Clambake "05"

Our annual Clambake will be on August 20, at 2:00 P.M.. Our Clambake Master, Mike Moroney is known locally for his seafood expertise. So if you enjoy seafood, and have never been to one of our Clambake's.............don't miss this event! I need not convince anyone who has been to our past clambakes, (see our event photo's). Some of those who have attended this event in the past, plan their summer vacation around it. Mike has posted his menu.....which I am sure will be to everyone's delight. (see Clambake flyer on home page)

You may purchase tickets at the bar at the clubhouse or send a check to: Nipmuc Rod & Gun Club, PO Box 171, Hopedale, MA 01747 before August 2. You may contact Danica Gibson at: autumneve62@hotmail.com to answer any questions, comments, or concerns regarding ticket sales.

"Bon Appetite"!

Tagged Animals

We had a participant that found an interesting road kill on his way to our St. Jude's 3D Shoot. When he came in to register he told us about a bear that he and his friends picked up and put in the back of his truck. It had been found on 495 in Hopkinton. I went out to see it. I was surprised how huge it was. He asked me for Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (DFW) phone number to report it since it had a tagged ear.

At our last Worcester County League of Sportmen's Clubs meeting, I asked Bill Davis, Central Wildlife District Manager, about the bear. He told me that the division didn't get it on timely basis. When they recieve a road kill they do an autopsy on the animal for research. Because the bear was not brought in on a timely basis, nothing could be selvaged from it and it was extremely difficult for them to do the autospy. When I learned that, my heart broke. It was truly a beautiful animal and it was such a waste.

It was a very hard lesson learned for me and felt that I needed to share it with everyone. I will never make the same mistake again. When the person asked me for the number I should have had the number and made the call right then and there for them to come and pick up the animal. If indeed anyone finds a tagged animal please call the Division of Fisheries of Wildlife as soon as possible! The number is 1-800-632-8075. I now have that programed into my cell phone.

I also learned that if indeed a tagged animal is found, it is the property of Division of Fisheries and Wildlife. It is up to them whether they allow any remains to the founder. So, the sooner you report it the better.

By the way, for those who had a chance to see the bear, it was originally handled three winters ago at a den in western Massachusetts by the DFW. So it had traveled quite a distance.

While I am on the subject of the WCL, I wanted to report that Dave Papale from Auburn Sportmen's Club and former president of WCL won the $15,000.00 raffle. Lucky him!

Nominees were chosen and Gerry and I were re-nominated as board of directors. Elections will be held in September when we reconvene after the summer break.