Tuesday, December 16, 2014
NRA Youth Education Summit (Y.E.S.) taking applications
Monday, December 15, 2014
Fwd: Batchelder Tapped for Head Game Warden Position
VERMONT FISH & WILDLIFE
Press Release
For Immediate Release: December 15, 2014
Media Contacts: Louis Porter, 802-828-1000
Batchelder Tapped for Head Game Warden Position
MONTPELIER, Vt. – The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department has announced that Lt. Jason Batchelder has been named the new director of fish and wildlife law enforcement. Batchelder will begin the role of Colonel this week, filling the position vacated by Col. David LeCours who retired in October.
Batchelder has been with the department for ten years, working most recently in the Morrisville area, first as a field warden and then as the lieutenant for the northeast district since 2013.
"I am pleased and excited that Lt. Batchelder will be our new head of law enforcement," said Fish & Wildlife Commissioner Louis Porter. "During his time with the department, Lt. Batchelder has developed a reputation among his co-workers and with the general public of energetically, meticulously, and fairly pursuing fish and wildlife violators."
Porter emphasized Batchelder's knowledge and experience in his selection for the position. "Lt. Batchelder has a deep understanding of the vital role that law enforcement plays as part of the department's overall mission," said Porter.
Batchelder grew up in Derby, Vt. He worked for the U.S. Coast Guard in Virginia and Alaska for four years before graduating from the University of Southern Maine in 2001 and from the Vermont Criminal Justice Training Council Academy in 2005. He currently lives in Morrisville with his wife and two young children. Batchelder is an avid hunter, angler and runner.
"Lt. Batchelder's calm, thoughtful demeanor will be an important asset to the department in this position," said Porter.
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Tom Rogers
Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department
Information and Outreach
Davis 2 Building, 1 National Life Drive
Montpelier, VT 05620
[phone] 802-377-2628
[website] www.vtfishandwildlife.com
Saturday, December 6, 2014
Montpelier Bridge: Berlin Pond Survey Revived, Montpelier Ready to React
by Carla Occaso
Hunting, fishing and trapping folks have too much influence... (very interesting comments)
Vermont's gun control element and their big dollar lobbyists are telling the legislature
have too much say in Vermont. Like the antigun advocates, they say it is their state now.
Hunting, fishing and trapping folks have too much influence...
Tuesday, December 2, 2014
Fwd: BFP Letter: Traps pose indiscriminate threat to animals (Stand Together or Hang Separately)
Sunday, November 23, 2014
Hunting, fishing and trapping folks have too much influence...
have too much say in Vermont. Like the antigun advocates, they say it is their state now.
Saturday, November 8, 2014
Vermont Conservation Plate Unveiling w/Gov. Shumlin on Monday
- Conservation plates have raised over $2 million since they were first released in 1997.
- The original conservation plate was the peregrine falcon – the catamount plate was added in 2006.
- Funds from the sale of the plates are split between the Nongame Wildlife Fund and the Watershed Grant Fund.
- Funds in excess of the needs of the current programs will go to the Green Mountain Conservation Camps, where kids ages 12 to 16 learn about ecology and the outdoors
- The Nongame Wildlife Fund protects animals such as lynx, loons, bats, turtles, and bald eagles.
- The Watershed Grant Fund gives money to projects such as streambank plantings, a native plant nursery, and fish passage improvements.
- The loon was chosen by the public to replace the peregrine falcon through an online poll conducted by the Fish & Wildlife Department.
- Brook trout were chosen to represent the Watershed Grant Fund because they require clean water and intact habitat to thrive.
- The image for the brook trout plate was painted by former Fish & Wildlife commissioner Patrick Berry just before he stepped down as commissioner earlier in 2014. The deer and loon images were painted by Berlin, Vermont artist Linda Mirabile.
- Conservation license plates are purchased when drivers register their vehicle, either online or at the Montpelier, D.M.V.
- Conservation license plates are currently on 5,699 registered vehicles in Vermont.
Thursday, November 6, 2014
Mandatory background/registration system in Vermont
Wednesday, October 15, 2014
Federation (hunter orange) postcard sent to VT legislators seeking re-election
Tuesday, October 14, 2014
Lake Champlain ranked among top smallmouth bass fisheries in North America
VERMONT FISH & WILDLIFE
Press Release
For Immediate Release: October 14, 2014
Media Contact: Shawn Good, 802-786-3863
Lake Champlain ranked among top smallmouth bass fisheries in North America
BURLINGTON, Vt. – Lake Champlain has received yet another world-class fishing designation. Renowned fishing media outlet, World Fishing Network, ranks Lake Champlain one of the seven best smallmouth bass lakes in North America.
The ranking, which was first reported on WFN's website, describes Lake Champlain as "perhaps the best lake in all of North America for both quality largemouth and smallmouth bass."
"This reinforces what Vermonters have known for years, that Lake Champlain has some of the best bass fishing anywhere," said Vermont Fish & Wildlife Commissioner Louis Porter. "Not only does the big lake have some of the best fishing, it also offers some of the most beautiful scenery anywhere, especially at this time of year."
Smallmouth bass, which can be found throughout the entirety of the 120-mile lake, have flourished in Champlain's fertile waters where they have access to optimal habitat and an immense forage base. Champlain's rocky bottom composition and strong populations of yellow perch and crayfish create ideal conditions for smallmouth bass to prosper.
Vermont fisheries biologist Shawn Good, who manages bass populations at the lake's southern end and is also an avid bass angler, agrees with WFN's assessment.
"The bass population data I've collected over the years through electrofishing surveys clearly indicates that bass are abundant, healthy and thriving," said Good.
"Champlain is a true gem, and it's important to take note that bass fishing is only one of the many world-class fishing opportunities available in the lake," said Good. "With more than 90 species of fish present, probably no other lake in the country offers so many different species to target."
The full WFN report went on to state, "The combined fishery makes Champlain a popular destination for the biggest tournament circuits in the U.S., like B.A.S.S. and FLW. Though anglers can try and go for broke and chase monster largemouths, for the most consistent results, finding smallmouth bass schools along the northern part of the lake is the way to go, especially on the Vermont side. Like with Lake Erie, fall is the best time for smallmouth on Champlain, as bass follow the baitfish into the shallows as the water cools."
Accomplished professional tournament angler Kevin VanDam always looks forward to fishing Lake Champlain.
"What makes Lake Champlain unique is that you can catch fish – both smallmouth bass and largemouth bass alike – just about any way you want to," said VanDam. "It's an amazing fishery with diverse habitat throughout and large, healthy populations of many species of fish. Whether you're an avid tournament angler or recreational fisherman, you'll want to experience Lake Champlain fishing. It's simply that good."
The other six top smallmouth fisheries noted in the article include: Lake Erie – New York, Ontario, Pennsylvania and Ohio; Lake Simcoe – Ontario; Lake St. Clair – Michigan and Ontario; Dale Hollow Lake – Tennessee and Kentucky; Grand Traverse Bay – Michigan; and Sturgeon Bay – Wisconsin.
Lakes receiving honorable mention in the WFN rankings include: Bay de Noc – Michigan; Pickwick Lake – Alabama and Tennessee; Candlewood Lake - Connecticut; Rainy Lake – Ontario; Lake of the Woods – Minnesota and Ontario; Kentucky Lake – Kentucky and Tennessee; and St. Lawrence River – New York, Quebec and Ontario.
To purchase a Vermont fishing license or to find out more about fishing opportunities in Vermont, visit www.vtfishandwildlife.com.
Brief
Lake Champlain has received yet another world-class fishing designation. Renowned fishing media outlet, World Fishing Network, ranks Lake Champlain one of the seven best smallmouth bass lakes in North America.
The ranking describes Lake Champlain as "perhaps the best lake in all of North America for both quality largemouth and smallmouth bass."
Vermont Fish & Wildlife Commissioner Louis Porter said: "This reinforces what Vermonters have known for years, that Lake Champlain has some of the best bass fishing anywhere. Not only does the big lake have some of the best fishing, it also offers some of the most beautiful scenery anywhere, especially at this time of year."
Caption for attached VT F&W photo
Vermont youth angler Caleb Smith with a beautiful Lake Champlain smallmouth bass that was caught and released last year.
Link to complete World Fishing Network article
http://www.worldfishingnetwork.com/travel-directory/post/7-best-lakes-catch-smallmouth-bass
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Chris Adams, Outreach Division
[phone] 802-236-1560
[email] chris.adams@state.vt.us
[website] www.vtfishandwildlife.com
Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department
1 National Life Drive, Davis 2
Montpelier VT 05620-3702
Saturday, October 11, 2014
Update on Gun Forum - Please Forward to Friends
Friday, October 10, 2014
Forum on Gun Legislation in the Vermont Legislature
The subject of the event was upcoming gun control legislation in Vermont.
This was followed by candidates for election speaking to the audience.
Monday, October 6, 2014
NRA Traditions Magazine has great article on Vermont NRA Women On Target (great photos)
Cheryl Ziembrosk was the 2013 NRA Volunteer of the Year for New Hampshire, Maine and Vermont and runs a NRA WOT
Friday, October 3, 2014
State Senate Candidates at Barre F&G Club (Photos)
Friday, September 26, 2014
Candidate Forum at the Lamollle Valley F&G Club (Photos included)
The legislators seeking re-election are warning of a very challenging upcoming 2015-2016
The candidates reported that with the election rapidly approaching, followed quickly by the
Are you contacting your candidates for office? If you want to keep your rights, you had better
Vermont's gun laws serve this state well, which is why we have one of the lowest crime rates
Forum on Upcoming Gun Legislation in VT, October 8, Pawlet
Saturday, September 20, 2014
Fwd: Vermont Bearhound Assoication & Operation Game Thief offers Reward
The wounds inflicted upon this dog were intentional, cruel and simply unspeakable.
The wounds inflicted upon this dog were intentional, cruel and simply unspeakable.
PRESS RELEASE
9-19-14
Clint Gray, Vermont Bearhound Association; 802-535-7111
On Saturday morning, September 13, 2014 in Starksboro a bear hound was shot by a perpetrator(s) using a cross bow. The Walker type hound was shot (3) three times; once in the head and two downward into the back near the spine.
The dog "Bear" was engaged in the activity of hunting black bear when the incident occurred. The dog "Bear" was being hunted by the owner, Oran Lamphere.
"Bear" was brought to the Bristol Animal Hospital in Bristol, Vermont where it underwent treatment and removal of the three cross bow bolts.
The Vermont Bearhound Association is offering a $2,000.00 reward along with an additional $500.00 from Operation Game Thief for a total of $2,500.00 reward leading to the arrest and conviction of the perpetrator or perpetrators of this crime.
Information can be given directly by contacting a local Game Warden in your area, or calling the Vermont State Police and convey the information to the dispatcher or ask to have a Vermont State Game Warden contact you.
In addition, information can be given to Operation Game Thief by calling toll free 1-800-75ALERT (1-800-752-5378) or report it on-line at
This incident involved this dog "Bear"; but it could have been your dog and if the perpetrator(s) are not caught, your dog could be next.
In addition, the Vermont Bearhound Association has received inquiries about contributing to "Bear's" medical bills or toward the reward money. If anyone is interested, checks should be made out to the Vermont Bearhound Association, earmarked "Bear's medical bills" OR "Bear's reward" and mailed to PO Box 224; Lyndonville, VT 05851.