Free Outdoor Adventure Talks at NH Fish and Game Start March 20
OutdoorHub 03.10.13
Get inspired for outdoor adventures this year at a series of Wednesday evening talks taking place from March 20 through May 8, 2013, at the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, 11 Hazen Drive, Concord, N.H. No pre-registration is required. The talks start at 7 p.m. Admission is free. The series includes a range of topics on New Hampshire wildlife and outdoor recreation. In honor of the Nongame and Endangered Wildlife Program’s 25th anniversary observance this year, several of the talks explore efforts to restore endangered and threatened wildlife:
March 20: NEW HAMPSHIRE RAPTORS –
Come look into the eyes of a barred owl at a talk by Kevin Wall of New Hampshire Audubon. Learn to distinguish the different raptor species that call New Hampshire home. Explore the unique role these predators play in our ecosystem and conservation efforts underway that have helped increase and stabilize the state’s raptor populations. This talk is a great chance to get up close and personal with these amazing birds of prey.
March 27: BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO TURKEY HUNTING –
Discover the time-honored tradition of spring turkey hunting the New Hampshire in this talk by New Hampshire Hunting Guide and experienced turkey hunter John Asseng. This talk will focus on the beginner turkey hunter, covering hunting gear, turkey ID, and basic calls needed for you to take your first bird. A must for first-time turkey hunters! New Hampshire’s spring gobbler season runs from May 3-31, with the youth turkey hunting weekend set for April 27-28.
April 3: RESTORING NEW HAMPSHIRE’S BROOK TROUT HABITAT –
Eastern brook trout are one of New Hampshire’s most prized native fish, but they are threatened by disappearing habitat, rising temperatures, changing water quality and disconnection from spawning habitat. In this talk by Fisheries Habitat Biologist John Magee, you’ll learn about the work Fish and Game biologists, volunteers and concerned anglers are doing to improve habitat for New Hampshire’s most beloved fish, work that will benefit all anglers and anyone that cares about clean water.
April 10: SELECTING A KAYAK OR CANOE –
Learn how to choose the right canoe or kayak for your next adventure. With the many choices in paddle-craft available today, suited for every kind of use, it’s not always easy to know what kind of kayak or canoe is right for you. This talk will assist in narrowing the selection down to what will be best for your usage, expectations and budget.
April 17 – KAYAK CAMPING –
Learn how to properly pack a kayak, and what food and gear to bring along. Hear about exciting kayaking destinations close to home. This talk will cover coastal, inland and river kayak camping. Presenter Chuck Joy is the New England representative for several kayak brands, including Astral Buoyancy, Liquidlogic, Native Watercraft and Hurricane Kayaks. He grew up boating on the waters of Boston Harbor and discovered whitewater in his mid-twenties. In his free time, you’ll find Chuck on the water or in the woods of New Hampshire.
April 24 – BLACK RACERS AND BLANDINGS TURTLES –
If turtles and snakes fascinate you, join N.H. Fish and Game Nongame biologists Mike Marchand, Brendan Clifford and Loren Valliere to learn about the amazing diversity of reptiles and amphibians in New Hampshire. This is the time of year when many reptiles and amphibians are emerging from their winter slumber and traveling to breeding grounds or simply basking in the sun. Hear about current research being done on Blanding’s turtles and black racer snakes, try out equipment biologists use in the field, and learn what you can do to help biologists monitor these amazing creatures!
May 1 – ROAD TO RECOVERY: NEW ENGLAND COTTONTAILS/KARNER BLUE BUTTERFLIES –
Join N.H. Fish and Game Nongame biologists Heidi Holman and Brett Ferry to learn about what it takes to ensure rare species remain a part of New Hampshire’s wildlife diversity. This talk is a great chance to hear firsthand from biologists involved in current efforts to restore populations of Karner blue butterflies and New England cottontails and their habitats.
May 8 – MOSQUITO EATERS: BATS AND DRAGONFLIES –
Did you know that New Hampshire has eight different species of bats? Learn which species are most at risk of disappearing forever from our skies because of White Nose Syndrome and what you can do to help. Also at this talk, learn about a statewide effort to document New Hampshire’s diverse dragonflies. N.H. Fish and Game Nongame biologist Emily Preston Brunkhurst and NH Audubon biologist Pam Hunt team up to present a fascinating look at the bats and dazzling dragonflies many of us have right in our own backyards.
