CLAREMONT, N.H.

New Hampshire, Vermont predict high deer population

All signs point to a booming deer population this year in Vermont and New Hampshire, given a mild winter with little snow.

Kent Gustafson of the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department said when deer are confined in small, deep-snow areas for a long time, they use more energy to stay warm, which leaves them more vulnerable to predators.

Gustafson told the Eagle Times that if current weather conditions continue, deer will come out in better physical shape, which can lead to an increase in reproduction in the spring. He predicted that the overall survival rate for deer will be above average this year.

A Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department biologist said if it’s a less severe winter, more “antlerless” permits will be given out for doe hunting season.

RANDOLPH, Mass.

Teenager dies from single gunshot wound to head

The Norfolk District Attorney’s office says a preliminary autopsy report shows a Randolph teenager found shot outside his home died of a single gunshot wound to the head.

A spokesman for District Attorney Michael Morrissey said Friday that there has been no determination whether 16-year-old Kyle Louzada’s death was suicide, homicide or an accident.

Spokeman David Traub also said police recovered a handgun Friday near the Oak Street home and will test it.

Police found Louzada just after 7 p.m. Thursday after a neighbor reported hearing gunfire.

Morrissey said Thursday night that Randolph police have been called to the house several times but would not elaborate.

Louzada was a sophomore at Randolph High School.

CONCORD, N.H.

State panel weighs action on newest gambling bill

Prospects for expanded gaming will depend on a New Hampshire House committee’s recommendation next week.

The House Ways and Means Committee meets first thing Tuesday morning to decide its recommendation for a new gambling bill. The bill would allow up to four casinos, depending on the version.

Supporters say New Hampshire must pass gambling this session if it wants to exploit a window of opportunity before newly legalized gambling in Massachusetts takes off.

Legislators have put off a final vote on the bill to consider new proposals.

The bill’s future in the House is uncertain as both sides scramble for votes. Even if it passes the House, which it has never done before, a gambling proposal would need a two-thirds majority to override Gov. John Lynch’s promised veto.

ALLENSTOWN, N.H.

Rescuers reach two hikers who slipped off park trail

New Hampshire Fish and Game officials made quick work of rescuing two hikers who slipped off an icy trail and into a ravine at Bear Brook State Park.

Officials said 22-year-olds Melanie Beaudoin and Krystie Gugger of Manchester had been hiking on trails in the Allenstown park when they slid off the trail.

The hikers had cell phone reception and were able to call 911 about 2 p.m. Friday.

The cell phones helped officials pinpoint their location and conservation officers riding all-terrain-vehicles — and Allenstown police and fire officials — reach the women in less than two hours.

Officials caution other outdoor enthusiasts to be prepared for all conditions going into the holiday weekend.

RUTLAND, Vt.

Man faces federal charges for setting fire to shelter

A Manchester, N.H., man faces federal charges of setting fire to a shelter on Vermont’s Long Trail.

Federal prosecutors said Justin Caissie, formerly of Rutland, started the fire that destroyed the Tucker Johnson Trail Shelter in Mendon on March 2 and then lied about it to a U.S. Forest Service special agent.

Caissie pleaded not guilty Thursday to destroying property owned by the United States and giving a false statement to a federal officer.

He was released on the condition that he not enter U.S. Forest Service land, except if passing through on a primary road.

WESTFIELD, Mass.

Teenager dies, three injured after fiery vehicle crash

Police say an 18-year-old woman died and two other people required hospitalization after a fiery early morning car crash in Westfield.

The victim of the crash about 1 a.m. Friday was identified as passenger Emily Savery, a senior at Gateway Regional High School.

Two other passengers, 22-year-old Randy Smith of Douglas and 18-year-old Ashlin Dion of Huntington, were taken to the hospital and are expected to survive. The driver, 23-year-old Jay Franklin of Upton, suffered minor injuries that did not require hospitalization.

Police said the car left the road, hit a tree stump, rolled over and burst into flames. Passers-by helped rescue at least one of the vehicle’s occupants.

– From news service reports