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Please share this edition of Wildlife Highlights with other outdoor enthusiasts
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The Eastern Bluebird was once so scarce it was only found in small areas of three towns in Connecticut. Habitat loss and competition from non-native species were the key conservation challenges faced by this beautiful bird. Through a proactive program to build, distribute, and manage man-made nest boxes, wildlife biologists and the public combined forces to reverse this decline. Today, bluebirds are found in every Connecticut town, their bubbly song proof that the model outlined in Recovering America's Wildlife Act works to protect our natural heritage. #RecoverWildlife
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| Discover Outdoor Connecticut Day Is Almost Here! |
We hope to see you at Hammonasset Beach State Park (Meigs Point Area) in Madison on
Sunday, September 15, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM for
Discover Outdoor Connecticut Day.
This FREE, fun-filled event explores Connecticut's fish and wildlife resources and legacy of outdoor traditions, with live animals, demonstrations, fish pole casting, fly tying, archery, kid's activities, outdoor skills, a photo contest, and more! Bring a picnic lunch and stay for a few hours or the whole day! M
ore details are at
www.ct.gov/deep/DiscoverOutdoorCT
.
Register and let us know you are coming (
suggested but not required).
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2019: Make a Difference for Wildlife
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There are plenty of simple ways to help wildlife, and each month we will highlight an action you can take to benefit the species that call Connecticut home.
Purchase a Connecticut Migratory Bird Conservation Stamp. Migratory Bird Conservation Stamp dollars deliver results for wildlife and habitat! Migratory bird hunters are required to purchase a Connecticut stamp to participate in migratory bird hunting seasons. Others are encouraged to purchase a Connecticut Duck Stamp (even if they do not participate in the migratory bird hunting seasons) to show their support for the conservation and purchase of wetland habitats. Over 3,145 acres of wetlands have been restored or enhanced as a result of this effort. Stamps can be purchased for $17 each wherever hunting and fishing licenses are sold: participating town clerks, participating retail agents, DEEP License and Revenue (79 Elm Street in Hartford), and through the Online Sportsmen Licensing System.
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| Fall Hunting Seasons Are Around the Corner |
- The fall archery
deer season opens on Sept. 15 on private land (all zones) and opens on Sept. 16 on state land.
REMEMBER: Your purchase of hunting equipment and licenses helps fund wildlife habitat acquisition and management, wildlife research, and hunter safety education. Partnering to fund conservation and connect people with nature.
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| Send Us Your Harvest Photos |
Help us highlight your hunting successes and also those of young and first-time hunters by submitting photographs to the Wildlife Division at [email protected]. The photos may be used (with written permission only) in publications, the DEEP website, and social media. With fall hunting seasons right around the corner, there is no better time to get out and capture those great moments. Need some tips on taking better harvest photos? We have you covered.
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| We Hope to See You at Bat Day |
Come to the Old New-Gate Prison & Copper Mine in East Granby (115 Newgate Road) on
Saturday, September 7, from 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM and learn about New-Gate's beloved bats and also bat conservation. Engage with DEEP Wildlife Division biologists and learn about how cool bats really are, and how you can help support these important and amazing creatures. Demonstrations and hands-on activities for all ages.
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| Connecticut's Largest Saltmarsh to be Restored |
State and federal environmental officials will direct natural resource restoration funds from the Lordship Point and Raymark Industries Superfund sites in Stratford, CT, to restore Connecticut's largest salt marsh in the Great Meadows Marsh Unit of Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge. The projects will improve water quality and habitat for fish, shellfish, and waterfowl, as well as rare species including the saltmarsh sparrow, diamondback terrapin and marsh pink. Additionally, restoring the natural function and stability of the marsh will help it adapt to rising sea levels.
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| Reminder: Send in Turkey Brood Survey Forms |
If you participated in the
Wild Turkey Brood Survey over the summer, please send in your data forms as soon as you can so that we can start to tabulate the data. Completed surveys should be returned to: Michael Gregonis, DEEP Wildlife Division, Franklin WMA, 391 Route 32, North Franklin, CT 06254 or [email protected]. Thanks to all who participated!
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| Public Programs at Sessions Woods |
The Sessions Woods Conservation Education Center's Public Program Series is a cooperative venture between the Wildlife Division and the
Friends of Sessions Woods. Please register for these programs by calling 860-424-3011 or email [email protected]. Programs are free. An adult must accompany children under 12 years old. No pets allowed.
- September 18, 2019 (Wednesday), 4:00 PM -- Late Afternoon Walk to the Marsh
- October 26, 2019 (Saturday), 1:30 PM -- Fall Foliage Hike
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Upcoming Hunter Education Courses for October
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Conservation Education/Firearms Safety courses are administered by the Wildlife Division and taught throughout the year by a dedicated corps of certified volunteer instructors. Certifications are offered in the disciplines of firearms hunting, bowhunting, and trapping. Following is a list of upcoming courses for the month of October.
These courses post for registration 30 days prior to their start date.
Please note:
Courses can be scheduled at any time, and this may not be a final list of the month's offerings.
Firearms:
- Greenwich: October 5 and 6
Firearms Self Study:
- North Canaan: October 5
Basic Trapping:
- Burlington: October 26
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Species of the Month: Mallard Duck
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The mallard duck, one of the most recognizable species of the "dabbling ducks", can be found in almost any wetland habitat, natural or artificial. Dabbling ducks, such as the mallard, feed in the water by tipping forward and grazing on underwater plants. Connecticut hunters are reminded that the mallard bag limit has been reduced in half, from 4 to 2, with one hen in the daily bag. Mallard populations breeding in the northeastern U.S. have been declining for the past 20 years and these birds constitute over 70% of the mallard harvest in New England and 58% of the harvest in the Mid-Atlantic. This reduction in bag limit is across the entire Atlantic Flyway.
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Your Feedback Is Important to Us!
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You are making a difference and we thank you for your support!
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You'll find each issue packed with information about wildlife, hunting, fishing, and natural resource-related issues in Connecticut.
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The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection is an Affirmative Action/ Equal Opportunity Employer committed to complying with the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Please contact us at 860-418-5910 or [email protected] if you: have a disability and need a communication aid or service; have limited proficiency in English and may need information in another language; or if you wish to file an ADA or Title VI discrimination complaint.
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