The Maine Sportsman - August 2018 by The Maine Sportsman - Digital Edition

Sportsman The Maine

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Bear Baiting 101 Page 23

Snakehead Invasion! Page 10

Keep Your ATV Running Page 19

2 • August 2018 • The Maine Sportsman —————————————————————————————————————————————————————

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�� The Maine Sportsman • August 2018 • 3

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4 • August 2018 • The Maine Sportsman —————————————————————————————————————————————————————

Editorial

Taking the Long View on Elvers

New England’s Largest Outdoor Publication Readership

Sportsman The Maine

ISSN 0199-036 — Issue No. 551 • www.mainesportsman.com PUBLISHER: Jon Lund MANAGING EDITOR: Will Lund will@mainesportsman.com OFFICE MANAGER: Linda Lapointe linda@mainesportsman.com OFFICE ASSISTANT: Victoria Peckham victoria@mainesportsman.com CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Kristina Roderick kristina@mainesportsman.com ADVERTISING DIRECTOR: Nancy Carpenter nancy@mainesportsman.com Second class postage paid at Scarborough, ME 04074 and additional entry offices. All editorial inquiries should be emailed to will@mainesportsman.com Phone: 207-622-4242 Fax: 207-622-4255 Postmaster: Send address changes to: The Maine Sportsman, 183 State Street, Suite 101, Augusta, ME 04330 12-Month Subscription: $30 • 24-Month Subscription: $49

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Eels are the mysterious inhabitants of our lakes. Each spring they migrate as tiny elvers into our rivers and streams from salt water, swimming upstream into our lakes and ponds. Elvers are the seed from which the eels grow. They spend about 17 years in fresh water, crawling snake-like past our smaller dams. In our lakes they are primarily bottom feeders, the cleanup squad of our inland waters. At about 17 years of age, adult eels migrate downstream to saltwater and head for the Sargasso Sea, a patch of ocean in the North Atlantic. After spawning, the female dies and the eggs develop into larvae, which drift with the ocean currents, become tiny elvers, or glass eels. The problem is, we don’t really know a lot about elvers. Researchers have noted a decline in the presence of American eels in the US and Canada, and some commercial fisheries have been closed. Some researchers believe the American eel is threatened with extinction. Their migratory habits have been affected by the presence of dams. Only two states permit the commercial harvesting of elvers. We like to support our regulation of the harvesting of natural resources by saying the regulations are based on sound science. But where is the sound science which allows these seeds to be harvested and sold? Do we know how many eels are in our lakes now? Do we know how important the presence of eels is to the health of our lakes? Do we know if we have a surplus of eels, or a shortage of these catadromous critters? Imagine for a moment that brook trout eggs were a commercially valuable item. Would we permit the harvesting of trout eggs from the spawning beds in our streams, or permit eggs and milt to be stripped from spawning trout? Not likely. Trout fishermen would be whipping their legislators with their fly lines to get their attention. Elver fishing is an extremely profitable business. In addition, the American eel suffers from a public relations problem, because it is not an attractive, charismatic fish. The state is currently considering increasing the catch limit. Given our collective ignorance about the role of eels in our fresh waters, and the overall decline in eel populations, we do not believe commercial catch limits should be increased until we have a better understanding of the role of eels in our waters. www.MaineSportsman.com

Almanac by Will Lund........................................................ 12 Aroostook - “The County” by Bill Graves......................... 59 Big Game Hunting by Joe Saltalamachia...................... 56 Capitol Report by George Smith..................................... 17 Central Maine by Steve Vose........................................... 43 Danger in the Outdoors by David Van Wie.................... 48 Downeast Region by Jim Lemieux................................... 42 Editorial.................................................................................. 4 Freshwater Fly Fishing by William Clunie.......................... 35 Jackman by William Sheldon........................................... 37 Jottings by Jon Lund............................................................ 8 Katahdin Country by William Sheldon............................. 31 Kate’s Wild Kitchen by Kate Krukowski Gooding........... 41 Letters to the Editor.............................................................. 6 Maine Wildlife by Tom Seymour....................................... 22 Maine Wildlife Quiz by Steve Vose................................... 34 Midcoast Report by Tom Seymour................................... 62 Moosehead by Tom Seymour.......................................... 65 New Hampshire by Ethan Emerson.................................. 52 Off-Road Traveler by William Clunie................................ 39 Quotable Sportsman by George Smith........................... 18 Rangeley Region by William Clunie................................. 46 Riding Shotgun by Robert Summers................................. 71 Sebago to Auburn Region by Tom Roth......................... 67 Shooter’s Bench by Col. J.C. Allard................................. 63 Smilin’ Sportsman: Adults & Kids by Will Lund.................. 71 Sportsman’s Journal by King Montgomery..................... 10 Southern Maine by Val Marquez..................................... 45 Trapping The Silent Places by David Miller...................... 54 Trading Post (Classifieds)................................................... 72 Trout Fishing by Tom Seymour........................................... 49 Western Maine Mountains by William Clunie.................. 69 Young Maine Sportsman & Sportswoman by Luke Giampetruzzi & Alyssa Sansoucy...................... 51

SPECIAL SECTIONS ATVing in Maine by Shane Brown.................................... 19 Bear Hunting in Maine by Bill Graves............................... 23 Moose Hunting in Maine by Charles Lloyd Sr.................. 26 Saltwater Fishing in Maine by Barry Gibson.................... 28 On the Cover: Yup, that’s Wade Anthony Boggs holding up a huge striper. A number of years ago, our “Saltwater Fishing” columnist Barry Gibson fished with the former Red Sox third-baseman (Sox fans have forgiven Boggs’ brief time with the Yankees and the Rays, since it’s a Red Sox cap he’s wearing on his Cooperstown plaque) in a striper tournament aboard Chuck DeStefano’s charter boat. Off Gloucester, MA and in 100 feet of water, the group caught ten bass this size. “It was simply unreal,” recalls Gibson. Barry Gibson photo

�� The Maine Sportsman • August 2018 • 5

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6 • August 2018 • The Maine Sportsman —————————————————————————————————————————————————————

Letters To The Editor

The Perils of Convertibles in Bug Country To the Editor: I saw quite the sight the other day – I wish I’d had my camera. We had just turned off the 73000-logging road onto Rte. 193 headed for the Airline, when we came up to a flag person standing on the shoulder of the road and wearing a bug veil over his face and head. We saw his “STOP” sign and slowed to a halt. Up ahead we could just make out the road maintenance crew and their trucks. After a few minutes, a smallish convertible sports car pulled up behind our truck. Nice car. One of the expensive imports: maybe a BMW. The well-dressed male driver and his very proper-looking female passenger had the top down. We didn’t think much about it. In time, another car and a dump truck queued up behind, and we all just waited. Then we noticed the man and woman in the little sports car flailing their arms as if they wanted to get our attention. They were flapping their limbs and jumping all about, and kind of glaring at each other at the same time. Then, in my mirror, I saw the problem – a cloud of bugs had literally enveloped their car. Oh my! We thought, “Can’t they put the top up?” But apparently not – perhaps they’d left the removable hardtop at home. They swatted and waved and jumped around and tried to brush off the flies and mosquitoes. Meanwhile, the flag person under his bug veil stood his ground with a firm grip on his STOP/SLOW sign. The interminable minutes crept by, and the arm-waving and glaring continued in the convertible. Eventually, the flag person turned his sign to SLOW, and we proceeded cautiously through the construction site. Now you know as soon as we cleared the flag person on the other end of the slow area, that little sports car pulled out and blew by us like the Road Runner in the cartoon. It was soon lost from sight. And on an unrelated topic: in our opinion the folks at the Airline Snackbar there in Beddington make the best blueberry pancakes in the State of Maine. Randy Randall - Saco, ME —

Monkey Business To the Editor: I enjoy reading the Sportsman, includwww.MaineSportsman.com

ing the monthly “Smiling Sportsman” humor page. The joke in the July issue about the monkey driving the car made me chuckle, as it reminded me of a real incident back in the early 1990s. A local character in a small western mountains Maine town was known as the Monkey Lady, because she took her pet monkey with her everywhere she went – it sat on her shoulder as she drove through town, and all the kids would watch for her old car to pass by so they could see the monkey. One day, she left the monkey in the car while she went into a local store. The mischievous monkey somehow knocked the car into neutral. Gravity took over, as the monkey grabbed the wheel as if steering the car down the hill on Main Street until it came to an abrupt stop right in front of the police station. The story in the town’s weekly paper said the responding police weren’t quite sure how to deal with the incident … should they issue a ticket for an unlicensed driver? The beloved Monkey Lady ended up with a written warning for improper parking on a hill. So sometimes truth nearly matches fiction! Keep up the good work. Janice Daku - Farmington, ME —

How Much is that Bear in the Window? To the Editor: A large male bear has been frequenting our neighborhood in Rome, and it’s got us a little on edge. On a Tuesday in late June, it caused some destruction at my neighbor’s house before coming to our place to eat its fill of fresh produce from my vegetable garden. He came back the following night, and I saw him standing tall on our deck, staring right into our kitchen window. If I’d reached through the window, I could have tapped its nose. I hollered, and that caused the bear to run back toward the neighbors’ home. They then made loud noises, and the animal retreated to the woods. As a Mainer, I enjoy having bear and other wildlife nearby, but to have a big bruin standing up on the deck and watching us through our window, was a little too close for comfort. Melissa Hinkley - Rome, ME —

Giving Back to Veterans To the Editor: Thank you for your July cover story, “In the Company of Giants,” regarding the rehabilitating power of a veteran bear hunt. While reading your feature, I was struck by one statement in particular: “The dire circumstances the veterans have gone through multiple times for our country were forgot-

ten, if only just for a moment. The dirt and sweat on hands and faces from helping each other on the hunt – that is what we came to Maine for.” This simple yet powerful sentence highlights the immeasurable therapeutic value that outdoor experiences hold for veterans. To this same end, nearly a decade ago the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife (IF&W) created a five-week controlled hunt in Aroostook County. The purpose was to assist farmers who were losing their crops to wildlife depredation. While the program’s main mission was to support desperate farmers, another group received a different kind of support: military veterans. Since this program’s inception, the IF&W and Smoldering Lake Outfitters have partnered with the Maine Bureau of Veterans’ Services to supply veterans with hunting permits and essential equipment needed to participate in a privately-funded Disabled Veterans Controlled Moose Hunt (DVCMH). The hunt is entirely free for those selected, and veterans are equipped with adaptive gear, travel, lodging, guiding services and – for those who are successful – meat processing. This year, fifteen veterans will participate in five hunts during August and September. While this may seem like a casual hunting trip, it really is so much more, as your article and the experiences of our participating veterans attest. At the Bureau of Veterans’ Services, we understand how challenging the transition from military service to civilian life can be, especially for those with disabilities. The controlled moose hunt offers our veterans an opportunity to experience comradery, gain confidence, and receive support from fellow veterans who have gone through similar struggles. This program wholly depends on the support of the hunting public to continue reaching as many qualified veterans as possible each year. With the public’s support, we aim to continue offering this special experience to a community that not only earned it, but deserves it. Those seeking more information can visit our website at www.maine.gov/veterans or contact the Bureau at 207-430-6035 or mainebvs@maine.gov. Adria Horn, Director Maine Bureau of Veterans’ Services, Augusta —

Maine Island Trail’s 30th Anniversary To the Editor: Jim Andrews’ July tribute to the Maine Island Trail as an alternative to traveling Route 1 was great fun. Next time I think of my rowing boat being slow, I’ll visualize Route 1 in Wiscasset, and know that I’m actually passing cars! Jim’s choice of a rowed double-ender for an end-to-end Trail adventure was inspiring. (Continued on next page)

�� The Maine Sportsman • August 2018 • 7 (Continued from page 6)

In September, I plan a less-ambitious trip in my Annapolis Wherry – built at WoodenBoat in 2017 – so I appreciate Jim’s spirit of keeping lesser-known self-propelled boats afloat. He notes correctly that Dave Getchell’s 1987 vision for “an outstanding waterway for small boats” among Maine’s islands was a remarkable recreational vision. Getch’s assertion that island owners would allow visitors in exchange for island stewardship by organized volunteers was true Maine ingenuity. Over the past 30 years, over 33,000 people have been part of MITA and have reaped the benefit of this vision. In celebration of the 30th anniversary, folks like Jim should know that MITA has launched the 30-in-30 Challenge – visit 30 islands between now and Columbus Day, and you’ll be rewarded with a special edition ball-cap and a chance to win a Yeti full of 30 Maine Island Trail Ales. So whether you yearn for an alternative to Route 1, a summer of island inspiration, or a single day on the water picking up trash with light-hearted strangers, pay us a visit at www.MITA.org. Doug Welch, Executive Director Maine Island Trail Association, Portland —

Sight of Canoes Along Remote Ponds Stirs Memories To the Editor: I lived in Maine for 50 years before heading south for my retirement. I get back to Maine for spring fishing and fall hunting in The Forks area, and I have a small cabin on Lake Moxie. Over the past few fishing seasons, I have

started taking notice of all the boats and cayears ago, the tree fell right into the pond, noes that are left at many remote lakes and and the boat is no longer secured. However, ponds, either chained to trees or just lying up it is still “safe” in its resting place. on the banking. Some of the craft are not locked. Back in Back in the day, the ponds that I fish the day, this was very common. If you hiked were previously fished by my dad. The fishinto a pond and found a loose canoe, you’d ing was done from rafts built at each pond borrow it and return it to the exact same and poled around to fish from. No dry feet in spot, undamaged. That was a common practhose days – the rafts would submerge a few tice, and still is in some places. inches while in use. Imagine all the fun and happy times each Now, the rafts are gone, and hundreds of these craft provided. Think of all the fish – perhaps thousands – of boats and canoes caught. The misses. The ones that got away. adorn the landscape of Maine’s lakes and The times anglers got caught in a heavy rain, ponds. pulled the boat on shore, turned it over and While waiting for the wind to subside the got under it for shelter. Think of all the conother day, I counted nearly 50 such boats and versations and the camaraderie of old fishing canoes at just one location – Grumman, Colepals, past and present. man, Old Town, and many with no labels at I wonder what will become to these boats all. and canoes. Nobody seems to haul them away. But what was more interesting were the Hopefully some will be used by the kids and numbers of “older” craft that hadn’t been grandkids. Others may never see the sole of a used in years – aluminum boats, dinghies fishing boot or the flop of a trout again. and canoes. Some had a half-foot of fir nee Well, the more I think about it, perhaps dles piled up on them. Others had been brothey are in their best and final resting place. ken by heavy snow or falling trees, while still A special thanks to my Dad for all the stoothers were held together with roofing tar, ries and memories. spruce gum or duct tape. Several were way Bob Jenney - Port Orange, FL beyond any hope of repair, sunken into the surrounding ground cover. Seeing them got me thinking – How long have they been there? Who owns them? How many times had their owners gotten to enjoy this beautiful place? Some hadn’t been used in more than 20 years, and their owners are likely fishing at the big lake in the sky. One boat in particular had been fastened with a rusty old chain and You’ve been successful at the hunt, padlock to a large fir tree. Well, that now wear your pride by entering one of old tree had died and rotted. Two The Maine Sportsman’s exclusive patch clubs!

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8 • August 2018 • The Maine Sportsman —————————————————————————————————————————————————————

Canoe Pole Proves a Versatile Tool Jim Andrews’ “Self-Propelled” column from a few years back (“Lost Art of Canoe-Poling Can Still be Learned,” March 2015 issue) provided the straight scoop on canoe poling to get upriver in moving water. It’s a great angling strategy in areas where most other fishermen have worked their flies or lures downstream from a launch site. In addition to pushing your canoe upstream as a means of travel or to get to less heavily-trafficked fishing areas, a canoe pole can also be handy for a variety of uses, on

tree to make sure the tree falls in the desired direction.

I drill a 1/8-inch hole near the small end of the canoe pole, which serves a variety of uses. For example, to pull down a dead branch at a canoe trip campsite for kindling, I insert a nail through the hole and use it to drop a coil of rope over the branch to pull down the branch. a camping trip or even at home. Once while on an Allagash trip when we had a favorable wind, my group used canoe poles and a tarp to rig a makeshift square sail. We lashed three canoes together, lashed two poles to the canoe thwarts to serve as masts, and rigged guy lines to keep the masts upright.

With a brisk breeze from astern, on a pond and thoroughfare, our makeshift rig powered three canoes faster than we could paddle, and with no effort. Sailboats are not permitted on the Allagash Wilderness Waterway, but nobody raised concerns about our makeshift rig.

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Canoe Pole Modification I like to drill a 1/8inch hole near the small end of the canoe pole (the “handle” end), for a variety of uses on a canoe trip and elsewhere. To pull down a dead branch for kindling, I insert a nail through the hole and use it to drop a coil of rope over the branch to pull down the branch. At home, when felling a tree, I use the nail to drop a coil of rope over a branch of the tree or to attach a line around the

Selecting a Pole The strongest light wood in Maine is our spruce, and the strongest spruce may be a laminated pole. Glued-together strips are stronger, if you are into elegant woodworking. But if I am on my own land or have permission, I like to cut my own canoe pole. Not just any young spruce – rather, it should grow in a dense cluster of spruce, which promotes a straight trunk and minimizes branches, which means fewer knots. If you cut a live spruce, the outer layer of wood will start to dry before the inner layers do, (Continued on next page)

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Poling a canoe is a great way to get upstream from a public launch, to reach waters less-fished. Here, Jim Andrews shows how it’s done. (Continued from page 8)

which promotes checking, or surface cracks. I prefer a spruce that died in place, but has not yet started to rot. Dying on the stump is a gradual process, so the trunk dries more slowly. The resulting pole will have minimal checking, and once peeled it will be smooth. Careful Prep Results in Smooth Surface Trim the knots off as close as you can with a

knife, sharp hatchet or saw, and sand the knots. A vibrating sander works well here. If you want to skip the power tools, singe the knot with a hot poker, and hand-sand

With a favorable wind astern, the author’s party rigged a make-shift trimaran sailing craft with a tarp and two canoe poles, and traveled faster than they could have by paddling. Jym St. Pierre Photo

the spot, which leaves a smooth surface, comfortable to the hand. If you can’t find a dead standing spruce that is sound, you may be able to minimize the checking by

varnishing the pole soon after it is cut. If the pole is going to see heavy use, an iron ferrule or “shoe” at the big end will make it last longer. Give the pole a light

coating of linseed oil occasionally, store it under cover, and you will have a canoe pole that will serve you well, for a long time.

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No More Fish from Away! The bane of fisheries managers everywhere is the idiots who decide to put some fish in a bucket or in a boat’s aerated live-well and take them to a lake, pond, river or stream and dump them in a place they’ve never lived before. These illegal and incredibly inconsiderate acts open a piscatorial Pandora’s box of problems for all concerned – and often the consequences cause permanent and damaging change. Maine already has abundant non-native organisms, including fish, other animals, insects, and plants. Let’s name just a few: northern pike, goldfish and other carp, black crappy, bluegill, northern walleye, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, and the list goes on. Some invasives have been introduced and maintained by the state – rainbow and brown trout come to mind. While chain pickerel are native to some Massachusetts and Maine coastal streams, they illegally have been spread throughout the state. Pickerel are the first deliberately stocked fish in Maine, according to Douglas Watt in his very interesting and compelling book Alewive, published in 2012. Pickerel were, he says, put into many state waters by settlers to compensate as a food source for alewives that no longer were present in many tidal waters because dams were proliferating and halting entire runs of migratory fishes. And that “stocking” was done throughout the early 1800s! www.MaineSportsman.com

Female northern snakeheads can carry more than 40,000 eggs, and can breed more than once a year. They are already in New York and New Jersey, and a recent study concludes the animal could someday populate every state in the Union.

Potomac River guide Steve Chaconas with a nice snakehead caught on the edge of the pads in Virginia’s Little Hunting Creek, possibly the epicenter of the Potomac’s Northern snakehead population. Photos by King Montgomery

Today pickerel, pike and smallmouth bass are encroaching in new waters every year, and it usually is the native species of fish, such as brook trout and landlocked salmon, that pay the price. We, as angler citizens, pay a huge price as well, both literally and figuratively. As a case study, we’ll look at an invasive large predator illegally (and really stupidly) introduced to the tidal Potomac River near the nation’s capital. The fish is in all waters of Washington, DC,

Virginia and Maryland, and only the salt block upstream from where the 109-mile undammed river enters the Chesapeake has stopped the further advance of this ravenous foreigner – so far. So, key the theme music from the movie Jaws, and read on…. Snakeheads in Greater Washington, DC Area (No, Not the Politicians) The northern snakehead (NSH) has the Latin moniker Channa argus,

and they first showed up in the area when an angler hooked one on a lure in a small pond in Crofton, Maryland, in May 2002. Crofton is a short drive from Washington, DC. After months of a comical media feeding frenzy fueled by a summer apparently devoid of other worthy news, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (MDDNR) poisoned the pond, killing hundreds of adult, juvenile, and baby snakeheads. “Frankenfish” or “X-Files Fish,” so dubbed by the ever-eager

press, was no more, and the civilized world as we know it was saved. Or was it? In spring 2004, a bass fisherman caught the first known NSH in Virginia at the back of Little Hunting Creek. Subsequent electrofishing sampling by Virginia Department of Game & Inland Fisheries (VDGIF) biologists from the Fredericksburg Regional Office turned up more fish, including juveniles. The Potomac River population of NSH continues to grow, and, since then, the U. S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) has begun coordinating tagging studies by Virginia, Maryland, and the District of Columbia to learn more about the range of this invader, and the effects it is having on the ecosystem. The study is not geared for a plan to eradicate the species—it’s much too late for that— but rather to manage the snakehead as an integral part of the Potomac River system. The snakehead is here to stay. VDGIF fisheries biologists John Odenkirk and Steve Owens have been heavily involved with the snakehead since 2004. In a 2007 paper for the Transactions of the American Fisheries Society, they reported the fish was well-established in the tidal Potomac River, and that at least eight year classes had been shocked up in sampling runs. The fishes were aged by reading the annular rings on the otolith, an ear bone in fishes that can yield age estimates much as counting the rings of a (Continued on next page)

�� The Maine Sportsman • August 2018 • 11

Virginia fisheries biologist John Odenkirk and fisheries intern Lila Warren with a Northern snakehead electro-shocked and netted in a tributary of the tidal Potomac River. (Continued from page 10)

cross-section of a tree. The oldest fish was a little over 10-years of age, indicating the snakehead had been in the river since 1997 or 1998, predating the Crofton pond event. A local man admitted dumping the snakeheads into the Crofton pond when they became too large and too much to care for in his aquarium. He had purchased them live in a New York City fish market, and brought them to this area. A similar event probably happened earlier in Little Hunting Creek which appears to be the population epicenter of the Potomac River NSH population. A Formidable Presence Female NSH, which carry more than 40,000 eggs, can breed more than once a year if environmental conditions are favorable. Several of the 28 known species of snakeheads breed up to five times a year in spring

through summer. Once hatched, baby snakeheads are kept close together and protected by adults for up to seven or eight weeks. NSH are particularly aggressive to anything that threatens their young during that time. The NSH is a hardy creature that adapts to many conditions. It can remain out of water for a long time if kept wet. As an obligate air-breather, it extracts oxygen from the air using a system of chambers in its head where gases are processed. Contrary to press reports, the NSH cannot “walk” or “fin” very far on land. These freshwater fishes are native to Asia, Malaysia, Indonesia and tropical Africa. They are highly valued as a food source, and are either caught in the wild or farm-grown. They have been introduced into a number of countries, including Japan, where the NSH is reputed to be the

Some of the electro-fished snakeheads proved to be more than 10 years old and, as shown here, they can grow very large.

tastiest of all the snakeheads. NSH continue to expand their range north and south of Fairfax County and across the Potomac into Maryland waters and tributaries, and they are well established in the 11 miles of river from the Woodrow Wilson Bridge (Interstate 95/495) to Little Falls managed by Washington, D. C., and in the capital’s Anacostia River, too. The NSH has been documented from below Great Falls above DC to the Chesapeake Bay, and in the tidal tributaries of both Virginia and Maryland. It was thought the snakeheads couldn’t live in the more brackish and salt waters of the lower river, but that apparently is not the case. Whether or not the NSH makes it into the Bay proper remains to be seen, but hopefully the higher salinity will be a barrier to further expansion. Invasive animals can rearrange the food chain in an ecosystem to one de-

Virginia fisheries intern Rachel Hamm with a nice size NSH shocked-up in Virginia’s Dogue Creek, a tribuatary of the tidal Potomac River.

gree or another, and actually supplant or severely damage indigenous species. So far, the NSH has not impacted the Potomac River adversely, but perhaps it’s just a matter of more time. Or maybe the fish will just integrate smoothly into the mix, and not be a problem. Meanwhile, the VDGIF and other agencies will continue to monitor the population. A risk analysis study of the northern snakehead reports the animal could populate every state in the Union, including Southeast and parts of the main peninsula of Alaska; and could survive in the lower tier of all the Canadian provinces. Laws are being strengthened in both countries and within states and provinces to severely punish anyone moving snakeheads and other invasives into non-infected waters. Yes, the northern snakehead is here to stay, barring some unforeseen and highly unlikely natu-

ral catastrophe that eradicates it. I find them very interesting creatures, with a strong will to survive and to flourish. Their blotched camouflage markings are appealing, they fight like the devil when hooked, and they taste pretty good. But they are poised to potentially destroy our already fragile fishing environs, as they continue to illegally spread into other waters of Virginia, and into some places in NJ, NY, and other states. Florida and Hawaii already have another species of snakehead. If you see anyone illegally “stocking” any fish from away or even from the next pond over, call Operation Game Thief at 1-800-253-7887. The perpetrator could be looking at thousands of dollars in fines and a year or more in jail. Frankly, I don’t think that punishment is stiff enough!

A northern snakehead slowly rises to a frog lure in Aquia Creek, a Virginia tributary of the tidal Potomac River. www.MaineSportsman.com

Almanac

12 • August 2018 • The Maine Sportsman ��

Compiled and Edited by — Will Lund —

“Snapshots in Time”

Excerpts from the Annals of Maine’s Sporting Past Submitted by the Outdoor Sporting Heritage Museum in Oquossoc, Maine As all Maine Guides know, the ability to be a good storyteller and to successfully share one’s experiences gained through past adventures can be key ingredient in attracting future business. It is also helpful in passing the time when the fish and game are not cooperating, or your sport is just plain hopeless. In my research of late, I have found some fascinating articles about “Buckskin Sam”

(I have yet found his real last name). This gentleman was not only accomplished, but he could really share a story! Buckskin was obviously a real character, with the flair for the dramatic, as his promotional shot portrays quite nicely. If half the exploits I have read about him thus far are true, he led an amazing life at a time when Maine had abundant fish and game, and the Wild West was still ... wild.

Enjoy this tale, as told to H. M. Coburn of the Maine Woods, and be sure to make time to get outside and make some outdoor history for yourself. Just don’t shoot five bears in one day, and remember to fully load your rifle and keep your knife ready! I’d love to see the faces of the city folks buying their mangoes in Faneuil Hall in Boston when you bring in your bear meat to sell.

— A GREAT BEAR FIGHT —

Five Bears Killed in Six Minutes by Buckskin Sam A Special Correspondence to the Maine Woods I had a conversation today with Buckskin Sam, who was formerly a scout for General Custer, and who has been for the last three or four years a guide for hunters and fishermen at the Rangeley lakes, with headquarters at Bemis. “On the 17th day of October, 1898,” said Buckskin Sam, “I killed five full-grown black bears in six minutes, in the town of Byron on West Mountain. “You ask how I came to run across so many bears at once. It happened in this way: I had been out hunting for deer, but did not see even one. I went upon the side of the mountain next to Weld, and when I had reached the top of the mountain, my eye could command a view of the country for several miles. “Then I began to descend on the west side of the mountain, and when I had traveled a short distance I came to a ‘blow down.’ In this there were some fallen spruce trees, and as I stood there picking off a few pieces of the gum, I heard a noise behind me. I grabbed my Winchester repeating rifle in which there were only three cartridges, and on turning around, I saw five bears. “There I was, almost in a corner, but at the first shot I dropped one bear, and then I shot two more on the other side of a log, my second shot killing two bears. “Then I shot another bear, but the fifth bear stood on his hind feet close to me. He

Buckskin Sam

struck me with his paw, knocked off my hat and scratched me on the hand, but I dodged the main force of the blow. Then he struck me a second time, and pushed me against a tree and tore my clothes, but as I had my hunting knife handy I buried it to

the hilt in his breast. “Then I jumped back a short distance to reload my rifle, and in the meantime the bear got behind a rock and looked around a corner to watch me. I fired, and hit him on the side of the face. “Then he backed away from me, and I gave him two shots in the neck. The bear gave a few growls and tumbled down over a ledge, probably about a hundred feet, into a cave below where I could not get at him. “In this fight, the bear had torn off my sweater and my vest and here on my right hand you can see the two scars remaining yet to show where he scratched me with his paw. I came out of that fight with my hands and face bleeding, but my slight wounds soon healed, and I afterwards took my revenge in selling bear pelts and meat. “I sold the bear skins to Joe Edmonds of Dixfield, Me., and the meat I took to Boston and sold in Faneuil Hall market. For two of the best bears, I received $48. “I have that old sweater, which I have preserved as a reminder of what I believe to be one of the greatest bear fights on record, for it was six minutes to 12 o’clock when I commenced the encounter, and just 12 o’clock when I got through. A sportsman from Boston offered me $5 for the sweater, but I concluded not to sell it to him.” – H. M. Coburn

***** Museum notes: The Outdoor Sporting Heritage Museum is located in Oquossoc. We are open 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., 7 days a week in July and August, and we’d love to have you stop by and visit. (Continued on next page) www.MaineSportsman.com

�� The Maine Sportsman • August 2018 • 13

Electrofishing at Night Reveals Secrets About Bass Populations

(Continued from page 13)

Animals Shun Daylight, Come Out at Night to Avoid Human Activity According to a recent story in The New York Times citing a story from Science magazine, researchers have determined what Maine deer hunters have known for a long time – the presence of hunters in the woods results in animals becoming more nocturnal. The study found that when humans are active during the day, animals avoid contact by changing their patterns – sleeping more in the daytime, and traveling and feeding at night. This is true not only of deer in the Maine woods, but also coyotes, elephants and tigers, all of which have been shown to alter their sleeping schedules so as not to cross paths with people. According to the Times, before reaching their conclusions, researchers compiled information from 76 studies of 62 species living on six continents. On average, the study found, human disruption is making these animals 1.36 times more nocturnal than before. The study gave as example coyote behavior in California’s Santa Cruz mountains, where hiking, biking and other recreational activity is causing the wild canines to sleep more during the day, and to eat more nocturnal prey, whose schedules more closely match theirs. This trend isn’t necessarily bad, according to the researchers, pointing to the example that those individuals who must travel narrow jungle paths during the day don’t mind if tigers use those paths only at night.

by Jim Pellerin, Fisheries Biologist Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Each year during late May and early June, the regional office gets a phone call or two about some strange things happening during the wee hours of the morning on a local lake or pond. I even had one caller exclaim once that a UFO had landed on the pond! If you see such a sight, rest assured it is probably not a UFO, but rather your regional fisheries staff working late nights to collect fishery resource information.

Each bass is measured and weighed, so biologists get a clearer picture of the bass population in the lake.

This sampling is performed with an electrofishing boat, which has an onboard generator that delivers an electric current into the water, temporarily stunning the fish so they can be collected with nets. Because the work is done in pitch-black conditions, there are lots and lots of lights, beepers, and motor sounds … it’s not surprising that people wonder what we’re up to.

The electrofishing boat has two booms which deliver an electric current into the water.

Each spring, members of the fisheries staff of the Sebago Lakes Region sample three or four different waters to collect baseline information on the bass population, as well as determine the relative abundance of other fish species. Sampling is done at night, because the fish are more likely to be in shallower water spawning and are less likely to be spooked by the approach of a boat.

—

The boat hugs the shoreline and biologists are ready to net any fish that are temporarily stunned. (Continued on next page)

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14 • August 2018 • The Maine Sportsman ��

Almanac (Continued from page 13)

The boat is operated by a crew of three – one boat driver, and two netters. Fish are stunned, netted, and placed into a live well for each transect. After one or two transects are sampled, the bass are anesthetized. Then each is measured, weighed, and returned to the lake or pond to recover. This work is repeated for each transect, ending at 2:00 a.m. or 3:00 a.m.

Once the fish are measured, they are released back into the water, so lunkers like this one can be caught again.

To date, we have collected baseline data on about 50 regional bass waters. This baseline length, weight, size and abundance allow us to evaluate changes over time, including variations in population due to varying regulations, environmental conditions, or other variables. The next time you’re “upta camp,” watch for those nocturnal biologists. Hopefully, we will not be interrupting your peaceful evening, but if we do…it’s all to evaluate, protect, and enhance our important fishery resources. —

More to Worry About on the High Seas – Self-Piloting Commercial Ships?

for “Internet of Things.” From the IoT Newsletter comes news that should make those who are nervous about encountering self-driving cars on the turnpike, worry even more when they head off the Maine coast for a day of saltwater fishing – autonomous ships. Autonomous ships could be commonplace in as soon as a decade, according to a story by Brian Buntz. Buntz writes that large international companies such as Rolls-Royce and Svitzer are investing in the self-driving ship technology, and several Scandinavian companies have already joined forces to test an electric self-driving ship they plan to deploy at an inland river, harbor or bay sometime this year. Experts point out that autonomous vessels have been in use by navies for more than a decade, for multiple applications, and that a fully-independent ship is just a logical extension from the trend of commercial vessels employing far fewer personnel than several years ago. In the near future, we may see only a few people required on board the largest of ships – as few as three to five officers per tanker. Critics see a threat in that cyber-hackers may be able to access controls and redirect the heading of such a ship. However, it’s hoped that the negatives will be outweighed by the positives, such as the fact that an autonomous ship would be far less vulnerable to piracy than a manned ship. This same experts point out that change will not take place overnight, since the maritime industry is very conservative and slow to adopt new technologies. These technologies would likely be implemented in smaller vessels first. —

Maine Government Issues Warning – Browntail Moth Cocoons are Full of the Caterpillars’ Toxic Hairs

This summer has seen a marked increase in the cases of browntail moth rashes. It’s one thing to read about this health hazard in the The interconnectivity of electronic devices abstract; it’s quite another to be directly af(smart phones, smart cars and smart houses) fected, or have co-workers, friends and family has been given a name: IoT, which is short (especially infants and youngsters) break out in painful rashes just by being outside on windy days. Browntail moths – an invasive species whose caterpillars have toxic, irritating hairs – are found at varying population densities over more than 6500 square miles of Maine, according to state health officials. Trade in any stove and get up to People looking to reduce $300 OFF any new Jotul wood, browntail moth populations may gas stove or insert. look at the cocoons as an opportuniOffer good until 9/7/18 ty for reduction. However, the state Sales and Service by a Family Who Cares! says you will have limited impact (207) 474-2591 through cleaning cocoons. www.whittemoreandsons.com Safer, more effective control 257 Waterville Road, Skowhegan, ME comes through targeting larvae, ei-

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ther in overwintering webs (put a reminder in your calendar now to look for those structures at the tips of host branches around your property this fall and winter!) or as they feed on host leaves in early spring. You may still want to remove the cocoons to limit potential for exposure to the toxic hairs they contain. However, do this with extreme caution. Cocoons are full of the hairs that can cause severe rashes. If you plan to remove cocoons: • Wear protective clothing. In addition to long sleeves, pants, socks, socks, shoes, gloves, mask and glasses, consider protective coveralls. • Wet down cocoons before removing them • Scrape cocoons and drop them in soapy water, let them soak overnight then dispose of them Questions? Contact Forest Health and Monitoring, (207) 827-1813 —

Canada Moving to Encourage Use of Lead-Free Ammo The Government of Canada is looking for ways to encourage the use of more lead-free ammunition. Each year, according to the government, approximately 375 million cartridges are imported into Canada for recreational shooting, hunting and enforcement activities. This ammunition releases about 5,200 tons of lead into the environment annually. Lead is a highly toxic metal, and metal slugs fragment when hitting game and can get into the animal’s meat. In addition, scavengers and predators such as eagles can be poisoned by ingesting spent lead ammunition and related fragments, or by consuming wounded or dead prey containing lead fragments. Lead-free ammunition is readily available in Canada. Made from materials such as copper or copper-zinc alloy, steel, tungsten or bismuth, it is as effective as, if not better than, lead, according to the Canada spokesperson. Waterfowl hunters in that country have been using non-lead shot since the early 1990s. —

New Hampshire Residents Rewarded for Turning In Lead Tackle Pilot Program Will Run Through Labor Day at Two Local Fishing Shops The New Hampshire Loon Preservation Committee, New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, and two local fishing retailers have teamed up to prevent continuing loon deaths by providing an incentive for anglers (Continued on next page)

�� The Maine Sportsman • August 2018 • 15 (Continued from page 14)

to bring in lead fishing tackle that’s been illegal in the state since 2016. Through Labor Day (or until the certificates run out), fishermen can exchange one ounce or more of banned tackle (jigs and sinkers) for a $10 gift certificate redeemable at AJ’s Tackle (Meredith, NH) and The Tackle Shack (Newbury, NH). Current law bans the sale and freshwater use of lead sinkers and jigs with a total weight of one ounce or less. The intent is to move more anglers to non-lead alternatives such as steel, tungsten, tin and bismuth. In addition, lead collection receptacles have been placed at all New Hampshire Fish and Game offices, and in other locations. —

HSUS Still Active in Regional Anti-Bear Hunting Efforts, says Maine Wildlife Conservation Council

introduce a multitude of other ethical and environmental problems.” —

Reuters: NRA sues New York Governor, Bank Regulator for ‘Blacklisting Campaign’ According to a story by Suzanne Barlyn, for Reuters news service, the National Rifle Association recently sued New York Governor Andrew Cuomo and the state’s bank commissioner for engaging in a so-called “blacklisting campaign” intended to cause banks and insurance companies to stop doing business with the gun-rights organization. The NRA alleges that the governor and bank regulators tried to prevent the NRA from “speak[ing] freely about gun-related issues and defend[ing] the Second Amendment,” which the NRA says is a violation of its constitutional rights. Cuomo was subsequently quoted as calling the suit “frivolous.” —

The Maine Wildlife Conservation Council, which led the successful effort in Maine to defeat a referendum that would have banned most bear hunting, is warning that the anti-hunting group Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) has not given up in its efforts to promote its New England anti-hunting agenda. In a rulemaking proceeding in our neighboring state of New Hampshire, HSUS filed a statement indicating that they “oppose the New Hampshire Fish & Game Department’s proposal to expand the baiting season and hound training season for black bears, as these methods are not fair chase hunting and

Book Review by George Smith Behind the Cast, written by Dale Wheaton You’ll want to muckle onto this wicked corker of a book, Behind the Cast, by legendary Maine guide Dale Wheaton, who owned Wheaton’s Lodge in Grand Lake Stream with his wife Jana for 34 years. In fact, if you don’t read this book, I’m going to cold-conk you, and you’ll catch didley-squat on your next fishing outing. Oh, sorry, don’t get frazzled – I’m just

yanking your chain. These are words and phrases used by Maine guides, which are included in a wonderful glossary called “Guidespeak” at the end of the book. Dale’s long career as a guide (he started guiding as a teenager) has given him lots of great stories, which he shares with us in this book. But his book is much more than hearty laughs, or stories about customers from hell. You will treasure these stories and share them with friends. Of course, I loved the stories about those customers from hell. Turns out Dale had a lot of those! And he also shares stories about some of his worst guiding mistakes. He had customers fall out of his Grand Laker, get in a snit and refuse to continue fishing after losing a couple of fish while his wife was hauling in some big ones, (And oh, those guys who peed in the boat? There are lots of those.) There are also stories that will bring tears to your eyes, and lots of stories about amazing days of catching fish. Yup, this book is a keeper.

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16 • August 2018 • The Maine Sportsman ��

August 2018 Sunrise/Sunset

August 2018 Tidal Chart

Portland, ME

DATE 1 Wed 2 Thu 3 Fri 4 Sat 5 Sun 6 Mon 7 Tue 8 Wed 9 Thu 10 Fri 11 Sat 12 Sun 13 Mon 14 Tue 15 Wed 16 Thu

RISE 5:29 5:30 5:31 5:32 5:33 5:34 5:36 5:37 5:38 5:39 5:40 5:41 5:42 5:43 5:45 5:46

SET 8:05 8:03 8:02 8:01 7:59 7:58 7:57 7:55 7:54 7:52 7:51 7:50 7:48 7:47 7:45 7:43

DATE 17 Fri 18 Sat 19 Sun 20 Mon 21 Tue 22 Wed 23 Thu 24 Fri 25 Sat 26 Sun 27 Mon 28 Tue 29 Wed 30 Thu 31 Fri

RISE 5:47 5:48 5:49 5:50 5:51 5:52 5:54 5:55 5:56 5:57 5:58 5:59 6:00 6:01 6:03

SET 7:42 7:40 7:39 7:37 7:36 7:34 7:32 7:31 7:29 7:27 7:25 7:24 7:22 7:20 7:19

DATE 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16

Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu

HIGH AM PM 2:27 2:58 3:07 3:37 3:51 4:20 4:39 5:07 5:33 5:59 6:32 6:56 7:35 7:56 8:39 8:57 9:41 9:57 10:39 10:54 11:35 11:50 12:28 12:44 1:20 1:38 2:13 2:33 3:05 3:28 3:58

LOW AM PM 8:43 8:57 9:21 9:41 10:02 10:30 10:48 11:23 11:40 12:22 12:36 1:24 1:36 2:27 2:38 3:28 3:38 4:25 4:37 5:20 5:33 6:13 6:28 7:05 7:23 7:56 8:18 8:48 9:13 9:40 10:11

DATE 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri

HIGH AM PM 4:25 4:53 5:24 5:49 6:25 6:47 7:27 7:45 8:26 8:40 9:20 9:31 10:09 10:17 10:51 10:58 11:30 11:36 12:05 12:12 12:39 12:47 1:12 1:23 1:46 2:00 2:22 2:40 3:01

LOW AM PM 10:33 11:11 11:29 12:12 12:27 1:14 1:26 2:14 2:23 3:09 3:15 3:57 4:02 4:41 4:45 5:20 5:24 5:55 6:00 6:28 6:35 7:01 7:11 7:34 7:49 8:09 8:29 8:48 9:13

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Management Plan – Lots of Deer Issues, from Ticks to Antler Restrictions DIFW’s new Big Game Management Plan tackles lots of deer issues. In southern Maine, there’s a focus on habitat damage, high densities, and tick-borne diseases. Concerning high populations of deer, DIFW reports, “We’ll need to think outside the box to identify new, effective, and employable methods of managing local populations of deer.” I was interested to learn that “limited research has expressed that maintaining deer at, or below, 11 deer/mile may lower tick abundance and subsequently decrease risk of tick-borne pathogens.” Back in the late 1990s, residents on Monhegan Island suffered the highest per capita cases of Lyme disease in Maine. I helped them get permits to kill all the deer on the island, and that eliminated Lyme disease. The first year they actually killed all but 12 deer, and they still had cases of Lyme, so the next year

they killed the rest of the deer and that ended their problem. Without doubt, if you have any deer you will have cases of Lyme disease. DIFW says the state needs about 8% of the land base within each WMD to be available as deer wintering area to sustain 10 deer/mile. And they also report that they are doing new research on deer survival, which may give them a better idea of the impact of predators on Maine’s deer herd. “No” to Antler Point Restrictions The plan spends very little time addressing calls for antler point restrictions (APRs), although their polling of hunters found that almost half favor those restrictions. “APR’s were not designed to grow trophy deer, or increase deer abundance, but rather to increase recruitment of young bucks into the older age classes to offset high levels of adult buck mortality, as often occurs

in heavily-hunted populations of animals,” states the report. “With that in mind, an APR would likely not provide enough of a benefit to remaining deer populations to offset the loss of opportunity for hunters.” You probably know that the department opposes and discourages deer feeding, although it is legal at certain times of the year. The Legislature recently decreased the time period in which deer can be fed. “Feeding can lead to several unintended consequences for deer,” notes the plan, “including increases in vehicle collisions and predation, disruptions to normal movements and behavior, degradation of winter habitat, and increased susceptibility to disease.” They did acknowledge, “It is possible that when done properly, feeding may lead to improved survival for some deer during severe winters.”

Deer Populations Below Targets And here’s some really bad news for many hunters, guides, sporting camps, and rural Maine towns. “The efforts of MDIFW and landowners to increase deer densities in much of northern, western, and Downeast Maine have not been successful, and deer [populations] remain under objective.” The department is going to reevaluate the limiting factors for deer in those parts of the state, and they’re also concerned that another spruce budworm outbreak could further reduce the quantity and quality of winter deer shelter across northern Maine. “Research on the factors impacting deer survival, including winter shelter, predation, winter severity, and feeding, is required to determine whether substantially increasing deer in this part of the state is a practical option,” states the DIFW report.

A couple of research projects really interest me. One would evaluate early fawn mortality factors. The other would evaluate the effectiveness of the coyote predation management program and identify options for improvement. That is sure to be controversial. In terms of solutions to problems, one proposal for areas where deer exceed social or ecological carrying capacity, will be to allow the harvest of additional deer by increasing bag limits, implementing special seasons, or using other management tools. Protection for Deer Wintering Areas I’m sure you’ll all be interested in the proposals to increase efforts to conserve deer wintering areas (DWAs), which is a high priority in northern, western and eastern Maine. DIFW proposes to continue to use Land Use Planning Commission zoning to protect DWAs, (Continued on next page)

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18 • August 2018 • The Maine Sportsman ��

Capitol Report (Continued from page 17)

establish or reestablish cooperative agreements with Maine’s large landowners to help manage and conserve DWAs, and continue to use the Land for Maine’s Future program and other funding sources to acquire conservation easements to conserve important deer wintering habitat. They also plan to increase their dialogue with landowners and land trusts, to facilitate conservation of DWAs, and in the event of a spruce budworm outbreak, collaborate with landowners to identify alternative DWA management strategies in heavily-impacted areas. The department recognizes that in southern and central Maine, “maintaining public satisfaction with deer management hinges on limiting levels of human – deer conflicts, minimizing the risk of Lyme disease, and facilitating hunting opportunities on private land. In areas where traditional hunting seasons are not resulting in harvests high enough to achieve management objectives, special hunting opportunities will be required. Improving public satisfaction with deer management will be more challenging in northern, western, and eastern portions of the state.” The plan calls for developing a certification

program for hunters that would authorize participation in special urban deer hunts, and using the department’s animal damage and depredation control program to manage deer /human conflicts. I’ll be interested to see how that works. They also hope to recruit, retain, and reactivate deer hunters to help support their deer management goals throughout the state. Quantifying Desired Outcomes Finally, here are the expected outcomes for the new deer management plan, which they know will require adequate staffing, funding, and public support. They also note that it may not be necessary or feasible to implement all the strategies in order to achieve the goals and objectives. If the agency is successful in managing deer over the next 10 years, these are the outcomes they anticipate: 1) Statewide over -wintering deer population averages 210,000 animals; 2) The percentage of the public rating the management of deer as excellent or good increases to 75% by 2022; 3) Public support for deer hunting to manage the population remains at or above 90%;

Quotable

Sportsman

by George Smith

MDIFW and public working groups recognized that limited availability of deer wintering areas continued to preclude the state from growing its deer population in 2/3rds of its Wildlife Management districts. To date, most WMDs remain below the short-term objective of 50-60% of what current WMDs might be able to sustain. DIFW’s new Big Game Management Plan — www.MaineSportsman.com

4) Annual participation of 150,000 hunters; 5) Statewide hunter satisfaction with Maine’s deer management program increases to 85% by 2022, 80% in northern Maine, 85% in central Maine, and 90% in southern Maine; 6) An average annual statewide buck harvest of at least 15,000 animals is maintained; 7) Seven-year running average of the percentage of yearlings in the buck harvest remains below 50%; 8) Any-deer permits generally available in WMDs 15 – 17, 20 – 25, and 29, with permits issued in other WMDs during some years. Can We Burn Deer Ticks Away? Swan’s Island off Mount Desert recently tried to reduce its tick population by burning a bunch of fields. Earlier, a special deer hunt was set up by DIFW to reduce the island’s deer population. Hunters had to sit in stands, and only shot two deer. So I was very interested to learn about the islanders’ latest effort, reported by Jennifer Helman in the Island Institute’s Working Waterfront newsletter. Hellman notes that burning fields is a long-standing way to stimulate growth and improve the health of the soil. I can remember burning the field behind our house in Winthrop

The new DIFW big-game management plan does not recommend adoption of an APR (antler point restriction) program for bucks. Such a program, said DIFW, “would likely not provide enough of a benefit to remaining deer populations to offset the loss of opportunity for hunters.”

when I was a kid. Islanders gathered for three nights to burn fields, specifically to rid them of ticks. Propane torches were used to start fires in a planned pattern, and people stood by to keep fires from spreading in the wrong direction. Hellman reported that ticks may be resilient, but so are islanders, and these controlled burns are just one way to adapt to this new threat. It will be interesting to see just how effective this was in reducing ticks and Lyme disease on the island. If it is successful, I expect many towns will

They’re everywhere. They’re like rats. Patrick Case of Eliot, talking about turkeys. Deirdre Fleming column, Maine Sunday Telegram, May 20, 2018 — Maine’s bear population has steadily increased in response to declining hunter participation and harvest… the bear population currently exceeds 35,000 animals. DIFW’s new Big Game Management Plan — Until the early 1990s, winter ticks had not appeared to significantly impact moose… High moose densities themselves may be the biggest reason why winter ticks have exert-

be out burning fields in the future. I suggested that, if they want to reduce the deer population, that they let hunters, during the deer hunting seasons, shoot more than one deer. Linda and I love Swan’s Island, and I wrote several travel columns about this wonderful place. I also did two book talks at their impressive library. So I wish them much luck in reducing the tick population and cases of Lyme disease. Burn away those ticks!

ed such an influence on moose abundance… Lower densities of moose are likely necessary to reduce the rate and influence of winter ticks and other parasites and maintain a healthy moose population, DIFW’s new Big Game Management Plan — As Maine moves into a new horizon for moose management, impacts of winter ticks, a warming climate, changing forest practices, and new information on moose health have resulted in some uncertainty for moose in the state. DIFW’s new Big Game Management Plan

�� The Maine Sportsman • August 2018 • 19

Servicing and Maintaining Your ATV by Shane Brown When evaluating the importance of maintaining and servicing your ATV or side-by-side, remember that there may be no other piece of equipment you’ll ever own that’s expected to operate reliably under such a wide range of conditions – and to stand up to the hard use these off-road vehicles experience – sea-

We recommend that owners check oil levels before every ride. When customers come in to report their ATV engines are making strange noises, the first thing we do is pull the oil dipstick. On occasion, we see that owners have been running their machines with no oil whatsoever in the crankcase. son after season. Whether it is 90-degree temperatures in July, frigid minus 30-degree temps in January, pushing through deep

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are on a trail miles from home, it’s essential to follow the manufacturer’s recommended service intervals, as well as using your own experience and knowledge to keep your machine in the best possible shape. Start with Clean Filters The single biggest (Continued on next page)

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20 • August 2018 • The Maine Sportsman ��

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Warning: Polaris off-road vehicles can be hazardous to operate and are not intended for on-road use. Driver must be at least 16 years old with a valid driver’s license to operate. Passengers, if permitted, must be at least 12 years old. All riders should always wear helmets, eye protection, and protective clothing. Always use seat belts and cab nets or doors (as equipped). Never engage in stunt driving, and avoid excessive speeds and sharp turns. Riding and alcohol/drugs don’t mix. All riders should take a safety training course. Call 800-342-3764 for additional information. Check local laws before riding on trails. ©2014 Polaris Industries Inc.

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*Offer available on approved purchases of new 2015-2019 Yamaha ATVs & Side-by-Sides made on the Yamaha Credit Card issued by WebBank, member FDIC. Subject to credit approval as determined by WebBank. Offer valid through 9/30/18. Available to cardholders of the WebBank Yamaha Card. Account must be open and current to be eligible for this offer. Promotional 1.99%, 4.99%, 7.99% or 13.99% APR with Minimum Payments of 1.18%, 1.43%, 1.68% or 2.18% respectively of the purchase price balance, based on your creditworthiness, are effective for 24 months from the transaction date. Thereafter, you will be charged your standard APR 15.99%-23.99%. Minimum Interest Charge $2 per month. Professional drivers on closed course. Always protect the environment and wear your seat belt, helmet, eye protection and protective clothing. Read the owner’s manual and product warning labels before operation. Model shown with optional accessories. Vehicle specifications subject to change.

www.MaineSportsman.com

ATVing (Continued from page 19)

Primary recommendations include: 1) clean your air filter regularly; 2) check your oil level regularly, and change the oil on the schedule set forth in your manual; 3) use a “battery tender” to prevent voltage loss; and 4) clean dirt and grime from your machine to reduce wear on bearings, ball joints and running gear. issue we see here at the dealership is air filter neglect. Every machine is different in the way air is introduced into the motor, and this will impact how much air filter maintenance you will be required to do. The original Polaris RZR products drew air in near the rear tire, and if you rode your machine a lot in dusty conditions, you needed to do a lot of air filter cleaning – as frequently as every ride. If riders didn’t clean the filters and continued to use their vehicles, dust could get through the filter and into the top end of the motor, damaging the engine and causing the motor to start burning oil. Improvements in Design In recent years, manufacturers have made big improvements in how air is introduced into the motors, resulting in fewer problems. In my opinion, Honda currently has one of the best air intake systems on the market in their Pioneer 1000, which features a “pre-filter.” The company’s engineers have routed the air intake system in an effort to prevent dust and water getting into the motor. Every manufacture has a different air filter in their machine, but most run a serviceable foambase filter that you can easily wash. The filter should then be re-oiled with air filter oil before

being reinstalled. Check your owner’s manual for how to clean your machine’s filter. Also ask your mechanic about some viable aftermarket options that are designed to improve air flow and require less user maintenance. Change Oil, and Watch the Level The next issue we see is owners not following the maintenance recommendations for checking and changing their oil. When a customer brings a machine in and reports that an engine noise has developed, the first thing we do is to pull the dipstick. If the oil level is extremely low (or in some cases, shows that there is no oil at all in the case), it’s not a good scene for anyone involved, since we have to tell the customer that some major engine work will likely be required, and that it was probably preventable had the owner monitored their oil level. It’s critical to know the recommended oilchanging schedule for your particular machine, and to stick to it. For example, for its Pioneer 500, Honda recommends an oil change service interval of every 600 miles. Despite that advice in the owner’s manual, folks sometimes bring in their machines and tell us they are having to add oil every 1,000 miles. The “solution” to this problem (Continued on next page)

�� The Maine Sportsman • August 2018 • 21 (Continued from page 20)

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This conventional ATV is being repaired the dealerON SELECT 2014at MODELS ship. An owner can reduce the number of times this level of work is required, by learning basic maintenance skills involving the air filter, the oil level, battery care ¥ and keeping the bearings and other moving parts as clean as possible. Shane Brown UP photo TO

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is to follow the manufac-ON SELECT sible to2015 plugMODELS in after each turer’s suggestions and day’s ride is completed. change it every 600 miles! If you employ a battery I recommend to my tender faithfully, you will customers that they get years of use �out of check their oil before evyour battery. ery ride. On some maClean Machine chines this is very easy, The final mainteand I understand that nance item is a recomon other models it takes mendation to simply a few minutes, but in wash your machine on a my opinion it’s very inregular basis. By keepexpensive insurance and ing your machine clean, it demonstrates that an you will keep a lot of dirt owner is committed takand debris out of all the ing care of his or her mabearings, ball joints and chine. running gear, which will

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©2015 Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. (BRP). All rights reserved. ®, ™ and the BRP logo are trademarks of BRP or its affiliates. In the U.S.A., products are distributed by BRP US Inc. Offers valid in U.S.A. only, from February 1, 2015 to April 30, 2015. See an authorized Can-Am dealer for details. The conditions may vary from state to state and these offers are subject to termination or change at any time without notice.� Rebate up to $2,000 on select 2014 models: rebate applicable to new and unused 2014 Can-Am ATVs and Can-Am side-by-side vehicles. Rebate amount depends on the model purchased. Dealer may sell for less. While quantities last. ¥ Rebate up to $800 on select 2015 models: rebate applicable to new and unused 2015 Can-Am ATVs and Can-Am side-by-side vehicles. Rebate amount depends on the model purchased. Dealer may sell for less. While quantities last. � GREAT FINANCING : Low financing rates are available. Subject to credit approval. Approval and any rates and terms provided are based on credit worthiness. Multiple financing offers available. Other qualific ations and restrictions may apply. Financing promotion void where prohibited. BRP is not responsible for any errors, changes or actions related to the financing provided by the financial institutions. BRP reserves the right, at any time, to discontinue or change specifications, prices, designs, features, models or equipment without incurring obligation. Some models depicted may include optional equipment. BRP highly recommends that all ATV drivers take a training course. For safety and training information, see your dealer or call the ATV Safety Institute at 1-800-887-2887. ATVs can be hazardous to operate. For your safety: always wear a helmet, eye protection, and other protective clothing. Never carry passengers on any ATV not specifically designed by the manufacturer for such use. All adult model Can Am ATVs are Category G ATVs (General Use Models) intended for recreational and/or utility use by an operator age 16 or older. For side-by-side vehicles (SxS): Read the BRP side-by-side Operator’s Guide and watch the Safety DVD before driving. For your safety: wear a helmet, eye protection and other protective gear. Fasten lateral net and seat belt at all times. Operator must be at least 16 years old. Passenger must be at least 12 years old and able to hold handgrips and plant feet while seated against the backrest. ATVs and SxS are for off-road use only; never ride on paved surfaces or public roads. Always remember that riding and alcohol/drugs don’t mix. Never engage in stunt driving. Avoid excessive speed and be particularly careful on difficult terrain. Ride responsibly. 9100637

keep everything working better longer. Keeping your machine clean will allow you to inspect your machine more regularly, giving you an opportunity to see whether any parts are damaged or are wearing out prematurely. And if any work is needed, it’s a lot more pleasant to do maintenance on a clean machine. So to summarize: 1) keep your air filter clean; 2) check your oil before every ride, and follow oil change recommendations; 3) use your battery tender handy, and 4) clean the dirt off your machine to prevent unnecessary wear, and you will have years of worry-free use.

SKOWHEGAN Whittemore & Sons 257 Waterville Road 207-474-2591 whittemoreandsons.com

*Offer valid at participating U.S. dealers to U.S. residents on new and unused 2010–2015 Arctic Cat ATV models excluding youth, rental, government and special services models. See dealer for details and program dates. 4.9% FINANCING FOR 60 MONTHS valid on 2010-2015 models, Financing provided through Sheffield Financial or FreedomRoad Financial and is subject to credit approval; not all applicants will qualify for credit. Financing promotions void where prohibited. 2-YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY valid on 2015 models and includes six-month limited factory warranty and 18-month extended service contract through Cornerstone. REBATES UP TO $1,000 valid on 2010–2014 models and varies by model purchased. Offer subject to change without notice. Excludes tax, freight and dealer setup. Only ride an ATV that is right for your age. Supervise riders younger than 16. Arctic Cat recommends that all riders take a training course and read and understand the owner’s manual operation. safety information, your dealer Safety Institute at eye (800) 887-2887. ©2015 Arctic Cat Sales Inc.,andThief River ROVs can before be hazardous to operate.For Improper use or cantraining cause severe injury or death.see For your safety, each or ridercall mustthe wearATV a seat belt, approved helmet, protection and protective gear. Avoid excessive speeds be particularly careful on difficult terrain. All ROV operators must be 16 years old and have a valid driver’s license. We recommend that all riders take a training course and read and understand the owner’s manual before operation. See your dealer for Falls, MN 56701.

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Battery Maintenance Another common complaint is low battery levels. This is caused by the fact that, while some folks use their machines every weekend, in other cases the units sit unused for long periods of time between rides. Batteries in those machines that sit around will lose voltage, and the new machines require a full 12 volts in order to start. The remedy here is simple – a “battery tender” that will keep a battery topped off when the machine is not in use. To make the process as easy as possible, I recommend that my customers install a battery tender plug on their machines. This plug is wired to the battery and then routed so it’s easily acces-

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© 2018 Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. (BRP). All rights reserve<!.™.®, and the BRP logo are trademarks of Bombardier Recreational Products, Inc. or its affiliates. 1AII other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. In the USA, the products are distributed by BRP US Inc. BRP reserves the right, at any time, to discontinue or change specifications, prices, designs, features, models or equipment without incurring obligation. Some mcxlels depicted may include optional equipment. BRP highly recommends that all ATV drivers take a training course. For safety and training information, see your dealer or, in USA, call the ATV Safety Institute at 1-800-887-2887. In Canada, call the Canadian Safety Council at (6131 739-1535 ext 227. Read the Operators Guide and watch the Safety DVD before riding. Wear appropriate protective clothing and helmet. For side-by-side vehicles, fasten lateral net and seat belt at all times. Never engage in stunt driving and avoid excessive speed. Always observe applicable local laws and regulations. Side-by-side vehicles and ATVs are recommended for drivers aged 16 and older, and passengers aged 12 and older only. For off-road use only. Never ride on paved surfaces or public roads. Always ride responsibly and remember that riding and alcohol/drugs don’t mix.

www.MaineSportsman.com

22 • August 2018 • The Maine Sportsman ��

Maine Wildlife: Bluegill Sunfish

by Tom Seymour Bluegill sunfish, or simply “bluegills,” are not native to Maine but through unsanctioned introductions, they now swim in a number of Maine waters. And given their propensity to expand their territory at every opportunity, it seems a sure bet that more and more anglers will soon catch a “funnylooking sunfish.” As with other illegally-introduced fish species, once established, bluegills are nearly impossible to eradicate. The only upside to this is that bluegills run large as far as sunfish go, and taste great in the frying pan. Also, bluegills have many sporting qualities. They eagerly attack small artificial lures and willingly take floating offerings such as large dry flies and small, panfish-style flyrod poppers. First Catch My first bluegill came to net last summer while I was fishing a small pond in central Maine. I mention netting the fish because it was my first one, and didn’t want to lose it. Besides, it was quite large and heavy, and the thin line on my ultralight spinning rod didn’t seem strong enough to lift it directly from the water. Several repeat trips to that same water saw me acting absolutely cavalierly, hoisting bluegills from the water without a net and not even bothering to measure the mostly 10- to 11-inch fish. A few individuals hit the 12-inch mark, which, I’m told, ranks as a wicked big bluegill.

The author caught many bluegills, including a few 12-inch fish. He reports they are fun to catch, and tasty from the fry pan. typical action once hooked is to make short, quick runs and then go around in circles – a typical sunfish response. Bluegills are great fun to catch, and shouldn’t take a back seat to any other warmwater game fish. Bluegill Habitat During my initial visit, bluegills were concentrated about 10 – 20 feet from the boggy shoreline – in other words, bass habitat. But while bass usually hang close to weeds, bluegills tend to stay just outside them. The only drawback to fishing for bluegills in this kind of habitat is that bass strike the same panfish jigs that bluegills relish, and bass are often too heavy for the ultralight tackle used for bluegills. As the summer progressed, bluegills spread out around the pond, settling in 10 – 15 feet of water. At this time of year, shoreline vegetation doesn’t matter as much as depth. At no time, though, did I encounter any bluegills in water deeper than 15 feet. This may indicate that bluegills are a shallowwater fish, and hopefully won’t offer much competition to our more desirable coldwater species. Once ice forms, bluegills head closer to the boggy shorelines and shallow water, where they remain through the winter. And yes, they bite well on panfish jigs, making bluegills a year-round source of sporting action. Bluegill Identification Maine’s native sunfish, redbreast sunfish and pumpkinseed sunfish, should not be confused with bluegill sunfish once certain identifying features are taken into account. Bluegills, as the name indicates, have blue on the bottom of their gill flaps. However, some bluegills do not exhibit blue, so other means of identification are needed. The first and most certain way to identify

They Attack Lures Bluegills, once located, are quite willing to bite, and an angler can usually take numbers of them from one spot. This happened to me, and it reminded me of the white perch runs that once drew huge crowds around Maine. At that time, perch bit one after another, and that is exactly how bluegills act. What really impressed me was how bluegills go out their way to attack a lure. The fish slashed at a jig or small spinner, and if it missed it, it would attack again. Their fight is notable in that bluegills have incredible stamina. The Photo by Tom Seymour www.MaineSportsman.com

a bluegill is to check out the pectoral fin. It is long and sharply pointed and when bent forward, extends far past the eye. Also, bluegills exhibit vertical barring on their sides. These dark-colored bars are often absent on fish from turbid, muddy water. Thankfully, Maine lakes, ponds and slowmoving streams have mostly clear water, so any bluegills taken should have vertical bars on their sides. Finally, the dorsal fin on a bluegill bears a pronounced dark spot. This, the long pectoral fin, and the vertical barring, set bluegills apart from Maine’s native sunfishes. Fried Bluegills The term “panfish” perfectly describes bluegills. The thick, chunky fillets are ideal for pan frying. My first bluegill meal was a special one, and before starting, I consulted various sources to see how best to prepare my catch. Most online sources showed bluegills being scaled, their fins and head removed and fried whole. This didn’t appeal to me, and then I remembered reading about how the late Euell Gibbons prepared bluegills. Gibbons was a fan of Tempura batterdipped fillets, so I drove to town and bought a box of instant Tempura batter. Then, with a huge bowl of fillets ready to go, I dipped the fish in ice-cold Tempura batter and fried them in about ½ inch of hot oil in a cast-iron skillet. After becoming brown and crispy, the fillets were transferred to a folded paper towel to drain. I accompanied my bluegill meal with some garden-fresh vegetables for a completely homegrown and home-caught repast. And afterwards, it was plain to see that Euell Gibbons was right. Bluegills in Tempura batter are a heavenly delight. Later, I tried rolling the boneless fillets in flour, and also in very fine cornmeal, and both coatings worked fine. Bluegill Thoughts Unwelcome invaders and totally unsanctioned, bluegills are here to stay. Fortunately, it looks as though bluegills won’t harm the coldwater fishery. However, how they may compete with our native sunfish species remains yet unclear. But since we have bluegills in a number of waters, they will probably expand their range to the point where they become widespread. So as with other illegally introduced species, we may as well make use of bluegills. They aren’t going anywhere anytime soon.

�� The Maine Sportsman • August 2018 • 23

Bear Baiting for Beginners by Bill Graves I’ve been hunting and fishing for over six decades – started going with my Dad when I had to stand on the truck seat to see out the windshield. As years progressed, I had a fishing rod or firearm in my hands as often as possible, and expanded my outdoor ventures from Maine to New England and multiple other states and even other countries. Somehow, however, I overlooked hunting one of the most popular and exciting big game animals right in my own back yard – I was almost 40 years old before experiencing my first black bear outing. I haven’t missed a season since, even crossed the border into Quebec and New Brunswick a few times to take advantage of their spring bear season.

After taking my first four bruin with a black powder rifle, then another with a handgun and then a crossbow, it occurred to me that perhaps I didn’t need a guide, and that I’d get a lot more excitement by setting up my own bear baits.

Set up and maintain a good bait site, and use effective attractant sprays and Bear Scent LLC bait balls, and big bruin will even visit in pairs. This trail camera photo looks almost like a double exposure.

I took my first four bruin with a black powder rifle, then another with a handgun and then a crossbow. It occurred to me at that point that perhaps I didn’t need a guide – I’d get a lot more

involvement and excitement by setting up and managing my own bear baits. Location, Location, Location I started out with two locations. Five years lat-

er, I went to three sites, and for the last 15 years I maintain four sites each fall. It’s a good deal of work, but the self-satisfaction, anticipation and rewards far overshadow the effort.

The first step for a rookie baiter is selecting a spot. While this may seem a quandary at first, with Maine’s burgeoning black bear population in the top 2/3s of the state, it’s difficult to find a region where there aren’t plenty of bruin. Since a bait site needs to be tended two or three times a week – and every other day is ideal – it’s best to limit mileage, travel time and gas money by selecting a spot within 30 minutes of home. I live less than two miles from Main Street in Presque Isle, own 8 acres outside the compact zone among farm fields and wood lots, and established my very first bait a 10-minute walk from my house! Scout a few areas that feature forests, fields, some dark growth and a (Continued on next page)

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24 • August 2018 • The Maine Sportsman ��

Bear Hunting (Continued from page 23)

nearby water supply, but at least a mile from paved roads, farm buildings and residences, and half a mile from moderately traveled gravel roads, ATV trails and walking or hiking paths. If you own a tract of wooded terrain that fits the bill, that’s great; if not, you must secure landowner’s permission to establish a bait site and set up a blind or tree stand and use a trail camera. Remember, vital elements of a site include a tree suitable to secure a ladder stand, or an open space large enough for a ground blind, as well as a clear shooting lane to a moderately open spot for a bait receptacle. Since nuisance bear are becoming more of a problem in urban edge areas, most landowners, farmers and forest land owners are agreeable to allowing you on their land. Check town ordinances and the state hunting and baiting regulations to ensure your selected spot meets all legal criteria.

Bucket or Barrel The next task in creating a successful site is settling on a container to hold food to coax a bear to visit regularly. A multitude of receptacles may be used to hold bait, but a few are far more efficient than most. Any vessel that sits on the ground where other small game pests, rodents and birds have easy access, or one that can only be used a single time, are poor options. Reliable, tasty bait can be difficult to obtain and somewhat expensive, so if other animals consume most of it, that’s a poor set-up. Some hunters bury a 5-gallon pail in the ground, put on the cover and place heavy rocks or logs on top so only a bear can get it open, but once the first bear visits, the food is fair game to other unwanted varmints. Another old time option was to pile up two or three old car tires and wire then together, then dump the bear food in the center hole and pile heavy

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Using a suspended bait barrel allows the hunter to adjust the height to keep small bear and varmints away from the food supply. The barrel also helps to judge bear size. The bottom of the mouth of this 35-gallon barrel is 5 feet off the ground, so this is one big brute -- well over 6 feet tall. Graves photo

pieces of log over it. Once again, after the first bear visits, the bait is available to all animals. Using a plastic grocery bag to hold the food

and hanging it over a tree limb with a rope high enough so only a bear can reach it and claw it open is another option. It’s a an quick, easy set-up, but the

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downfall here is a single use container and wasted food on the ground for other scroungers once the first bear eats and exits. Most Popular Option The most popular method used by many guides, outfitters and individual hunters is hanging a 5-gallon plastic bucket 3- to 4-feet high on a tree trunk, and wiring it in place. A rock or piece of wood is used to secure the cover and thwart rac(Continued on next page)

�� The Maine Sportsman • August 2018 • 25 (Continued from page 24)

coons. Regardless whether a pail, tub, or barrel is used to hold bait, it’s essential to use heavy wire or cable to attach it to a sturdy nearby tree, or a bear will simple haul it to a more secluded spot to eat. I learned the hard way to secure my bait receptacles after retrieving two or three from as far as 100 yards away from my bait site. My proven solution is to run a 3/8 or ¼ inch wire cable between two trees, and hang a 35-gallon plastic barrel lengthwise from the wire and at least four feet above the ground. I use a set of wire clamps at each end of the barrel to keep it from sliding on the wire when pushed or pulled by a feeding bruin. Only a standing bear can reach the bait, and this gives a hunter the perfect chance to estimate size. It also protects the bait from the rain, other scavengers and cubs or smaller bear, so it lasts longer. Mixing Scents Once food is placed in the chosen receptacle, the bait-and-wait game begins. Sooner or later, a bear will discover your new restaurant. A neighborhood bruin may arrive in only take a couple of days, while it might take a week for a roaming bear to happen on the free food. I improve my chances and reduce wait time by playing on the bears’ phenomenal sense of smell. Using one of the commercially-produced aroma attractants in powder, spray, gel or solid ball form truly makes a difference. The use of scents is certainly not a new concept. Like many others before me, I started with age-old, proven aroma techniques. I hung onion bags full of crab or lobster shells or fish entrails

high over tree limbs, or did a honey burn near the bait site. Sometimes I placed drops of pure anise around the area. The smell stays on nearby tree leaves and brush for days, and the wind carries the aroma for miles, drawing traveling bear to investigate the source, and then find the nearby food container. Fryolator Oil If you can beg, barter or buy fryolator oil used to cook food in most restaurants, this is a dual attractant. Using a can or cup, fling the strongly aromatic grease on trees, brush and the ground all around the bait site. Not only will this spread on the wind and draw bear to investigate, but also once one bear visits and walks on the ground grease or brushes its fur on the saturated tree leaves, a trail is produced for others to smell and follow back. While I still use some grease, and have experimented with several com-

This curious bear walked within 10 feet of a pop up camo ground blind on its way to a bait site. The bear checked us out, but due to concealed movement and scent, the animal showed little concern.

mercial attractants, once I discovered Bear Scents, LLC I was hooked, and so were the regional bear. It’s manufactured in Lake Mills, Wisconsin, comes in several forms and dozens of flavors and is simple to use, not messy, and draws black bear from far and wide, repeatedly. I’ve used anise, honey, blueberry and acorn, but bacon has become my most productive of the almost two dozen aroma options. I hang a bait ball from a wire cable over a high

This brazen black bear checked out writer Bill Graves in his tree stand before going to the bait barrel. The photo was taken with a handheld camera, and the bear heard the shutter release.

tree limb that bear can’t reach, and the wire prevents squirrels and raccoons from gnawing it loose. The suspended scent orb lasts the full baiting and hunting season, slowly melting away and wafting its aroma on prevalent breezes,

coxing bear to investigate and find the nearby bait barrel. I carry a Bear Scents bacon flavored spray bottle when I hunt, and liberally douse my backtrail, near the base of my stand and the tree branches (Continued on page 27)

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26 • August 2018 • The Maine Sportsman ��

A Maine Moose Hunt to Remember by Charles Lloyd, Sr., Brownville Junction, ME My wife and I both got drawn for the moose season a couple of years ago – hers was a bull tag for the October 10 season in Zone 18, and mine was a bull tag for the same week in Zone 9. We live within three miles of both zones. Since we both work at a North Maine Woods checkpoint, we had plenty of time for pre-season scouting. I was able to locate a nice bull in Zone 9 and was quite confident that I had a good place to call it in on Opening Day. Meanwhile, Willy Russell was scouting for my wife, and had access to some gates behind which he’d seen a lot of moose sign. I took along my friend and sub-permittee Buck Bolstridge, his three sons and my grandson Cody, while my wife was accompanied by our son Chuck, Jr., our grandson Alan,

Shown here after their successful Zone 9 hunt are Buck Bolstridge, Andrew Bolstridge, Evan Bolstridge, Brian Bolstridge and Cody Lloyd, the author’s grandson.

and friend and fellow guide Willy Russell. At first light on Opening Day, I started calling from the spot I’d chosen. After an hour, we moved over to a spur road, and then spotted a big bull seemingly headed for where we’d been calling earlier. The bull headed

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into thick regrowth, with us hot on its trail. After 20 minutes we found the bull, catching its breath along a skidder trail. We’d decided that Buck would be the shooter (I’d been fortunate to harvest a nice bull in 2011), and moments later it was all over but the

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The author dedicated this story to his grandson Alan Charles Lloyd, who passed away 4 months after this bear hunt that was guided by family friend Willy Russell.

ence his last hunt. In October he took a nice 300lb. bear, while hunting with Willy (see Alan in the accompanying photo). However, the following February he passed away at age 27, and this story is dedicated to him.

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Gerald Laffey of Garland and his brother Brian are shown here following a hunt a few years back which resulted in the harvesting of a 942-pound bull sporting a 59.5-inch spread.

Allie Pike of Buxton sent us a photo of her moose through the Sportsman’s Facebook page. It was harvested last September 25th, was a massive 821 pounds field-dressed, and had a 46” spread.

Clarence “Lee” Poe poses with a big bull (900-pound estimated weight), featuring a 49.5-inch spread. Left to right: Ray Schlotterbeck (subpermittee); Greg York (guide) and Lee Poe (permittee).

Floyd Stever of St. Johnsville, NY had a successful hunt in Lexington a few years ago, with this 949-pound bull with 13-point, 46 inch spread antlers. Stever used 270 WSM 130 gr. ammo.

Bear Hunting (Continued from page 25)

around my seat. Not only is this product a great attractant, it’s just as effective a cover scent that works in conjunction with your regular scent-concealing spray. Wait and Watch There you have it, basic black bear baiting for beginners. Any outdoorsman can go the “Do it yourself” route, and truly enjoy the reward of the baiting experience as much as the actual hunting. Despite the mudslinging vitriol of anti-baiters – most of who are also anti hunters – baiting is far from a sure thing: there’s

actually less than a 25% annual success rate. I know I’m preaching to the choir, since most readers are sportsmen, but for most of us the journey is often as rewarding as the final destination. I watched well over 30 bear visit my baits in the last three seasons, the 300 pound plus brute didn’t show up so the only shots I took were with my camera. It was exhilarating nonetheless, and I can’t wait for the upcoming season. Regardless whether you hunt with a long gun, archery gear, a handgun or a camera, outsmarting Maine’s black ghost to within a few yards of your stand is a rewarding and thrilling venture.

Tagging a bear over bait is far from a sure thing, but when writer Bill Graves succeeded with this 340-pound brute on his own bait site and with a crossbow, it was a proud moment. www.MaineSportsman.com

28 • August 2018 • The Maine Sportsman ��

August is Bluefish Month! by Barry Gibson August has historically been the “hot” month for bluefish along the Maine coast, and although blues have been scarce the past couple of summers, there’s no reason to think they won’t make a return – at some level – this season. In the 1970s and ’80s, blues swarmed into Maine waters starting in early June, stuck around

My basic arsenal includes three 7-foot trolling rods (I interchange spinning and conventional) loaded with 17-pound mono, together with a 4th outfit, designed for distance casting, consisting of an 8-foot graphite spinning rod with a reel loaded with 15-pound superbraid attached to a surface popper. into October, and ranged at least as far north as Muscongus Bay. But lately they’ve barely made it up into our southernmost

inshore waters. Most of the fish have ranged from four to 10 pounds, and have provided great sport on light

tackle. Many anglers find them a welcome diversion from chasing stripers, if only for a few brief weeks. So, let’s assume

they’re going to return in big numbers again in mid-summer of 2018. Hey, it could happen! The ideal scenario is to chance upon a big school of “choppers” tearing into pogies, herring or mackerel. Screeching and diving birds are perhaps the best indicators, and often you’ll see the white water fly as blues push (Continued on next page)

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�� The Maine Sportsman • August 2018 • 29 (Continued from page 28)

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Trolling a spread of swimming plugs is an effective way to locate blues when they’re not actively feeding on top. A “fast walk” speed often works best. Barry Gibson photo

the baitfish up from below and trap them at the surface. Throw a topwater popper – any lure, really – into the melee and chances are you’ll get an immediate hook-up. Troll ’Em Up But when things are quieter and birds don’t advertise a bluefish feeding frenzy, trolling is the best method for finding the fish. My basic arsenal starts with three 7-foot outfits (I interchange spinning and conventional) loaded with 17-pound mono. I arm the first with a gold or blue-backed Bomber Long A or Rapala CD-18 shallow swimmer, in either green or blue mackerel pattern. On the second rod, I’ll attach a deep-diving Rapala X-Rap Magnum, in either blue mackerel or bunker. I’ll fish these two rods from gunwale rod holders equipped with T-style “Out-Rodders” which hold the rods nearly perpendicular to the boat for a wider spread. I like to run the deep-diver about 70 feet back, and the shallow swimmer ten feet behind it, to help avoid tangles on turns.

On the third outfit I snap on a five- of six-inch top-water popper such as a Yo-Zuri Hydro Tiger or Creek Chub Striper Strike. I fish this rod from the rocket launcher behind the leaning post, and run the lure in the wake between the two flat lines, about 40 feet back. My fourth outfit, designed for distance casting, is an 8-foot graphite spinning rod with a reel loaded with 15-pound superbraid, and armed with one of the above-mentioned surface poppers. I leave this rig in a t-top holder, ready to go at a moment’s notice should a school of surface-feeding or cruising blues be spotted. I’ve got most of the bases covered with this setup. One lure runs about 12 feet deep, another about four feet, and a noisy popper churns right on the surface. If you have a downrigger and can put a plug 30 or 40 feet down as well, so much the better. I’ve found over the years that the best trolling speeds seems to be (Continued on next page)

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Saltwater Fishing Special (Continued from page 29)

about a “fast walk.” Blues are faster swimmers than stripers, so if in doubt, speed up a bit. You can actually troll too slowly for blues, because if the fish doesn’t sense that its quarry is trying to escape, it may smell a rat and peel off. I’ve watched them do this a number of times.

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Hook & Leader Logic A couple of tackle tips: Forget those heavy braided steel leaders with a snap on one end and a swivel on the other. They kill the action of the lure, and a bluefish will rarely inhale a large plug to the point where its teeth can gnash on the line. Use a plain snap (my preference), or tie the lure directly to your mono with a uni-loop. As for hooks, I’ve had good luck replacing the trebles with single barbless models in sizes 5/0 or 6/0. It’s much easier to de-hook the bluefish this way, and it won’t throw the lure as long as you keep a good amount of tension on the line during the fight. On those now-rare days when bluefishing’s really off the charts, I’ll remove all the hooks except a single barbless tail hook. That way I can safely use the plug body as a handle to lift the fish from the water into the boat, and release it easily and unharmed.

Bait Me a Blue Blues are suckers for a live bait. A tinker mackerel, free-lined or fished under a float, will get a bluefish’s attention from a long way off. Ditto a live pogy. Here, however, you will need protection against those razer-sharp teeth. I make up my own leaders consisting of 6 or 8 inches of #6 stainless wire, with a swivel on one end and a 6/0 circle hook on the other, both attached with via a haywire twist. Then I tie the leader directly to my mono fishing line. The advantage here is that when you boat the bluefish, you can simply snip off the leader and quickly tie on a new one. You can safely retrieve the hook and leader when you later clean or fillet the fish. By the way, chunks or fillets of mackerel, pogy, or herring can also be productive, if live ones are hard to come by. And bluefish is great on the grill! Place the fillets skin-side down, lower the cover, and cook about five minutes. Then turn the fillets over with a large spatula, and cook another five minutes. They’ll be done when the fish flakes easily when pierced with a fork. Serve with lime wedges, a summer salad, and a cold glass of white wine!

�� The Maine Sportsman • August 2018 • 31

Appalachian Trail Visitor Center Supports Hiker Community As my Jeep rolled through the revitalized town of Monson, one of the newly renovated shops along Main Street caught my eye and caused my foot to hit the brake hard. So hard in fact that my hiking poles and fully-loaded backpack tumbled forward against the drivers seat. The wide-open doors exposing the inner workings of the Appalachian Trail Visitor Center (207573-0163) quickly drew me in. A smiling Wendy Weiger, the Visitor Center manager, sat at the desk ready to field questions from this woodlands wanderer. The Appalachian

tiple times, told me the 100-Mile Wilderness was way more difficult than any of his summits to Mount Katahdin.

The new Appalachian Trail visitor center in Monson is strategically located at the gateway to the 100-Mile Wilderness portion of the trail. This little hamlet serves as a recharging station for tired hikers looking to refuel, relax or just get a hot shower before making the final push to the summit of Katahdin. Trail runs 2,100 miles from Georgia to the summit of Mount Katahdin. It’s safe to say that most of us will never see the whole trail. Fortunately, the Pine Tree State claims ownership of 281 miles, including the all-important finish line. Of course, it’s only the finish line for those starting in Georgia. From what I have read, most thru-hikers

start down south and head north to Maine. Some have started in Maine and worked south. From a practical standpoint it makes more sense, at least to me, to head towards Maine, as opposed to leaving the Pine Tree State. After all, who wants to go to Georgia? Having a vibrant, active visitor center in Monson makes perfect sense,

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due to its strategic location at the gateway to the 100-Mile Wilderness portion of the Appalachian Trail. This little hamlet serves as a recharging station for tired hikers looking to refuel, relax or just get a hot shower before engaging in the final push to the top of the mountain. Dave Gadoury, a retired pastor who has summited Baxter mul-

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AT Hiker Permit Process Weiger also mentioned that the visitor center staff can help thru-hikers with the new AT Hiker Permit process. They can also help with lodging options for those needing to kick the dust out of their boots for a night or two. The scale model of Mount Katahdin that occupies the center of the showroom captured my attention. With the var(Continued on next page)

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Katahdin Country (Continued from page 31)

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down slippery, moss-covered ledge that I realized just how steep that section of the trail was. The scale model at the Visitor Center gave me a better appreciation of the elevation changes. As my finger slid over the various trails on the scale model, Weiger commented that she, too, had stayed at the lone lean-to at Davis Pond. We both agreed it was worth the trip. It’s nice to gather hiking intel from folks who have actually put boots to the ground – it’s way more personal than surfing the ’net. Back in my June column, I talked about doing a series of day hikes on the Appalachian Trail. As it turns out, the Visitor Center has information for those of us with barely enough time to eke out a day trip or two. Once again, Weiger and her staff of volunteers have a mission to help, educate and promote hiking activity on Maine’s 281 miles of the most popular trail in – dare I say – the world. Disc Golf ? Before heading out on any backwoods travel, please remember to plan ahead and take along adequate supplies. I recently got sidetracked and went on a spur-ofthe-moment short hike in a forest in Connecticut. Soon after we (my wife Denise and I) got on the trail, we realized we had stumbled into something called “disc golf.” Apparently folks walk through the woods with a backpack full of Frisbees looking for a round metal target surrounded by chains. With no trail markers, but only the occasional “tee marker,” we soon became disoriented in the crazy 18-hole maze. While never really “lost,” we did confirm with a “disc golfer” we stumbled across that we were indeed headed back to the trail head. (Continued on page 34)

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�� The Maine Sportsman • August 2018 • 33

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34 • August 2018 • The Maine Sportsman ��

Katahdin Country (Continued from page 32)

I rarely leave the house without a basic kit that consists of water, maps, something to eat and the ever-important bug dope. While a good sized first aid kit stays strapped to a roll bar in my Jeep, I also have a small ‘backpacker-sized” kit that fits neatly in anything from a day pack to my larger Gregory expedition pack. Comfortable Hiking Boots Critical Earlier I mentioned that steep ascent into Davis Pond. What added to the difficulty with that negotiating the trail required traversing moss-covered rocks and wet ledge, which made the footing dangerously slippery. That’s why rain gear and some really good hiking boots rate as mandatory. First and foremost, a good set of hiking boots

needs to fit correctly. Poorly fitting shoes promise a host of feet-related problems, ranging from blisters to feet so sore that walking becomes impossible. Finding boots that fit correctly and have excellent traction requires spending a little extra money, but will prove well worth it in the long run. For years I’ve used the LL Bean Cresta hiking shoe, because I have a narrow foot and these are among the few boots that come in narrow sizes. A nylon sock liner under a set of Smartwool hiking socks rounds out my program. I’ve worn the soles off three pair of these durable boots in the last 15-years. Comfortable hiking boots all eventually suffer the same fate – a well meaning spouse decides there’s nothing left to

Steve Carter demonstrates how a good, comfortable set of hiking boots helps him get to some really special places. He enjoys putting boots to the ground and leaving the crowds behind. Bill Sheldon photo

them and gives them a ticket on the garbage-day express. The Katahdin Region offers serious hikers

The Katahdin Region abounds with world class hiking opportunities. With 281-miles of Appalachian Trail and the states crown jewel, Baxter State Park, wood lot wanderers have plenty of real estate to cover. Here, Bill Sheldon stops for a photo along the Freeze Out Trail in the northern portions of Baxter State Park.

world-class trails, and also provides recreational routes perfect for casual hikers to wear out those unlaced hiking boots

gathering dust in the corner.

MAINE WILDLIFE QUIZ: Bluegill by Steve Vose

A member of the sunfish family of fishes, the bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus) is a species of freshwater fish sometimes referred to in other states as bream or brim. Native to North America, bluegills inhabit almost every body of water in the United States. While extremely prolific and able to thrive in a wide diversity of aquatic ecosystems, bluegills prefer to inhabit shallow waters that contain larger rocks, tree stumps, logs and other underwater structure, where they can seek protection from predators such as bass, northern pike, herons and snapping turtles. Bluegills average in length from 6 to12 inches, and weigh between a half-pound, to about 1.2 pounds. The Bluegill is named for the dark blue coloration of the sides of its head and chin. Bluegills also possess a distinctive large black spot on the edge of both its gill plates. The belly of a female bluegill is a fiery yellow, while the belly of a breeding male is

typically a rusty red color. The largest bluegill ever caught was

4 pounds, 10 ounces and 15 inches long in 1950, pulled out of a flooded quarry in Alabama, and the records still stands nearly 70 years later. Breeding typically occurs in May-August in nests built by the male. Males build nests by using their tails to create shallow depressions. Females deposit eggs in these depressions. Males release milt to fertilize the eggs, and eggs and sperm become mixed. After spawning, the male chases the female out of the area and guards the nest until the eggs hatch 5 days after initial fertilization. As fry grow into fingerlings and finally adults, they feed on a progressively larger and wider array of plankton, crustaceans, insects and small fish. Bluegills reach sexual maturity at one year, with those hatchlings fortunate enough to evade predators living for up to eight years.

Questions 1. 2. 3. 4.

What is the native range of the bluegill? By what other names are bluegills called? What predators feed on bluegills? How big is the average bluegill?

www.MaineSportsman.com

5. 6. 7. 8.

How big was the largest bluegill ever caught? When does the bluegill breeding season begin? What do bluegills eat? Answers How long do bluegills live?

on Page 50

�� The Maine Sportsman • August 2018 • 35

Good Friends Foster Epic Angling I’ve heard there are three types of anglers: • Those who want to catch all the fish • Those who want to catch the biggest fish; and • Those who want to catch the most challenging fish, using the greatest skill and the most refined tackle. However, based on my own life experience, I have come to the conclusion that there should be a fourth addition to the list above. That revelation occurs when an angler begins to understand that fishing is not really about the fish. Rather, the value of angling is that it provides an opportunity to get out into the natural world and relax. Enlightened anglers realize that a good day of fishing has nothing to do with high numbers of fish taken, the largest fish, or the most technical of gear and techniques. Fishing Friends And good friends are an important part of this equation. It’s said that a true fishing buddy makes great fishing even more awesome, and a day of

Three Amigos ... author William Clunie (l), Bob Pelletier (c), and Steve Rothert (r).

lousy fishing totally tolerable. I’ve been gifted with a large selection of good fishing buddies, and I’ve gained way too many friends through fishing to ever consider fishing alone as my only option. While I do find myself on the water alone from time to time, on most occasions I’ll have a friend or two along to enjoy the trip. A good fishing buddy feels the same way you do about fishing, and it’s as

Fish carving artist extraordinaire, Gene Bahr, with a nice crappie.

fun to watch them catch fish as it is catching the fish yourself. They also enjoy it when you catch a fish. Of course there will always be the natural ribbing involved when fishing buddies get together, making fun of each other, pretending there’s some kind of competition, and generally razzing one other. On a recent fishing trip with a new friend, I sat and listened as he told a fishing story. I kept wondering when he

was going to get to the part about how this huge fish nearly swamped the boat. However, we both laughed out loud when, at the end of the story, he concluded, “I guess it really isn’t about the fish at all, since the sole reason I remember that specific day of fishing wasn’t about some big fish or how many fish we caught. Instead, what I vividly remember about that day was the look on my uncle’s face and the complete connection I felt

From left to right; Marc Bilodeau (presenting an Honorary Membership), the late Lefty Kreh (receiving the honor), author William Clunie, and Maine Sportsman columnist King Montgomery.

to him and our family as he explained the reasons for decisions he had made in his life.” Anglers make strong connections with each other because of fishing, but it often grows to a true friendship because of something I call the “universal fishing fever.” This “fever” is based on the way we approach not only fishing, but life itself. It is a strong desire to find real peace within oneself, and fishing can create the perfect atmosphere for this calm and peaceful state of perfection. Some call it a “Zen” moment or some sort of spiritual event. However, even though anglers each reach this peaceful state through fishing, we all don’t get there in the same way. My Own Way Personally, I enjoy learning from my fishing buddies and also showing them some of the incredible things I’ve learned in the outdoors – usually from some other fishing buddy. There’s nothing like time spent fishing during which anglers ex(Continued on next page)

Scott Snell, guide and owner of Wilson’s on Moosehead Lake, holding a landlocked salmon he directed me to. www.MaineSportsman.com

36 • August 2018 • The Maine Sportsman ��

Freshwater Fly Fishing (Continued from page 35)

Chris Russell, guide and owner of Kennebec River Angler, with a nice smallmouth bass.

change information, each coming away at the end of the day feeling more knowledgeable and fulfilled. Each of us can do better in these fishing relationships by listening more and talking less. On several occasions, I have

Avid Rangeley Region fly fisher, Stephan Marsters.

felt myself back off of the chatting in order to let my fellow angler do more of the talking. I discovered the best of angling buddies do the same, and suddenly you both are just sitting there not saying a single word. Times like these seem

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spiritual ... no words need to be spoken. The cluttered life of obligations, due dates and time constraints gets forgotten, and your mind completely relaxes. The closely-connected angling buddies start to see things they normally would have been too busy and rattled to observe. They notice the huge turtle that has been asleep on that rock over there near the shoreline for an hour or more; they see a pattern to the fish rising at the far end of the pond; and the extremely delicate mayflies become visible as both anglers grab their tippets to make a change of flies at the same time. As the anglers are tying on the new flies, they exchange a glance and can’t help laughing... then begin a louder belly-laughter at their own laughter. And while they are laughing, a massive fish hits one of their flies right at the side of the canoe, spits it out, and is gone before a hook can be set properly. They don’t need to speak a single word as they paddle their way back to the launch. In their own way, they each have come to the same ironic conclusion ... fishing is a process of learning that never ends, and part of that process is the connection we feel to those close enough to call our fishing friends.

�� The Maine Sportsman • August 2018 • 37

New Camps Offer Comfort, While Old Ones Have Stories to Tell I reached over and turned the kitchen sink handle hard to the left. Sure enough, clear water spilled out the faucet and into the basin. Most of us take this simple procedure for granted, but between Northern Quebec and the Arctic Circle, nothing comes easy. We – Michael Airhart, Bob Fuller and I – had flown by bush plane to the Guoin Reservoir in Quebec to do some Northern Pike fishing. After driving north until pretty much running out of road, we hopped in a DeHavilland Beaver airplane and flew the rest of

My camp is built from many re-purposed and refurbished components -- hand-outs, roadside finds and salvaged materials. Most everything tells a story, who found or donated the item, and who helped install it. the way to our outfitter’s remote camps. These folks really knew how to build a camp. As a student of “camp architecture,” I quickly fell in love with the place. For starters, it had a running water system that fed four cabins from two huge tanks mounted on a log-built tower some 20 feet in the air. That same water tank had a line going to a central shower house that

used an elevated propane hot water heater to provide guests a piping hot shower. A refreshing shower sets the table for an evening around the campfire. After a day of handling fish it was just plain nice to erase the distinctive smell of pike from our bodies. Every other day, the caretaker used a small gasoline-powered water pump to fill those tanks from the big lake. We had

propane-powered stove, refrigerator and lights. With all the comforts of home, it was hard to get back in that Beaver DeHavilland and head home. Camp Stories When touring the back roads of the Jackman Region, I constantly look at camps to see how folks have engineered their home away from home. Making life comfortable in the woods of

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the Northeast is nothing new. Often, camps use refurbished materials to keep costs down. I have a saying at my cabin: “Everything has a story.” It’s built from hand-outs, roadside finds and salvaged materials. There are not many things in my camp that don’t tell some type of story. It’s built of memories like who donated what and when. Sometimes it’s just remembering who helped with what. I remember my Uncle John and Aunt Sabra stopping by when we were ready (Continued on next page)

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38 • August 2018 • The Maine Sportsman ��

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to raise the walls. My brother Steve came up and helped put the metal roofing on. My son Willie and I nailed down the flooring. My wife, Denise, and I installed the bathroom floor. My old buddy Bernie Derjue, now 87, helped hang the kitchen cabinets. Everything has a story. For many the story revolves around camp life more than the physical property. Kicking back on a waterfront porch as the sun tickles the top of the

Camp life creates lasting memories. Here, the author’s grandson, James Sheldon, sits on a set of new front steps made for the family camp from a favorite cedar tree that died. As we say at our camp, “Everything in it has a story.” Becky Sheldon photo

trees on either end of the day does wonders for the psyche.

Renting Memories While I have my own (Continued on next page)

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�� The Maine Sportsman • August 2018 • 39

Sealing the Deal on a Cap to Cover the Truck Bed After hunting deer all day in a remote location, I headed back to the truck for the long drive home just as the last light faded. As I approached the vehicle, I noticed a slight glow coming from the headlights. When I got into the truck and tried to start it, I found that I had left the headlights on – the battery would not turn the engine over. I tried to push the truck back up the hill and get it rolling down to start it, but couldn’t get the truck rolling fast enough to

When it’s all complete, my “mobile sleeping system” truck bed arrangement will feature a cap with a tight seal around the tailgate, windows that open out with screens, an elevated, carpeted floor with a gear drawer underneath, and a comfortable mattress. start it. As I sat there deep in the woods, I remembered the wool blanket I always carried in the truck for just this type of situation. I grabbed the blanket and all of my extra clothing, and climbed into the covered bed of the truck to spend the night. This happened before cell phones came about, so I was on my own. I actually sleep pretty well, and walked out to a farm the

next morning. The farmer drove me back to my vehicle and jump-started the truck, and I was on my way. My parents were worried about their teenage boy out in the woods all night. My dad even came out to the spot in the middle of the night where I told him I’d be, but for some strange reason never drove the last few hundred yards into the woods where I was parked.

Truck Cap It would have been very uncomfortable, but I could have slept in the driver’s seat and been just fine – I’ve had to do that before. However, sleeping in the truck bed is a much better option. A truck cap covering the bed, when sealed properly, can carry a lot of extra gear and keep it dry and dust-free ... gear that comes in handy during those unexpect-

ed overnight excursions. Anyone who travels to remote parts of the country knows that issues like this crop up at the most inconvenient times, and resourceful folks prepare for the worse while hoping for the best. I enjoy the fact that I can, any time or anywhere, pull to the side of the road, jump in the covered bed of the truck and have the necessary gear to not only survive several nights in the backwoods, but actually “thrive” in complete comfort. (Continued on next page)

www.MaineSportsman.com

40 • August 2018 • The Maine Sportsman ��

Off-Road Traveler (Continued from page 39)

I’m in the process of outfitting a truck (newto-me 2010 Toyota Tacoma) for hunting, fishing and camping in the remote parts of the state. Right now, I am trying to decide about a cap to cover the bed. I have several designs picked out, each with various options that I’d like to explain here. Cap Options I want to remain practical in this selection process, but at the same time I’d like to keep it simple and have the truck and cap match. In other words...I’m not going to just throw any old cap on the truck. I must have a cap that is sealed to perfection – a perfect match to the truck bed without the possibility of a poor seal that would allow dust and water to pass into the bed of the truck. I’ve had

caps in the past that allow a slight break in the seal at the tailgate, and those conditions always result in wet and dusty gear. Most of the leaks happen at the tailgate, so I’m definitely going to get the optional tailgate seal kit to beef it up in this area. Applied properly, the aftermarket tailgate seal should help tremendously at keeping out excess dust and moisture. I also must have screened windows for ventilation. Camping without screened windows to vent the cap could be a very uncomfortable proposition, so screened window are a must for me. I like the kind that crank outward to keep out the rain while opened. I’ve sat through some hot and humid rainstorms with windows vented like this,

Jackman Region (Continued from page 38)

camp, many times it makes sense to rent a cabin for a night here or there. I’ve found most often that lodge owners do a real nice job of making their cabins a home away from home. And, just ask, they too have a story to tell. I’ve stayed in a cabin on Sebec Lake that baseball great Ted Williams stayed in. I was fortunate enough, with the help of Maine Sportsman columnist Jim Andrews, to stay in the one cabin located on the Moose River Bow Trip. We spent an enjoyable evening deciphering the names and dates scratched into the logs. It’s really hard not to step in someone else’s footsteps – that’s called reading someone else’s story. I decided a long time ago I wanted to write my own story. All too often that means moving forward while everyone around us stands still. August is the perfect time to rent a camp for a few days or even longer. The Jackman Region has plenty of folks who do a great job setting up the perfect Maine getaway. Many of these fine folks advertise right here on the pages of the Sportsman. www.MaineSportsman.com

and it sure makes a difference. I also started considering a screened roof vent, but have thrown out that idea because I’m more interested in installing a roof rack for carrying canoes and kayaks. I think the roof vent might get in the way of the rack or get whacked when placing the watercraft on the roof rack. I have a nice Thule (thule.com) kayak rack on the family car that interferes with the moon roof, so I don’t want this same issue on the truck.

Basic Needs Really, the only thing I need the cap for is covering my gear and keeping it dry and dust free – that, and the fact that I can sleep in it for overnight excursions into remote parts of the state. The last few trucks I’ve owned didn’t get caps installed because I didn’t want to have to rough it and sleep on a pad with a

sleeping bag again. Medical issues cropped up that have since been resolved, so I’m back in the market for this whole mobile sleeping system. A good mattress and sleeping bag make a world of difference, so when choosing these items be sure to select the best available. This doesn’t mean spending the most money – for some folks, a simple blue foam pad from the big box stores works just fine as support under a sleeping bag. I also want to install a slightly-elevated floor that allows for a large drawer to be slid underneath, to hold items in an orderly manner rather than piled up in the truck bed. I’ve been on trips before where the search for gear in the back of a truck bed involved way too much time and effort digging through piles of blankets, pillow, wrenches, sleeping bags, pro-

Whitewater Rafting While the rising temperatures typical of the eighth month slow down the fishing, other activities heat up. In the lower reaches of the region, multiple rafting companies regularly take adventure-seekers down the mighty Kennebec River. These whitewater rafting outfitters use professional equipment and employ a staff specially trained to navigate the whitewater that comes churning out of the Harris Dam. Because rafts hold eight to 10 people, many groups run the river together for team-building and bonding. It’s also a great family activity. I cannot stress enough the need to hire a professional guide for this fast-paced sport. I own a whitewater raft with an aluminum rowing frame attached to the inside. It’s a professional-grade Aire Super Puma, bought brand new last season. I wouldn’t even think about trying to run the Gorge during high water – Class IV and V whitewater is way above my pay grade. The raft can handle it, but not the oarsman. ATVs Roll Most of the cabins and lodges in the hamlet of Jackman have some sort of ATV access figured out. That means no trailering

pane stoves, fishing gear and coolers of food. I will be covering the floor with carpet, placing an extra thick pad underneath, to keep my knees from injury. I remember one too many trips into the back woods where climbing around in the truck bed on my knees almost ruined them to the point where I couldn’t wade for very long the next day. Crawling around the bed of the truck, rummaging for gear, will be more comfortable with a padded floor. Well, this all sounds kind of cushy – but I can’t wait to finish the project and get it in the woods for an overnight adventure. I’ll be reporting back right here when that happens.

from one place to the next – just swing one leg over the seat, cinch up the helmet and slap the throttle. The Jackman Region has over 300 miles of trails that weave through some of the most scenic and remote country in the northeast. Jackman has turned into a “hub” of sorts for ATV travel, attracting the attention of national ATV magazines. From Jackman day trips to Greenville, The Forks, Rockwood and nearby Canada combine nicely with a stay at a local cabin. To review the various options, visit www. borderriderssportsmanclub.com, where you can view up-to-date maps and learn trail conditions. The fine folks at Jackman ATV Rentals (www.jackmanatvrentals.com) can certainly help put wheels under anyone looking to explore some of those 300 miles of trail. They rent both traditional ATVs and the very popular side-by-side models. The sideby-side models remind me of one of my older jeeps – a great way to tour the backcountry in comfort. Someday when I’m stretched out on a camp porch with a fresh cup of coffee, I’ll reflect on the stories I hope to leave behind.

�� The Maine Sportsman • August 2018 • 41

Grilled Seafood Stew The origin of this recipe was the recent Maine Sportsman letter to the editor from Mark in Connecticut, who complained that his boss Scott despoiled the air in their workplace by microwaving bad-smelling chowder homemade day after day. Mark felt it was time for an intervention, and enlisted Kate’s help. “Please print your favorite seafood chowder in the Sportsman for Scott to see,” pleaded Mark. “Anything you could do would help.” So Scott – I hope you are up to the challenge to try out this recipe, and I hope you – and other readers of the Sportsman – will let me know how it turns out.

½ pound bacon -- Nayden Farms* ½ pound halibut steak ½ pound shrimp, shelled ½ pound fresh salmon boned and skin on ½ pound scallops 2 corn on the cob, grilled and cut off the cob 1 pound mussels, or 1 dozen cherrystone clams (scrubbed) 1 tablespoon Beast Feast Maine Cowboy Scorpion Dust Dry Rub* 1 tablespoon garlic powder (NOT garlic salt) 1 cup Chablis or chardonnay 3 cups fish or clam broth* 1 28-ounce can diced tomatoes 1 tablespoon brown sugar 1 teaspoon liquid smoke 2 tablespoons rendered bacon fat 1 pound red potatoes cut into 1/2-inch pieces 1 red onion, chopped

Soak 6 10-inch skewers at least 30 minutes in water to prevent burning.

Set aside to cool. Remove salmon and halibut skin, and chop in bite-sized pieces.

Combine Scorpion Dust and garlic powder. Lightly dust mix on halibut, shrimp, salmon and squid.

Husk corn, grill, and cut kernels off cob.

Preheat grill for medium-high heat. Lightly oil grill grate. Thread shrimp on skewers. Grill Halibut and Salmon - 4 minutes per side, Squid - 2 minutes per side, Shrimp - 1 minute per side.

Add fish stock to pot with mussels, cover and cook over high heat until shells open, about 7 minutes. Transfer to bowl and remove shells. Rinse out pot. Pour broth through sieve, in a separate bowl, to keep grit out; season with salt and pepper.

Pairing: Perfect with Tree Spirits Pear Sparkling Wine.

Add rendered bacon and heat until shimmer-

——

1) Render bacon in a cast-iron pan or heavy skillet over very low heat, cook for 10 to 12 minutes. Have patience, and you’ll be amazed at how much more fat you’ll get when cooking slowly. Pour through sieve with cheesecloth, as bacon bits offer a burnt taste when used in dishes. Rendered bacon, like ghee, has no expiration date and can be kept in a glass jar in refrigerator. 2) Grilling the corn keeps it crunchy in the

ing. Add potatoes and cook over moderately high heat, stirring occasionally, about 5 minutes. Stir in onion. Pour broth back into pot, add tomatoes and liquid smoke, cook over moderate heat, stirring to combine, about 7 minutes. Add seafood, corn, and bring to a boil just to heat through. Top with chopped bacon and serve.

Chef’s Notes

——

stew for days. 3) To always pack flavor in your food, shop as locally as you can. I work with local farms all the time, and this smoked bacon is superb. When you shop, forage, grow, fish or hunt, local sources always offer the freshest flavors. 4) And on a personal note regarding this seafood stew -- When my husband says, “This is another Signature Kate Dish,” you know

it has delicious layers that keep on giving. Thanks Don, my forever taste tester. *Nayden Farms Smoked Bacon (Conway, NH) *Beast Feast Scorpion Dust at www.beastfeastmaine.com *I make homemade fish stock from bones or fish flakes

www.MaineSportsman.com

42 • August 2018 • The Maine Sportsman ��

Downeast Fishing Hot in August Five o’clock in the morning, and the bay was rippling with small waves as I slid my 17-foot aluminum boat off the trailer and into the salt water. The fog was just rising off the surface as the sun began to peak over the east channel of Penobscot Bay. Within minutes after attaching my eel imitation and putting my lines out, I had my first striper hit. I thought, “Maine – the way life should be!” My reel screamed off yard after yard of 20-pound test monofilament line before I was able to slow down my mo-

Stripers are experiencing an upward swing in population, according to Maine guide Joe Rego of Prospect. He reports that total annual catches for his customers have increased from hundreds of fish five or six years ago, to thousands of stripers the last two seasons.

Need to spend some family time before or after striper fishing in the Prospect area? How about touring Fort Knox, or taking the elevator to the top of the Penobscot Narrows Bridge and Observatory? Photo source: Maine Department of Transportation/J&R Ogden, Bangor

tor and reset the drag on my salt-water reel. The fish took several dives before it came close enough

for me to see what was causing all the excitement. On the other end of my line was a 22-inch

striper. I carefully unhooked the fish and released it back into the bay.

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Later, I caught and released two more 18- to 22-inch stripers while trolling near Fort Knox. Downeast anglers have some exhilarating fishing opportunities in the summer. Folks can fish for stripers on Penobscot Bay, or lake trout on many lakes and ponds. Rod-bending salt-water or fresh-water action can be found by checking out DeLorme’s Maine Atlas, especially Maps 23, 24, 25 and 35.

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�� The Maine Sportsman • August 2018 • 43

Bear Hunting with Hounds The echoing chorus of the pack fractured the early-morning silence, and the chase was on. My heart rate quickened as the howls of the excited hounds reached a crescendo, indicating they were hot on the trail of a bruin. Early game camera pictures had indicated that a bear well in excess of 200 pounds was a regular visitor to this particular bait site, and I hoped the hounds were on its track. As the sounds of the hounds grew distant, I examined my guide’s handheld GPS dog tracking unit. A true marvel, this GPS unit is capable of tracking the movements of each individual dog, as well as indicating when a dog is sitting (resting) or has treed a bear. Given the massive size of the heavily-forested, north-central Maine territory we were hunting, I couldn’t fathom how difficult hunting with hounds must have been before these units – and the earlier tracking systems, which used radio collar telemetry – were created. For a houndsman to recover his dogs after chasing a bear across this expansive country must have required a Herculean effort. Watching the hounds give chase to the bear on the small screen is addictive. The track of the hounds is overlaid on top of a detailed topographical map. In this case, it showed the bear following streams and pushing through cedar bogs in an effort to evade the rapidly-advancing hounds. As the hounds chased the bear toward an accessible road, the guide

Regardless of how folks feel about hunting with hounds, everyone should participate in this event at least once. Whether engaged in pursuit of ducks, ruffed grouse, woodcock or bear, a sportsman’s hunting experience is always enriched when spent in the company of a dog. shouted, “We need to roll!” and in seconds we were rocketing down the gravel backroad in an effort to cut off the bear. We arrived at the location, shut off the truck and quietly waited and watched the GPS tracker. “Bear should be on top of us any second,” said the guide. My adrenaline surged as I intently watched the woods for movement. A minute passed, and suddenly I saw something moving through the bushes toward us at a great rate of speed. The animal erupted from the spruce thicket, but instead of a bear, it was the

lead dog, Nash. Nash blew by me without even a look, wild on the hot scent of bear. “Must have just missed the bear crossing,” explained the guide. “Let’s catch the trailing dogs, throw them in the truck and replace them with fresh dogs.” Maine law allows only six dogs be used at a time to chase a bear, so several hounds were in the back of the truck, waiting impatiently for their chance to join the chase. The trailing dogs, despite being hot and thirsty, didn’t want to quit the chase, and whined incessantly when

placed back in the truck. Once released, the fresh dogs charged into the underbrush, eager to join the hunt. The fresh dogs rapidly caught the lead dog, and soon I saw on the screen that all of the dogs had stopped, their icons all indicating that they were placing their paws

on a tree or looking up, a sure sign a bear is treed. “850 yards,” said the guide and I began thinking this would be easy. As I stepped into the forest, however, I saw that this journey was going to be anything but easy. Tangled alder bogs, spruce thickets, blowdowns and all sorts of woodland challenges stood in our way, and as the temperature soared, I know this was going to be an adventure. We moved slowly, methodically watching our footing and taking care to (Continued on next page)

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44 • August 2018 • The Maine Sportsman ��

Central Maine (Continued from page 43)

avoid any missteps. After about an hour, the once-distant howls of the hounds grew to high intensity. Through the thick underbrush, I could see the hounds, and as we edged closer I saw the black outline of a large bear about 35 feet up a large pine tree. The massive bear, to my surprise, appeared unconcerned at the commotion occurring at the base of the tree. As we nudged closer, the guide warned that despite the bear’s apparent relaxed attitude, I should not be lulled into complacency. A bear’s actions can be erratic, and a treed animal can rapidly develop a change of temperament the moment it begins to feel the least bit threatened. I slowly pulled up my weapon of choice for this expedition – a small video camera – and began recording the event. It’s exciting – fascinating, really – to be this close to a black bear of this size.

While I enjoy hunting bears with a firearm, this day we were not hunting; instead, we were training dogs for the upcoming season that permits hunting bear with hounds. Even absent bringing home a trophy bear, I relished the opportunity to be involved in this spectacle. The guide asked me to stand back, and one at a time he began pulling the excited hounds off the base of the tree. As the guide pulled the last dog, he warned that the bear would likely descend rapidly, seeing its chance to escape. I backed up a few additional yards, and while I kept videotaping with my left hand, my right hand instinctively dropped to rest on the grip of my .357 Magnum. As soon as the guide pulled the last dog, the bear slid down the tree and rocketed into the underbrush faster than a person could blink. The bear’s movement was so unnaturally fast that

Downeast Region (Continued from page 42)

encing an upward swing in population. Joe mentioned that a five or six years ago, he and his sports were only catching a couple hundred of stripers each year. However, in the past two years Joe said that he and his clients have caught thousands of stripers per year from the Penobscot and the Damariscotta River. Presently, enough stripers over the minimum 28-inch size are being caught to excite more than a few salt-water anglers. Several top-notch striper haunts exist off Sandy Point in the waters along Gondola Cove, Map 23, E-2, while other productive striper spots lie upstream near the Penobscot Narrows Bridge and Observatory. Before or after fishing, anglers and their families can enjoy discovering the interior and exterior of Fort Knox, taking an elevator to the top of the observatory, or using the picnic facilities. Some fish-minded family members may even get a chance to grab their rods and try to catch a few stripers from shore. More Striper Waters According to avid striper angler and Prospect resident Keith Kelley, another exwww.MaineSportsman.com

Bear hounds Nash and Dakota impatiently wait their turn to join the hunt.

it made me realize how quickly this situation could have gone bad, if not for the experience of a professional guide and his aggressive hounds. As the bear raced off, the hounds again went crazy, wanting – no, needing – to do that one amazing thing they were bred to do: give chase. The walk-out was again tiring, dragging out the obstinate dogs, but I appreciated that my back was not loaded with 150

pounds of de-boned bear meat and hide. Upon reaching the truck, we boxed the hounds and enjoyed a quiet lunch. The dogs, finally accepting that the chase for today was done, peacefully drank water and settled down in the hay to nap. Tired but elated by the entire experience, I began to ponder how fun it would be for others, both hunter and non-hunter, to partici-

cellent piece of water up from Bucksport is located slightly downstream from the South Orrington Boat Ramp. This area of the river contains several deep holes where striped bass hold up waiting for the tide to change. One of the best bets to hook into one of these ocean bass on Penobscot Bay lies within a half mile of the Verona Island Boat Landing. The shoreline from Fort Knox upriver is a good place to troll a live eel to entice a few battling bass. Successful bass fishers usually use salt-water lures or eel imitations. Shoreline angling can be complicated; however, Bucksport has a 60- foot fishing pier adjacent to the new Veteran’s Memorial that is often used by anglers during the summer. Togue, Bass and White Perch One favorite togue water is Beech Hill Pond, Map 23, C-1. This pond contains more than 1,350 acres of lake-trout habitat. Most of the summer-feeding togue are in water depths over 100 feet in the center of the pond. This pond gives up several 10-to 15-pound togue during the open-water season. Regulations require that only two lake trout may be caught, of which only one may exceed 33 inches in length. One summer angler, Ray Pelletier, owns

pate in such a traditional hunting method as the running of the hounds. Regardless of how folks feel about hunting with hounds, everyone should participate in this event at least once. Whether engaged in pursuit of ducks, ruffed grouse, woodcock or bear, a sportsman’s hunting experience is always enriched when spent in the company of a dog.

a seasonal camp on this water. He reports that in addition to having outstanding lake trout fishing, Beech Hill Pond also provides good fishing for salmon, white perch and pickerel. There is a boat-launching facility located off Route 180 between Ellsworth and Bangor. Go north on Route 180 and follow signs toward the Green Lake Fish Hatchery. After approximately 3 miles, turn left onto the Gary Moore Road for 100 yards; take your first right, and follow this road to the private boat launch. Togue anglers will still be getting some fish, but you have to go deep, with the most success found in the 35-50 foot range. Anglers are getting fish with live bait trolled really slowly (less than a mile an hour). Other fishermen are having success by still-fishing with bait. August in Downeast Maine is a great time for bass and white perch fishing on many of waters in Hancock and Washington County. “Perch fishing has been really good,” wrote IFW fisheries biologist Greg Burr in a previous August’s fishing report. “There have been a lot of people out perch fishing, finding the deeper holes and getting some nice fish.”

�� The Maine Sportsman • August 2018 • 45

Where to Catch Wild Brookies This Month A few weeks ago I fly-fished South River, a meandering stream originating across the border in New Hampshire that flows into Ossipee River in Parsonsfield (check DeLorme’s Atlas, Map 4, D-1 or Google Maps). This is one of my favorite mid-summer trout stream. I caught a few small brook trout near the bridge on the Middle Road. From there I fished upstream, where a fat, 10inch brook trout inhaled my fly – a large trout in this small stream. An alder-covered island lies in the middle of the stream. Most of the stream flows to the right side of it, while only a little brook – you can jump over – flows to the right, before the two sections merge downstream. It’s the smaller brook that forms a shaded pool, and that’s where I cast my fly and caught the trout. Most anglers bypass that little pool to fish on the main stream. But that day, sun beat down on most of the stream. My little pool, however, remained shaded in shadows. I struggled to tie the size-18 tan elk hare caddis on to the 6X tippet – old eyes and size 18 flies are have become an issue for me. I flicked the fly in a riffle upstream, and it floated downstream into the pool. As the line straightened, the fly sank. I fished it wet, letting it drift in the current, and that’s when the trout slammed it. Much of the South

When driving a road that parallels a trout river, look for small dips in the pavement and cracks in the surface of the tar. These indicate the presence of water flowing under the road toward the river from underground springs and seeps. Trout will hang out where the cold water enters the river.

Val says brook trout are easy to catch in August if you know where they hang out. He caught this wild trout while fishing a stream in northern York county. Marquez photo.

River is hike-in access only. The mid-section is remote, and many sections haven’t been fished in years. You will be fishing over trout that have likely never seen an artificial fly or lure. Bait such as worms also works well here. Brookies Seek Coolest Water As water temperatures rise during mid-summer, brook trout migrate into cooler, shaded waters of streams. To find them, anglers should locate brush-tangled sections where trout hang out. Look for dark pools, under-cut banks and over-hanging brush. My go-to fly pattern in these conditions is a caddis dry fly pattern, fished either dry or wet. I prefer tan or other light colors because they are easy to see.

Brookies are aggressive feeders, and they could care less if a fly floats or sinks. Brown trout, on the other hand, can be picky feeders. And as for rainbow trout – their close ancestors are transplants from the west coast states, and therefore are genetically accustomed to dealing with bright, sunny waters. This month brook trout are easy to locate, they hold in the coolest sections of river systems. Locating hot weather trout is simple, once you know what to look for. Shaded, deep and dark pools, as mentioned above, are always good spots. When bright sun covers a section of water, brookies and browns retreat to cover – browns for protection from the sun, and brookies looking for the coolest water tem-

peratures possible. Places where brooks flow into streams can also provide good fishing. It only takes one degree

in water temperature to affect brook trout, and the slightly cooler waters from a brook will attract them to the inlet. Seeps and Springs Anglers are often unaware of locations where water is cooler due to springs and seeps entering streams from underground. These areas are difficult to find, but if you are successful it’s well worth the effort. As an example, you can follow the Mann Road in Shapleigh – it parallels the Little Ossipee River. The river flows from North Shapleigh Pond, and a few brooks, such as Davis Brook, enter the stream. But it’s the underground springs that seep into the river from surrounding mountains that attract trout. To locate these springs, ride the road as you pass between Mann Mountain and the Lit(Continued on page 47)

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46 • August 2018 • The Maine Sportsman ��

August Anglers Search for Cold Water in Rangeley Region In the sweltering heat of August, fishing for trout and salmon becomes a deep-water proposition. Heavily-rigged fishing boats, stable enough to handle the wa-

ter-whipping storms that crop up so quickly during the late summer, slowly troll the big lakes around Rangeley searching for cold water at any depth. Downriggers take their

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lures deep, where cooler water temperatures keep salmonid metabolisms active. The sheer size of the big lakes, spread in all directions around the Rangeley Region, offer August anglers plenty of places to go deep. Take a look at a map of depths for Rangeley Lake (Delorme Atlas, Map 28, E-3, 4, and 5), and note that the deepest part of the lake is found just off the length of the north shore. Trolling a line deep here may produce a cool-seeking trout or salmon. Access the lake at the public launch right in the town of Rangeley, the State Park on the

south shore, or the landing in Oquossoc near the mouth of the Rangeley River. Mooselookmeguntic Lake (Map 28, E-3 and Map 18, A-3), another fine deepwater fishing location, gives up plenty of cold-loving salmonid each year. Access Mooselook (the abbreviated version of the lake’s long name) at Haines Landing at the end of Route 4 in Oquossoc. Most of the deepest water occurs in the center of the lake, out from Bugle Cove on the east shore. Both of these lakes require a sea-worthy boat with a deep-V hull to cut through the big waves

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that kick up quickly during the storms that often strike at a moment’s notice. The high wall of mountains that surround these lakes hides the view of approaching storms from anglers floating at water level. More Cold Water Upper and Lower Richardson Lake (Map 18, A-2 and B-2) maintain low temperatures as a result of the cooling effect of the water pouring in from many small, shaded tributaries that are found around the perimeters of both lakes. Although Upper Dam, between Mooselookmeguntic Lake and Upper (Continued on next page)

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�� The Maine Sportsman • August 2018 • 47 (Continued from page 46)

Richardson Lake, draws the biggest crowd of anglers, many prefer the serene waters around the more remote sections of the shoreline. Along with underwater spring seeps on the big lakes, the many tributaries provide an influx of cooling waters that attract and maintain a healthy trout and salmon population. The tree-lined, mountain-fed brooks and streams keep the water oxygenated and cool, filling the lakes with chilled water – an ideal environment for any cold-water species. Many of these same tributaries also hold plenty of fish for those adventurous anglers willing to do a little exploring on foot. Anchor the boat on shore and wade upstream into the tributaries, in search of shaded holes full of hidden trout and salmon. The coolest holes, meant for the most adventurous anglers, will be found closest to their source. This means wading in to the farthest reaches of the little

brooks and streams. Also note the many remote campsites along the shoreline of the Richardsons, or those nestled on the islands that dot the lakes. Camping anglers don’t have to travel very far to get into good fishing areas. Many catch-and-release anglers also take a few fish for the pan. I can’t think of a better way to round out a camping and fishing adventure than feasting on a freshly-caught fish cooked over the open coals of an evening campfire. Pond Fishing Sabbath Day Pond (Map 18, A-5), another body of water that stays cool in the heat of summer, can be found by heading north of Mexico on Route 17. Go a few miles beyond the town Byron, and look for the green Appalachian Trail (AT) signs. The AT crosses Route 17 just before the new parking area for the scenic overlook called “The Height of Land.” Hikers can leave their vehicles in the parking area,

Southern Maine (Continued from page 45)

tle Ossipee. Look for little dips in the road with cracks in the pavement – those dips are caused by the presence of water flowing through the gravel under the road. There are the spots where underground springs flow and eventually enter the river. Trout take up positions there, thriving in the cold spring waters. Sandy River Bottom Signifies Springs Another way to locate springs during summer is look for sandy areas with water bubbling up – trout will be holding there, as well. Again using the Little O as an example, anglers should check the lower section from the bridge in Newfield to Waterboro. Anglers can slip a canoe in at Chellis Brook located downstream from the bridge, and then float the slow, meandering stream looking for springs – there are many. These springs attract trout. In your quest for wild brookies, also consider swamps, bogs and beaver ponds. These hard-to-access waters are a mecca for brook trout. Many southern Maine rivers and streams flow from headwaters formed

cross the pavement to the white trail marking, and follow the trail approximately four miles to the lean-to near the shore of Sabbath Day Pond. The lean-to, about 200 yards from the shoreline, gives shelter during rainy weather, and has a designated campfire ring for overnight camping. First-time campers in these locations always marvel at the well-kept outdoor privies. Once an angler reaches either of these ponds, get ready for some elevated fishing action. Not too many folks enjoy hiking more than a few hundred yards to a fishing location – this leaves plenty of fish for adventurous hiking anglers, and enough tranquility to last until the next trip to this region. The last time I fished Sabbath Day Pond, I tried to wade out enough to get in a good back cast. I found the bottom of the pond to be way too soft, so I would definitely recommend taking it a lightweight float tube for getting out away from the

The author netted this healthy 16-inch brook trout in Rangeley’s cold waters. William Clunie photo

thick brush on the shoreline. Lazy August Days One memorable August weekend several years back, I taught a father and son team from New York City how to cast a fly on Saturday morning, then had them fish the Upper Magalloway River system between Aziscohos Lake and Parmachenee Lake (Map 28, C-1) later that afternoon. They had a few strikes, but no fish brought to the net. The next morning I guided the whole family to the top of Aziscohos Mountain to pick blueberries. The sunny, bluebird day couldn’t have been clearer. From the peak of

by swamps, and these areas are easy to locate on Google Maps. Here are a few for you to check: 1) Davis Brook – one of the sources of the South River – from the outlet on Spicer Pond in Shapleigh to the bridge on Mann Road. 2) Heath Brook, a large swale- and alder-choked bog north of the bridge on Milton Mills Road in Acton. 3) Pump Box Brook in Shapleigh – its upper section is a typical bog that has big brook trout; however, from the bridge at Shapleigh Corner to where it enters Mousam Lake is fast-flowing water with riffles, smooth runs and deep pools. This section offers browns, brookies and an occasional salmon that moved into lower sections from Mousam Lake, where they have been stocked for many years. Other Trout Waters Farther north, the Crooked River flows from Songo Lake, in Albany, and enters Sebago Lake in Casco. It is managed as a wild trout fishery, and contains fly fishing-only sections from North Waterford to Route 11 in Casco. Check the law book so you don’t run afoul of various restrictions.

the mountain, a spectacular view of the lakes in this region appears in every direction. Our group picked berries by the handful, then basked in the sun on the flat rocks that crop up at the summit, eating our fill of wild berries. I had the pleasure of showing these folks how to fish, hike, and enjoy plump blueberries from the mountains. They had never fished except with me the year before. Concrete and asphalt cover the earth where they live and work, and I can only imagine the freedom they felt in their jaunt through the mountains and waters of Rangeley.

This brookie was caught with a elk hair caddis fly pattern fished wet in a small pool hidden in shadows. Marquez Photo

Fishing is productive at the bridge in Bolster’s Mills. The water near the outlet into Sebago Lake also holds fish. Try Crooked during rainy and overcast days, since in that weather trout become active, and fishing can be good along the whole waterway. I enjoy fly fishing for brook trout in August. They are easy to locate once you know what to look for; you have the streams to yourself; and except for ticks, the bugs aren’t as thick as in June and July. (Don’t underestimate the tick issue, however; take all available precautions to avoid ticks.)

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48 • August 2018 • The Maine Sportsman ��

Forest Fires in Maine Forest fires are a fact of life in the Pine Tree State. Maine typically experiences 400 to 800 wildfires a year, ranging from under an acre, to over 1,000 acres. The Maine Forest Service and local fire departments work hard to extinguish wildfires quickly to keep the danger and impact to a minimum. Still, we have large and destructive fires every few years. Full Swing We are currently in the middle of the fire season in northern New England. Maine’s fire season lasts from March through November, with the highest risk of fire occurring in April and May before spring “green up.” After the snow melts, dead grass and dried leaves provide tinder that can quickly ignite and spread rapidly. A second peak period occurs in the fall, when leaves and needles drop and humidity decreases. Maine’s conifer forests can become tinder-dry during the summer after just a week or two of hot, sunny weather. According to Bill Greaves, Regional Ranger in Ashland, Maine, the lack of rain in May and June of this year put Maine on track to be at the high end of the range for both the number of fires and acres burned. “We can’t predict weeks or months ahead,” he said, “but a continued dry trend would result in a busy fire season through the fall. When it’s extra dry, fires burn deeper into the ground and are much harder to put out. Fire crews have www.MaineSportsman.com

In 1992, an enormous fire burned over 1,000 acres and threatened the towns of Allagash and St. Francis. Flames jumped the St. John River three times. Twenty bulldozers were deployed to cut a fire break, and U.S. and Canadian planes and helicopters dumped water to quell the fire.

Pay attention to the Maine Forest Service warnings to help avoid disasterous forest fires.

to spend more time in mop-up, which strains everyone’s budgets.” The most common cause of fires in all seasons are debris/brush pile burning, and unextinguished campfires, followed by smoking materials (cigarettes) and, much less frequently, lightning. Roaring Start The 2018 fire season got off to roaring start in early May when over 340 acres burned in Sanford, Kennebunk and Wells, one of the largest fires in York County in recent memory. The fire threatened residential neighborhoods, but fortunately caused no injuries or structural damage. Over 80 firefighters battled the blaze through the night with the help of heat-sensing drones, before bringing it under control with the help of

some timely rain. The cause of the fire is unknown. Red Flag Warning On May 11, the Maine Forest Service issued a Red Flag Warning statewide when relative humidity, wind, warm air temperature and low fuel moisture created extremely high danger for wildfires. Under Red Flag conditions, fires usually spread faster than responders can move, magnifying the danger. State agencies and the National Weather Service will issue a Red Flag Warning when: • Small fuels (grass, leaves, mulch, twigs) are at 8% moisture or less and expected to remain at that level for 2 or more days; and • Afternoon and evening relative humidity levels fall to 25%

or lower and sustained winds are expected to exceed 15 mph (13 knots) for at least 2 hours. A Fire Weather Watch may be issued if forecasted conditions indicate that a Red Flag Warning is possible in the next 72 hours, or existing fire activity magnifies the risk. Fortunately, the Red Flag conditions only lasted until showers and cooler temperatures returned the following day. Dry weather continued through May and June, however. On May 31, the Maine Forest Service reported that a fire burned over 35 acres near Chesuncook before it was brought under control. Hot Shots The Maine Forest Service trains crews of elite “Hot Shot” firefighters who are the first responders in the Unorganized

Territories and who back up local fire departments in organized towns. Responders are supported by tankers of various sizes, from 300 gallons to several thousand gallons. Bulldozers, utility task vehicles (UTVs), tracked vehicles, helicopters and fixed wing aircraft are deployed as needed. Fire Impacts Fire can sometimes be ecologically beneficial. Pine barrens, for example, are rare forest communities on sandy soils that are dependent on fire for regeneration. “Prescribed burning” is sometimes used to produce desired wildlife habitat and biodiversity, or to reduce fuel loads so that the risk of a major fire is lower. The Hot Shot crews are often engaged in planning and supervising prescribed burn projects across the state. Fire can also be economically beneficial. Traditionally, Maine’s wild blueberry barrens were burned periodically to prune the plants, control weeds and pests, and improve production. While many growers have switched to mowing instead of burning, controlled burns still occur under favorable conditions. But sometimes things get out of hand. Big Burn In May 2006, a blueberry burn crew lost control of a fire in Centerville Township (Washington County). When responders arrived, the fire had scorched 10 acres and eventually spread to over (Continued on page 50)

�� The Maine Sportsman • August 2018 • 49

Even Experienced Anglers Must Adjust Techniques After Listening to Experts Fishing Moosehead Lake in June with friend and area guide Bob Lawrence, I was surprised to see that he had the rods rigged up with streamer flies. “It’s June,” I thought, “and topwater fishing can’t possibly work.” Boy, was I wrong. We were targeting the lake’s massive (4-7 pound) brook trout. We got hits, but these were short strikes. This was in the middle of some very complex weather systems, and fish react to pressure changes by either not feeding or striking short. But salmon, on the other hand, struck hard. We had a fine day catching salmon, using streamer flies. Had I been alone, I would have begun the day by trolling with preserved smelt, fished fairly deep. And that would have probably not worked so well. This all served to reaffirm my contention that it doesn’t always pay to stick to hard-andfast rules. Sometimes, we think one way but the fish have entirely different attitudes. Varying Depths Here’s another example of this notion. For years, I trolled my favorite trout lake in summer, but never had any bangup days. Knowing that fish were holding near bottom, it never occurred to me to try raising my offerings. But after speaking with a fisheries biologist, my long-held beliefs were instantly shattered. The biologist told me that no matter how warm the water, trout in this lake

I’d been fishing the lake bottom during the hot days, but a fisheries biologist told me that trout congregate in 30 feet of water, regardless of the air temperature. So I began fishing 30 feet down, and immediately started catching fish.

The author has learned to listen to the experts, and to adjust his fishing approach and try new methods. As this brace of brown trout shows, his flexible philosophy pays big dividends.

were not on bottom, but congregated in 30 feet of water. So I began fishing only 30 feet down, and immediately began catching fish. This paid off so well that I even got doubles, a tricky situation for a lone angler. If I had adhered

to my long-held beliefs, this kind of glorious trout fishing would never have come my way. Time of day, too, has considerable bearing on where to locate trout. In the early morning, even now during the Dog Days of August, trout often

work shallow water, only to retreat to deeper climes when the sun breaks out in full force. So don’t hesitate to experiment. This isn’t to say that if fish bit at a certain depth at a certain time yesterday they won’t bite as well at that

depth today. Instead, I want to impart the notion that nothing about trout fishing is carved in stone, and to every rule there are always exceptions. Trophy Time August heats up in more ways than one. Despite sizzling temperatures, brown trout and rainbow trout eagerly smash trolled lures and baits. Often, the largest fish in the lake come to net at this time. My pal Bob Lawrence’s rule of thumb regarding lure type is worth repeating. Bob likes to try different offerings, but if whatever he ties on his line doesn’t get a hit with 10 minutes or so, he’ll change to something else. That way he – or more to the point, the fish – get to sample the entire spectrum of lures. Slow trolling using live bait stands out as the best way to entice a lunker. This can be fished solo, without any shiny attractors, or behind a dodger or set of lake trolls. Golden shiners, my favorite baitfish other than smelt, work wonders now. And though it sounds counterintuitive, some of the biggest fish fall to the smallest shiners. My suggestion is to start out with smaller shiners, and only change to larger baits if, after a respectable try, nothing takes them. After that, start changing baits. Incidental Catch Deep trolling in August for trophy trout sometimes sees anglers hooking non-target species. Smallmouth bass (Continued on next page) www.MaineSportsman.com

50 • August 2018 • The Maine Sportsman ��

Trout Fishing (Continued from page 49)

in particular fall to the same tactics that we use for trout. And in a way, that’s a shame, since often-huge bass tend to fall for trolled baits. At the same time, bass anglers, people who would absolutely love to take 4- to 5-pound smallmouths, see trollers taking large bass and no doubt secretly wish it was them instead of us. Surely it seems unfair, but there isn’t much we can do about it. It just works out that way. Smallmouth bass fight hard, and when they hit, my first thought goes to either brown trout or togue. But those thoughts are quickly dispelled when the fish takes line, deep and determined, but not at all fast. Besides that, trout transmit an electric sensation when they are hooked. It feels like a combination of head shaking and body

shaking. The difference between the two is very noticeable. In the course of a season, at least two or three bragging-size bass latch on to my bait. Bass aren’t the only unexpected catch, either. White perch, particularly large ones, are attracted by the dodger or lake-troll set, and eagerly nail the shiner following behind. So if you are new to lake trolling for salmonids, don’t be surprised if something other than a trout, togue or salmon winds up on the end of your line. It goes with the territory. Togue Jigging Now, with togue settled into deep holes, anglers take fish by deep trolling. But old-timers did well by jigging for them with a variety of lures and baits. Everything from strips of suck-

Danger in the Outdoors (Continued from page 48)

700 acres. The raging fires spread rapidly through the crowns of mature spruce and fir stands. Over 60 firefighters responded, plus a crew from Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge and inmates from Bucks Harbor and Charlestown correctional facilities. Heavy equipment operators cut wide fire breaks as high winds pushed the flames, while helicopters dumped water to slow the fire. Eventually a light rain helped bring the fire under control. Allagash Fire In 1992, an enormous fire burned over 1,000 acres and threatened the towns of Allagash and St. Francis, nearly 10 miles

Wildlife Quiz Answers — Bluegills — (Quiz on Page 34) www.MaineSportsman.com

er bellies to large Swedish Pimples took fish. Live shiners are another option, but I have taken a fancy to Berkley Gulp Alive lures, which are lifelike, biodegradable minnow imitations. Just insert a hook through the head, drop the bait in the water and watch as it undulates, its tail twitching seductively. The only fly in this ointment is the ban on lead sinkers of a size to take lures down to the 50-foot level. My solution is to use the largest non-toxic sinkers available, and a thin line. I like 8-pound-test, and this is available in very thin diameter. The thin line slices through water with ease. So give it a try by drifting with a Berkley Gulp, and hold on tight, because the biggest togue in the lake may well cooperate. And best of luck with your trophy hunting this August.

This salmon took a streamer trolled along the top in June.

apart. The feisty fire jumped the St. John River three times. News reports stated that over 1,000 firefighters fought the blaze. 20 bulldozers were brought in to cut a fire break around St. Francis. Helicopters and planes, including some from Canada, were deployed to drop thousand of gallons of water to extinguish the fast-moving flames. Take Care With so much at stake, we all need to exercise extreme caution during fire season. When camping or enjoying a backyard fire, it is important to dig down to bare soil before lighting a fire. Also, always appoint a “Designated Douser” to be sure the fire is fully extinguished before the last person retires for the night. When burning brush and debris, be sure

to do everything by the book. Always check the daily Fire Danger Rating, and obtain a burn permit from the Maine Forest Service website or your local fire department. Remember that no fires are permitted between 9 am and 5 pm when warmer temperatures and drier air make it easier for the fire to spread. Experts recommend a long-enough hose to wet down the area around the fire. Using a rake or shovel, also dig a fire break around the perimeter of the brush pile, clearing away leaves and pine needles down to bare soil so the fire won’t burn and spread underneath the surface. Be sure every ember is out before leaving the area. Every fire deserves our full attention and respect. Enjoy the rest of the summer, and be safe!

1, The native range of the bluegill includes most of North America. 2. Bluegills are also called brim, bream and sunfish. 3. Bass, northern pike, herons and snapping turtles all feed on bluegills. 4. Bluegills run between 6-12 inches, and weigh between a half-pound and about 1.2 pounds. 5. The largest bluegill ever caught weighed 4 pounds, 10 ounces and was 15 inches long. 6. The bluegill breeding season starts in May and runs into August. 7. Bluegills feed on a large array of plankton, crustaceans, insects and small fish. 8. Bluegills can live to be about 8 years old.

�� The Maine Sportsman • August 2018 • 51

Our Young Writers Track Moose with a Maine Biologist Our “Young Maine Sportswoman,” Alyssa Sansoucy, and our “Young Maine Sportsman,” Luke Giampetruzzi, had a recent opportunity to go on a working field trip with Lee Kantar, Maine’s moose biologist. Here’s their story. Alyssa: On May 29, Luke and I got to spend the day with Lee Kantar. Our goal was to locate two cow moose that had been outfitted with transmitter collars, to determine their health, and the health of their calves. Luke: When Alyssa told me she’d won a trip with a Maine biologist to go out for day and track collared moose, I accepted her invitation to join them. I thought it would be a cool experience to see what a day in the life of a biologist was like, and hopefully to see a moose or two. Getting out of school to spend a day in the woods didn’t sound so bad, either. Alyssa: The three of us met up and drove to Jackman. By the time we arrived in Jackman, we already had a good idea where one of the cows was, possibly with a calf. That’s because every morning at 5 o’clock, the moose’s transmitter collar sends GPS coordinates that show the locations where the moose traveled the previous night. Luke: Collars are placed around the moose’s neck using a helicopter equipped with a net gun. The nets are fired at the moose, and weights on each corner of the net slow the moose down. Biologists place the collar as quickly as possible to

Lee Kantar (left), Maine’s moose biologist, explains the operation of the hand-held device used to track collared moose, to Alyssa Sansoucy and Luke Giampetruzzi.

avoid further stressing the animals. Collaring is done in the winter, when the lack of foliage allows the biologists to spot the moose easily from the air. Alyssa: When we arrived at the first spot, Lee demonstrated the equipment he uses to locate the moose. It’s a hand-held GPS system. Luke: The device makes a series of beeps, and when the cadence of the beeps slows down or speeds up, that signals how close the moose is, and in what direction. Alyssa: We heard a louder beep off to our left. We drove a bit farther down the road, near a river, and the beeps then came from our right. We were getting closer now,

so Lee lowered the sound and distance range of the GPS, providing a much more precise direction. We walked along the edge of a long field until we hit the woodline. The woods were very dry that day, so it was hard to walk without being loud. We moved super-carefully. Luke: We crept slowly through some thick alder brush, and then came within sight a river. We could hear the moose walking down the river’s edge. We spotted glimpses of the cow, and I saw a smaller one with it, so it must have been a cow and calf. Alyssa: They were moving through the water away from us. If it wasn’t for being so dry

out, I think we could have gotten a lot closer view of them. Luke: We backed out of the area as to not disturb the moose, and then traveled to the next spot and started tracking another moose in some woods that opened up into a swamp. Alyssa: On the drive over, we talked about the sad realities of winter ticks. Forty-five percent of the calves that were tracked last year died directly or indirectly as the result of ticks. Luke: The bushes hold clusters of ticks, and they latch onto the moose and reproduce. The moose get so covered in ticks that they rub their hair off in an attempt to

remove the ticks. Without protection from the cold that’s provided by their hair, they get frostbite and also get weakened by blood loss. Alyssa: If a moose dies, the GPS signals Lee that the moose has not moved in several hours. He then has about 24 hours to find the moose and determine the cause of death. Luke: To reduce the spread of ticks, Maine biologists are trying to increase the number of moose permits, since ticks thrive among large populations of moose. Alyssa: Getting back to our tracking story – We arrived to the second spot and tried to locate the other cow. We listened and walked through the woods for a while. Luke: We walked a long, long way tracking the second moose, but the moose got spooked and we couldn’t catch up. However, we did see fresh tracks. Alyssa: Overall, I think being an animal biologist would be a very great job, since you get to do a lot of studies and trips like this one. I had a lot of fun, and was very grateful for the opportunity to spend the day with Lee. Luke: One important lesson I learned about being a moose biologist is that they do a lot of walking in thick woods! But let me also say – based on what we saw during our working field trip with Lee Kantar, I believe the future of our moose population is in good hands.

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52 • August 2018 • The Maine Sportsman ��

Late Summer Trolling By August, fishing in many of the small stocked trout ponds has slowed down. The shallow, muddy-bottomed oversized puddles are warming to temperatures close to eighty degrees. The rivers and streams are running low, draining out the formerly deep holes and trout that hid within them. Bass anglers find themselves baking in ninety-degree unrelenting sunshine – perspiring and staring at their sonars while dropshotting for smallmouth in 40 feet of water. This is the time of year to really consider the nice breeze you get while trolling. I know what many of you are thinking – booorrring! I’ve always thought so, but then again, I’ve never given it much of a chance until recently. Stems from Childhood Experience Freudian ideology contends that all present-day doings and dilemmas stem from childhood events and encounters. I’m not much of a fan of Freud, but perhaps he had a point as it pertains to my lack of enthusiasm for the “lazy” way of fishing. Growing up, my family made an annual trek to Lake Champlain for the Father’s Day weekend LCI derby. It was a lot of fun, catching and seeing all kinds of bizarre fish, including sheepshead, bowfin and longnose gar. However, I can specifically remember one traumatizing weekend of pike fishing – in the pouring rain. When in the rain, some people try to rewww.MaineSportsman.com

Based on his experiences as a younger man, the author thought trolling was boring – or worse. But that was before he went out on First Connecticut Lake with a local angler who had mastered the art of trolling.

Ray Lacasse poses with a beautiful dark chocolate brown- (almost black-) colored lake trout he caught trolling in the First Connecticut Lake, Pittsburg, NH.

duce their movements, hoping that the raingear will shed the moisture and shortly the storm will pass. Essentially, you are so miserable that you don’t want to move. Well if you’re fishing, the best way to stop moving is to start trolling. All you have to do is sit in the comfy chair, drive the boat and maybe reel in a fish. So we trolled for what seemed like dozens of hours along the international border in Mississquoi Bay. We were trolling for northern pike with red and white (and occasionally a yellow with red diamonds) Dardevle spoons. We caught a few fish,

Ethan Emerson holds a nice landlocked salmon hooked on a threaded shiner in Pittsburg, NH.

but not nearly enough to make me forget about my pruning hands and wet butt (I had to sit on the wet carpet, as the adults got to sit in the boat seats). The rain kept coming down in sheets, and I was shivering and hungry. I also remember the next day, when my dad suggested that we go back out trolling for pike rather than angling for bass, and I threw a tantrum. I yelled, pleaded, and cried almost to the point of hyperventilation. And since then, I haven’t been excited about trolling – at least until last year. Revelation So what changed? For starters, it helps to use

modern equipment, learn from an expert, and catch a lot of fish. On this particular occasion, I was on First Connecticut Lake, fishing with a local who had mastered the art of trolling. (Who knew it was an art?) We started the morning off by going to check his minnow trap, baited with dog food. After getting a few dozen shiners from there, we were off to launch the Lund boat. We drove out to a stretch of 40-50 foot deep water, and made halfmile long passes. He had a unique way of rigging the downriggers. He used the popular string of Dave Davis

spoons set up as an attractor, but attached it directly to the downrigger ball. He cranked the downriggers precisely to 31 feet, according to his counter. Slow-rolling Shiner Next, was the artistic part. He took a small circle hook and passed it through the shiner three times, sewing his way from head to tail. Most of the hook was exposed at the tail end of the body. Then he would test it in the water. He was looking for a very slow, looping roll to the shiner when dragged at a slow speed. Fast, tight spinning was unacceptable; so was linear waving. He was finicky about what the roll should look like; it had to be perfect. We clipped the lines into the downriggers, just a few feet behind where the Dave Davis would be running, and took our seats to wait for fish. I thought the whole setup and attention to detail were a bit overstaged and couldn’t possibly make that much of a difference. I thought “And so the boring part begins.” Strike After Strike Then a line popped. It hadn’t even been a minute! I set the hook like it was a largemouth bass nibbling on a Carolina Rig, and immediately lost the fish. My fishing partner noticed the error and instructed me to just give a gentle pull next time, rather than a furious yank. Before I could even get the line in to check the bait, his line popped. (Continued on page 55)

�� The Maine Sportsman • August 2018 • 53

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54 • August 2018 • The Maine Sportsman ��

Blind Sets The most common blind sets used by Maine trappers are likely those set for mink. Others are set for muskrat, otter, and beaver. The blind set is also used for bobcat on occasion. The term “blind set” means that a trap is set without the use of bait or lures in a pathway frequented by the target animal. The trap must be set to catch the animal as it moves through a restricted area. This may be a pinch point, or where an animal is going around or along an obstacle. The trap must be located precisely where the animal will be traveling.

cle to its travel, such as a large rock, ledge or log.

Body grip trap set at water’s edge where ledge forces a mink into trap.

Mink spend a lot of time in the water and even hunt prey underwater, but they spend more time ashore (I have taken several mink over the years in one marten set far from any water, so this location is obviously a travel route through the woods for mink).

Body grip trap set for mink in a pinch point.

The more knowledge one has of the habits of the species sought, the greater the chance of success. To prevail, the trapper must study the animal well enough to understand its movement through the environment and its foot placement along the ground. Mink The mink is a small animal, but it leaves traces of its passing with both scat and tracks. To a knowledgeable trapper, its faint tracks are easily recognized, many times only by its small toenail indentations. A common location for a blind set is where the mink is forced into the water by an obsta-

Foothold trap set just underwater where bank or rocks force mink to enter water.

Other common set locations are where the bank of a stream drops down sharply, forcing the mink into the water, or where the mink goes up and around a steep bank. When they do travel on land, there will be a faint path through the grass and other small plants. This is also a common scenario where a culvert is too high up for a mink to enter, so it is forced up and over a roadway to get to the water on the other side and continue its travels. When making trap sets at the water’s edge or in water with foothold traps, they should be made as a drowning set to be the most humane. A body grip trap is also used for the bottom edge set. This is where the trap is placed along the edge of an underwater point on the bottom where the animal will try to pass through the trap as it swims along up tight to the underwater bank/object. Both body grip and foothold traps are used in the various blind sets for mink. Some trappers use only one type of trap, while others determine which type of trap is the most applicable one for use at each specific location. Some locations remain the same over the years such as along ledges and are used for many years. Muskrat Blind sets for muskrat (rats) are most commonly used in feed runs or at pinch points where they travel or swim through a bog or swamp. Many rats are also taken at pinch points in small streams, as well as underwater along the bottom edges as previously noted for mink. Body grip traps, colony traps and footholds are all used when making blind sets for rats. When body grip traps are set in feed runs, they only require stabilization to make them effective, and they also are used in the (Continued on next page)

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�� The Maine Sportsman • August 2018 • 55 (Continued from page 54)

bottom edge set. The foothold trap should be set partially underwater where a rat exits or enters the water. It should be rigged as a drowning set. The colony trap is set where a feed run or underwater travelway has enough depth of water to completely cover the trap, thus drowning the rats contained. Otter and Beaver The use of blind sets for otter and beaver most commonly are at pinch points where they are traveling up or down streams, along a steep bank on a shoreline or in a feed run they have dug. These sets are most commonly made with body grip traps due to water depth. Otter are also frequently taken in bottom edge sets (using a larger trap) as described above for mink and muskrat. Blind sets using foothold traps for both otter and beaver are generally made where the animals leave or enter the water on slides. Otter have a habit of using a slide when taking short cuts across bends in streams and between ponds or lakes, while beaver generally use a slide to access food sources. Otter also have slides that are easily identified by nearby piles of regurgitated fish scales and/or scat. These are the slides

New Hampshire (Continued from page 52)

He landed a nice 20” lake trout. After getting both lines rigged up with the right roll action back out to the deep, he started rigging up some lead-core trolling rods to go on the gunnel rod holders. Before we could get these out, a rod popped from the downrigger. And then another. A double! It took us an hour just trying to get all four lines in the water at once, reeling in fish and resetting baits – non-stop action. For every fish we landed, we had three

most commonly associated with otter playing. Anytime a foothold trap is used, it should be rigged as a drowning set due to the power and strength of both the otter and beaver. Bobcats Bobcats (cats) are taken in blind sets at pinch points along a specific travel corridor. These locations are not common, and are hard to find. The set location is usually determined by finding a cat’s toilet at a location associated with cliffs and ledges. A cat will travel along a ledge to an observation point where it spends a lot of time, which is usually associated with a toilet. The toilet will have both fresh and old scat, indicating the constant use by cats over years. Bobcat trapping is a game of time, as they normally have a long-ranging travel route, which may take several weeks to complete. Currently, due to the highly-regulated nature of trapping in Maine because of the Canadian Lynx, the use of foothold traps is the only game in town when it comes to trapping cats. A body grip trap set used for bobcat will also take lynx, so the body grip can no longer be used. It is a shame, as many cats were taken in leaning pole sets using the body grip trap.

Final Note Many trappers are unwilling to take a non-trapper on their trap line for a day or two to show them what trapping is all about. These folks may potentially be a new trapper. There are people out there that would like to see “what it is all about” before they attempt to take the required trapper education course and invest in purchasing equipment. Trapping has historically been a secretive occupation or recreational sport. Up until recently, trappers were unwilling to pass on any information at all that it took them years to learn. Today there are books and videos available to address just about any aspect of trapping, but a few days on an actual trap line may just interest an individual enough to get them into trapping. We need new folks to become involved in trapping. Our numbers through the years have shrunk, which we cannot longer afford if we want to exist in the future. We cannot fade into the snow and hemlocks to become a thing of the past. Trappers are an important part of modern wildlife management and are very knowledgeable about many animals that others may never see in the wild.

or four hit-and-runs or lost fish. We landed ten lake trout and three salmon two hours of fishing. And he said it was an average day! The biggest fish were a 22” hefty lake trout and a 23” landlocked salmon. My fishing partner said most summers he lands a 10-pound lake trout, and the week before, one of his companions and he fought a giant trout, estimated at 14 pounds, for almost an hour before snapping the line next to the boat. (A fish story? I doubt it, given our two-hour performance.)

of our strikes came on the downriggers, as opposed to the lead-core lines. We could watch on the advanced Lowrance sonar as fish arcs come up from the bottom, almost twenty feet away, to check out the big black line that was the lead ball with the Dave Davis attached. I’m sold. I will probably be leaving the lead-core and streamer flies behind the next time I pursue these coldwater fish. I was wrong in my contention that this was a “lazy” way of fishing. And I was wrong in my contention that it would be boring – it was anything but!

Lesson Learned So, what difference does this method make? I would guess that more than 80%

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56 • August 2018 • The Maine Sportsman ��

Obsessed with Antlers! I don’t know when I became obsessed with large antlers, but it’s likely my father’s fault. When I was very young, dad mostly hunted deer for meat. If a legal deer came by his stand, he usually shot it. Sometimes it felt like we lived on deer meat alone. As I got older, I noticed Dad paying more attention to large-antlered deer in photos. Even in the late 70s, big antlers graced the covers of our favorite magazines. It seemed Dad wasn’t alone in his obsession. I don’t think it was until 1980 that my fa-

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Antlers grow from start to finish in about four months. At peak, the antler tissue or velvet can grow a quarter-inch per day, making it among the fastest-growing tissue in the mammal world. ther finally scored on a “big antlered buck.” Every year, the state of New York held a oneday controlled hunt on Howland’s Island, part of the Montezuma Wildlife Management Area. The 3,500 acre Island was overrun with deer and the NYS Department of Conservation held an annual archery hunt on the island in an effort to control deer numbers.

Hundreds of qualified hunters made their way onto the island looking to fill their tags. Dad was among them, and he scored. His 100”, 9-point was his largest to date, and he had it mounted to commemorate his success. That buck was a giant in my eyes; however, today I’d pass him every time. This may be where my obsession began – I

wanted to shoot whitetailed bucks with huge antlers. I had to! What is it about these unique boney structures that make us crazy about them? Perhaps it’s the fact they grow faster than most tissues known to man? Perhaps it’s the fact they’re deciduous (grow, shed and regrow each year). Maybe it’s the unique construction of each set?

No matter what makes people obsessed with antlers, there are lots we know about them, and many things we still don’t know. How Do they Grow? Antlers grow from start to finish in approximately four months. They are shed annually, normally late December through March. Immediately upon shedding, the process starts again. Antlers grow from “pedicles” located on the skull of bucks, though females of the deer species also grow antlers from (Continued on next page)

�� The Maine Sportsman • August 2018 • 57 (Continued from page 56)

time to time. Caribou are the only member of the deer species in which females regularly grow and shed antlers. Tissue begins to form on the top of the pedicles, and the hormone testosterone dictates the growth. Antler growth is actually regulated by photoperiod or length of daylight. Here in Maine, noticeable antler growth begins in late April or early May. Antler tissue or velvet is among the fastest-growing tissue in the mammal world. It can grow over ¼ inch per day at peak. Within the first month of growth, the velvet of an adult buck grows and often splits at the brow tine. In the second month, antlers grow to the second

tine, and by the third and fourth months, antlers grow to their full size. In my area, most antlers are fully grown by late July or early August. While antlers are growing, bucks are often less active, and live in bachelor groups. It is theorized this could be because antlers are soft, covered in blood vessels and nerves. During this stage antlers can be damaged easily. Such damage can cause abnormalities in the antler formation, stunt the growth of the antler, stop antler growth altogether and even result in serious blood loss. As a young hunter, I killed many yearling bucks with damaged antlers. I mistakenly believed the damage was caused by fighting, when it was far more likely

an antler that appeared broken and worn had been damaged or broken long before the antlers hardened. It’s unlikely a yearling buck would fight with such ferocity that it’d break a main beam in September or early October. In July and as late as early August when antlers are still growing and developing their form, they are soft and spongy to the touch. As August wanes, the antlers get harder, and the blood vessels begin to finish their job of nourishing the new bone. As the blood supply is cut off, the velvet dries up and is shed. In Maine, this happens in late August and early September. It’s not uncommon for archers to kill bucks in velvet during our September “expanded ar-

The author’s father, Joe Saltalamachia, is pictured with his 1979 Howland’s Island management hunt buck. The (Continued on next page) 100” 9-point was the author’s father’s largest buck to that point in his hunting life. That basket rack was big enough to start an obsession with antlers for the author.

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son to get excited about fresh rubs found in early September, since it’s very likely these were made by a mature buck soon after shedding his velvet. Once the antlers are hardened off, they cease (Continued on next page)

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58 • August 2018 • The Maine Sportsman ��

Big Game Hunting (Continued from page 57)

to be sensitive and are much more difficult to damage.

A buck’s hardened antlers will remain on his head until at least

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late December, so long as the deer remains in good health. Early shedding can be caused by poor health conditions. And the flip side is also true – superior health and nutrition can cause a buck to keep its antlers later. A severe injury could result in antlers shedding very early. Anecdotally, I’ve heard of hunters shooting wounded deer in

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�� The Maine Sportsman • August 2018 • 59

The Highs and Lows of Dog Day Angling “Dog days” is the term given to the last days of July and the first couple of weeks of August, when weather is hot, humid and sultry. The oppressive conditions are historically connected to the heliacal rising of the Dog Star, Sirius, which Greek and Roman astrology equated to drought, severe thunderstorms, heat, lethargy, fever, mad dogs and bad luck. This period is now considered as the hottest, most uncomfortable part of summer in the Northern Hemisphere, and it affects humans, animals, fish and plants alike! Fishing conditions are challenging at best, and a fair number of anglers simply stow their gear until there’s a notable change in the weather. Some of us, however, are afflicted with a terminal case of Fishitis and need to be exposed to regular application of rods, reels, and fish slime liberally mixed with lake and stream water. My prescription for dog day fever this month is to fish early, late, deep or on the surface, for consistent action and relief from symptoms. Three Brooks Originating from near #9 Lake, this forest and farm field-lined brook runs cool all summer thanks to spring holes, cold water creek inlets and ground seep. Trout from the Prestile relocate to take advantage of nature’s liquid air conditioning, and buoy the normal population. Thanks to a canopy of trees and bushes, di-

While some anglers stow their gear and wait for cooler weather, others, like me, are afflicted by a terminal case of “Fish-itis.” My prescription for relief from symptoms of dog day fever this month is to fish early, late, deep, or on the surface.

Bill Graves uses lightweight fly rods attached to his downriggers to enjoy hot-weather action. He says August outings at twilight are very rewarding. Photos by Bill Graves

rect sunlight is minimal, and surface dry fly action remains dependable all

day, but proves even better at dawn and dusk. There are two bridges

crossing Three Brooks, one on the Old Houlton Road in Robinson and

the other on Route 1 in Blaine, offering off-road parking and shoreline access. The first two to three hundred yards up and downstream from each bridge gets regular pressure, but few anglers wade farther, and fishing improves with distance. Farm field road and two-tracks are everywhere along both banks of Three Brooks, but none are on maps and require local knowledge or personal scouting. It’s worth the effort, since some of the more remote stretches seldom see one or two fishermen a week! I’d suggest exploring a set of field and woods roads on the west, upstream side of the Route 1 bridge – there are dozens of deep holes, creek inlets and cold water seeps that hold schooled up trout and provide awesome dry fly action. Although the tight tree line and canopy can (Continued on next page)

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The County (Continued from page 59)

be challenging to dry fly presentation, the consistent rises of 8- to 12-inch brookies rewards the effort. You can’t go wrong with a Hendrickson, gray Slim Jim, mosquito, hare’s ear or Henryville in size 14 or 16. Peruse Delorme’s Atlas, (MAG), Map 59, B-3 for dog-day surefire surface stimulation.

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Another dependable dog day option for stream fishing, especially for nonfly fishermen, is bouncing bait along brook bottoms. This is one of the “going deep” methods I mentioned earlier; regardless of sun and stifling weather, trout need to feed, and while they may not race after a fly from their cool lie, they will eat what floats nearby.

Rocky Brook from East Ridge Road bridge to its confluence with the Prestile is a mainstay for local anglers – it’s open, easy to reach and it produces fish all season. The upper section from Route 1A to the bridge is an altogether different story, reachable only by a hike through farm fields and forest. I’ve nicknamed it “The Jungle.” It’s lined by trees and brush, changing from tight quarters of

Tom Tardiff, a registered Maine guide from Robinson, prepares to release a feisty brook trout that grabbed a dry fly as he paddled around the edges of a small pond on a early morning August outing.

(Continued on next page)

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�� The Maine Sportsman • August 2018 • 61

Bill Graves shows off a hefty salmon taken while trolling downriggers on Long lake. (Continued from page 60)

only 6- to 8-feet, to truck size holding pools, and very few fishermen suffer the insect torment and tough trek to cast a line. For those who have the gumption, this stretch of Rocky Brook is a worm drowners’ paradise. Regardless of hot, humid weather or bright sun, the plentiful 8- to 14-inch brookies are hungry and cooperative. The stream bottom is uneven, rocky and slippery, and overhanging brush stumps and blowdowns line the bank edges. Be sure to take plenty of angleworms, extra hooks and sinkers – this is plop-and-drop style bait casting, and there’s no place for a fly rod. Some runs and pools require no sinkers – just a free float of the worm, while a small non-toxic split shot works well on medium speed riffles and bank undercuts. Several aficionados of the Jungle swear by a silver or pearl spinner rather than a sinker. DeLorme’s Atlas, Map 59, A-3 will guide newcomers to the general area; travel hardships are worth the effort, as it’s not uncommon to hook well over a dozen trout during a 3- to 4-hour outing. Cannonball Run Another muggy-weather option for dependable deep water

Tom Wolters holds up a hefty brook trout caught from Long Lake by writer Bill Graves during a hot, humid afternoon downrigger outing. The fish are willing if you get the bait in front of them.

results is downrigger trolling on regional lakes. I’m not a big fan of dragging heavy lead core lines or weighty hardware on cannonball rigs, but small lures and streamer flies can also be deeptrolled with downriggers while using lightweight spinning and fly rods. One of my favorite waterways for big trout and salmon using this downrigger is Long Lake, and once a fish strikes and snaps the line free from the weighted ball, the lighter line and rod yields a great battle. A likely trolling sector is the south shore of Van Buren Cove, from Barn Brook down to Mud Brook, and a fishfinder helps determine the best depth. The last couple of years, the salmon and trout have tended to hold at 20 to 25 feet in water

that runs 40 to 50 feet of depth. A few slow passes along Green Point and around Pelletier Island near the St. Agatha end of the lake would also be advisable. Two-pound trout and three- to fivepound salmon are fairly common catches for those using deep-dredging tactics. Check out Map 68, 3 & 4, for locations on Long Lake. Don’t let dog day weather get you down – there’s fishing to be enjoyed on lakes and streams, if you just alter your gear and techniques a bit. One thing to consider as a plus – crowding and over-fishing are very unlikely on most Aroostook waters during this oppressive weather period.

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Upper sections of Rocky Brook in Mars Hill have been nicknamed The Jungle and require a real effort to fish. Bernard Bird of Fort Fairfield can just barely be seen as he tosses a worm from the brush at water’s edge.

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62 • August 2018 • The Maine Sportsman ��

Summer Fun on Sea and Shore “Summertime, and the livin’ is easy,” so the song says. And living is never easier than in August in Midcoast Maine. Both freshwater and saltwater fish bite well now, and gardens supply mountains of fresh produce. When I was a youngster, my folks always grew a big garden, and by August we were living high on the hog. Besides fresh veggies, our diet was supplemented by fish we caught – mostly mackerel and white perch. And today, although my family has long since passed, I keep the old tradition alive by growing my own vegetables and catching fish. Some of the ponds and lakes we fished in the old days still put out white perch and the same floats, and ledges where we cast for mackerel still produce mackerel. Indeed, sometimes we can go home again. But as good as the old days were, things today are even better. In addition to white perch, black crappies now inhabit the same waters as perch, and though some may consider this next statement near-heretical, in my opinion crappies taste as good as, or better than, perch. But with the good often comes the bad. The introduction of largemouth bass has had a negative effect on white perch in several Midcoast ponds. Last year I fished Lake Passagassawakeag in Brooks for two days straight without taking one single white perch. Since my last visit there 25 years ago, bass have www.MaineSportsman.com

Some may consider this statement near-heretical, but in my opinion crappies taste as good as, or better than, white perch.

Boaters have fun trolling for mackerel in Searsport Harbor. Tom Seymour photos

taken over, and while a remnant perch population probably exists, the perch fishery is essentially eradicated. Levensellar Pond in Lincolnville stands as another example of how a once-viable white perch fishery has suffered be-

cause of the introduction of largemouth bass. In Levensellar, the perch are gone. But the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries And Wildlife (DIF&W) has since begun managing the pond as a destination water for stocked trout.

Norton Pond Norton Pond in Lincolnville supports both coldwater and warmwater game fish. Smallmouth bass are present, but not in numbers that conflict with other species. Also, DIF&W stocks the pond with both brook

Local youngsters get their start fishing for mackerel from the Searsport pier.

trout and brown trout. Finally, the pond contains a viable population of white perch and black crappies. For success on perch and crappies, hit the pond early and late. At dusk, perch come to the top, sipping insects. Sometimes hundreds of fish are visible on the surface. And in the early-morning hours, crappies forage around weedbeds. As the sun becomes higher in the sky, crappies head for parts unknown. For crappie fans, Norton Pond stands out as a place to take crappies of 12 inches and longer – good fish in anyone’s book. And while some stocked trout remain in Norton Pond, many migrate through a thoroughfare leading to Megunticook Lake. Over the last few years, anglers fishing a deep basin called the “Trout Hole,” have taken bragging-size brook trout. Since DIF&W does not stock Megunticook with brook trout, those brookies in the Trout Hole have most certainly come from Norton Pond – a real success story for DIF&W. One of my favorite trips consists of hitting Norton Pond in the early morning, and then heading through the thoroughfare to Megunticook for trout. And despite hot August weather, trout bite well in Megunticook in August. As a matter of interest, anglers take more rainbow trout than brown trout here. But DIF&W stocks far fewer brown trout than rainbow trout, so the disparity in catch rates makes perfect sense. (Continued on page 64)

�� The Maine Sportsman • August 2018 • 63

Make Time Now for Better Hunting Later Around here, August marks the nadir of the shooting year. With few exceptions, hunting seasons remain closed; only a couple of varmint species and the opening days of bear season inspire much interest in shooting activities. Family time and the annual fishing trip to Canada consume many of the month’s available days, and the summer heat often makes spending long hours on the range less appealing. Despite the warm weather, three shootingrelated activities, if done in August, offer increased chances for success during the fall hunting seasons ahead. Scouting, Practice and Patterning Early scouting of anticipated hunting terrain offers benefits as much from a shooting perspective as from a game-finding point of view. Knowing the terrain drives informed choices that enhance the chances for success later on. For the rifle or handgun hunter, it is vital to combine the investment of time spent scouting with some amount of time spent in quality practice. By “quality practice” I mean making certain the equipment and the shooter are ready for the expected conditions. In the May/June issue of Sports Afield, Editor-inChief Diana Rupp wrote about practice, “Whatever your choice of hunting rifle, and whatever your skill level, there is simply no substitute for practice, and plenty of it.” She

These three shooting-related activities, if done in August, offer increased chances for success during the fall hunting seasons ahead. goes on to say, “there’s no excuse not to be getting out to the shooting range on a regular basis.” When it comes to wingshooting, the skills are different but the requirement for practice no less imperative. The shotgun equivalent of sighting-in falls to establishing a pattern of shot holes in a paper target. This allows the shooter to better predict the flight path of his or her cone of pellets. “Patterning” a shotgun is as important to future success as establishing a shot-group with a rifle. Scouting Party We scout most often to check for signs of game. We look for tracks, trails, or scat. Closer to the season, deer hunters scout for scrapes and rubs. From a firearms perspective, scouting aids with decision-making. If the terrain is remote and rugged, does carrying a ten-pound, 26-inch barreled rifle make the best sense? What is the average distance to a target? Does the vegetation offer challenges? Do logs, rocks, or stumps offer concealment and a shooting rest? A scout may reveal that a rifle with a sling would help if downed game requires dragging a good distance. To a bird hunter, scouting helps determine which shotgun choke best serves, given the terrain and likely flushing distances.

Should I use a 12-gauge with #6 shot, or a dainty 20-gauge with #8? Time and distance often work against scouting. August is a crowded month. Hunting far from home almost always precludes a first-person scouting expedition. However, nothing precludes talking with someone familiar with the designated terrain. A map reconnaissance offers a substitute for actually walking the ground. In today’s world of technology, GPS data and satellite imagery provide some very workable alternatives when ground visits prove impossible. Still, nothing beats getting out and ALWAYS BUYING, SELLING & TRADING QUALITY FIREARMS Ithaca Mod. 37-RD 16 Ga. .....$4750.00 ‘Featherlight Deluxe’, EX. Rem. 870 Wingmaster 12 Ga ...$495.00 28” Bbl., 3 Ct, Excellent Ithaca 37 ‘Featherlight’ 12 Ga ..$295.00 Mod. Choke, Plain Bbl., VG Ithaca Mod. 72 .22 ...................$395.00 Lever, Excellent. T/C R-55 .22 .............................$575.00 A.N.I.B. 2 Mags Savage Fox B-SH .410 .............$850.00 Excellent, Mod./Mod. Rem. 1100 28 Ga. ....................$895.00 Tournament Skeet, ANIB Savage 99-EG .300 Sav. ..........$475.00 Refinished Stock Norinco M-14 Clone .308 .........$995.00 Excellent, 2 Mags Marlin 81-DL .22 .......................$295.00 Peep Sight, Very Good Rem. 7600 .30-06 .....................$595.00 LIKE NEW, Synth/Blue Rossi Squire 20 Ga. SxS ..........$350.00 IC/Mod., VG

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seeing, hearing, smelling and sensing the ground we want to hunt. Target Practice Nothing substitutes for time spent on the range in dedicated practice. Every type of firearm requires extensive practice in exchange for expertise. Rifles and pistols require bore-sighting and zeroing to confirm the sights align and the bullet goes where the shooter expects. Modern laser devices help, but they can’t replace actual shooting.

Recoil and muzzle blast remain integral parts of the equation. So do breath control and trigger squeeze. My old friend and mentor Jim Cox dry-fires his chosen rifle 100 times before any hunt, just to regulate his breathing and trigger pressure. The tighter (smaller diameter) any group of shots, the better. The pundits all talk in terms of “sub-minute of angle” shot groups today. In truth, the optimum kill zone for any North American game animal covers about the same space as a paper picnic plate. A three-shot group (Continued on next page)

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64 • August 2018 • The Maine Sportsman ��

Shooter’s Bench (Continued from page 63)

covered by a dime is awesome, but not near as important as keeping every shot within the span of a dinner plate. The dinner plate rule of thumb applies at 50 yards as well as at 500. Consistent capability to place shots puts meat on the table. In her column, Diana Rupp quotes Jim Posewitz’s book Beyond Fair Chase. According to Rupp, Posewitz sums it up with, “The ethical hunter will constantly work toward the ideal of making all shots on target and instantly fatal.” There could be no better reason for spending time on the range. Choke Settings and Patterns Bird hunters know the key to success comes from expending a lot of rounds breaking or attempting to break clay targets. A sporting clays course probably makes the best practice, but trap, skeet, even handlaunched by a friend

at the local gravel pit, suffices. More shooting equals more proficiency. That said, knowing and understanding your gun’s performance ranks at least as important as practice by itself. Standard patterning involves a target with a 30-inch diameter circle drawn on it and a range of 40 yards. Counting the percentage of pellets in the circle tells the shooter where the bulk of the shot travels. Many years ago, Jack O’Connor published that a full choke should put about 70 percent of its pellets in the circle; a modified choke 55-60 percent; and improved cylinder about 45 percent. By putting some sort of game silhouette within the 30-inch circle, it becomes easier to assess the killing effects of the shot cone. Spending the time to test different chokes and varying the range inside and outside the 40 yards will provide a lot more knowledge about

Midcoast (Continued from page 62)

Still, Megunticook Lake holds some large brown trout, and fish of 4 pounds and over are always a possibility. So now you can see why the Norton/Megunticook trip represents a one-stop-shopping experience for so many interesting and sporty game fish. Find both Norton Pond and Megunticook Lake on the DeLorme Atlas, Map 14, C-3. Overlooked Saltwater Hotspot Anglers in the Midcoast region have access to several excellent but often overlooked spots to fish from shore for mackerel. One such hotspot, the pier next to the boat launch ramp in Searsport, puts the angler well out in the bay where schools of mackerel prowl. Even during times of red-hot mackerel runs, however, finding a place to cast is seldom a problem. It pleases me to see family groups out on the pier mackerel fishing. People young, old and everywhere in between flock here for summer fun catching icy-cold Atlantic www.MaineSportsman.com

As this photo of the author’s son illustrates, especially in the case of wingshooting, practice now will mean more confidence and better results in the fall when hunting seasons open. Keith Parker photo

any particular shotgun. Time-consuming, yes; but very much worth the investment. The trick is striking a balance among all the competing priorities of late summer and finding

the time to get to a practice place. Any time allocated to practice now – be it rifle, pistol, or shotgun – will engender huge benefits come opening day, whatever Maine opening day is

mackerel fresh from Penobscot Bay. Many folks use multi-hook rigs, or “Christmas trees,” but my personal preference tends toward small Swedish Pimple jigs as well as those oldies-but-goodies, Diamond Jigs. Both those venerable lures remain highly effective for mackerel. Mackerel aren’t the only game in Searsport, either. Schools of striped bass pass by the pier, and anglers come here at night for fun on stripers. Searsport Harbor, where the pier sits, benefits from the presence of nearby Sears Island. Rocky shoals around the island harbor baitfish, which in turn attract hungry stripers. Anglers with boats can enjoy the best of both worlds by launching at the public landing and fishing for mackerel in the harbor. After that, it’s a quick trip to Sears Island for some often-large stripers. But boaters must use caution when fishing close to the island, since submerged rocks and boulders present a very real danger. The pier and public landing at Searsport features plenty of parking and even picnic tables for a relaxing shore lunch. Look for

favored. Having the confidence and competence to make the shot sets the true Maine hunter apart from someone just sitting in the woods with a gun.

Searsport on Map 14, A-5. Fort Point Another overlooked mackerel-fishing site, Fort Point Fishing Pier in Stockton, offers cool breezes and easy fishing. The pier itself extends far out into the harbor, but as with Bayside, a seasonal float offers the best prospects for casting to both mackerel and striped bass. I’ve even taken smelt here while casting for mackerel. The fishing pier and float are part of Fort Point State Park and for those under 65, the state charges a fee. But given the sheer, raw beauty of the place, including sandbars, a wooded point of land with a bluff, and lots of wind-driven waves, Fort Point is more than worth the price of admission. Besides all this, Fort Point also boasts a lighthouse, a well-preserved bell tower, and the moat and foundation of a French-andIndian-War fort and trading post. All in all, this little state park stands as a hidden jewel, one of the nicer off-the-beaten-path places to relax and cast a line for mackerel, stripers and even harbor pollock. Find Fort Point on Map 15, A-2.

�� The Maine Sportsman • August 2018 • 65

Enjoy Camping, ATVing and Fishing This Month in the Moosehead Region In August, the Moosehead region abounds in visitors who come here for everything from fishing and camping to boating and moose watching. It’s a busy time now, one that will extend into Labor Day Weekend, after which things begin to wind down. For those who seek a camping adventure, the area features both commercial campgrounds and wilderness sites. And those wilderness sites sit amidst some of the state’s most majestic scenery. Several agencies manage these off-the-beaten-path campsites. Some of the nicer remote sites fall under the auspices of the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry. To learn more, go online to www.maine.gov/ dacf/parksearch/. For even more information about camping in this storied region, contact Moosehead Lake Region Chamber of Commerce at (207) 695-2702 or go online at www. mooseheadlake.org. And for folks visiting the area for the first time, don’t be surprised to see people riding ATVs down the main drag in Greenville. This town at the south end of Moosehead Lake is ATV-friendly, and people come here specifically for trail-riding on their ATVs. The Moosehead Region Chamber of Commerce has more information on this fast-growing sport. River Fishing Water in the fabled East Outlet of the Kennebec River comes over the dam at Moosehead Lake, meaning that water tem-

For trolling Moosehead Lake, we use bait instead of lures because the largest togue fall to bait. Lures, however, tend to catch more fish. So do you want quantity, or quality? Or do you want to hedge your bets by running two rods, one with bait and the other with a lure?

Bob DeCrenza and 5-pound, 12-ounce Moosehead togue and 18.5-inch salmon.

peratures in August can rise to uncomfortable levels for salmonids. This causes trout and salmon to either ascend the fishway and re-enter Moosehead Lake, or run downstream to Indian Pond. Despite this, area guides continue to find fish for their clients as they ply the river from drift boats. West Outlet of the Kennebec River, more popular with spin fishermen than fly fishermen because of general law regulations on tackle in place there, can still hold carryover brook trout and even salmon, the result of multiple stockings ear-

ly in the season. A large pool just below the dam gets the most attention from anglers. If fish don’t bite when fishing the Dam Pool, try adding weight so that your offering goes deeper. Sometimes trout here hang close to bottom. Salmon, though, still make forays to the surface for small insects, both aquatic and terrestrial. Moose River, below Brassua Dam, offers cold water even during the hottest weather, since water here flows from the bottom of Brassua Lake. Walking down to

the Brassua Dam, anglers will miss a good bet if they neglect to try the Powerhouse Pool near the dam turbine. Some of the largest salmon of the year, at least for Moose River, come from the Powerhouse Pool. Before fishing any of these rivers, make sure to consult the 2018 fishing laws rulebook, since each water has its own set of special regulations. Lake Fishing My friend Matt Gillie considers late summer among the best times to fish for trout, togue and salmon in Moosehead

Lake. Matt keeps good notes, and his records serve as an inducement to me to get out on the water in August. In fact, I have an August togue-fishing trip planned with my buddy Bob Lawrence of Lawrence’s Lakeside Camps in Rockwood. Our plan is to use preserved smelt while trolling slow and deep, with trophy togue as our target. We intend to use bait instead of lures because typically, the largest togue fall to bait. This doesn’t mean that huge togue won’t take lures, however. It only means that chances of taking a real lunker increase greatly when using bait. Lures, though, tend to catch more fish. So the choice comes down to trying for either the greatest number of fish per day, or a chance to possibly take a double-digit fish. And certainly some anglers may opt to use bait on one rod and lures on another, thus enjoying the best of both worlds. Tackle Requirements Gone are the days when people fished with heavy-duty Penn reels loaded with thick, heavy, lead-core line. But given the size of fish in Moosehead Lake, overly light tackle doesn’t fill the bill, either. However, modern rods and reels have become lighter overall, while still having great strength. Modern technology has done wonders for lake trolling gear. Also, for those who employ both lead-core line and downriggers, the new, ultra-thin lead-core (Continued on next page) www.MaineSportsman.com

66 • August 2018 • The Maine Sportsman ��

Moosehead Report (Continued from page 65)

line is magnitudes lighter than the old lines that used heavy, woven coverings. This new line slides through the guides as if it were greased. And its light weight enables even smaller fish to put up a lively battle. Leaders at the end of lead-core lines and lines for reels designated for use with downriggers do

the real heavy lifting. For that reason, lines under 6-pound test have no place here. Also, fish in lakes don’t exhibit the same leader-shyness so often seen when fishing streams and rivers. When trolling, the fish’s attention becomes riveted on the lure or bait, not the line. And given that mod-

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ern monofilament lines have become thinner and at the same time, stronger, 8-pound test and even 10-pound test supply a degree of confidence in the angler. No one ever wants to lose a good fish because the line wasn’t adequate to the task. So err on the side of heavier rather than lighter line, and if that 15-pound togue strikes, your line will be up to the challenge. Finally, take pains

with drag settings. A toolight or too-heavy drag can result in a lost fish. Last year, drag problems caused me to lose a trophy trout. And this was with a brand-new reel. So for safety’s sake, test the drag. I like to tie the line to a sapling and then walk away, checking how the line peels off the reel. Make especially sure that if necessary, the drag can tighten to the point where you can gain line

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�� The Maine Sportsman • August 2018 • 67

Hot Days Require Trolling Deep Ah the lazy, hazy, crazy dogs days of summer. The garden is growing, the lawn is manicured and cool mornings bring me out on the lake before the days heat builds up. Nothing is as relaxing in the slow-motion part of summer as watching the sun rise on Sebago Lake while slow-trolling my favorite haunts for lunker lakers. It’s summertime and the living IS easy! Okay, enough with the clichés – let’s get down to business. With warm waters on our area lakes and ponds, deep fishing is the only way to catch our favorite cool-loving salmon and trout. Sebago Lake (DeLorme Atlas, Map 5, B-1) is my home base for much of the summer and certainly all of the weekends. Its deep waters hold lake trout and salmon, if you know where to look. Some spots are traditional (my Dad would say “There’s a spring there”), and others are located with the help of the modern fishfinder. Knowing these spots, or finding them, comes with experience and time on the water. Social media and a fraternity of

I predict a State-record lake trout will be pulled from the waters of Lake Auburn. As a municipal water source, half the lake is closed to fishing or boating, so these fish can grow big, undisturbed, until they venture out in the “fish-able” zone. fishing contacts pay dividends, too. On Sebago, slow-trolling and watching your fishfinder puts you onto togue. It’s up to the angler to get his or her bait/ lure down to the fish. I’ll troll frozen smelt on a bait harness as long as they last. After the spring we had, that won’t be long, as my supply is dwindling. Imitation rubber smelts work very well, and seem to get more realistic-looking each season.

the bottom-sensing automatic model. Nothing beats keeping your lure at a precise distance off bottom and having the unit adjust to changing depths. Lure choice is varied, but I like traditional favorites. Orange Mooselook wobblers, big spoons like Northeast Troller’s Carlson trolling spoons in copper and silver, and Helin’s flatfish in orange

or frog patterns all are tried and true lure choices for Sebago. Almost any fly dragged behind an attention-getting dodger should bring results, but I like the old standbys such as renowned guide Art Libby’s Miss Sharon, the Gray Ghost or the Nine-Three. Temperature Tactics Anglers also target salmon in the heat of

the summer by watching their fish finder and paying close attention to temperature zones. Inspect an old-timer’s tackle box you find in a dusty basement or at a yard sale, and odds are you will find a glass thermometer-like device. I recall the old deptho-plugs. You would lower this device down to a set depth and water would rush in, and when pulled it back to the surface, you had a few seconds to get a true reading of the water temperature at that precise depth. I was always told salmon prefer water (Continued on next page)

Dragging Hardware For the hardware crowd, cowbells, flashers and dodgers preceding a fly or lure work well on two counts – they get the line down fast, and they attract fish. These work great on lead-core, but lately I have preferred using a downrigger. My first downrigger was a “mini” manual model. That just wasn’t fun. I’ve since evolved, and now opt for

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68 • August 2018 • The Maine Sportsman ��

Sebago to Auburn (Continued from page 67)

in the 50- to 55-degree mark. Once you find that temperature, make note of the depth and troll your offering at the depth. Modern fish finders can do this much easier, and most of the better units have a thermocline feature to help find water temperatures and fish. Salmon are pretty finicky about temperature, mak-

ing the relatively easy to target this time of year. Thompson Togue Thompson Lake (Map 11, E-2) is another busy summer lake that sees early morning anglers targeting lakers. With the wild population of togue, identified by their “greener” hue than other Maine togue, Thompson lakers shine

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with abundance where they lack size. Thompson is a fun lake to still-fish for lakers on. Troll slowly and watch your fish-finder explode with data – the bottom is literally crawling with fish at times. Quietly set anchor and lower a sliding sinker rig over the side tipped with a lively shiner. Sit back, enjoy a morning coffee and wait for the line to start peeling off. Bottom fishing may not be every angler’s cup of tea, but for this fishing fool, it’s a pleasant change from trolling. However, unless you are working on your tan or trying to sweat off a few winter pounds, it’s best to use this technique in the cool mornings and evenings. Several traditional hot-spots produce year after year. Fabled locations such as Potash Cove, Otisfield Cove and the waters around Agassiz

Village, always seem to produce. Anglers will also spot salmon at their preferred depths on Thompson, so be prepared to drag an offering at these precise depths. Around Megquier Island is a traditional togue hotspot, and often the bottom is crawling with fish in the 3- to 4-pound range. Lake Auburn Lake Auburn (Map 11, E-4) is a different beast compared to the two aforementioned lakes. It has big lakers and goodsized salmon, but it’s missing one thing – tons of boating, swimming and jet-skiing activity. That’s because water contact on Lake Auburn is prohibited (it’s a municipal water source), so aside from the occasional paddler, Lake Auburn anglers have the lake pretty much to themselves in the summer. That makes for some cool, clear waters, so troll-

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ing and bottom fishing work well on this picturesque lake to the north. Each summer, some anglers report a whopper laker, usually with a double-digit weight. I predict a State record may come out of Lake Auburn. With half the lake closed to fishing or boating, these fish can grow big undisturbed until they venture out in the “fish-able” zone. Lake Auburn has rapidly changing depths, so pay close attention to your downrigger if using that technique. If I were going to target a whopper, I’d hook a large sucker on a stout hook with at least 20-pound line, and be patient. Aside from being a top salmon producer in the springtime, Lake Auburn is known for decent salmon, too. Fourto six-pounders are not uncommon, and you can certainly latch onto one in the summer if you read the depth and temperature correctly. While hammock in the shade may appeal to some this month, I’ll trade that venue for the stern seat watching the sun peak over the horizon on a dewy morning dragging some hardware or watching the line on my heavy rod for signs of life. Either way, you can’t beat a Maine lake summer.

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Learning the Secrets of Western Maine Mountain Trout Ponds To be successful in their pursuit of hot-weather brook trout on ponds in the Western Maine Mountains (WMM), anglers must be especially insightful, conducting enough research to learn the locations of the coldest parts of the ponds. Brook trout metabolisms become active in colder water temperatures, so finding cold water in August heat increases the chances of finding these beautiful trout. Cold water enters remote ponds from cool springs hidden on the bottom of the waters, or from tiny brooks fed by frigid, high-elevation aquifers. Some anglers map out each pond they fish, highlighting the cold water areas of the ponds. A friend of mine spotted one of these maps inside an old trapper’s cabin, and took a photo of it for future reference. This friend swore me to silence about the exact locations of the pond, and then pulled a map out of his pocket and told me the story ... he even gave me my own copy of the map. He said, “A fishing buddy and I came up here one time. He’d been given a key to the old trapper’s camp we always floated by on the pond. When we got inside the cabin, I noticed the map of the pond on the wall, and took a quick photo.” The map showed the location of three spring holes on the pond, and

On the wall of the old trapper’s cabin was a map revealing the pond’s three secret cold-water spring holes. My friend took a photo and made his own map, and we’ve had good luck in those locations ever since.

This nice brookie was pulled from the cool depths of one of the WMM’s chilly ponds. William Clunie photo

my friend and I have been catching the brook trout that concentrate around those holes for many years. Worthley Pond Worthley Pond (DeLorme Atlas, Map 10, A-3), a body of water with a few of its own underwater-spring treasures, gives anglers a chance to fish for several species on 354 acres of clear blue water surrounded by a horizon of tree-lined mountains. Several species of trout keep anglers’ lines tight in the deeper waters near the center of the pond -- possibly the

area of a hidden underwater spring. The pond doesn’t get much deeper than forty feet, but gives up some hefty rainbow trout, brown trout and brook trout every year. A healthy population of smelt keeps the voracious fish well-fed. During an ice-fishing excursion on Worthley Pond a few years ago, a local angler offered me a chance to warm up in his heated shanty, and had me observe the screen of his fish finder. I watched in amazement as the electronic fish finder recorded several schools of thousands of frisky smelt

swirling around below the ice – enough to keep a lake full of hungry fish fat and happy. Great shallow-water fishing for warm-water species like smallmouth bass and chain pickerel can also be found along the shoreline around the south end of the big pond. The big rocks and deeper shoreline at the north end of the pond also provides fast-action angling for these warm-water-loving fish. Worthley Pond’s boat launch, located on the East Shore Road, gives access to anglers with trailered boats or carry-in wa-

tercraft. The newly paved launch, much improved from the previous launch, helps anglers with bigger motor boats get on and off the big pond. Umbagog Lake Umbagog Lake (Map 17, B-5), situated on the border between New Hampshire and Maine, provides plenty of variety for creative anglers. The big lake-betweenthe-states also contains some hidden underwater springs that anglers fishing for cold water species often seek. Early-morning fishers find trout and salmon near the incoming water sources for the lake – the cold Rapid River and the chilling Magalloway River. The deepest part of the lake near the north shore also holds cold-loving salmonid. Smallmouth anglers catch their prey in the myriad shallow coves of this big lake, around the multitude of large rocks near the vast shoreline. These structures warm Umbagog’s cold waters sufficiently to temperatures that induce bass into a feeding frenzy. Access this great lake from Route 26, on the western shore in New Hampshire, and take a huge variety of angling gear to accommodate several kinds of fishing techniques and fish species. The last time I fished there, I only tried to hook into smallmouth bass. The bronzebacks in this big lake, not as big as (Continued on next page) www.MaineSportsman.com

70 • August 2018 • The Maine Sportsman ��

Western Maine Mountains (Continued from page 69)

most, threaten the Rapid River salmonid resource. Catching a few smallies for the frying pan actually helps the salmonid situation. WMM Bears This year, bear hunting under general law runs from August 27 to November 24. Hunting bear over bait runs from August 27 to September

22, with hound season starting September 10 and ending October 26. Bear hunters looking for cool and dark bear-baiting sites in the Western Maine Mountains should consider closely inspecting topographical maps of the area. Look for pockets of dense swampland at the base of mountainous ter-

rain, and then go about setting bait out regularly during this month, in anticipation of the season opener. The swampy areas surrounding the ridges of Tumbledown Mountain (Map 19, B-1 and C-1) give up huge boars every year, as well as similar wetlands around Mount Blue (Map 19, C-3). The rocky terrain on and around these mountains provides the bear with winter dens, and

the heavy forest canopy creates a cooling shade. Swampland at the base of the mountains keeps a bear cool and hydrated. Lowlands around the town of Carthage (Map 19, D-2) give thick-coated bear deep and dark cooling hideouts. The surrounding hills have been recently logged, opening up the forests to sunlit patches of berry growth. Mast-producing trees left standing after these logging operations grow

fuller and produce an increased crop of food for hungry bear. Follow the logging roads that lace the WMM and look for any of the myriad brook crossings. Bear hunters who hike up the brooks find ideal places for setting up bait sites. Make sure to ask landowners for permission – most landowners welcome bear hunters if asked first.

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�� The Maine Sportsman • August 2018 • 71

Smilin’

Sportsman The Greenville district attorney called his first witness, an elderly grandmother, to the stand. He approached her and asked, “Mrs. Johnson, do you know me?” She responded, “Why, yes, I do know you, Mr. Larochelle. I’ve known you since you were a young boy, and frankly, you’ve proven a big disappointment. You lie, sneak around on your wife, manipulate people and talk about them behind their backs. You think you’re a big shot when you haven’t the brains to realize you never will amount to anything more than a two-bit paper pusher. Yes, I know you.” The lawyer was stunned. Not knowing what else to do, he pointed across the room and asked, “Mrs. Johnson, do you know the defense attorney?” She again replied, “Why, yes, I do. I’ve known Mr. Schmidt since he was a youngster. He’s lazy, bigoted, and drinks too much, and his law practice is one of the worst in Maine. Not to mention he cheated on his wife with three different women, including your wife.

Send your best hunting & fishing stories, and your favorite jokes, to the editor at will@mainesportsman.com

Yes I know him.” The defense attorney turned white. The judge ordered both lawyers to approach the bench. In a quiet voice, he said, “If either of you two clowns asks her if she knows me, you’ll be in solitary confinement so fast your head will spin.” ••••••••••••••••••• A fellow was preparing to tee off by himself at the Greenville Municipal Golf Course, when another golfer approached and asked if he could join him. The first golfer replied, “Sure,” and they began playing the course. The newcomer duffed a couple of shots and was two strokes behind after the second hole, but said, “Hey, we’re about evenly-matched – how about we play for $5 a hole?” The first fellow replied that he didn’t usually bet, but the newcomer insisted, so the first fellow agreed. The newcomer promptly stepped up his game, and won the final 16 holes. As they were walking off the 18th green,

the newcomer admitted that he was the pro at the Seboomook course up the lake, and that he liked to pick on suckers. The first golfer then revealed that he was the minister at the Rockwood Church. The newcomer got all flustered and apologetic, and offered to return the money. The minister refused. “Well, is there anything else I can do to make it up to you?” asked the newcomer. The minister replied: “Well, you could come to services on Sunday.” “Also,” he added, “if you bring your mother and father by after services are over, I’ll marry them for you.”

The Smilin' Sportsman Youth Edition Kids! Send your best hunting & fishing stories, and your favorite jokes, to the editor at will@mainesportsman.com.

Little Johnny was sitting on the sofa watching TV when he heard his mom’s voice from the kitchen: “What would you like for dinner, Sweetie – chicken, beef or fish?” “Gee, thanks, Mom,” he replied. “I’ll take beef.” “You’re having macaroni again, Johnny,” said his mom. “I was talking to the cat.” ••••••••••••••••••• Big brother to Little Johnny: “Hey, Twerp: which do you think my most impressive characteristic – my great personality, or my outstanding athleticism?” Little Johnny: “I think your most impressive characteristic is your sense of humor.” •••••••••••••••••••

“Little Johnny,” the teacher asked, “why is your homework in your father’s handwriting?” “I used his pen,” Johnny replied. ••••••••••••••••••• “I can’t believe I forgot to make my bed this morning before school,” said Little Johnny to a friend. “That’s 4 years in a row now!” ••••••••••••••••••• Little Johnny’s dad told him he was playing too many video games, and not getting outside enough to exercise. So Johnny went out and bought a dog named “Threemiles.” Now, when his dad gets on his case, Johnny can say he walks Threemiles, twice a day.

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72 • August 2018 • The Maine Sportsman ��

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SUBMIT AD AND PAYMENT BY THE 30TH OF EACH MONTH AND YOUR AD WILL APPEAR IN THE NEXT ISSUE. DOGS ENGLISH POINTER PUPS Parents are proven hunters, exc. pedigrees. Males $500, Females $600. Shots and wormed-ready to go! References. Come see pups & parents. 207249-5977 ———————————

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(Continued on next page)

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ESS

WIL

NEW 14’ X 36’ CAMP with 6’ screened porch. Located on 4.18 acres with direct access to ATV and snowmobile trails from your property, plus you’re in the heart of Maine’s recreational area! $28,900

BB WE

RIV

Well maintained cabin off the grid surrounded by stonewalls and old growth trees. If you have been looking for a camp well here it is. $49,900. MLS #1307502

VI NEW

NEY

ROCKWOOD 88 Jackman Road MLS #1341664 WATERFRONT of Moose River, 3 bedrooms, 1 Bath, 1,148 sq. ft., FURNISHED.

ABBOT 10 Loon Lane MLS #1350333 WATERFRONT on Piper Pond, 3 bedrooms, 1 Bath 1,120 sq. ft., FURNISHED.

TOMHEGAN 1642 Northern Road MLS #1359277 Private camp in the north woods with AMENITIES. 1 bedroom plus loft, 1 bath, 14 acres. BONUS 1 bedroom heated bunkhouse with kitchen.

GREENVILLE JUNCTION 20 Depot Street MLS #1348793 WATERFRONT to Wiggin Stream. Direct access to Moosehead Lake. Low taxes and on the ITS Trails. 4 bedrooms, 1 bath, 1,328 sq. ft.

JACKMAN 348 Main Street MLS #1344247 OUTDOORSMAN’S PARADISE near fishing, hiking, ITS trails, 3 bedrooms, 1 bath, garage, 870 sq ft., FURNISHED.

DOVER FOXCROFT 837 Greeleys Landing Road MLS #1356162 1 mile from Sebec Lake public access, 2 bedrooms, 1.5 baths, .636 sq. ft., FURNISHED.

DOVER FOXCROFT 410 Essex Street MLS # 1347035 - $15,000 KITCHEN RE-MODEL CREDIT 4 bedrooms, 1.5 bath, 2,964 sq. ft.

GREENVILLE 10 Wells Street MLS# 1360466 In-town camp in Greenville. 3 bedrooms, 1 bath, 888 sq. ft., garage for toys.

ABBOT 26 Beech Ridge Drive MLS # 1360904 WATERFRONT on Piper Pond 3 bedrooms, 1 bath, 1700 sq. ft., garage for toys.

ARD

New Vineyard - 25.9 acres with 953’ of road frontage, mostly wooded with a nice cleared field. The lot Andover North Surplus 4.7 Acres. This lot located in has plenty of large pine and hardwood plus is very on the Sawyer Notch Rd in one of western Maines flat with some stonewalls and access to ITS trail and best recreational areas very remote but easily ATV trails. Owner has a small camp/shed on propaccessible with nice views and power is available at the road. This lot also some a small sand and gravel Webb River Waterfront Lots. 1.6 to 5.9 acres. erty so it’s ready for the next step. MLS #1360567. $49,500 pit on it....#1432663...priced at $24,900. $39,000-$59,900

— BUILDING LOTS WITH ATV & SNOWMOBILE ACCESS — Woodstock. An absolute dream come true! 97 Acres near Sunday River. This property has nice brook meandering through the lower portion of the property and a series of old roads and trails will lead up to spectacular views from Mollyockett Mountain in Woodstock. Come enjoy all the seasons and activates Maine has to offer! $69,900 MLS #1326728 Near Bethel in Albany Township. This 40 Acre lot has several hidden building site well off the paved road with beautiful Southeasterly views. Some areas would make great spot for passive solar cabin. The Crooked River meanders on through the lot for great wildlife watching. Only 7 miles from downtown Bethel. $45,000 MLS #1325975 Bethel King Lot - This land boasts exceptional development potential or enjoy the vast land with your friends and family, excellent road infrastrucure and beautiful views of local ski areas. 1356 acres offered at $1,250,000. MLS #1335965 Weld - Looking for a remote spot for your cabin or camper? Here it is! 8 acres with easy access, nice view right in the heart of the Western Mnts, a few miles to Mt. Blue State Park & Webb Lake. $18,500. MLS #1282348 North Rumford - Very private 17 acres with great brook frontage and a common area on Meadow Pond located deep in the Western Mountains. $32,000. MLS #1269352 Carthage - Excellent building lots w/ easy access to ATV and snowmobile trails. All lots surveyed and have driveways into building site. Ready for your new cabin in the woods? Then come check em’ out. $26,500. MLS #1205057

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Phillips 40 Acres - Set up your camper next to the fire pit while you pick your building site. This 40 acre lot offers privacy, views and a wonderful babbling brook an acre or so of nice field with some small planted trees. $54,900. MLS #1309063 Exceptional building lot with southerly exposure and incredible sunset views located in ATV and snowmobile friendly community and only 2 miles from Mt Blue State Park & Webb Beach camping which boast a beautiful sandy beach, public boat launch and shower rooms. Come enjoy the hiking, biking and all the recreation opportunities of the Western mountains. $39,900. MLS# 1358742 — RECREATION WOOD LOTS — #1282270 - Byron, 99 Acres ................................................................................$55,000 #1282273 - Byron, 116 Acres ................................................................................ $74,900 #1282275 - Byron, 28 Acres ................................................................................. $29,900

Stephanie Boone

#1282237 - Hartford, 574 Acres .......................................................................... $299,00 #1282239 - Hartford, 91 Acres............................................................................. $63,900 #1282230 - Jay, 136 Acres ....................................................................................$88,900 #1282243 - Peru, 191 Acres...................................................................................$161,900 #1282246 - Peru, 322 Acres .............................................................................. $206,500

458 Main Street, Bangor, ME

REALTOR® / Associate Broker Realty of Maine Office (207) 942-6310 Cell (207) 227-9858

�� The Maine Sportsman • August 2018 • 73 (Continued from page 72)

COMMERCIAL PROPERTY FOR SALE COMMERCIAL PROPERTY-LIVE IN NORTHERN MAINE AND MAKE MONEY Restaurant, Linneus, ME. Grammyís Country Inn. $1.2 million average food-only gross sales last 6 years. Opportunity for sales growth with addi-

tion of alcohol. Featured in Down East, Bangor Metro, Yankee Magazines. Named Top 10 Restaurants in Maine. Over 35 awards. 65+ year restaurant tradition, 28 years under same ownership. This is a step-in opportunity! Price reduced $999,000. 207-532-4500 www.firstchoicerealestate.com ———————————

WANTED WANTED DEER/ MOOSE ANTLERS Buying any size deer & moose shed antlers/ racks or antlered skulls. All grades bought by the pound. 802-875-3206 WANTED VINTAGE MOTORCYCLE Looking for pre-1980, vintage motorcycle scrambler, enduro, or off-road motorcycle. Have cash

will travel. Call 207 522 6940 TRAPPING COURSE WANTED Looking for Trapping

Courses and people needed who want to mentor new trappers in the Penobscot County Region. Text or Call 207-217-2976

Moosehead

— Cedar Log Homes — WHETHER YOU'RE LOOKING AT MAKING YOUR LOG HOME LIVING DREAM COME TRUE OR JUST FIXING A DECK, CALL MOOSEHEAD CEDAR LOG HOMES FOR ALL YOUR CEDAR NEEDS! Specializing in siding with a variety of profiles to fit your budget. Also available: 514 cedar decking, 1x and 2x stock, round rails, newel posts and balusters.

1-800-571-3296 Greenville, ME • mclh.net

Become a Member of The Maine Sportsman

PATCH CLUBS You’ve been successful at the hunt, now wear your pride by entering one of The Maine Sportsman’s exclusive patch clubs! To find a club and download an application, go to

www.mainesportsman.com/patch-clubs

(207) 693-5200

18 Olde Village West Naples, ME 04055 info@mainerealestatechoice.com www.mainerealestatechoice.com — Formerly Anne Plummer and Associates —

184+/- ACRES

689 NORTH ROAD, BETHEL - VIEWS! Commanding valley and mountain views from this 184+/- acre parcel overlooking Bethel village, Androscoggin River, and surrounding mountains. Parcel has a gradual slope to an elevation of approx. 1,571’ with a preliminary road up to the summit and a number of semi-level areas that are pre-cleared. Abundant wildlife habitat. Minutes to Sunday River ski resort, Bethel Village, Gould Academy and golf courses. MLS# 1352567 - $299,900. Mary Sohl (207) 749-0775

LOTS 3 & 4 KITRIDGE ROAD, SUMNER - Own a piece of Maine! This 176-acre parcel located in the heart of western Maine has beautiful mountain views with seasonal views overlooking Pleasant Pond. Includes hunting camp that has great potential with a bit of work. A 4-season paradise for outdoor recreation and off the grid enthusiasts. ATV, snowmobile trails, hunting, hiking to name a few. Road is accessible with 4-wheel drive. Camp vacant for years; sold “as is”. MLS #1359837 - $145,900. Mary Sohl (207) 749-0775

176 ACRES

STOW - This breathtaking +/-120 acre lot with views of Baldface Mountain, Evans Notch, Pleasant Mountain and Kezar Lake, depending on where you pick your location. Endless possibilities. MLS #1333179 - $199,500. Sarah Noble (207) 831-9499

120 ACRES

ALUMINUM DOCKS, BOAT LIFTS AND SWIM RAFTS | COMPLETE INSTALLATION AVAILABLE | 15 YEAR WARRANTY | FACTORY DIRECT PRICING | FREE DELIVERY*

www.MaineSportsman.com

74 • August 2018 • The Maine Sportsman �� 515 Main Street • Presque Isle, ME Chuck Johnston • (207)764-4600 cbjohnston72@hotmail.com MLS #1357479

MLS #1357480

Own (not lease) your waterfront lots in the North Maine Woods. Enjoy the 4+ acres (750 frontage) with two very well maintained traditional log camps on Spider Lake near the Allagash River. Sleep 12-14. Enjoy some of the best fishing and hunting in Maine. Buy them as a package for $395,000 or check them out on mainelistings.com. MLS#1357479 & MLS#1357480

GROW YOUR BUSINESS with an ad in The Maine Sportsman! —

We offer our advertising partners:

Competetive Rates • Graphic Design • Full-Color Ads • Several Discounts Available Guaranteed Ad Placement (when available; additional fees may apply) Target Audience of Sportsmen and Women • Stellar Customer Service

— Contact our Advertising Director to learn more today! (207)357-2702 nancy@mainesportsman.com

North Maine Woods Camp For Sale Camp in the North Maine Woods on little Indian pond. Camp is only 5 years old and has solar power and a septic system installed. Camp is on leased land. $150,000. Call for more information. (207) 568-3940.

Well constructed home on two acres with 200 feet of water frontage. Close to Bigelow Preserve and Flagstaff Lake. Snowmobile and ATV access. MLS #1340947, $199,000

380 Wilton Road Farmington, ME

(207) 778-4444

Own your own beautiful nine-acre pond surrounded by 47 forested acres. MLS #1304707, $119,000

palmerrealtymaine.com

Western Maine Riverfront and Views! Riverfront Land Sale! 15 Acres - $59,900 Gateway to Rangeley Direct Trail Access

Lakeville - Property has a pretty view beyond a large clearing. Full time electricity, sewer and a dug well. Very well maintained and has taxes of only $66.44 annually. A great location. Easy to get to and ready to use now. $28,000

Lakeville - Magnificent water front lot with privacy and great natural beauty. Huge softwood trees, and a nice little seasonal cabin. Lower Dobsy is a large, cold water lake offering great fishing, swimming & boating. $129,000

Lincoln - 2Bd, 2Ba Modified Chalet with 150’ of excellent frontage. A large garage, Oil Hwbb, Landscaped lot, and lots of fresh renovations. Gorgeous views from everywhere and only 10 minutes to Town. Big Narrows $249,000

Lowell - This nice private 1.5 acre lot has a driveway already installed and offers very nice frontage with great views out across the water. Many recreational opportunities from this beautiful area. This is a great property on Eskutassis Pond at an affordable price. $42,500 Cooper - Electricity available at the road, wonderful frontage on a high quality lake well-known salmon fishing in Maine. The view from this lot is known as Deep Cove Forest and will be maintained as forever wild. A must see Cathance Lake lot! $89,000

Lincoln - On a year round road with electricity available. Includes a 10 foot easement to Caribou Pond and the right to put in a dock. Nice lot with its own access to waterfront, its a must look. Not far from Lincoln, in a great area. $29,900

Mattamiscontis - Nice riverfront lot located on a year round road. An old driveway is on the lot. This property is not far from shopping and downtown Lincoln. ATV from this lot and enjoy all that the Penobscot River has to offer. $29,900

Surveyed & Soil Tested Warranty Deed Excellent Owner Financing!

Swift River Properties 207 -329-9728

Caryn Dreyfuss, Broker • (207) 233-8275 caryndreyfuss@morton-furbish.com www.realestateinrangeley.com

AZISCOHOS LAKE - beautiful, remote, pristine! Westerly facing waterfront land parcel boasting 290’ gradual entry frontage on 2.25 wooded acres. Super quiet/private area to build your North Woods camp. If you are looking to get away from it all, this would be the spot - located 13 miles from Route 16, don’t miss it! MLS# 1356998. $189,900 LONG POND, TOWNSHIP E - INCREDIBLY RARE OPPORTUNITY to own a leased camp on Long Pond, one of 4 ponds above Height of Land! REMOTE 2 room cabin with gas appliances, wood stove for heat, water from the pond, outhouse, plus State approved gray water system in place. Enjoy the beautiful pond and mountain views, gradual entry sandy bottom waterfront at this very private location. Accessible by boat in the summer or snowmobile in the winter - super spot to get away from it all, don’t miss it! State of Maine leased land. MLS # 1358173. $87,500 FLAGSTAFF LAKE - 3-season cottage with OWNED frontage in the “Wing Community”. Nicely maintained 2BR camp offers open kitchen/living area with wood stove, bunk room with slider onto spacious front deck, plus multiple out buildings. Located on a dead end road near the end, enjoy private level lot with mature trees and landscaping, 280’ frontage on the lake. Super area for 4-season recreation - hunt/fish, hike/bike, kayak/ snowmobile, play cards! Don’t miss it! MLS # 1358503. $165,000

www.MaineSportsman.com

Cooper - Electricity available at the road, wonderful frontage on a high quality lake well-known salmon fishing in Maine. The view from this lot is known as Deep Cove Forest and will be maintained as forever wild. A must see Cathance Lake lot! $79,000 Winn - If you like 4-wheeling or snowmobiling this lot should be yours. There’s lots of road frontage with one road crossing through it offering many nice spots for a driveway and camp of simply park a camper there. $12,500 Burlington - 20 acres of wooded ground. A nice location on a seasonal road. Close to lake and only a few minutes to the local general store. Park your camper here- build a camp- or just bring the little woman out for a picnic. $15,000

R E A L

E S T A T E

5 LAKE STREET, P.O. BOX 66, LINCOLN 207-794-2460 www.cwalakestreet.com E-mail: cwa@cwalakestreet.com

1-800-675-2460 Call any of our brokers to work for you!

“Tate” Aylward ................ 794-2460 Peter Phinney.................. 794-5466 Kirk Ritchie...................... 290-1554

FOR COMPLETE INFORMATION ON OUR PROPERTIES VISIT OUR WEB SITE AT CWALAKESTREET.COM

�� The Maine Sportsman • August 2018 • 75

469 - $716

Crossmember Repair Unit 1999-2013 GM Truck

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76 • August 2018 • The Maine Sportsman ��

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