January 14, 2011 - Field Notes

Noteworthy News from the Division of Fish, Wildlife and Marine Resources

Significant Notes

Turkey flocks consist of a mixture of adult gobblers,
to a flock of hens with young of the year, to a flock
with all of the above. The colder and snowier it is,
the more mixed it is.

Count Wild Turkeys This Winter.
Consider recording the number of wild turkeys you see this winter to help DEC monitor trends in New York's wild turkey populations. Snow and cold temperatures negatively affect wild turkeys, particularly young birds ("jakes" - young males and "jennies" - young females). Your observations will help DEC calculate wild turkey numbers prior to the spring breeding season. The survey runs from January 1 through March 31 and participating is easy. Visit the Winter Wild Turkey Flock Survey webpage where you will find an electronic form with further instructions. Also, take a look at the 2010 winter flock survey results to learn what your observations told us about last year's turkey populations.
Commercial Fishery Harvest Changes.
Effective, January 08, 2011, the weekly trip limit program for the summer flounder commercial fishery is open with a 2,000 pound weekly limit. There is a maximum of two landings per week (Saturday through Friday) for each program participant. Review additional Commercial Fishing Limits on the DEC website. For questions or concerns contact the Bureau of Marine Resources at 631-444-5621 or send an e-mail.

Noteworthy Dates

January 17. Blackfish (Tautog) recreational fishing season re-opens.
Please remember to have your 2011 recreational marine fishing license before trying your luck at catching a blackfish!

Did You Know...?

The winter fur coat of the deer blocks snow,
wind and water.
~Photo by Art Kirsch, DEC Wildlife Biologist~

To survive the cold conditions of winter, a white-tailed deer grows hair filled with hundreds of tiny air pockets that serve as insulation for the deer. This "hollow" type of hair is buoyant on water, which makes it a great tool for fly fisherman to use when tying "flies."