Wildlife Viewing in the North Woods - New Hampshire Fish and ...

PHOTO BY JOHN P. GREENWildlife Viewing Sites in Northern New HampshireRed fox pupBull mooseRed-tailedhawkBabySnowshoehareChipping sparrowPileatedwoodpeckersRed squirrelPHOTO BY JOHN R. FORDPHOTO BY JOHN R. FORDPHOTO BY JOHN P. GREENPHOTO BY JOHN P. GREENPHOTO BY JOHN P. GREENPHOTO BY JOHN P. GREENPHOTO BY JOHN R. FORD

WHERE TO GO WHEN WHAT TO SEE ACCESSVIEWING LARGE SMALL WATER- SONG- REPTILES/ PAVED GRAVEL BOAT/SITE NAME LOCATION SEASON MAMMAL MAMMAL FOWL BIRDS RAPTORS AMPH. FISH ROAD ROAD CANOE WALKRte 3 E of Pittsburg, take Jesse Young Road to seasonal1. Canyon at Indian Stream* logging road, approximately 16 miles on west side of road s, f x x x x2. Connecticut Lakes State Forest Rte. 3, N of Pittsburgw, sp, s, f x x x x x xFrom the 2 nd CT Lake dam go 3.5 mile, turn left on unmarked gravel logging3. East Inlet Pond* (Pittsburg) road, cross wooden bridge, turn right at T, go left at next fork for .7 miles sp, s, f x x x x x x x4. Magalloway Mountain*Rte. 3 N of Pittsburg, turn right on Magalloway Road (gravellogging road), follow signs to fire tower, approx. 8 miles sp, s, f x x x x x x5. Garfield Falls*Rte. 3 N, turn right on Magalloway Road (gravel logging road), continuestraight at fire-tower turnoff, bear right at next two junctions, approx. 12 milessp, s, f x x x x x6. The BALSAMS Rte. 26, Dixville Notch, peregrine viewing in parking lot sp, s, f x x x x x7. Route 26 Wildlife Viewing Site Rte. 26, Dixville Notchsp, s, f x x x x x8. Lake Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge Rte. 16, north of Errolsp, s, f x x x x x x x x9. Thirteen-Mile Woods Scenic Easement Rte. 16, south of Errolw, sp, s, f x x x x x x x x10. Pontook Reservoir Rte. 16, 8 miles north of Milan Villagew, sp, s, f x x x x x x x x11. Weeks State Park Rte. 3, 2.5 miles S of Lancastersp, s, f x x x x12. Pondicherry Wildlife Refuge Whitefield Airport, Jefferson, parking lot across from power plant sp, s, f x x x x x13. The Rocks Estate Rte. 302, Bethlehemsp, s, f x x x x x14. Zealand Valley Zealand Road off Route 302, 2.2 miles E of Twin Mountain w, sp, s, f x x x x x15. Crawford Notch State Park Rte. 302, Bartlettw, sp, s, f x x x x x x x16. Lost Pond Rte. 16, Pinkham Notch, trail across AMC parking lot w, sp, s, f x x x x xRte. 113, 1.8 miles N of Chatham, left at Basin Pond17. Basin Pond Campgroundsp, s, f x x x x x xRte. 16, turn right on Town Hall Road in Barlett to Slippery18. Mountain Pond sp, s, f x x x x x xBrook Road, approximately 7 miles from Rte. 1619. Franconia Notch State Park Franconia Notch Parkway, Franconiaw, sp, s, f x x x x x x x x x20. Kancamagus Scenic Byway Rte. 112, between Lincoln and North Conwayw, sp, s, f x x x x x21. Arthur & Christie Johnson Mem. Forest Rte. 3, Pittsburgw, sp, s, f x x x x x x22. Twin Mountain Fish Hatchery Rte. 3, Twin Mountainsp, s, f x x xNew Hampshire Wildlife Viewing Guide. This 96-page book byJudith K. Silverberg is your best source for learning where, whenand how to see wildlife all across the state. Each of the 73 sitedescriptions includes directions, details on species present and howto see them. Loaded with full-color photos. $5.00The New Hampshire Atlas and Gazetteer may also be helpful infinding some of the more remote locations. $19.95Both books are available from N.H. Fish and Game DepartmentHeadquarters or go to: www.wildlife.state.nh.us for an order form.*These are remote sites, quite a few miles off the mainroad, and may be difficult to locate. Look forWatchable Wildlife Area signs. Use cautionwhen driving to these areas. The loggingroads are privately maintained and active.WildlifeLogging trucks have the right of way.Viewing AreaVIEWING SEASONLEGENDw winter s summersp spring f fall

PHOTO BY R. BARRYTips for wildlifeviewersThis guide will assist you in finding some ofthe best places in northern New Hampshire toview wildlife. On your travels in the area, look forthe brown and white binoculars road signs.Seeking and finding wildlife at viewing sites mayrequire certain knowledge and special skills.Here are a few tips to improve your chances.■ CHECK THE SEASON.Most sites offer wildlife viewing opportunitiesonly at certain times of year. Before headingto a site, make sure it’s the right season.■ WATCH AT DAWN AND DUSK.This is when most wildlife species are activeenough to view. Try exploring a range of timeperiods.■ USE THE RIGHT TOOLS.A field guide, a pair of binoculars andcomfortable shoesare a good start.Scanning wideareas withbinoculars is oftenessential to locateanimals.■ BE PATIENT.Successful wildlife viewing often requireslonger waits and searches than you mightexpect.■ STAY QUIET.Noise frightens wildlife away. Move slowlyand quietly to increase your chances ofviewing wildlife, and to avoid stressing theanimals you wish to watch. Sit quietly for anhour to observe what happens around you.■ USE A BLIND.Hiding behind natural or artificial blinds (evenyour vehicle) will help you see more wildlife.COVER PHOTO BY CHARLES H. WILLEYWildlifeViewing AreaPHOTO BY CHARLES H. WILLEYHabitat isthe keyto wildlifeOver 450 species ofmammals, birds, fish andreptiles are found in NewHampshire. The abundanceof wildlife in NewHampshire is a result ofthe wide range of landformsand climates foundhere. New Hampshire’swildlife habitats includemarine, estuary, wetland, freshwater, alpine,boreal, pine and hardwood forests.American bitternConservation throughresponsible viewingIt may seem odd to think that animals canbe “watched to death,” but overuse of wild areasand harassment by humans can harm wildlife.■ KEEP YOUR DISTANCE.Stay on established trails and maintain adistance that is comfortable for the wildlife.The goal of successful wildlife watching is tosee animals without interrupting their normalbehavior. All wild mammals are potentiallydangerous if approached too closely, especiallybears and cow moose with calves.■ DON’T FEED THE ANIMALS.There is plenty of food available in the wild.Human food can cause digestive problems,provide improper nutrition and even kill ananimal.■ DON’T PICK UP ORPHANED OR SICKANIMALS.Wild animals rarely abandon their young. Ifan animal appears sick or injured, behavesoddly, or seems tame, leave it alone. Anumber of wildlife diseases, including rabies,can affect humans.■ CONTROL PETS.Pets are a hindrance to wildlife viewing. Theymay chase, injure or kill wild animals. Leavepets at home or keep them on a leash.■ HONOR THE RIGHTS OF PRIVATELANDOWNERS.Always ask permission before entering privateproperty and leave no trace that you havebeen there.■ RESPECT THE RIGHTS OF OTHERVIEWERS AT A SITE.Be considerate when approaching wildlife thatis already being viewed.■ SHARING THE WOODS WITHOTHERS.You share the woods with many otherrecreationists, including hikers, snowmobilers,mountain bikers and hunters. Wear hunterorange during hunting seasons. Most publiclands are open to hunting and fishing.Information on hunting season dates andregulations is available from the Public AffairsDivision of the New Hampshire Fish andGame Department, and from agents who sellhunting and fishing licenses.■ KEEP TO MARKED TRAILS.Using trails protects plant life and assistsanimals in adapting to human movement.■ KEEP NEW HAMPSHIRE CLEAN.Leave the environment unchanged by yourvisit. Follow the carry in/carry out principle.New HampshireFish and Game Department11 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH 03301(603) 271-3211www.wildnh.comThis brochure was funded by the Federal HighwayAdministration, New Hampshire Scenic and Cultural BywaysProgram – Office of State Planning and Energy Programsand New Hampshire Fish and Game Department. ©1998 NHFGPUB06011.P7