Latest News by Jeff Gross

RINewsToday

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: All 2A, this day – Jeff Gross

by Jeff Gross, contributing writer I am stunned!  Two back-to-back nights at the RI State House of the annual Anti-Gun Follies and Comedy show.  At least in 2024 we were out at 8pm on Tuesday and 9pm on Wednesday. This year saw the usual emotion style antics by the anti-gun mob. At the House Judiciary hearings…
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Tall reeds against a sunset sky outdoors in Rhode Island.

Outdoors in RI: Fishing Show, youth turkey shoot and archery, self-defense, 2A update- Jeff Gross

by Jeff Gross, contributing writer Photo: Beach Whisperers, Pamela Bhatia, Artistic Images RI With the weather forecast to be iffy this weekend, keep the NE Salt Water Fishing Show in mind. The NE Salt Water Fishing show will be held from March 8th to 10th, 2024 at the RI Convention Center. Hours will be: Friday     …
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A group of people posing in front of a cabin before a turkey shoot for youth.

Overnight Youth Wild Turkey Hunt for 12-15 year olds. Apply now, RI DEM and The Light Foundation

Photo: RI DEM Application deadline March 10th  The Light Foundation, a nonprofit founded in 2001 by three-time Super Bowl Champion and former NFL New England Patriot Matt Light and his wife Susie Light, is again teaming up with the Department of Environmental Management (DEM) Division of Fish and Wildlife (DFW) for their fourth annual mentored Youth Wild Turkey Hunt this…
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A woman holding up a brown trout outdoors on a frozen lake.

Outdoors in RI: Fishing getting closer, water safety, DEM regs, Fishing Show, vaccines, 2A – Jeff Gross

by Jeff Gross, contributing writer Getting closer to Fishing Season As usual folks up in Maine are taking some great Trout and Atlantic Salmon. The Keeper Salmon in the header photo was caught by my friend’s wife on Moosehead Lake.  Apparently, Jon has more than one keeper. Though the Salmon was released. Thursday the 29th was…
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A tent on the ice with an american flag in the background.

Outdoors in RI: Ice fishing, a gourmet game dinner, 1791 leads the way in 2A – Jeff Gross

by Jeff Gross, contributing writer Photo, top: Randy Rafuse Food Pictures:  Michelle Renee Audette Ghenne Ice fishing in Maine is exceptional as of late. Fortunately, some days have had great weather to boot, as shown in the header picture.  If you have the time and money there are numerous lodges and camps set up to accommodate…
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Sunrise over the great smoky mountains.

Outdoors in RI: For the birds! – Take the kiddos to Audubon for school vacation week – Jeff Gross

by Jeff Gross, contributing writer Last year the Audubon Society of RI released its “State of our Birds”. This year the conservation group says the decline in bird populations is sobering. Nearly every group of birds is declining. They say: Across North America, birds are declining. As indicators of environmental health, the loss of roughly…
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A person outdoors in RI holding a rainbow trout in a net.

Outdoors in RI: Flashy jigs, Washington Bridge, 2A gigs – Jeff Gross

by Jeff Gross, contributing writer Flashy Fishing Jigs This past weekend The New England Fishing Expo took place in Marlboro, Massachusetts.  Due to a house move making attendance impossible this year, great photos supplied by Mike Wec caught attention as he and his colleagues were selling some very flashy Jigs which this writer hopes to…
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A man in a raincoat walking through a fenced-in area outdoors in Rhode Island.

Outdoors in RI: Good Trout stock, NE Fishing Expo, 2A up front in legislatures and courts – Jeff Gross

by Jeff Gross, contributing writer Fishing Finds The weather cannot make up its mind, but Rhode Island trout fishing has great potential. The RI DEM continues to stock some phenomenal trout.  If you have open water, consider giving the stocked areas a try.  Starting today Friday thru Sunday the NE Fishing Expo is going on at…
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A hunter posing next to a large elk.

Outdoors in RI: Strike a pose, Ice Fishing, Expos, Wildlife on the move, Health tips, 2A – Jeff Gross

by Jeff Gross, contributing writer Photo, top: Candy Yow Ice Fishing Ice fishing for trout was great, but short lived, in Rhode Island – so far. As you can see in the photos, above and below, some great Brookies are being caught. Not only is the Rhode Island bite great, but up on Moosehead Lake…
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train show

Railroad Hobby Show, largest railroad-themed trade show in America coming up – Jeff Gross

by Jeff Gross, contributing writer This coming weekend, January 27th and 28th, the Amherst Railway Society will host their annual Model Railroad extravaganza at the Big E Expo Center in West Springfield, Massachusetts.  Saturday hours are 9 to 5. Sunday hours are 10 to 5. For GPS Coordinates, use the following info: 875 Memorial Avenue, West…
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A group of fish jumping out of the water.

Outdoors in RI: Impressive Trout, Safe Ice (not), Hunting as conservation, 2A again and again – Jeff Gross

by Jeff Gross, contributing writer Photo: RI DEM We may have some ice next week but if we are fortunate to have safe ice it will be short lived. Meanwhile the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) is stocking some impressive trout in 13 ponds. As of this writing the following ponds were stocked: •…
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A snow-covered field with trees and a ski lodge in the background in Rhode Island.

Outdoors in RI: Challenge to RI gun clubs, Trout now, Ice Fishing later, Portsmouth wind, more 2A – Jeff Gross

by Jeff Gross, contributing writer Photo, top: Jon Gray Ice Fishing – not yet! With all this crazy weather one cannot trust the ice at all, and ice fishing won’t be a practicality until late next week, at the earliest. In the meantime stick to fishing in open water if you can help it, and…
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A dog walking in the snow.

Outdoors in RI: First snow, time for a hike. 2A. Coyote crowd. Shoreline cleanup, access deniers – Jeff Gross

by Jeff Gross, contributing writer Photo, top: Kylie Caruso With this weekend’s impending winter storm there should be enough of a coating to take the youngsters out hiking and see animal tracks in the snow. The photo, above, is of one of Rhode Island’s new residents, a Bobcat.  The Bobcat was caught on a trail…
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A dog sitting next to a gun and pheasants.

Outdoors in RI: Letter to RIDEM, fishing, hunting, local events, 2A and firearm classes – Jeff Gross

by Jeff Gross, contributing writer A letter to RIDEM Director Terry Gray Dear Terry, On behalf of Rhode Island Fish and Game Protective Association and the super majority of Rhode Island Anglers and Pheasant Hunters I want to thank you and all your staff for the exceptional year of trout fishing and also pheasant hunting…
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A trout is sitting on a wooden deck next to a fishing tackle box, enjoying the peacefulness of fishing.

Outdoors in RI: Fishing a judge of sportsmanship, Maine flood recovery, busy 2A days – Jeff Gross

by Jeff Gross, contributing writer Photo, top: Jason Hunter This warm and wild weather may not allow for ice fishing, however, people with rod and reel are doing well.  Numerous large trout in the 20-inch range are being caught around Rhode Island. These trout were stocked for the Veterans Day Holiday and the fish are exceptional.…
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A red caboose with santa claus on it.

Outdoors in RI: Housing shame, that breath of fresh air, new to the hunt, 2A update – Jeff Gross

by Jeff Gross, contributing writer As I write this I am cleaning out 2900+ emails that are long overdue.  As life gets more and more complicated one needs to drop everything and get outside and clear the head. When I text or call, 99.9995% it is because I need a piece of information.  When a person…
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A bald eagle soars over a body of water while hunting.

Outdoors in RI: Trout, pheasant, deer delight. Veterans Parade. 2A. Choo-choo! – Jeff Gross

by Jeff Gross, contributing writer Photo, top: Demi Pita Late season trout The late season trout are delighting anglers all over the state. Numerous catches are displayed on the Facebook page, “A better 401 fishing”.  Passing by Silver Spring Lake on Tuesday, many people were seen fishing at the dam. As usual this writer had too…
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A parking lot at night.

Outdoors in RI: New trout, salmon stock, under surveillance in the woods, 2A update – Jeff Gross

by Jeff Gross, contributing writer The State of RI DEM has stocked numerous waterways with Rainbow and Brook Trout, and Atlantic Salmon for the celebration of Veterans Day.  16 different ponds and rivers will be stocked with the healthy size trout and salmon.  The weather will be cool this weekend so dress appropriately, especially if…
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A man in a kayak holding a striped bass.

Outdoors in RI: Late season Stripers, Small Game season, “woke” times, 2A updates – Jeff Gross

by Jeff Gross, contributing writer Photo, top: Jeff Koslin It is unknown if the Stripers are still in Narragansett Bay since the cold snap set in 2 days ago.  Up until that point people were enjoying the Indian Summer and continuing to slam the Stripers in East Greenwich Bay. Also unknown is why the Stripers…
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A man proudly displaying a massive striped bass while out on a boat in the picturesque outdoors of Rhode Island.

Outdoors in RI: Saltwater feast, wearing orange not just for hunters , 2A updates- Jeff Gross

by Jeff Gross, contributing writer Saltwater fishing continues to excel.  Not only are the Stripers that migrate down from Maine showing up, but also the Tautog bite is exceptional.  With warmer than normal weather forecast for Friday and Saturday – now is one last chance to do some fishing in a pair of shorts. Saturday…
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A pheasant flying over a field of reeds.

Outdoors in RI: Wear Orange! On bad mushrooms, coyotes, poachers, freedoms, 2A – Jeff Gross

by Jeff Gross, contributing writer Photo: National Fish & Wildlife Service It is apparent that civilians are refusing to wear the required fluorescent orange during hunting season on state lands. I am encountering this violation frequently. In my articles I indicate the encounters I have had including a Westport, Massachusetts woman who felt she was…
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A man holding a large striped bass in the water.

Outdoors in RI: Enjoy fishing, hunting, hayrides and mums, while 2A in the courts – Jeff Gross

by Jeff Gross, contributing writer If you are like most of us, you have had it with the rain.  If it indeed rains this Saturday and Sunday like some forecast, it will have rained 16 of the last 18 weekends. Take advantage of any decent break in the weather and hit the waterways or woods. …
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A man holding up a fish on a boat.

Outdoors in RI: A weekend for fishing, hunting, fun events. 2A news – Jeff Gross

by Jeff Gross, contributing writer Fishing news… Saltwater fishing is on the upswing as the Stripers and “Slammer” Bluefish are migrating down the coast.  Numerous friends have had great success fishing in the Narragansett areas. Even “Football” Tuna, aka “Little Tunny” (False Albacore) are being caught as well.  With the weather being poor on the weekends, one…
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A dog wearing a hat.

Outdoors in RI: “Into the woods I go, to lose my mind, and find my soul…” – 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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A man holding up a striped bass on a boat.

Outdoors in RI: Fishing flourish, deer season on, 2nd Amendment holds… – 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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A group of deer standing in a field near a telephone pole, showcasing peaceful coexistence with nature.

Outdoors in RI: Weather challenges, lightning cautions, Deer hunt, 2A update – 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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A person holding a brook trout in their hand outdoors.

Outdoors in RI: Fishing, hunting, 2A. Heads up, Coyotes – 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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Four humpback whales with their mouths open in the ocean.

Outdoors in RI: Photo finish fishing, E-outboards, 2A news, smart(er) kids – 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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A man holding a fish in a kayak at sunset.

Outdoors in RI: – Fishing’s risky business with sharks and storms, and 2A update – 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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A stunning fireworks display illuminating the dark sky.

Outdoors in RI: Common sense not so common – 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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A group of bees hanging from a rock in an outdoor setting.

Outdoors in RI: All electric (not), Honeybees, of hunters and steak eaters – 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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Two deer standing in a field next to trees.

Outdoors in RI: Fishing weather now, get ready for banner hunting season, 2A update – 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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Two boats and a truck on an outdoor dock.

Outdoors in RI: Boat Ramp safety, Brown Tail Moth update, don’t be Shark bait – 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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A dog looking at a giraffe in an outdoor zoo.

Outdoors in RI: “Hot” dogs, hairy moths, and small towns – 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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A picture of a caterpillar on a person's arm and a picture of a caterpillar on a leaf, both taken outdoors in RI.

Outdoors in RI: Pond weeds, nail polish, Brown Tail Moth scourge – 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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A fire truck driving down a street.

Outdoors in RI: 4th of July, small town Maine style, 2A of our forefathers – 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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A dog jumping into a body of water.

Outdoors in RI: Abby, the fish dog, battling the Browntail Moth, 2A, AdoptASpot – 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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A young girl holding up a fish on a boat.

Outdoors in RI: Maine fishing, flea markets bring a Brown Tailed Moth warning. 2A update – 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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A turtle is sitting in the grass next to a lake.

Outdoors in RI: Fishing with the turtles in Maine, one eye on solar farm, 2A, back home – 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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The sun shines through a forest of pine trees.

Outdoors in RI: Smog. Litter. Ticks. From Maine to RI. Children’s Fishing Derby Sunday- 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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A golden retriever swimming in a lake.

Outdoors in RI: Maine holiday turns hunting dog to fish. Downtime antiquing. 2A news. – 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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Two pictures of a woman fishing in the snow.

Outdoors in RI: …and sometimes from Maine. Fine fishing, size matters, EV Boats – 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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A man holding up a striped bass during an outdoor sports adventure in Rhode Island, on a boat.

Outdoors in RI: Fishing rules, gun sports, safety rant, product tip – 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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A golden retriever sits in front of a display of paintings.

Outdoors in RI: Fishing, festivals, and firearms – 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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A turkey feather lying on the ground.

Outdoors in RI: – Free fishing weekend, Turkey season, beware of ticks… 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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A dog eats a dead fish.

Outdoors in RI: Gone fishin’ after night at the RI State House

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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john deere

Outdoors in RI: Fishing in a top 10 state, burned hunting land, weekend event… – 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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Train show

Train Show restart after Covid – Jeff Gross

Worcester Model Railroaders 30th annual Model Railroad Show and Sale
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A red and white train on a track.

The Railroad Hobby Show largest railroad-themed trade show in America – 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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An american flag with the words 2nd amendment being necessary to the right of the people to keep and bear arms.

A 2A update – 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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A golden retriever sitting on the beach at sunset.

Outdoors in RI: Lost my co-pilot – 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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A group of people looking at model trains at a convention.

Women in Model Railroading – the next great hurdle – 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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A group of people in a boat.

Friday Fishing Tips, 7-8-2022 – 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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A man in a kayak holding a striped bass.

Friday Fishing Tips, 7-1-2022 – 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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The sun is setting over a lake with a boat in the water.

Outdoors (2A update), 6-25-2022 – 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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A little girl holding a fishing pole in the grass.

Children’s Trout Fishing Derby – 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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A boat on a lake with a sun setting behind it.

Friday Fishing Tips, 6/17/2022 – 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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Children's fishing derby flyer.

Friday Fishing Tips, 6/10/2022 – 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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A group of hunters posing for a photo in the woods.

Your conservation efforts make RI a better place – Terry Gray, RI DEM

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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A little girl holds up a fish in front of a man.

Friday Fishing Tips, 5/27/2022 – 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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A person holding a pink fishing rod in a kayak.

Friday Outdoors, May 20, 2022- 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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A little girl holding a trophy in a parking lot.

Friday Outdoors 5/13/2022 – 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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A woman holding a turkey in the woods.

Friday Outdoors 5/6/2022 – Jeff Gross

Fishing and hunting turkeys in Rhode Island with Jeff Gross
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A lightning bolt is seen over a body of water.

Friday Outdoors 4/29/2022 – 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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A little girl in a red coat standing next to a stone wall.

Friday Outdoors – 4-22-2022 – Jeff Gross

Fishing and Hunting in Rhode Island with Jeff Gross.
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A dog sits on the bow of a canoe.

Friday Outdoors – 4-15-2022 – 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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A dog is wading in the water.

Off-season, 4-8-2022 – 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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A black labrador retriever sitting on a leash in a yard.

Family dog saves lives in Johnson’s Pond house fire; now they need our help – 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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The sun is setting over a body of water.

Friday Outdoors – 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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A person standing next to a dead fish.

Off-season crisis – 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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Two people walking a dog in the snow.

Searching for humanity – 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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Two dogs standing on a snowy path in an orange jacket.

Off-season, 3-11-2022 (updated) – 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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RINewsToday

Updated: Second Amendment and Rhode Island – 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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A golden retriever sleeping on a bed.

Off-season, 3/4/2022 – 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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Safe ice thickness infographic.

Off-season 2/25/2022 – 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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Two people standing next to a body of water.

Environmental reality check – 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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Two women holding up a rainbow trout in the snow.

Offseason – 2/18/2022 – 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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A little girl is holding a fishing pole in the snow.

Off-Season Friday, 2/11/2022 – 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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A group of people standing in front of a table with an umbrella.

Amherst Train Show post report – 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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A golden retriever is sitting on a leather couch.

Off-Season 2022 – 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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A flyer for the fishing expo with an image of a train.

Off-season Weekend Round-Up – 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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We are a community.

Amherst Train Show is this weekend – 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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A man in a suit holding a magnifying glass.

Campaign Finance website – a valuable tool for the public as elections approach – 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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A statue of a large bass fish on a table.

Hunting and Fishing Off-season 1/21/2022 – 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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A woman holding a rifle in a room.

Hunting and Fishing Off-season 1/14/2022 – 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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Three spray bottles with a label on them.

Unnoticed COVID Hotspots? – 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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A fish is sitting in a net on the ground.

Friday Fishing Hunting off-season, 1/7/22 – 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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A brown dog sitting in the snow with a pheasant.

Friday Hunting Primer, 12/31/21 – 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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A photo of a row of columns in sepia.

SCOTUS will be busy with 2nd Amendment cases – 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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Pheasant hunting with a golden retriever and a pheasant.

Friday Hunting Primer, 12/24/21 – 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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A dog in a car.

Friday Hunting Primer – 12/17/2021 – 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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Two girls looking at model trains at a convention.

Women in Model Railroading – the next great hurdle – 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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A dog sitting in the back seat of a car.

Friday Hunting Primer – 12/10/21 – 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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