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4 • February 2025 • The Maine Sportsman —————————————————————————————————————————————
Editorial
Here’s What’s on Our Minds This Month Tribute to King We start this month’s communication on a reflective note, having attended the wonderful December 30, 2024 “celebration of life” for long-time Sportsman writer King Montgomery of Kennebunkport, joining his friends and family in the packed South Congregational Church. It was a fitting tribute, complete with full military honors. King touched a lot of lives, including those of many of our writers; see page 9 for their touching tributes. More Biggest Bucks This is our annual Biggest Bucks in Maine issue, and we are excited to report that the list of 200-pound-plus whitetails is up 15% compared to recent years. See this year’s “Top 10” starting on page 38, and the full list of more than 500 proud hunters, starting on page 40.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Watch Me Pull a Rabbit Out of a Hat We apparently have got three different long-eared hopping creatures in this state now – the snowshoe hare, which is fair game; the New England Cottontail, which has gone from plentiful to rare and endangered (an estimated 300 in the entire state), and which cannot be hunted; and Eastern Cottontails, interlopers that look surprisingly like our New England Cottontails, and which may be entering our borders by catching rides in trucks and trailers entering our state. Learn more in Val Marquez’s “Southern Maine” column, starting on page 63. Let’s hope our native New England Cottontails can rally, with the support of Maine’s Department of Inland Fisheries, which may be trying to replicate their wild turkey success by transplanting New England Cottontails to settle and raise families in our fine state.
Almanac by Will Lund.................................................... 11
Staying Warm in the Extreme Cold Even if you can’t walk like an Egyptian, you can learn to stay warm like an Inuit – and what better example to follow than folks who have been staying warm while living north of the Arctic Circle for eons. Learn David Petzal’s secrets of caribou-skin anoraks, starting on page 66.
Outdoors & Other Mistakes by Al Diamon.................. 73
Dog Talk Ending on a light note, we’ve been waiting for some good news to come out of the AI (artificial intelligence) revolution, and we’ve found it, especially for those who train and work with bird dogs. According to AI and Technology News, AI-embedded collars are being developed to translate animal sounds into human language, bridging the communication gap between pets and their owners. So rather than just coming on point, your GSP can whisper, “There’s a grouse behind that bush on the left.” Or worse, your Llewellin could mutter, “I can’t believe you missed that last shot.”
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On the Cover: Adam Eastman of Exeter, Maine was hunting in his hometown on November 7, 2024 when he dropped this 10-point, 205-lb. whitetail buck with his .308. (For those keeping score, Exeter is about half-way between Corinna and Corinth.) The trophy’s weight was certified by Aliza Alexander, at the Exeter County Store. See photos of Maine’s largest deer of 2024 on pages 38 - 39, and see Adam’s name, and the list of more than 500 other names of the newest members of the Biggest Bucks in Maine patch club, starting on page 40.
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Aroostook - “The County” by Bill Graves..................... 49 Big Game Hunting by Joe Saltalamachia.................. 32 Big Woods World by Samuel Dalti................................ 35 Editorial.............................................................................. 4 Freshwater Fly Fishing by Lou Zambello....................... 61 Get Out There by Staci Warren.................................... 46 Jackman Region by William Sheldon.......................... 57 Katahdin Country by William Sheldon......................... 54 Letters to the Editor.......................................................... 6 Maine Sportswoman by Christi Elliott........................... 36 Maine Wildlife by Tom Seymour................................... 16 Moosehead Region by Tom Seymour......................... 55 New Hampshire by Ethan Emerson.............................. 70 Petzal Logic by David Petzal........................................ 66 Quotable Sportsman by Will Lund................................ 15 Rangeley Region by William Clunie............................. 64 Ranger on the Allagash by Tim Caverly...................... 53 Riding Shotgun by Robert Summers............................. 72 Sebago to Auburn Region by Tom Roth..................... 60 Shooter’s Bench by Col. J.C. Allard............................. 47 Smilin’ Sportsman by Will Lund...................................... 72 Snapshots in Time by Bill Pierce.................................... 10 Southern Maine by Val Marquez................................. 63 Tidewater Tales by Randy Randall............................... 67 Trapping The Silent Places by David Miller.................. 68 Trading Post (Classifieds)............................................... 74 Trout Fishing by Tom Seymour....................................... 59 Vermont by Matt Breton............................................... 34 Western Maine Mountains by William Clunie.............. 69
GUEST COLUMNS & SPECIAL SECTIONS BIGGEST BUCKS IN MAINE PATCH CLUB 2024.........38–44 Boating by Bob Humphrey............................................ 18 Ice Fishing: When to Get Off the Ice by Nolan Raymond....... 22 Tales from the Warden Service by Doug Tibbetts. 26 Snowmobiling by Steve Carpenteri............................. 28
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Letters To The Editor
Everett Finds Everett Pond To the Editor: After reading David Petzal’s “Passing Fred’s Hat” column in the January issue of The Maine Sportsman about the late Fred Thurston, I thought I would share a recollection. Although I never met Fred in person, his willingness to share made my day one time. I have roamed the woods of western Maine for 40 years. A few years back, after spending a day lugging my flintlock shotgun around Joe Pokum Bog looking for partridge, I was back at camp studying the DeLorme Atlas, trying to figure out where I had been. After getting it straight in my head, I noticed that Everett Pond was nearby. I thought it would be fun to visit it, since Everett is my first name. It would be easy to access, as the King and Bartlett Road went right by it. The next day, I cruised on up and was just shy of the pond when I came to a gate. The guy at the gate was very friendly, but when I asked about visit-
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ing Everett Pond, he said, “I’d love to accommodate you, but if your name is not on my list, I can’t let you in.” Further, he mentioned that Mr. Fred Thurston was not available right then, but that I should give him a call later. I asked him if I’d be wasting my time by calling, but he said, “He’s a great guy, and he’ll do just about anything to make people happy.” A few hours later I was at a location that had cell coverage, so I called and explained my idea to Fred. The more I talked, the more absurd it sounded. To my astonishment, he said, “Oh, no problem – go on up anytime tomorrow and look around, and if you need anything else just call.” It turned out the gate keeper was right — if a foolish little excursion could satisfy someone’s curiosity, that was an easy fix for Fred. As an aside, Everett Pond turned out to be underwhelming, and my wife suggested that the pond and its namesake had certain commonalities. Everett Leland, Kittery, ME —
Winter Sailing Takes Him Away To the Editor: Bill Sheldon wrote a column in your most recent issue titled, “Something for
Everyone in Katahdin’s Winter Playground.” While he referenced ice fishing, snowmobiling, skating and fat-tire biking, he forgot to mention “iceboating.”
Schoodic Lake. Dan Clapp photo
Iceboating (sailing on ice) is a thrilling winter activity for many Mainers. With highway-like speeds, iceboaters sail their craft on Moosehead Lake, South Twin Lake, Schoodic Lake, Damariscotta Lake, Pushaw Lake, Plymouth Pond and anywhere else the ice is safe and free of snow cover. (Continued on next page)
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In the off-season, iceboaters switch their “blades” for wheels, and sail at the former Loring Air Force Base. For more information, see www. iceboat.me. Dan Clapp, Brownville, ME —
It’s Not the Tree; It’s the Stand To the Editor: I enjoyed Randy Randall’s “Tidewater Tales” column in the December issue of The Maine Sportsman titled “Christmas Tree from Hell.” My wife is also an aficionado of what you might call tall and big-bottom trees, so I could relate to Randy’s and his son’s struggles to get their tree in the house and upright in the stand, and to remain that way. I tried at least four different tree stands over the years. None of them were completely satisfactory for one reason or another. I even modified one of the stands with a 4’x4’ piece of plywood for stability, which was an improvement over the original, but it was awkward. Over the years, there have been
mutterings and even out-loud cussings as we attempted to put up the tree. These utterances contrasted sharply with the festive, happy, jolly season of Christmas. The last straw was when, two days after the raising of the tree on year, it fell over, and we lost three ornaments that were very old and special to us. My wife found one online that’s called “Bowling’s Last Stand,” and although it’s expensive, it works like a charm. Heavy, not really pretty, but well-built to work and last forever. It has been worth every penny.
“Bowling’s Last Stand”
I also convinced my church to purchase a larger version for their annual tree, which can be as tall as 20 feet. In the past, they’ve had to guy-wire their tree more than a (Continued on next page)
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Letters to the Editor
(Continued from page 7)
schooner’s mast, but since they got the new Bowling’s model, they have never had a problem. Please tell Randy to keep up the good writing. Christopher Chornyak, Ellsworth, ME —
Common Handwarmers Affect Lapel Compass Readings To the Editor: In January’s editorial, you wrote about realizing that the stainless steel in the barrel of your muzzleloader affected the reading of your lapel compass during December’s late whitetail season. Here’s something else to consider. The hand warmers I use are iron (the packets contain iron “Fe,” salt and water). I checked on my lapel compass,
and like your rifle barrel, hand warmers cause a significant deflection in the compass reading. This is something to keep in mind, especially since hunters may keep unopened hand warmers in the chest pockets of their hunting jackets, in close proximity to their compasses. Peter Bloomfield, Hollis, NH —
Calling All Weasels To the Editor: A few years ago, I was watching an Alaskan wildlife show. The narrator was calling an ermine (a small weasel) by sucking air through his tightly closed lips, making a sound like a squeaking mouse. A short time after that, I was riding down the Stud Mill Road near Costigan, when I noticed a dark weasel-shaped critter ahead, just coming out of a marshy area. I stopped my Jeep and grabbed my Canon. I remembered the call, and gave it a try.
David Small photo
To my surprise, the mink came right to me – at times so close that my long lens couldn’t focus on the critter. After a few minutes, the mink decided there was no mouse or wounded snowshoe hare to be found, and made its exit, leaving me with a few images and a great memory. David Small, Nature photographer, Old Town, ME
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— In Memoriam —
Maine Sportsman Writers Pay Tribute to King Montgomery Compiled by Will Lund trusted King to do all his logistical planning for his world-wide fishing trips. For those who knew Lefty, this completely explains the honorable character of King Montgomery. King was also a highly decorated military man ... a real life hero with a lengthy career of fighting for our country. God bless you, my friend. Rest in peace ... we have the watch.
RANDY RANDALL: King and I had become friendly both at the State of Maine Sportsman Show and the New England Outdoor Writers Association annual meeting. We bonded over our experiences in the Vietnam war. When we were together at the Show, it was obvious how popular he was. Friends and readers sought him out, and King sat in a chair and held court with his admirers. Later, he privately mentioned his health challenges to me, and I told him that life is hard and change is hard. He laughed softly and said, “You’ve got that right.” BILL PIERCE: I was working for Maine Fish and Wildlife in 2001. I met Lefty Kreh at a sports show in Maryland, and invited him to Maine. Lefty said he wanted to bring along an outdoor writer and fishing buddy – a fellow named King. I immediately agreed. Little did I know that this would lead to wonderful friendships and priceless outdoor memories. I enjoyed guiding King and Lefty for smallmouth in my driftboat. Later, King and Elizabeth moved to Maine, and we fly-fishing and bird-hunted together. I will cherish those memories. STACI WARREN: I met King at the 2024 State of Maine Sportsman Show. I knew little about him other than that he was an excellent writer for The Maine Sportsman. He was cordial and funny, and had great stories to share with attendees and other writers as we worked the Sportsman booth. I had no idea he had such an impressive military and professional resume. I’d read his columns and thought, someday I’d like to travel and fish in Alaska and Labrador as he did. His stories were written so the reader felt as if they were standing next to him during his adventures. I’ll think of King whenever I’m fly fishing. J. C. ALLARD: I knew King primarily through the gift of his writing. In recent years, I’ve also shared this magazine’s booth space with him at the annual State of Maine Sportsman’s Show, during which I learned that King was a kindred spirit. As youngsters, we both learned to love the outdoors and outdoor writing through magazines such as Outdoor Life, Field & Stream, and Sports Afield. King later shared that love with people
Kingsley Vaughn (“King”) Montgomery 1944-2024
all across America. With his words and photographs, he broadened the outdoor experience of Maine Sportsman readers. That is a rich legacy indeed. LOU ZAMBELLO: I knew King from his support for local conservation organizations. When Sebago Trout Unlimited sponsored a river clean-up day on the Mousam River, he spent all day talking to folks and taking numerous photographs, before writing a wonderful column about it. Everybody in the sporting community knew him, having met him at a sporting camp, streamside, or at conservation events. He will be missed. BILL SHELDON: I’d read King’s columns for years, but hadn’t met him. One year at the State of Maine Sportsman’s Show, I heard someone calling my name. Looking over my shoulder, I watched as the outdoor writing legend, King Montgomery, burst through the crowd and came my way. King introduced himself, and offered some kind words about my writing. I was star-struck, amazed that an iconic outdoor writer would chase me down and strike up a conversation. He extended the hand of friendship, and I’m better for it. Outdoor writing has lost a legend. WILLIAM CLUNIE: I had the privilege of fishing with King when he came to Maine with his buddy, Lefty Kreh, a legend in the world of fishing. Lefty
JIM ANDREWS: I was a little tonguetied the first time I met King Montgomery while helping out at the Sportsman booth during the State of Maine Sportsman Show. His reputation and personality were legendary. But we soon fell into talking about fishing on rivers we both knew well. His columns were full of adventures that I still want to emulate some day. He will be greatly missed by his readers and friends. JON LUND: King’s columns had a positive effect on me, because his writing always struck me as classy. No cheap shots, nor wise-guy comments – just straightforward descriptions of his own experiences and insights. He had been to places, and had done things, that I have not, so I enjoyed reading about them, and looked forward to his column in each issue. CHRISTI ELLIOTT: King was kind and friendly, and now that I’ve learned about his decorated military service, I can add the word humble to that list. I enjoyed his perspective about the outdoors, since he came from a different generation. I will miss seeing his wonderful wildlife photography every month. I’m honored I got to meet him. DOUG TIBBETTS: It’s been a real honor and privilege for me, a country bumpkin, to have my writings in the same publication with such an outstanding person as King Montgomery. Since he was a fellow veteran of the Vietnam war, we shared a common bond – a bond that cannot be explained to anyone who did not experience the Vietnam era in a personal way. I have been fortunate over the years to meet some truly amazing people, and King Montgomery is among that group. He kept the faith.
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“Snapshots in Time”
Historical Glimpses from Maine’s Sporting Past Compiled by Bill Pierce, Former Executive Director, Outdoor Heritage Museum
Leviathan for Dinner
While reading the January 13, 1916, edition of the Maine Woods newspaper, I came across this ‘whopper’ of a fish story reprinted from an early newspaper. It has been abridged for space reasons. Had an Atlantic salmon made its way to Mt. Vernon in 1849 and was then misidentified as a ‘Square Tail’? I can’t wrap my head around the existence, at any time in history, of a thirty-seven-inch Maine brook trout! I truly wish I had found this a few years ago, so I could have shared it with my dear departed friend and occasional fishing companion, George Smith. George was from Mt. Vernon. He would have loved this story. Enjoy what follows, and be sure to get outside and make some great Maine outdoor history of your own. (Contemporary comment inserted in italics.) ***** The following was taken from the first column of the editorial page of The Maine Farmer, dated Augusta, Me., April 26, 1849.
“A Large Trout”
We received the following invitation to ‘come to dinner’ in season to have
accepted, but ‘circumstances,’ we are sorry to say, were such as to deprive us of the pleasure of being present and participating in the feast. Many thanks to the gentlemanly landlord of the Mt. Vernon House. ‘‘Mt. Vernon, April 18th – Mr. Editor: Wednesday, 11 o’clock a. m., within a few rods of the Mt. Vernon Stage House, and in the pond at the outlet of the Mill Stream, a large salmon trout was taken, weighing twenty-four pounds, and measuring three feet one inch in length! It was the custom of the small boy who caught the fish to set his well baited hook overnight, and look for the possible catch next day. Much of the fishing by both the big and the small boys was done at the discharge end of the mill stream where it flows into the Lower Pond, just below the village. The trout of which I am speaking was caught in the ‘quick water’ on a hook set sometime during the night or early morning, and it was well tired out when landed. It was a ‘square tail,’ with the brilliant spots and markings of that species. Beat this who can! The great event of those days was the dinner at the Blossom Tavern which is referred to in the accompany-
ing extract from the Maine Farmer of April 26, 1849. The thought has occurred to us that the trout would make a first-rate editorial dinner. [You ATE IT? A mount would have been nice!] I therefore invite a few gentlemen of that respectable and time-honored profession to be present on Saturday, at 2 o’clock, April 21st, and if trout eating is not considered too hearty food for an editor’s stomach, to ‘eat, drink and grow fat.’ You will, therefore, if possible be present, and dine at my house. Respectfully, W. A. BLOSSOM” Since the above was put in type, we learned that the dinner came off in excellent style, the trout being very tastefully prepared, and the invited guests numerous. I hereby certify that the above is the correct copy of the article mentioned above. P. L. McLaughlin, Justice of the Peace, Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Boston, Mass., August 2. 1915. ***** So, was this ‘Mt. Vernon Monster’ a salmon, or a trout? My guess, of course, is that it was a salmon, and given they devoured the evidence, we’ll never know for sure. Damned newspaper editors!
It is probably safe to say Mill Stream in Mt. Vernon became a little more crowded after the report of this catch. Photo provided by the author
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Almanac
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Three Minutes with a Maine Guide by Lisa DeHart
Compiled and Edited by — Will Lund —
The Best Lifejacket for Canoeing There are several high-quality brands to choose from, but honestly, the BEST lifejacket is the one you will wear. The one that lets you move, the way you need to move. The one that fits you like a glove and has everything you need/want in its many pockets. Life jackets have come a long way. With consumer-driven designs, they are sport- and gender-specific. Low profile for kayakers, women’s designs, because, well … boobs. Pocket organizing lifejackets for anglers and guides. Body sculpted foam panels and side-entry lifejackets that are super comfortable. Stohlquist, Astral, NRS, and Kokatat are some of the biggest lifejacket manufacturers. Large, accessible and convenient front pockets dominate designs. I for one am very grateful for this. Map, compass, sunscreen, chapstick, lighters,
The author in her wearable, comfortable, versatile life jacket. Photo: Chris Corey
eyeglasses and phones easily fit, and are really accessible and convenient to get to. Here’s what I look for in a lifejacket besides the nice-sized front pocket – I like a waist belt you can cinch down before a big rapid. This keeps the vest from creeping up on you if you end up swimming. Mine has a big pass-through pocket for my river map; I love that. I like a
low profile, with shoulder straps that are adjustable. Because I pole my canoe, my hands are above my head a good amount of time, like a kayaker, and I need something that doesn’t restrict my shoulders. Mine is a side entry, which I don’t mind, but it does mean I have to take my widebrimmed hat off first before I put it on. I’ve gotten used to it. I never, ever get in a canoe without my lifejacket on. I tell my guests when I guide, if you ever see me in a canoe without my lifejacket, it means I’m being kidnapped and I’m trying to send you a message. Stay safe out there – no one ever plans to flip a boat. — Guide Talk by John LaMarca
Beaver Trapping: More than Just the Fur Because I am an outdoorsman as well as a father, one of my favorite aspects of guiding is the opportunity to help others (Continued on next page)
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Almanac (Continued from page 11) experience Maine’s great outdoor world. As my boys grow older (now 3-1/2 and 2) respectively), they have always known a world connected to their outdoor environment, and they have a deep love and fascination for it. One of the best ways to show kids and adults the outdoors in a way that really stays with them, is the pursuit of trapping. I enjoy beaver trapping, and I love taking my family with me.
The author takes his wife and two young boys beaver trapping to show them the beauty of wildlife.
I did not grow up hunting and trapping, but was always drawn to it. Once I became fully immersed in the outdoor world and industry, as I am now, my family and friends were naturally curi-
The author takes time to show his sons a beaver, allowing them to touch, feel and ask questions. He says it’s a good idea to carry hand sanitizer for after the show-and-tell is over.
ous about my different skillsets and adventures. There is no better way to start, in my opinion, than beaver trapping. It is very accessible, with a high success rate once you know how, and – simply put – it’s fun! Beaver bogs are known for the vast array of wildlife that lives in them. In one beaver bog, you can have all sorts of turtles, waterfowl, songbirds, cranes, fish, mink and muskrat. Even larger animals like bobcat, deer and moose love a good swamp. This is not an all-inclusive list, but it shows you how much you can see just by beaver trapping. Start by identifying an easily walkable beaver flowage that will allow your kids or guests to walk comfortably down to the water bank. If you’re using trapping to introduce young or new outdoors persons to the wild, taking them on a 5-mile slog with gear may not be the best bet for a fun beginning trip. Show and tell about what you see. Where is the beaver
lodge? Is there a dam? What waterfowl are swimming in the bog? Is there fresh beaver sign? Then set the traps, explaining how you understand beaver mannerisms and patterns enough to confidently know how to get the beavers to step on the 2”x 3” pan, when they have the entire body of water to choose their path from. Finally, go back with everyone the next day. Check the traps, and show them the fruits of the labor. Feel the fur, the scaley tail, and the big orange teeth. Help your family and friends develop a appreciation for these and many other animals. —
Chest Packs, Frontpacks, and a Funny Story
We’ve noted the growing popularity of chest packs for hunters – an excellent method of holding ammo, game calls and a canteen within easy reach. Inspired by packs used by wade-and-fish anglers to store fly boxes, hemostats and other necessary gear close at hand without having to dig through pockets or a backpack, the basic design is one we’ll see more frequently in coming months and years, not only for hunters and anglers, but also birders (a place to store compact binoculars) and hikers. However, we can’t see a chest pack without thinking back on a ski-touring winter trip to Baxter State Park in the mid-1970s. We were nearing the end of the trip – a time when hijinks usually take place. This time, the fun consisted of convincing the “new guy” that the best way to maintain fore-and-aft balance while navigating the slick ski trails was to adopt the “front pack” method. (Continued on next page)
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�������������������������������������������� The Maine Sportsman • February 2025 • 13
was unable to navigate at all as he headed straight for a big fluffy snowbank, the outcome was inevitable. Tipped over and covered with snow, he looked back for guidance and sympathy, only to see the rest of the members of the party collapsing with laughter. —
(Continued from page 12)
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Winter Hunting in Maine
Whitetail season is over, but the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife recently reminded Mainers that there’s still hunting to be had. Opportunities include: Chest packs, like this one from Blocker Outdoors, have become specialized -- this model is deigned for turkey hunters, with pockets for mouth calls, pot calls, strikers and box calls. Source: Traditions Media
While everyone struggled to maintain a straight face, the trip leader (who is also this publication’s publisher) carefully strapped a fullsize framed backpack against the inexperienced skier’s chest, with the straps around his shoulder blades. Then, for balance, the group helped him put his conventional pack on his back. With the friendly encouragement of the group, the poor fellow – who was now sandwiched between a backpack and a “front pack,” was sent sliding gently down a slight incline in his skinny skis. Since he
• Snowshoe Hare: Snowshoe hare season began on September 28, 2024 and runs through March 31, 2025 in all Wildlife Management Districts (WMDs), with the exception of Vinalhaven Island, which has a season end date of February 28, 2025.
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BOWDOIN J.L. Custom Fab, Inc. Rt. 201 (North of Topsham) 207-666-5800 www.jlcustomfab.com Snowshoe hare can be hunted solo, or by using hounds. All photos: Maine DIFW (Continued on next page)
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WARNING: CFMOTO recreational vehicles are intended for off-road use only and can be hazardous to operate. Read Owner’s Manual and all product labels before operating. Never operate on paved roads. Operators and passengers must wear a helmet, eye protection and protective clothing. Operators must be at least 16 years old with a valid driver’s license. Passengers, if permitted, must be at least 12 years old. Always use seat belts, cab netting and doors (if equipped). Never operate under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Avoid excessive speed and sharp turns, and never engage in stunt driving. Check state and local laws before operating on trails. Take a safety training course before operating. Contact your CFMOTO dealer for more information, call the ATV Safety Institute at 1-800-887-2887, or go to www.atvsafety.org. ©2015 Zejiang CFMOTO Power Co., Ltd.
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14 • February 2025 • The Maine Sportsman —————————————————————————————————————————————
Almanac (Continued from page 13)
Bobcat are called in using attractor calls, or they can be pursued using a guide and dogs.
• Predators: Season dates are as follows: • Bobcat: December 2, 2024 through February 21, 2025 • Fox: October 21, 2024 - February 28, 2025 • Coyote night hunting: December 16, 2024 - August 30, 2025 • Coyote day hunting: Year’round. • Shed hunting: DIFW reminds outdoorspersons that shed hunting is a great way for hunters to stay active,
Trophy Gallery
Nine-year-old Bags Big Buck with One Shot Brian Hansen, age 9 of Parsonsfield, was hunting on Youth Deer Day (October 25, 2024) in Hiram with his grandfather, Timothy Hansen, when a huge 8-point buck stepped out. Brian dropped the deer with a single shot from his .308 Savage, earning a Biggest Bucks in Maine patch. The deer was registered at Village Variety in Parsonsfield. Brian also harvested a wild turkey, a doe and several partridge during the 2024 season. Congratulations from all of us at The Maine Sportsman, Brian! Photo provided by Valerie Day www.MaineSportsman.com
Shed hunters look for treasure buried in the snow.
to learn how deer and moose locations change throughout the year, and to scout for the autumn 2025 seasons.
¶
Danielle Keyes of Oakfield, ME used her.243 to harvest this 239lb., 9-point whitetail buck on November 2, 2024. The deer’s weight was certified by Eugene Seiders, Seiders Variety and Sporting Goods, Calais Road, Hodgdon.
�������������������������������������������� The Maine Sportsman • February 2025 • 15
Quotable
Sportsman
by Will Lund
“This deer is gonna make us money.” Text message from CJ Alexander to his fiancée three weeks before he is alleged to have killed a giant whitetail buck in Ohio. According to Outdoor Life (December 12, 2024), investigators used cell phone records and GPS location data to prove that the hunter sought out and killed the 18-point buck on private land on which he had not obtained permission to hunt. He then staged photos on his sister’s property, claiming that was the location of the hunt. Alexander pleaded guilty to 14 poaching-related charges; he will serve 90 days in jail; he’ll pay a total of $43,000 in fines, and his hunting privileges were revoked for at least 10 years. — “The top seven trout flies for Maine include the bead head Woolly Bugger with flashabou, Prince bead head nymph, Royal Coachman dry, Hornberg wet fly/streamer, Grey Ghost streamer, Caddis dry, and the bead head Golder Retriever.” Capt. Ron Dupuis, Jr., “Casting your Fly with Confidence – Life-Changing Experiences Fly-Fishing in New England,” Amity Publications, 2024. A registered Maine Tidewater guide and former president of the Sebago chapter of Trout Unlimited, Captain Ron told us that when The Maine Sportsman published his saltwater fishing and boating columns several years ago, he was inspired to write his new book. — “As of November, nine stores, representing 23 locations throughout Maine, had turned in 283.49 pounds (17,062 pieces) of lead tackle.” December 2024 press release from Maine Audubon, touting the early success of their lead tackle retailer buy-back program, in which Maine stores can receive up to $450 for turning over now-illegal sinkers and jigs, both bare and painted,
that the stores have removed from their shelves and warehouses. — “Once-in-a-lifetime chance to reconnect the Androscoggin to the sea for fish, wildlife, and healthy waters for all” Headline in a January, 2025 press release from the newly-launched advocacy group “Free the Andro,” a coalition with the stated goal of opening water flows and fish passage between the Androscoggin River and the ocean. The Brunswick/Topsham dam is up for federal relicensing, and “Free the Andro” says the relicensing process “creates an opportunity to work with all parties involved to assure that unfettered fish passage is restored to the Lower Androscoggin River ….” — “Vacation days at Kineo assure a royal good time for every visitor. Mt. Kineo House accommodates over 400 guests. Offers just the recreation home for you and yours; maintains strictly up-to-date services; has steam heat; gas and electric lights; baths; telephones; telegraph; and a post office. A PERFECT HEALTH RESORT. NO HAY FEVER HERE.” Advertisement for the Mt. Kineo house, from In the Maine Woods; 1906; reprinted in Donald A. Wilson’s Glimpses of Maine’s Angling Past, Acadia Publishing, 2000 — “As predicted, the top lot of the day was an all-original Heddon frog lure ... personally crafted by James Heddon, founder of the Heddon Company [in 1898]. ... It made its first-ever auction appearance on December 9, 2024 at Morphy’s, and sold within estimate for $30,750.” Press release from Morphy Auctions, titled “Morphy’s ‘Lured’ Collectors of Antique Fishing Baits to $900K+ Sale of Wayne Edens Collection, Part I.” Parts II and III of the rare fishing lure collection will be auctioned later this year.
February 2025 Sunrise/Sunset Bangor, ME DATE RISE 1 Sat 6:52 2 Sun 6:50 3 Mon 6:49 4 Tue 6:48 5 Wed 6:47 6 Thu 6:45 7 Fri 6:44 8 Sat 6:43 9 Sun 6:41 10 Mon 6:40 11 Tue 6:39 12 Wed 6:37 13 Thu 6:36 14 Fri 6:34
SET 4:45 4:46 4:48 4:49 4:50 4:52 4:53 4:55 4:56 4:58 4:59 5:00 5:02 5:03
DATE RISE 15 Sat 6:33 16 Sun 6:31 17 Mon 6:30 18 Tue 6:28 19 Wed 6:26 20 Thu 6:25 21 Fri 6:23 22 Sat 6:22 23 Sun 6:20 24 Mon 6:18 25 Tue 6:17 26 Wed 6:15 27 Thu 6:13 28 Fri 6:11
SET 5:05 5:06 5:07 5:09 5:10 5:12 5:13 5:14 5:16 5:17 5:18 5:20 5:21 5:23
February 2025 Tides Portland, ME DATE 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28
Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri
HIGH AM PM
12:39 1:23 2:09 3:00 3:56 4:56 6:03 7:12 8:17 9:14 10:06 10:52 11:35 12:04 12:40 1:15 1:50 2:27 3:08 3:54 4:46 5:44 6:47 7:46 8:39 9:27 10:14 11:00
12:52 1:40 2:33 3:31 4:34 5:43 6:56 8:04 9:04 9:56 10:43 11:26 — 12:14 12:52 1:30 2:10 2:54 3:42 4:35 5:35 6:39 7:40 8:32 9:19 10:03 10:46 11:28
LOW AM PM
6:39 7:28 8:21 9:18 10:20 11:26 — 12:48 1:56 2:56 3:49 4:37 5:21 6:02 6:41 7:20 7:59 8:42 9:28 10:19 11:16 — 12:23 1:24 2:20 3:10 3:58 4:45
7:08 7:53 8:42 9:36 10:34 11:38 12:38 1:48 2:50 3:44 4:31 5:14 5:53 6:28 7:02 7:36 8:12 8:52 9:36 10:25 11:21 12:20 1:23 2:18 3:06 3:50 4:32 5:15
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16 • February 2025 • The Maine Sportsman —————————————————————————————————————————————
Maine Wildlife:
Maine’s Earthworms
by Tom Seymour
Worms, earthworms and nightcrawlers, the gardener’s and fisherman’s friends, have a dark side. Interestingly, Maine has no native earthworms. This is because Maine was once covered by a thick glacier, and after it melted, it took many ages for the fragile soil to build up to what it is today. In the northern forests, the soil retains its primeval state – thin, delicate, and finely balanced. Earthworms were not present, and in much of the north, they remain absent. Other organisms live out their life cycles there, but not earthworms. Earthworms and nightcrawlers are of European origin, and came here through trade with Europe in colonial times. Gardeners came to love them because they aerate the soil, leaving nutrition-rich deposits called “castings.” Introduced worms thrive in disturbed soil – the kind found in Central and Southern Maine, soil that was under cultivation or otherwise disturbed for many years. The fragile, northern soil is much different. Over the years, people spread worms to new locations, either purposely, in the soil in potted plants, or unintentionally, such as through fishing. Worms, earthworms and nightcrawlers alike, are a universally accepted fish bait. From perch to brook trout and everything in between, worms make good bait. Unwelcome Introductions Because of their popularity as bait, worms get spread around by anglers to places where they might not have existed previously, such as the north woods. Emptying the worm container at day’s end may seem like a good thing to do. It is not. When worms are introduced to the fragile northern soil, they immediately begin the work of digesting and aerating it. This disrupts the balance of the soil and leads to the ousting of existing organisms, as well as allowing the already-arid soil to dry further, endangering many life forms. So when fishing, not only in the north woods but anywhere in Maine, www.MaineSportsman.com
Who knew there was so much to learn about the lowly earthworm? Here are the do’s and don’ts for using Maine’s most popular bait. make it a practice to bring your worms home, and don’t leave them in the woods or fields. Remember that worms have no place in the Maine wilds. To further bring this point home, there are new and invasive worms out there that we definitely don’t want anywhere in Maine. These are called “Jumping worms,” colloquially known as “Alabama Jumpers,” and are sold in big-box stores in other states. They are illegal to possess in this state. Their castings resemble concrete, and are injurious to woodland soil. Earthworm Facts If you cut a worm in two, you will get two earthworms, correct? Absolutely not. The head of the earthworm contains sensory organs, and these help the animal to function and grow. Cut a worm in half, and the head section may (sometimes they don’t) grow a new tail, but the tail can never grow a new head. The tail section can persist for some time, as if alive, but it is really dead, and in time it will stop moving entirely. This erroneous concept has relevance to the question of whether certain bait dealers cut worms in half in order to double their supply. The truth here is that the small worms sold for trout fishing, for instance the “Trout Worms” sold almost everywhere in Maine by Moosehead Bait & Tackle, are imported, intact, from Holland. These particular worms, “Dutch worms,” so-called, are naturally short and stubby, lending the impression that they had lost their tail and later healed. As for the types of worms found in Maine, those naturally occurring, although originally transplants from Europe, are common earthworms and nightcrawlers. In places where people have released the new “Dutch worms,”
they too can easily establish themselves, becoming another addition to Maine’s fauna. Here’s another thing about worms in Maine. The tiny worms we find beneath leaf litter and even in the garden do not grow up to become nightcrawlers. Nightcrawlers are a species separate and apart from common earthworms. Finding Worms Not all soil contains worms. Poor, sandy or dry soil will hold few, if any, worms. Instead, worms prefer rich loam, with lots of decomposed organic matter. Garden soil, being regularly amended with compost or manure, makes excellent worm habitat. And in summer, when worms become scarce, look for them in the cool, moist soil beneath flat rocks and downed logs. Those wishing to keep worms for future use, should construct a wooden frame with a fine metal screening on the bottom. This allows for proper drainage. Fill the frame, or bin, with a mixture of loose soil and leaf compost. Do not allow the soil to compact. Alternately, you can buy a special foam worm bucket, offered commercially by tackle manufacturers. Fill the container with another commercially available mixture, called “Buss Bedding.” Buss Bedding is a shredded form of paper, which expands when you add water. Follow the directions, and you will have the best possible medium for keeping worms. On the question of what to feed worms, they live long lives in Buss Bedding alone, but the same company offers special worm food, designed to make them grow to large sizes. Also, some people add spent coffee grounds to their worm container, sprinkled on top. However, this could lead to mold buildup. It is better to add some fully composted leaf matter. Keep your worm soil damp, but not wet. Keep the container in a cool, shady location. The S-4 special regulation in Maine fishing laws permits the use of worms, dead fish and salmon eggs in waters where the use of live fish as bait is prohibited. Altogether, Maine has 24 different well-established species of earthworms. And now you know the rest of the story.
�������������������������������������������� The Maine Sportsman • February 2025 • 17
The 43rd Annual
State of Maine
Sportsman’s Show
Mark Your Calendars for Maine’s Premier Outdoor Show! Outdoor enthusiasts wait all winter long for the spring thaw, and what better way to spend one of those spring weekends than at Maine’s biggest outdoor trade show, the 43rd annual
STATE OF MAINE SPORTSMAN’S SHOW MARCH 28–30, 2025!
FRIDAY 1PM–8PM • SATURDAY 9AM–7PM • SUNDAY 9AM–4PM Thousands of outdoors-minded folks will gather for an entire weekend of everything outdoors. There truly is something for everyone: OVER 100 EXHIBITORS, KID ZONE, DEMONSTRATIONS, SEMINARS, GAME CAMERA PHOTO CONTEST, TURKEY CALLING CONTEST, AND LOTS MORE!
Are you a returning or new exhibitor with questions? Contact Carol at Carol@MaineSportsman.com or (207) 622-4242. STAY TUNED TO THE SHOW WEBSITE & FACEBOOK PAGE FOR UPDATES!
www.show.mainesportsman.com www.MaineSportsman.com
18 • February 2025 • The Maine Sportsman —————————————————————————————————————————————
Gear Up for Trolling by Bob Humphrey Most everyone is still fishing hard water right now, but ice-out isn’t far off, and soon we’ll be trolling the open water for togue and salmon. It’s never too soon to start gearing up, especially if you’re looking to up your game and your catch this year. In fact, now is the
The right equipment makes a traditional method more productive. perfect time, as boating and sportsman’s shows are kicking off, and you can find some great deals on the latest in trolling tackle. Motors Trolling requires going slow, which used
to present its share of problems (and still does) for those using two-stroke engines. They’re not designed for long periods of very low RPMs. Kickers (9.9 hp or less) used to be a popular option but are
no longer necessary, because four-strokes perform quite well at idle speed, are quieter, and burn much cleaner so you’re not stuck breathing in exhaust all day. Still, sometimes
you need to go really slow, and gas engines just can’t get you there. You could drag a bucket, but there’s a much simpler solution. As their name implies, electric trolling motors are ideal for the task. They’re nearly silent, and depending on size, allow you to troll (Continued on next page)
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Visit Your Local Honda Marine Dealer for Details! ELLSWORTH Pirie Marine 53 Sunset Park Road (207) 664-0500 www.piriemarine.com GORHAM White Rock Outboard 351 Sebago Lake Road 207-892-9606 www.whiterockoutboard.com
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*At participating Honda Marine dealers only. Qualifying retail customers may choose between a) receiving instant savings off the selling price of a Honda powered boat package or Honda Marine engine(s) sold for repower, or b) receiving 36 months of HondaCare Protection Plan at no additional cost for eligible Honda Marine engine(s). This promotion is limited to new Honda Marine BF40 – BF350 outboard engines, 2021 and newer models, sold and delivered between January 1, 2025 and March 31, 2025 and registered by the Dealer in accordance with American Honda Motor Co., Inc.’s sales registration requirements. Only Honda Marine outboard engines sold for personal use qualify for this promotion. Fleet, commercial & government sales are ineligible. Engines sold under special pricing / promotions including (but not limited to) demo and tournament fisherman engines are also excluded. Honda Marine reserves the right to modify, amend, cancel or revoke, in whole or in part, this promotion at any time without prior notice. Always wear a personal flotation device while boating and read your owner’s manual.
�������������������������������������������� The Maine Sportsman • February 2025 • 19
Bow-mounted trolling motors are more efficient and easier to steer with. (Continued from page 18)
as fast or slow as you want. Size does matter, and it’s better to err on the high end based on the length, weight and style of your boat. The general rule of thumb is at least 2 pounds of thrust per 100 pounds of boat, people and gear weight; and a shaft length that allows the motor to be submerged at least 12 inches. There’s a litany of styles and features to choose from. Clamp-on transom mounts offer the ability to easily remove for transport and swapping between boats. Bow mounts get the motor up front and out of the way and steer more easily, since they’re pulling – not pushing – the boat. You’ll also appreciate the benefit of pedal or even remote steering rather than tiller control, especially on those April mornings. If you really want to get fancy, you can add power steering, and pair your motor with a GPS to follow a specific track or contour. You won’t need spot-lock for trolling, but it’s a nice fea-
ture for other types of fishing, where you may want to hold over structure or fish when wind or current tend to push you off. You’ll need power to run your motor, and there have been some real advancements in marine batteries. The superlatives vary with brand and style, but lithium trolling motor batteries can provide up to twice the power, half the weight, five
Downriggers and line counters allow the angler to set lures at precise depths.
times faster charging and eight times longer life, compared to conventional lead-acid batteries. They’re more expensive, but the benefits far outweigh additional cost. Rigging At the very least, you’ll need rod holders, and the more adjustable, the better. The ability to change location and orientation allows you to troll
multiple lines and adapt to varying conditions. While you typically don’t see downriggers on smaller boats or even larger freshwater boats, they are a handy way to troll multiple lines without tangling (at least in theory).
Planer boards and sleds present an economical and more portable alternative. Water flow from forward momentum pulls them and attached lines away from the boat. The basic design is a rectangular block with a beveled front (Continued on next page)
Our outboard motors are about a whole lot more than just the specs. A truly great motor delivers it all:
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ELLSWORTH Pirie Marine 53 Sunset Park Road • 207-664-0500 www.piriemarine.com SPRUCE HEAD J&H Marine 670 Spruce Head Road • 207-596-5511 Find Us on Facebook www.MaineSportsman.com
20 • February 2025 • The Maine Sportsman —————————————————————————————————————————————
Planer boards and sleds are designed to pull lures away from the boat.
Boating in Maine (Continued from page 19)
Now through June 18, 2024, purchase an eligible Yamaha outboard and get:
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WATERVILLE Hamlin’s Marine 290 West River Road 207-872-5660 www.HamlinsMarine.com
*PROGRAM TERMS AND CONDITIONS: Consumer benefit for purchasing a new (unused, not previously warranty registered) select eligible Yamaha four stroke outboard is based on horsepower as follows: 30 -450 hp is a 24-month Yamaha Extended Service (“Y.E.S.”) contract (choice offered by Florida dealers is a 24-month Yamaha Extended Limited Warranty in lieu of Y.E.S. contract); 2.5 hp to 25 hp four stroke outboard is a dealer credit of up to $200, based on hp, toward the MSRP value of goods and/or services purchased, at the authorized participating dealer that sold the outboard, at no extra cost to consumer. To be eligible, outboards must also have been manufactured since January 2018. Promotion is only applicable from authorized participating Yamaha Outboard dealers in the U.S.A. sold to purchasing consumers residing in the U.S.A. Promotion is limited to available stock in dealer inventory that is sold January 6, 2025 – March 31, 2025, and PDI completed, delivered and warranty registered on YMBS by the dealer in accordance with Yamaha’s promotion and warranty registration requirements. No model substitutions, benefit substitutions, extensions or rain checks will be allowed. Outboards sold or provided for commercial, camp, resort, guide, rental, promotional/demo, government agency, competition, tournament or sponsorship use are not eligible. This promotion cannot be used in conjunction with any other Yamaha offer. Some exceptions may apply. Some exclusions may apply in the Yamaha Extended Limited Warranty offered by Florida dealers (as compared to the Y.E.S. contract), such as TRIP coverage. In Florida, Yamaha Extended Service is administered by Automotive Warranty Services of Florida, Inc. 175 W. Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60604 (866) 937-3983. License # 60023. See authorized participating Yamaha dealer for complete details. Yamaha reserves the right to change or cancel this promotion at any time. Yamaha Motor Finance Corporation, U.S.A., dba Yamaha Financial Services, is an affiliate of Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. offering financing solutions to support Yamaha Dealers and loyal Yamaha Customers nationwide. REMEMBER to always observe all applicable boating laws. Never drink and drive. Dress properly with a USCG-approved personal floatation device and protective gear. © 2025 Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. All rights reserved.
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and an outrigger or downrigger clip. Sleds, often made of foam or very light plastic, reduce resistance, providing a wider spread from your boat. They are also more stable in rough water. Speaking of downriggers, they can be quite handy, as they allow the angler to adjust trolling depth more precisely than lead line. Coordinate that with your fishfinder, and watch your catch rate go up. Tackle Compared to traditional trout rods and reels, modern technology has given us lighter and stronger rod material, and smoother, more reliable and durable reels. Consider medium to heavy rods nine or 10 feet long, with deep loading, soft, moderate action. Level-wind reels probably get the nod,
with line counters being a nice feature, especially when trolling lead-core. Spincasting reels work too, but traditionalists may opt for the relative simplicity of a mooching reel (a mooching reel resembling an oversized fly-fishing reel for increased line capacity, and a heavy-duty star drag). What you tie on the end will depend on when, where and how you’re fishing and what for. The most popular terminal tackle for salmon and togue include smelt (live or dead), spoons and flies. One advantage of trolling multiple lines is you can experiment until you find what works on any given lake or day. Good luck on the trolling water this spring!
¶
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State of Maine Sportsman’s Show Volunteers Needed The 43rd Annual State of Maine Sportsman’s Show will be held Friday through Sunday, March 28 - 30, 2025 at the Augusta Civic Center, and we could use your help in making it a success again this year. Can you travel easily to the Augusta area? Can you commit to a 4-hour shift? Can you follow directions? Tasks will be assigned based on your interests, experience and abilities. Set-up; tear-down; staffing the information booth; staffing the Kids’ Zone – we’ll put you to work. In exchange, you will gain free admission to the Show, and an official Show t-shirt. You’ll get to meet 8,000 other outdoors-minded visitors, and you’ll have the opportunity to work with some of the greatest folks in the state – the staff of The Maine Sportsman magazine, and Sportsman’s Alliance of Maine! Call (207) 622-4242 or email Carol@ MaineSportsman.com and let us know your contact information and your availability.
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22 • February 2025 • The Maine Sportsman —————————————————————————————————————————————
Bad Weather Approaching? Know When to Get Off the Ice by Nolan Raymond One of the most picturesque scenes an ice angler can experience is catching fish during a white-out snow squall. Especially when I’m camped out on the ice, I find it truly breathtaking. I love fishing quiet, secluded lakes and ponds. When it’s already quiet out, the snow in the air further deadens sounds, until the only thing you can hear is yourself and the wintry flakes landing on the lake’s surface. I have always felt insignificant in these moments – a mere bystander, witnessing something much larger than myself. This scene can be something of a dream for the hardcore ice
The author has learned – through personal bad experience – that’s it’s important to keep a weather eye out when ice fishing … especially if the snow is accumulating, and you’re a long way from the truck.
Heavy snow obscures the visibility across the lake and whips at the ice shack. All photos by the author
angler – a clear, calm morning to allow easy setup of gear, after
which the sun becomes obscured by heavy cumulus clouds
– a sure sign of a barometric change to low pressure. It’s common
knowledge among anglers that lower pressure – especially a rapid change to low pressure – can result in a feeding frenzy. Beautiful, But Challenging Although the sight of an incoming snowstorm can be both picturesque and productive for fishermen, the situation can prove hazardous, as well. Snow can accumulate quickly, which can hinder your ability to operate. I recall one trip I took to the Chamberlain Lake region. As snow fell and drifted, our traps became blown-in – obscured by deepening piles. In fact, our ice holes (Continued on next page)
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�������������������������������������������� The Maine Sportsman • February 2025 • 23
The author’s friend, Gavin Bartlett, with a nice trout caught in a snow flurry. All photos by the author (Continued from page 22)
filled entirely with snow, leaving only the tall masts of our tipups sticking out of the drifts. Our ice cabin, a pop-up, also became blown in. As a result, although we were catching fish, the packing-up process at the end of the day was much more drawn-out. Difficult Traveling Deeper snow can also be a risk to travel-
ing on and off the ice, particularly for fishermen on foot. Without snowshoes, even a few inches of snow can make it nearly impossible to walk if you’re hauling a tote sled full of gear. This is a consideration to make before going out. Imagine walking in easily on hardpack snow or ice, only to be forced to walk the same distance in eight inches of powdery snow. If
you didn’t account for the added difficulty for travel on the return trip (and I’ve made this mistake), you can easily get into a jam. Even snowmobile riders are not exempt from this challenge – I’ve seen plenty of rigs buried as anglers tried to backtrack after a day on a pond or lake.
As described in this column, here’s a tip-up, with all but the tall mast covered by falling and drifting snow.
Making the Judgment Call So when is it time to call it quits and head for the security of home? Well, that depends on a few factors. First, determine the degree of difficulty you’ll encounter while packing up and returning to the vehicle. If you’re set up within
a few hundred yards of a boat ramp, and you only have some traps and a shack set up, you don’t have nearly the challenge ahead that an angler may have who snowmobiled in for a weekend of fishing on a remote pond, miles from pavement. In the latter case, the (Continued on next page)
COBBOSSEE LAKE ICE FISHING DERBY Hosted by Cony Project Graduation, Friends of Cobbossee Watershed & YMCA Camp of Maine
March 1, 2025 • Sunrise–3PM — PRIZES — Largest Northern Pike: 1st $750 • 2nd $500 • 3rd $250 Largest Brown Trout: 1st $350 • 2nd $200 • 3rd $100 Largest Pickerel: 1st $350 • 2nd $200 • 3rd $100 Largest Pan Fish, Perch (White or Yellow), Crappie: 1st $500 • 2nd $350 • 3rd $150 — REGISTRATION FEES — Pre-Register by 2/15 $15 • Day of Registration $20 • Kids 15 & & Under Free First 50 kids (17 & under) to register get a FREE ice trap donated by Traps for Kids! — REGISTRATION LOCATIONS — In-Person Registration at Cobbossee Bait Shop in East Winthrop or Jack Traps in Monmouth • Scan the QR Code to Register Online
➙
Register Day of Until 10AM at Weigh Stations at Monmouth Boat Launch, Turtle Run, and YMCA Camp in Winthrop (Fish must be weighed at the station you registered at)
BIG CASH PRIZES & LOTS OF RAFFLE ITEMS! KIDS CASH PRIZES PLUS LIFETIME FISHING LICENSE RAFFLES! — CONTACT INFO — Cobbossee Ice Fishing Derby Facebook Page or Email conyprojectgraduation@gmail.com — PLATINUM SPONSORS — Bath Iron Works, Brookwood Builders, F.W. Webb, G&E Roofing, Hammond Lumber, Kennebec Savings, Lajoie Brothers, Mattson’s Kids Cash Prizes Sponsor: Hamlin’s Marine
www.MaineSportsman.com
24 • February 2025 • The Maine Sportsman —————————————————————————————————————————————
Ice Fishing (Continued from page 19)
A storm rolls over the area, hiding the summit of Mt. Katahdin from view.
Roxbury ATV Riders Club
ICE FISHING DERBY FEBRUARY 15, 2025
7AM–3PM • Roxbury Pond, Roxbury, ME Entry Fee: $20/Person FOOD • DOOR PRIZES • RAFFLES • 50/50 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ PRIZES ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Trout, Pickerel & Crappie: 1st $500 • 2nd $300 • 3rd $200 Largest Perch $150 Largest Game Fish Not Listed Above $100 Youth Category Largest Fish $100 Other Prizes Include Ice Shacks, Bear Hunt, Ice Fishing Traps, 40V Strikemaster Auger & MUCH MORE! SPONSORED BY
angler should watch the weather carefully, and be prepared to leave as early as necessary to avoid becoming stuck. Second, the weather itself plays a big factor. Although we don’t have cell service everywhere we fish, it’s a good insurance policy to get a forecast of the expected snowfall, as well as wind direction and speed, before heading out. Where
Little Tim’s 9th Annual
ICE FISHING DERBY Proceeds to Camp Postcard / Volunteers of America
March 1, 2025 Worthley Pond • Peru, ME 5:30AM–2:30PM
PRIZES! PRIZES! PRIZES! ADULT PRIZE FOR TROUT: RIFLE ADULT PRIZE FOR ALL OTHER FISH: SHOTGUN Plus Lifetime Fishing License, Fishing Gear & Lots More!
Registration: 17 & Under $7 • 18 & Older $10 FMI (207) 357-3469 www.FB.com/LittleTimsAnnualFishingDerby
FMI: (207) 951-5034
Operation Reboot Outdoors:
WELCOME HOME ICE FISHING DERBY SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2025
Ellis Pond • Roxbury, ME • 6AM–3PM (Final Weigh-In) $ 20 Entry Fee • Kids 11 & Under Free
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50/50 Tickets $1 Each • Kids Prize Categories for 11 & Under $ 1,000 RAFFLE PRIZE! • ICE SHACK DOOR PRIZE!
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Largest Crappie, Trout or Pickerel: 1ST $1,000 • 2ND $500 • 3RD $250 Largest Perch: $250
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Purchase tickets at the derby. Winner will be drawn February 22, 2025. Winner does not have to be present to win.
Questions? Email nicole@operationrebootoutdoors.org or visit
www.operationrebootoutdoors.org www.MaineSportsman.com
Many Thanks to Our Sponsors! Norris Bennett Memorial
ICE FISHING DERBY Presented by Lions Club of Lovell Foundation
FEBRUARY 9, 2025 5:30AM–4:00PM • Registration Fee $25 Pleasant Point Road, Pleasant Point, Center Lovell, ME BIGGEST TOGUE, KEZAR LAKE ONLY 1st $1,500 • 2nd $500 • 3rd $300 • 4th $100 • 5th $100 • All Winners Must Be Present to Win (Except Ice House Winner) • Age 15 & Under Biggest Any Fish 1st $100 • 2nd $50 • 3rd $20 • Raffle Prizes Given Out at 4:00PM or Shortly After • Door Prizes Drawn Throughout the Day! • A Purchased Ticket is Your Registration or Register at the Table Located at Pleasant Point Town Beach, Center Lovell, ME • All with a Purchased Derby Ticket are Eligible for Door Prizes • Kids Casting Contest at 11:30AM – Prizes for All • Food Booth Available • Plenty of Parking Available • No Taking of Salmon Allowed per MDIF&W — Get Your Bait at Jeff’s Bait Shop, Main Street, Lovell, ME (207) 925-1330 • Open at 5:00AM Saturday & Sunday — FMI Call Colin Micklon (207) 925-1075, Follow the Bob Danforth (207) 440-1486, Lovell Lions on or John Bacchiocchi (207) 925-3045 Facebook SCAN QR CODE FOR TICKETS
service is available, getting updated accumulation predictions, as well as a timeline for the weather, is valuable. In some cases, NOAA weather transmissions can be received by handheld radios, and those broadcasts often relay NOAA’s prediction for the storm. Finally, you need to be mindful of your limits. As a 20-yearold, I can confidently say that I’m able to get myself and my gear out of some greasy weather conditions. However, I’m still not one to take unnecessary risks. For example, if I expect to be in bad weather, I may begin to pack up early and leave myself a longer buffer time before sunset to get back to the truck. Who You Gonna Call? As always, I make it a practice to tell others where I’m going and when I expect to be back. Even with all that, I also make a contingency plan, in case I encounter turmoil, mayhem or outright chaos – someone to call who can come with a snowmobile, and offer a helping hand and a strong back to get me out of a jam. As with most things, ice fishing in the falling snow can be an amazing experience – in moderation. When you take the appropriate precautions, and heed your instincts and experience, it can be an unforgettable way to fish and to enjoy time outside.
¶
�������������������������������������������� The Maine Sportsman • February 2025 • 25
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Complete Line of Ice Fishing Tackle — Live Bait & Tackle — Shiners • Suckers • Worms • Crawlers SMELTS • SHINERS • SUCKERS • WORMS • CRAWLERS Smelt, Shiners, Suckers, Worms, Dillies, Crawlers Full Line of Ice Fishing Gear Packed in oxygen-filled bags for travel 143 Emery Mills Road, Rt. 109 • (207) 636-1325 48 State Street, Mill Mall • (207) 667-2511 Bait Shop Open Mon–Wed 9am–5pm, Thu–Sat 5am–5pm (on Lower Mousam Lake) www.willeyssportscenter.com Exit 197 Off I95 East 1/2 Mile • 207-827-7032 Open Tue–Fri 8am–4pm, Sat 5am–4pm, Sun 5am–Noon
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www.MaineSportsman.com
26 • February 2025 • The Maine Sportsman —————————————————————————————————————————————
— Ice Fishing —
Home By the Fire, or Dick Tracy by Doug Tibbetts People often asked me, “How do you know what you are going to do each day?” The answer is often dictated for you by prevailing circumstances. During the evening of February 17th, 1972, Wendall Harvey, who lived in Monticello, called and invited me to go ice fishing with him the following morning, providing I could take the day off. He proposed that we go down to Nickerson Lake in New Limerick to try our luck at catching some salmon. I accepted, and we agreed on a time and place to meet up. We planned on taking our own vehicles, so that we could both have a snowmobile to travel on the lake. The next morning dawned quite chilly, so I made it a point to equip myself with adequate clothing and other necessary provisions for a day on the ice. We met up at the Elm Tree Diner in Houlton for a hearty breakfast, then headed for Nickerson Lake. Out on the Lake As we made our way over the bare ice to a spot on the southeasterly side of the lake, we noticed there
The author learns that when a warden goes ice fishing to get away from law enforcement responsibilities, it’s like a bus driver who spends a vacation day riding a bus.
Fifteen traps, and a single angler to tend them, while two other fishermen traveled around the ice. This lake had a 5-trap-per-licensed-angler limit, and lines must be under the immediate supervision of each person. But this was the author’s rare day off, and he was determined not to get involved.
were already several parties of fishermen scattered around the lake. A few had driven vehicles out onto the ice, as the ice was thick. I found out just how thick when I began to drill holes with a spoon-type hand auger. I am not sure if we ever did get all ten lines in, but at any rate, we commenced to try our luck. Down near the eastern end of the lake, we could see a group of three people who had a vehicle on the ice next to an ice fishing shack. They had what looked like
their limit of fifteen traps spread out in that general area. The fishing activity was slow for us and most likely everyone else, but it had warmed up some, and no wind was blowing. Towards noon, we partook of our lunches and sipped on coffee; you can always eat if there is nothing else to do. It wasn’t long before the sedan down at the far end of the lake, about a quarter mile away, started heading our way. The vehicle slowly pulled to a stop next to us, with two mid-
dle-aged men as occupants. They were a jovial pair, each with a beverage to sip on. We chatted with them about fishing, the weather and so forth. In a short while they left, continuing on up the lake. For at least the next half hour we could see the sedan making the rounds way up the lake, and stopping wherever people were fishing. Looking back to where they had come from, we could see a lone person who was tending all their fishing lines. Eventually, the sedan returned to
give us a run-down on how the fishing was on the rest of the lake. Not Worried About the Wardens Knowing that these guys had no idea who I was, I asked the driver if he was concerned about game wardens and leaving all their lines with just that one person to tend them, when the law requires lines to be under each angler’s immediate supervision. He stated that he wasn’t worried about that, because on a cold day like this, all the wardens were home by the fire with their feet up. Well, today I was fishing, and I had no intention of getting involved with fishing violations. In fact, I had every intention of just letting the present situation slide as they headed back towards their fishing area. However, the more I thought about the “feet up by the fire” comment, I decided that, yes, I was going to insert myself into this before leaving the lake. Time to Go Visit By the middle of the afternoon, Wendell and I decided to call (Continued on next page)
Sebago Lake Rotary’s Ice Fishing Derby 24th Year! 26 Lakes & Ponds February 15 & 16, 2025
www.icefishingderby.com
Website Live January 1, 2025
Prizes over $10,000! Visit our website to register and learn more! www.MaineSportsman.com
�������������������������������������������� The Maine Sportsman • February 2025 • 27 (Continued from page 26)
it quits. Our visiting fishermen were still hanging on, so I decided it was time to ride down on my snowmobile and check out this operation. I pulled up. The man who seemed to be the one in charge – and also the one that believed all the wardens were home by the fire – asked me if we had any salmon. I told him no, but that was really beside the point, as I was actually a warden and I’d come down to address several fishing issues. He replied, “You ain’t no warden!” I said “Well, actually, I am,” and displayed my identification to him. To make a long story short, not only had the two gentlemen left their lines for one person to tend, but that person did not have a fishing license. I gathered up the necessary information, while learning the man in charge operated a retail store in Houlton. I told him that I would stop by the next day to issue the appropriate paperwork regarding the day’s activities. I can say that they were not pleased with me and may have used the term “sneaky,” al-
though I did not agree with that. The Next Day So, the next day, I stopped at the man’s
retail store to drop off some court summonses. The man had little to say until I started to leave, at which point
he blurted out, “You’re so smart – you must think you’re Dick Tracy!”
“No,” I replied, “I’m not that smart.”
¶
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Make-a-Wish Ice Fishing Derby March 1, 2025 • 6AM–2PM Sabbathday Lake, New Gloucester, ME
Weigh-In at Southern End of Lake in Front of Grange Hall on the Ice
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Subscribe & Save Up to 62% OFF the Cover Price! Check One: r One Year $33 or r Two Years $54 Name________________________________________ Address______________________________________ ____________________________________________ City_________________________________________ State_________________________ Zip_____________ VISA/MC____________________________________ Exp._________________________ CVV___________
Phone_______________________________________ Email________________________________________ Include your Check, Money Order or VISA/MasterCard info to: The Maine Sportsman, 183 State Street, Suite 101, Augusta, ME 04330 You can also call (207) 622-4242, scan the QR code, or visit our website
www.MaineSportsman.com www.MaineSportsman.com
28 • February 2025 • The Maine Sportsman —————————————————————————————————————————————
Moosehead’s Winter Mystique by Steve Carpenteri Since the mid1800s, Maine’s Moosehead Region has been among the state’s top destinations for spring, summer and fall outdoor recreational sports, including hunting, fishing and boating. And now you can add winter to that list of seasons, since
“We hold ice-fishing derbies, a winter carnival, races, and even a pig roast,” reports the president of the Moosehead Riders Club, of Greenville. “This is a big area with lots of riders locally, but there are times when you can ride more than 200 miles without seeing another snowmobiler.” the area is currently a center of activity for snowmobilers, and in
fact has welcomed riders ever since the first snowmobiles appeared
in this state. Maine offers thousands of miles of local,
regional, state and international snowmobile trails, many of which are groomed to provide endless miles of smooth, bump-free rides. The larger trails are interconnected, giving adventurous riders free access between and among (Continued on next page)
Visit Your Local Ski-Doo Dealer for Current Offers!
THAT SKI-DOO FEELING
Discover it. Share it. Repeat.
AUBURN LINCOLN Wallingford Equipment Lincoln Power Sports - Access Auto 265 West Broadway 2527 Turner Road 207-794-8100 207-782-4886 www.wallingfordequipment.com www.lincolnpowersports.com AUGUSTA LEEDS North Country Ski-doo Reggie’s Kawasaki Ski-doo 255 US Hwy 202 3099 N. Belfast Ave. 207-933-4976 207-622-7994 www.doitatreggies.com www.northcountryh-d.com WILTON DETROIT Mountain Side Powersports Huff Powersports 912 US Route 2 East 284 North Road 207-645-2985 207-487-3338 www.huffpowersports.com www.mountainsidepowersports.com GREENVILLE JUNCTION Moosehead Motorsports 13 Industrial Park 207-695-2020 www.mooseheadmotorsports.com
©2025 Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. (BRP). All rights reserved. ®, ™ and the BRP logo are trademarks of BRP or its affiliates. Products in the United States (US) are distributed by BRP US Inc. Always ride responsibly and safely and wear appropriate clothing, including a helmet. Please observe applicable laws and regulations. Remember that riding and alcohol/drugs don’t mix. See your authorized BRP dealer for details and visit ski-doo.com.
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Kineo provides an unmistakable backdrop for snowmobilers on Moosehead Lake. Photo credits include Danielle Dorrie, Northeast Whitewater, Wilsons on Moose-head, and Karen Folsom; courtesy Destination Moosehead Lake (Continued from page 28)
Newport, Millinocket, Bangor, Jackman and points throughout northern Maine, and on into Canada, New Hampshire and Vermont. The Hub According to Jon Gray, owner of Moosehead Motorsports and president
of the Moosehead Riders Snowmobile Club in Greenville, the Moosehead Region is an important hub for snowmobilers in northern Maine. The region includes the towns of Rockwood, Greenville, Kokadjo, Lily Bay, Beaver Cove, Shirley, Monson and Abbot. “We hold ice-fish-
ing derbies, a winter carnival, races, and even a pig roast,” Gray told The Sportsman. “This is a big area with lots of riders locally, but there are times when you can ride more than 200 miles without seeing another snowmobiler.” The Big Attraction According to a spokesperson at the
Well-groomed local trails are also linked with the ITS (Interconnected Trail System), allowing adventurous riders access not only to other areas of Maine, but also to trails in New Hampshire, Vermont, and the Canadian provinces. Photo credit: Karen Folsom
Moosehead Lake Region Chamber of Commerce, the Moosehead trail network offers more than 160 miles of spectacular and scenic riding, with stops for coffee, lunch and gas along the way. Towns through which the trails run welcome snowmobilers, and businesses provide lodging, refreshments
and shopping. Local snowmobile guide services and rentals are available, and visitors can count on great riding advice, as well. Trail reports are easily accessible through the Maine Snowmobile Association, with continuous updates detail(Continued on next page)
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* Rebate offer valid on select new model year 2023-2025 snowmobiles purchased from a participating Polaris dealer between January 1st, 2025 – February 28th, 2025. Amounts vary by model, see dealer for details. All rebates during the Sales Event are paid to the dealer. Offer subject to change without notice. Offer valid only in US. Offer has no cash value to the customer. While supplies last. Read, understand, and follow your owner’s manual. See your local dealer for details. *** 2-year PLW offer valid on select new 2023-2025 model Polaris snowmobiles purchased between January 1st, 2025 – February 28th, 2025 (standard 12-month factory warranty + 12-month additional extended coverage for a total of 24 months of coverage). Offer subject to change without notice. Offer valid only in US. Offer has no cash value to the customer. While supplies last. Read, understand, and follow your owner’s manual. 2-year PLW and rebate offer can only be combined on select models. **Promotional finance offers (rates as low as 0.00 % for 36 months) valid on only select new 2023-2025 model Polaris snowmobiles purchased from participating authorized U.S. Polaris Snowmobile dealers between January 1st, 2025 – February 28th 2025. Minimum payments required. Offer may not be combined with certain other offers, is subject to change and may be extended or terminated without further notice. Model specifications subject to change. Model & year exclusions apply. See your local dealer for details. This special finance offer is in lieu of any rebate offers. **Finance offers (rates as low as 7.99% for 36 months) valid on only select new 2022-2025 (excluding 120cc and 550cc models) Polaris snowmobiles purchased from participating authorized U.S. Polaris Snowmobile dealers between January 1st, 2025 – February 28th, 2025. Minimum payments required. Offer may not be combined with certain other offers, is subject to change and may be extended or terminated without further notice. Model specifications subject to change. Model & year exclusions apply. See your local dealer for details. Polaris recommends that all riders take a safety training course. Do not attempt maneuvers beyond your capability. Always wear a helmet and other safety apparel. Read, understand and follow your owner’s manual. Never drink and ride. Polaris is a registered trademark of Polaris Industries Inc. © 2025 Polaris Industries Inc.
The Sidewinder L‑TX SE has all the trail performance and capabilities found in our LE models but at a lower price point. The ARCS front suspension with Fox® RC adjustable shocks leads the charge with longer, lightweight forged spindles and optimized geometry. A 137” Ripsaw II track wrapped around the free‑arm, coupled SRV rear suspension with HPG shocks hooks up the industry’s most powerful engine. The race bred chassis holds you forward, at the ready to meet anything the trail throws your way.
See Your Local Yamaha Snowmobile Dealer for the Latest Promotions! SKOWHEGAN Whittemore & Sons 257 Waterville Road 207-474-2591 www.whittemoreandsons.com TOPSHAM MOMS Topsham 70 Topsham Fair Mall Road 207-729-1177 www.topsham.moms73.com Always wear an approved helmet and eye protection. Observe all state and local laws. Respect the rights of others. Ride within your capabilities. Allow extra time and plenty of distance for maneuvering. Do not perform stunts. © 2025 Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. All rights reserved.
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30 • February 2025 • The Maine Sportsman —————————————————————————————————————————————
Snowmobiling (Continued from page 29)
ing conditions on the many ponds and lakes crossed by the trails. The best riding conditions are from mid-January to midMarch, but vary depending on temperature trends and accumulated snowfall. Riders are advised to make use of all local resources before heading out, to ensure a safe and pleasurable experience. Moosehead’s network of well-groomed local trails joins the Maine Interconnected Trail System for riders who want to explore other parts of Maine, Canada and adjoining states. Other Options Aside from the region’s legendary snowmobiling adventures,
February visitors to the area can look forward to some excellent ice-fishing on Moosehead Lake and other area waters, where brook trout, landlocked salmon and lake trout are the featured species. In addition, the remote region boasts an endless list of opportunities for ice-skating, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and snowboarding. Adventurous riders can also branch out to find some world-class downhill skiing in the surrounding mountains. Folks interested in dog-sledding will find plenty of opportunities to run and race in the Moosehead Region.
EXPLORE MORE. ACHIEVE MORE. — Visit Your Local Arctic Cat Dealer for Current Promotions —
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WARNING: Arctic Cat snowmobiles can be hazardous to operate. For your safety, all riders should read and understand their owner’s manual and safety instructions. Always wear an approved helmet and other safety apparel. Be aware of natural hazards you may encounter and don’t drink and ride. All scenes depicted or described were performed by professional riders under carefully controlled conditions. Never attempt to duplicate these maneuvers or encourage others to do so. Arctic Cat recommends that all operators take a safety training course. For safety and training information, please see your local dealer. ©2025 Arctic Cat Inc. All rights reserved.
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The months of February and March often feature the deepest snow accumulations, including exhilarating powder conditions such as this. Photo credit: Wilson’s on Moosehead
Star Gazing at its Best For an unforgettable February experience, consider riding, snowshoeing or skiing the area’s trails on a bright, cold night. The
Milky Way is clearly visible overhead, and the majority of famed Eastern constellations (including the Big Dipper, Little Dipper, and Orion) are easy to identify, especially on
a moonless night. Also, lucky visitors may be able to observe portions of the colorful, ever-changing Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights, to native Mainers). Coupled with the crunch of snow underfoot and the booming and cracking of lake ice in the distance, your nighttime experience will be one you won’t soon forget. Trail Map Trail maps are available on the MSA online store. A 22 x 33-inch map of the Moosehead Lake Region is available for $15, which includes shipping and handling. For details, log onto MaineSnowmobileAssociation.com. Snowmobile Rentals First-timers, novices and occasional visitors to the region may prefer to rent a snowmobile rather than (Continued on next page)
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tote their own. The Birches Resort, Northwoods Outfitters, and Northern Outdoors offer short- and longterm rentals, as well as guide services, lodging, food, supplies and trip-planning advice. To find out more about the Moosehead Lake Region’s winter vacation opportunities, contact the Moosehead Region Chamber of Commerce, Route 15, Indian Hill Plaza, P.O. Box 581, Greenville, Maine 04441, or call (207) 695-2702, or toll-free at 1-(888) 876-2778. The same contact number will put visitors in touch with the
“Destination Moosehead Lake” office, which provides additional local information on the region’s attractions, destinations, events, eateries and lodging. For information on the Moosehead Riders Snowmobile Club, including current conditions and events, log onto www. NortheastSnow.com/ Moosehead-Riders. Riders are advised to keep an eye out for moose, deer and other wildlife, which frequently use the region’s trail system as a travel-way. Bring on the snow, and let’s ride!
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Using great caution and traveling in groups, more and more riders are experiencing late-night treks, taking part in moonlit excursions and star-gazing. Photo credit: Mary Sue Ford Henszey
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32 • February 2025 • The Maine Sportsman —————————————————————————————————————————————
Successful Bucket List Trip to the Frozen North As youngsters growing up in the early 1980s, we had no video games, cable TV or social media (not even home computers) to keep us entertained. We played outside most days for fun. However, on those rainy, snowy or otherwise nasty days, my favorite pastime was to get together with my best friend Brian, and read through my father’s hunting magazines. My father’s passion for hunting whitetails was legendary in our town. To feed that passion, Dad subscribed to myriad hunting magazines. Deer & Deer Hunting, and Bowhunter Magazine, were my favorites. If the publication had anything to do with deer, he had it. The benefit for me and my friends was a seem-
The author quotes Marcus Aurelius: “Our life is what our thoughts make it,” and describes his recent dream hunt. “You can bet I will keep thinking of big bucks, and of hunting trips with friends and family,” he reveals. ingly endless supply of reading material. We were never bored and always dreaming. Dreaming for Over 40 Years My best friend growing up was my neighbor, Brian Victory. Brian and I met when I was 12 years old, when I visited my father on a weekend. We became lifelong pals when I moved in with my dad, midway through seventh grade. We were inseparable, in good times and bad (we’ll save the bad for another time). Our favorite parts of those hunting magazines were the photographs
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of giant bucks killed by hunters in the Midwestern US, and up in Canada. Of those Canadian whitetails, bucks from Saskatchewan really stood out. Seeing advertisements featuring huge-bodied, heavyracked bucks and the successful, snow-covered hunters in their white coats, would excite both of us. We’d say, “Some day, that’s going to be us sitting behind one of those deer.” More often, we’d say, “I wish we could afford to do a hunt like that.” Well, life moves on, and so do friends. I moved to Maine in
1992. Both of us got married. Brian had two children to raise. I hunted a whole lot. Brian hunted a little, while focusing on raising his boys. Our remote hunting dreams were put on hold. Fast forward to early 2024. I finally booked a trip to Saskatchewan with some good friends from college. One of my buddies backed out of the trip because of an unscheduled family obligation. I immediately thought of Brian, and made the call. Both of us have lost good friends and family members over the last few years. We’d both
been golfing and hanging out together more often. Our fifties are supposed to be the best decade of our lives, according to parents and older friends. “You know what?” responded Brian. “I’m in. We aren’t getting any younger, and we always dreamed of doing this hunt together.” Headed North ... Sort of Last year flew by, and before we knew it, the trip was upon us. The plan was for me to visit my family in NY for Thanksgiving, and then fly to my friend John’s place in Wyoming. From there, all four of us would drive to Spirit Creek Outfitters (SCO) in Weekes, Saskatchewan. Four people, two vehicles, and more hunting gear (Continued on next page)
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The author’s friend, Brian Victory, with his Saskatchewan buck. This is Brian’s biggest buck to date -- a trophy that was once a dream. Photos by the author (Continued from page 32)
than we needed, would arrive the afternoon of Sunday, December 1st. Our hunt would last five days. Time spent with Brian, and good friends John and Sebby, made the trip more than just a hunt. Upon arrival, we got into our rooms, unpacked gear, and headed to the cafeteria for dinner and a briefing by the owner and head guide, Dean Silva. After a quick Q&A session, Dean gave us all our licenses and tags, and we drew our blind sites from a bucket. As Dean was going over lodge and hunting rules, I looked at my friends. We were living our dreams. Tomorrow, we’d be hunting!
Beyond Chilly The deer hunting weather in Saskatchewan is legendary. Our first day would not disappoint. As my guide and I rolled up to my blind, 30 minutes before legal shooting, the temperature was a brisk minus-17 degrees, and it wouldn’t get above zero that day. I’d put my new cold weather gear to the test on this hunt. Day #1 was productive, with two huge-bodied bucks on the bait before 10 a.m.
I passed both, in hopes a larger-racked buck would show up. Meanwhile, Brian, John and Sebby were seeing plenty of deer, but no shooters. Days #2, 3 and 4 found each of us at the same baits, with no “shooter bucks” spotted. The temps remained cold, but fluctuated. However, Day #5 was a great day for me and Brian. At approximately 9:15 a.m., both of us shot our first Saskatchewan bucks. We literally sent each
The author scored on this heavy-bodied buck while hunting with Spirit Creek Outfitters, in Weekes SK. Five all-day sits in sub-zero conditions was exactly what Joe pictured when dreaming of this hunt for over 40 years. While this is not the author’s biggest racked buck, at 236 pounds it is one of the largest bodied bucks of his hunting life. Saskatchewan, he confirms, grows big whitetails.
other the “I just shot one” text, at the same time. Brian shot his biggest buck ever, and I shot a big bodied 9-point. Both of us were happy, and shared congratulatory hugs when we arrived at the lodge. First of Many Such Trips? Emotions were high. This was literally a dream come true. While neither of
us shot a giant buck, the trip was awesome, and the company was great. God willing, this was the first of many dream hunts for this duo and friends. “Our life is what our thoughts make it” is a quote from Marcus Aurelius. You can bet I will keep thinking of big bucks, and of hunting trips with friends and family.
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34 • February 2025 • The Maine Sportsman —————————————————————————————————————————————
I Was Dragging This column was inspired at the cusp of my last week of chasing deer for 2024, Vermont’s late muzzleloader season. With the late calendar flop, we started that season as late as it could get. I walked a lot of miles and had some opportunities. I passed on some of those, and took a chance at others without connecting. All in all, a lot of fun. However, I soon found that my rear end was dragging. My legs were tired, but in recovery mode. That’s all behind me now, as I’m already in training for the fall of 2025, keeping my plate full with snowshoe hare, and fish through the ice. The results of VT’s 2024 deer hunting efforts won’t be out until March, but my impression is that it was a good year. I saw a lot of nice racks in social media pictures. As always, I wish people would include the story of how they got their buck with the picture. In my corner of the state, I feel like the bodyweights may be down a bit overall; I haven’t seen or heard of as many 200-pound bucks being taken as I have in past years, though that is purely anecdotal. I understand Maine may have fared a little better in that department than in past years. Timing is Everything For my VT deer hunting, I had some close calls early, with one great encounter on our opening weekend of rifle hunting. I was still hunting not far from camp, and heard some footsteps. I grunted and waited, looking in the direction I was headed. The buck snuck in behind me to the right. I saw him just as he saw me. He turned his head, which gave me the impression of a nice frame. When I spun to try to make something happen, he took off. I believe he got shot the next week, and he was a beautiful six-point that weighed 173 lbs. On Thanksgiving week, I headed out of state, where I missed two tough shots on a buck that I tracked on three different days. Hopefully he made it through, and I’ll get a crack at him next year. As the snow piled up in the areas I like to hunt ahead of our VT muzzleloader season, I had to re-evaluate my habit of heading for the high country. Plus, with the late season start, deer were starting to migrate during the muzzleloader seawww.MaineSportsman.com
Near the end of a six-week period during which he hunted every chance he could, the author suddenly realized he was very, very tired.
A signpost rub that has the author excited for 2025. Look closely at the tree next to the ash, and note the tine marks there. Matt Breton photo
son. A buddy and I got into some deer and had some fun, but the snow turned crunchy. Hunting on the move was tough, but still fun. Lots of miles in the deer woods over six weeks had my mind happy and my rear end dragging. I welcomed getting back to regular work so I could rest up!
The Year Ahead Planning for the fall, 2025 seasons has already started for me, and I hope it has for all of you. My Western plans are starting to come together. If you’re interested in hunting outside of New England, I’d encourage you to start looking into it now. Lots of states require tag applications, so if you wait too long, you’ll miss the boat. Colorado, where I spend some time, has made a big shift in how they allocate tags to non-residents – there are no longer over-the-counter archery tags available there. The second and third rifle season elk tags for non-residents remain available, though I’m not sure how much longer that will last. If you’re interested in getting out there as a bucket list trip, start working on it! If you want the help of an outfitter, I’d recommend connecting with Maine native Russ Lambert, who owns and operates CO Outfitters (co-outfitters.com). Closer to home, locating bucks is the key for me in 2025, then I hope that I can get on them with a rifle in hand early in the winter of 2025 when snow flies. In the near term, the VT F&W Department has a new interim Commissioner, Andrea Shortsleeve, who I’m hoping to interview for this column. March will have our state deer and moose meetings. Make sure you connect with your local biologists regularly to keep the lines of communication open. I love the work they do, even if I don’t always agree. I’ve had the sense lately that there is a widening gap between the highly educated scientists of our department and the average citizen. This gap can only be closed through communication. Similarly, VT residents should make sure we are talking to our elected officials early, often, and positively. I think that legislatively, VT is in a far better place now than we were last year for many of our hunting and trapping issues. We can’t rest on that though, and we need to stay engaged. If you’re sitting on the ice right now, waiting for a flag to go off, send an email to a lawmaker or policy-maker, thanking them for their work, and letting them know where you stand.
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The Magic Trick by Samuel Dalti
The young author calls new-fallen snow the “white book,” because a buck tells a story when he leaves tracks in the powder. It’s up to the hunter to age and size the track, and to follow it if it’s the area’s largest and most dominant buck that’s leaving the “magic track.” When people think about tracking a Big Woods Buck, they often feel the physical aspect would be the hardest part. Although I agree with that to an extent, I learned from experience that finding the “right” Big Woods Buck track is equally challenging. More goes into finding a buck track than just taking the first one you find. Patience and persistence are a huge part of eventually catching up to a buck. You can’t just follow the first buck track that you find in the woods, because it might be too old. You might go a whole week, walking countless miles, without finding the “magic track” – a fresh track made by the area’s largest and most dominant buck. You can’t give up though, because sooner or later you’re bound to stumble on the track you’ve prepared for all during the off-season. Finding an older track isn’t a bad thing, either. It’s nature’s way of telling you there’s something else for you to learn from a buck rather than just killing it.
Learning to Age a Track With an older track, you can see how it ages over time. You may not know the exact time it was put there, but with many different clues, you can make a good approximation. Look for how crisp around the edges the track appears. Step into the snow beside it. Look at the difference between your track and the buck’s track. Feel the inside walls of the track. Your track’s inside walls will most likely be soft and pliable, while the track of the buck is going to be set-up or frozen. The bottom will feel and look the same. Frozen and melted out, depending on the temperature. You can learn how to judge the size of a track, too. Look for a track around it, and compare the two. Look at the dewclaws, the width between the two tracks, and the distance from one track to the next. All these subtle but extremely important signs can help you determine whether a particular buck is worth pursuing. Keeping an eye
on what the weather has been doing is another key factor when aging tracks. Maybe it snowed the prior night. When did the snow start, and when did it end? Did the temperature get below freezing? Check the temperature at the time you’re standing over the track. The different weather conditions will sometimes age a track faster than its chronological age. That’s why knowing and comparing multiple clues will help you determine whether you have found the “magic track.” My Thanksgiving Week Hunt By no means am I claiming to be an expert at aging tracks, as I am only eighteen years old. But a few light bulbs did go off in my head while I was hunting the Big Woods Thanksgiving week this past season. I got to hunt alongside my Dad and my Uncle Lars. It took us until Friday to finally cut the “right” track. We picked the buck up at 7:30 am and chased him till 2:30 pm. We nearly got a crack at him several times, but at the end of the day he’d enough of us,
The author — 18-year- old Sam Dalti — with a nice buck. Big Woods Bucks photos
and decided to swim across a lake. Taking the right track isn’t always a guarantee of killing a buck, but it sure as heck gives you
a better chance than taking the wrong one. With all that said, using the “white book” (Big Woods World continued on page 37)
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36 • February 2025 • The Maine Sportsman —————————————————————————————————————————————
Stories Behind 2024’s Biggest Bucks Congratulations to everyone who got a deer this season! Here are the stories behind the two hunters who received recognition through The Maine Sportsman’s “Biggest Bucks in Maine” patch club for the heaviest deer in the state in 2024. #1: Rob Kilcollins, 261 lbs, 11 points This is Rob Kilcollins’ fourth deer over 200 pounds! You may think he’s a trophy hunter, but the lifelong hunter and father of three told me that due to his busy schedule, he shoots the first adult buck he sees every year. Rob, who lives in Fort Fairfield, set out to hunt Smith’s Farm’s land on the morning of November 8th. Smith’s Farms, a sixth-generation owned farm, is the #1 exporter of broccoli and cauliflower east of the Mississippi River. Their land is not posted, and they are generous when it comes to granting hunting permission, according to Rob. Rob started hunting, but encountered another hunter, and
tient, and practice shooting. “A lot of people only shoot their rifle once a year,” he told me. “We, on the other hand, do a lot of target shooting.” And how did it taste? “Very good!” Rob said.
Rob Kilcollins practices on an 800-yard range behind his house, which made the 540-yard shot to this monster buck, Maine’s biggest 2024 whitetail, within his comfort range.
decided to yield the area to him. “We had a great, friendly conversation,” he explained. “I even told him about a couple of spots in the area where I’d seen deer in the past, and wished him luck.”
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Karma came quickly for Rob. On his way home, he decided to stop at a broccoli field where he had shot a 246-lb buck in 2016. Rob walked along a drainageway until he spotted a doe, more than 150 yards away. Behind her, he saw a buck. He ranged the buck at 540 yards. The wind was at Rob’s back, and the buck froze, staring in his direction. With the buck stationary, Rob sat down and took his time lining up the shot with his sup-
pressed .260 Remington. “I have an 800yard range behind my house,” he said, “so I’m comfortable shooting at a long distance, but I had never shot an animal from that distance.” The buck went down quickly, and Rob called his father for help. It took a while for Rob to walk the 540 yards to the buck, and only then did he really appreciate the size of the 11-pointer. Rob’s advice to hunters is to be pa-
#2: Barry Kallander, 257 lbs, 10 points Another lifelong hunter, Barry Kallander from Denmark, connected with an incredible buck with his crossbow during the 2024 archery season. This is the second patch buck for Barry, having shot a 214-lb buck in 2015. Barry had seen a couple of big bucks on his game cameras, and planned to hold out for one of them. Barry has six food plots on his property in Bridgton, but focuses on the smaller ones, less than a quarter acre, during hunting season. “It’s rare to see big bucks in food plots in the daytime in Maine,” he explained. “They feel safer if it’s a smaller plot.” Barry hunted the opening afternoon of archery season. A non-target buck (his son in law ended up shooting the 164-lbs buck) came into range, and Barry took photos and videos to share with friends. In the distance, out of range, he got a glimpse of one of his target bucks, nicknamed “Mr. Big.” (Continued on next page)
�������������������������������������������� The Maine Sportsman • February 2025 • 37 (Continued from page 36)
The second day of archery season, October 7th, the wind was right for Barry to hunt a small plot near a brook. “The deer had been favoring water all year because it had been so dry,” Barry recounted. Around sunset, Mr. Big came quickly into the small plot, with another buck behind him. “As soon as he stepped into the plot he stopped, and I shot him right in front of my trail camera,” Barry described. “He only went about 30 yards into the woods, but it was down toward the brook. I called my wife, got my tractor, and got dreadfully
stuck trying to get Mr. Big out. It was everything I could do to get him into the bucket of the tractor.” By the time Barry got Mr. Big back to his house, the tagging station was closed. Barry sent a couple of photos to his friends that evening. The next morning when Barry arrived at Jim Bob’s to tag Mr. Big, a dozen people were waiting to see the buck in person, with supportive words and pats on the back for Barry. Barry will have a tooth aged, and guesses the 10-pointer was 6.5 or 7.5 years old. His family enjoys the food plots yearround. “The food plot
stuff is a real hobby of mine,” he said. “I’ve been doing it for twelve years. It’s a lot of work. I rotate crops, and have a mix of annuals and perennials. It creates tremendous opportunities for viewing and photographing a wide variety of wildlife.” Barry’s advice is some we’ve all heard before, but it’s hard to put into practice (at least for me), “You have to be patient, and pass bucks to shoot big ones.” Congrats Rob and Barry and all the successful hunters, from all of us at The Sportsman!
¶
Barry Kallander has cultivated several foot plots for 12 years in the Bridgton area, which allowed him to use his crossbow to connect with this huge 257-lb buck, nicknamed “Mr. Big.”
Big Woods World (Continued from page 35)
This older track is melted out, and displays rounded edges.
(which is snow) is extremely effective, because the buck teaches all you the important behaviors and motivations going on in his life. I already can’t wait to see what the 2025 season has in store for me. Hal’s Thoughts Samuel is the son of Chris Dalti, my Big Woods partner. He grew up around the business, and has paid attention to the wealth of knowledge shared by the Team. I guess you could say his learning curve has been shortened somewhat on the information end, but he realizes that there is no substitute for getting in the woods to put that knowledge to use.
A “magic track,” with sharp edges. It’s recent, and the buck that made it is huge.
This big buck stepped on top of the boot prints we’d made in the snow two hours earlier.
Lars has taken Sam under his wing for a couple of years now to teach him tracking skills, so next year he can go it alone. It’s the same thing I have done with my grandson Rylan, who also knows that next season he’s on his own. Whether you are a new hunter, or just maybe new to tracking or hunting in the Big Woods, everyone starts somewhere. In the beginning, it may be just trying to get the basics down. In tracking, Samuel has set forth the basics in this article, but you’ll find it is only the tip of the iceberg. There are so many details involved, from aging and sizing up tracks, to navigating quietly through the woods and getting back
out, that you can get information overload. You can read books and articles, and watch video, but the only way to sort everything out is to get into the woods and do it. You have to make your own mistakes, and you’ll make plenty of them, to really learn and get good at anything. It’s kind of like going to college, where you are learning from books and professors, but it’s only theory until you get out into the world and apply it. Those bucks are going to be the best teachers!
¶ www.MaineSportsman.com
38 • February 2025 • The Maine Sportsman —————————————————————————————————————————————
— The Biggest Buck
TOP 10 BIGGEST Barry Kallander of Denmark, ME 257 lbs. • 10/7 • Bridgton
Phil Gendreau of Madawaska, ME 249.5 lbs. • 11/23 • Madawaska
Joseph Martin of Buxton, ME 247 lbs. • 11/8 • Weld
Andrew DiTommaso of Newington, CT 246 lbs. • 11/4 • T7 R16 WELS
Darryn Libby of Lincoln, ME 241 lbs. • 11/15 • T3 ND
Niole Linnie of Biddeford, ME 241 lbs. • 11/7 • Jackman
www.MaineSportsman.com
Robert Kilcollins o 261 lbs. • 11/8
Vernon Davis of Bethel, ME 240 lbs. • 11/3 • Bethel
�������������������������������������������� The Maine Sportsman • February 2025 • 39
ks in Maine Club —
BUCKS OF 2024
of Fort Fairfield, ME • Fort Fairfield
Alexander Genness of Skowhegan, ME 240 lbs. • 11/2 • Clinton
Kyle O’Brien of Bremen, ME 248 lbs. • 11/29 • Bremen
Douglas Lane of Millinocket, ME 247 lbs. • 11/22 • Crystal
Brent Goodine of Woodville, ME 244.5 lbs. • 11/7 • Woodville
Evan Fox of Bath, ME 243 lbs. • 11/5 • T1 R13 WELS
Davis Hebert of Plainville, CT 240 lbs. • 11/5 • Sinclair Twp
— — Visit our website MaineSportsman.com to see the full 2024 Biggest Bucks in Maine Club list! — — www.MaineSportsman.com
40 • February 2025 • The Maine Sportsman —————————————————————————————————————————————
— Biggest Bucks in Maine Club 2024 — * denotes youth hunter
LAST NAME Adams Allaire Allen ** Anderson Archer Argraves ** Arsenault Aube Averill Ayotte Babiarz Baker Baker Baker Banks Barker Beal Bean Beaule Bellefleur Bennoch, Jr Bergeron Bermani Bernard Bernier Bibeau Bigelow Bjerrum Blagburn Blaisdell Blake Bliss Bliss Bodemer Boinske Bolduc Bolduc Bolduc Bond Borntrager Borrello Botbyl Boulanger Bourgoin Bourgoin Boutilier Bowman **
FIRST NAME Andrew Thomas Gleason Brady Paul Samantha Stephen Nicholas Matthew Sharyn Josh Aaron Christopher David Russ George Cole Kailyse Matthew Michael Chris John Peter Michael Allen Daniel James Joshua Ken Anthony Andrew Mark Nathan Logan Cooper Matthew Nathan Timmy Brice Jonathan Ryan Logan Real Tiffany Tyler Danielle Kyleigh
CITY Wilton N Berwick Sedgwick W Baldwin Jefferson Mapleton China E Waterboro Litchfield Lagrange Jackman Glenburn Woodland Biddeford St Albans Gilmanton Addison Hudson Leeds Madawaska Pawucket Biddeford Hollis W Enfield Augusta Phillips Manchester Falmouth Milo Rome Woolwich Morrisville W Baldwin Rockwood Westfield Somerville Farmington Fremont Kennebunk Thorndike Argyle Twp Windsor Coburn Gore Charleston Charleston Merrill Charleston
STATE ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME NH ME ME ME ME RI ME ME ME ME ME NH ME ME ME ME VT ME ME ME ME ME NH ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME
WEIGHT DATE 215 11/5 208 10/27 203.5 11/25 225.5 11/2 235 11/5 221 11/4 220 11/9 205.6 11/13 224 11/4 201 11/16 200 11/16 208 10/26 203 11/21 203 11/4 208 11/14 210 11/13 220 11/2 209 11/9 203.4 11/2 219 11/8 207 11/5 204 11/11 200.3 11/9 207 11/9 201 11/8 212.5 11/4 205 11/9 202 11/11 202 11/7 225 11/11 211.5 11/23 212 11/12 201.5 11/16 210 11/13 202 11/26 201 11/2 210 11/4 200.7 11/18 202 11/16 201.5 11/9 226 11/5 230 11/13 220 11/5 207 10/5 212 11/13 205 11/11 200 10/25
WHERE Wilton Wells Sedgwick Parsonsfield Jefferson Mapleton Palermo Buxton Upper Ench Twp Lagrange Dennistown Glenburn Ashland Biddeford St Albans Long Pond Beddington Hudson Leeds Frenchville Belfast Biddeford Hollis Cedar Lake Twp Augusta Phillips Lower Ench Woolwich T7 R17 Rome Coplin Plt Bowtown Twp W Baldwin Pittston Ac Gt Twp Farmington Somerville Farmington Grafton Kennebunk Thorndike Argyle Twp China Coburn Gore Corinth Corinth Dyer Brook Charleston
LAST NAME Bowman Bradeen Brady Bragan Bragdon Brewer ** Brooks Brophy Brown Brown Brown Brown Bubar Bubier Buck Burdin ** Burgess Burnley Burrill Burt Butera Butler Butterfield Byrd Cabral Carrier Carter Carter Carver Carver Casale Casey Chagnon Chasse Chick Chipman Chouinard Clancy Clark Clark Clark Clark Clattenburg Cloutier Cobb Colby Cook
FIRST NAME Robert Sherman Matthew Richard George Porter Richard Patrick Charles Eli Logan Michael Adam Mike Cory Alexis Brian James Jake Stephen Larry Judson Randy James Sean Raymond Curt William Austin Judson Anthony Dan Jared Amber Matthew Matthew David John Gene Georgiann Jim Paul Bill Curtis Tye Jason Shannon
CITY Charleston Carthage Pembroke Rockland Corinna Walpole Crystal Hinsdale Blanchard Lyme E Machias Dennysville St Albans Jay St Albans Sangerville Bath Boca Raton Canaan Kennebunk Carmel Blue Hill Newcastle Tamarac Buxton Mt Vernon Frenchtown Twp Bowdoinham Easton Jonesport S Freeport Oakland E Falmouth Ashland Hancock Pownal Eagle Lake Bremen Princeton Damariscotta Union Presque Isle Saco Jay Brewer Gouldsboro Ashland
STATE ME ME ME ME ME ME ME MA ME CT ME ME ME ME ME ME ME FL ME ME ME ME ME FL ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME MA ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME
WEIGHT DATE 218 11/11 208.5 11/26 207 11/5 219.2 11/2 218 11/21 206 11/5 207 11/29 202 11/7 210 11/15 230 11/15 201.4 11/2 200 11/22 214 11/2 226 11/2 208 11/2 200 11/2 200 11/4 204 11/11 208.5 11/6 202 11/2 202 11/12 207.5 11/19 211 11/8 221 11/22 212 11/11 204 11/2 228 11/13 207 11/2 205 11/11 209 11/25 211 11/2 205 11/16 206 11/12 222 11/9 202 10/24 219 11/9 223 11/18 200.4 11/5 213 11/8 204.8 11/9 206 11/9 205 11/15 204 11/8 201.6 11/23 205 11/5 201 11/12 200 11/5
WHERE Charleston Longtown Twp Pembroke Hope Corinna S Bristol Island Falls Burlington Monson Jackman Marshfield Pembroke Hartland Chesterville Corinna Sangerville Jackson Harpswell Canaan Kennebunkport Carmel Blue Hill Newcastle Mt Chase Buxton Mt Vernon Frenchtown Twp Bowdoinham Easton Addison Monroe Clinton Freedom Ashland Hancock Pownal St Francis Bremen Big Lake Bremen Thomaston Ashland Clifton Jay Holden Gouldsboro Ashland
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(207) 299-6434 haynesvilleguide@gmail.com www.MaineSportsman.com
�������������������������������������������� The Maine Sportsman • February 2025 • 41 LAST NAME Cool Coombs Cooper Corbin Corey Cowper Cram Crane Creamer Creveling, Jr Crocker Cross Crump Cullins Cunrod Curnan Curran Currier Currier, Jr Curtis Curtis Cushman Daggett Daigle Daniell Daugherty Davis Deabay Deans Delano Delgallo Dempsey Denbow Desanctis DesVergnes Diamond Diffin Dingus, Jr DiTommaso Doak Donovan Dorr ** Doyle Dube Dubois Dudley Duffy Duguay Dukette Duplisea Dykstra Eastman Edgecomb Ellis Elsemore Emery England Erdmann Erickson Farris Faunce, IV Fecteau Fenderson Ferland Fernald Findlay Fish Fitzmaurice Foster Fotter Fowler, Jr Fox Fox Frechette Frost Fuller Gagne Gagne Gagnon Gagnon Gallagher
FIRST NAME Dustin Guy Earle Timothy Richard Ryan Matthew Eli Donald Harry Robert Jacob James Callie Ray Martin Tim Hailee Peter Daniel Jeffery Brian Thomas James Scott John Vernon Eric Randy Wendy Adam Hunter Patrick Butch Daniel Christian Micah James Andrew Carter Chris Jaxon Jeff Mark Russell Chad Chris Desmond Zachary Roxane John Adam Andy Brian Cody Trent Brent Jarrod Lucas Donovan Roland Jason Nathan Bradley Daniel Brady Larry Aaron Wyatt Scott Clyde Evan Leslie Mark David Joshua Joey Nathan Brandon Stephen Earle
CITY Bingham Sullivan New Harbor St Albans Industry Stratton W Bath Dyer Brook Waldoboro Nazareth Freeport Brewer Methuen Masardis Conner Twp Stratton Sanford Mapleton Etna Benedicta Montville Barre Cushing St David Orono Sanford Bethel Masardis Argyle Twp Dresden S Gardiner Columbia Lebanon Durham Buxton Gorham Princeton Jay Newington Fort Fairfield Baileyville Windham Melrose Bowdoin Jay Caribou Oakland Turner Williamstown Fairbanks Alton Exeter Union Winslow Jefferson Wayne Rangeley Dresden Mercer Levant Corinth Barre Sanford Hardwick Islesford Bucksport Weld Anson Linneus Lang Twp Gardiner Bath Hiram Industry Norridgewock Rumford Harrison Mt Vernon Madawaska Newcastle Somerville
STATE ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME PA ME ME MA ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME VT ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME CT ME ME ME MA ME ME ME ME ME VT AK ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME VT ME VT ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME
WEIGHT DATE 204 11/19 211.5 11/12 206 11/13 222 11/14 211 11/14 210 11/20 202 11/2 213 11/4 233.4 11/2 205 11/6 208 10/22 209 11/9 210 11/20 227 11/27 202 11/23 218 11/15 205.5 11/16 200 11/15 204 11/4 212 11/21 224.5 11/4 204 11/11 220.4 11/29 207 11/30 216 11/16 213.4 10/23 240 11/3 202 11/22 205 11/11 203 11/6 226 11/9 227.8 11/12 205.2 10/9 211 11/12 210 11/15 206 11/16 221 11/2 208 11/2 246 11/4 204 11/4 216 11/6 210.4 11/2 209 11/5 204 11/21 221 11/4 200 11/21 212 11/13 233 11/6 215.5 11/9 209 11/11 209 11/16 205 11/7 204 11/4 215 11/5 225 11/27 234.2 11/2 225 10/28 208 11/12 203 11/15 201 11/11 222 11/9 205 11/30 200.1 11/27 219 11/4 214 11/18 212 11/11 204 11/16 228.5 11/2 202 11/30 222 11/11 201 11/16 243 11/5 205.5 11/27 215.5 11/7 200 11/15 200.2 11/16 200 11/4 202 11/16 221 11/2 214 10/13 203 11/6
WHERE Concord T28 MD BPP Mt Chase Blanchard Twp Kibby Twp Langtown Twp Palermo Dyer Brook Waldoboro Smithfield Freeport Alton Drew Castle Hill Connor Twp Coplin Magalloway Ashland Hibberts Gore Sherman Unity Atkinson Rockport Frenchville T7 R15 WELS Sanford Bethel Ashland Argyle Twp Dresden Jefferson Twp 24 Lebanon Sandy River Plt Guilford T5 R18 WELS Princeton Canton T7 R16 WELS Washburn Fowler Twp Mexico Biddeford Bowdoin Temple Perham Oakland Turner Twp E Silver Ridge Old Town Exeter T7 R17 WELS Albion Johnson Mtn Wayne Rangeley Plt Dresden Stetson Twp Prospect Corinth Langtown Parmachenee Twp Eustis Frankin Ebeemee Twp Weld Hartland Linneus Lang Twp Chelsea T1 R13 WELS Brownfield Industry Hobbs Town Rumford Harrison Chase Stream Twp Allagash Newcastle Somerville
LAST NAME Galvin Gamache Gardiner Gardner ** Gardner Gardoqui Garside Geaumont Gendreau Genness Gibson Gillis Gilmore Girsa Goff Gonzales Goodine Goodwin Googins Gouveia Graffam ** Grass Graves Gray Gray, Jr Green Green Greenwood Gregoire Guerrette Gushee Hanley Hansen ** Hansen Harding Hardison Hardwick Harper Harper Haskell Hawkes, Jr Haycock Hayes Heald Hebert Helstrom Henry Heroux Hesseltine Hewett Higgins Higgins Higgins
FIRST NAME Lance Peter Mark Bentley Michael Dan Bo Jim Phil Alexander Darryl John Travis Jessicca Brian Blake Brent Joshua Keith Morgan Emma Jeffrey Ed Isiah Mark Christopher Clifton Todd Kody Kevin Kendall Patrick Brian Craig Cameron Josie Steve Daniel Robert Cassandra James Curtis Brian Donnie Davis Jesse Jason Adam Gage Nathan Gary Herschel Stacy
CITY STATE Rumney NH China ME Portland ME Millinocket ME Albion ME Cape Neddick ME Oxbow ME Gray ME Madawaska ME Skowhegan ME Mechanic Falls ME Sebago ME New Gloucester ME Lee ME Wrightstown NJ Brewer ME Woodville ME New Gloucester ME Scarborough ME Wells VT Harpswell ME Belmont ME Brunswick ME Greenville Jct ME Penobscot ME Raymond ME Sebec ME Alton NH Enosburg VT St David ME Appleton ME Center Barnstead NH Parsonsfield ME Troy NY Burlington ME Waltham ME Wallagrass ME Hallowell ME Nobleboro ME Bath ME Falmouth ME Milbridge ME New Haven VT Lincolnville ME Plainville CT Fort Fairfield ME Norridgewock ME Belfast ME Waldoboro ME Belgrade ME Jefferson ME Presque Isle ME Sebec ME
WEIGHT DATE 204 11/30 225 11/8 218 11/21 202 11/29 224 11/19 211 11/4 203.8 11/9 204 11/4 249.5 11/23 240 11/2 204 11/9 213 11/15 219 11/8 232.5 11/4 205 11/20 222 11/11 244.5 11/7 205 10/23 215 11/4 203.5 11/27 218 10/26 229 11/8 208 11/5 201 11/27 202 11/4 204 9/23 215 11/12 213 11/15 216 11/20 212 11/18 203 11/19 208.5 11/22 203 10/25 200 11/16 221 11/13 204 11/15 216 11/14 222 11/2 208.6 10/22 206.4 11/7 204 11/4 204 11/26 207 11/23 218 11/8 240 11/5 227 11/2 211 11/18 215 11/7 206.4 11/4 225 11/2 203.8 11/9 214 11/7 215 11/5
WHERE Eustis The Forks Jackman T2 R10 WELS Albion York T7 R15 Cumberland Madawaska Clinton Oxford Rangeley Freeman Twp Winn Bridgewater Amherst Woodville New Gloucester Scarborough T4 R18 WELS Alna Waldo Brunswick Misery Twp Penobscot Westbrook Atkinson Rangeley Tim Pond Twp T17 R12 Allagash Coplin Plt Magalloway Plt Hiram Bald Mtn Twp Burlington Waltham Eagle Lake Chapman Jefferson Arrowsic Casco T7 R15 Nashville Plt Lincolnville Sinclair Twp Fort Fairfield Norridgewock Belfast Waldoboro Belgrade Jefferson Presque Isle Sebec
Guns • Ammo • Xbow • Vortex • Garmin • Lacrosse • Trapping • Rental
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42 • February 2025 • The Maine Sportsman ————————————————————————————————————————————— LAST NAME Hiltz Hinchman Hingley, Jr Hodgdon, Jr Hodgkins Hodgkins Holloway Hopkins Hosmer House Howard Howland Hunnewell Hyler Jacobs James James Jameson Jefferson Jipson II Johnson Kallander Kaminski Kane Kane Kelley, Jr Kendall Kennedy Kennedy Kenney Kenney Keyes Kiernan Kilcollins Kilcollins Kurucz Labbe Labreck LaCavera Ladd Lambert Lane Lane Lauk LaVallee LeBlanc Leighton Leighton Lemire Levari Levesque Libby Libby
FIRST NAME Wayne Samuel Scott Dana Gregory Richard Brandon Andrew Scott Paul Jeffrey Preston Matthew Wayne Robert Danny Calvin Casey John Scott Jessica Barry Mark Michael Travis Charles Dennis Thomas Tyler Brevan Logan Danielle Jim Deanna Robert John Rick Justin John Justin Norman Alan Douglas Phil Jason Jean Charles Dylan Jeffrey Nicholas Nathan Darryn Fred
CITY Fairfield Merrill Pascoag Norway Whitefield Bath Union Newport Great Pond Lee Pittston Porter Belgrade Lowell Troy Brewer Charlotte Millinocket Sidney Lincoln Chain of Ponds Twp Denmark Augusta Temple Greene Leeds St Francis Thomaston Hancock Beals Jonesport Oakfield Farmington Fort Fairfield Fort Fairfield Freeport Smithfield Naples Woolwich Scarborough Springvale Cushing Millinocket Arundel Pownal Fort Kent Baileyville Baileyville Brownsville Vineland Cumberland Lincoln Waldoboro
STATE ME ME RI ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME VT ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME VT NJ ME ME ME
WEIGHT DATE 204 11/8 203 11/19 228 11/18 213 11/19 203 11/4 200 11/8 219.4 11/2 202 11/5 203 11/12 202.5 11/18 208 11/11 205.5 11/11 205 11/2 228 11/13 216 11/12 201 11/11 207 11/21 216 11/12 200 11/5 204 11/16 216 11/15 257 10/7 222 11/13 200.5 11/4 212 11/2 207 11/16 210 11/26 203.8 11/4 226.5 11/11 204 11/14 201 11/8 239 11/2 200 11/11 201 11/11 261 11/8 206 11/7 206 11/22 215 11/4 205 11/4 210 11/15 211 11/8 205 11/13 247 11/22 208.4 11/11 215 11/9 205 12/4 216.8 11/7 206 11/16 211.5 11/5 203 11/22 205 11/20 241 11/15 212.4 11/4
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WHERE Fairfield Ctr Webbertown Twp Concord Twp Big Six Twp Whitefield West Forks Union Dixmont Great Pond Lee Dresden Limington Belgrade Spencer Bay Twp Moose River Beddington Charlotte TA R7 Sidney Chester Seven Ponds Twp Bridgton Rockwood Temple Surry Leeds St Francis Rockport Hancock Addison Jonesport Oakfield Farmington Fort Fairfield Fort Fairfield Dennistown Plt Smithfield Naples Woolwich Big Moose Twp Webster Plt Rockland Crystal Phillips Tim Pond Fort Kent Baileyville Grand Lake Stream Concord Twp Bowerbank Allagash T3 ND Waldoboro
LAST NAME Libby Lilly L'Italien, Jr Linnie Littlefield Lockman Logan Lola-Smith ** Lombardi Lord Lucas Luce Lupo Lutter Mach Maclearn Madore Mahar Maillet Maker Malloy Malone Manera Manning Manning Marquis Marquis Marston Martin Martinez Mathieu Matteson Maynard Maynard McAtee McCannell McCarthy McCracken McCrum McGurren McInnis McKay ** McKay McKechnie, Jr McKinney McKirryher McLeod McMahon McNally McPherson McWilliams Melcher Meres ** Michaud Michaud, Jr Milano Miles Miller Mints, Jr Monk Morin Morse Mortimer Moskal Muncey Myers Nadeau Nartker Neal, Jr Nelson Nicholson ** Norton Norton Norton Noyes Nyman O'Brien O'Connor O'Connor Oliver Olson
FIRST NAME Josh Keith Ryan Nicole Dwayne David Matthew Tucker Robert Matthew Michael Craig Jesse Charles Christopher Derek Mike Matthew Brandon Chad Clay Jakob John Aaliyah Joseph Gerald Phyllis Carl Joseph Erick Larry David Brad Matheaw Wayne Brian Nicholas Ian Darrell Kevin Justin Grace Thomas Brad Michael Gregory Richard Sean Terrance Kegan Luke Matthew Timothy Ethan James Giovanni Deanna John William Troy Joshua Dustin Jayson John Cameron Wyatt Amanda Kirk Galen Chase Cali Eric Kelly Roy Trent Cindy Kyle Chad Michael Ty Richard
CITY STATE Manchester ME Sebec ME Fort Kent ME Biddeford ME Newport ME Vassalboro ME Pembroke MA Augusta ME Saugus MA Meddybemps ME Millis MA Lincolnville ME Etna ME New Freedom PA Parsonsfield ME Ashland ME West Gardiner ME Turner ME Hampden ME Palmyra ME Bingham ME Oakfield ME Millville NJ Eastbrook ME Eastbrook ME Wallagrass ME Wallagrass ME Oxford ME Buxton ME Hodgdon ME Greene ME Genesee PA Mapleton ME Brownfield ME Lincolnville ME W Enfield ME Ossipee NH Waterboro ME Mars Hill ME S Berwick ME Sidney ME Oakland ME Lincolnville ME Passadumkeag ME Orland ME E Wallingford VT Scarborough ME Shapleigh ME Biddeford ME Limestone ME Palmyra ME Bingham ME Plymouth ME Carmel ME Caribou ME Naples ME Sangerville ME Clinton ME Lynn Haven FL Bailyville ME Parkman ME Grantham NH S China ME Brimfield MA Chester ME Solon ME Madawaska ME Laingsburg MI S China ME Rumford ME Passadumkeag ME New Gloucester ME Strong ME Fairfield ME Danforth ME Corinna ME Bremen ME Lincoln ME Hebron ME Chester ME Rindge NH
WEIGHT DATE 222 11/2 227 11/5 209.2 11/29 241 11/7 209 11/7 210 11/2 223.4 11/7 224 11/9 205 11/21 236 11/30 233 11/8 207.6 11/4 218 11/4 203 11/15 201 11/2 216 11/11 205 11/2 212 11/7 228 11/2 200 11/20 209.5 11/18 209 11/25 213 11/13 205 11/23 206 11/2 221 11/9 215 11/20 205 11/15 247 11/8 234 11/12 204.6 11/13 226.5 11/8 211 11/15 216 10/24 204 11/19 208 11/16 212 11/19 202.4 11/4 207 11/18 207 10/22 216 10/2 201.8 11/6 200 11/11 206.5 11/4 221 11/6 224.5 11/7 228 10/19 216.4 11/4 202 11/2 210 11/15 206 11/11 214 11/2 200.5 11/2 202 11/9 206.5 11/11 206 11/2 208 11/11 212 11/2 214 11/4 202 11/22 205 11/26 225.6 11/4 210 11/12 201 11/13 204 11/11 206 11/18 201 11/25 236 11/7 209.5 11/11 216.8 11/11 214 10/26 209.8 11/2 201 11/9 205 11/8 220 11/11 216 11/2 248 11/29 231 11/2 207 11/15 219 11/8 201.5 11/4
WHERE Oxbow Twp Sebec Eagle Lake Jackman Hartland Vassalboro Appleton Bald Mtn Patten Cooper Brownfield Belmont Etna T18 R10 WELS Parsonsfield Ashland Washington Buckfield Newburgh Benedicta Concord Twp Merrill Dole Brook Twp Waltham Eastbrook Wallagrass Wallagrass Oxford Weld Hodgdon Greene Lily Bay Twp Mapleton Brownfield Northport Howland Anson Byron Easton S Berwick Augusta Oakland Lincolnville Passadumkeag Prospect Tim Pond Twp Westbrook Shapleigh Shapleigh Oxbow Palmyra Moxie Gore Skowhegan Carmel Caribou Casco Sangerville Clinton Brighton Plt Cadyville Parkman Ellsworth S China Johnson Mtn Lincoln New Portland Sinclair Big 10 Twp Troy Mexico Passadumkeag Clifton Strong Fairfield Danforth Corinna Bremen T4 Ind Purch Twp T12 R12 Mattamiscontis Harmony
�������������������������������������������� The Maine Sportsman • February 2025 • 43 LAST NAME Osediacz Otis Packard Palmer Paquette Parker ** Parker ** Parker Parry Paul Pelletier Pelletier Pelletier Perez Perkins Perry Perry Petrin Pettegrow Piawlock Pierce Pierce Pirruccello Pleau Plummer Pooler Poplawski Potter Poulin Powell Power Powers Powers Quigley Quincy Quint Rafuse Rancourt Raven Ray Raymond Reed Reitchel Ricci ** Ricci ** Richards
FIRST NAME Joe Chad Harvey David Brett Amara Chase Troy John Wayne Daniel Troy Troy Dan Robby Lucas Peter Steven Riley Michael David Glen Anthony Cody Alfred Ty Lisa David Haley Brian Paul Mia Patrick Sydney Ryan Nicholas James Renee Seth Jonathan Bobby Trevor Eddie John John Jared
CITY Lincoln Oakland Farmington Readfield Rochester Cornish Hiram Arundel Chittenden E Walpole Frenchville Fort Kent Fort Kent Lincolnville Bucksport Greene Chelsea Biddeford E Machias Bryant Pond Portage Lake Sebago Hartford Buckfield Brookton Fairfield Van Buren Windham Detroit Littleton Tamworth Athens Norridgewock Dixmont Stratton Houlton Winslow Fairfield Waldo Poland Millinocket Rockland Augusta Westbrook Westbrook Dedham
STATE RI ME ME ME NH ME ME ME VT MA ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME NH ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME ME
WEIGHT DATE 211.5 11/14 225 11/2 214 11/18 200 11/2 202 11/19 205.5 11/11 217 10/9 208 11/9 206 11/7 206 11/4 213 11/9 221 9/17 207 10/29 207 10/15 223.2 10/5 201.5 11/2 211 11/2 202 11/20 227 10/15 204 10/9 229.5 11/2 201.5 10/28 221.5 11/7 202 11/2 210 11/5 204 11/13 204 11/16 201 11/16 221.5 11/7 239 11/14 205 11/5 202 11/15 206 11/16 205 11/16 226 11/2 203 11/22 220 11/16 210 11/7 210 11/5 201.5 11/9 214 11/18 213.6 11/2 222.5 11/2 227 9/11 218 10/9 215.4 11/18
WHERE Bowdoin CG West Oakland Eustis T3 R4 WELS Eustis Cornish Denmark Biddeford Dennistown China Frenchville Hermon Bangor Lincolnville Bucksport Greene Chelsea Biddeford E Machias Bethel Jackson Gorham Hartford Buckfield Brookton Oakland Van Buren Athens Detroit Littleton T7 R15 Athens Norridgewock Canaan Wyman St Croix Twp Winslow Clinton Waldo Poland Elm Stream Union Augusta Westbrook Westbrook Bradley
LAST NAME Richards Richards Roberge Robinson Ross Roy Sabine St Cyr St Jean Santoro Scanlon II Schaeffer Scherer Scherer Schleicher Schwartz Schwenk Scoville Scully Seaver Shaw Shufelt Shugrue Silva Simpson Sirois Slagle Slocum Smith Smith Smith Sockabasin Socobasin II Stanley Stanwood Stewart ** Stone Stone Stone III Swafford Swallow Swallow Swan Swenson Sylvanus Taft
FIRST NAME Karl Kayden Gregary Isiah Daniel Rodney Dan Brandon Amy William Raymie Daniel Kevin Kyle Thomas Thomas Jacob Jacob Jeremy Douglas Benjamin Corbin John Casey Cedric Glenn Zachary Jonathan Cassandra Christopher Dylan Ron Roger Wyatt Aaron Peyton Michael Ryan Frank Randy Jeff Jeff Robert Owen Matthew Kevin
CITY STATE Whitefield ME Belfast ME Rochester NH Garland ME Madrid Twp ME Fort Kent ME Sabattus ME Westbrook ME Mt Vernon ME Parkman ME Wesley ME Veazie ME Rexford NY Dover NH Northport ME Clementon NJ Hiram ME Machiasport ME Milbridge ME York ME Pittston ME Guilford ME Seymour CT Hollis Ctr ME Farmington ME Livermore ME Brownville ME Chesterfield NH Charleston ME Greenbush ME Sorrento ME Princeton ME Indian Twp ME Medway ME Steuben ME Winthrop ME Unity ME Lebanon ME Dover-Foxcroft ME Woodland ME S Paris ME Oakfield ME New Sweden ME Buxton ME Kennebunk ME Cornville ME
WEIGHT DATE 206 11/8 205.6 11/8 203 11/16 222 11/8 216.2 11/8 231 11/22 208 11/9 206 11/12 212 11/16 210 11/15 207 11/15 225 11/13 202 11/4 217.7 11/8 200.6 11/14 200 11/4 221.5 11/9 200.1 11/19 201 11/25 202.7 11/12 216 11/14 206 11/20 205 11/16 219 11/2 202 11/7 200 11/18 205.1 11/7 224 11/22 208 11/14 218 11/2 201 11/19 210 11/3 219.5 10/29 200 11/11 209.5 11/2 206 11/8 226 11/12 215.4 11/9 219.1 11/12 232 11/4 226 11/2 224 11/19 222 11/16 216 11/29 201.2 11/2 200 11/2
WHERE Whitefield Morrill Medford Garland Madrid Fort Kent Osborn Gorham Mt Vernon Parkman Wesley Hudson Stoneham Jefferson Northport Jones Pond Rd Brownfield Roque Bluffs Columbia Roxbury Ebeeme Twp Dover-Foxcroft Willimantic Otisfield Farmington Livermore Brownville Oxbow Charleston Greenbush Carmel Holeb Twp Indian Twp Grindstone Twp Steuben Carrabasset Valley Unity Lebanon Monson Woodland Seboomook T7 R17 Westmanland Hershey Twp Lyman Madison
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44 • February 2025 • The Maine Sportsman ————————————————————————————————————————————— LAST NAME Talbot Thebarge Theriault Theriault Thibodeau Thomas Thompson Tibbetts Tobey Townsend Trask Tsismenakis Tuttle Tuttle Tuttle Valente Vander-Heyden Varney Vera Verney ** Vickery Viles Violette Violette Voisine Wallace
FIRST NAME Jon John Jessica Kristopher Jason Kirk Dean Scott David Travis Anthony Tony Henry James Justin Ernest Jesse Taylor Paul Garrett Robert Drake Gary Jean Gary Cole
CITY STATE Gorham ME W Gardiner ME Grand Isle ME Fort Kent ME Freedom ME Freedom ME Fairfield ME S Paris ME Grand Lake Stream ME Norway ME New Sharon ME Bangor ME Litchfield ME Cornville ME Skowhegan ME Windham ME Candia NH Greene ME Smithfield ME Newcastle ME S Portland ME Canaan ME Auburn ME Clinton ME Fort Kent ME Waldoboro ME
WEIGHT DATE 202 11/14 201 11/21 202 11/13 220 11/15 200 11/4 212.5 11/13 205 11/14 208 11/6 216 11/9 220 11/16 204 11/9 201 11/22 210.6 11/2 224 11/2 223 11/5 217 11/2 212 11/18 203.5 11/11 200 11/11 222.7 11/8 218.6 11/2 200 11/9 200.5 11/2 210 11/14 209 11/14 202.6 11/13
WHERE Cape Elizabeth Molunkus Twp Grand Isle Allagash Freedom Knox Caratunk Seboomook Twp-3 ND Seboomook Twp New Sharon St Albans Winthrop Cornville Skowhegan Orneville Stacyville Turner Smithfield Newcastle Buxton Canaan Auburn Clinton Allagash Waldoboro
LAST NAME Wallace Walther Wancus, Jr Ward Washburn III Waters Weber Wener West Weymouth White Whitegiver Whitney Wilcox Wilcox Wiles Willey Willey, Jr Williams Wilson Winchenbach Wolph Wotton Zell
FIRST NAME Donald Charles Edward Jake Robert Thomas Robert Robert James Jonathan Haleigh Matt Roger Christopher Ron Cody Jeff Malcolm Emily Warner Dana Weylon Karan Micah
CITY STATE Passadumkeag ME Anson ME Prospect ME Waterville ME Durham ME Windham ME Breinigsville PA Starksboro VT Sorrento ME Ellsworth ME Princeton ME Otis ME Corinna ME Easton ME Corinth ME Weston ME Cherryfield ME Dedham ME Augusta ME Coopers Mills ME Waldoboro ME Thorndike ME Monticello ME Kittery ME
¶
WEIGHT DATE 234 11/15 205 11/15 201 11/21 215 11/2 201 11/8 208 11/18 200 11/15 207 11/29 201 11/4 206.2 11/4 226 11/11 204 11/15 212 11/5 223 11/13 210 11/2 203 11/6 206 11/2 237.6 11/14 200 11/9 213 11/4 230 11/9 205 11/8 232 11/11 201 10/14
WHERE Passadumkeag Starks Knox Vassalboro New Portland Washington Cty Upper Ench T16 R8 Twp 10 Surry Alexander Twp 30 Corinna Easton Corinth Weston Eastbrook Dedham Mt Vernon Jefferson Waldoboro Thorndike Monticello Wilton
Trophy Gallery
On November 9, 2024, Amber Chasse of Ashland used her 30-’06 to drop this 222-lb., 10-point whitetail buck. A Maine Sportsman subscriber, Amber was hunting in her hometown. She brought her trophy to the Gateway Trading Post on the Garfield Road in Ashland, where the weight was certified by Brenda White. Congratulations on this monster buck, Amber! www.MaineSportsman.com
Brett Paquette of Rochester, NH was hunting in Eustis on November 19, 2024 when he bagged this 202-lb., 8-point whitetail buck. A Maine Sportsman subscriber, Paquette used a .270 to bag this trophy. The deer’s weight was certified by Jeremy Turcotte at the Flagstaff General Store on Rt. 27 in Stratton.
�������������������������������������������� The Maine Sportsman • February 2025 • 45
Trophy Gallery
Andrew Blake of Woolwich used a .308 on November 23, 2024 to bag this 211.5-lb., 8-point trophy buck. Andrews was hunting in Coplin Plantation. The deer’s weight was certified by Dylan Robinson at Flagstaff General Store on Main Street in Stratton.
Brian Powell of Littleton, ME., a Maine Sportsman subscriber, was hunting in his hometown on November 14, 2024 when he harvested this 239-lb., 8-point whitetail buck with his 30-’06. The buck’s weight was certified by Geno Seiders, at Seider’s Sporting Goods in Hodgdon.
Galen Neal, Jr. of South China shot this 209.5-lb., 8-point buck while hunting in Troy on November 11., 2024. A Maine Sportsman subscriber, Galen brought his trophy to Orcutt’s Variety in Dixmont, where its weight was certified by Jessica Peabody.
Jesse Vander-Heyden of Candia, NH was hunting in Stacyville on November 18, 2024 when he harvested this 212-lb., 10-pt. buck. A subscriber, Jesse used a 30-’06. He had the trophy’s weight certified by Sherri Skinner, of Skinner’s Wilderness Variety, on the Shin Pond Road in Mt. Chase. www.MaineSportsman.com
46 • February 2025 • The Maine Sportsman —————————————————————————————————————————————
Choosing Snowshoes I will admit I’m a purist when it comes to snowshoes. I prefer the traditional rawhide-laced wooden snowshoes over the modern metal ones, which have become far more available and at a price that most newcomers to snowshoeing find appealing. I’ve always felt that traditional snowshoes last far longer than modern ones, and with proper care, can last beyond a lifetime, and then be handed down to future generations; however, I’ve since learned that many snowshoes are designed for specific conditions and levels of intensity, which also means there’s a hefty price tag attached. There is a saying that holds true for any snowshoe; namely, “You get what you pay for.” Bargain (a.k.a. offthe-shelf) snowshoes, are not designed to last forever, no matter traditional or modern; however, among bargains, there’s acceptable, and then there’s just plain junk. What you choose for a type of snowshoe will be determined by what you want to use them for. When it comes time to buy snowshoes, hopefully this information will help you decide wisely. Material Options Most modern snowshoe frames are made of either coated thin steel or aluminum, wrapped and riveted with webbing of rubber, flexible nylon, or carbon fiber. From my observations, modern snowshoes tend to fail more easily than traditional ones. Rivets pulling through the material is one of the biggest problems I have seen, as is snow build-up on crampons. Traditional snowshoes fail once the shellac on the webbing cracks. If it’s not repaired, then the rawhide or leather webbing tends to break, so maintenance is key. If the frame is not damaged, then you can have it restrung, but that process can cost nearly as much as the price of a new pair. Traditional snowshoes can break, but it would take a substantial fall to do so. Sizing and Versatility Traditional snowshoes are sized by the weight of a person, which usually means you have a choice of one, two, or maybe three sizes to pick from, for any particular model, with no alternatives for shorter or smaller-framed individuals. www.MaineSportsman.com
Selecting the correct snowshoe is not a simple process. It’s more than just size; rather, the purchaser must figure out what use will be made of the shoe – hunting rabbits? Racing? Traversing smooth, groomed trails? Steep, icy inclines? The author offers a primer on what to look for as you choose.
The array of snowshoes at the author’s house. Photo: Staci Warren
The surface area of a snowshoe determines how much weight it will support. Modern snowshoes tend to be narrower, with a variety of sizes for adults and kids, based on weight and height. According the gearjunkie.com, you should choose a snowshoe that will accommodate not only your weight but also the weight of the gear you are likely to carry on your back. Narrow designs are easier to walk in, but for each reduction in total surface area, the user will sink deeper into soft snow. Hunters, particularly rabbit hunters, love traditional snowshoes, because they can maneuver in deep snow while
hunting. A modern take on the traditional shoe are ones with a curve on the back end, allowing the hunter to back up without getting their shoes caught under crust. These types are more expensive than the standard design, but the Maine Guide Snowshoe maker (www. mgsnowshoes.com) notes “not only does this design make maneuvering backward easier, but also the double upturn means they create less drag and make moving forward easier.” Most modern snowshoes come with a bindings consisting of buckles for fitting at the ankle and toe, but more recently, ratcheting straps or BOA™ cable laces that turn and click tight are becoming more prevalent. Traditional snowshoes can be fitted with laced, leather buckles, a combination of both, or an “indestructible UHMW polyethylene” binder assembly available at the Maine Guide Snowshoe company, that is the go-to choice for many traditional snowshoe users. Performance Traditional snowshoes do not come equipped with any type of crampon for traction; however, I did find “star studs,” from the Maine Guide Snowshoe Company, that can be ordered and added. Traditional snowshoes are designed to keep you on top of deep snow; they aren’t great in icy conditions or steep terrain if you don’t have any type of added traction aid. Also, according to gearjunkie.com, “heel risers are a key feature for ascents up steep terrain. Trying to do snowshoe uphill without heel risers will result in immediate calf fatigue.” Modern snowshoes have different types of crampons, and some even have serrated frames built into their design for hard packed, icy snow conditions. For this reason, offthe-shelf modern snowshoes work best on flat groomed hiking trails that cater to recreational users. If you’re thinking of doing some extreme hiking, then you’ll need to invest in some extreme snowshoes made specifically for those conditions. There are also racing snowshoes that have a fixed binder and are not recommended for beginners. (Get Out There, continued on page 48)
�������������������������������������������� The Maine Sportsman • February 2025 • 47
Iconic Browning Reborn for the 21st Century In the waning years and months of the 19th century, firearms design genius John M. Browning of Ogden, Utah developed and patented the first-ever successful semi-automatic shotgun. Having already dissolved his relationship with the Winchester Company, he sold this new design to the Belgian manufacturing giant Fabrique Nationale. They made the first run of Browning semi-autos during 1902, and swung into full production in 1903. Called the Auto-5 for its magazine capacity, the new gun was an immediate hit with North American market hunters who killed geese and other waterfowl by the tens of thousands to feed hungry city-dwellers. Browning soon incorporated a box magazine, giving the gun a nine-round capacity – a development that pleased the market hunters even more. Initially available only in 12 gauge, the Browning – F.N. partnership brought a 16-gauge version to the United States in 1925. In 1958, some 25 years after John Browning’s death, a 20-gauge variant of the Auto-5 was brought to market. Production of all Auto-5s was interrupted when Germany occupied Belgium during World War II, but resumed in 1946,
It’s not often that an iconic firearm can be reengineered and brought back to achieve market success. The Auto-5, says the author, may prove an exception to that rule.
Browning’s recent release of its remade A5 in 20-gauge now offers Maine’s upland hunters a beautiful, top-quality option. Photo: Browning Arms Co.
continuing until 1976. In that year, the Browning Corporation shifted production of the Auto-5 to facilities in Miroku, Japan. Miroku-made guns incorporated ad-
vancements such as screw-in interchangeable choke tubes, but are elementally the same firearms as those made in Belgium. Late in 1997, Browning announced Quality Bullets for Hunting
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that production of its famous and popular Auto-5 would come to an end after more than 94 years. Despite its popularity with hunters of every stripe, it had not kept pace with
technical advances. Its heavy steel frame proved increasingly expensive to make, and its recoil-driven operating system was upstaged by other lighter, less punishing systems. New Course Because the gun was emblematic of the Golden Age of American bird hunting, with its distinctive “humpback” design, its trouble-free operation, and some three million units built, the end of the Auto-5 disappointed shooters inside and (Continued on next page)
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48 • February 2025 • The Maine Sportsman —————————————————————————————————————————————
Shooter’s Bench (Continued from page 47) outside the Browning Company. Most did not know that Browning’s engineers were even then working on a successor Auto-5 for the 21st century. Renaming it the A5, Browning reintroduced the once popular semi-auto in 2012, with a lighter receiver made of anodized aluminum, and a completely re-engineered action they call the Kinematic Drive System. Initially available only in 12 gauge, the “Sweet Sixteen” in 16-gauge was added back to the line-up in 2016. Slip ahead almost nine years to the present, and we can wel-
SS
come the arrival of the Browning A5 20-gauge ‘Hunter’ to the mix. These lighter, sleeker, high-gloss field guns look familiar, but at heart are nothing like their predecessors of the same name. Mark A. Keefe IV, Editorial Director for American Rifleman, wrote in the December issue that he likened them to the “new” high-tech Ford Mustang. “These new A5s have the lines, the ethos and some of the soul of the original, but absolutely nothing is the same under the hood. And rightly so, as we have learned a lot about how to make semi-automatic shotguns run well with a
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wide variety of loads in the past 125 years.” The A5’s inertia operating system and four lug bolt head are nothing like the former recoil system that sometimes felt like it put as much energy into the shooter as the game. In 20 gauge, the A5 is light, lithe, and agile for the upland shooters among us and the modern breed of waterfowler who appreciate the performance of appropriate three-inch 20-gauge loads. The modern A5 pleases even in its details. The finish is typical Browning – bright, glossy, and deep enough to swim in. Holding points have 18 lines per inch cut checkering, and the receiver is streamlined in comparison with earlier versions. The ventilated rib mounts a red fiber optic front sight and a white plastic mid-point bead. The A5 comes with three screw-in Invector choke tubes, for flexibility in the field.
The older Miroku, Japan-made 20-gauge Auto-5 is classic Browning with a Prince of Wales stock, scroll engraving, and the distinctive squared-off “humpback” receiver. J.C. Allard photo
The Inflex recoil pad is a far cry from the buffalo horn butt plates on original Auto-5s, and provides real 21st century perceived recoil reduction. “Maine Stay” Today’s version of the A5 offers shooters reason enough for a purchase. While not cheap, it is nowhere near the price of most European shotguns of similar quality. It is not often that a remake or reintroduction of a firearm formerly on the cutting edge, regains its former reputation. The A5 does. In many respects it
proves better than the original. And that makes it a good buy for Maine’s bird hunters. Come to think of it, in 20 gauge, the A5 makes a fine choice for anyone hunting winter rabbit or gray squirrel, while waiting for the migrating woodcock to arrive. Like earlier Browning shotguns, this A5 is a multigenerational purchase. The young up-and-comers are going to want this handme-down, and when it passes their way, it will perform as well then as it does out of the box today.
¶
Get Out There (Continued from page 46)
In the opinion of the writers of the Gear Junkie blog (gearjunkie. com/winter/best-snowshoes), the best modern snowshoes for 202425 include – • Best Overall Snowshoes: MSR Lightening Ascent ($390) • Best Budget Snowshoe: Retrospec Drifter Snowshoes ($90) • Most Versatile Snowshoe: Atlas Range Trail ($138) • Best Snowshoe for Trail Walking: Tubbs Wayfinder ($200) • Best Snowshoe for Beginners: MSR Evo Trail ($170) I’d love to know what kind of snowshoe you have, and what you use it for. Am I old-school in my attachment to my traditional wooden snowshoes?
¶
Here, the author snowshoes to a remote fishing pond with her then 10-year-old son. Photo by John Warren
�������������������������������������������� The Maine Sportsman • February 2025 • 49
Aroostook’s Easy-Access Ice Fishing Options The onslaught of ice anglers generally ebbs significantly as frosty February shows up on the calendar. Ice and snow depths on regional lakes increase, and average daytime temperatures decrease notably, during a normal winter. All of these factors inversely affect the pleasure and desire regarding ice-drilling outings this month. Interest will pick up a bit around midMarch as the daylight hours increase, the snow pack decreases, and the sun’s rays gain a bit of warmth. Hard water anglers will be out in force that month, because they’ll feel the need for at least one more outing as the season draws to a close. Perhaps February is the best time to take advantage of the lighter mid-season pressure on an easyto-reach lake nearby. Late Start There are bound to be a handful of tolerable days this month; in fact, last year the global warming trend somehow transposed a week or so of warm May weather into the middle of February. It was a wonderful reprieve, but local lakes were a slushy mess around smelt shanties, resulting in tough travel for snow sleds. I do have a couple of favorite options for tolerable weather days that offer very depend-
If you’ve got youngsters along for an ice-fishing trip, or beginners who might not be excited about spending a full, cold day on a remote-access pond, consider the options described here. You can drive your vehicle to the lake (no snowmobile required), set your tip-ups near shore, and catch lots of fish of different species.
Bill Graves needed only a quick snowshoe walk from his truck parked right beside Madawaska Lake. Bright sun and low snow depths made for an enjoyable outing. All photos provided by the author
able action, and which are easy to access and simple to fish, even
without a snowmobile. Madawaska Lake is heavily stocked
Allagash Lakes Region
with brook trout late each fall – 1,500 fourteen-inchers this past
November, as well as 140 seventeen-inch salmon. Add the recently released fish to some even larger survivors from last year, and flags will be flying. Be mindful of the unusual regulation that allows ice fishing only from February 15th until March 31st, and a two-trout limit per day. This is a great spot to introduce youngsters and rookie ice drillers to the sport, since it offers fast action, a roadside location that requires less gear, quick accessibility, and the option to limit an outing to a couple of hours. Madawaska Lake is located near Stockholm, right beside Route 161 (which runs between Caribou and Fort Kent), so visiting anglers can drive (Continued on page 51)
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�������������������������������������������� The Maine Sportsman • February 2025 • 51
Mitch Wheeler of Bridgewater yards a feisty salmon through the auger hole less than a three-minute walk from the boat launch at Drews Lake on a frigid single-digit February day.
Dustin Holland of Presque Isle shows off a big smile and a big trout caught from a local roadside lake less than 50 yards from the shoreline.
The County (Continued from page 49)
within 25 yards of the shoreline on the road to the boat launch. Although maps label this entire waterway as Madawaska Lake, locals call the two sections Madawaska and Little Madawaska. Some books refer to it as Upper and Lower. Regardless, the two segments are connected and accessible via boat or snowmobile, depending on the season. North and South Shore Roads offer a short walk on foot or snowshoe to most spots along either side of the Big Lake, while Little Madawaska Road runs along the smaller lake. Map 68, grid E-4 of DeLorme’s Maine Atlas and Gazetteer provides a great overview. The lakes feature a maximum depth of 38 feet, averaging mostly 10 to 20 feet, so setting tip-ups within 50 to 100 yards from shore is usually productive. During summer months, the shallow lakes warm notably, so visit during the second half of February, and all of
March, for fast fishing on trout that have never been stressed by high temperatures. Delightful Drews When I have friends visit during the winter, or when local acquaintances who are new to the sport of ice fishing want to see what it’s all about, my go-to spot is Meduxnekeag Lake. Called Drews Lake by local sportsmen, it’s another location that’s easy to reach over well-plowed roads, and often one or two paths are kept open right onto the lake from the spacious
parking area. Drews is another multi-part waterway boasting plenty of space to set traps without crowding, and I’ve found February fishing pressure is moderate at best. Drews’ big draw for me, and why I take others, is the chance to catch a brown trout – sometimes a really big, five-pound-plus beauty. Browns are a rare species in Aroostook waterways. The second reason Drews proves so inviting is the multitude of different species that almost guarantee consistent flag-flipping action. Brook trout,
Jim Shaw of Mars Hill has about a 45-minute drive to reach Drews Lake, and he can catch salmon by walking only fifty yards from the parking area to set tip-ups.
salmon, smelt, white perch, yellow perch and pickerel are all on hand in healthy numbers to bang a bait. I enjoy hands-on ice fishing rather than just sitting overwatch on tip-ups, so on the tolerable-weather days I set one fewer trap than the limit, and enjoy using a jig rod outside. Use Route 2 or 2A from Houlton, and then Drews Lake Road, to reach the boat launch and parking area at the lake in New Limerick. Locals refer to this as
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the small lake; then there’s the Main Lake, and an area called The Fishing Grounds at the far western end. Check DeLorme’s Atlas, Map 53, sector A-1 for a full overview. On many outings, fishing companions and I have never had to set up more than one or two hundred yards from the boat ramp and lake outlet stream to hook all species of fish. Snowmobiles are not required, and perch are always hungry, as well as some very hefty pick(Continued on next page)
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52 • February 2025 • The Maine Sportsman —————————————————————————————————————————————
In the last couple of years, warm winter temperatures have provided some exceptionally comfortable February days. Here, Bob Lento of Mars Hill packs up the family for an ice fishing cookout on a local lake.
Sometimes anglers don’t need a snowmobile or a plowed path on Drews Lake. Just drive out onto the small lake near the boat ramp, set some traps, and sit overwatch from a warm pickup.
The County (Continued from page 51)
erel. When a flag pops at Drews, it’s always
a cause for anticipation and excitement to
see what’s biting and fighting. Most every ice angler in The County will find they can visit one of these easy-access
When introducing kids to the sport of ice fishing, they need to have fun and be comfortable. Low snow levels, a short walk on clear ice from the shoreline for adults, and a ride for a youngster, starts a good outing.
waterways by driving less than an hour, and over the years I’ve seldom been disappointed with an outing – especially during the
extra-shortest month, since we’re back to 28 days this year, after 2024’s one-day leapyear extension.
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Trophy Gallery
Kevin Scherer, of Rexford, NY was hunting in Stoneham on November 4, 2024 when he bagged this 202-lb., 9-point buck with his 30-’06. Kevin, a Sportsman subscriber, took the trophy to DOE’s Inc., on Park Street in South Paris, for registration and certification. Congratulations, Kevin! www.MaineSportsman.com
Michael Lucas, of Millis, Massachusetts, was hunting in Brownfield with his son Corey, when he harvested this huge 233lb., 8-point buck. He brought the trophy to Jimbob’s General Store in Denmark for registration and weight certification. Congratulations, Michael!
�������������������������������������������� The Maine Sportsman • February 2025 • 53
Rails, Nails, and Sinks Ever since humans started traipsing along the Allagash, there have been those so enthralled by the real-life experiences that many have helped themselves to the area’s keepsakes. In the 1960s, during the rebuilding of Churchill Dam, water levels on Churchill and Eagle Lakes were drawn down, exposing ancient campsites and relics. According to rangers on duty, artifact seekers extensively tilled the shorelines of brooks like Soper in T8 R12, to the point that the ground appeared to have been turned over by a plow. At about that same time, it was reported that a forest warden stationed at the Tramway in T7R13 was cutting up one-inch pieces of the steel rail which transported logs the 3000 feet from Eagle to Chamberlain Lake.
Spikes, and cut-up rail.
Being an entrepreneur, he then sold the small portions for one dollar to passing canoeists who desired mementoes. Spikes and Rail Such scavenging continued into the 1980s and 90s, so rangers began keeping a watchful eye out for people illegally possessing Native American artifacts, historic logging parts, and to some extent, campsite signs. Some of the foraged items, such as the ones pictured above, were eventually turned over to local historical societies, or returned to the AWW. For example, in the 90s, after the stabilization of the locomotives was completed, an individual returned the door to the smoke box of the big engine, and
The H. W. Marsh side-wheeler.
another returned the tin number board for the small locomotive. Today’s travelers paddling Chamberlain by Hog Point along the east side near the old Chamberlain Farm will see steel remnants of the H. W. Marsh, a steam-powered side-wheeler that was built to tow booms of logs to and from the Tramway. In 1913, the craft was retired along the shore in front of the farm.1 Eventually, the back of the boat was cut off to prevent the engine from freezing, and the craft was never put back into operation. Years later, one individual scavenged several nails from the rotted remains of the boat’s deck. Recently the tacks were returned so that I might return them to the Waterway. Today, many artifacts can be viewed in the Churchill Dam Logging Museum. These items included a railroad Pied (velocipede), and a hand-carved wooden sink whittled years ago by Al Nugent, the proprietor of Nugent’s Chamberlain Lake Camps. Strange Bedfellows When I first moved into the new AWW headquarters at Churchill Dam, one of my first visitors was a Dr. Richards from Augusta. Over coffee, Doc explained that from his nearby camp at Cliff Lake he had explored the area for years. While doing so, he became knowledgeable in its history and was
immensely proud of the artifacts he’d retrieved. During one conversation, he talked about the oxen that were used to haul logs to the water. Once an animal was no longer able to work, it was dispatched with a blow to the head with a ballpeen hammer. The carcass was then disposed some distance from the old Churchill Dam boarding house in T10R12. “The earth,” he said, “at the ‘cattle dump’ was so compacted by huge bodies that only ferns can grow there.” After a brief visit, he invited me to stay at his Victorian style home whenever I was in Augusta. Later that fall, I arranged to stay overnight at the doctor’s home. While I was there, he talked in talked about the indigenous peoples who once lived along the Allagash thousands of years ago, arriving only shortly after the glaciers retreated. To demonstrate that knowledge, he then entertained me with a variety of Native American relics, such as arrowheads, rock gouges, grooved stone axes, spear points and wampum beads. Then he moved to samples of his other collections from days of historic logging. Near midnight, he showed me upstairs to a large bedroom. Dropping tiredly into the double bed of the darkened room, I immediately fell asleep, only to be woken a couple of hours later by the bright moon shining through a southern window. Opening my eyes, I looked straight up and was surprised to see mounted over my headboard, halfway up the wall, a white bleached ox skull. It was a cranium skeleton, complete with a small round hole between empty eye sockets – proof the steer had been struck with a hammer. It was a keepsake that my friend had salvaged years before from the Churchill Dam cattle dump. ***** Bennett, Dean, The Wilderness from Chamberlain Farm, Island Port Press, 2001, Page 17 Tim Caverly has authored thirteen volumes about Maine’s northern forest. For more information, see www.allagashtails.com 1.
Oxen pulled heavy loads for loggers in the days before steam power.
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54 • February 2025 • The Maine Sportsman —————————————————————————————————————————————
Snow Trekking Made Simple No need for complex gear – just strap on a pair of snowshoes, and go. What’s ahead in the snowy woods? “Some of the most pristine wilderness Maine has to offer,” says the author. Back when I was a parent-in-training, I often scraped the barrel for ideas to keep my kids outside and away from electronics. Back then, the adversary was video games. I wish today’s parents the best with the onslaught of social media and the world wide web at every teenager’s fingertips. One of my best efforts involved my daughter, Hannah. She was only 10 at the time. We were up at our cabin watching the snow flitter down, when I suggested a challenge. We would venture out into the white-covered forest and see if we could start a fire to
keep warm. Strapping on snowshoes, we plodded into the woods until the cabin dissolved into the swirling snowstorm behind us. Inexpensive Outdoor Fun Snowshoeing rates as a simple and cost-conscious way to explore Katahdin’s winter wonderland. Back then we had inexpensive (read cheap) aluminum snowshoes. Those aluminum and vinyl bargain basement snowshoes served the purpose. Folks looking to try out this quiet sport would do well to tickle the snow with entry-level equipment. As time moved
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along, the appeal of floating over the snow on wood-and-rawhide traditional shoes piqued my interest. After helping a local Boy Scout troop steambend over 50 sets, it was time to make a set for myself. Building snowshoes is another whole adventure, but probably not for everyone. Bait Hole Trail While Hannah and I just ventured off into virgin forest, some folks prefer the discipline of a bonafide marked trail. I absolutely love navigating the Bait Hole trail system located just south of Millinocket on Route 11. With plenty of parking and an informative kiosk at the trail head, snow walkers can select from a variety of routes. The center of the trail is groomed for cross country skiers, while us slow adventurers must grind it out along the edges. This is so the groomed portion stays super smooth for the ski crowd. Watching crosscountry skiers whizz by gives these outings a taste of poetry in motion. Incredibly fun to see. It’s too bad I’m not coordinated enough to travel in the center lane.
Snowshoeing offers an excellent, low-impact way to meet the untamed winter version of Katahdin Country. By navigating various trail systems or simply stepping off-trail, snow trekkers experience a raw, unedited winter wonderland. This winter wanderer has a backpack locked and loaded with the fixings for lunch on the trail. Photo by Tanhu
Outdoor Discovery Sometimes trying out a new sport intimidates young and old alike. The fine folks at L.L.Bean have found a way to introduce people of all ages to various outdoor activities. Their Outdoor Discovery school offers classes in both snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. On a whim, my wife Denise and I enrolled in one of their cross-country skiing classes. The expert instructors had us outfitted and on their private trail in jig time. We learned a lot that day. In a class of about 20 people, I’d say we were solidly in the bottom third. We got to try out some really nice ski equipment, and by the end of the class we were moving along. Enjoyed every minute of it. We also figured out that
cross-country skiing was not for us. Give me my snowshoes. Downeast Land Trust Folks looking to do a little traveling by paved highway or ITS trail can head over to the Grand Lake Stream area. The Downeast Land Trust manages many thousands of acres in the region, and they established hiking trails intended for foot traffic only. The Downeast Lakes Land Trust website, DowneastLakes. org, offers trail mapping, complete with mileage calculations. In the winter, these hiking trails remain un-groomed. This makes for a peaceful endeavor into some of the most pristine wilderness Maine has to offer. (Katahdin Country continued on page 56)
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Salmon Fishing Begins on Moosehead Lake Opening day of ice-fishing for salmon, February 15, brings great numbers of anglers to Moosehead Lake. Hopefully we will encounter safe ice conditions – which has not always been the case in certain years. The good news for anglers is that fish are in excellent condition – fat and sassy – because of lots of readily-available smelt. Moosehead, and indeed any lakes where salmonids feed almost exclusively upon smelt, have their ups and downs. With an optimal predator-to-smelt balance, we always see great fishing. When that ratio becomes tilted, with fewer smelt per predator, fish become skinny and malnourished. As it turns out, Moosehead Lake now sits at the top of its
Landlocked salmon are the glamor fish of the lake, and deservedly get top billing. However, says the author, Moosehead trout haven’t been this big for 100 years, togue fillets are tasty (yes, tasty), and cusk (burbot) are plentiful for those who like to fish on bottom at night. game. Efforts from both the public and private sectors have achieved a fine balance, and fishing has never been better. So tune up those ice-fishing traps, check hooks and lines, and prepare to hit the ice with good expectations of taking one of those fat Moosehead Lake salmon. Salmon Tactics Salmon, unlike most other salmonids, often cruise only a foot or so beneath the ice, looking for stray smelt, which also venture close to the ice cover. Of course, salmon also inhabit
mid-depth ranges, as well as deeper water. But because of their near-surface-cruising habits, it pays to set at least one baited line only a foot or two beneath the ice. Salmon focus almost entirely upon smelt, so make it a point to use fresh, lively smelt, hooked lightly so as to allow the bait to swim about nearly unimpeded. When a flag trips, don’t rush to grab the line and set the hook, because a salmon will often run with the bait before stopping to swallow it. So wait a bit, and when the line
stops peeling out, then grab it, and when the fish takes off again, set the hook. I mention smelt as the best bait, but in a pinch, salmon will sometimes take a golden shiner, fished the same way as a smelt. I know this, because in the 1960s and early 1970s, when money was tight, I used shiners rather than smelt, just because they were cheaper to buy. Smelt, though, make the top all-around bait for salmon and other salmonids. One final note – eschew heavy sinkers, large swivels, and oth-
er metal accessories. A #6 hook, and one or two non-lead split shot to keep the bait from rising to the top, are all you need. The rest is superfluous, and only impedes the action of the smelt and, in my opinion, puts salmon off. So keep it simple, and get more bites. Trout and Togue Just because salmon fishing begins on February 15, doesn’t mean other species no longer warrant our attention. Togue, which are present in good numbers, also benefit from an improved supply of smelt, and have become football-shaped because of it. And brook trout, which have reached mammoth proportions in recent years, stand as a big draw. (Continued on next page)
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56 • February 2025 • The Maine Sportsman —————————————————————————————————————————————
Moosehead Region (Continued from page 55)
First day of salmon season on Moosehead brings anglers out on the ice. Eric Holbrook photo
Katahdin Country (Continued from page 54)
The Grand Lakes Snowmobile Club, together with the Grand Lake ATV Club, work to maintain multi-purpose recreational trails. Human powered travelers need to yield to those navigating the trail with the help of the internal combustion engine. Sharing the trail is a lot easier than it sounds. When I hear a snow machine coming, I simply slip off to the side of the trail and take a side trip into the
Moosehead Lake now produces brook trout up to 7 pounds – something unheard of in Maine for a century or so. Also, while in normal times a 4-pound brook trout would stand as the trophy of a lifetime, fish of this size have become far more widespread in recent years. Your chances of taking a 4-pound brookie are better now than ever before. Togue make any day on the ice an exciting one. Unfortunately, togue don’t always get the respect they deserve, even from the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife, which lowered water levels just after the fish had spawned in
order to drastically reduce their numbers. Admittedly, this was an effective management tool, but I can’t envision the same being done to any other species of salmonid. To paraphrase Rodney Dangerfield, “Togue don’t get no respect.” Currently, the “no size limit” on togue, with the exception of only 1 fish of 18 inches or over, and a bag limit of 5 fish, works well to keep numbers in check. In addition, togue are dependable. Even if salmon and trout don’t cooperate, togue usually do. You can count on taking togue on most any trip to Moosehead. Add to that the fact that togue fillets taste as good as those from any
surrounding forest. Strike a Penny Hannah and I used a compass to plot a course during that mini adventure. Better to have her staring at a compass than a video game. Before long, we had snowshoed our way into the center of a small stand of birch trees. After gathering up dead wood and a small amount of birch bark to get the flames rolling, we were ready to light the fire. No rubbing two sticks together here. I had brought along some waterproof, strike anywhere matches.
Other Species A select few anglers come for an entirely different fish. Cusk, or burbot – a scaleddown, freshwater version of a codfish – are present in Moosehead in large numbers. Cusk mostly bite at night, and that’s when cusk fans ply their trade. A simple sport, cusk fishing requires only a trap, hook, weight and bait. Dead bait works as well or better than live fish. Cusk have sweet, delicate flesh, reminiscent of flounder. Whatever your preference, Moosehead Lake has it.
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Everything was set for the magic moment when a puff of smoke would turn to flickering flame. Strike as we may, those matches just would not light. Tried everything we had on us to ignite that “strike anywhere” match. From the mouth of babes came the answer. “Dad, how about trying it on this penny?” she asked while pulling a small amount of change from her pocket. Worked flawlessly.
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fish, and you have a winning combination. Their numbers, improved condition, and willingness to bite, make togue a desirable quarry.
¶
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�������������������������������������������� The Maine Sportsman • February 2025 • 57
Snowmobiles Descend on Jackman this Month! We covered the long trek north on Route 201 in jig time. Favorable weather put the wind at our backs. Sure beats the occasional white-knuckle ride courtesy of Jackman’s legendary snow on the iconic interstate. As my tires crossed into Jackman’s hamlet proper, the first gas station caught my attention – I saw an estimated 40 snowmobiles topping off their fuel tanks. An impressive collection of snow machinery, indeed. Of course, Jackman has a reputation as a “hub” for snowmobiling in the western mountains. As the locals tell it, “If you can’t get there from here, or here from there, then double-check the map.” Electronic Mapping Realistically, most
Snow machines will get you to the Jackman region, which – with access trails radiating from the hamlet’s center -- forms a literal “hub” of sledding activity. And once you’re in the area, you can also try the snowshoeing, hare-hunting and coyote-calling. serious snow travelers use GPS to monitor their progress. However, for the tiny bit of space a paper map and compass take up, every sled should stash one under the seat. With that said, the electronics work great. Nice knowing the exact location of man and machine. Cell coverage out here has improved, but it’s still spotty. Connecting to satellites eliminates the cell coverage issues. My Garmin InReach satellite communicator not only acts as a GPS, but also allows me to text using the
satellites, and has an emergency SOS feature. Fortunately, I have never needed to activate the dreaded SOS button, but it’s comforting to know it’s there. A couple of thoughts on satellite communicators: I do pay a monthly fee to keep it active. I also buy insurance in case I push that SOS button. It’s great to get help, but somebody must pay the bill when the dust settles. My plan would pay even if I pushed it for a stranger in need. The battery life in the Garmin is excel-
lent. I bring a spare power pack in case I outlive the unit’s charge. Even on multiday trips, I’ve never needed to boost the battery. Destination Jackman Enough doom and
gloom. Those 40 sleds fueling up signified the fact that Jackman has turned into a destination for serious trail runners. A few write-ups in national magazines will expedite that. And every sled jockey who received a Go-Pro video camera for Christmas is posting film of the region’s world-class snowmobile playground. The information highway runs full throttle, and (Continued on next page)
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58 • February 2025 • The Maine Sportsman —————————————————————————————————————————————
Jackman Region (Continued from page 57)
The Jackman Region has earned national (even international) acclaim as a go-to snowmobiling destination. Folks from away show up for the wellgroomed trails and for the army of locals who know how to treat visiting snow-jockeys. Jackman serves as a hub for trail runners looking to spend a day or a week navigating pristine wilderness trails. Photo: Shutterstock
Jackman is getting its fair share of attention. Trail runners either use Jackman as a home base, given the fine lodging located in and around the hamlet, or as a food and fuel stop on their way to parts unknown. With trails groomed six nights a week, why not experience some of the local trails? Trail runners from The Forks or Rockwood often day-trip to Jackman. Some riders do a tour, spending time in the various towns between Moosehead and Eustis. An online search will turn up plenty of information for trip planners. People Power Snowmobile riding is prohibited on unplowed roads. This opens the door for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Exploring ice-covered Attean Pond, as well as the many islands on Big Wood Pond, will give people-powered travelers miles of pristine navigating. Lodge owners are a reliable source for finding these hidden gems. Snowshoeing is
an inexpensive way to peek into the uncharted backcountry. A few steps off trail opens up a whole new winter wonderland. Hunting Coyotes Night hunting for coyotes runs from January 1st to April 30th. Multiple reasons make this month one of the best for hunting coyotes. By now, the winter-hardened coyote sports a thick, heavy, prime coat of fur. Hat, glove and vest makers take advantage of the season’s bounty. A coyote lives and dies hungry. They need more food during the below-freezing temperatures. This makes the cagey predators less nocturnal. This time of year, they like to hunt for food in packs. Hungry dogs get careless. While hunting at night is the most productive, hunger forces these canines to move more during the daylight hours. Also, coyotes breed this month. Coyotes get more vocal during the breeding season. Calling during daylight hours rates as a solid option.
Registered Maine Guides, many of whom advertise here on the pages of The Maine Sportsman, know these “yote” tendencies well. They also maintain stands with bait to attract these nosesmart critters. Bunny Busting Snowshoe hares spend their night hours highly active. During the day, they hunker down. Longtime rabbit hunting guide and dog handler Art Corson once told me that during the day you must step on one to get it moving. That’s why serious bunny busters hunt with sharp-nosed rabbit hounds. While the season is open through March 31st, snow conditions dictate success ratios. Soft snow makes it hard for the dogs. They sink. If there’s enough of a crust to support the weight of the hound, then it’s game on! Find a friend, or hire a guide with some good dogs, for some winter fun when the conditions are right.
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Something About Trout For many, a fish is a fish. Trout, bass or perch, it makes no difference. Sure, any fishing beats no fishing. But for some, trout stand above them all. There’s just something about trout that makes them special. For me, it’s the combination of streamlined, symmetrical shape, smooth skin, spots, and wariness, that set trout apart. Also, trout habitat – the places you find trout – generally differ from habitat that would suit other species fine. Trout require cool, clean, well-oxygenated water. Many other species live in muddy, warm water, and are perfectly content. With the exception of stocked trout placed in seasonal streams, a trout stream has an allure all its own, adding to the majesty of the moment. It thrills me to walk along some small, nameless stream and see the sleek forms of brook trout darting about in the shadows. A tightening in the gut, a sudden shortness of breath, take hold. A primeval thrill seizes me upon viewing creatures that have lived here, unchanged, since not long after the last glacier retreated. Larger salmonids – such as salmon and even togue – share the mystique, and strike a similar but lesser response. Admitted-
The author has an obsession with trout – and that’s a good thing!
A native brook trout – a thing of beauty. Eric Holbrook photo
ly, there’s something exhilarating about bringing a yet-unseen fish to the net and seeing that initial, silvery glow. Depending upon species present, it could be a salmon, brown trout, rainbow trout or even a togue, some of which present a light sheen. Refined Taste Sure, you can take plenty of trout on a gob of worms or half a nightcrawler fished on bottom. But that approach doesn’t work everywhere, especially in running water, and more especially when water lies at its median level or lower. In such situations, trout become intensely wary, and the slightest mis-
step in presentation or approach drives them back behind the lee of streamside boulders or under the nearest undercut bank. Also, remember that if you can see a trout, it can probably see you as well. This does not necessarily hold true with other fish, most of which could not care less if they see you, or if your shadow passes over them. Not so with trout. This raises our respect for them, making them worthy quarries. Trout are, for the most part, line-shy, and a stiff, thick line will cause them to reject your offering. I have more than once
stood by a pool watching people cast and cast using large hooks, heavy lines and lures, and catch nothing. Then, after they left in disgust, I walked down with my ultralight spinning outfit, with its hair-thin line and tiny lures, and caught trout after trout. These events occurred on a stocked stream, with stocked trout. So even hatchery-raised trout retain some degree of sophistication regarding what they will and will not accept. This explains why some anglers succeed, while others don’t. Personal Limit Every trout differs in some way from ev-
ery other trout. The number, luminosity and arrangement of spots, the brightness of their sides, dictated by their environment, and even their degree of trim, all make each and every trout special and unique. I like to keep a trout or two for the pan, and release the rest. I’ll impose my own personal bag limit (within the confines of existing laws) on each different water. I seldom, if ever, except on opening day, if fortune so befalls me, keep the maximum limit. Also, I make sure to visit certain small streams only two or three times a year, so my limited predation causes no harm to the population. Then, upon returning home with my catch, I inspect each fish, holding it in the light, marveling at its appearance. This childlike behavior has always existed, and probably always will. The different trout species have their own charm. Brown trout, especially stream-bred or carryovers from previous year’s stockings, exhibit varied and marvelous coloration. Colors range from near-silver to light, yellow-tinted brown and even dark brown, with black spots. As you can see, I love trout. What would life be without them?
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60 • February 2025 • The Maine Sportsman —————————————————————————————————————————————
Ice Angling Takes Center Stage This Month For the past two winters, Sebago Lake (Delorme’s Atlas Map 5, C-1) did not freeze completely over. Whether you subscribe to the theory of global warming, or, like me, you see the trends that have been occurring for the past 100 years, it sure has been two boring years not being able to ice-fish the “Big Lake.” Aside from the fun it brings in winter, the Sebago Lake ice fishing derby, held by the local Rotary, brings a ton of excitement, boosts local businesses, and provides great prizes for anglers. It also helps the management goals of the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (DIF&W) by reducing lake trout numbers, thereby leaving more baitfish to help the salmon population increase. I’ve been ice fishing on Sebago Lake for nearly 40 years. During that time, every few years the big
The author has been unable to ice-fish Sebago Lake during the past two winters, because even the usually-reliable Jordan Bay didn’t freeze solid. But a chilly 2025 mid-winter will hopefully make the difference. Here’s his advice on how to fish, how deep, and with what bait.
Spencer Belson shows off a Sebago lake trout taken while fishing with the author. Photo by Tom Roth
bay would not freeze over. But you could always count on Jordan Bay to freeze safely. The first year it re-
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mained open, in 20222023, I fished elsewhere, and predicted the lack of ice fishing on Sebago would spell better lake trout fishing the following open-water season. I was right. We had a banner year for lakers on the Big Lake. Then came the winter of 2023-2024, and still no ice. By now I was missing the convenience of sledding out from the family home, cookouts on the ice, and the hoopla of the derby. Hopefully this season we will have plen-
ty of safe ice, at least on Jordan Bay, and can continue our winter traditions. Fishing Sebago Ice anglers on Sebago are a lot like open-water fishermen – they each have their individual techniques. I love trolling in the spring and summer, while others like to jig for their lakers. I always joke that I’d like to use a chainsaw to cut a long trough in the ice so I could troll off the back of my snowmobile. I bet I’d do well, but it’s a daunting task. So in-
stead, I jig AND set traps. With a 5-trap limit, it makes sense to increase your odds by setting four traps, and jigging the remaining hole. It also gets you to move around, trying different spots until you have success. Just like the electronics onboard our boats, portable sounders, cameras and fish-finders have made their way onto the ice. Many of us use flashers and can see when a fish comes over to look at our jig. This helps, but can admittedly be a bit frustrating, especially if the fish doesn’t bite! I used to swear by my old standby lure, the Swedish Pimple. I have iced a ton of Sebago lakers with that lure, sometimes tipped with a bit of shiner or sucker. Lately I’ve been using tube jigs with good success. In my opinion, soft tube jigs get the lakers to hold on longer than they do with a hard bait like the Swedish Pimple. On my traps, I typically use medium to large shiners. When fishing the derby, I use suckers or extra-large shiners. My dad always said, “Use big bait when you’re after big fish.” With this large bait, I do need to use large non-lead sinkers to pin the bait down near the bottom. I’ll oftentimes trim off (Sebago to Auburn continued on page 62)
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Last Day of the Season It is pitch black. I am alone, sitting streamside at 5:20 a.m. on the last day of the 2024 fishing season. I haven’t fished my favorite pool all year, and I wanted to claim it before anyone else. Anglers crowd the river during the last week of the season, but I jumped the gun, and still had 20 minutes to wait before even a glimmer of dawn appeared on this overcast morning. Hopefully, a rutting moose wouldn’t walk through and run me over. This elbow pool begins as a riffle, deepens into a bouldery run, doglegs to the right and then slows, before the current quickens again into a long tail. It is a primo spot for migrating landlocked salmon to rest on their way upstream. I have fished or guided Septembers on this river for thirty years. Fall fishing has always been exciting, but also competitive – rising at zero-dark-thirty (as we used to say), trying to figure out where the fish might be, and racing to reach our chosen pool before anyone else. It was the same cast of camp owners and friends every year – Roger, Pat, Doug, Dave, Jim, Nat, Angus, as well as guiding clients Pete, Arthur and Mike. We
While late-September fishing may not be as fast as it used to be, there was the author on the season’s last day, in the dark by the river, waiting for sunrise so he could see well enough to cast. And on the return trip to camp after a full day of wading, he noticed that none of his friends’ cars were parked along the road. He was the only one out fishing that day – hardcore to the end.
Late September Western Maine river scene. Lou Zambello photos
would run into each other streamside, give grudging acknowledgement when someone found a hot spot or
productive fly, share fishing stories, puzzle out the day’s mysteries, and share a cold one when darkness
fell. Migration depends on rain to raise the river, and frosty nights to lower water tempera-
tures. Some years, the runs would start in mid-August. When we hit it right, a pool would explode with action – my buddy and I might hook half-dozen lively salmon between us. Every so often, a mature brook trout in spawning colors would come to hand. Tougher Fishing And so it went for decades, until recently, when September fishing on the lower river became less rewarding. The number of angler days on the river increased, and the competition for the best pools became frustrating – it felt like a game of musical chairs. The weather became noticeably warmer and drier, and the salmon runs started later. Constant fishing pressure made the fish wary and educated. Streamers and attractor dry flies lost effectiveness, and gave way to indicator (Continued on next page)
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62 • February 2025 • The Maine Sportsman —————————————————————————————————————————————
Freshwater Fly Fishing (Continued from page 61)
or high-stick nymphing. Nowadays, technical long-line tactics with tiny patterns are the key. We hook one trout or salmon here, another there, but no longer in bunches. We get skunked a lot. I don’t mean to imply that the watershed’s fishery is in decline. Lake hatches and dry-fly fishing have never been better. Lake salmon are numerous and fat. Tributaries and the upper river still deliver outstanding fishing. But I am a diehard and still harbor a soft spot for the lower river. My fishing contemporaries fish it less and less; age and injury are part of it, along
with less motivation to awaken in the cold and dark when the fishing is so-so. Looking back, my fishing friends and I didn’t realize at the time that our glory days of fast fishing and shared adventures wouldn’t last forever. If we had, we would have appreciated it more. Dawn Arrives But getting back to my streamside wait in the dark: The sky soon lightened, and I began fishing. I retrieved my favorite white marabou streamer through the pool – nothing. I followed with a Wood Special – same result. I have had good luck recently with a Par-
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machenee Wulff dry fly, but that pattern, followed by a Hornberg, and a smaller Puterbaugh caddis, yielded nothing but a small chub. I tried both highstick and indicator nymphing with my proven tandem of a Copper John and a pheasant tail, but no dice. I almost quit, but then I thought I heard a splash. I tied on a tiny, size-20 prince nymph, and fished it like a wet fly, casting cross-current behind a small boulder. I saw a swirl some distance
from where I thought my fly drifted, but I tightened up anyway and was fast to a powerful salmon. It did what landlocks do – jump, run, cartwheel, and leap again, before reluctantly swimming into my net. My stomach growled, and I had a feeling the fishing gods were going to grant me only that one magnificent fish, so I started hiking back. I was delighted with what felt like a fitting way to end the season. On the drive to camp, I didn’t see any of my
Sebago to Auburn
(Continued from page 60)
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some of the fins of the baitfish, too, to keep them close to bottom and to prevent them from swimming away and tripping the flag. My old fishing partner froze and saved saltwater smelts to use on Sebago, especially the bigger ones. He’d lay them on bottom, and always caught fish this way. I prefer live bait, but you can’t argue with his success! What Depth? I use my intel from open water when targeting lakers. If I had good luck in shallower water in the summer or fall, I’ll start setting up in those depths. If my trolling was better in deeper water, I’ll start there. The key to fishing Sebago in
friends’ cars along the river. I was the only one – hardcore to the end. Going Forward I look forward to more Septembers on the lower river. I am hopeful it will rain more frequently. My wife, kids, their spouses and my grandson all enjoy fly fishing and catch plenty of fish. I am going to invite them up next September. But they’ll need to get up early if they want to join me at my favorite pool!
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the winter is mixing it up until you find what works. One year I was fishing with fellow guides Jon Peterson and Dan Hillier. They had a TV crew along, and really wanted some catches for footage. We started fishing deeper than I ever had in the winter (or summer, for that matter). Our flashers indicated we were in 160 feet of water. Sure enough, we started catching fish. One hole produced six lakers! The moral of this story is not to be afraid to “fish outside the box!” If the big lake freezes up this year, expect it to be busy with anglers like yours truly who missed it the past couple of years. Likewise, anglers are anxious to see the excitement of the derby invade the lake. Who knows – this may be the best year ever on the ice!
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The Demise of Cottontail Rabbits in Southern Maine The decline of southern Maine’s native cottontails is attributed to habitat loss, since most of the quality habitat needed for a sustainable population has been developed. “Today,” says the author, “most of my Cooney [cottontail] hunting spots have been turned into shopping malls or housing projects.” In the early 1990s, I was snowshoe hare hunting in the Owl’s Nest here in Shapleigh. It was bitterly cold, well below zero, and I wasn’t really dressed properly. Regardless, I hunted along Norton Brook, looking under blowdowns and evergreen trees. The snow- covered ground was laced with snowshoe hare tracks. Finally, I’d had enough, and decided to return to my truck so I could warm up and return home. My truck was a rusty junk, with multi-colored doors, and bondo-covered duct tape – a typical Maine redneck truck, but it was paid for, and it ran well. It was a cold walk back to the truck, and when I reached the truck, I couldn’t push the release button on the door handle to open the door because my hands were so cold I couldn’t feel my thumbs. Finally, the door opened. I jumped in and found the keys under the seat, but then I couldn’t turn the key to start the truck. After rubbing and breathing on my hands, I fired the truck up. Soon the cab heated up, and I returned home. Snowshoe hares were plentiful there; however, I needed a change. Cooney Rabbits Later that week, I traveled to Wells and hunted for New England Cottontails, also called Cooney rabbits, along the coastal marshlands. Cooneys were plentiful then, hiding in overgrown fields, shrub lands and marsh grasses. New England Cottontails are native to southern Maine, and there was once a large population from Kittery to Belfast. Cooney populations extended inland, as well. We hunted them near Waterboro, and some areas in Shapleigh. Today, however, New England Cottontail numbers are estimated at about 300, and they inhabit only a few towns. As a result, Maine has placed them on the state’s “Endangered Species List,” and prohibited hunting for them. Maine also established a restoration program that involves setting aside hundreds
The New England Cottontail rabbit is native to southern Maine and has been placed on Maine’s endangered species list. There’s no legal hunting season for them. Efforts are underway to increase the current population, estimated at only 300. Photo by Logan Parke; source: Maine DIFW
of acres of suitable habitat. Also, they stocked captive rabbits, much like their successful turkey restoration program. MDIFW asks anyone that has seen a New England Cottontail to report these sightings by logging onto their website and following guidelines listed under the small game sections. MDIFW states that the decline of southern Maine’s native cottontails is attributed to habitat loss, since most of the quality habitat needed for a sustainable population has been developed. Today, most of my Cooney hunting spots have been turned into shopping malls or housing projects. Eastern Cottontails There are other problems facing our native cottontails, as well. Non-native Eastern Cottontails have traveled to southern Maine, and in some areas have displaced our native New England Cottontails. Eastern Cottontails are not native to Maine; they are from mid-western states. They migrated up the eastern coastline into New Hampshire, and then hopped over the bridge from Portsmouth into Kittery. Also, a rabbit “nest” was found in shipping crates, and most likely others entered Maine on trucks carrying produce.
How can you tell the difference between the two species? Both have basically the same size and coloration, and both prefer the same cover, so it’s easy to become confused. Our New England Cottontail has black tips on its ears and a white spot on its forehead between the ears. Shooting either one can get you in trouble, because of the difficulty identifying them in the wild under hunting conditions. Paradise Lost Because of the influx of people in coastal sections of southern Maine, some area roads there have become inadequate – and in many places are unsafe – during peak travel times. Route One along the coast is often gridlocked during summer months. The decline of southern Maine’s New England Cottontail rabbits is partly due to urban sprawl; new folks want wide roads, more sidewalks and other services and facilities, much like the areas they moved from. This further results in loss of habitat, not just for cottontails, but all game animals. It also results in more posted lands that once were good hunting areas. In Kittery, quality marsh lands have been backfilled and outlet malls developed, further adding to loss of habitat for all types of animals. New homes are stacked up side-byside along waterfronts. Property prices and taxes prevent middle-class families from home ownership. I’ve learned to avoid the areas altogether during summer months, except for occasional trips to Kittery Trading Post. Today, when I’m hunting in cold snowy weather, I carry a small folding stove – it burns tiny sticks, and it’s easy to start and maintain a hot fire. Also, I have a better truck and proper clothing. Snowshoe hare are more adaptable than their cousins, the cottontail, and at least for now, there’s a healthy population here in southern Maine.
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64 • February 2025 • The Maine Sportsman —————————————————————————————————————————————
No Sympathy for Unethical Hunters and Anglers After about fifteen minutes of casting and changing flies, I finally dialed in my fly selection and started hooking into some gorgeous brook trout on a semi-remote stream in the Rangeley Region. The slow current before a big eddy in the small stream held a few big fish, and a number 16 Elk Hair Caddis seemed to be what they liked, so I skittered a few across the surface to entice the hungry salmonids. Just as I hooked into one of the biggest fish that day, I noticed another angler approaching my position. He considerately stopped to watch me net the fish, then worked his way
What do you do if you see a sportsman or -woman acting unethically, either intentionally or unintentionally? Say nothing? Scream at them? The author has adopted a calm, instructional and informational approach, and he believes it leads to the best outcomes. around my spot in the stream. He stayed on the bank and politely walked downstream before entering the water again, far away from my position … a courteous and ethical move by anyone’s standards. If anyone has ever had someone move in and start fishing too close to their position, they will certainly understand what it feels like to experience an unethical and rude angling maneuver on the
water. Most outdoors people that I’ve met in the woods and on the water understand, and they maintain an extremely ethical standard in all they do in the wild; however, some unthinking individuals just don’t get it. I’ve had a few unfortunate times where a group of hunters parked right next to my vehicle and proceeded to do their hunting within earshot of my position.
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Given the thousands of acres of hunting woods that surrounded my position, I tried to calm myself and figure out why these fellows would ever think that this kind of action would be okay. Some People Of course, there are probably plenty of reasons these rude, unethical, unthinking people do what they do. Some were never taught correctly when they were kids; others will never get it, even if they were taught correctly; while still others are just intentional misfits. I’m so glad these folks are in the minority. The majority of outdoors folks whom I’ve met help others load or unload their
watercraft as they wait for their turn at the launch site; they help or offer to drag out your deer; they stop to help when they see someone struggling with a vehicle issue at the side of the road; or they offer a fly selection when they see you casting away fruitlessly on an unfamiliar stretch of water. In my opinion, there are more of the good folks out there – but over the past ten or fifteen years, I’ve started to see an increase in unethical and rude behavior in the outdoors. I must say I am so happy when I see young hunters and anglers out there who are doing it right. My heart sings, and all feels right in the world again. Somebody is doing their job and raising them right … after all, the ethical and moral outdoors folks largely outnumber the (Continued on next page)
�������������������������������������������� The Maine Sportsman • February 2025 • 65 (Continued from page 64)
foolish and rude individuals, who are in the minority. Spring of Hope A future of hope lies within each one of us experienced outdoors people. We can make a difference, if we take the time to coach the younger folks and gently instruct those who struggle with an understanding of ethics and morality in their relationships with others in the woods and on the water. I have tried, on occasion, to “educate” folks who were adrift – some knew they were wrong, and others didn’t care to hear what I had to say. In each case, it didn’t matter to me – I felt driven to gently instruct them in a better way of maintaining
Most folks, like these trout anglers on Kennebago Lake, just want to be left alone and not crowded by others when they are enjoying the outdoors. William Clunie photo
their manners in the outdoor world. When I could have rightfully screamed and barked out my dissatisfaction with their unethical rudeness, I took a deep breath and maintained my cool. I know it is more effective to stay cool, because I have blown up on people before – it just makes them
defensive and unable to hear or understand the intent of the message. The average person knows the difference between right and wrong – they just don’t like being told about it when they are caught in the act of being rude and unethical. I try to gently point out the way
their foolish actions negatively affect others. Then I walk away, hoping they will think and learn rather than arguing the point. If they start arguing, I simply turn away from it, not giving them the pleasure of a frustrated response. I’ve had a few times where the individuals acted like they were
Rangeley Lakes Region — Revive Your Senses —
going to start swinging on me, but never did anything but holler. Most incidents involved folks who were unintentionally breaking the rules, and they appreciated the clarity. I always try to give folks an easy way to understand their foolishness on their own.
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66 • February 2025 • The Maine Sportsman —————————————————————————————————————————————
Cold-Weather Fashion Notes Want to stay warm when it’s really, really cold outside? Then take a lesson in what to wear from the Inuit – the folks who have lived in the Arctic regions for countless generations. Once upon a time when I hunted deer in Maine, I could expect bitter cold and actual fluffy snow, so I dressed in wool, which worked just fine. For the last several years, however, I’ve been bombarded with sleet, freezing rain, actual rain, and wind – conditions in which wool does not do well. So I got myself a pair of trousers and an anorak that were windproof and waterproof, an anorak being a parka with no front zipper. Not only did they keep out the slush and the wind, but they were much warmer than I thought they would be. They could be sealed off completely, so that no heat escaped, and no blasts of cold air went up the trouser legs, or the sleeves, or through the front, or down the neck. Whatever heat my aging carcass produced stuck around. Inuit Garb This principle is well known to the Inuit, the indigenous peoples of the Arctic who are perfectly comfortable in temperatures that would send Mainers running for the brandy bottle. Our friends to the North rely on baggy parkas and trousers made of animal hide with the www.MaineSportsman.com
fur left on. Caribou is much preferred, as nothing gets through caribou hide, and those baggy clothes seal up tight at the neck and wrists, and are long enough that nothing gets underneath. “Living in the heat bubble,” some people call it. Inuit don’t layer. If it’s merely bitter cold, they wear a parka, fur side turned in, with nothing underneath. If the temperature goes to double digits below zero, they add a second parka over the first, this one with the fur side turned out. Sadly, you can’t buy a caribou-hide parka, but you can adopt Inuit outerwear principles. Dress Like an Inuit Buy everything at least one size bigger than your street clothes. Roomy is warm. Tight-fitting is cold. Look for outerwear that is water and wind proof. Not water and wind resistant – proof. I’ve been really cold on two occasions, both times with the temperatures in the 40s, but with a constant high wind and while wearing coats that did not stop it. You want a coat and trousers that seal off completely. If
the coat doesn’t have a drawstring at the waist and hem, the hell with it. Sealing off trouser legs is best done with gaiters. I’ve become very fond of gaiters, and I’m sorry it took so long for me to discover them. Short gaiters are for warm weather; in bitter cold, you want the ones that reach almost to the knee. I’ve tried to think of something as useless as a waist-length jacket in cold weather, and failed. If you don’t want your ass to freeze, you want a parka that comes down nearly to your knees. You’ll look long and hard before you find an Inuk with a cold butt, and you’ll probably get a beating or two in the process. Do not overlook a nice, big hood that comes well forward of your face, laces up snug, and has room for a hat underneath. Mittens are much warmer than gloves. Their drawback is that they make handling a rifle just about impossible. Probably the best solution is liner gloves under the mittens. One of the most useful cold-beaters I know of is the silk bandana that is beloved of generations of cow-
Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen of Norway explored Canada’s Northwest passage in 1903. Taking a lesson from the Inuit, he wore an anorak – a vast improvement over the heavy wool coats worn by those who had undertaken prior cold-weather expeditions. Source: Nigel Cabourn clothiers, Manchester, England; cabourn.com
boys, who call neckerchiefs “wild rags.” Whatever you call them, the useful ones are made of silk, not cotton, and are a full yard square. There are three sets of major blood vessels in the neck, and you want to keep those little guys toasty. A silk bandana will do this. A cotton one will not. Woolly Wear Am I anti-wool? Not at all. That would be baaaaaad. Wool has no real competition when it comes to socks, shirts, and long underwear. Not only is it warm, even when
wet, but it doesn’t stink. After a week in the woods, synthetic long johns smell like the primate house at a zoo. And finally, the Inuit system of keeping warm relies on a diet that is very heavy on meat – much of it raw – and blubber. They do fine with this menu. If your curiosity is aroused, wait for the next Right Whale to wash up on shores of Cape Cod, and get there before the scientists do. Bon appetit!
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�������������������������������������������� The Maine Sportsman • February 2025 • 67
Flat Tire in the Maine Woods Oh, crap! – We had a flat tire. We were halfway along the 73-000 road on our way to breakfast at the Airline Snack Bar, when the tire blew. We were somewhere near Rocky Pond, and no one else was around. Middle of nowhere. Nothing to do but pull over and change the tire. We crossed our fingers. If the lug nuts came loose, and the wheel came off the axle and the spare was holding air, we’d be on our way in an hour and still make it to the restaurant for coffee and blueberry pancakes. On this occasion, everything worked. But that’s not always the case. Having a flat tire deep in the Maine woods can be a real hassle, especially if you aren’t prepared for it. The jack and wrench that come with a new car or truck are barely adequate to change a tire in the wilderness, and then only when everything is exactly right. If you’re lucky, you might be able to get a cell signal and call AAA, and they might even be able to find you. But don’t count on it. Good Tires; Good Tools If you ride woods roads a lot, the best answer is to invest in good tires. Six or eight plies is not too much for off-road driving. Still, it pays to be prepared and have some tools. Better to plan for the worst and be self sufficient. A lot depends on what kind of damage there is to the tire. Sometimes a simple puncture can be handled with a can of Green Slime or Fix-a-Flat. (Buy the correct size, and follow the instructions.) An old friend was headed home on the Golden Road, and he blew a tire. He was able to change to the spare and went on his way, but then another tire blew. Two in a row. The second time, he used a can of Fix-A-Flat. That blew up the tire and plugged the leak from the inside. He drove slowly all the way to Millinocket, sort of babying the tire, but it held up, and he actually made it all the way home to Portland. Toolbox A few tools can improve your chances for getting on your way. One is a decent jack. A good hydraulic bottle jack takes up little space, and will easily lift a car or truck.
Another aid for loosening things is a can of WD-40 or Kroil or Blaster. Spray a little or a lot around the lug nuts and the hub to help free things up.
Thick gloves, a lug nut wrench, a bottle jack, “fix-a-flat” sealant, a hatchet for use as a hammer, a block of wood, an air pump and some WD-40 – savvy Mainers don’t head out on gravel roads without these items in the back of the pickup. Randy Randall photos
Sometimes, wood blocking is needed to help get enough lift. Blocking can also be used to trig the wheels, so the truck doesn’t roll off the jack. A sturdy X-wrench will help unscrew the lug nuts. A piece of pipe twenty inches long or so that will fit over one arm of the lug wrench will increase leverage and help bust rusted lug nuts loose. A small axe or hammer can be used to knock the rust off and loosen the nuts. Along with the wrench and jack, you should have a pair of gloves, some safety glasses, and maybe a tarp or blanket to kneel on. If you’ve got one, a breaker bar with the right socket can help with the lug nuts.
The author remembers back in the 1950s when drivers could purchase an air hose that inflated tires by working off the compression of the engine. Removing one of the spark plugs in a six-cylinder motor, the driver screwed one end of the hose into the cylinder head, attached the other to the tire’s valve stem, and started the engine. While the engine ran on five cylinders, the sixth cylinder acted like a pump, pushing air into the tire.
Backwoods Flats We also carry simple tire repair kits. These consist of a reamer and a big needle and some squiggly rubber plugs and glue. The idea is you ream out the puncture hole, thread the piece of rubber in the needle, and shove it into the tire. Pull some of the plug back out, cut off the excess, then blow up the tire. We carry these patch kits on our ATV. Inflating a tire in the back woods is a challenge. A good old bicycle pump will get the job done, but it’ll take all day, and three guys taking turns. Today, you can buy some nifty battery-operated pumps that will blow up a tire without much effort. We use one that connects to the truck battery. Others are self-contained and have their own battery built in. And of course, the Fix-AFlat canister somehow has enough pressurized gas to inflate a tire. I remember back in the 1950s, they sold an air hose that worked off the engine. You removed one of the spark plugs in your six-cylinder motor, screwed the hose into the cylinder head, and connected the other end of the hose to the air valve on the flat tire. Then you started the engine, and while it ran on five cylinders, the sixth cylinder acted like a pump and pushed air into the tire. I’m sure other guys will have ideas on how to change a tire or repair one out in the boonies. These are just some things I’ve tried over the years that have worked. Getting those lug nuts loose is usually the first challenge. And even if you do manage to loosen the nuts, sometimes the wheel will still refuse to come off the axle. That takes some beating and thrashing, which is why you have the small ax. The point is, out in the Maine boonies you are not always going to be able to call AAA, so plan to take the necessary tools, and when that tire goes flat you won’t be stranded, because you’ll know you’re ready to cope with the situation and still make it to the Air Line Snack Bar in time for breakfast.
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A Growing Demand for Some Wild Fur There are again changes occurring in the fur trade. With a new Administration in Washington, and an evolving international political landscape, we can only speculate on the future of the wild fur market. Below are some observations and predictions. The Copenhagen Fur Auction was once the world’s largest fur auction. However, this past year it held its final sale. There are now only two major auction houses in the free world – Finnish Fur Sales in Helsinki, which sells mainly ranched mink and fox, and our Fur Harvesters in North Bay, Ontario which specializes in wild furs. Due to the lack of ranched furs, the demand for wild fur should rise. This is good news for all trappers across North America. With the previous demise of the North American Fur Auction (NAFA), the Fur Harvesters event now exclusively sets the North American wild fur prices at its semiannual international auction. This past year (2024) all indications were that the fur trade was looking at an uptick this winter. The demand for fisher, marten, otter, and lynx cat (the international fur market name for our bobcat) is growing. It appears that much of our wild fur will be moving, and observers predict that prices of most northern species will rise. Price Estimates If the market indications are correct, our large Maine bobcats should see prices between $100 and $200. Fisher and marten will be in the $30 to $50 range. Beaver will likely continue to average $30 (with all sizes averaged in), although there are indications that it may drop some. Otter prices should be between $30 and $40, while muskrat will bring a couple of dollars at best. Wild mink made a big jump at the last auction due to Italian buyers, and this year’s better ones will likely remain in demand. Raccoon still struggles, but our best largest northern ones may see $15 to $20. With respect to coyotes, they are not worth trapping, unless you want a garment made or if you want to trap them to help our deer herd. Our red and gray fox should averwww.MaineSportsman.com
Fur prices have held steady and even increased, especially when trappers who take the time to properly care for and prepare their product.
A fur buyer grading fur at a local Maine fur auction. Photo provided by the author
age $20. Skunks with nice wide white stripes may bring $30 or more, while averages should exceed $20. Long-tail ermine may bring as much as $20 with feet attached, and $15 for those without feet. Short-tail ermine should bring a couple of dollars. Other Trapping Profits Don’t forget you may gain additional profits from your trapline. Some furbearer meats, such as beaver and muskrat, have a ready market for human consumption, and beaver is also used as dog food or at bait sites for coyote hunting. Bobcat is also tasty on the kitchen table, although that fact is not well known to the public. Glands from most fur bearers are in demand for lure manufacturing. The majority of fur buyers can tell you who may be buying glands. Properly handled beaver castor is readily bought by the pound at fur auctions for commercial uses, and it adds value to your beaver harvesting efforts. The price for beaver castor goes up and down depending on how many beavers are harvested annually. The price per pound paid for properly cured castors
may range from $20 to about $100, depending on the harvest. The FDA has allowed a few more uses for beaver castor in commercial food preparation in recent years. Skulls, claws and teeth may have value. A veterinarian in Connecticut once asked me for cleaned skulls of each member of the weasel family, for a collection. Schools and other educational organizations are frequently looking for skulls for display. This issue was discussed at the Maine Trappers Association’s spring membership meeting this past December at Shin Pond, where we learned that several different schools had inquired about sources for them. Presenting Your Furs A little additional effort during fur handling can add to your profit. Fur graders and buyers take into account well presented and handled fur. Although most beaver is currently being bought for the felt trade, some are bought for garment manufacturing. When NAFA was active, their graders offered tips for enhancing the presentation of beaver. They include: 1. Removing the nose and whiskers, because the pelts are measured electronically from the eyes down to the base and from side to side. 2. Some cut the ears off large beavers. It allows faster drying of the pelt, and may prevent mold. 3. On larger bite marks (over 1 inch), sewing improves the appearance and may help in an upgrade of the pelt. 4. Leg holes should be closed with nails or rubber bands, or by sewing. The auction graders prefer that the holes be closed to make the skins look better for the buyers. 5. The fur should be well dried before boarding. This allows the fur to remain soft and non-matted, permitting a better job of grading the fur. Matted fur can hide issues. 6. If one handles a large volume of fur, a tumbler for drumming furs will enhance fur appearance. Most tumblers are homemade. There are videos and other information online about their construction. Remember – the best-prepared prime furs bring the biggest prices.
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Rifle Sights and Scopes for Aging Eyes I found out I needed eyeglasses for distant vision in the fifth grade, and started wearing spectacles to correct this problem. Everything went fine with the new glasses until I worked up a sweat and they fogged up. I tried special lens cleaners that were supposed to stop the fogging, but the glasses continued to fog up – so much that I couldn’t see. The fogged lenses ruined any kind of sports for me. In addition, they became a huge distraction when I was moving through the woods, bird hunting. Sometime in high school (late 1960s and early 1970s), I started wearing contact lenses. They worked like a charm, and allowed for great vision no matter my activity level. I
out to 100 yards or beyond with scopes at five-power and up, worked great. I really got good at putting the bullets right in the bullseye at some remarkable distances. I carried my first scoped rifle into the woods with confidence; sitting in my stand with the big 3- to 9-power Weaver scope, I felt like I could easily drop a deer even if it was way out there. However, when a big buck came running by at 20 yards, the confidence factor immediately fell apart. Even with the scope dialed down to 3-power, I still couldn’t acquire the deer with any kind of speed. Then, when I finally got the moving critter in my scope, all I could see was brown
If a high-power scope makes it difficult to acquire close-up or fast-moving big game, consider a lowpower scope, mounted forward on the rifle, that allows you to take aim with both eyes open.
Notice the unusual forward-mounted Burris 2x7 Scout Scope. This is Jeff Cooper’s so-called “Scout System.” William Clunie photo
suddenly started spotting more game in the woods, and my wing shooting improved because of the “new” vision provided by the contact lenses. As my eyes aged, I found that I also needed to wear reading glasses to see things up close. This wasn’t really a problem, until I tried to shoot a rifle with iron sights. Trying to get my eyes to
focus simultaneously on the rear sight, the front sight and the target, just didn’t work. I tried peep sights with a huge rear aperture (ghost ring), and it still seemed difficult. With peep sights, the shooter can simply focus on the front sight and the target … the rear ghost ring can be ignored, as the eye automatically centers itself within the large
opening. Rifle Scopes I figured I could remedy my vision troubles by mounting scopes on my rifles, and to a certain extent this solved the problem. I became proficient with a scoped rifle and called it good … except for a few things. Shooting stationary game (or targets)
(Western Maine continued on page 71)
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Game Meat Crises If you hunt and consume wild game for long enough, odds are you will eventually find yourself in a meat crisis. There are different causes and types of meat crises. I’ve experienced each. Crisis #1: No Meat Even the best hunters have dry spells. For all the hard work, intuition and skill it requires to successfully pursue game, there is still always some element of luck (or Divine Intervention). Even if you do everything right, you still have to be in the exact right place at the exact right time. Sometimes you miss that place and time, albeit by milliseconds. Part of being a hunter means being a provider. An empty freezer can put immense pressure on a person, sometimes causing them to change the way they hunt, lower their standards, or perhaps even blur some ethical lines.
The author has faced a game meat quandary – actually, he’s faced three quandaries. They involve his having no luck, having bad luck, and having too much good luck. I’ve shot several small bucks for the reason of relieving the meat-providing pressure. I do not regret shooting those bucks – it was the right decision for the time. But if the circumstances had been different, and if I’d had a full freezer, I might have chosen to pass on them. Crisis #2: Bad Meat We have all heard the horror stories of lost meat. In 2021, after applying for 35 years, my dad finally drew a Maine moose permit. Long story short,
the weather was atrociously hot, and the hunting unbelievably bad. With about 45 minutes left in the season, in my role as the sub-permittee, I shot a yearling bull. It was strictly a meat kill. While we were quartering up the moose, a warm torrential downpour ensued. As if the soaking wet meat wasn’t a concern enough, things took a drastic turn even worse a couple weeks later …. We got the moose processed, and stuffed the hundreds of pounds of meat into my dad’s stand-up freezer. Then we jetted off to Idaho for a planned mule deer hunt. On the last day of that Idaho hunt, my phone rang. My wife said she’d stopped by my dad’s house to drop something off when she noticed an odd smell. She followed her nose down to the basement. When she opened the door, there was an (Continued on next page)
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The thing of nightmares: a conked out freezer, and nearly an entire moose lost. (Continued from page 70)
enormous pool of meat juice stretching twenty feet from the standup freezer. The freezer had conked out. Feeling immense guilt over taking the life of such a big and beautiful creature, we tried to salvage what we could. Some of what we tried that we pulled out of the wreckage tasted okay. But some of it tasted like the chemicals that had leaked out of the freezer and onto the meat when the appliance failed. After several efforts, including unsuccessfully trying to cook the chemical taste out of the meat, much of it had to be dumped out. Crisis #3: Too Much Meat Please don’t take the following thoughts as a form of complaint or a form of bragging. Neither is the intent. I’m actually quite humbled by the “problem” of too much meat, and feel a weighty guilt about it.
Western Maine (Continued from page 69)
hair. I didn’t fire, because I didn’t know where on the deer I was aiming. For all I knew, the brown hair spot in the scope was a leg or some other non-vital area on the moving deer. So, back to the drawing board, as they say. I had to rethink my sighting options to determine what method would work for me on moving game animals. Scout Scope Iron sights, both peeps and open sights, didn’t cut it, because of the problems I was having with my eyes. I enjoyed reading the advice of a certain gun writer, Col. Jeff Cooper, and followed a sighting system that he came up with called the “Scout Scope” system. I found that it helped me with
This year I’ve found myself, by the Grace of God, in a yet-unfounded predicament – too much meat. As I described in my December Maine Sportsman article, I took advantage of a hound-hunting opportunity to secure some bear meat, taking some of the meat pressure off my deer season. Then, fairly early in the season, I killed bucks in Maine and NH, on bare ground. They were both opportunities that were too good to pass. I had also been drawn for a doe tag again in Maine this year. I only applied as a way to better my chances of meat provision, given that killing a buck is never guaranteed. Though I already had plenty of meat, I felt an obligation to try to fill the doe tag, since my being drawn had taken the opportunity away from someone else. I ended up killing a small doe, and gifting the meat to an older friend of mine who can’t get out much anymore. While doe hunting, I encountered many big buck tracks, without being able to hunt them. I had a real hankering to track some bucks, since I hadn’t been able to yet this year. I resigned myself to saying, “There’s always next year,” thinking that my season was done. Then, serendipitously, I was reminded by several different people on several different occasions that the NY Adirondack rifle season was still open. My wife also mentioned that she would like to go away for a few days somewhere. The gears started grinding in my head, and soon I had a plan formulated. We have friends who live in the Adirondacks, and I arranged for my wife and young daughter to hang out with them and their young kids during the day, while I shooting at close, moving targets. He recommended using extended eye relief scopes of a low power (1x), and mounting them in a forward position on the rifle (see photo, p. 69). When you aim the rifle with a scope in this position, you keep both eyes open, and can easily keep the crosshairs on the moving game animal. I took several running deer with this sight system, and continue to hunt with rifles in this configuration today. I bought a used Savage 99F in .308 Winchester that came with a 3x9 scope, and my immediate plan was to remove the big scope and replace it with something lighter and with less power. However, I left the big scope on during this year’s hunting season, because I didn’t have time to make the change before opening day. I plan to install a little “Red Dot”
The author’s wife has started canning much of their game meat, avoiding the possibility of losing the meat to a bad freezer.
scratched my tracking itch on 6 inches of fresh powder. It didn’t take long before I had myself a beautiful Adirondack 9-pointer! But with the big buck came some guilt – the guilt of having too much meat. The buck certainly won’t go to waste, but was it wrong to kill a deer I didn’t need? Being a believer, though, I wonder if God would bless me with such a creature, if it was indeed wrong to kill him? Was it to teach me a lesson? Or is this simply a “Make hay while the sun shines” scenario? I’m certainly not guaranteed to kill anything in the years to come. I don’t know the answers to all these questions. But I have some actions I’ve resolved to take going forward: I’m going to gift some meat here and there to people who I know will appreciate and use it. I’m likely not going to apply for a doe permit next year, assuming that I will still be all set for meat and don’t want to take that tag away from someone else who could really use it. And I’m going to pray on things to help determine if killing four or five critters a year is ethically kosher.
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scope from Skinner Sights (skinnersights.com), mounted forward on the rifle right where the receiver and the barrel come together. I’ll be able to aim with both eyes open and acquire moving game animals with ease. There should be enough magnification for shots from point-blank to well beyond 100 yards – definitely enough distance for hunting deer, bear and moose in the Maine woods. This winter, I’m hunting snowshoe hare with my Marlin 39 in .22LR with peep sights, to see if my eyes can adjust to using peeps again … I think I can retrain my eyes to accommodate these handy sights. I’ll also get the Skinner Sights “Red Dot” to the range, and see how it goes. There’s going to be a lot of powder burned in this region this winter.
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72 • February 2025 • The Maine Sportsman —————————————————————————————————————————————
Smilin’ Sportsman
Jimmy: “I’m going to Rome, and when I get there, I’m gonna to try to meet the Pope.” Jimmy’s barber: “Don’t be a moron. That’s the stupidest thing I’ve ever heard. The Pope is a busy guy, presiding over an entire religion, and running the Vatican.” (Two weeks later ….) Jimmy’s barber: “How was your trip to Rome?” Jimmy: “It was great. I hadda chance to talk with the Pope.”
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Jimmy’s barber: “You what? Talked with the Pope? What did he say?” Jimmy: “He asked me where I got the lousy haircut.” — A penguin walked into a bar and asked the bartender, “Hey, have you seen my brother?” “I dunno,” replied the bartender. “What does he look like?” — While ice fishing, Zeke got into a wrestling match with a warden who asked to see his fishing license. Later, Zeke claimed it was a case of mistaken identity. Many witnesses saw the confrontation, so the witnesses were brought into the sheriff’s office, and Zeke was put in a line-up. Just then, the warden walked in. Zeke pointed at the warden and shouted, “That’s him!” — “I get my deer almost every year,” bragged the hunter. “Really?” asked his friend. “Yes – I almost got one in 2022, almost in 2023, almost in 2024 ….” —
Snow White arrived to see her cottage on fire. As she searched through the burning rubble frantically calling the names of her seven dwarfs, she heard a voice from the collapsed basement say: “A three-day waiting period for firearms sales is a good idea.” “Thank goodness!” she exclaimed, “At least I know Dopey’s alive!”
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In Pursuit of Mythical Loot Does treasure hunting count as an outdoor sport? It’s debatable. If you came into possession of a map where “X” marks the spot, shouldn’t you be asking yourself whether “Why?” marks the spot where your imagination derails your common sense? After all, there’s no pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, no clues written on the back of the Declaration of Independence, no intriguing hints concealed in Da Vinci’s paintings. And anyway, the last two are certainly not outdoors. Or a sport. But what about ancient loot hidden in some impenetrable jungle? That’s as outdoorsy as it gets. And if you found that hidden fortune, you’d be rich enough to hire a personal grammarian to back up your language decisions, so you could call it a sport if you wanted to. Artificial Intelligence Meets Space Archeology Which brings us to a new novel called The Lost Inca Gold, by William R. Wood, Jr. of Bangor. The subtitle is “AI Meets Space Archeology,” and as someone with roughly the same faith in artificial intelligence as in treasure maps, I approached this book with a certain amount of skepticism. I was right to do so. I wasn’t even 40 pages into this story before I encountered these sentences: “A desert-urban locale, for instance, would have a different network than a mountainous-rural site, but he could re-use the basic neural network. A separate software application sitting on top of all the neural networks would manage the entire process and choose the appropriate neural network.” Gets your own neural network tingling, doesn’t it? Unrepentant Techno–nerd Wood, a medical doctor, appears to be an unrepentant techno-nerd, which gets in the way of what otherwise might be an intriguing plot. It involves a brilliant student at the University of Maine (who has trouble making decisions, which slows the story down even more), and a professor at Yale, who have come up with a couple of programs that might allow them to find a billion bucks in gold hidden away by the Incas centuries ago
A Bangor, Maine medical doctor has written a novel about legendary South American gold.
Bangor writer William R. Wood, Jr. has written a new novel subtitled “AI Meets Space Archaeology.”
in Ecuador. There’s also an evil Arab arms merchant and his minion, and an antiquities dealer, and they’re all after the same gold, and they intend to co-opt the scientists’ research to swipe the bullion. In between the computer babble, much of the early action (using the word loosely, if not inaccurately) takes place in Orono, a thinly disguised town that substitutes for Rockland; a brief visit to Carrabassett Valley; lots of camping, canoeing and sex on Maine lakes; and a couple of side trips to Vermont. In spite of the plot’s potential, nothing all that exciting happens for the first 200 pages. But it has to pick up after that, right? Hyperparameters Well, sorta. There’s nasty sabotage by the bad guys. The brilliant student’s new romance undergoes some soap-opera stuff. And the key computer pro-
gram experiences a tense statistical meltdown, the nature of which I didn’t understand. That’s mostly because the hero keeps saying stuff like, “I wonder if the hyperparameters are right. I’m also worried about underfitting or overfitting the data.” In other words, the story moves along like sludge. (I can only hope there’s no forever chemicals in it.) Let me say some kind stuff. Wood writes well when he manages to suppress his techno-addiction, and he has a good feeling for character and place. The Maine locales feel authentic, and every member of the cast comes off as a real person with understandable motivations — even the bad guys. Unfortunately, Wood spends excessive time demonstrating this – another anchor holding back the plot. But that’s nowhere near as big an impediment as his obsession with computers and their spawn. It’s possible to write technologically-focused stories that still qualify as thrillers. The Martian by Andy Weir is one example. Both Jeffrey Deaver (criminology) and Barry Eisler (espionage) routinely pull off this feat. But those authors hold their fascination with science in check, staying focused on the plot. The Good Part Wood has the potential to turn out material like that. But it’s unreasonable to expect readers to plow through 300 pages of repetitious tech-speak to get to the good part. Oh yeah, the good part. Once the team gets to the jungle, the pace picks up a bit. Wood is adept at projecting an air of menace that keeps the pages turning. If only he’d cranked that up a lot earlier. In his promotional material for the book, Wood says he cut 100,000 words from his original manuscript. He could easily have trimmed another 50,000. It would have made it a lot more worthwhile digging through the deep layers of jargon to get to the buried treasure. Al Diamon writes the monthly column Politics & Other Mistakes for The Bollard magazine.
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Trophy Gallery
Peyton Stewart, age 16 of Winthrop, used his .270 while hunting in Carrabassett Valley on November 8, 2024 to tag this 206-lb., 10-pount trophy buck. The big deer’s weight was certified by Billie-Jo McDonald at Our Village Market, on the New Vineyard Road in New Vineyard.
Shannon Cook of Ashland was hunting in her hometown on November 5, 2024 when she bagged this 200-lb., 8-point trophy buck with her .270. Shannon brought the big deer to the Gateway Trading Post for registration and certification of the weight. Nice job, Shannon – congratulations!
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