04-15-2008, 12:10 AM
MassWildlife's Landowner Incentive Program (LIP) will be accepting grant applications October 26th through December 21 st, 2007 from private landowners, sportsmen's clubs, land trusts and non-profit groups interested in improving wildlife habitat on their properties. LIP is designed to reimburse private landowners up to 75% of the cost of managing lands to improve habitat for declining wildlife species across the Commonwealth. The focus of these grants will be on maintaining grasslands and creation of young tree and shrubland habitats. Grant application criteria and other details will available at that time on MassWildlife's webpage listed below. State and municipal agencies are not eligible for this funding, but can direct inquiries to other MassWildlife habitat programs.
Since its first round of grants in 2005, 108 applicants have received funding from MassWildlife's LIP on properties from Cape Cod to the Berkshires. A total of 7,100 acres of habitat improvement benefiting over 122 at-risk wildlife species has been funded. Habitat projects range from enhancing beaches for shorebird breeding habitat protection to grassland-bird breeding or rare turtle habitat maintenance.
The goals of the Landowner Incentive Program are:
- Identify and reclaim appropriate sites for management of declining habitats, particularly grasslands, old field and early-successional forests, wetlands, coastal habitats and pine barrens.
- Manage and control exotic and invasive plants - Enhance wildlife habitat for species-at-risk. A species-at-risk is defined for LIP as any fish or wildlife species that is federally or state listed as threatened or endangered, is a candidate for listing as threatened or endangered, or is listed on the MassWildlife Official State Rare Species List.
- Provide technical and financial assistance and guidance to landowners on how to manage their property for wildlife.
For more details, check the LIP web page: http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/habitat/g...p_home.htm
AUTUMN OUTDOOR SAFETY TIPS<br />
Fall is a wonderful time to be outdoors with its dazzling colors, crisp air and wildlife activity galore. Whether your passion is hiking, hunting, fishing, birding or just taking in the scenery, a few common sense safety reminders will add to your enjoyment during a day in the field.<br />
"¢ Know your limits. Don't take off on a long hike, hunt or bike ride if you're not physically ready. Tell someone where you're going and when you expect to return.<br />
"¢ Watch the weather. New England weather is notorious for quick changes. Be ready with an extra layer of clothing, warm hat and gloves.<br />
"¢ Expect the unexpected. No one expects problems while spending a day outdoors, but having a fanny pack with a few first aid items, matches, water, pocket knife, cell phone, map, compass, whistle, extra food and flashlight can help prevent small problems from becoming big ones.<br />
"¢ Wear blaze orange for visibility. Whether you're a hunter, hiker or walking the dog in rural areas, it's a good idea to wear a cap or vest of highly visible blaze orange clothing while you're enjoying the great outdoors.<br />
"¢ Respect the water. Canoeists and kayakers are required to wear life jackets from September 15 to May 15, but all water enthusiasts, especially anglers who wade our larger rivers, would be wise to wear floatation devices now that water temperatures are cool.<br />
"¢ Respect other outdoor users. Mountain biking, horseback riding, wildlife watching, hunting and hiking are not mutually exclusive activities. Know the seasons and who is likely to be sharing the woods and waters with you. Keep dogs under control and respect outdoor users rights to enjoy our open spaces.<br />
"¢ Finally, licensed sportsmen and women are reminded to take the basics of hunter safety to heart. Treat every firearm as it were loaded, keeping the muzzle pointed in a safe direction at all times. Positively identify your target and what lies beyond it.<br />
Outdoor activities are among the safest recreational pursuits available. By using a little common sense, they'll stay that way.<br />
JUNIOR DUCK STAMP ARTISTS NEEDED<br />
Art and science may seem to be an unlikely combination, but when blended within the context of the Junior Duck Stamp (JDS) Program, art makes science come alive. The program links the study of wetlands and waterfowl conservation with a national waterfowl art project. Students in grades K-12 learn about the habitat requirements of various species of ducks and geese and then depict the birds through original artwork. The art is judged in four age group categories during a statewide competition with the entry judged Best of Show moving on to represent Massachusetts at the national level. The potential for a future career in wildlife art may be another benefit! A former JDS top honors winner, Mathew Schulz,of Osterville, was chosen the winning artist in 2006 in the Massachusetts Waterfowl Stamp Program.
One way to learn more about the Program is to see top youth entries in the Massachusetts Junior Duck Stamp Contest in November. A traveling exhibit of youth artwork from the 2007 competition can be viewed from November 1 - December 15 at the US Fish and Wildlife Service Regional Office in Hadley. Contact Valerie Crane at 413/ 253-8643. The Massachusetts Junior Duck Stamp Program is sponsored by MassWildlife, Massachusetts Wildlife Federation, Massachusetts Waterfowler's Association, Ducks Unlimited-Mass. Chapter, and the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Registration packets are now available for the 2008 Junior Duck Stamp Program. Artwork submissions are due by March 15, 2008. To receive a packet of program materials, contact MassWildlife Education Coordinator, Pam Landry at 508/389-6310.
POSSIBLE WOLF OR WOLF-DOG HYBRID KILLED IN SHELBURNE
After investigating reports from several Franklin County farms regarding a canid (member of the dog family) killing lambs and sheep since mid-September, MassWildlife received a call on October 14 that a large canid had been killed in Shelburne. The animal may be either a wolf or wolf-dog hybrid.
The previous day, a MassWildlife biologist visited a farm in Shelburne where 13 lambs had been killed and partially consumed. The biologist took photographs of the lambs, measured tracks found in the area and reminded the farmer that under Chapter 131 Section 37 of the Massachusetts General Laws, he had the right to destroy wildlife attacking his livestock. However, based on the large track size, large number of kills and the fact that the lambs were only partially consumed, the assumption was made that a domestic dog was the most likely cause of the farmer's loss. On Sunday morning, after being notified that a large canid had been killed he revisited the farm. Upon seeing a wolf-like canid, the biologist took possession of the carcass.
MassWildlife examined the animal and found that it was a young male, weighing 85 pounds. Stomach contents included remains of lamb (wool, bone fragments and teeth). The carcass was also examined by Dr. Todd Fuller, a professor and wolf researcher from the University of Massachusetts/Amherst. He concluded that based on the physical characteristics, the animal may be a wolf, though only DNA testing can confirm whether the animal is a wolf or a wolf-dog hybrid.
Because wolves are a federally endangered species, MassWildlife notified the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), the lead agency investigating this incident. The carcass has been turned over to the USFWS and will be sent to the Service's national forensics lab in Ashland, Oregon where DNA testing will be conducted to provide confirmation about the identity of this animal. Recently, genetic testing results from a wolf killed in Vermont led scientists to conclude that the animal in question had been bred in captivity and was most likely an unlawfully released or escaped animal.
Historically, the gray wolf was extirpated from Massachusetts by about 1840; one later record, in 1918 in Berkshire County, was noted and was probably an escaped captive animal. The closest wild wolf population to Massachusetts is located in the Algonquin Provincial Park in the Canadian province of Ontario-some 350 miles away.
"It's most likely that this animal escaped from someone who was keeping it unlawfully," said Tom French, MassWildlife Assistant Director of Natural Heritage and Endangered Species. "We are grateful to the farmers who provided valuable information and kept areas relatively undisturbed so that our staff could examine the location where sheep were killed. MassWildlife biologists investigate any promising leads where substantial hard evidence of unusual animals is available. A group of sightings or evidence might point to a particular area for further investigation as was the case in Shelburne."
French also pointed out that keeping wolves and wolf/dog hybrids is illegal in Massachusetts. MassWildlife and the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service are interested in any information that might lead to the origin of this animal or any other unlawfully held wolves or wolf/dog hybrids. Contact MassWildlife or the Massachusetts Environmental Police at 1-800-632-8075. Information about laws regarding the possession of wildlife can be found on the MassWildlife website at: http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/regulatio...exotic.htm.
FORMER DEER BIOLOGIST JIM MCDONOUGH HONORED
On October 16, the New England Chapter of the Wildlife Society, of which he is a founding member, honored former MassWildlife deer biologist, Jim McDonough of Westborough with a Life Membership. James J. McDonough was born in Springfield in 1917 and received an Associate Degree in Wildlife Management from the Stockbridge School of Agriculture at Massachusetts State College in 1939. After working with the Civilian Conservation Corps, and in a local factory during World War II, he was employed by the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Game (later "Wildlife") from 1948 to 1984. He was particularly noted for his work with white-tailed deer management and was instrumental in developing the Massachusetts antlerless deer permit system and ecologically-based deer management zones. He also was heavily involved with research and management of cottontail rabbits and early successional habitats and conducted some of the earliest status surveys and habitat investigations of the New England cottontail.<br />
In 1950, McDonough joined The Wildlife Society (TWS), an international, non-profit scientific and educational organization serving and representing wildlife professionals in all areas of wildlife conservation and resource management. McDonough was among the first biologists to be certified by TWS in the late 1970s. Through his efforts and financial support, TWS implemented the "Jim McDonough Award" in the 1980s to recognize Certified Wildlife Biologists are members of TWS at all levels, and who have made significant contributions to the wildlife profession. Along with Dr. Robert McDowell of Connecticut, Jim was instrumental in the formation of the New England Chapter in 1979, and served as its first president. McDonough unfailingly attended and supported most Chapter meetings until recent years when limited by his physical abilities. He was also attentive to the needs and interests of others. A friend and mentor to many younger biologists, Jim's knowledge and advice extended across the Atlantic, where he served as an advisor to the Irish Deer Society and a young generation of Irish deer biologists.
UPCOMING MEETINGS<br />
Fisheries and Wildlife Board Meeting, Northfield-- The Fisheries & Wildlife Board will meet on Tuesday, October 23, 2007 at 11:00 a.m at the Northfield Mountain Environmental & Recreation Center , 99 Millers Falls Rd (Rte 63). For directions, go to www.firstlightpower/com/northfield or call 1-800-859-2960. The next meeting of the Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Advisory Committee will be on Thursday, November 8, 2007 at 1:30 PM at the MassWildlife Field Headquarters in Westborough. Both meetings are open to the public and are handicapped accessible.<br />
NEWS & NOTES-New Deer/Coyote Check Station Lists, Beaver Talk, Deer Hunters, Deer Heads Needed, Preliminary Bear Season Numbers<br />
New Deer/Coyote Check Stations - Hunters, do you know where to check in your game? New this year, a number of deer check stations across the state will also check coyotes. The deer/coyote check station list includes seasons, hours and phone numbers at http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/recreatio...pecies.htm in the Hunting Area of the MassWildlife website. Separate turkey and bear check stations are also found in this area. For hard copies of information, call the appropriate MassWildlife District office: Northeast District-Acton 978/263-4347; Southeast District-Bourne 508/759-3406; Central District-West Boylston 508/835-3606 Connecticut Valley District-Belchertown 413/323-7632; Western District-Pittsfield 413/447-9789.<br />
Beaver Talk - Learn about the biology and behavior of beavers from Trina Moruzzi, MassWildlife Biologist on October 23. The presentation will take place at 7 PM in the Warwick Town Hall and is sponsored by the Warwick Conservation Commission. Moruzzi will provide information on beaver natural history and population dynamics, their beneficial aspects and potential problems, plus options and techniques for resolving conflicts.<br />
Deer Heads Needed - As part of its Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) surveillance program, MassWildlife has been taking samples of brain tissues from hunter harvested deer. CWD is a contagious neurological disease fatal to deer, elk and moose. With the advent of the deer hunting season, MassWildlife would like to remind deer hunters to consider providing a sample for CWD testing. During the bowhunting season, hunters who want to provide a sample may check their deer or bring their deer head to the Western District Office in Pittsfield, the Northeast District Office in Acton or the Westborough Field Headquarters. Hunters may also inquire of meat cutters if they are participating in collecting deer heads for MassWildlife. During the shotgun season, about one third of the deer check stations will be set up to collect deer heads. Another option is to leave a message with CWD Biologist Nicki Hamilton-Smith at 413/885-5725 who can make arrangements for pick up. Hunters are reminded to avoid freezing the head because the frozen tissue sample will not be acceptable.<br />
Preliminary Bear Season Numbers - Licensed black bear hunters took to the woods of western and central Massachusetts during the September season and emerged with 125 bruins. Last year, 125 bears were also taken in the September season. Preliminary figures indicate the Western District office checked in 81 bears. The three check stations in the Connecticut Valley checked in a total of 42 bears. The Central District checked 2 bears. Rifles, muzzleloaders, archery equipment and certain handguns were permitted during the September season. The second bear season begins November 5 and ends November 24, 2007. MassWildilfe reminds bear hunters that handguns are prohibited during the November season.
Since its first round of grants in 2005, 108 applicants have received funding from MassWildlife's LIP on properties from Cape Cod to the Berkshires. A total of 7,100 acres of habitat improvement benefiting over 122 at-risk wildlife species has been funded. Habitat projects range from enhancing beaches for shorebird breeding habitat protection to grassland-bird breeding or rare turtle habitat maintenance.
The goals of the Landowner Incentive Program are:
- Identify and reclaim appropriate sites for management of declining habitats, particularly grasslands, old field and early-successional forests, wetlands, coastal habitats and pine barrens.
- Manage and control exotic and invasive plants - Enhance wildlife habitat for species-at-risk. A species-at-risk is defined for LIP as any fish or wildlife species that is federally or state listed as threatened or endangered, is a candidate for listing as threatened or endangered, or is listed on the MassWildlife Official State Rare Species List.
- Provide technical and financial assistance and guidance to landowners on how to manage their property for wildlife.
For more details, check the LIP web page: http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/habitat/g...p_home.htm
AUTUMN OUTDOOR SAFETY TIPS<br />
Fall is a wonderful time to be outdoors with its dazzling colors, crisp air and wildlife activity galore. Whether your passion is hiking, hunting, fishing, birding or just taking in the scenery, a few common sense safety reminders will add to your enjoyment during a day in the field.<br />
"¢ Know your limits. Don't take off on a long hike, hunt or bike ride if you're not physically ready. Tell someone where you're going and when you expect to return.<br />
"¢ Watch the weather. New England weather is notorious for quick changes. Be ready with an extra layer of clothing, warm hat and gloves.<br />
"¢ Expect the unexpected. No one expects problems while spending a day outdoors, but having a fanny pack with a few first aid items, matches, water, pocket knife, cell phone, map, compass, whistle, extra food and flashlight can help prevent small problems from becoming big ones.<br />
"¢ Wear blaze orange for visibility. Whether you're a hunter, hiker or walking the dog in rural areas, it's a good idea to wear a cap or vest of highly visible blaze orange clothing while you're enjoying the great outdoors.<br />
"¢ Respect the water. Canoeists and kayakers are required to wear life jackets from September 15 to May 15, but all water enthusiasts, especially anglers who wade our larger rivers, would be wise to wear floatation devices now that water temperatures are cool.<br />
"¢ Respect other outdoor users. Mountain biking, horseback riding, wildlife watching, hunting and hiking are not mutually exclusive activities. Know the seasons and who is likely to be sharing the woods and waters with you. Keep dogs under control and respect outdoor users rights to enjoy our open spaces.<br />
"¢ Finally, licensed sportsmen and women are reminded to take the basics of hunter safety to heart. Treat every firearm as it were loaded, keeping the muzzle pointed in a safe direction at all times. Positively identify your target and what lies beyond it.<br />
Outdoor activities are among the safest recreational pursuits available. By using a little common sense, they'll stay that way.<br />
JUNIOR DUCK STAMP ARTISTS NEEDED<br />
Art and science may seem to be an unlikely combination, but when blended within the context of the Junior Duck Stamp (JDS) Program, art makes science come alive. The program links the study of wetlands and waterfowl conservation with a national waterfowl art project. Students in grades K-12 learn about the habitat requirements of various species of ducks and geese and then depict the birds through original artwork. The art is judged in four age group categories during a statewide competition with the entry judged Best of Show moving on to represent Massachusetts at the national level. The potential for a future career in wildlife art may be another benefit! A former JDS top honors winner, Mathew Schulz,of Osterville, was chosen the winning artist in 2006 in the Massachusetts Waterfowl Stamp Program.
One way to learn more about the Program is to see top youth entries in the Massachusetts Junior Duck Stamp Contest in November. A traveling exhibit of youth artwork from the 2007 competition can be viewed from November 1 - December 15 at the US Fish and Wildlife Service Regional Office in Hadley. Contact Valerie Crane at 413/ 253-8643. The Massachusetts Junior Duck Stamp Program is sponsored by MassWildlife, Massachusetts Wildlife Federation, Massachusetts Waterfowler's Association, Ducks Unlimited-Mass. Chapter, and the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Registration packets are now available for the 2008 Junior Duck Stamp Program. Artwork submissions are due by March 15, 2008. To receive a packet of program materials, contact MassWildlife Education Coordinator, Pam Landry at 508/389-6310.
POSSIBLE WOLF OR WOLF-DOG HYBRID KILLED IN SHELBURNE
After investigating reports from several Franklin County farms regarding a canid (member of the dog family) killing lambs and sheep since mid-September, MassWildlife received a call on October 14 that a large canid had been killed in Shelburne. The animal may be either a wolf or wolf-dog hybrid.
The previous day, a MassWildlife biologist visited a farm in Shelburne where 13 lambs had been killed and partially consumed. The biologist took photographs of the lambs, measured tracks found in the area and reminded the farmer that under Chapter 131 Section 37 of the Massachusetts General Laws, he had the right to destroy wildlife attacking his livestock. However, based on the large track size, large number of kills and the fact that the lambs were only partially consumed, the assumption was made that a domestic dog was the most likely cause of the farmer's loss. On Sunday morning, after being notified that a large canid had been killed he revisited the farm. Upon seeing a wolf-like canid, the biologist took possession of the carcass.
MassWildlife examined the animal and found that it was a young male, weighing 85 pounds. Stomach contents included remains of lamb (wool, bone fragments and teeth). The carcass was also examined by Dr. Todd Fuller, a professor and wolf researcher from the University of Massachusetts/Amherst. He concluded that based on the physical characteristics, the animal may be a wolf, though only DNA testing can confirm whether the animal is a wolf or a wolf-dog hybrid.
Because wolves are a federally endangered species, MassWildlife notified the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), the lead agency investigating this incident. The carcass has been turned over to the USFWS and will be sent to the Service's national forensics lab in Ashland, Oregon where DNA testing will be conducted to provide confirmation about the identity of this animal. Recently, genetic testing results from a wolf killed in Vermont led scientists to conclude that the animal in question had been bred in captivity and was most likely an unlawfully released or escaped animal.
Historically, the gray wolf was extirpated from Massachusetts by about 1840; one later record, in 1918 in Berkshire County, was noted and was probably an escaped captive animal. The closest wild wolf population to Massachusetts is located in the Algonquin Provincial Park in the Canadian province of Ontario-some 350 miles away.
"It's most likely that this animal escaped from someone who was keeping it unlawfully," said Tom French, MassWildlife Assistant Director of Natural Heritage and Endangered Species. "We are grateful to the farmers who provided valuable information and kept areas relatively undisturbed so that our staff could examine the location where sheep were killed. MassWildlife biologists investigate any promising leads where substantial hard evidence of unusual animals is available. A group of sightings or evidence might point to a particular area for further investigation as was the case in Shelburne."
French also pointed out that keeping wolves and wolf/dog hybrids is illegal in Massachusetts. MassWildlife and the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service are interested in any information that might lead to the origin of this animal or any other unlawfully held wolves or wolf/dog hybrids. Contact MassWildlife or the Massachusetts Environmental Police at 1-800-632-8075. Information about laws regarding the possession of wildlife can be found on the MassWildlife website at: http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/regulatio...exotic.htm.
FORMER DEER BIOLOGIST JIM MCDONOUGH HONORED
On October 16, the New England Chapter of the Wildlife Society, of which he is a founding member, honored former MassWildlife deer biologist, Jim McDonough of Westborough with a Life Membership. James J. McDonough was born in Springfield in 1917 and received an Associate Degree in Wildlife Management from the Stockbridge School of Agriculture at Massachusetts State College in 1939. After working with the Civilian Conservation Corps, and in a local factory during World War II, he was employed by the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Game (later "Wildlife") from 1948 to 1984. He was particularly noted for his work with white-tailed deer management and was instrumental in developing the Massachusetts antlerless deer permit system and ecologically-based deer management zones. He also was heavily involved with research and management of cottontail rabbits and early successional habitats and conducted some of the earliest status surveys and habitat investigations of the New England cottontail.<br />
In 1950, McDonough joined The Wildlife Society (TWS), an international, non-profit scientific and educational organization serving and representing wildlife professionals in all areas of wildlife conservation and resource management. McDonough was among the first biologists to be certified by TWS in the late 1970s. Through his efforts and financial support, TWS implemented the "Jim McDonough Award" in the 1980s to recognize Certified Wildlife Biologists are members of TWS at all levels, and who have made significant contributions to the wildlife profession. Along with Dr. Robert McDowell of Connecticut, Jim was instrumental in the formation of the New England Chapter in 1979, and served as its first president. McDonough unfailingly attended and supported most Chapter meetings until recent years when limited by his physical abilities. He was also attentive to the needs and interests of others. A friend and mentor to many younger biologists, Jim's knowledge and advice extended across the Atlantic, where he served as an advisor to the Irish Deer Society and a young generation of Irish deer biologists.
UPCOMING MEETINGS<br />
Fisheries and Wildlife Board Meeting, Northfield-- The Fisheries & Wildlife Board will meet on Tuesday, October 23, 2007 at 11:00 a.m at the Northfield Mountain Environmental & Recreation Center , 99 Millers Falls Rd (Rte 63). For directions, go to www.firstlightpower/com/northfield or call 1-800-859-2960. The next meeting of the Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Advisory Committee will be on Thursday, November 8, 2007 at 1:30 PM at the MassWildlife Field Headquarters in Westborough. Both meetings are open to the public and are handicapped accessible.<br />
NEWS & NOTES-New Deer/Coyote Check Station Lists, Beaver Talk, Deer Hunters, Deer Heads Needed, Preliminary Bear Season Numbers<br />
New Deer/Coyote Check Stations - Hunters, do you know where to check in your game? New this year, a number of deer check stations across the state will also check coyotes. The deer/coyote check station list includes seasons, hours and phone numbers at http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/recreatio...pecies.htm in the Hunting Area of the MassWildlife website. Separate turkey and bear check stations are also found in this area. For hard copies of information, call the appropriate MassWildlife District office: Northeast District-Acton 978/263-4347; Southeast District-Bourne 508/759-3406; Central District-West Boylston 508/835-3606 Connecticut Valley District-Belchertown 413/323-7632; Western District-Pittsfield 413/447-9789.<br />
Beaver Talk - Learn about the biology and behavior of beavers from Trina Moruzzi, MassWildlife Biologist on October 23. The presentation will take place at 7 PM in the Warwick Town Hall and is sponsored by the Warwick Conservation Commission. Moruzzi will provide information on beaver natural history and population dynamics, their beneficial aspects and potential problems, plus options and techniques for resolving conflicts.<br />
Deer Heads Needed - As part of its Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) surveillance program, MassWildlife has been taking samples of brain tissues from hunter harvested deer. CWD is a contagious neurological disease fatal to deer, elk and moose. With the advent of the deer hunting season, MassWildlife would like to remind deer hunters to consider providing a sample for CWD testing. During the bowhunting season, hunters who want to provide a sample may check their deer or bring their deer head to the Western District Office in Pittsfield, the Northeast District Office in Acton or the Westborough Field Headquarters. Hunters may also inquire of meat cutters if they are participating in collecting deer heads for MassWildlife. During the shotgun season, about one third of the deer check stations will be set up to collect deer heads. Another option is to leave a message with CWD Biologist Nicki Hamilton-Smith at 413/885-5725 who can make arrangements for pick up. Hunters are reminded to avoid freezing the head because the frozen tissue sample will not be acceptable.<br />
Preliminary Bear Season Numbers - Licensed black bear hunters took to the woods of western and central Massachusetts during the September season and emerged with 125 bruins. Last year, 125 bears were also taken in the September season. Preliminary figures indicate the Western District office checked in 81 bears. The three check stations in the Connecticut Valley checked in a total of 42 bears. The Central District checked 2 bears. Rifles, muzzleloaders, archery equipment and certain handguns were permitted during the September season. The second bear season begins November 5 and ends November 24, 2007. MassWildilfe reminds bear hunters that handguns are prohibited during the November season.