Latest News by Jeff Gross
Jeff Gross
Contributing Writer
About
Jeffrey "Jeff" Gross spent 21 years as an Analytical Chemist at the USCG R&D Center in Groton, Connecticut, Woods Hole Laboratories, and Helix Technologies. Changing careers is a "great learning experience for everyone", Jeff says, and I'm an avid outdoorsman and conservationist, a student of the sciences, and the world. The US holds too many wonders not to take a chance and explore them".
Jeff is the Model Train and Railroad entrepreneur. Proud Golden Retriever owner. Ultra strong Second Amendment Advocate and Constitutionalist. "Determined seeker of the truth".
Jeff is a RIFGPA Legislative and Legal Officer, Freshwater Chairman, NRA Liaison.
His subjects include Outdoors, Second Amendment, Model Railroading, and Whimsical.
He can be reached at: trainsbythe144@aol.com
Outdoors in RI: “Into the woods I go, to lose my mind, and find my soul…” – Jeff Gross
By Jeff Gross |
by Jeff Gross, contributing writer “Into the woods I go, to lose my mind, and find my soul.” – John Muir (known as the Father of the National Parks, Muir was an American naturalist, author, environmental philosopher, botanist, zoologist, glaciologist, and early advocate for the preservation of wilderness in the United States). With hunting season…
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Outdoors in RI: Fishing flourish, deer season on, 2nd Amendment holds… – Jeff Gross
By Jeff Gross |
by Jeff Gross, contributing writer Photo, top: Trevor Berwick Fishing focus Yes, it is a great time to be an outdoors person. Fishing in Rhode Island is phenomenal. If one goes on the “an even better 401 fishing” page on Facebook, you will see the great success many of the Rhode Island fishing crowd is…
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Outdoors in RI: Weather challenges, lightning cautions, Deer hunt, 2A update – Jeff Gross
By Jeff Gross |
by Jeff Gross, contributing writer Photo, top: Kylie Marie The weather is about to get worse for we who fish. Hurricane Lee will make striper and bluefish fishing next to impossible until maybe Sunday afternoon. With all the crazy weather going on, another word of caution. Friends of mine in Smithfield were appreciative of the…
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Outdoors in RI: Fishing, hunting, 2A. Heads up, Coyotes – Jeff Gross
By Jeff Gross |
by Jeff Gross, contributing writer As Fall is rapidly approaching, here are some topics are of interest. Trout fishing will ramp up as the waters start to cool from this oppressive heat and dew point that we are experiencing at this moment. For those folks that have been slamming the bass as of late it…
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Outdoors in RI: Photo finish fishing, E-outboards, 2A news, smart(er) kids – Jeff Gross
By Jeff Gross |
by Jeff Gross, contributing writer Photo, top: courtesy Steve Miller Bring a camera along while you are fishing; or your cell phone. One never knows when a great shot will present itself. A friend has captured beautiful sunsets each night. Tom has captured 95 sunsets so far this year. One never knows what one will…
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Outdoors in RI: – Fishing’s risky business with sharks and storms, and 2A update – Jeff Gross
By Jeff Gross |
by Jeff Gross, contributing writer Fishing on the Bay is on the upswing. Numerous friends are catching Stripers and 5-10 lb Bluefish almost daily. In fact one friend seems to go out in his kayak and it appears the Stripers and Bluefish swim to him, and congregate around his kayak. Other Rhode Island anglers are…
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Outdoors in RI: Common sense not so common – Jeff Gross
By Jeff Gross |
by Jeff Gross, contributing writer, commentary “I’ve found that common sense ain’t so common.” – Mark Twain (or 18th century Voltaire) Throughout the last 50 years there has been hysteria crisis after hysteria crisis. “We are entering an Ice Age!”. We are depleting the ozone layer therefore we must ban freons, then the Acid Rain crisis…
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Outdoors in RI: All electric (not), Honeybees, of hunters and steak eaters – Jeff Gross
By Jeff Gross |
by Jeff Gross, contributing writer It’s Electric!?! As of last Tuesday, the White House is banning all incandescent light bulbs. There has to be a puppeteer behind all this. There are some light bulbs that are used for heat such as incubators. This ban will negatively impact all farmers including those that raise Pheasants. If you take a close…
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Outdoors in RI: Fishing weather now, get ready for banner hunting season, 2A update – Jeff Gross
By Jeff Gross |
by Jeff Gross, contributing writer For the folks that Deer it appears this year will be another banner year. Numerous areas are seeing numbers of Deer with 2 fawns, including in Maine. Also, Moose with twins are sighted in Maine, as well. Moose twins are quite the rarity. Large numbers of bucks are being seen as well…
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Outdoors in RI: Boat Ramp safety, Brown Tail Moth update, don’t be Shark bait – Jeff Gross
By Jeff Gross |
by Jeff Gross, contributing writer Top photo, courtesy Joe Malachowski One can see numerous boat ramp accidents on YouTube. These accidents are most often caused by drivers’ negligence, but often, too, they are caused by mechanical failures. One way to avoid such a disaster is to test your emergency brake on an incline. Pull up the…
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Outdoors in RI: “Hot” dogs, hairy moths, and small towns – Jeff Gross
By Jeff Gross |
by Jeff Gross, contributing writer With summer in full swing, we cannot forget our dogs. Abby rides shotgun with me as much as possible. Tuesday, after a train pick up in New Hampshire, we stopped at Cabela’s in Hudson, Massachusetts and Bass Pro Shops in Foxboro. While I was after a navigation light, it was also…
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Outdoors in RI: Pond weeds, nail polish, Brown Tail Moth scourge – Jeff Gross
By Jeff Gross |
by Jeff Gross, contributing writer The RI Division of Environmental Management (RIDEM) will be de-weeding Shippee Saw Mill Pond, Carolina Trout Pond and Breakheart Pond. Of the 3 ponds, Breakheart has the worst weed density. I fished both Carolina and Shippee and felt that they were not bad. Breakheart is weed laden, though. Looks like Breakheart will…
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Outdoors in RI: 4th of July, small town Maine style, 2A of our forefathers – Jeff Gross
By Jeff Gross |
by Jeff Gross, contributing writer The 4th of July – a Holiday brought to you by people who owned guns. Our rebellion in 1776 was a success because colonists were aware of the need to own firearms to secure a free state. The same people realized they also needed to band together. While much of the…
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Outdoors in RI: Abby, the fish dog, battling the Browntail Moth, 2A, AdoptASpot – Jeff Gross
By Jeff Gross |
by Jeff Gross, contributing writer With these lengthy time periods of rain, it is a great time to acclimate your pup to the water. The time spent will be worthwhile even though it is in the rain, and it sure is better than watching TV. Who knows, you may even get a dock diver like Abby,…
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Outdoors in RI: Maine fishing, flea markets bring a Brown Tailed Moth warning. 2A update – Jeff Gross
By Jeff Gross |
by Jeff Gross, contributing writer After a severe rash of rainy weather in New England, the good weather arrived. Rain over the weekend dampened many a fishing trip to even a large family get together when a good storm hit in Smithfield. The rain was so heavy in Maine that the chipmunks were running around the…
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Outdoors in RI: Fishing with the turtles in Maine, one eye on solar farm, 2A, back home – Jeff Gross
By Jeff Gross |
by Jeff Gross, contributing writer Upon returning to Maine, there was an invasion of snapping turtles waiting. Down the street a snapper was attempting to build a nest on the little bridge on the road. Driving up the cabin driveway a second snapper was tearing up the newly seeded lawn, in multiple areas no less. Apparently the…
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Outdoors in RI: Smog. Litter. Ticks. From Maine to RI. Children’s Fishing Derby Sunday- Jeff Gross
By Jeff Gross |
by Jeff Gross, contributing writer Returning from Maine, as soon as I got south of Boston the air changed to a smoky haze that got worse the further south I went on Route 24. Hopefully, this wildfire smoke that condenses on raindrops doesn’t screw up the fishing in New England. So far, Maine fishing has been…
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Outdoors in RI: Maine holiday turns hunting dog to fish. Downtime antiquing. 2A news. – Jeff Gross
By Jeff Gross |
by Jeff Gross, contributing writer My sincere sympathy goes out to all you folks who endure back pain. Especially when it affects your holiday or vacation plans. For the 1st time in my life my back acted up while on vacation. Adding to the problem is exercising my CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHT of PERMITLESS CARRYING A CONCEALED…
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Outdoors in RI: …and sometimes from Maine. Fine fishing, size matters, EV Boats – Jeff Gross
By Jeff Gross |
by Jeff Gross, contributing writer Though Rhode Island had little if any ice on the ponds this year, the great state of Maine did. These Fishing Ladies did exceptionally well on Moosehead Lake through the ice. Both Brittany, on the left, and Joanne, on the right, both caught Brook Trout over 23 inches in length.…
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Outdoors in RI: Fishing rules, gun sports, safety rant, product tip – Jeff Gross
By Jeff Gross |
by Jeff Gross, contributing writer Friends of mine are enjoying some great Striper fishing as of late. The photo, above, is of a nice 39″ Striper taken in the Bay. After careful handling, it was released. Rhode Island regulations only allow recreational anglers to keep Stripers between 28″ to <35″. The super majority of Stripers are thrown back. If…
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Outdoors in RI: Fishing, festivals, and firearms – Jeff Gross
By Jeff Gross |
by Jeff Gross, contributing writer The Stripers are running and so are the anglers. Father and son teams are slamming the Stripers in the keeper range throughout the bay area. While transiting the I-way, large flocks of gulls were spotted working the water leading many to take advantage and throw a popper from shore. Equally, freshwater…
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Outdoors in RI: – Free fishing weekend, Turkey season, beware of ticks… Jeff Gross
By Jeff Gross |
by Jeffrey Gross, contributing writer While fishing season is in full swing and numerous folks are filling up their outdoor grill with their catch, this weekend is the DEM free fishing weekend for everyone in Rhode Island. No license nor trout stamp is required to fish on Saturday and Sunday. And all eyes are on…
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Outdoors in RI: Gone fishin’ after night at the RI State House
By Jeff Gross |
Tuesday was a great day with some hurdles being crossed. Numerous fishing folks continue to have a lot of success in Rhode Island waters. Even this writer did. He is finally back in the game. The kitchen sink wasn’t needed this time as every spoon thrown out caught a trout. The 5-trout limit was obtained in…
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Outdoors in RI: Fishing in a top 10 state, burned hunting land, weekend event… – Jeff Gross
By Jeff Gross |
by Jeff Gross, contributing writer Photos: John Deere photos, Marina Emin Anglers around Rhode Island continue to have great success. Trout are headed for the grill all over the state. Correct me if I am wrong, but it sure looks like a substantial number of 4+ lb. Largemouth Bass are being caught all over Rhode Island. This…
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Outdoors in RI: Spring fishing and hunting – turkey season starts Monday – Jeff Gross
By Jeff Gross |
Outdoors in RI - hunting with jeff gross
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Outdoors in RI: Trout season, turkey hunting, safety, Easter fun – Jeff Gross
By Jeff Gross |
outdoors in rhode island with jeff gross
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Greenberg’s Great Train and Toy Show this weekend – Jeff Gross
By Jeff Gross |
Train and toy Show
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Train Show restart after Covid – Jeff Gross
By Jeff Gross |
Worcester Model Railroaders 30th annual Model Railroad Show and Sale
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The Railroad Hobby Show largest railroad-themed trade show in America – Jeff Gross
By Jeff Gross |
by Jeff Gross, contributing writer With the world returning to normal and 2023 is showing signs of optimism, the model train hobby is improving as well. This coming weekend the Amherst Railway Society will host their annual Model Railroad extravaganza at the Big E Expo Center in West Springfield Massachusetts. The Big E show is considered…
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A 2A update – Jeff Gross
By Jeff Gross |
by Jeff Gross, contributing writer, commentary As the New Year is rolling along so are the lawsuits that look to protect the Second Amendment (2A). At last count there are 16 total magazine ban or Modern Sporting Rifle lawsuits in the US and that number is still growing, though some cases are being consolidated to save…
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Outdoors in RI: Lost my co-pilot – Jeff Gross
By Jeff Gross |
by Jeff Gross, contributing writer Sunday night December 11 Rhode Island received 3″ of Christmas snow. One week prior I lost my hunting companion, best friend, and the best damn co-pilot ever. Taking advantage of the new fallen snow, I decided to go afield and clear my head of the sadness that has a grip…
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Women in Model Railroading – the next great hurdle – Jeff Gross
By Jeff Gross |
by Jeff Gross, contributing writer This coming weekend the HUB division of the National Model Railway Association will host its annual Model Train show in Marlboro, Massachusetts on Dec. 3rd and 4th 2022. The Show at the Best Western Royal Plaza Hotel and Trade Center (181 Boston Post Rd W, Marlborough, MA 01752) is a spectacular one. Attendance is robust with people from all walks…
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Friday Fishing Tips, 7-8-2022 – Jeff Gross
By Jeff Gross |
by Jeff Gross, contributing writer Photo: Lynn University It has been 8 years since there was a capsized canoe/rough water rescue on Salmon Lake in Belgrade Maine. Each year the USCG small boat “HIS IDEA” is deployed TAD (Temporary Additional Duty) to the Belgrade lakes region of Maine. The deployments are usually during the weeks of…
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Friday Fishing Tips, 7-1-2022 – Jeff Gross
By Jeff Gross |
by Jeff Gross, contributing writer Photo, top: Jeff Cozlin Two topics to cover today. First, is the great fishing occurring right now in New England. In Maine, freshwater Bass of both species are attacking anything thrown their way. A diving lure is often ambushed as it just hits the water surface. If there is any belly in the…
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Outdoors (2A update), 6-25-2022 – Jeff Gross
By Jeff Gross |
by Jeff Gross, contributing writer Just like the setting sun, the days of Second Amendment violations are now going to be history. On Thursday, June 23, the United States Supreme Court spoke with authority. Much to the dismay of the “moms groups”, SCOTUS put the carrying of firearms in public issue to rest. Locally, three…
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Children’s Trout Fishing Derby – Jeff Gross
By Jeff Gross |
by Jeff Gross, contributing writer On June 12th, 2022, after a 2-year COVID hiatus, the Rhode Island Fish and Game Protective Association in conjunction with the RI DEM hosted their annual Children’s Trout Fishing Derby in West Greenwich. Youngsters from all corners of the state joined in. What started off as a slow bite gradually…
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Friday Fishing Tips, 6/17/2022 – Jeff Gross
By Jeff Gross |
by Jeff Gross, contributing writer Many Maine gas stations are back selling pure gasoline. If you boat up there, be careful of “gelling” as the 10% Ethanol Gas does not mix with pure Gas. The 2 liquids form an emulsion that will severely gum up all engine fuel system parts. Another problem to focus on…
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Friday Fishing Tips, 6/10/2022 – Jeff Gross
By Jeff Gross |
by Jeff Gross, contributing writer After a 2-year hiatus due to COVID, the Rhode Island Fish and Game Protective Association and the Rhode Island DEM are proud to announce the 2022 Trout Fishing Derby. Children will be fishing for Rainbow Trout in the club’s trout pond at 254 Sharpe Street, West Greenwich, RI. Bring your…
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Your conservation efforts make RI a better place – Terry Gray, RI DEM
By Jeff Gross |
By Terry Gray – feature to RINewsToday Editor’s Note: We are pleased to bring you this column, written by Terry Gray, the new Director of the RI Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM), which replaces “Friday Fishing Tips” for this week– thank you to Jeff Gross for arranging for this. In other states, there are separate…
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Friday Fishing Tips, 5/27/2022 – Jeff Gross
By Jeff Gross |
By Jeff Gross, contributing writer As a reminder to all the clubs in the state, feel free to contact me to post your clubs’ Fishing Derby results or any other event. As you can see, Emma did a great job in Woonsocket’s Sportsman’s Club’s Trout Derby. Emma came in 2nd with a 14.5 inch Rainbow…
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Friday Outdoors, May 20, 2022- Jeff Gross
By Jeff Gross |
by Jeff Gross, contributing writer Photo, top, Kayla M. The bite is on. People are slamming bass all over the state with a large number of bass in the 4-5 lb. range and a few lunkers in the 6.5 lb. range. Some great photos of the same are posted on the Facebook Page “a better…
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Friday Outdoors 5/13/2022 – Jeff Gross
By Jeff Gross |
By Jeff Gross, contributing writer As fishing season is in full swing, various clubs are hosting their children’s fishing derbies. If you would like to advertise your club’s derby or the trophy ceremony, contact me. Nothing is more eye catching than seeing the happy smile like with the cutie, above, holding her 1st trophy. Even…
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Friday Outdoors 5/6/2022 – Jeff Gross
By Jeff Gross |
Fishing and hunting turkeys in Rhode Island with Jeff Gross
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Friday Outdoors 4/29/2022 – Jeff Gross
By Jeff Gross |
By Jeff Gross, contributing writer Fishing license follow up: The RI DEM is working with the state library system to offer many locations for one to sign up and not provide their Social Security Number (SSN). Since most towns and cities have libraries that have extended hours, some until 8 pm, they can accommodate those…
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Friday Outdoors – 4-22-2022 – Jeff Gross
By Jeff Gross |
Fishing and Hunting in Rhode Island with Jeff Gross.
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Friday Outdoors – 4-15-2022 – Jeff Gross
By Jeff Gross |
by Jeff Gross, contributing writer Photos: Tom Joyal Just like a scene from Normandy, June 6th, 1944. In the early dawn canoes, kayaks, and jon boats positioned themselves on the RI waterways just like the landing craft in 1944. The waters were calm and tranquil. At least for the moment. At 0600 hours likened H-hour…
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Off-season, 4-8-2022 – Jeff Gross
By Jeff Gross |
by Jeff Gross, contributing writer Starting this article on an upside. There is a motto among gentlemen of “trusting someone with the keys to your house” This is an honor that is not doled out like candy, instead it’s earned over time by selfless acts noticed with no self-serving interest in return. I have been…
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Family dog saves lives in Johnson’s Pond house fire; now they need our help – Jeff Gross
By Jeff Gross |
On March 24th, life for the Towle-Duffek family of Coventry, Rhode Island took a turn for the worse. In the early hours of Thursday morning the home of the Potter family caught on fire allegedly due to an electrical malfunction. Thanks to a newly acquired Black Lab the family was able to escape the fire…
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Friday Outdoors – Jeff Gross
By Jeff Gross |
by Jeff Gross, contributing writer For all you hunters and shooters: now is a good time to go through your truck and clean it out. Do not be surprised to find a shell or 2 rolling around. This writer cleaned his truck out Sunday and found 3 12- gauge in among the seats. Must have…
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Off-season crisis – Jeff Gross
By Jeff Gross |
By Jeff Gross, contributing writer We have a local crisis here in Rhode Island. Johnson’s Pond, once a fishing and recreational jewel in the state, looks more like a dried up California lake. Only, in the case of Johnson’s Pond, it is owner inflicted, and not because of a drought or any natural happening. This…
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Searching for humanity – Jeff Gross
By Jeff Gross |
The anger that has been plaguing our country, originating from the pandemic, has not gone away or even subsided. In fact, the situation has become worse. Without a moment to breathe, society is now afflicted with uncontrolled inflation, gas prices, and yes, a war raging. The Great Unifier dropped the ball. This writer took some…
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Off-season, 3-11-2022 (updated) – Jeff Gross
By Jeff Gross |
by Jeff Gross, contributing writer Photo credit: Kayla Marie Hunting Season ended and Legislative season started. Right now, there is a hunting bill in the State House called H 7762 that allows carrying of concealed weapons (handguns) while deer hunting. Before I get into this bill here is the history: On or about 2015 this…
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Updated: Second Amendment and Rhode Island – Jeff Gross
By Jeff Gross |
Update: As of Monday March 7th 2022 a 3rd Modern Sporting rifle/High Capacity case has entered the halls of the US Supreme Court: Duncan vs. Boneta. 21-1194. Jake Charles a Duke University Professor and Scholar : “it’s a good bet the Court will hold Duncan pending Bruen as well. And after that, it would not…
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Off-season, 3/4/2022 – Jeff Gross
By Jeff Gross |
by Jeff Gross, contributing writer Off-season 3/4/2022 February 28th ended small game season for 2021/2022. That said it is real easy to slack off and not keep yourself in good shape and the pupper as well. The header photo is a clear indication of Jada’s thoughts on the off-season. Jada found out rather quickly that…
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Off-season 2/25/2022 – Jeff Gross
By Jeff Gross |
by Jeff Gross, contributing writer As the weather keeps flipping back and forth from cold to warm and back again, you ice fishing folks will notice large cracks going across the ponds. These are called pressure ridges. These ridges form when the ice warms and cracks and separates from other ice flows. At night these…
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Environmental reality check – Jeff Gross
By Jeff Gross |
by Jeff Gross, contributing writer For the record I am a Conservationist and an Environmentalist. I am also an Independent Conservative. So, I answer to no Party. An hour ago, I saw that China is ready to sign a 100 million ton coal contract with Russia. India just signed a 40 million ton contract with…
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Offseason – 2/18/2022 – Jeff Gross
By Jeff Gross |
by Jeff Gross, contributing writer The legislative session is heating up and any of you planning to testify on any sporting laws, gun laws, animal laws, or anything else should be forewarned about the elitist attitude that descended in at least the last 2 years, maybe longer. I testified Tuesday night and heard this attitude…
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Off-Season Friday, 2/11/2022 – Jeff Gross
By Jeff Gross |
By Jeff Gross, contributing writer Photos: Fishing photos courtesy Kayla Marie With Hunting season almost over, it is time to reassess the techniques one used during the season. It is a great time to go out in the woods with all the leaves down and make sure no new homes have sprung up in the…
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Amherst Train Show post report – Jeff Gross
By Jeff Gross |
by Jeff Gross, contributing writer Even with the inclement weather the show turned out well last weekend. A good group of diehard train people attended the show on Saturday even though a total of 5-7 inches of snow was falling throughout the day. Sunday had an even better turnout as a flood of people came…
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Off-Season 2022 – Jeff Gross
By Jeff Gross |
by Jeff Gross, contributing writer Off-season writing can be challenging when trying to come up with topics. Also challenging is trying to type. The header photo is Jada demanding attention from me while I try to work. Good thing I have two hands. One to operate the electronics and one to scratch Jada behind the…
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Off-season Weekend Round-Up – Jeff Gross
By Jeff Gross |
By Jeff Gross, contributing writer The Amherst Train show is a go! The show will operate regardless of snowfall. Supposedly, Springfield is going to receive 4-7 inches. Basically, a dusting for us New Englanders. So, kick in the 4WD or your AWD, as we will be there! No 4WD to get there on Saturday, then…
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Amherst Train Show is this weekend – Jeff Gross
By Jeff Gross |
Photo: Doug Scott by Jeff Gross, contributing writer After a 2 year hiatus the Amherst Railway Society is hosting its Model Railroad Show at the Big E complex (Eastern States Exhibition Center) in West Springfield, Massachusetts. A 1 hour and 25 minutes’ drive from Providence for Rhode Islanders (1 hour 15 minutes if you drive like…
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Campaign Finance website – a valuable tool for the public as elections approach – Jeff Gross
By Jeff Gross |
by Jeff Gross, contributing writer 2022 is another year of Elections both at the Federal and State levels. People throughout Rhode Island will be asked to make donations to various politicians and Political Action Committees (PACs). Since getting involved in State House affairs back in 1987 this writer has found the RI Campaign Finance website to…
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Hunting and Fishing Off-season 1/21/2022 – Jeff Gross
By Jeff Gross |
by Jeff Gross, contributing writer With the unsettled weather we are having, now is a good time to tune up your rods and tackle box. Ice fishing looks like it will be nonexistent in Rhode Island again this year. Have a spinning reel that is making a whirring or clicking noise? A little reel grease…
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Hunting and Fishing Off-season 1/14/2022 – Jeff Gross
By Jeff Gross |
By Jeff Gross, contributing writer A great way to start this year off is to get more involved in the matters you have a problem with. I heard and saw many complaints in 2021. Some had very legitimate concerns. Often, these issues were being discussed at the RI legislature, and might even have evolved into…
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Unnoticed COVID Hotspots? – Jeff Gross
By Jeff Gross |
by Jeff Gross, contributing writer With Omicron cases spiking, very little, if any, transmission sources are now talked about. It is the same old vaccinate, vaccinate, booster, booster messages, times 10. Back in the initial COVID days the supposed experts looked at transmission sources and rates of virus life on various materials for COVID –…
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Friday Fishing Hunting off-season, 1/7/22 – Jeff Gross
By Jeff Gross |
by Jeff Gross, contributing writer With small game season nearing its end and warm weather fishing a long way off, hopefully this column will give some positive aspect to this out of control world. With a healthy snowstorm on our doorstep today it is the first real good indicator of winter weather. Ice fishing is…
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Friday Hunting Primer, 12/31/21 – Jeff Gross
By Jeff Gross |
by Jeff Gross, contributing writer Well, the last stocking ended dismally. After hunting Arcadia and Carolina for 6 hours and seeing nothing more than one set of pheasant tracks in the snow (holdover??) makes one wonder where the pheasants went. I also hunted the woods as well and still saw no tracks. Jada could have…
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SCOTUS will be busy with 2nd Amendment cases – Jeff Gross
By Jeff Gross |
by Jeff Gross, contributing writer This article is 1.5 months overdue, but it is worth the delay. A number of new pro second amendment cases will be appearing on the docket for consideration next term. But first an analysis of the Bruen New York concealed carry case. On November 3rd, 2021, the US Supreme Court…
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Friday Hunting Primer, 12/24/21 – Jeff Gross
By Jeff Gross |
by Jeff Gross, contributing writer Hunting last weekend was brutal. It was reinforced that I was the only one out hunting in Arcadia, as the severe winds ripped right through my clothing. Even in the winds and weather, Jada found a Rooster to put up, and even unexpectedly flushed some Chukar. The Chukar flew off…
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Friday Hunting Primer – 12/17/2021 – Jeff Gross
By Jeff Gross |
by Jeff Gross, contributing writer Photo: Jada after a recent hunt: “Maybe you should start letting me carry the gun. Then we will have food on the table at night.” Well, the season is winding down and the hunting is slowing down as well. Not seeing very many bird posts in Rhode Island Small Game…
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Women in Model Railroading – the next great hurdle – Jeff Gross
By Jeff Gross |
by Jeff Gross, contributing writer This past weekend the HUB division of the National Model Railway Association hosted its annual Model Train show in Marlboro, Massachusetts. The Show was a spectacular one. Attendance was robust with people from all walks of life and all ages in attendance. Of particular note is the number of young…
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Friday Hunting Primer – 12/10/21 – Jeff Gross
By Jeff Gross |
by Jeff Gross, contributing writer Photo: Jada: “What do you mean you forgot the ammo?” Deer season on state land has 2.5 days left in the season. I offered a Free Dunkin Donuts coffee to anyone taking a coyote on state land, but so far, no takers. T-minus 60 hours and counting…. While this method…
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Friday Hunting Primer – 12/3/21 – Jeff Gross
By Jeff Gross |
by Jeff Gross, contributing writer Top photo: The Richard family Shotgun Deer Season opens… As mentioned last week it is great to see families enjoying the outdoors. Even better is the fact that some families are making hunting a family event. I encountered the Richard family while pheasant hunting in Arcadia. The youngsters were having…
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Friday Hunting Primer – 11/26/21 – Jeff Gross
By Jeff Gross |
by Jeff Gross, contributing writer Happy Post Thanksgiving to all you folks. I hope your tables were filled abundantly and you were surrounded by family and friends. To those friends of mine who lost their spouses or partners I hope family and friends gave you comfort and warmth and good company throughout the day. Thanksgiving…
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Railroad crossings – a sign of the times – Jeff Gross
By Jeff Gross |
by Jeff Gross, contributing writer, commentary This past weekend the Shriner’s Auditorium hosted its biannual model train show in Wilmington, Massachusetts. The atmosphere was drastically different compared to shows in 2018, 2019, and early 2020. Instead of talking about how to wire a Tsunami Sound Board to a Direct Command Control Board, or what rock…
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Friday Hunting Primer, 11/19/2021 – Jeff Gross
By Jeff Gross |
by Jeff Gross, contributing writer Well, good news – the woodcock are finally showing up. A number of hunters have taken one or two though no statements of a limit have been made. With the Timberdoodles here it will make the Pheasant hunts much more entertaining as most dogs will point the “Wood Elves” as…
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Friday Hunting Primer, 11/12/2021 – Jeff Gross
By Jeff Gross |
by Jeff Gross, contributing writer This week continues to be a hot spot for pheasants in the Great Swamp Management Area. A large number of birds are coming out of that spot. One hunter noted that while he did well with his pointer, he needed to remove thorns from himself and the pup that evening. …
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Friday Hunting Primer, 11/05/2021 – Jeff Gross
By Jeff Gross |
by Jeff Gross, contributing writer Hunting has been crazy this week for many people. Reports of no birds in Big River, Nicholas Farm, Carolina, and many spots in Arcadia, of all places. Now hunters read my words and embrace the thought: We must start hunting coyotes and fox right now. Right now, as in yesterday! …
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Rhode Island gains if the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act (RAWA) passes – Jeff Gross
By Jeff Gross |
by Jeff Gross, contributing writer Photo: Block Island Ferry website Currently in the U.S. Congress is a bill, H.R. 2773. This bill is called the Recovering Americas Wildlife Act (RAWA). This bill looks to provide monies in addition to the Pittman-Robertson act to improve wildlife conditions of greatest need. Since RAWA is a supplemental fund…
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Friday Hunting Primer, 10/29/2021 – Jeff Gross
By Jeff Gross |
by Jeff Gross, contributing writer After a rough start, hunting turned into a great week for a lot of people, as one can see by all the success pictures. 10 degrees cooler while in the field can make all the difference in the success of a hunt. Birds tend to leave better scent when it is…
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Friday Hunting Primer, 10/22/2021 – Jeff Gross
By Jeff Gross |
by Jeff Gross, contributing writer Unseasonably warm temperatures coupled with a few stocking hiccups lead to a rough start to hunting season. The RI DEM assured this writer the problems are remedied and to pass along what was said, to all of you: “The Hunters are our eyes in the field. We (RI DEM) request…
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Weekly Hunting Primer – Jeff Gross
By Jeff Gross |
by Jeff Gross, contributing writer Editor’s Note: Jeff’s popular Friday Fishing Tips has gone hunting for the off-season – enjoy “Weekly Hunting Primer” every Friday This Saturday morning at 6:59 am (sunrise) the small game hunting season starts with a bang. Most state owned management areas will be stocked with pheasants. Unlike our mid-western states that have…
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Friday Fishing Tips – Jeff Gross
By Jeff Gross |
by Jeff Gross, contributing writer As Fall is here, starting next week, we will be generating a weekly Hunting article in the same format as the Friday fishing tips. I encourage all of you to write to us at news@RINewsToday.com about what questions you have and what topics you would like to see covered. That…
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Friday Fishing Tips – Jeff Gross
By Jeff Gross |
by Jeff Gross, contributing writer Fall is in the air and the trout are ready to start biting again. The RI DEM will stock trout for the fall starting today October 1st through Friday October 8th. The weather will be fantastic this weekend so indulge in a little me-time or family time and head to…
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56th annual RailFair 2021 – Oct 2/3 – for families, children, collectors – Jeff Gross
By Jeff Gross |
by Jeff Gross, contributing writer The Nashua Valley Model Railroad Association (NVRRA) announces its 56th annual “Railfair 2021” model train show on Saturday October 2nd and Sunday October 3rd, 2021 (10am-4pm each day). Attractions include model railroad displays, layouts, exhibits, dealers, and a new children’s “caboose corner” containing all sorts of fun for families with…
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Ladies Day at the RI Fish and Game Protective Association – Jeff Gross
By Jeff Gross |
by Jeff Gross, contributing writer On September 19th, the Rhode Island Fish and Game Protective Association ran the club’s annual Ladies Day event at their facility in West Greenwich. This year had a very high attendance at 100+ women looking to experience the outdoor shooting sports. At the inception of the Ladies Day event many…
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Friday Fishing Tips – Jeff Gross
By Jeff Gross |
by Jeff Gross, contributing writer Fishing Tip 09/24/2021 As the Fall is here and the freshwater fishing is improving, here is an often overlooked matter on your boat, kayak, or canoe. Certain safety equipment is essential and mandatory. Every Watercraft must have a life jacket onboard. However, in anything under 16 feet the boat will…
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Friday Fishing Tips – Jeff Gross
By Jeff Gross |
by Jeff Gross, contributing writer Some years ago, states like Maine started banning the use of lead split shot and the like, as Loons were found to have died from lead poisoning. Friends of mine were made privy to x-rays taken of a deceased Loon and there were two lead split shot lodged in its…
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Friday Fishing Tips – Jeff Gross
By Jeff Gross |
As the fall approaches and one wanders out into the outdoors to fish the pond banks and streams there is a problem to contend with. Deer ticks will be infiltrating these areas as well as a variety of new ticks. Deer ticks are a problem most of the year, but September through November seems to be…
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Friday Fishing Tips – Jeff Gross
By Jeff Gross |
by Jeffrey Gross, contributing writer Friday Fishing Tips – Jeff Gross The impact of Hurricane Ida will affect fishing this coming weekend. Not only did Ida complicate fishing for you folks this long weekend, this week’s story should be originating out of Belgrade, Maine! But, Ida threw this writer a sinking fastball… 5.92 inches of…
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Friday Fishing Tips – Jeff Gross
By Jeff Gross |
by Jeffrey Gross, contributing writer This is about the time of the season that one notices fish spitting the hook readily on more than one occasion. Often this is caused by dull, bent or deformed hooks. Weakened hooks also can be a problem. One Yo-Zuri lure needed the hooks replaced on a recent trip to…
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Friday Fishing Tips – Jeff Gross
By Jeff Gross |
by Jeff Gross, contributing writer As we all know it is summer grilling season. Some of those great trout we all enjoyed catching this spring are still in the freezer. A friend mentioned some years ago that he grills his trout by adding some onions and some lemon and dill to the cavity of a cleaned trout. …
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Friday Fishing Tips – Aug. 13, 2021 – Jeff Gross
By Jeff Gross |
by Jeff Gross, contributing writer With hot summer heat now affecting all of us, bass will now be rather sluggish during the day. Another problem is the warm weather will increase weed growth. Milfoil is an extreme problem across Rhode Island. The West Bay is very prone to the noxious weed. Great bass ponds like Bowdish…
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Friday Fishing Tips – Jeff Gross
By Jeff Gross |
by Jeff Gross, contributing writer As mentioned last week, some important tackle box items will be discussed to help make your tackle box complete. Shown in the attached photos one does not want to have equipment malfunctions when these husky fish are biting. Another addition to ones tackle box or boat box can be a…
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Friday Fishing Tips – Jeff Gross
By Jeff Gross |
by Jeff Gross, contributing writer Friday Fishing Tips – Jeff Gross As we get deeper into the fishing season, it is inevitable fishing gear will start to break down. If one’s luck is similar to this writer it will be right at the apex of fish biting. Over the next couple of columns some suggestions…
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2nd Amendment Update – Jeff Gross
By Jeff Gross |
by Jeff Gross, contributing writer Photo: National Archives In Rhode Island, recently, a couple of anti-gun bills passed, as did a bill to force the RI Attorney General to document how gun crimes are handled/prosecuted from start to finish. The pair of anti-gun bills has one bill that increases the penalties for someone who buys a…
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Friday Fishing Tips – Jeff Gross
By Jeff Gross |
by Jeff Gross, contributing writer Switching gears to Saltwater this week. This Friday, Saturday and Sunday July 23rd thru July 25th are Free Saltwater Fishing Days in Rhode Island. With a vast variety of Saltwater fish species to catch it is imperative one gets the rules and regulations as there are a number of size limits in effect…
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Friday Fishing Tips – Jeff Gross
By Jeff Gross |
by Jeff Gross, feature writer Photo: Brady & fish With the fish biting well from Maine to Pennsylvania, it is time to mention an often-overlooked aspect of fishing. Having more than 1 fishing rod in possession. It is always the case in this writer’s life that if something can break or go wrong it will. …
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