Jackson Update - 20 weeks old

Jackson and Hannah

Well our new pup Jackson is now 20 weeks old and weighs in at a trim 45 pounds.  The large snow falls have made getting any outdoor training completed with any consistency very difficult but we do our best.  We are still trying to explore new terrain and places as well as continue with our socialization to other dogs and people.  We continue to work on basic obedience with sit, down, kennel, heel and recall.  We started to introduce the whistle well.  He loves the bumpers with the duck wings on them, but we have yet to introduce live birds and guns but hopefully the snow will go away and stay away allowing me the opportunity.  Jackson is doing very well with his retrieves including singles and memory marks.  We have started increasing distance to these marks and birdmen (helpers).  He still has a bit of puppy ADD and gets side tracked by a leaf blowing along the ground or his check cord as it drags by.  Frustrating at times, but really funny as well.  Hannah is enjoying the extra work and training, but a little tired from being harassed all the time.  Hannah loves to role in the snow and every time she does, Jackson comes running across the yard and pounces on her.  Both get time alone outside as well which helps.  We need it to warm up before attempting any water work but it won't be long now.

Some additional pictures to enjoy!

Connecticut Fish Hatchery Victim to Budget Cuts

Taken from Pg 194 of the 2014 & 2015 proposed budget

The beginning of every year brings around the typical state budget issues and discussion that are sure to include items close to the sportsman's and sportswoman's heart and the recent proposal holds true.  Last year it was the states pheasant stocking program and while looking over the 2014 & 2015 proposed budget it looks like the state fish hatcheries are the target this year.  The proposed cut show a savings of $299,820 over two years  from closing one of Connecticut's state fish hatcheries, which realistically amounts to the tiniest piece of sand in comparison to the waste of state government.

Look, I'm tired of giving up more of my paycheck to support the overly fat programs that are part of our state spending and I agree cuts need to be made and making those cuts are never easy, but to me when they target outdoor related expenses they are relying on two things.  First is the uproar that the sportsman and sportswomen of Connecticut will most surely have and the hope of these sportsman groups proposing some type of license increase or new stamp to fund the program to keep it from being cut.

Considering that the majority of the money Connecticut sportsman pay out  each years ends up in the general fund, raising the licenses or creating new stamps are NOT something many of us would support.  If these new increases or funds where put directly into the programs and budgets they are meant to support, well many sportsman would most likely reluctantly agree.

Some numbers on effects of Recreational fishing here in Connecticut.

•  251,000 state residents take 5.4 million fishing trips and spend $198 million per year

•  51,000 non-residents take 457,000 fishing trips and spend $45 million per year in CT.

•  Recreational fishing supports over 4,400 jobs in CT. • Trout are the most sought after gamefish species in Connecticut attracting approximately 2.1 million fishing trips per year and generating ~$50 million per year in annual expenditures having a net economic impact of $67.5 million per year.

•  Approximately $2.8 million in annual license revenue is generated by trout anglers in Connecticut.

•  Approximately 100 lakes and ponds and over 200 rivers and streams are stocked annually with trout.

•  The overall benefit to cost ratio for Connecticut’s Trout Program is 25 to 1. 

The savings created by closing the hatchery in this case would be minor to the potential of costs in the future to reopen said hatchery or improve and grow others.  Also the loss or reductions in these outdoor programs will most certainly result in lost revenue as more and more sportsman stop spending the money on them or go spend their limited funds in other states that are more sportsman friendly.

No matter what side of the fence you are on with these budget issues, it is extremely for everyone to express your views to your elected officials.   Send an email, make a phone call, write a letter it doesn't matter as long as you do SOMETHING!  You can find your legislator and his contact information by visiting the CT CGA website or using this link:  Find Your Legislator

2013 Connecticut Trout Stocking has Begun

March is the traditional time here in Connecticut that most trout waters are officially closed for fishing and trout stocking for the upcoming season has begun.  There are plenty of opportunities to trout fish through out the year by visiting one of the open Trout Management Areas - TMAs.  Make sure you review the regulations for the body of water you are planning to fish before heading out.

This is directly form the CT DEEP Inland fisheries division, sent out yesterday, 2/28:  http://www.ct.gov/deep/lib/deep/fishing/weekly_reports/fishreport022813.pdf

 
SPRING TROUT STOCKING HAS BEGUN-  DEEP Inland Fisheries staff began the 2013 spring trout stockings this week. Among the areas scheduled to be stocked sometime in the next two weeks are many of the state's Trout Management Areas (TMA's). Note that early spring stockings are very dependent on weather and site conditions. 

2013 CT ANGLER'S GUIDES - The full print version 2013 CT Angler's Guide will be published and distributed in early April. An electronic version of the 2012 Guide continues to be available online at www.ct.gov/deep/anglersguide. There are no new regulations in effect for the 2013 season at this time, all regulations found in the 2012 guide remain in effect. 

FISHING SEASONS-Anglers are reminded that the fishing season will close after today (Thursday, February 28^th) on many rivers and streams and at a number of lakes & ponds. (Please refer to the  CT Angler's Guide for complete regulations). All sixteen of the state's Trout Management Areas remain open year round (and all are catch-and-release fishing during the winter and early spring). Class I Wild Trout Management Areas (WTMA) are also open year-round for catch-and-release fishing,