By Mike Roche

The weather always provides plenty to talk about and the recent prolonged dry spell is getting a lot of attention. According to recent reports, we are approaching 30 days without measurable rainfall. That makes this event, or lack of event, one of the longest in Massachusetts history. The mild and even hot temperatures have made things comfortable and outdoor activities enjoyable, but concerns are mounting about the possible impact of this lack of rain.

Drought can result in less colorful foliage with less vibrant reds and oranges. Trees may also shed leaves earlier when it is this dry. The local economy and particularly the Mohawk Trail Region really benefit when foliage is colorful, and it remains to be seen what “Leaf Peeper” season may be like. Last year, this writer learned about the economic impact of foliage season when motel rooms in central New Hampshire along the Route 91 corridor were over $500 per night!

My personal observations of the local habitats where my bird dog conditioning runs are typically undertaken have shown dry ground in places where a month ago there was water that you needed good boots to ford. Local woodcock need wet areas, as they feed primarily on earthworms, and covers which held woodcock in April are not producing “finds” and flushes right now. A couple of years ago, northern New England had a similar dry spell and dog trainers, who focus on woodcock to develop dogs, reported that woodcock left areas when they became dry. There are still places that are wet, but many are dried up.

Rivers and stream levels are low, water temperatures are rising with the lack of rain, and cold-water species like trout can be negatively impacted. New Hampshire just issued a warning to fall trout fishermen asking they consider the weather and take measures to reduce the stress on ‘catch and release’ trout fishing.

Massachusetts fall stocking is beginning and MassWildlife is planning to stock 73,750 trout beginning in late September. Included will be about 27,000 rainbow trout over 14 inches, just over 40,000 rainbows over 12 inches and 6,500 brown trout over 12 inches in length. These and holdovers from the 455,000 trout stocked this past spring will provide some great fishing! You can get real-time stocking information at the MassWildlife web site.

At the September MassWildlife Fisheries and Wildlife Board meeting, there was a briefing on how the new Massachusetts gun law will impact MassWildlife programs. Hunter Education Coordinator Sue Langlois and Department of Fish and Game Assistant Counsel Tori Labate provided the briefing. House Bill 4885, which was passed by the legislature on July 25 and signed by Gov. Maura Healey, will take effect on Oct. 23. The new law will make it illegal to buy semi-automatic rifles and shotguns, including some of the most popular sporting arms used by hunters and target shooters. It also changes requirements as to what courses are required to obtain a Firearms Identification Card and references training that at this time does not exist.

Further confusion about what non-residents need to do to possess semi-automatic rifles and shotguns exists, as the law references a check with the laws in the state where a person resides as determining their status in Massachusetts. There is also confusion about at what age a resident may possess a firearm, and these matters are still surrounded by some misunderstanding. A process exists, and one will be in place after Oct. 23, by which a non-resident may obtain a one-year Firearms Identification Permit through the Massachusetts Office of Public Safety Firearms Records Bureau. This law is a very long document and there is reported to be a briefing of Massachusetts police chiefs scheduled for later this month.

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The Gun Owners Action League (GOAL) is the leading advocate for firearms owners in Massachusetts and they continue to be the best source of information on the law. I would suggest joining GOAL and supporting them as they work on various ways to deal with this confusing and unfair law which clearly, according to legal and responsible gun owners, a majority of the law enforcement community, and everyone who those watched this last-minute law get passed without debate, is not going to do anything to prevent gun violence, but will put a huge burden on law-abiding citizens. There is also a petition to place the law on the 2026 ballot, which you can sign.

It was my hope to focus this week’s column on my preparedness for the upland hunting season but there is still a lot to be done. Trips to Vermont, Maine and New York are planned but details are still being addressed. Tessie could also be more consistent in her retrieving, but it looks like she is still a “work in progress.” In truth, we all fit into that category.

Mike Roche is a retired teacher who has been involved in conservation and wildlife issues his entire life. He has written the Sportsman’s Corner since 1984 and has served as advisor to the Mahar Fish’N Game Club, counselor and director of the Massachusetts Conservation Camp, former Connecticut Valley District representative on the Massachusetts Fisheries and Wildlife Board, a Massachusetts Hunter Education Instructor and is a licensed New York hunting guide. He can be reached at mikeroche3@msn.com.