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Editorial

Online Turkey Tagging – a Good Use of Technology Every so often, a product or service comes along that allays our apprehensions about our growing reliance on computers and smartphones, and reinforces our beliefs that technological advancements can serve a purpose while still being user-friendly. Such a development is the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife’s online wild turkey tagging program. Starting with this year’s spring wild turkey hunting season, successful hunters in Maine had the option of either taking their tom turkey to a traditional in-person tagging station, or “self-registering” their turkey online. The Importance of Harvest Data Since the first wild turkey season in 1986, DIFW has required registration of all birds, with the exception of a Covid-driven pause in 2021 and 2022. Through that data-gathering process, state biologists have been able to develop comprehensive information on turkey populations and growth. The state has used that data to open up more opportunities for turkey hunting, including adopting the two-tom spring limit in many parts of the state, and the either-sex turkey season in the fall. By now, most of us are comfortable with online transactions, including renewing and upgrading hunting licenses, and re-registering our This 21-lb. gobbler was snowmobiles and ATVs. So DIFW took a step for- registered using Maine ward into the technological world by offering on- DIFW’s new online tagging line turkey tagging for the 2023 spring and fall system. Blaine Cardilli photo seasons. It Works We had the opportunity to try out the new system during the closing days of this year’s spring wild turkey season, and found that it works very well. To register, you’ll need your MOSES ID number (if known), your hunting license number, your turkey license number (if not covered by your regular hunting license), your last name, the location of the kill, the type of weapon used (firearm, bow or crossbow), and a current email address. Within minutes, you’ll receive a confirmation email message, containing all the information you just inputted, as well as additional details derived from the records on you that DIFW already has on file. The computer thoughtfully adds details such as the county and WMD or subunit number, based on the name of the city or town you enter. And there’s no charge for the service, as opposed to the small service fee you’d pay at an in-person tagging station. In short, the process fills the need to get important data to the state; it saves the expense of a drive to the tagging station (and we’ve noticed that fewer and fewer stores in Central and Southern Maine are offering to tag animals); and it relieves store clerks from time-consuming manual input of harvest information into the state’s system. Future Expansion? On the receipt, under “Animal and Weapon Information,” the first item reads, “Animal Registered: Turkey.” This leads to the conclusion that DIFW has the ability in the future to expand use of the system to bear, deer and moose registrations. It’s a proper and productive use of computer technology, and the state deserves a tip of The Maine Sportsman hunting cap, as well as our encouragement to expand the new system to enable hunters to tag other animals.

On the Cover: Maine Sportsman columnist Christi Holmes took this photo while striper fishing in Casco Bay.. She was in her pedal-driven 12-foot Old Town Sportman Salty kayak. “We were throwing soft plastic lures, and we caught lots of schoolies that day,” she reports. “Being able to pedal with your feet is helpful, since you can always be casting.” www.MaineSportsman.com

New England’s Largest Outdoor Publication

Sportsman The Maine

ISSN 0199-036 — Issue No. 608 • www.mainesportsman.com PUBLISHER: Jon Lund MANAGING EDITOR: Will Lund will@mainesportsman.com OFFICE MANAGER: Carol Lund carol@mainesportsman.com CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Kristina Roderick kristina@mainesportsman.com ADVERTISING DIRECTOR: Nancy Carpenter nancy@mainesportsman.com Second class postage paid at Scarborough, ME 04074 and additional entry offices. All editorial inquiries should be emailed to will@mainesportsman.com Phone: 207-622-4242 Postmaster: Send address changes to: The Maine Sportsman, 183 State Street, Suite 101, Augusta, ME 04330 12-Month Subscription: $30 • 24-Month Subscription: $49

TABLE OF CONTENTS Almanac by Will Lund.................................................... 13 Aroostook - “The County” by Bill Graves..................... 34 Big Game Hunting by Joe Saltalamachia.................. 38 Big Woods World by Mike Stevens & Hal Blood.......... 37 Downeast Region by Jim Lemieux............................... 58 Editorial.............................................................................. 4 Freshwater Fly Fishing by William Clunie...................... 48 Get Out There by Staci Warren.................................... 54 Jackman Region by William Sheldon.......................... 50 Katahdin Country by William Sheldon......................... 43 Letters to the Editor.......................................................... 6 Maine Sportswoman by Christi Holmes....................... 55 Maine Wildlife by Tom Seymour................................... 17 Maine Wildlife Quiz by Steve Vose............................... 23 Midcoast by Tom Seymour........................................... 57 Moosehead Region by Tom Seymour......................... 52 New Hampshire by Ethan Emerson.............................. 73 Nolan’s Outdoor World by Nolan Raymond............... 46 Off-Road Traveler by William Clunie............................ 41 Outdoors & Other Mistakes by Al Diamon.................. 77 Quotable Sportsman by Will Lund................................ 23 Rangeley Region by William Clunie............................. 68 Ranger on the Allagash by Tim Caverly...................... 63 Riding Shotgun by Robert Summers............................. 76 Saltwater Fishing by Bob Humphrey............................ 30 Sebago to Auburn Region by Tom Roth..................... 61 Self-Propelled Sportsman by Jim Andrews.................... 8 Shooter’s Bench by Col. J.C. Allard............................. 40 Smilin’ Sportsman by Will Lund...................................... 76 Snapshots in Time by Bill Pierce.................................... 12 Southern Maine by Val Marquez................................. 65 Sporting Environment by David Van Wie.................... 60 Sportsman’s Journal by King Montgomery................. 10 Tales from the Warden Service by Ret. Lt. Doug Tibbetts.70 Tidewater Tales by Randy Randall............................... 64 Trapping The Silent Places by David Miller.................. 66 Trading Post (Classifieds)............................................... 78 Trout Fishing by Tom Seymour....................................... 47 Vermont by Matt Breton............................................... 75 Western Maine Mountains by William Clunie.............. 71

GUEST COLUMNS & SPECIAL SECTIONS ATVing in Maine by John LaMarca.............................. 18 Bear Hunting in Maine by Steve Carpenteri............... 21 Boating by Capt. Ron Dupuis....................................... 24 Moose Hunting in Maine by Matt Chaisson................ 32

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Letters

be the best. The camp is still there, but it’s now in the hands of a young family who care for it as much as we did. Be it ever so humble … there’s no place like camp. Michael Petit, Portland ME —

To The Editor

He Misses His Simple Camp To the Editor: With the good fortune of having a small log cabin on a riverbank for 25 years in Maine’s great north woods, I heartily concur with your April issue letter-writer’s praise of modest forest dwellings (see “Wants to Read About Real Maine Camps,” by Randall Tolman). Our deep woods camp was just right at 400 square feet, surrounded by spruce, fir and cedars that came right up to the camp windows. At the end of a six-mile rough road that we hiked in winter, after a fourhour drive, we relished our days there – no sirens, no cell, no wi-fi. No plumbing. All water hauled from the river. All heat from a wood-burning stove. All light from hissing gas lanterns. The only sounds were water, birds and insects, and the wind. Winter weekends of snowshoeing, tracking otters and bobcats, and cook-

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ing over an outdoor fire were highlights. Nighttime card games, radio broadcasts beamed in from Quebec, and tapes on portable radios – Sargent Preston of the Yukon, Gene Autrey, Burns and Allen – provided entertainment for young and old alike. And numerous sightings of wildlife from both the non-intrusive camp, and on the river. The critically important verdict of grandkids: cozy and fun, and “When are we coming again?” As for the principal reason we bought the camp – fishing – wild trout and salmon could be found 100 steps from camp. Three pristine streams formed the river a few miles above camp. In 25 years of fishing the river, we could go several years without encountering a single other fisherman on the water. Alas, all good things come to an end. The 40-pound bucket of water felt like 80. The fourhour drive felt like six. Loading Grilling canoes became an effort. Doctors and wives urged us to not be so far from help. We learned over the years that simple things can Pool

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Liked “Hunt Quietly” To the Editor: I enjoyed Ethan Emerson’s column in the March edition of The Maine Sportsman titled “Hunt Quietly.” I have been warning fellow hunters about the use of social media for some time. Being an avid waterfowler, nothing irritates me more than seeing posts on social media of hunters with piles of ducks or geese. Those photographs do nothing good for our image and heritage. I had a conversation with a biologist from Delta Waterfowl, and we both agreed that the TV shows are helping spread negative images. I don’t know which is worse, everyone thinking that all duck hunters dress and act like reality TV stars, or television shows that are nothing more than 30 minutes of blasting ducks to rock music. And to make it even worse, blasting ducks in slow motion. If you were to look at my Facebook page, you’d see that I try to focus on the scenery and conservation aspect of hunting. You might see a duck now and again, or bragging about a tough retrieve by my dog, but no smiling with piles of ducks (I never shoot more than two or three on any given day, anyway). When I take a buck with a muzzleloader, I always avoid getting blood or the field-dressed portion of the deer in the image. Most viewers comment on my rifle, which is exactly what I want. I do enjoy some of the YouTube channels. I like Big Woods Bucks, especially Hal’s tips. I also follow a channel from Ireland focusing on ducks and retrievers. Many of the others, however, push the limits of safety and the law, and they really do us no favors. Please tell Ethan to keep up the good work. Alfred Houde Stafford VA

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Summer Outings with Kids Teach Us What to Remember “It’s just a fish, Dad – calm down!” My shy 10-year-old daughter was just old enough to be embarrassed by her father’s whoops of joy. As she lifted the huge smallmouth over the gunnel, I threw my hands in the air and let the whole lake know about the victory. It had been a tough battle on lightweight kid’s gear. We were at Webb Lake in Weld, where we had rented a camp for the annual family vacation. Our vessel was a banana-yellow pedal boat that came with the camp. Our lure was a simple “garden hackle” (i.e., worm) on a snelled hook. All of this was plenty sophisticated for the pumpkin-seed sunfish and small white perch we had been catching

The author was so excited when his young daughter caught a trophy smallmouth that he whooped and hollered until his wife ran down to the shore to see if the two anglers were in some sort of peril.

Many lifelong memories are made when kids are simply left to their own devices. Photos by Jim Andrews

all week. The threepound bass was a complete surprise – a mir-

acle on water! My oldest child kept her rod-tip high,

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or as high as her short pole would allow, and held on tight when the bass leapt clear of the water twice. She steadily cranked the Zebco to regain line lost in long, head-shaking runs. I yelled so loud when she boated the fish that my wife ran down to the beach to see if we were drowning. Heads turned our way at other camps along the shore, as I grabbed the fish and held it high above my head for all to see. What Matters and What’s Remembered My daughter barely remembers that fish

today. But the scene is etched on my aging brain. Flat-calm lake, sun setting in the notch near Tumbledown Mountain, the smell of campfires and charcoal burning at other waterside camps. A grimy, overturned worm container in the cup holder of the plastic boat. The smiles and cheers of other campers up and down the lakeshore. And the feel of that big, cool, wet smallmouth bass in my hands. It obviously mattered a lot to me. In my head, it wasn’t just another fish – it was evidence that my tiny offspring possessed some innate or inherited ability to overcome the odds and catch an exceptional animal. And her success reflected on me. I think about that day when I see published photos of young kids with a monster buck or a huge salmon that they just collected from the wild. The kids in those photos are happy enough – but the parent next to them in the picture is almost overcome with joy. The older face in the portrait is always beaming with a near-looney smile. We post these gripand-grin photos online, in magazines like this one, on the walls (Continued on next page)

�� The Maine Sportsman • July 2023 • 9 (Continued from page 8)

of our office, and in our family photo albums. That chest-busting parental pride we feel is because the kid has succeeded in something we have always wanted for ourselves. They have overcome the instinctive wariness of a wild creature – something we have tried to accomplish, often over our whole life. What Kids Remember My daughter remembers that vacation mostly as the time she and her brother dug a big hole in the sandy beach, filled it with water, and then picked up dozens of freshwater mussels from the lake to put into their new pond. They spent hours on this project, and then more hours reversing the process. My son remembers getting stung by ground hornets that had a nest under the camp porch. And that he and his friends were allowed to take the pedal boat into deep water for the first time.

I’m working with a small sample here, but I think parents’ most long-lasting outdoor memories are completely different than those of our kids. I have a vivid memory of two relatively huge brook trout that my young kids caught one time from a tiny stream on successive casts. Fifteen-inch fish from a bath-tubsized trout hole in a brook that I fished as a kid myself. I always need to remind them about catching those big trout themselves. What they remember is that their grandfather cooked the trout over an outdoor fire. Kids remember times outdoors when they were left to their own devices. If they found something on their own, instead of being told to sit here and watch that deer scrape, or cast there, behind the big rock – the memory is secure. They remember times when their parents were undone by nature and turned out to be not so invincible. My son loves

Webb Lake, shown here at sunset, produced many memories for the author and his family.

to remind me of a fifteen-mile mountain bike ride when we suffered through hours of heavy, cold rain – after I had proclaimed that a little drizzle wouldn’t stop our trip. And kids remember outdoor times when they got overwhelmed by the power of nature around them. On an ocean trip we made once, my two kids and their friends kept repeatedly charging into a crashing surf that was hitting the beach. The waves knocked them flat, over and over again – and they

laughed hysterically as they picked themselves up and hurled their small bodies back into the sea. They still talk

about those waves. We could all take a lesson from that.

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Alaska’s Aniak River The first thing you notice about Alaska is how much there is of it. It is huge—over a third of the size of the Lower 48—and its landscape varies from temperate rain forest to glacial fiords to snow-capped mountains, to tundra, with some places having all those characteristics. Wildlife is everywhere, and the streams, rivers and lakes teem with fishes of all description, including the wonderful Pacific salmons: the king (Chinook), silver (Coho), sockeye (red), chum (dog) and pink (humpback). It is an angler’s nirvana, and I was about to cast in paradise for a week once again. The view out of the windows of the PenAir twin engine aircraft was stunning, particularly on a clear day. After leaving Anchorage, we crossed over the impressive Alaska Range, and Mt. Denali (formerly Mt. McKinley) cut a striking fig-

If you want to go to the one place on the planet that offers the ultimate in sportfishing, says the author, go to Alaska. If you haven’t been to the 49th state, then set such a journey as a goal you absolutely need to achieve. This account is from a trip the author took years ago, and the details remain as vivid as if he’d just returned. He expects the experience at Aniak River Lodge is just as good – or even better – today than it was during his visit.

It takes almost all day to travel in the comfortable jet-boats to the camp because guests fish along the way, first for Northern pike in the tributary sloughs and sheefish in the lower, slower moving waters of the Aniak. All photos by King Montgomery

ure to north. Denali, the “High One” in the native language, is one of the most beautiful and engaging mountains on earth. The Village Some of the finest wilderness fishing for all five species of Pacific salmon, as well as

About 40 miles up the Aniak River, a tributary of the Kuskokwim, is a comfortable riverside Spike Camp, right smack in the middle of some of the best angling that Alaska has to offer. www.MaineSportsman.com

rainbow trout, Dolly Varden, Arctic grayling, sheefish (inconnu), and Northern pike is found in the fertile, clean, and gorgeous Aniak River, my destination an hour-plus flight from Anchorage to the west. There are no roads or rails into the region, and much

of the area lies in or near the huge Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge. Aniak is an old Yu’pik village abandoned in the early 19th century and resettled in the early 20th century. It was given new life in 1939-40 when an Army Air Forces

A silver salmon and a rainbow trout often are caught together. The rainbows follow the migrating salmon and feed on the salmon eggs they exude, then feed on the dying/decaying fish after they spawn.

runway and base were built in anticipation of the Lend-Lease program that would provide Russia with war supplies, including US aircraft, to use against Nazi Germany. The village now has fewer than 600 people, mostly Eskimo and other native Alaskans. And it is home to the renowned Aniak River Lodge. The Lodge and the Spike Camp The Aniak River Lodge is a fine log structure sitting high on the south bank of the Kuskokwim River. It has all the amenities including warm beds, modern plumbing and fine food. But the 10 to 12 guests a week only stay here for two nights, sometimes three—the day of arrival and departure, and one other day, depending on river and fishing conditions. The remaining time is spent about 40 miles up the Aniak River, a tributary of the Kus(Continued on next page)

Arctic grayling are plentiful and are quite beautiful with a graceful sail-like dorsal – and they will rise to dry flies.

�� The Maine Sportsman • July 2023 • 11

Dolly Varden are a char closely related to our Eastern brook trout, also a char. They are the most plentiful and gullible fish in the river. They taste good, too. (Continued from page 10)

kokwim, in a comfortable riverside Spike Camp, right smack in the middle of some of the best angling that Alaska has to offer. (The term “spike camp” is an old railroad designation for the most forward displaced part of a rail line, where steel spikes and other equipment were stored to facilitate the onward expansion of the next stretch of rail.) Migrating with the Salmon It takes all day to travel in the comfortable jet-boats to the camp, because guests fish along the way – first for Northern pike in the tributary sloughs and sheefish in the lower, slower moving waters of the Aniak. And, in the early August days when I visited, we also fished for silver salmon that were just beginning

The leopard-strain rainbow trout is native to Alaska, and it is more brightly-spotted than its lower USA counterparts. It also seems to fight harder and longer. Fish a large mouse on top of the water, and wait for the splashing, violent take!

to turn pinkish from their sea-run silver color. And, if there is a shore lunch in the offing or the camp chef needs meat, a fresh run silver dressed on the beach, sprinkled with salt and pepper, decorated with lemon slices, and cooked in foil over an open fire is an epicurean delight. While the salmon filets roasted in aluminum foil pouches and beans or corn bubbled in their open cans in the coals, several of the guests broke out five or six weight rods with floating lines or medium light spinning gear. Terminal Gear and Tactics The guides tied on the Alaska go-to bead rig for rainbows and the chars—Dolly Varden and Arctic grayling are chars—which is comprised of a bare hook tied on the bottom of the leader and a plastic bead (pink,

A large hook-jawed male sockeye (red) salmon nearing the end of its spawning run, and its life. Unlike our Atlantic salmon, the Pacific salmons die after spawning, thus fertilizing the land and waters of our Pacific Northwest.

red, salmon and a host of other secret colors) pegged onto the line with a broken-off toothpick about 1 ½ to 2 inches above the hook. Further above, a split shot or two, depending on the speed and depth of the water to be fished, come next. Pixie spoons and inline spinners are best for spin anglers. Drift this paraphernalia through a good-looking stretch of water, and the reward is often one of the species that devotes its summer and fall to first gorging on salmon eggs, then on the decaying flesh of the spawned-out salmons. The chars and the gorgeous heavily spotted Leopard strain rainbow trout readily come to the beads and are hooked cleanly in the mouth. Bend down the barbs on spoons and spinners to make things easier on those fish you release.

A nice hook-jawed male silver (Coho) salmon took a pink surface popper. The last salmon to run in the Alaska year, silvers are the best tasting in my opinion, and the most fun to catch.

However you catch your fish, Alaska is the place to do it, and the Aniak River is as wild and beguiling a place you’ll ever see. You probably won’t see another soul. Having the modern jet-boats—two anglers fish with one guide—opens up miles of water up- and downstream. You can follow fish upriver and into tributaries, something you can’t do in a drift boat or raft. As a disabled veteran with limited mobility, it was nice for me not to have to stand and wade all day. I could fish from the boat while drifting or anchored; or we pulled up on sand beaches or gravel bars, getting out and casting to an endless procession of marvelous, willing and amazing salmonids. Fish are all around the camp, either spawning in the redds or passing through and – with the longer

A silver (Coho) salmon, still silver in color but with a slightly hooked jaw, brings a bright pink streamer to the surface. Pink and purple are good colors for silvers, and they will take flies on top.

days of an Alaskan summer – you could fish most of the night as well. I actually got tired of catching fish, so frequently took breaks to take photos, watch for wildlife or catch a catnap. And always keep an open eye out for bear, wolves, moose, eagles, mink, river otter, beavers, and other critters that make the Alaska experience even more special. Sure beats a day at the office, or just about anywhere else, for that matter, doesn’t it? Aniak Information: • Aniak River lodge: 720-280-1529, info@aniakriverlodge.com. • Alaska Department of Fish & Game: www.adfg. alaska.gov. Get your online fishing license here for 1, 3, 7, or 14 days, or for a year.

A purple and pink streamer based on the ubiquitous Woolly Bugger is a killer on silver salmon and other fishes of the marvelous Aniak River. www.MaineSportsman.com

12 • July 2023 • The Maine Sportsman ———————————————————————————————————————————————

“Snapshots in Time”

Historical Glimpses from Maine’s Sporting Past Compiled by Bill Pierce, Former Executive Director, Outdoor Heritage Museum

Author’s note: I am certain that no reader of The Maine Sportsman would ever rebuke an angler for taking others to a favorite Honey Hole the reader had showed him? Nor would he ever make

the mistake of speaking too loudly about his protesting the fact, as we all know, sound travels exceedingly well over still waters. Never learned these lessons? Then

read on, from the October 3, 1895 edition of the RANGELEY LAKES newspaper (author’s commentary is found in italics).

The Guide and the Politician

Maj. Gilkey, of Strong, furnishes us with some interesting bits of “ye olden time f ishing.” It was in 1862 that Mr. Gilkey, in company with Rev. A. Ladd, made his f irst visit to the Lakes. When they’d reached Long Pond, they saw a man f ishing from a raf t. He proved to be Joe Ellis, who lived nearby, and who af ter wards guided Maj. Gilkey on many occasions. They stopped their team and shouted, if he was getting any f ish, in reply he said, “Yes, lots of ’em.” “Got any to sell?” was the next inquir y. “Yes, if you’ve got any gin.” As soon as the amazement of such a demand to two devoted followers of Neal Dow was past, the Reverend replied, “We have no gin, but we have some tea,” and thus the acquaintance of an original genius was f irst formed. [Dow was an American pro-prohibition politician nicknamed the “Napoleon of Temperance” and the “Father of Prohibition” ... obviously, a very confused man, but I digress.] Maj. Gilkey, back in the sixties (that’s the 1860s), with Mr. Bowley as guide, were at the narrows at the head of the Big Lake (Mooselookmeguntic, where the nowflooded-over rapids from Cupsuptic Lake once were; the rapids disappeared and the two lakes became one waterbody when the 2nd rendition of Upper Dam was built in 1883). They went to Willow Point (Eastern shore) and found f ish in immense quantities; so plentiful were they that Maj. Gilkey took nearly sixty in one hour, each weighing from one to four pounds. T wo years later, with Charles Soule as guide, the Major again visited this famed spot, and had www.MaineSportsman.com

Sen. William Pierce Frye’s camp, from a 1875 stereograph by Harry P. Dill. The camp remains standing to this day.

the customary good luck. They took their f ish to Haines Landing, and there met the now-Senator Frye and Jay Cooke, the successful banker of those days. (Frye was a leading US Senator, and Cooke was one of New York’s most successful Wall St. financiers). It was the latter’s f irst visit to the region, and it is no wonder he became so enthusiastic about it, when the wonderful catch of Maj. Gilkey was spread on the g rass before him. Mr. Frye was shown the spot where they were taken, and the next year, “Camp Frye” was built on the ledge not far away. A few years later, Maj. Gilkey and a friend with Joe Ellis, guide, had arrived for their annual sport, but, learning that Mr. Frye was at his camp, directed Ellis to row over and drop him off. On the way, the Ellis pointed out the charmed spot to the friend, and the friend was told to try casting under a certain “leaning cedar.” Half an hour later, while Messrs. Frye and Gilkey were

discussing political questions, and enjoying the famous cigars always found at Camp Fr ye, up came Joe Lamb, Mr. Fr ye’s guide, with this announcement, “They have got a big one.” “Who? Where?” quickly demanded Sen Fr ye. “Those two men in the boat,” answered the guide, at which the future Senator ran to take a look. Returning, he said, “That’s too bad – I had just got those f ish well baited, and tomorrow intended taking them.” (‘Baited?’ Why, not too sporting, Senator!) Maj. Gilkey, being naturally polite, immediately took in the situation and, attracting the attention of the f ishermen, called them back. While looking at the beauty they had taken, Mr. Fr ye good naturedly said to the guide, “Now, Ellis – Mr. Gilkey and myself were the only parties who knew of that place. Don’t ever bring anyone there again, unless it is one of us or our friends.” The boat pulled off and when out of hearing (as was supposed), the guide, who had been nursing his indignation, let forth his pent-up anger: “%*#! Damn him! Damn him! I never voted for the damn [insert profane expletive], and I never will.” The atmosphere was just right, and the voice was carried to the shore, where stood the object of the guide’s vindictive tongue. Ever y word was heard as distinctly as if the two were face to face. It was too much, and at that time, not having the dignity of the Senate before him, the honorable gentleman roared with laughter until tears and perspiration ran down his face.

Almanac

�� The Maine Sportsman • July 2023 • 13

Three Minutes with a Maine Guide by Lisa DeHart

Compiled and Edited by — Will Lund —

in the face when I make my way to bed after dark.

Choosing a Good Tent Site At the end of a long day on a river, there is nothing so satisfying as choosing a good tent site. As a Guide, I always like to be closest to the kitchen, and of course, as a Guide I always pick my site last. The best sites go to the guests, like they’re supposed to. That doesn’t mean that I can’t find or make a good one in a very short period of time. The first thing I do is look upward, finding something dark and spruce-like that I can tuck into. I prefer sleeping on a slight slope, so my head and shoulders are a little bit higher than my feet. I make certain there are no deadfalls or widowmakers close by or overhead, and no bowls or depressions that will pool or funnel rain to the tent. I also make sure I’m not straddling an active game trail. Then I clear out the dead branches from the knees up, so I don’t get poked

Once you’ve got a good tent site selected and your tent is set up, you can relax and enjoy the views a Maine night has to offer. Photo: John Meader

I’ve never used a ground sheet for my tent. I don’t want to deal with that, nor do I have time, either at night or in the morning. As a Guide, I usually get hors d’oeuvres laid out, and start the wash water heating on the fire and a reflector oven beside the fire … and only then do I

MAINE CAMPING GUIDE —

have a little tiny window of opportunity to throw up a tent before the said wash water is hot, and dessert is baked, and the appetizers are gone and guests are asking about dinner. In the morning as soon as I come out of my tent, I pack it up. Tents don’t “dry” in the morning – they only make you late getting on the water. At the end of that day, when you set it up again at the next camp … that’s when a tent will dry. It still feels great – no matter where you are – to finally take your boots off and lay your head down for the night. —

Native Trout Grow Slowly

Contributed by Lou Zambello The data below is from a sampling (trap nets) that Maine’s Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife completed last fall in a Rangeley area lake. They captured 195 native brook trout, measured their length, and determined their age.

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14 • July 2023 • The Maine Sportsman ———————————————————————————————————————————————

Almanac (Continued from page 13)

Four Tips for Using Your Chain Saw

Most Maine camps are heated with wood stoves, meaning that owners and guests need to frequently re-supply the stack of firewood.

Bottom line? Big trout are old. It takes them over nine years to grow to 18 inches. The lesson for anglers? Bigger fish must be handled and released carefully to grow large and maintain breeding stock. AGE AVG. LENGTH 2-1/2 years old 7.5 inches 3-1/2 9.3 inches 4-1/2 11.4 inches 5-1/2 12.7 inches 6-1/2 14.3 inches 7-1/2 15.2 inches 8-1/2 16.9 inches 9-1/2 17.9 inches —

Different Colored Brook Trout?

While fishing a small, remote trout pond this spring, we kept a few fish for breakfast. During the meal, we were intrigued to see that some of the fish sported bright orange flesh, while others featured white meat. So we asked an expert. “Diet determines flesh coloration,” said Francis Brautigam, DIFW’s director of fisheries. “Fish feeding on insects and crayfish will have more deeply colored flesh than fish feeding on a fish diet. Fish in the same water will select different prey; it’s not uncommon to see some fish focused on crayfish, while others are primarily chasing minnows.”

Photo by Dave Small, NatureShot

Scoring a Double

Dave Small is among Maine’s best wildlife photographers. About the above photo, featuring a “double” catch of alewives by an osprey in Orland, he writes: “It was a new photographic challenge when I first endeavored to capture fishing ospreys. Learning more effective camera settings. Learning by repeated observations (the most enjoyable part) about their hunting techniques. “Hovering above the water, sighting their prey, diving headlong into the water with talons positioned in front of their head, grabbing the fish, rising out of the water, shaking off any remaining water, and flying away to feed their young. “It’s enough simply to appreciate the majesty of these birds.”

The trick is to turn standing or fallen hardwood trees into stove-length logs ready for splitting and stacking, and to do so efficiently and safely. W. Lund photo

Here are four tips for chainsaw safety: Gear: Safety glasses, leather gloves, and hearing protection. We also began wearing Kevlar chaps several years ago after inadvertently slicing through some jeans because a chain had not stopped moving. Avoid Pinching the Bar: By felling or dropping a tree trunk onto other pieces of wood rather than directly onto the ground, you accomplish two goals – first, there’s less chance of dulling the chain teeth by hitting the ground or a rock when you are cutting up the log; and second, by cutting the log over a supporting piece of wood, you’ll “pinch” the bar far (Continued on next page)

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�� The Maine Sportsman • July 2023 • 15 (Continued from page 14)

less often. Learn How to Sharpen the Chain. It’s not very difficult, and it makes a world of difference. If your saw cuts slowly, produces fine sawdust or won’t cut a straight line, you need to sharpen the chain teeth. Use Non-Ethanol Fuel. We credit non-eth fuel with keeping many small engincs, including outboard motors, generators, water pumps and chain saws, running smoothly in remote Maine locations, year after year. It’s getting harder to find at the pumps, and it’s exceedingly expensive in small cans, but it beats the cost of dealing with a gummedup carburetor. —

It’s What’s Inside that Counts – Analyzing Fishes’ Stomach Contents We recently pulled several stocked trout and three two-pound largemouth out of a large lake northwest of Newport, and unscientifically analyzed their stomach contents. After you clean or fillet the fish, the process is as simple as carefully opening their stomachs and emptying what’s inside into a glass jar, at which point the contents separate into the different component food

The stomachs of the three bass yielded a large, spiny white perch, two crayfish, and a small rodent. W. Lund photos

sources. The trout bellies contained larvae and flying insects, but at the bottom of the jar were many small, hard, round objects, smaller than BBs. They were tiny snails – no doubt a tough way for a trout to ob(Continued on next page)

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16 • July 2023 • The Maine Sportsman ———————————————————————————————————————————————

July 2023 Sunrise/Sunset Bangor, ME DATE RISE SET 1 Sat 4:51 8:26 2 Sun 4:51 8:26 3 Mon 4:52 8:26 4 Tue 4:53 8:25 5 Wed 4:53 8:25 6 Thu 4:54 8:25 7 Fri 4:55 8:24 8 Sat 4:55 8:24 9 Sun 4:56 8:23 10 Mon 4:57 8:23 11 Tue 4:58 8:22 12 Wed 4:59 8:22 13 Thu 5:00 8:21 14 Fri 5:00 8:20 15 Sat 5:01 8:20 16 Sun 5:02 8:19

DATE RISE SET 17 Mon 5:03 8:18 18 Tue 5:04 8:18 19 Wed 5:05 8:17 20 Thu 5:06 8:16 21 Fri 5:07 8:15 22 Sat 5:08 8:14 23 Sun 5:09 8:13 24 Mon 5:10 8:12 25 Tue 5:11 8:11 26 Wed 5:12 8:10 27 Thu 5:13 8:09 28 Fri 5:15 8:08 29 Sat 5:16 8:07 30 Sun 5:17 8:05 31 Mon 5:18 8:04

July 2023 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 29 30 31

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 Sat Sun Mon

HIGH AM PM 9:53 10:00 10:46 10:51 11:38 11:44 — 12:31 12:38 1:24 1:32 2:17 2:27 3:12 3:24 4:08 4:25 5:05 5:27 6:02 6:30 6:59 7:35 7:57 8:38 8:53 9:36 9:45 10:29 10:34 11:17 11:19 — 12:01 12:02 12:42 12:41 1:20 1:19 1:57 1:56 2:32 2:33 3:09 3:12 3:46 3:55 4:25 4:41 5:07 5:30 5:53 6:24 6:44 7:24 7:40 8:26 8:39 9:26 9:36 10:23 10:33

www.MaineSportsman.com

LOW AM PM 3:41 3:43 4:32 4:34 5:24 5:27 6:15 6:21 7:07 7:15 7:59 8:11 8:52 9:09 9:46 10:11 10:42 11:14 11:38 — 12:18 12:35 1:23 1:34 2:27 2:33 3:25 3:28 4:18 4:18 5:06 5:04 5:50 5:47 6:30 6:28 7:08 7:06 7:43 7:44 8:17 8:23 8:52 9:03 9:28 9:46 10:06 10:33 10:48 11:22 11:33 — 12:15 12:23 1:12 1:19 2:14 2:18 3:13 3:17 4:10 4:14

Almanac (Continued from page 15) tain protein. With the fat largemouth bass, we expected to find the remains of soft, tasty stocked trout, but we were in for a surprise. The first bass contained a six-inch white perch, spines and all. The second largemouth had eaten two crayfish, and the stomach acids were in the process of dissolving the outer layers of shells. The third contained the skull, backbone and tail of a small mammal – a vole, shrew or mouse. The best way to describe the diet of largemouth bass, therefore, is “indiscriminate.” — Wilderness First Aid by Stacey Wheeler, RN

Maine’s Nastiest Critters The Maine wilderness boasts beauty, abundance of wildlife, and many natural wonders. Tornadoes, hurricanes and extreme weather conditions are rare. Venomous snakes and poisonous spiders do not inhabit our state, making Maine a paradise for the outdoorsman and woman.

Preventing a tick bite is your first line of defense. • Treat clothing and gear with Permethrin. Spray items outdoors, and allow to dry before wearing. • Wear long pants that fit over boots, and a long-sleeved shirt • Avoid thick grass and bushy terrain (easier said than done for the sportsman!) • Perform thorough tick checks upon returning from the woods • Shower within two hours of outdoor activity, but don’t count of the shower to wash away ticks – it won’t. • Throw clothes in the dryer for 10 minutes to kill any ticks that hitched a ride home Ticks are easy to miss and can be as small as a speck of dirt. Sometimes a bite is unavoidable. If you find a tick, remove it as soon as possible. • Use steady, even pressure • Grasp tick close to the skin • Pull out straight with tweezers • Cleanse area with soap and water or rubbing alcohol Symptoms of illness can occur several days to several weeks following a tick bite. Common symptoms include fever, rash, body aches, headache, and fatigue. A rash can occur anywhere on the body, not just a bullseye where the bite occurred. If you suspect tick-borne illness, contact your doctor. —

Who Says Fly-Tyers Don’t Have a Sense of Humor? The author’s husband experienced a fever, chills, and a rash across his shoulder six weeks after getting bitten on the calf of his leg. He subsequently tested positive for Lyme disease. Stacey Wheeler photo

Tick removal. Illustration: CDC.gov

However, one arachnid is pervasive in the Maine outdoors, and no one is immune. If you think I am referring to ticks, you are correct. Tick-borne illnesses have more than doubled in the last 15 years, with Lyme disease being the most common.

An unnamed fly-tyer in Eustis produced this pattern:

Which politician does this trout fly most closely resemble? W. Lund photo

If you squint, you can clearly see the dark blue suit, the elongated red necktie, and the mass of yellowish hair. No doubt why it was dubbed the “Donald Trump Special.”

�� The Maine Sportsman • July 2023 • 17

Maine Wildlife:

Porcupine

by Tom Seymour

“Hey, that’s my hedgehog,” the man on the porch yelled at me as I was pulling quills from a road-killed porcupine. He later laughed and said he was only kidding. I wanted the quills to make quill-and-bead decorations for my reenactment clothes. It was tedious work, but the finished product was well worth the effort. Here was a rare instance of a colonial-period word being carried over to the present day. Upon first encountering our native porcupine, the early settlers likened it to the European hedgehog, a less-prickly – and far more congenial – critter. Something similar happened with the American robin, which reminded our settlers of a European bird of the same name. Hardly anyone, except in Maine and perhaps a few parts of northern New England, still call porcupines “hedgehogs,” but “robin” has become an accepted and established name. Funny how those things go. Porky Populations Porcupine numbers fluctuate considerably. When woods are clear-cut, porcupines move to habitat better suited to their needs. Also, when fisher numbers rise, porcupine numbers decrease. Fishers, along with our native wildcats, number among the few animals that can kill a porcupine without injury to themselves. This ever-changing balance of species shows the inner connectiveness of nature – one species preying upon another to the point of moving entire populations in order to keep in contact with the prey species. And how can the average person determine if fishers are present in numbers? By observing the number of roadkilled porcupines. When fishers are many, not so many porcupines become road pancakes. And vice versa. When fishers are few, we see dead porkies all over the roads. This is measuring populations by inference – a very indirect method, but accurate nonetheless. Most people couldn’t care less about porcupines one way or the other. That is unless they own a woodlot and that

woodlot has lots of white pine. Then porcupines become a factor in woodlot management. Porcupines eat the inner bark of white pines, using their sharp teeth to cut and peel the bark in long rows. Sometimes, the animals work in a spiral pattern that intersects with itself, cutting off sap flow and killing the prized lumber tree. Little Tanks I believe porcupines consider themselves invincible. After all, most animals that attack their body become filled with quills. Even a close approach can result in a face-full of quills – the result of the porcupine swinging its quill-filled tail. Pity the poor dog that attacks a porcupine. This most always results in a trip to the vet. Some dogs, much to their owner’s chagrin, never learn their lesson, and continue charging at every porcupine they encounter. My grandpa had a beagle that was a real “porcupine dog.” Old Mickey not only attacked live porkies – he once found a dead one that he would try to bite every time we hunted a certain area, always getting a mouth full of quills for us to remove. We finally decided to stop rabbit hunting in the area where the dead porcupine lay. Too bad, since the place brimmed with rabbits, as well as partridge and woodcock. Porcupines remind me of little tanks, scurrying along in one direction when alarmed, swaying for no man or animal. They certainly have the rightof-way, since who in their right mind would not step aside for an oncoming porcupine?

Destructive Porkies Porcupines are destructive of more than pine trees. Old-timers knew to stash their canoe paddles and wooden oars well out of the reach of marauding porcupines. Porkies can sense the salt that becomes impregnated in paddles and oars from constant contact with human hands. They will gnaw the wooden handles down to nothing, in their efforts to get all the salt. Wooden siding, when treated with certain preservatives, is no match for porcupines. The animals will begin at the bottom edge and work their way up as far as they can in order to enjoy the chemical salts and other preservatives. And with the current price of lumber, siding and chemical protectants, porcupine damage can result in a great financial hit. Empty buildings such as old camps and cottages often become winter homes to numbers of porcupines. And as you might imagine, the animals are not the best tenants. I have seen perfectly good camps totally destroyed by porcupines. And even if the porkies don’t manage to find their way inside, they sometimes take up winter residences beneath camps and cottages, including those with people living in them. In addition to being quite messy, the animals are noisy, groaning and squealing at all hours. Also, they may gnaw on the frame bottom, causing great commotion and even structural damage. Porcupine Value Porcupines have little value, except for serving as prey for a few native species. www.MaineSportsman.com

18 • July 2023 • The Maine Sportsman ———————————————————————————————————————————————

Resurrecting a 4-Wheeler by John LaMarca Back in March, I was helping a couple of local farmers by trapping some nuisance beavers that were eroding the edge of one of their crop fields nestled on the Cathance River. After my successful trapline run on the property, I was packing up my gear, when they began telling me about the new Polaris 4-wheeler they had purchased and how happy they were with it. In fact, they were so happy that they asked me, “Hey, would you like our old 2005

Could the author and his helpful mechanic reverse the effects of time – as well as damage done by mice that had nested in the battery compartment and had chewed the wiring harness? Kawasaki 4-wheeler? We don’t need it anymore.” I had never owned a 4-wheeler before, so I jumped at the opportunity to have a tool that could carry my equipment into the woods, prepare and maintain my deer food plot, and – better yet – drag my deer out of the woods. It was an offer that was too good to pass up.

One Caveat There was one catch, however – the machine had been sitting for a year, and had not been run at all during that time. As many readers know, any vehicle does not do well if it sits without moving for long periods of time. Letting a vehicle remain motionless can wreak havoc with the rubber components, including tires, gas-

kets, fuel lines and belts, causing those parts to crack and be affected by dry rot. Although they are replaceable, it can cost a pretty penny. It’s important to drain all the gas out of the tank and start with brand new fresh gas, as fuel left sitting untreated can go stale and gum up the carburetor and fuel lines. In this case, the saving grace was that

the prior owners assured me the machine ran fine when they parked it the previous year, and that it had been kept under a tarp, shielding it from the elements. Evaluating the Job The 4-wheeler, a Kawasaki Prairie 360, needed some TLC in order to get it working. When I took ownership, the engine did not run, and all four tires were flat and cracked, and would not hold air. And these were observations I could see on the outside; who knew what (Continued on next page)

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�� The Maine Sportsman • July 2023 • 19

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2.99% APR By adding pull-behind accessories like this cart, a 4-wheeler can serve many functions needed to maintain a rural property. (Continued from page 18)

I’d find once I looked under the hood? I did not want to spend all sorts of money on this project, especially because I didn’t even know if it would run at the end of all the effort. In times like this, it’s important to turn to an expert. I was fortunate to connect with David Duquette of “Duke’s Small Engine” out of Lewiston. He has built his power sports business to be mobile, and for a very reasonable fee he came to my house with his covered trailer workshop. In a short time, Dave was able to troubleshoot the major mechanical issues, and he got the machine engine running. His initial success helped me make an important decision; namely, this machine was worth saving. Thorough But Frugal Approach Now the real work began. Almost every wear item had to be replaced, as it had been sitting for too long – drive belt, battery, filter and spark plug all needed to be swapped out. I opted to buy and install inner tubes for the cracked tires, as they were not com-

promised through to the core. Adding inner tubes can give you more life out of your tires, so long as they are sound otherwise. It also resulted in a hefty cost savings, since tubes were a fraction of the cost of new tires. An excellent product to add to any small engine machine with air-filled tires is “Slime” – a liquid compound that instantly seals flat tires. We also removed the carburetor and gave it a deep clean – both internally and externally. A final roadblock came to light when we discovered that mice had made a nest in the battery compartment and had chewed some of the wiring harness. Once the area was cleaned up and the damaged parts of the wiring harness were replaced, we fired up the machine, and it ran great. After all the work, this ATV was officially back in action. Like a Comfortable Farm Tractor Four-wheelers are a lot of fun, and can be used to explore the many the ATV friendly trail systems around Maine. They can also help you perform major work around your property. (Continued on next page)

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LEBANON Northeast Motorsports 451 Carl Broggi Hwy. 207-457-2225 www.nemotorsportsofmaine.com WARNING: Arctic Cat® vehicles can be hazardous to operate. For your safety, all riders should always wear a seat belt (Side-by-Sides), helmet, eye protection, and protective clothing. Riding and alcohol/drugs don’t mix. Arctic Cat recommends that all operators take a safety training course. For safety and training information, please see your dealer or call 1-800-887-2887 (ATVs) or visit www.ROHVA.org (Side-by-Sides). Arctic Cat vehicles are for operators age 16 years and older with a valid driver’s license, except the Alterra 90, which is intended for operators 10 years of age and older. ©2023 Textron Specialized Vehicles Inc. All rights reserved.

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20 • July 2023 • The Maine Sportsman ———————————————————————————————————————————————

ATVing in Maine (Continued from page 20)

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©2023 Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. (BRP). All rights reserved. ®, ™ and the BRP logo are trademarks of BRP or its affiliates. *Offers valid in your state only from Thursday 1st June 2023 to Monday 31st July 2023. The terms and conditions may vary depending on your state and these offers are subject to termination or change at any time without notice. See an authorized BRP dealer for details. BRP highly recommends that all ATV drivers take a training course. For safety and training information, see your dealer or, in USA, call the ATV Safety Institute at 1-800-887-2887. In Canada, call the Canadian Safety Council at (6131 739-1535 ext 227. Read the Operators Guide and watch the Safety DVD before riding. Wear appropriate protective clothing and helmet. For side-by-side vehicles, fasten lateral net and seat belt at all times. Never engage in stunt driving and avoid excessive speed. Always observe applicable local laws and regulations. Side-by-side vehicles and ATVs are recommended for drivers aged 16 and older, and passengers aged 12 and older only. For off-road use only. Never ride on paved surfaces or public roads. Always ride responsibly and remember that riding and alcohol/drugs don’t mix.

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Bear Bait Season Prep by Steve Carpenteri Maine’s 2023 statewide bear baiting season opens August 28, which means bear baiting sites may be established beginning July 29. This pre-baiting period can be a busy time for hunters for a variety of reasons. Not every site will attract a bear, and some sites will attract only sows with cubs or yearlings. Sites that are established too close to roads or pub-

Getting ready for bear baiting season is a matter of obtaining permission where required, scouting, securing sources of bait, and – most important of all – knowing the laws and regulations governing this type of hunt. lic travel ways (such as hiking and biking trails, and ATV trails) can be unproductive from a hunter’s perspective, because bears that do come in to these sites may only do so at night.

Pre-Season Planning Baiting for bears requires a lot of work and planning. First, study the current bear baiting laws, which specify where baits may be placed (for example, bait can’t be

placed closer than 150 feet from any travel way accessible by a two- or four-wheel drive vehicle), how bait sites must be labeled, and when they must be cleaned up. Also, know where baits may not be

placed (for example, state parks and historic sites), and whose permission may be required (private landowners, or – if baiting on state-owned wildlife management areas – the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife). Once you have properly established a bait site, it is illegal for another person to hunt within 50 yards (Continued on next page)

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Bear Hunting (Continued from page 21)

of that site without your permission. Getting Started Expect to spend long hours finding, securing, transporting and placing bear baits during the pre-season period. Each site should contain a barrel or hanging bucket where the bait is placed. The goal is not to feed bears but to lure them into the area

where a hunter, waiting in a nearby blind or stand, will have a clear, clean shot. Don’t discount the importance of the barrel and bucket. Both are used to help hunters determine the size of the bear and to avoid shooting yearlings, sows or small cubs. When using a typical 55-gallon metal or plastic drum for perspective, know that any bear that can walk into a horizontal barrel is too small. If only the bear’s head and shoulders fit into the barrel

– shoot it! If the barrel is standing upright, wait for a bear whose back is even with or higher than the top of the barrel. Any bear whose back is halfway up the barrel (or lower) is too small. Prior to the closing of the spring bear baiting season in 1980, many hunters used freshly-speared suckers, road kill or beaver carcasses. In recent years, the focus has been on sweets, breads and meat scraps. Most bakeries and donut shops will give hunters all the leftover donuts, pies, cakes and pastries they have on hand. Some hunters prefer to use their own “secret” concoctions featuring all of the above, plus candies, frostings, and melted sugars of various

Bait barrels provide the hunter with size perspective. A bear that can walk under a hanging barrel (at 30 inches) is a small one. Wait for a larger target! Steve Carpenteri photo

types, including maple syrup, honey, molasses and other common sweeteners. Other options include popcorn, cereals, dog food and grains, mixed with or added to a base of donuts and breads. Attracting bears is the name of the game.

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Place a small amount of bait in the barrel or bucket, and then pour Liquid Smoke, honey or some other sticky, long-lasting attractant over the bait to ensure that traveling bears will find the bait and make routine visits to the site. Keep the bears coming in by adding fresh bait every other day until about two weeks prior to the season opener, and then daily, to keep the bears coming in. How Effective is Baiting? While hunters using bait take about 70 percent of Maine’s black bear harvest each year, not every bait is a winner. If, after a couple of weeks, a bait site has not been hit, consider moving it to a different area. Also, if only cubs and sows are visiting the site (verified using trail cameras), cross that one off the list as well. Keep in mind, too, that not every bait site is going to produce a 300-pound boar. The biggest bears are very shy, elusive and intelligent. Most will not (Continued on next page)

�� The Maine Sportsman • July 2023 • 23 (Continued from page 22)

come in until after sunset, giving hunters only a few minutes of legal shooting time. Meanwhile, several smaller bears or

sows with cubs may visit the site earlier in the evening. Watch the behaviors of those lesser bears as they come into the bait. When they begin act-

Quotable

Sportsman

by Will Lund

“I feel that if we opened up any hunting on Sunday, as well-intentioned as Sunday hunting may be, then the deluge next year of Sunday hunting bills will be overwhelming. I just have, I think, more consideration for the landowners.” Committee chair David LaFountain, as quoted in the Bangor Daily News, after the Legislature’s Committee on Inland Fisheries and Wildlife voted on May 10 to reject four bills presented this session that would have afforded some hunters the opportunity to pursue game on Sundays. — “I’m great at fishing – just not so good at catching.” Sign on the office wall of Bob Harris of Goffstown, NH. Harris was a freelance writer whose work appeared in his state’s newspapers under the bylines “Woods & Waters” and “Fish Tales.” A longtime

ing nervous and distracted, it could mean that a real trophy bruin is lurking nearby. Be Patient! The bear baiting season lasts nearly a

month. Remember, you’ve spent weeks establishing and maintaining a productive bait site. Don’t shoot the first bear you see. The biggest bears of-

member of New England Outdoor Writers Association, Harris passed away May 6 at the age of 85. — “To please both my parents, I’ve had to give way And dance with the doctors and merchants and lawyers Their manners are fine, but their feet are of clay

Photo credit: National Film Board of Canada

ten come in at the very last minute. Take your time. Look over the bears that do come in, and hold out for a trophy-sized animal.

For there’s none with the style of my log driver.” Verse from “Log Driver’s Waltz,” written by Canadian folk singer Wade Hemsworth, which describes a young lady who loves to dance and who is ready to marry, but who chooses a log driver over more conventional competition, since driving logs down the river (“birling down and down white water”) made the logger the best dancing partner to be found. — “You will never meet someone with a more personal relationship to conservation than a hunter, angler or trapper.” Zach Wetherell of Cumberland, in a letter to the Portland Press Herald urging support for LD 271, “An Act Requiring the University of Maine System and the Maine Community College System to Offer a For-credit Course on Hunting, Fishing, Recreational Shooting and Trapping,” sponsored by Senator Matthew Pouliot. Although the bill did not pass, it sparked some important debate about the roles of hunters and fishermen in funding conservation efforts.

Maine Wildlife Quiz: PORCUPINE by Steve Vose

The North American porcupine (Erethizon dorsatum) ranges from Alaska into sections of northern Mexico. It favors woodland habitats with high densities of evergreens. A wild porcupine can live 5 years. They spend most of their time in the tops of evergreen trees in pursuit of their favorite foods. An herbivore, porcupines eat a wide variety of conifers, as well as green plants, berries, seeds and nuts. Porcupines are members of the rodent order of animals. In fact, the porcupine is the second largest rodent in North America, being only slightly smaller than a beaver. Mature porcupines grow to a snout to tail length of 2 to 3 feet, and weigh about 12 pounds. However, in rare cases they can be

much bigger – 35 to 40 pounds. Porcupines come in various shades of brown, gray, and even white. Porcupines are nocturnal, and are usually found during the day lounging peacefully high up in the branches of a tree or caring for young deep underground in simple burrows.

Questions 1. What is the range of the porcupine? 2. What is the average lifespan of a wild porcupine? 3. What is the average weight of an

adult porcupine? 4. What impressive maximum weights have some adult porcupines reached? 5. How long is an adult porcupine from nose to tail?

Porcupines are best known for their impressive coat of sharp quills, which protect them from predators. Adults’ backs and tails are covered with almost 40,000 quills. When attacked, the porcupine defends itself by swinging its tail like a club, and pounding quills into its hapless enemies. Each quill features tiny barbs that slowly push the quill in even deeper, making removal necessary and extremely painful. Despite their impressive defenses, porcupines still occasionally become meals for bobcats, coyotes and fishers. On occasion, some of these animals have attacked a porcupine’s unprotected nose and belly. 6. What do porcupines eat? 7. About how many quills do adult porcupines have? 8. What predators eat porcupines?

Answers on Page 27

www.MaineSportsman.com

24 • July 2023 • The Maine Sportsman ———————————————————————————————————————————————

Keeping Your Dog Safe While Boating by Capt. Ron Dupuis, Yarmouth, ME Boating with your dog can be a very happy experience. Most of us think of our dogs as family and like to include them in our events. As with people, boating with dogs requires taking steps to ensure their safety and protection. The seriousness of this issue was made clear to me during a recent trip visiting friends at a small marina in North Carolina. A pleasure boat arrived back at the docks, and the folks on board were devastated. Their small terrier had seen a bird in the water, and leapt overboard. The dog was not wearing a life jacket. The water was rough, and the dog went under and did not resurface. This sad outcome could have been prevented had the owners taken a few basic steps to keep their pet safe. Life Jackets Life vests for dogs seems counter-intuitive because most dogs know how to swim and do this naturally, right? Contrary to popular belief, not all dogs know how to swim or www.MaineSportsman.com

Bringing your dog on board your boat can be great fun, but take these important steps to keep your pet safe.

The author’s “family” includes their adventurous dog. Life jackets are part of the pre-trip routine, so the pet has become accustomed to her comfortable PFD. Photo by Capt. Ron Dupuis

are trained to do so. When they are doing the dog paddle, they are basically

treading water. Hunting and traditional water dogs are more comfortable in water, but

other breeds of dogs can quickly become overwhelmed and exhausted. Even a dog

that’s a good swimmer can get injured if they fall off a boat, limiting their mobility in the water. So get your pet a good-fitting and comfortable life jacket. Start when they are a puppy, so it becomes part of their boating routine. I once plucked a little Papillon out of the water using a docking gaff by hooking the loop on the back of her life jacket. If she hadn’t been wearing the life jacket, this could have been another sad story. This is especially important for those dogs that are not natural swimmers – such as those with short snouts, flat faces and short legs. Bottom line? If you’re taking your dog boating, outfit your pet with a suitable life jacket. Water and Food Be sure you bring an adequate amount of water for the boaters AND your dogs, because dehydration can be a problem for pets as well as people. Likewise, make sure to bring food and treats for your dogs. (Continued on next page)

�� The Maine Sportsman • July 2023 • 25

They need energy during the long day, so keep them on a feeding schedule and have some treats with you. Treats also work well if your dog needs a little coaxing to get on and off the boat. Keeping Track of Your Dog while Under Way Watch your dog closely, especially when the boat is moving. When at the dock, they should be relatively safe, because the boat is not moving

and they have their life jacket on (right?), but like a moving vehicle, a boat in motion can be very dangerous if the dog goes over. Keep them close, and – depending on their size and level of energy – consider tying them in place while the boat is moving.

evitable, proper planning will reduce those occurrences, improving the chances that all passengers have a pleasant trip. If there is a situation where the dog needs to go, have some

mats or a space on the boat that has some artificial turf they can use, minimizing the mess. This is important if the day is long or the dog gets motion sickness. Steering them to the mats or

artificial turf can extend the day and make it more comfortable for all concerned. Once you make it ashore, be sure to pick up after your pets. (Continued on next page)

Taking Care of Business Make sure dogs do their business before getting aboard the boat. While an occasional mistake is in-

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Safety Presentation to All Passengers As a charter boat captain, I go over the safety plan with my passengers before the boat leaves the dock. Even a pleasure cruise requires an understanding of life jackets, fire extinguisher location, medical kit location, and the radio call-channels for emergencies. Equally important is an “overboard plan,” to be implemented if a person OR dog goes over the side. A five-minute discussion can be the difference. Access On my boat, I have a ramp to help elderly or mobility-limited people board my vessel. I use this same

ramp for older dogs that ride on my boat. They usually can maneuver the ramp well, and then settle down inside the boat. Of course, a treat or two helps their motivation. Protection from the Sun Dogs are susceptible to getting sunburned, especially those dogs that have light skin or white fur or hair. Manufacturers have created special dog-safe sunscreens, which do not contain zinc oxide (it’s harmful for dogs, which can ingest products by licking treated areas). So don’t use sunscreen designed for humans. Instead, use dog-specific products (Continued on next page)

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�� The Maine Sportsman • July 2023 • 27 (Continued from page 26)

such as “My Dog Nose It” protection balm or “K9 Care” sunscreen. Follow directions, which in most cases means applying the specialized products to their nose, lips, ears and other exposed areas. Medicine Kit Bring a medicine kit on the boat. In addition to the human

kit, make sure there are extra sterile absorbent gauze pads, saline solution or antiseptic wipes for cleaning minor wounds, antibiotic spray, and scissors, enabling you to treat minor injuries to your dog. There are even medicine kits specifically developed for dogs, such as “Adventure Dog” kits and “ARCA Pet Dog” kits. Be careful not to

mix human medicine to treat your dog as some could be toxic to pets. If you are fishing, be VERY careful to properly stow hooks and lures. However, be prepared to act should your dog get into your fishing gear. Following these steps will allow you to enjoy your boating time with our pets.

Never Miss Another Issue! Subscribe to The Maine Sportsman by going to www.MaineSportsman.com /Subscribe or calling (207) 622-4242 today!

Wildlife Quiz Answers: Porcupine (Quiz on Page 23)

1. The range of the porcupine stretches from Alaska and into sections of Northern Mexico. 2. The average porcupine lives 5 years in the wild. 3. The average weight of an adult porcupine is 12 pounds. 4. Some adult porcupines can reach 40 pounds. 5. Porcupines grow to a snout-to-tail length of 2 to 3 feet. 6. An herbivore, porcupines eat a wide variety of conifers, as well as green plants, berries, seeds and nuts. 7. Adult porcupines have almost 40,000 quills. 8. Despite their impressive defenses, porcupines are sometimes eaten by bobcats, coyotes and fishers, which attack the porcupine’s unprotected nose and belly.

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28 • July 2023 • The Maine Sportsman ———————————————————————————————————————————————

— THE MAINE SPORTSMAN —

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30 • July 2023 • The Maine Sportsman ———————————————————————————————————————————————

The Bluefin are Back By July, bluefin tuna have made their way off the Maine coast in good numbers. Here’s Capt. Humphrey’s primer on “the most valuable, most revered and most misunderstood” species in our coastal waters. The first trips of the year in June are usually exploratory, trolling squid bars and daisy chains, searching for birds and bait and watching the fishfinder. We don’t really expect a steady bite until July, but last year it started early. Word spread quickly that the bluefin were back, from their wintering grounds in the Gulf of Mexico and the Mediterranean Sea. Meanwhile, the species itself has recovered remarkably from historical lows to potentially historical highs. It’s encouraging as bluefin tuna are among the most valuable, most revered and most misunderstood species that swim in our oceans. Misunderstood Let’s start off with the final label: “most

misunderstood.” The introduction to a popular reality shows claims “The world is struggling to save the species....” That’s grossly inaccurate. While considerable time, money and effort go into conservation and management, Atlantic bluefin tuna stocks are in fact quite healthy. U.S. anglers alone are allowed to land 1,300 metric tons annually. As noted, they migrate to – and sometimes through – New England waters from spawning grounds in the Gulf of Mexico and the Mediterranean Sea. It was once thought these origins represented two distinct populations – western and eastern Atlantic bluefin. And at present, stocks are still managed that way. However, the

science tells us something quite different. More than two decades ago, some scientists were speculating there might be more than two major spawning areas. Others resisted the notion. Meanwhile, mounting evidence indicated that the two stocks were mixing to a greater degree than anyone thought. Scientists are skeptical – as they should be – and are tenaciously reluctant to accept any theory until it has been proven empirically, and published in a peer-reviewed journal. They also don’t want to abandon decades of data used in population modeling based on certain assumptions – like only two spawning areas, and two separate stocks. Thanks to a proliferation of recent re-

Whether it’s warming waters or simply population growth, more young bluefin have been showing up in Maine waters in recent years, offering an exciting alternative for recreational offshore anglers. Photos by the author

search and new data, it seems even the harshest critics are ready to accept there’s at least one more spawning area in the Slope Sea off the coast of North Carolina, and maybe more. They’ve also accepted that there’s a much higher rate of mixing between the two stocks. Even better, landings and encounter levels are forcing them to admit there are more fish out there than their models predicted – possibly a lot more.

Valuable Tuna are important. According to Dr. Walt Golet, a University of Maine assistant professor who conducts bluefin research at the Gulf of Maine Research Institute, “Species like bluefin tuna have been important almost since the dawn of civilization. Described in detail by Aristotle, painted onto cave walls, stamped into currency, used as a food source and now a product in commerce, (Continued on next page)

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�� The Maine Sportsman • July 2023 • 31 (Continued from page 30)

there is probably no other fish with such prominence in our society.” Globally, commercial tuna fisheries account for more than $33 billion. Add their recreational component, and that amount conservatively exceeds $45 billion. They’re also important locally. Commercial landings in Maine alone amount to over $2.5 million annually. Again, that doesn’t include retail sales or the recreational factor, which likely accounts for an even bigger number, to say nothing of the positive impact on boat and tackle sales, and waterfront infrastructure. The western Atlantic bluefin fishery is artisanal, meaning it is a traditional fishery involving fishing households as op-

posed to commercial companies, using relatively small amounts of capital and energy, relatively small fishing vessels making short fishing trips close to shore. Bluefin tuna are caught by harpoon and rod and reel – highly selective methods that eliminate by-catch and ensure the highest quality product. Revered As Golet alluded to, perhaps no other species, besides the Atlantic cod, has garnered more reverence. What many are calling the “Wicked Tuna Effect” has launched an explosion of interest in offshore fishing. The number of boats and anglers pursuing bluefin has skyrocketed. The tuna grounds are getting crowded, subquotas get filled earlier every year, and there’s been a resur-

gence in the tradition of tuna tournaments, which also provide an economic boom to local waterfront communities. Bluefin are also relished as table fare, which is why much of the domestic catch is exported to Japan, while Americans are resigned to feasting on less flavorful or nutritious alternatives like yellowfin tuna. And given the recent stock status, you needn’t feel the least bit guilty about indulging on locally caught bluefin if and when you can find it in your local fish market, sushi bar or restaurant. Back to Sea When we finally switched from trolling to fishing on anchor in mid-June, we weren’t particularly discouraged by the lack of action. “It’s still early,” we rationalized “and

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only a few fish have been landed.” But when the tide started pulling our lines toward the anchor ball, we decided to pull up and troll home. None of us was prepared or even knew how to react when line

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My “Operation ReBoot” Bull Moose by Matt Chaisson My name is Matt Chaisson, and I live in Richmond, Maine. I served 13 years as an infantryman in the Maine Army National Guard. I completed two tours – one in Iraq in 2007, and another in Afghanistan in 2009. I have put in for a moose permit my whole life without ever being drawn. However, something special occurred in 2022 – as a disabled vet, I was able to receive a permit through Ron Greco and Operation ReBoot. I was offered Zone 18, for the week of October 10th. I didn’t hesitate. I was familiar with the area, having harvested an awesome bear in 2009, right before I left for duty in Afghanistan. Scouting and Hunt Prep Once I knew I had a chance for a permit, I sat down and studied the zone. I knew the zone was not an easy one, and knew I needed to find a spot away from where most would go, and then stick with it. I was prepared to tent and rough it. I became close friends with Bob Stevens, a Maine Guide who was familiar with the area. I set cameras out, and hoped for www.MaineSportsman.com

The author’s tours of Iraq and Afghanistan, and his resulting disability, made him eligible to apply for a moose permit through Operation ReBoot Outdoors, a non-profit organization that helps heal veterans through hunting and fishing. He made the most of his opportunity.

The author and his crew celebrate their successful 2022 hunt. From left: Tim Chaisson, Jericho Bechard, Matt Chaisson and Jeff Bechard. The bull moose dressed out at 778 lbs, with antlers measuring more than 161 inches.

the best come October. Bob and I talked often on Facebook about the moose sightings and how the first week went. Getting Set Up I left home early Friday morning the week before the hunt and headed to my spot to set up camp, check cameras and scout fresh sign. After reviewing my cameras, I saw that I had a big

bull and a small bull in early September. When I got to my area, I noticed a great deal of sign around my tenting area. Over the weekend, I saw two cows and no bulls. However, Bob and I knew there were bulls in the area. One of his trail cameras had a picture of a huge bull. I could not believe my eyes.

First Day of the Hunt Monday morning finally came. It was cold, with plenty of frost. That night one of my cameras had gone off, and a cow had walked right by my tent. The rest of the crew was slow to get moving, but not me – my dream had come true of holding a Maine bull tag!

We sat in a spot where we knew several bulls had been traveling, based on Bob’s scouting. Monday was slow – nothing responded anywhere. Tuesday Tuesday morning it all changed. We sat along the same trail, calling lightly and watching. Bob and his brother Roger came in. These boys know how to call moose, and they gave it everything they had. After a while, they decided to go and review images on a camera in an old chop. I said, “I’m going to head up the road a way and check my camera on the backside of this area.” It was a spot I’d seen tons of track and browsing the day before. Just before we came to a 90-degree turn, I told the crew, “I don’t care if it’s a spike bull.” “It Moved!” All of the sudden, my Dad said, “Stop the truck!” I piled out, and loaded my trusty BAR in 7mm mag. I pulled up and said, “I think it’s a rock”. Then I thought I was seeing a paddle, but told myself, “You’re seeing things.” “It moved!” my Dad exclaimed. (Continued on next page)

�� The Maine Sportsman • July 2023 • 33 (Continued from page 32)

I made my way 30 yards in the woods. I could hear two different movements, so I let out a cow call. I waved back to the guys at the truck to rake a branch. Then I let out another cow call, followed by a grunt. Movement Through the Thicket All of a sudden, I heard a deep grunt. My heart nearly stopped. I grunted at the bull again. He did not like it, and quickly grunted back at me. The other movement was a cow that he was with. Suddenly, I caught movement about 70 yards out through the thicket. I pulled up

and saw a portion of an antler, confirming that it was a bull. I slowly squeezed the trigger, knowing this was my shot. Through the scope, I watched him fall to his right. I caught a glimpse of one of his paddles falling. I yelled to the crew, “He’s down!” I made my way very quickly to find that the big bull was down. A dream come true, and something I am beyond grateful to ever experience in my life! I am extremely thankful to everyone involved for their help with this amazing experience – one that I will never forget.

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Aroostook’s Fly-Fishing Frenzy Fishing dry flies for trout is fun, but don’t forget tasty perch, bass, pickerel as long as your arm, and employing downriggers to find salmon deep. I’m a great believer in the venerable maxim, “Variety is the spice of life,” and Crown-of-Maine anglers really need to take this advice to heart this month. Let me offer a few entries from my casting calendar that local or visiting anglers might wish to add to their own agendas. Fly, bait, or lure casting, river, lake or pond and wading or floating, there’s action to be enjoyed from a wide variety of species. Picturesque Prestile My unabashed favorite stream is the Prestile, since I spent the first seventeen years of my life about 100 yards from the

shoreline near Robinson Dam. I’ve fished trout and hunted waterfowl for over 60 years from its marshy inception in Easton to its exit into Canada at the Bridgewater boundary. There are many remote, scenic pools offering wonderful dry fly fishing for native brook trout. Meandering through miles of forest and agri-fields, the Prestile might just be the best true limestone waterway for wild trout in the state. Along the Egypt Road north of Westfield, a great stretch of brook, including a couple of deep holding pools, always produces consistent topwater action. Early and late

in the day, float a mosquito, gray Slim Jim or Henryville Special to tease a few strikes; try a yellow or green-bodied, swept turkey wing grasshopper during the day. The stream bed is rocky, uneven and a bit slippery, so I recommend felt soles or metal inserts and chest waders, rather than hip boots, on this particular stretch. Clark Brook inlets just upstream of this run, and the old B & A rail bed, now an ATV trail, parallels the Prestile, yielding easy access. Check Delorme’s Gazetteer, Map 64, grid E-2. A couple of farm fields off the Egypt Road will deliver anglers right to the shoreline.

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Jered Young of Mars Hill gets off the beaten path using farm field roads to cast flies over remote pools on the Prestile Stream resulting in consistent action all summer long. Photos by the author

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for some top-rate white perch fishing on Wytopitlock Lake. Smallmouth bass and pesky pickerel as long as your forearm offer steady additional action between pulling perch. The epitome of “Middle of Nowhere,” Wytopitlock can be reached via Route 2A (songwriter and singer Dick Curless’s infamous Haynesville Woods Road), then Dixie Road in Glenwood to the lake road launch. The launch ramp is in fair condition but narrow, and the cove leading into the main lake is shallow and rock-strewn, so newcomers should take care. Large boulders (Continued on next page)

�� The Maine Sportsman • July 2023 • 35 (Continued from page 34)

abound among many shoreline stretches and offer excellent bass casting, but I prefer trolling plugs in 12 to 15 feet of water at the northern finger of the lake. I use largelipped baits built to dive and run 8 to 10 feet subsurface. A fishing buddy swears that hooking an angleworm to the tail treble

hook is essential, and he catches a lot of big perch. This same boat buddy carries a cooler of ice with a small towel folded over the ice, and he immediately filets the perch he keeps. Keeping the meat cool and covered vastly improves the flavor and texture. A few fishermen use their sonar depth and

fish finder units to locate schools, and then drop jigs down to entice strikes. After anglers boat a few, the fish often move or stop eating, and then it’s time to start the electric motor and locate another pod of perch. Many anglers look down their nose at perch and don’t really consider them a gamefish. I’m here to

affirm a slab of white perch larger than your hand is fun to catch on a lightweight spinning rod, and the firm filets are delicious when prepared well. Also, when hot weather affects the trout and salmon action, the perch still remain active. DeLorme’s Map 52, E-5 will help you locate “The Pit,” and your first visit to Wytopitlock will

be one of many. Deep Dredging I’ve never been a big fan of lead core or downrigger fishing, but when summer temperatures shoot up, and the fish dive deep, it’s often the only option to assure some action. Eschewing rods that feel like broomstick handles and heavily weighted (Continued on next page)

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The County (Continued from page 36)

Once water levels drop, Bill Graves enjoys wading the Aroostook River and casting dry flies near brook inlets and over deeper pools.

An outing on the Aroostook River near Fort Fairfield spotting and casting to rising trout produced this 18-inch beauty for Mike Wallace of Freeport – a quick smooch, and back into the river!

Mike Wallace of Freeport travels north to cast topwater baits with cousin Bill Graves a couple of times each July. The action is hot and heavy, just like the weather on some of those “dog days.”

Sherby Morris of Fort Kent has to drive only a few minutes to launch his boat on the St John River -- sometimes to troll for musky, other times to boat big bass.

Carl Sjoberg of Caribou poses for a quick pic with a hefty smallmouth taken from Wytopitlock Lake during a perch-fishing outing.

Tom Wolters of Michigan displays a mixed catch of bass and white perch caught on an outing to remote Wytopitlock lake. Several pickerel were released.

lines, I opt for downriggers with quick-snap line releases and long, lightweight fly or spinning rods with a level trolling line or monofilament. Once a fish strikes the streamer fly or lure and the line snaps free of the heavy cannonball rig, the fun of the fight is just like

spring trolling. Since I only downrigger-fish a couple of times this month and next, Long Lake and the chance at a fivepound or larger salmon from Van Buren Cove is the game plan. Perhaps you’ll spot one or two other deep dredgers, but most folks are

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smart enough to avoid the glaring sun and humid air. Sewn smelt are popular with the old pros, but I drag Sutton spoons, DB Smelt, Dardevles and colorful, holographic Mooselook Thinfish or wobblers. Tandem streamers remain my go-to baits: a Gray Ghost, Magog Smelt, Jasbo, Red and White Special, and Ouananiche Sunset form my frontline offerings. Anglers who would rather try for a bragging-size

brookies should delve the depths of Square Lake. Trolling slow, below 2 mph, and using sweeping S-turns with a duo of downriggers deployed, works for me. Get to the Fish River lakes, and you’ll see fast action. Muskies, Bear, and a Messy Garage July is my birthday month, and as a gift to myself there’ll be a trip to Fort Kent and another to Van Buren to cast for bass and troll for musky on two excellent sections

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of the St. John River. It’s a productive time for both species, and pools and fish populations are plentiful, so try for yourself. Last but certainly not least, several outings to scout and prepare bear baiting sites are a necessity, especially since baiting begins on the 29th. During July, my garage looks like a hurricane happened in a tackle shop. In every corner, nook and cranny, there are rods, reels, nets and rigging for several types of fishing. Nonetheless, I’m not having a problem locating the right equipment for each outing, but I am having an issue finding enough days to enjoy it all.

�� The Maine Sportsman • July 2023 • 37

Summer is for Reminiscing and Planning by Mike Stevens & Hal Blood

After an eventful (for better or worse) year in 2022, the author says he’s looking forward to – and dreaming about – the 2023 deer season. “What else,” he asks, “would you do in July?” Summertime in the big woods means trout fishing, fiddle-heading, chores, and dreaming about deer season. Even in my old age, I think about deer hunting nearly every day. I do a lot of scouting in the springtime, while the woods are still brown and deer sign from the previous fall are still relevant. I check spots I might have found the season before, or wander to find new haunts. Later, as summer takes over, I continue wandering around, checking on the status of newborn fawns and recent logging cuts. I’ll be trying to find out if any deer may be feeding heavily in them. Reminiscing About the Past Season Since I live and guide in the big woods, I am apt – at any moment – to daydream about a deer hunt gone by. For example, the third week of the 2022 deer season offered up some of the best deer tracking conditions of the year. A couple of snowstorms each produced 5 to 6 inches of fresh snow. My son Cam and I were in the woods every morning at dawn, searching for a fresh buck track. Wednesday, I saw two small-

er bucks and tracked a bigger one all day, never catching up to him. Cam experienced the same on another big buck that took him on a six-mile journey with no opportunity to kill him. The same scenario played out Thursday on a couple of bucks we tracked most of the day. I ended up having a bruiser cross into Canada on me, while late in the day another buck jumped up in front of Cam and sprinted down a ridge, but offered no shot. The elements were taking a toll on my tired old body. When I got out of the truck on Friday, I found that I was slowed up by a sore hip. My plan was to get back to where I’d picked up the bruiser track the day before. Cam was headed to the backside of a distant sugarbush, where he had seen eight does. While pushing the truck doors shut, we wished each other luck. Cam remembered that he had lost his grunt tube the day before, and I gave him mine before plowing off in the fresh snow. I had only walked a few minutes when the morning silence was broken by the grunt of a buck, so I froze. The sound had

come from behind me, so I wondered if Cam had blown my grunt tube to try it out. I waited…another grunt, this time closer to me and directly in front of me. It was definitely a buck. Then two grunts simultaneously. The deer were in a thick swamp. I watched the woods, catching sight of one. I raised my gun, as the buck walked in front of me at about 40 yards then disappeared. I bleated, and suddenly a buck walked out of the thicket at 30 feet. An easy shot sent the buck crashing back into the thick swamp, where he piled up. I couldn’t believe what had just happened in a matter of a few minutes. Four days of tracking deer for miles, and I kill my buck in 18 minutes. Sometimes, you just happen to catch a break.

Mike Stevens caught a couple of breaks in 2022, including a snowy Friday hunt that lasted a total of only 18 minutes.

medical team and the Grace of God, I survived. Let it be known, the support of the hunting world was unbelievable. I can’t say how many people sent wishes and blessings. We are an incredible fraternity. So that being said, I’m looking

forward and dreaming about the 2023 deer season. What else would you do in July? Hal Blood’s Thoughts Old Guide Mike (as I call my buddy) and I go way back. Mike started guiding for (Big Woods World continued on page 39)

I Caught Another Break This story has another twist. Remember, this is our July column. A year ago, on July 5th, 2022, I suffered four heart attacks, and was life-flighted to Bangor from my home in Jackman. I evidently left this world twice, but with an incredible www.MaineSportsman.com

38 • July 2023 • The Maine Sportsman ———————————————————————————————————————————————

With Whitetails, Score and Weight are Not Interchangeable In a recent column titled “Big Racks, or Big Bodies?” I wrote about some of the big bucks I’ve killed over the years and what was important to me. In that article, I referred both to score and to weight as those measurements pertain to the size of a buck’s antlers and body size. The response I received from readers was generally positive; however, a few readers expressed confusion as to why I’d be so happy to shoot a 150-class buck which “wouldn’t earn a Biggest Bucks in Maine patch.” As a writer, it’s my responsibility to tell a story and cover a topic while effectively explaining my point of view. According to a few readers, in that article I didn’t succeed in meeting those goals. I sometimes forget that

Because MASTC uses net score rather than gross score, the author feels Mainer hunters may miss out if their bucks have huge, but asymmetrical, antlers.

This is an excerpt from the Boone & Crockett scoring chart. Notice for B&C, unlike Buckmasters, spread is used. In Maine, a typical set of antlers needs to net 135 inches in order to make the awards book. In the author’s opinion, gross score should be used as a minimum entry score. Gross inches tells the true story of the size of a set of antlers, he says, where net score tells a story of the antlers’ symmetry.

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when I mixed discussions of weights and inches within an article, it can cause confusion. What Makes a Score? Simply put, the score of a whitetail’s rack is the total number of inches measured using an agreed-upon system. Likely the oldest and most recognized system in the world is that utilized by the Boone & Crockett Club. The Boone & Crockett Club began setting up a scoring system in 1902, “in an effort to develop a record keeping system for male, native North American big game trophies.” In 1906, the club published its book, Big Game Measurements, thereby establishing a uniform standard of measurements. In regard to whitetails, a “gross score” consists of the length of two main beams, lengths of all tines that are one inch or longer, four antler circumferences per side, and inside spread between main beams. A “net score” is the gross score, minus the difference between the two sides. So, a gross score of 160 inches with one side measuring 70 inches and the other, 68 inches, and inside spread of 22 inches, gives a rack a net score of 158 inches. While the Boone & Crockett scoring sys(Continued on next page)

�� The Maine Sportsman • July 2023 • 39 (Continued from page 38)

tem is the most recognized and accepted system, there are other systems used to score our big game animals. However, the basic measuring in each system is very similar. In Maine, Maine Antler and Skull Trophy Club (MASTC) measurements are the same as B&C; however, there’s a scoring system for Safari Club International (SCI), and for Buckmasters. Deeper searches would likely turn up more scoring systems, but they all share the same basic components. When talking about gross score and net score, I am of the opinion that net score is the least important and should only be used to demonstrate symmetry. In my opinion, a gross score tells the entire story, while nets are best left for fishermen. The total size of a rack is most accurately described by the gross. However, in the case of Buckmasters, the gross is often much less than the gross for B&C or even SCI, because inside spread is not counted. The theory is not to measure empty space, but only count actual antler measurements. MASTC is 45 Years Old In 1978, the Maine Antler & Skull Trophy Club was started by brothers Dick and Jean Arsenault, along with a group of other hunters and conservation-minded people. The goal for MASTC was similar to B&C – to honor and record the biggest game. MASTC strictly records Maine big game animals. However, as I men-

tioned in my previous article, MASTC misses out on recognizing some great whitetails each year, because net scores, not gross, are used to determine entry into the books. A buck with a gross score of 165” will not necessarily make it into the book. If this buck had a lopsided rack and had 35-1/8 inches of deductions, it would fail to meet the minimum of 135” required to make the awards book, even though its rack is larger than a buck with a gross of 139” and only four inches of deductions. Under this system, Mainers miss out on seeing some great racks each year, because many racks ar-

en’t symmetrical. So, if anyone hears me talking about 140 class bucks and I’m excited, it’s not the weight I’m referring to – it’s the antlers. Sure, a 200-pound buck is awesome, even if the antlers aren’t high scoring, but what’s even better, in my opinion, are the bucks with a dressed body weight of over 200 pounds and a set of antlers that score over 140 inches gross. Even better, would be a 200” gross buck with a 200-pound or better dressed weight. Those are the bucks I dream of ... even though they’re extremely rare. Hey – a guy can dream, can’t he?!

Big Woods World (Continued from page 37)

me back in the early 1990s. He has me by a few years in age, but we have similar backgrounds. We even grew up in the same area of Southern Maine, hunting and fishing. We’ve been through a lot of good times together – hunting, fishing and guiding. We have grown into older years together, watching the younger generation of hunters come into their own. Mike’s scare with his heart last summer made me realize that we weren’t as bulletproof as we had always thought we were. Thank God Mike made it through, as we still have a lot of things to do together. I have always been fast-paced in everything I do, but Mike’s episode made me realize that I need to slow down a little and enjoy more of the things that I have always taken for granted. I have come to the realization that everybody has or will come to – that none of us are here on earth forever. Therefore, Mike and I are going to live life to the fullest.

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A Way to Lighten the Load Last fall, Rick Hacker, Field Editor of American Rifleman, published in the October issue of the magazine a thoughtful and thought-provoking piece titled “Tips for Senior Shooters.” Hacker wrote about countering some of the effects of aging on older shooters. “Getting older doesn’t mean having to get out of the game,” he wrote. “There are tools and techniques for seniors that can help make their time behind the trigger truly golden.” Since I’m one to whom the term “senior” applies, Hacker’s guidance about protecting and preserving hearing, and correcting fading vision, arrives as welcome knowledge to help us

There are times when even a carbine seems too long and heavy. The author has a solution – Winchester’s downsized “Trapper” model, originally designed to fit neatly into a pack basket. Even with its abbreviated barrel length, he says, the Trapper is still accurate enough for most of the close-range shooting hunters encounter in the Northeast.

The 16-inched barreled Winchester Model 94 Trapper version is shown on top. For purposes of comparison, a Model 94 carbine with 20-inch barrel is also shown. Photo credit: Winchester

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ferent sights, or some type of increased hearing protection. A second readthrough of Hacker’s article started me thinking about recent changes I have experienced, and those yet to

come. It also inspired me to recall Paul Martin, my friend and hunting partner from the Blue Grass State. A bit ahead on the game trail of life, Paul made a couple of adjustments that keep

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him in the field having fun each hunting season. A dedicated outdoorsman, Paul hunts or fishes in every month of the year. Several years ago, he started using a four-wheeler to augment his deer hunting. Taking the all-terrain vehicle near where he wants to hunt cuts way down on the discomfort of aging knee and hip joints. Having a nimble, pre-positioned vehicle nearby makes extracting game easier and less painful, as well. For similar reasons to choosing the four-wheeler over long woods walks, Paul chose to forgo large, bulky rifles with the added weight of a scope on top. He set aside the big guns and opted instead for the “Trapper” version of Winchester’s needs-no-introduction Model 94. Lighter Package With more than five million Model 94s produced in its 129year run so far, the famous 94 itself is very well-known, but many may not be aware the diminutive package called the “Trapper.” Basically a standard Model 94 action, the Trapper filled a niche for those wanting a shorter, lighter, more agile firearm that fit easily into a backpack, pack basket, dog sled, (Shooter’s Bench continued on page 42)

�� The Maine Sportsman • July 2023 • 41

Map and Compass for Off-Grid Travel In a time long ago, before GPS (Global Positioning Satellite), cellular phones, and other electronic mapping gear came along, traveling off-road required a good understanding of map and compass skills. Simply hopping into a truck and riding into wilder parts of the Pine Tree State could get a person lost in a hurry if they failed to learn how to use a map and compass for navigation on land. When cell phones and GPS tracking/ mapping became

Modern electronic navigational aids are great, says the author, but if you spend enough time in the woods there will be a day when you lose coverage or your batteries die. That’s when you’ll be glad you studied your Atlas and took a compass reading before heading off-road. available to the general public, a lot of people just assumed they didn’t need a paper map or a compass anymore. It is true, if someone has a fully-charged unit and a strong cell signal, or travels within the GPS grid, they can rely on an electronic means of navigation. However,

as soon as the traveler gets out of cell or satellite coverage (a large portion of Northern Maine), or the batteries go dead, traditional map and compass navigation skills become necessary. Although some electronic mapping apps (applications) offer limited off-grid (out

of satellite/cellular coverage) navigation, basic map and compass skills go a long way to help a person find their way out of the wilderness – especially if the batteries get drained. I use an excellent mapping app called “onX Hunt” (onxmaps.com), and I can access the map-

ping program (without GPS tracking) even if I’m off the grid. Several other companies make comparable apps, but I am not familiar with them and not sure if they all offer this “off-grid mapping” capability. Map and Compass I used to rely on huge topographic maps (paper) and a Silva compass for traveling through unknown areas of the state. Then I discovered the wonderfully useful DeLorme’s Atlas and Gazetteer, a book (Continued on next page)

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42 • July 2023 • The Maine Sportsman ———————————————————————————————————————————————

Off-Road Traveler (Continued from page 41)

of maps divided into sections of the state, which conveniently allows travelers to find their way across even the most remote parts of Maine. As long as I had my DeLorme’s Atlas and a good compass, I could get around pretty easily without getting lost. I’m sure most readers have heard the old saying, “I wasn’t lost – I was just temporarily turned around.” That saying is sort of true for most anyone that can read a compass and map … eventually, they’ll find their way out. I learned how to travel remote land years ago, when I was a teenager and hunted with my father. He showed me a few basic techniques and let me find my own way enough to realize I was good at it. Our hunting was

limited to small sections of land in Michigan that were usually divided into one square-mile parcels of land, with bordering roads that almost always went east and west, or north and south. We always took a compass reading before stepping into the woods, so we knew what direction to travel to get back on the road where we parked the truck – it was almost foolproof. In the military, I gained a more detailed understanding of land navigation. The instructors would give us locations on a map, and we would then have to use our compass outside to find a color-coded coffee can with a specific number inside, so they could confirm we’d found the correct spot – a kind of treasure hunt, except without any real trea-

Shooter’s Bench (Continued from page 40)

canoe, or saddle scabbard. Today’s fans, like Paul Martin, would include the compatible fit onto a four-wheeler, snowmobile, airplane, or boat. Winchester made the original Trapper from 1894 to 1964, when it fell victim to the now-famous reorganization of the company. Most often chambered in .30-30, Trapper versions came with either a 14-inch or 15-inch barrel. Today, models with these barrel lengths would require an exemption letter from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (BATF) certifying as to their originality and “collector and relic” status. Winchester brought the Trapper back in 1980 with a legal 16-inch barrel, and kept that run going until 2006. Offered primarily in .30-30, the company added .44 Magnum and .45 Colt in 1985, and in 1992, .357 Magnum. The tubular magazine holds five .30-30 cartridges, or nine of the pistol cartridges. The action ejects expended brass to www.MaineSportsman.com

sure. After my military service, I moved to Maine and discovered there were hardly any roads aligned in a straight north, south, east, or west for very many miles. My land navigation skills were really called upon to get out of some of the wildest places in the state. Advanced Suggestions Please get some solid instruction in map and compass reading. Maine guide schools will surely help you learn, and I’ve also heard about some orienteering clubs throughout the state that cost nothing to join and offer great hands-on training. The basic idea is to get the students used to guiding themselves accurately through the woods by taking the proper directional readings on a compass. The only way to

A good map and compass can help you navigate those remote roads that make Maine unique. Photo: William Clunie

become proficient at it is to practice in the woods. A good marine band or citizen’s band (CB) radio will help also, since most of the logging trucks in these off-grid places use radios (channel 19) to keep in touch. If you do get turned around, the truckers will be glad to help. Keep an eye open for the last road name or a unique land feature that can clue the truck drivers in on your location. In

the right side, so mounting any type of sight is possible. V-notch rear sight and dovetailed front sight come standard. The metal parts come in traditional blue steel, and the stock and forearm are walnut. Throughout its long run, Winchester has offered many variations of the Model 94. Numerous versions do fit into the carbine category. Current production out of North Carolina offers a version called the Model 94 “Short Rifle.” However, most of these variations feature a 20-inch barrel, and weigh a pound to 1¼ pounds more than any Trapper. Great Fit By any measure, the .30-30 cartridge and the Winchester Model 94 action make a superb hunting combination for deer. Uncomplicated, safe, accurate, and powerful enough for the ranges where deer are found east of the Great Plains, the Trapper version fills that bill even further. Easy to carry, it handles perfectly in any type of vehicle, tree stand or vessel, or for the shooter

an emergency, they can be counted on to call in a game warden to get to your location. Above all, don’t rely on electronics alone. Buy a good compass, learn the skills, and enjoy the wildest parts of Maine in complete comfort – the comfort of knowing exactly where you are in the most remote places around, and how to easily get back to civilization if you must.

with physical limitations. For several seasons, Paul Martin was a mentor to me. I learned not only about deer hunting from him, but turkey, squirrel, dove, and quail as well. His example with the Winchester Trapper is much more appreciated, now that I’ve joined the ranks of senior shooters. The lever action proves its value every year. A short, light lever gun with an aperture sight from makers like Lyman, Williams or Skinner will take close-up deer just as well as any bolt action with a scope. Most of us born in the 20th century started hunting deer-size game with a .30-30. We branched out along the way and tried new things. Sometimes we chased power, or ballistics, or trends. Perhaps we should give thought to returning to our early experiences. Perhaps we should recall when good enough was indeed good enough. And after the hunting season is over, we can try out the electric-powered recliner chair.

�� The Maine Sportsman • July 2023 • 43

Watercraft Key to Targeting River Bass The author’s whitewater raft bounces nicely off the rocks. However, he inspected another angler’s aluminum jon boat after it went through the rapids. The owner had to use half a roll of duct tape just to keep it afloat. My first river-caught smallmouth bass came to hand along the banks of the Sebasticook River nearly 20 years ago. Most folks would easily forget that run-ofthe-mill three-pound bronzeback. This one, however, was special. After a tough fight with both fish and a stout current I snapped a few quick photos and sent this spunky bass back to the river. Perhaps we would see each other again someday. Many anglers consider smallmouth bass a strong candidate for the hardest fighting, pound-for-pound freshwater fish. River

bass spend their entire life cycle fighting the current. That makes them strong. And – make no mistake about it – they use every bit of that current to their advantage. With the spring spawn wrapping up towards the end of June, July anglers will need to make some adjustments to their fishing strategy. Smallies get active when the water hits 55 degrees. July water temperatures, depending on the river, will escalate until the cooling nights in September. Warmer water will push river bass to deeper runs, shady weed beds and struc-

ture. This time of year, I look for anything that breaks the natural flow of the river. Trees that have lost the battle with erosion and go from shade producers to river sweepers attract bronzebacks big time. River Boats Shore access on most rivers is limited. Fishing for river bass calls for some type of boat. Most guides lean towards using a drift boat. They simply shift from drifting for spring run salmon and brook trout to Mr. Excitement. Guides who specifically target moving water also hedge

Nothing makes the author smile more than a feisty smallmouth bass with a black Woolly Bugger pinned to the corner of its mouth. To maximize his opportunities, he uses a variety of boats to access what he calls “river bass.” River bass spend their lives fighting current, and they don’t back off when attached to the business end of a leader. Bill Sheldon photo

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way not to feed a rockstrewn river a steady (Continued on page 45)

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Katahdin Country

and kayak guidebooks also add valuable information when deciding which section of a river to run, and what boat best serves that purpose. I don’t consider smallmouth bass overly fussy. When fly fishing, I gravitate between a handful of poppers, a slider or two, and a black wooly bugger. If the black wooly bugger doesn’t cut it, I’ll switch to an olive one. Usually, that’s all it takes.

(Continued from page 43)

diet of bent props. My preference depends on the river. Deep running rivers backed up by dams tend to flatten the water out. My standard drift boat works fine here. In these calmer stretches of river, I often see anglers in kayaks outfitted specifically for fishing. I call them “Kayak 2.0.” They have comfortable seats and pedal-powered propulsion, not to mention enough electronics to navigate the East Passage. Pedal power leaves one’s hands free to work a spinning or fly rod at every fishy looking spot. In rougher sections of river, like below the Matagamon dam on the Penobscot River, I use my whitewater raft paired with a fishing frame. It bounces off the rocks quite nicely. I got to inspect a fellow angler’s aluminum jon boat after a drift through that boney stretch. While

they caught one nice salmon and a bunch of bronzebacks, it took half a roll of duct tape to patch the various gashes in the sides. Spy in the Sky Do some scouting, and select the best boat for the conditions presented. Google Earth does a very good job of helping me locate the length and severity of rapids. Canoe

On the spinning side of the equation, a Mepps spinner rates as a good place to start. Actually, most any spinner seems to aggravate these river dwellers. Occasionally I’ll sling a standard Rapala in blue and white, just to change it up. While I’ve tried to gravitate away from rubber, those little curly tailed jigs, in fluorescent green, have proven deadly. Premium fishing

opportunities abound throughout the region. The Penobscot River, from Medway to Bangor, attracts smallmouth fans from near and far. Stories of 30- to 100-fish days routinely get likes on the internet. For sure, a bucket list water. Farther north the East Branch Penobscot River holds a serious bass population from Whetstone Falls (Katahdin Country continued on next page)

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Understanding the Most Common Boating Laws It’s tough to beat getting out on the water on a hot July day. Boating in Maine can be a lot of fun. Between scenic views, clean water, lakeside restaurants and trophy fish, getting on the water can be a blast. However, some boating laws are difficult to understand, but compliance is crucial to a safe (and legal) day on the water. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most important laws to keep in mind this summer. 1. PFDs. The Maine Boater’s Lawbook states “All watercraft—including canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards (SUPs)—must have at least one USCG-approved wearable personal flotation device (PFD), sometimes known as a life jacket, for each person on board. In addition, one USCG–approved throwable device must be on board watercraft 16 feet or longer (except canoes, kayaks, or SUPs).” In more basic terms, you need to have a life jacket for every passenger on board your vessel. In the case of a lot of larger boats, and real-

“Cushions” alone no longer bring you into compliance with the life jacket laws – your boat (including canoes) must contain a wearable life jacket for each person aboard. And every boat, regardless of size, must have a noisemaker.

Fog can roll in quickly in Maine, whether you’re on salt water or fresh. That’s why the law requires each boat – including self-propelled boats – to carry an air horn or other sound-producing device. Photos by Nolan Raymond

ly any setup, it makes sense to keep a number of life jackets on board permanently. You can buy bags of orange life jackets that fit under most boat seats, so that’s really convenient. Also, boats over 16 feet must have a throwable device on board. Our pontoon boat has a classic lifering hung on the door, but many foam boat cushions count, too. Children under 10 must wear a PFD at all times (even inside the boat’s cockpit), as do passengers riding on a tube. Finally, the new-

Katahdin Country (Continued from page 45)

to Medway. Shore anglers will find some spots, and the canoe and kayak crowd can do business here too. Two other local bass hotspots inwww.MaineSportsman.com

er-model compact “inflatable” PFDs count toward the total number needed on board ONLY if they are actually being worn. 2. Headway Speed. When operating within areas marked by headway speed buoys, or within 200 feet of shore or an island, boats cannot exceed headway speed. This means you can’t go faster than needed to maintain steerage on the boat – fast enough to make headway, but not enough to make big waves. If you’re actively fishing, or a ski boat picking up skiers,

then you are exempt from that rule. 3. Right of way. As a general rule, if you’re meeting another boat, you are both to bear right to avoid hitting each other. If you’re meeting head on, both go right. If you’re meeting at an angle and the other boat is to your right, steer right to cross behind them. If they’re to your left, maintain course so they can work around you. Of course, avoid a collision at any means necessary, regardless of the law. Sailboats and boats being paddled

clude 1) the Piscataquis River that flows from Milo to Howland; and 2) the Mattawamkeag River, which not only provides a scenic canoe ride, but incredible rod action. I submitted that smallmouth photo to then Maine Sportsman Editor Harry Vanderweide along with my very first column. When I got an email asking

are a little different. The lawbook states, “Watercraft under sail alone or being propelled by oars or paddles have the right-ofway over watercraft propelled by machinery, except when overtaking.” Essentially, if you’re meeting a canoe/kayak/rowboat or sailboat, they have the right of way. 4. Signaling device. Any boat must have a sound signaling device on board. Typically, this means an air horn tucked under the seat. A whistle works well too. This requirement applies not only for power boats, but also for sailboats and paddle boats. ***** These aren’t all the laws you’ll have to consider for a day on the water, but these are (in my opinion) the most relevant ones. Before hitting the water, obtain a copy of Maine’s boating lawbook, or refer to their online PDF version. There are a lot of laws to learn, but they’re in place to improve safety for everyone. `With compliance and safety as your goals, go hit the water with friends or family!

for another photo for the column, I was heartbroken and disappointed with myself. That changed quickly as I read a little further, and he indicated he liked that photo so much he was going to use it on the COVER! So I did get to see that bass again.

�� The Maine Sportsman • July 2023 • 47

Summertime Marks a New Season for Trout Fishing I’m old enough to recall when summer’s heat effectively signaled the end of trout fishing, at least until the following fall. Trout, salmon and togue went deep, and the only way to fish for them was with the heavy and ungainly trolling gear of yesteryear. That has all changed. The old ways die hard for some, and it was only within the last 10 years that an old friend, since passed, continued to use his heavy-duty rod and reel for trolling. I had my stateof-the-art gear, which was much lighter and far sportier, but my friend refused to part with his clothes-pole of a rod and his overweight, ancient Penn reel. The sum total of all my gear probably didn’t weigh any more than my friend’s reel alone. Wielding heavy, outdated fishing tackle didn’t stop my old pal from catching fish. He was an excellent fisherman and knew his stuff. It’s only too bad that he didn’t get to enjoy his sport to the fullest by using more user-friendly gear. The advent of modern technology in the manufacture of fishing gear has greatly improved quality, while bringing price down. That sort of thing doesn’t happen much nowadays, what with soaring prices on near-

The author admits that he and some of his old-time fishing buddies are just now coming to the earthshaking realization that they don’t necessarily need heavy tackle to land big fish.

Downriggers allow anglers to use any kind of rod they wish – even spinning gear. Tom Seymour photos

ly every item you could name. Earthshaking Realization Some of us are only now coming to the earthshaking realization that you don’t necessarily need heavy tackle to land big fish. Modern rods are made of extra-light material and yet they have all the strength of those earlier codfish rods that everyone used. As an example of this, I use an ultralight St. Croix graphite rod for most all my fishing, except for trolling. This little whip of a rod has the backbone to land most all fish that bite. The only thing that might fail when battling a Goliath of a fish is the line.

Here’s a selection of dodgers, which are used to attract trout and salmon to your lure, fly or bait.

A little nick or fray might suffice to cause the line to part at the most critical juncture during a fight. A little extra time spent checking the business end of the line will pay big dividends later. The same holds true for trolling rods. Lighter, thinner rods have as much and more strength than their heavier predecessors. This translates to the angler realizing more of the potential of any fish, while maintaining the ability to whip even the largest fish. Reels, too, have changed dramatically over the last few decades. The new breed of trolling reel has all the advantages of earlier models, but

weighs considerably less. The same holds true for trolling lines. Lead-core lines now come in a thinner, lighter form, yet they slice through the water to go as deep as the older, heavier, thicker products of yesteryear. New Season Now, thanks in large part to our newly renovated fishing tackle, summer marks not the end of trout fishing, but the beginning of a new season. At a time when most people would eschew trout fishing in favor of spiny-rayed species, or even saltwater fish, we can again head out on lakes and ponds with every hope of catching coldwater game fish.

As a plus, gone are the near-freezing temperatures of spring trolling, replaced by sunny, comfortable conditions. There exists one fly in this otherwise perfect ointment, at least on lakes and ponds in Southern, Central and Midcoast Maine. The problem is recreational boaters. Of course, everyone has an equal right to our waters, but that doesn’t make co-existing easy. Speedboats throw up high and sometimes dangerous waves, and at the least, these waves can severely rock a small boat and even set it off course. Even manually propelled watercraft can become a problem. Flotillas of kayakers can make it impossible to establish a trolling pattern. Oftentimes, these boaters will simply sit tight, with large groups of them blocking access to the most productive fishing areas. The only option is to head out at dawn, and then leave when the recreational boaters show up. Or head north, which is mostly what I do. Also, the larger lakes and ponds, by virtue of having more space, don’t result in as many problems as on smaller waters. Dodger Fishing I still employ trolling spoons in certain situations, but dodg(Trout Fishing continued on page 49) www.MaineSportsman.com

48 • July 2023 • The Maine Sportsman ———————————————————————————————————————————————

Fly Lines, Leaders and Tippets for Beginners This month I’d like to assist the beginning fly angler by providing some basic information about fly lines, leaders and tippets. This information may also serve as a good refresher for the intermediate angler. To begin, think of fly lines, leaders and tippets as your connection from the reel to the fly. Please note the accompanying photo to see how the line runs from the reel, through the guides on the rod, then out to the leader, and finally to the tippet, where the fly is tied on. The fly line itself (around 90 feet) is connected to the backing, a line that fills the reel and “backs up” the actual fly line and gets tied to the reel with an

Each fly line is labeled with an acronym describing its features. For example, “WFF-5” means it’s a weight-forward, floating, 5-weight line.

Note the knots used to connect the backing, fly line, leader and tippet. William Clunie illustration

arbor knot. The actual fly line is connected to this backing with an Albright knot. The leader (usually a tapered, 7 to 12 feet of monofilament, nylon, or fluorocarbon line) is then tied to the end of the fly line with a nail knot. Then

the tippet (a small diameter, monofilament, nylon, or fluorocarbon line) is tied to the leader with a blood knot or surgeon’s knot. At the distal end of the tippet, a fly is tied on with your favorite knot. There are other knots that can be

used for each of these connections, but these are the simplest knots for the job at this point in your fly-fishing progression. Line Descriptions Fly lines come in various weight numbers so they can be

matched to the corresponding rod weight; for instance, a 5-weight rod would work best with a 5-weight line (in most situations). Generally speaking, the larger number fly line and rod is used for casting heavier flies, while the lighter lines and rods are used with lighter flies. These lines are made in several configurations, including double taper, straight taper, full sinking, intermediate sinking, floating, weight-forward, and sink-tip. Basically, a beginner will start by using weight-forward, floating line and an extra spool of sink-tip line. I rarely use a full sinking line and almost always fish with a weight-forward float(Continued on next page)

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ing line. Each of the distinct types of line is labeled with an acronym for a description. Therefore, WFF-5 means it’s a “weight-forward, floating, 5-weight line.” There are many other kinds of lines for fly fishing, but the weight-forward, floating line is what anglers use the most ... especially for fishing with dry flies on the surface. Some anglers who fish with streamers and other subsurface flies still use floating lines, or they might go to a sink-tip, intermediate sinking or full sinking line, depending on the depth they want to achieve. The straight-out sinking lines are harder to cast. They sink at various rates to get flies closer to the bottom. If an angler can learn to cast a sink-tip line properly, they will be amazed at how far they can toss it. It really doesn’t take much to learn to give it a good roll cast and watch it sail through the air. The extra weight up front really makes the line scream, especially when it’s launched using a mid-flex rod or something more flexible like a fiberglass or

Line Materials I won’t get into the details of the compounds used for making fly lines – that would take more than this column to explain. Suffice it to say that line manufacturers create some awesome line, and it gets better each year. Do yourself a favor and get a good line cleaning kit. Use it to clean your line at least once or twice a year. Take the line off the reel between seasons and store it loosely

wrapped until the following season to help avoid permanent coils in the line. Anglers can make their own leaders, using specific lengths and diameters of monofilament, nylon, or fluorocarbon line, but most prefer to purchase one-piece tapered leaders and add on tippet material as needed. Tippet material is also made from the same monofilament, nylon, and fluorocarbon compounds as leaders, but is straight

Trout Fishing (Continued from page 47)

ers, or flashers, have become the mainstay of summer trolling. These do a great job of attracting fish, and being very light, they do not put much drag on the line. A length of leader material between the dodger and fly, lure or bait completes the rig.

or level in diameter and made to continue the taper from the butt of the leader to the fly. Tippet spools come marked with a number and an X to indicate the corresponding pound-weight strength and diameter of the line. For example, a 7x designation signifies 0.004-inch diameter/1.5-pound line. Type “tippet chart” into the address bar on a computer to find several great charts showing the graduated sizes of tippet material. The charts also show

a general description of what size tippet to use for a certain sized fly. In general, smaller flies need smaller diameter tippet material. For a more complete and in-depth understanding of fly lines, leaders, and tippets, as well as knot selections, I highly recommend the late, great Lefty Kreh’s excellent book and DVD titled “Fishing Knots” (Kreh, L. 2007. Fishing Knots. Stackpole Books).

Remember, the shorter the leader, the more action to the terminal end and the longer the leader, the less thrashing about the lure or bait takes. I use about 2 ½ -feet of leader when using a live smelt or shiner, and about half that for a fly. So get out there, try the waters, and enjoy.

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Side-by-Sides and ATVs Have Come a Long Way, Baby! Looking over new ATVs got me thinking how, like everything else, we’ve come a long way. In many ways I wish I kept that 1985 Honda Four Trax. It was, after all, fourwheel drive. Full-time fourwheel drive that would go anywhere. That is, until my arms started falling off from steering it. To say it steered hard would rate as a kind comment indeed. And of course, putting it in reverse was an adventure of sorts. If I recall the procedure correctly it

The author learned off-roading by wrestling his old 4-wheeler around corners using brute arm strength. Can you imagine his enthusiasm when he was told the new side-by-sides have POWER STEERING? was, well, a procedure. After coming to a stop, I had to pull the clutch lever, put it in neutral, push a little red button on the handlebar, kick it in gear and say three Hail Mary prayers before engaging the clutch again. But it was, after all, reverse and that Honda started every time I twisted the key.

With no factory running boards, my feet got covered in mud, and I often picked up every stick or branch that could possibly squeeze through. Around 2003, I invested in a new Polaris. Boy, was it ever smooth! No more getting a bicep workout turning sharp corners. That’s also when I

realized the value of a factory running board. Something about dry feet and bruise-free shins made riding a bit more enjoyable. Jeep vs. Side-by-Side As my Jeep collection grew, I drifted away from ATV trail riding. Jeeps navigate logging roads quite smoothly and in rel-

ative comfort. While they are not cleared for ATV trails, paper roads get me to some real nice fishing and hunting real estate. But the itch to tour some of Jackman’s 300-plus miles of trail needs scratching. My wife, Denise, is a fan of Jeeps. So, we have contemplated trying out a side-by-side. They do, after all, look a lot like a miniature Jeep. After looking into side-by-sides a bit closer, you can cancel the “miniature” comment. Some of the (Continued on next page)

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�� The Maine Sportsman • July 2023 • 51 (Continued from page 50)

larger ones have a similar footprint. Renting vs. Buying I’m a big believer in renting equipment. Besides sampling the most up to date technology, it’s a good opportunity to get a feel for a potential purchase. Also, most cost analyses I’ve done, based on my usage, suggest it’s way less money (Bill Sheldon, aka “Cheapskate”) to rent than own. So, I started checking out the machines at 201 Power Sports in Jackman. Every time I’d drive by, a collection of shiny ATV and side-by-sides looking for drivers caught my attention. So, this is where I learned just how far behind the times I’ve fallen. First, the 2023 side-by-side models have POWER STEERING! That news has my Jeep looking over its shoulder. These rentals come GPSequipped, with the local trails all programmed in. GPS Navigation Navigating with

GPS really takes the stress out of trail riding. This makes taking off for Timbuktu a whole lot easier. It also allows trail riders to plan a route and get an accurate estimate of how long it will take. For a bird’s eye view of the entire ATV trail system, an online visit to the Border Rider Sportsman’s website is a must. Not only will they have fresh trail updates, but they also offer a downloadable map. I’m a big believer in using GPS technology to the max. I also never leave the house without a paper map of where I’m going. There is something about the big picture of the area that a small screen fails to capture. On the safety side of the road the folks at 201 Powersports send everyone who rents a unit out with a helmet and googles. This is an often-overlooked advantage of renting. Most riders don’t pay attention to the expiration date on their helmet. They do have a shelf life, and do “expire” at some point.

Much like a life jacket, they need replacing every so many years – something I learned hanging around race car drivers. The Border Riders Sportsman’s Clubhouse is located on Route 201 in Dennistown. They allow day parking for folks with trailers. It’s a great spot from which to launch a big woods adventure. The nervous types might have some reservations about climbing aboard a rented ATV or side-by-side and heading out into the wilderness. These folks can also facilitate hiring a guide, for those interested in more than just a ride. A good guide will poll the sport to learn the client’s expectations, make suggestions, and then plan an itinerary accordingly. They will also make sure everyone is comfortable with the pace and duration of the trip. Multi-day trips include lodge-tolodge travel or back woods camping. Trail riding has really smoothened out

ATVs have come a long way from those early hard-to-steer units. Newer side-by-sides rival the legendary Jeep in comfort and off-road ability. Riders can now tour Jackman’s 300-plus miles of ATV trails in comfort, as modern suspension systems absorb the roughest terrain with ease, and GPS navigation takes the worry out of traveling the road less traveled. Photo: Shutterstock

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Big Lake; Big Fish When it comes to fishing Moosehead, what’s not to like? Salmon make the reel scream as they leap into the air, and even the invasive white perch are running huge. But the author says to call him a “togue apologist,” since he’s just crazy about those lake trout. I know, I know – I’m always extolling the virtues of some particular month. That’s because for me, every month has its advantages and strong points. Put me in a boat, and as long as the wind isn’t blowing a gale, I’m happy. But July truly does have something to recommend it to anglers. First off, July ranks as the only month that I haven’t recorded frost. We have had late frosts in June and early frosts in August. Sure, it’s rare, but it can happen. But since 1814, the “Year without a summer,” Maine hasn’t seen a frost in July. In fact, temperatures rate as warm and comfy. Except for a light windbreaker, jackets aren’t needed.

For me, that’s a big deal. As for fishing, I have never had a bad day in July. On the area’s larger lakes, especially Moosehead, salmon and togue bite well this month. Of course you must reach down to where fish are holding, 40 or even 50 feet, depending upon time of day and whether the sky is sunny or overcast. Downriggers and lead-core lines are the order of the day, as is a depth finder/fish locator. When trolling deep, it is imperative to keep a weather eye on the screen so that you can reel in when approaching a shallow section, and let the line down again when back in deeper water.

Dependable Togue Call me a “togue apologist,” but I love the species, and go out of my way to find them. Togue fight as well as any fish, grow to double-digit sizes, and taste great – what’s not to like? Of course togue, like any oily fish, must receive proper care immediately after being unhooked. That means being immediately placed on ice. Ice makes all the difference in the world as it relates to the finished product. Improper care, on the other hand, leads to the false impression that togue taste oily, or even muddy. That’s hogwash, at least for fish that have seen proper care. I like to fillet my togue, and then skin the fillets. These, when drizzled with lemon juice. sprinkled with fresh-ground black pepper and broiled,

Moosehead Region guide Eric Holbrook holds two white perch. As large as these are, there are reports of perch much larger in the Big Lake. Tom Seymour photo

make for a special treat. Salmon, too, bite well in July. And while recognizing that salmon are one of our most popular gamefish, I like togue equally. Salmon, though, do have something special, in that they make line-sizzling runs and when in the mood, leap clear of the water. In fact, their scientific name, Salmo salar, means “the leaper.” Watch out when

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you get your salmon near the boat, since they often make last-minute, line-popping runs. And if not that, they will leap, attempting to shake the hook. A salmon, especially a big one, will use every trick in the book to free itself. One of the nice things about trolling Moosehead is that you never know what will bite. It could be almost anything. Trout Quest I do quite a bit of fishing with my pal Eric Holbrook, a Moosehead Lake guide. Eric frequently regales me with tales of wallhanger-size brook trout that one of his clients caught the day before. This serves (Continued on next page)

�� The Maine Sportsman • July 2023 • 53 (Continued from page 52)

to get me pumped up to a great degree. With every trip, I tell myself that this could be the one – the time I get one of those 4-pound brookies for which Moosehead Lake has become noted. And sure, I do take brook trout, even in July. But that 4-pound mark continues to evade me. Perhaps this year …

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This hoping for something that may or may not occur isn’t a bad thing. It adds an element of excitement to my Moosehead trips. Eric knows that, which is why he always sends me photos of big trout. One thing’s for sure – if and when I finally take that elusive big brookie, all of you readers will know about it. The great thing

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ter what, it’s always a heart-pumping moment. Illegal Newcomer I mentioned this last year. White perch, an illegal introduction, are showing up in Moosehead Lake. Hopefully, they won’t interfere too much with the coldwater fishery, but that remains to be seen. But Moosehead being what it is – name-

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Game Camera Tips Using game cameras can be helpful in determining where and when to hunt. They are great for pre-season scouting, but no matter how good a camera claims to be, user error can quickly discourage a hunter. As a former field staff for a cellular game camera company, I fielded a lot of inquiries to help hunters get their cameras working properly. Whether you’re using a cellular or non-cellular game camera, these tips will hopefully help you avoid frustration and user error, whether you’re hunting deer, moose, bear, turkey or predators. Basics Before You Head into the Woods When you first take your cameras out for the season, check the firmware to make sure that there aren’t any updates. Some of the newer cellular cameras automatically update, but most of

For many hunters, cameras have become an important scouting tool. Here’s how to get the most out of your game cameras – hints for handling, testing, proper placement, and recommended components and accessories.

The author placed camera too close to the bait, and never got a good picture of the bear to determine its size or gender. All photos: Staci Warren

mine don’t. Make sure to use the proper type of memory card – a Class 10, SDHDC, 2 to 32GB premium brand card is the recommended

This daytime photo of deer is from a good distance, and it shows direction deer is traveling. www.MaineSportsman.com

type, whether you’re using a microSD or standard SD card. Never use a microSD with an adapter in a full SD slot, and long-format the card

for best results. Use recommended batteries, which are usually lithium AA batteries. If you have a solar camera, charge the battery prior to

This camera is placed high on a tree and angled down. Deer and humans traveled this corridor without anyone even noticing the camera.

using it. I also use 12volt battery packs with accessory cords. These setups require more out-of-pocket costs up front, but have a better chance of lasting the entire season when compared to the 8-AA lithium batteries. If you’re using cellular game cameras and have spotty cellular service, try using a 5G extended range antenna. These have made all the difference in my ability to receive photos. I get mine online for around $13, and I’ve had to buy some adapters, depending on whether it’s a male or female connection on the antenna. Above all else, test the camera to be sure it’s working properly before going into the woods. There is nothing more annoying than having to come back and trouble-shoot, and most of you will blame it on the camera, when in fact it’s the user. (Get Out There continued on page 56)

Good picture of two bear at distance to show what’s going on. One was eating, and the other one came from behind the barrels.

�� The Maine Sportsman • July 2023 • 55

Doggy Paddling Bringing your dog on the water can enhance the experience for both of you, and you’ll have a witness to corroborate your fish stories! Here is some advice and considerations if you plan to share your water adventure with your furry friend.

Whereas Capt. Dupuis focuses on bringing dogs aboard larger powerboats (see “Keeping Your Dog Safe While Boating,” page 24), Christi Holmes addresses the best ways to bring dogs along on smaller, self-propelled craft, such as canoes and kayaks.

Is My Dog a Good Fit? Literally and figuratively. Large breeds over 100 lbs. are not good candidates, since they take up too much room and make a canoe or kayak difficult to maneuver. Not all dogs love the water, but even dogs that don’t enjoy swimming can have a good time paddling. If water makes your dog nervous or anxious, you’ll want to take the training portion slow, and involve lots of treats. Training Pre-trip training goes a long way to ensure both you and your pup are comfortable and safe on the water. With your canoe or kayak on shore, have your dog practice jumping in and out. Work on sit, stay, and lay down commands; every move your dog makes will be amplified on the water. You can assign a place for your dog in your watercraft so he knows where to stay. Once the two of you are confident on the lawn, move to the water. Your first trip

A doggy PFD can bring comfort and security to both animal and owner. Christi Holmes photo

should be on calm water on a warm day. Start near shore. Go in the early morning, before other boats are out. Have your pup sit in different areas of the craft. Which do you and he prefer? Work on stay if your pup walks around unnecessarily. Notice the stability of your watercraft when your

dog shifts around and shakes water off his coat. If you’re comfortable and your dog enjoys swimming, encourage your pup to jump out your watercraft while you’re near shore, and notice how the craft moves. Another option is to discourage your dog from jumping out, so he

learns to never jump out. When your dog is in the water, try helping him back into the craft. Is it possible, or do you have to go to shore? Once you’re comfortable near shore, go farther out, but still in calm waters. If your dog shows signs of fear or anxiety, return to

shore and training.

continue

Gear You should always wear a PFD, and a doggy PFD with a handle is helpful for your pup, too, no matter how well he can swim. Other gear to consider includes: • Treats or a bone for your dog to chew on in case he gets bored • A towel, to make his spot more comfortable, and for drying him off • Sunscreen for the dog’s nose • A leash for getting in and out of the water • A water bowl and fresh water, if you’re paddling in salt water During the Trip No matter how much planning and training you do, things happen. Here are some tips: • Watch out for wildlife- don’t tempt your pup by getting close to loons or ducks. • Watch the weather- It’s dangerous to be on the water during a thunderstorm, and if your pup has a fear of thunderstorms, it could be especially traumatizing. • Stop frequently, so your dog can relieve himself and stretch his legs. • Avoid leashing your dog to the boat – this could be dangerous if he jumps out or you capsize. • Your dog can’t tell you if he’s hot or cold, (Continued on next page) www.MaineSportsman.com

56 • July 2023 • The Maine Sportsman ———————————————————————————————————————————————

Maine Sportswoman (Continued from page 55)

but if he’s panting heavily, go to shore and allow him to swim and cool off. On a cold day, keep the trip short, or take breaks to let him run around on shore and warm up. • If your dog jumps out of the boat, head to the closest shore and help him back in. Fishing If you’ve mastered paddling together and want to try fishing with your pup on board, here are a few extra considerations: • You may have to adjust your casting, and notice how your dog reacts to you landing a fish. Argos was very curious of splashing, and wanted to

Bring your dog along, says the author, and you’ll have a witness to corroborate your fish stories! Travis Elliott photo

“inspect” every fish I caught. • Lures and hooks are a major danger, so a rambunctious dog is not a good fit. • Using a landing net for your fish gives you more time and control to keep fish away from

your dog while the fish is hooked. Paddling with man’s best friend is a learning process, but with some training and practice, it’s extremely rewarding!

When fishing from a small boat, using a net will help keep a curious dog separated from a flopping fish with hooks in its jaw. Christi Holmes photo

Get Out There (Continued from page 54)

Selecting a Location Sometimes the hardest part about using a camera is finding a spot that lets you get the picture you want without interference. Be sure to choose a tree that doesn’t move in the wind. Don’t just pick a large tree, since I’ve had plenty of large softwood trees sway. You also want a tree without limbs that are going to wave to your camera, giving you 500 shots of nothing. Most companies recommend facing your camera north, to avoid east/west sunrise and sunset blindness. Also avoid south-facing, since the sun will be shining on it all day. Position of Your Camera The recommended height is waist-high, or 36 inches, because cameras use infrared require body heat to trigger the camera. I prefer hanging the camera higher off the trail, for several reasons: You get a wider angle of action, and the camera goes un-noticed better by both animals and humans, making it less likely to be stolen or tampered with. For bear hunting, I hang at about 5 feet, slightly tilted down and far enough away to capture the entire bait barrel and its surroundings. This helps protect the camera from curious cubs, www.MaineSportsman.com

Glare from the sun can completely “blind” a camera. Note to self – Face cameras NORTH.

and shows you from which direction bear are entering the bait site. If you hang your camera high, I recommend the adapter with swivel or placing a stick behind the top part of the camera so that it’s tilted down. Make sure it’s snug, so that the stick doesn’t fall out. If you are pre-season scouting and trying to determine where the game is traveling, then start by hanging a camera at an intersection to get an overview of the activity. Stay off the main travel route. Bear hunting requires I wear gloves for everything to minimize my scent, and the camera is no exception. I wear a clean pair of gloves for every camera I touch. Since I bait and spray scent, I want to be sure those scents aren’t transferred to my camera so it doesn’t become a snack for a bear.

This yearling bear ate my camera and did its best to pull it off the tree. After viewing this photo, I raised my cameras to higher positions.

Pictures vs. Video I love video in general for game watching, but don’t use it very often for hunting. If I do video, I tend to do “snap a picture before the “video” option because I never seem to find time to watch videos, which require more time to watch, and there’s an added expense to transfer cellular camera videos. Final Words of Advice Since no electronic device is error-proof, I use two cameras on each of my bear sites. Since I’m almost two hours away, it’s a great back-up in case the batteries go dead on one of the cameras. Cameras are just another tool to help in the hunt, so remember to enjoy the hunt first, and don’t spend too much time obsessing over the cameras.

�� The Maine Sportsman • July 2023 • 57

Grandpa and I Fished for White Perch and Mackerel Once we were in a place on the lake where we expected to find a school of perch, Grandpa would ask me to lower the anchor. Any error on my part, such as banging the weight on the side of our 12foot aluminum boat, would alarm the fish and delay the fishing. When I was a young lad, nearly every afternoon in July, except on very windy days, Grandpa would take me fishing at the lake two miles down the road from our house. White perch were our quarry, and we knew exactly where to find them and how to fish for them. The fish were in between 15 and 25 feet of water, and they congregated there in large schools. These groups were all about the same size, which meant they were all of the same year-class. If we wanted larger fish, we would either wait for a school of larger fish to move in, or else we would go on the prowl, looking for something better. When approaching the spot where we thought the fish were, we would shut off the motor and silently glide in. And when in the right place, I would gently let down the anchor and tie it off. An error on my part, such as banging the anchor on the side of our 12foot, aluminum boat, would alarm the fish, and it would take some time for them to forget about it. Then, using gracefully hooked garden

worms on a #6 hook, with one split shot about 8 inches above it, we would let our lines down. I generally avoided any added contraptions, but Grandpa most always used a spinner above his worm. These were one- or two-bladed spinners, on a wire harness with a loop on one end and a wire slider on the bottom, that could be moved up so as to open up the safety-pin-style latch. These are still available today and they remain just as effective now as they were back then. Fast Action If we had played our cards right, and the fish were there, the first fish to bite signaled a frenzied time of us taking one battling white perch after another. The ticket to nonstop action was to keep a bait in the water at all times. The actions of a fish fighting on the end of the line interested the other fish in the school, and they stayed around. But even that couldn’t keep them there forever, and eventually, the school would drift off. And so would we. Sometimes we would motor to the next known spot, and other times we would

just haul anchor and drift. We often found that the school hadn’t gone too far, and that a 10- to 20-foot drift would get us right back in the action again. Occasionally, we would set a bait trap the night before and use shiners instead of earthworms. We found that on average, live baitfish took larger white perch than did worms. That’s still true today. On the rare occasion we would forsake the schools of small fish, and instead head out to deeper water where the perch were fewer, but larger. This same scenario, using the same terminal gear, works today. The only difference is that now, fish locators have made it easier to locate the schools and rods, reels and lines have greatly increased in quality. But other than that, do the same thing we did, and you will find fast action on Maine’s premiere panfish – white perch. Saltwater, Too Sometimes we would tire of white perch, and instead would head to Penobscot Bay for some mackerel fishing. Back then, giant schools of sometimes huge mackerel graced our

Dan Woodrow keeps a tradition alive by trolling for mackerel out of Belfast Bay. Tom Seymour photo

shores. and everyone, it seemed, got in on the action. We still see good mackerel fishing today, but the schools don’t seem so large, and individual mackerel are usually not quite as long. It being July, especially toward month’s end, vegetables were coming in from our home garden, and with the addition of fresh mackerel, we dined like royalty. Or so we thought. In fact, lots of high-end restaurants of today charge fancy prices for the same simple fare that we eked out of the land and sea so many years ago. We rarely took the 12-foot runabout out mackerel fishing and really didn’t need to, since it was easy to take all the mackerel we wanted from shore. Every town from Searsport to Rockland of-

fered places to cast for mackerel. In fact, this was very much a family affair, with people of all ages grouped together, enjoying conversation along with great fishing. The prescribed fishing method, which again works fine today, was to cast out a small Diamond jig, let it settle, and then reel it back in with accompanying lifts of the rod. Some people, Grandpa included, swore by small bits of frozen shrimp, suspended perhaps 4 feet below a bobber. This, too, takes mackerel and other fish, the same as it always did. Summer Fun Most Midcoast lakes and ponds contain white perch, and coastal towns still offer places to cast for mackerel. Have fun!

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Here’s Where to Go for Fast Freshwater, Saltwater Action This Month Downeast anglers are becoming ever more devoted to the sport of freshwater bass fishing. This may be a result of the more than two dozen warm-water fisheries in Washington and Hancock County that provide fast tackle-busting bronzeback excitement throughout the summer. To find the lakes and ponds listed below, orient yourself by opening the pages to Maps 23, 26, 36 of your DeLorme’s Maine Atlas and Gazetteer. Two Washington

provides good fishing for pickerel and 9- to 11-inch white perch.

Looking for smallmouth bass in the Downeast Region? Largemouth? Pickerel and white perch? And what about tasty mackerel, off the coast? The author confers with local experts, and reveals where and how to access the most productive angling locations. County lakes that have notable bass populations are Rocky Lake and Meddybemps Lake. Rocky Lake Rocky Lake, a 1,555-acre water abounds with 11- to 13-inch smallmouth bass, and 12- to 14inch largemouths.

This lake is located west of Route 191 in T18ED, (Map 26, A-3). According to DIF&W biologist Greg Burr, bass larger than three pounds are landed at Rocky Lake each summer. A boat landing is located at the south end of the lake. The lake is appropriately named, as

there are a multitude of rocks and boulders hidden just below the murky brownish water. Canoes or other small carry-in boats are often used in the lake, since all those rocks are likely to damage larger, heavier watercraft. Rocky Lake also

Meddybemps Lake Another favorite bass water in July is Meddybemps Lake (Map, 36, D-4). Some of the best fishing spots on this water are found around the multitude of small islands. Meddybemps is often considered one of the best smallmouth bass lakes in eastern Maine. Numerous coves, rocky shoreline and gravel beds create ideal bass-spawning habitat. (Continued on next page)

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�� The Maine Sportsman • July 2023 • 59 (Continued from page 58)

Smallmouths average around 10 inches; however, a few trophies up to four pounds are caught regularly. Anglers at times catch bass on every cast, and may finish the day landing 80 or more smallies. Crank bait and plastic worms catch the majority of bass. This water also contains a lot of 10- to 12-inch white perch. Pickerel are also present in the lake. The boat launch is off Route 214 in Meddybemps. Hancock County Bass Another exceptional fresh-water bass fishing water is Alamoosook Lake in Orland (Map 23, E-3). This medium-sized water contains 1,133 acres of fertile smallie habitat, with a maximum depth of 28 feet. Bass fishers often use live bait, bass plugs or plastic worms to entice smallmouths in the 2- to 3- pound category. Fishing near the small islands, especially French Island, produces most of the trophy-sized bass this month. Other quality bass haunts on this water, according to avid bass angler Mike Cummings of Bucksport, are located in the vicinity of Randall’s Bridge. A piece of water where smallies can

Meddybemps is often considered one of the best smallmouth bass lakes in Eastern Maine.

keep a rod bending is near the Alamoosook Lake outlet. The coves just before the dam are noted for heftysized bass. Alamoosook Lake also provides fast perch and pickerel action during the summer. Easy access can be found by following Route 1 to East Orland. Follow the signs toward the Craig Brook National Fish Hatchery. One more top-rated bass fishery is Silver Lake in Bucksport (Map 23, E-2). It contains 630 acres of water, and has a maximum depth of 33 feet. This lake produces fast bronzeback action along the east shoreline. Another productive spot for bass ac-

tion, according to angler Mike Stanley of Bucksport, can be found around the islands at the north end of the lake, where ledges and a rocky bottom structure create ideal habitat for smallmouths. Stanley mentioned that bass anglers using plugs or other plastic lures are able to entice smallies in the 1- to 2- pound class, with an occasional 3- to 4-pound trophy being a realistic possibility. Largemouth bass may also be a part of a day’s catch on this water. Healthy numbers of white perch and pickerel can create fast action. The boat launch lies about midway down the lake, on the Silver Lake Road.

Saltwater Fishing Saltwater fishing gets exciting during the month of July in the Downeast Region. Anglers all along this coastal area battle schools of mackerel, and an increasing number of striped bass. Mackerel-seekers from Penobscot Bay to Eastport will be wetting lines from area bridges, docks and ledges, or by trolling the bay for these hard-hitting fish. Many anglers cast their lines from the fishing piers, while others prefer to launch a boat in Belfast and troll along the coast. Hancock and Washington County anglers troll for mackerel by using trolling rods or fly rods. Buck-

tail flies, streamers and small jigs catch most of the mackerel for July anglers. Shoreline fishers often catch good numbers by using spinning gear and a # 6 hook baited with clams, mussels or marine worms. Most anglers troll for mackerel by using trolling rods or fly rods. Bucktail flies, streamers and small jigs catch most of the mackerel for July anglers. Shoreline fishers often catch good numbers by using spinning gear and a # 6 hook baited with clams or mussels. One of my favorite places to fish for mackerel is on the Schoodic Peninsula (Map 17, B-1).

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Sequestering Carbon Will Benefit Maine’s Wildlife In March, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) issued a global report card on how countries around the world are reducing emissions of greenhouse gases and responding to the reality of climate change. Known as the Sixth Assessment Report (AR6), it summarized eight years of data-gathering and analysis, drawing on the work of hundreds of scientists worldwide. The report’s conclusions are startling – the equivalent of a fire alarm and an air raid siren going off at once. Bottom line: it’s not going so well. The scientists say, with high confidence, that …. 1. The Earth is warming faster than we expected (more than 1.1 degrees Celsius so far), with significant, often severe impacts now widespread around the world; 2. We have not yet reduced the total amount of greenhouse gases (GHG) being emitted to the atmosphere globally (although we have slowed the rate of growth in annual emissions); 3. Unless the largest emitters start reducing GHGs immediately, and cut total emissions in half before 2030, we are unlikely to limit planetary warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius (a target that would still come www.MaineSportsman.com

Maine can play a significant role in offsetting the effects of greenhouse gases, since its forests trap and hold carbon, sometimes for decades.

Maine can take in response to that fifth point above: removing carbon from the atmosphere using natural solutions. Sequester and Store Fortunately, Maine’s forest and agriculture sectors possess incredible potential for what is known as “carbon sequestration”– locking up (sequestering) carbon in a form that will keep it out of the atmosphere for years to come. For example, trees absorb carbon dioxide during photosynthesis and store it in their biomass: the wood, bark, and roots. A single large white pine stores several tons of carbon for many decades, and even longer if that tree is made into boards, beams or furniture. I have antique wooden cabinets, a desk, and dressers that have been storing carbon for generations.

A single large white pine tree can store several tons of carbon for decades, and even longer if the tree is made into boards, beams or furniture. Photo: David Van Wie

with serious ecological and economic consequences); 4. To reduce GHG emissions, we need to transition away from fossil fuels as fast as possible; and, even if

we do that …. 5. We also need to remove carbon from the atmosphere using natural solutions, such as capturing and storing carbon in trees and soil, and with large

scale technologies (as yet undeveloped) to pull carbon dioxide from the air. As grim as this assessment may be, I’d like to focus for a moment on positive steps

The Power of Forests In Maine, forest owners can maximize long-term carbon storage by lengthening harvest rotations, implementing selective harvesting to optimize growth rates, maintaining mature trees in healthy and diverse ecosystems, and limiting clear-cutting. Longer rotation periods between harvests give forests more (Sporting Environment continued on page 62)

�� The Maine Sportsman • July 2023 • 61

Salmon in July? You Bet! Seeing the birds’ feeding frenzy on the lake’s surface, the author trolled right through the ball of baitfish. Sure enough, the reel on the starboard side fly rod started screaming. I had a summer weekend day with no fishing clients, so I did what any self-respecting guide would do – I went fishing! I had no trouble convincing my girlfriend’s son, Waleed, to join me. Mom said she’d love to have a salmon to cook, so I told her the same thing I tell any client who requests a specific fish: “I can guarantee I am taking your boy fishing, but I can’t guarantee if we’ll catch anything or what we’ll catch.” I really wanted to put “W,” as I call him, onto a big laker, but we did have a salmon order to try and fill. W Takes the Helm We motored away from my dock, his first time on the “Black Ghost.” He wanted to try his skill at the helm, so I took the passenger seat as he motored through the Gut and out onto the big bay of Sebago Lake (DeLorme Atlas, Map 5, C-1). I gave him a reference point on the shore by the Northwest River and relaxed as he handled the boat like a champ. Once we were just shy of the river, I took over, cut the big motor, and switched to the secret weapon of the operation – my

bow-mounted trolling motor. I wanted to troll in 60 feet of water, aiming toward a series of three humps, so – as the great Ron Popeil said it best – I just “set it and forget it.” Perfect Morning on the Lake After tying Northeast Troller nickel/copper lures on each line, I programmed the two downriggers to follow the bottom contour. I rigged two lead-core lines onto in-line planer boards with four colors out and tipped with Northeast Troller’s Orange Crush lures, which had proven to be effective salmon-takers all summer, thus far. We were in business. I pulled out a thermos of hot chocolate for W, while I enjoyed a cup of coffee from

my thermos. It was a beautiful, cool July morning on the lake. Fish On! We trolled well past the river and were headed toward the shoals, when the port-side planer board started going nuts. I set the hook, and handed the rod to Waleed to play the fish. He did a great job, despite my fumbling to unhook the board from the line. He soon had a nice, lively (albeit too short) salmon in the net. I quickly released it and as soon as it hit the water, an eagle smashed into the lake, just feet from the stern of my boat. I’ve seen this happen much farther from the boat, but Waleed was truly impressed by the sight of the eagle diving for the fish.

Waleed Rabbat shows off a nice, plump Sebago salmon he caught while fishing with the author. Tom Roth photo

Fortunately for the salmon, it dove deep, and the eagle stayed hungry for a bit longer. Keeper I decided to turn and go by the same water again and sure enough, we latched onto another salmon. This one turned out to be a nice 18-incher, so we reduced it to pos-

session and texted his mom that she had the makings for supper that night. Finding Salmon Salmon are undoubtedly stressed on Sebago Lake by low smelt numbers, largely blamed on the high lake trout population. Alewives are taking up some of the slack, (Continued on next page)

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Sebago to Auburn (Continued from page 61)

but they are not the perfect solution for salmon. Years ago, the best salmon fishing was at ice-out at the mouth of the Songo River. Now, we are catching salmon all summer long, but you have to find them! I didn’t head to the Northwest River out of sheer happenstance – my network of guide

buddies and fishing friends communicate daily throughout the season, and they told me that’s where the action was. “Ball of Baitfish” Another top method to find salmon on the big lake is to find the clusters of baitfish – smelt or alewives. A few years back in July, I was trolling on Jordan Bay with downrig-

Sporting Environment (Continued from page 60)

time to mature, leading to larger trees with greater carbon storage capacity both above and below ground. Larger trees are used in durable forest products like lumber and furniture that keep the carbon locked up in products or buildings for many years. Forest ecosystems also store carbon in the soil, primarily through the slow decomposition of organic matter. In an old growth forest, as much as half the total biomass is dead or decomposing matter. Longer rotation periods allow for a more substantial buildup of organic matter on the forest floor, which contributes to increased soil carbon storage. Of course, healthy forests also benefit wildlife and promote biodiversity with different habitats and age classes, which will also promote ecological resilience. Uniting Farming and Forests Another opportunity for carbon se-

gers and fly rods. I could see a flock of seagulls dive-bombing the water and really churning it up. I got a better look with my binoculars and could see two mergansers working something on the water’s surface, as well. Figuring a ball of baitfish had neared the surface, I trolled right through the commotion. Sure enough, the reel on my starboard side fly rod started screaming. I

played a nice salmon to the boat and went back and repeated the scenario two more times. Word got around, and soon we were all watching for the birds. Seems the salmon were chasing the alewive schools to the surface, causing a feeding frenzy. Another day, I had two clients and we had snarled one of my fly rods. I reeled it in as best as I could when we caught a laker on

questration is agroforestry. Agroforestry involves strategically planting trees on agricultural land, enabling the coexistence of crops and trees in a mutually beneficial arrangement. Farmers can plant trees as windbreaks, shelterbelts, or alley crops, minimizing soil erosion and protecting crops from harsh weather conditions. By integrating more trees into their operations, farmers can sequester substantial amounts of carbon, while reaping the economic benefits of timber, fruit, or nut production. Soil Management Agricultural soil plays a crucial role in the carbon cycle, storing large amounts of carbon when managed appropriately. Implementing practices such as conservation tillage, cover cropping, and crop rotation can enhance soil health and increase organic matter content. Additionally, applying biochar to the soil locks up carbon for decades while improving fertility. Policy and Financial Incentives To accelerate carbon sequestration efforts in Maine’s forest and agricul-

the downrigger. The fly rod had less than 20 feet of leader out, and a salmon struck it alongside the boat. The happy client had to pull the line in by hand, but she landed a nice, plump salmon. Watch the water and watch your fish-finder in July. Most are tempted to fish deep, but these tips will put you where the fish are!

ture sectors, policymakers should enact supportive legislation and offer financial incentives. • Tax credits or deductions can be provided to landowners who actively engage in carbon sequestration activities. • Conservation easements can be used to protect land from conversion and promote carbon-friendly practices. In exchange for entering into an easement, landowners may receive financial compensation (public or private) or tax benefits. • Federal or state governments can provide financial support through grants and subsidies to individuals, farmers, and forest owners for the upfront costs of reforestation, afforestation, agroforestry, or soil conservation. Addressing climate change must be an “all hands on deck” approach. And all these efforts to sequester carbon will benefit wildlife. Those of us who love the outdoors can do our part by encouraging landowners and policymakers to support carbon sequestration on Maine’s forest and agricultural land.

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Tim and Susan’s Early Battles with Allagash Heat, Insects The first of our many experiences with the discomforts of the natural world occurred in the spring of 1981. The month was May, and the weather was hot and dry when Susan and I moved into the Umsaskis Lake Headquarters. A few days after settling in, we drove to Presque Isle to meet with state agency officials and, while in town, to purchase a two-week supply of groceries. By 8 a.m., we were already driving in sweltering heat. By the time we left Ashland at 3 p.m. for the seventy-mile journey to our lake home, the outside thermometer recorded 90 degrees. This was a time before state pickup trucks were provided with air conditioning. Nonetheless, we rode with our windows closed, as every oncoming outfitter van, sportsman’s truck and logging semi stirred up a Sahara Desert dust storm of fine particles – so small that the dirt seeped throughout our truck. By the time we reached Umsaskis, we were sweltering from the humidity and choking from the brown grime that covered us, the truck, and our cargo. Even groceries protected by coolers were not exempt from the grunge. Once our refrigerated goods had been dusted off and refrigerated, we rushed, fully clothed, and jumped off our dock, to cool off and wash away the filth. However, we’d forgotten that the ice had only gone out a week before.

Umsaskis Lake.

The water was so glacial, it was as if we’d jumped into an icy mix. Susan and I fought to regain the surface, where we gasped for breath and jumped out as quickly as we had leaped in. Feeling hypothermic, we ran to camp, shedding wet clothes along the way, and immediately took warm showers to regain our body heat.

After a 70-mile journey over dusty roads in sweltering 90-degree heat in a truck with no air conditioning, the Ranger and his wife ran and jumped, fully clothed, off their dock and into Umsaskis Lake. What they’d forgotten was that the ice had gone out only a week before. That night in bed, we attempted to read under propane lights with our screen covered windows wide open for any breeze that might occur. At the time, we had never heard of the microscopic insect known as no-see-ums, nor that they were attracted by the heat of gas lights. Soon, droves of these small midges easily penetrated the screen and attacked while we lay covered by a thin sheet. Slapping at the fiery stinging insects that were all mouth, we could feel them pulling at our top cloth as they sought an evening snack. The next day, I asked associates for a remedy of how we could have lights on and keep the bugs out. “In the early days,” I was told, “woods inhabitants covered windows with sheets of cheesecloth. However, while the fabric worked, a better solution was an insect repellent known as Screen Pruf. It’s an oil-based spray that kept the small creepy-crawly’s out, even with interior lights burning.” To this day, we keep a can on our shelf, just in case.

In 1989, Bill Green and Scott Wernig spent time with me in a canoe shooting a five-day segment for WCSH TV to highlight the famed Waterway. During one taping, when Bill asked Allagash Ranger Tom Coon about the blackflies. Tom replied, “Whoever wrote the song that said Grand Lake Stream was the blackfly capital of Maine, has never been to Churchill Dam.” In another segment, Bill confirmed, “I’ve lived in Maine all my life. But I never seen blackflies any bigger, or thicker than on the Allagash. You can talk about repellents like Ben’s and Skin So Soft, but the only thing that worked was one of these,” as he lit a cigar. Our experience with the biting pests remains so strong I wrote the following, which is found in my book “Headin’ North.” No See-Um’s, Gnats and Such I do not like bugs, I do not like them at all! I don’t like them big, I don’t like them small! They bite and chew, And fly all about. They crawl in my mouth, And I spit them out. They make me scratch, They make me itch. They make me rub, And they make me twitch. I try to get away, But alas I cannot. No matter where I go, There are always a lot. To these pests I say, For them to leave, and to fly away. Do not bother while I am around! And visit here, When I cannot be found. I do not like bugs, I don’t like them at all. The next time I canoe, It will be in the fall. Tim Caverly has authored twelve books about Maine’s northern forest. For information about his north woods tales and outreach programs visit www.allagashtails.com

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64 • July 2023 • The Maine Sportsman ———————————————————————————————————————————————

The Evolution of “Leave No Trace” Leave No Trace had not even been thought of when we began camping back in the 1950s. On the contrary, in those days camping was more like going on an old-fashioned jungle safari – from the days when explorers wore pith helmets, and had elephants to carry the duffle and natives to help put up the tents. We believed a man with a sharp ax could fabricate just about any utensil or shelter that was needed to make life in the woods comfortable. We were like the Roman legions, who famously built a new fortress and moat every evening while on the march. A stupendous amount of work was needed for the Roman army to encamp for the night. The same was true in Maine back at the turn of the century, when woodsmen and guides set up semi-permanent “camps” on the shores of the lakes and entertained guests from Boston. Dominion over the Wilderness Edwin Starbird was a pioneer photographer who went into the deep woods and took many memorable pictures of these remote camps. These men took literally the biblical injunction for www.MaineSportsman.com

When camping in the woods back in the 1950s, the author and his friends carved their existence out of the wilderness, asserting domination over the flora and fauna. Over time, however, they began to adopt a gentler, kinder approach. “man to have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the wild animals of the earth.” That’s how it was when I took Woodbadge training in the Boy Scouts. Our patrol was encouraged to set up our campsite and make it distinct. We laid white birch logs along the path to mark a trail to our campsite, and made drinking cups from birch bark. We lashed together an arch through which visitors would pass on the way to our campfire. We dug trenches to drain off the rain, and built tables and benches from the trees. Change Afoot But there were also pioneers who preached about a different approach to camping out. George Washington Sears (pen name – Nessmuk) was an early proponent of going light and leaving no trace. He worked zealously to pare down the weight of his pack and the things in it. Most famously, he had Rushton build a series of lightweight

wooden canoes that Sears could portage by himself. Another somewhat famous woods traveler was Henry David Thoreau. Thoreau and his Indian guides practiced a more traditional type of camping – erecting their tents and laying down thick beds of balsam fir boughs. In his essays about the Maine Woods, Thoreau describes the huge campfires they kindled. These were conflagrations that blazed so brightly he could see to read and write in his journal at night. You’d think someone as sensitive to the environment as Thoreau would have taken exception to the burning of so much firewood. Eventually he does decry the loss of the great white pines and the killing of the native moose. Of course, things began to change as more and more people began to enjoy the outdoors. Hikers were put off by finding wads of toilet paper beside the trail or blackened tin cans in the fire pits. Organizations like

the AMC and NOLS (National Outdoor Leadership Schools) and the Maine summer camps began to practice a cleaner and less disruptive form of camping. People discovered sages like John Muir and Sig Olsen, who aspired to a more respectful and humble approach to living in the wild. Within the Boy Scouts, it became a sort of contest to see how lightly a patrol could move through an area or camp for the night. The Disappearing Breakfast Campfire The ultimate example of Leave No Trace came from the Order of the Arrow. I remember the initiation weekend when the candidates slept out alone in the woods. In the morning we all gathered around the leader and without saying a word he brushed off a piece of birch bark and laid it on the ground – inside up. Everyone else got the message and scurried about picking up dry twigs. Soon a small fire was burning on the bark, and

breakfast was under way. We were having eggs boiled in paper cups. The cups were filled with water and the egg dropped in and the cup pushed up close to the flames. The cups charred but did not catch fire, and in time the eggs were hard boiled. We peeled them and tossed the shells into the small fire. Finally, we threw the cups on the fire, and they also burned to ashes. In the end there was nothing left on the sheet of birch bark but a small pile of cold grey ashes. We swept those off onto the surrounding ground and stirred up the forest duff and brushed off the bark and laid it back down with the white side up. No one would have been able to tell that six guys had been there and had a campfire and cooked their breakfast and moved on. We’ve come a long way from Nesmuk and the old-time guides. I wonder what they would say today about the caravans of RVs rolling over the roads, and the new “glamping” establishments. I will say, Leave No Trace feels a lot better than whacking down a birch tree just so you can make a drinking cup.

�� The Maine Sportsman • July 2023 • 65

Large Stripers Feeding Along Maine’s Coast Every summer, anglers wait for the words “Striped bass are here!” Anticipation builds as warm weather and water temperatures move the large schools of migrating striped bass north along the eastern coastline from southern waters. Well, the large schools have arrived in southern Maine, and they have established consistent feeding patterns. So this is a great time to locate feeding stripers, since they generally follow the same travel routes each day. Schoolies arrive in May, and larger stripers (keepers) arrive a few weeks later. You haven’t missed the action, however. During the hot days of July, when mackerel move near shore and into rivers, keeper-size stripers begin feeding along beaches and in larger rivers – making July a great time to fish. Here’s how to find and catch them: There are many methods to fish for striped-bass – surfcasting, drift-fishing with live bait, casting from shore, and bridge-fishing. Fishing at night is also an extremely effective way to catch large stripers. Then there are hybrid methods, like trolling from a kayak, and fly fishing. I love fly fishing for schoolies from the mouth of the

The right gear is critical to productive beach fishing. You’ll need a comfortable lawn chair to hold your butt, a piece of 2” PCV pipe to hold your fishing rod, a cold beverage, and a good cigar.

Troy, the author’s grandson, holds a striper caught on a recent trip to Parson’s Beach at the mouth of the Mousam River in Kennebunk. Val Marquez photo

Mousam River in Kennebunk, but kayaks are off limits for me – getting in or out of the darn things is my issue – as a senior-age, slightly overweight individual, I am not interested in being featured on the television show Funniest Home Videos as I try to enter or exit the tippy, lightweight craft. Casting from Shore Perhaps the most popular method to fish for stripers is casting jigs, spoons and either deep-diving or surface plugs from shore, jetties or bridges. This requires no special equipment; not even a boat. I have had very productive fishing

Dedicated Maine anglers like Mike Barry are already making plans to catch (and release) lunker stripers like this one.

along river mouths when I catch the last two hours of the outgoing tide. The only inconvenience is the need to avoid seaweed that’s drifting downstream. Bait fishing from shore is an exciting way to catch stripers, using sea worms, eels or cut bait. Last July, my grandson Troy and I caught 4- to 5-pound stripers at the mouth of the Mousam River while dead-drifting cut mackerel from the beach. We plan to repeat that excursion this year. Other places to fish from shore include the Scarborough Marsh, in the town of Scarborough, and the jetties at

Colony Beach in Kennebunk Port. You can also try jetties at Pine Point Beach, in Biddeford. Some other good choices to try include Ogunquit and York Rivers, along with Mousam River estuary from Route 1 in Kennebunk to the Route 9 bridge. Bridge Fishing The Mousam River twists and turns through the estuary. It’s a popular driftboat fishery – put in at Rodger’s Pond, and float to the Route 9 bridge boat launch site. Launch when ebb tide turns to outgoing, and enjoy a quiet drift downstream while casting to feeding stripers and shad.

Scotland Bridge over the York River is a gateway to the large estuary upstream, while downstream of the bridge turns into the main river. Anglers consistently have success fishing cut bait in the swirling water currents caused by the bridge abutments, as the stripers move from the placid waters in the estuary back into the main river. The Route 9 bridge in Kennebunk offers the very same conditions, and it’s a popular and productive spot to fish. During low tide, the river has some deep pools with undercut banks that hold stripers until the tide turns and the river begins to fill again, which is also a good time to fish. Surfcasting for Stripers Everyone likes fishing from a beach. Casting into waves at dawn is an inspiring and productive way to fish. Mackerel are close to shore, and large stripers trap them near shore, forcing them into the shallows and crashing waves. Stripers then feed on these disoriented mackerel that are swimming along the beach. Anglers should cast fresh cut mackerel with heavy sinkers, and patiently wait for a rod tip to bend – a sure sign a striper has (Southern Maine continued on page 67) www.MaineSportsman.com

66 • July 2023 • The Maine Sportsman ———————————————————————————————————————————————

Compliance and Tactics Make for Successful Trapping A great number of factors must come together for a trapper to be successful – compliance with the laws; proper treatment of furs; the changing economics of selling furs; dealing with weather extremes; and proper siting of traps. Here are some important topics to consider. If You Encounter Inactive Sets While out on the trap line, you may discover some traps other than yours that are in place but not set. It is possible that a furbearer may have tripped it. The next time you are out checking your traps, if you see that the other trap is still not set in accordance with the law for the period of time that is required for the type of trap set and the WMD it’s in, then that person may be in violation of the law. Maine law allows different check times

Timber companies, state foresters and game wardens are useful sources of information about locating beaver colonies. Many farmers and other landowners welcome trappers, because beaver dams can flood roads, woodlands and crops. for the type of set and where it is located within the state. If that time period has been exceeded, then that individual is in violation of the trapping laws. It is also against the law to set traps prior to the opening day of the trapping season. Don’t forget it is against the law to touch the trap of another, so you should report the apparent violation to your local game warden. Keeping Your Distance When setting beaver traps, you are required by law to set at least 5 feet away from another’s trap. However, it is a matter of courtesy to set beaver traps or any other type

of trap set a “reasonable distance” from another’s trap. This practice greatly reduces conflict. The general law also states that you cannot set a beaver or muskrat trap within 5 feet of a beaver or muskrat den or house or an active beaver dam. There are exceptions to this in specific WMDs.

fleas or lice. Past experience reveals that fox and coyote trappers are the ones most likely to experience this situation. The simple solution is to carry some large trash bags, and a can of spray insecticide. Place the animal in the bag, and spray well with the insecticide.

Keeping Furs To store furs over the summer to sell the next fall, you should wrap the stretched and dried individual pelts in paper (freezer paper is best) and store in a freezer.

Increasing Fur Prices It’s about time something like this happened! The price of beaver has started to move up. This will get more trappers out after beaver, which will make the large land investors, private landowners and DOT happy. Beaver have been causing damage, and are a financial hardship to some. The reduction of beaver will be most welcomed. Hopefully this price trend will continue. Timber compa-

Bugs Young trappers often ask what they can do with a furbearer that is infested with

nies and state foresters, along with game wardens, are useful sources of information about locating beaver colonies. Also, the Maine WMD regional offices maintain lists of problem beaver locations. When you add up the value of the pelt, castor, the head/teeth and beaver meat, they are becoming more attractive to trappers. Weather Effects Maintaining a functioning trapline in Maine can be trying at times. Weather changes can wreak havoc. Experienced trappers prepare for the worst. Canine and feline trappers are most successful in dry conditions above freezing. Snow and freezing conditions cause many to pull their lines and trap other species. Fair-weather trappers miss some of the best trapping, since prime cold-weather furs bring in more money. Extended periods of rain make trapping the hardest of all. Trapping can be done in the mud, but it’s messy work. Washing (Continued on next page)

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�� The Maine Sportsman • July 2023 • 67 (Continued from page 66)

most of the mud out of pelts can best be accomplished while you’re still on the trapline in water, prior to the mud drying and caking up. Extra care is also required cleaning the pelt prior to placing it on a stretcher. Water trappers face rising and lowering water levels, which not only affect the ability to catch a furbearer, but may also put trappers in violation of the law. In Maine, a body-gripping (killer) trap with a larger than a 5-inch jaw spread must remain and be set completely underwater. Traps must be physically tended and adjusted to remain legal. That means that if the water is dropping you must relocate your trap to remain legal.

Keeping water sets operational during freezing conditions was covered in my column in the December, 2022 issue of The Maine Sportsman. Scouting Furbearers Preseason scouting is an essential element of success. As noted above, beaver trappers can get information from a variety of sources. Even so, scouting is still necessary to check for trap set sites. In the past, when beaver were much more valuable, some trappers scouted for beaver flowages from aircraft or extended canoe trips into the larger watersheds which were commonly combined with fishing trips. Looking for scat and footprints is a common scouting method

Trophy Gallery

for canines. Bobcat toilet locations are a sure way to locate good set locations. If snow comes early, scouting for marten and fisher tracks will reveal their location prior to their fur becoming prime. The best time to trap them in Maine is late November and December. Muskrat reveal their location by the presence of floating vegetation, houses, dens and their toilets, while mink are located by their tiny tracks in sand along the water’s edge and scat on rocks or logs

Tiny mink tracks in the sand along the water’s edge mark the animals’ routes. Dave Miller photo

going into the water. Skunks can be located by tracks, grubbing in grassy areas, and the odor around their dens. Raccoons are spotted by their hand like tracks and their dens in trees or logs

Southern Maine (Continued from page 65)

taken the bait. The required gear for this method is, surprisingly, a lawn chair, and a piece of two-inch PVC pipe – the chair to hold your butt, and the pipe to hold the rod upright. Other important gear includes a cold beverage, and a good cigar. A second surf rod can be used to cast lures to the cruising stripers that prowl just out past the waves. Long Sands and Short Sands Beaches in York are excellent spots to surf cast for striped bass. Wells and Ogunquit Beaches also

and rock piles. Otter are identified by their toilets, crossovers between bodies of water, mussel shell heaps, and their tracks and slides in snow or on riverbanks.

can offer good action. This method of fishing can be hit or miss; however, when stripers are feeding, the action is fantastic. Whatever tactics you choose to use while fishing, it’s generally more about locating feeding stripers than the use of technical fishing methods. Stripers are easy to catch once they are located. Fish at dawn and dusk when the tides are right, and understand that these fish follow the tides feeding on bait fish. Also, keep in mind that stripers are a schooling fish species, and if you hook one, most likely other fish are nearby—keep casting.

Nice Tom, Tyler! Tyler Morse of Harrison qualified for The Maine Sportsman turkey patch club when he bagged this 20.02-lb. gobbler on May 1, 2023 in his hometown. He registered his trophy at Bolsters Mills Country Store, in Otisfield. www.MaineSportsman.com

68 • July 2023 • The Maine Sportsman ———————————————————————————————————————————————

Anchor System for Kayak Fishing in Swift Water Anchoring a kayak in the still water of a pond or lake is a piece of cake, while anchoring a kayak in a river or stream with moving water is more challenging … and can be very dangerous, if done incorrectly. Several years ago, I donned a highly buoyant personal floatation device (PFD) and took my kayak out on the river. Once there, I arranged several different anchoring situations, to see how safe it would be to stop a kayak in moving water. A previous anchoring maneuver in a canoe in a very fast part of the river almost caused me to swamp the craft, all my fishing gear, and me, so I

The author has a back-up plan in case his anchor gets snagged on the river bottom in extremely fast-moving water; namely, a sharp knife to cut the anchor line before his kayak is dragged beneath the turbulent surface. “I’d rather lose an anchor than get pulled under in the kayak,” he reports. was eager to find out how a kayak might react in fast-moving water. I found out that in very fast water, there just isn’t any safe way to completely quickly and completely stop a kayak … and even in moderately moving water, the wrong paddling maneuver could cause the craft to submerge, swivel, and take things out of control in a hurry. I also discovered that the speed of the water makes all the differ-

ence. Let’s say you are moving down the river with a fast current, spot a calm eddy ahead, and decide to try to cast to that flat water before passing it by in the kayak. If you drop a heavy anchor into the fast current to try and stop the kayak, I guarantee the kayak will start to thrash from one side to the other – sometimes enough to throw you and your gear into the drink. Even if you toss a

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light anchor into the river and it catches enough to stop the kayak in the strong current, you will still be in big trouble. The Anchor Solution The solution to this problem is an old trick that river anglers have used for years when floating moving waters in a drift boat. By using a specially designed chain link anchor that drags along the bottom, rather than a traditional anchor that sinks to the bottom and holds the craft solidly in place, anglers slow the craft enough to fish. If the current is too swift, the boat gently rolls on down the river – but at a reduced rate of speed that allows anglers to cast into the

eddy. After a little research (youtube.com) on how to make a chain link kayak anchor, I bought the necessary items and created an inexpensive anchor system that works for fishing out of a kayak in moving water. It’s a welcome solution, since at one point before I had this chain anchor system, I was nearly ready to give up on kayak fishing in moving water altogether. Check out the youtube.com videos. Watch several, to get a well-rounded idea of how to do it. My solution: take three sections of a 3/8-inch chain (12 to 16 inches long), coat them with petroleum jelly, and pull them through bicycle tire tubing. Hook each end of the three sections of rubber-covered chain together with a carabiner, and connect the carabiner to the anchor line. (Continued on next page)

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�� The Maine Sportsman • July 2023 • 69 (Continued from page 68)

Anchor Pulley There are several types of pulley systems for raising and lowering your kayak anchor. Above all, try to have the anchor line come off the stern of the kayak, as close to center as possible. My anchor pulley system is a simple retracting dog leash that I run through several loops screwed to the top of the kayak as it runs out toward the stern of the kayak. This system works great when I fish in rivers, allowing me to drop the chain anchor when I want to slow the kayak in swiftly moving water. If the current is really moving along, the anchor doesn’t dangerously lock me to the bottom of the river … it simply slows the

Here’s a photo of the author’s chain link anchor system for kayak fishing in fast-moving rivers and streams. William Clunie photo

kayak to a manageable speed. If the current slows down, the kayak slows down and only stops the craft if there isn’t enough fast water to push it further down the river. This dragging and slowing action allows me to get a few casts in, even in the faster water.

If I see a longer stretch of really fast water, I can easily and safely pull over to the side of the river where the current isn’t as strong, to anchor and cast into the fast water if I want to. I also have a backup plan if the chain link anchor ever de-

cides to get dangerously hung up in fast current. I make sure to have a knife sheathed onto my PFD for quick access. One slice with the knife, and I’m free. I’d rather lose an anchor than get pulled under in the kayak. Kayak fishing can be enjoyable and safe

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70 • July 2023 • The Maine Sportsman ———————————————————————————————————————————————

You Finally Got the Right Man It took me twelve years to figure out what Milt had been talking about ever since our encounter on the power line off the Old Newport Road in Corinna on October 2nd, 1973. To begin with, this was my second fall assigned to Western Penobscot County, after transferring from the Mars Hill area. One of my towns was Corinna, and I had made a few acquaintances there, including the town clerk, who sold the hunting & fishing licenses for the town. I received a message from her on the aforementioned day that she wanted me to call her. I called right away, and she described how a man she knew very well had just stopped his car in the road next to her house and fired a gun out the driver’s side window at three deer in her field. After the shots were fired, the deer ran, and then the driver continued along past her dooryard. She glared at the driver and another man who was riding in the front passenger’s seat. Hustled Over It not yet being open firearms season on deer, I hustled right over there to look around. I didn’t see any dead deer in the field, but I found a road along a powerline that traversed up along the back of the field, so I drove up the powerline to look for any signs of an injured deer. As I got almost to the back of the field, I met a car heading out and flagged it down. I identified the driver as Milt, and his passenger as Ambrose. They had a shotgun and told me they were bird hunting. I suggested they were looking for a deer that Milt had just shot at a little bit earlier. They denied that, and after looking the vehicle over I turned them loose. When they were gone, I began to look around, and as I made my way out into the freshly chopped corn field, I found some deer tracks made by running deer. I followed them toward the road and could see where the deer had started to run, by the looks of the tracks in the soft topsoil. As I started backtracking across the field, I discovered a few spots of blood on some scattered corn stock foliage, but only a little. I gathered up what I could find, and continued to track into www.MaineSportsman.com

It was an open-and-shut case – the poacher’s shot at the deer came from the driver’s side window, and Milt was the driver. So why did he continue to protest his innocence?

the wood line, but lost the trail and did not find any deer. Evidence With the information and evidence I had in hand, I delivered the bloodstained corn foliage to Warden Brian Buchanan. Brian lived in East Corinth and was certified as a lab technician in the identification of animal blood and hair. In a couple of days, Brian notified me that the blood was, in fact, deer blood. Subsequently, I went to look up Milt to see what he may have to say and to issue him a summons to Newport District Court. All Milt wanted to tell me was that he didn’t do it, but I couldn’t see how that was possible. “An Innocent Man”? Milt went to court and pleaded not guilty, and the matter got set for a trial in Newport on January 21, 1974. When that day arrived, it was a very cold morning, and I received a phone call from Milt telling me that his car wouldn’t start. He wanted to know if I could give him a ride to court. I said “Sure, I will come over and pick you up.” On the ride to court, Milt continued to tell me that he was an innocent man, that I was making a mistake. He also didn’t have much good to say about the town clerk. Friend of the Judge The judge that day was Judge Matt

Williams from Dover-Foxcroft, the prosecutor was Philip Buckley, and the first person called to the stand was my star witness, the town clerk. Part way into her testimony, the judge halted things and asked her what her maiden name was. When she told him he replied, “I thought that was you! It’s been a long time since I saw you last.” She then replied, “Yes, it has,” and inquired about the judge’s daughter. As they chit-chatted, I realized the town clerk had grown up in Dover-Foxcroft and was a friend of the judge’s daughter. While this was going on, I could see that Milt was becoming somewhat agitated, but I thought it was great. Anyway, the short conversation ended, and Judge Williams said, “Well, let’s continue on here.” The trial ended with no testimony from the defendant, and Milt was found guilty. Once out of the courtroom, Milt went into a tirade about this being a kangaroo court, and complaining that the judge was having “old home week” with the town clerk. Warden Finally Figures it Out I gave Milt a ride home, and he kept on with how he was an innocent man, but never could or would explain why he was innocent. The years passed by, and it so happened that in the fall of 1985 Warden Pat Devlin and I happened to apprehend Ambrose – the man that had been with Milt back in 1974 – night hunting in Exeter along with another man by the name of Floyd. Not long after this, I again ran into Milt, and the first thing he said was “Well, I see you finally got the right man.” At that moment a lightbulb came on, and I realized what had really happened back in 1973. Ambrose had the gun, and leaned across in front of Milt, poking the barrel out the driver’s side window and firing at the deer. My town clerk, by honest mistake, had assumed the driver, Milt, was the one holding the gun. It had taken me twelve years to figure this out, but I didn’t feel too badly about it, as it was a thing between Milt and Ambrose, and they had equal shares in the whole matter.

�� The Maine Sportsman • July 2023 • 71

An Outdoorsman’s Search for the Perfect Knife A few months ago, I went to the “Man Cave” and pulled out every knife I could find. I’m slightly embarrassed to admit how many I found (see accompanying photo). You see, the trouble is that you need different knives for different applications in the outdoors, and those applications vary widely. Everyone needs a pocketknife … an every-day carry (EDC) knife that can serve multiple tasks. Some folks prefer something like the “Leatherman” multi-tool, or the “Swiss Army” style knife – numerous companies offer this style of folding knife with various accessories, including tweezers, pliers, saw blade, nail clippers, screwdrivers, and bottle openers. Others like wearing a fixed-blade design for EDC, but in my opinion a fixedblade knife just doesn’t fit well with regular street clothes. It seems out-of-place, wearing a fixed-blade knife that shows while out and about in town. I prefer to carry concealed, and the regular pocketknife fits this category perfectly for me. My first hunting knife was an old leather-handled, fixedblade knife made by “Marbles,” a company that has changed hands several times in the last few decades. With a blade around

The author says his quest to find a better knife has been a lifelong search that never ends – and that’s just the way he likes it! three or four inches long, it worked perfectly for any small game chore. When I started deer hunting, I moved up to a larger knife, and saved the smaller Marbles knife for upland game. Over the years, I have used a wide variety of knives. I don’t know why, but I always felt there was a better knife out there somewhere, and I guess it became a lifelong search that never ended. Fishing Knives For many years, Rapala (rapala.com) fillet knives served as an excellent option for cleaning and filleting fish. I still own them, but hardly ever keep big fish anymore, so the filleting part of my fishing life has changed. If I ever travel to New York and Michigan to fish for huge steelhead trout or coho salmon again, I’ll be sure to take the Rapala fillet knife. For fishing here in Maine, I simply carry a pocketknife with a good blade for gutting a few brookies that I might take for a meal now and then. Recently I purchased a Grohmann “Trout and Bird” knife (grohmannknives. com) that comfortably

covers both bird hunting and trout fishing tasks. The 3-7/8thsinch fixed blade (overall 8 inches long) easily handles cleaning trout as well as deboning gamebirds. I’m sure it would also work well for skinning and dressing larger game like deer. The one thing I don’t like about this knife is the sheath. Grohmann makes this belt knife stay in the sheath with pressure, without a security strap to hold the knife in place. It just feels to me like a knife without a strap to snap it securely in place might, at some point,

fall out of the sheath and be lost. I don’t mind unsnapping a security strap to get to the knife; it feels so much more secure this way. To each his own, I guess. Steel Blade Types The massive number of various companies that produce quality knives nowadays is totally overwhelming. The many styles and models also make the final selection more difficult. Now add a third variable – what type of steel to use for the blade – and selecting a “perfect” knife becomes even more of a challenge. I’m no expert in

metallurgy, but I have researched this topic enough to come up with a few of my own conclusions on what kind of metal is required for hunting and fishing chores. What most hunters and anglers need is a knife blade hard enough to hold an edge, while at the same time not so hard that it is difficult to sharpen or becomes brittle. This is where your own personal choice comes into play. A computer search for the types of steel used in knife blades will dazzle your mind with all the various acronyms used for the hundreds of steel types. Suffice to say, I selected D-2 steel as my preference for most (Continued on next page)

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72 • July 2023 • The Maine Sportsman ———————————————————————————————————————————————

Western Maine (Continued from page 71) of my knives – a steel that can be sharpened while still being hard enough to retain an edge during the process of cutting through bones or hair/feathers/ hide, shaving wood, carving meat, and other cutting chores during hunting and fishing trips. I also know I don’t like stainless steel for a knife blade –I prefer carbon steel – your mileage may vary.

After saying that, I do have a few Gerber knives (gerbergear. com) with stainless steel blades that perform extremely well. Whatever blade you choose, get a good knife-sharpening system, and have at it. Before long, you’ll have your own “collection” of knives to serve each of your own individual needs.

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�� The Maine Sportsman • July 2023 • 73

The Ultra-Competitive World of Bass Fishing As a teenager, I participated in the inaugural seasons of NH Jr. Bassmasters. We had a handful of tournaments each summer on various lakes in central and southern NH. My dad had heard about the group, and he encouraged my involvement. I won several of my first tournaments and was really enjoying it. After the second year and a growing number of fisher-kids, however, the entire motif changed. My lack of enthusiasm was not due to

In this era of high-pressure bass tournaments, the author longs for the days when he and his father could fish together on nearby lakes and ponds, without it being part of an organized, rule-laden competition. a dwindling fishing performance, but rather the pressure and stringency brought by competition. There were frequent meetings to institute more rules: no going to shore—even to go to the bathroom or seek shelter from pouring rain, and no spot suggestions from the boat captains. The worst new

rule, though, was that boat captains were going to be assigned on a random-draw basis. Most of the appeal of doing the tournaments was that it was a scheduled excuse for my dad and me to spend time together. We had a V-hull Lund, whereas most of the other boats were Tritons, Skeeters or Rangers. I didn’t want

to fish with a stranger—even if they had an expensive bassboat. I wanted to fish with my dad, and in our own boat. The concern was fairness. Organizers apparently felt that kids who fished with their dads had an unfair advantage. Perhaps it was a legitimate concern, but to me, competition

had ruined the fun. It didn’t seem fair to my dad, either. Now he had to tow his boat over two hours each way to take someone else’s kids fishing— and hope they didn’t want to go to the same spots that his kid wanted to fish. Transition Oddly enough, as I got out of the competitive fishing, my dad got into it. He’d caught the bug. He founded the North Country Bronzebacks club, and started having small tournaments on local (Continued on next page)

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fun close to home.

(Continued from page 73)

ponds up north. In the first five years, the club saw lots of changes in membership. Again, the stringency of new rules and a more competitive dynamic turned a lot of the original members away. As members got more serious and started upgrading their boats, the local 100-acre ponds just weren’t big enough for an 8-hour tournament with a bunch of 21-foot bass boats with 200hp engines. Tournament locations started migrating to bigger waters to the south. Some local members left, and non-locals joined the club. Fun Fishing In recent years, my dad has gone whole hog

into the competitive bass fishing world. I’m glad he has something he’s passionate about, so the following isn’t intended to be disparaging, but rather they are just observations. To each his own. My dad does very little “fun fishing” anymore. That is to say, almost all the fishing he does is in targeted preparation for a tournament—or in a tournament itself. He rarely fishes the small local ponds anymore. There’s still good fishing there, but he currently chooses to travel a couple of hours to a new lake to “practice” fish, even if he doesn’t catch anything, rather than spending time catching fish and having

Practice Fishing Most of the fishing I do with my dad these days is “practice fishing” for one of his tournaments. It’s a curious process. He wants to locate fish, without educating (catching) them. So lots of time is spent driving around watching the fancy TV-sized fish finders. It’s not a lot of work, but also not a lot of fun. When we do cast a line and get a bite, things get weird. He will do his best to shake off and lose the fish as quickly as possible. If, by darn it, it is hooked well, he skids it across the surface as quickly as possible back to the boat. Almost as if he’s disappointed that he caught it. Once it’s back in the water, the next step is to tie the

rods down, pull up the trolling motor, and jet away. He’s confirmed there’s fish in the area, and doesn’t want to disturb them again until tournament day. I guess it’s logical. Just not what someone like me who enjoys the fun of catching and playing out fish is used to. The saying “Don’t leave fish to find fish” is abruptly ignored when practice-fishing. Fantasy Fishing What’s weirder than practice fishing is “fantasy fishing.” From what I gather from my dad, it is much like fantasy football or baseball. You pick a team of professional fisherman for various high-stakes tournaments. Their performance equates to points throughout the summer. There can be good money to

be won, apparently. I, for one, would rather “real fish” and actually reel fish. Bridging the Gap Though I find some of the antics odd, and the amount of money invested to be absurd, I support my dad pursuing his bass fishing dream. We all need our own pursuit – and it’s best if we don’t all have the same one. I make a point to do an annual bass tournament every year with him. It is an open team tournament, so we can fish together, and it is on a local lake we both enjoy. It reminds me of those early days in the NH Jr. Bassmasters, when it was more about the time together than edging out your opponents.

Trophy Gallery

Released on Personal Recognizance Jeff Levesque of Gorham, a detective with the South Portland Police Department, earned his “Catch & Release” patch with this 20-inch smallmouth bass caught while fishing on Panther Pond in Raymond on May 13, 2023. Jeff is a new subscriber to The Maine Sportsman magazine -welcome aboard! www.MaineSportsman.com

It’s What’s for Dinner Madisyn Bradeen of Carthage shows off a nice brook trout caught May 31, 2023. We understand that young Madisyn is also an accomplished hunter. Photo by Sherman Bradeen

�� The Maine Sportsman • July 2023 • 75

Lamoille River With a wide variety of freshwater game fish species available, multiple access points for boaters, and the atmosphere of an oasis amid the growing urbanization of Chittenden County, the Lamoille River has a lot going for it! I spent a number of my formative years in and around Johnson, VT. I went to college there, and worked in Morrisville and Cambridge while trying my hand at being a trout fishing/deer hunting bum. After a year of deciding which bills to pay in which month, I ended up figuring out I should get a job that paid better, which landed me in the U.S. Army. That all worked out just fine, and I’m still trying to be a deer hunting and trout fishing bum, just now with better equipment. I made some of my first casts with a fly rod on the Lamoille River that ran through town, chased brook trout with a worm in some of its tributary streams, and paddled my boss on a float chasing ducks long before I ever thought about hunting them myself. I banged a paddle off the side of his aluminum canoe just as we rounded a bend and flushed a few mallards. He gave me a glare I’d never seen at work! The River The Lamoille River is an 85-mile-long tributary of Lake Champlain, draining

approximately 700 square miles of the state. It runs northwest from its origins in Caledonia County, winds its way through Lamoille County along Route 15, then along Route 104 through Franklin County. The river turns southwest as it enters Arrowhead Mountain Lake (700+ acres), passing into Chittenden County, and finally drains into Champlain. Counts vary, but there are five dams along the course of the river, and about 15 official access points. The character of the Lamoille changes along its course, with it being a bit more of a riffle-pool near the headwaters with the requisite cold-water species, and transitioning into a slower, bigger river (and warmwater fishery) as it heads to the big lake. There is decent access, with ample opportunities to fish along the river’s length along the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail. There are parking areas that allow for walk or bike-in access. I’ve also heard of some ADA accessible fishing locations that are in the works, which I

think will be a great addition. Fishing and More A peek at the Vermont Master Angler program shows that in July, a number of fish can be caught in the Lamoille, ranging from smallmouth bass to northern pike to freshwater drum. There are a number of other species present in this area, and the river hosts a spawning run of walleye in the spring and landlocked salmon in the fall. These prized fish are taken in what is considered the “Lower Lamoille,” which is the section downstream of Green Mountain Power’s Peterson Dam in Milton, VT. There is good access to this lower section of the river via two areas managed by Vermont Fish and Wildlife downstream of the Route 2 bridge. The first is the Lamoille River Fishing Access Area, which has a concrete boat launch ramp, fishing platform and open shoreline, along with a vehicle parking area. This access area is just upstream from where the Lamoille River flows into Lake Champlain. The Sears Fishing Access Area is right

Shown here is the Sears Access Area on the Lower Lamoille River. the river provides a wide range of recreational opportunities, including anglers and paddlers. Photo: VT Fish and Wildlife

at the Route 2 bridge, and also has a shoreline fishing platform, open shoreline and vehicle parking area, but no boat launch. The river in this area follows Lake Champlain regulations, so consult Table 2 in the official state regulations booklet or online. Upstream of Arrowhead Mountain Lake there are a number of species available, including bass above the impoundments, and trout that do well in the upper reaches, in the tail waters of the other dams, in the tributary streams, and below the several areas of waterfalls. The state stocks rainbows and browns in a number of sections of the rivers, with the tributaries receiving some brook trout. A number of the tributaries probably have native brookies tucked farther back in the woods for folks who are willing to strike out on foot and explore a little. In addition to the

rail trail and fishing the river for recreation, there is a strong paddling presence. The Lamoille River Paddlers Trail website (www.lamoilleriverpaddlerstrail.org) offers suggestions for day trips, as well as longer excursions. You can find campsite info there as well as information on portages and rapids. I don’t recall being invited to paddle on a duck hunt for my boss again after that first excursion, but we did talk about all things hunting and fishing until I left for basic training. I’ve been back to visit the river a few times since I moved away and always enjoy it; it seems like an oasis in the midst of the growing urbanization near Chittenden County. If you’re making a trip somewhere nearby, I recommend taking advantage of the variety of things the Lamoille River has to offer.

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76 • July 2023 • The Maine Sportsman ———————————————————————————————————————————————

Smilin’ Sportsman

No Respect Kid Lost on a Crowded Beach: “Do you think we’ll find my parents?” Lifeguard: “I dunno, Kid – there’s so many places they could hide!” — Not Green Eb: “I don’t leave a carbon footprint.” Flo: “How’s that possible?” Eb: “Easy – I just drive everywhere.” — Greetings from the Support Group Leader “Welcome back to Plastic Surgery Anonymous. It’s nice to see so many new faces here today!” — Take That Back The editor of a small newspaper, outraged by the self-serving actions taken by elected officials his state’s House and Senate, wrote an editorial titled “Half Our Politicians are Crooks.” The lawmakers were outraged, and the publisher put tremendous pressure

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on the editor to print a retraction. He agreed. The following month, a new editorial appeared, titled: “Half Our Politicians are Not Crooks.” — In-Tents Situation Did you hear about the time the sultan unexpectedly entered his harem? His wives let out a terrified sheik. — Distilling the Argument A hunter at camp was surprised to see that his bottle of single malt was nearly empty. He asked his buddy for an explanation. “I’ll have you know,” the other hunter sputtered indignantly, “that I come from honest English parents!” “I’m not concerned about your English parent,” replied the accuser. “What worries me is your Scotch extraction.” — Shut Down Eager to impress a new client, the

high-powered executive barked out to his administrative assistant, “Miss Johnson – get my broker on the line!” “Right away, Sir,” she replied sweetly. “Stock, or pawn?”

�� The Maine Sportsman • July 2023 • 77

Fear the Tree? I recently received a survey from the Arbor Day Foundation asking me about trees. The Arbor Day Foundation is located in Lincoln, Nebraska, which surprised me because I was under the impression Nebraska didn’t have trees, being composed mostly of corn fields, interrupted by the occasional football stadium and a few insurance company parking lots. Just agriculture and asphalt as far as the eye can see. The survey asked whether there are any trees on my property, and I answered there are. It then wanted to know if I could identify those trees. I said I could. The big one in my front yard is Ralph. The cluster of skinny ones by the back deck are the Flooglemans. And the one that dumps leaves all over the place each fall is Helga. “Conifering”? The Arbor Day folks then inquired if I thought the Eastern White Pine was an appropriate choice as Maine’s official state tree. I had to admit I’d never given this much thought. Was the pine tree thoroughly vetted before being chosen? Does it have a nefarious past involving money laundering, wire fraud and termite trafficking? If so, I suppose an argument could be made for conferring (conifering?) the honor on the blue spruce, the sugar maple or even the lowly poplar. But if I had to answer honestly, I’d

Our columnist ponders some weird questions about the woody things that make up our forests

be forced to admit I really don’t care which species gets to be the official state tree. Maybe we could rotate the position on an annual basis, so everybody gets a turn. Then came this bizarre query: “Do you think, in general, residents of Maine care more or less about trees than people in the rest of the country?” I suspect Nebraska doesn’t have much shade, what with the lack of trees and all. So, it’s possible the drafters of this survey stood out in the sun too long before coming up with this weird question. But in an attempt to be helpful, I gave it serious (sorta) consideration.

At first glance, you’d have to say Mainers care a lot about trees. Why else would we have so many? But we’re also kind of passive about these big plants. Do we offer shelter to homeless trees? We do not. Are sick trees eligible for Medicaid? Nope. Food stamps? Uh uh. And without a hint of remorse, we let our dogs pee on any tree that smells right to them. Florida and New York Treat Their Trees Badly Paper companies cut down lots of trees. So does the lumber industry. Biomass burns forest waste. Landscapers aren’t hesitant to rev up the chainsaws when a tree interferes with the view. And it occurs to me that the fuel in my wood stove comes from … gulp … trees. But it isn’t just a matter of whether we’re heartless fiends who treat trees as if they lacked hopes and dreams for the future and an abiding disappointment in the quick playoff exit by the Boston Bruins. Because there’s no question that we do. What the Arbor Day Foundation wants to know is whether we’re more heartlessly fiendish than people in other states. I’d like to think we score pretty well when compared to Florida, which makes (Outdoors & Other Mistakes continued on next page)

This Young Cartoonist is Also a Sportsman Here’s an illustration from Brody Brockway, age 12, of Winslow. An outdoorsman with two whitetails to his credit, Brody understands the frustration that comes with seeing wild game but not being prepared – such as when you are high in a tree stand, and you spot a set of antlers, but then you realize your firearm is resting at the base of the tree. About his interest in art, Brody says simply, “I really like to draw.” We predict great things for Brody’s future. www.MaineSportsman.com

78 • July 2023 • The Maine Sportsman ———————————————————————————————————————————————

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Outdoors & Other Mistakes (Continued from page 77)

its trees live in swamps surrounded by alligators and big snakes. New York City subjects its trees to unremitting blasts of vehicle exhaust and the presence of Yankees fans. Rhode Island doesn’t have room for trees. Alaska has plenty of room, but it’s 48 below most of the year and the sun only shines two hours a day. Tennessee makes its trees listen to pop country music. Iowa is sor-

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Illinois State Tree – Poison Oak? Residents of the Pacific Northwest probably treat their trees no worse than Maine does, but California has a hard time deciding which it likes more, the redwood or Hollywood. Hawaii has a state law that makes it a crime to say disparaging things about palm trees. The official state tree of Illinois is the poison oak – which isn’t even a tree. In the interest of full disclosure, it should be noted that most of the information in the preceding two para-

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graphs is of questionable authenticity. If trees could sue for libel, I’d be in big trouble. After considering all this inhospitable treatment of trees, I was greatly moved. I ran into my front yard and planted a sign that read “Free the Tree.” Then, I went over and gave the tree named Ralph a big hug. This loving gesture was rewarded with pine pitch all over my shirt. Al Diamon writes the weekly column Politics & Other Mistakes for the Portland Phoenix.

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�� The Maine Sportsman • July 2023 • 79

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T4 R7 – Looking for remote pristine waterfront? Enjoy seeing a perfect starry night sky? Do you enjoy hunting and fishing? This leased camp on Seboeis River could be just what you are looking for. Call today for your appointment to see. $49,000

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Winn – This cute cabin is insulated with a knotty interior. The lot is heavily wooded and gorgeous. Situated on North Road; a paved, year-round, secondary road. With a little fire pit sitting just off the cabin’s screen porch. $49,900

Lakeville – Gorgeous piece of land, heavily wooded and near the end of the Spaulding Pond Road with lakes all around. The cabin is small but sturdy. The privy and fire pit make it comfortable. Definitely well worth a look. $49,000

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Prentiss TWP – This piece of land is on a year round road with power, has a drilled well and a septic system (we think). Most of the site work is done and is priced fairly right on Park Street. Rural, near many lakes and other outdoor recreational possibilities. $24,900

T3 R1 – With deeded access to Bill Green Pond, this remote, private lot would be a wonderful place to build your seasonal cabin right off Engstrom Road. POSSIBLE OWNER FINANCING. $22,900 Enfield – This large lot is part of a larger parcel, owner would consider selling larger piece. Not far from Cold Stream Pond and Cold Stream. Public road of Caribou Road and short distance to electricity. $34,000

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80 • July 2023 • The Maine Sportsman ———————————————————————————————————————————————