with the Department of
Natural Resources and Massachusetts Conservation, Inc.

The I & E Chief continued to serve as the division's representative on the Massa-
chusetts Advisory Committee for Conservation Education and the Conservation Education
Editorial Board, both in cooperation with the Department of Education.

Sportfish Awards Program

The second year of the sportfish award program was completed, with gold pins and
plaques awarded to holders of the following record catches for calendar 1964:

Largemouth Bass

—10 lbs.

Bluegill

11 inches

Smallmouth Bass

— 6 lbs.

10 oz.

Bullhead

20 inches

Chain Pickerel

— 7 lbs.

11 oz.

Channel Catfish

30 inches

Rainbow Trout

— 5 lbs.

15 oz.

Calico

—17 1/2 inches

Brown Trout

—13 lbs.

9 oz.

White Perch

15 3/4 inches

Lake Trout

—12 lbs.

1 oz.

Yellow Perch

16 5/8 inches

Walleye

— 8 lbs.

8 oz.

Brook Trout

18 inches

Shad

— 6 lbs.

3 oz.

Northern Pike

— 13 lbs. 12 oz.

Standing all-time state records as of January 1, 1965 are:

Largemouth Bass

—12 lbs.

1 oz.

Brook Trout

19 inches

Pickerel

— 9 lbs.

5 oz.

Shad

—6 lbs. 13 oz.

Walleye

— 8 lbs.

8 oz.

Bluegill

11 inches

Lake Trout

—13 lbs.

1 oz.

Channel Catfish

—13 lbs. 8 oz.

Brown Trout

—18 lbs.

8 oz.

Calico Bass

17 1/2 inches

Rainbow Trout

— 6 lbs.

13 oz.

White Perch

16 inches

Smallmouth Bass

— 6 lbs.

10 oz.

Yellow Perch

16 5/8 inches

Northern Pike

—13 lbs.

12 oz.

Bullhead

22 1/2 inches

Meetings

Major professional recognition of an international scope was awarded the division
I & E program when the I & E Chief was elected president of the American Association for
Conservation Information at that international body's annual conference in Sun Valley, Idaho,
in June.

District personnel attended or participated in 222 meetings with sportsmen's groups,
civic and fraternal associations, youth and church groups, besides numerous meetings with

( 27)

individuals and various local groups to advise directly on wildlife management projects.
I & E personnel averaged about two such meetings per week throughout the year.

Exhibits

Districts and I & E participated in or aided a total of ten major exhibits at sports-
men's shows and fairs during the reporting period. A few minor exhibits of limited dura-
tion were also handled.

Audio-visual aids

The I & E Section prepared and presented 14 "Dateline Boston" half-hour television
shows, nine "Critter Corner" 15-minute shows, appeared as a live tv guest on six occasions
and as a radio guest on five, during the reporting period. A number of guest appearances
by other personnel were arranged. Districts reported participating in 12 radio and/or
tv guest appearances. Television programs of this division received a first-place award,
for the third time in four years, from the American Association for Conservation Inform-
ation.

Approximately 59, 760 people saw division films at club showings exclusive of use
on television. The 16 titles in the free-loan library were booked a total of 747 times. No
new films were added to the library this year because of shortage of funds.

The usual large quantity of management photos was processed for the technical

staff.

Internal Communications

As a means of informing all employees of current major activities and items of im-
portance, publication of "TOPICS" was continued as a report of staff meetings. Three issues
were published during the reporting period.

As usual, all division employees had opportunity to read I & E Section releases which
are sent to all supervisors and brought to the attention of all employees. While it would
be more desirable to send every employee personal copies of releases, this was not possible
due to shortage of postage funds.

The annual division-wide employee's conference was conducted in February with all
sections cooperating.

Special Events

The I & EChief served as publicity chairman for National Wildlife Week, and a
series of releases was issued stressing the theme on pollution, tying this in with water
problems in Massachusetts. A proclamation proclaiming the observance was arranged
with the office of the Governor.

I 4

In January the annual banquet of the New England Outdoor Writer's Association was
utilized as a means of securing additional publicity for the sportfish awards program.

(28)

Telephone information services were again conducted on the opening days of deer
and fishing seasons.

In June, special attention was given to a meeting of northeast fish and game directors
in Massachusetts.

Tours and Demonstrations

District personnel conducted ten separate tours for the press and 12 "Show Me"
trips for public groups.

The Western District conducted groups from sportsmen's clubs, the Izaak Walton
League, Boy Scouts and residents of the Pittsfield area on four tours of the Peru Manage-
ment area.

The Central District conducted groups of bird watchers and two school classes on
two tours of the Westboro Area.

The Northeast District conducted a group of sportsmen's leaders on a tour of the
Squannacook area.

The Southeast District conducted field trips on several areas for the University of
Massachusetts, Bridgewater State College, the Legislative Committee on Natural Resources,
and the Northeast Fish and Game Director's Association.

Miscellaneous

About 6500 "Safety Zone" Posters were distributed by the districts and another 2500
by the I & E Section. The districts also erected 26 additional metal "Safety Zone" highway
posters, and 65 additional general educational posters of various types.

(29)

GENERAL ADMINISTRATION

How The Sport

smen's Dollar Was Spent

Administration

3304-01

$ 110, 678. 01

Fish & Game Board

600.00 $

111,

278.

Information-Education

72,

955.

4 1/2%

Fisheries Management

Fish Hatcheries

3304-42

335,

639.

21%

Management

120, 948.98

Construction & Improvements

3304-21

21, 650.00

*Fish Restoration Projects

3304-47

52, 867.98

Management

3304-51

89, 302. 85

Fisheries Research Cooperative

3304-55

10, 000.00

294,

769.

18%

Unit

Wildlife Management

Game Farms

3304-51

242,

827.

15%

Management

89, 302. 85

Construction & Improvements

3304-21

90, 758.62

Wildlife Research Cooperative

Unit

3304-44

9, 060.21

*Wildlife Restoration

3304-53

176,010.09

365,

131.

22 1/2%

Land Acquisition

*3304-47

15, 038.00

*3304-53

21,466.00

36,

504.

Law Enforcement

*Deer Damage

3308-05

5, 822. 75

Public Hunting Grounds

3308-07

9, 944. 32

Conservation Officers -

Salaries & Expenses

3360-01

143, 730.43

159,

497.

10%

»**

$1,618,604.27 100%

* Continuing Accounts

Expenditures under 3304-47 and 3304-53
75% reimbursable by Federal Funds.

Reserve in Inland Fisheries and Game Fund
As of June 30, 1965 - $250, 193. 61

(30)

Appropriations and Expenditures

Number

Title

Expenditures
Appropriation & Liabilities

3304-01 Administration

3304-21 Construction & Improvements to

Fish Hatcheries, Game Farms and

Wildlife Management Areas 112, 409. 56

3304-42 Fisheries Management
3304-51 Wildlife Management

3304-47** Fish Restoration Projects
(Dingell Johnson)

3304-53** Wildlife Restoration

(Pittman-Robertson)

481,695. 00

112,408.62
456, 588.44

442,238.00 421,433.61
$1,222,220.56 $1,174,664.49

Reverted

$ 185,878.00 $ 184,233.82 $ 1,644.18

.94

25, 106. 56

20, 804. 39
$ 47, 556. 07

Continuing Balance

Appropriations Expenditures Forward

$ 119,120.41 $ 67,905.98 $51,214.43

253, 841.59 197, 476. 09 56, 365. 50

$ 372,962.00 $ 265,382.07;" $107,579.93

** 75% reimbursable by Federal Funds

(31)

Summary of Fish and Game Income

Fishing, Hunting and Trapping Licenses

Special Licenses, Trap Registrations & Tags

Alien Gun Permits

Rents

Misc. Sales & Income

Pittman- Robertson Federal Aid

Dingell-Johnson Federal Aid

Accelerated Public Works Projects

Court Fines

Refunds Prior Year

Archery Stamps

$ 1, 191, 084.50 *
5, 645.26 **

155.25

3, 291.00

77, 739.51

122, 847.02

55, 337.68

2, 200. 00
7, 678.50

20.40

3, 675.90
$ 1,469, 675.02

■

* See Detail Sheet #1

** See Detail Sheet #2

( 32 )

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( 33)

Detail Sheet #2

Analysis Of Special Licenses Issued Under Sections 48, 68A, 102-3-4-
105-6-7 and 112-A-B-C, Chapter 131, G. L.

TYPE OF LICENSE

Trap Registrations:

Initial

Renewal

Fur Buyers:

Re sident

Taxidermists:

Propagators:

(Special Fish)

Initial

Renewal

(Fish)

Initial

Renewal

(Birds & Mammals)

Initial

Renewal

(Dealers)

Initial

Renewal

Additional

(Ind. Bird or Mammal)

Initial

Renewal

Shiners for Bait:

Duplicates

Field Trial Licenses:

Quail for Training Dogs:

Initial
Renewal

Commercial Shooting Preserves:

Tags
Posters

Trapping of Certain Birds:

Tags: Game

Fish

ER ISSUED

RECEIPTS

121

657

$ 285.25

280. 00

360. 00

204

222.00

60
320

82
379

27
54

221

18
42

1, 000

100

6, 240
29, 501

TOTAL:

289. 00

1,260. 00

650. 00

54. 00

1, 107. 00
20.00

216. 00

200. 00

50. 00

5. 00

40.00

312. 00
295. 01

$5,645. 26

■

( 34 )

LEGISLATION

The following laws affecting the Division of Fisheries and Game were enacted
during the legislative session of 1965 as of August 17, 1965:

CHAPTER 76, ACTS, 1965:

CHAPTER 129, ACTS, 1965:

CHAPTER 435, ACTS, 1965:

An act further regulating fishing by means of a
bow and arrow.

An act providing protection for the gray seal.

An act authorizing the Commonwealth to grant
easements over, across and upon certain land in
the towns of Groveland and Georgetown, for the
transmission of electric power, to Massachusetts
Electric Company.

CHAPTER 466, ACTS, 1965:

An act providing that permits for commercial
shooting preserves may be issued in all counties
of the Commonwealth.

CHAPTER 574, ACTS, 1965:

An act directing the Director of the Division of
Fisheries and Game to convey certain land in the
town of Boxford to the County of Essex.

CHAPTER 70, RESOLVES, 1965:

Resolve further reviving and continuing the special
commission established to make an investigation
and study relative to the inland conservation laws.

(35)

RULES AND REGULATIONS PROMULGATED BY THE DIRECTOR OF FISHERIES AND
GAME DURING FISCAL YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 1965, AND SUMMARY OF OUTSTANDING
REGULATIONS.

August 4, 1948, Rules and regulations for the artificial propagation and maintenance

of fish.

August 4, 1948. Rules and regulations for the artificial propagation of birds and
mammals.

July 14, 1952. Rules and regulations for hunting with bows and arrows.

August 12, 1953. Rules and regulations governing sale of protected fresh-water
fish by licensed dealers in Massachusetts.

March 26, 1954. Rules and regulations governing the display of sporting, hunting,
fishing, and trapping licenses in Massachusetts, effective April 9, 1954.

January 28, 1955. Rules and regulations relative to public fishing grounds in Massa-
chusetts.

April 10, 1956. Rules and regulations governing the taking of fish in interstate
ponds lying between Massachusetts and New Hampshire.

February 14, 1957. Rules and regulations relating to the taking of carp and suckers
for the purpose of sale.

February 15, 1957. Rules and regulations relative to the tagging of deer in Massa-
chusetts.

October 20, 1959. Rules and regulations for public shooting grounds and wildlife
management areas in Massachusetts.

May 10, 1962. Rules and regulations relating to the taking of shad in the inland
waters of the Commonwealth.

January 1, 1963. Rules and regulations relating to the hunting of deer in Massa-
chusetts.

January 1, 1963. Rules and regulations relating to the hunting of hares and rabbits
in Massachusetts.

October 10, 1963. Rules and regulations relating to hunting of pheasants, quail, and
ruffed grouse in Massachusetts.

October 10, 1963. Rules and regulations relating to the hunting of gray squirrels in

Massachusetts.

October 21, 1963. Rules and regulations relative to the use of poison in killing
mammals or birds.

(36)

December 15, 1963. Rules and regulations relating to the hunting and trapping of
mammals in Massachusetts.

January 1, 1964. Interstate fishing regulations on Wallum Lake.

April 10, 1964. Rules and regulations relating to the taking of certain fish in Massa-
chusetts.

August 31, 1964. Rules and regulations for trapping of birds by farmers.

September 1, 1964. Migratory Game Bird Regulations 1964-1965.

April 1, 1964. Interstate Fishing regulations on Congamond Lake, Hamilton Reser-
voir, Colebrook Reservoir, Perry Pond, Muddy Pond, and Breakneck Pond.

(37)

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■ ■

James M. Shepard, Director

Government Center

100 Cambridge Street

Boston, Massachusetts

iTATE LIBRARY CF MASSACHUSETTS

APR 28 19G7
BTATE HOUSE* BOSTON

MASS.

OFFISULS

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His Excellency, John A. Volpe, Governor of the Commonwealth, the
Executive Council, the General Court, and the Board of the Division of
Fisheries and Game.

Sirs:

I have the honor to submit herewith the One Hundred and First
Annual Report of the Division of Fisheries and Game, covering the fiscal
year from July 1, 1965 to June 30, 1966.

While the annual report is customarily a record of accomplishments
of the past year, this one is significant in that it not only begins a
second century of public service for this agency, but also because it
represents in a very real sense a crossroads for decision.

As the Division of Fisheries and Game begins its second century
of service, it is faced with greater public demand for additional services,
higher costs for existing services, and a narrowing financial base. The
record shows conclusively that the public at large benefits directly from
services provided by this agency. At present the public at large does
not contribute financially to those services. It is my belief that General
Fund monies rightfully must be used to augment the limited sportsmen's
license revenue upon which this Division has so long depended.

Respectfully submitted,

JAMES M. SHEP^RD
DIRECTOR

THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS

DIVISION OF FISHERIES AND GAME

One Hundred and First Annual Report

July 1, 1965

June 30, 1966

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Fisheries and Game Board 1-2

Fisheries Program 3-9

Massachusetts Cooperative Fisheries Unit 6

Game Program 10-17

Massachusetts Cooperative Wildlife Research Unit 18

Realty Program 19-20

Information and Education Program 21-23

General Administration

How the Sportsman's Dollar Was Spent 24

Appropriations and Expenditures 25

Summary of Fish and Game Income 25-26

Receipts From Fishing, Hunting and Trapping Licenses 27

Analysis of Special Licenses 28

Legislation < 29

Rules and Regulations Promulgated 30

Publication of this Document Approved by Alfred C. Holland, State Purchasing Agent
800-1-67-944217 Estimated Cost Per Copy: $.71

FISHERIES AND GAME BOARD

The One Hundred and First Annual Report of the Division of Fisheries and Game
is significant, not only because it marks the start of the second century of public service
by this agency, but also because it marks a crossroads at which revolutionary and
basic decisions of great importance must be made.

Experience has demonstrated emphatically that the general public, other than
those who hunt, fish or trap, benefits directly for services provided by the Division of
Fisheries and Game. At this time the general public does not contribute financially to
support of these services.

Today the Division of Fisheries and Game is faced with greater public demand
for additional services, higher costs of existing services, and a narrowing financial
base. The Board has no plans to ask sportsmen, who now almost entirely support this
division, for additional funds. It -feels, rather, that the time has now come (indeed it
may even be past due) when General Fund monies in sizeable proportions must be al-
located to this division.

Hunting and fishing in Massachusetts are important attractions to our 500-million
dollar tourist industry. In excess of $100 million dollars a year is spent by those who
hunt and fish in the Commonwealth, a significant contribution to businesses of many kinds.
Providing places to hunt and fish, watch or otherwise enjoy wildlife, is the responsibility
of the Division of Fisheries and Game. A recent study of public usage of several divi-
sion areas indicated numerous ways in which people enjoy the areas in addition to hunt-
ing and fishing. It is decidedly unfair that license fees alone have to bear the brunt of
the cost of providing and managing such areas.

During the past year the Board and staff of the division worked tirelessly to at-
tempt a solution to this problem. Believing that the division would receive matching
monies from the General Fund, the sportsmen of Massachusetts willingly accepted a
$1.00 increase in the cost of licenses, with the provision that this would be earmarked
by legislation for land acquisition and equalled by a matching appropriation from tax
funds. This was not achieved. Instead, it appears that legislation will earmark in an
indirect fashion only a portion of this increase, and will provide only a token matching.
Further, it appears that legislation will provide funds from a two-million dollar bond
issue, to include construction of a Quabbin fish hatchery and acquisition of land for out-
door recreation, to be entirely repaid from the sportsmen's license money in ten years.

While this is a step in the right direction, and certainly represents progress, again
it is wrong that the sportsmen alone must pay for practically the entire program while
all the public benefits.

If the Division of Fisheries and Game is to continue present services, and provide
the additional services required in the future, it is imperative that additional financing
be obtained from the General Fund as is now the case in many other states.

At any rate, the Board will fulfill its own pledge to the sportsmen, to spend the
$1.00 increase in license fees only on acquisition of land. This may not mean all income
received in any one year will be spent in that year, but over a period of years, as pur-
chases can be carried out, amounts equal to this will be requested in the budget. The
staff, in preparing their individual budgets, has been instructed to delete revenue from
the license-fee increase entirely from their planning except for the specific purposes of
land and water acquisition.

Highlights of the past fiscal year were many. Of minor significance perhaps, but
a step forward in terms of working facilities, the new quarters in the State Office Build-

( 1)

ing have proved a blessing.

Winter survival and poult production of wild turkey introductions in central Massa-
chusetts was approximately double that of previous years, as were the introductions in
Mount Washington. Other plants, however, have only remained stable.

Pheasant production at the game farms again was high, with 56,409 cocks and
11,430 hens being released. Production was excellent at fish hatcheries, despite low
water conditions, with 1,365,109 brown, brook and rainbow trout being distributed. An
additional 29,293 trout were received from federal hatcheries. In addition, 10,118 land-
locked salmon were released in Quabbin Reservoir, and 56,448 Atlantic salmon fry were
obtained. These latter fish will be reared and stocked in Quabbin as fingerlings.

The realty section completed its first full year as a staff section of the Division.
More acreage was acquired, the time span between option and purchase was reduced,
and concentration of all acquisition activities in one section strengthened the operating
structure of the Division.

Among acquisitions during the year were the gift of 265 acres on the Squannacook
River from the Middlesex County League of Sportsmen's Clubs, purchase of three ad-
ditional tracts on the same river by the Division, purchase of a tract of 170 acres on
the Quaboag River, purchase of an access area on Sandy Pond, Plymouth, purchase of
additions to the Swift River area, Phillipston- Petersham area, Little River in Hunting-
ton, West Meadows area, Lawrence Brook in Royalston and the northeast district head-
quarters area, and a gift of land in Templeton.

We invite you to read carefully the more detailed reports contained herein of each
program of the Division of Fisheries and Game.

Mr. Harry Darling of East Bridgewater and Mr. Henry Colombo of Ashland were
respectively elected Chairman and Secretary at the meeting on May 31, 1966. Mr. Henry
Colombo was sworn in as a member of the Fisheries and Game Board by Governor Volpe
on May 17, 1966.

The Board expresses its sincere appreciation to all personnel of the division for
their continued exemplary performance, and wishes also to express its sincere appre-
ciation to the Governor, Executive Council, General Court, and to those other depart-
ments, agencies, members of public information media and the public who have assisted
and supported our programs in the past year.

Respectfully submitted,
Harry C. Darling, Chairman
Henry J. Colombo, Secretary
Edward J. Tierney
F. Stanley Mikelk
Martin H. Burns

(2)

ANNUAL REPORT
FISHERIES PROGRAM

INTRODUCTION

During the 1965-1966 year, the fisheries section conducted research and manage-
ment activities, operating with revenue from license sales and outside monies for
federal-aid projects. Continuing pro; ects include the Qaubbin Reservoir Investigations,
creel census projects, Water Quality Survey and a development project designed to in-
crease fisherman access to lakes and streams. A new federal-aid project was initiated
to establish a more equitable distribution of trout throughout the state. Warm-water
fisheries research was intensified and a workshop was held at Westboro to discuss prob-
lems inherent in warm-water fisheries management.

Quabbin Reservoir Investigations

The twelfth year of study at Quabbin Reservoir was completed. Creel census
agents interviewed 9,979 fishermen from April to October. During this period, a total
of 75,658 fish were caught having a total weight of 65,565 pounds. A significant change
in lake trout harvest was noted as naturally reproduced fish increased the harvest to
over five times the number harvested the preceeding year. Future harvest should main-
tain this level of fishing, as population sampling indicates a burgeoning population of
undersize trout.

Sampling of test coves was conducted to determine species composition which
contribute to the fishery primarily as forage fish.

Life history studies were continued to determine age and growth, food habits,
parasitism and other population characteristics.

The success of landlocked salmon, introduced in 1965, was studied. Indications
are that the survival was high. However, continued surveillance is necessary to deter-
mine the rate of survival and to conduct life history studies. As part of a continuing
program to establish this species, 10,118 landlocked salmon were released. A total of
56,448 Atlantic salmon fry were received from the Province of Quebec, Canada. These
fish, reared at the Sutton Hatchery, will be released into the reservoir during the fall.

Harvest Studies on Managed Ponds

The creel census agent interviewed 956 anglers during the fishing season on four
reclaimed trout ponds totaling 291 surface acres. Expanded seasonal pressure and
harvest estimates indicate 5,142 anglers harvested 3,864.15 pounds of trout. The Cliff
Pond creel census indicated that total angler pressure amounted to 79.1 hours with a
harvest of 13.0 pounds per acre. Indications are that plants of large-sized fingerlings
in a reclaimed situation seem to be economically and biologically justified.

Reclamations

Eleven ponds with a total surface area of 225 acres were reclaimed under a con-
tinuing restoration program. Ten ponds were restocked with chain pickerel or large-
mouth bass. One pond was suitable for trout and was restocked with yearling and adult
brook and rainbow trout.

(3)

Pond Reclamations

Pond

Ezekial Pond
Flax Pond
Long Pond
Rocky Pond
Garrett Pond
Nonesuch Pond
Jordan Pond
Dean Pond
Big Hog Pond
Rafe Pond
Pickerel Pond

Town

Plymouth

Bourne

Wellfleet

Plymouth

Barnstable

Natick-Weston

Shrewsbury

Upton

Barnstable

Brewster

Plymouth

Acres
36
22
34
20
24
40
20
4
10
10
10

Pounds/Acre

69.9

114.9

58.7

110.1

23.4

152.4

328.62

61.4

16.1

11.7

Pre-impoundment studies of the middle branch of the Westfield River indicated
that the game fish population was exceedingly low and growth was slow. Sampling re-
vealed that an overpopulation of trash fish was pre sent. The completion of a water control
dam induced the need for reclamation at this time. A total of 123.8 miles of stream of
the middle branch and its tributaries were reclaimed which included approximately 100
acres of water. Helicopter spraying was conducted on beaver impoundments and areas
inaccessible by road. After reclamation, the stream was restocked with brook, brown
and rainbow trout.

Water Quality Survey

The state-wide project to determine the reasons for variances in the productivity
of fresh-water ponds was continued. Analysis of 126 selected waters was undertaken to
determine seasonal variations of chemical constituents. Statistical evaluation indicated
that a wide difference in chemical properties does occur.

Plans for research into the biochemical relationship between fish and their en-
vironment are being formulated. Additional complex equipment such as an infra-red
spectrophotometer for precise measurements of important dissolved compounds will
aid project personnel to determine limiting factors to stocking success and may increase
our knowledge of factors which limit carrying capacity of our ponds.

Connecticut River Studies

The second of three years of harvest and population studies was carried out on
the Connecticut River, concentrating on the segment of the stream between Turner's
Falls and Holyoke and including the Oxbow at Northampton. Visits were made to the
river at least once per week throughout an entire year of fishing to count and interview
anglers. Samples of fish populations were taken by electro-fishing and netting. Integra-
tion of localized segmental studies with overall pressure and harvest was accomplished
by weekly aerial counts of anglers along the entire length of the river within Massachu-
setts boundaries.

(4)

Warm-Water Fisheries Research

Recent surveys of natural waters indicate that 75% of our ponds are suitable for
warm-water fish such as bass and chain pickerel. Management techniques applied in past
years have met with limited success. Records of 95 ponds in which some of the tech-
niques were applied were reviewed as historical data. Fish samples were collected
from 68 ponds to determine the effectiveness of previous corrective measures. In
conjunction with total reclamation, sampling indicated that recontamination of these
ponds occurred within a short period of time after management and that after five years,
little improvement was noted in game fish populations.

Six thousand landlocked alewives were introduced in the Congamond Lakes, South-
wick, in an attempt to establish this variety in Massachusetts. This special breed of
alewive should produce adequate spawn each year, insuring a readily available supply
of forage fish.

A two-day workshop was held at Westboro to determine the extent of warm- water
management in the northeast. Representatives of the states from Maine to West Virginia,
the Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife and the Soil Conservation Service were present
to discuss the problems involved in greater utilization of our warm-water fisheries.

Trout Allocation

Investigations of past stocking activities indicated that distribution of trout was
based to a large extent upon tradition. This project was initiated to alleviate inequities
that may be present in the present system.

A review of practices both in this state and elsewhere, coupled with a question-
naire sent to other states, was conducted and proved useful in providing guidelines for
the establishment of a distribution formula. This formula will place the distribution of
trout on a sound biological and economic basis.

Plans were formulated to investigate and classify waters throughout the state to
assure equitable and economic allocation of trout.

Trout Stream Access

Dwindling access to many good trout streams necessitated the initiation of a pro-
gram to provide anglers with opportunities to fish. Three sites selected are within
flood control areas usable for fish and game purposes under 25-year licenses. A fourth
site, the Swift River, is owned by this Division. The areas are being developed with the
construction of new gravel-topped roads, parking lots, opening of abandoned roads and
the opening of streamside foot trails and "fishability" clearings. Information signs
were constructed and posted, and red pine trees were planted to delimit state-owned
property. Areas formerly unavailable to fishermen are now being opened, and hatchery
vehicles are able to release trout in promising locations that were recently inaccessible.

District Activities

Care and maintenance of two culture pond systems was continued. The stocking
of trout and warm-water fish was also carried out. Maintenance of public fishing areas
and habitat improvement were intensified under a federal-aid program.

Population sampling was conducted on 68 ponds as an evaluation of past manage-
ment practices. Eleven reclamations of warm-water ponds to evaluate these practices
were completed. These ponds were restocked with fish from the culture system.

(5)

District personnel investigated fish kills, advised sportsmen's groups in fish
pond management, maintained exhibits in cooperation with sportsmen's groups to in-
crease interest in conservation, cooperated with federal agencies on surveys involving
interstate waters and cooperated with other state agencies toward the establishment of
additional access sites.

The Harold Parker State Forest Pond System in North Andover, cared for by the
northeast district, yielded 1,808.2 pounds of large-mouth bass and 357.3 pounds of
smallmouth bass. The Merrill Pond System in Sutton managed by the central district
produced 278 pounds of largemouth bass and 290 pounds of chain pickerel. All were
used in public waters.

Pesticides Laboratory

During the past year the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Game, in co-
operation with the Massachusetts Health Research Institute and the United States De-
partment of Health, Education and Welfare, continued a state-wide monitoring program
aimed at a constant evaluation of pesticide residues in the waters of the Common-
wealth. During this period over 495 fishes collected from 119 watershed stations were
analyzed for chlorinated hydrocarbons.

Massachusetts Cooperative Fishery Unit

In conjunction with the Division of Fisheries and Game, the University of Massa-
chusetts has continued research on the Connecticut River, Quabbin Reservoir and small
artificial ponds. In addition, projects were initiated to increase the scope of the present
Connecticut River studies and to investigate the ecology of warm-water ponds.

The Connecticut River survey is designed to study the types of bottom material
and the invertebrate organisms associated with them. A total of eight families of insects
and seven groups of other invertebrates were identified. Quantitative results indicate
that rubble harbors the most species of bottom organisms followed by muck, gravel and
sand.

Studies were continued on the composition and distribution of fish species in the
river. Thirty-one species were captured and examined which included white sucker,
black crappie, white perch, white crappie and walleye pike. A few brown and brook trout
were also sampled.

New research projects initiated include a study of the feeding habits of game fish
species in the river, and an investigation of the ecology of the American shad, with an
attempt to locate spawning sites. These projects are coordinated with the Division of
Fisheries and Game biological sampling and creel census work.

At Quabbin, life history studies were continued on white perch and rock bass with
emphasis placed on age and growth, reproduction, food habits, fecundity and parasitism.
These studies are coordinated with investigations conducted by the Division.

with

In coordination with the Division, a warm-water research study has been initiated
three areas being selected for extensive biological and chemical investigations.

Allied studies with the Water Resources Research Center are being conducted
which include a stirvey of small artificial recreational ponds and the biological condi-
tion of these impoundments.

(6)

Trout Propagation

State and Federal Hatchery Production

A grand total of 1,365,109 brook, brown and rainbow trout weighing 319,477 pounds
were distributed in Massachusetts public waters last year.

Production of the five state hatcheries totalled 1,365,109 trout weighing 290,194
pounds. The total number of catchables (six inches or over) was 914,693. In addition,
10,118 landlocked salmon were released in the Quabbin in the fall of 1965.

State hatchery releases were supplemented by 29,293 trout weighing 29,283
pounds received from five federal hatcheries.

Water Resources

Continuation of drought conditions affected the water resources at our hatchery
installations. Reduced water flows with a subsequent drop in oxygen content was notice-
able. However, emergency expenditures for electric power and the purchase of pumps
and aerators made it possible for our fish culturists to attain a normal liberation of
fish for the stocking programs.

Nutritional Research

The feeding research program was confined to pelleted fish food. Data acquired
indicate a relationship between the dissolved oxygen levels in the water, food conversion
and growth. Statistical analysis of the results and the charting of growth levels are
pending.

Fertility and Coloration

Research feeding to evaluate the effects of both regular and defatted paprika on
fertility and growth in yearling brown trout was continued. Additional research is nec-
essary to evaluate the fertility of the test fish. These animals have been maintained on
the same brand of pelleted food more than two years. The tests indicate that other
brands have failed to sustain the fish in a healthy condition over two years.

A coordinate study with the Agricultural Section of the University of Massachu-
setts has advanced our understanding of vitamin A and its relation to fish nutrition.

Salmon Rearing

During the year, 56,448 salmon fry were received from the Province of Quebec
for rearing at the Sutton Hatchery. Plans are to release these fish as three-to five-inch
fingerlings in the fall of 1966.

Construction

The Montague Hatchery cleaned up reforested areas to reduce forest fire hazzards
and made repairs to maintain existing structures.

The Palmer Hatchery reconstructed several rearing pools with lumber and con-
crete. Clearing of underbrush to reduce fire hazards was also accomplished.

The Sandwich Hatchery completed construction of six cement ponds and the im-
mediate area was graveled ready for blacktop.

(7)

Several new two-inch wells were driven to provide adequate water supply for in-
creased rearing facilities.

The 20 pond unit at East Sandv/ich on the west side was repaired.

Banks were cleared in preparation for the construction of a double series of
eight cement raceways with feed lines.

Water exploitation work was undertaken for the installation of a new gravel packed
well. Piping from this well will interconnect with existing pipes providing a source of
water to all sections of the hatchery during emergencies.

The Sunderland Hatchery extended electrical lines for pumps and aerators. Re-
pairs were made to existing ponds and buildings.

Several well points were installed at the Podick station in an effort to increase
the water supply. Lumber was salvaged and plastic shelters were made available to
advance rearing schedules.

Equipment

Two new distribution trucks were purchased. Eleven electric aerators, six elec-
tric, two-inch water pumps and nine gasoline water pumps were purchased to relieve
shortage conditions. Many other pumps were purchased for use on distribution trucks.

(8)

■

Trout Distributions from State and Federal Hatcheries
July 1, 1965 to June 30, 1966

BROOKS BROWNS RAINBOWS

Under 6" Over 6" Under 6" Over 6" Under 6" Over 6" TOTAL

210,450 432,577 93,200 264,290 146,766 217,826 1,365,109

Total Trout Distributed 6-9" 486,358

Total Trout Distributed 9" 287,784

Total Federal Trout Dist. - 6" plus 140,551

Total Catchables (6" plus) 914,693

Total Fingerlings 6" minus 450,416

GRAND TOTAL 1,365,109

STATION POUNDAGE

Berkshire Hatchery 13,673

Montague Hatchery 70,583

Palmer Hatchery 41,196

Sandwich Hatchery 85,483

Sunderland Hatchery 54,988

Sutton Hatchery 24,271

STATE POUNDAGE 290,194

North Attleboro 16,658

Pittsford Vermont 2,897

Nashua, N. H. 8,812

Bowden, W. Virginia 778

Berlin, N. H. 138

FEDERAL POUNDAGE 29,283

GRAND TOTAL 319,477

(This table does not show trout retained for Brood Stock)

GAME PROGRAM

Highlights of the game program were centered around both wildlife research and
management of white-tailed deer and waterfowl, and development of state-owned lands
for public hunting.

The wildlife research and management activities were financed by monies derived
from the sale of licenses and Federal Aid (Pittman-Robertson) funds.

A summary of the year's work by Federal- Aid projects follows:

W-9-D

The majority of the game section's time and effort is spent on this project to
develop our wildlife management areas for public hunting. Such an objective requires
a great diversity of work programs: construction and maintenance of dams, dikes,
roads and buildings; posting area boundaries; planting wildlife trees and shrubs; plant-
ing annuals and perennials for wildlife food and cover in spring and fall; thinning and
clearing woodlands; controlling undesirable plant species; encouraging natural fruiting
species; and maintaining wood duck nesting boxes. On the Westboro Beagle Training
Area, woodland cuttings and the planting of legumes, etc. are annual management activi-
ties.

The management and development of the Myles Standi sh State Forest Wildlife
Management Area was greatly accelerated by temporarily transferring game farm per-
sonnel during the winter months. Work on this highly important public hunting ground
in southeastern Massachusetts during the past fiscal year resulted in the development
of 2.5 miles of new access roads; 12 new hunter parking lots; brush cutting of 280 acres
of land; clearing of 70 acres of land by use of a Rome harrow; and planting and main-
tenance of 49 acres of wildlife food patches.

Approximately 40,000 board feet of lumber were salvaged from thinnings and
cuttings at the Birch Hill area.

W-35-R

Massachusetts' wild turkey restoration project was initiated in 1960. Twenty-two
wild turkeys from three different stock types were released in Quabbin Reservation
between 1960 and 1961. Successful reproduction has occurred during most years, but
winter losses and high poult mortality during some years have offset population growth
so that spring populations have remained relatively static. In April, 1965, 21 turkeys
were present in the Quabbin area, the highest spring population since the project's ini-
tiation. A winter feeding program during the 1964-1965 winter was thought to be partly
responsible for high over-winter turkey survival. Nesting success was high during 1965,
but poult mortality limited high juvenile recruitment. However, the fall population
numbered approximately 54 turkeys. Mild winter conditions and artificial winter feeding
were probably responsible for the over-winter survival of a minimum of 39 turkeys by
April, 1966. (This figure does not include 11 turkeys moved to the Holyoke Range.)

A transplant of wild turkeys from the Quabbin area to the Holyoke Range in 1964
was unsuccessful in establishing a population. Another release of 11 turkeys was made
in November, 1965. One juvenile torn was lost during the winter. Ten turkeys were
present in April, 1966.

At October Mountain State Forest in Washington, 29 turkeys were released during
1961 and 1962. Eleven turkeys were released in 1961 at Mount Washington. Static popu-
lations have persisted at both locations. At October Mountain, a minimum of 12 turkeys
were present in April, 1965. At least two broods were produced but poult survival was

■

(10)

I •

■

very low. Sixteen wild turkeys may have been present by September. Local residents
fed at least seven during the winter. An estimated ten to twelve birds were present in
April, 1966. At Mount Washington, 15 turkeys were present in April, 1965. At least
four broods were produced. A minimum of 30 birds were reported present in Septem-
ber. Some artificial food was provided for the turkeys and a local resident reportedly
fed them during the winter. Twenty-seven wild turkeys were reported present in April,
1966.

Reports indicated a number of wild turkeys were seen in the Ashfield- Conway
area. Tracks of two toms were located in January, 1966 at Ashfield. The origin of
these birds was unknown.

Poult mortality was at least 50 percent during 1965. The primary causes of
mortality were not determined but some data were collected. A juvenile torn severely
parasitized by Capilleria sp. was captured, and several turkey droppings that contained
Ascaridia sp. were collected in January, 1966.

Data gathered by direct observation indicated wild turkey broods frequented
openings and fields during the summer. Most hens with broods moved to New Salem
following hatching on the Prescott Peninsula where they constantly used grassy fields
and pastured areas until September. Some information on food habits of broods during
the summer of 1965 was obtained by observations.

A winter feeding program started during the 1964-1965 winter was continued.
Cob corn in wire basket feeders was provided for wild turkeys at New Salem during the
1965-1966 winter. Some corn was made available to turkeys in western Massachusetts
but most birds were sustained on artificial foods provided by local residents. Mild
winter conditions and winter feeding were probably responsible for high over-winter
survival of turkeys in the Quabbin area and at the western release sites.

Thirty-six wild turkeys were live-trapped, wing-tagged and banded between June,
1965 and February, 1966 in the Quabbin area. Eleven were transplanted to the Holyoke
Range, the others released at the trap site. Population studies are facilitated by having
marked birds in the population.

Wood Duck Production and Survival Studies

A live trapping and banding program was carried out at Great Meadows Refuge
in Concord from July 14 to September 28, 1965. The purpose of this study was to trace
the survival of wood ducks which had been tagged at hatching in nesting boxes on the
refuge. However, the trapping program was severely hampered by the depredations of
a group of otter which had escaped from a nearby estate. Only 19 percent of the tagged
ducklings were recaptured and traced to flight stage.

The tagging program allows the exact age of the ducklings to be determined at
the time of recapture. A comparison of the growth rate and development of these known-
age immature wood ducks was made with a standard table of development prepared
during a previous study (1952-1954) on Great Meadows Refuge. This comparison has
shown that the ducklings on this study area have been retarded in their growth and devel-
opment during the past three years when compared with the previous standard. There
is evidence that changes in the habitat have caused a lack of readily available insect
food which might be responsible for the stunted growth and poor survival of ducklings
at Great Meadows.

In the spring of 1966, incubating females were again banded in the nesting boxes.
The preponderance of aged females and the scarcity of first-year birds, which latter

(U)

should make up half the population, indicates the poor recruitment to the resident breed-
ing stock. However, production was good this year and the number of ducklings hatched
was the largest since 1958.

A similar study was initiated of the wood duck population at the Greenough estate
in Carlisle. The record of production and survival of birds from this area will be com-
pared with the data from Great Meadows. Over 500 ducklings were web tagged at hatch-
ing in 1966 and will provide the basis for the evaluation of the survival rate at both of
these breeding areas.

A monograph entitled "The Wood Duck in Massachusetts" by David Grice and
John P. Rogers has been published by the division and is now available for limited dis-
tribution.

Aerial Census of Waterfowl

The winter inventory was flown between January 4 and January 10, 1966. The
flight covered the coastline from New Hampshire to Rhode Island and the islands of
Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket. The total count was 96,300 ducks and geese, 27 per-
cent less than in 1965 and four percent less than the ten-year average (1957-1966). Black
ducks (22,400) were down 31 percent from 1965 and eight percent from the ten-year
average. Diving bay ducks including scaup, golden-eye and bufflehead (31,500) were ten
percent higher than both the 1965 count and the ten-year average. Other diving ducks
including scoters, eiders and old squaws (34,000) were down 46 percent below 1965 and
17 percent below the ten-year average. Canada geese (7,800) were three percent below
1965 but 22 percent above the ten-year average.

Five flights were made from October 13 to December 20 to make a periodic in-
ventory of scoters, eiders and old squaws along the New Hampshire and Massachusetts
coast. There was a build-up as follows during the census period: Scoters from 2,700
to 33,700; eiders from 8,100 to 97,900; old squaw from 0 to 300.

Hunters using boats and decoys were counted to determine hunting pressure. Only
ten rigs were observed during approximately 40 hours of flying.

Winter Banding of Black Ducks

The winter banding program was undertaken at the request of the U. S. Fish and
Wildlife Service to provide a banded sample of the wintering black duck population in
the Northeast coastal region. A special experimental late black duck season is under
consideration and a banded sample of this population would aid in evaluating the efforts
of such a season.

Personnel working for the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Game banded
a total of 1,824 ducks at coastal stations during the period December 21, 1965 to March
18, 1966. Together with the banding conducted by the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service in
the Newburyport area, this exceeded the quota of 3,000 newly banded birds requested
for Massachusetts coastal stations.

Banding under state auspices included 691 birds in Boston Harbor and 1,133 in the
Cape Cod area. The great majority were black ducks (1,658), but 97 mallards were
banded as were 69 black-mallard hybrids. In addition, 28 birds were captured that were
already carrying bands from other stations.

Most of the birds were taken in standard wire bait traps using whole corn as bait.
The lack of a prolonged period of severe cold during the past winter permitted mussel

(12)

■

beds to remain accessible to ducks throughout the trapping period. For this reason, the
birds remained in relatively good condition throughout the winter and the corn did not
prove as attractive as would be expected under more severe conditions.

Limited use of a cannon net was employed to capture 142 birds for banding. The
ratio of repeats captured by the cannon net was lower than was the case with wire traps.
If the winter trapping program is continued, expanded use of the cannon net is contem-
plated.

Waterfowl Wing Session

For the third consecutive year, the waterfowl project leader assisted at a wing
session held at the Patuxent Research Station in Laurel, Maryland. Over 20,000 duck
wings sent in by waterfowl hunters in the Atlantic Flyway each year are identified, sexed
and aged by technicians working at these stations. The data gathered from this wing
sample are analyzed and used in setting the waterfowl regulations in this flyway.

A sample collection of waterfowl wings was brought back and presented to wild-
life students at the University of Massachusetts during a seminar of sexing and aging
techniques.

Deer Project

During the 1965 deer season, hunters reported taking 2,242 deer. Of these, 1,181
were males and 1,024 were females. No sex was reported for 37 deer. The sex ratio of
the 1965 deer kill was 115 males to 100 females. This is a reversal of the 1964 kill
ratio.

Shotgun hunters killed 2,231 deer during the six-day season, December 6 through
December 11, 1965 (1,170 bucks; 1,024 does and 37 of sex unreported). Archers shot
eleven bucks during the archery season November 8 through November 20.

Hunters neglected to report the location of 500 deer kills.

Deer project personnel
range on cover maps.

are in the process of plotting 3,955,192 acres of deer

The Division of Fisheries and Game and the Division of Law Enforcement have
initiated a system of recording deer mortalities. To date, the cause of the highest known
deer mortality, other than by hunting, is the motor vehicle (roughly 60 percent). Deer
killed by dogs averages around 24 percent, with the remaining 16 percent of the kills
caused by illegal shooting (jacking), crop damage kills, unknown and miscellaneous
causes.

The general health and weights of our Massachusetts deer appear to be excellent
as observed at deer checking stations and during the collection of road kills.

Although the concensus was that the hunting pressure during the 1965 season was
not as heavy as in previous years, it was estimated that between 48,000 and 50,000
hunters took to the woods in search of deer during the 1965 season.

Using the 1965 reported deer kill figure of 2,242 deer, it is estimated that the
minimal prehunting season deer population ranged between 8,500 and 10,500 deer.

Statistical analysis of the deer data for a fifteen-year period indicates an over-
shooting of the female segment of the deer population. The data indicate a history of

( 13)

■

overharvest of females followed by a number of years of herd-size recovery. During
the middle 1950's , the female segment was overharvested for four years in a row and
to date the herd size has not recovered.

Utilization of Wildlife Management Areas

The objectives of this study are as follows:

1. To determine the hunting pressure on wildlife management areas.

2. To determine the nature and extent of multiple use of wildlife management
areas by the general public.

A summary of the findings regarding hunter usage of these areas revealed that
the total estimated usage of thirteen such areas was 49,428 hunter trips in 1965. This
was 14 percent higher than an average of previous years. Peak usage was reported on
the second Saturday followed by the first Saturday, opening day (Wednesday) and the
succeeding Saturdays after the second. Average weekday usage was about 19 percent
of Saturday usage. Weekday hunting was noticeably heavier after a stocking showing
that hunters anticipated the stocking schedule. Local hunters still utilize the areas to
the greatest degree. A large number of hunters were willing to travel over 50 miles
for their sport and generally were the best equipped.

A summary of the findings regarding multiple use of the division's wildlife man-
agement areas is as follows:

Multiple use activities reported outside of the hunting season are: camping, field
trials, dog training, fishing, berry picking, bird watching, sight-seeing, parking, educa-
tion, target shooting, horseback riding, ice skating. Total days of usage were not re-
corded. Each area was rated in the categories of extensive, moderate, occasional or
no usage.

NON-FEDERAL AID PROJECTS

■

. r'

,-*

Grouse Trapping and Transfer Project

During the past several decades, Martha's Vineyard Island woodland areas have
developed into potential ruffed grouse habitat. Since ruffed grouse are non-existent on
Martha's Vineyard, seven or eight grouse were live-trapped and transferred to this
island two years ago, but without success due to various factors. Therefore, during
the past winter, an exerted effort was made to live-trap and transfer as many ruffed
grouse as possible from areas closed to hunting. The final results reveal that 28 grouse
were released on Martha's Vineyard.

Early summer observations indicate that survival was excellent and at least one
brood was noted.

Sexing Day-old Pheasants by Down Color

Working in cooperation with the Massachusetts Cooperative Wildlife Research
Unit, the game section is attempting to develop a technique of sexing day-old pheasants
by down coloration, making use of sex linkage found in some pheasant types.

In Massachusetts, only male pheasants are legal game. Hens are protected be-
cause it has been shown that 40 to 60 percent of the annual pheasant kill Is derived from
natural reproduction. Therefore, the Division of Fisheries and Game stocks only cock
pheasants for the hunting season.

( 14)

: ¥

Annual game farm production is 55,000 to 57,000 cock pheasants. At present,
day-old chicks are sexed by eye down markings. This technique, however, has resulted
in a large number of birds being mis-sexed. One hundred percent true sex determina-
tion can be made only after the pheasants are five to six weeks of age, but holding the
birds this long results in considerable expense which the division would like to eliminate.

After true sex determination has been made, the Division must rear the hens to
at least twelve weeks of age in order to assure a minimum survival after release in the
wild. In addition to feed costs, there are labor costs and the necessity for providing
valuable pen space. A more efficient technique is needed which will allow game farm
personnel to readily separate day-old pheasant hens from cocks.

Project results to date have been gratifying. However, it should be noted that it
may be several years before the technique will be fully developed.

White Hare

The Division of Fisheries and Game purchased, tagged and released 2,500 varying
hare in 1965. Division personnel who released the hare reported them in good condition.
It is felt that the handling and shipping stipulations required by the division resulted in
livelier and healthier conditioned animals than in previous years. The handling and
shipping stipulations are the results of research conducted by this division.

All hare released by the division have a red metal tag attached to the ear. Hunters
and other interested sportsmen are requested to return these to division Field Head-
quarters in Westboro. Tag returns for the 2,500 hare released during the 1965 season
totaled 78 tags, a three (3) percent return.

For the 1966 season, hare release of 2,500, the tag returns to date are 33 tags or
one (1) percent.

The greatest number of tag data is compiled for hare released during the open
gunning season (between January 1 and February 5.). To date, the tag data indicate
that the carryover of hare is minimal.

Cottontail Rabbit

The cottontail rabbit population appears to be holding at a high level,
and rabbit hunters can look forward to a good season.

Miscellaneous

Beaglers

Miscellaneous activities of the Game Section included distributing game investi-
gating and trapping beaver, tagging beaver pelts, providing landowners with technical
advice, investigating Hatch Act applications and aiding in writing town natural resources
reports.

GAME FARMS

Game farm production was greatly hindered this past year by disease and drought
conditions. Uncontrollable disease problems at two of the game farms are being investi-
gated by the Massachusetts Cooperative Wildlife Research Unit. Change of brood stock
and diet may provide solutions to this problem. For more details, see the Massachusetts
Cooperative Wildlife Research Unit report.

Pheasant pens, electrical installations and buildings continued to require year-
round construction and maintenance work at all game farms.

■

•

(15)

As an economy measure, all brood stock were held at the Wllbraham and Sandwich
game farms. These farms also furnished the Ayer Game Farm with both day-old and
six-week-old pheasants for rearing purposes.

To streamline pheasant distribution, several thousand 12- 14- week-old pheasants
were shipped from the Wllbraham and Sandwich game farms to the centrally-located
Ayer game farm for rearing.

1965 - 66 TRAPPING SEASON, FUR HARVEST & VALUE

SPECIES
Muskrat
Mink
Otter
Skunk
Raccoon
Weasel
Red Fox
Grey Fox
Beaver
Bob-cat
Opposum

O. TAKEN

AVE. PRICE

33,960

$ 1.75

1,058

9.00

22.00

.50

1,698

3.00

.50

9.00

2.50

1,445

17.00

unknown

Total Value

VALUE

$ 59,430.00

9,522.00

1,298.00

20.00

5,094.00

32.50

675.00

82.50

24,599.00

$100,753.00

( 16)

GAME DISTRIBUTION

July 1, 1965 - June 30, 1966

pheasant Hens Cocks Total

Adult: Spring and summer liberations

Young: August liberations (12 weeks)

October- November liberations (17-15

weeks)

Sportsmen's Club Rearing Program*

Totals 11,430 56,409 67,839

5,597

856

6,453

4,272

4,000

8,272

175
1,386

43,057
8,496

43,232

9,882

Quail

Adult:

Young:

Totals

209
3,115
3,324

White Hare

Northern Varying, purchased

2,500

♦Includes June 1966 distribution to clubs (125 hens; 1,676 cocks)

( 17 )

MASSACHUSETTS COOPERATIVE WILDLIFE RESEARCH UNIT
Wild Turkeys

Winter survival and reproduction of wild turkeys in central Massachusetts was
approximately double* from the previous year. After six years of relatively stable
numbers of survivors and poults, the birds now seem to have increased significantly
and some have spread beyond the Quabbin area. The success of a plant of 11 turkeys on
the Holyoke Range is still uncertain. Three of five hens accompanied by gobblers were
seen near the original pi anting are a after the breeding season. There may still be poults
in the area which have not been discovered.

Eleven to 12 turkeys survived on October Mountain. No figures on reproduction
are available.

As in the central part of the state, the turkeys in Mount Washington appear to have
doubled, with an estimated population of at least 50 on August 1, 1966.

* About 100 on August 1

Pheasants

Three pheasant studies have been conducted by the Unit for the first time.

1. Caged pheasants from game farms are being studied to determine causes of
mortality in game farm birds. This is a two-year study and no conclusive findings are
now available.

2. Dr. Wentworth of the Unit, by cross-breeding, developed a stock of ring-necks
which produce hen chicks of a light cream color whereas the cock chicks are the normal
mottled color. This strain will eventually be used by all game farms, and sexing chicks
successfully should approach 100 percent.

3. Twenty-six pheasants were equipped with radio transmitters and followed from
daylight to dark at the Birch Hill study areas. The purpose was to study the birds'
wanderings and hunter success. Previously, from band returns, it was estimated that
75 percent of the birds were shot and 3 to 5 percent died as cripples. It was found with
the radio-equipped birds that heavy hunting pressure inhibited wandering. Nearly 85
percent of the birds were shot near the release site. One bird survived 11 days and
another 10 days, but most lasted less than 3 days. Cripple mortality from the radio-
equipped birds was about 12 percent.

Mourning Doves

A Mourning Dove study initiated several years ago was finally completed. The
history of dove population in western Massachusetts and recent results indicate a high
increase in the number of breeding birds and a substantial population of wintering doves.
Fifteen years ago doves were relatively scarce in the area.

Bird Sterilization Studies

Dr. Wetherbee has successfully demonstrated and studied the effectiveness of
Sudan Black as a sterilant to control gulls. The compound has certain limitations and
new chemicals with promise are now being screened and developed.

Woodcock Book

The University of Massachusetts Press approved the manuscript of Sheldon's
woodcock book for publication and it should be off the press by March 1967.

( 18)

■

REALTY PROGRAM

The Realty Section functioned for its first full year as a separate section in the
organizational setup of the division. This proved very successful as far as land and
water acquisitions were concerned. More acreage was acquired, the time span between
option and purchase was reduced and the concentration of all acquisition activities in
one section strengthened and solidified the basic operating structure of the division.

The Realty Section was pleased to have played a small part in the preparation
of the final papers which conveyed as a gift from the Middlesex County League of Sports-
men's Clubs, Inc. approximately two hundred sixty-five (265) acres of land along the
Squannacook River in the Towns of Groton, Shirley and Townsend. To augment this
valuable gift the division acquired three additional tracts of land along the river com-
prising some one hundred fifty (150) acres and at year's end negotiations were being
carried on to acquire several other parcels along and adjacent to the river in an effort
to establish a sizeable wildlife management area.

In the last report reference was made to the purchase of a sizeable tract along
the Quaboag River as the first step in establishing a wildlife management area along
the river. This year one hundred seventy (170) acres were added by purchase giving
the division an acreage of approximately six hundred seventy-five (675) acres along
and adjacent to the Quaboag River.

The division has long recognized the necessity of taking action to acquire access
points to ponds and lakes throughout the Commonwealth which, although they possess
great fishing potentials, are inaccessable as far as the public is concerned. Since this
particular type of acquisition is expensive and difficult to negotiate because adequate
funds are unavailable, the division has not been in a position to undertake a program of
this type. However, during this fiscal year a start was made and the division acquired
an access area on Sandy Pond in Plymouth. This we hope is the beginning of a program
which will see many acquisitions of this type in the future.

Several acres were purchased to augment the present holdings in the Swift River
Wildlife Management area and the Phillipston-Petershamarea. One hundred sixty acres
were added to our ownership along Little River in Huntington. Purchases were made
along Lawrence Brook in Royalston, adjacent to the Birch Hill area, and in the West
Meadows area. A small parcel was added to the present holdings at the Northeast dis-
trict Headquarters.

The division is most grateful to Mr. L. Clifford Day of New Hampton, New Hamp-
shire for his generosity in conveying as a gift the land owned by him in the town of
Templeton. We are sure that Mr. Day could have sold his property at a handsome profit.
Yet because of his life long interest in wildlife and forestry and his desire to see areas
set aside to remain open and undeveloped for the use and enjoyment of generations to
come he chose to forsake any monetary profits and place his property under the care
and protection of the division. If we are to succeed in our efforts to provide open areas
for public enjoyment and recreation we must have more men and women of Mr. Day's
character and calibre come forward and give us a helping hand.

During the year our engineer aided in preparing plans and specifications for all
construction prospects undertaken by the division, and made surveys and partial sur-
veys to establish and clarify line locations on several of our properties. He also in-
vestigated and prepared the necessary reports of proposed acquisitions for the evalua-
tion and consideration by the Realty Committee and prepared plans of several parcels
for recording.

( 19)

The Realty Section is most grateful to the district managers and district personnel
for their complete cooperation. Their willingness to spend endless hours making con-
tacts, obtaining the necessary information to complete transactions and assisting in
every way they could has resulted in the division now being in a position to make sizeable
acquisitions of necessary land and water in the future. In fact, the Realty Section ex-
presses its sincere thanks to all personnel in the division for their help and cooperation.
The procedures necessary to acquire properties are many times dull and uninteresting
to personnel whose primary interest is wildlife management yet the cooperation of
everyone was above criticism.

m 4

( 20)

->j\

INFORMATION AND EDUCATION PROGRAM

The information and education program continued in its 18th year of operation,
spearheaded by the Information and Education Section and assisted by personnel through-
out the division.

The primary purpose of this program is to develop and maintain a state of public
concern and effective action on behalf of natural resources. That this does have effect
is attested to by the current surge of concern over many aspects of natural resource
management, particularly in the area of pollution. This program actively began efforts
to arouse concern over pollution in the fifties; today there is promise that effective action
is on the horizon. Similar results have been experienced in the fight against unwise use
of pesticides. The information program, which deals with public attitudes, relies heavily
upon factual information furnished it by research and management personnel. It also
relies heavily upon personnel in the field who meet and talk with members of the public,
opinion leaders and other influential persons. It relies most heavily, of course, upon
public information media through which its message is transmitted. Activities in the
area of mass-media, (a requirement before other informational efforts can hope to be
effective), are reported herein.

News Services

A total of 158 separate news stories were distributed to media as follows:

I & E Section news releases: 106
I & E Section television news films:
District news releases: 24

A total of 3,015 newsclips were received, an increase of 177 over last year.

Continued personal contact with press personnel by I & E and others resulted in
46 columns and features in addition to coverage resulting from news releases. I & E
furnished pictures, information and writing assistance on numerous occasions to feature
writers both in Massachusetts newspapers and national magazines. An increase in out-
of-state coverage was noticeable.

MASSACHUSETTS WILDLIFE Magazine

A total of 36,121 subscribers were receiving this magazine at the close of the
fiscal year. The drop from last year was the result of a year-long re-subscription
process which has "cleaned" the mailing list. The re-subscription rate compares with
average rates for such magazines nationally. At the present time, nearly 1000 new
names are being added upon personal request only at the time of each issue. Current
readership is conservatively estimated at three times the subscription figure.

Publications

"The Wood Duck in Massachusetts", 96
delivered during the reporting period. The ]

pages, two colors, was completed and
& E Section also accomplished routine

publication of the annual report, stocked waters list, fish and game law abstracts, closed

town list, license forms and archery stamp.

Conservation Education

The I & E Chief continued to participate on the Massachusetts Advisory Committee
for Conservation Education and the State Conservation-Education Editorial Board.

(21)

■

.'^

A total of 135 boys completed the Junior Conservation Camp program, which is
planned and directed by the I & E Chief in cooperation with the Department of Natural
Resources and Massachusetts Conservation Inc.

The I & E Chief was active in the latter part of the reporting period in coopera-
tion with the Massachusetts Audubon Society, helping to plan a national conference of
the Conservation Education Association.

Sportfish Awards Program

The third year of the sportfish awards program was completed with gold pins and
plaques awarded to holders of the following record catches for calendar year 1965:

Species

Large mouth Bass
Smallmouth Bass
Northern Pike
Pickerel
Rainbow Trout
Brown Trout
Lake Trout
Walleye
Bluegill
Bullhead

Catfish
Calico
White Perch
Yellow Perch

Brook Trout
Shad

Weight

Length

9 lbs. 8 oz.

23 inches

5 lbs. 9 oz.

21 7/8 inches

9 lbs.

34 3/4 inches

6 lbs. 8 oz.

28 inches

7 lbs. 4 oz.

27 1/2 inches

13 lbs. 1 oz.

31 1/2 inches

12 lbs. 3 oz.

31 1/4 inches

8 lbs. 8 oz.

28 1/2 inches

1 lbs.

11 1/4 inches

5 lbs. 8 oz.

22 1/2 inches

4 lbs. 9 oz.

22 1/2 inches

9 lbs. 8 oz.

25 1/2 inches

2 lbs. 9 1/2 inches

18 inches

2 lbs. 4 oz.

16 3/4 inches

1 lbs. 12 oz.

16 1/2 inches

1 lbs. 8 oz.

16 1/2 inches

2 lbs. 4 oz.

19 inches

5 lbs. 11 oz.

23 inches

5 lbs. 11 oz.

26 inches

■

Standing all-time records of January 1, 1966, are:

Species

Large mouth Bass

Smallmouth Bass

Northern Pike

Pickerel

Rainbow Trout

Brown Trout

Lake Trout

Walleye

Shad

Bluegill

Bullhead

Catfish

Calico

White Perch

Yellow Perch

Brook Trout

Weight

Length

12 lbs.

1 oz.

25 3/4 inches

6 lbs.

10 oz.

24 inches

13 lbs.

12 oz.

38 1/2 inches

9 lbs.

5 oz.

7 lbs.

4 oz.

27 1/2 inches

18 lbs.

8 oz.

13 lbs.

1 oz.

31 inches

8 lbs.

8 oz.

28 1/2 inches

6 lbs.

13 oz.

1 lbs.

11 1/4 inches

4 lbs.

9 oz.

22 1/2 inches

13 lbs.

8 oz.

30 inches

2 lbs.

9 1/2 oz.

18 inches

2 lbs.

4 oz.

16 3/4 inches

2 lbs.

16 5/8 inches

2 lbs.

4 oz.

19 inches

■ I

( 22)

■

Meetings

District personnel attended or participated in 271 meetings with sportsmen's
groups, civic and fraternal association, youth and church groups, besides numerous
meetings with town conservation commissions, individuals and various local groups to
advise directly on wildlife management projects. I & E and other staff personnel parti-
cipated in a similar number of such meetings.

Exhibits

Districts and I & E participated in 12 major exhibits during the year. A few ex-
hibits of minor nature were also assisted.

Audio- Visual Aids

The I & E Section prepared and presented 21 half-hour "Dateline Boston" TV
shows, four 15-minute "Critter Corner" shows, and appeared as a live guest on radio
21 times. A number of guest appearances by other personnel were arranged.

Approximately 45,440 viewers saw division films exclusive of television use.
The 16 films in the library were booked a total of 568 times. One new film, "Water
Going- Going" , on pollution, was completed during the reporting period.

The usual large number of still photos for technical use were produced, as well
as hundreds of prints for publicity and publications.

Special Events

The I & E Chief again served as publicity chairman for National Wildlife Week,
and telephone news service was again conducted on the opening day of deer season.

Five "Show Me" tours were conducted by district personnel for groups of sports-
men, press, conservation commissions and legislators.

Miscellaneous

About 2800 "Safety Zone" posters were distributed by Districts and another 1500
by the I & E Section.

The I & E Chief served as president of the American Association for Conservation
Information, the international professional association of conservation information
personnel, throughout the year.

The public information campaign conducted to establish flourescent orange as a
safety color for deer hunting received a first-place award as the "outstanding public
information campaign nationally." The award was presented in June by the American
Association for Conservation Information.

While it did not receive an award in the same competition, MASSACHUSETTS
WILDLIFE magazine was rated "well above average", receiving 200 of a possible 240
points for "fulfillment of conservation purpose." Not receiving a high award was under-
standable - the magazine was in competition with 45 others, most of which expend far
greater budgets on color printing, etc.

(23)

GENERAL ADMINISTRATION
HOW THE SPORTSMAN'S DOLLAR WAS SPENT

ADMINISTRATION
Administration
Fish & Game Board
Information-Education

FISHERIES MANAGEMENT
Fish Hatcheries
Management

♦Fish Restoration Projects
Management
Fisheries Research Coop. Unit

WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT

Game Farms

Management
♦Damage by Wild Deer & Moose

Wildlife Research Coop. Unit
♦Wildlife Research Restoration

LAND ACQUISITION

LAW ENFORCEMENT
Public Hunting Grounds
Conservation Officers -

Salaries & Expenses
Conservation Equipment

♦Continuing Accounts

Expenditures under 3304-47 and 3304-53
75% reimbursable by Federal Funds

3304-01

$106,405.34

3304-01

941.00

107,346.34

3304-01

78,022.24

3304-42

311,299.74

21%

3304-42

115,859.55

3304-47

39,351.91

3304-51

85,480.43

3304-55

10,000.00

250,691.89

17%

3304-51

259,340.92

18%

3304-51

85,480.44

3304-41

5,214.50

3304-44

9,188.94

3304-53

128,868.31

228,752.19

16%

♦3304-47

11,078.00

3304-48

32,900.00

3304-52

29,900.00

♦3304-53

540.00

74,418.00

3308-07

5,065.16

3360-01

142,571.00

3360-13

6,500.00

154,136.16

11%

$1,464,007.48 100%

RESERVE IN INLAND FISHERIES AND GAME FUND
AS OF JUNE 30, 1966 - $ 497,442.06

(24)

Account
Number

COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
DIVISION OF FISHERIES & GAME

FISCAL YEAR JULY 1, 1965 to JUNE 30, 1966

Expenditures
Title Appropriation & Liabilities

3304-01 Administration

3304-42 Fisheries Management

3304-48 Purchase of Land
Squannacook River

3304-51 Wildlife Management

3304-52 Purchase & Development of Land
for Wildlife Management Areas

•3304-41 Damage by Wild Deer & Moose

3304-43 Certain Improvements and Con-
struction - Trout Hatchery
East Sandwich

♦3304-47 Fish Restoration Projects

*3304-53 Wildlife Restoration

*75% reimbursable by Federal Funds

SUMMARY OF FISH & GAME INCOME
July 1, 1965 to June 30, 19 66

Reverted

$ 193,050.00 $ 185,368.58 $ 7,681.42

447,000.00 427,159.29 19,840.71

33,000.00 32,900.00 100.00

440,500.00 430,301.79 10,198.21

30,000.00 29,900.00 100.00

$1,143,550.00

$1,105,629.66

$ 37,920.34

Continuing
Appropriation

Expenditures

Balance
Forward

$ 13,547.95

$ 5,214.50

$ 8,333.45

20,000.00

86,164.43

50,429.91

35,734.52

183,665.50

129,408.31

54,257.19

$ 303,377.88 $ 185,052.72 $118,325.16

v.y

Fishing, Hunting and Trapping Licenses

Special Licenses, Trap Registrations and Tags

Alien Gun Permits

Rents

Misc. Sales and Income

Pittman-Robertson Federal Aid

Dingell Johnson Federal Aid

(25)

$1,360,276.00*
5,627.51**

193.50

3,768.50

9,563.20

96,731.92

67,705.46

Accelerated Public Works Projects
Court Fines
Refunds Prior Year
Archery Stamps

♦See Detail Sheet #1
**See Detail Sheet #2

60,268.18

5,532.50

104.09

2,939.10

$1,612,709.96

(26 )

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■

ANALYSIS OF SPECIAL LICENSES ISSUED UNDER SECTIONS 48, 68A, 102-3-4
105-6-7 and 112-A-B-C, Chapter 131, G. L. during the FISCAL YEAR ENDED

'SlR

June 30, 1966

TYPE OF LICENSE

NUMBER ISSUED

Trap Registrations:

Initial

Fur Buyers:

Taxidermist:

Propagators:

Renewal
Resident

(Special Fish)

Initial

Renewal

(Fish)
Initial
Renewal

(Birds & Mammals)

Initial

Renewal

(Dealers)
Initial
Renewal
Additional

(Ind. Bfrd or Mammal)

Initial

Renewal

Shiners for Bait:

Duplicates

Field Trial Licenses:

Quail for Training Dogs:
Initial
Renewal

97
633

14
181

6
79

66
312

383

27
63

208
4

RECEIPTS

$ 97.00
158.25

240.00

300.00

28.00
181.00

30.00
237.00

330.00
936.00

5.00
231.00
383.00

27.00
31.50

1,040.00
2.00

40.00

100.00
135.00

Commercial Shooting Preserves:
Commercial Shooting Tags
Commercial Shooting Posters
Commercial Shooting Game Tags
Commercial Shooting Fish Tags

Trapping of Certain Birds:

2,800

1,201

5,114

11,501

500.00

570.76
25.00

$5,627.51

(28)

.4 I

LEGISLATION

The following laws affecting the Division of Fisheries and Game were enacted
during the latter part of the legislative session of 1965 and during the legislative session
of 1966:

CHAPTER 768, ACTS, 1965:

CHAPTER 801, ACTS, 1965:

CHAPTER 237, ACTS, 1966;

An act providing for the protection of the coastal
wetlands of the Commonwealth.

An act increasing the fees for sporting, hunting,
fishing and trapping licenses.

An act providing that the Director of the Division of
Fisheries and Game and the Chairman of the State
Reclamation Board be advisory members of the Com-
mittee for Conservation of Soil, Water and Related
Resources in the Division of Conservation Services
in the Department of Natural Resources.

CHAPTER 264, ACTS, 1966:

An act extending the time within which firearms and
bows and arrows may be used on Greylock State
Reservation.

CHAPTER 320, ACTS, 1966:

CHAPTER 429, ACTS, 1966:

CHAPTER 470, ACTS, 1966;

CHAPTER 493, ACTS, 1966:

CHAPTER 651, ACTS, 1966:

CHAPTER 89, RESOLVES, 1966:

An act authorizing the Commonwealth to grant to
New Bedford Gas and Edison Light Company ease-
ments on, over, under, and across certain land, for
the transmission of electric power.

An act authorizing the Division of Fisheries and Game
to acquire certain land in the towns of Ware and
Belchertown for fish and wildlife management pur-
poses.

An act directing the Department of Public Works that
advance planning for highway construction shall pro-
vide for the protection of water resources, fish and
wildlife and recreational values.

An act authorizing the Division of Fisheries and Game
to acquire certain land in the towns of Ware and
Belchertown for fish and wildlife management pur-
poses.

An act to provide for a special inland fisheries and
game capital outlay program.

Resolve providing for an investigation and study by
the Department of Natural Resources of the inland
wetlands in the Commonwealth.

RETIREMENTS

December 31, 1965: Mrs. Frances G. White, Senior Clerk (last day on payroll Nov. 30,

1965) (Died June 25, 1966)
June 4, 1966: George F. Pushee, Jr., Game Biologist

( 29 )

#f*.

RULES AND REGULATIONS PROMULGATED BY THE DIRECTOR OF FISHERIES AND
GAME DURING FISCAL YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 1966, AND SUMMARY OF OUTSTAND-
ING REGULATIONS.

August 4, 1948. Rules and regulations for the artificial propagation and maintenance of
fish.

August 4, 1948. Rules and regulations for the artificial propagation of birds and mam-
mals.

July 14, 1952. Rules and regulations for hunting with bows and arrows.
August 12, 1953. Rules and regulations governing sale of protected fresh-water fish by
licensed dealers in Massachusetts.

March 26, 1954. Rules and regulations governing the display of sporting, hunting, fishing,
and trapping licenses in Massachusetts.

January 28, 1955. Rules and regulations relative to public fishing grounds in Massachu-
setts.

April 10, 1956. Rules and regulations governing the taking of fish in interstate ponds
lying between Massachusetts and New Hampshire.

February 14, 1957. Rules and regulations relating to the taking of carp and suckers
for the purpose of sale.

February 15, 1957. Rules and regulations relative to the tagging of deer in Massachu-
setts.

October 20, 1959. Rules and regulations for public shooting grounds and wildlife man-
agement areas in Massachusetts.

May 10, 1962. Rules and regulations relating to the taking of shad in the inland waters
of the Commonwealth.

January 1, 1963. Rules and regulations relating to the hunting of deer in Massachusetts.
January 1, 1963. Rules and regulations relating to the hunting of hares and rabbits in
Massachusetts.

October 10, 1963. Rules and regulations relating to hunting of pheasants, quail, and
ruffed grouse in Massachusetts.

October 10, 1963. Rules and regulations relating to the hunting of gray squirrels in
Massachusetts.

December 15, 1963. Rules and regulations relating to the hunting and trapping of mam-
mals in Massachusetts.

January 1, 1964. Interstate fishing regulations on Wallum Lake.

April 1, 1964. Interstate fishing regulations on Congamond Lake, Hamilton Reservoir,
Colebrook Reservoir, Perry Pond, Muddy Pond, and Breckneck Pond.
April 10, 1964. Rules and regulations relating to the taking of certain fish in Massachu-
setts.

August 31, 1964. Rules and regulations for trapping of birds by farmers.
September 1, 1965. Migratory Game Bird Regulations 1965-1966.

February 2, 1966. Rules and regulations relative to issuance of permits to expose
poisons for the control of mammal and bird species not protected by federal or state
statutes.

(30)

v**

1^3

MASSACHUSETTS
DIVISION OF FISHERIES ANdHaME

SECOND CENT
OF SERVICE

% M

ANNUAL REPORT

196?

JAMES M. SHEPARD, DIRI

COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
Division of Fisheries and Game
102nd Annual Report

His Excellency

GOVERNOR JOHN A. VOLPE

JAMES M. SHEPARD
Director

I ISHERIES AND GAME BOARD

FIS1

HARRY C. DARLING, Chairman

East Bridgewater

BRADLEE E. GAGE, Secretary

Amherst

HENRY J. COLOMBO

Wilmington

MARTIN H. BURNS

Newbury

EDWARD J. TIERNEY

Pittsfield

STAFF

JAMES M. SHEPARD

Director

->ELL A. COOKINGHAM

Assistant Director

1 BRIDGES

'erintendent

POLLACK

gist

His Excellency, John A. Volpe, Governor of the Commonwealth.
the Executive Council, the General Court, and the Board ol
Fisheries and Game:

Gentlemen:

I have the honor to submit herewith the One Hundred and
Second Annual Report of the Division of Fisheries and Game,
covering the fiscal year from July 1, 1966, to June 30, 1967.

This year, instead of submitting a routine report of accom
plishments, we have attempted to utilize the annual report b
demonstrate major problems that affect wildlife -orientated out-
door recreation now and in the future, and how this agency is
going about meeting those needs.

With the theme "The Second Century of Service," this di-
vision of state government commends to your attention the K
sential need for financial augmention of Massachusetts inland
fisheries and wildlife programs presented by this report.

Respectfully submitted,

VJ James M. ShepardV Direct. >i

CONTENTS

Fisheries and Game Board

Fisheries Management

Land and Water Acquisition

The Second Century is Here Center Spread

Wildlife Management

Information and Education 10

More Than Meets the Eye 11

Financial Reports ^

Fish Records, Legislation and

Regulations Inside Back Cover

5M-1 2-67-946348

Publication of this document approved by
Alfred C. Holland, State Purchasing Agent

Estimated Cost Per Copy: $.315

THE BOARD REPORTS 7?3^

XhE Division of Fisheries and Game is the sole agency
of the Commonwealth expressly charged with manage-
ment of all inland fish and wildlife resources of Massa-
chusetts. This responsibility is not limited to "fish and
game" but includes, by law, all wild species of birds,
mammals and fish found within the confines of the
Commonwealth.

While attention in the past has been devoted primarily
to fish and game species, the same work that improves
hunting and fishing, whether it be research, land and
water acquisition, planting of cover or other activities,
automatically benefits non-game wildlife. By board policy,
land and water areas owned or controlled by the divi-
sion are available to and heavily utilized by non-conflicting
public recreational uses the year around.

The limited Inland Fisheries and Game Fund cannot
be expected to support a multiple-use program which
benefits all the public. Assistance from others who also
benefit, perhaps by General Fund monies, is imperative.

While more detail will be found elsewhere in this
booklet, the board wishes to comment on the following
highlights of the past year:

Fish Stocking

A total of 369,009 pounds of trout were reared and
distributed throughout the state during the reporting
period. This amounted to 1,348,711 brook, brown and
rainbow trout. In addition, 10,850 landlocked salmon
were placed in Quabbin reservoir.

The board wishes to note the retirement on March 31,
1967, of John Norell, culturist in charge of the Sunder-
land hatchery, after 37 years of devoted service. The
increasingly impressive production of our fish hatcheries
is largely due to a staff of dedicated and hard-working
personnel like Mr. Norell.

The proposed Quabbin Hatchery appears to have
suffered postponement because of insufficient funds. Con-
nector's bids opened in June were all in excess of the
12 million dollars allowed by bond issue. A request
for the additional funds necessary to commence construc-
tion of this badly needed new facility has been sub-
mitted. It appears, however, that at least a year will
pass before construction can begin.

Fisheries Management

Salmon arc beginning to come into the catch at Quab-
bin Reservoir in worthwhile numbers and the catch of
lake trout has increased.

Work was nearly completed on the evolvement of a
biologically sound and fair distribution system for trout
i" streams.

A major fisheries improvement program for the Con-
necticut river is underway in cooperation with other
agencies. Plans are to increase the available shad runs,
and hopefully to bring salmon back to the river.

The pesticides laboratory at Westboro continued to be
an important adjunct of the fisheries program which con-
tributes vital data of value to all interested in the purity
of our waters. Now in its third year, the project is in
cooperation with the Massachusetts Health Research In-
stitute and the United States Department of the Interior.

Wildlife Management

Introduction of sharptail grouse to Nantucket, trans-
plants of ruffed grouse from the mainland to Martha's
Vinyard and transplants of wild turkeys marked efforts
to introduce new species where possible.

New deer regulations were adopted by the board be-
fore the close of the fiscal year, requiring a permit to
take antlerless deer. The 1966 season covered by this
report was not affected by this, however. It was affected
by regulations previously adopted by the board, provid-
ing for a mandatory check of deer killed. This improved
reporting system, now common in many deer states, re-
sulted in a report of 3,404 deer taken.

Field trials, dog training, berry picking, bird watching,
sight-seeing, education, target shooting, wilderness camp-
ing, horseback riding and ice skating continue to be
popular uses of our areas in addition to hunting and
fishing.

The wood duck population remains in question. Massa-
chusetts sportsmen again voluntarily approved a reduc-
tion of the federally approved daily limit. Studies at
Great Meadows revealed that, while nesting success was
high, ducklings are retarded in development and there
appears to be only about a 20 percent survival to flight
stage. This study will be expanded to other areas to
determine if this is typical of the statewide population.

Winter inventory of waterfowl indicated a population
136 percent over the average of the past 19 years, with
the black duck wintering population up ten percent. The
board wishes to commend the U. S. Bureau o\' Sports
Fisheries and Wildlife for its granting of a special coastal
black duck season which enables logical harvest o\' this
unique, under-harvested late -wintering black duck popu-
lation.

The division cooperated in a study of inland wetlands,
resulting in a legislative proposal to enact protective
measures similar to that now in effect for coastal wetlands.

Game Stocking

Production of pheasants at division game farms con-
tinued high, with 53,356 cocks and 15,493 liens reared
and released. In addition, 3.532 quail were reared and
released and 2,153 white hare were purchased ami
stocked in suitable covers. Continual production o\ large
numbers of well-feathered, sport) birds in the face o\
rising costs and without capital expansion is a tribute
to dedication and perserverance o\' our game culturists.

Lari.ls uV*<cl: Waters !.".*••; •'
The board approved utilization i^~ a* bond is'sue in the
amount of $800,000 to be expended as rapidlj as possible.
as a means o\' speeding up the acquisition ^\ lands and

I HARRY C. DARLING
Chairman
East Bridgewater

BRADLEE E. GAGE

Secretary

Amherst

HENRY J. COLOMBO
Wilmington

EDWARD J. TIERNEY
Pittsfield

MARTIN H. BURNS
Newbury

waters rather than waiting for funds to accumulate from
license revenue. Bonds will be rcpayed from the dollar-
per-license increase earmarked for acquisition. It ap- j
pears that the interest rate on these bonds will actually |
be less than the average rate of increase of real estate
value. In effect the program thus has been expedited by
three years without additional cost. Further, it has been
carried out to date without adding to the staff.

At this writing approximately 15 acquisitions are either
completed or in final stages of completion and another
20 are being actively worked on or investigated. Em-
phasis has been on huntable areas, access to streams and
smaller ponds, and to some degree on coastal marshes.

Information and Education

This program has dual purposes: to develop public
concern for the wise management of our natural resources
with emphasis on fish and wildlife, and to furnish infor-
mation and guidance that will enhance public enjoyment
of outdoor sports and improve cooperation with sound
conservation programs. This effort for the third time
received international recognition with receipt of a first-
place award for excellence of its effective planning and
utilization of diverse and complex media.

Public Hearings

The holding of public hearings to establish or reject
regulatory proposals is a basic board function. A list of
regulatory adoptions is included elsewhere in this book-
let as required by law. Public hearings were held by the
board on July 15, 1966 (rails, gallinules, woodcock and
snipe seasons), August 26, 1966 (general waterfowl sea-
sons), September 9, 1966 (deer regulations), and May
26, 1967 (deer regulations). All regular monthly meetings
were held, as well as two joint meetings with the Board
of Natural Resources.

Board Personnel

Bradlee E. Gage of Amherst was appointed by Gover-
nor Volpe on January 3, 1967, replacing Stanley Mikelk
of Gilbertville whose term had expired. Mr. Mikelk's
leaving was noted with public award of a special plaque
and fishing tackle on behalf of the board and divisior
staff. On June 20, 1967, Harry C. Darling was unani-
mously elected Chairman and Bradlee E. Gage was
unanimously elected Secretary.

Respectfully submitted,

Harry C. Darling, Chairman
Bradlee E. Gage, Secretary
Henry J. Colombo
Edward J. Tierney
Martin H. Burns

FISHERIES MANAGEMENT

1 ROJECTS continued during the past year included
Quabbin Reservoir investigations, harvest studies on
managed ponds, water quality studies, pond reclamation,
stream access and development and warmwater fisheries
research.

Newly created projects include a study of shad in the
Connecticut river and development of a stream trout
stocking formula.

Creel census reports indicate that 64,802 fishermen
took 59,612 fish weighing 59,305 pounds at Quabbin
Reservoir between April and October. An increase in the
lake trout harvest was noted, also increased interest in
landlocked salmon, with these fish beginning to come
into the catch in worthwhile numbers. 10,800 landlocks
were stocked this year. Creel census was also conducted
on three reclaimed ponds.

The statewide project to determine extent of variations
of chemical constituents and possible limiting factors to
freshwater fish survival was intensified.

Pond reclamations totalling more than 480 acres were
conducted for trout and smallmouth bass according to
I the best use of each pond. Ponds so treated were Pleasant
Pond, Wenham; Houghton's Pond, Milton; Lake Salton-
stall, Haverhill; Great Pond, Truro; Sheep Pond, Brewster;
Ashumet Pond, Falmouth; and Fearing Pond, Plymouth.

Dwindling access to many trout streams necessitated
continuation of the program to provide anglers with a
place to fish. Roads, parking lots and the opening of
streamside foot trails and clearings are all included. One
important result is that hatchery trucks can now release
i trout in locations that were formerly inaccessible.

An investigation of past stocking methods and the
formulation of a biologically sound and equitable stream
trout stocking basis was conducted. Classification and
investigation of waters throughout the state was com-
pleted and incorporated into a distribution formula to
be utilized in all future stocking.

The final segment of a three-year harvest and population
study on the Connecticut River was completed. Angler
counts and fishermen interviews were made and coupled
with weekly aerial counts of anglers on the entire length
of the river within Massachusetts. Samples of fish popu-
lations were taken by electrofishing and netting.

Maintenance of two warmwater fish culture pond sys-
tems and distribution of their product was continued.
Maintenance of public fishing areas and habitat improve-
ments were intensified. District personnel investigated
fish kills, advised sportsmen's groups in fish-pond manage-
ment, and cooperated with federal agencies on surveys
of interstate waters.

The Harold Parker pond system yielded 1679.4 pounds
of largemouth bass and 338.8 pounds of smallmouths.
The Merrill pond system produced 1028 pounds of
largemouth bass adn 886 pounds of chain pickerel.

The pesticides laboratory at Westboro, now in its third
year of a cooperative project with the Massachusetts

OPENING DAY SUCCESS

MODEL OF QUABBIN HATCHERY

Health Research Institute and the United States Depart-
ment of the Interior, concluded the second segment with
a report involving analysis of 603 fish samples collected
from 91 locations throughout the state.

In addition, analysis of fish from various other sources
was accomplished. Sixty trout from hatcheries were ana-
lyzed for DDT, DDE and TDE (DDD), as were ap-
proximately 120 lake trout from Quabbin Reservoir and
twenty miscellaneous fish and duck samples.

In conjunction with the division, the University of
Massachusetts continued research on the Connecticut Riv-
er and various ponds. The Connecticut River study in-
cludes investigation of ecology of American Shad and
food habit study.

Warmwater research placed emphasis on age and
growth analysis and population estimates. An ecological
survey was initiated in one pond and a program was
initiated to study ecological characteristics of artificial
ponds.

Late in the fiscal year a cooperative effort between
the division and other agencies was initiated on the Con- 1
necticut to increase the shad population and hopefully :
to return salmon runs to the river. State fisheries units )
of Connecticut, New Hampshire and Vermont, the U. S. I
Fish and Wildlife Service, the University of Massachusetts,
and the Northeast Utilities Service Company are involved.

Over one million shad eggs were transferred from ai
location in Connecticut to areas just below Vernon dam |
and success of their hatching was observed. The river
was mapped from Turner's Falls to Vernon. A tagging
study was initiated at Holyoke and observations con-
ducted on shad movement.

HATCHERY PRODUCTION-

1967

Trout Distribution from State and
Federal Hatcheries

JULY 1, 1966 TO JUNE 30, 1967

STATION

POUNDAGE

Station

Pounds

Totals

Berkshire Hatchery
Montague Hatchery
Palmer Hatchery
Sandwich Hatchery
Sunderland Hatchery
Sutton Hatchery
STATE POUNDAGE

24,897
62,558
51,705
67,389
103,106
17,515

327,170

Berlin, New Hampshire
Nashua, New Hampshire
North Attleboro, Mass.
Pittsford, Vermont
FEDERAL POUNDAGE ....

359

12,928

21 ,683

6,869

41,839

Grand Total Poundage
Total Numbers

369,009
1,348,711

(This table does not show

trout retained for breeders)

LAND AND

WATER

ACQUISITION

1.HE Realty Section was engaged at the year's opening
iin acquiring several small parcels, principally in the
Northeast Management Area, to round out boundaries.
Four more parcels were acquired along the Squannacook
'River, two being key pieces adjacent to present division -
owned land. An interior parcel was purchased in the
Phillipston Area. Approximately one hundred acres along
the east brach of the Westfield River and another half-
mile of the Little River were purchased.

An $800,000 bond issue has been nearly expended in
a greatly expanded land and water acquisition program.
Beginning with a workshop for division employees in-
volved in the program, the section has launched and
carried out an acquisition program without increasing
personnel by even one. As of this report, the nucleus of
a new farm game area of over 300 acres in central
Worcester County has been added. Another area in cen-
tral Berkshire County of over 500 acres was in the
final stages of acquisition.

Most of the river-front land along the Millers between
Athol and South Royalston and some 700 acres of other
land in the area is in final stages. Purchase of nearly
700 additional acres in Belchertown adjacent to the
Swift River area was completed. Parcels are being added
to the Quaboag area, the Chester area, and preliminary
work on two additional areas was in progress. Land with
water rights in Bristol County, nearly complete, offers
opportunity for a new warmwater fish culture system.
iA temporary use permit for the Knightsville area was
obtained.

Preliminary work on several coastal marsh areas and
access sites to streams and smaller ponds is underway.

While the State Access Board is doing yeoman work
on larger ponds, the division feels that smaller waters
also require attention. Accordingly, acquisition of access
to streams and small ponds is being stepped up. Acqui-
sition of coastal marshes to protect and preserve these
vital sources of both recreation and marine life is vital
to their future. A specific portion of available funds
has been designated for these purposes.

While the acquisition process is complex for any prop-
erty, it is more so in the case of coastal marshes. De-
termining property lines, finding lost chains of title and
ambiguous deeds all tend to slow up the process.

Land costs are following an upward spiral and large,
contiguous tracts are becoming increasingly harder to
find. Lake and pond access sites are fast being priced out
of the division's capability. With multiple recreational
and educational uses, as well as the mere fact of preser-
vation of our outdoors, it is apparent that additional
sources of funds for the purpose must be found. The

DONATED BY SPORTSMEN'S CLUBS

hunter and fisherman should not, and cannot, entirely
support this program.

A few properties have been acquired by gift. This is
a commendable way to perpetuate the property and ex-
press the giver's interest in conservation and the public
good. There is no better way for a landowner to in-
sure the perpetual preservation of outdoor values he has
cherished than to give or bequeath such properties to
this agency.

«*^>

»■>•

In conserving our outdoor areas

opportunities delayed mean

opportunities lost

— President John F. Kennedy

THE SECON,

r irst organized as a cor
Division of Fisheries and Gifti
well into its second century (J

The rest of this booklet!
the Massachusetts wildlife ajjjf
recent achievements, it conta
is more important.

Various estimates tell us
by three or even four times 'ft
lations increase geometrically^
202nd annual report will hsi
record can stand as one of fc
pearance of the values we he

There will be more pec
to enjoy outdoor Massachusei
outdoors," or fish and wildh
less action is taken TODAY;
destroyed, or access to it cho
for recreation except at pror

A number of worthwh
some are hard at work - but
THE JOB NOW WHILII

The Division of Fisher: j.
waters, to be used by all wh<
is a case in point.

The program is primai;
resources of the Inland Fis
license revenue, federal exciil
lated sources, this fund is wl It:
and trapper. The only contr J
of a 250 on the dollar reimbuej
mum combined expenditure c ft
tee that even this small partioi

Just one meaningful pu h

The 800-thousand-dollai m
wildlife lands and waters th .f
IT HAS TO BE REP^jl
MEN'S LICENSE REVEI J
for the outdoors and wildlife >fl|
as those who now pay the bi

The course for the futu
purchased and reserved in
too slowly and are subject to
fits must share the cost.

A proposal will be offer 1 i
in that direction. We will as f
acquisition and development
itially, to be repaid from the

By joint participation a||
chusetts can insure the futu

VTURY IS HERE!

"865 and later renamed the
ate wildlife agency is now
vice.

he 102nd annual report of

more than a recounting of

realization that the future

ian population will increase
lext 40 years. Since popu-
)ne care to guess what the

00 years from today? Our
■ it can lead to utter disap-
it-of-doors.

ice more people who want

1 not be places to call "the
ittract and be enjoyed, un-
ot be created. Water, once
3pment, cannot be regained

have been envisioned and
le necessary funding to DO
STILL BE DONE.

e's acquisition of lands and
iitdoors by whatever means,

it on the limited financial
rame Fund. Derived from
sorting equipment, and re-
:d by the hunter, fisherman
s rest of the public consists
lid acquisition up to a maxi-
/ear-and there is no guaran-
:ontinue another year!
tal more than this.

allocated for acquisition of
only practically exhausted,
ELY FROM SPORTS-
sryone who has any concern
t in it, benefits just as much

Lands and waters must be
;hip. Other methods move
e. And everyone who bene-

ate wildlife agency to move
issue for lands and waters
cy, totalling $1,000,000 in-
d.

n of all concerned, Massa-
disappearing outdoors.

WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT

MASSACHUSETTS MOOSE

JtvESEARCH and management directed towards deer,
waterfowl and turkeys and development of wildlife man-
agement areas marked the game program during the
past year.

Construction or maintenance of buildings, roadways,
dams, bridges and other facilities, erection of signs, and
planting of shrubs and food crops on wildlife manage-
ment areas throughout the state were accomplished.

A hunter questionnaire, done every second year, re-
vealed that 8 1 percent of Massachusetts small-game hunt-
ers are successful. The harvest of all species except water-
fowl and ruffed grouse increased. Hunting effort was
greatest on pheasants, followed by grouse, cottontails,
squirrels, woodcock, white hare, black duck, other ducks,
quail and raccoon, in that order.

Private land continues to be important. More than
half our hunters hunt only on private land (57%). Ten
percent hunt only on wildlife management areas, and 34
percent hunt both. However, pheasant hunters utilized
state areas to a slightly greater degree than did other |
hunters.

Deer hunters reported 3,404 deer during the 1966
season, of which 18 were taken by archers. Compulsory
physical check of deer this year resulted in a higher
reported figure than the former system.

Motor vehicles account for the highest mortality of
deer second to hunting, with 71 percent of the non-
hunting total. Dogs take about 10 percent, illegal kills
about six percent, and the remainder of the annual non-
hunting mortality ( 1 3 percent) is by various lesser causes.

Potential deer range statewide was delineated on eco-
logical cover maps preparatory to comparison with pres-
ent deer range.

The wild turkey is believed to be firmly established in
Quabbin, enabling transplants to the Barre area. Brood
reports have been good in both areas. However, th
status of other plants is questionable; some remain fairly
static while others have dispersed. The Mount Washing
ton flock, however, has increased.

Mourning dove counts showed an increase of 400 per-
cent on the Crane area, believed due to planting o:
grain. Other counts show an increase with the exceptio
of that at Myles Standish State Forest.

A study of 13 wildlife management areas (about half
the total available) indicated that they supplied 49,340
hunter trips in the 1966 season. Peak usage as usual!
occurred on Saturdays and opening day. Other uses ol
these areas include field trials, dog training, fishing, wil-
derness camping, berry picking, bird watching, sightsee-
ing, education, target shooting, horseback riding and ice
skating.

DEER CHECKING

Survival of wood duck ducklings at Great Meadows
is poor. Only 20 percent of tagged ducklings could be
traced to the flight stage. Those examined appear to be
retarded in growth. Banding and study of wood ducks
will be expanded to other areas to determine if the same
situation exists across the state. At Great Meadows, there
appears to be a poor recruitment of young birds to the
resident breeding population.

Winter inventory of waterfowl on the coast reported a
total wintering population 136 percent greater than the
average of the past 19 years. Black ducks alone were
i up ten percent.

Sea duck (scoter, eider, old squaw) concentrations were
marked at Monomy Island, Cohasset, Brewster, Nantucket,
Martha's Vineyard, Brant Rock and Barnstable. Build-
ups occurred beginning in October with over 24,000 birds
iseen. By November the' figure exceeded 37,000, and in
January over 97,000.

A total of 1578 black ducks were banded in a coopera-
tive project between this division and federal personnel.

Nesting studies on Canada goose were begun on the
Sudbury Reservoir flock. Transfer of goslings from this
flock to establish huntable populations is foreseeable.

A division biologist assisted in a "wing session" at the
Patuxent Research Station in Maryland for the fourth
year. Over 20,000 duck wings sent in by hunters were
identified, sexed and aged to provide part of the data
used in setting waterfowl regulations.

The Department of Natural Resources was assisted in
a statewide inventory of inland wetlands, resulting in
proposed legislation which would afford protection similar
to that now in effect on coastal marshes.

Importation of new species was marked by the intro-
duction of 91 sharptail grouse (received from South
Dakota) on Nantucket Island, and the transfer of 97
ruffed grouse from the mainland to Martha's Vineyard.

The beaver pelt harvest continues to increase. Trappers
reported taking 1040 beaver from 96 towns with about
63 percent coming from west of the Connecticut River.

Research conducted over the past two years at the
Ayer Game farm in cooperation with the Massachusetts
Wildlife Cooperative Unit has developed an efficient
technique of accurately sexing day-old pheasant chicks.
This was accomplished through development of colora-
tion charactersitics which differentiate the sexes at •this
age.

Preliminary research was also conducted with the unit
to develop a strain of pheasants which would be accli-
mated to stocking in submarginal and pole-stage hard-
i wood areas.

Other activities of the game program, largely accom-
plished by the districts, included distribution of pheasants,
quail and hare (see table), tagging beaver pelts, pro-
viding technical advice to landowners, investigating Hatch
'Act applications, participating in preparation of natural
resource plans for towns, combatting forest fires, sup-
plying traps for nuisance complaints, patrolling public
areas during the upland season, cooperating with federal
authorities in woodcock census, servicing field trials, and
miscellaneous work.

HEN, COCK DAY-OLD CHICKS

GAME DISTRIBUTION

JULY 1, 1966 — JUNE 30, 1967

Pheasant

Adults: Spring and summer liber-
ations 6,972 1,101 8,073

Young: August liberations (12

weeks) 8,083 7,127 15,210

October-November libera-
tions (17-25 weeks) 438 40,168 40,606

Sportsmen's Club Rearing

Program 0 4,960 4,960

TOTALS 15,493 53,356 68,849

Qua/7

Adults: 172

Young: 3,360

TOTALS 3,532

White Hare

Northern Varying, purchased . . . 2,153

■

INFORMATION

AND
EDUCATION

TOP CAMPERS, DIRECTORS
OF JUNIOR
CONSERVATION CAMP

The real substance of conservation

lies not in the physical projects of government

but in the mental processes of citizens

— Aldo Leopold

if\LL other things being equal, the deciding factor in
whether conservation programs succeed or not is usually
public understanding.

The information and education program has dual pri-
mary purposes; first, to develop public understanding of
and concern for conservation, with emphasis on fish and
wildlife, and secondly to provide informational services
to the public which assist in enjoyment of the outdoors.
Further, the program is responsible for developing public
cooperation with all policies and programs of the division.

However, money is basic to all endeavors. Much effort
was expended during the year toward expansion of revenue
sources primarily to support land and water acquisition.

Increased activity was conducted just before and dur-
ing both the fishing and hunting seasons to build interest
in these sports.

Constantly growing effort was put forth to acquaint
the public with the pros and cons of firearms legislation
and the role played by firearms and hunting in conser-
vation.

A significant achievement in this regard was securing
of a New England-wide resolution of fish and game di-
rectors stating their combined position on firearms laws,
which was published in the Congressional Record and
widely quoted. Numerous news releases, public appear-
ances and magazine articles were devoted to guns and
hunting.

Efforts to secure publicity outside the state, as an aid
to tourist fishing and hunting revenue, were conducted.

At the year's end personnel were cooperating with the
Department of Commerce and Development in the publi-
cation of a comprehensive guide to outdoor recreation;
in Massachusetts. They were also cooperating with two
national television networks in hopes of securing national I
coverage of Bay State sports. Increasing national maga-
zine and out-of-state newspaper coverage was assisted

A total of 124 news stories were issued; 94 via printed;
news releases by the I&E Section and 12 by the district
managers. Eighteen stories were released by television
news film. Clippings received totalled 3,048 pieces.

Two feature articles were placed by I&E and 13 newsji
columns resulted from personal field contact by managers.
Captioned groups of photos were issued before hunting
and fishing seasons to two publications (1 national, 1
state) and wire services were supplied photos on eight
occasions. Members of the press were taken on 18 field
trips. The press was almost constantly assisted in response
to telephone queries.

Six issues of MASSACHUSETTS WILDLIFE maga-
zine were published, with circulation at the close of the
fiscal year at 33,423 and growing with each issue.

"Dateline Boston" television show was participated in
1 9 times and guest spots were filled on a number of other
tv and radio shows. More than 42,000 people viewed
division films (532 bookings) other than on television.

Eleven exhibits were conducted or assisted at major
sports shows and fairs.

An employee workshop was conducted during the

MORE THAN MEETS
THE EYE

In addition to easily visible programs, the division
carries an increasing workload of cooperative activities
with many other agencies. Requirements for our assis-
tance have increased greatly in the past decade, includ-
ing the following:

(J. S. Army Corps of Engineers

In determining the need for flood control, dredging
and beach erosion projects, the division evaluates possible
effects on fish and wildlife and presents recommenda-
itions to prevent losses, or modifications which may ac-
tually benefit fish and wildlife.

(J. S. Soil Conservation Service

Through a small watershed protection program, mul-
tiple purpose flood control, fish and wildlife and recrea-
tional projects can be undertaken on a cost-sharing basis
I through a local sponsor. Effects on fish and wildlife are
evaluated.

Division of Water Pollution Control

The division provided data necessary to protect and
enhance fish populations in development of the state's
water quality standards and classification of all waters.
The planned water pollution abatement program will re-
I quire considerable fish population evaluation.

Department of Public Works

Coordination of highway plans with fish and wildlife
interests was promoted by directive from the U. S. Bureau
of Public Roads and became necessary on all federally
assisted projects. More recently, Chapter 470 of the
Acts of 1966 further required coordination of state pro-
jects. Closer liaison and a refined agreement with the
Department of Public Works are needed if the intent

winter and a joint staff meeting was held with the Massa-
chusetts Audubon Society, as aids to overall work of
the agency.

"Wildlife Week" was observed by issuance of a Gover-
nor's Proclamation, and participation in the Massachusetts
Committee for Wildlife Week through numerous releases.

At the close of the year planning was underway for
expansion and improvement of the magazine's format
iprovided a subscription fee can be charged.

Annual publications such as licenses, laws, closed town
i list, archery stamps, license sales manual, stocking list
and annual report were published.

The annual Junior Conservation Camp in cooperation
with the Department of Natural Resources and Massa-
chusetts Conservation Incorporated was conducted with
142 boys completing the course. Continual assistance was
given to the Department of Education.

of protecting fish and wildlife resources is to materialize.

Pesticide Board

In addition to being an ex-officio member, the division
has monitored pesticide concentrations in fish. Several
special studies have been undertaken in conjunction with
experimental pesticide application programs authorized
by the board.

Access Board

Division representatives have been involved in the pub-
lic access program since inception. The first five projects
were constructed with Accelerated Public Works monies
made available to this program by this division.

Planning

Regional and local planners have upon request been
provided with numerous special reports concerning fish
and wildlife resources. Division personnel now serve on
study teams which assist towns in planning.

Conservation Education

In addition to having full responsibility for the Massa-
chusetts Junior Conservation Camp in cooperation with
Massachusetts Conservation Incorporated, the division al-
so assists the Department of Education and serves on the
state's Conservation Education Advisory Committee.

Tourism

The division actively assists the Division of Vacation
Travel of the Department of Commerce and Develop-
ment with respect to outdoor-orientated tourist travel
promotion.

Need

Growing demands for such cooperative programs, and
increasing requests from individuals, organizations and
industries have been serviced in the past without ad-
ditional personnel. It is evident that such activities will
increase in the future and already pose the necessity for
additional personnel.

If the division is to live up to its responsibility of pro-
tecting, maintaining and enhancing all of the fish and
wildlife resources of Massachusetts it too will need assis-
tance, in the form of sufficient personnel to function
properly. Justice cannot be done to all programs unless
such help is forthcoming.

Massachusetts has as much
to offer as any state
and more than most -
if we save it in time.

-Lt. Governor Francis Sargent

Financial Report, July 1, 1966 To June 30, 1967

HOW THE SPORTSMAr

VDMIN1S1 K \l ion

Administration

J'S DC

3304-01
3304-01
3304-01

3304-42

3304-42
3304-47
3304-51

3304-55

3304-5 1

)LLAR \A

$107,409.08

'MS. (.4

129.879.49
55,322.96

i)4.490.3l
10.000.00

94,490.32

12,445.63

9,380.69

182,285.23

3,800.00
29,928.65

29,753.00
8,694.00

166,000.00

9,917.00

145,993.00

2,500

60,000.00

22,532.75
.1

IAS SPE

$108,357.72

78.068.98

350.951.43

289,692.76
263,423.73

298,601.87

238,175.65

158,410.00

82,532.75
1,868,214.89

le 30,

$591, (

69,

19%

16%
14%

16%

13%

4%
100%

370.88

Board of Fisheries & Game

Information - Education

FISHERIES MANAGEMENT
Fish Hatcheries

Management

Fish Restoration Projects

Management

Fisheries Research Coop. Unit
\\ 11 Dl IFE MANAGEMENT

3304-51

'Damage b\ Wild Deer & Moose
Wildlife Research Coop. Unit . .
Wildlife Research Restoration

LAND ACQUISITION

Fish Restoration Projects

Purchase of Land - Squannacook
Purchase & Development of Land
for Wildlife Management Areas

Wildlife Restoration

Acquisition of Land & Waters for
Fish & Wildlife Management Pur-
poses

LAW ENFORCEMENT

Public Hunting Grounds

Natural Resource Officers —

3304-41
3304-44
3304-53

3304-47
3304-48

3304-52
3304-53

3304-60
3308-07
1003-00
1001-02
3304-54

3304-43

OTHER — Office of the

CONSTRUCTION

Plans & Specs, for Const

Quabbin Fish Hatchery (a)
'Certain Construction and
Improvements to Trout Hatchery

GRAND TOTAL:

'Continuing Accounts
(a) Expended bv BBC
3304-47 — 3304'-53 75% reimbursable. - Federal Funds

RESERVE IN INLAND FISHERIES & GAME FUND Ju
1967 —

3304-01

3304-42

*3304-47

3304-48

3304-51
3304-52

•3304-53
3304-60

3304-62

3304-41
3304-43

3304-56
-75'. rei

APPROPRIATIONS

ccounl No. & Title

Administration

Fisheries Management
Fish Restoration Projects
Purchase of Land - Squan-

i & EXPENDITURES

A ... Expenditures & n , ,
Appropriation "Liabilities Reverted

$ 187,189.00 $ 186,426.70 $ 762.30

489,220.00 480,830.92 8,389.08

76,975.52 59,122.96 17,852.56

30,000.00 29,928.65 71.35
458,231.00 452,404.36 5,826.64

30,000.00 29,753.00 247.00
199,525.19 190,979.23 8,545.96

166,000.00 166,000.00 0.00

2,500.00 0.00 2,500.00

$1,639,640.71 $1,595,445.82 $44,194.89

Continuing Fr.n,,„fl ,-„.,.,,.. Balance
Appropriation.', t-xPl "a"un s Forward

$ 15,611.45 $ 12,445.63 $3,165.82

50,000.00 22,532.75 27,467.25

15,000.00 15,000.00
$ 80,611.45 $ 34,978.38 $45,633.07

Wildlife Management
Purchase & Development
Land for Wildlife Manage-

Wildlife Restoration
Acquisition of Land &
Waters for Fish & Wild-
life Management Purposes
Connecticut River Shad
Study

Damage by Wild Deer &

Certain Construction &
Improvements to Trout
Hatchery — East Sand-

Renovation of a Certain
District Regional Head-
quarters Building

mbursable by Federal Funds

SUMMARY OF INCOME

Fishing, Hunting and Trapping Licenses $1,412,139.75

Special Licenses, Trap Registrations, Tags and

Alien Gun Permits 6,006.66

Rents 3,636.25

Misc. Sales and Misc. Income 6,201.14

Pittman-Robertson Federal Aid 127,482.10

Dingell Johnson Federal Aid 73,229.22

Court Fines 7,030.50

Refunds Prior Year 191.44

Archery Stamps 3,299.80

TOTAL: $1,639,216.86

ANALYSIS OF SPECIAL LICENSES

TYPE OF LICENSE NUMBER ISSUED

TRAP REGISTRATIONS:

Initial 105

RECEIPTS j

$ 105.00
153.75

230.00
350.00

38.00
204.00 j

30.00
234.00

335.00
1,029.00

150.00
213.00
535.00

25.00
33.00

955.00

40.00

65.00
150.00

198.00

400.00

508.91
25.00 |
$6,006.66 j

Renewal

615

FUR BUYERS:

Resident

TAXIDERMIST:

PROPAGATORS:

(Special Fish)

204

(Fish)

initial

Renewal

(Birds & Mammals)

Renewal

343

(Dealers)

initial

Renewal

535

(Ind. Bird or Mammal)

Renewal

SHINERS FOR BAIT:

191

FIELD TRIAL LICENSES:

QUAIL FOR TRAINING DOGS:

ALIEN GUN PERMIT:

COMMERCIAL SHOOTING PRESERVES: . . .

2050

Posters

100

5308

13,601

TRAPPING CERTAIN BIRDS:

TOTAL

mmmaammmmmmmmmmummmmKm m

RECEIPTS FROM FISHING, HUNTING & TRAPPING LICENSES

Gross

Fees

Net

Price

Number

Retained

Returned

Amount

By Clerk

to State

cries 1

Res. Cit. Fishing

($ 5.25)

102215

$536,710.00

$25,375.50

$511,334.50

Hunting

( 5.25)

68649

360,266.25

17,054.75

343,211.50

Sporting
Minor Fishing

( 8.25)

46675

385,066.75

11,579.00

373,487.75

( 3.25)

15277

49,647.75

3,800.25

45,847.50

Female Fishing

( 4.25)

16544

70,317.50

4,108.75

66,208.75

Minor Trap.

( 3.25)

250

812.50

62.25

750.25

Trapping

( 8.75)

568

4,966.50

141.25

4,825.25

Non-Res. 7-Day Fishing

( 5.25)

1787

9,380.75

445.25

8,935.50

Fishing

( 9.75)

2214

21,594.25

542.50

21,051.75

Alien Fishing

( 9.75)

556

5,415.50

137.75

5,277.75

Non-Res. Hunting

( 16.25)

2065

30,032.75

381.00

29,65 1 .75

Duplicate Licenses

( .50)

3115

1,557.50

Res. Cit. Sporting

( Free)

1 5642

" (Old Age Asst)
Paraplegic and to the Blind

( Free)

864

276421

$1,475,768.00

$63,628.25

$1,412,139.75

STANDING ALL-TIME

MASSACHUSETTS FRESHWATER

FISHING RECORDS

THROUGH JUNE 30,

1967

Species

Weight

Length

Girth

Place Caught

How Caught

Date

Caught by

Largemouth Bass

121bs. loz.

25%"

21%"

Palmer River, Palmer

bait casting

5-9-63

George Pastick, Fall River

Smallmouth Bass

61bs. 12oz.

21"

Pleasant Lk„ Harwich

spinning

5-14-67

Thomas Paradise, Arlington

Northern Pike

241bs. 8oz.

45>/2"

22"

Onota Lake, Pittsfield

live bait

1-13-67

Kris Ginwaith, Pittsfield

Pickerel

91bs. 5oz.

291/2"

Pontoosuc Lk. Lanesboro

1954

Mrs. James E. Martin, Stockbridge

Rainbow Trout

81bs. 4oz.

26"

16"

Deep Pond, Falmouth

live bait

10-15-66

Roger Walker, Eastondale

Brown Trout

191bs. lOoz.

311/2"

225/s"

Wachusett Res. Boylston

spinning

5-19-66

Dana DeBlois, Sterling

Lake Trout

131bs. loz.

31"

Quabbin Res., Pelham

trolling

7-13-63

LeeRoy DeHoff, Suffield, Conn.

Shad

6Ibs. 13oz.

Walleye

81bs. 8oz.

281/2"

I5/2"

Quabbin, Hardwick

7-15-65

Joseph Schwartz, Holden

Catfish

121bs.

28"

18"

Watershop Pd. Sprgfld.

live bait

5-28-67

Altha Smith, Springfield

Bluegill

lib.

11 1/4"

91/2"

Bog Pond, Norton

spinning

10-17-65

Robert Barrett, Stoughton

Bullhead

51bs. 9oz.

221/2"

11 1/2"

Conn. River, Hadley

live bait

6-8-63

Mrs. Erna Storie, Chicopee Falls

51bs. 8oz.

221/2"

14"

Leverett Pd., Leverett

live bait

8-2-65

Stephen Brozo, No. Amherst

41bs. 9oz.

221/2"

II1/2"

Conn. River, Chicopee

live bait

9-8-65

Joseph Kida, Chicopee

Calico

21bs. 9'/20z.

18"

14"

Merrimack, Lowell

spinning

6-8-65

George Olsson, Lowell

White Perch

21bs. 4oz.

16%"

11%"

Halfway Pd., Plymouth

spinning

9-9-65

Richard Rock, Kingston

21bs.

16%"

Hi/4"

Halfway Pd., Plymouth

spinning

6-18-66

Richard Rock, Kingston

Yellow Perch

21bs.

16%"

10%"

Grt. Herring, Plymouth

live bait

5-9-66

Anthony Scolaro, Braintree

Brook Trout

41bs. 12oz.

20%"

Mashpee, Falmouth

live bait

4-30-67

Angelo Samerelli, Quincy

RULES AND REGULATIONS

'RULES AND REGULATIONS PROMULGATED BY THE
DIRECTOR OF FISHERIES AND GAME DURING FISCAL
YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 1967, AND SUMMARY OF OUT-
STANDING REGULATIONS.

August 4, 1948. Rules and regulations for the artificial propa-
gation and maintenance offish.

August 4, 1948. Rules and regulations for the artificial propa-
gation of birds and mammals.

July 14, 1952. Rules and regulations for hunting with bows
and arrows.

August 12, 1953. Rules and regulations governing sale of pro-
tected fresh-water fish by licensed dealers in Massachusetts.

March 26, 1954. Rules and regulations governing the display of
sporting, hunting, fishing, and trapping licenses in Massa-
chusetts.

January 28, 1955. Rules and regulations relative to public fishing
grounds in Massachusetts.

April 10, 1956. Rules and regulations governing the taking of
fish in interstate ponds lying between Massachusetts and
New Hampshire.

February 14, 1957. Rules and regulations relating to the taking
of carp and suckers for the purpose of sale.

February 15, 1957. Rules and regulations relative to the tagging
of deer in Massachusetts.

October 20, 1959. Rules and regulations for public shooting
grounds and wildlife management areas in Massachusetts.

May 10, 1962. Rules and regulations relating to the taking of
shad in the inland waters of the Commonwealth.

January 1, 1963. Rules and regulations relating to the hunting
of hares and rabbits in Massachusetts.

October 10, 1963. Rules and regulations relating to hunting of

pheasants, quail, and ruffed grouse in Massachusetts.

October 10, 1963. Rules and regulations relating to the hunting
of gray squirrels in Massachusetts.

December 15, 1963. Rules and regulations relating to the hunt-
ing and trapping of mammals in Massachusetts.

January 1, 1964. Interstate fishing regulations on Wallum Lake.

April I, 1964. Interstate fishing regulations on Congamond Lake,
Hamilton Reservoir, Colebrook Reservoir, Perry Pond, Mud-
dy Pond, and Breckneck Pond.

April 10, 1964. Rules and regulations relating to the taking
of certain fish in Massachusetts.

August 3 1, 1964. Rules and regulations for trapping of birds by
farmers.

February 2, 1966. Rules and regulations relative to issuance of
permits to expose poisons for the control of mammal and
bird species not protected by federal or state statutes.

September 10, 1966. Migratory Game Bird Regulations 1966-
1967.

January 1, 1967. Amendment to fishing regulations (re trout
bag limit on section of Swift River).

January 1, 1967. Rules and regulations regarding Ashfield Lake
in town of Ashfield.

July 1, 1967. Rules and regulations relating to the hunting of
deer in Massachusetts.

LEGISLATION

The following laws affecting the Division of Fisheries and
Game were enacted during the legislative session of 1967:

CHAPTER 205, ACTS, 1967. — An act designating the fish
hatchery on the Swift River in the town of Belchertown as
the Charles L. McLaughlin Fish Hatchery.

CHAPTER 243, ACTS, 1967. — An act authorizing the Divi-
sion of Fisheries and Game to apply for and receive certain
federal grants and to construct and equip a fish hatchery
complex.

CHAPTER 262, ACTS, 1967. — An act authorizing the Director
of the Division of Fisheries and Game to acquire certain
lands for fish and wildlife purposes without the consent of
certain elected officers of a city or town wherein such
lands lie.

CHAPTER 511, ACTS, 1967. — An act authorizing the Com-
monwealth to grant easements over, across and upon cer-
tain land in the town of Sutton, for the transmission of
electric power, to New England Power Company.

CHAPTER 544. ACTS, 1967. — An act authorizing the Director
of Fisheries and Game to designate certain poisons to issue
sporting, hunting, fishing, or trapping licenses.

CHAPTER 71. RESOLVES, 1967. — Resolve providing for an
investigation and study by the Department of Natural Re-
sources relative to the construction of certain recreation
areas and other related matters.

CHAPTER 78, ACTS. 1967. — Resolve providing for an investi-
gation and study by the Department of Public Works relative
to the law of eminent domain, construction of certain recrea-
tional facilities, and certain highway and waterwaj improve-
ments.

RECREATION RESOURCES ARE

AS MUCH A PART OF

OUR NATIONAL RESOURCES

AS ARE OUR MINERALS,

OUR FUELS AND OUR FORESTS

— President Dwight D. Eisenhower

DIViyflMjOF^FISHERSIs AND GAME.

EVERYOME-GAINS FROM

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• i— In i ' r o—OWH— I— I — I

REP0RU%8

COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS

Division of Fisheries and Game

103rd Annual Report

Lf»MSW*tm

His Excellency

GOVERNOR JOHN A. VOLPE

^-^Cj-jSi

JAMES M. SHEPARD
Director

FISHERIES VM) GAME BOARD

HARRY C. DARLING, Chairman

East Bridgewater

BRADLEE E. GAGE, Secretary

Amherst

HENRY J. COLOMBO

Wilmington

MARTIN H. BURNS

Newbury

EDWARD J. TIERNEY

Pittsfield

•

STAFF

JAMES M. SHEPARD

Director

RUSSELL A. COOKINGHAM

Assistant Director

COLTON H. BRIDGES

Superintendent

E. MICHAEL POLLACK

Chief Game Biologist

LLIAM A. TOMPKINS

ef Aquatic Biologist

■-PH R. BITZER

lief Fish Culturist

HAPLIN, Chief

Education

HNSON

hief

His Excellency, John A. Volpe, Governor of the Commonwealth .'
the Executive Council, the General Court, and the Board >
Fisheries and Game:

Gentlemen:

I have the honor to submit herewith the One Hundred and
Third Annual Report of the Division of Fisheries and Game,
covering the fiscal year from July 1, 1967, to June 30, 1968.

Concurrent with the theme of this year's annual report, that
of "Public Service," I commend to your attention the very real
diversity of public service to all citizens of the Commonwealth
demonstrated by this report and respectfully urge your considera-
tion of the vital necessity for financial augmention to meet in-
creased demands for services and resulting benefits provided by
these programs.

Respectfully submitted.

rW*~ fc. <&«*<

\j James M. ShepardV Director

CONTENTS

Fisheries and Game Board 1

Fisheries Management 3

More Than Meets The Eye 6-7

Wildlife Management 8

Information and Education 10

Lands and Waters Acquisition 1 ' !

Financial Reports 12 i

Fish Records, Regulations and

Legislation inside back cover

5M-1 -69-948697

Publication of this document approved by
Alfred C. Holland, State Purchasing Agent

Estimated Cost Per Copy: $.375

THE BOARD REPORTS

1 UBLIC service," the theme of this year's annual re-
port of the Division of Fisheries and Game, is an all-inclu-
sive term that at first glance might appear not universally
applicable to an agency whose first responsibility is fish
and game and whose most obvious public is those who buy
fishing and hunting licenses.

There may have been a time when those interested in
fish and game matters looked upon the state wildlife
agency as being concerned only with the amount and qual-
ity of hunting, fishing or trapping available. It is still true
that the quality and quantity of outdoor recreation depend-
ent upon wildlife resources is the chief responsibility of
this agency.

However, today's modern wildlife agency cannot begin
to fulfill even this chief responsibility without becoming
concerned and deeply involved with every aspect of natural
resource management. And it is also very apparent that the
benefits derived from fostering wildlife -orientated outdoor
recreation — in short, by properly managing wildlife re-
sources — accrue to the public at large as well as to those
who hunt and fish.

This is made most apparent by a study completed during
the year of the economic benefits derived by the people of
Massachusetts from hunting and fishing. The study, done
by the University of Massachusetts and to be published in
the next fiscal year, shows that sportsmen in Massachusetts
contribute about 1 10 million dollars a year to the general
economy through their purchases instigated by hunting,
fishing or trapping. Around one million dollars of this
comes to the state sales tax revenue, and about 1 Vi million
in sportsmen's license revenue.

Thus, preservation of our wildlife resources, the base of
this "big business", is important to all citizens of the Com-
monwealth.

Sportsmen, through this expenditure, contribute a mone-
tary value to the "gross product" of the Commonwealth
more than ten times what is available from license revenue
i" insure its continuation. It is the board's opinion that
there is sound reason to increase the funds available to in-
sure the future of our wildlife resources by utilizing part or
all ot that portion of the sales tax revenue contributed di-
rectly by hunting and fishing equipment purchases. Legis-
lation to this end should be seriously considered.

It is abundantly clear that license revenue alone cannot
hope to get the job done. The first $800,000 bond issue to
acquire wildlife lands and waters is expended, and resulted
in acquisition of 3,760 acres and the encumbering of some
additional acreage. Another bond issue is completely de-
moted to construction of the new hatchery at Quabbin. Now

■ are faced with an additional one-million dollar bond
issue tor lands and waters and it is quite evident that the
license revenue's ability to meet such payments is past.

If we are going to take advantage of this to set aside the

Members of the Board pictured above are: top row, left to right.
Harry C. Darling, Chairman, East Bridgewater, Bradlee E. Gage,
Secretary, Amherst; bottom row, left to right, Martin H. Burns,
Newbury, Edward J. Tierney, Pittsfield, and Henry J. Colombo,
Wilmington.

land and waters areas that must be acquired if we are to
have outdoor recreation places in the future, financial assist-
ance must come from sources other than sportsmen's
funds.

It is only logical that the sales tax, heavily contributed to
by sportsmen, be a source of such help. It is also logical
that other public funds be used as well, since other mem-
bers of the public enjoy these areas most of the year while
hunters and fishermen use them onlv for a few months.

Some examples of public benefits include hiking, wilder-
ness camping, bird watching, berry picking, model airplane
flying, sightseeing, snowmobiling, ice skating, horseback
riding, photography and sportsman-orientated but non-
contributive activities like target shooting, dog training and
field trials.

Unless they incidentally possess a hunting or fishing li-
cense, these members of the public contribute not one red
cent to the acquisition and development of the areas they
enjoy.

And of course there is the intangible but very real value
of preservation of wild areas — so important to all our cit-
izens' well-being in today's burgeoning era of home, fac-
tory and highway construction. As some advocates of a na-
tional wilderness area system have said. "One o\ the chief
values of wilderness is just knowing that it exists."

Some highlights of the 1968 annual report follow:

Wildlife Management

Efforts to produce readjl) discernible mafJtSngson
old pheasant chicks, to enaBle separating cocks fcora hens,
have succeeded. Considerable sax ings Efrf alread) being re-
alized as a result. . ,

Encouraging progfrafc "i£ beihg n>ade*ui re^fcarch to de-

velop a strain of pheasants that can utilize now unstocked
submarginal and pole-stage hardwood areas.

I sage of 22 wildlife management areas operated for

public hunting increased 1 1 percent during the past year.
Introduction of sharptail grouse to Nantucket remains ex-
perimental, with limited reproduction being reported.
However, re-introduction of ruffed grouse on Martha's
V inyard appears to be succeeding.

Although a subject of some controversy, the change in
deer hunting regulations involving use of antlerless permits
worked well and appears to be serving its purpose. The
Board approved staff recommendations in instituting this
method since it appeared to be the fairest method by which
all would have equal opportunity to Obtain an antlerless
permit, with fewer female deer being taken. That is exactly
w hat happened, and it seems reasonable to expect that our
overall deer herd will increase as a result.

Fisheries Management

A major revision of the system of allocating hatchery
trout to streams was evolved during the year. At this writ-
ing, however, work is not complete and the system is not
\et in use.

Quabbin reservoir creel census indicates a decline in
lake trout and salmon catches, attributed to scarcity of
suitable forage fish. The Metropolitan District Commission
extended its permission to reintroduce smelt, and this was
done. Additional numbers of salmon were also stocked.
Meanwhile, the fisheries staff is actively seeking ways to
control the smelt population so a repeat of former prob-
lems should not occur.

A great deal of effort was expended in a cooperative
project with other states and the federal government to in-
crease shad runs and restore Atlantic salmon in the Con-
necticut river. Feasability studies were also implemented
on the Merrimack, and we successfully secured promises of
adequate cooling devices on a proposed nuclear power
plant on the Connecticut to prevent harmful effects on the
fishery.

The pesticides laboratory at Westboro completed a
three-year project involving analysis of 1,3 10 fish collected
at 93 sampling stations throughout the state.

Hatchery personnel produced and liberated 400,840
pounds of trout during the fiscal year, a new high. This in-
crease is attributed to increased water resources, a western
rainbow trout now in production and the elimination of
brood stocks in favor of egg purchases.

Lands and Waters

The first full year of the realty section's existence re-
sulted in acquisition of land as previously noted. Additions
were made to six existing areas and six totally new areas
were established. Salt marsh, stream bank, and the site of a
potential war m-water hatchery were secured as well.

Of particular note to the board are the gifts received

from public-spirited sportsmen's organizations and one in-
dividual. Two clubs donated valuable land, and one indi-
vidual gave land in memory of a relative. It is encouraging
that such people feel that preservation of land they have
enjoyed is a worthy public service.

With current funds almost expended, it is imperative
that other financial sources be found to augment the lim-
ited fish and game fund, if this worthwhile program is to
continue.

Information and Education

This program continued its work with the effects being
seen in increased public awareness of the importance oi
wildlife conservation, increasing cooperation with division
programs of all kinds, growing success and cooperation in
legislative matters, and repeated instances of national rec-
ognition of the high quality of the overall division pro-
gram. An important part of the program is information
services to the public; providing kinds of information
needed to properly utilize our wildlife resources. This and
other phases, such as youth education, can continue and be'
increased only if sufficient funds are available.

The division lost its regular television series, which had
been in existence for some ten years. Plans were finalized
to enlarge Massachusetts Wildlife magazine and place it on
a self-financing basis — however, necessary legislation was
not approved.

It is interesting to note that our information prograrr
ranks in budget and staff-size low in the bottom third oi
other states nationally — yet it has consistently been the
cause of Massachusetts receiving credit for having an out
standing wildlife program.

Additional Activities

The board wishes to call particular attention to the cen
ter section in this booklet called "More Than Meets Tfr
Eye." Here, a total of 32 activities conducted in coopera
tion with other agencies or required by various statutes, be
yond the usual fish and game program, are reported.

All of these in some way involve wildlife conservation
— and all in many ways represent direct public service t<
all citizens, whether sportsmen or not.

As most of these listed have come about in the past tei
years, and the staff has not increased, they also demand in
creased staffing and budgeting if the division is to fulfill it
responsibilities.

Respectfully submitted

Harry C. Darling, Chairman
Bradlee E. Gage, Secretary
Henry J. Colombo
Edward J . Tierney
Martin H. Burns

FISHERIES MANAGEMENT

JflSHERY program activities during the past year cen-
ered on Quabbin Reservoir investigations, Connecticut
3.iver shad study, water quality studies, stream access and
mprovement, trout allocation to streams, pond and stream
•eclamation and warm-water fisheries investigations.

New projects activated include a shad study on Palmer
ind North rivers and an anadromous fish restoration feasi-
bility study on the Merrimack River.

Quabbin Reservoir creel census indicates that 59,000
ishermen harvested 49,682 fish weighing 37,578 pounds
iuring the season from April to October. Decreases in lake
:rout and landlocked salmon harvest were noted and attrib-
ited to scarcity of suitable forage fish. To rectify this prob-
lem the Metropolitan District Commission extended per-
mission to reintroduce smelt, and 100,000 gravid adult
smelt and 50,000,000 viable smelt eggs were planted in the
reservoir and tributary streams. ' An additional plant of
25,000 landlocked salmon was carried out.

The objectives of the water chemistry project were mo-
dified to classify pond types according to stage of aging or
eutrophication for correlation with fish productivity.

Four ponds in the Southeast District totalling 228 acres
were reclaimed for trout management: Sandy Pond, Plym-
outh; Flax Pond, Brewster; Higgins Pond, Brewster; and
Hathaway Pond, Barnstable. In addition, the Squannacook
River, its tributaries, marshes and impoundments were
treated with rotenone to reduce existing rough fish popula-
tions and the drainage system restocked with trout. The en-
tire Squannacook reclamation caused an interruption of
less than four weeks in fall fishing and angling was re-
sumed briefly before the trout season on streams closed.

Warm-water fisheries investigations continued with em-
phasis on age and growth analysis and population esti-
mates. Landlocked alewives transplanted from New Jersey
to Congamond Lakes for forage in two-story pond manage-
ment were found to be successfully established.

Maintenance of the two warmwater fish culture pond
systems continued with 482 pounds of chain pickerel and
495 pounds of largemouth bass produced and stocked from
the Merrill Pond pond system, and 1,053 pounds of large-
mouth bass and 248 pounds of smallmouth bass produced
and stocked from the Harold Parker pond system.

The cooperative effort involving the states of Massachu-
setts, New Hampshire, Vermont and Connecticut and two
Federal agencies, the Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wild-
ilife and the Bureau of Commercial Fisheries, to increase
ishad runs and restore Atlantic salmon to the Connecticut
River, was intensified. Some 5,600 Atlantic salmon smolt
were stocked below the Holyoke dam. Another phase of
'the venture culminated in the employment of a Federal co-
ordinator to supplement, assist, and coordinate the various
state projects on the river.

Massachusetts project activities on the Connecticut
River centered on a shad tagging study at Holyoke, in

Hatchery visitors, shocking boat, above,
taking shad eggs, below.

which 1,000 adult shad were tagged, and the transfer of
fertilized shad eggs to sections of the river above Turners
Falls dam. Slightly over 2.8 million eggs obtained from
Connecticut and below Holyoke were stocked to assess
hatching success and growth. Of the 1 .2 million eggs
stoeked above Turners Falls a year ago, a 70-percent hatch
was observed and juvenile shad up to seven inches in
length were collected at Turners Falls in mid-October
which was excellent growth in a section of river to which
shad have been denied access since 1798. Bottom mapping
of the river between Vernon, Vermont and Turners Falls
was completed. Tied in with shad population estimate
studies, a creel census of the shad fishery below Holyoke
was initiated.

Northeast Utilities Service Company of Hartford, Con-
necticut, continued to assist the Division in studies on the
Connecticut River and provided two gifts of equipment- to
the Division, a Wang electronic calculator with program
unit and a Beckman DB-G spectrophotometer.

In conjunction with Connecticut River studies and with
assistance from the Office of the Attorney General, the Di-
vision prepared and presented testimony before the Ver-
mont Water Resources Board and the Senate Subcommit-
tee on Air and Water Pollution relative to the threat of
thermal pollution posed by the application of Vermont
Yankee Nuclear Power Corporation to construct and oper-
ate a nuclear-fueled steam electric station at Vernon, Ver-
mont. The hearings resulted in agreement to construct
cooling towers to eliminate adverse thermal effects to exist-
ing and planned fisheries.

Stream access and improvement work continued and in
tensified on the Squannacook River. Assistance from local

TROUT DISTRIBUTION FROM STATE
AND FEDERAL HATCHERIES

BROOKS

JULY 1 , 1 967 TO JUNE 30, 1 968
BROWNS RAINBOWS

TOTAL
Under 6" Over 6" Under 6" Over 6" Under 6" Over 6" TROUT
121,700 399,563 189,500 206,695 332,645 426,892 1,676,995

Total Trout Distribution 6-9" 637,731

Total Trout Distributed 9" plus 403,919

Total Federal Trout Dist. 6" plus 109,440

Total Catchables (6" plus) 1,151,090

Total Fingerlings (6" Minus) 783,956

GRANDTOTAL 1,935,046

STATION POUNDAGE
Station Total Lbs.

Berkshire Hatchery
Montague Hatchery
Palmer Hatchery
Sandwich Hatchery
Sunderland Hatchery

21,072

89,856

47,780

1 1 1 ,900

130,232

State Poundage 400,840'

North Attleboro 6,808

Nashua, New Hampshire 18,412

Federal Poundage 25,220

GRANDTOTAL 426,060

(This table does not show trout retained for brood stock)

3oy Scouts greatly contributed to project progress on the
iriver.

The pesticide laboratory in Westboro operating in con-
junction with Massachusetts Health Research Institute and
funded with a grant from the Federal Water Pollution Con-
trol Administration completed a three-year study involving
analysis of 1,310 fish collected from 93 sampling stations
throughout the state. A final report was prepared on the
concentrations of DDT and metabolites DDE and DDD
exhibited in fish from the major watersheds of the state and
submitted to the Pesticide Monitoring Journal for publica-
tion. Applications were prepared for continuation and ex-
pansion of the project.

Trout releases from our five fish hatcheries including ad-
ditions from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, totaled
109,440 fish or 24,61 1 pounds, of which Massachusetts
liberated 1 ,676,995 fish or 400,840 pounds. These figures
also include 12,367 fish or 19,554 lbs. of brood stock.

The increased production in weight was due to several
factors; increased water resources, a western type rainbow
now in production; and brood stocks being released in
favor of egg purchases.

Two lots of eyed trout eggs were supplied by the New
York Conservation Department, through their research

unit at Rome, for incubation and a check on their resist-
ance to disease. A second project consisted of immuniza-
tion of trout fingerlings by incorporating antigen into their
food.

The coloration work which consisted of incorporating a
2% level of paprika in the pelleted fish food was reduced
to a 1 % level. This change failed to maintain the eye
catching appeal of our stocking fish as observed from the
higher level of this additive.

Two brands of pelleted food were used during the year
and the overall results tabulated. A continuation is ex-
pected to fully valuate the results.

Construction funds were limited with no improvements
except at the Sandwich hatchery where a gravel-packed
well was installed at the upper end of the hatchery system.
This well was equipped with a Deming electric pump with
a standby gas motor for use during power failures.

The roadway at Sandwich was blacktopped for the con-
venience of the public visiting the plant.

Our hatcheries continue to receive many visits from or-
ganized groups of children and other special tours.

Specially constructed signs have been erected at the
entrances of three of our larger hatcheries.

Quabbin hatchery — first since
1911 — nears completion in
Belchertown

MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE

1. Hatch Act Chapter 220, Acts of 1965

Inasmuch as modifications to lands bordering on inland
waters can have significant effects upon tish and/or wildlife
habitat, the Division of Fisheries and Game reviews all
such applications and comments whenever appropriate.

2. Massachusetts Conservation Council
Participating b\ invitation, the Division of Fisheries and

Game contributes to general understanding of fish and
wildlife programs by informing the council of all programs
and problems related to same. We participate fully in dis-
cussions of statew ide conservation activities and needs.

3. Town and Regional Planning

The Division of Fisheries and Game cooperates with
town and regional planners by furnishing comprehensive
data derived from fish and wildlife inventories, and such
data is assimilated by the planner into the overall long
range planning for the area in question.

4. Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Services
The Division of Fisheries and Game sits in an advisory

capacity with other state and federal conservation agencies
to review and update programs especially the Cropland
Adjustment Program and the Feed Grains Program, and
particularly, how they may affect fish and wildlife.

5. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Projects Fish and
Wildlife Coordination Acts as amended.

The Division of Fisheries and Game, in cooperation
with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, acting under this
act, reviews all corps projects in the planning stage, as-
sesses affect of project on fish and wildlife, and prepares
detailed recommendations relating to protection or en-
hancement of the resource.

6. Small Watershed Projects Public Law 566 — Wa-
tershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act.

The Division of Fisheries and Game participates ac-
tively in this program and makes recommendations relat-
ing to location, size, scope, and uses of works of improve-
ment contemplated under this program. Fish and Wildlife
benefits or damages are ascertained and evaluated. We also
coordinate with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in prep-
aration of their reports.

7. S antral Resource Planning for Town Conservation
Programs

The Division of Fisheries and Game is a cooperative
member of all Natural Resource Technical Teams which
furnish technical assistance in inventoring any town's natu-
ral resources and in preparing recommendations for pro-
tection, enhancement and acquisition of same.

8. Conservation Needs Inventory

The Division of Fisheries and Game, after invitation by
the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation
Service, coordinates with other agencies and groups to de-
termine and evaluate the needs of the state and areas of the
state for protection and/or improvement of natural re-
sources, particularly in rural areas.

9. County Technical Action Panel White House Execu-
tive Order 1 1307

The Division of Fisheries and Game, by invitation, has
cooperated with other state and federal conservation agen-
cies in coordination of federal programs affecting agricul-
tural and rural area development and planning.

10. State Committee for Conservation of Soil, Water and
Related Resources

The Director of the Division of Fisheries and Game, as
a member of a State Committee, participates in encourage-
ment of conservation efforts, in developing policies relat-
ing to conservation, in securing cooperation and assistance
for other state and federal agencies and in allocation of
monies and supervision of contributing programs under the
authority of the Committee.

11. Corps of Engineers Areas leased for Management
Annual Management plans as conditions of licenses.

Areas under control of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
which are licensed and used by agreement by the Divisior
of Fisheries and Game for fish and wildlife management
purposes, are required to have on file annual management
plans. We prepare annually, a plan for each area indicating
usage and future estimates of usage, as well as financial
reports of maintenance and other expenditures.

12. D. P. W. Highway Coordination Instructional Memo
2 1 -5-63- Bureau of Public Roads

The Division of Fisheries and Game through the State
Department of Public Works reviews all highway improve-
ment to be undertaken with federal aid in order to safe-
guard fish and wildlife interests. The program offers the
state fish and game agency an opportunity to evaluate the
effects of highways upon fish and wildlife and their habitat
and to make recommendations prior to construction per-
taining to protection or methods of mitigation of losses to
the resources.

13. Department of Public Works Highway Coordina-
tion Chapter 470, Acts of 1.966

The Department of Public Works is directed that ii
highway construction, advance planning shall provide for '
the protection of water resources, fish and wildlife, and
recreational values.

14. Department of Public Works Scenic Highway
Program Highway Beautification Act

The Division of Fisheries and Game has coordinated
with other agencies to nominate deserving Massachusetts
highways as "Scenic Roads and Parkways." U.S. Depart-
ment of Commerce program has evolved which contrib-
utes federal aid for acquisition of roadside areas valued for
aesthetics, recreation and access to natural or other highly
desirable areas.

15. Coastal Wetlands Protection Chapter 768

The Division of Fisheries and Game coordinates with
the Department of Natural Resources as a member of the
coastal wetlands advisory committee, relative to protection
of coastal wetlands. A report on evaluation of wildlife and
wildlife habitat is prepared by us based on our records and
on field investigation.

16. Federal Power Commission — Fish and Wildlife
Coordination Act.

The Division of Fisheries and Game in cooperation with
the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, reviews all projects li-
censed by the Federal Power Commission to assess effects
of such projects on fish and wildlife and to make recom-
mendations relating to protection or enhancement of same

17. Massachusetts Pesticides Board Chapter 521, Acts
of 1 962 as amended.

Diverse Duties of State Wildlife Agency
Perform Little-Known Services to Citizens

Members include Commissioner of Agriculture, Com-
missioner of Public Health, Commissioner of Natural Re-
sources, Commissioner of Public Works, Chairman of
State Reclamation Board, Director of Fisheries and Game.
Purpose to establish rules and regulations for use of pesti-
cides within the Commonwealth, serve as a licensing
agency and act on all matters pertaining to pesticides.

18. Massachusetts Public Access Board Chapter 715,
Acts of 1 962 as amended.

Member agencies include Department of Natural Re-
sources, Department of Public Works, Metropolitan Dis-
trict Commission, Division of Motor Boats and Division of
Fisheries and Game. Purpose is for acquisition and devel-
opment of public access areas to inland and coastal waters
of the Commonwealth.

19. Federal Aid to Wildlife Restoration Act known as
the Pitt man- Robertson Act

The program provides 75% reimbursement on author-
ized projects pertaining to wildlife research, management
and acquisition. In fiscal 1 967 this assistance amounted to
$127,000.

20. Federal Aid to Fish Restoration Act, known as the
Dingell- Johnson Act.

This program provides 75% reimbursement on author-
ized projects pertaining to fisheries research, management
and acquisition. In fiscal 1967 this assistance amounted to
over $73,000.

21. Anadromous Fisheries Restoration Act

This public law 89-304 passed in 1965 and provides
50% reimbursement on authorized projects pertaining to
anadromous fisheries research and management. A major
Connecticut River investigation has been initiated under
this program.

22. 1968 Appropriation Act for Research on Migrating
Birds other than Waterfowl

This is a 100% reimbursement program which Massa-
chusetts will participate in.

23. U.S. Department of the Army Cooperative Plan
Agreement for Conservation of Fish and Wildlife

The Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Game to-
gether with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service have coordi-
nated with U.S. Army personnel at Fort Devens, Massa-
chusetts and have prepared a cooperative plan agreement,
fish and wildlife management plans and have worked to-
gether to create fishing and hunting opportunities and to
improve existing opportunities for both army personnel gar-
risoned at Fort Devens and civilians recreating on U.S.
Army property. Plans are reviewed and updated each year.

24. U.S. Department of the Air Force Air Force Regu-
lation 126-2, 1965.

The Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Game and
the U.S. Air Force have coordinated to prepare a manage-
ment and conservation plan for fish and wildlife on Air
Force installations. Plans are being implemented and tech-
nical assistance rendered to create and improve upon rec-
reational fish and wildlife opportunities. Plans are re-
viewed, updated and redrafted each year.

25. Connecticut River Fisheries Compact

I he objective of this program is to conduct joint re-

search studies on Connecticut River anadromous and resi-
dent fish populations and in engineering structure on the
river as they relate to fisheries resource. Included on the
compact along with Massachusetts Division of Fisheries
and Game are the wildlife agencies of Vermont, Connecti-
cut and New Hampshire and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service.

26. U.S. Department of Public Health
Commencing in 1962, the Massachusetts Health Re-
search Institute under the direction and control of Massa-
chusetts Division of Fisheries and Game.

27. Atlantic Waterfowl Council

This organization is represented by Fisheries and Game
Directors and Waterfowl Technicians of the seventeen At-
lantic States. The purpose is to review and institute pro-
grams on waterfowl research and management which are of
mutual concern to the states and the resources. Massachu-
setts has been extremely active in this program since its in-
ception in 1952.

28. Interagency Committee on Natural Resources

This committee representing all state recreational agen-
cies, was originally established in 1943 by order of the
Governor to review all the outdoor recreational programs
of the Commonwealth. Following the publication of a state
recreation report, the committee was then reorganized to
review and act on all outdoor recreation projects submitted
to the state designee of the Governor for approval under
the BOR program.

29. Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of
1965 Public Law 88-578

This federal act provides assistance in preserving and
developing outdoor recreation resources. Funds are availa-
ble to state outdoor recreation agencies, to assist in financ-
ing approved projects. The Division of Fisheries and Game
has prepared and submitted projects for approval.

30. Land Law Review Committee

This is a working committee on the International Asso-
ciation of Game, Fish and Conservation Commissions with
the objective of revising federal and state laws and policies
pertaining to the use of federal lands. From these studies,
recommendations are made and legislation promulgated to
improve existing laws and policies and protect state rights.
The Director of Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and
Game is an active member of this committee.

3 1 . Tourist Promotion

The Division of Fisheries and Game actively assists the
Division of Vacation Travel of the Department of Com-
merce and Development in preparing promotional materi-
als, answering inquiries, and generally promoting the fish-
ing and hunting attractions of the Commonwealth.

32. Conservation Education

The Division has responsibility for reservations, instruc-
tion, program planning, promotion, and overall supervi-
sion of the Massachusetts Junior Conservation Camp in
cooperation with Massachusetts Conservation Inc., and
aids the Department of Education's Office of Conservation
Education through representation on the Massachusetts
Advisory Commission for Conservation Education. The
Chief of Information and Education is an active, appointed
member of this commission.

WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT

Airboat used for waterfowl banding

\\ ESEARCH conducted over the past three years on
the game farms has paid off in regards to sexing day-old
pheasant chicks by total down coloration. The tedious task
of sexing day-old pheasants by eye-field technique is a
thing of the past. The development of this new sex-linkage
method will result in great savings to the sportsmen.

Progress has continued on research to develop a strain
of pheasants which would be acclimated to stocking in sub-
marginal and pole-stage hardwood areas. Numerous
crosses of various pheasant species have been made, result-
ing in approximately 100 hybrids being successfully
reared. Several releases have been made of surplus birds.
The work schedule will continue for several years to fur-
ther enable specific selection of those birds demonstrating
desirable traits such as budding, tree roosting, etc.

Twenty-two wildlife management areas were maintained
for recreational use for hunters, fishermen and the general
public. Shrubs and wildlife food crops were planted, roads
and trails constructed, signs erected, forest improvements
made and dams, bridges, buildings and roads maintained
on these areas.

A study of the use on 1 3 of these wildlife management
areas indicated 54,907 hunter trips were expended in
1 967. This was an increase of 1 1 percent over the 1966 ef-
fort. Peak usage occurred on opening day and on Satur-
days. On the peak days the greatest number of hunters
were on the area at opening hour and stayed approximately
2'/2 hours. Multiple use of these management areas contin-
ued to be high, with such uses as field trials, dog training,

fishing, wilderness camping, berry picking, bird watching,
conservation education, sightseeing, parking, snowmobil-
ing, horseback riding and ice skating rating high.

There was a 32 percent increase in the number of
mourning doves heard calling on spring census routes.
Plantings of annual grains on the Crane, Myles Standish
and Northeast management areas continued to attract
mourning doves during the fall. The number of doves on
the Myles Standish area increased 17-fold when the
acreage of grain was increased from six to 76 acres.

The biennial quail census was conducted in Barnstable,
Plymouth and Bristol counties. Counts of whistling quail
were slightly higher in all counties than counts taken in
1965.

The wild turkey has been established in the Quabbin
Reservation area and remains experimental in Mt. Wash-
ington, Becket, Barre and Plymouth. Reproduction and re-
cruitment by the Quabbin flock was excellent and the 1968
breeding population was the highest since the project
started. Recruitment of young was sufficient on other areas
to maintain but not significantly increase existing flocks.
The Quabbin flock has begun to spread into the towns of
Leverett and Shutesbury.

The 1966 introduction of sharptailed grouse to Nan-
tucket remains in the experimental stage. Limited reprod-
uction was reported in the summer of 1967 and small
flocks were observed during the following winter. Breeding
activity was reported in the spring of 1968.

The introduction of ruffed grouse to Martha's Vineyard
appears to be progressing very well.

The annual harvest of beaver was 1 ,425.

For the first time in Massachusetts deer hunting history,
major changes in the rules and regulations for hunting of
deer were in effect. Only antlered deer with antlers three
inches or longer were legal deer. Anterless deer were har-
vested by permit only.

The compulsory deer check at division-operated deer
checking stations continued.

During the 1968 season hunters reported harvesting
1,193. Of these deer, archers reported a harvest of 2 1 deer.

Anterless deer hunting permit holders reported taking
301 deer.

The following is a break-down of deer mortality re-
ported from January 1, 1967 to December 31, 1967.

CAUSE NUMBER PER CENT

Motor vehicles

334

65%

Dogs

12%

Unknown causes

Illegal

Crop damages

All other causes

setts. Recruitment of young birds to the breeding popula-
tion appears to be below normal levels on most of the areas
studied where ducklings had been tagged the previous nest-
ing season.

A total of 149,500 ducks and 9,500 Canada geese were
counted on the winter inventory flights January 9 and Jan-
uary 1 1, a 42-percent increase over the 19-year average in
total number of wintering waterfowl. Most of the increase
is due to larger winter concentrations of sea ducks which
accounted for 101,200 ducks in the total count.

Eight hundred ducks, including blacks, mallards, wood
ducks, blue-winged teal and green-winged teal were
banded during the summer, using an airboat rigged with
lights. The banding was done throughout the state on riv-
ers, ponds and marshes where waterfowl could be collected
at night. The airboat is a 14-foot fiberglass model powered
by a 125 H.P. Lycoming aircraft engine. Light is provided
by 500 watt quartz lamps powered by a 3,000 watt gen-
erator. This summer banding program will be continued
next year.

A total of 2,2 1 7 ducks were banded along the coast from
January 20 to March 1, 1968. During the past three win-
ters, state personnel have banded 5,000 black ducks as part
of the data-gathering process for the special late black
duck season.

Canada goose nesting studies are being conducted on the
Sudbury-Framingham Reservoir system. A gosling trans-
plant program using birds produced on the reservoir has
been conducted for the past two summers. To date, 1 10
birds have been released in central Massachusetts and
Berkshire County. Thirteen adult birds are included in the
total.

A division biologist assisted in a "wing-session" at the
Patuxent Research Center for the fifth consecutive year.
Over 20,000 wings were identified, sexed and aged to
provide part of the data used in setting waterfowl regula-
tions.

MASSACHUSETTS COOPERATIVE
WILDLIFE RESEARCH UNIT
Wild Turkeys

The Unit completed its investigations on the introduc-
tion and survival of wild turkeys during the year. During
the study populations were introduced and studied in
Quabbin Reservation, Mount Washington, October Moun-
tain, Myles Standish State Forest and the Barre area. The
Quabbin and Mount Washington birds appear to have be-
come established and have provided important information
on survival in this state. The Division of Fisheries and
Game has assumed the responsibility of further establish-
ment efforts.
Avian Sterilization

Screening of chemicals for effectiveness as sterilants and
studies of potential physiological markers has continued.
The ecology study of Muskeget Island and its breeding col-
ony of gulls is providing base-line information for future
work on gull control. The effect of mestranol, the key in-
gredient in human birth control pills, has been studied,
using Japanese Quail, in the laboratory. Permanent steril-
ity was attained and a new study on the effect of mestranol
on reproductive performance of pigeons, mice and insects,
under laboratory conditions, has been initiated.

Woodcock

A study completed this year found some evidence that
adult and juvenile males arrive on the breeding grounds at
different times. Surplus males will occupy territories aban-
doned between early April and early May. Half of the male
breeding population are adults and two periods of female
activity were found coinciding with the two peaks of male
courtship discovered earlier.

A second printing of Dr. Sheldon's woodcock book is
planned.
Waterfowl

A literature review and design of methodology for eval-
uating toxicity of lead shot among mallards was completed.
A new study of the ability of hunters to identify waterfowl
species on the wing was initiated and is nearing comple-
tion. Two studies of waterfowl in western Massachusetts,
involving wood-ducks and Connecticut River waterfowl
habitat have been started.
Fruit-eating Birds

Field research was completed on the breeding and nest-
ing biology of the Baltimore oriole and a study of feeding
behavior of robins is now underway.
Nantucket Deer and Sharp-tailed Grouse

A study of the use of various vegetative cover types by
white-tailed deer on Nantucket Island has been operative
and the field aspects of this study are nearing completion.
Introduced sharp-tailed grouse on the Island avoided de-
tection during the winter, but observation of courtship be-
havior in the spring indicates that there has been some sur-
vival and establishment is yet possible.
Ruffed Grouse

Studies of the energy balance in ruffed grouse during
winter have been initiated and telemetry studies of grouse
winter and spring behavior continue to provide valuable
information on the means this species uses to conserve en-
ergy and obtain food under severe climatic conditions.
Highway Impoundments

A study of potential wildlife use of impoundments cre-
ated by Interstate 91 between Northampton and South
Deerfield was initiated and this topic is expected to be en-
larged upon in future studies by University faculty.
Beaver Project

Dr. Joseph S. Larson joined the Unit as Assistant
Leader in November and has continued his studies of bea-
ver which he initiated at the University of Maryland. Stud-
ies of improved means of sexing beaver, population dy-
namics and social behavior are among the general objec-
tives.
GAME DISTRIBUTIO!\ July 1, 1967 -June 30, 1968

Pheasant Hens Cocks Total

Adults: Spring and summer 7,274 793 8,067

liberations
Young: August liberations (12 weeks) 2,345 9.803 12,148

October-November liberations

(17-25 weeks) 96 43,078 43,174

Sportsmen's Club Rearing

Program 0 5,267 5.267

Totals:
Quail
Adults:
Young:

Totals:
White Hare

Northern Varying,

purchased

9,715 58,941 68,656

168

3.705

3.873
2,500

INFORMATION

AND

EDUCATION

"The real substance of conservation
lies not in the physical projects of government
but in the mental processes of citizens"

Leopold

JTOR the past 20 years, the Division of Fisheries and
Game has made planned, organized and formal efforts to
serve the public with needed information, to report prog-
ress of its own programs and to educate both today's adults
and tomorrow's to the importance of wise use of natural re-
sources. In fact, twice during the past two decades, the in-
formation and education program has received praise from
state government study teams, who held it worthy of emu-
lation by sister agencies.

Despite being one of the lowest budgeted, smallest-
staffed efforts of its kind in the country, the program has
received widespread recognition among information and
education professionals in wildlife conservation agencies of
other states and the federal government.

Of direct interest to those who provide the revenue upon
which it operates is the fact that the Division of Fisheries
and Game regularly furnishes, through its information pro-
gram, complete and detailed reports of its activities, re-
ceipts, expenditures and policies to all interested enough to
get on the free mailing list or to ask for specific publica-
tions such as the annual report. The agency also meets fre-
quently with public organizations to discuss its programs.
More than 300 such meetings were participated in by staff
people, districts and others during the past fiscal year.

Frequent news releases keep people informed through
newspapers, magazines, radio and tv. A total of 143 were
issued this year, including 86 releases by the information
section. 20 tv news films and 37 releases by the districts.

The bi-monthly magazine MASSACHUSETTS WILD-
LIFE continued, with circulation reaching 38,554 at the

close of the fiscal year. Approximately 3.9 individuals read
each copy mailed. Plans to expand the magazine and to
change to a fee system were finalized, but lack of legisla-
tion prevented action.

This year another approach to information efforts was
tried, with a series of eight special "tip" releases sent to
weekly papers and a pair of special "director's reports"
sent to sportsmen's clubs. Response to both was favorable.

Assistance to local and national press totalled some 1 80
contacts. Numerous photos were supplied, as was informa-
tion and printed material, and upon 12 occasions special
feature articles were written and issued at key times.

The section's audio-visual office took guest spots on tel-
evision on 12 occasions, while districts handled three tv
appearances and six radio spots.

A total of 343 film bookings were processed, with
27,440 people viewing division films. This activity is fall-
ing into disuse, however, since budget-request cuts have
prevented equipment acquisition and film purchase,
thereby eliminating film production and acquisition of out-
side-produced films. Most of the films formerly in the li-
brary have been withdrawn because of wear and the re-
mainder should be.

A total of 460 awards were presented through the fresh-
water sportfish awards program, (See all-time fish records
tabulation inside back cover). The program this year was
in cooperation with the Division of Tourism of the Depart-
ment of Commerce and Development.

The information section also assisted that division to
produce a new, colorful "Outdoor Vacation Guide" as an

LANDS AND WATERS ACQUISITION

JL HE first full year of the realty section's existence re-
sulted in 3,760 acres of land acquired to preserve the fu-
ture of recreation. It included additions to existing areas,
i establishment of several new areas and fisherman access to
! ponds and rivers. It also included several gifts of land from
public-spirited sportsmen's clubs and one individual. In
i addition to acquisitions, fisherman-access leases were re-
newed on the Westfield, Millers, Farmington and Squanna-
cook rivers.

Additions to existing areas:

Northeast Wildlife Management Area; nine new ac-
quisitions totalling 265 acres with six more in the process
of finalizing.

Squannacook River Wildlife Management Area; one
new acquisition of ten acres with five more parcels in the
process of acquiring.

Swift River Wildlife Management Area; two acquisi-
tions totalling 672 acres bringing the total acreage on this
area to approximately 900 acres with six or seven more
potential acquisitions awaiting additional funds.

Ouaboag River Wildlife Management Area; three new
acquisitions totalling 73 acres raising the total acreage to
approximately 700 acres.

Chester Wildlife Management Area; one new acquisi-
tion totalling 105 acres. Total acreage approximately 600
acres.

Phillipston Wildlife Management Area; one acquisi-
tion of 348 acres bringing the total to approximately 1 ,500
acres.

aid to tourist promotion in the Commonwealth.

Eleven exhibits at sportsmen's shows and fairs were ei-
ther established or serviced at Topsfield, Bedford, Worces-
ter, Barnstable, Becket, Springfield, Greenfield, Southboro,
Gardner and Boston.

Press tours of key division activities were conducted for
some 1 8 members of the press, and a "show me" tour for
about 45 people was conducted on the Squannacook River.

Throughout the year a major international professional
awards program was conducted for the American Associa-
i tion for Conservation Information.

Youth education was directly served through continued
participation in the Massachusetts Advisory Commission
for Conservation Education, and the operation of the Mas-
sachusetts Junior Conservation Camp which graduated 1 43
boys.

The usual thousands of letters, requests for literature,
posters, and other division printing were handled.

New areas established:

Cheshire Wildlife Management Area; in Cheshire, is
composed mainly of open farm land and has all the neces-
sary habitat requirements to establish a farm-game area in
a section of the state where it is greatly needed. Three pur-
chases were made totalling 450 acres with three more pur-
chases in process.

New Braintree Wildlife Management Area; two pur-
chases for a total of 380 acres made with two and possibly
three others in the process. This is another area which
lends itself admirably to management for farm game.

Leicester Wildlife Management Area; contains in the
one purchase that was made, 327 acres with another parcel
of over 100 acres in the process of acquisition. This area
lends itself to the development for and management of a
farm game area.

Millers River Wildlife Management Area; this is a
newly established management area and is actually in two
sections with the 4,000-acre Birch Hill Wildlife Manage-
ment Area between. Two purchases totalling approxi-
mately 220 acres and including over a mile of river bank
were made in Winchendon. On the other end of the Birch
Hill Area in Athol and Royalston, 500-plus acres were
purchased including over five miles of river frontage. Ex-
cept for a few small isolated parcels this purchase guaran-
tees the sportsmen access to the river from the old mill site
in South Royalston to the mills in Athol.

Becket Wildlife Management Area; one acquisition
consisting of 234 acres of deer habitat located in one of the
better deer areas in the Berkshires.

Savoy Wildlife Management Area; one acquisition of
40 acres in excellent deer country with two more purchases
consisting of several hundred acres in the process.

New acquisitions other than wildlife management
areas:

A potential warm-water hatchery is assured with pur-
chase of 70 acres in Rochester. An access area to Lake
Mascuppic in Dracut was acquired. In Royalston, 122
acres on Lawrence Brook were purchased, plus another 39
acres on the same brook in Winchendon. In Rutland, 80
acres on the East Branch of the Ware River were acquired.

A total of 133 acres of salt marsh in Ipswich, Essex and
Newbury was acquired.

Gifts of land:

The Marblehead Fish and Game Club purchased and
donated a key parcel of land within the existing Northeast
Wildlife Management Area. The Audubon Sportsmen's
Club donated 250 acres in Spencer, and Mr. Lester B.
Woodbury of Springfield presented 27 acres of salt marsh
in Ipswich, in memory of his mother.

J Financial Report, July 1, 1967 To June 30, 1968

L '

HOW THE SPORTSMEN'S DOLLAR WAS SPENT

VDMINISl R \l ION

Administration 3304-01 $118,126.88

Board of Fisheries and Game 3304-01 992.20 $119,119.08 5',

Information-Education 3304-01 78,914.76 3',

I ISH1 RI1 s PROGR WIS

Fish Hatcheries 5304-42 347,992.29 1?',

Fisheries Management 3304-42 141,710.09

--li-.il Restoration Projects 3304-47 40,065.03

Fisheries Management 3304-51 99,319.04
I ishei ies Research i oop.

I nit 3304-55 10.000.00

"Anadromous Fish Restoration 3304-62 4. 309.70 295,403.86 139!

u II IM II I PROGR Wis

Game Farms 3304-51 279,910.01 129!

Wildlife Management 3304-51 99,319.04
'Damage r>\ wild Deer and

Moose 3304-41 7. 135. 39

Wildlife Research Coop. Unit 3304-44 7.832.06

Wildlife Research Restoration 3304-53 179.143. 27 293,429.76 12',

( ONSTRl CTION

•Trout Hatchery, E. Sandwich 3304-43 25.807.77
"Southeast District Storage

Bldg 3304-53 14.965.00

Central District Hdq. Building 3304-56 14.985.60

'Quabbin Fish Hatchery 3304-63 833.13

•Quabbin Fish Hatcher) 7801-01 310,450.44 367,041.94 15%

1 VND ACQUISITION* 7801-02 415,784.42 17%

1 \W 1 NFORCEMENT

Public Hunting Grounds 3308-07 11,070.00

C onservation Officers

Salaries and Expenses 1003-00 182,742.00

OTHER — Office of the

Commissioner 1001-02 2,500.00 196.312.00 8%

GRAND TOTAL $2,393,908.12 1009;

RESERVE IN INLAND FISHERIES AND GAME FUND

June 30. 1968: $249,948.25

"Continuing Appropriations
"75 Reimbursable by Federal Funds
' ■ '50', Reimbursable by Federal Funds

APPROPRIATIONS & EXPENDITURES

Expenditures &

Account No. & Title Appropriation Liabilities Reverted

3304-01 Administration $ 199,318.00 $ 198,033.84 $ 1,284.16

3304-42 Fisheries Management 500,511.00 489,702.38 .10,808.62
►3304-47 Fish Restoration

Projects 44,495.00 40.065.03 4,429.97

3304-51 Wildlife Management 486,073.00 478,548.09

"3304-53 Wildlife Restoration

Projects 198,435.00 194,108.27

3304-56 Renovation Central
District Headquar-
ters Building 15,000.00 14,985.60

"3304-62 Anadromous Fish
Restoration
Projects 7,500.00 4,309.70

$1,451,332.00 $1,419,752.91

Continuing
Appropriations

3304-41 Damage By Wild Deer
and Moose

3304-43 Certain Construction
& Improvements to
Trout Hatchery,
East Sandwich ....

3304-63 Construction, Quabbin

7801-01 Fish Hatchery

7801-02 Land & Waters for
Fish & Wildlife
Management
Purposes

Expenditures
14,144.82 $ 7,135.39

57.467.25

350,000.00

1,198,778.05

794,534.20
$2,414,924.32

25,807.77

833.13

310,450.44

415,784.42
760,011.15

7,524.91

4,326.73

14.40

3,190.30

31,579.09

Balance

Forward

$ 7,009.43

31.659.48
349,166.87
888,327.61

378,749.78
$1,654,913.17

'75', Reimbursable Federal Funds
"50', Reimbursable Federal Funds

SUMMARY OF FISH AND GAME INCOME

Fishing, Hunting and Trapping Licenses $1,51 1,1 16.00*

Special Licenses, Trap Registrations, Tags and

Alien Gun Permits 6,628.75**

Rents 3,195.00

Misc. Sales 7,809.20

Pittman-Robertson Federal Aid 122,013.08

Dingell Johnson Federal Aid 75,1 L6.70

Anadromous Fish Projects Federal Aid 4,716.38

Court Fines 8,465.86

Archery Stamps 3,637.00

Refunds Prior Year 470.42

TOTAL: $1,743,168.39

ANALYSIS OF SPECIAL LICENSES

NUMBER

TYPE OF LICENSE ISSUED
TRAP REGISTRATIONS:

Initial 71

Renewal 497

FUR BUYERS:

Resident 23

Non-Resident 2

TAXIDERMIST: 63

PROPAGATORS:

(Special Fish)

Initial 20

Renewal 189

(Fish)

Initial 15

Renewal 74

(Birds & Mammals)

Initial 85

Renewal , . 330

(Dealers)

Initial 6

Renewal 86

Additional 528

(Ind. Bird or Mammal)

Initial 37

Renewal 58

SHINERS FOR BAIT: 194

FIELD TRIAL LICENSES: 3

QUAIL FOR TRAINING DOGS:

Initial 18

Renewal 46

ALIEN GUN PERMIT: 42

COMMERCIAL SHOOTING PRESERVES: 10

Tags 1,050

Posters 600

Game Tags 5,040

Fish Tags 15,500

TRAPPING CERTAIN BIRDS: 3

MOUNTING PERMITS: 16

TOTAL:

RECE1P

23O.0(
200.01

315.01

73. Ot
545.01

30.0(
258.01
528.0(

489.51

15.01

16.0i

$6,628.7i

RECEIPTS FROM FISHING, HUNTING AND TRAPPING LICENSES

Fees

Gross

Retained By

Net

Licenses

Price

Number

Amount

Town Clerk
Or City

Returned
To State

Series

Res. Cit. Fishing

($ 5.25)

1 17.467

$ 616,711.75

$29,160.25

$ 587,551.50

Hunting

( 5.25)

62,948

330,466.50

15,597.50

314,869.00

" Sporting

( 8.25)

50,814

419,215.50

12,557.50

406,658.00

Minor Fishing

( 3.25)

15,498

50,368.50

3,854.25

46,514.25

4-A

' Female Fishing

( 4.25)

20,983

89,177.75

5,210.00

83,967.75

' Minor Trapping

( 3.25)

208

676.00

51.25

624.75

Trapping

( 8.75)

456

4,016.25

1 1 1 .00

3,905.25

Non-Res. 7 day Fishing

( 5.25)

1,957

10,278.75

484.50

9,794.25

' Fishing

( 9.75)

2,750

26,829.00

670.00

26,159.00

Alien Fishing

( 9.75)

595

5,801.25

148.50

5,652.75

Non-Res. or Alien Hunting

( 16.25)

1,635

26,605.50

331.00

26,274.50

Duplicate Licenses

( .50)

2,906

1,453.00

.00

1,453.00

Res. Cit. Sporting

( Free)

19,712

—

" (Old Age Asst.)
Paraplegic and to the Blind

( Free)

1,213

TOTAL:

299,142

$1,581,599.75

$68,175.75

$1,513,424.00

Check Returned Insufficient Funds 2,308.00
$1,511,116.00

STANDING

ALL-TIME

MASSACHUSETTS FRESHWATER

FISHING RECORDS

THROUGH JUNE 30,

1968

Species

Weight

Length

Girth

Place Caught

How Caught

Date

Caught by

Largemouth Bass

12 lbs.

oz.

25%"

21%"

Palmer River, Rehoboth

bait casting

5-9-63

George Pastick, Fall River

Smallmouth Bass

6 lbs.

oz.

21"

Pleasant Lake, Harwich

spinning

5- 14-67

Thomas Paradise, Arlington

Northern Pike

24 lbs.

oz.

451/2"

22"

Onota Lake, Pittsfield

live bait

1-13-67

Kris Ginthwain, Pittsfield

Pickerel

9 lbs.

oz.

29>/2"

Pontoosuc Lk., Lanesboro

- -54

Mrs. James Martin, Stockbridge

Rainbow Trout

8 lbs.

4oz.

26"

16"

Deep Pond, Falmouth

live bait

10-15-66

Roger Walker, Eastondale

Brown Trout

19 lbs.

oz.

31 V2"

22s/8"

Wachusett Res., Boylston

spinning

5-19-66

Dana DeBlois, Sterling

Lake Trout

13 lbs.

oz.

31"

Quabbin Res., Pelham

trolling

9-13-63

LeeRoy DeHoff, Suffield, Conn.

Shad

7 lbs.

oz.

25'/2"

19/2"

Indian Head

spinning

5- -68

William Spaulding, Whitman

Channel Catfish

13 lbs.

oz.

30"

19"

Conn. Riv., Turners Falls

live bait

7-18-64

Robert Thibodo, Northampton

Walleye

8 lbs.

oz.

28 Vz"

15/2"

Quabbin Res., Hardwick

7-15-65

Joseph Schwartz, Holden

8 lbs.

oz.

28 »/2 "

14%"

Conn. Riv., Northampton

spinning

6-7-64

Peter Yeskie, Northampton

Bluegill

1 lb.

1 1 1/4 "

9/2"

Bog Pond, Norton

spinning

10-17-65

Robert Barrett, Stoughton

Bullhead

5 lbs.

oz.

22V2"

1 1 1/2 "

Conn. Riv., Hadley

live bait

6-8-63

Mrs. Erna Storie, Chicopee Falls

5 lbs.

oz.

22/2"

14"

Leverett Pd., Leverett

live bait

8-2-65

Stephen Brozo, No. Amherst

4 lbs.

oz.

221/2"

1 1 1/2 "

Conn. Riv., Chicopee

live bait

9-8-65

Joseph Kida, Chicopee

Calico

2 lbs.

9'/2 0Z.

18"

14"

Merrimack, Lowell

spinning

6-8-65

George Olsson, Lowell

White Perch

2 lbs.

oz.

163/4"

1 1 % "

Halfway Pd., Plymouth

spinning

6-9-65

Richard Rock, Kingston

2 lbs.

16%"

1 1 1/4 "

Halfway Pd., Plymouth

spinning

6-18-66

Richard Rock, Kingston

Yellow Perch

2 lbs.

16%"

10%"

Grt. Herring, Plymouth

live bait

5-9-66

Anthony Scolaro, Braintree

Brook Trout

6 lbs.

oz.

24"

14"

Otis Reservoir, Otis

spinning

6-24-68

Thomas Laptew, Granville

JULES AND REGULATIONS

LEGISLATION

iULES AND REGULATIONS PROMULGATED BY THE
DIRECTOR OF FISHERIES AND GAME DURING FISCAL
r-EAR ENDED JUNE 30, 1968.

uly- I, 1967. Rules and Regulations relating to the hunting of

deer in Massachusetts.
September 9, 1967. Migratory Game Bird Regulations 1967-1968.
anuary 8, 1968. Emergency regulations were adopted to con-
tinue all outstanding Rules and Regulations pending the

promulgation of new regulations in accordance with Chapter

802 of the Acts of 1967 which amended Chapter 131 and

recodified the fish and game laws.
\pril 8, 1968.

Rules and Regulations relating to the taking of certain fish.

Rules and Regulations regarding Ashfield Lake in town of
Ashfield.

Rules and Regulations relating to taking carp and suckers for
sale.

Rules and Regulations relative to public fishing grounds.

Rules and Regulations governing the taking of fish in inter-
state pond, Wallum Lake, lying between Mass. and
Rhode Island.

Rules and Regulations governing the taking of fish in inter-
state ponds lying between Mass. and New Hampshire.

Rules and Regulations governing the taking of fish in inter-
state ponds lying between Mass. and Connecticut.

Rules and Regulations governing the sale of protected fresh
water fish by licensed dealers.

Rules and Regulations for hunting with bows and arrows.

Rules and Regulations relating to the hunting of deer.

Rules and Regulations relative to the tagging of deer.

Rules and Regulations relating to the hunting of hares and
rabbits.

Rules and Regulations for trapping of birds by farmers.

Rules and Regulations relative to the hunting and trapping of
mammals.

Rules and Regulations relative to the issuance of permits to
expose poisons for the control of mammal and bird
species.

Rules and Regulations relating to the hunting of pheasants,
quail, and ruffed grouse.

Rules and Regulations to the hunting of gray squirrels.

Rules and Regulations for public snooting grounds and wild-
life management areas.

Rules and Regulations governing the display of sporting,
hunting, fishing, and trapping licenses.

Rules and Regulations for the artificial propagation and
maintenance of birds and mammals.

Rules and Regulations for the artificial propagation and
maintenance offish.

The following laws affecting the Division of Fisheries and

Game were enacted during the legislative session of 1968:

CHAPTER 214, ACTS, 1968: An act authorizing the carrying
of firearms on Sunday for the purpose of sport target shooting.

CHAPTER 530, ACTS, 1968: An act providing for the issuance
of fishing licenses to certain mentally retarded persons without
payment of fees.

CHAPTER 534, ACTS, 1968: An act providing for the sale of
the Sutton State Fish Hatchery by the Division of Fisheries
and Game.

CHAPTER 550, ACTS. 1968: An act authorizing the Director
of the Division of Fisheries and Game to issue special cer-
tificates allowing certain groups of mentally retarded persons
to fish without payment of a fee.

CHAPTER 554, ACTS, 1968: An act temporarily authgrizing
the issuance to residents of the commonwealth while in the
active military or naval service of the United States of
special certificates without fee entitling them to hunt and fish.

CHAPTER 639, ACTS, 1968: An act to provide for an inland
fisheries and game land and water acquisition and develop-
ment program.

CHAPTER 718, ACTS, 1968: An act authorizing the director
of the Division of Fisheries and Game to prohibit the pos-
session or use of certain rifles in certain areas during the
period between October first and April first.

All of Wildlife . . .
And All Who Appreciate
Wildlife . . . Benefit From
Fish and Game Programs

•v<-

if*

■••Si J

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^?;v

MASSACHUSETTS
DIVISION OF
F1SHERI

l 1WMT *'
i ivi r

JAMES M.SHEPARD
Director

FISHERIES AND GAME BOARD

HARRY C. DARLING, Chairman

East Bridgewater

BRADLEE E. GAGE, Secretary

Amherst

HENRY J. COLOMBO

Wilmington

MARTIN H. BURNS

Newbury

EDWARD J. TIERNEY

Pittsfield

STAFF

JAMES M. SHEPARD

Director

RUSSELL A. COOKINGHAM

Assistant Director

COLTON H. BRIDGES

Supt., Research & Mgt.

E. MICHAEL POLLACK

Chief Game Biologist

LOUIS H. CARUFEL

Chief Aquatic Biologist

RALPH R. BITZER

Chief Fish Culturist

RICHARD CRONIN, Chief

Information and Education

JOSEPH H.JOHNSON

Realty Chief

DISTRICT MGRS.

LEWIS C. SCHLOTTERBECK, S.E

PAUL S. MUGFORD, Central

EUGENE D. MORAN, W.

WALTER HOYT, N.E.

COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS

Division of Fisheries and Game
104th Annual Report

His Excellency
GOVERNOR FRANCIS W. SARGENT

STATE USRAHY OF MASSACHUSETTS

JUL 1«70

STAlf HMyflfe* BW3J.WIH

His Excellency, Francis W. Sargent, Governor of the Common-
»T/>T»r«ealth' the Executive Council, the General Court, and the Board of
MASS- QSMCWkFisheries and Game:

Gentlemen:

IT -Ptr

I have the honor to submit herewith the One Hundred and
■Fiflrl Annual Report of the Division of Fisheries and Game, cover-
ing the fiscal year from July 1, 1968 to June 30, 1969.

I commend to your attention the very real diversity of public
service to all citizens of the Commonwealth demonstrated by this
report and respectfully urge your consideration of the vital necessi-
ty for financial augmentation to meet increased demands for serv-
ices and resulting benefits provided by these programs.

Respectively submitted,

James M. Shepard, Director

CONTENTS

The Board Reports -\

Fisheries Management 3

Lands Acquired — For Everyone 6

Wildlife Management 8

Lands and Waters Acquisition 10

Information and Education 11

Financial Reports 12

Regulations and Legislation inside back cover

Fish Records and

License Sales Back cover

5m-4-70-046657

Estimated Cost Per Copy: $.325

THE BOARD REPORTS

1 HE quality and quantity of outdoor recreation that is
dependent upon wildlife resources remains the primary re-
sponsibility of this agency, as it has been in the past.

Any attempts to meet this responsibility in this modern
day and age would be futile if we didn't concern ourselves
deeply with every respect and ramification of current nat-
ural resource managment.

The preservation and wise utilization of our natural re-
sources is not only a vital necessity for esthetic reasons, but
is rapidly becoming a matter of health and welfare and is,
in fact, big business today.

The 'Division of Fisheries and Game recognizes its re-
sponsibility to the resources themselves and to the citizenry
of the Commonwealth, and is forging ahead on several
fronts to realize its short and long range goals.

These are some of the highlights of the 1969 fiscal year's
activities of the Division of Fisheries and Game:

Fisheries Management

Anadromous fish restoration programs continue to prog-
ress through the cooperation of the states of Massachusetts,
Connecticut, New Hampshire, and Vermont, and two Fed-
eral agencies, the Bureau of Sport Fisheries and the Bu-
reau of Commercial Fisheries, both of the Department of
the Interior.

Attempts are being made to restore Atlantic salmon and
to increase shad runs in the Connecticut River. To this
end, approximately 10,320 Atlantic salmon smolts were
stocked below the Holyoke Dam in the Massachusetts
portion of the river.

An extensive shad-tagging study was conducted on the
Connecticut River, while some 3,000,000 shad eggs, ob-
tained below the Holyoke Dam from the Connecticut Riv-
er, were stocked in the Merrimack River and certain coast-
al streams in attempts to re-establish annual runs there.

Bottom-mapping and depth studies were conducted in
the lower portions of the Connecticut River between Hol-
yoke and Enfield, while a creel census of the shad fishery,
initiated in 1968, was continued.

Modifications of the water quality project objectives
were implemented to classify pond types according to the
stage of aging or eutrophication for correlation with fish
productivity. The liming of specific lakes of low fertility
was combined into the project to determine if it would in-
crease potential fertility. If proven feasible, this type of
management would be of considerable value to the
fisheries.

Vital studies to monitor pesticide residues in our fish
were continued at length during t he year. These studies
were carried out through the laboratory facilities at West-

■

boro, in the conjunction with the Massachusetts Health Re-
search Institute and funded with a grant from the Federal
Water Pollution Control Administration.

One of the highlights of the entire hatchery operation
was the completion and implementation of the new Charles
L. McLaughlin Hatchery in Belchertown. Construction
was initiated in November, 1967. The new facility's esti-
mated annual production of some 200,000 pounds of
trout w ill represent an increase in our total annual produc-
tion from all hatcheries of about 35 percent.

Hatchery personnel raised and liberated 382,713
pounds of trout during the fiscal year. An additional
30,591 pounds of trout were received from the U.S. Fish

Wildlife Management

Genetic research of the sex-linkage of ring-neck pheas-
ants has paid excellent dividends. Our game culturists are
now able to check day-old pheasant chicks to determine
their sex with 100% accuracy, resulting in a substantial
savings of time, effort and money. Previous methods of
sexing day-old chicks took a great deal of time and effort,
and resulted in errors as high as 25% or more. An in-
creased number of birds can now be reared because of the
accuracy of the new system, but equally important is the
considerable savings in the amounts of pen space, feed and
labor required for the job.

Working in cooperation with the Massachusetts Audu-
bon Society, a dove -banding project was undertaken to in-
crease our available data on this species both within the
state and within the Eastern Dove Management Unit. Pre-
liminary returns indicated that Massachusetts-reared birds
were shot in Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina and
South Carolina.

Studies on the forest-pheasant project have progressed
well ahead of the original schedule outlined, excellent fer-
tility and hatchability rates have produced a larger popula-
tion of these birds than we had anticipated.

Some of the 1,000 chicks produced during the spring
will be placed on an island and on two other isolated sub-
marginal land areas for further studies on survival and
adaptation.

Massachusetts deer hunters harvested 1,427 deer during
the 1968 season, the second such antlered-deer-only season
in the history of the Bay State. Antlerless deer could be
harvested only by holders of special permits.

Wild turkey studies were continued during the year,
with efforts aimed principally at censusing the populations
of wild turkeys previously released in several areas in the
state.

On the waterfowl front, studies continued on the wood
duck and or; Canada goose nesting on the Framingham-
Sudbury Reservoir system. Gosling transplants continued,
with releases made, in Worcester, Franklin and Berkshire
Counties.

A total of 1,558 ducks were banded along the coast in
January and February, mainly black ducks. Winter inven-
tory flights and special flights just prior to and during the
special scaup season were made during the fiscal year.

District personnel continued extensive work on wildlife
plantings and other development and maintenance work on
the wildlife management areas.

Information and Education

This program continued in its efforts to inform and edu-
cate the public-at-large and sportsmen in particular of the
various ramifications of the Division's diverse public-serv-
ice programs and projects. Continued use was made of the
several media available for dissemination of news and in-
formation; news released to all major newspapers, publica-
tion of the official magazine, MASSACHUSETTS WILD-
LIFE, radio and television programs or spot appearances
whenever possible.

Lands and Waters

Three new wildlife management areas were established
during the year, one in Conway, one in Lenox, and one in
Savoy. The Conway area consists of some 525 acres of
farm game land, with about 200 acres of cleared land used
for pasture, the remainder in woodland. The Lenox area
consists of 250 acres of flat, gently sloping land bordering
the Housatonic River. The Savoy Area, 400 acres, is all
wooded and has a good future potential for development
and management.

Total acreage acquired during the year was 2,514 acres,
some of which consisted of areas abutting our present
holdings.

Options were received for about 1,700 acres in the
Rocky Gutter section of Middleboro. The Bureau of Out-
door Recreation has approved the acquisition and we are
anticipating reimbursement of half the cost of the acquisi-
tion from this agency.

The Hampden County Council of Sportsmen's Clubs
gave about 80 acres of land along the East Branch of the
Westfield River to the division as a gift, for which we are
most grateful.

Respectfully submitted,

Harry C. Darling, Chairman
Bradlee E. Gage, Secretary
Henry J. Colombo
Edward J. Tierney
Martin H. Burns

FISHERIES MANAGEMENT

1 HE 1969 fiscal year activities, programs and responsi-
bilities of the fisheries section continued to progress under
the following categories: Quabbin Reservoir investiga-
tions, anadromous fish restoration on Connecticut, Merri-
mack, North and Palmer Rivers, warmwater fisheries in-
vestigations, water quality studies, pond and stream recla-
mation, stream access and improvement, pesticide studies,
trout allocation to state waters and streams and hatchery
operations.

During the season from April to October, Quabbin Res-

■ ervoir creel census indicates that 47,416 anglers harvested

i 41,302 fish weighing 34,868 pounds. Decreases in lake
trout harvest were noted and attributed to egg and year
class mortalities and scarcity of suitable forage fish. Land-

i locked salmon harvest increased slightly over the previous
year and is probably attributed to the 1967 plant of salmon
smolts entering the catch. To alleviate the scarcity of for-

i age fish 50,000 gravid smelt and 1 ,000,000 viable smelt
eggs were planted in the reservoir and tributary streams. An
additional plant of 3,200 landlocked salmon and 20,000
nine-inch plus rainbow trout was carried out.

The anadromous fish restoration program continues to
forge ahead due to the cooperative efforts involving the
states of Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont and
Connecticut and two Federal agencies, the Bureau of Sport
Fisheries and Wildlife and the Bureau of Commercial Fish-
eries, to increase shad runs and restore Atlantic salmon to
the Connecticut River. Approximately 10,320 Atlantic
salmon smolts were stocked below the Holyoke Dam in
Massachusetts.

Massachusetts project activities on the Connecticut Riv-
er centered on a shad tagging study at Holyoke, in which
1,238 adult shad were tagged. In addition to tagging stud-
ies, approximately 3,000,000 shad eggs obtained below
Holyoke Dam were stocked in the Merrimack River and
coastal streams. Bottom mapping and depths were record-
ed in the lower Connecticut River between Holyoke and
Enfield. The creel census of the shad fishery below Hol-
yoke, initiated in 1968, for purpose of assisting in shad
population estimate study, was continued.

Creel census studies initiated during the 1968 fiscal year
were conducted on the North and Palmer Rivers to mea-

sure angler harvest of shad. Evaluation of shad restoration
efforts through transplants of eggs and adults was contin-
ued on the Agawam and Mattapoisett Rivers.

During the I "-Hi1) fiscal year, investigations were contin-
ued on the warmwater fisheries which included age and
growth analysis, population estimates, landlocked alewife
transplant for forage in two-story pond management and
the effect of weed control chemical use on pond fish
populations.

Maintenance of the two warmwater fish culture pond
systems continued with 23 1 pounds of chain pickerel and
332 pounds of largemouth bass produced and stocked from
the Merrill Pond system, and 859 pounds of large -mouth
bass and 290 pounds of smallmouth bass produced and
stocked from Harold Parker pond system.

Modification of the water quality project objectives were
implemented to classify pond types according to the stage
of aging or eutrophication for correlation with fish produc-
tivity. In addition, the effect of liming specific lakes with
low fertility was combined into the project to determine if
it would increase potential fertility.

Ten ponds totaling 358 acres were reclaimed for trout
and warmwater fish management. The following districts

and ponds were treated: South-eastern District — Hoxie
Pond, Peters Pond and Pimlico Pond, Sandwich; Lout i
Pond, Russell Pond and Moning's Pond, Plymouth; North-
eastern District — Walden Pond, White Pond, Concord;
Western District — Hallockville Pond, Plainfield Pond,
Plainficld.

Stream access and improvement work continued on the
Squannacook River. Assistance from local Boy Scouts
greatly contributed to project progress on the river.

During 1968-1969 the pesticide laboratory in Westboro,
operating in conjunction with Massachusetts Health Re-
search Institute and funded with a grant from the Federal
Water Pollution Control Administration, analyzed 379 fish
collected from 77 sampling stations throughout the state.
Individual analysis of these were conducted to determine
the concentrations of DDT, DDE, DDD, Lindane, Hep-
tachlor, A-BHC, Aldrin, Heptachlor Epoxide, Dieldrin
and Endrin. Generally, in the samples analyzed, there was
an increase in DDT residue from 1967-1968. In addition
to the above, samples from about 25 different fish kills, 10 |
miscellaneous samples and 75 individual fish from Quabbin
Reservoir, were analyzed.

During 1968-1969 a total of 1,508,683 fish or 382,713

The Bay State angler may still find remote, quiet waters
in wilderness settings to enjoy his sport.

The ultimate objective — what father and son

duet, like this one, wouldn't remember such a

catch for years to come?

pounds was liberated by our six hatcheries throughout the
ponds and streams of the Commonwealth. An additional
114,566 fish or 30,591 pounds were received from the
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for stocking in
Massachusetts.

One of the highlights in hatchery operations was the
completion and implementation of the new McLaughlin
Hatchery whose construction was initiated in November
1967. Approximately 200,000 pounds of trout are expect-
ed to be produced annually increasing our total annual pro-
duction by 35 percent.

In order to place the new hatchery in current production
i the bulk of yearling rainbow trout from the Berkshire
Hatchery were transferred there. This caused a relatively
slight production decrease in weight for the year as com-
pared to last year. Also, the Berkshire Hatchery was re-
leased by the state and returned to the U.S. Fish and Wild-
life Service.

Trout nutrition experiments are still in progress. Moni-
toring of state hatcheries to detect disease and apply prop-
er treatment were undertaken where necessary.

TROUT DISTRIBUTION FROM STATE
AND FEDERAL HATCHERIES

JULY 1, 1968 TO JUNE 30, 1969

BROOKS

BROWNS

RAINBOWS

Under 6'
77,450

Over 6"
519,029

Under 6'
50,000

Over 6"
65,395

Under 6"
284,780

Over 6"
512,029

Total

State Trout

1.508.683

Total Trout Distribution 6-9" 763,319

Total Trout Distribution 9" plus 33,134

Total Federal Trout Distribution 6" plus 114,566

Total Catchables (6" plus) 1,211,019

Total Fingerlings (6" minus) 412,230

GRAND TOTAL 1 .623,249

STATION POUNDAGE

Station Total lbs.

Berkshire Hatchery 4,843

McLaughlin Hatchery 5.831

Montague Hatchery 74,339

Palmer Hatchery 46,651

Sandwich Hatchery 139,580

Sunderland Hatchery 111,469

State Poundage 382,713

North Attleboro 17,914

Nashua. New Hampshire 12,677

Total Federal Poundage 30.591

GRANDTOTAL 413.304

(This table does not show trout retained for brood stock)

LANDS ACQUIRED

The following list includes major holdings acquired by
the division. Many of our more recent purchases were
made possible by the one dollar increase in license fees.

ated between the Knightville and the Littleville Flood Control
lands. Deer, snowshoe hare, woodcock, grouse and cottontail rabbits
are found on this area. This area is becoming increasingly popular
to buffs of snow-mobiling as woodsroads and trails meander
throughout this area. Small beaver impoundments also compliment
the area and those who wish to hike of the beaten path for native
trout fishing, find these small beaver ponds rewarding.

STREAM ACCESS*

348 Acres Total

CHESHIRE WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA

4hS Acres Farm-Game Area

Location: Cheshire Western District

The setting for this area is rolling terrain, typical of New England
farmland. The area offers pheasant, rabbit and grouse hunting. Spec-
tacular scenery greets the Sportsman as he traverses this area. Mt.
Greylock looms to the west, the Hoosic Valley unfolds to the north,
Cheshire Reservoir lies to the south, and the famous Berkshire hills
and the Mohawk Trail lies to the east.

This area is steeped in history. A stone tower was erected on this
site by the Sons of the American Revolution as a monument to
Colonel Joab Stafford, first settler of New Providence (Cheshire)
and commander of the "Silver Greys" in the Battle of Bennington.

LENOX WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA

247 Acres
Location:

Lenox

Farm-Game Area
Western District

This property is level farmland bordered on the east by the Hous-
atonic River. Quality hunting for rabits, pheasants, grouse, wood-
cock and other small game is one of the attributes of this area. The
river provides exciting waterfowl jump shooting, typical of inland
waterfowling. This area will provide a natural access to the river.

CONWAY WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA

525 Acres Farm-Game Area

Location: Conway Western District

Another typical New England farm with rolling terrain offering
varied small game hunting. Poland Brook, a small trout stream
flows through the property and has produced surprising results for
those fishermen who have "wet a line" in this stream.

Two well maintained town roads allow easy access to and from
this area.

One hundred and seventy-two acres have been acquired on the
Little River that parallels Route 112 in the towns of Worthington
and Huntington. This picturesque stream, stocked by the Division,
provides quality fishing throughout the season.

One hundred and seventy-six acres providing access to the East
Branch of the Westfield River also will insure the fishermen of today
and the future, a place to fish and call their own.

*Eighty acres were given to the Division on the East Branch of the
Westfield River in the town of Cummington by the Council of
Sportsmen Clubs of Hampden County, Inc.

* * *

PAXTON WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA

327 Acres Farm-Game

Location: Paxton Central District

This farm-game area that is destined to encompass some 500
acres is within a mere 20 minute drive of the metropolitan area of
Worcester. For the most-part this area is farmland, interspersed
with hedgerows and woodlands. Game species that are found on
this area include pheasants, grouse, snowshoe hare, woodcock and
cottontail rabbits.

SWIFT RIVER WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA

697 Acres Farm-Game

Location: Belchertown Central District

An area unique because of its desirable location. This area lies
south of the largest body of fresh water in southern New England, '■
the Quabbin Reservoir. The Swift River, the finest trout stream in
Massachusetts, flows south from the Quabbin through this property, j

Located on this area is the Charles L. McLaughlin Trout Hatch-
ery, one of the largest trout rearing facilities in the Northeast.

This area may well develop into one of the most important re-
creational centers in all Massachusetts.

SAVOY WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA

420 Acres Forestland

Location: Savoy Western District

A softwood-hardwood forest type cover contributes to the snow-
shoe hare, grouse and deer hunting to be enjoyed here.

# * *

BECKET WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA

234 Acres Forestland

Location: Becket Western District

Deer, snowshoe hare, grouse and grey squirrel are species found
on this area. A small pond provides limited fishing and some water-
fowl action.

CHESTER WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA

1.600 Acres Forestland

Location: Chester-Worthington-Huntington Western District

Additional acreage to this area totals 633 acres. This area is situ-

WINIMUSSET WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA

510 Acres Farm-Game

Location: New Braintree Central District

A perfect blend of farmland, woodland and wetland characterizes
this as an ideal wildlife management area. This particular area will
provide countless hours of pleasurable hunting to the Sportsmen asj
well as compatible uses that will be afforded the public. A small;
stream flows across this property affording limited trout fishing.

This area is rich in history as the area is reputed to have been the
campground of the followers of King Phillip, one of the greatest of
Indian Chiefs.

PHILLIPSTON WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA

752 Acres Forestland

Location: Phillipston-Petersham Central District

A composition of open and semi-open cover with woodlands,
contributes to the theme of variable hunting. This area provides a
variety of game species including deer, snowshoe hare, grouse, wood-
cock, cottontail rabbits and grey squirrels.

FOR EVERYONE

QUABOAG RIVER WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA

793 Acres Forestland

Location: Brookfield - West Brookfield Central District

Here is an area that offers multiple-use recreation. Access to the
Quaboag River for fishing and other water oriented recreation. Wat-
erfowl gunning as well as other types of hunting is in the offering on
this area. The cover on this area is a mixed hardwood-softwood
stand.

* * *
STREAM ACCESS

1,303 Acres

Access to four streams in this district add significantly to guar-
anteeing the Sportsmen that their right to fish will be protected —
one hundred and eighty-nine acres on the Swift River, 753 acres on
the Millers River, 80 acres on the Ware River and 281 acres on
Lawrence Brook.

Gifts of land to this division within the Central Wildlife District,
total 350 acres. These properties are located in — Templeton, a
gift from Mr. L.C. Day; Northboro, donated by the MacFarland
family and Spencer, donated by the Auburn Sportsmen Club.

Through our mistake the Auburn Sportsmen Club did not receive
the appreciation and recognition it so justly deserves. Due to the
untiring efforts of the members of the Auburn Sportsmen Club, a
prime small management area is provided.

* * *

CRANE WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA
1,615 Acres Farm-Game

Location: Falmouth Southeast District

Fifty-three acres have been added to this area to increase the
acreage from 1,562 to slightly over 1,600. This area of open fields,
interspersed with scrub-oak and pine, harbors pheasants, quail, cot-
tontail rabbits and deer.

In addition to hunting, this area provides other uses such as dog
training, wildlife photography, nature study, hiking and field trails.

* * *

WEST MEADOWS WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA

222 Acres Farm-Game

Location: West Bridgewater Southeast District

Four additional acres enlarge this area comprised of a swamp and
old abandoned fields. Species of game to be found on this area are
waterfowl, cottontail rabbits, grey squirrels, grouse, deer and pheas-
ants.

ROCKY GUTTER WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA

1,541 Acres Forestland

Location: Middleboro Southeast District

This area is one of the largest single purchases ever undertaken by
this division. The terrain of this property is slightly rolling. Small
marshlands compliment the area providing waterfowl and aquatic
mammal habitat.

A forest cover comprised of pine interspersed with varities of
hardwoods is found throughout the area. Quail, grouse, snowshoe
hare, woodcock, cottontail rabbits, waterfowl, raccoon and deer are
species of game found on this large tract of land.

Wood paths and trails allow easy access along with well-main-
tained town roads. The recreational potential of this area is im-
measurable.

* * *

ACCESS AND LAUNCHING SITE

134 Acres
• Location: Sandy Pond, Plymouth

An access and launching site has been acquired on this pond. A
parking area will accommodate 20-25 vehicles.
This pond is a trout pond having been reclaimed in 1967.

ADDITIONAL HATCHERY LANDS

Seventy acres of land were acquired in the town of Rochester for
a warm-water fish hatchery.

CRANE POND WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA

1,569 Acres Farm-Game

Location: Groveland-Georgetown-West Newbury Northeast

District

Acquisitions totaling 250 acres have been added to this well
known farm-game area. This area is comprised of semi-open fields,
woodland borders and woodlots.

* * *

MILL CREEK WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA

529 Acres Farm-Game

Location: Newbury - Rowley Northeast District

Additional acreage to this area has been acquired. Mill Creek is
well known for its waterfowl and shore bird habitat. The area is
bounded on the north by the Parker River, the Mill River bounds
the west, bounded on the east by the Boston and Maine R.R., and
enclosed by a small stream on the south.

NORTHEAST WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA

1,317 Acres Farm-Game

Location: Newbury Northeast District

Two hundred and thirty-two acres of prime land have been added
to this section also known as the Downfall Area. Accepted and
proven wildlife management techniques is transforming it into one
of the leading farm-game areas in the Northeast District. Utilization
of this area has been steadily on the rise.

Open, brushy fields, interspersed with woodlots provide food and
cover for the pheasants, grouse, woodcock, rabbits, squirrels and
raccoon.

STREAM ACCESS

Four hundred and eighty acres (250 acres of this figure donated
by Middlesex County League), have been acquired on the Squanna-
cook River. This fine trout stream rises in New Hampshire and flows
southeast into Massachusetts to later become part of the Nashua
River. Acquisitions on this river were made in the towns of Groton,
Townsend and Shirley.

This stream not only furnishes exceptional trout throughout the
season, but is enjoyed by canoe enthusiasts who seek the tranquility
of the surrounding countryside. Many forms of wildlife can be en-
countered as you glide noiselessly down this river.

Any land acquisitions on this river are complemented by the
more than 7,000 acres of Squannacook watershed land owned by
Natural Resources Division of Forest and Parks.

Small marshlands in Essex, Rowley, and Ipswich have been pur-
chased.

ACCESS AND LAUNCHING SITE

209 Acres

Location: Mascopic Lake Dracut - Tyngsboro

An access and launching site has been established on this lake.
Yellow perch, white perch, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and
pickerel are some of the species that await the angler's lure.

* * *

Acknowledgement and appreciation are in order for the following
gifts of land.

Marblehead Fish and Game

Lester B. Woodbury

Middlesex County League

WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT

GAME FARMS

Results of genetic research on sex-linkage of ring-neck
pheasants have given the Massachusetts sportsmen excel-
lent dividends. Now our game culturists are able to sex
day -old pheasant chicks with 100% accuracy. In the past,
sexing of day-old pheasant chicks using the eye -field tech-
nique resulted in errors as high as 25 % . Thus, with this new
sexing method, an increase in the number of cock birds can
be reared, but most important is the savings in terms of pen
space, feed, labor, etc.

All other activities at the farms were of routine nature.

DOVE BANDING PROJECT

The objective of this banding project of mourning doves
is to increase available data on this species within the state
as well as the Eastern Dove Management Unit. By banding
mourning doves in Massachusetts, increase knowledge of
population dynamics, habitat needs and techniques for
species management will be obtained. Working in coopera-
tion with the Massachusetts Audubon Society, a total of
2,101 doves were live-trapped and banded at eleven sites
in Massachusetts. Preliminary returns from last year's
banded birds reveal that Massachusetts-reared birds were
shot in Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, and South
Carolina.

FOREST PHEASANT PROJECT

The work on this project has progressed ahead of the
schedule originally outlined. We have a larger population

than we anticipitated we would have at this time, as a re-
sult of very good fertility and hatchability ( about 90%
and 80% respectively).

Selection pressure was placed on this year's stock for egg
production, hours of incubation required for hatching and
both egg and adult color. Some of the 1000 chicks pro-
duced this spring will be placed on an island and two other
isolated submarginal land areas.

Next year's (1970) plans call for continued selection for
egg production, hours of incubation and color of both the
birds and their eggs. Additional effort will be placed on
selection for body weight, wildness, date of hatch, spur
length, shank length and rapid feathering. Birds will be
placed on the same areas used in 1969 for field testing.

Deer Project

Massachusetts deer hunters harvested 1,427 deer during
the 1968 deer season. This was the second antlered deer
only season in the history of Bay State deer hunting. Ant-
lerless deer harvest was by permit only.

Thirty deer checking stations were manned by Division
personnel to record the compulsory deer kill reports.

The reported deer kill for the 1968 deer season is as fol-
lows:

Males

Females

Total

Archery

Shotgun

Total

1,083

1,104

310

323

1,393

1,427

umber

Percent

456

Included in the above deer harvest totals are 421 deer
reported by holders of antlerless deer permits.

Deer mortalities caused by other than hunting were re-
iported as follows:

\Cause

jMotor Vehicles

(Dogs

[Illegal

jCrop damage

jOther and Unknown

Turkey Stocking Project

An experimental release of wild turkeys was made in
I Massachusetts during 1960 and 1961. Twenty-two wild
turkeys from three different sources were released in
i Quabbin Reservation during 1960 and 1961. Spring popu-
lations remained relatively static through 1965 due prima-
rily to high winter mortality and low juvenile recruitment
I during same years. Population increases have occurred
| since 1965, representing a reversal of the trend of a steadi-
1 ly decreasing population to 1964. Mild winter conditions
I and an artificial winter feeding program were probably re-
I sponsible for the increased overwinter survival of wild tur-
| keys during the 1965-1966 and 1966-1967 winters. The
I wild turkey was considered established in the Quabbin
area in 1967. The emphasis in the program was then shift-
ed from intensive research on the Quabbin population to a
i statewide population survey and restoration effort. The
; 1968 breeding population was estimated to be 50 turkeys
in the Quabbin area. Sixteen broods were raised and 83
poults survived to September. The 1969 late winter/early
I spring population was estimated to be 60 turkeys.

The main flocks at each of the major release sites were
! censused by direct search from snowmobiles and by count-
ing tracks in snow during late winter. These late winter-
early spring populations were estimated to be: Myles Stan-
dish, 10; Mt. Washington, 12; October Mt., 31; Barre, 20;
Douglas, 1 1 .

A release of 12 turkeys was made in a new area in the
town of Douglas during September, 1969.

Waterfowl Project

Wood duck nesting studies at Great Meadows National
Wildlife Refuge indicated the poorest production of young
in eighteen years. Population levels of nesting wood ducks
on eight study areas in central Massachusetts remained the
same as 1967 levels, but recruitment of young females to
the breeding population was poor.

Canada goose nesting studies continued on the Fram-
ingham-Sudbury Reservoir system. The nesting population
appears to number about thirty breeding pairs with many
non-breeding birds present on this reservoir. Goose nesting
occurs in many other areas in the Suasco watershed.

Gosling transplants continued. Releases were made in
western Worcester County, Franklin County, and Berk-
shire County. Four tagged adult geese released at the Fer-
nald State School in Templeton as goslings in 1967 were
observed on the school grounds this year. Hunting recover-

ies of released goslings have been reported from New Jer-
sey, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts. One
goose was live-trapped at Bombay Hook National Wildlife
Refuge in Delaware.

Banding operations resulted in a total of 1,558 ducks
being banded on the coast in January and February. Of
these approximately 1,300 were black ducks, the remain-
der were mallards and black-mallard hybrids. Nighlighting
by airboat produced a total of 650 birds banded prior to the
1968 hunting season. Species banded included black duck,
mallard, wood duck, blue-winged teal, green-winged teal,
pintail and black-mallard hybrid.

The winter inventory count of waterfowl totalled
120,500 birds. This was approximately 30,000 birds below
the 1968 count, and could be attributed to a corresponding
drop in the number of eiders observed during the inventory
flights. The count this year was equal to the average count
of the past ten years.

Survey flights the day prior to the opening of the 1968
Special Scaup Season revealed the presence of 14,000
scaup on our coastal waters. Flights during the special sea-
son revealed no significant hunter participation.

Development Work

Again much of the four wildlife districts' time was spent
on development and maintenance of this division's wildlife
management areas. Over 90 miles of roads were main-
tained by graveling, brush cutting, etc. A total of 12,312
trees and shrubs were planted along edges and through
fields to provide travel lanes and food. In addition, over
400 acres of spring and fall plantings were made or main-
tained for wildlife food and cover on eleven wildlife man-
agement areas.

Other important activities were thinning and clearing on
ten wildlife management areas to provide additional food
and cover by cutting the overstory and encouraging the un-
derstory; maintenance and construction of wood duck
nesting boxes, and related work.

GAME DISTRIBUTION July 1

,1968-

-June 30

, 1969

Pheasants

Hens

Cocks

Total

Adults:

Spring and Summer
liberations

3,150

285

3,435

Young:

August liberations (12 weeks)
October-November liberations

3,503

11,454

14,957

(17-25 weeks)

250

41,100

41,350

Sportsmen's Club Rearing

Totals

Program

4,998

5 048

6,953

57,837

64,790

Quail

Adults

200

Young
Totals

3,252

3,452

White Hare

Northern Varying, purchased

2,500

>l ISSACHl SETTS COOPER YTIYK WILDLIFE
RESEARCH I Ml

The following projects have been worked on by mem-
bers of the Cooperative Unit in the past year:

Beaver Project

Dr. Larson has developed a valid technique of determin-
ing the sex of beaver of any age in the wild by the exami-
nation of blood smears.

\\ oodcock Projecl

Dr. Sheldon found that there was no drop in the singing
male woodcock population on the old census routes.

Twenty random routes were established in the state this
year, and two of these were run by Unit personnel.

The Unit leader and Head Game Biologist from the di-
vision attended a Wildlife Conservation symposium at the
University of Maine in late June.

Ecology and Physiology of Avian Sterility

Drs. David K. Wetherbee and Bernard Wentworth con-
ducted further intensive studies developing chemo-steri-
lants for bird control.

Dr. Wetherbee prepared a manuscript on the ecology,
land history and natural history of Muskeget Island. This
has been submitted for possible publication as a book.

Sparrow Hawk Project

Mr. Charles Keene was making an extremely interesting
study of the role of tradition in nest site selection of the
sparrow hawk. He has erected two hundred nest boxes and
has had over fifty pairs under observation. Close to one
hundred sparrow hawks have been banded.

Black Duck Project

Mr. John Grandy spent the winter in Cape Cod where]
he initiated a study on the feeding habits and behavior oft!
wintering black ducks. He completed vegetation transects'
and collected some duck-gizzards. This study will be con-
tinued for the next two years.

Impoundment Project

Mr. Harry Heusmann completed a study of the wildlife
and recreational value of borrow-pits and other wetlands
caused by highway construction.

Waterfowl Investigation on the Connecticut River

Mr. William Rockwell is completing the study of the
waterfowl population and hunters using that part of the
Connecticut River flowing through Massachusetts.

In conjunction with this study he has evaluated the his-
tory and current acreage of all wetlands in the Valley.

Ruffed Grouse Studies

Dr. Brander continued telemetry studies of Ruffed
Grouse determining the food utilized and the occupied
cover during the winter.

Canada Goose Project

Mr. James Cooper has been working since March at the
East Meadows Ranch near Delta, Manitoba where he has
initiated an intensive study of nesting Canada geese.

This project is a cooperative undertaking financed by
the Unit and the North American Wildlife Foundation.

Cooper will continue this study for two more nesting,,
seasons.

LANDS AND WATERS ACQUISITION

1 HE problems encountered almost daily in the adminis-
tering of an acquisition program encompassing the whole
state are of little or no interest to the average sportsman.
His only interest is in the end result and he makes his
judgement on the success of the program on this basis. Yet
these problems and details are important and require much
time, thought and effort. We have yet to make a purchase
of land which was easy.

There is always a problem cropping up unexpectedly
which must be worked out and solved before progress to a
successful conclusion can be made. The legal department
of state government is a stern taskmaster and the adminis-
trative branch unyielding on procedure. This is as it
should be for the protection of the state, and also for the
protection of the party conveying to the state.

Notwithstanding the problems involved, however, prog-
ress has been made in our long range acquisition program

to provide an adequate supply, in every section of the state,
of lands on which to hunt and waters on which to fish.

Three new wildlife management areas were established
during the year, one in Conway, one in Lenox and one in.
Savoy. The Conway Wildlife Management Area contains
525 acres with more in the process. It is a farm game area:
consisting of around two hundred acres of cleared land
used for pasture and mowing and the rest in woodland in
various stages of development. It is a rolling topography)
with Poland Brook flowing through and providing a sourc
of water in the pasture areas. This area has excellent po-
tential for development as a farm game area and we are
hopeful of adding more acreage.

The area in Lenox known as the Housatonic Wildlife
Management area at present contains approximately 250
acres and is part of a much larger area owned by other
public agencies.

le area is almost flat land sloping gently from west to
at the river bank with wet swampy land along the
idering course of the Housatonic River. A good por-
is open hay and pasture land. More acreage will be
J — ~^ jn ^g near future.

The Savoy Wildlife Area consists of over 400 acres, is

t all wooded and has good potential for future development
jand management.

Other Wildlife Management areas to which more

^acreage was added are as follows:

'Crane Area — Falmouth 54 acres

Northeast Area 117 acres

Chester Area 420 acres

1 jSquannacook River Area 65 acres

New Braintree 38 acres

Marshes along North Shore 38 acres

J Total acreage actually acquired during the fiscal year was

|p,514 acres.

Options were obtained on approximately 1,700 acres in
the Rocky Gutter section of Middleboro and they are being
' processed at the present time. The Bureau of Outdoor Rec-
reation has approved this acquisition and reimbursement

of one half the total cost is anticipated from this agency.
This will be the first time that this division will receive
funds from this Agency.

The Hampden County Council of Sportsmen's Clubs
were very generous in giving to the division approximately
80 acres of land along the East Branch of Westfield River.
We are most grateful to them and their hard working land
committee. If only other clubs and Leagues would follow
suit. All gifts of land, frontage, access points, etc. are most
welcome and useful for Division purposes. River access
and roadside parking facilities were acquired on the Quaboag
River in Warren, on the Squannacook River in Townsend
and on the East Branch of the Ware River in Paxton. There
is a great need for acquiring more access and parking areas
to streams and the Division will make a special effort and
concentrate on this phase of acquisition.

As in the past, several parcels of land which were of-
fered for sale were investigated and in some cases negotia-
tions were started but never materialized. Cooperation
from the other sections of the division has been excellent
and we have also received much help from other state and
federal agencies for which we are most grateful.

INFORMATION AND EDUCATION

1 HE education of adults of today and tomorrow in the
wise use of out natural resources and the information of
the general public in the ways and means of their fish and
game division continues to be the goal of the information
and education section.

Of particular interest to those who provide its revenue,
the license buying hunters, fishermen and trappers of Mas-
sachusetts, and non-resident license buyers as well, the Di-
vision regularly furnishes complete and detailed reports of
its activities through its information program. A detailed
and complete listing of the Division's receipts and expendi-
tures is also publicly available to any person interested
enough to get on the free mailing list and/or ask for specif-
ic information on any program conducted by the Division.

Many members of the agency attended countless meet-
ings or various organizations during the fiscal year to dis-
cuss Division programs and policies.

Frequent news releases attempt to keep the public well-
informed through the media of newspapers, radio, televi-
sion and magazines. Pertinent new releases are issued not
only by the information-education section, but also by the
wildlife district personnel as well, for specific programs
within their geographic scope of operations.

Circulation of the Division's official magazine, MASS-
ACHUSETTS WILDLIFE, continued throughout the year,

with circulation at a figure of 41,000 at year's end. Earlier
plans to expand the magazine and change to a fee system
were stalled by lack of the necessary legislation.

The Division's free loan film library reached an all-time
low in distribution of films for viewing by various organi-
zations and groups. Budgetary requests for monies to both
maintain present film stocks and to acquire needed new
films and equipment continue to be severely chopped out
each year. Wear and tear of existing films has taken a heavy
toll, with several films having to be retired from the active
list.

Several sportsmen's shows and fairs throughout the state
featured exhibits put on by the Division, through the efforts
of district personnel and the information-education section.
Highlights of the year's exhibits was the display of live fish,
trout and several warm-water species, at the annual New
England Sportsmen's Show held at the War Memorial Au-
ditorium of the Prudential Center in Boston.

The Division continued to serve the youth of the Com-
monwealth through its efforts in conducting the annual Ju-
nior Conservation Camp, held at the Worcester County 4-H
Center at Thompson's Pond in Spencer.

During the fiscal year, thousands of letters, requests for
literature and information, posters, pond maps and other
Division printing were handled.

Financial Report, July 1,1968 To June 30,1969

HOW THE SPORTSMEN'S DOLLAR WAS SPENT

ADMIMSIRAHON

Administration 3304-01

Board of Fisheries and

Game 3304-01

Information-Education . 3304-01

FISHERIES PROGRAMS

Fish Hatcheries 3304-42

Fisheries Management . 3304-42
— Fish Restoration

Projects 3304-47

Fisheries Management . 3304-51
"Fisheries Research Coop.

Unit

"Conn. River Shad

Study

SI IS.26S.33

750.00 S119.OIS.33 A%

78.944.99 3r/f

WILDLIFE PROGRAMS

Game Farms

\\ ildlife Management . .
'Damage by Wild Deer &

Moose

Wildlife Research Coop.

L'nit

""Wildlife Research

Restoration

""Eastern Dove

Management

CONSTRUCTION

"Trout Hatchery, East

Sandwich

Charles L. McLaughlin .
"Trout Hatchery

3304-55
3304-62

3304-51
3304-51

3304-41

3304-44

3304-53

3304-64

3304-43
3304-63
7801-01

7801-02

14S.3S9.63

43,635.65
100,027.85

10.000.00
14,176.09

34S.953.79

316,229.22

10%

— 265,165.25 »ci

100.027.86

14,444.55

7,966.58

172,431.65

3,500.00 298,370.64 9r/t

9,496.20
349,166.87
888,289.15 1,246,952.22 40<7C

1020-0200
1020-0000

1000-0000

LAND ACQUISITION*

LAW ENFORCEMENT

Public Hunting Grounds
Conservation Officers
Salaries and Expenses
Other - Office of the

Commissioner

GRAND TOTAL: . .

Surplus in Inland Fisheries & Game Fund
as of June 30, 1969 . . .

"Continuing Appropriations
**50rr Reimbursable by Federal Funds
*"75rr Reimbursable by Federal Funds
"**100rr Reimbursable by Federal Funds

270,445.28

11,070.00
185,536.00

2,522.00 199,128.00 6r/c

$3,143,207.72 100r/r

$816,988.85

APPROPRIATIONS & EXPENDITURES

Expenditures &

Account No. & Title

Appropriation

Liabilities

Reverted

3304-01 Administration

$ 203,760.00

$ 197,963.32

$ 5,796.68

3304-42 Fisheries

Management ....

513,233.00

497,343.42

15,889.58

""3304-47 1 '■ i !'•■ .i.ii.i

Projects

49,585.00

43,635.65

5,949.35

3304-51 • . i J.J 1 1 i l

Management ....

485,250.00

465,220.96

20,029.04

"•3304-53 !.!h.

Restoration

181,405.00

172,431.65

8,973.35

"3304-62 Connecticut River

Shad Study

14,300.00

14,176.09

123.91

3304-63 Construction,

Quabbin

349,166.87

0.—

(Additional Funds)

"•3304-64 Eastern Dove

Management ....

3,500.00

0.—

$1,800,199.87

$1,743,437.96

$ 56,761.91

Continuing

Balance

Appropriation.

Expenditures Forward

3304-41

Damage by Wild Deer

and Moose

17,875.43

14,444.55

3,430.88

3304-43

Cert. Construction &

Improvements Trout Hatchery,

East Sandwich . . .

56,659.48

9,496.20

47,163.28

3304-60

Acquisition Land &
Waters for Fish
& Wildlife
Management

Purposes

50,000.00

7801-01

Construction Quabbin

Fish Hatchery . . .

888,327.61

888,289.15

38.46

7801-02

Land & Waters for
Fish & Wildlife
Management

Purposes

378,749.78

270,445.28

108,304.50

7802-01

Land & Water
Acquisition and

Development

1 ,000,000.00

—

1,000,000.00

$2,391,612.30

51,182,675.18

$1,208,937.12

"50% Reimbursed Federal Funds

***75% Reimbursed Federal Funds

""IM'i Reimbursed Federal Funds

SUMMARY OF FISH AND GAME INCOME

Fishing, Hunting and Trapping Licenses. . 1,548, 809. 50:S
Special Licenses, Trap Registrations, Tags

and Alien Gun Permits 7,081.25*

Rents 3,505.50

Misc. Sales 9,622.98

Mass. Mourning Dove Reimbursement. . 3,500.00

Pittman-Robertson Federal Aid 81,909.66

Dingell-Johnson Federal Aid 60,515.61

Anadromous Fish Projects Federal Aid . 6,307.69

B. O. R. Reimbursement 30,000.00

Court Fines 9,809.00

Archery Stamps 4,140.70

Refunds, Prior Year 693.45

$1,765,895.34
*See Detail Sheet No. 1
**See Detail Sheet No. 2

ANALYSIS OF SPECIAL LICENSES

TYPE OF LICENSE NUM
TRAP REGISTRATIONS:

BER ISSUED

94
333

21
3

18
187

5
83

82
369

404

35
71

. . 175
4

2,250

800

3,940

23,250

RECEIPTS

$ 94.00

FUR BUYERS:

327.75
210.00

300.00

TAXIDERMIST: .

360.00

PROPAGATORS:

(Special Fish)

90.00

Renewal

(Fish)

540.00
25.00

Renewal

(Birds & Mammals)

249.00
410.00

Renewal

(Dealers)

1,104.50
25.00

Renewal

255.00
404.00

(lnd. Bird or Mammal)

34.50

SHINERS FOR BAIT:

35.50
875.00

FIELD TRIAL LICENSES:

40.00

QUAIL FOR TRAINING DOGS:

125.00

Renewal

COMMERCIAL SHOOTING PRESERVES:

Tags

Posters

Game Tags

147.00
500.00

582.00

TRAPPING CERTAIN BIRDS:

5.00

MOUNTING PERMITS:

43.00

SPECIAL FIELD TRIAL PERMITS:

300.00
$7,081.25

RULES AND REGULATIONS

RULES AND REGULATIONS PROMULGATED BY THE
DIRECTOR OF FISHERIES AND GAME DURING FISCAL
YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 1969:

April 11, 1969 Rules and regulations relating to the hunting of
Pheasants, Quail and Ruffed Grouse in Massachusetts (per-
taining to Youth Upland Game Training).

May 29, 1969 Rules and regulations relating to the hunting and
trapping of mammals in Massachusetts.

In accordance with the authority vested in me by Section 5,
Chapter 131, of the General Laws, as most recently amended
by Chapter 802, Acts of 1967, and subject to the regulations
hereinafter prescribed, I hereby declare an annual open season
for the hunting and trapping of mammals as follows:

A. Black bear may be hunted from October 20 to the follow-
ing December 3 1.

B. Mink, otter, and muskrat may be taken by trapping only
from November 1 to the following March 1.

C. Opossum and raccoons may be hunted, except as provided
in Section 70 of Chapter 131 of the General Laws and ex-
cept as provided by Rules and Regulations relative to the
hunting of deer in Massachusetts promulgated by the
Director of Fisheries and Game, with or without the use of
dogs from September 20 to the following December 31.

D. Opossum and raccoons may be trapped from November 1
to the following March 1.

E. All mammals not herein mentioned except other mammals
specifically protected by other laws or rules and regulations
in Chapter 131 may be trapped from November 1 to the
following March 1 and subject to existing laws may be
hunted from January 1 to December 31.

F. Beaver may be trapped from December 15 through March
1 throughout the Commonwealth except on state forest
sanctuaries, provided the pelts of all beaver lawfully
trapped shall not be sold or otherwise disposed of until
they are first brought to a designated representative of the
Division of Fisheries and Game and tagged with a metal
tag by said representative. All pelts must be tagged within
two days after the closing day of the open season.

In the foregoing provisions for open seasons, opening and clos-
ing dates are inclusive.

During the period from sunset of one day to sunset of the fol-
lowing day, a person shall not hunt or take by hunting more
than three raccoons, nor shall two or more persons hunting in
one party kill or take more than six raccoons.
In the foregoing provisions the word "hunt" in all its moods
and tenses shall be construed so as to exclude the use of traps.
A person shall not remove or attempt to remove a raccoon
from any hole in the ground, stonewall, from within any ledge,
or from under any stone, or from any hole in any log or tree.

5. A person shall not kill or take more than one black bear.

6. Except as otherwise provided in Chapter 131 of the General
Laws, as amended, it shall be unlawful for any person:

a. To have in his possession the green pelt of any fur-bearing
mammal or any part of such pelt except during the open sea-
son for such mammal and for ten days thereafter.

b. To possess or have under his control a trap on the land of
another where fur-bearing mammals might be found be-
tween April 16 of any year and six o'clock ante meridian on
the following November first, both dates inclusive.

c. At any time to possess or have under control an unregistered
trap on the land of another where fur-bearing mammals
might be found.

d. To possess or have under his control unless duly authorized
as provided in clause "m" the registered trap of another.

e. To trap on the enclosed land of another or on land posted as
provided in section one hundred, without the written con-
sent of the owner or occupant of such land.

f. To trap in a public way, car road, or path commonly used as
a passageway for human beings or domestic animals.

g. To trap within ten feet of the waterline of a muskrat or bea-
ver house.

h. To tear open, disturb, or destroy a muskrat house, beaver
house, or beaver dam.

i. To trap with a steel or jaw trap, or a dead fall trap with a
spread of more than six inches, or a "stop-thief trap, or a
dead fall trap with an opening of more than six inches, or a
choke trap, or a trap with teeth on one or both jaws, or a
trap of the "conibear" type unless such trap is completely
submerged in water, or a trap with two sets of jaws either set
of which has a spread of more than six inches, or a combina-
tion of one set of jaws of one size and another set of jaws of
another size, one jaw of which is stationary and one free
moving, or one or all jaws free moving with a spread of
more than six inches, or a trap capable of taking more than
one mammal at a time, except that beaver only may be tak-
en by traps having a jaw spread of not less than five inches
or more than seven and one-half inches or by a "conibear"
type trap of any size if such trap is completely submerged in
water. Nothing in this clause shall be deemed to prohibit the
use of a stop-loss trap, so-called, having one movable arm
attached, the purpose of which being to prevent an animal

caught therein from gnawing his foot or leg. For the purpose
of this clause, in determining the jaw spread of a trap, it
shall be measured midway across the open jaws at right an-
gles to the hinges from the extreme outside edges.

j. To trap before six o'clock ante meridian on the opening day
of any trapping season.

k. To fail to visit at least once in each calendar day between
the hours of four o'clock ante meridian and ten o'clock post
meridian, all traps by him staked out, set, used, tended,
laced, or maintained except that under the ice sets for bea-
ver shall be visited at least once in each forty-eight hour
period.

1. To destroy, mutilate, or spring the trap of another.

m. To take any fur-bearing mammal or predator from the trap
of another unless he has upon his person a specific written
authorization to do so, signed by the owner of such trap.
The owner of traps may give such authorization to any per-
son licensed to trap under this chapter for a period not to ex-
ceed one week from the day he himself last tended his traps
provided that notice of the giving of such authorization in-
cluding the name and trapping license number of the person
so authorized shall be given to the district natural resource
officer and to the director within twenty-four hours after the
same has been given.

n. To set, use, place, locate, tend, or maintain a trap not bear-
ing the name of the person or persons using the same in such
a manner that it shall be legible at all times.

o. Any trap set in violation of law shall be forfeited to the Com-
monwealth by any officer empowered to enforce this chapter
and shall be disposed of by the director in the best interests
of the Commonwealth.

7. If any part, section, or sub-division of these rules and regula-
tions or the application thereof shall be held invalid, unconsti-
tutional, or inoperative as to any particular person, persons, or
conditions, the remainder hereof of the application of any such
part, section, or subdivision to other persons and conditions
shall not be affected thereby.

8. Rules and regulations relating to the hunting and trapping of
mammals which were promulgated on April 8, 1968 are hereby
revoked and superseded by the foregoing.

9. These rules and regulations shall become effective on July 1,
1969 and shall remain in effect until amended or revoked.

LEGISLATION

The following laws affecting the Division of Fisheries and Game

were enacted during the legislative session of 1969:

Chapter 652 — An act exempting paraplegics from payment of a fee
for a hunting license.

Chapter 157 — An act further regulating the wearing of hunting
clothes during the open deer season — deer hunters are now re-
quired to wear a minimum of 400 square inches of hunter or-
ange material.

Chapter 757 — An act authorizing the Division of Fisheries and
Game to exchange certain land in Barnstable County for other
land of equal value — lands in question are these transferred to
the Division of Fisheries and Game but requires eminent do-
main authorization to clear title of the land.

Chapter 566 — An act designating the Director of Fisheries and
Game as a member of the Water Resource Commission and
providing for the appointment by the Governor of an addition-
al member of said commission.

Chapter 17 — An act reducing the fee for the issuence of a nonresi-
dent and alien Fur Buyer's license from $100.00 to $20.00 per
year.

Chapter 542 — An act authorizing the Division of Fisheries and
Game to acquire land and construct a fishing pier at Cook
Pond in the city of Fall River.

Chapter 566 — An act authorizing the Director of Fisheries and
Game to undertake a program of management to provide sport
fishing at Cook Pond in the city of Fall River.

Chapter I 1 — Resolve providing for an investigation and study by
the Division of Fisheries and Game relative to constructing fish
ladders on the obstructions in the Little River and Westfield
River.

STANDING ALL-TIME MASSACHUSETTS FRESHWATER FISHING RECORDS

THROUGH JUNE 30, 1969

Species Weight

Length Girth

24 lbs. 8 oz. 45 Vi" 22"
9 lbs. 5 oz. 29V4"

Largo mouth Bass 12 lbs. I oz. 25%'

SmaJlmouth Bass 6 lbs. 12 oz. 2I"
Northern Pike
Pickerel

Rainbow Trout 8 lbs. 4 oz. 26"

Brown Trout 19 lbs. 10 oz. 3 1 '/2 "

Lake Trout 13 lbs. 1 oz. 31"

Shad 7 lbs. 10 oz. 25 V2"

Channel Catfish 13 lbs. 8 oz. 30"

Walleye

9 lbs.. 3 oz.

2 1 %

16"
>2% '

l9'/2'

19"

Bluegill

1 lb.

1 1 Va "

9'/2

Bullhead

5 lbs.

9 oz.

22 W

IP/2

5 lbs.

8 oz.

22 Vi"

14"

4 lbs.

9 oz.

22 Vi"

IIV2

Calico

2 lbs.

9'/2 0z.

18"

14"

White Perch

2 lbs.

4 oz.

16%"

11%

2 lbs.

16%"

11 '/4

Yellow Perch

17'/4"

Brook Trout

6 lbs.

4 oz.

24"

14"

Place Caught

Palmer River, Rehoboth
Pleasant Lake, Harwich
Onota Lake, Pittsfield
Pontoosuc Lk., Lanesboro
Deep Pond, Falmouth
Wachusett Res., Boylston
Quabbin Res., Pelham
Indian Head

Conn. Riv., Turners Falls
Assawompsett Pond,
Lakeville
Bog Pond, Norton
Conn. Riv., Hadley
Leverett Pd., Leverett
Conn. Riv., Chicopee
Merrimack, Lowell
Halfway Pd., Plymouth
Halfway Pd., Plymouth

Otis Reservoir, Otis

How Caught

Date

bait casting

5-9-63

spinning

5-14-67

live bait

1-13-67

live bait

-J

10-15-66

spinning

5-19-66

trolling

9-13-63

spinning

5- -68

live bait

7-18-64

bait casting

spinning

10-17-65

live bait

6-8-63

live bait

8-2-65

live bait

9-8-65

spinning

6-8-65

spinning

6-9-65

spinning

6-18-66

5-10-69

spinning

6-24-68

Caught by

George Pastick, Fall River
Thomas Paradise, Arlington
Kris Ginthwain, Pittsfield
-54 Mrs. James Martin, Stockbridge
Roger Walker, Eastondale
Dana DeBlois, Sterling
LeeRoy DeHoff, Suffield, Conn.
William Spaulding, Whitman
Robert Thibodo, Northampton
William Spaulding, Whitman

Robert Barrett, Stoughton
Mrs. Erna Storie, Chicopee Falls
Stephen Brozo, No. Amherst
Joseph Kida, Chicopee
George Olsson, Lowell
Richard Rock, Kingston
Richard Rock, Kingston
Mathew Sergio, Brockton
Thomas Laptew, Granville

RECEIPTS FROM FISHING, HUNTING AND TRAPPING LICENSES

Licenses
Series

1 Res. Cit. Fishing

2 Res. Cit. Hunting

3 Res. Cit. Sporting

4 Res. Cit. Minor Fishing
4-A Res. Cit. Female Fishing

5 Res. Cit. Minor Trapping

6 Res. Cit. Trapping

7 Non-Res. 7 day Fishing
9 Non-Res. Fishing

9-A Alien Fishing

10 Non-Res. or Alien Hunting

12 Duplicate Licenses

15 Res. Cit. Sporting

17 Res. Cit. (Old Age Asst.)
Paraplegic and the Blind

18 Military or Naval

Fees

Retained by

Net

Gross

Town Clerk

Returned

Price

Number

Amount

Or City

To State

(5.25)

120,302

631,585.50

29,837.50

601,748.00

(5.25)

58,969

309,587.25

14,640.75

294,946.50

(8.25)

53,610

442,282.50

13,276.00

429,006.50

(3.25)

17,758

57,713.50

4,420.00

■53,293.50

(4.25)

22,092

93,891.00

5,481.50

88,409.50

(3.25)

194

630.50

48.25

582.25

(8.75)

498

4,357.50

122.25

4,235.25

(5.25)

2,269

11,912.25

563.00

11,349.25

(9.75)

2,949

28,752.75

724.25

28,028.50

(9.75)

773

7,536.75

191.75

7,345.00

(16.25

1,623

26,373.75

327.00

26,046.75

( .50)

3,021

1,510.50

—

1,510.50

(Free)

19,115

—

(Free)

2,248

—

(Free)

2,309

—

307,730 $1,616,133.75 $69,632.25

$1,546,501.50

Check Returned Insufficient Funds

2,308.00

(Re-deposited)

$1,548,809.50

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•VERNOR
■iCIS W. SARGENT

JAMES M. SHEPARD
Director

FISHERIES AND GAME BOARD

HARRY C. DARLING, Chairman

East Bridgewater

BRADLEE E. GAGE, Secretary

Amherst

HENRY J. COLOMBO

Wilmington

MARTIN H. BURNS

Newbury

KENNETH F. BURNS

Shrewsbury

STAFF

JAMES M. SHEPARD

Director

RUSSELL A. COOKINGHAM

Asst. Director

COLTON H. BRIDGES

Superintendent

E. MICHAEL POLLACK

Chief Game Biologist

WARREN W. BLANDIN

'ildlife Research

LOUIS H. CARUFEL

9f Aquatic Biologist

RALPH R. BITZER

Culturist

HARD CRONIN

d Education

DH JOHNSON

MGRS.

S.E:

COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETt

Division of Fisheries and Game t
105th Annual Report

His Excellency, Francis W. Sargent, Governor of the Com-
monwealth, the Executive Council, the General Court, and
the Board of Fisheries and Game:
Gentlemen:

I have the honor to submit herewith the One Hundred
and Fifth Annual Report of the Division of Fisheries and
Game, covering the fiscal year from July 1, 1969 to June
30, 1970.

I commend to your attention the very real diversity of
public service to all citizens of the Commonwealth demon-
strated by this report and respectfully urge your considera-
tion of the vital necessity for financial augmentation to meet
increased demands for services and resulting benefits pro-
vided by these programs.

_CTTq Respectfully submitted,

fATE UB8MW OF MftSSMiHuSUl" James M. Shepard, Director

NOV 0 2 1972

state huuo., .**roN C0NTENTS

The Board Reports 1

The Superintendent's Report 3

mao owvh fisheries Report 6

The McLaughlin Hatchery — First 365 Days 12

Sutton Fish Hatchery Sold 14

Inter-Agency Cooperation Pays Off — Public Benefits 15

Lands and Waters Acquisition 15

Cooperation at Westfield Flood Control Area 18

Legislation 18

Game 19

Massachusetts Cooperative Research Unit 23

District Maintenance of Wildlife Management Areas 24

Information and Education 25

Financial Report, July 1, 1969 to June 30, 1970 31

Standing All-Time Massachusetts Freshwater Fishing
Records 33

• THE COVER: Harassed by over-hunting and land

^clearing, the wild turkey was one of the first game

species to disappear from Massachusetts. But today,

with a closed season and cleared land reverting to

ts natural state, conditions favor a comeback. Im

1966, the Division took over a restoration program

from the University of Massachusetts' Cooperative

Wildlife Unit. Careful research and continued stock-

~2wj$ing have boosted the state's wild turkey population

r , ,. from 0 in 1959 to about 175 in the spring of 1970.

IT i'- (Photo courtesy of Berkshire Eagle).

Publication of This Document Approved By Alfred C. Holland, State Purchasing Agent
2M-6-71 -049581 Estimated Cost per Copy $.823

C73f
THE BOARD REPORTS fi7°

THE quality of outdoor recreation dependent on
our wildlife resources is the primary responsibility
of this agency. In the past, wildlife management was
a relatively simple and direct process, but as our
population explodes, the ecology of this state faces
a hailstorm of new threats. So at every turn we must
gear our operation to the particular crises at hand.

WETLANDS

The major threat to wildlife is the increasing de-
struction of habitat. Today, inland and coastal wet-
lands are perhaps the most valuable land areas we
have. They are vital to the wildlife of this state, pro-
viding countless species with food, shelter and nur-
sery area. Without wetlands trout streams would
dry up, public water supplies would drop past the
danger mark, then fill with poisonous salts, and algae
blooms. Lakes and ponds would be inaccessable,
girdled with wide bands of cracked mud, and flash
floods would destroy millions of dollars worth of
property. Finally, wetlands themselves offer much
in the way of outdoor recreation, providing the pub-
lic with untold opportunities for nature study, fishing,
hunting, boating, etc.

No one in Massachusetts can afford to lose another
wetland area regardless of alluring short-term profit.
Yet, we continue to lose about 3,550 acres of coastal
and inland wetlands annually. Present regulations
are stop gap measures and need to be braced up
quickly if we expect to save the wetlands we have
left.

Harry C. Darling, Chairman of the Fish and Game
Board receives Wildlife Conservationist of the Year
Award from Chester Spencer, President of the Massa-
chusetts Wildlife Federation.

Members of the Board pictured above are: top row,
left to right — Harry C. Darling, Chairman; Bradlee E.
Gage, Secretary; bottom row, left to right — Martin
H. Burns, Kenneth F. Burns, and Henry J. Colombo.

This past year, citizens of Massachusetts had the
opportunity to strike a blow for the environment by
pushing for the one piece of legislation that could
preserve our wetlands forever. Senate Bill 643 would
have allowed the Division of Fisheries and Game to
acquire valuable wetlands using eminent domain pro-
ceedings if necessary. This legislation seemed to
be the answer that every conservationist was seeking.
Yet, despite all the environmental fervor that has
been sarcastically referred to as the "environmental
kick," few rose to the occasion and the bill died.

The number of the bill has now been changed
to S780 and portions of it have been amended. It
must pass if we are to preserve the quality outdoor
recreation Massachusetts citizens enjoy today.

Every dollar collected from the 1966 license in-
crease and more has been tunneled into our land
acquisition program. During fiscal 1967 the Division
spent 970 of every dollar for land, $1.51 during fiscal
1968, and 960 during fiscal 1969. This past year (fiscal
1970) the figure was over $2.00.

Thus, the dollar invested by the sportsman four
years ago has paid off in 8,081 acres of well-man-
aged wildlife habitat — 8,081 acres that will be pre-
served forever in its natural state and always en-
joyed by the general public.

Certainly, the Rocky Gutter acquisition rates as
the biggest land deal of 1970. The 1,541-acre tract
contains the natural habitat necessary to support
most types of wildlife naiive to Massachusetts and
it is expected that the area will shortly become one
of the state's best hunting spots.

RESEARCH

For 20 years this Division has been a leader in
wildlife research and management programs and
many of our biologists are considered experts in their
fields. Research efforts in all phases of fish and
wildlife biology are carried out at Westboro Field
Headquarters. New tools such as air boats, ski mo-
biles, cannon nets, diving equipment, air craft, com-
puters, and chemicals make these jobs easier.

The Division is continuing to update hatcheries
and game farms, making them more efficient and
less prone to disease. Certainly, our dramatic suc-
cess at the McLaughlin Hatchery indicates we're
on the right path. The fact only eight men were
able to rear 205,000 pounds of trout attests to the
efficiency in pool layout and feeding, and the low
maintenance requirements of this new facility.

Improvements at Sandwich have continued and
plans have been made for improvements at Sunder-
land.

Advances in game farm production techniques
have resulted in our being able to predict cock
pheasant production with a greater degree of accu-
racy. This has resulted in tremendous savings in
food and labor costs.

Research in disease control and the development
of a forest pheasant is progressing on schedule.

NEW FIELD HEADQUARTERS

After 15 years, the Division has outgrown its pres-
ent field headquarters in Westboro.

The gift of two buildings and a large tract of land
contiguous with our present Westboro Wildlife Man-
agement Area seemed to be the answer to our prob-
lem. But when the state Bureau of Buildings took a

For 20 years the Division has been a leader in wild-
life research and management programs. Here Pro-
ject Leader Carl Prescott, and Bill Brigham follow up
the signals from sonic tag in the belly of a Connecti-
cut River shad.

professional look at the old structures, we were ad-
vised that it would be more feasible to build. Plans
for tearing down the buildings are underway and the
floor plans for a new facility have already been
submitted.

INCOME

The Board is happy to report that license sales
and other income have kept pace with inflation. Of
course, we are realistic enough to realize this can't
go on forever. With land prices, wages and cost
of equipment spiraling upward, we will have to begin
looking for new sources of income in the near future.
There are many possibilities — help from the General
Fund, license increases, special permit fees, and
possibly the sale of trout and pheasant stamps.

Edward J. Tierney, whose term expired October
6, 1969, was replaced by Kenneth F. Burns of Shrews-
bury on February 17, 1970. There were no further
changes in Board membership during this reporting
period.

The Fish and Game Board expresses its sincere
appreciation to all personnel of the Division for
their continued exemplary performance, and wishes
also to express its appreciation to the Governor,
Executive Council, General Court, and to those other
departments, agencies, members of public informa-
tion media and the general public who have assisted
and supported our programs in the past year.

Respectfully submitted,
Harry C. Darling, Chairmai
Bradlee E. Gage, Secretary
Henry J. Colombo
Kenneth F. Burns
Martin H. Burns

THE SUPERINTENDENT'S

REPORT

Research and Technology

EACH year this Division faces greater obstacles
in its efforts to offer high quality outdoor recreation
to Massachusetts sportsmen. Fiscal 1970 was no
exception. Hampered by ever-increasing population
pressures with their accompanying urbanization and
environmental destruction, we have had to double our
efforts — straining to stay just one jump ahead of the
competition.

America has long since passed the point in her
social evolution where the sportsman's and the
general public's interests could be separated. We
must now take the initiative and lay down a firewall
against the ecological devastation now raging across
our state.

Ironically, the very thing that got us all into this
mess in the first place — technology — may get
us out again. A few of the by-products of the age
of science can be utilized as effective tools for
restoring at least a fraction of the environmental
quality this country once enjoyed. For example, the
completion of the new Charles L. McLaughlin Hatch-
ery was unquestionably the biggest shot in the arm
that Massachusetts fishing ever experienced. Our
original production goal — 200,000 pounds of trout
— was surpassed the first year.

Research, made possible by technological advance
was one of the determining factors in making the
McLaughlin venture a success.

Hunters as well as fishermen have benefited from
new research short cuts. The deer harvest continues
its upward spiral with a 1969 kill of 2,002 — 612 more
deer than the year before. This did not happen by
accident. It is a direct reflection of the condition
of one of the most thoroughly researched deer herds
in the United States. Computer analysis has aided
our biologists immeasurably and is one of the factors
responsible for the near perfect condition of the
herd.

Computers also play a simple but vital role in the
processing of antlerless permits. The number of per-
mits issued can be easily regulated from year to
year, depending on current food and herd conditions.
The system is perhaps our most valuable manage-
ment tool.

Because of rapid expansion the herd is experien-
cing after two years with the antlerless permit sys-
tem in effect, the Division was able to increase the
number of general permits issued for the 1969 sea-
son, from 2,000 to 4,000.

Our anadromous fish restoration effort on the

Connecticut River has been another area dramati-
cally affected by new research apparatus. Tagging for
example, can be extremely important in studying
wildlife movements, survival and other pertinent data.
Sonic capsules were stuffed into the gullets of a
number of shad netted on the River by Division
personnel. Portable and land-based monitors were
then employed to alert biologists to movements and
migratory patterns. The system proved to be par-
ticularly useful in recording the possible routes that
shad take to bypass obstacles on their upward mi-
grations.

Routine tagging of shad taken in Division gill nets
continued to provide the statistics needed to accu-
rately estimate populations and determine migratory
patterns. One shad tagged and released at the Holy-
oke Power Dam on May 29, 1969 travelled 160 miles
and was recovered by the Russian trawler Vitebsk on
August 20. From Murmansk Russia the tag was mail-
ed to the biological station at St. Andrews, New
Brunswick and on, through channels, to Fish and
Game Superintendent Colton Bridges in Westboro.
The actions of the Russians in this matter received
world attention and helped foster the spirit of in-
ternational scientific cooperation that has accom-
panied the space age.

Though the Connecticut is still badly polluted,
clean-up operations have progressed to the point
where the Division has seen fit to initiate an Atlantic
salmon restoration program.

During the month of May, salmon smolts were
stocked at Crowley's Marina, below the Holyoke
Dam, for the third year in succession. From the
initial plant of 5,600 in 1968, numbers of salmon
stocked increased to 15,300 in 1969, and 54,000 in
1970. Sharing research and management respon-
sibilities were the three other Connecticut River
Valley states — Vermont, New Hampshire and Con-
necticut — the .Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wild-
life and the U. S. Bureau of Commercial Fisheries.

The technological "advance" of electric power
proved ruinous for the ecology of the Connecticut
and many other rivers. Although we now possess the
technical equipment to overcome many of the prob-
lems, no one is willing to pick up the tab for the fish
ladders that could carry the shad and salmon back
to their historic spawning grounds.

Routine tagging of shad taken in Division gill nets
continued to provide the statistics needed to accu-
rately estimate populations, and determine migratory
patterns.

On April 24, Fish and Game officials from the
four states and the Bureau of Sport Fisheries and
Wildlife met with the Federal Power Commission
and the various utility companies that control the
barriers to fish migration on the Connecticut.

The meeting resulted in no commitments by the
utility companies. The Holyoke Water Power Com-
pany maintained that they had done all they intended
to do at their own expense as far as fish passage
was concerned at the Holyoke Dam.

At Turners Falls, the next upstream dam, the
Western Massachusetts Electric Company asserted
that fish passage would be incorporated into the dam
only when determined feasible by the Federal Power
Commission.

Further upstream, Northeast Utilities reported that
they had selected a two-foot per second entrance-
exit channel at the Northfield Mountain pumped stor-
age project instead of a lesser velocity recommended
by four state agencies to minimize fish loss.

The leap-before-you-look brand of technology con-
tinues and at the moment, the combined efforts of
all the conservation agencies in the country can't
seem to check it.

The tragedy of our present situation is that envi-
ronmental exploitation is unnecessary. From an
economic as well as an aesthetic point of view it is
nothing less than idiotic. We can have technology
without environmental decay and progress without
exploitation if we are willing to pay for the controls
science offers us. The Massachusetts Division of
Fisheries and Game is doing everything in its power
to seek out those controls and apply them where
they'll do the most good. We have the support of

many, but that support must be unanimous if we
are to be successful in preserving the sportsman's
future and, at the same time, the future of every
Massachusetts citizen.

Fish and Game Highlights — Fiscal 1970

Black Bear . . .

On October 28, 1969 two bears, believed at the
time to be on a "drunken toot from apple jack,"
caught the public's eye when they cavorted on a
hillside bordering a heavily-traveled highway in Flor-
ida, Mass. To protect the vulnerable pair, Director
James M. Shepard using emergency regulatory
powers with the full backing of the Fish and Game
Board, closed the black bear season. Massachusetts
bears had stepped up from obscurity and into the
national headlines. They would not step down for
the rest of the fiscal year.

Bear have always been an oddity in Massachu-
setts, usually stumbled onto by a handful of deer
hunters out of the many thousands that comb Bay
State woods each fall. But now interest had been
kindled and the bear controversy blazed hot through-
out the winter and into early spring.

Then on April 7, the five-man Fish and Game
Board, at the request of Director Shepard, held a
public hearing in Pittsfield for the convenience of
those people expressing an interest in bear.

Division personnel participating in the hearing
were Assistant Director Russell Cookingham, Super-
intendent of Research and Management Colton Brid-
ges, and Winston Saville, Western District Game
Manager. Other wildlife experts contributing testi-
mony were Dr. Joseph Larson of the University of
Massachusetts; two bear biologists from New York
— Gene McCaffry and Bob Miller — and Massachu-
setts Natural Resource Officer William Kulish.

Almost to the man, the 75 sportsmen, conserva-
tionists and preservationists in attendance favored
some change in the existing regulations, ranging
from a five-year moratorium to a shortened season.

By May 5, the Board had made its decision and
a news release issued to press and organizations
on that date read as follows. "This fall, for the
first time, bears may only be taken for one week —
November 16 to November 21 — with rifles larger
than .23 caliber. In addition, hunters must have
special permits, restrict their hunting to "bear range
counties" — Berkshire, Hampden, Hampshire, Frank-
lin and Worcester — and tag and register their kills
at official checking stations.

". . . the Division feels confident that its new
regulation will help protect our present bear popu-
lation, ensure its continuing growth, and control the
few animals that may become nuisances. Examina-
tion of individual specimens is vital to the success
of any biological survey and the new law will allow
Division biologists to examine any kill and remove
portions of it for study. Reports from checking sta-
tions will also give the Division a yardstick with
which to measure (and manage) the existing popu-
lation."

But the bear story hadn't ended yet and during
the first week in June three different Massachusetts
bears made the headlines. The first road kill in the
state's history occurred on May 27, at 7:15 P.M. on
the Mass. Pike near Russell. Two hours later another
bear was struck by a car on the Mohawk Trail four

miles east of Florida. This one, however, was luckier
(see Information and Education, page 25) and am-
bled off into the woods apparently unharmed.

The following week another bear walked into Flor-
ida, Massachusetts. Natural Resources officers drug-
ged and moved the animal but it returned in a few
days. Division Biologist Jim McDonough was called
to the scene and destroyed the animal with an over-
dose of tranquilizer.

Hunter Orange . . .

The following specifications were established tor
defining hunter orange, that bright orange material
that has reduced Massachusetts hunting accidents
67 percent. "Hunter orange must be a daylight fluor-
escent orange with a dominant wave length between
595 and 605 manometers, excitation purity of not
less than 85 percent and luminance factor of not
less than 40 percent.

Deer hunters were required to wear 400 square
inches of the material (500 square inches on chest,
back and head for the 1970 season). Hats were re-
quired on wildlife management areas.
Youth Upland Game Hunt . . .

The first Division-sponsored youth upland game
hunt for newly-licensed youngsters between the ages
of 15 and 17, proved to be tremendously successful.
Total youth participation was 44. Much was learned
about hunting skills, good sportsmanship and gun
safety.

Shepard Appointed Committee Chairman . . .

On September 11, 1969 Fish and Game Director
James M. Shepard was appointed Program Commit-
tee Chairman for the 1970 conference of the Inter-
national Association of Game, Fish, and Conserva-
tion Commissioners. Shepard also served on the
Association's legislative committee for the year fol-
lowing his appointment.

Kenneth F. Burns Appointed to the Board . . .

On February 23, 1970, Kenneth F. Burns of 425
Grafton St., Shrewsbury — retired Police Chief of that
town — was appointed to the five-man Fish and
Game Board by Governor Francis Sargent. Burns
succeeded Edward J. Tierney of Pittsfield whose
I term had expired.

Fresh Water Awards Presentation . . .

At the ceremony held April 11, 1970 at the Divi-
sion's new McLaughlin Hatchery in Belchertown,
Commerce and Development Commissioner Carroll
P. Sheehan presented awards to new holders of
Massachusetts fresh water fish records. Two state
records were broken with a 2-lb. 8-oz. white perch
caught by Manuel P. Souza of North Dartmouth, and
a 6-lb. 12-oz. bullhead caught by Gerard Giove, 17,
of Everett.

The Massachusetts Fresh Water Awards Program
is sponsored by Commerce and Development and
encourages fishing throughout the state. It has also
proven to be a valuable indicator for fisheries man-
agement.

Respectfully submitted,

Colton H. Bridges, Superintendent

•Si
m

Wf - 1 •

if* *••

■ tit "Vo ' ""*.—- •

Black bear, usually an oddity in Massachusetts, walk-
ed away with the headlines this year. Below: A teen-
age hunter and his guide enjoy themselves on the
first Division-sponsored Youth Upland Game Hunt.

■

A*9< :

:,...-■

■

FISHERIES

RESEARCH and management programs of the
fisheries section during the 1970 fiscal year con-
tinued to progress under the following categories:
Anadromous Fish Restoration Programs on Con-
necticut, Merrimack, North and Palmer Rivers; Cold-
water Fisheries Inestigations which included studies
on Quabbin Reservoir, Littleville Reservoir and Onota
Lake; Warmwater Fisheries Investigations which
involved water quality, fish population and weed
control studies, Pesticide Studies, Statewide Devel-
opment and Propagation.

S»V.

•!&>-*'■ *'^'.»»*:'

li?-'H"«»4§»

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REPORT

ANADROMOUS FISH RESTORATION PROJECTS

The restoration of anadromous fish in the Connect-
icut and Merrimack Rivers is continuing through the
cooperative efforts of Massachusetts, Vermont, Con-
necticut, New Hampshire, the Bureau of Sport Fish-
eries and Wildlife, and National Marine Fisheries
Service.

In December of 1969, acting under state statute,
with full concurrence of the other Connecticut River
Basin states, the Division issued an order to the
Holyoke Water Power Company for the construction
of a fish barrier dam at Holyoke for the purpose
of eliminating shad mortality and upstream migrant
delays. The order was subsequently amended to
suspend, on an indefinite basis, the dates for com-
pliance in order to allow for informal discussions
to proceed with the Federal Power Commission.

An informal hearing was held in Chicopee on April
19, 1970 and both the fishery interests and the Holy-
oke Water Power Company maintained original posi-
tions without compromise.

The original order isued in December is being
contested in U. S. District Court, Boston by the
company.

Massachusetts has been actively involved in sev-
eral projects under the 1970 Anadromous Fish Pro-
gram. This year the four states and Bureau of
Sport Fisheries and Wildlife collectively stocked ap-
proximately 53,000 Atlantic salmon smolts in the
Connecticut River below the Holyoke Dam. In ad-
dition, 1,095 adult American shad were tagged, rais-
ing the number to 3,533 shad tagged in the last three
years. Information gathered from tag returns will
help in estimating the numbers of shad entering the
tailwaters of the Holyoke Dam and will also reveal
some of the migratory habits of shad native to the
Connecticut River.

Approximately 3,000,000 eggs were stripped from
shad below the Holyoke Dam and planted in the
Nemasket and Merrimack Rivers. Two hundred and
fifty thousand eggs were planted in the Merrimack
River below Concord, New Hampshire. This fall
juvenile shad were present in considerable numbers
at Garvin Falls, New Hampshire.

The creel census on shad taken below Holyoke
Dam indicates a substantial increase in the number
of fishermen and number of fish caught at Holyoke.
Creel census studies to measure angler harvest and
shad utilization were also conducted on the Palmer
and North Rivers.

Connecticut River crew nets shad for tagging, below
Holyoke Dam. Below: Shad carrying sonic tags are
held in conditioning cage prior to release.

b**^<^^S

SM&^L'H^

During the 1969-70 season, 1,830,737 trout weighing
561.616 pounds were liberated in ponds and streams
throughout the Commonwealth.

Investigation of shad movements in the area
that may be influenced by the Northfield Pumped
Storage Plant were initiated in 1969-1970. The move-
ments of 14 sonic-tagged shad were traced above
and below the plant site.

COLDWATER FISHERIES INVESTIGATIONS

During the season from April to October, Quabbin
Reservoir creel census indicates that 51,981 anglers
harvested 54,727 fish weighing a total of 42,029
pounds. These figures represent an increase of nine
percent in the number of anglers, 20 percent in num-
ber of fish caught, and 17 percent in total number of
pounds of fish. However, in general, harvests of
salmonids remained relatively stable with those of

1968. The increase in the rainbow trout harvest was
attributable to the stocking of 20,000 nine-inch plus
fish in July, 1969.

A total of 373 landlock salmon were harvested in

1969. Even though salmon continued to increase
in the angler harvest, a satisfactory sport fishery
has yet to be achieved due to less than optimum
numbers of spring yearling salmon available for
stocking. Seventy-six percent of the salmon harvest
originated from the 1967 yearling plant, 24 percent

from the 1968 releases. No salmon spawning was
documented on the tributary streams in the fall
of 1968.

Lake trout numbers continued to decline. The
total harvest of lake trout was 1,275 fish. The growth
rates of the present lake trout population increased.
The average condition factor (W = KL3) for 1969 was
0.92 as compared to 0.79 in 1966. Approximately
22,800 lake trout fingerlings were stocked and
200,000 eggs were secured for hatching with re-
sultant fingerlings to be released in Quabbin Re-
servoir.

So that the present population could be evaluated,
no smelt were stocked in Quabbin Reservoir during
the spring of 1970. Smelt were stocked prior to 1970
to re-establish a forage base for salmonids. Stom-
ach analysis of salmonids and other fish taken in
1969 indicate that smelt are being utilized as food.
Also, observations of spawning adults, and egg
masses indicate a rapid re-establishment of smelt.
The sex ratio of these smelt was 6:1, males to
females.

During the season from April to October, 51,981
Quabbin anglers caught 54,727 fish — 20 percent
more than the year before. Previous stocking of
smelt by the Division may have figured into this
increased harvest.

In order to alleviate any problems the smelt might
create at the intakes.the feasibility of a self-cleaning
screen is being studied by the consulting firm, Camp,
Oresser and McKee.

A creel census of Littleville Reservoir was car-
ied out during the 1969 fishing season. Creel data
was expanded, with the following results: 13,222
inglers fished 43,515 hours and harvested 12,020
rout weighing 2,377 pounds; 232 warmwater fish
weighing 34 pounds were harvested. Trout made up
92 percent of the total catch, with brown trout being
:he most abundant species caught. This was due in
Dart to the release of 2,000 fin-clipped brown trout
Df which 72 percent (expanded data) were taken by
anglers. Total pressure was 158 hours of angling
per acre that resulted in a harvest of nine pounds
per acre.

Efforts to establish a coldwater fishery in Little-
ville Reservoir probably have been nullified as re-
contamination of warmwater fishes has occurred.
Fish population sampling (205 pounds) revealed a
species composition similar to that prior to re-
clamation.

The Kokanee salmon project for Onota Lake con-
tinued into the third year with a release of 101,000
fingerling salmon this past spring. These fingerlings
resulted from the 200,000 Kokanee eggs obtained
from the Connecticut Board of Fisheries and Game.
Limited gill netting failed to recover any Kokanee
salmon, but a more intensive sampling of Onota Lake
will be initiated. Preliminary indication is that inter-
specific competition from smelt may preclude Ko-
kanee salmon establshment in the lake.

During the past year, work progressed on the
trout allocation program to the extent of having
all streams in the state evaluated by District per-
sonnel as to their relative degree of fishing intensity.
In addition, all streams were looked at in view of
the demand for angling that exists within a twenty-
mile radius. Both of these additional pieces of data
were incorporated into a computer program which
is now capable of providing five transformations
of various factors into a trout stocking figure for
each individual stream.

This work will continue to be reviewed with the
objective of obtaining an equitable trout distribution
system for our streams.

The Charles River watershed was sampled at 28
stations, using rotenone, electro-fishing gear, gill
nets and a seine. Physical and chemical data were
collected at each station. There were 4,213 fish
collected representing 29 species. The fish sample
by number consisted of 11.7 percent game fish; 31.3
percent pan fish and 57.0 percent trash or forage
fish. Of the fourteen species aged, only chain pick-
erel exhibited growth rate above the. state average.
The survey data, plus angler checks indicate that
fish populations are underharvested.

WARMWATER FISHERIES INVESTIGATION

Seven jobs are providing data for the management
of our warmwater fisheries. These deal with forage,
new species introduction, angling pressure and
effect of aquatic weed removal on fish.

In the summer and fall of 1969, the present dis-
tribution of a previously introduced population of
land-locked alewives was determined throughout the

three basins that make up Congamond Lakes. These
forage fish are now well established and are being
utilized as food by chain pickerel, brown and rain-
bow trout.

Ten walleyed pike were taken by electro-fishing in
Lake Chauncey during 1969. These fish ranged
between 16.0 and 25.0 inches in length and 1.5 to
5.6 pounds in weight. No evidence of the 1968,
1967 and 1966 year classes of walleye fry stocked
in the spring of those years was discovered.

Northern pike population samples from Brimfield
and Cheshire Reservoirs were made with electro-
fishing gear in the fall of 1969. One seven-inch north-
ern was collected from Cheshire and none were
collected from Brimfield.

During the winter of 1969-70 an ice fisherman creel
census carried out at both locations listed 38 north-
ern pike between 9 and 33 inches caught in Cheshire,
but none in Brimfield. It was concluded that the
Brimfield introduction failed.

An estimate of warmwater fishes harvested from
Quabbin Reservoir showed the average length of
largemouth bass checked to be 18.2 inches; small-
mouth bass averaged 17.1 inches and chain pickerel
22.5 inches.

Emergent vegetation in Little Chauncey Pond,
Northboro was treated with a pelleted form of 2, 4-D
and 2, 4, 5-T. Fish population samples were taken
before and after application. These samples, plus

TROUT DISTRIBUTION FROM STATE
AND FEDERAL HATCHERIES

July 1, 1969 to June 30, 1970

Brooks Browns Rainbows Total

6 inches plus 6 inches plus 6 inches plus State Trout

341,484 77,266 835,991 1,254,661

Total Trout Distribution

6 to 9 inches 881,925

Total Trout Distribution

9 inches plus 372,736

Total Federal Trout

Distribution 6 inches

plus 88,294

Total Catchables

(6 inches plus) 1,342,955

(6 inches minus) 576,076

1,919,031

STATION POUNDAGE

Total lbs.
Station:

McLaughlin Hatchery 206,102

Montague Hatchery 85,203

Palmer Hatchery 10,800

Sandwich Hatchery 117,042

Sunderland Hatchery 142,469

Total State Poundage 561,616

North Attleboro 20,353

Nashua, New Hampshire 6,950

Total Federal Poundage 27,303

Grand Total 588,919

This table includes trout stocked in reclaimed waters.
It does not include those retained for brood stock.

Stream improvement by Boy Scouts and members
Camp helps the Division provide quality trout fishing.

visual observation of the effect of these chem-
icals indicated that it eliminated emergent aquatic
vegetation with no observed negative effects upon
fish or animal life present in the pond. Similar re-
sults were obtained from eight other ponds pre-
viously treated for aquatic weeds by the Massachu-
setts Division of Forests and Parks. Post treat-
ment fish population samples revealed presence of
typical populations of warmwater fishes in each pond
except Stearns Pond in North Andover which was
almost devoid of fish life.

The relationship between water quality, basic fer-
tility and standing crop could not be statistically
analyzed in six ponds because of the wide ranges
in variability, and limited sample size.

Water quality background data is available on ap-
proximately 125 Massachusetts waters. Work was
to compile the data and analyze it for
evaluation in terms of pond fertility,
be anticipated from this computerized
indexing of chemical data on
(2) storage and retrieval of

undertaken

subsequent

Benefits to

data processing are: (1

Massachusetts waters,

information for ready accessibility in many desired
combinations.

Library material was screened and a questionnaire
circulated to initiate a study that is expected to re-
veal possibilities of edaphic alterations to favor fish
production. Fertilization of lakes and ponds is not
practical for Massachusetts water. However, liming
appears to hold promise for waters of low fertility.

PESTICIDES

The Federal Water Pollution Control Administra-
tion had been financially supporting the Massachu-
setts Pesticide Monitoring Study over the past four
years with a demonstration grant. In June of 1969,
the FWPCA informed the Division of Fisheries and
Game that the grant would terminate in January of
1970, and in the interim the funds would be de-
creased one-half and no additional research would
be conducted. During the ensuing seven-month
period, the results of the past four years of statewide
pesticide monitoring were compiled and re-analysis
of a representative fish from each of the 75 sampling
stations revealed the presence of polychlorinated
biphenyls.

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB's) are plasticizers
used in the manufacturing of various products and
have been identified in eleven of the seventy-five
stations that were monitored in 1968.

In February, 1970, the Massachusetts Division of
Water Pollution Control awarded a $132,000 research
grant to the Division of Fisheries and Game to con-
tinue and expand the monitoring of major watersheds
in the Commonwealth.

During the twelve-month period, June 1969 through
July 1970, the pesticide laboratory analyzed 107
samples for pesticides and PCB's. Among these
samples, 13 fish represented various fish kills, 17
birds were analyzed for the Massachusetts Audubon
Society and 75 fish were re-analyzed for the mon-
itoring program. In addition, various other analyses
were conducted in relation to the projects. Full co-
operation was given to the Massachusetts Pesticide
Board in formulating regulations on the use and
application of hard pesticides.

STATEWIDE DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS

During 1969, maintenance and development of
roads for fishermen access on the Squannacook
River, Birch Hill Area, Westville Area and Swift River
were continued. A boat ramp was constructed at
Mascopic Lake with the assistance of the towns of
Dracut and Tyngsboro. Debris jams were removed
from the Squannacook River to create more acces-
sible water for fishing through wading and canoeing.

Also under the development project four ponds
totaling 154 surface acres were reclaimed for trout
and warmwater management. The following ponds
were treated: Flax Pond and Higgins Pond, Brewster;
Hathaway Pond, Barstable; and Stiles Pond, Boxford.

FISH PROPAGATION ACTIVITIES

Maintenance of two warmwater fish culture pond
systems continued. Chain pickerel weighing a total
of 205.6 pounds and largemouth bass weighing a
total of 514 pounds were produced and stocked from
the Merrill Pond system, Sutton. Five hundred and
forty-one pounds of smallmouth bass and 317 pounds
of largemouth bass were produced and stocked from
the Harold Parker System, North Andover.

During 1969-1970, 1,830,737 trout or 561,616
pounds of fish were liberated in ponds and streams
throughout the Commonwealth. An additional 88,294
trout or 27,303 pounds were received from the Bureau
of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife for stocking in Mass-
achusetts.

Palmer Hatchery was taken out of trout production
and converted into an experimental salmon hatching
and rearing station. The objectives are to provide
smolts and yearling Atlantic salmon (sea-run and
land-locked), Kokanee salmon, lake trout and
other salmonoids for stocking the Connecticut River,
Quabbin Reservoir and other experimental state
waters.

The McLaughlin Hatchery attained the anticipated
trout production goal of 200,000 pounds for 1969-
1970. Brook and brown trout culture were instituted
for the first time at this station.

Trout nutrition experiments are still in progress.
Disease monitoring and proper treatment if neces-
sary, were undertaken at state hatcheries.

MASSACHUSETTS COOPERATIVE FISHERIES
RESEARCH UNIT

The following projects funded in part by the Di-
vision of Fisheries and Game have been worked on
by the Cooperative Unit in the past year:

Connecticut River Shad Projects:

Work continued on the Embryology of the Amer-
ican Shad in the Connecticut River under various
water temperatures. Spawning sites were tested
based on meter net collections using "known aged
eggs", and ways to improve shad fecundity were
investigated.

Studies are also being conducted on the migra-
tion and behavior of the American Shad as affected
by environmental parameters in the Connecticut
River.

The study on the distribution and abundance of
juvenile shad in the Connecticut River above the
Holyoke Dam, Massachusetts includes estimates of
population size, mortality rate, migration time above
the dam, as well as the patterns, controlling factors
and time of migration for both adult and juvenile shad.

Studies were completed on the relationship of
available flora and fauna to the actual food intake
of juvenile American shad in the Connecticut River.
Also, the river between Holyoke and Turners Falls
dam was assessed for its nursery potential.

Blueback Herring Project:

Studies on the life history aspect of the blueback
herring in the Connecticut River are still being con-
ducted. These fish, along with American shad, have
passed over the Holyoke Dam since 1955. Approxi-
mately 10,000 blueback herring were lifted over the
structure in 1969.

Creel Survey Design Project:

An evaluation of the creel survey design used on
Quabbin Reservoir has been recently completed. The
study revealed that the creel survey design employed
by the Division of Fisheries and Game is suitable for
Quabbin Reservoir.

Respectfully submitted,

Louis H. Carufel

Chief Aquatic Biologist

^Hi

The McLaughlin Hatchery
First 365 Days

The McLaughlin Hatchery, the biggest single financial
venture ever undertaken in the history of the Massa-
chusetts Division of Fisheries and Game, was com-
pleted March 1, 1969. The installation was built at a
cost of $1.5 million, financed by bond money, to be
paid back through revenues derived from Fish and
Game licenses.

Fish and Game administrators realized as far back
as the early 50's that Massachusetts trout hatchery
facilities were not adequate in size or numbers to
produce trout in needed quantities. Charles L. Mc-
Laughlin, Director of the Division during the late 50's
and early 60's, first conceived the idea of the new
hatchery and determined an approximate location.
However, with his death in 1963, tentative plans dis-
integrated. Initial planning was started once again
under the administration of our present Director,
James M. Shepard, and ground breaking took place
in November of 1967. Sixteen months later, the hatch-
ery was completed.

Because of the availability of disease-free, high-
quality eggs, rainbows were chosen for the first year
of rearing. Rainbow trout can also be cultured suc-
cessfully in a wider range of conditions that might
occur in the operation of a new, untested hatchery.
The first year was needed to evaluate the many vari-
able conditions such as water quality, temperature,
growth rates and other parameters of hatchery opera-
tion that determine management procedures.

Production started February 15, with the- reception of
eyed eggs from a commercial hatchery in the state
of Washington. In the past, other state hatcheries had
found these eggs to be of a superior strain.

Also, during the spring of 1969, about 85,000 year-old,
disease-free rainbows were brought in from the Berk-
shire Hatchery which was being phased out by the
state. About 25,000 were earmarked for the Swift River
and Quabbin Reservoir. This was a precautionary
measure to prevent disease from other hatcheries
from contaminating McLaughlin's water supply. The
remaining 60,000 fish were to be held over for two-
year-olds and stocked in the spring of 1970.

Thus, by late spring of 1969, the hatchery contained
80,000 yearlings and about 500,000 fingerlings, all
rainbows. At this time the Division thought that at
least two years would be required to fill the almost
two miles of concrete rearing tanks with trout.

The summer of 1969 proved that all speculations on
growth were gross underestimates. The many com-
plex factors that are necessary to efficiently produce
trout — water quality, temperature, good hatchery
design, nutrition and type and strain of fish — all
began to dove-tail, indicating a successful and well-
coordinated operation.

By the fall of 1969, all of the 200 eight-by 50-foot
rearing tanks were filled with rainbow trout. By the
end of October, just eight months after hatching, the

fingerlings were averaging seven inches and better.
The yearlings were well up in the 12-to 15-inch class.

The hatchery was designed to produce 200,000
pounds of trout on an annual basis but in the very first
year of operation this goal was surpassed.

Presently 400,000 rainbows and 55,000 browns are
being raised for spring stocking in 1971.

Although trout production is of course the primary
purpose of a hatchery, public relation work through
the accommodation of visitors can be a bonus benefit
to fishing. Since the beginning of operation, the
interest shown by people visiting the installation has
been astonishing. If this interest continues, enlarged
visitor facilities such as larger parking areas, perma-

nent tour-guide personnel and audio-visual equip-
ment, will be needed. It might be noted that a large
percentage of the visitors are not license buyers, and
therefore do not finance our program. Since Fish and
Game is funded through license sales, visitors gain a
great deal of knowledge and enjoyment solely at
the expense of the sportsman. But decidedly, the
investment is a sound one, for the future of fishing
all over the state is in the hands of the general public
— not just sportsmen.

In summation, the first year of production would cer-
tainly suggest that the McLaughlin Hatchery will add
greatly in providing the needed trout to the manage-
ment program in Massachusetts. It would also appear
that stockable trout, will be produced at a lower cost
and therefore offer the license buyer greater returns
on his invested capital.

"Slfc if*'

4& I -----

SUTTON FISH HATCHERY

The Division sold its oldest hatchery to the Town of
Sutton on March 10, 1970 due to critical water short-
age. The Sutton Hatchery, which at one time served
as a combination game farm — fish rearing facility,
was purchased in the late 1800's. It operated
until 1967.

Water problems at Sutton have hampered fish rearing
efforts for years. The hatchery was closed during
World War II and when we reopened it in April of
1946, water was scarcer than ever. In our annual
report for that fiscal year we reported: "A gas shovel
was hired to deepen the brook beginning on the
hatchery property and extending up the brook to the
source of headwaters. An attempt was also made to
drive artesian wells but without success."

In the years that followed expanding gravel pits in
the immediate vicinity of the hatchery (see picture
on right) disrupted local hydrology and compounded
the water crisis.

In addition to the Sutton Hatchery, two more facilities
were phased out of trout production. These were
Palmer Hachery (now devoted to salmon) and Berk-
shire Hatchery (returned to the Federal government).
The slack was taken up by the new Charles L. Mc-
Laughlin Hatchery in Belchertown. Although the three
hatcheries together employed two more men than
McLaughlin, their combined output was only 30 per-
cent of McLaughlin's present production.

LANDS AND WA TERS
ACQUISITION

IT is, for some reason, customary to elaborate on
highlights in an annual report. However, in this case
one or two acquisitions would be discussed at great
length while the others would be reported with little
or no discussion.

The Division's acquisition program is predicated
on the theory that every acquisition is important and
will be beneficial to our sportsmen. Each proposed
purchase is reviewed and thoroughly discussed by

a land committee, the Director and the Board before
final action is taken. This procedure is followed in
all proposed acquisitions, whether they be for five
acres or five hundred acres.

Based on the size and location, the Rocky Gut-
ter acquisition in Middleboro would have to be
considered as one of the most important ones worked
on in the past year. This purchase was for 1,541
acres, with an additional 150 acres under option.

INTER-AGENCY COOPERATION PAYS OFF -
PUBLIC BENEFITS

BUCK Hill Pond, a ten-acre, warm-water pond
built by the U. S. Soil Conservation Service within
the Buck Hill Conservation Center in Spencer, has
received a stocking of several hundred fish of eight
different species. Game Manager Robert Corrinet of
the Central Wildlife District, Mass. Division of Fish-
eries and Game, and technicians Walter Dauderis,
Roscoe Bicknell and John Bicknell, working with
Division of Forests and Parks personnel under the
direction of Dann Colburn, successfully netted fish
from Eames Pond in Paxton and transported them
to the conservation pond. Eames Pond is being
drained by Forests and Parks in preparation for re-
pairs to the dam.

The stocking will provide excellent fishing at Buck
Hill since most of the fish are adults of substantial
size including many trophy-sized pickerel, bullheads
and crappies. This is the second stocking of fish
made by the Division here. The numbers and variety
of fish introduced are expected to meet all the
immediate demands for fishing and should furnish
plenty of breeding stock for reproductive purposes.
Good recreational fishing is not the sole objective
of fisheries management at Buck Hill Pond, however.

The release of a large variety of species has been
deliberate in order to provide optimum opportunities
for fish identification, discussion of good and poor
fisheries management practices, successful fishing
techniques and other educational purposes.

Paul Mugford, Central District Wildlife Manager,
had high praise for the Buck Hill Conservation Cen-
ter, a 70-acre conservation-demonstration area off
McCormick Road, Spencer. Mugford said, "It is
within easy walking distance of the Massachusetts
Junior Conservation Camp and is owned by the
Worcester County 4-H Center, Inc. Planning and
development of the center is a classic example of
inter-agency cooperation. Participating state, Fed-
eral, and regional agencies include: theU. S. Soil
Conservation Service, Agricultural Stabilization and
Conservation Service, Massachusetts Division of
Fisheries and Game, Massachusetts Division of For-
ests and Parks, U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service,
Worcester County Extension Service, Worcester
County Conservation Districts, University of Massa-
chusetts, and the Massachusetts Department of
Education."

The area now contains the natural habitat to support
many species of wildlife and provides an excellent
hunting area. It is anticipated that as soon as a
sound wildlife management program is put into oper-
ation. Rocky Gutter will become one of the most pop-
areas in Eastern Massachusetts. It fills a void
in an important section of the state.

Long range plans for the development of the
Swift River Wildlife Management area have been
in the works for quite some time. Standing in the
way of their completion, have been two key parcels
that we have not been able to acquire. This year
both were purchased. They should help this area
realize its great potential. The 115-acre area, across
the road from the McLaughlin Hatchery, is a vital pol-
lution shield and was acquired when we became
aware that it was being considered for development.

Typical of sportsmen's concern for the environment
was the recent gift of 200 acres of excellent wildlife
habitat presented to the Division September 28, 1969
by the Auburn Sportsmen's Club.

The second acquisition at Swift River was the
90-acre privately-operated camping area known asj
Robin Farm. The Division purchased the land, build-,
ings and all the facilities included therein. Besides;
the river frontage, there are three small ponds!
which will be utilized for a number of activities. It is
anticipated that the large building known as the
Lodge will be converted into the headquarters for
the new wildlife district, as yet unnamed. It is further
hoped that plans for the utilization of this area by
fishermen will be formulated prior to next year's
fishing season.

Approximately 100 acres were added to the Ches-
ter Wildlife Management Area, which is located in
the Towns of Chester, Huntington, Worthington, and
Chesterfield. The area now contains approximately
1,650 acres and extends from the Knightville Flood
Control Area, on which the Division has a use permit,
to within a short distance of the Littleville Flood
Control Area. Key parcels were also added to the
Northeast Management Area in Newbury and the
Winimesset Brook Management Area in New Brain-
tree.

Four parcels containing about 65 acres were
added to the Squannacook River Area. Of these,
three contained river frontage and access to the
river. Two of the areas located just below the Har-
bor Pond were key pieces in as much as the owners
had been giving serious consideration to develop-
ing them into camp sites. The V.F.W. parcel in
West Townsend contains river frontage, a pond
and ample parking area along Route 119. There is
also potential for a ramp on this site. The fourth
parcel, although not on the river, is a key piece
inasmuch as it will make it possible for the Division
to build a new access road in the West Groton sec-
tion of the river.

When acquisition guidelines were decided on three
years ago it was agreed by all concerned that the
acquisition of river frontage and access points should
be stressed. Accordingly, an effort in this direction
was made again this year. Our work received a big
boost when the Council of Sportsmen's Clubs of
Hampden County, Inc. gave us 80 acres along the
East Branch of the Westfield River in Cummington.
The Division is most grateful for this valuable gift
which will, we know, enhance the enjoyment of
countless fishermen and hopefully will inspire other
organizations and individuals to make similar con-
tributions.

The Division purchased four acres on the Qua-
boag River in the Town of Warren. This includes
river frontage in addition to a well-established ac-
cess point and a large parking area along Route
No. 67. The area has always been very popular with
fishermen and now they are assured of its continued
availability.

Thirty-two acres were purchased along the Quina-
poxet River in Holden. This land is adjacent to river
frontage owned by the M.D.C. and also contains
ample space for parking. Seventy-two acres along
the Millers River were purchased, adding another
link to the extensive holdings owned by the Division
along this river.

The Division acquired part of another river, ex-
cellent from the standpoint of both trout fishing and
wilderness beauty. Working with the Pepperell Con-
servation Commission and the Trust set up to pre-
serve and protect the Nissitissit River, 63 acres were

purchased by this Division in the Town of Pepperell.
This is a start in what is hoped will be an acqui-
sition program similar to what has taken place on
the Squannacook River. Middlesex County is indeed
fortunate in having two high-calibre trout streams
(the Squannacook and Nissitissit) within such a
heavily populated County. The fact that most of
the shore line along the Squannacook from its
source to West Groton is now in public ownership
should be a source of satisfaction for the Middlesex
County League of Sportsmen's Clubs, who gave so
freely of their time and money to make this a reality.
It would seem that the group working to preserve
the Nissitissit River will some day feel the same
satisfaction.

Salt marsh land, so important to ecology and,
unhappily so exploited, became an important con-
sideration in this year's reality program. Two ac-
quisitions were added to our present holdings on
the North Shore. The Division also moved South of
Boston, purchasing 22 acres in the Town of Fair-
haven. Our intent is to expand these holdings since
fee title to salt marsh is a sure way to preserve it in
its natural state.

Personnel of the Section spend as much time as
possible plotting the Division's land holdings on
topographic maps and keeping the land inventories
up-to-date. Surveys were run on several parcels
being purchased and many prospective sellers were
interviewed.

This year, for the first time, the Division received
a promise of Federal help in the acquisition program
from the Bureau of Outdoor Recreation. The project
papers for the acquisition of the Rocky Gutter pur-
chase in Middleboro and the two purchases in Bel-
chertown were submitted to that agency and
subsequently approved. When the appraisals are
approved by the B.O.R., a reimbursement up to fifty
percent of the purchase price is anticipated. We
would like to express our sincere thanks to Com-
missioner of Natural Resources, Arthur W. Brownell

— who acts as State Liaison Officer with the B.O.R.

— for his guidance, and assistance in preparing
these two projects. At first glance, one might think
that any reimbursements would be credited to the
land and water acquisition account and the monies
could again be used for other acquisitions. However,
this is not the way it works. When these reimburse-
ments are received they will be credited to the
Inland Fisheries and Game Fund.

Now nearly everyone is expressing great concern
about our environment. Almost daily, articles appear
in our press decrying the desecration of our natural
resources. This interest in our environment should
be encouraged and applauded — provided those
doing all the talking are willing to take action. Un-
fortunately, the environment and its preservation
doesn't seem as important when one is asked to
personally contribute to the cause. As long as the
state and federal government provide the money
needed "conservation is great."

Licensed sportsmen realized that our resources
and environment were in trouble years before the
drum beaters made headlines. Sportsmen's pleas
for money to purchase and protect lands and waters
from exploitation fell on deaf ears. "If the sportsman
wants a place to hunt and fish, let him go out and
buy it" was the prevailing attitude — even though
millions were being made available to providefor other

A key purchase was the 90-acre Robin Farm along
the Swift River. From left to right: Joe Johnson, Chief
of Realty; Henry Renouff, former owner; Director
Shepard; and Bradlee Gage, Board Secretary.

forms of outdoor recreation. To the everlasting credit
of that great fraternity of men and women who enjoy
hunting and fishing in Massachusetts, they rose to the
occasion, and proved that America was worth pre-
serving. They accepted a dollar increase in their
license fees to make funds available for the acquisi-
tion of land and waters throughout the state. Today,
a few short years later, these same license holders
can point with pride to the thousands of acres of
land, and miles of stream bank they have acquired,
and proclaim with justifiable pride, "We have ac-
cepted your challenge and are acting with sincerity
and determination."

Respectfully submited,

Joseph Johnson, Chief of Realty

-,*

COOPERATION

At Westfield Flood Control

Area

IN November 1962, the Secretary of the Army
granted a license to the Division for the use of about
385 acres of land and water in the Westfield Reser-
voir Area located in the Town of Sturbridge. Because
waters impounded behind the Westfield Dam were
expected to occasionally inundate the tract, per-
manent roads were relocated at higher elevations.
One of the original roads, Mashapaug Road, that
follows the Quinebaug River, continued to be used
by visitors to the area and by persons who were
merely passing through.

From 1963 to 1968, the Division maintained the
road by patching, and cleaning ditches and culverts.
However, by 1969 the road had seriously deteriorated,
and the rehabilitation required was beyond our lim-
ited capabilities.

The problem was overcome through cooperation
between the Division and the Town of Sturbridge
Highway Department. After some reconnaissance
and discussion, the town agreed to provide special-
ized road maintenance machinery and experienced
operators, while the Division chipped in with a work
crew, other specialized equipment and the capital
needed to pay for materials used.

In two days of cooperative effort during the fall
of 1969, the mile-long road was swept, thoroughly
patched, a washed out culvert was replaced, and
the entire road was sanded and sealed.

Sturbridge is just one of a dozen towns that have
cooperated in ventures that will increase recreational
and sight-seeing opportunities in Massachusetts.

LEGISLATION

The following laws affecting the Division of
Fisheries and Game were enacted during the
legislative session of 1970:

Chapter 102
Chapter 131

Chapter 136 —

Chapter 167 —

Chapter 183 —

Chapter 224 —

Chapter 501 —

Chapter 579
Chapter 612

Chapter 732 —

An act increasing the penalty
for importing and liberating cer-
tain fish and game within the
Commonwealth.

An act prohibiting any person
from hunting during the pheas-
ant and quail season on public
shooting grounds or Wildlife
Management Areas where pheas-
ant or quail are stocked without
wearing a "hunter orange" cap
or hat.

An act shortening the bear sea-
son to one week (from the third
Monday in November to the fol-
lowing Saturday) and permitting
hunters with valid permits and
using rifles with a .23 caliber
bore and over to harvest one
bear in any of the following
counties: Berkshire, Franklin,
Hampden, Hampshire, and Wor-
cester.

An act providing that action re-
quired for the protection of cer-
tain fisheries in inland waters
be assigned to the Director of
Water Pollution Control.
An act further regulating the
wearing of hunting clothes dur-
ing the deer season.
An act prohibiting hunting from
a snowmobile.

An act increasing the penalties
for certain violations of the laws
relative to hunting and fishing.
An act providing for the transfer
of certain land and buildings in
the town of Westborough from
the Department of Mental Health
to the Division of Fisheries and
Game.

An act permitting fishing in Sil-
ver Lake in the towns of Pem-
broke, Halifax, Kingston and
Plympton.

An act relative to the injury and
killing of fish and fish spawn in
the inland waters of the Com-
monwealth and requiring re-
muneration for fish so injured
or killed.

An act providing aid to para-
plegics while hunting.

GAME

GAME FARMS: The sexing of pheasants by the use
of sex-linkage has greatly reduced labor, feed, pen
space, etc.

Vandalism is still a major problem at two of our
game farms. Several hundred valuable quail brood
stock were stolen along with an undetermined num-
ber of pheasants. All possible efforts are being taken
to remedy this situation.

FOREST PHEASANT PROJECT: This project is pro-
gressing well. However, some problems were en-
countered in mating of specific pheasant varieties.
This past rearing season, over one thousand hybrid
chicks were reared at the Ayer Game Farm.

Approximately 200 surplus adult brooders were
released on selected areas in the Quabbin Reserva-
tion, Martha's Vineyard Island and southern Berk-
shire County. In 1971, almost all male breeding stock
may be captured from these releases in the wild.
Birds will be restocked on all previously-mentioned
areas.

WOODCOCK PROJECT: During the springs of 1969
and 1970, the Division conducted a randomized,
singing-ground survey on nineteen routes, estab-
lished by the Migratory Bird Population Station. Divi-
sion of Fisheries and Game, and Bureau of Sport
Fisheries and Wildlife personnel participated. Eight
management singing ground routes were censused.

During the periods July 7, 1969 through August 15,
1969 and June 15 through June 30, 1970 Division
personnel concentrated their efforts on the location
of summer fields. Previously known summer fields
in the Quabbin Reservation and potential sites in Cen-
tral Massachusetts were checked. One brood of
three chicks, and three immature males and females
were banded in the 1969 period. The immature birds
were captured by night-lighting. During the period
April 25 to June 30, 1970, seven broods of 21 chicks
were banded by the use of bird dogs. The peak
hatching date for Central Massachusetts appears to
be May 10. One immature female was banded by
night-lighting in June 1970. Inclement weather dur-
ing the last part of June 1970 greatly hindered opera-
tions. No harvest data was collected during this
reporting period.

Top: Canada geese are herded into a net as part
of an operation aimed at establishing a breeding flock
in western Massachusetts. Middle: Immature ring-
necks roost along a rafter at one of the game farms.
Bottom: Black ducks trapped by a cannon net wait
to be banded.

PROJECT: The ob-
■oject is to increase
iecies within the state as
agement Unit.

) June 26. 1969 through Septem-
i total of 1.934 mourning doves were
led at seven sites in Massachusetts,
increase in effort in 1969, 167 fewer doves
^d and banded. Banding schedules were
leted and forwarded to the Migratory Bird Popu-
lation Station. Laurel, Maryland.

Mourning doves banded in Massachusetts during
this period were known to be harvested by hunting
in the following states: Alabama, Georgia, Maine,
North Carolina. South Carolina, and Virginia.
MOURNING DOVE CENSUS: Three mourning dove
"coo-count" routes are surveyed annually in co-
operation with the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
In 1970. the total number of calling doves heard on
all three routes increased 300%.

STATEWIDE BEAVER HARVEST: As part of a move
to conserve the state's furbearers, the 1969-70 beaver
season was shortened to six weeks. The resulting
harvest (605) was therefore considerably less than
the 1.052 trapped the season before. Berkshire and
Franklin Counties yielded more than half (323 beaver
or 53.4°o) of this season's harvest. Also 59.5% of
the beaver trapped this season were taken in De-
cember. Conibear traps accounted for 397 beaver.
Tot3l harvest value, $13 per pelt, was $7,852.

WILD TURKEY RESTORATION STUDY: The fall, 1969
Massachusetts turkey population on seven release
areas totaled 258 turkeys. There were 105 turkeys in
the Quabbin-New Salem population (prior to trap-
ping). 56 in the Barre-Oakham area, 54 in the Octo-
ber Mountain area (Becket-Washington-Middlefield),
0 in the Town of Washington, 17 in the Douglas State
Forest. 6 in Myles Standish Forest, and 2 on the
Holyoke Range. Late winter-spring population was
170 turkeys statewide.

Twelve turkeys were trapped by cannon net in

New Salem between September and November.

Seven birds were transported to Douglas Forest, and

five to the Barre-Oakham area. A drop-door trap

was used with limited success during the winter.

Winter feeding was conducted from January to March

for the Quabbin, Douglas, and October Moun-

nn flocks in order to increase the overwintering

jopulation and to lure the turkeys to a central area

to facilitate enumeration.

Visual roadside counts, track counts, and coopera-
r reports were used to determine the number of
;eys in individual populations. Snowmobiles were
used with success during the winter.

CANADA GOOSE NESTING SUCCESS AND BROOD

RVIVAL: Nesting data were collected from the

jry and Framingham Reservoir systems. Twen-

rts were started; 19 nests were successful, 5

i were abandoned and 2 were destroyed by pred-

. crow ?). Nesting success was 73.1

2 eggs in the nests that were success-

led, giving an 85.2 percent hatcha-

size (including a clutch of ten

twelve eggs) was 6.8 eggs. Average

clutch size was 5.6 eggs excluding ten and twelve
egg clutches; six eggs was the mode for clutch size,
the range being three to twelve eggs. By mid-Aprii
62.5 percent of all nests were initiated. No new nests
were started later than the first week of May. Twenty-
six nests were found on the study areas in 1968 and
1969. There is no evidence that removal of goslings
for transplanting has adversely affected the breeding
population on the study areas, but may, in fact, be
instrumental in holding the population at its present
level, a desirable result in view of the nuisance com-
plaints received in the vicinity of the study area in
past years.

ESTABLISHMENT OF BREEDING FLOCKS AND
FLOCK HOLDING TECHNIQUES — CANADA GOOSE:
Five trapping operations netted twenty-four goslings
and two adult Canada geese which were banded,
aged, sexed, color marked, transported and re-
leased at three different sites. An additional two
goslings, four yearlings, nine adults and one un-
known were aged, sexed, banded and released at
the trapping sites and nine returns and six foreign
recoveries recorded.

A three-year summary of the data indicates a 21.9
percent recovery rate for transplanted geese.

GOSLING TRANSPLANT PROJECT: In conjunction
with the gosling transplant study, a total of 50 Canada
geese were drive trapped in five different sites in
eastern Massachusetts. Thirty-nine geese were
banded and of these, 27 were transplanted on three
sites in Central and Western Massachusetts. The
transplanted birds were color banded for easy recog-
nition. Eight non-color banded geese were banded
and transported from the Sandwich to the Ayer
Game Farm.

The trapping also recovered five birds banded out
of state and six repeats. Two geese trapped in
Southboro and transported to Quabbin Reservoir
last year were recaptured at Southboro this year,
Birds banded last year were shot during the 1969
hunting season in Massachusetts, Connecticut and
New Jersey.

PRESEASON BANDINGS: Preseason waterfowl band-
ings for 1969 began with wood duck nest trapping.
Thirty-six wood ducks and one hooded merganser

GAME DISTRIBUTION

Pheasants

Adults:

Spring and Summer

liberations
Young:

August liberations

October-November

liberations

Sportsmen Club

Rearing Program
TOTALS
QUAIL
Adults
Young
TOTALS
White Hare
Northern Varying, purchased

July 1, 1969 — June 30, 1970
Total

Hens

1693

0
1693

Cocks

237
13600

44721

5535
64093

1930

13600

44721

5535
65786

950
2686
3636

2500

were banded. Twelve other hand-reared wood ducks
were banded and released.

One hundred and sixty-five Canada geese were
captured and banded by drive trapping in July.

An airboat fitted with night-lighting equipment
was employed to band 200 mallards, 91 black ducks,
29 black X mallard hybrids, 143 wood ducks, 19 blue-
winged teal, 54 green-winged teal, two gadwalls,
one baldpate, one hooded merganser, 44 American
coot, four common gallinules, four Virginia rails, 13
sora rails, and four pied-billed grebes.

WINTER BLACK DUCK BANDING: The Banding
Committee of the Atlantic Waterfowl Council set the
Massachusetts wintering black duck quota at 2,000
birds. The Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and
Game banded 1,937 blacks, 132 black X mallard
hybrids, 41 mallards, seven pintails, one green-
winged teal and one canvasback. In addition, 40
birds, previously banded by other stations were re-
covered.

The birds were captured by the use of a cannon
net in Boston Harbor area, while bait traps were
used on sites at Buzzards Bay, Plymouth, Duxbury,
Westport and on the mid-Cape.

In addition to the regular black duck trapping
effort, a special bait trap with an underwater en-
trance was set up on Salt Pond in Falmouth to test
the feasibility of trapping diving ducks. Thirty-seven
canvasbacks, two red heads, and two hooded mer-
gansers were banded. The program will be expanded
next year.

WINTER INVENTORY FLIGHTS: Winter inventories

were taken from chartered planes from October

through January. Two crews were used, one flying

the coast from the New Hampshire line to the Cape

Cod Canal and the other patrolling the remainder

of the coast including the Cape and Islands.

A total of 107,719 waterfowl were counted of which

7.942 were black ducks. The 1970 total was down

> from 1969, blacks down 44%. Based on the

:en-year average, total waterfowl were down 16%

and blacks down 29%.

WOOD DUCK NESTING STUDY: Banding of wood

ducks began in early April when incubating females

5 captured, banded and returned to the nest.

roduction on Great Meadow National Wildlife Ref-

i declined for the third year in a row with only

ducklings being produced from 13 nests. Juvenile

:ruitment was up from 1968 but far below that

isary for a stable population. Eleven successful

sts on three other SUASCO Valley study areas

produced 119 ducklings.

n ten central Massachusetts study areas there

448 ducklings including nine hooded mergan-

This total is slightly higher than the 1968 pro-

on figures, although the number of successful

nests for both years was the same.

nc°2?AS,UCK POPULATION STUDY (EVALUATION
STARLINGPROOF NEST BOXES): Thirteen nest-
tempts by eight wood ducks and five mallards
ierieQ7naoe m 69 starlingproof nest boxes erected
Seven nests were successful (one mallard

Jim Cardoza, in charge of the turkey project, puts out
corn for wintering turkeys. Below: Division waterfowl
biologists evafuate starling-proof wood duck boxes.

Bob Bell vi I le fastens a band to a mallard's leg as
part of a winter program that resulted in the banding
of 1.937 blacks. 132 black X mallard hybrids, 41 mal-
lards, seven pintails, one green-winged teal and one
canvasback.

and six wood ducks). There were no starling nests
in any of the boxes, but there were reports of two
grackle nests and several successful tree swallow
nests.

DEER

Approximately 2,002 deer were taken during the
6-day shotgun season and 37 during the archery
season for a total of 2.039. This figure represented
an increase over the 1968 kill of 612 deer.

During the shotgun season 1,415 bucks and 587
does were checked. Ten males and 27 females com-
prised the archery kill.

Corresponding figures for the 1968 shotgun sea-
son had been 1,083 bucks and 310 does. For the
1968 archery season the breakdown had been 21
bucks. 13 does.

DETERMINATION OF THE REPRODUCTIVE RATE
OF DEER IN MASSACHUSETTS: Eighty female deer
carcasses were aged and examined during a five-
month period — January 1, through May 31, 1970.

Corpora lutea counts were documented. The fol-
lowing reproductive rates were determined from a
five-year summary (1966-1970) of reproductive data.
Age at Sample No. of Fawns

Parturition Size Produced Reproductive rate
Yearlings 104 23 100 does: 22 fawns;

Two years 57 76 100 does: 133 fawns*

Adults 111 193 100 does: 174 fawns

DETERMINATION OF THE DEER HUNTING PRES-
SURE IN MASSACHUSETTS: Based on 1,937 deer kill
observations, it was determined that 66% of the suc-
cessful hunters harvested a deer within 20 miles of
their home town.

DETERMINATION OF THE REMOVAL RATE OF THE
MASSACHUSETTS DEER HERD: During the two-
week archery season (November 10 through Novem-
ber 22, 1969), archers reported taking 37 deer. It ap-
pears that the archers were selective as 27 males and
only ten females were reported.

Director James M. Shepard issued the following
number and types of anterless deer hunting per-
mits: Sportsmen — 4,000; Special Nantucket — 400;
and Landowner — 295; Permit holders harvested
601 deer including 494 does, 107 button bucks and
100 antlered males.

The success ratio of the 4,000 sportsmen permit
holders was one to six. The holders of the 400 spe-
cial-Nantucket permits and the 295 Landowner per-
mits enjoyed a success ratio of one to five.

The top three counties in Massachusetts produc-
ing the bulk of the deer harvest were Berkshire
(563), Franklin (424), and Worcester (284). These
three counties provided 62% of the deer harvested
during the 1969 season.

Massachusetts hunters took 71% of their deer on
the first two days and last day of the regular season.

There were 682 deer mortalities reported by
Natural Resource Officers during the calendar year
of 1969. Three hundred and ninety-seven of these
were killed by motor vehicles; 166 by dogs, 39 by
poaching; 16 by drowning; six by trains; and five
by fences. Two deer were killed for crop damage
and 51 deaths were attributed to miscellaneous and
unknown causes.

There was no evidence of disease or starvation
during the period covered by this report.

DETERMINATION OF SIZE OF THE MASSACHU-
SETTS DEER HERD: The minimal herd size formula
was revised to include fawn production of the year-
ling, two-year old, three-year old, and older age
classes of female deer. The 1969 pre-shotgun season
deer herd size was calculated to be 11,972 deer. The
projected size of the 1970 pre-hunting season herd
was estimated to be 16,344 deer.

Respectfully submitted,

Warren W. Blandin, Chief of Wildlife Researcl

E. Michael Pollack, Chief Game Biologist

Top: An important breakthrough in pheasant rearing
has been the development of sex-linked color pat-
terns allowing male and female chicks to be easily
distinguished. Darker chicks on the left are males.
Middle: When the female chicks mature they are
almost white. Bottom: The Division hopes to develop
a "forest pheasant" that can take over for the ring-
neck as Massachusetts returns to a forested con-
dition.

MASSACHUSETTS COOPERATIVE WILDLIFE
RESEARCH UNIT

Wood Duck: An intensive study of growth and
survival rates of wood ducks fed on different
levels of a protein diet is now underway.

Beaver: Some pioneer work is being conducted
on the population and behavior of a colony of
beaver in Quabbin Reservation.

Sparrow Hawk: A study is underway on homing,
survival and other data pertaining to sparrow
hawks. This small falcon is also being tested for
effects of pesticides.

Black Duck: Field work continues on the be-
havior, dispersal and feeding habits of the
wintering black duck in Nauset Marsh, Cape
Cod. Crop samples and stomachs collected
from Patuxent and elsewhere are being an-
alyzed. Thorough descriptions of winter mari-
time black ducks remain unpublished.

Ruffed Grouse: Studies of habitat and feeding
habits of ruffed grouse on Mt. Warner were con-
tinued.

Waterfowl Investigation on the Connecticut
River: A thesis on the species of ducks using
the river, and an estimate, by mail survey, of
hunting pressure were completed.

Bobcat Study: An intensive study of bobcats
on Prescott Peninsula is being conducted.
Seven bobcats have been caught and instrument-
ed with radio transmitters. More sophisticated
telemetry equipment had been purchased dur-
ing the year, and daily contact with a number
of cats has been possible.

Canada Goose Project: A PhD candidate work-
ing on nesting behavior of Canada geese, com-
pleted another season at East Meadows Ranch
near Delta, Manitoba.

.--... crs

DISTRICT MAINTENANCE
WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREAS

WINNIMISSET MEADOWS:
Constructed three parking areas.
Arranged for and supervised cooperative agricultural-
wildlife project with local farmers resulting in an
agreement for annual planting and cultivation of
field corn on 25 acres of which substantial blocks of
standing corn will be left for wildlife and hunting
cover.

Erected 2000 feet of fencing to keep livestock out.
Built 14 mile of new road for access to interior areas.
Demolished, burned, buried and removed 5 buildings.
Filled cellar holes and graded and reseeded all
areas where buildings had been removed.
Planned construction of wildlife pond and dam.
Cleared 12 acres for wildlife with bulldozer. Graded
and seeded same.

Cleared 2 acres for wildlife with chainsaws.
Erected new signs designating area as Wildlife
Management Area and posted all boundaries.
Planted several thousand fruiting and coniferous
shrubs and trees.
BIRCH HILL:

Cleared 10 acres for wildlife and seeded same.
Cut and hauled timber to produce 50,000 board feet
of lumber.

Reconstructed storage shed and poured concrete
floor.

Built 1A mile new access roads.
Maintained all existing roads, trails, signs, bridges,
ramps, buildings and grounds.

Constructed two new boat access ramps on Millers
River for small boat use.
FOUR CHIMNEYS:

Cleared land and constructed parking area.
Gravelled existing roads.

Brush-cut roadsides and fields in early stages of
succession.

Constructed and erected all necessary signs.
SWIFT RIVER:

Demolished existing dwelling with bulldozer.
Constructed large parking area.
Constructed and erected signs as appropriate.
PERU:

Brushed three miles of road and one parking lot
with tractor.

Constructed and erected 25 signs.
Marked three miles of boundary.
Brush-cut two acres.
KNIGHTVILLE:
Repaired five miles of road.
Constructed and erected 50 signs.
Marked one-half mile of boundary.
CONWAY:

Constructed and erected 30 signs.
Marked two miles of boundary.

CHESHIRE:

Planted 3,000 multiflora rose, 250 hetzi juniper, 500
highbush cranberry.
Constructed and erected 50 signs.
Marked two miles of boundary.
LENOX:

Band-cut one -half acre.
Brush-cut five acres.
Constructed and erected 20 signs.
Marked one mile of boundary.
BECKET:

Constructed and erected 15 signs.
Marked one mile of boundary.
CHESTER:
Capped one well.
MYLES STANDISH:

Maintained 11 miles of roads by limbing overhanging
trees, brush-cutting roadsides, bulldozing and har-
rowing roadsides.
Constructed and erected 40 signs.
Planted 77 acres with annual grains.
Thinned and cleared 105 acres.
CRANE:

Painted and repaired two buildings.
Maintained 11 miles of roads by limbing overhanging
trees, brush-cutting roadsides, bulldozing and har-
rowing roadsides.

Constructed and maintained eight acres of parking
lots.

Constructed and erected 100 signs.
Planted 5,000 shrubs and trees.
Planted 20 acres with annual grains.
Top-dressed 20 acres of fields.
Thinned and cleared 1071/2 acres.
FREETOWN STATE FOREST:
Erected 20 signs.
ROCKY GUTTER:
Constructed and erected 30 signs.
CRANE POND:

Installed two culverts in road system; some grading,
gravelling and top dressing.

Constructed one new lot including clearing of trees,
brush, grading and gravelling.
Added gravel to existing two lots.
Boundary surveys were made and marked along
1,900 feet of boundary.

About 20 wooden signs for hunter control were
erected at strategic locations throughout the area.

(continued on page 31)

iJSggfr

INFORMATION

AND

EDUCATION

POPULATION pressure and accompanying des-
ruction of our environment has pushed this Division
nto a new role. So that we may continue to meet
)ur obligations to the citizens of Massachusetts, we
lave found it necessary to meet the enemy before
le meets us. A case in point is our present realty
)rogram. In addition to managing wildlife, we are
low obliged to rescue land from the clutches of
'Progress" so that we will have the land to manage.

MASS. WILDLIFE HIGHLIGHTS

I Massachusetts Wildlife, the Division's official mag-
izine (circulation 45,000) is reflecting this overall
)0licy change and is presently laying the ground-
work for a major expansion in editorial scope.
Hunting, fishing and current Division programs still
eceive adequate coverage but, if the magazine is
o succeed, it must be more than a sporting pub-
cation. As a state conservation agency we have a
esponsibility to both consumptive and non-con-
umptive users of wildlife resources. We offer the
lublic a conservation magazine in the belief that
ostering a sense of environmental responsibility
3 in the best interests of every citizen of the state.
f the environmental quality of America is ever to
>e restored it will come about only through a uni-
ersal effort by the American people.
! It is the I and E Section's job to make the public
iware that the sportsman's and civilization's in-
erests are presently indistinguishable and that both
ire inextricably bound to the land organism. In
neeting this responsibility, our most valuable work-
ig tool is the magazine.

Central Wildlife District Manager Paul Mugford pre-
sents the first Friend of Wildlife Award to Stephen
"Red" Skorupski, Proprietor of Skorupski Brothers'
Fuel Oil and Service Station, Wilbraham, in recogni-
tion of his contribution of a heavy-duty culvert for
use on a Wildlife Management Area. Below: Young
fishermen enjoy themselves at the Massachusetts
Junior Conservation Camp.

MASSACHUi

There is another important angle to be considered
in the editorial expansion of Massachusetts Wildlife.

Sportsmen all over this country are continually be-
ing painted as rapacious gluttons of wildlife re-
sources whose single purpose is to kill. It is our
conviction that they have been woefully undersold
and that their interest in wildlife extends far beyond
the particular species they happen to be pursuing.
Indeed, if it had not been for the combined efforts
of sportsmen, today's society would be without any
meaningful conservation programs or legislation.

Understanding and appreciation of nature can turn
an unproductive hunting or fishing trip into a re-
warding adventure afield and transform a productive
one into a meaningful ritual of renewal that reaffirms
a man's age-old status in a functioning ecology.

Thus, if our magazine can instill in its non-sporting
readers a genuine love and knowledge of nature and,
at the same time, enlarge the sportsman's world,
there are few programs this Division could sponsor
that will pay greater long and short term dividends.

Tracing Mass. Wildlife's evolution through fiscal
1970, we first encounter Director Shepard's editorial
in the July-August, 1969 issue. The following para-
graph is particularly indicative of the shift.

"I feel that this Division should play a greater part
in improving the total environment in Massachusetts
because that which is good for wildlife is good for
man. This Division, through its magazine, will en-
deavor to educate the public to the dangers of our
environmental problems. We are concerned with all

forms of wildlife, not just game. We will be con-
cerned with TE (total environment). We will en-
courage statewide talent working in various prob-
lems of our environment, to author articles in this
publication."

In the same issue the center spread — "Doves
Tell AN" — reports on the continuing banding study
of doves (classified as songbirds in Massachusetts),
carried on as a federal-aid research project under
the auspices of the Pittman-Robertson Act, the Massa-
chusetts Division of Fisheries and Game and the
Massachusetts Audubon Society.

Dick Cronin's articles in the January-February
issue is the next focal point. Dovekies — little pen-
guin-like birds of the North Atlantic that are fre-
quently driven inland by "nor-easters" — are hardly
game birds, but the piece was well received, for the
sportsmen's realm is all outdoors.

Freshwater turtles are interesting and, for the
most part, an unfamiliar part of the sportsman's
world. Whether hunting or fishing, he encounters
them consistently. If he can identify a certain species
when he sees it instead of shrugging it off as "just
another turtle," his total outdoor experience will have
been enriched and, even, if he draws a blank as far
as game is concerned, he can never really go home
empty-handed.

Terry E. Graham, a NASA Fellow affiliated with the
Zoology Department at the University of Rhode Island,
contributed "Sportsman's Guide to Massachusetts

OTfllSIJrjS

JjiACHUSETTS *

ETTS

MARCH-APRIL, 1970

^AiS*^

"reshwater Turtles," a well-written piece with a sep-
arate write-up and illustration for each indigenous
turtle. How many readers had been aware that their
state played host to ten different species? And ex-
cluding the well-known "snapper" and "paint", how
many of the remaining eight could they identify?

Finally, in the January-February, 1970 issue, an
article by Aquatic Biologist Lee Lyman — "The First
Big Step" — outlines the legislative measures Massa-
chusetts has taken in controlling the use of hard
pesticides. Lyman is presently supervising a pesti-
cide monitoring program funded by the Massachu-
setts Health Research Institute, Inc. with a grant
from the U. S. Department of the Interior's Federal
Water Pollution Control Administration. The program
is of vital interest not only to sportsmen, but to
every resident of the state.

There were other points of interest in content,
although not related to the trend discussed above.
"Fall Fishing Across the Bay State" an excellent story
(September-October) by Peter Marshall of Ashland
was one example. A new kind of cover for the No-
vember-December issue featuring the painting "Con-
templating Female Mallard" by Albert C. Barker, a
Natural Resource Instructor at Essex Agricultural and
Technical Institute in Hathorne, was another. The
painting was the first piece of artwork to be used for
a cover of Mass. Wildlife.

Director Shepard's editorial in the same issue
discussed the antlerless permit system and outlined
its dramatic effects on the growth of the herd. The

issue also contained informative pieces on wild
turkey, Bay State trapping, and trout propagation.
This last story, by our top fish culturist, Bob Macom-
ber, was reprinted in a national magazine.

Appearing on the last page of the November-
December issue was a picture of a hapless Canada
goose entwined in a plastic six-pack carrier. The
picture was reprinted with due credit in four maga-
zines.

YOUTH

Perhaps the most worthwhile program we have
ever sponsored is the Massachusetts Junior Con-
servation Camp. The twenty-first session was held
during the first two weeks in July with 139 boys
completing the two-week course.

Sportsmens clubs led the list of sponsors with 33
clubs sending 76 boys. Other sponsors included
garden clubs, high school fish and game clubs, coun-
ty leagues, Kiwanis, Rotary, Grange, Parks and
Recreation, women's clubs, and trust companies.

A course in firearms safety was offered by the
DNR's Division of Law Enforcement. Training was
also given in stream improvement, fly and spin cast-
ing, fly tying, small boat safety, rifle and shotgun
shooting, basic camping, forest management and
forestry practices, forest fire control, soil conserva-
tion, archery, fisheries, and wildlife management.

Arthur Silva, Director of the Massachusetts Junior
Conservation Camp prepares to award trophies to
the 1969 winners.

In the July-August issue of Mass. Wildlife local
outdoor columnist Arnie Korenblum reported on
the youth program sponsored by the Marlboro Fish
and Game Association. The program, unmatched
in any part of the country accommodates 100 boys.
Its setup is very similar to the Massachusetts Junior
Conservation Camp.

In his editorial appearing in the March-April, 1970
issue — "Take a Youngster Fishing" — Director
Shepard examined the moral benefits imparted by
a healthy life in the outdoors and pointed to hunting
and fishing as means to an end. "What better place
is there than a fishing trip to learn about oneself
and Nature?" Shepard wrote.

NEWS RELEASES

Frequent news releases, some circulating to more
than 2000 individuals and organizations, keep the
public informed as to stories breaking in and outside
the Division. Pertinent releases are issued not only
by the I and E Section, but also by Wildlife District
Personnel whenever developments within their geo-
graphic scope of operations require an open line to
the public.

Occasionally, a story of major proportions breaks

and more often than not the angle is human interest.

By the end of fiscal 1970, phantom bears seemed

to be emerging from the woodwork of the Westboro

and E office. Apart from the bear hearings and

subsequent developments, which is a story in itself,

Massachusetts bears were popping into the headlines

over the state. 'Bruins in Trouble" — released

Dctober 28, 1969 — made it all the way to Time.

strange actions of two bears on a Florida, Mass.

ide had caused considerable speculation among

lokers. The general consensus was that the pair

"drunken toot." Dr. Streeter, a local veteri-

sportsman, explained. "This is not uncom-

:ows and bears. Bears gorge themselves on

gitate the pulp and retain the cider.

acts like a hillbilly still and alcohol

e by-product."

This incident, however, was just the beginning,
On May 27, two hours after the first bear ever to be
killed on a Massachusetts highway had met his de-
mise on the Mass. Pike in the vicinity of Russell,
another more fortunate bruin was struck by a car
in Williamstown. Unimpressed by the entire pro-
ceedings, the durable animal glanced contemptu-
ously over his shoulder at the startled driver and
sauntered off into the woods.

A week later a Bay State bear was in the news
again. Apparently driven by hunger, a fully grown
but emaciated bear (80-lbs.) ambled into a populated
section of Florida, Mass. After Natural Resource
officers had drugged and moved the bear, it re-
turned to civilization and attempted to break into a
house. Fish and Game Biologist Jim McDonough
rushed to the scene and found no other alternative
than to destroy the animal with an overdose from his
tranquillizer gun.

Apparently the cycle is beginning again for on
October 28, 1970 the bears were right back where
they started from — two of them, younger and row-
dier than last year's team — on the same Florida
hillside and, believe it or not, during the same week.
This year, though, it doesn't look like alcohol was
involved in either incident. It's only a guess, but
at the moment the most plausible explanation seems
to be that the bruins were tame and, in keeping with
the times, had made the drug scene with a little
unsolicited human assistance.

EXHIBITS

The Fish and Game exhibit at the 1970 New En-
gland Sportsman's show featured waterfowl for the
first time in the Division's many years of participation.
Live pairs of the following species were displayed
in a 25-foot long pool: baldpate, American eider,
Redhead, black, mallard, wood duck. There were two
pairs of pintails, green-winged teal and blue-winged
teal.

Ed Shaw, noted North Shore taxidermist, donated
his labor in mounting a Canada goose, two male mal-
lards and one male wood duck in life-like landing
posture. This year's exhibit concentrated on aes-
thetics. Next year's will be aimed at education.

Throughout fiscal 1970 the Division also set up
exhibits at the Topsfield Fair; the Norfolk County
Conservation Commission's meeting; Zayre's Depart-
ment Store Camping Show; the Mid-Cape Sports-
men's Club Show, Hyannis; the Gardner Show; the
Agawam Show; and the Grafton State Hospital Show.

The Division also provided assistance, advice and
equipment to a number of sportsmen's organizations
interested in setting up exhibits. Included in these
organizations were the Middlesex, Essex, Norfolk and
Barnstable County Leagues of Sportsmen.

SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS

In the Northeast and Central Wildlife Districts, 113
individual programs on Division activities were pre-
sented during the fiscal year — to sportsmen's clubs,
leagues of sportsmen, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Cub
Scouts, Grange, school groups, garden clubs, 4H
clubs and numerous other social organizations. Films
and slide shows were frequently used to supplement
talks.

Sportsmen all over this country are continually
being painted as rapacious gluttons of wildlife
resources whose single purpose is to kill. It is
our conviction that they have been woefully un-
dersold and that their interest in wildlife extends
;>eyond the particular species they happen
to be pursuing.

ictured on this page are non-game species of
particular interest to sportsmen, which were fea-
tured in a recent issue of Massachusetts Wild-
lite. These remarkable shots were taken by John
edberg, Field Editor for World Wildlife Illus-
trated. Above: A nesting goshawk launches a

ontal attack on the intruding Swedberg. Below:
A young screech owl plays peek-a-boo from a
hollow tree.

■*1

> \ • '

Taxidermist Ed Shaw casts an appraising eye on
assistant Burt Robbins as he tacks on the hide of
a wild boar. Ed mounted specimens for our exhibit
at the New England Sportsman's Show as well as
our rapidy growing museum. Below: Live ducks
paddle around an artificial pool — part of the Divi-
sion's exhibit at the 1970 New England Sportsman's
Show.

Total speaking engagements for the other two
Districts were estimated at 110. The I and E Chief
attended the usual routine meetings.

INFORMATIONAL MEETINGS

In the Central District, personnel hosted a winter
meeting inviting the press, sportsmens clubs, edu-
cators, Scout leaders, and interested individuals.
The meeting was intended to acquaint people with
lesser known Division activities. Personnel and proj-
ect leaders from Westboro were asked to detail their
programs and projects. Despite one of the season's
worst winter storms, 24 persons attended. Interest
was keen and attendees expressed desire to make
the event a semi-annual affair.

Central District personnel also met on several
occasions with the owners of properties adjacent
to Connors Pond, Petersham. In an effort to ensure
fishermen usage of this pond and its source — the
east branch of the Swift River — the Division coor-
dinated its activities with the Petersham Gun Club.
Meetings were held with landowners and special
regulations were established permitting controlled
use of the fishery. (Other District involvement at
Connors Pond included trout stocking, development
of access trails and parking areas, the erection of
signs, and the seeding of the shoreline to improve
the area for waterfowl.)

Also in the Central District, personnel participated
in teaching efforts at the summer youth training
school for Grange members, at various Boy Scout
and Girl Scout training sessions and at Framingham
State College.

CONSERVATION CLUB

The Division played a major role in assisting
others to set up, organize and plan the programs
for a young peoples' conservation club in Westboro.
Goals were suggested and programs offered for the
future.

MUSEUM

The Division's museum on the third floor of the
Westboro Field Headquarters underwent a rapid
expansion during the fiscal year. A few of the major
contributions received include: 1. a fly display of j
wets, dries and streamers tied by former Fish and
Game Director Horatio S. Dumont and contributed i
by his son John; 2. an antique salmon rod made by
J. E. Tulip and donated by his son Jerry; and 3. a
mounted snowy owl donated by Clarence E. Hinkley.

FinalTy, Ed Shaw — acknowledged above for his
kind assistance in mounting specimens for our ex-
hibit at the New England Sportsman's Show — has
also volunteered to mount legally-harvestable shore
birds in Massachusetts. When complete, the display
will contain over 70 birds. The Division will be grate-
ful for all legally-taken contributions. Birds will be
accepted by Ed at his studio at 742 Broadway, U.S.
Rt. 1, Everett.

Respectfully submitted,

Richard Cronin

Chief, Information and Educatior

continued from page 24)

Twenty-three Torengo crab apple trees and 20 Washi-
ngton Hawthorne trees were planted.
Permanently established fields were top-dressed with
ime and fertilizer.

[Four acres of Timothy were seeded and three and
Dne-half acres of buckwheat and millet used.
Twelve acres were cleared with chain saws and
I'otary cutters.

Eight and a-half acres of brush and foliage were
sprayed.

-ive miles of roadside were either foliage sprayed
Dr brush-cut.
DOWNFALL:

Approximately 10.25 miles of roads were maintained
n some form. Culverts were installed where neces-
sary and roads were top-dressed with additional
gravel.

Boundary surveys were made and marked along
10,500 feet of boundary. Two-hundred metal boun-
jary markers were used and 415 signs were erected
:hroughout the area.

Mmost 4,000 feet of trail were marked with various
ype signs. Thirty-five new wooden signs were con-
structed.

Twelve Torengo crab apple and 31 Washington Haw-
thorne trees were planted.

Thirty-two acres of permanently established fields
were top-dressed with fertilizers.
Twenty acres of timothy were seeded and two acres
of buckwheat, millet, canary grass mix was also
planted.

About 15.5 acres were cleared by chain saw and
rotary cutters.

Twelve and a half miles of roadside were brush-cut
and/or foliage sprayed.

Twenty-five acres of stumps and 41 acres of brush
were foliage sprayed.

A total of 247 nesting boxes were maintained and 34
were replaced. Replacement parts, covers and pred-
ator guards were also made.

About an acre of scattered water chestnut plants were
sprayed on the Sudbury-Assabet River system using
kerosene and 2, 4-D.
PANTRY BROOK:

Key boundaries were established and 20 signs
erected.

FINANCIAL REPORT
JULY 1, 1969 TO JUNE 30, 1970

RECEIPTS FROM FISHING, HUNTING AND TRAPPING LICENSES

Fees

Retained by

Net

Gross

Town Clerk

Returned

Licenses

Price

Number

Amount

or City

To State

Series

No.

Res. Cit. Fishing

(5.25)

122,630

643,807.50

30,445.50

613,362.00

Series

No.

Res. Cit. Hunting

(5.25)

56,439

296,304.75

14,000.75

282,304.00

Series

No.

Res. Cit. Sporting

(8.25)

56,449

465,704.25

14,005.25

451,699.00

Series

No.

Res. Cit. Minor Fishing

(3.25)

18.303

59,484.75

4,561.75

54,923.00

Series

No.

4-A

Res. Cit. Female Fishing

(4.25)

24,097

102,412.25

5,983.00

96,429.25

Series

No.

Res. Cit. Minor Trapping

(3.25)

199

646.75

49.50

597.25

Series

No.

Trapping

(8.75)

652

5,705.00

161.25

5,543.75

Series

No.

Non-Res. 7 day Fishing

(5.25)

2,184

11,466.00

542.25

10,923.75

Series

No.

Non-Res. Fishing

(9.75)

3,078

30,010.50

761.50

29,249.00

Series

No.

9-A

Alien Fishing

(9.75)

1,071

10,442.25

267.75

10,174.50

Series

No.

Non-Res. or Alien Hunting

(16.25)

1,821

29,591.25

357.75

29,233.50

Sei'ies

No.

Duplicate Licenses

(.50)

2,958

1,479.00

—

1,479.00

Series

No.

Res. Cit. Sporting

(Free)

16,688

—

- —

—

Series

No.

Res. Cit. (Old Age Asst.)
Paraplegic and to the Blind

(Free)

1,419

—

— ■

Series

No.

Military or Naval

(Free)

5,882
313,870 1

—

,657,054.25

71,136.25

1,585,918.00

Refunds

37.75

$1,585,880.25

3TSMENS DOLLAR WAS SPENT

946.57

61 1.62

4',

101,634.24

8' i

167,372.87

16',

I58,f

- 6

cement

120.443.97

rch

.2841

It'. 000.00

nadromous

28,8

363,947.93

12',

PROGRAMS

1070-2400

284,283.61

9',

ment

-2400

120,443.98

Wild

■2451

11,105.27

.arch

I" nit

1070-2141

8,365.71

' " 1-2

202,1 U.67

i-nt

1070-2502

3.500.00

345,556.63

11',

ENGINEERING AND CONS'

field

[quarters

1070-0093

14.160.00

ruction and

Improvements,

Sandwich

1070-2304

10.111.45

j n Plans for

■ ins

1070-2310

25.000.00

49,271.45

LAND ACQUISITION

Acquisition of Land &

Lers tor Fish »v.

Wildlife Management

Pui |

1070-2204

50.000.00

l-and & Waters for

Kish & Wildlife

Management

Pit ;

1070-9012

76,003.40

l-and £ Water

Acquisition &

Development

1070-9013

401.705.04

52 1.708.44

18',

DEPT. NATURAL RESOURCES

Supervision Public

Hunting & Fishing

Grounds

1020-0200

12.607.20

ural Resou:

Officers - Salaries &

Expenses

1020-0000

199,186.19

Office of the

Commissioner

1000-0000 (a)

112.206.82

324,000.21

11',

I 'tanned to be restored to Inland Fish & Game Fu
GROUP INSURANCE

HOARD OF RETIREMENT (Two Years)
Pensions
■ KING SERIAL BONDS
INTEREST ON DEBT SERVICE ON BOND

^Continuing Appropriations

Reimbursable Federal Funds

. Reimbursable Federal Funds

nd)

37.785.95

78.000.00

200,000.00

83,600.00

APPROPRIATIONS & EXPENDITURES

3',<;

7 '/<
3%

$2,977,775.95 100r/,

Ur„unl No. & Title

Expenditures
Appropriation & Liabilities Reverted

Administration
Repairs u> Field

$ 218,409.00

$ 216,248.86

$ 2,160.14

Headquarters isldg.
Acquisition of Land

20,000.00

14,160.00

5,840.00

and Waters
• ies

50.000.00

50,000.00

—

Management

627,216.00

626,232.56

983.44

n A nadromous

25,000.00

—

ation

25,000.00

23,856.60

1.143.40

Project

Wiln i ment
Wildl i

51.115.00
534,675.00

50,787.67
525,171.56

327.33
9,503.44

•ation**0

204,820.00

202,141.67

2,678.33

• ment'-'"

3,500.00

—

$1,759,735.00

$1,737,098.92

$22,636.08

' ■ . ■

Imp- i rout

ndwich
.- by Wild

Continuing Balance

Appropriations Expenditures Forward

9011

Construction
Quabbin Fish

Hatchery

38.46

—

88.41

9012

Land & Waters
for Fish & Wildlife

Management Purposes

108.304.50

76,003.40

32,301.1(1

9013

Land & Water
Acquisition and

Development ]

,000,000.00

401,705.04

598.294.M

.168.876.12

$198,925.16

$669,950.91

50'/,

Reimbursed Federal Funds

75-;

Reimbursed Federal Funds

Oil',

Reimbursed Federal Funds

<i a ]

SUMMARY OF FISH AND GAME INCOME

Fishing, Hunting and Trapping

Licenses $1,585,880.25*

Special Licenses, Trap Registrations

and Tags 7,240.60*'

Archery Stamps 4,373.95

Rents 4,488.25

Miscellaneous and Sales 35,323.64

Court Fines 13,142.50

Refunds Prior Year 2,882.17

Pittman-Robertson Federal Aid 104,732.87

Dingell-Johnson Federal Aid 68,537.79

Anadromous Fish Projects

Federal Aid 7,560.59

Mass. Mourning Dove

Reimbursement 3,500.00

$1,837,662.61
*See Receipts from Fishing, Hunting, and Trapping
Licenses.
* *See Analysis of Special Licenses.

TRANSFERS TO INLAND FISHERIES
AND GAME FUND

Interest on Investments $ 23,090.92

Gasoline Tax Apportionment 249,591

Surplus in Inland Fisheries & Game Fund

as of June 30, 1970 $431,94848

ANALYSIS OF SPECIAL LICENSES

Number
Type of License Issued Receipts

TRAP REGISTRATIONS:

Initial 112 $ 112.00

Renewal 278 278.00

Duplicate 1

FUR BUYERS:

Resident 24 240.("i

Non-Resident 3 60.00

TAXIDERMIST:

PROPAGATORS: (Special Fish) 82 410.00

Initial 23 115.00

Renewal 178 534.00

(Fish)

Initial 14 70.0

Renewal 80 240.00

(Birds & Mammals)

Initial 102 ."1"""

Renewal 391 1,178.00

(Dealers)

Initial 6 80.00

Renewal 80 2-1

Additional 534

(Indiv. Bird or Mammal)

Initial 38

Renewal 76

SHINERS FOR BAIT: ( 1 duplicate) 159

FIELD TRAIL LICENSES: 3

QUAIL FOR TRAINING DOGS:

{j^-1 -. % ?:

Renewal >« "

COMMERCIAL SHOOTING PRESERVES: 12

TRAPPING OF CERTAIN BIRDS; 3

MOUNTING PERMITS: 15 ,';'' ' ,

SPECIAL FIELD TRIAL PERMITS: 30

TAGS:

Game 5,172

Fish 22,000

Commercial Shooting .... 500

$7,240.6"

17,163.28

37,051.83
2,264.61

STANDING ALL-TIME MASSACHUSETTS FRESHWATER FISHING RECORDS

THRU JUNE 30,1970

Species

Weight

Length Girth

Place Caught

How Caught

Date

Largemouth Bass
Smallmouth Bass

12 lbs.

oz.

25%"

21%"

Palmer River, Rehoboth

bait casting

5-9-63

6 lbs.

oz.

21"

Pleasant Lake, Harwich

spinning

5-14-67

Northern Pike

24 lbs.

oz.

45 y2"

22"

Onota Lake, Pittsfield

live bait

1-13-67

Pickerel

9 lbs.

oz.

29%"

Pontoosuc Lk., Lanesboro

- -54

Rainbow Trout

8 lbs.

oz.

26"

16"

Deep Pond, Falmouth

live bait

10-15-66

Brown Trout

19 lbs.

oz.

31%"

22%"

Wachusett Res., Boylston

spinning

5-19-66

Lake Trout

13 lbs.

oz.

31"

Quabbin Res., Pelham

trolling

9-13-63

Shad

8 lbs.

oz.

26"

19"

Palmer River, Rehoboth

fly casting

5-14-70

Channel Catfish

13 lbs.

oz.

30"

19"

Conn. Riv., Turners Falls

live bait

7-18-64

Walleye

9 lbs.

OZ.

Assawompsett Pond,
Lakeville

bait casting

Bluefrill

lib.

11%"

91/2"

Bog Pond, Norton

spinning

10-17-65

Bullhead

5 lbs.

oz.

22%"

11%"

Conn. Riv., Hadley

live bait

6-8-63

5 lbs.

oz.

22%"

14"

Leverett Pd., Leverett

live bait

8-2-65

4 lbs.

oz.

22%"

11%"

Conn. Riv., Chicopee

live bait

9-8-65

Calico

2 lbs.

! OZ.

18"

14"

Merrimack, Lowell

spinning

6-8-65

White Perch

2 lbs.

oz.

16%"

11%"

Halfway Pd., Plymouth

spinning

6-9-65

2 lbs.

16%"

11%"

Halfway Pd., Plymouth

spinning

6-18-66

Yellow Perch

2 lbs.

oz.

17%"

12"

Wachusett Res., Boylston

spinning

4-23-70

Brook Trout

6 lbs.

oz.

24"

14"

Otis Reservoir, Otis

spinning

6-24-68

Caught by

George Pastick, Fall River
Thomas Paradise, Arlington
Kris Ginthwain, Pittsfield
Mrs. James Martin, Stockbridge
Roger Walker, Eastondale
Dana DeBlois, Sterling
LeeRoy DeHoff, Suffield, Conn.
Warren L. Taylor, Warren
Robert Thibodo, Northampton
William Spaulding, Whitman

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MASSACHUSETTS
DIVISION OF

FISHERIES AND GAME

NNUAL REPORT 1971

We All Need Fish and Wildlife

GOVERNOR
FRANCIS W. SARGENT

--'..

COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS

Division of Fisheries and Game
106th Annual Report

His Excellency, Francis W. Sargent, Governor of the
Commonwealth, the Executive Council, the General Court, and
the Board of Fisheries and Game:

Gentlemen:

! have the honor to submit herewith the One Hundred and
Sixth Annual Report of the Division of Fisheries and Game,
covering the fiscal year from July 1 , 1 970 to June 30, 1971 .

James M. Shepard, Director

CONTENTS

The Board Reports 1

Fisheries 3

Game 9

Realty 15

Information and Education 16

Legislation 22

Financial Report 23

Freshwater Fish Records 24

Director
JAMES M. SHEPARD

DIVISION OF FISHERIES AND GAME

Board

ROGER D WILLIAMS, Chairman
Sudbury

BRADLEE E. GAGE. Secretary
Amherst

HARRY C. DARLING,
East Bridgewater

KENNETH F. BURNS
Shrewsbury

MARTIN H. BURNS
Newbury

JAMES M. SHEPARD
Director

RUSSELL A COOK INGHAM
Asst. Director

COLTON H. BRIDGES
Superintendent

E. MICHAEL POLLACK
Chief Game Biologist

WARRENW. BLANDIN
Chief of Wildlife Research

LOUIS H. CARUFEL
Chief Aquatic Biologist

RALPH R. BITZER
Chief Fish Culturist

RICHARDCRONIN
Chief Information and Education

JOSEPH JOHNSON
Chief of Realty

District Wildlife Managers

Western District

EUGENE D MORAN

Central District

PAUL S. MUGFORO

Northeastern District

WALTER HOYT

Southeastern District

LEWISC. SCHLOTTERBECK

WE ALL NEED FISH AND WILDLIFE:
Focus of the 1971 annual report

EVERY addition to the fast-growing Endangered List bears this
special warning-"the environment that supports you and every
other life form on earth is having trouble supporting one more
species.'' The emergency is not one to be left just to
conservationists for it affects every inhabitant of earth. The loss
of a species is an awesome tragedy, but at last we are beginning
to see that tragedy, not as an isolated event, but as symptom of a
much larger tragedy-the slowdecay of earth's environment.

This recent perception imparts an importance to wildlife much
more than aesthetic or even economic. The condition of wildlife
mirrors our chances for survival. Half a century of wildlife
management has demonstrated beyond all doubt that the ONLY
way to maintain and restore wildlife on any permanent basis is
to maintain and improve the environment that supports it. We
live in that environment too, and if enough of us can learn to see
wildlife as the "canary in the coal mine'' and respond swiftly and
intelligently to its warnings, man may yet live to be an old
species.

THE COVERS: 1. An eastern brook trout
rises to a well-placed dry fly. The voracious
"brookie," now the only naturally
occurring salmonid in Massachusetts, is
technically not a trout but a char - a
descendant of arctic char landlocked by
ancient glaciers: 2. Now in the final hours
of incubation, this hen ruffed grouse is
reluctant to flush from her nest despite
intruding photographer. (Photos by Jack
Swedberg).

Publication of this document approved by Alfred C. Holland, State Purchasing Agent.
2M 7 72 051939 Estimated Cost Per Copy: $.65

The Board Reports

Legislation

ALTHOUGH the "Permanent Protection Wetlands
Bill" has not yet passed, an all-out effort by many
personnel on almost all levels has done much to
ensure its passage next year. This is perhaps the
most important piece of legislation ever introduced
on behalf of fish and wildlife in Massachusetts.

We are especially pleased with the new
amended version of Section 42 of Chapter 131. The
original law forbade the discharge of wastes that
pose any threat whatsoever to the inland fishery.
In addition to the discharge of wastes the amended
version forbids manipulation or alteration of flows
or water levels to the extent that directly or
indirectly injures or kills the fish or fish spawn
therein. The fine-twice the value of the fish lost-
goes to the Fish and Game Division.

Personnel

In October of 1970 the Board welcomed back an
old friend-Roger Williams-who, upon moving back
to Massachusetts from Connecticut, was appointed
by Governor Francis W. Sargent to the Board and
elected by the members as Chairman~a position he
had held from May of 1 961 to April of 1 965.

In May of 1 971 a testimonial dinner was held for
Russell A. Cookingham, former Assistant Director
of this agency and now Director of the New Jersey
Fish and Game Division. Cookingham left a lasting
mark with his development of Division programs in
the Southeast Wildlife District and his
demonstrated ability in administration in such
areas as work on the Access Board, recodification
of Fish and Game laws, and budget. He will be
missed greatly by all who had the privilege to work
with him. The Board and Division employees wish
Russ the best of luck in his challenging new duty as
New Jersey Fish and Game Director.

Hearings

The Board was encouraged by the large turnout
of waterfowlers at our first meeting in Gardner
Auditorium at the Boston State House. The facilities
in the auditorium proved to be ideal and we hope,
for the convenience of waterfowlers, that future
hearings can also be held there.

Board members pictured above are: Top row, left to right-Roger
D. Williams, Chairman; Bradlee E. Gage, Secretary. Bottom row,
left to right-Martin H. Burns, Kenneth F. Burns, Harry C. Darling.

At a testimonial dinner held in his honor retiring Chief Fish
Culturist, Ralph Bitzer, receives a gold watch from Fish and
Gome Director James M. Shepard. The watch was a gift from
Division employees in appreciation of Bitzers 53 years of
dedicated service. (Mrs. Bitzer on right.)

HMD

As a result of a hearing in Berkshire County the
Board voted to protect black bear, cutting the
season from year-round to one week-the third
Monday in November to the following Saturday. All
bear hunters must have a special permit, harvest
only bear with shotgun only, and, if successful,
check the bear in at an official Fish and Game
station for tagging and biological study.

The Board conducted one of its more interesting
official meeting-hearings in a unique atmosphere
at the Wahconah Regional High School in Dalton as
guests of the student Rod and Gun Club. The
subject considered was the protection of bobcat,
red and gray fox. The Division's Board and staff,
together with school officials and local
conservationists, enjoyed a luncheon prepared by
Wahconah's home economics section. The
experimental meeting came in response to
Governor Sargent's suggestion that state agencies
bring government to the people.

Deer

The once controversial antlerless deer permit
system has proved successful. We are most pleased
with the program's progress and the widespread
support of Massachusetts sportsmen.

This year's deer harvest was up 1 6 percent which
is testimony enough to the program's effect on the
size of the herd. The professional staff of the
Division is to be congratulated for a first-rate job.

Quabbin

The Quabbin Reservoir continues to shine as one
of New England's top warm and coldwater
fisheries. The first reported spawning run of
landlocked salmon late in the fall was encouraging.

Creel census work continues to document the
value of this cooperative program between the
MDC, the Fish and Game Division and fishermen.
Hopefully our aquatic biologists along with MDC
experts can find an acceptable solution to the
overabundance of smelt.

Land

The Division's realty program continues to be one
of this agency's best investments of the
sportsman's money, a LONG-TERM investment
whose returns will be realized by present
generations and generations yetV'j'nborn.

An exchange between the Division and General

Electric of 63 acres for a 1 5-acre easement and the

sale to the Division of another.44 acres for $1000

were important buildinq blocks* in. J+i^ -tee-Lenox
r ° ••••• • • •

Housalonic River area.

The Division is putting together a report on the
land acquisition program, detailing where the
sportsman's dollar has been spent. By the time of
our next annual report the booklet should be
available to the public.

Inter-agency Cooperation

Cooperation between this Division and fish and
game agencies in other states has increased in
recent years. One notable example of this
cooperation occurred in February with the liming of
327-acre Wallum Lake in Douglas. Rhode Island and
Massachusetts, whose border is bisected by the
lake, applied 350 tons of lime, thus reducing the
acidity of the water and increasing the productivity
for coldwater species. Both states have had
cooperative trout stocking programs in Wallum
since the original cooperative reclamation.

Anti-hunting Sentiment

We are becoming increasingly alarmed at the
growing anti-hunting hysteria presently sweeping
the country. Director Shepard and the International
Association of Game, Fish and Conservation
Commissioners are to be applauded for their solid
stance in the defense of hunting as a sport.

Field Headquarters

In last year's report we commented on the fact
that the Division had outgrown its present Field
Headquarters. We also pointed out that a large
tract of land with two buildings on it was given to
the Division by the Westboro State Hospital. It was
recommended by the Bureau of Buildings that the
structures be destroyed and new buildings erected
in their place.

This past year bids were put out for the removal
of the buildings and material. The site, overlooking
Lake Chauncey, is an ideal location for the new
Field Headquarters.

The Board would like to take this opportunity to
thank all those who make this agency function~a
dedicated staff, the Governor and legislature, the
media, town, county, state and Federal agencies,
and a dedicated following of sportsmen.

Respectfully submitted,
Roger D. Williams, Chairman
Bradlee E. Gage, Secretary
Harry C. Darling
Kenneth F. Burns
Martin H. Burns

imm

photo by Werner Meinel

DURING the 1971 fiscal year, fisheries research
and management programs continued in the
general areas of anadromous fish, coldwater fish,
and warmwater fish studies, development
activities and special study projects on pesticides
and the Northfield Mountain pumped storage
project.

Anadromous Fish Restoration

The Connecticut River continued to serve as the
focal point for Massachusetts anadromous fish
efforts. The program on the Connecticut is a
coordinated endeavor involving the four basin
states--Massachusetts, Connecticut, New
Hampshire and Vermont--as well as two Federal
agencies, the Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife
and National Marine Fisheries Service. The
coordinated program is premised on extending
American shad to the limits of their historic range,
Bellows Falls, Vermont, and restoring a run of
Atlantic salmon.

In accomplishing these objectives shad
population, behavior, and utilization studies have
been in progress in Massachusetts. Creel census
indicates that the shad is an important sport fishing
resource at Holyoke with 17,558 anglers catching

14,522 shad during the spring run.

Shad behavior studies, using conventional and
ultrasonic tags, show interesting results on fish
movements in the river. Shad movements have
been determined in the Turners Falls Canal and
from below the Northfield Mountain pumped
storage project tailrace upstream to Vernon,
Vermont. Other migratory behavior and potential
delay at the Holyoke dam was evaluated by
tagging 1,223 adult shad below Holyoke. During
the past four years 4,756 shad have been tagged.

A plant of 24,380 Atlantic salmon smolt was
made in the spring of 1971 by the four states and
Federal fishery agencies. Four tags from fish
stocked in 1970 were returned from the Bay of
Fundy, Nova Scotia. Such data further substantiated
suitability of the lower 84 miles of the Connecticut
River for seaward migrating Atlantic salmon
smolts. The Palmer Hatchery produced 4,450
Atlantic salmon smolts for the Connecticut River
program.

In any anadromous fish restoration program fish
passage problems at major barriers must be
resolved. To this end the four basin states with

if,'S,«>r

A Connecticut River shad is tagged as part
of a coordinated program aimed at
extending the species to the limits of its
historic range, Bellows Falls, Vermont.

assistance of their respective Attorneys General
petitioned the Federal Power Commission in
January 1971 to hold a formal hearing on fish
passage problems which existed at Holyoke,
Turners Falls, Vernon, Bellows Falls and Wilder
dams. In May of 1971, the Holyoke Water Power
Company reversed its position and indicated
willingness to fund and negotiate for expanded fish
passage facilities at the Holyoke dam which
opened the way toward initial meetings.

Two other anadromous fish projects, dependent
to a large degree on the Connecticut River shad run
for fertilized eggs, were continued in 1971. For
both projects 3.5 million shad eggs were stripped
and fertilized in egg-taking operations on the
Connecticut River.

The southeastern Massachusetts shad study was
designed to determine feasibility of restoring shad
to streams through plants of fertilized eggs and
transfer of adults, in addition to obtaining
information on the existing fishery. Approximately
300,000 fertilized shad eggs were stocked in the
Agawam River below Halfway Pond and 54 adult
shad consisting of 33 males and 21 females were
netted in the North River, transported and stocked
in the Mattapoisett River, Rochester. Creel census
on the Palmer River indicated 1 ,208 anglers and a
catch of 351 shad. The North River produced 456
shad for 2,298 anglers and yielded a new state
record for American shad of 8-Vt pounds.

The Merrimack River anadromous fish project, a
cooperative venture between Massachusetts and
New Hampshire continued with low-level activity in
the Massachusetts portion. Fertilized shad egg
plants were concentrated in the New Hampshire
section.

The Division also provided assistance to the
Division of Marine Fisheries in rearing coho salmon
at the Palmer Hatchery. Fertilized shad eggs were
jointly obtained and stocked by the Division of
Marine Fisheries in the Nemasket and Charles
Rivers.

Coldwater Fish Investigations

The trout and salmon hatching and rearing
program continues to provide the basis for the
coldwater fisheries program. Several coldwater
fisheries investigation projects are in progress for

the purpose of evaluating utilization and
management of the hatchery product.

The eighteenth year of continuous management
evaluation at Quabbin Reservoir indicated that
from April through October 60,231 anglers
harvested 70,939 fish weighing 53,293 pounds. The
number of anglers increased 16 percent over the
previous year, while the number and pounds of fish
harvested by anglers increased 30 to 27 percent,
respectively. Total harvest of salmonids increased
5.6 percent over 1969 levels. The harvest of
landlocked salmon increased to 887 fish, lake trout
to 1,454, and rainbow trout to 4,424.

The smelt population continued to expand and
the biological impact as a forage fish was evident
in increased average condition factor (W=KL3) on
both landlocked salmon (0.86) and lake trout
(0.97). The 1 971 spring smelt run expanded into 1 5
tributaries; as a result Division personnel
destroyed partial egg masses in nine tributaries.
No treatment was carried out on six streams. (This
constituted a net gain in smelt production of two
streams since smelt were present in only four
tributaries in 1969.) Partial control was deemed
necessary due to smelt clogging screens,
chlorinator, and generator in the water distribution
system during the summer of 1970. The screening
study by Camp, Dresser & McKee was completed
with plans and specifications for the Winsor Dam
outlet. Additional problems in the Wachusett
aqueduct were encountered so before screen
installation feasibility can be determined more
study will be required.

Salmonid stocking in the reservoir was increased
to exert biological control on the expanding smelt
population. Some 36,200 catchable rainbow trout,
27,000 spring yearling landlocked salmon, and
66,500 lake trout fingerlings were stocked. All of
the lake trout and 12,500 landlocked salmon had
been hatched and reared at the Palmer Hatchery.

The second year of study on Littleville Reservoir
was completed. Creel census indicated 12,966
anglers harvested 9,347 trout weighing 5,232
pounds and 1,301 warmwater fish weighing 253
pounds. Fishing pressure on this 275-acre reservoir
amounted to 165 hours of angling per acre and a
harvest of 20 pounds of fish per acre. With the
warmwater fish population re-established,
reclaimed trout pond status was terminated. Future
plans are to manage Littleville as a two-story
fishery.

In August 1970, a temperature profile and
vertical distribution of dissolved oxygen was
determined for 43 ponds. Thirteen ponds contained
a percentage volume of trout water (70° F. or less
temperature and containing 5 ppm of dissolved
oxygen).

Trout-forage-fish relationships involving sea-run
alewives in Higgins and Hathaway Ponds entered
the third year of study. The objective of this project
is to determine if reproduction from sea-run
alewives stocked in trout ponds serves to increase
condition factor and growth of rainbow trout. Four
years are required to complete the study with
rainbow trout after which the project is to be
replicated using brown trout.

In an effort to provide additional angling
opportunity for coldwater species and endeavor to
establish kokanee salmon in Onota Lake, 94,200
fingerlings reared at the Palmer Hatchery were
stocked. During the year three kokanee salmon up
to 1 1 inches in length were caught by anglers. Fall
fish sampling only yielded one kokanee.
Preliminary indications are that inter-specific
competition caused by the smelt population may
prove to be the limiting factor in establishing any
significant kokanee salmon fishery in Onota Lake.

To determine coldwater fish potential in streams
where this capability is largely unknown or may
have changed, the Housatonic River drainage

Massachusetts Trout Distribution from
State and Federal Hatcheries

Brook Trout
State 138,500

Federal 75,000

Total trout distributed
Total trout distributed
Total Federal trout
Total catchables
Total fingerlings

Brown Trout Rainbow Trout

1 16,790
45,000

6"-9"

9" plus
6" plus
6" plus
6" minus

722,179
9,554

303,015
674,464
129,544
,107,023
324,194

Hatchery Poundage

Hatchery

Total lbs.

Charles L. McLaughlin

Hatchery

214,865

Montague Hatchery

75,593

Palmer Hatchery

500

Sandwich Hatchery

107,182

Sunderland Hatchery

106,635

Total State

504,775

Total Federal

28,037

Grand Total

532,812

Total

977,469

129,554
1,107,023

This table includes all trout stocked for fishing and management
purposes. It does not include interhatchery shipment or retained ^

brood stock. ^* '

Fish and Game photo by John Lindenberg

Assistant Aquatic Biologist John Lindenberg, an experienced skin diver, used an underwater camera,
donated to the Division by the Greater Lowell Fly Tyers, to photograph these rainbows being stocked
through the ice. Here and on other occasions Lindenberg observed the fish to disperse over the entire pond
almost instantly.

The graph below depicts the increase in size of Division trout
since 1968.

+ FISH

6-9" FISH

' "<<>.

i 969

1970

1971

system was investigated. Twenty-eight stations
were sampled for fish using rotenone, electro-
fishing gear, gill nets and seine. A total of 14,176
fish were collected representing 27 species. Based
on abundance the five most common species
ranked in order were white sucker, blacknose
dace, brown trout, longnose dace and brook trout.
Chemical and physical data indicated the drainage
contained extensive coldwater fish habitat.

Warmwater Fish Investigations

All warmwater fish study activities were
continued in 1970 with the addition of analysis of
fish for mercury content.

In Congamond Lakes where a forage study is in
progress on landlocked alewives, the vertical
distribution of this species was determined
throughout the year. In the spring they were found
to range from surface to bottom with a heavy
concentration close to the bottom. In the summer,
they were distributed evenly down to the
hypolimnion. In the fall and winter under ice cover,
landlocked alewives tended to stay in the middle
layers of water, avoiding both surface and bottom.
Forage value of landlocked alewives appears quite
high for chain pickerel.

Results of Lake Chauncey fish sampling showed a
further decrease in the walleye population. Only
three adults were sampled ranging from 1 5.5 to 20
inches in length. No evidence of the 1 968, 1 967 and
1966 year classes of walleye fry stocked as
experimental maintenance plants was found. This
demonstrated the folly of attempting to introduce
or sustain a walleye population in the presence of
an existing fish population through stocking fry.

The northern pike population in Cheshire
Reservoir was found to be increasing. The winter
ice fishery for northern pike more than doubled,
increasing from 317 pounds in 1970 to 636 pounds
in 1971. On 21 February 1971 one party fishing the
north basin of the lake caught a total of 52 pounds
of northern pike with the largest of the five fish
measuring 39.5 inches and weighing 19 pounds.
Growth rates of northern pike from Cheshire are
rapid and average at age group: I, 1 1 .2; II, 21 .0; III,
30.1 ; and IV, 33.8 inches.

Evaluation of weed control practices and effect
on fish populations continued at Little Chauncey
with an additional application of 2,4-D pellets to
suppress emergent aquatic vegetation. Since the
Department of Public Health conducted a weed
control project for Billington Sea, Plymouth,
employing sodium arsenite, the Division, due to
concern of adverse effects of this herbicide on the
aquatic ecosystem, initiated a two-year study. The
treatment program consisted of an application of
6,000 gallons of sodium arsenite to kill submerged
aquatic vegetation. Plankton, benthic organisms
and fish served as the focal point for pre and post-
treatment investigations.

To determine if mercury, an environmental
contaminant, was present in fish from
Massachusetts, 59 fish collected from 27 statewide-
scattered sample sites were analyzed for mercury
content at the Field Headquarters in Westboro. A
Perkin-Elmer, Model 303, Atomic Absorption
Spectrophotometer was used for analyses. Sample
cross checks were made with four other
laboratories with close agreement of results.
Analysis of tissue revealed mercury concentrations
from 0.03 to 1 .36 ppm. Eight of the 24 fish collected

The Division's laboratory at Westboro Field Headquarters
is equipped to monitor statewide trends in mercury,
pesticide and PCB pollution.

from 1 1 streams contained mercury at or above the
0.5 ppm level. With the exception of two alewives
collected in the vicinity of a known mercury
pollution source on the Taunton River in Dighton all
fish containing mercury in excess of 0.5 ppm
consisted of predators; walleye, smallmouth bass,
largemouth bass and chain pickerel. These fish
were collected from the Housatonic, Connecticut,
Millers and Merrimack Rivers. Fourteen of the 35
fish collected from lakes and ponds contained
mercury above the 0.5 ppm level. With the
exception of a redbreast sunfish from Billington
Sea, Plymouth, all fish above the 0.5 ppm level
were predators or of a predator size. Salmonids
collected from the wild were found to contain low
levels of mercury, 0.32 ppm or less. Twenty-two
trout from the McLaughlin, Sandwich, Sunderland
and Montague hatcheries were also analyzed and
found to contain levels ranging from 0.0 to 0.10
ppm.

Survey and inventory work to update information
on pond fish population status was carried out on
15 ponds during the summer months.

Development Activities

At Wallum Lake, Douglas, 175 tons of ground
limestone was spread on the ice at the northern
portion of the lake in Massachusetts. The Rhode
Island Division of Conservation spread an equal
quantity on the southern portion of the 327-acre
interstate lake. Previously, poor trout survival had
been attributed to low pH conditions at Wallum and
the liming operation was designed to correct this
condition. A pH of 5.0 in January prior to liming
increased to 6.5 after ice-out in April. The lake will
be checked periodically to determine term of
improvement.

Four ponds in southeastern Massachusetts
totaling 329 acres were reclaimed for trout
management. The ponds were Fearing, Little and
Sandy, Plymouth, and Peters, Sandwich. Following
reclamation in November and December 45,480
rainbow trout fingerlings were stocked in the
treated ponds.

Additional work consisted of fishing area
maintenance and improvement. Roads were
maintained and improved for fishing access on the
Squannacook, Westville and Birch Hill Wildlife
Management Areas. A parking area and boat
launching ramp were constructed at Little
Chauncey Pond, Northboro, and facilities enlarged
at Chauncey Pond, Westboro.

Pesticide Studies

The first year of study on pesticides funded in
part by the Division of Water Pollution Control as
Research and Demonstration Project 70-9 was
completed. The major objectives of the study are to
monitor major watersheds of the state to
determine pesticide pollution trends and
investigate the use of freshwater mussels as
indicator organisms.

During the year, 85 fish from sixteen sample
stations were analyzed. The trend of DDT and its
analog residues in fish appears to portray a
general decline from 1 968 to 1 970. This may in part
be due to developed capability to separate
polychlorinated biphenyls and/ or restrictions
imposed on the use of DDT in Massachusetts.
Polychlorinated biphenyls were found present in
fish samples from nine streams.

Additional study on continuous flow low-level
exposure of mussels is planned to determine rate
of tissue concentration of materials in respect to

elapsed time. Also, field use of mussels is planned
to demonstrate whether biological monitoring can
be employed to establish general locus of the
source of compound introduction in streams.

Northfield Resident Fish Study

In January 1969 the Division proposed certain
resident fish studies in the Connecticut River north
of Turners Falls to Northeast Utilities Service
Company. The study proposal was in accordance
with conditions imposed by the Federal Power
Commission in issuing the Northfield Project
license to the company. The study objectives were
to determine effect, if any, of the operation of the
Northfield Mountain pumped storage project on
fish in the river.

In September 1970, the study, which is funded
completely by the company, was initiated. Broad
facets of the study will include investigating the
fish population complex and relative abundance,
angler utilization of the fishery, invertebrate
community, and water chemistry parameters. This
work will be conducted over a four-year period on a
pre and post-pumped storage operational basis.

Massachusetts Cooperative Fishery Unit

Three projects financially supported by the
Division of Fisheries and Game were conducted by
the unit located at the University of Massachusetts.

The first study concerned the behavior and
migration of shad as affected by environmental
parameters in the Connecticut River. Twenty-eight
shad were tagged with sonic tags and behavioral
patterns were monitored. The purposes of the
study are to determine relationship of swimming
rates with spawning activities and schooling
intensity, and behavior of shad lifted over the
Holyoke dam.

Another study involves a method of storing shad
sperm or "milt" for future use in artificially
fertilizing eggs. Shad spawning activities,
characteristics of spawning areas and location of
potential spawning sites are also part of this study.

The third Unit project is investigating some
aspects of the life history of the blueback herring in
the Connecticut River. Age and growth, spawning
period, fecundity and food habits of juveniles are
being determined.

All three studies relate to the Connecticut River
and the Division's interest in the anadromous fish
restoration program.

Respectfully submitted,

Colton H. Bridges, Superintendent

MMM

THE primary objective of wildlife research and
management is to insure the preservation of native
species in the wild and to harvest wisely only
surplus numbers of those few species termed
"game." Intelligent harvest implies a prior
knowledge of how many animals are required to
maintain a wildlife population at a desired level.
Evaluating the population structure of a particular
species and its interrelationships with other plants
and animals in the wildlife community is
necessarily a basic function of wildlife research.

Complementing research findings is the
application of management techniques to arrive at
desired wildlife population levels, thus insuring the
continuity of the wildlife source, and where
applicable, providing a harvestable surplus crop.

White-tailed Deer Project

The 1971 harvest of deer totaled 2,403. Of this
number, 36 were taken by archers during the 12-
day archery season, November 16 through
November 28, 1 970. The harvest was composed of
1 ,598 males and 769 females from a total of 2,367
deer taken during the shotgun season. Twenty-four
males and 12 females were taken during the

Fish and Game photo by Bill Byrne

archery season. The harvest represents an increase
of 364 deer above the 1969 figure. Twenty-six
percent of the total harvest was taken in Berkshire
County. The counties of Berkshire, Franklin and
Worcester accounted for 62 percent of the
statewide harvest. Gunners took 58 percent
(1,379) of the total harvest on the first and last
days of the season.

Antlerless deer permits were issued in the
following categories:

Sportsmen (mainland Massachusetts)
Nantucket
Farmer landowner
Total

6,000
400
347
6,747

The success rate of permit holders was 1 in 6
considering both male and female deer. Thus,
antlerless deer permit holders accounted for 48
percent (1,141) of the total 1970 harvest.

Natural Resources Officers reported 698 non-
hunting deer mortalities through the period
January 1 to December 31, 1970. Of this number,
324 were males and 321 females. No sex data
were given for 43 additional deer.

Above: Chief of Wildlife Research, Warren Blandin, steadies
recently captured wild turkey poult while Project Leader Jim
Cardoza measures primaries to determine age. Below: A wild
turkey bolts into the air immediately after release. A far cry
from their sluggish domestic cousins, wild birds are excellent
flyers capable of speeds in excess of 50 mph.

Motor vehicles accounted for 57 percent (400) of
the total non-hunting mortalities; dogs accounted
for 29 percent (204) of the non-hunting mortalities.
These two categories represent 86 percent of all
reported non-hunting deer mortalities. Fifty
percent of all non-hunting mortalities occurred
between January 1 and April 30, 1970. During the
same time, 95 percent of the dog kills were
reported. These data represent a two percent
increase over the 1969 non-hunting mortalities
(682). They also show a change in the male-female
sex ratio in the kill. The 1969 non-hunting
mortalities occurred in the ratio of 47.0 males to
53.0 females as compared to 50.1 males to 49.9
females in 1970.

Ninety female deer collected between January 1
and May 31, 1971, were examined. Their
reproductive rates were as follows:

Age Class

Yearlings
Two-year-old
Three-years +

Number
in Sample

27
16
41

Number
of Fetuses

8
26
70

Reproductive Rate

0.24 Fawns per doe
1 .63 fawns per doe
1.71 fawns per doe

Based upon the study of statewide deer harvest,
non-hunting mortalities and reproductive rates,
recommendation was made that the deer herd be
managed as three separate units:

Unit I Mainland Massachusetts
Unit II Nantucket Island
Unit III Martha's Vineyard Island
The distribution of antlerless deer permits should
be designed to regulate the deer harvest in each
unit with the objective being to produce a large
enough female segment to sustain the breeding
population, while at the same time producing an
increasing number of male deer for harvest. A
substantial increase in total harvest of deer in this
state will require that the size of the breeding
population be permitted to expand for several
more years under the permit system before the
system can be used to regulate and maintain herd
size at a level that will permit a satisfactory
sustained yield of adult males.

Hunter Utilization of Wildlife Management
Areas

Total estimated hunter effort of 14 wildlife
management areas was 43,664 hunter trips. The
most heavily utilized area was Birch Hill (7,200
hunters), followed by Myles Standish (6,277),
Crane (5,499), and Northeast (4,049). Housatonic
Valley (685) and Quaboag (686) had the least
usage of the areas surveyed.

Local hunters continue to be heavy users of
wildlife management areas. However, hunters in

the 20-50 mile distance group frequented certain
areas (Myles Standish, Northeast) and on one area
(Crane), hunters from beyond fifty miles
predominated. Game bag data were collected on
five areas. A total of 2,253 hunters were contacted,
of whom 657 (29.2 percent) had taken at least one
unit of game. Eight hundred thirty-one units of
game of eight species were recorded during the
nine-day sample period.

Black Bear

Recent regulation changes shortened the season
on black bear and established a permit
requirement and a mandatory check. Applications
for permits were received from 214 individuals.
These applicants were subsequently contacted by
postal questionnaire, and a response of 177 (82.7
percent) was achieved. Ninety-four persons hunted
bear in 1970, of whom 45 had hunted bear in
previous years. The average bear hunter expended
14.5 hours during 1.9 days in pursuing his quarry.
Seven hunters saw bear, but none succeeded in the
harvest of one during the legal season.

All available recent reports of bear were
collected. Reports of 138 sightings involving 150
bear were collected for the period 1952-1971.
Berkshire and Franklin counties yielded 110
reports (75.8 percent) and Hampden, Hampshire
and Worcester counties comprised the remainder.
A report on the history of the black bear in
Massachusetts is being prepared. This report will
detail trends in distribution and populations of the
bear from pre-colonial times to the present.

Beaver

A total of 509 beaver were trapped in 79
Massachusetts towns during the 1970-71 beaver
season. Worcester, Berkshire and Franklin counties
together yielded two-thirds (67.8 percent or 345
beaver) of the season's harvest. Half the beaver
(51.1 percent) were trapped in the first month of
the season. The Conibear trap was used to take 397
beaver, or 61 .5 percent of the harvest. The average
price of a Massachusetts beaver pelt was $10,
yielding an estimated harvest value of $5,090.
Moving of nuisance beaver continued to be an
expensive and time-consuming job for Division
personnel.

Turkey

The fall 1970 Massachusetts turkey population
on six central release areas totaled 237 turkeys.

Fish and Game photo by Bill Byrne

Above: A Canada goose flaps and runs over the surface
water in courtship display. Below: A wary gander stands
while mate broods young.

photo by Werner Meinel

of the
guard

Populations on individual areas were as follows:
Quabbin - New Salem (103); Barre - Oakham (50);
October Mountain Area (29); Town of Mt.
Washington (28); Douglas State Forest (24); Myles
Standish State Forest (3). Thirty additional birds
were present in dispersed flocks. The late-winter-
early-spring population was 1 09 turkeys statewide.

The turkeys of game farm ancestry, which lacked
the strength and instincts necessary for survival
and were a threat to the genetic health of the
established population, were live-trapped in the
Town of Mt. Washington using a narcosis-inducing
chemical agent. Dispersal of turkeys from release
sites in Barre, Douglas, and New Salem continues.
This trend is encouraging, and public cooperation is
requested in reporting turkeys in order that
population movements may be carefully
monitored.

The Northeast Turkey Committee met in
Falmouth, Massachusetts in October 1970. Turkey
biologists from eight agencies discussed pertinent
aspects of turkey research and management in
their respective states.

Pre-hunting Season Waterfowl Banding

A total of 1 ,1 77 waterfowl and marsh birds were
banded during the months of April through October
1970. Banding was accomplished by several
methods including nest trapping, bait trapping,
cannon netting, airboat night lighting, and release
of hand-reared birds. The banding total included
377 wood ducks, 333 mallards, 174 black ducks, 25
black x mallard hybrids, 3 mallard x domestic
hybrids, 58 green-winged teal, 51 blue-winged teal,
3 hooded mergansers, 1 American merganser, 1
pintail, 50 freshwater coot, 21 sora rails, 1 1 pied-
billed grebes, 7 common gallinules, 1 American
bittern, 50 Canada geese and 7 screech owls.

Winter Waterfowl Banding

Division personnel along with three cooperators
banded a total of 2,303 ducks at 30 locations using
bait traps and/ or cannon nets, during the period
January 1 to February 5, 1971. One thousand four
hundred and fifty-three ducks were banded on
coastal areas of which 1 ,330 were black ducks. An
additional 850 ducks were banded at park-type
inland sites. These included 662 mallards, 103
blacks, 78 black X mallard hybrids and 8 other
ducks.

An experimental diving duck trapping program
was hampered by poor weather conditions and the
only bird caught was a male bufflehead.

Wood Duck Nesting Study

Wood duck duckling production on Suasco Valley
watershed study areas fell 17 percent from the
1970 average although the number of nest
attempts increased by three. The lower production
figure for 1 971 is due primarily to a slightly smaller
average clutch for the 1971 nests.

Duckling production on 1 0 central Massachusetts
study areas fell 29 percent from 1970 and was
down 13 percent from the previous three-year
average. Part of the decline was due to the
draining of one of the study areas limiting its
attractiveness to nesting wood ducks.

A check of several non-study wetlands indicated
a slight increase in production. No numerical
calculations can be made because of egg taking on
some of the areas in past years.

Forest Pheasant Project

During the fiscal year 1,421 hybrid forest
pheasants were released on Prescott Peninsula,
Quabbin Reservation, and Martha's Vineyard. The
releases were comprised of all adults. Survival and
reproduction was noted on Martha's Vineyard in
contrast with Quabbin Reservation releases where
only one known hen survived the winter. Two
males were live-trapped on Martha's Vineyard and
used for breeding purposes. For unknown reasons
fertility of hybrid matings has greatly declined.

Working in cooperation with the University of
Massachusetts, attempts were made to incorporate
more copper pheasant blood lines into the present
hybrid pheasant flock. However, numerous
difficulties in handling this forest pheasant were
experienced.

Plans for the coming period will be to release this
year's production on the same release site with
continued major emphasis on associated fertility
problems.

Woodcock Project

During the spring of 1 97 1 , the Division conducted
a randomized woodcock singing ground survey on
17 routes established by the Migratory Bird
Population Station. Division of Fisheries and Game,
U.S. Army, and Bureau of Sports Fisheries and
Wildlife personnel participated.

Also during this period, Division personnel mist-
netted and banded a total of 81 "singing males"
plus two adult females. Two broods of woodcock
chicks totalling seven chicks were also banded. No
harvest data was collected during this period.

Game Farms

Theft of game birds at our East Sandwich Game
Farm resulted in losses of over 400 bobwhite quail
and over 1700 pheasants. All stolen birds were
selected brood stock which greatly hampered the
1971 production schedule.

Efforts to use more automation and control game
bird diseases at all game farms continue.

Dove Banding Project

The Dove Banding Project in Massachusetts was
carried out from July 2, 1970 through October 2,
1970 in cooperation with the Manomet Bird
Observatory, Manomet, Massachusetts. A total of
2040 doves were banded at 1 1 sites between
central and eastern Massachusetts. At three of
these sites (Wilbraham Game Farm, Newbury
Wildlife Management Area, and Sandwich Game
Farm) banding was done by Massachusetts Division
of Fisheries and Game cooperators. Banding was
done by Air Force personnel at Westover Air Force
Base and the remaining seven sites were manned
by personnel from the Manomet Bird Observatory.
Sites at which 100 or more birds were banded are
as follows:

South Orleans 102

Crane Wildlife Management Area 111
Myles Standish State Forest 1014

Newbury Wildlife Management

Area 230

Wilbraham Game Farm 392

Westover Air Force Base 100

As of this writing there have been 20 recoveries
reported to us of doves banded in 1970. The
recoveries are from eight states from
Massachusetts to Florida.
Respectfully submitted,

Warren W. Blandin, Chief of Wildlife Research
and E. Michael Pollack, Chief Game Biologist

Below, top to bottom: 1. Division biologists use their
personal bird dogs to locate woodcock nests. 2. After eggs
hatch the woodcock crew returns to band young (Bill
length indicates hatching date). 3. When birds flock to
fields on summer evenings they are spotted with hand-
held aircraft landing lights, netted and banded.

Development and Maintenance
of Wildlife Management Areas

THE object of this program is to develop and
maintain hunting and fishing areas with capability
of supporting maximum wildlife populations.
Concurrent with this objective, the management
area offers other forms of outdoor recreation such
as nature study, hiking, horseback riding,
snowmobiling, bike riding, picnicking, berry
picking, dog training, etc. Development objectives
are aimed at supplying the maximum amount of
good wildlife cover on the available amount of land
for the maximum number of users. Maintenance
objectives are to preserve natural cover, maintain
existing cover, and keep management facilities
usable.

Wildlife carrying capacity is increased through
agricultural planting for farm-oriented wildlife,
manipulation of forest cover types for forest game
and water control development for waterfowl and
fishes. This is accomplished through grain
plantings, brush cutting, herbiciding, timber
harvests, tree and shrub plantings, and
constructing dams, dikes, and channels.

Equally important is the development and
maintenance of management facilities such as
buildings, roads and trails, parking lots, bridges, as
well as posting and replacement of signs and
boundary markers. These facilities provide easier
access for both the area users and area managers.

Long range management plans are being
prepared for all the wildlife management areas. In
1971, management plans were completed for the
Crane, Crane Pond, Stafford Hills, Myles Standish,
and Downfall Wildlife Management Areas.

During fiscal 1 971 , $92,761 was spent in carrying
out this program. Below, listed by activity, is the
breakdown of work done.

1. Maintenance of Buildings:

2. Maintenance of Dams:

3. Maintenance of Bridges:

1 Residence
7 Storage

4 Headquarters

7 Dams

6 Vehicular

2 Foot

4. Construction of Roads and Trails: 3 Trails - 1 1 .2 miles
Maintenance of Roads and 88 Trails - 91 .2 miles

Trails: 3 Roads -7 miles

5. Construction of Fences:
Maintenance of Fences:

3 Fences - .5 miles

4 Fences- 1 mile

6. Construction of Parking Lots: 3 Lots

Maintenance of Parking Lots: 45 Lots

7. Maintenance of Water Gates:

1 Gate

8. Construction and Erection

of New Signs: 33 Information

306 Boundary

Reposting and

Maintenance of Signs: 1,067 Information

410 Boundary

9. Planting Trees and Shrubs: 2,275 Trees

7,000 Shrubs

10. Planting Annual and Perennial

Grains and Grasses: 344 Acres

11. Creation of Wildlife Clearing: 44 Acres

12. Control of Vegetation:

13. Timber Management:

133 Acres- brushcutting
33 Acres - herbiciding

32 Acres - selective cutting

14. Construction and Maintenance

of Wood Duck Nesting Boxes: 880 Boxes

GAME DISTRIBUTION

July 1, 1970 to June 30, 1971

PHEASANT LIBERATIONS:

August

6,910

October - November

40,166

Sportsmens Club Rearing

Program

6,942

54,018

Miscellaneous Releases:

Hybrids

1,421

Brood Stock (Spring release)

3,879

Field Trials, Youth Hunt, etc.

1,076

QUAIL LIBERATIONS:

Public Hunting Grounds

3,340

Field Trials

150

Brood Stock (Spring Release)

3,540

HARE LIBERATIONS:

Distributed in March

1,101

REALTY

AT the beginning of the year the Realty
Committee reviewed the acquisition program and
determined that the most prudent course to follow
would be an all-out effort to add acreage to the
existing management areas. Many of our areas,
the Northeast Area in particular, contain several
interior parcels which are privately owned. While
these parcels remain undeveloped there is no
problem, but when homes are constructed the
huntable area within the mangement area is, in
many instances, greatly reduced. Wildlife
management techniques were found to be more
easily executed and far more successful on
solid tracts. It is also easier to set up a workable
system of controls during that part of the season
when hunter concentration is at its peak.

The fact that we were also coming to the end of
available money for acquisition indicated that the
best course to follow was to add to the lands we
already had rather than spread ourselves thin on a
random acquisition program. This strategy,
however, did not rule out the Division's efforts to
acquire coastal wetlands, salt marsh, river frontage
and access sites.

Accordingly, during the year, acreage was added
to the Squannacook River, Moose Hill, Millers River,
Stafford Hill, Housatonic River, Canada Hill,
Quaboag and Northeast Wildlife Management
Areas.

River frontage was acquired along the Millers
River as well as the Housatonic and Quaboag
Rivers. Salt marsh acreage was added to the north
shore marshes already in Division ownership.

The Realty Section prepared and distributed
maps of all the management areas before and
during the hunting season. It also prepared a
booklet entitled "The Time to Report and Reflect,''
an accounting to the public of monies already spent
for acquisition. In it each management area was
described and its location shown on a map.
General comments on the realty program were
also included.

Much time was spent in surveying questionable
property lines on different areas, and a
concentrated effort was made to make the master
Land and Building Inventory as accurate as
possible.

Staff members assisted District Managers and
District personnel in locating lines when the
management areas were being marked. Federal
funding participation was prepared and
periodically checked by staff members.

Preparing maps for Federal and other state
agencies engaged in studies and land usage
planning occupied another area of the staff's time.

K- ■■

• ..«

»'.: 1

*ipj

A special wetlands team from the University of Massachusetts
made up of students and faculty specializing in wildlife, soil
conservation, hydraulic engineering and landscape architecture,
canoe the vast Hockomock Swamp. The trip was organized by
the Division as part of its campaign to acquire this important
piece of wildlife habitat.

We would be remiss if we failed to acknowledge
the wonderful cooperation and encouragement
given us throughout the state. We have tried to live
up to this splendid backing by being prudent and
thrifty in administering acquisition funds. We know
that public ownership of lands and waters in every
part of the state is necessary for maintaining a
quality environment both for humans and wildlife.

If we are to continue to live up to our obligations
of offering the public fish and wildlife to observe,
study and harvest, we cannot in good conscience
adopt the policy of acquiring needed lands at any
cost. Had we adopted this policy, the available
funds would have been depleted long ago, and we
would have found our work a lot easier--with less
than half the land we have today to show for the
investment. Our policy has been and will continue
to be one of careful conservatism based on the
principle of "the best buy for the least
expenditure.'' In this regard we are particularly
indebted to all those generous conservationists
who have sold us land at reduced prices in the
knowledge that that land would be preserved
forever in its natural state.

Respectfully submitted,

Joseph Johnson, Chief of Realty

A beaming Major Mudd displays Division's AACI Av
best T.V. conservation program of the year. The
winning movie was aired as part of the Major Muc

Information

News Releases

DURING fiscal 1971 the I and E Section published
27 major news releases each of which consisted of
two or more news items.

Again the media cooperated in relaying the
information to the public quickly and accurately.
The outdoor writers of the state continue to be the
most important circuit in this information channel.

The mercury scare provided the topic for the first
news release of the year. In the release the
Division announced that its water quality section
was going to study mercury in the state's entire
wildlife community. At that time mercury levels in
indigenous fish and wildlife remained below the
danger mark.

In one release that detailed the editorial
expansion of the Division's magazine we included
an appeal for manuscripts and photographs
pertaining to wildlife or the environment. (Since
the magazine is still offered to the public free we
were unable to offer payment for accepted
material.) As a result of the release we received
several high-quality stories and two excellent
photo series.

A release during the month of October reported
the Northeast Turkey Symposium held in Falmouth,
Mass. The Bay State has a small but solidly

•*; -CL

ication

Skeet Shooting at the Conservation Camp.

established turkey population which, along with
the Pilgrim-Cape Cod tradition, made
Massachusetts an ideal state to host the
conference.

One release, entitled "That Odd-looking
Pheasant," received the widest use of any release
of the year. (The "odd-looking" pheasant was the
hen "dilute," a blond variant developed by the
Division in cooperation with the University of
Massachusetts so that hens and cocks could be
immediately identified after hatching.)

Another widely-used release reported the first
recorded spawning run of landlocked salmon in
Quabbin Reservoir. Eggs collected in main feeder
streams were taken to the Palmer salmon
hatchery.

The Massachusetts deer herd has traditionally
been an important subject for news releases. The
first in the annual series of deer-oriented releases
discloses the number of antlerless permits to be
issued the coming fall. (This year the number was
6000.) Also included in the release is the scheduled
date of the public drawing and an invitation to the
public to attend. The next "deer releases" remind
sportsmen of the upcoming archery season and
report the early successes. Deer regulations for the
shotgun season and the list of checking stations are

published over the course of several releases.
Finally, when deer week begins, the I and E Section
keeps an open line to the outdoor writers,
informing them by phone and news release as to
how the annual harvest is shaping up.

Another function of the "deer releases" is to
inform the public about various protective
measures such as rifle bans and dog-restraining
orders.

Very shortly after the NBC special "Say
Goodbye" the I and E Section learned that one
sequence in the film rated as the year's worst piece
of yellow journalism. It depicted a mother polar
bear writhing in her death throes as her stunned
offspring watched pathetically. Director Shepard, a
member of the Executive Committee of the
International Association of Game, Fish, and
Conservation Commissioners, informed us that the
footage had been acquired from the Alaskan Fish
and Game Department and used without
permission. It had actually depicted a mother bear
drugged with a tranquilizer gun. After a quick
examination and tagging, the bear had been
released unharmed. This brazen assassination
attempt on the sportsman's character was promptly

Right to left: Bruins superstar Bobby Orr and Coach Harry Sinden start out on their first pheasant hunt as
guests of the Division. Bobby swings on a bird, misses an easy shot, and, with characteristic humility, laughs
at himself.

laid before the public via the news release route.

The mystery of the drunken bear (See Annual
Report, 1970) was finally solved, and a news
release summed up the whole incident, which
spanned two years. Natural Resource Officers
Hammond and Kulish were successful in obtaining
a conviction for the owner of a roadside bear
display who had been illegally releasing "surplus"
bears, drugged for easy transport.

Because the I and E Section had been constantly
bombarded with requests for topo maps we
published a news release asking for the names and
addresses of Geodetic Survey map outlets in the
state. The response was so overwhelming that we
were able to prepare a nearly complete list of
outlets that is available to anyone requesting it.

Governor Francis W. Sargent, former Director of
this agency, appealed to sportsmen and
environmentalists to clean up rivers, streams,
ponds and lakes during Earth Day. Our news
release carried his request and was met with
impressive response especially by sportsmen's
clubs who provided much of the leadership for the
various projects undertaken.

Finally, the I and E Section made use of the news
release medium to publicly thank the Hampshire
County League of Sportsmen's Clubs for their
special award which they presented to Board
member Bradlee Gage for his "sportsmanship and
dedicated work for the benefit of all sportsmen in
Massachusetts."

Help From Other Agencies

The Division received fine cooperation over the
year from other state agencies such as the
Department of Natural Resources, MDC, Public

Works, Public Health, Public Safety, etc.

While it is usually unwise to single out one
agency for praise, the Department of Commerce
and Development assists us in so many ways that it
deserves special consideration. The Department
provided a tour guide for our largest and most
modern trout-rearing facility--the Charles L.
McLaughlin Hatchery. Also, Commerce and
Development continues to support our Division in
the Freshwater Fishing Contest. In addition to
publicizing the sport of fishing, the program
provides our fisheries biologists with valuable
information as to species distribution and growth.
During the New England Sportsmen's Show the
Department assists us in our displays, and awards
large plaques to the record holders of all
freshwater fish categories.

Wetlands

The Division launched its campaign for the
passage of its most important piece of legislation
ever-the "Permanent Protection Wetlands Bill"--
with an all-out effort by the Information and
Education Section and special wetlands coordinator
Warren Blandin, Chief of Wildlife Research. After
the initial hearing before the Massachusetts
Natural Resources Committee, the I and E Section
published a story "Save Our Wetlands" in the
March-April edition of MASSACHUSETTS WILDLIFE.
The piece was aimed at alerting the public to the
ecological value of wetlands. Over 10,000 reprints
of the four-page story were distributed around the
state.

Slides and movies outlining the need for
wetlands preservation were prepared and
presented to the public by Division personnel. T.V.

Right, top to bottom: 1. A BIG MESS FOR A LITTLE VOLUNTEER.
Earth Day, 1970 was an encouraging first step, and the Division
tried to keep the spirit alive through 1971 with a special four-
part serial in MASSACHUSETTS WILDLIFE: 2. This young barred
owl, captured on film by Jack Swedberg, was featured (courtesy
of WORLD WILDLIFE ILLUSTRATED) in a special issue of
MASSACHUSETTS WILDLIFE devoted entirely to birds of prey. The
issue marked further expansion in editorial scope (See 1970
Annual Report); 3. Charles Murphy of Concord displays his
decoy-carving talent as part of the Division's exhibit at the New
England Sportsman's Show.

coverage focused on the preservation of the vast
Hockomock Swamp in the Bridgewater-Easton-
Taunton area.

Museum

The state Fish and Game Museum, the
inspiration of former outdoor writer Mike Beatrice,
continues to grow.

The museum is presently housed in temporary
quarters on the third floor at Westboro Field
Headquarters (on the right off Route 135, toward
Northboro from Route 9).

Taxidermist Ed Shaw has offered to mount a pair
of every legally harvestable waterfowl found in the
state. Birds are contributed by waterfowl hunters.
The birds donated during this past season went a
long way toward filling the shelf space that will
eventually house 70 pairs of waterfowl.

Exhibits

The Division's nine-day exhibit at the New
England Sportsmen's Show again featured
waterfowl. This year the display's theme was
educational and centered around the identification
of seven live, paired species. Corresponding birds
were mounted and labeled on a rotating drum in
the center of the pool. Drum and mounted birds
were provided by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service,
Parker River branch. Also at the exhibit, Division
personnel distributed pamphlets entitled "Know
Your Ducks'' which contained illustrations and brief
write-ups of all our native waterfowl.

Television Programs

That Odd Looking Pheasant" (see News
Releases) was also the title of part of the Major
Mudd Show, a two-hour children's program
appearing on WNAC. At that time I and E Chief Dick
Cronin summarized the Division's impressive
accomplishment of developing sex-linked color
patterns in pheasants for easy sexing after

fTJEgp"

)

Youth In The Outdoors

MajsacluuH'ttJ

Wildlife

SEPTEMBEROCTOBER. 1970

NOVEMBER-DECEMBER, 1970"

JULY-AUGUST. 1970

hatching. As visual aids Cronin used footage taken
by Division photographers and live birds, both
normal and "dilute." The show won the Division a
first prize in national competition for the best
conservation television show of the year. The
award was presented by the American Association
for Conservation Information.

District i and E Work

In addition to many miscellaneous information
and education services, personnel from the four
wildlife districts published 41 formal news
releases, attended and/ or spoke at 248 meetings
(mostly at sportsmen's clubs), conducted 22 T.V.
shows and six radio shows and prepared or
assisted in the preparation of 12 exhibits at various
fairs and sportsmen's shows.

Massachusetts Wildlife

HABITAT DESTRUCTION

The rate of land destruction and abuse is
increasing at an alarming rate, and while available
wildlife habitat dwindles, the public demand for
wildlife-for both consumptive and non-
consumptive uses-increases. It has become
obvious to all active conservationists that the single
greatest threat to wildlife is habitat destruction.

With this in mind the editors of MASSACHUSETTS
WILDLIFE have steered the magazine away from its
traditional role as a sporting publication and
toward a new role as a conservation journal.

The shift has not been an easy one, and in some
circles has kindled resentment. But in fulfilling its

obligations to the sportsmen and general public of
this state, the Division is convinced that the
magazine must change with the times. We are
losing our fish and wildlife at a shocking rate
because we are losing the habitat that supports
and produces them. The old days when sportsmen
could afford to be aloof and bask in the certainty of
ever-continuing sport have passed. Unless
sportsmen concentrate on the MAKING as well as
the TAKING, the future of their sport will be sealed
in concrete and asphalt.

In the March-April issue, traditionally a fishing
edition, we took a somewhat different tack this
year by replacing the four-page list of stocked trout
waters with a special section on the value of
wetlands as fish and wildlife producers. (The
stocked trout list was printed separately and
mailed to those who requested it.)

In addition to the wetlands section, the issue
contained an editorial by Director James M.
Shepard imploring fishermen to ensure the future
of their sport by supporting the "Permanent
Protection Wetlands Bill."

"....The time has come," Shepard wrote, "for
Massachusetts anglers to concentrate less on
what's being done for them and more on what they
can do for fishing. The fresh and saltwater fisheries
of this state are ecologically riveted to wetlands
and, unless something is done to check wetland
exploitation, the day may not be far off when that
stocking list won't be worth a six-cent stamp."

Earth Day 1970 was one of the most encouraging
events we have witnessed. At last people other
than sportsmen were voicing concern about the
environment that sustains our lives and the lives of
every other life form.

MMMmii4

Wildlife

JANUARY-FEBRUARY, 1971

In an effort to keep the Earth Day spirit alive the
editors conducted a survey in which they queried
every school in the Commonwealth as to Earth Day
activity. In a four-part serial entitled "Earth Day
Honor Roll" we reported in detail the activities of
all participating schools, concluding with a
summary of what we considered to be the best
ideas.

It was our hope that the series provided: l. a
motive for schools that had not had programs to get
going the following year; 2. an index of ideas from
which teachers with little knowledge of the
environment could choose activities appropriate
for their particular situations. The four issues in
which the series appeared were made available to
any Massachusetts teacher requesting them.

Finally, in the September-October issue we
reported on the Division's mercury monitoring
program, hoping to increase public involvement in
environmental problems confronting fish and
wildlife such as chemical pollution.

THE ANTI-HUNTING BUG

Recognizing anti-hunting sentiment as perhaps
the second greatest threat to the sportsman's
future and ultimately to the future of wildlife, we
have also directed our effort at educating non-
hunting conservationists who could easily become
ANTI-HUNTING protectionists.

In a state where five and a half million people
compete for five and a half million acres, the anti-
hunting bug is especially virulent, and under these
circumstances we believe that our editorial
approach is the best investment of the sportsman's

dollar that we can make. We feel we can help him
little by indulging him with a steady diet of tired-
out hunt-fish copy that he can pick up at any
newstand for 50 cents.

A Democrat addressing a houseful of Democrats
is often wasting his effort -- he has their votes
already. We feel that we do not have to convince
the sportsmen of the pleasure and benefits that can
be derived from hunting and fishing. We have
therefore tried to select articles of general interest
to all conservationists, not just sportsmen.
Hopefully the material has broadened the
sportsman's world and enriched his outdoor
experience, but more important, it has increased
our readership (now about 46,000) to include non-
consumptive users of wildlife resources. If we can
show them that hunting and fishing have an
important place in wildlife conservation we will
have accomplished a great deal.

Articles like "The Path of the Monarch'' (May-
June) are popular with everyone with an interest in
nature, not just hunters. The same issue also
contained an important educational message for
non-hunters-a well-reasoned defense of hunting
entitled "A Letter to Heather'' by Director Shepard
which generated more national response than any
previously published piece. We feel that a single
editorial like this, mixed with articles on the
environment, conservation, game and non-game
species, is definitely more effective in promoting
our cause than an issue full of hard-sell hunting.

The very fact that sportsmen could finance a
whole issue devoted to birds of prey (January-
February) demonstrates that they are not "blood

-"•*>

■

'■rfi-

mongers lusting after living targets. The Director's
editorial in that issue-"The Hunter and the Non-
Hunted '--points this out.

In a new one-page section~"Man and the
Balance -we have touched on the most timely and
important environmental news, again attempting
to recruit a new crop of readers, then educate them
to the sportsman-conservationist way of thinking.

The wildlife crosswords by Doug Jackson
incorporate all phases of our program and wildlife
conservation in general. Confining crosswords to a
single subject is tremendously difficult, yet
Jackson does it consistently and masterfully. The
crosswords have proved a most effective education
too. If a reader can figure out for himself that h-a-
w-k "fills the owl's niche diurnally and is protected
in Mass. (See January-February crossword), the
knowledge stays with him longer than if he is told
outright.

ARTWORK

Finally, we have begun to mix artwork with
photos (See covers). We purchase covers when
funds are available. For interior work we rely on
young artists who are willing to accept publicity in
lieu of payment. We send them xeroxed copies of
future stories if time permits and let them use their
own inventiveness in coming up with appropriate
drawings.

YOUTH

Continuing the youth campaign (See Annual
Report 1970) in an effort to recruit new and
energetic conservationists for the future, the
editors of MASSACHUSETTS WILDLIFE published a
special issue devoted to youth in the outdoors
(July-August). The big attraction was a photo story
by Richard Cronin featuring Bruins superstar Bobby
Orr and coach Harry Sinden on their first pheasant
hunt. When Bobby blew an easy shot Dick snapped
some top-notch "laugh-at-yourself" photos as
Bobby reacted with characteristic humility. Other
articles included in the issues were: "The City Set
Goes Fishing,'' by James E. Early and Tony Spinelli-
a report on the Urban Fishing Program co-
sponsored by the Hale Reservation, the Boston
Recreation Department, the U.S. Bureau of Sport
Fisheries and Wildlife, and the Massachusetts
Division of Fisheries and Game; "1970 Youth
Upland Game Bird Season," by Bill Pollack and
Donald Hawkins-a story on the Division's youth
hunt; Conservation Summer School," by Dick
Cronin-a history of the Massachusetts Junior
Conservation Camp; and the first of the Earth Day
series.

Also appearing in the special youth issue was an
editorial by Director Shepard discussing the
importance of preparing youth to deal with the
environmental crises they will shortly inherit.

"Conservation," Shepard wrote, ". . . must begin
with youth because youth is America's most
important natural resource. In five years, over half
our population will be under 25. They must have
constructive attitudes, but more important, they
must understand the problems they'll be facing."
Admittedly our youth campaign is a long-range
program with long-range returns but it is this type
of "think-to-tomorrow" planning that ultimately
proves the most valuable.

Respectfully submitted,

Richard Cronin, Chief of Information and

Education

Legislation

The following laws affecting the Division of
Fisheries and Game were enacted during the
legislative session of 1971.

Chapter 60-- An act authorizing trapping by
certain unlicensed minors
between the ages of 12 and 15
when accompanied by an adult.

Chapter 149--An act increasing the penalties
for certain violations of the laws
relative to the protection of
flood plains and inland
wetlands.

Chapter 498-- An act giving towns the
authority to set boating
regulations relative to speed,
horsepower, boating hours, etc.

Chapter 876-- An act prohibiting the
importation, possession and
sale of foreign and domestic
endangered mammals and
reptiles such as alligators,
wolves, and certain species of
cats.

Financial Report July 1, 1970 to June 30, 1971

RECEIPTS FROM FISHING, HUNTING AND TRAPPING LICENSES

Fiscal Year July 1,

1970 to J

une 30, 1971

Fees

Retained

Net

Gross

by Town Clerk

Returned

Licenses

Price

Number

Amount

or City

To State

Series

No.

Res. Cit. Fishing

(5.25)

123,615

648,978.75

30,594.95

618,383.80

Series

No.

Res. Cit. Hunting

(5.25)

59,219

310,899.75

14,665.75

296,234.00

Series

No.

Res. Cit. Sporting

(8.25)

57,886

477,559.50

14,771.25

462,788.25

Series

No.

Res. Cit. Minor Fishing

(3.25)

18,079

58,756.75

4,503.50

54,253.25

Series

No.

4-A

Res. Cit. Female Fishing

(4.25)

24,212

102,901.00

6,009.25

96,891.75

Series

No.

Res. Cit. Minor Trapping

(3.25)

218

708.50

54.25

654.25

Series

No.

Res. Cit. Trapping

(8.75)

581

5,083.75

143.00

4,940.75

Series

No.

Non-Res. 7-day Fishing

(5.25)

2,323

12,195.75

578.00

11,617.75

Series

No.

Non. Res. Fishing

(9.75)

3,675

35,831.25

905.25

34,926.00

Series

No.

9-A

Alien Fishing

(9.75)

808

7,878.00

198.25

7,679.75

Series

No.

Non-Res. or Alien Hunting

(16.25)

2,271

36,903.75

448.25

36,455.50

Series

No.

Duplicate Licenses

(.50)

3,414

1,707.00

Series

NO.

Res. Cit. Sporting

(Free)

17,631

Series

NO.

Res. Cit. (Mentally Ret.),
Paraplegic and to the Blind

(Free)

1,059

Series

No.

Military or Naval

(Free)

7,189

Series

NO.

Paraplegic Hunting

(Free)

322,184

1,699,403.75

72,871.70

1,626,532.05

HOW THE SPORTSMEN'S DOLLAR WAS SPENT

ADMINISTRATION

Administration 1070 0000 $ 126,33605

Board ol Fisheries & Game 1070 0000 35000 126,686.05 5%

Information Education 1070 0000 92,956 88 3%

FISHERIES PROGRAMS

Fish Hatcheries 1070 2300 454,857 65 17%

Fisheries Management 1070 2300 186,418.15

•• «Fish Restoration Projects 1070 2342 55,834.76

Fisheries Management 1070 2400 139,821.96

Fisheries Research Coop. Unit 1070-2341 10,000.00

• 'Certain Anadromous Fish Proj 1070 2322 25.745.62 417,820.49 16%

WILDLIFE PROGRAMS

Game Farms 1070 2400 280,490 09 11%

•Damage by Wild Deer 1070 2451 9,256.31

Wildlife Management 1070 2400 139,821.97

Wildlife Research Coop. Unit 1070 2441 8,499.56

••• Wildlife Restoration Projects 1070-2461 219,081.04

•••• Eastern Dove Management 1070 2502 3,500.00 380,158.88 14%

ENGINEERING AND CONSTRUCTION

Demolition of Bldgs. Westboro 1070 0093 28,000.00

Feasibility Study, BBC " 1070 0094 15,000.00

Const 8. Improv. E. Sandwich 1070 2304 61,686.00

New Well, McLaughlin Hatchery 1070 2317 50,391 00 155,077 00 6%

LAND ACQUISITION

Land 8. Waters for Fish and

Wildlife Management Purposes 1070 9012 30,874.95

•Land & Water Acquisition
and Development 1070-9013 91,675 64 122,550.59 5%

DEPT. NATURAL RESOURCES

Supervision Public Hunting

and Fishing Grounds 1020 0200 14,019.45

Natural Resources Officers

Salaries and Expenses 1020 0000 226,749 17 240,768 62 9%

RETIREMENT ASSESSMENT 50,000 00 2%

GROUP INSURANCE 48,392 00 2%

INTEREST ON DIRECT DEBT 74,800 00 3%

SERIAL BONDS AND NOTES 200,000 00 7%

TOTAL 2.644,558 25 100%

• Continuing Appropriations

• • 50% Reimbursable Federal Funds
• • • 75% Reimbursable Federal Funds

• • • • 100% Reimbursable Federal Funds

APPROPRIATIONS AND EXPENDITURES

Account No & Title

Expenditures
Appropriation & Liabilities Reverted

1070 0000 Administration

1070 0093 Demolition of Certain Bldgs.,
Westboro

1070 2300 Fisheries Management

1070 2304 Construction 8. Improvements
East Sandwich, Hatchery

1070 2317 New Well McLaughlin Hatchery

1070 2322 Anadromous Fish Projects • •

1070 2342 Fish Restoration Proiects • • •

1070 2400 Wildlife Management

1070 2461 Wildlife Restoration* • •

1070 2502 Eastern Dove Management* • •

S 230,143 00 S 219.642 93 S 10,500 07

60,000.00

28,000 00

32.00000

647,439.00

641,275 80

6,163.20

62,051 83

61,686 00

36583

60,000.00

50,391 00

9,609 00

27,181 00

25,745 62

1.43538

58.307 00

55,834 02

2,47224

562,895.00

560,134.02

2,760.98

220.898 00

219.081 04

1.816 96

3,50000

3.S00 00

SI. 932, did 83 SI, 865. 291 17 S 67.123 66

Continuing Balance

Appropriations E x pencil fu res Forward

1070 2451

Damage by Wild Deer
and Moose

S12.470 61

9,256 31

3,214 30

1070 9011

(a) Construction F.sh Hatchery
Belchertown

38 46

38 461 al

1070 9012

(a) Lands & Waters for Fish
& Wildlife

32,301 10

30.874 95

1.426 15(a)

1070 9013

Land 8. Water
Acquisition 8, Development

598,294.96

91.675 64

506.619 32

643,105 13

131.806 90

511.298 23

• • 50% Reimbursed Federal Funds

* • • 75% Reimbursed Federal Funds

• • • • 100% Reimbursed Federal Funds

(a) Expiration Date 6 30 71

■

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SUMMARY OF FISH AND GAME INCOME

Fishing, Hunting and Trapping Licenses $1,626,532.05

Special Licenses, Trap Registrations and Tags 7,293.65

Archery Stamps 5,357.80

Rents 4,557.75

Miscellaneous and Sales 5,770.30

Court Fines 11,472.00

Refunds Prior Year 1,434.06

Pittman- Robertson Federal Aid 201,440.81

Dingell-Johnson Federal Aid 95,749.22

Anadromous Fish Projects Federal Aid 13,262.34

Mass. Mourning Dove Reimbursement 3,500.00

Reimbursement for Services 1,758.86

Const. & I mprovements - Reimbursement .100,000.00

$2,078,128.84

TRANSFERS TO INLAND FISHERIES
AND GAME FUND

Gasoline Tax Apportionment $256,658.03

Surplus in Inland Fisheries & Game Fund

as of June 30, 1971 328,965.13

ANALYSIS OF SPECIAL LICENSES

NUMBER

TYPE OF LICENSE ISSUED RECEIPTS

TRAP REGISTRATIONS:

Initial 116 $ 116.00

Renewal 285 285.00

Duplicate 1 .50

FUR BUYERS:

Resident 19 190.00

Non-Resident 3 60.00

TAXIDERMIST: 90 450.00

PROPAGATORS:

(Special Fish)

Initial

R ene wa I 1 77

(Fish)

Initial

Renewal

(Birds & Mammals)

Initial

Renewal 435

(Dealers)

Initial

R ene wa I 79

Additional 422

(Indiv. Bird or Mammal)

Initial 40

R enewa I 74

SHINERS FOR BAIT: 151

(1 duplicate)

FIELD TRIAL LICENSES: 4

QUAIL FOR TRAINING DOGS:

Initial 36

R ene wa I 66

COMMERCIAL SHOOTING PRESERVES:.. 13

TRAPPING OF CERTAIN BIRDS: 1

MOUNTING PERMITS: 4

TAGS

Game 5,053

Commercial Shooting 1,200

Quail 200

Posters 900

Fish 15,500

FIELD TRIAL PERMITS: 30

65.00

177

531 .00

35.00

240.00

123

615.00

435

1,305.00

Freshwater Fish Records

FRESHWATER FISHING RECORDS FROM JULY 1 , 1 970 TO JUNE 30. 1 971

$ 7,293.65

10.00
237.00
422.00

40.00
37.00

755.00
.50

40.00

180.00
198.00

650.00

5.00

4.00

367.65
155.00

300.00

Species

Weight

Length

Girth

Place Caught

How Caught

Date

LM Bass

10 lb.

lloz.

Sampson Pd., Carver

12/ 31/70

SM Bass

5 1b.

80Z.

21"

16"

Billington Sea, Plymouth

spinning

4/23/71

N. Pike

18 1b.

12oz.

39 W

I8V2"

Cheshire Res.

ice tackle

2/21/71

Pickerel

7 1b.

12oz.

29"

22"

Assabet River

spinning

6/ 1/71

R. Trout

7 1b.

8oz.

24 1/2"

15%"

Shubael, Barnstable

4/17/71

Brown Trout

8 1b.

14oz.

25"

17"

Middle Pd., Southwich

trolling

5/ 2/71

L. Trout

13 1b.

6oz.

33"

Quabbin, Pelham

trolling

4/17/71

Shad

8 1b.

8oz.

28"

17"

North R., Hanover

spinning

5/ 6/71

Channel Catfish

7 lb.

25"

14"

Warner Bk., N. Hadley

live bait

5/ 12/71

Walleye

81b.

1 oz.

28 1/4"

17%"

Connecticut River

spinning

4/ 28/71

Bluegill

1 lb.

4 0Z.

11"

IOV2"

Ashley's, Brockton

casting

4/ 22/ 71

Bullhead

1 lb.

10 oz.

15 1/ 8"

Mashpee-Wakeby

live bait

11/ 3/70

Calico

2 lb.

90Z.

18"

13V2"

Savory's, Manomet

ice tackle

1/ 24/71

W. Perch

2 lb.

12oz.

17"

13"

Herring, Plymouth

trolling

5/21/71

Y. Perch

1 lb.

120Z.

17"

9%"

Coonamesset River

ice tackle

2/ 14/71

Brook Trout

3 lb.

12 OZ.

20%"

Deep Pd., Falmouth

spinning

9/ 11/70

Salmon

8 1b.

1 oz.

26"

16"

Quabbin, Pelham

trolling

5/26/71

Caught by

Bronislaw Kislowski, Brockton
Peter Palavanchi, Plymouth
John LaFlam, Florence
Ronald Bouley, Waltham
John St. Croix, Medford
Chester LaPlante, Westfield
Alan Storm, Gardner
Richard C. Brown, Norwell
John Wise, Sunderland
Chester Skowron, Turners Fall!
Ralph Smith, Brockton
E.B. Meslin, Johnston R.I.
Charles Godin, Manomet
Manuel P. Souza, Dartmouth
Ronald Jatrinski, Clinton
Louis Carvalho, Jr. Dartmouth
Raymond C. Wier, Wellesley

STANDING ALL-TIME MASSACHUSETTS FRESHWATER FISHING RECORDS

Through June 30, 1971

Species

Weight

Length

Girth

Place Caught

How Caught

Date

M Bass

121b.

loz.

25%"

213/4"

Palmer R., Rehoboth

bait casting

5/ 9/63

M Bass

61b.

12 oz.

21"

Pleasant Lk., Harwich

spinning

5/14/67

. Pike

24 lb.

8oz.

45V2"

22"

Onota Lk.,Pittsfield

live bait

1/13/67

ickerel

91b.

5oz.

29 Vi "

Pontoosuc Lk., Lanesboro

/ 54

. Trout

81b.

4 0Z.

26"

16"

Deep Pd., Falmouth

live bait

10/ 15/ 66

rown Trout

191b.

lOoz.

31 1/2"

22 5/8"

Wachusett Res., Boylston

spinning

5/ 19/ 66

. Trout

131b.

6oz.

33"

Quabbin Res., Pelham

trolling

4/17/71

had

81b.

8oz.

28"

17"

North R., Hanover

spinning

5/ 6/71

hannel Catfish

131b.

8oz.

30"

19"

Conn. R., Turners Falls

live bait

7/18/64

i/alleye

91b.

3oz.

Assawompsett Pond, Lakeville

bait casting

luegill

1 lb.

IT/4"

9'/2"

Bog Pd., Norton

spinning

10/17/ 65

ullhead

51b.

9oz.

22'/2"

IT/2"

Conn. R., Hadley

live bait

6 / 8/63

51b.

8oz.

22 Vi"

14"

Leverett Pd., Leverett

live bait

8 / 2/65

41b.

9oz.

22 Vi"

IT/2"

Conn. R., Chicopee

live bait

9 / 8/65

alico

21b.

9'/2 oz.

18"

14"

Merrimack, Lowell

spinning

6 / 8/65

21b.

9oz.

18"

13'/2"

Savorys Pd., Manomet

ice tackle

1/24/71

V. Perch

21b.

12oz.

17"

13"

Herring Pd., Plymouth

trolling

5/21/71

'. Perch

21b.

5oz.

173/4"

12"

Wachusett Res., Boylston

spinning

4/ 23/ 70

(rook Trout

61b.

4oz.

24"

14"

Otis Res., Otis

spinning

6/24/68

almon

8 1b.

loz.

26"

16"

Quabbin Res., Pelham

trolling

5/ 26/ 71

Caught by

George Pastick, Fall River
Thomas Paradise, Arlington
Kris Ginthwain, Pittsfield
Mrs. James Martin, Stockbridge
Roger Walker, Eastondale
Dana DeBlois, Sterling
Alan Storm, Gardner
Richard C. Brown, Norwell
Robert Thibodo, Northampton
William Spaulding, Whitman
Robert Barrett, Stoughton
Mrs. Erna Storie, Chicopee Falls
Stephen Brozo, Amherst
Joseph Kida, Chicopee
George Olsson, Lowell
Charles Godin, Manomet
Manuel P. Souza, Dartmouth
Arnold Korenblum, Marlboro
Thomas Laptew, Granville
Raymond C. Wier, Wellesley

Massachusetts Freshwater Fish Awards
Program

DURING fiscal 1971 the Department of
Commerce and Development continued to give the
Division and the freshwater fishermen of
Massachusetts the backing needed to make the
Freshwater Fish Awards Program a success.

This year salmon were added to the 16 other
categories. For the present, landlocked salmon
over five pounds will be recognized as eligible for
the competition. Hopefully Atlantic salmon will be
entered as another category in the near future
when the Division's Connecticut River salmon
restoration program bears fruit.

During fiscal 1971 the standing all-time records
for lake trout, shad and white perch were broken
(See listings).

The standing all-time records run on a fiscal year
basis, ending June 30.

The award plaques end at the close of the
calendar year and are presented at the New
England sportsmen's show in late January or early
February.

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COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS

Division of Fisheries and Game
107th Annual Report

GOVERNOR

FRANCIS W. SARGENT

Director
JAMES M. SHEPARD

DIVISION OF FISHERIES AND GAME

Board

ROGER D WILLIAMS, Chairman

Sudbury

BRADLEE E GAGE. Secretary
Amherst

His Excellency, Francis W. Sargent, Governor of the Com-
monwealth, the Executive Council, the General Court and the
Board of Fisheries and Game:

Gentlemen:

I have the honor to submit herewith the One Hundred and
Seventh Annual Report of the Division of Fisheries and Game,
covering the fiscal year from July 1, 1971 to June 30, 1972.

James M. Shepard, Director

CONTENTS

The Board Reports 1

Legislation 2

Fisheries 3

Wildlife 8

Information and Education 14

Realty 18

Financial Report 19

Freshwater Fish Records 20

HARRYC DARLING.
East Bridgewater

KENNETH F. BURNS
Shrewsbury

MARTIN H. BURNS
Newbury

JAMESM SHEPARD
Director

PAUL S. MUGFORD
Acting Asst. Director

COLTON H BRIDGES
Superintendent

E. MICHAEL POLLACK
Chief Game Biologist

WARREN W BLANDIN
Chief of Wildlife Research

RICHARDCRONIN
Chief, Information and Education

JOSEPH JOHNSON
CHIEFOF REALTY

District Managers

Western District

EUGENE D MORAN

Hubbard Ave., Pittsfield

Phone 447 9789

central District

■ . S PRESCOTT
Temple St. W Boylston
Phone 835 3607

Northeastern District

WALTER HOYT
86, Acton
' 3 4347

Southeastern District

.'.HLOTTERBECK
R f o No 3, Buzzard's Bay

Wetlands are more than vital to wildlife — they are the very
foundation on which this resource is built. Drain a swamp and
you directly drain our wildlife resource. The widespread
argument that "the animals will just go somewhere else" un-
derscores the ignorance of nature so prevalent in our society.
During fiscal 1972 the Fish and Game Division succeeded in its
two-year effort to obtain a $5 million bond issue for the purchase
and permanent protection of key wetland areas. This is just the
first step. The real work remains to be done; it must come
through meaningful protective legislation — something that we
currently do not have. Wetlands are difficult to develop but
because we have exploited much of our upland wildlife habitat
we are now steering our bulldozers into these wet islands of
wilderness. Time is running out for wetlands and our wildlife.

THE COVERS: 1. A ruffed grouse drums on
log; 2. a red fox pup at den. (photos by Jack
Swedberg).

-*£**

Publication of this document approved by Alfred C. Holland, State Purchasing Agent.
2M 6 73 082674 Estimated Cost Per Copy: $.64

The Board Reports

At the 1971 waterfowl hearing the five-man Fish
and Game Board voted to accept the waterfowl
biologists' proposal for a three-year experimental
zoned season. A season of this nature is designed
to provide hunting in each zone at the most
favorable time without allowing excessive harvest.
The season should go a long way toward providing
the inland and coastal waterfowlers a common
meeting ground in a conflict that has existed for
many years.

One of the highlight's of this year's activities was
the deeding of a 162-acre parcel to the Division of
Fisheriesand Game by the Western Massachusetts
Electric Company (Robert E. Barrett Jr.,
President) in the name of Northeast Utilities. The
land, to be known as the Pauchaug Brook Fish and
Wildlife Management Area, is located along the
Connecticut River.

Quabbin Reservoir continues to smash state
fishing records, and Division fisheries personnel
continue to closely monitor the pulse of one of the
most productive and important freshwater
fisheries in the state. The success of the existing
fishery at Quabbin is due in large measure to
superb cooperation that has been possible bet-
ween the Division of Fisheries and Game and the
MDC.

After exploring all possible sources of revenue
the Fish and Game administration elected to in-
crease license fees. There was virtually no other
choice if existing programs and services were to be
maintained at their current levels. The last in-
crease in any license fee had come in 1960. In-
flation in addition to an expanded operation had,
over the last decade, stretched the Division's
financial resources to the breaking point.

Board members pictured above are: Top row, left to right -
Roger D. Williams, Chairman; Bradlee E. Gage, Secretary.
Bottom row, left to right— Martin H. Burns, Kenneth F. Burns,
Harry C. Darling,

Regional meetings were held in the hope that the
Division and sportsmen could work together to
develop a program for increased revenue that
would answer the Division's needs and, at the
same time, satisfy the sporting public. The Division
advocated "user fees" in the form of a trout &
pheasant stamp.

On September 10 the Board held a regulatory
hearing and made a decision that permitted fisher
to be trapped November 1 to March 1 ; the beaver
season was moved back one month — now
November 15 to March 1.

Archery season for deer was extended from two
to three weeks. A muzzle-loading deer season was
rejected because of a conflict in legal definitions
between smooth-bores and rifled muzzle-loaders.

The Division's waterfowl section has embarked
on an imprinting program at the Ayer Game Farm.
"Imprinting" refers to a process in the early stages
of a duckling's development through which it forms
an association bond with parent and immediate
surroundings. The program could result in a
significant increase in ground nesting ducks using
a structure off the ground to help reduce nest
predation and increase numbers of birds nesting
on a pond.

On October 6. 1971, Governor Francis W
Sargent signed into law one of the most important
bills in the history of the Division of Fisheries and

State Library of Massachusetts
State House, Boston

Game. Known as the "Permanent Protection
Wetlands Bill," the legislation provided $5 million
to purchase inland and coastal wetlands. The
passage of this bill was made possible by a con-
certed etfort over the past two years by Division
personnel, conservationists, sportsmen and key
members of the Legislature.

The Board voted down an extension of the trout
season for this year but did vote to increase the
daily limit of kokanee salmon in Onota Lake from
two to five; the former 15-inch kokanee limit was
abolished.

The Board established a smelt season by hook
and line on Quabbm and Onota to help control
smelt numbers and, at the same time, increase the
recreational potential of the two bodies of water.
The drop in the daily bag limit on salmonids from
10 to five should result in an increased population
of these smelt-controlling fish.

The Board changed the daily bag limit on trout
from 12 of any length to 12 with only six of the 12
10 inches or greater in length.

Finally, the Board established two experimental
fly fishing only areas — one on the Swift River in
Belchertown, the other on the Nissitissit in Pep-
perell.

The Board was disappointed that the first
paraplegic hunt had to be cancelled for want of a
suitable area in which to conduct it. Hopefully
Division biologists can locate a new area next year.
The Board held its January 1972 monthly
meeting as guests of the Sherman Exposition at the
New England Sportsmen's Show, Hynes
Auditorium at Boston's Prudential Center. At the
same time the Board was able to tour the Division's
exhibit on wild turkey and also view choice Fish and
Wildlife Museum pieces displayed by Commerce
and Development in cooperation with the Fish and
Game Division.

An especially important milestone this year was
the agreement with Holyoke Water Power Co. on
fisheries management for the Connecticut River.
The firm agreed to enlarge present fish passage
facilities over its dam and to continue work on the
program with mutually accepted methods and
goals for handling increased fish runs.

Respectfully submitted,

Roger D. Williams, Chairman

Bradlee E. Gage, Secretary

Harry C. Darling

Kenneth F. Burns ^

Martin H. Burns f

Chapter LEGISLATION

125 — An Act Further Regulating The
Transfer Of Protected Species Of
Fish, Birds And Mammals And
Exempting Certain Zoos From The
Law Prohibiting The Sale, Possession
Or Importation Of Such Species.

127 — An Act Protecting- The Gray Wolf,
Giant Otter and All South American
Otters Of The Genus Lutra.

135 — An Act Authorizing Shooting On
Commercial Shooting Preserves On
Certain Sundays.

221 — An Act Authorizing Certain En-
forcement Officers To Enter Upon
And Pass Over Private Lands In The
Performance Of Their Duties Relative
To The Fish and Game Laws.

223 — An Act Further Regulating The
Procedure For Importing Inland Fish
and Wildlife Into The Commonwealth.

261 — An Act Further Regulating The
Discharge Of Firearms Within A
Certain Distance From Buildings.

322 — An Act Designating The Montague
State Fish Hatchery In The Town Of
Montagne As The Bitzer State Fish
Hatchery.

416 — An Act Authorizing The Division Of
Fisheries And Game To Lease Certain
Land In The Town Of Paxton To Said
Town.

422 — An Act Providing For An Annual Deer
Hunt For Paraplegics.

445 — An Act Relative To Hunting Certain
Birds of Prey. c .

FISHERIES

After being tagged by Division fisheries biologists a Quabbin lake trout returns to his element.

photo by Jack Swedberg

During the 1972 fiscal year, fisheries research
and management programs continued in warm
water fish studies, development activities and
special study projects on pesticides, the Northfield
Mountain Pumped Storage Project, and the Bear
Swamp Pumped Storage Project.

Anadromous Fish Restoration

The bulk of this Division's anadromous fish in-
vestigations continue to emphasize the restoration
program for American shad and Atlantic salmon in
the Connecticut River. Negotiations were com-
pleted with the Holyoke Water Power Company for
expanded fish passage facilities at the Holyoke
dam. A settlement agreement was signed by the
company and directors of the fish and game
agencies of Massachusetts, Connecticut, New
Hampshire and Vermont and forwarded to the
Federal Power Commission. The agreement
provides enlargement and modification of present
lift facilities to a capability of passing 1,000,000
American shad and 40,000 Atlantic salmon.

The extremely wet and cold spring of 1972
exerted a negative influence on the shad fishery at
Holyoke. Creel census data indicates that both the
shad catch and fishing effort were down to about
half of the 1971 level, although the catch per unit
effort did not differ greatly from previous years.
Approximately 6,802 shad were creeled by 8,000
fishermen during 21,252 hours of angling. Since
the population of shad entering the river was not
significantly lower than recent years, it is felt that

the decrease in the sport catch at Holyoke is more
a function of less fishing effort due to inclement
weather rather than any significant decrease in
fish availability.

High water emanating from the dam spillway
throughout most of the run prevented many shad
from entering the fishlift. Subsequently, only
25,473 shad were passed, as opposed to 52,273 in
1971 and 65,751 during 1970. Apparently, many of
the fish that failed to find the fish elevator dropped
downstream and commenced spawning. More than
12,600,000 fertile shad eggs were obtained in the
section of the river between Willimansett and
Massachusetts Turnpike bridges. This figure
represents a three-fold increase in the best
previous take of 4,000,000 obtained during 1970.
These eggs were planted in a cooperative effort
with the Massachusetts Division of Marine
Fisheries and the New Hampshire Department of
Fish and Game, into the Charles. Taunton, Agawam
and Merrimack Rivers, as part of an intensive effort
to restore their once-existing shad runs. Attempts
to induce artificial spawning of shad through the
use of various hormones were unsuccessful

In the Merrimack River the emigration of juvenile
shad resulting from fertile egg transplants has
been documented for the past three years. Yet it
will still be a few years before any significant
numbers of adult shad are expected to return to
the river.

The Palmer Hatchery produced 8.300 Atlantic
salmon smolts for the Connecticut River program
All these fish were released via the recently con-

■ :

structed salmon stockout pond located on the
Salmon River in Connecticut.

The southeastern Massachusetts shad in-
vestigation revealed that the sport fisheries of both
the Palmer and the North Rivers were down about
half of the previous year's level. The Palmer River
yielded 143 shad to 731 anglers fishing 1,767
hours, while the North River yielded 222 shad to
963 anglers fishing 2,443 hours. However, as with
the Connecticut River, the catch per effort was not
significantly different than that experienced in
recent years.

The Division also provided assistance to the
Division of Marine Fisheries coho program by
rearing these fish to the smolt stage at the Palmer
Hatchery.

Coldwater Fish Investigations

The trout and salmon hatching and rearing
program continues to provide the basis for the
coldwater fisheries program. The coldwater fish
investigations continue to evaluate our salmonid
management practices. Basically, this involves a
continual survey of our coldwater resources in the
formulation of policies designed to generate the
most equitable and practical distribution of our
hatchery trout. The annual Quabbin Reservoir
creel census, conducted from April to October,
indicates the harvest of landlocked salmon and
lake trout dropped considerably to 234 fish and
540 fish respectively, while rainbow and brown
trout harvest remained relatively stable at 4,521
and 52 fish respectively. However, 70,665 anglers
took an estimated 94,205 fish weighing 72,428 Ijbs.
These figures show a significant increase in the use
of the reservoir compared to the previous year
when 60,231 anglers landed 70,939 fish weighing
53.293 lbs.

The smelt population continued to expand. Smelt
utilization by salmonid predators ranged from 70-
80 % throughout the entire year. To minimize water
distribution problems, 50,000 adult spawning
smelt and 30,000,000 eggs were shipped from the
Quabbin to neighboring states of Connecticut,
Vermont and Rhode Island; in addition, smelt eggs
in nine brooks were treated with a total of 400 lbs.
of copper sulfate and 50 lbs. of caustic soda. The
screening study conducted by the engineering firm
of Camp. Dresser & McKee was approved with
plans made for screen installation in 1973.

During the year, the reservoir was stocked with

Above: fisheries crew applies rotenone to a Massachusetts
pond; below — processing fish sample.

100,000 lake trout fry, 26,000 landlocked salmon,
and 9,200 catchable rainbow trout.

The final year of creel census study at Littleville
Reservoir was completed. The data indicates that
11,495 anglers harvested 5,477 trout weighing
3,046 lbs. An additional 536 warmwater fish
weighing 119 lbs. were also creeled, while 215
trout and 2,071 warmwater fish were reported as
being released. Total fishing pressure amounted to
137.7 hours per acre producing approximately 11.5
lbs. of fish per acre. The unauthorized introduction
and subsequent establishment of smelt in Lit-
tleville Reservoir precludes any attempt to
establish kokanee salmon at this site. Littleville
Reservoir will continue to be managed as a two-
story fishery.

During August and early September of 1971, the
temperature profile and vertical distribution of
dissolved oxygen was determined for 32 ponds.
Fourteen ponds were found to contain a volume of
trout water in accordance with Massachusetts
standards (70° F. or less in temperature and

Massachusetts Salmon id Distribution trom
State and Federal Hatcheries

Brook Trout Brown Trout Rainbow Trout Total

State 262,300 135,450 665,500 1,063,250

Federal 42,000 43,000 900 85,900

1.148,150

Total trout distributed

6"-9"

290.250

Total trout distributed

9" plus

646,150

Total Federal trout

6" plus

65.900

Total catchables

6" plus

936,400

Total fingerlings

6" minus

212,750

Hatchery Poundage

Hatchery

Total Lbs.

Charles L. McLaughl

n Hatchery

212.200

Montague Hatchery

87,650

Palmer Hatchery

2,100

Sandwich Hatchery

88,050

Sunderland Hatchery

123,200

Total State

513,200

Number Weight in pounds

Coho salmon

65.200

2,660

Kokanee salmon

40,000

Atlantic salmon

8.600

1,060

Landlocked salmon

10.600

530

Lake trout

49.850

121

Hauling shad on the Connecticut.

photo by Jack Swedberg

containing 5 ppm or more of dissolved oxygen or
greater than 10 percent of the pond's volume). The
pond volumes comprised of definable trout water
ranged from trace amounts to 54 percent.

The rainbow trout / sea-run alewife forage
relationship study at Higgins and Hathaway Ponds
was completed. The findings indicate that young-of-
the-year alewives provide very little forage for
rainbow trout. Furthermore, the total biomass of
trout in ponds lacking alewives was greater due to
lack of competition from the forage fish. The first
year of study testing brown trout with sea-run
alewives was initiated. Favorable results are ex-
pected from this experiment since the brown trout,
once attaining the size of 9 inches, is known to use
available forage fish to a much greater extent than
either the rainbow or the brook trout.

The stream survey inventory segment sampled
35 of a projected 79 stations within the Chicopee
River Basin. Standard biological, chemical and
physical methods were employed to determine the
resource potential of this watershed. All data will
be analyzed and presented in final form during
1973 when the remaining 44 stations will be
sampled.

The attempts to establish kokanee salmon in
Onota Lake appeared to be showing some promise.
In mid-November 37 individuals averaging 14V2
inches were collected. Five females from this group
produced 4,400 eggs while the estimated spawning
population was set at 80; in addition, ap-
proximately 39,000 one-inch fingerlings were
planted earlier in the year. Kokanee salmon are
beginning to appear consistently in the creels of a

■

few fishermen at Onota Lake. Angler harvest of
kokanee is expected to increase when more
fishermen learn how to catch this recently-
introduced species

Warmwater Fish Investigations

The presence of landlocked alewives in
Congamond Lakes indicate that they have a high
forage value for both cold and warmwater game
species. Future plans include the introduction of
these fine forage fish into other selective waters
throughout the state.

The northern pike population in Cheshire
Reservoir is still expanding with this year's harvest
of 988 lbs. providing a 36 percent increase over the
1971 catch. However, the fishing pressure was also
significantly up over recent years. The largest pike
checked by creel census agents measured 40.3
inches and weighed 17.9 lbs. Scale analysis
revealed that this fish was six years old. Further
scale analyses of other pike taken from the
reservoir indicate that these fish attain a minimum
harvest length of 20 inches prior to their third year.
The recommendation to raise the minimum legal
length of northern pike from 20 to 25 inches is
currently being considered. It is felt that action
along these lines would insure that a creeled pike
had spawned at least once prior to being har-
vested.

The inability of fish dealers in Minnesota to
supply us with approximately 3,000 yearling pike,
unfortunately postponed for another year the
stocking of this species into Brimfield Reservoir.

The post-treatment evaluation of the use of
sodium arsenite for weed control on 269-acre
Billington Sea in Plymouth was completed. The
application of 6,000 gallons of this herbicide ap-
parently affected the adult population structure of
most pan and rough fish. The scarcity of in-
vertebrates after application temporarily sup-
pressed the growth rates of fish that normally
would have utilized the benthic organisms during
the year of treatment. The following post-treatment
year saw a return to more normal conditions with
respect to fish growth rates and invertebrate
production, while the loss of adult fish was
replaced with subsequent growth of juveniles.

During May through November, 35 ponds were

sampled to determine warmwater angling

potential The majority of the ponds sampled

amed from 11 to 30 percent game fish by

A fisheries biologist displays kokanee salmon taken from Onota
Lake, Pittsfield.

weight of the total population. Only five of the
ponds contained less than 10 percent game fish by
weight.

A study which hopefully will provide a basis for
estimating the existing standing crop of fish in a
pond based upon water chemistry parameters
should be completed within the next year, while the
pesticide investigations have drawn the following
conclusions: the amount of DDT residues found in
the environment has apparently stabilized in spite
of the DDT ban in this state. Levels are expected to
remain constant for many years due to the non-
biodegradable nature of this compound. The only
other hard pesticide found consistently throughout
the state was Dieldrin, its highest concentrations
were found in the vicinity of fruit orchards and
cranberry bogs.

Polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) residues were
found in 14 rivers as compared with nine the
previous year. These industrial pollutants are
expected to increase further since, like DDT, they
concentrate in food chains and have many paths

Right: four steps in landlocked salmon management
turing, stripping, tagging, releasing.

photos by Jack Swedberg

cap-

into the natural environment. A study was con-
ducted of the high PCB residue levels in the
Housatonic River at Pittsfield. The source was
located and the situation was corrected. In-
vestigations on the use of freshwater mussels as
indicator organisms of pesticide contamination
were continued. Although all the data has yet to be
completely analyzed it looks as though mussels can
be used as indicators of pollution; however, they
do pose certain limitations. Their physical
requirements and filtering habits appear to make
them more appropriate as qualitative rather than
quantitative indicators.

Pumped Storage Power Process Investigations

Pre-operational studies to determine the en-
vironmental impact of the Northfield Pumped
Storage Project on the fisheries of the Connecticut
River went into the second year of the in-
vestigation, while similar studies concerning the
effect of the Bear Swamp Pumped Storage Project
on the upper Deerfield River were initiated. Both of
these investigations are financed by the Northeast
Utilities Service Company and New England Power
Company respectively. Biologists are assembling
and analyzing data concerning resident fish
species complex, creel census, diversity of benthic
organisms and water quality parameters.

Massachusetts Cooperative Fishery Unit

Five investigations were financially supported by
the Division of Fisheries and Game through the
Cooperative Fisheries Unit located at the
University of Massachusetts in Amherst. Three of
these projects are related to the anadromous fish
investigations concerning the migration, behavior,
and spawning activities of adult and juvenile shad
in the Connecticut River, while another in-
vestigation dealt with the effects of mercury
deposition and its effects of early development on
the white sucker. The last project related the
abundance and growth of fish from polluted and
non-polluted segments of the Ware River drainage.
Respectfully submitted,
Colton H. Bridges, Superintendent

^r-' fc- -

rt.yr

'.♦- «n

a 4k

photo by Jack Swedberg

photo by Bill Byrne

WILDLIFE

Introduction

The wildlife research program has many facets.
For example, the dove and quail surveys are
concerned with monitoring the general status of
breeding populations, while the objective of the
gosling transplant program is to establish breeding
populations in uninhabited but suitable range. The
deer study is tied closely to an examination of the
population biology of the herd, the end product
being sound deer harvest recommendations. Still

GAME DISTRIBUTION

July 1,1971 to June 30, 1972

PHEASANT LIBERATIONS:

August

4,497

October— November

39,908

Sportsmen's Club Rearing

Program

6,712

Miscellaneous (Youth Hunt,

displays, experiments, etc.)

466

Brood Stock (Spring Releases)

3,878

Hybrids

565

Field Trials (35)

1,350

TOTAL

57,376

QUAIL LIBERATIONS:

Public Hunting Grounds

3,368

Field Trials

400

TOTAL

3,768

HARE LIBERATIONS

Released in

January& February

2,500

TOTAL

2,500

another avenue of research is the kind and degree
of use by sportsmen and the non-hunting and
fishing public on Division-owned lands.

The dividing line between game research and
game management is difficult to define in many
cases. Frequently research and management
activities are indistinguishable. The case of
waterfowl banding to evaluate population levels,
mortality rates, or the effects of certain
management operations is an example. Habitat
manipulation and a determination of its effects on
game populations is both research and
management.

The Division of Fisheries and Game is involved
intensively in both of these broad areas of concern.
The annual summaries of project activities that
follow will illuminate the extent to which the state's
wildlife resources are being nurtured, studied and
evaluated.

Statewide Beaver Harvest

A total of 1,358 beaver were trapped in 93 towns
by 94 trappers during the 1971-1972 beaver
season. This catch is 849 more than in 1970-71 and
352 more than a ten-year (1962-1971), 1,006 —
beaver average. Berkshire, Franklin and Hamp-
shire counties together yielded nearly three-
fourths (73%) of the season's harvest. More than
half (53.2%) of the beaver trapped were taken in
December. The Conibear trap was used to take 912
beaver (67.1 % of harvest). The average price of a
Mass. beaver peit was $17, yielding a total harvest

valuation of $23,086 — the highest valuation
recorded in 16 years.

Mourning Dove Census

Calling doves were counted on three randomized
census routes in cooperation with the U.S. Fish &
Wildlife Service's annual mourning dove breeding
population census. An increase occurred on all
three routes censused. The total increase from
1971 counts was 33 percent.

Spring Quail Census

The 1971 spring quail census in Barnstable,
Bristol and Plymouth counties was comparable to
the 1969 average and a four-year (1958-1961)
average. Comparison of call indices indicates the
possibility of an increasing quail population. This
trend is especially evident in Bristol County.
However, decreases in the number of routes
surveyed have reduced the sample size to the point
where the analysis of call indices does not reflect
any but gross changes.
White-tailed Deer

The antlerless deer permit system was continued
for the fifth consecutive year. Permits issued
totaled 7,270 in the following categories: Farmer-
landowner — 270; Nantucket Island — 400;
Martha's Vineyard — 600; Sportsmen — 6,000.
The total deer harvest was 2,284 (2,405 in 1970)
of which 36 were taken by archers. Of 2,248 deer
harvested during the shotgun season, 1,872 were
taken on the mainland, 163 were taken on Nan-
tucket, and 213 were taken on Martha's Vineyard.
The sex composition of the harvest was 1,359
males and 889 females. Permit holders accounted
for 1,314 deer during the shotgun season; 425 of
these were males (including 253 button bucks).
The success rate of antlerless deer permit holders
was 1 in 6 for Farmer-Landowner and Sportsmen
permittees; 1 in 4 for Martha's Vineyard per-
mittees and 1 in 3 for Nantucket Permit holders.

A decrease (compared to 1970) of 208 adult
males was noted in the 1971 harvest, while the
harvest of female deer increased by 125 animals
(shotgun season only). Future management efforts
will be directed toward expanding the size of the
breeding population via the permit system to
reverse this harvest trend.

Reported non-hunting deer mortalities totalled
694 deer; 320 males, 341 females, and 33 deer of
which the sex was not reported. Motor vehicles
accounted for 373 deaths, dogs 219, illegal kills 39.
fences 7, drownings 6, trains 5, unknown causes
41, and deer taken because of crop depredations 4.
Six hundred ninety-eight non-hunting mortalities
were reported in 1970.

Berkshire, Barnstable and Franklin counties
accounted for 50.7 percent of the reported non-
hunting mortality (25.2, 13.4 and 12.1 percent
respectively). The reporting rate was greatest in
the months of March (17.7%), February (15.4%)
and November (12.1%).

Sixty-three female deer were examined between
the period 1 January through 31 May 1972 to
determine the reproductive rate of the herd. The
data collected agreed statistically with data
collected over the past six breeding seasons. A
summary of these data for the years 1966 to 1972
is shown in the table:

Age Sample Size Reproductive Rate

Yearling 158 0.27 fawns per doe

Two years 84 1.39 fawns per doe

Over two years 181 174 fawns per doe

Seven of 21 yearlings examined in 1972 were
pregnant. Five fawns were identified and the
remains of embryonic structures in two other
animals were found. Eleven two-year-old does
examined were carrying a total of 17 fawns. Thirty-
one does" three years of age or older were included
in the sample. Twenty-six of these were pregnant
and collectively were carrying 49 fawns. These data
indicate the importance of older-aged does in the
population. In this sample, older-aged deer (49
percent of sample) produced 67 percent of the
fawns. Our statistical tests indicate that the road-
kill sample of does from which the reproductive
data are derived is similar in age composition to
the data derived from the deer season harvest of
does, and therefore, should be fairly representative
of the reproductive characteristics of the herd.
Hunter Utilization of Wildlife Management Areas

Total estimated hunter effort on fourteen wildlife
management areas was 33,622 hunter trips. This is
a decrease of 1.9% from the 1970 effort.

Peak usage occurred on the first Saturday,
followed by the second Saturday and opening day.
Usage on a weekday after stocking was ap-
proximately 1.6 times that of a weekday after no
stocking.

Local hunters continue to be the heaviest users
of wildlife management areas, although on peak
days hunters in the 3.280 kilometer range
predominated on three areas (Crane. Myles
Standish, Northeast.)

Game bag information was collected on six areas.
On the five state areas. 1.943 hunters were con-
tacted of whom 631 (32.5% ) had taken at least one
unit of game. Known harvest on these five areas
totaled 889 animals of nine species. Pheasant
(771 or 86 7"") comprised the majority of the

harvest.

Hunter success was greatest on days after
stocking (41.7%), followed by opening day
(37.1%). Saturdays (31.3%), and days after no
stocking (17.9%). Hunter competition on peak
days probably lessens the sportsman's chance of
success on those days. Hunter success per-
centages for all five areas were greater in 1971
than in 1970. Greatest success was found at
Wimmusset (44.4%), followed by Crane (41.4%),
Housatonic Valley (32.1%), Northeast (29.8%),
and Swift River (23.6%).
Black Bear Population Dynamics

Applications for bear hunting permits were
received from 200 sportsmen. None, however,
succeeded in taking a bear during the legal season.

Sixteen reports, involving 28 bear, were received
from cooperators. Reports by county were as
follows: Franklin (6), Berkshire (5), Hampshire
(3). Hampden (1), Worcester (1).
Gosling Transplant Program

Three transplants of Canada goose goslings were
made from the Southboro-Framingham area in
1971. A total of 59 goslings were transplanted in
central and western Massachusetts of which 48
were banded with orange and black plastic leg
bands in addition to standard Federal bands. A
total of 60 goslings, 7 yearlings and 22 adult
Canada geese captured by drive trapping were
banded.

During the spring of 1971, one color-marked
goose was observed during spring migration in the
company of a large flock of unmarked geese on
Cheshire Reservoir.

A pair of geese of which the female was color
marked nested at Adams Pond, Oakham. It is not
known if the nest was successful. A pair of color-
marked geese did hatch off seven goslings on
Creek Pond in Otis.

During the spring of 1972 the same female
apparently returned with an unmarked male and
hatched 6 goslings. Three pairs of geese of which
one bird was color marked were observed in
Sandisfield. It is not known if the geese nested
successfully. Two pairs of geese nested suc-
cessfully on the Quabbin Reservoir; one pair was
known to be color marked.
Winter Trapping Program

Coastal Trapping. Extremely mild winter con-
ditions hindered coastal trapping. Normally birds
respond well to bait trapping when conditions
become severe enough to regularly freeze over the
tidal flats, thus limiting a ready supply of mussel
and other marine organisms. This did not happen
during the winter of 1971-1972. Success on inland
Jtes was also limited by poor ice conditions which

prevented or hindered cannon netting on some
areas.

State personnel, along with three cooperators,
banded a total of 1,426 ducks at 27 locations using
bait traps and /or cannon nets. Six hundred
nineteen (619) ducks were banded as part of the
regular winter black duck trapping program. Black
ducks made up 77.1 percent of the total ; mallard x
black hybrids 11.1 percent and mallards 7.4
percent. The park mallard winter banding program
netted 613 mallards, 135 mallard x black hybrids,
42 black ducks, 13 mallard x domestic hybrids and
4 other species. Thirteen ( 13) hand-reared mallard
x black hybrids were also banded and released at
Norumbega Park, Auburndale.
Preseason Waterfowl Banding

A total of 1,211 waterfowl and marsh birds were
banded during the period from March 18 to Oc-
tober 15. The number of birds banded by various
techniques is as follows: airboat nightlighting —
496; bait trapping — 384; cannon netting— 109;
drive trapping — 95; nest box trapping — 70;
released hand-reared ducks — 54; and hand-
captured ducklings — 3.

Wood ducks made up 28.4 percent of the total,
mallards, 27.9 percent; black ducks, 11.0 percent;
Canada geese, 7.8 percent; American coot, 4.0
percent; blue winged teal, 1.7 percent and
miscellaneous species made up 12.9 percent of the
total. In addition to the banding of waterfowl, blood
smears were taken from 485 birds and sent to Dr.
Gordon F. Bennett of Memorial University of
Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada
for processing. The program will be continued in
1972 after which the results will be analyzed and
conclusions drawn concerning blood parasite in-
festation levels.

Winter Inventory Flights

Winter inventory flights were made on January 4
and 6, 1972. Coastal Massachusetts, from the New
Hampshire line to the Rhode Island line was
surveyed. The total waterfowl count was 131,364 of
which 24,578 were black ducks. The black duck
count was up 174.6 percent from 1971 and 4.5
percent from the ten-year average. Canada geese
( 14,339) were up 87.5 percent from 1971 and 75.1
percent from the ten-year average. All other
species were above the 1971 count and all but sea
ducks were above the ten-year average. The in-
creases can probably be attributed to an ex-
ceptionally mild winter as is evident from the
comparatively large number of green-winged teal
and American coot seen during the January flight.

Monthly fall flights showed the effect of
Massachusetts' experimental waterfowl zoning

seasons. There was an unusual buildup of black
ducks in November before the coastal waterfowl
season opened with numbers during the December
flight falling near normal.

Black Duck Imprint Program

Fifty-six black duck eggs were received from the
Delaware Department of Fish and Wildlife in May of
1971. Forty-five of these eggs were hatched at the
Sandwich Game Farm and the ducklings reared by
Ayer Game Farm personnel. Forty-four ducklings
were raised to maturity. A 75 by 80-foot pen with a
45 by 50-foot pool was constructed during the
summer of 1971. The ducklings were placed in the
pen at eight weeks of age and held over winter.
Ducks were segregated into two sections of the
pen, apparent pure-strain black ducks in one half
and questionable types (possible mallard blood) in
the other. Thirteen questionable drakes were
released and only males with typical black duck
characteristics were kept for breeding. Thirteen
drakes and 19 hens were retained for breeding.
The breeding stock was supplemented by coastal-
trapped wild black duck hens.

These birds laid a total of 172 eggs of which 132
hatched. Ducklings were brooded in nesting
cylinders for 24 hours after hatching and then
moved to brood pens. Upon reaching four weeks of
age ducklings were moved from the brooders at
Sandwich Game Farm to the Ayer Game Farm.
They will be held over winter and released on
selected areas during the spring of 1973.

Wood Duck Nesting Study

Wood duck production on the Great Meadows
National Wildlife Refuge increased slightly for the
second year in a row with 60 ducklings being
produced from seven nest attempts. Thirteen
additional ducklings were hatched by a wild hen
incubating game farm wood duck eggs. Production
was also up slightly on SUASCO study areas with
108 ducklings produced from 14 nest attempts.
One nest was destroyed by a raccoon. The aban-
donment of a second nest on the same area was
attributed to raccoon molestation.

Production on central Massachusetts areas was
down 12 percent with 372 ducklings being
produced from 36 nest attempts. The major reason
for the decrease is attributed to raccoon predation.
At Nipmuc Pond in Mendon, an apparently un-
dersized raccoon slipped through the predator
guards of several boxes and killed three incubating
hooded mergansers and two female wood ducks. It
also destroyed a third nest before incubation could
be started. One wood duck nested successfully in
1972 versus eight wood ducks in 1971. A raccoon
was also responsible for killing an incubating hen

at Bristol-Blake in Norfolk and caused the aban-
donment of a second nest.

Wood duck production on non-research areas
was up slightly. Increases were noted on the
Concord River and on a number of other areas in
Middlesex and Essex County. This increase was
slightly negated by an increase in nest losses due
to vandalism, nest predation, storms and high
water.Over half the recorded nest loss was due to
raccoon activities.

Production in southeastern Massachusetts in-
creased greatly over 1970 and 1971 with 56 nest
attempts on five study areas versus 36 in 1970.
Duckling production was up more than 40 percent
over 1971 (502 versus 344).

Statewide, wood duck production appears to be
slowly increasing. It is hoped that the Division will
be able to increase its box erection and main-
tenance program accordingly.

Evaluation of Starling-Proof Nesting Cylinders

Wood ducks successfully nested in 11 of 69
available starling-proof nesting cylinders
distributed across the state. One hooded
merganser also nested successfully. A total of 101
wood ducks and 12 hooded mergansers were
produced. Utilization of cylinders has increased
from five nests on three areas in 1970 (59
available boxes) to 12 nests on six areas in 1972
(69 available boxes).

No starlings have been observed in the boxes
since the program started although several grackle
nests have been discovered.

Statewide Development

This project is concerned with the development
and maintenance of wildlife management areas;
the construction, erection and maintenance of
wood duck nesting boxes; and the preparation of
15-year work plans for management areas.

Development consists of creating access to
management areas and improving wildlife habitat.
Access is created through the construction of roads
and trails, parking areas and bridges. Informational
and boundary signs are posted on all areas.
Methods used to improve wildlife habitat are:
managing forested areas through selective cutting
and clear cutting; planting herbaceous seed for
food and cover (i.e., millet, buckwheat, rye. swit-
chgrass, reed canary grass, timothy, alfalfa, etc.);
planting trees and shrubs; controlling noxious
invading vegetation through brush cutting and
application of herbicides; improving the forest
understory through brush cutting to promote
sprout growth and cover; and management of
wetland areas by manipulation of water levels to
allow growth of emergent vegetation, either

atural or planted, to produce food and cover.

Maintenance is concerned with keeping existing

ities and existing developed sections in good

This includes: keeping buildings in good

repair; paintingand replanking bridges; graveling,

iding, filling holes, and brush cutting roads;
reposting and repairing signs; and top dressing
and brush cutting fields.

Wood duck nesting boxes are checked annually
to determine usage, replace broken parts, replace
missing boxes, replace broken or rotten poles, and
renew nest box shavings. Usually, new boxes are
also constructed and erected on areas that
previously had no boxes.

Below is a summation of project work for fiscal
1972.

Trails

Parking Lots
Signs

Trees

Shrubs -

Created 1.1 miles of new trails

Constructed 3 new lots

Constructed 152 new information
signs: marked 8 miles of boundaries.

Planted 200 hetzi juniper and 500
red pine

Planted 2.000 multiflora rose and
500 autumn olive.

Mi!

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:,<.:" .-»-*-

An airboat and high-intensity lights have proven invaluable in
capturing waterfowl for studying and banding.

Herbaceous F'tlds -

Clearing -
Vegetation Control —

Timber Management

Wood Duck
Nesting Boxes -

Planted and maintained 401 acres of
fields

Cleared 43 acres of forested land

Brush cut and hand cut 268 acres
and treated 148 acres with herbicide.

Selectively cut 21 acres of forested

land

Constructed and erected 46 nest
boxes on areas that previously had no
boxes

Project Administration — Expended 193 days; including
planning, supervision, ordering
materials, preparing monthly and
annual reports, and project renewals.

Plans

Maintenance:

Completed plans for the Birch Hill
and Delaney Wildlife Management
Areas

Buildings 8 buildings
Dams 10 dams
Bridges 10 bridges
Roads 5 miles

Trails 99 7 miles
Parking Lots — 55
Signs 728 signs and 25

miles of boundaries
Wood Duck Nesting Boxes -

744 boxes

Mourning Dove Banding Project

The objectives of this project are to gain in-
formation on the mourning dove population in
Massachusetts and to provide data on how many
doves produced here are harvested by hunters in
states south of Massachusetts where there are
legal seasons on doves.

The 1971 mourning dove banding project was
conducted from 13 July 1971 through 23 Sep-
tember 1971. A total of 2163 doves were banded,
an increase of 123 over the 1970 figure of 2040.
Doves were banded at nine sites in eastern
Massachusetts by personnel of the Manomet Bird
Observatory, cooperators of the Massachusetts
Division of Fisheries and Game, and by personnel
at Fort Devens Army Base.

The majority of doves, 2161, were captured in
two foot square wire traps designed for the pur-
pose of trapping doves; the traps are baited with
cracked corn or white millet and placed on the
ground in open fields. The personnel at Fort
Devens built 24 new traps in 1971 with materials
purchased with project funds. The remaining 62
doves were captured in nylon mist nets designed
for catching wild birds.

As of July 1972 we have had twenty-two reports

of doves that were banded during the 1971 project.
These reports have come from the following
states: Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, Maryland,
Virginia, Georgia, Alabama, Florida, and
Massachusetts. Fifteen of these reports are a
result of hunting harvest; the remaining seven are
of doves found dead or trapped alive and released
after the band number was noted.

Game Farms

In an effort to reduce construction costs, em-
ployees at the Ayer Game Farm designed and
constructed a new type of rearing pen, using plastic
netting in place of galvanized poultry netting. This
resulted in using less labor and materials, and, of
particular value was its ability to withstand heavy,
wet snow. In addition, annual repairs and
replacements to brooder houses, buildings, rearing
pens, etc. were made.

Losses due to theft at the Sandwich Game Farm
were stopped when the culprit was apprehended.
Over 1500 game birds were stolen at this farm but
vandalism to both pens, property, and game birds
was experienced at all installations.

Heavy losses by mammalian predation occurred
at the Ayer Game Farm when over 1000 birds were
killed.

Disease losses were moderate during this fiscal
period. However, pulmonary edema or "marble
spleen" — a strange disease in pheasants — still
occurs in our flocks. Birds die suddenly for no
apparent reason. This disease will be investigated
thoroughly by the aid of the newly created Nor-
theast Wildlife Disease Research Unit at the
University of Connecticut. It is hoped that
knowledge of how the disease spreads, what
treatments are effective, and preventive measures
will be discovered.

At the Sandwich Game Farm a new waterfowl
display was constructed creating the largest
waterfowl exhibit in the northeastern United
States. Such species as pintail, gadwall, wood duck,
hooded mergansers, shoveler, redhead, can-
vasback, all species of teal, blue and snow geese,
mute swans, and numerous others will be viewed
annually by visitors.

Forest Pheasant Project

Approximately 565 hybrids were released on
Prescott Peninsula, Quabbin Reservation, and
Martha's Vineyard. The releases of adults revealed
poor survival on Prescott Peninsula while good
results were observed on the Vineyard. Besides the
problem of poor survival in forested areas, the
reproduction of brood stock at the Division's game
farms and the University of Massachusetts was

extremely low. Studies are now underway to try to
determine the cause of the low reproductive
performance and to obtain information on an in-
dividual basis in order to facilitate selection of a
superior population. The limited data available at
this time suggests that the hybrids are later
maturing than the present game farm stock.

However, due to the lack of good release sites,
rearing facilities, and budgetary problems, it ap-
pears that this project should be discontinued or
transferred to the University of Massachusetts'
Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences.

Massachusetts Woodcock Project

The objective of this woodcock project is to in-
crease the available data on this species within
Massachusetts as well as the present range of
woodcock as part of a Federal research project on
webless migratory game birds.

Seventeen randomized singing ground routes
established by the Migratory Bird Populations
Station were surveyed using both Division of
Fisheries and Game personnel and Bureau of Sport
Fisheries and Wildlife cooperators.

A total of 200 woodcock captures was made in
1971-1972 which included six recaptures and 13
repeats. This total includes two mortalities.

Division personnel concentrated their efforts on
mist-netting and locating summer concentration
fields. A total of 97 new birds was netted by this
method. The sex ratio was 92 males to five females.
Brood banding by the use of bird dogs resulted in
five broods banded with a total of 11 chicks. Again,
low brood capture was due to inclement weather
during the peak hatching period (about May 10) in
central Massachusetts. High nest losses were
noted caused by nest desertion and predation.
Night lighting resulted in 70 new birds banded.

Federal Aid Project W-35-R-13, Game Population
Trend and Harvest Survey, Job 1-1, Statewide Small
Game Harvest, revealed the following important
woodcock data :

1. The expanded number of hunters seeking
woodcock increased by 6,200 from the reported
20,551 in 1968 to 26,727 in 1970

2. The 1970 expanded bag take showed 67,886
woodcock harvested.

Experimental Turkey Stocking

Massachusetts turkey populations were sur
veyed by direct observation, track counts, and
cooperator reports. Turkey populations on central
Massachusetts areas (Quabbin. Barre. Douglas)
declined from 1970 71. This decline was probably

due to decreased winter survival following the
cessation of winter feeding (1970-71). and by cold
spring rains which adversely affected clutch
hatchability and poult survival. Western District
populations of game farm stock (October Moun-
tain. Mt. Washington) have also declined, as a
result of deliberate efforts to remove this inferior
stock. In two other areas. Myles Standish Forest
and the Holyoke Range, only stray birds remain.

Six turkeys (2 adult female, 3 juvenile female, 1
juvenile male) were trapped by cannon net in
Hamilton's Orchards. New Salem during Sep-
tember 1971 and transferred to Horse Mountain,
Hatfield. One adult female was killed by a dog two
months later. Another cannon net shot was made
during November near Underhill Brook on Prescott
Peninsula. Seven turkeys (1 adult male, 3 adult
female. 3 juvenile female) were captured. All were
banded, wing tagged, and released at the capture
site.

The recently apparent dispersal of Quabbin-
trapped turkeys from Barre. Douglas, and the
Quabbm itself is encouraging. However, the rate
ind extent of dispersal, the survivability of the
turkeys, and the degree of inherent wildness is
inferior to that observed in restoration work in
other states which used solely wild-trapped stock.
In orderto maximize success and minimize delay in
the statewide restoration project, high-quality,
wild-trapped stock should be obtained and
released on suitable areas in western and central
Massachusetts, with future trap and transplant
efforts based on stock from these new populations.
Through the cooperation of the New York State
Department of Environmental Conservation, a few
wild-trapped turkeys have already been obtained.
The project leader, and a University of
Massachusetts graduate student trapped seven
turkeys (1 adult male. 2 immature male. 1 im-
mature female. 3 adult female) in Allegany State
Park. Cattaraugus County. New York in March
1972. and released them in Beartown State Forest,
Berkshire County. Massachusetts. Hopefully,
enough more can be obtained to bring the total
released to fifteen turkeys.

Mr. Walter M. Tzilkowski, a graduate student at
the University of Mass., is conducting an in-
vestigation of the habitat utilized by transplanted
wild turkeys, with special emphasis' being given to
areas used for nesting, brood-rearing, and winter
feeding. In conjunction with this, one turkey from
the Horse Mountain release, two from the Prescott

(Continued on Page 19)

*?i-7-;' .'-.-■ : «,', ■'. .;"■'

klsh . :". :..■■■■/!*■ l;*,;.^-;
Photo by Dick Smith

Musket shooting on National Hunting and Fishing Day — part of
a nationwide effort on the part of sportsmen to educate the
public.

Information and
Education

The Massachusetts Fish and Game Division has
always enjoyed good communication with the
public because of its policy of allowing any and all
employees to openly discuss any phase of their
immediate duties. This allows the Division to have
150 people engaged in public relations. The
Division has always benefited from this kind of
honest communication.

In addition to their other duties the District
Managers are responsible for disseminating in-
formation to the public. This regional program has
been in effect for 23 years and has been highly
successful in bringing government to the people.

During Fiscal 1972 the districts, Westboro field
headquarters and the Boston office handled 450
informational meetings throughout the state. Many
problems and misunderstandings are averted with
this type of communication.

Regarding the wetlands bond issue, the I and E
section prepared a movie on the Hockomock
Swamp, a slide show for lecture use by the districts,
a special brochure, and assisted the Mass.
Audubon Society in the publication of a magazine
designed to foster interest in wetlands protection.

An effort was made to help sportsmen and en-
vironmentalists find unspoiled areas by preparing
a list of topographic map outlets.

For the firs* National Hunting and Fishing Day,

the Division assisted sportsmen's clubs where
possible and hosted open houses at game farms,
hatcheries and at the Westboro Wildlife
Management Area. Approximately 45 clubs hosted
similar open houses.

"Turkeys Under Glass" was the Division's
exhibit at the New England Sportsmen's Show. A
live pair of wild turkeys (male and female) in their
natural habitat proved an instant success.

In addition to the turkey exhibit 300 items from
the Division's Fish and Wildlife Museum were
displayed at the Sportmen's Show cooperatively
with Commerce and Development.

The Magazine

There is a tendency among I and E'ers to stress
information and to ignore education. Almost
without exception state fish and game agencies are
extremely energetic in providing information about
their fish and wildlife programs, but too much of
the information is designed to solicit support for
these programs and too little is designed to
educate.

The public is informed through news releases,
lectures, TV programs, radio programs, leaflets,
magazines, annual reports. But one can be jrv
formed without being educated. Education is the
process by which raw information is organized and
stashed away for future use. Facts relating to the
environment are bricks — nearly worthless by
themselves but when laid and cemented with the
mortar of education, they are the foundation on
which an individual can build his outdoor
philosophy. Does it really matter, for instance, if a
person can rattle off the names of birds and
mammals but is incapable of grasping the inherent
good in a simple predator-prey relationship and
advocates the shooting of "bad" raptors because
they eat "good" game birds? Does it really matter if
an individual knows how our trout are raised,
where they are stocked and how to go about cat-
ching them if he sees trout fishing as simply a
method of collecting meat?

Like other I and E people in other state fish and
game agencies we occasionally find our program
foundering in a lot of loose "information"; every
now and then we stop and ask ourselves where
we're going. With the magazine we have attempted
to set a course and to put the education back into
our information and education program.

Massachusetts Wildlife is not a sporting journal.
We are not nearly as interested in the simple acts
of hunting and fishing as in the philosophy that
underlies - or should underlie - hunting and
fishing.

In the May-June issue Dann Colburn rats to our
readers on 45 of his favorite bass hot spots Dann

f X

The Massachusetts Junior Conservation Camp is directed by
Massachusetts Conservation Incorporated, a non-profit cor-
poration chartered tor the purpose ot conservation-education in
cooperation with the Massachusetts Department ot Education,
Massachusetts Department of Natural Resources, and
Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Game.

and the rest of us know enough about bass not to
worry much about these little gold mines getting
"cleaned out" so we offered them to other
fishermen in the hope that an underharvested
resource would get more attention. We hope
anglers found the two-page list useful, but, for our
money, the list itself wasn't one tenth as important
as the single paragraph that preceded it:

". . . Do not treat (this list) as a complete guide to
Massachusetts bass fishing, just as a collection of
one fisherman's favorite spots. I hope you enjoy
them as much as I have. All I ask is that you fish
quietly, cleanly, with your mind open to the pond
and the beauty that surrounds it, that you go not as
a taker but as a participant."

In the July-August issue the editors tackled a
sticky problem— woodchuck hunting. For some
time we have been defining conservation as the
wise use of our natural resources so how were we
supposed to justify a type of hunting in which 99
percent of the time the game is left to rot on the
ground? "Pest control" rationalization won't work;
occasionally woodchucks may become pests; in
those cases where they are, though, we should be
addressing ourselves to pest-control agents,
certainly not hunters who harvest and utilize a
resource in the true spirit of conservation. The
statement that there are always plenty of wood-
chucks — while quite correct — is irrelevant to the
topic at hand. Our concern is not what woodchuck
hunting does to woodchucks but what it does to
hunters. No matter how you slice it shooting
something anything and leaving it where it
falls is lousy conservation Woodchuck hunting is
quite popular in Massachusetts and we weren't
about to curb it any by coming out against it in our
little magazine. A ban on woodchuck hunting
wasn't what we were really after anyway; we did
not object to shooting woodchucks. we objected
only to wasting woodchucks And. again, it was not

the actual waste itself that bothered us but the
overall cheapening effect that such waste has on
the grand sport of hunting.

Accordingly we published a straight-forward
cle on woodchuck hunting and obtained per-
mission from Remington to tun three woodchuck
recipes beside it. The recipes appeared in obvious
places, along with the following editor's note:

"The editors of Massachusetts Wildlife strongly
urge hunters not to let the woodchucks or, for that
matter, any other game they harvest go to waste.
Three recipes for woodchuck, taken from the
Remington Wild Game Cookbook, courtesy of
Remington Arms, appear on the following pages.
Try them; they're delicious."

One of the most widely used arguments against
hunting is its alleged damaging effect on wildlife
populations. The bare biological fact is that there
isn't any -- not now with modern management
techniques and adjustable game laws. We are
losing our wildlife at an alarming rate, but not to
hunting; the single decimating factor is habitat
destruction. We can present this fact as straight
information until we're blue in the face and the
reaction among readers will invariably be the same

hunters will applaud, anti-hunters will hiss and
spurn our effort as "propaganda." Here is a superb
opportunity for a bit of education. If we resist the
temptation to force-feed our readers, and let them
draw their own conclusions from low-key and
honestly-worded illustrations, then we will have
succeeded in our objective. The November-
December issue carried a curious little piece en-
titled "Monument to the Past." In it the life and
death of the passenger pigeon was recorded. Even
after a century of uncontrolled exploitation the
passenger pigeon flourished. He survived in the
face of set guns, nets, burning pots of sulfur, clubs,
canoe paddles. He fed a nation until that nation
destroyed his habitat the virgin hardwood

forests -- then he vanished swiftly and forever.
This straight history was all the article contained
and it wasall it had to contain. Any editorializing on
our part would have weakened our position and
given it the scent of propaganda.

Fish and game agencies are arms of state
government and because they are, many have the
unjustifiable notion that they should evade con-
troversial issues. Conservation by its very nature is
controversial and if I and E sections are con-
scientious about living up to their written
obligations they must not duck when the flak gets
thick. People in state government have been
typecast as pompous politicians unwilling to

Twelve half-hour TV shows on Division projects were prepared
for Channel 6, 1 for Channel 56, 1 for Channel 4.

commit themselves on any given issue. Because
many otherwise honest and energetic state em-
ployees see this stigma as an expected norm that
attends their particular office much of the written
material that flows out of state agencies is
spineless and veiled in verbosity. State agencies
should do the job that the public created them for
even if it means offending certain segments of the
public. Accordingly we have attempted in our
magazine to publish hard-hitting, tersely-worded
articles on environmental subjects. And, in those
cases where exploiters have been government
agencies or powerful corporate interests we have
not hesitated to name names. For example, an
article on the rape of the Millers River appeared in
our May-June issue; in it we listed every known
polluter together with those polluters who have
defied clean-up orders from the Division of Water
Pollution Control. Another article, in the January-
February issue, examined the problem of oil
pollution and the governmental and corporate
negligence and greed that permits it.

Finally, in our editorials we have dealt with such
delicate topics as "eco-pornography" (July-
August), slob "sportsmen," (May-June), and the
divisive bickering among environmentalists over
the morality of hunting (January-February).

Photography

The I and E section was most fortunate in ob-
taining the full-time services of two highly skilled
wildlife photographers. Jack Swedberg, an ex-
perienced and eminently qualified wildlife
photographer now heads the photo section.
Swedberg has worked primarily in Massachusetts
and has a wide knowledge of the state's ecology;

Right: robins and water snake, each a vital link in a complex
chain of life. Part of the Division's I and E effort has been to
educate the public to the fact that there is no such thing as a
"bad" creature or, for that matter, a "valuable" one. All life forms
have proven their worth by their very existence and how man
perceives them hasn't one shred of cosmic relevance, (photos by
Bill Byrne).

he has published photos in virtually every major
conservation magazine in America. His films have
received national recognition. Bill Byrne, trans-
ferring from the deer project, has had professional
training in wildlife management and wide ex-
perience in wildlife photography; he will be
working under Swedberg's direction.

New field photo subjects under the Division's
new photography set-up have included: turkey,
duck (nesting and brood), barred owl, Canada
goose, snow goose, woodcock (nest), grouse
(nest), wood duck (nesting in natural cavity),
songbirds, gulls, cormorants, pheasants,
goshawks(in flight), hummingbirds, various
waterfowl, beaver, deer, foxes, snakes, frogs,
flowers.

A new filing system for stills and movies has been
implemented. Books containing numbered contact
sheets categorize mammals, birds, reptiles, am-
phibians, fish, insects, plants, wildlife management
projects alphabetically by species.

Colored stills have been filed by subject in closed
metal trays. Each tray contains 600 35mm tran-
sparencies, filed by species in groups of 30.

Movies have been filed on reels according to
subject. Each has been labelled by species on the
outside of the can.

Twelve half-hour TV shows on Division projects
were prepared for Channel 6, 1 for Channel 56, 1
for Channel 4. Regular news spots were released to
all major networks.

A slide show entitled "Ecology" was prepared
and set to music; a film entitled "Song of the
Waterfowl" was also prepared and set to music. A
comprehensive film on the wood duck project was
put together for lecture use by Division personnel.

The photo section requested the location of
certain subjects via news releases. The experiment
proved most rewarding.

Forthcoming were 4 goose nests, 3 wood duck
nests in natural cavities, 1 grouse nest, 2 woodcock
nests, 1 red fox den, one otter fishing area, 1 black
bear with cub.

Respectfully submitted,

Richard Cronm,

Chief of Information and Education

i..,-.

•

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■■«,:'

Sfs&i

The Permanent Protection

Wetlands Act will help the

Division of Fisheries and

Game preserve the state's

most productive wildlife

habitat. (Photo by Floyd Richardson)

REALTY

During the past year the Division has been the
recipient ot tour gitts of land, each of which was a
valuable addition to the Division's ever increasing
acreage.

The Western Massachusetts Electric Company
donated to the Division a gift of 150 acres of prime
farmland situated in the Town of Northfield. The
area is already being managed for wildlife by the
district personnel. We are sure that any state or
local agency interested in the preservation of open
space would have been most grateful for this
generous gift.

The Squannacook Sportsman's Club was most
generous when it decided to give us a parcel of land
on the beautiful Baddacook Pond in Groton, which
they had acquired. We feel quite sure that sport-
smen during this and many more fishing seasons to
come will find this parking area both convenient
and useful. We hope they will realize that the area
was given for everyone's use by fellow sportsmen.

The Hamilton Rod and Gun Club was also the
generous donor of some 62 acres of land in the
Towns of Brookfield and Sturbridge, which they
originally acquired for their own use. This area is
close to a Division-controlled wildlife management
area and is a very valuable addition to our holdings
throughout the state.

In December the Division was pleasantly sur-
prised with the offer of a 25-acre parcel in the
Town of Uxbndge. The site is unique in that it has a
two-mile long canal and many ecological features
which make it most attractive. The site was
evaluated by Division personnel. They determined
that it had excellent fish and wildlife potential.
Consequently. Mrs. Rose N. Marcus of Worcester,
owner of the property, presented the deed, tran-

sferring ownership to the Division. We are grateful
for Mrs. Marcus's generosity.

A long discussed acquisition was completed with
the acquisition of approximately three acres on
Cook Pond in Fall River. Plans to clean up this
pond, build a pier and parking lot with a good ac-
cess road are now in the preliminary stages of
development. More land was added to the Swift
River Area, the Crane Pond and Downfall Areas. A
large tract of salt marsh was acquired in Ipswich
and a very valuable parcel was acquired along the
Mashpee River in Mashpee.

The acquisition of several other parcels was
planned in this fiscal year. However, great dif-
ficulties were experienced in obtaining the
necessary approvals to employ title examiners and
appraisers. Consequently, the completion of these
acquisitions was delayed and in some cases we will
probably lose the land as a result of these delays.

Much time was spent by the staff in classifying
land and bringing the Master Land Inventory up-to-
date. We are required to submit each September a
revised and updated inventory. It may be of in-
terest to know that as of July 1, 1972 the Division
owned 24,939.8 acres throughout the state.

Each year the staff receives many inquiries from
residents of the state about our interest in
acquiring their land. We make a sincere effort to
check into these offers to determine the suitability
of the property to our needs and other related
information necessary before a decision can be
made dn what action will be taken in each case.
This entails an investment of time and travel, but
we feel that if a landowner is interested enough to

contact us, then we should show interest by
checking into the matter. Many times the land
offered is not suitable for our needs, but we advise
the owner of other agencies that might be in-
terested in the property.

The enactment of the Coastal Marshes and
Inland Wetlands Act (Chapter 839 Acts of 1971)
which is adequately covered in other sections of
this annual report, heralded the beginning of an
important new program for the Realty Section.

In the administration of funds provided in the
previous bond issue for land acquisitions we felt a
moral obligation to expend these funds as
economically and prudently as possible. We see no
reason to change our policy in the administration of
coastal marshes and inland wetlands. Since we do
not have permanent staff members to handle title
examinations and appraisals, we are entirely
dependent on the hiring of consultants to do this
work. This method of operation could be ad-
ministratively sound and economical if those
outside the Division who must approve the em-
ployment of these consultants could develop a
system whereby action could be taken in a matter
of a couple of weeks rather than have the ap-
provals drag on for months as has been the case in
many instances. This is a bottleneck which has
slowed our acquisition program down considerably
and has caused some sellers to become concerned
that we are not going to purchase their land.

Work has started on the Hockomock Swamp
area, which will be a major program of acquisition.
We are most appreciative and grateful to the Board
of Selectment of the Town of Easton for providing
us with the office space necessary to establish a
project headquarters in the area of acquisition.
This is a major acquisition undertaking and will
involve between five and six thousand acres when
completed. There are literally hundreds of small
parcels of land within the swamp area and
progress will be slow and tedious.

Respectfully submitted,
Joseph H. Johnson
Chief of Wildlife Lands

WILDLIFE (continued from page 14)

Peninsula flock, and one from the Beartown release
were equipped with back-pack radiotelemetry
units for monitoring the birds' movements.

Respectfully submitted,
Warren W. Blandin,

Chief of Wildlife Research
and E. Michael Pollack,

Chief Game Biologist

Financial Report July 1, 1971 to June 30, 1972

RECEIPTS FROM FISHING, HUNTING AND TRAPPING LICENSES

Fees Retained

by Town Clerk

Net Returne

Licenses

Price

Number

Gross Amount

or City

To State

Series No.

Res. Cit. Fishing

(5.25)

127,530

669,532.50

31,646.75

637,885.75

Series No.

Res. Cit. Hunting

(5.25)

57,914

304,048.50

14,36950

289,679.00

Series No.

Res. Cit. Sporting

(8.25)

60,455

498,753.75

14,986.75

483.767.00

Series No.

Res. Cit. Minor Fishing

(3.25)

19,358

62,91675

4,82375

58.093.00

Series No.

4-A

Res. Cit. Female Fishing

(4.25)

26,015

110,563.75

6,459.50

104,104.25

Series No.

Res. Cit. Minor Trapping

(3.25)

215

698.75

5350

645.25

Series No.

Res. Cit. Trapping

(8.75)

599

5,24125

147.25

5.094.00

Series No.

Non. Res. 7-day Fishing

(5.25>

2,393

12,563.25

594.75

11,968.50

Series No.

Non. Res. Fishing

(9.75)

3,999

38,990.25

986 50

38.00375

Series No.

9-A

Alien Fishing

(9.75)

1,022

9,964.50

25225

9.712.25

Series No.

Non. Res. or Alien Hunting

(16.25)

2,575

41,84375

494 00

41,34975

Series No.

Duplicate Licenses

( .50)

3,469

1,734.50

1.734.50

Series No.

Res. Cit. Sporting

(FREE)

17,542

Series No.

Res Cit. (Mentally Ret.)
Paraplegic and to the blind

(FREE)

856

Series No.

Military or Naval

(FREE)

7,128

Series No.

Paraplegic Hunting

(FREE)

331,106

1,756.851.50

74.81450

1.682037.00

APPROPRIATIONS AND EXPENDITURES

Expenditures

Account No & Title

Appropriation

& Liabilities

Reverted

1070 0000

"Stration

252,961 00

S 228,774 97

$24,186.03

1070 7300

Management

687,386.00

663,577.13

23,808 87

1070 7322

Anadromous Fish Projects

22,000.00

20,624 97

1,375.03

1070 2342

■-toration Projects

54,960.00

53,825.03

1,134,97

1070 2400

Wildlite Management

577,927.00

564,654.21

13,272.79

1070 7461

Wildlife Restoration

221,525.00

220,020.39

1,504.61

1070 2502

Eastern Dove Management

3,500 00

3.500.00

SI, 820, 259. 00

SI. 754, 976. 70

$65,282.30

Continuing

Balance

1070 2451

Damage by Wild Deer

Appropriations

Expenditures

Forward

and Moose

513,420.30

S 8,731.56

$4,688.74

10702302

Replacement Hatchery House

Sunderland

50,000.00

10702303

Pollution Abatement

McLaughlin

15,000.00

1070 2305

Replacement Upper Pools

Sandwich

35,000.00

35 ,000.00

1070 2463

Construction Storage Build

Newbury

12,200.00

10709013

Land and Water Acquisition

and Development

506,619.32

92,647 26

413,972.06

10709016

Coastal and Inland

Wetlands

5,000,000.00

S5, 632, 239. 62

$101,378.82 55,530,860.80

•*60'- Reimbursed Federal Funds
***75'- Reimbursed Federal Funds
•* **100 '- Reimbursed Federal Funds

HOW THE SPORTMEN'S DOLLAR WAS SPENT

Board of Fisheries & Game

10700000

512.00

127,018.33

Information Education

1070 0000

101,756.64

FISHERIES PROGRAMS

Fish Hatcheries

1070 2300

453,525.09

18?

Fisheries Management

1070 2300

$210,052.04

• * *Fish Restoration Projects

1070 2342

53,825.03

Fisheries Management

1070 2400

142,294.47

Fisheries Research Coop. Unit

1070-2341

10,000.00

••Certain Anadromous Fish

17*

Projects

1070 2322

20,624.97

436,796.51

WILDLIFE PROGRAMS

Game Farms

1070 2400

280,065.27

11*

Wildlife Management

1070 2400

142,294.47

Wildlife Research Coop. Unit

1070 2441

8,360.72

• Damage by Wild Deer

1070 2451

8,731.56

•••Wildlife Restoration Projects

1070 2461

220,020.39

• **Eastern Dove Management

1070-2502

3,500.00

382,907 14

15*

LAND ACQUISITION

•Land & Water Acquisition

and Development

1070 9013

92,647.26

DEPT. OF NATURAL RESOURCES

Natural Resources Officers

Salaries and Expenses (26'.)

1020 0000

236,132.00

Supervision Public Hunting

and Fishing Grounds ( 1 00 -. )

10200200

14,270 00

Office of the Commissioner (.004)

10000000

2,223.70

Office of the Sec. of

Environmental Affairs (2 '. )

0450-1400

2,110.00

254,735.70

102

RETIREMENT ASSESSMENT

0612 1000

60,000.00

2'/.

GROUP INSURANCE

59,041.00

2 2

INTEREST ON BONDED DEBT

1079 8000

90,375.00

SERIAL BONDS AND NOTES

1079-9000

200,000.00

8 2

ADMINISTRATION
Administration

'Continuing Appropriations
**60". reimbursable Federal Funds
***75'. reimbursable Federal Funds
* * ** 1 00 '■ reimbursable Federal Funds

$2,538,867.94 100 2

Massachusetts Freshwater Fish Awards Program

During Fiscal 1972 the Massachusetts Freshwater Sportfishing Awards Program continued through financial
assistance from Division of Tourism and the Department of Commerce and Development.

The second year with salmon on the list saw a new state record — an increase of 1 lb. 4 oz. The new record, 9 lbs. 5 oz.
is held by John E. Courtney of Auburn.

The catfish record fell to Wayne Briggs, Belchertown who took a 13 lb. 14 oz. fish from Metacomet Pd., Belchertown.

The award plaque ceremony was held at the New England Sportsmen's Show, Hynes Auditorium.

Species

LM Bass
SM Bass
N. Pike
Pickerel
R Trout
B Trout
L Trout
Shad
Salmon
Catfish
Walleye
Bluegill
Bullhead
W. Perch
Y Perch
Brook Trout
Calico
"'out

Freshwater Fish Records

FRESHWATER FISHING RECORDS FROM JULY 1, 1972 to JUNE 30, 1972

Weight

91b. 12 C

6 lb 8 c
171b. 14>A<

51b. 12 c

51b. 15 c

11 lb. 9 <

121b. 5 c

8 1b. 4 (

91b. 5 (

131b. 14 (

7 lb 8
1 lb, 3Uoz.
4 lb. .02 oz
21b. 8 oz.
lib. 5 oz

31b.

1 lb, 12 oz
51b. 15 oz.

Length Girth

OZ. .

25"
20"
40'.."
26"
24' ?"
25.5"
31' 2"
25' /'
27.1"
29 6"
30' i"

11' 7"

19' /'
15'.."

15*8"

19"

15'.."

24'?"

19.25'
16"

1834"

14' ?"

13' 2"
20"
173S"
15'.)"

15"
914"
12"
11"
9"
12"

Place Caught How Caught

Muddy Pd., Carver live bait

Wachusett Res., Boylston fly fishing

Cheshire Res , Cheshire ice tackle

Halfway Pd., Plymouth ice tackle

Sluice Pd., Lynn spinning

Wachusett Res., Boylston live bait

Chicopee R., Chicopee spinning

Quabbin Res. trolling
Metacomet Pd., Belchertown

Quabbin Res. Iive bait

Red Bridge, Three Rivers bait casting

Dickinson Lk., Lunenburg live bait
Lake Wickaboag, W. Brookfield ice tackle

Brigham Pd., Hubbardston ice tackle

Sawmill Pd., Sharon spinning

Triangle Pd., Plymouth live bait

Sluice Pd., Lynn R Trout

Date Caught by

9 27 71 Kenneth King, Guild Rd., Brockton

8 19 71 Arnold Korenblum, 3 Whitelock Dr., Marlboro

1 13 72 Lewis Spiewak, Jr., 29 Copley Terrace, Pittsfield

2 9 72 William Bunker, 411 Laurel St., Bridgewater

4 15 72 George Booth, 20 West St., Marblehead

5 io 72 Otis Bates, 173 Highland St., Clinton

4 24 72 Robert Whittier, 135 Winter St., Clinton

5 18 72 Walter Ruszala, 150 Orchard St., Chicopee

9 5 71 John Courtney, 45 Winbrook Dr., Auburn
9 15 71 Wayne Briggs, P.O. Box 925, Belchertown

4 22 72 David Bassett, 803 East St., Amherst

6 12 72 Michael Morse, 68 Sparrow Dr., Springfield

5 2 72 Richard Dicker, 115 Buttrick Ave., Fitchburg

2 13 72 Reqina M. Ramonas, Lakeview Ave., W. Brookfield

12 4 71 George Furmanick, 946 Main St., Clinton

4 18 72 John Schuko, 63 Poll io Ave., Stoughton

4 29 72 Arthur Stetkis, 85 Howard St., Brockton

4 15 72 George Booth, 20 West St., Marblehead

(Continued on page 21)

SUMMARY OF FISH AND GAME INCOME

#Fishing, Huntingand Trapping Licenses $1,682,037.00

**Special Licenses, Trap Registrations and Tags 7,569.65

Archery Stamps 5,757.40

Rents 4,378.00

Miscellaneous and Sales 12,047.17

Court Fines 10,335.00

Refunds Prior Year 98.97

Pittman-Robertson Federal Aid 131,449.37

Dingell-Johnson Federal Aid 111,504.69

AnadromousFish Projects Federal Aid 28,469.89

Mass. Mourning Dove and

Woodcock Reimbursement 6,981.83

Reimbursement for Services 22,118.61

Bureau of Outdoor Recreation

Reimbursements 125,000.00

TAXIDERMIST:

$2,147,747.58

*See Receipts from Fishing, Hunting and Trapping Licenses
** See Analysis of Special Licenses

TRANSFERS TO INLAND FISHERIES
AND GAME FUND

Interest on Investments 4,537.50

Gasoline Tax Apportionment 281,810.15

Surplus in Inland Fisheries & Game Fund
as of June 30, 1972 $155,810.86

ANALYSIS OF SPECIAL LICENSES

Number RECEIPTS
TYPE OF LICENSE ISSUED
TRAP REGISTRATION:

Initial 113 $113.00

Renewal 314 314.00

Duplicate 1 .50

FUR BUYERS:

Resident 19 190.00

Non-Resident 5 100.00

PROPAGATORS:

Class 1 (Special Fish: )

Initial 19

Renewal 181

Class3(Fish)

Initial 12

Renewal 79

Class 4 (Birds & Mammals)

Initial 125

Renewal 483

Class6 (Dealers)

Initial 7

Renewal 76

Additional 440

Class 7 (Indiv. Bird or Mammal)

Initial 44

Renewal 80

SHINERS: (for bait) 152

FIELD TRIAL LICENSES: 8

QUAIL FOR TRAINING DOGS:

Initial 18

Renewal 72

COMMERCIAL SHOOTING PRESERVES 13

TRAPPING OF CERTAIN BIRDS: 2

MOUNTING PERMITS: 11

TAGS:

Game 4403

Commercial Shoot. Pres.

Pheasant 1120

Quail 300

Posters 400

Fish 13.300

425.00

95.00
543.00

60.00
237.00

625.00
1,449.00

35.00
228.00
440.00

44.00
40.00

760.00

80.00

90.00
216.00

650.00

10.00

11.00

SPECIAL FIELD TRIAL PERMITS:

37
TOTAL:

311.15
133.00

370.00

$7.56965

STANDING ALL-TIME MASSACHUSETTS FRESHWATER FISHING RECORDS

Through June 30, 1972

Species

Weight

LM Bass

121b.

loz

SM Bass

61b.

120Z

N Pike

24 1b.

8oz

Pickerel

9 1b.

5oz

R Trout

8 1b.

4 0Z

Brown Trout

191b.

10 oz

L. Trout

131b.

6oz

Shad

81b.

8oz

Channel Catfish

131b

14oi

Walleye

91b

3oz

Blueqill

1 lb.

Bullhead

51b.

9oz

5 1b.

8oz

4 1b.

9oz

Calico

21b. 9

1 voz

2 1b.

9oz.

W. Perch

2 1b.

12oz.

Y. Perch

21b

5oz.

Brook Trout

61b.

4 0Z.

Salmon

91b.

5 0Z.

Length

25'.."
21"
45' /'
29' j"
26"
31' /'
33"
28"
29 6"

11'.."
22' 2"
22' /'
22' i"
18"
18"
17"
17'.."
24"
27 1"

Girth

Place Caught

How Caught

Date

21%"

Palmer R , Rehoboth

bait casting

Pleasant Lk., Harwich

spinning

22"

Onota Lk , Pittsfield
Pontoosuc Lk . Lanesboro

hve bait

13
54

16"

Deep Pd , Falmouth

live bait

22sb"

Wachusett Res., Boylston

spinning

Quabbin Res , Pelham

trolling

17"

North R , Hanover

spinning

Metacomet Pd , Belchertown

Assawompsett Pd., Lakeville

bait casting

9' 2"

Bog Pd , Norton

spinning

11 Vj"

Conn , R , Hadley

live bait

14"

Leverett Pd , Leverett

live bait

11' /'

Conn R ., Chicopee

live bait

14"

Merrimack, Lowell

spinning

13' s"

Savorys Pd , Manomet

ice tackle

13"

Herring Pd ., Plymouth

trolling

12"

Wachusett Res , Boylston

spinning

14"

Otis Res , Otis

spinning

Quabbin Res.

Caught By

George Pastick, Fall River
Thomas Paradise, Arlington
Kris Ginthwain. Pittsfield
Mrs James Martin, Stockbndqe
Roger Walker, Eastondale
Dana DeBlois. Sterling
Alan Storm, Gardner
Richard C Brown, Norwell
Wayne Brigqs, Belchertown
William Spauldinq, Whitman
Robert Barrett, Stoughton
Mrs I rna Storie. Chicopee Falls
Sti phi n Brozo. Amherst
Joseph Kida. Chicopee
ie Olsson. Lowell
Charles Godin, Manomet
Manual P Souza. Dartmouth
Arnold Korenblum. Marlboro
Thomas Laptew. Granville
John E Courtney. Auburn

PBLi

Division of
FISHERIES and GAME

Field Hcadquort<-r%
WESTBORO. MASS 01581

Second Cla I

POSTAGE P/ [I

ot Worcester, f

MASSACHUSETTS
DIVISION OF
FISHERIES
AND GAME

Ten Years of Progress

ANNUAL REPORT 1973

■ ■

■

^r-

I V

Governor

FRANCIS W. SARGENT

Director
JAMES M. SHEPARD

DIVISION OF FISHERIES ANDGAME

Board

ROGER D. WILLIAMS, Chairman

Sudbury

BRADLEE E. GAGE, Secretary
Amherst

HARRY C. DARLING,
East Bridgewater

KENNETH F. BURNS
Shrewsbury

MARTIN H. BURNS
Newbury

JAMES M. SHEPARD
Director

PAULS.MUGFORD
Acting Asst. Director

COLTON H. BRIDGES
Superintendent

E.MICHAEL POLLACK
Chief Game Biologist

DAVID FREDEN BURGH
Chief Fish Culturist

WARREN W. BLANDIN
Chief of Wildlife Research

RICHARDCRONIN
Chief, Information and Education

JOSEPH JOHNSON
Chief of Realty

District Managers

Western District

EUGENE D.MORAN

Hubbard Ave., Pittsf ield

Phone: 447 V789

Central District

CARLS PRESCOTT

Temple St., W. Boylston

Phone : 835 3607

Northeastern District

WALTER HOYT

Box 86, Acton
Phone: 263 4347

Southeastern District

LEWIS C SCHLOTTERBECK
RFD No. 3, Buzzard's Bay

COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS

Division of Fisheries and Game
108th Annual Report

His Excellency, Francis W. Sargent, Governor of the Com-
monwealth, the Executive Council, the General Court and the
Board of Fisheries and Game:

Gentlemen:

I have the honor to submit herewith the one hundred and
eighth annual report of the Division of Fisheries and Game,
covering the fiscal year from July 1, 1972 to June 30, 1973.

James M. Shepard, Director
CONTENTS

Ten Years of Progress 1

The Board Reports 3

Fisheries 5

Wildlife 8

Information and Education 11

Legislation 14

Realty 15

Financial Report 16

Freshwater Fish Records 18

Ten Years of Progress: More than any ten-year period in the
Fish and Game Division's history, the decade since 1963 has
seen drastic change both in our overall program and philosophy.
During this period fish and wildlife management has evolved to
established science. Much hypothesis has crystalized into time-
tested theory. As rapid and dramatic as the change has been, we
are only just beginning to accelerate, just scratching the surface
of a vast potential for fish and wildlife restoration. Most en-
couraging of all — more so even than the technical advances —
has been the sudden development among the general public of
an environmental conscience; the "Land Ethic" that Aldo
Leopold could only dream about has at last begun to surface in
our society as a reality. This new philosophy is readily apparent
inside the Fish and Game Division and in those who are served
by the Division. At last we are coming to realize that hunting and
fishing — like all outdoor recreation — is synonymous with a
healthy environment. More and more, as is evidenced by our land
acquisition program, the Division is concerning itself with not
just fish and wildlife but the foundation on which these
resources rest. Today that foundation is crumbling everywhere,
but if conservationists can keep the pace they have set for
themselves over the last decade, there is much hope for the
future.

Cover pnoto by Jack Swedberg

THE COVER: A plump ringneck was not the
important thing collected this morning; a
memory was.

In describing progress in annual reports there is
a tendency to gloss over the many trials and
tribulations that inevitably take place in any
progressive program. Certainly the Division went
through some trying times in the years 1963 to
1973. There was inflation, ever-present budget
restrictions, unrest among sportsmen over deer
management and conflict over the Division's ef-
forts to establish a modern stream-stocking policy.

Nevertheless, the Division has emerged from
this ten-year period in generally fine shape and
with a dramatic record of accomplishment.

Two board members have served the Division for
nearly the full period. To these two men — Harry
Darling (12-3-62 to 10-6-72) and Martin Burns
(11-27-63 to 10-6-73) we dedicate the 1973 An-
nual Report.

Harry Darling was at the helm of the Board for
six years during the ten years. He took over for
Roger Williams who left the state for business
reasons. Darling graciously made the motion to re-
elect Roger Williams Board Chairman when
Williams returned to Massachusetts in October of
1970. Williams' first term as Chairman had been
from 1961 to 1965, his second from 1970 until the
present.

Darling's devotion to the principles of a non-
partisan Fish and Game Board goes back to 1948
when he helped lay the groundwork for legislation
that established the Board system.

The Board

The Fish and Game Board was established in
1948, and has since proven to be a stable and
workable system of government. During the last
ten years 11 men have served on the Fish and
Game Board. The five present members have
averaged five years each for a total of 25 years. The
present Director, James M. Shepard, has served for
the last nine years and has had a chance to cement
a professional working relationship with the Board.
This situation has permitted the evolution of well-
coordinated leadership with the added strengths of
continuity and experience.

In 1963 Fish and Game income was about $1.3
million — surplus about $.25 million. In 1973 an-
nual income had doubled — surplus close to $.5
million.

Yet the demand for services has outstripped the
increase in revenue. The Division made a plea for
funding help based on a study which indicated that
sportsmen contribute more than $110 million to
the economy of the state. There is an additional $1
million contributed in state excise taxes and $1.5

Ten Years of Progress

One of the many large abandoned farms purchased by the
Division with sportsmen's funds. While providing top-notch
hunting, the land is also used for other forms of recreation. In five
years after the $1 license increase the Division bought 10,000
acres at an average cost of $ 150 per acre.

million for licenses. While the passage of a $5
million bond issue aimed at wetland purchase and
protection indicates that increasingly the
Legislature is responding to these figures and is
aware that the Fish and Game Division is the most
efficient land-purchasing agent, much more is
needed.

The Fish and Game Division has made a
tremendous contribution to hunter safety
throughout the nation by developing the color
"hunter orange". Hunter orange shows up in the
woods like a warning beacon yet does not frighten
most animals.

The Boston office's move to the new State Office
Building was certainly a highlight of the 60's.

The establishment in 1971 of the Fish and
Wildlife Museum by Director Shepard and Mike
Beatrice will provide a sense of history for future
conservationists.

The Division has endeavored to educate
youngsters as to proper hunting techniques and
gun safety. An important beginning has been the
Youth Upland Hunt.

Land Acquisition

Unquestionably the greatest accomplishment in
the last 10 years has been in the field of land

In 1963 the Middlesex County League of Sportsmen's Clubs
purchased a large tract of land on the Squannacook River and
gave it to the Fish and Game Division as an example to other
organizations. The dedication took place in 1966, the same year
that the $1 license increase for land went into effect. Left is Dick
Cronin, then Northeast District Manager. Right, Jack Dixon,
Northeast Fisheries Manager.

acquisition. A dozen important parcels were given
to the Division by sportsmens clubs, county
leagues and public spirited citizens.

Prior to 1963 Fish and Game controlled 19
wildlife management areas which totaled 24,500
acres. Of these the Division owned seven. The
other 12 were leased or used with some form of
agreement in cooperation with other state and
federal agencies.

In 1964 the Board authorized a realty section. A
$1 increase in license fees went into effect in 1966.
The increase in revenue was used for land
acquisition. The same year the Division added an
engineer to its staff.

The Information and Education Section along
with key staff members took on the biggest selling
job in Division history when it publicized the need
for the proposed $5 million bond issue for wetland
acquisition. Two years of hard work resulted in
success.

Since 1963 the Division has purchased for public
use approximately 13,000 acres for about $2.5
million. The agency now owns and /or controls
43,000 acres, with many acres being added all the
time.
Wildlife

It has also been a productive 10 years for wildlife
management. Labor saving devices in other game
farms permitted one game farm to be closed and
sold. Today there are twice as many male

pheasants raised with less expense than there
were in 1963. This has resulted in part from a
breakthrough in sex linkage developed by the
Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Game. The
technique allows culturists to differentiate bet-
ween male and female pheasants immediately after
hatching instead of the former six- to seven-week
period.

The Division managed 19 wildlife management
areas in 1963. Today it manages 35. These areas
are used by the public for all types of recreation —
not just hunting and fishing.

Wild turkey populations have been re-
established in suitable range throughout the state.
The flocks are small, but at last showing signs of
growing. Problems with domestic genes have
hampered us in the past but, our biologists are
aware of the problem and the situation at last
appears to be under control.

Introduction of game birds in vacuum habitat has
taken place — sharp-tailed grouse for Nantucket,
ruffed grouse for Martha's Vineyard, Canada geese
for western Massachusetts.

Fisheries

Great progress has been realized in fisheries
management during the last 10 years. Improved
access to great ponds and large rivers resulted
from legislation enacted in the early 60's.

Lake trout were firmly established in Quabbin
Reservoir. Smelt problems were solved. The
potential of Quabbin to produce landlocked salmon
was proven.

The Division shut down three hatcheries that
had produced 60,000 pounds of trout. The same
number of men were able to rear 200,000 pounds
of trout at the Division's new McLaughlin hatchery
in Belchertown.

One of the deactivated trout hatcheries was re-
fitted for modern salmon production.

The Connecticut and Merrimack Rivers show
great promise for anadromous fisheries. Joint
efforts of Federal and state agencies during the 10
years since 1963 have created much optimism for
restoring shad and Atlantic salmon to historic
significance.

Since 1963 trout production in poundage has
increased by about a third.

To increase interest in fishing and produce some
potentially valuable data the Division, with the
financial backing of the Division of Commerce and
Development, implemented the Freshwater
Fishing Awards Program in 1963. Since that year
all existing records have been broken save for one
12 pound 1 ounce largemouth bass.

All in all it has been a fabulous ten years. The
forecast for the next ten is even better.

The Board Reports

The Fish and Game Board is proud to present to
the citizens of the Commonwealth the 108th An-
nual Report of the Massachusetts Division of
Fisheries and Game.

This year began with a number of innovative
programs dealing with fish and wildlife con-
servation. The Board quickly began a hectic
schedule of regulatory hearings, followed by an all-
around busy year for Director Shepard and his
staff.

The black duck imprinting program is an
ingenious method of coping with the crippling loss
of habitat that Massachusetts is experiencing
every day. As one branch of the agency tries to
establish more breeding by native waterfowl under
artificial conditions, another branch is working
hard to purchase and protect remaining wetlands
for natural breeding. This well-coordinated effort is
typical of the agency's attempts to provide well-
balanced and efficient programs.

Massachusetts celebrated National Hunting and
Fishing Day on September 23, 1972. The Board
feels that this is a significant day in the lives of our
citizens in that it honors the contribution of
fishermen and hunters to fish and wildlife con-
servation. Both the President and Governor
Sargent signed proclamations in recognition of the
contribution of 55 million American sportsmen to
the conservation of the nation's renewable natural
resources.

The Board held a hearing early in the year to
establish a milestone toward specialized, quality
hunting. The Board granted a three-day "primitive
weapons deer season" to begin the Monday
following the regular shotgun season in December
of 1973. Our regulation could not provide for the
use of rifles or the establishment of a special fee as
both would depend on a vote by the Legislature.

The Board was pleased to learn of the ap-
pointment of Dr. Donald R. Progulske to head the
Department of Forestry and Wildlife Management
at the University of Massachusetts and to
acknowledge the fine job of Professor Arnold D
Rhodes Department head for 16 years.

Professor Rhodes has returned to full-time
teaching at the University's Forestry School.

Board members pictured above are: Top row, left to right -
Roger D. Williams, Chairman; Bradlee E. Gage, Secretary.
Bottom row, left to right— Martin H. Burns, Kenneth F. Burns,
Harry C. Darling.

The Massachusetts Conservation Camp (having
completed its 23rd session) continues to be a vital
part of the Division's education effort. Youngsters
receive expert training in the skills of hunting,
fishing and nature study. The Division is proud of
the many camp graduates who currently have
leadership roles in environmental fields.

In August of 1972 Peter Pekkala, Game Manager,
was assigned to the Connecticut Valley District to
open an office at the Swift River Wildlife
Management Area. This will bring Division
programs closer to the people, establishing
communications and a better knowledge of wildlife
problems in towns that, in the past, were on the
fringes of the Western and Central Districts.
Westerly towns in the Connecticut Valley District
are Colrain, Shelburne, Conway, Williamsburg,
Westhampton. Southampton. Westfield and South-
wick On the eastern boundary the towns are
Warwick. Orange, New Salem. Ware, Palmer and
Monson In the near future, a permanent District
Manager and full District crew will work out of the
Belchertown facility.

Where possible the Division assisted the
Massachusetts Citizens to Save Open Space in
pushing their Farm Referenda. These were written
into the November ballot to enable the Legislature
to amend the Constitution and assess farmland for
its current rather than its potential use. The
referenda received an overwhelming "yes" vote so
that the Legislature can proceed in this important
step to slow the destructive and unplanned
development of our remaining open space.

At the waterfowl hearing held on August 18, the
Board elected to continue for a second year the
three-year experimental zoned waterfowl season.
The season is designed to spread hunting op-
portunities over a greater area.

A much needed increase in license fees went into
effect on October 11. This was earlier than ex-
pected. Administrative personnel thought the new
fees would go into effect January 1, 1973. However,
an oversight in stipulating effective date made the
bill law 90 days after it was signed by the Governor
even though no licenses were available. The
Division made an effort through every available
medium to contact 56,000 sportsmen before the
90-day deadline of October 11, 1972. The effort
was somewhat successful as 31,000 bought
licenses during that period; 25,000, however, paid
the 66 percent increase. Hunting and fishing
licenses went from $5.25 to $8.25. Archery stamps
went from $1.10 to $5.10.

For the first time in Massachusetts waterfowl
hunting history, the sea duck opening was delayed
because of the red tide. An estimated 300 birds of
various species were found dead — none after
October 3. The sea duck season opened with the
regular duck season on October 20.

The Board was pleased to honor two brothers —
Ralph and Harold Bitzer whose combined

service to the Division totaled 105 years (the
Division itself is 107 years old). On October 14, the
Montague Fish Hatchery had its name changed to
the Bitzer State Fish Hatchery. Harold retired with
50 years' service and Ralph with 55 years' service.

The first paraplegic deer hunt was a success in
terms of enthusiasm and participation of nine
paraplegics and the cooperation of Fish and Game

personnel. No deer were taken but all concerned
felt that the effort was worthwhile.

The archery season harvest of 77 deer was a
significant milestone. It nearly doubled the
previous year's take and indicated that the ant-
lerless permit system can be made to work ef-
fectively.

Another headache that the administration had to
cope with was the printer's failure to deliver the
1973 licenses for potential Christmas sales. Final
delivery took place the second week in January.
Director Shepard and Law Enforcement Director
Ken Crossman worked out a plan whereby in-
dividuals who planned to hunt, fish and trap could
participate but would, at a later date, have to
furnish proof of purchasing a 1973 license.

In an effort to increase the recreational op-
portunities of Massachusetts fishermen, the Board
voted on March 30 to begin the fishing season the
Saturday preceding Patriot's Day and end the
regular season the Sunday following the third
Saturday in October. A special extension, not to
include reclaimed trout ponds, runs from the end of
the regular season to the last day in February with
a two-fish-per-day limit.

In closing, we would like to thank the men and
women of the Fish and Game Division for another
year of outstanding performance. We are con-
tinually impressed with the overall spirit and
dedication that we see in the Fish and Game
Division. We would also like to thank en-
vironmentalists — whether they be consumptive or
non-consumptive users of fish and wildlife — for
their support without which we would cease to be a
significant force for the preservation and
restoration of the environment and the fish and
wildlife resources that it supports. Lastly, we would
like to thank other state agencies and members of
the Legislature and executive branch for their
continued assistance and cooperation.

Respectfully submitted,

Roger D. Williams

Bradlee E. Gage

Harry C. Darling

Kenneth F. Burns

Martin H. Burns

photo by Jack Swedberg

Above: William Harper of West Acton took this record laker — 16
lbs. 8 oz. — but soon lost it to Paul Drenzek of Ware who took a
17 lb. 13 oz. laker. Right: Division fisheries personnel check
Quabbin salmon.

FISHERIES

■

Anadromous Fish Restoration

THE majority of the Division's anadromous fish
programs continued to center around the
restoration and enhancement of Atlantic salmon
and American shad in the Connecticut River.
Unfortunately, the failure of the Federal Power
Commission to act swiftly in issuing a direct order
to the Holyoke Water Power Company relative to
the enlargement of the existing fish passage
facilities, set the completion schedule for planned
modifications back at least one year. On the
brighter side, the functional designs for the
proposed fishway at Turners Falls were completed,
reviewed and accepted by all concerned, and
presently final designs are on the drawing board.

As in 1972, the abnormally wet and cold spring
plus cancellation of the annual shad derby spon-
sored by the Holyoke Water Power Company,
produced a negative effect upon the sport fishery
at Holyoke, where an estimated 4,403 anglers
creeled 3,387 shad during 11,277 hours of angling.

The fishlift at Holyoke passed 22,649 adult shad
which was only one-third of what it passed during
its best year, 1970. The high water and cool tem-
peratures plus the fact that the number of shad
entering the river was down considerably from
previous years all contribute to the low passage
figure.

The spawning and production of juvenile shad,
the result of releasing 1,575 adult shad above the
Turners Falls dam, was documented, and migration
patterns of adult shad in the vicinity of the North-
field Mountain Pump Storage Plant were deter-
mined for various stages of plant operations.

Approximately 4,000,000 fertile shad eggs were
shipped from the Connecticut River to the
Nemasket, Charles and Merrimack Rivers

The completion of two salmon smolt imprint
stockout pools, a gift of RASA (Restoration of
Atlantic Salmon in America) at Tarkill Brook,
Agawam, on the Mawaga Sporting Club property
and the release of 11,000 smolts at the brook
highlighted this year's salmon restoration efforts.

Fin clipping provides

valuable information on harvest.

photo by Jack Swedberg

Coldwater Fish Investigations

Surveys, inventories and creel census designed
to evaluate the Division's current management
programs form the majority of the coldwater in-
vestigations. Creel data from Quabbin Reservoir
indicate 72,404 anglers caught 95,074 fish during
407,713 hours of fishing. Salmonids provided 27%
of the harvest by weight while smallmouth bass
continued to dominate the game species. Both
salmon and lake trout catches were up significantly
from the previous year. An estimated 1,345 lakers
and 1,076 salmon averaging 5.1 lbs. and 1.8 lbs.
respectively were taken while 1.3 lb. rainbows
formed most of the salmonid harvest numerically.

Although the high water and significant rise in
reservoir level aided lake trout production, heavy
spring silt loads served to decrease smelt
production. No smelt control was necessary during
the spring of 1973 nor should it be in the coming
years due to the installation of water intake
screens to be completed in 1974.

Creel censuses were initiated on the Swift and
Squannacook Rivers to assess species utilization,
holding capabilities, angler harvest, and effect of
the stream season extension.

Harvest of kokanee salmon, 201, at Onota Lake
was much less than hoped for and provided very
little in the way of increased angling.

During August and early September of 1972, the
temperature profile and vertical distribution of
dissolved oxygen was determined for 27 ponds.
Twenty-one of these contained a volume of trout
water in accordance with Massachusetts standards
(70°F or less and 5 ppm or more of dissolved
oxygen within the same layer). These volumes of
coldwater habitat ranged from 1.5 to 100% of total
pond capacity.

The brown trout / sea-run alewife forage
relationship study at Higgins and Hathaway Ponds
reached the halfway mark. As was the case with
rainbow trout, young-of-the year alewives ap-
peared to provide very little in the way of forage to
brown trout and in fact may be detrimental to fast
growth through competition for the invertebrate
food base.

Biological and chemical surveys conducted at 77
stations throughout the 721-square-mile Chicopee
River Watershed were completed. Since last
surveyed, in 1943, relatively little change has
occurred in most tributary streams; however, the
disappearance of smallmouth bass from the
watershed is significant.

Warmwater Fish Investigations

The northern pike population of Cheshire
Reservoir continued to expand during 1972-73.

The winter harvest, 988 lbs., was almost double
that of the previous year's catch. The release of
905 compared to 423 sublegal pike is a further
indication that the pike population is increasing.
The desirability of this species is evidenced by a
significant increase in total pressure; an estimated
5,284 ice fishermen fished 31,693 hours December
1972 to February 1973.

Plans have been made to release 3,000 yearling
northern pike in Brimfield Reservoir as soon as
they become available.

The first experimental tire reef units were in-
stalled at Little Chauncey Pond, Westboro.
Biologists will observe fish colonization and homing
tendencies of the various species associated with
these structures.

From May through November, 25 ponds were
sampled to determine angling potential, species
complex, abundance and growth rates.

Pesticide monitoring was continued on 20 rivers
and indications are that hard pesticide levels are
beginning to decrease while industrial pollutants,
polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) levels continue to
increase. Since these pollutants act similarly to
hard pesticides with respect to food chain con-
centration and effect, it is essential that their levels
be constantly surveyed.

Pumped Storage Power Process Investigations

The first year of operational studies to determine

the environmental impact of the Northfield
Pumped Storage Project on the fish of the Con-
necticut River was initiated, while the second year
of pre-operational studies concerning the effect of
the Bear Swamp Pumped Storage Project on the
fish of the upper Deerfield River continued on
schedule. These studies are financed by the
Northeast Utilities Service Company and the New
England Power Company respectively. These
studies include creel census as well as monitoring
benthic invertebrate populations and water quality
parameters.

Massachusetts Cooperative Fishery Unit

Seven investigations were financially supported
by the Division of Fisheries and Game through the
Cooperative Fishery Unit at the University of
Massachusetts. Two students received Master's
Degrees for their studies of shad behavior in the
Connecticut River.

Other studies included ecology of kokanee
salmon in Onota Lake, biology of spottail shiners,
food habits of juvenile shad and game fish below
Holyoke Dam and effect of mercury on early
development of white suckers in the Mill River.
Respectfully submitted,
Peter H. Oatis
Chief Aquatic Biologist

STATE TROUT STOCKED

1972-73

69"

9-12"

12-14" 14+

Weight

TOTALS

SUNDERLAND

Rainbow
Brook

82.000
15.500

59.580
137.100

425.697
59.579

97.939

4,360 375.062
48.910

Rainbow

19.500

90,000

85.091

Brown

21.000

107.438

28.045

58.586

Brook

70.000

4,900

14.756

118.500

304.118

513.321

97.939

4.360 482.558

Brown

23.400

4,700

Total

112.900

94.900

104,547

Number

Weigh'

Average per lb

Rainbow

669.576

375.062

1 78

MONTAGUE

Brook

212.179

48.910

4 33

Rainbow

32.000

2,650

78,000

73.159

Brown

156 483

58586

2 67

Brook

15,500

34500

6.796

1.038.238

482.558

Total

47.500

37,150

78,000

79.955

FEDERAL TROUT

Mclaughlin

Number

Rainbow

23.630

188,097

97.939 4,360

144,797

Brook

16.000

52.729

19.570

Brook

15.000

1644

16 644

8rown

18,000

66.638

3.000

21.678

Brown

20.000

35547

55.547

Total

18,000

106.268

243.826

97,939 4,360

186 045

35.000

37 191

72191

STATE PRODUCTION SALMON

SANDWICH

Number

Weight

Rainbow

50,000

13.800

69.600

72.015

Coho Salmon

66 380

3 363

Brook

16.600

1,950

7788

Kokanee Salmon

112223

Brown

3.000

17 400

25 045

32.208

Atlantic Salmon

1200

■

Total

53.000

47.800

96.595

112.011

t'ocks

19 850

1 458

Introduction

The arrival of wild turkeys from New York State
during the fiscal year is cause for happiness among
hunters and nature lovers alike. During the next
few years Division personnel will be watching
closely to ascertain the successful establishment of
released birds. Additional stocking sites are
planned already, and hopefully, with a truly wild
strain of eastern wild turkeys in our woodlands the
"year of the turkey" will be close at hand.

Our management program is expanding as
manpower and finances permit. The acquisition of
additional lands statewide has placed district
personnel under a rigorous schedule of posting,
boundary marking, development of public access
sites, and general management and maintenance
work. To meet the additional demands of an ex-
panding program a fifth district has been
established in the Connecticut River valley. Several
years will be required before the district, quartered
on the Swift River Wildlife Management Area,
becomes fully operational and well-equipped.

The scope of game research and management
activities performed by division personnel are
highlighted in the pages that follow.

Statewide Beaver Harvest

A total of 1674 beaver were trapped by 105
trappers in 92 towns during the 1972-73 beaver
season. This record take is 316 more than last
season, and 600 more than a ten-year ( 1963-1972)
average. Berkshire and Franklin counties together
yielded 967 beaver (54.1% of the harvest). For the
second season in a row, the take west of the
Connecticut river increased, and that east of the
river decreased. Over one-third (37.8%) of the
beaver were taken in the first two weeks of the 15-
week season. The average pelt price of $20,
coupled with the high harvest, produced a record
harvest valuation of $33,480.

WILDLIFE

Drake wood duck about to
be released after banding.

Wild Turkey Restoration Study

Emphasis on the turkey restoration study has
been shifted from the Quabbin strain birds of semi-
game-farm ancestry to wild-trapped Eastern
turkeys. Through the courtesy of the New York
Department of Environmental Conservation, seven
turkeys were trapped and transferred to Beartown
State Forest, Berkshire County, in March 1972.
This cooperative program continued in 1973 with
the acquisition of ten additional turkeys (five adult
males, four immature males, one adult hen), which
were also released in Beartown. Further releases
are planned for 1973-74. Should this stocking
prove successful, surplus birds will be trapped and
transferred to other areas in the Berkshire area,
and thence to other suitable locations statewide.

Black Bear Study

Bear hunting showed an increase in popularity in
1972, with 420 individuals requesting a permit, as
opposed to 200 in 1971, and 214 in 1970. All
hunters were sent a questionnaire and 336 usable
returns (80 L) were received. Two hundred and
thirteen persons did hunt bear in 1972, of whom
187 hunted specifically for bear, and 26 hunted
only incidentally while bow-hunting for deer. The
average bear hunter expended 16.8 hours during
2.4 days in pursuing his quarry. Berkshire and
Franklin counties were the most heavily hunted,
with the towns of Florida, Monroe, Rowe, and Savoy
being favored locations. Sixteen hunters saw bear
during the season and one hunter took a bear, a
165-pound female, taken in Savoy on opening day.
This was the first bear legally harvested since
1969. One other bear was illegally shot in
Royalston during deer week.

Hunters reported 179 bear sightings via the
questionnaire. These and other current reports are
being aggregated to determine the distribution of

bear in Massachusetts. Concurrently, historical
records of bear are being located in old books and
papers, and a published bulletin on the history and
status of the bear in Massachusetts and adjacent
states is planned for mid-1974.

White-tailed Deer

The 1972 deer harvest totaled 2,291 animals of
which 76 were taken during the three-week ar-
chery season. Sixty-six percent of the harvest
(1,504 deer) were males; males comprised 61
percent of the 1971 harvest ( 1,385 of 2,284 deer).

The number of mainland antlerless deer permits
was reduced from 6,000 to 4,000. Island permit
allocations remained unchanged with Nantucket
receiving 400 and Martha's Vineyard receiving
600. The total number of permits issued statewide,
including landowners, was 5,326. Permit holders
took 1,066 deer. Management goals are to expand
the size of the deer population in areas that can
carry more deer, and to increase the size of the
deer harvest while maintaining a male:female
harvest ratio of approximately 3 males per female.

Gosling Transplant Program

Twenty-six goslings six to ten weeks old were
trapped and transplanted to western
Massachusetts. Two complete checks of gosling
transplant sites were made in the spring of 1972.
Two broods hatched on the Quabbin Reservoir but
only one brood of six goslings was observed. Both
adults observed with the brood were color marked.
A pair of adult geese and a brood were also ob-
served at Thousand Acre Swamp, New
Marlborough in 1971 and a nest of six eggs was
located in 1972. Cooperators have reported three
pairs of marked birds that have raised broods on or
near release sites.

Preseason Waterfowl Banding

A total of 1,393 birds were banded during the
1972 preseason banding period. The number of
birds banded by various techniques is as follows:
airboat night-lighting 838 (30 birds banded with
Great Meadows NWR bands); bait trapping, 249;
cannon netting, 81; drive trapping, 126; nest box
trapping, 69; miscellaneous, 30. Mallards (531),
wood ducks (220), black ducks (149) and Canada
geese (129) comprised the bulk of the bandings.

Despite a poorly running airboat, a record
number of waterfowl and marsh birds were banded
by this method during the 1972 season. The
success rate of 41.9 birds per trip exceeded the
1971 high of 27.3 birds per trip.

Winter Trapping Program

State personnel along with three cooperators
banded a total of 955 ducks at 22 locations using
bait traps or cannon net. Four hundred sixty-nine
ducks were banded on the coast as part of the
regular winter trapping programs. Black ducks
made up 81.9 percent of this total, mallards 10.6
percent, and mallard black hybrids, 7.5 percent.
The park mallard winter banding program resulted
in the banding of 378 mallards, 29 black ducks, 74
mallard X black hybrids and 5 mallard X domestic
hybrids. The 1973 winter banding season was the
poorest in several years.

Winter Inventory Flights

Winter inventory flights were made on 9-10
January 1973. Coastal Massachusetts from the
New Hampshire to Rhode Island line was surveyed.
The waterfowl count of 79,687 was down 38
percent from 1972, 40 percent from the ten-year
average. Black ducks were down 22 percent from
1972, 16 percent from the ten-year average. Scaup,
sea ducks (notably scoters) and Canada geese
were also down. Buffleheads were up and
goldeneyes remained unchanged from both 1972
and the ten-year average.

A November flight prior to the opening of the
coastal gunning season revealed a build-up of
puddle ducks and diving ducks as well as Canada
geese above population levels normally observed
during the November flights in past years. This is
believed to be related to the special Massachusetts
zoning hunting season. Hunting was not allowed in
the coastal zone until late November.

Black Duck Imprint Program

One hundred thirty-two black ducks reared from
eggs produced by black breeding stock at the Ayer
Game Farm were held over winter at Ayer. Fifty-
four females and 58 males were released on
selected areas during the spring of 1973: 19
females and 18 males at the Ipswich Audubon
Sanctuary, Topsfield; 13 females and 16 males at
the Bristol Blake State Reservation, Norfolk; and
22 females and 24 males at a beaver park within
the Quabbin Reservoir boundaries, New Salem.

Nesting cylinders had been erected on the
release areas the previous winter. Nests were
initiated in two of 10 cylinders at Topsfield, in three
of 12 cylinders in Norfolk and in two of 15 cylinders
located on beaver ponds in the Quabbin. All seven
nests were successful although in one. only two of
nine eggs hatched.

Evaluation of Starling-Proof Nesting Cylinders

Wood ducks nested in 17 out of 67 functional
cylinders. Thirteen of the nests were successful;
one nest was flooded out, one destroyed by a
raccoon and two were abandoned for unknown
reasons. One sparrow hawk nested successfully in
a cylinder as did a black duck released during the
black duck imprint study. Wood duck usage of
experimental boxes has increased steadily since
the inception of the program in 1970 when wood
ducks nested in only 6 of 59 boxes. Area usage
dropped, however during 1973, with wood ducks
using cylinders on only four out of 19 areas versus
six out of 19 in 1972. However, eight of the 19
areas involved in this year's study had no wood
duck usage in either wooden boxes or cylinders. No
starlings have nested in the cylinders since the
start of the program.

Wood Duck Production Study

In 1973, emphasis was shifted from the study of
general reproduction data to several specific dump
nest studies. The first of these involved the
development of an automatic color marking device
that will mark incubating female wood ducks as
they enter the nest box predator guard. While the
device itself successfully marked birds, tests are
being made to develop a better marking solution
that will last several weeks on a bird.

A second study concerned the development of
artificial dump nests by adding game farm wood
duck eggs to normal sized nests. Previous studies
in Massachusetts have indicated the wood ducks
can frequently raise a larger number of ducklings
than they normally do.

In conjunction with these studies, data was also
collected on general reproduction. The results
indicate a rising trend in the number of nesting
wood ducks across the state. Production estimates
based on data from 30 sites, indicate that wood
ducks have increased in numbers slightly over
1972 with total production up 30 percent since
1970.

Game Farms

Efforts were continued to automate the rearing
of day-old chicks by the use of automatic feeders.
At the Wilbraham Game Farm, two brooder houses
were equipped with automatic feeders as a result
of obtaining surplus equipment through state
agencies.

Rearing pen construction has been improved by
the use of synthetic material for top wire. Nylon
netting was used with excellent success at the Ayer
Game Farm, which has reduced construction costs

by 50 percent. Other maintenance work was
comprised of building new bird house runways and
guard fences.

Mortalities at several game farms were high due
to an outbreak of sleeping sickness. Major mortality
from eastern encephalitis occurred at the
Wilbraham farm starting in late September. Over
one thousand birds died among the growing stock
as a result of this infection.

Following diagnosis of the infection at the
Wilbraham farm, the immediate area was sprayed
by helicopter using three ounces of malathion per
acre to control the mosquito population. Affected
groups were "specked" to prevent feather pulling
which is known to be a means of transmitting the
disease among pheasants following introduction by
mosquitoes.

Although mortality among pheasants may be
very high, the bird is a relatively poor host for the
virus and is not an important host in transmitting
the disease to other birds or animals.

GAME DISTRIBUTION
July 1, 1972 to June 30, 1973

PHEASANT LIBERATIONS:

August— 12 weeks old 7,640

October — November 41,005
Sportmens Club Rearing

Program 7,145

TOTAL 55,788

Miscellaneous Releases:

Hybrids 821

Brood Stock (Spring release)

Field Trials, Youth Hunt, etc. 1,103

QUAIL LIBERATIONS:

Public Hunting Grounds 2,755

Field Trials 687

Brood Stock (Spring release)

TOTAL 3,442

HARE LIBERATIONS:

Distributed in March 1,591

Respectfully submitted,

Warren W. Blandin, Chief of Wildlife Research

E. Michael Pollack, Chief Game Biologist

Mass. Conservation Campers learn rifle shooting (top). Winners
of awards for conservation-related activities (above).

Information and
Education

PART of the I and E Section's function is assisting
in the administration of the Conservation Camp. I
and E input includes booking, collecting funds for
participants, providing films and offering training
in fish and wildlife conservation.

The Conservation Camp completed its 23rd
session this year with 150 boys showing
superlative interest, cooperation and overall good
behavior. For the first time two boys won in two
categories: Paul Pajak, sponsored by Mahar
Regional High School, took first in rifle and casting.
Larry Wood, sponsored by Wankinquoah Rod and
Gun Club, placed second in archery and rifle.

Another I and E function that provides a lot of
interest as well as some potentially valuable in-
formation is the freshwater fishing awards
program sponsored by the Department of Com-
merce and Development and implemented by Fish
and Game.

The state record lake trout — 13 lb. 6 oz„ set in
1971 by Allan Storm of Gardner — was broken with
a 13 1b. 10V2OZ. fish taken July 4, 1972 by Joe Kulig
of Palmer. Kulig held the title for one day, then lost
it to William Harper of West Acton who took a 16 1b.
8 oz. laker. This last fish measured 34 inches, had a
girth of 20 inches and was checked at Gate 8 of
Quabbin. A 17 lb. 13 oz. laker caught by Paul
Drenzek of Ware broke this record. The fish was
34'/4 inches long, had a girth of 2134 inches and
was 11 years old.

The longest, but not the heaviest, fish ever
reported into the freshwater fishing contest was
registered by Richard B. Deres of Worcester. It was
a northern pike measuring 461/? inches — one inch
longer but three pounds lighter than the 24 lb. 6 oz.
record fish taken from Onota Lake by Chris Gin-
thwain of Pittsfield.

A 10 lb. 28% inch walleye taken by Eric
Christenson of Stow broke the existing state
record. The fish turned out to be 14 years old.

The I and E Section supported farmers on the
Environmental Bill of Rights and the Farmland
Referendum. Fish and Game was firmly committed
to support the Massachusetts Citizens to Save
Open Space in their effort to protect vanishing
farmland, greenbelts and watersheds.

An appeal in a news release for a worm snake
brought favorable response. At least three of these
very small snakes were found along southern
sections of the state and kindly donated to the
Division to be photographed as illustrations for an
article on snakes published in Massachusetts
Wildlife. The article was written by Terry E. Graham
and intended to offset fear of snakes. The dead
giveaway to the only two poisonous snakes in
Massachusetts (the copperhead and timber rat-
tler) is the vertically elliptical pupil and pit or heat-
sensing hole between eye and nostril.

Governor Francis Sargent signed into law a bill
that sets apart the fourth Saturday in each Sep-
tember as National Hunting and Fishing Day. The I
and E Section coordinated the Division's efforts in
this regard.

The 1972 archery stamp featured an American
Indian drawing. The idea was contributed by Mark
Malchik with the printing design prepared by
Boston Globe artist Cyril Neuwelt.

The Division worked with sportsmen in providing
a "youth upland bird hunt" for 15- and 17-year-
olds who had graduated from the state hunter
safety course.

On September 28, 1972 the Division's ad-
ministration discovered that the increase in license
fees thought to go into effect on January 1, 1973
had to go into effect 90 days after signing of the bill
because the effective date was omitted on the final
draft.

The I and E staff took on one of the biggest jobs in
its history in trying to locate 50,000 sportsmen
before October 11, 1972 (the deadline for buying a
1972 license). After October 11 the same license
that cost $5.25 cost $8.25, and an archery stamp
cost $5.10 even though the stamp read $1.10. It
was apparent that the Division had an obligation to
contact all sportsmen. All types of media were used
to the fullest. The Division owes a great debt to
newspapers, T.V. and radio. Later, records revealed
that 20,470 hunters and 1,462 archers were not
contacted and paid the new price. From a positive
viewpoint, over 30,000 hunters and 4,000 archers
were informed and bought licenses at the old rates.

As if the Division didn't have enough problems in
trying to locate 50,000 sportsmen and instruct
them to buy their licenses, more public relations
problems were heaped on us in the waterfowl field.
The sea duck opening (scheduled for the 23rd of
September) had to be postponed and all sea duck
hunters located in order to protect them from the
remote possibility of eating a bird contaminated by
the red tide. Division officials felt that there was
little danger, but better safe than sorry.

On October 14, the Fish and Game Board and
administrative staff held a rededication ceremony
at the Montague Hatchery to honor Ralph and
Harold Bitzer whose combined service in fish
hatcheries computed to 105 years.

At the dedication address, Fish and Game
Director James M. Shepard pointed out the
ceremony was also in honor of those sportsmen
who have assisted in the construction and main-
tenance of certain facilities at the hatchery. In the
30's, sportsmen's clubs raised thousands of dollars
for the "Montague Fund" earmarked for con-
struction of tanks, pools, roads and tree planting.
This kind of cooperative spirit continues today with
citizens, sportsmen's clubs and leagues purchasing
and giving land for wildlife habitat.

Fiscal 1973 will go down in history as one of the
most difficult years for the Fish and Game
Division's public relations effort. In addition to the
two problems cited above, the printer failed to
deliver the 1973 licenses on time. It was bad
enough to think they would not be in for early
Christmas sales; to find out that they would not
even be in the hands of the Town and City Clerks
until around January 15 turned the situation into a
disaster. Fortunately Director James M. Shepard of
the Fish and Game Division and Director Kenneth
A. Crossman of Law Enforcement worked out a
reasonable solution to the difficult problem by
which an individual who planned to hunt, fish or
trap within the framework of the law should par-
ticipate and later be required to furnish proof that
he had purchased a 1973 license as soon as the
licenses were available.

A mistake made by a UPI writer on the dog-
restraining order resulted in national confusion
and eventually a correction. Meanwhile Fish and
Game was criticized for its attitude evidenced by
UPl-stated shoot-to-kill order on coyotes. (The UPI
writer apparently thought dogs found in the wild
chasing deer had to be coyotes.)

The Magazine

The theme of this year's annual report being
"Ten Years of Progress," it seems fitting to briefly
discuss the progress which has occurred in
Massachusetts Wildlife over the past decade. In
terms of format, the progress has not been as
dramatic as we would have liked. We have obtained
a color cover, but are still confined to 21 nine by
six-inch pages.

Although Massachusetts Wildlife is the smallest
of all the state magazines, it does enjoy a national
reputation for journalistic excellence, containing

photo by Jack Swedberg

Director James M. Shepard (fifth from left) chats with sport-
smen during fly tying demonstration on National Hunting and
Fishing Day.

photographs and articles that consistently out-
shine material published in the much larger
magazines.

Our paucity of paper has given us two unat-
tractice alternatives: 1. say nothing and look
pretty; 2. say something and look ugly. We chose
the latter, using a cramped 8-point type face with
no leading and leaving little white space in our
layout. Although this makes the magazine less
readable, those who are willing to brave the fine
print get something for their effort.

We hope that in the future we will be able to
obtain the funds necessary to publish a magazine
that can compete in format with those of our sister
agencies.

Usually, we try to print three in-depth feature
articles per issue. Two are contributed by
dedicated conservationists both inside and outside
the Division for whom a chance to educate the
public and possibly slow the pace of current en-
vironmental carnage is payment enough. The third
is written by Massachusetts Wildlife's Managing

Editor, who, as a paid employee of the Fish and
Game Division, can afford to spend the time
necessary to research and write an environmental
article of the quality demanded by such journals as
Audubon and National Wildlife.

As an education tool, Massachusetts Wildlife
continues to decry environmental degradation,
promote rapport between consumptive and non-
consumptive users of wildlife, instill in the general
public a respect for and understanding of life and
the water and land that makes life possible, and
keep the public informed as to what we as a con-
servation agency are doing to protect and restore
the fish and wildlife resources of the Com-
monwealth.

It seems that traditionalists are at last beginning
to accept the magazine's new role as an en-
vironmental journal instead of a sporting bulletin.
Straight hunt-fish copy may be had at any
newsstand for pocket change. We are not a hunting
and fishing club, and the articles we publish on
game and fish have to do with our management of
these resources, not just how to harvest them. We
are not equipped to compete with the three
national hunting and fishing magazines, but as a
local voice for the environment — which with in-
creasing frequency is being correctly recognized as
synonymous with hunting and fishing — we feel
that we can offer the sportsman a very substantial
return on the not-very-substantial portion of his
license revenue allocated to magazine production.

High points in this year's volume of
Massachusetts Wildlife in the three categories of
Environment, Natural History, and Management
include the following: Under Environment: "The
Great Land Gouge and How to Curb it," July-
August, an article supporting the farmland
referendum; "The Rubbish in Our Wake," on the
solid waste crisis, September-October; "Instant
City," decrying the proposed rape of Warren, Mass.,
March-April. Under Natural History: "The
Peregrine Symptom" and "Flowers Unseen," both
in the July-August issue and dealing with the
peregrine falcon and orchids respectively;
"Feathered Jewels," September-October, on
hummingbirds; "The Passing of the Heath Hen"
and "Snakes of Massachusetts," both appearing in
the November-December issue; "A New Look at
Castor" and "The Squirrel Freak," both in the
January-February 1973 issue and dealing
respectively with beavers and flying squirrels; "To
Shoot an Eagle," March-April, on photographing
eagles in Quabbin; and "Meet New England's New
Wolf," May-June. Under Management: "The
Woodcock — Everybody's Bird," September-
October; "Return of the Cavity Nesters,"

November-December (hooded mergansers and
wood ducks); "Welcome the Wild Goose," on the
Division's goose management program, January-
February 1973; "Pond Reclamation," March-April;
"Bugging Does Pay," on the electronic surveillance
of wildlife, May-June.

Editorials by Director James M. Shepard dealt
with : National Hunting and Fishing Day; land use;
ignorance and prejudice concerning the new wolf;
the energy crisis; the rape of our watersheds by
such Federal bureaucracies as the Corps of
Engineers, Soil Conservation Service, TVA and
Bureau of Reclamation; and a plea to plug the hole
in the Wetlands Act created by the infamous
Agricultural exemption.

Respectfully submitted,

Richard Cronin

Chief of Information and Education

RETIREMENTS

Dorothy Childs — Retired 3-31-73 as Prin-
cipal Bookkeeper from the Boston Office
after 18 years' service with the Com-
monwealth.

Walter Covell — Retired 8-26-72 as Con-
servation Helper at the Sandwich State
Game Farm after 19 years' service with
the Commonwealth.

Roy Foster — Retired 4-30-73 as Con-
servation Skilled Helper at the Ayer State
Game Farm after 21 years' service with
the Division of Fisheries and Game.

Kenneth Mudgett — Retired 9-30-72 as
Conservation Helper from the Ayer State
Game Farm after 21 years' service with
the Commonwealth.

Thomas F. Palmer, Jr. — Retired 1-31-73 as
Conservation Skilled Helper from the
Southeast Wildlife District after 21 years'
service with the Commonwealth.

Albina P. Tessier — Retired 12-31-72 as
Head Administrative Assistant, Boston
Office, after 42 years' service with the
Commonwealth, 22 of which were with the
Division of Fisheries and Game.

Stanley Torrey — Retired 2-28-73 as
Assistant Game Culturist at the Sandwich
State Game Farm after 26 years' service
with the Division of Fisheries and Game.

William Tyback — Retired 7-29-72 as Con-
servation Skilled Helper from the Sand-
wich State Game Farm after 21 years'
with the Division of Fisheries and Game.

Richard Woolner — Retired 6-23-72 from the
Westboro Field Headquarters as Wildlife
Photographer after 13 years' service with
the Division of Fisheries and Game.

Harry C. Darling — Retired 10-6-72 as Board
member. Appointed to the Board, Division
Fisheries and Game 12-13-62, 10 years'
service.

LEGISLATION

Chapter

573 — An Act Further Regulating the Licensing of
Propagators and Dealers of Certain Birds and
Mammals and Increasing the License Fees
therefor.
Approved July 6, 1972

580 — An Act Transferring Certain Land in the Town
of Westboro from the Department of Mental
Health and the Trustees of the Westboro
State Hospital to the Division of Fisheries &
Game.
Approved July 6, 1972

706 — An Act Further Regulating Licensing
Programs and Fees Relative to Fish, Birds
and Mammals.
Approved July 13, 1972.

782 — An Act Further Protecting the Inland
Wetlands and Flood Plains of the Com-
monwealth.
Approved July 18, 1972.

784 — An Act Relative to the Protection of Wetlands.
Approved July 18, 1972.

156 — An Act further Regulating Trapping by Minors
and the Issuance of Minors Certificate of
Competency in the Safe Handling of Firearms.
Approved April 9, 1973.

206 — An Act Prohibiting the Issuance of Trapping
Licenses to Certain Non-resident Citizens of
the United States.
Approved April 19, 1973.

402 — An Act Relative to the Law, Shooting on
Commercial Shooting Preserves on Certain
Sundays.
Approved June 13, 1973.

REALTY

WITH the closing of the 71-72 fiscal year, it was
sadly noted that monies from our existing bond
issue were running dangerously low. We realized
that the continuing acquisition of important
uplands, providing areas for the pursuit of all
outdoor recreation, would end all too soon. We are
experiencing an era of expanding population
coupled with an exodus from city dwelling to
suburban living. This creates an insatiable appetite
for land to accommodate sprawling shopping
centers, multi-family complexes and a network of
highways, all of which consume open space with
reckless abandon. Lands lost to development are
lands lost forever! The need for land has created a
competitive and speculative market resulting in
skyrocketing prices.

Fortunately, there are those who are con-
servation-minded and foresighted enough to
realize the shortcomings of developing open space.
This was the case of an acquisition in the Town of
Charlton in Worcester County. Two hundred
eighty-seven acres offering open fields, in-
terspersed with hedgerows, surrounded by
woodlands and complemented by marshes,
provides an area where all species of wildlife are
found. The ownero of this property conveyed it to
this agency at 50/o below an offer made him by a
developer. We sincerely appreciate his generosity.

Eighteen acres were acquired in the Town of
Chesterfield in Hampshire County. This parcel,
adjacent to the East Branch of the Westfield River,
is assurance that the property will remain natural
and open to the general public. This property is
located in the well-known "Chesterfield Gorge," an
area acquired by various agencies of the Com-
monwealth and providing a wilderness fishing and
wildlife area.

Several parcels of property abutting the Crane
Pond and Downfall Wildlife Management Areas in
the Northeast were purchased. These acquired
properties were in holdings or periphery lots in
jeopardy of becoming house lots. The impact
caused by the construction of a residence adjacent
to a wildlife area is profound. The propagation of ill
feelings toward hunting proliferates with each
season. This feeling is mirrored by the posting of
land. To circumvent this situation, the only avenue
open is acquisition.

photo by Jack Swedberg

No Division activity is as critical to the future of hunting and
fishing as the land acquisition program. Though man's work is
painfully evident in this aerial shot of the Westboro area, the
amount of undeveloped land is surprising.

An access area to the Millers River in Win-
chendon, Worcester County, was also acquired.
This particular parcel, although small, has frontage
on Route 12 connecting an 80-acre parcel
previously purchased by this agency.

Access to Baker's Fond and parking space was
purchased in the Town of Orleans in the County of
Barnstable. Baker's Pond provides excellent
fishing for trout.

Additional acreage was added to the Squan-
nacook River, again insuring for the future.
Sportsmen are to be commended for their initial
land purchase and continuing cooperation here.

The Realty Section embarked on its wetlands
acquisition program. The approval of Chapter 839
provided a sum of $5,000,000 to be expended for
the acquisition of coastal wetlands and inland
wetlands. The Hockomock Swamp located in the
Towns of Easton, Raynham, and Taunton in the
County of Bristol, and West Bndgewater and
Bridgewater in Plymouth County, became one of
the top priorities of the Realty Section. Preliminary
acquisition procedure included researching land
ownership within the area containing 5000-plus
acres, determining the periphery of the area for
amicable purchase or eminent domain, compiling a
list of landowners and their addresses, etc. all
time-consuming procedures.

A large-scale map had to be drafted which

assembled all parcels by ownership found in the
area of contemplated acquisition. This horrendous
task was undertaken by Division personnel and
volunteers. Persons interested in this project
contacted the Division indicating a genuine in-
terest in the eventual preservation of this valuable
wetland.
Mr. Dennis Johcouer, an engineer, was one of

those interested enough to donate his expertise
and time to draft a map depicting properties in the
Hockomock. Long, tedious, eye-straining hours
were put into compiling the map and this agency is
exceptionally grateful to Mr. Jolicouer.

Special thanks is also in order for the assistance
given by Mr. John Grant of Easton. Mr. Grant
devoted considerable time and effort obtaining
names of landowners in the Easton section of the
"Hock." He was also responsible for directing the
acquisition of some 137 acres of town-owned

property by this agency.

Personnel in the Easton Town Hall are to be

highly commended for their understanding,

assistance, and readiness to help the Division of

Fisheries and Game in its effort to purchase the

"Hock." And to the many others who volunteered

their services, too numerous to mention in this

report, the Division extends its thanks.

Today, the Hockomock Swamp Acquisition

Project is successfully showing signs of fruition.

Leaving the southeastern portion of our state, we
travel to a deep, clear and cool lake in New Hamp-
shire called Potanipo Pond, the birthplace of the
Nissitissit River. This river winds toward the sea,
entering Massachusetts in a small town in the
northeastern section called Pepperell.

The Nissitissit meanders in serpentine grace to
merge with the Nashua. Tall trees protectingly
extend their limbs over this stream, keeping the
water cool and shadowed. Thus is born a fine trout
stream.

Realizing that this beautiful river was about to be
raped by development, a group called the
Nissitissit Watershed Association moved ahead
with acquisition plans. This same group en-
couraged the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries
and Game to acquire portions of the watershed in
Massachusetts. To date approximately 75 acres are
in various stages of acquisition, nearing
finalization.

Plans to acquire marshland and adjacent
uplands along the Parker River went beyond the
stage of discussion and efforts towards this goal
commenced. This project, too, is showing
satisfactory results and will be commented on in
the next annual report.

Respectfully submitted,
Floyd Richardson

Financial Report July 1, 1972 to June 30, 1973

RECEIPTS FROM FISHING, HUNTING AND TRAPPING LICENSES

Fees Retained by

Net Returned

Licenses

Price

Number

Gross Amount

Town Clerk /city

to State

Res. Cit. Fishing

* (5.25)

24,046

126,241.50

5,989.75

120,251.75

Res. Cit. Fishing

(8.25)

118,194

975,100.50

29,306.75

945,793.75

4-A

Res. Cit. Female Fishing

* (4.25)

5,558

23,621.50

1,385.25

22,236.25

Res. Cit. Hunting

•(5.25)

24,515

128,703.75

6,092.50

122,611.25

Res. Cit. Hunting

(8.25)

28,711

236,865.75

7,116.25

229,749.50

Res. Cit. Sporting

* (8.25)

4,997

41,225.25

1,246.25

39,979.00

Res. Cit. Sporting

(13.50)

46,908

633,258.00

11,629.00

621,629.00

Res. Cit. Minor Fishing

•(3.25)

2,468

8,021.00

615.00

7,406.00

Res. Cit. Minor Fishing

(6.25)

13,969

87,306.25

3,486.75

83,810.50

9-A

Res. Alien Fishing

*(9.75)

210

2,047.50

51.25

1,996.25

Alien Fishing

(11.25)

873

9,821.25

213.75

9,607.50

Non-Res. Cit. Fishing

»(9.75)

1,011

9,857.25

252.00

9,605.25

Non-Res. Cit. / Alien Fishing

(14.25)

2,578

36,736.50

636.75

36,099.75

Spec. Non-Res. Fishing

•(5.25)

1,829

9,602.25

456.25

9,146.00

Non-Res. Cit. / Alien 7-Day Fishing

(8.25)

460

3,795.00

113.75

3,681.25

Non-Res. Cit. / Alien Hunting (Sm. G.)

(20.25)

496

10,044.00

121.00

9,923.00

Non-Res. Cit. / Alien C.S.P. 3-day

(16.25)

568.75

4.25

564.50

Res. Cit. Minor Trapping

•(3.25)

234.00

18.00

216.00

Res. Cit. Minor Trapping

(6.25)

157

981.25

39.00

942.25

Res. Cit. Trapping

•(8.75)

178

1,557.50

44.00

1,513.50

Res. Cit Trapping

(11.50)

440

5,060.00

107.75

4,952.25

Duplicate Licenses

• (.50)

1,345

672.50

Duplicate Licenses

(1.00)

2,083

2,83.00

2,083.00

Non-Res. Cit / Alien Hunt.

•(16.25)

989

16,071.25

204.25

15,867.00

Res. Alien Hunting

(16.25)

395

6,418.75

6.00

6,412.75

Non-Res Cit / Alien Hunt. (B.G.)

(35.25)

343

12,090.75

84.25

12,006.50

15 Res. Cit. Sporting (over 70)

17 Res. Cit. Fishing (Blind & Para)

16 Res. Cit. Fishing (BlindS Para)
19 Res. Cit. Hunting (Para)

17 Res. Cit. Hunting (Para)

18 Res. Military-Naval Sporting
Res. Military-Naval Sporting

*FREE

3,087

FREE

16,011

*(FREE)

194

(FREE)

663

* (FREE)

(FREE)

1,746

(FREE)

697

* Rates Prior to Oct. 11, 1972
After October 10, 1972

* 72,256
233,091

* 367,855.25
2,020,129.75

■ 16,354.50
52,865.25

* 351,500.75
1,967,264.50

TOTAL
Refunds

SUMMARY OF FISH AND GAME INCOME

Fishing, Hunting and Trapping Licenses $2,318,629.00

Special Licenses, Trap Registrations and Tags 10,651.85

Archery Stamps 13,619.30

Rents 4,862.00

Miscellaneous and Sales 5,050.30

Court Fines 1 1,391.10

Refunds Prior Year 226.95

Pittman-Robertson Federal Aid 148,392.49

Dingell-Johnson Federal Aid 66,613.12

Anadromous Fish Projects Federal Aid 9,174.65

Mass. Mourning Dove and

Woodcock Reimbursement 6,07345

Reimbursement of Services 34,658.20

$2,629,342.41
* See "Receipts from Fishing, Hunting and Trapping Licenses"
** See "Deposit"

OTHER INCOME — INLAND FISHERIES AND GAME FUND

Interest on Investments $ 3,300.00

Gasoline Tax Apportionment $295,562.95

Surplus in Inland Fisheries and Game Fund

as of June 30, 1973 - $444,051.07

HOW THE SPORTSMEN'S DOLLAR WAS SPENT

305,347 2,387,985.00

69,219.75

2,318,765.25

136.25

2,318,629.00

FISHERIES PROGRAMS

Fish Hatcheries

2670 2300

464,873.45 16

Fisheries Management

2670 2300

5203,316.48

** Fish Restoration Projects

2670 2342

65,241.41

Fisheries Management

2670 2400

125,257.14

Fisheries Research Coop. Unit

2670 2341

7,500.00

** Certain Anadromous Fish Proj.

2670 2322

20,711.00

422,02603 14

WILDLIFE PROGRAMS

Game Farms

26702400

325,649.03 11

Wildlife Management

26702400

$125,257.14

Wildlife Research Coop. Unit

2670 2441

4,807.50

* Damage by Wild Deer

2670 2451

8,438 25

* • Wildlife Restoration Projects

2670 2461

225,501.24

* * Eastern Dove Management

2670 2502

2,625.00

366,629.13 13

ENGINEERING AND CONSTRUCTION

Repl. Hatch House, Sunderland

26702302

$ 49,942.72

Repl. Upper Pools, Sandwich

2670 2305

64,927.00

Constr. Storage Bldg., Newbury

2670 2463

12,178.00

127,047.72 4

LAND ACQUISITION

• Land 8. Water Acquis. & Devel.

2670 9013

J 185.289 70

• Coastal & inland Wetlands

26709016

12,123.80

197,413 50 7

ADMINISTRATION

Administration

26700001

J130.734.63

Board of Fisheries and Game

2670-0001

158 48 J 130,893.11

Information Education

26700001

97,713.86

DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES

Natural Resources Officers
Salaries and Expenses (26 )

Supervision of Public Hunting
and Fishing Grounds (100 )

Hunter Safety Training (100 ' )

Office of Commissioner (.4 )

SECRETARY, ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAi

( .2
RETIREMENT ASSESSMENT (.2

GROUP INSURANCE
INTEREST ON BONDED DEBT (100
SERIAL BONDS AND NOTES (100

t Continuing Appropriation
> 60 percent reimbursable Federal Funds
i 75 percent reimbursable Federal Funds
■ 100 percent reimbursable Federal Funds

2620 1000

S251.738.S0

2620 0200

15,050.00

2620 0300

45,745.00

2600 0100

2,477.20

315,010 70

10.9

20000200

3,089 82

0612 1000

76.000 00

60,078 84

0699 2800

100,900.00

0699 2900

250.000 00

J2.937.325 19

100

APPROPRIATIONS AND EXPENDITURES

Account No. and Tltlt

Appropriation

Total
Expenditure! Reversion
and (including

Reserve Liabilities Reserve)

2670O00I Administration |

2670 2300 Fisheries Management

2670 2302 Repl Hatch House, Sunderland

2670 2303 Pollution Abatement, McLaughlin

Hatchery

2470 230$ Repl Upper Pools, Sandwich

2670 2322 Anadromous Fish Prolects ••

2670 2343 Fish Restoration Prolects •••

7670 3401 WildUfe Management

3670 34*1 Wildlife Restoration Prolects •••

3670 3463 Construction of Storage Bldng.,

Newbury Mgmt Area

3670 3403 Eastern Dove Management ....

349,150 00 t 8,90300
719,710.00 37,25500
50.000 00

15.000 00
65,000.00
22,000 00
70,730 00
602.825 00
241,100 00

12,200 00
3.500 00

1,100 00
5,21900
24,683.00
14,625 00

228.606 97 J 20,543 03
668,189 93 51,530 07
49.943 73 57 28

64,927 00
20,711.00
65.341 41
576,163 31
325,501 24

12,17800
2,625 00

15.000 00
73.00
1,289 00
5.48859
26.661 69
15,598 76

22 00

875 00

$2,051.215 00 192,658 00 11,914,086.58 $137.128 42

2670 2451 Damageby Wild Deer 8. Moose
2670 9013 Land Acquisitions. Development
2670 9016 Coastal & Inland Wetlands
3670 9021 Pollution Abatement. McLaughlin

Hatchery
2670 9022 Fish Screens. Ouabbin Reservoir
2670 9023 Fish Rearing Facilities.

McLaughlin 8. Palmer Hatcheries

. • 60 percent reimbursable Federal Funds
»• 75 percent reimbursable Federal Funds
. . 100 percent reimbursable Federal Funds

Balance

Continuing

(excluding

Appropriations

Reserve

Expenditures

Reserve)

J 14.715 74

$185 00

$ 8.438 25

$ 6.093 49

408.999 74

185.289 70

223.710 04

5.000.000 00

12.123 80

4.987.176 20

92.900 00

92,900 00

110.000 00

rl« 47.100 00

47.100 00

$5,673.715 48

$185 00

$305,851 75

$5,467,671 73

Freshwater Fish Records 1973

Species

Weight

Length

Girth

Place Caught

How Caught

Date

LM Bass

10 lb

15 oz.

23"

18' 2"

Norwich Lk., Huntington

bait casting

10-13

SM Bass

51b.

7 oz.

21"

\6W

Quabbin Res.

bait casting

9-15

N. Pike

25 lb.

45"

22"

Onota Lk., Pittsfield

live bait

2- 5

Pickerel

7 1b.

25"

10' 2"

Rohunta Lk., Orange

spinning

9 3

R Trout

6 lb.

'j oz.

26"

13"

Jamaica Pdj Jamica Plain

bait casting

9 2

B. Trout

81b.

14 OZ.

28"

17' j"

Spectacle Pd., Sandwich

spinning

7-22

L. Trout

171b.

13 OZ.

34' e"

21%"

Quabbin Res.

live bait

5-20

Shad

7 1b.

12 oz.

28"

17"

Indian Head R.

fly fishing

5- 4

6almon

81b.

10' 2 OZ

31%"

14' 2"

Quabbin Res.

fly fishing

4-17

Catfish

11 lb.

5 c.

27"

Metacomet Pd. Belchertown

trolling

6- 1

Walleye

11 lb.

293.."

17'/2"

Quabbin Res.

spinning

6-11-73

Bluegill

12"
12"

13'V

Red Brook Pd.

73
73

Bullhead

3 1b.

8 OZ.

12"
19"

12"

Pembroke Res.,iPembroke

live bait

73
5-28-73

41b.

Mashpee PU., Mashpee

bait casting

10- 8-73

W. Perch

1 lb.

4 OZ.

15' 2"

11 W

Davol PW.,Wcstport

bait casting

7- 5-73

Y Perch

21b.

16' 2"

Flax Pd., Yarmouth

bait casting

8 - 73

Brook Trout

21b.

13 oz.

18"

12"

Rumford R., Foxboro

spinning

428-73

Calico

31b.

18"

143/4"

Ames Pd., Andover

ice tackle

1-23-73

Caught by

Lawrence LaCaresse, 47 Stonina Dr., Chicopee

Henry Penny, 58 Jennings St., Worcester

Ralph Fiegel, Yokum Rd., Richmond

Joan I. Monahan, 45 Pratt Ave., Lowell

Frank Keegan, 14 St. John St., Jamaica Plain

John J. Pickrell, 8 Price St., Quincy

Paul J. Drenzek, 2 Cherry St., Ware

Jerry Grozioso, '81 Whiton Ave., Quincy

John P. Yurkinas, 167 Vernon St., Worcester

Mike Owen, 13 Emerson Ct., Amherst

Bbb Methot, Pinebrook, Belchertown

Robert Silva, 61 Scraggy Neck Rd., Cataumet

Ernest Horn, 95 Turnpike Rd., Westboro

Clifford Razee, 42 Pleasant St., Chartley

Ron Smith, 99 Gladstone, Brockton

Edmund B. Meslin, Anson Brown Rd., Johnston,

James Kasper, 171 Plymouth St., Bridgewater

Mark Kline, 93 Brandies Rd., Newton

Donald J. Sapienzo, 272 Central, Foxboro

William V. Twiraga, 60 Easton, Lawrence

STANDING ALL-TIME MASSACHUSETTS FRESHWATER FISHING RECORDS

Through December 31, 1973

Species

Weight

Length

Girth

LM Bass

121b.

oz.

25%"

213/4"

SM Bass

7 1b.

22'/2"

14'/2"

N. Pike

25 1b.

45"

22"

Pickerel

91b.

29 W

R. Trout

81b.

oz.

26"

16"

B. Trout

191b.

oz.

31 W

22Va"

L. Trout

171b.

oz.

34'/2"

213/4"

Shad

81b.

oz.

28"

Salmon

91b.

oz.

27.1"

Catfish

131b.

oz.

29.6"

Walleye

11 lb.

293/4"

17'/2"

Bluegill

12"
12"
12"

Bullhead

51b.

oz.

22' 2"

ll'/2"

5 1b.

8 oz.

22' 2"

14"

4 1b.

oz.

22'2"

IIV2"

W. Perch

21b.

oz.

17"

12"

Y. Perch

21b.

oz.

1734"

Brook Trout

61b.

oz.

24"

Calico

2 1b.

9 V

oz.

18"

14"

2 lb.

oz.

18"

13'/z"

3 1b.

18"

143/4"

Place caught

Palmer R., Palmer
Lovells Pd., Barnstable
Onota Lk., Pittsfield
Pontoosuc Lk., Lanesboro
Deep Pd., Falmouth
Wachusett Res., Boylston
Quabbin Res.
North R., Hanover
Quabbin Res.

Metacomet Pd., Belchertown
Quabbin Res.

Conn. R., Hadley
Leverett Pd., Leverett
Conn. R., Chicopee
Herring Pd., Plymouth
Wachusett Res., Boylston
Otis Res., Otis
Marrimac R., Lowell
Savorys Pd, Manomet
Ames Pd,, Andover

How caught

Date

bait casting

5 9-63

8-20-72

live bait

2- 5-73

1954

live bait

10-15-66

spinning

5-19-66

live bait

5-20-73

spinning

5-6-71

9- 5-71

9-15-71

spinning

6-11-73

1973

live bait

6- 8-63

live bait

8- 2

live bait

9- 8

trolling

5-21

spinning

4-23

spinning

6-24

spinning

6 8

ice tackle

1-24

ice tackle

1-23

Caught by

George Pastick, Fall River
Marshall C. Hunter, Marion
Ralph Fiegel, Richmond
Mrs. James Martin, Stockbridge
Roger Walker, Eastondale
Dana DeBlois, Sterling
Paul J. DrenzeX Ware
Richard C. Brown, Norwell
John E. Courtney, Auburn
Wayne Briggs, Belchertown
Bbb Methot, Belchertown
Robert Silva, Cataumet
Ernest Horn, Westboro
Clifford Razee, Chartley
Mrs. Erna Storie, Chicopee Falls
Stephen Brozo, Amherst
Joseph Kida, Chicopee
Manual P. Souza, Dartmouth
Arnold Korenbluitn, Marlboro
Thomas Laptew, Granville
George Olsson, Lowell
Charles Godln, Manomet
William V. Twiraga, Lawrence

Division of
FISHERIES ond GAME

f if Id Hcodquortcrs
WESTBORO. MASS 01581

Second CIojs
POSTAGE PAID
of Worcester, Mo

A [J N U A L REPORT

19 7 4

AND

19 7 5

)ITS

;fon

THE CONflO II HEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS

DIVISION OF FISHERIES A 11 D 6 A H E

100 CAM BRIDGE STREET

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02202

■

/W€6<€&n/

t7ta^(^u^^/)a/a^^, ^6wevwmen£ % enter
/CC Uatndw*^ r^freet, ^®tf<ms C22C2

His Excellencys Michael S. Dukakis, Governor of the Commonwealth,
The Executive Council s the General Court and the Board of Fisheries
and Game.

I have the honor to submit herewith the one hundred ninth and
one hundred tenth annual reports of the Division of Fisheries and Game.
covering the fiscal years of 1 July 1973 to 30 June 1974 and 1 July
1974 to 30 June 1975.

James II. Shepard
Director

State ! :' 3tt

Approved by Alfred C. Holland, State Purchasinc Ap.ent. Publication No. 0074

Table of Contents

The Board Reports

Fisheries

Wildlife

Information and Education

Realty

Personnel

Legislation

Financial Reports

Page

8
15
17

21
22
24

The Board Reports

The Fish and Game Board is pleased to summarize highlights of the fiscal
years 1974 and 1975, in the interest of economy, to a mimeographed document
covering a two-year span from 1 July 1973 to 30 June 1975.

Fiscal 1974

Ground breaking for the first fishing pier ever constructed on an inland
pond was begun at Cook Pond, Fall River, in July. The construction bid was
awarded to D. W. White Construction Company of Acushnet in the amount of
$77,000. An associated parking area and boat-launching ramp were included m
the project, planned and engineered for the Division by Tibbetts Engineering
Company of New Bedford.

At the Board's August meeting, Chairman Roger Williams welcomed a new
appointee, Henry E. Russell of Brookline, to the Board. Mr. Russell, a former
Board member, replaced long-time member and past Chairman Harry C. Darling of
East Bridgewater.

In September, the Board voted to open to night hunting of raccoon those
wildlife management areas not stocked with pheasant. Experimental openings
were also approved for one year at the Swift River and Birch Hill Wildlife
Management Areas where pheasant are stocked.

A limitation of 4,000 mainland antlerless deer permits was again approved
to encourage further deer herd expansion, taking advantage of a low harvest
and mild winter the previous year.

Encephalitis was present at two of the Division's game farms. An initial
quarantine was lifted prior to the hunting season. The Division maintained
close watch of the disease problem, identified by public health officials as
an eastern strain of the disease. The overall effect of the outbreak was
minimal and resulted in low pheasant mortality.

The Division's operating budget was approved at $2.6 million and four
fisheries and three wildlife accounts were incorporated into single operating
accounts.

The Board sought and obtained the assistance of the Secretary of Environ-^
mental Affairs in securing approval for negotiating, title search and appraisa,
services needed to accelerate land acquisition programs in the Hockomock Swamp
in southeastern Massachusetts. As of October 1973, 2,700 acres were already
under option. Funding was previously made available under a $5 million bond
issue.

A ruling by the Attorney General supported the Board's contention that
the Division's procedure in selecting antlerless deer permits did not consti-
tute a lottery since application fees— used to defray administrative costs-
were deposited into the Inland Fisheries and Game Fund. The program came undei
review as a result of an accusation of the permit system by the Northampton
City Clerk.

At the October 1973 meeting, the Board concurred that a meeting with the
Secretary of Environmental Affairs would be held on 31 October at the Boston
Holiday Inn at which time the latest proposals on governmental reorganization
would be reviewed.

-1-

During the December meeting, the Board considered proposals relating to a
non-game species program, year-round fishing on the Connecticut River and the
naming of a special study committee to address means of working constructively
with an anti-trapping group.

The energy crisis and its adverse effects upon Division programs stimu-
lated planning at the Board's January 1974 meeting aimed at a reduction in fuel
consumption of 25 percent while insuring program continuity.

Emergency regulations limiting the daily bag of northern pike to one and
setting fishing regulations for Wallum Lake to coincide with those of Rhode
Island were discussed and adopted at the Ilarch meeting. The Board also re-
viewed falconry regulations formulated by representatives of the M.S. P. C. A.,
Boston Zoological Society, Massachusetts Audubon Society, Massachusetts Divi-
sion of Law Enforcement and Division personnel headed by Warren Blandin, Chief
of Wildlife Research. A formal regulatory hearing on the proposed regulations
was scheduled for 19 April at Greenfield.

Upon the suggestion of the City Council of Fall River, the Board voted to
name the recently-completed fishing pier, parking area and boat-launching ramp
at Cook Pond the Matthew J_. Kuss Fishing Facilities, in honor of Representative
Kuss who played a major role in conceiving and guiding the project through the
legislative process.

A request of the Director was made by the Board to explore the advisabil-
ity of seeking a five-year license for those over age 70 at a cost of $1 and
to seek alternate and expanded licensing outlets. Recognition and appreciation
was expressed for the donation of postage money to the Division by waterfowl
hunting groups which xrould permit a waterfowl hunter survey regarding the con-
cept of zoned waterfowl hunting seasons.

Nominations of Roger Williams to continue as Chairman and Bradlee Gage
as Secretary were made and voted affirmatively. On whether to support a
designation of the Parker River Wildlife Refuge as a wilderness area, the Board
voted to favor instead a continuation of its existing status and instructed
Director Shepard to record the Board's position at a 25 April hearing.

In order to encourage maximum reporting of returning Atlantic salmon pre-
viously released in the Connecticut River, the Board accepted the recommenda-
tions of the Fisheries staff and voted to establish emergency regulations al-
lowing a legal taking of two Atlantic salmon per day with a minimum length of
15 inches in the Connecticut River.

At an evening meeting in Greenfield on 19 April, the Board at a public
hearing voted approvals of year-round fishing on the Connecticut River and
falconry rules and regulations as presented by Division biologists.

Division biologists at the June 1974 meeting proposed that for the purpose
of improved deer management the Massachusetts mainland be divided into eight
hunting zones. The Board approved the zoning proposal with antlerless deer
permits to be allocated proportional to management objectives in each zone.

The first Massachusetts waterfowl stamp legislation wa3 signed into lav;
by the Governor (Sargent) in late June. Under the act, all waterfowlers are
required by law to purchase a waterfowl stamp, eighty cents of which is ex-
pended by Ducks Unlimited, Inc. for protection and development of waterfowl
habitat in the Atlantic Maritime Provinces of Canada — breeding grounds of most
waterfowl passing through Massachusetts.

-2-

1 1

The Board expressed approval of the Division's process with land acquisi-
tion and paid tribute to the Director and Realty staff for the substantial
number of wetland acquisitions completed during the last year.

Fiscal 1975

After a lengthy series of meetings , studies and deliberations by the Board
over a period of two years during which time numerous proposals for reorganiza-
tion of state government were made to and by the Board, the final reorganization
legislation was signed by the Governor on 16 August 1974 — to become effective
on 1 July 1975. Under its provisions, the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife
(formerly Fisheries and Game) became, along with the Division of Marine Fisher-
ies, the Division of Marine and Recreational Vehicles and Public Access Board
functions, a member of a new Department of Fisheries, Wildlife and Recreational
Vehicles headed by a Commissioner. Certain privileges were retained under re-
organization— the appointment of the Director and approval of the Superintend-
ent were retained by the Board, as were policy decisions and regulatory author-
ity. Budgetary and personnel matters, however, came under the purview of the
Commissioner and the Secretary of Environmental Affairs of the Executive De-
partment .

With the effective date of reorganization, 1 July 1975, the Board adds
two members (a wildlife biologist and one having particular interest in non-
game and endangered species), bringing the Board's membership to seven.

At its waterfowl regulatory hearing in August, the Board also permanently
adopted regulations allowing the taking, in the Connecticut River, of two
Atlantic salmon per day with a 15-inch minimum length and it amended wildlife
management area regulations by authorizing the Director to establish appropri-
ate rules to control detailed situations peculiar to specific wildlife manage-
ment areas.

On 27 September 1974, the Board heard a proposal at a public hearing to
establish a statewide quail season. At its regular meeting on 25 October,
the Board accepted the recommendations of the Division biologists that such
a proposal was biologically unsound and it refused to vote an extension of the
hunting boundaries beyond the five southeastern Massachusetts counties.

Considerable concern was exhibited by the Board during the fall over the
extent and magnitude of agency budget reductions mandated by the administration.
The Board held some fear that while buildings, equipment and programs were
deteriorating, the Division's "surplus" account was continuing to grow and
there remained concern that attempts to raid such a surplus for non-wildlife
programs might be made.

A delay in the expected December delivery by the printer of 1975 licenses
resulted in a joint administrative decision by the Directors of Fisheries and
Game and Lax; Enforcement that holders of 1974 licenses would be able to
lawfully participate in hunting, fishing and trapping until new licenses were
received in January.

Emergency regulations were declared in December for the closure to the
taking of northern pike through the ice in East Brimfield Reservoir, Holland
Pond, Long Pond and the Quinebaug River. The purpose \*as to prevent over-
harvest of recently-introduced pike.

-3-

■

Because of anticipated crowds attending Bicentennial celebrations at
Concords the Board in January endorsed emergency regulations postponing by one
day the fishing season opening at Walden and White's Ponds.

Fishing regulations were adopted at the April 1975 public hearing relative
to exempting from the year-round season on the Connecticut River the Oxbow sec-
tion at Northampton; increasing the minimal legal length of northern pike to
28 inches and reducing the daily bag to one* allowing only 2 brown trout per
day with a minimum legal length of 15 inches at Quabbin Pveservoir; making
permanent the "Fly Fishing Only" areas on the Swift and Nissitissit Rivers;
and initiating a catch-and-release experimental program designed to increase
recreational opportunities on four designated ponds.

In May 1975, the Board voted to rename the Squannacook River Wildlife
Management Area in honor of Peter E. Bertozzi of West Groton who, prior to his
passing, had played a leading role in adding significant acreages of conserva-
tion lands to Division control for public recreation.

Budgetary concerns continued to attract a great deal of the Board's atten-
tion as well as the growing surplus, much of which was not interest-producing.
Director Shepard was asked to explore with the Treasurer's office the advis-
ability of increasing those surplus funds delegated to interest-bearing ac-
counts from the historical level of $80,000 to at least $250,000.

The Board, in reviewing accomplishments of the previous year, felt that
the Division's aggressive land acquisition program which provides multiple
recreational and educational opportunities to all citizens without prejudice
or discrimination is a source of satisfaction and a meaningful beginning upon
which future administrations should build.

R.espect fully submitted,

Roger D. Williams, Chairman
Bradlee E. Gage
Kenneth F. Bums
Uartin H, Burns
Henry E. Russell

-4-

■

«w»

.i'

■

Warmwater Fish Investigations

Northern pike and largenouth bass provided the focal point of warmwater
investigations. Creel census of ice fishermen at Cheshire Reservoir during
1974 revealed a sharp drop in both fishing pressure and harvest. However, the
most alarming decline is in the release of only 29 sub legal pike. During the
winter of 1972, 905 sublegal pike were reported released. It is strongly
suspected that chemical control of weeds during the summer of 1972 inflicted
heavy losses on the young pike that use such areas as nursery habitat. Efforts
were also directed towards the establishment of a pike population in 420-acre
East Brimfield Reservoir, Sturbridge. Approximately 3,000 yearlings averaging
14 inches were shipped from Red Lake, Ilinnesota and released late in December
1973. Since northern pike are relatively rare in Massachusetts and have a
growth potential far exceeding that of the chain pickerel, regulations govern-
ing the harvest of this species were changed to take advantage of the greater
growth potential of this fish as well as to use its predatory nature to prevent
overpopulation of non-game species. Hopefully, the pike released in the
reservoir complex will mature and spawn successfully during the spring of 1975.

Pumped Storage Power Plant Investigations

Two full years of post-operational investigations at the Northfield plant
and the first year of operational investigations at the Bear Swamp plant were
completed. Both investigations included analysis of creel census data, moni-
toring shifts in fish, invertebrate populations and water quality as a means
of evaluating the alterations in the Connecticut and Deerfield Rivers resulting
from construction and operation of these pox^er projects.

Massachusetts Cooperative Fishery Unit

A great majority of the investigations supported by the Division of Fish-
eries and Game through the Cooperative Fishery Unit at the University of
Massachusetts centered around shad investigations in the Connecticut River.
Other studies included the effect of mercury deposition on early development
of white suckers and evaluation of kokanee salmon in Lake Onota, Pittsfield.

Anadromous Fish Studies

The major highlights of the shad and Atlantic salmon restoration efforts
included the completion of Phase I of the modifications to the fishway at
Hadley Falls (Holyoke) and the capture of the first live Atlantic salmon from
that fishway. The modifications to the Holyoke facility enabled 114,132 adult
shad to enter the Holyoke pool. This figure represents a 75.4 percent increase
over the best previous season, 1970, when 65,750 adult shad were passed.
Additionally, two adult Atlantic salmon were recovered. One was taken by
commercial fishermen operating in the lower Connecticut River and the other
was found dead along the banks of the Connecticut River in Agawam. Approxi-
mately 10,000,000 fertile shad eggs were stripped from adult shad in the
Connecticut River and transported to New Hampshire and Massachusetts sections
of the Merrimack River during the springs of 1974 and 1975. Follow-up in-
vestigations of these egg plants revealed that significant shad-spawning
territory is available in the upper reaches, a substantial run of shad can be
anticipated in relatively few years. Spring netting of the Merrimack River
failed to capture significant numbers of adult shad. It is believed that
either those shad captured are strays wandering from their natal rivers or
that very limited shad habitat exists below the dams at Lawrence and Lowell.

Respectfully submitted,

Peter H. Oatis

Chief Aquatic Biologist

State Trout Stocked
1973-1974 and 1974-1975

1973-

•1974

1974-1975

Hatchery

6-9"

9-12"

12"+

6-9"

9-12"

12"+

Sunderland

Rainbow
Brook
Brown
Totals

50,000
20,000
25,000
95,000

50,000

25,000

30,000

105,000

65,000

55,000

120,000

45,000

30,000

27,000

102,000

Bitzer

Rainbow

Brook

Brown

20
10

,000
,000

40,000

75,000

45,000

73,000

Totals

9000

40,000

75,000

45,000

73,000

McLaughlin

Rainbow

Brook

Brown

112,000

80,000

100,000

292,000

157,000

12,

,000

112,000

138,000

76,000

326,000

164,000

14,800

Totals

157,000

12,

000

164,000

14,000

Sandwich

Rainbow

Brook

Brown

15,000
25,000
40,000

75,000

5,000
80,000

40,000

60,000

14,000
74,000

Totals

40,000

Palmer

Rainbow

Brook

Brown

8,000

1,500
9,500

30,000

9,000

Totals

30,000

9,000

Total State Production of Trout

1973-

■1974

1974-1975

6-9"

9-12"

12"+

6-9"

9-12"

12"+

Rainbow

20,000

162,000

365,000

12,000

182,000

351,000

14,800

Brook

10,000

155,000

25,000

248,000

30,000

Brown

150,000

36,500

131,000

41,000

Totals

30,000 467,000 426,500 12,000 561,000 422,000 14,800

-7-

Wildlife

Introduction

Division efforts in wildlife research during fiscal 1974 and 1975 have
focused on obtaining better information with which to manage the wildlife
populations of the Commonwealth. Current projects range from studies on the
history of management practices to basic life history studies, to relntroduc-
tion of native species 9 to management of existing populations. A proposal for
a non-game and endangered species wildlife program was presented to the
Legislature in December 1973 but the bill was still under consideration at the
end of 1975.

White- Tailed Deer Project

The one-week shotgun season accounted for the largest portion of the
total deer harvest. In 1973s a total of 2,037 deer were taken, followed by
2,666 in the 1974 season as the herd continued to increase. Antlerless deer
permits were issued at the same level (5,000) in both 1973 and 1974, and
farmer-landowner antlerless deer permit requests were also at about the same
level, 349 and 358, respectively. The total kill ratio of males to females
taken In the harvest similarly indicates a healthy harvest situation with
1,477 males to 644 females in 1973 and 1,949 males to 332 females in 1974.
This ratio is what it should be in light of our management objectives.

Three additional autumn deer seasons were offered in 1973 and 1974. The
three-week archery season harvest was up from 77 in 1973 to 87 in 1974. The
paraplegic season produced the first successful hunters In 1974 on Martha's
Vineyard when deer were taken by two of the 14 participants. The three-day
primitive firearms season following the shotgun season produced a harvest of
seven deer in 1973 and 26 in 1974.

The total harvest in 1974 of 2,781 deer was up about 30 percent, or 660
animals, over the 2,121 taken in 1973.

Non-hunting deer mortalities reported by Natural Resource Officers for
the two-year period, 1973 and 1974, were as follows:

Mortality Cause

Automotive

Dogs

Illegal

Drowned

Others and Unknown

Totals

Numb

Deaths

1973

322

Numb

Deaths

1974

329
23
34
11
33

420

430

Statewide Beaver Harvest

A total of 1,639 beaver were taken by 123 trappers in 106 towns during
the 1973-1974 beaver season. Berkshire and Franklin Counties together yielded
888 beaver, or 54.2 percent of the harvest. Over one half (53.6%) of the
beaver were taken in the first two weeks of the 15-week season. The approxi-
mate point-of-sale value of the harvest was $29,500.

-8-

Harvests dropped slightly In 1974-1975, with 1,441 beaver being taken by
115 trappers in 102 towns. This take was 198 less than in 1973-1974, but 247
more than the ten-year (1965-1974) average. Berkshire and Franklin Counties
together yielded 838 beaver. Again, one half (721) of the harvest was taken
in the first two weeks of the season. The approximate point-of-sale value of
the harvest was $36,025.

Mourning Dove Census

Calling doves were counted on three randomized census routes in coopera-
tion with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's annual mourning dove breeding
population census. The total number of calling doves in the spring of 1974
decreased nearly two thirds as compared to 1973 counts. In 1975, however, the
total number of calling doves increased 11.5 times over 1974 on two comparable
routes. Analysis of long-term trends, nevertheless, indicates a significant
downward trend in Eastern Unit dove populations.

Spring Quail Census

The 1973 spring quail census in Barnstable, Bristol, and Plymouth Counties
showed no statistically significant difference in call indices from the 1971
average or from a four-year (1958-1961) average. In 1975, however, Bristol
County showed a significant decrease from the 1958-1961 index, and Plymouth
County showed decreases both from the 1958-1961 and from the 1973 call index.

Experimental Turkey Stocking

Through the courtesy of the New York State Department of Environmental
Conservation, Division of Fi3h and Wildlife, a number of wild-trapped turkeys
were again made available for transplanting to Massachusetts. In September
1973, twenty turkeys (five adult hens and fifteen poults) were captured in
Allegany State Park, New York, and released in Beartown State Forest, Berkshire
County, bringing the total released since spring 1972 to 37 turkeys.

Sightings were uncommon for the first year, but reports since then Indi-
cate that birds have dispersed east and west of the release site, and one re-
port of a brood was received during the summer of 1974. Should reproduction
and dispersal continue as projected, the Beartown flock will be used as a
source of stock for future statewide releases.

Black Bear Population Dynamics

During the fall of 1973, applications for bear hunting permits were re-
ceived from 309 sportsmen. No bears were reported taken during the open
season, though one cub was killed by an automobile earlier in the year. Two
instances of problem bears were investigated, both involving citizens who un-
necessarily harassed bears, thus leading to confrontations.

In 1974, bear hunting permit applications were received from 390 sports-
men and two bear were taken during the open season. Two instances of nuisance
bears were investigated.

A comprehensive report on the history and status of the bear in Massachu-
setts is nearing completion.

-9-

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Trap Study

A committee was appointed in early 1974 by Director Shepard to study the
problems of and alternatives to the steel leghold trap. The committee, com-
posed of trappers, non-trappers, and professional biologists, initiated an
intensive information-gathering effort which resulted in the rather shocking
and inescapable conclusion that there was no reliable basis for answering
questions that underlie a rational revision of trapping in the direction of
minimizing pain. Consequently, the committee recommended to Director Shepard
a detailed study designed to evaluate several trapping devices.

This study has been designed and reviewed by biologists from all over
this country and Canada. Support for the study is provided by the Federal
government, the Canadian Association for Humane Trapping, the Division, the
Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and the Wood-
stream Corporation.

Gray Squirrel Study

Squirrel hunting regulations were evaluated from other states in an effort
to determine why squirrels were not a more popular game animal in Maesaohuoptt<3.
Results showed most states ranked squirrels a» a top game species. The popu-
larity of squirrel hunting was significantly related to the length of the
season before leaf fall. On the average, about 40 percent of the season in
other states occurred before leaf fall, but in Massachusetts the season does
not open until after leaf fall. Massachusetts also has the second shortest
squirrel season (41 days) in the nation while the average is 120 days.

Recommendations are being prepared in an effort to increase the utiliza-
tion of this resource.

Grouse Habitat Studies

The forests of the state have generally grown past the optimum habitat
stage for ruffed grouse and the potential value of the timber resource has
increased steadily. Realizing that this resource will be harvested sometime
in the future, the Division has begun to investigate the possibilities of
stimulating production of good ruffed grouse habitat through normal timber
harvesting operations. Cooperation with the Division of Forests and Parks and
the University of Massachusetts is being investigated in order to provide the
best study design for this work.

Gosling Transplant Program

In fiscal year 1974, a number of Canada goose drive trapping operations
occurred in eastern Massachusetts. Fifty-seven goslings were captured and
transplanted to four sites in central and western Massachusetts and 52 other
geese were banded and released. During fiscal year 1975, forty-two goslings
were transplanted and 27 other geese banded. Brood checks that year confirmed
three broods of goslings by transplanted adults and three other broods of
probable transplant origin. An analysis of recovery data indicated a 24 per-
cent recovery rate for all geese transplanted since 1967 with approximately
half the birds being recovered out of state.

-10-

Preseason Waterfowl Bandings

Preseason banding work followed gosling transplant activities. However,
budgetary problems which prevented needed airboat repairs eliminated night-
lighting and curtailed bait trapping activities during the summers of both

1973 and 1974. As a result, only 262 wild ducks were banded during the 1974
preseason trapping operations although 163 park waterfowl were also banded.
In 1974, a total of 354 wild birds and 402 park ducks were banded.

Winter Inventory Flights

Winter inventory flights were flown during the first full week of January
in 1974 and 1975. Coastal Massachusetts from New Hampshire to the Rhode Island
line was surveyed, including Cape Cod and the Islands. The total waterfowl
count in 1974 was 127,043, up 59.7 percent from 1973 and dovm 4.7 percent from
the ten-year average. Black ducks were up 15.4 percent from 1973, down 7.5
percent from the ten-year average. Mallards, bay ducks, sea ducks and Canada
geese were all up over 1973. The 1975 count of 120,278 waterfowl was down
slightly from 1974 and the ten-year average. Black ducks were down 23 percent
from 1974. Mallards, most bay ducks, sea ducks and Canada geese were up over
the 1974 counts.

Winter Trapping Program

During 1974, state personnel along with three cooperators banded a total
of 1,917 ducks at 30 locations using bait traps and cannon nets. Some 524
ducks were banded a3 part of the regular winter black duck trapping operation
(78 percent blacks). The park waterfowl program netted 1,189 mallards, 33
black ducks and 165 mallard-black hybrids. A total of 2,247 waterfowl were
banded at 32 locations in 1975; 1,120 during black duck banding work (81 per-
cent blacks) and 1,127 during the park waterfowl phase of the program (85 per-
cent mallards) .

Black Duck Imprint Program

During the spring of 1974, a total of 45 female and 55 male black ducks
were released on three sanctuary areas In eastern and central Massachusetts.
Nesting cylinders had been previously erected in 1972. In addition to the

1974 release, an unknown number of black ducks released in 1973 had over-
wintered in the vicinity of the release sites. A total of ten nest attempts
were recorded on the sites of which nine were successful. Nests were
established in cylinders by both 1973 and 1974 released birds.

Game farm-held black ducks produced over 700 eggs but faulty incubators
and high duckling mortality rates limited production. Approximately 200 black
ducks were reared to flight stage.

A total of 125 female and 111 male black ducks were released in the spring
of 1975. These included both yearling birds and surplus breeding stock. One
or more nests were established on five of six release sites. Nests were
established by eleven of the 1975 released hens while three hens released in
previous years returned to nest. A total of 110 black ducklings were hatched
in cylinders. Further releases of 21 female and ten male black ducks were
made during midsummer of 1975 as this project is considered unsuccessful and
will be terminated.

-11-

*».V.

Park Waterfowl Investigations

A summer park waterfowl census of the greater Boston area was conducted
in 1974. A total of 2,071 mallards and 248 black ducks was observed on 56
different areas (40 percent of available sites) . The summer count was ap-
proximately 56 percent of the winter count conducted on the same geographic
area during January 1973.

Two special censuses to count broods were run the summer of 1975, one in
May and a second late June-early July. These censuses revealed that there
was brood production on 41 percent of the wetlands within the greater Boston
areas and that there was an average of 2.4 broods per area. A total of 2,673
waterfowl was seen of which 675 were ducklings.

Evaluation of Starlingproof Nesting Cylinders

During 1974, wood duck nest starts were recorded in 27 out of 82 cylin-
ders. However, only sixteen nests were successfully incubated to term.
Cylinders were used on eight of 22 areas, fourteen of which had concurrent
wood duck usage in wooden boxes. In 1975, there were 22 nest starts on five
areas of which fifteen were successful. Web tagging data indicate that there
is no strong tendency for wood ducks hatched in cylinders to return to cylin-
ders to nest, but rather that wood ducks hatched in cylinders may nest in
wooden boxes as frequently as they do in the cylinders. No starling nests
have been recorded in the cylinders since the program was initiated in 1970.

Wood Duck Dump Nesting Study

A wood duck dump nest is a nest in which two or more wood ducks lay eggs
but only one hen incubates the clutch. Dump nests normally make up about 25
percent of the nests found in Division boxes. The waterfowl research crew is
attempting to learn more about this biological phenomenon through a series of
research projects.

One project tested the effects of the prior presence of eggs in a box to
determine if wood ducks that dump nest, but do not incubate later, establish
a nest of their own. Several marking devices were tested under both laboratory
and field conditions in 1974. Further tests were conducted in 1975. The use
of a rubber-band collar with a colored vinyl tag promises to be the most
feasible, with a 67 percent success rate.

Release of Hand-Reared Wood Ducks

The release of twelve pairs of adult wood ducks on two beaver ponds of the
Quabbin Reservoir in April of 1975 resulted in two confirmed nests by released
hens and a third successful nest believed to be the product of a released hen.
The release of five adult hens at Turkey Hill Brook, Paxton, resulted in one
hen establishing a successful nest.

-12-

M - ■

Game Farm Research

During the two-year reporting period, a cooperative research project on
Eastern Equine Encephalitis in pheasants was continued with the Department of
Veterinary Science at the University of Massachusetts and the Massachusetts
Department of Public Health.

Many blood samples were collected from representative pens of pheasants
on all three game farms. When work on these samples is completed we should
have a better understanding of the epizootlology of the disease by comparison
of numbers of serums with antibodies before and after clinical disease. Virus
isolations at the Ayer farm demonstrated that the infection occurred in a
considerable number of pens without appreciable clinical signs or mortality.
Fitting the birds with anti-pecking "peepers" is credited ttfith being effective
in minimizing transmission of infection and mortality.

One controlled experiment has been completed to evaluate the effective-
ness of a commercial adjuvanted E.E.E. vaccine for pheasants, a product widely
used in pheasants in New Jersey. Little or no protection value was demon-
strated, although as much as one half a horse dose was used twice at a four-
week interval before challenge. All vaccinated birds also developed viremia
following challenge. A second trial is in progress.

A member of E.E.E. virus isolates has been screened to determine if there
are marked differences in virulence for pheasants among field isolates. A few
of the isolates tested have limited ability to kill pheasants; most of the
isolates from mosquitoes, horses and songbirds can kill pheasants without
adaptation.

Management

Efforts to increase automation at all game farms, especially in the
brooding of pheasants were stepped up during these fiscal years. This has
resulted in large labor savings. Surplus equipment acquired from other state
agencies has allowed the Division to install automatic feeders in one breeder
house at the Wilbraham Game Farm.

Routine maintenance, repair and construction was done at all farms. Feed
formulas and feeding procedures were revised which resulted in a decrease in
feed costs.

Respectfully submitted,

Chet M. McCord

Chief of Wildlife Research

E. Michael Pollack
Chief Game Biologist

-13-

Game Distribution

Pheasant Distribution 7/1/73 to 6/30/74

7/1/74 to 6/30/75

- - ■

August 8,940

9,298

October-November 43 , 164

44,010

Sportsmen's Club Pheasant 6,035

5,543

Rearing Program

Miscellaneous (youth hunt, 185

146

displays, etc.)

Brood Stock (spring releases) 5,185

1,772

Hybrids 200

Field Trials (24) 898

(18) 802

Totals 64,607

61,571

Quail Liberations

Public Hunting Grounds 1,960

2,880

Field Trials (10) 483

(10) 502

Totals 2,443

3,382

Hare Liberations

Released in January and 109

1,110

February

sc m

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- I-

Information and Education

Increasing public interest in wildlife and the environment is reflected
in the magnitude of postal inquiries, estimated at over 10,000 during fiscal
1974 and 1975, handled by the Information-Education staff. Although many re-
quests can be satisfied by return mailings of preprinted information, an In-
creasing number demand a response — possible only by personal and sometimes
lengthy correspondence.

The production of informative materials attempts to reduce inquiries by
the timely dissemination of facts. During the reporting period, 33 general
news releases and nine mailings to outdoor writers were produced. Staff mem-
bers published and maintained a library of 200 maps of popular fishing ponds
and 44 maps of wildlife management areas for the benefit of fishermen and
hunters.

Responsibility for coordination and reservation bookings for the Junior
Conservation Camp falls annually to the I and E Section as well as participa-
tion in training programs offered to the 150 boys who attend.

In cooperation with the Massachusetts Department of Commerce and Develop-
ment, the Division's I and E staff supervises the Massachusetts Sports Fishing
Awards Program involving year-round review of freshwater fish entries in seven-
teen categories. This program has clearly established Massachusetts as a
producer of record fish unsurpassed in the Northeast.

The educational effort is extended throughout the state by means of ex-
hibits, demonstrations, radio and television specials and audio-visual aids of
infinite variety. The staff prepared or assisted at twelve major exhibits
during the two-year period including annual appearances at the New England
Sportsmen's Show at Boston and the Eastern States Exposition in Springfield.
The 1974 exhibit featured a variety of shore birds and the 1975 show included
a pair of river otter — both exhibits telling of the variety of native
Massachusetts wildlife and the importance of protecting suitable wildlife
habitat.

The Division's bimonthly magazine, Massachusetts Uildlife, continued to
publish timely and thought-provoking articles on land use problems, wildlife
of the Quabbin Reservoir area, the eastern cougar, black bear, the Merrimack
River and numerous other environmental and wildlife- related subjects. The
publication is a function of the five-member I and E staff but major responsi-
bility falls to the managing editor. Massachusetts Wildlife consistently in-
cluded three or four major articles in each issue although handicapped by
limitations on both space and size. A format greater than the current 9 by 12
inch page size would be highly desirable and could more effectively utilize
the excellent photography produced by the Division's two wildlife photographers.
Regrettably, budget limitations prevented the publication of the May-June 1975
issue.

'.V •

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The I and E staff employed several methods to publicize the construction
and dedication of the Division's first fishing pier built at Cook Pond, Fall
River. The project warranted a high degree of exposure since it marked a new
approach to improved fishery management in an urban area and included original
design engineering to facilitate use by handicapped anglers restricted to
wheelchairs.

-15-

At the request of the court, extensive publicity was given to the appre-
hension and subsequent conviction of vandals who wantonly slaughtered prime
trout displayed in the visitor pool at the Division's McLaughlin hatchery in
Belchertown. It was suggested by the hearing's judge that the excellent
police work by Natural Resource Officer Albert Brighenti and other investi-
gators together with wide news coverage might be a deterrent to others who
might contemplate similar vandalism.

Upon the passage of the first waterfowl stamp law in Massachusetts, the
I and E section began a search for appropriate art work and selected a fine
painting of a decoy from among several submitted. Thus began a series which
the Division intends to perpetuate at a high level of printing and art quality,
a factor which should make the Massachusetts stamps of interest to collectors.

The production of audio-visual material was severely reduced by budgetary
limitations but the Division's staff photographers developed a full length,
52-minute documentary on native animals and wildlife management in the Quabbin
Reservation as well as several thousand feet of footage to be subsequently
combined with other footage in the development of new film presentations. In
addition, two prime-time film shows on the life history of the beaver and the
wild turkey were prepared for showing over Channel 6, New Bedford, and three
one-half hour wildlife films were developed for showing on Channel 57, Spring-
field. On seasonal events or unusual wildlife-related stories, thirty brief
short-run specials were made and used in news broadcasts by Channels 4, 5 and
7, Boston.

Films and 35mm slide shows dealing with fish and wildlife research and
management were prepared for use by Division biologists in conjunction with
their educational activities. An estimated 200 showings were recorded during
the reporting period of all types of films. Most of these were used at
schools, sportsmen's clubs, environmental citizen groups and exhibits.

The Division continued to provide color and black and white prints to
wire services and various news media relating to Massachusetts wildlife and
associated recreation.

I and E staffers appeared on six talk shows for Channel 6 and presented
programs at scores of gatherings of conservationists and educators across the
state.

Respectfully submitted,

Richard Cronin

Chief of Information and Education

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Realty

An aggressive land acquisition program continued to provide lasting pro-
tection for fish and wildlife resources of the Commonwealth by bringing under
the control of the Division 3644.5 additional acres during Fiscal 1974 and
another 2252.25 acres in 1975. Host acquisitions xrere wetlands with funding
provided by a $5 million bond issue approved in Fiscal 1972. Program emphasis
was placed on acquisitions of lands bordering existing wildlife management
areas and other publicly-accessible recreation lands and waters. At the close
of Fiscal 1975 it is evident that new funding will be needed to continue the
essential program of permanently protecting fish and wildlife habitat in both
wetland and upland locations. The Division is most grateful for the continu-
ing interest shown by generous donors of wildlife lands, a number of whom made
significant gifts to the Commonwealth during the reporting period.

Hockomock Acquisition Project

The Hockomock Swamp reputedly is the largest remaining inland wetland in
New England. The attributes possessed by this unique and remarkable natural
resource are many and the swamp's worth challenges the expertise of those who
would attempt to attach to it a value in dollars and cents.

To permanently protect this significant wetland (a mere forty-minute
drive from downtown Boston) , the Division initiated its largest single
acquisition project ever attempted early in June of 1972. Progress was slow
during the early stages of the program. However, the assemblage of parcels
began when in Fiscal 1974 a total of 1,078 acres of Hockomock became public
domain, and in Fiscal 1975 an additional 1,499 acres were purchased.

The properties acquired were as varied in their utilitarian roles as
they were irregular in shape. Road frontage was acquired on every major high-
way within the project area to insure access. Properties bordering the Snake
River, Hockomock River, Town River and Black Brook were also protected as well
as shore property on 354-acre Lake Nippenickett and Nunkets Pond.

Ownerships were obtained by negotiated purchase. Acquisitions by this
process usually require repeated visits to the landowner before an agreement
is reached. The involvement of time, consequently, is considerable.

Parker River Acquisition Project

In the Town of Newbury, Essex County, picturesque farmlands once provided
a livelihood for those who tirelessly and patiently "lived with the land".
Fields of timothy, brome grass, and lush clover furnish food and cover for the
countless species of wildlife found here. These farmlands are embellished by
adjoining marshlands. Such marshlands, nourished by the beautiful Parker
River, provide high-quality habitat for shorebirds, waterfowl and aquatic
mammals .

A Division application for Federal funding assistance, through the Bureau
of Outdoor Recreation's Land and Uater Conservation Fund (B.O.R.), was sub-
mitted and approved. Subsequent to the approval, the estate of the late
John P. Marquand, a noted author, was purchased. Four hundred seventy-seven
acres, the nucleus of the project, was conveyed to the Division in 1974, and
in Fiscal 1975, another 237 acres was added.

-17-

Crane Pond

Two acquisitions in Fiscal 1975 of 111 acres in Georgetown, Groveland and
West Newbury bring the total acreage of this wildlife management area to
2094.9.

Swift River

Three hundred acres in Ware, including a modern 10-roon house and garage,
and 3,600 feet of river frontage were purchased, adding significantly to the
total value of the Swift River Wildlife Management Area — now encompassing
1413.5 acres and offering further protection to a fine trout stream.

Westboro

Via a transfer from the Department of Mental Health and the Trustees of
Westboro State Hospital, 153 acres of woodland and shore frontage on Lake
Chauncey was added to the Division's Westboro Wildlife Management Area in
Fiscal 1975.

Housatonic River

Acquisitions in Pittsfield, Lenox and Lee have enlarged Division holdings
in this river valley to 485.7 acres and have provided, in addition to public
open space protection, an additional 5,000 feet of shoreline on Woods Pond and
4,600 feet of frontage on the Housatonic River. The area is rich in fish and
wildlife including waterfowl and furbearers.

Millers River

Protection of huntable land for deer, hare and grouse was the object of
the Fiscal 1974 acquisition of 853 acres of unspoiled land adjacent to the
Division's Millers River Wildlife Management Area in Athol and Royalston. This
important acquisition connected other Division properties forming a unit of
1,553 acres, and insures excellent access to a major river which may offer
prime fishing as pollution abatement progresses.

Peterson Swamp

In Halifax, 250 acres of forest, wooded swamp, marsh and open fields was
purchased in an area between Monponsett Pond and Silver Lake.

Additions to Existing Lands

During the reporting period, land purchases were made which added to and
further protected Division holdings at the Squannacook Wildlife Management
Area, Shirley; Rocky Gutter Wildlife Management Area, Middleboro; Mill Creek
Wildlife Management Area, Rowley, and Pantry Brook Wildlife Management Area,
Sudbury. Additional salt marshes in Rowley and Salisbury uere acquired which
brought the total coastal wetlands designated as the North Shore Wildlife
Management Area to 310.2 acres. Federal Aid to Fisheries Restoration funds
assisted in the purchase of 183.63 acres adjacent to the Missitissit River
Wildlife Management Area and the Division acquired 1.7 acres adjacent to the
Sandwich State Fish Hatchery as added protection.

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tern

Gifts

During Fiscal 1974 and 1975, gifts of land totalling 459.3 acres were
deeded to the Division. They included a 15-acre island in the Connecticut
River donated by the Connecticut River Watershed Council, Inc. Shepherd Island
was formerly used for an anchoring point for cables stretching to the river's
east bank as booms to intercept newly cut logs headed downriver. A sandy beach
stretches along the wooded island's easterly shore and from its westerly shore
one can observe a sheltered mainland cove where migrating waterfowl stop to
rest and feed.

Once again the Middlesex County League of Sportsmen's Clubs has made a
significant contribution with the presentation to the Division of a twenty-
acre parcel in Pepperell, situated on the Nissitissit River. This gift of
frontage on a trout stream considered by many to be one of the finest in the
state, will help to insure the perpetuation of quality freshwater angling for
generations to come.

In Chester, a 267-acre tract of woodland with frontage on Walker Brook,
a state-stocked trout stream, was deeded to the Division by Kelly Enterprises,
Inc. , a Pittsfield lumber company. The property also includes an abandoned
emery mine, one of the few locations in Massachusetts where the endangered
Indiana bat is found. Hunters will benefit, too, from this most generous gift
since the area is good habitat for deer, grouse and hare.

A gift of .3 acres further strengthened the holdings of the Division at
its BItzer Fish Hatchery in Montague, named for Harold and Ralph Bitzer, two
former employees of the Division, the latter of whom is also the donor.

Finally, lands in Northbridge, Mendon and Uxbridge, along both banks of
the West River, were given to the Division by E. Kent Swift, Jr. This 157-
acre area includes a variety of habitat types — large open fields, hedgerows,
stone walls, apple trees, forests and wetlands. The hunter and non-hunter
alike will find much to enjoy in this diverse area and the trout fisherman
will appreciate the excellent public access to one of the better streams in
the region.

The above-mentioned gifts are gratefully acknowledged and represent
properties of considerable value. The foresight and generosity of each donor
and his obvious love of the great out-of-doors labels him as a giant among his
fellowmen. The Division of Fisheries and Game, on behalf of all sportsmen and
conservationists, extends to each benefactor the true hand of friendship.

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Summary of Land Acquisitions
Fiscal 1974 and 1975

Area Name
Hockomock Swamp W.M.A.

Parker River W.M.A.
Crane Pond W.M.A.

Swift River W.M.A.
Westboro W.M.A.
Housatonic Valley W.M.A.
Millers River W.M.A.
North Shore W.M.A.
Rocky Gutter W.M.A.
Squannacook W.M.A.
Peterson Sx>;amp W.M.A.
Shepherd Island W.M.A.
Nissitissit River W.M.A.
E. Kent Swift W.M.A.

Chester W.M.A.
Mill Creek W.M.A.
Pantry Brook W.M.A.
Sandwich Fish Hatchery
Bitzer Fish Hatchery

Totals

3644.5

2252.25

Acreage

Town

1974

1975

East on 9 Taunton, Raynham,

1078

1499.10

Norton, Bridgewater, West

Bridgewater

Newbury

467

237

Georgetown, Groveland,

111

West Newbury

Ware

300

Westboro

153

Lenox, Lee, Pittsfield

107

25.4

Athol, Royals ton

353

Rowley, Salisbury

Middleboro

17.5

Shirley

Halifax

250

Northampton

Pepperell

183.63

Northbridge, Mendon,

157

Uxb ridge

Chester

267

Rowley

.10

Sudbury

8.12

Sandwich

1.7

Montague

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Personnel

Retirements

Eleanor Dox^ler, on 27 December 1974, as Principal Clerk in the Boston
office. Employed by the Division since 4 February 1963 after previous
service at Monson State Hospital.

Joseph Johnson, on 31 December 1974, as Chief of Realty in the Boston
office. Employed by the Division since 21 August 1939.

Robert Corrinet, on 22 January 1975, as Game Manager in the Central
Wildlife District. Employed by the Division since 11 September 1951.

Robert Macomber, on 30 June 1975, as Fish Culturist at the Sandwich State
Fish Hatchery. Employed by the Division since April 1935.

Deaths

Eugene D. Ho ran, on 10 July 1973. Employed by the Division since
1 June 1955. At his death, he was the Western District Wildlife Manager in
Pittsfield.

George Wood, on 2 May 1974. Employed by the Division since 1 August 1955
At his death, he was Fisheries Manager, Southeast Wildlife District in
Buzzards Bay.

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Legislation Enacted During Fiscal Year 1974

Chapter 129 of the Resolves of 1973: Resolve providing for an investigation
and study by the Division of Fisheries and Game relative to certain hunting,
fishing and wildlife matters. Signed: 17 September 1973.

Chapter 496 of the Acts of 1973: An act relative to the use of certain raptors
for hunting purposes. Signed: 2 July 1973.

Chapter 769 of the Acts of 1973: An act providing for emergency projects under
the law relating to the protection of the inland wetlands of the Commonwealth.
Signed: 17 September 1973.

Chapter 879 of the Acts of 1973: An act authorizing the State Treasurer to re-
ceive funds from the Director of the Division of Fisheries and Game.
Signed: 4 October 1973.

Chapter 900 of the Acts of 1973: An act authorizing the Director of the Divi-
sion of Fisheries and Game to acquire certain land in the Town of Falmouth for
wildlife management purposes. Signed: 11 October 1973.

Chapter 1071 of the Acts of 1973: An act requiring persons owning certain
animals to be licensed by the Department of Natural Resources.
Signed: 21 November 1973.

Chapter 420 of the Acts of 1974: An act providing for a Massachusetts water-
fowl stamp. Signed: 26 June 1974.

Legislation Enacted During Fiscal Year 1975

Chapter 667 of the Acts of 1974: An act providing for the quarantine of cer-
tain diseased fish, birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians.
Signed: 31 July 1974.

Chapter 786 of the Acts of 1974: An act authorizing the Division of Fisheries
and Game in the Department of Natural Resources to grant an easement on cer-
tain land in the Town of Conway. Signed: 9 August 1974.

Chapter 796 of the Acts of 1974: An act prohibiting the use of certain traps
or other devices for the capture of fur-bearing mammals.
Signed: 12 August 1974.

Chapter 806 of the Acts of 1974: An act establishing an Executive Office of
Environmental Affairs. Signed: 12 August 1974.

Chapter 813 of the Acts of 1974: An act further regulating the protection of
wetlands. Signed: 13 August 1974.

Chapter 30 of the Acts of 1975: An act relative to the penalty for the unlaw-
ful possession of a deer. Signed: 25 February 1975.

Chapter 147 of the Acts of 1975: An act requiring the approval of the Director
of the Division of Waterways or the Director of the Division of Marine and
Recreational Vehicles of rules and regulations relating to hunting and fishing
on great ponds. Signed: 24 April 1975.

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Chapter 162 of the Acts of 1975: An act redefining the term "loaded shotgun
or rifle" in the law relative to inland fisheries and game. Signed:
30 April 1975.

Chapter 217 of the Acts of 1975: An act further regulating the issuance of
minor's certificate of competency in the safe handling of firearms.
Signed: 16 May 1975.

Chapter 334 of the Acts of 1975: An act relative to the enforcement of viola-
tions of the wetland act. Signed: 13 June 1975.

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SUMMARY OF FISH AND GAME INCOME
1 July 1973 to 30 June 1974

Fishing, Hunting and Trapping Licenses

Special Licenses, Trap Registrations and Tags

Archery Stamps

Antlerless Deer Permits

Rents

Miscellaneous and Sales

Court Fines

Refunds Prior Year

Pittman-Robertson Federal Aid

Dinge 11- Johnson Federal Aid

Anadromous Fish Projects, Federal Aid

Massachusetts Mourning Dove and Woodcock Reimbursement

Reimbursement of Services

$2,522,620.75*

$ 10,985.25**

$ 25,787.90

$ 16,352.85

$ 5,467.25

$ 2,734.11

$ 15,029.00

$ 964.76

$ 149,029.34

$ 223,925.41

$ 3,609.07

$ 19,426.18

$2,995,931.87

*See Detail Sheet No. 1
**See Detail Sheet No. 2

OTHER INCOME-INLAND FISHERIES AND GAME FUND

Interest on Investments

Gasoline Tax Apportionment

Surplus in Inland Fisheries and Game Fund as of
30 June 1974

$ 5,803.28
$ 291,536.36
$ 891,093.24

-30-

:.i

^HHfl^H

SUMMARY OF FISH AND GAME INCOME
1 July 1974 to 30 June 1975

Fishing, Hunting and Trapping Licenses

Special Licenses , Trap Registrations and Tags

Archery Stamps

Waterfowl Stamps, Ducks Unlimited

Waterfowl Stamps

Antlerless Deer and Bear Permits

Rents

Miscellaneous and Sales

Court Fines

Refunds Prior Year

Pittman-Robertson Federal Aid

Dingell- Johnson Federal Aid

Anadromous Fish Projects, Federal Aid

Massachusetts Mourning Dove and Woodcock Reimbursement

Reimbursement, Acquisition Projects

Reimbursement of Services, Water Pollution Control

$2,567,290.30*

$ 11,487.65**

$ 29,947.20

$ 23,148.80

$ 6,209.95

$ 15,532.70

$ 5,653.75

$ 11,045.55

$ 12,263.75

$ 388.29

$ 210,496.42

$ 35,513.61

$ 56,330.46

$ 4,644.72

$ 153,526.58

$ 35,390.16
$3,178,869.89

*See Detail Sheet No. 1
**See Detail Sheet No. 2

OTHER INCOME AND INLAND FISHERIES AND GAME FUND

Interest on Investments

Gasoline Tax Apportionment

Surplus in Inland Fisheries and Game Fund as of
30 June 1975

$ 3,450.23

$ 291,615.00
$1,152,344.32

-31-

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Detail Sheet No. 2
DEPOSITS
Fiscal Year 1 July 1973 to 30 June 1974

3304-61-01-40 Trap Registration

Initial

103

$ 2.00

366.00

Renewal

351

$ 1.50

526.50

Renewal (Duplicate)

$ 1.00

1.00

3304-61-02-40

Fur Buyers

Resident Citizen

<§

$15.00

330.00

Non-Resident or Alien

$50.00

350.00

3304-61-03-40

Taxidermist

$10.00

850.00

3304-61-04-40 Propagators

Special Purpose Permit

$ 1.00

90.00

Class 1 (Special Fish)

Initial

$ 7.50

120.00

Renewal

150

$ 5.00

750.00

Class 2

No fee

Class 3 (Fish)

Initial

$ 7.50

67.50

Renewal

$ 5.00

375.00

Class 4 (Birds and Mammals)

Initial

$ 7.50

592.50

Renewal

438

$ 5.00

$ 2

,190.00

Class 5

No fee

Class 6 (Dealers)

Initial

<a i 7.5

60.00

Renewal

$ 5.00

330.00

Additional

402

$ 1.50

603.00

Class 7 (Individual Bird

or Mammal)

Initial

$ 3.00

60.00

Renewal

$ 1.00

63.00

Importation Permits

Fish

$ 5.00

40.00

Birds and Mammals

$ 5.00

165.00

3304-61-05-40

Take Shiners

110

$ 5.00

550.00

Duplicate

$ 1.00

1.00

3304-61-06-40

Field Trial License

$15.00

90.00

3304-61-07-40

Taking of Carp and Suckers
for Sale

3304-61-08-40

Quail for Training Dogs

Initial

$ 7.50

105.00

Renewal

$ 5.00

300.00

3304-61-10-40

Commercial Shooting Preserves

$50.00

500.00

3304-61-11-40

Trapping of Certain Birds

$ 5,00

200.00*

3304-61-12-40

Mounting Permit

$ 2.00

14.00

3304-64-01-40

Game Tags

7315

$ .05

365.75

Fish Tags

18100

$ .01

181.00

3304-61-13-40

Special Field Trial Permit

$15.00

420.00

3304-61-14-40

Special Permits

Bear

309

$ .50

154.50

Deer (Landowner /farmer)

349

$ .50

174.50

Total

$10

,985.25

-34-

■

DEPOSITS Detail Sheet No. 2

Fiscal Year 1 July 1974 to 30 June 1975

3304-61-01-40

Trap Registration

Initial

252

$ 2.00

504.00

Renewal

341

$ 1.50

511.50

Duplicate

$ 1.00

A. 00

3304-61-02-40

Fur Buyers

Resident Citizen

•515.00

405.00

Non-Res ident or Allen

$50.00

400.00

3304-61-03-40

Taxidermist

102

$10.00

$ 1

,020.00

3304-61-04-40

Propagators

Special Purpose Permit

169

$ 1.00

169.00

Class 1 (Special Fish)

Initial

$ 7.50

127.50

Renewal

154

$ 5.00

770.00

Class 3 (Fish)

Initial

$ 7.50

45.00

Renewal

$ 5.00

360.00

Class 4 (Birds and Mammals)

Initial

113

$ 7.50

847.50

Renewal

416

$ 5.00

$ 2

,030.00

Duplicate

$ 1.00

1.00

Class 6 (Dealers)

Initial

$ 7.50

22.50

Renewal

$ 5.00

300.00

Additional

330

$ 1.50

570.00

Duplicate

$ 1.00

3.00

Class 7 (Individual Bird or Mammal)

Initial

$ 3.00

81.00

Renewal

$ 1.00

51.00

Importation Permit

Fish

$ 5.00

210.00

Birds and Mammals

$ 5.00

3304-61-05-40

Take Shiners

137

$ 5.00

685.00

3304-61-06-40

Field Trial License

$15.00

75.00

3304-61-07-40

Taking of Carp and Suckers For Sale

$10.00

3304-61-08-40

Quail for Training Dogs

Initial

$ 7.50

150.00

Renewal

$ 5.00

240.00

3304-61-10-40

Commercial Shooting Preserves

$50.00

700.00

3304-61-11-40

Trapping of Certain Birds

$ 5.00

3304-61-12-40

Mounting Permit

$ 2.00

10.00

3304-64-01-40

Game Tags

632

$ .05

316.40

Fish Tags

15 , 800

$ .01

158.00

3304-61-13-40

Special Field Trial Permit

$15.00

510.00

3304-64-01-40

Commercial Shooting Preserve
Pheasant tagss posters

725

$ .05

36.25

3304-61-14-40

Special: Bear (320); Deer (393)

713

$ .50

356.50*

3304-61-04-40

Class 9 Falconer License

$25.00

50.00

Class 10 Raptor Breeding and

$25.00

75.00

Salvage License

3304-69-99-40

Miscellaneous Donation

$
$11

3.00*
,847.15

* Included in summary figures.

-35-

■

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